Kaieteur News

Thursday Edition November 22, 2012 - Vol. 5 No. 46

Online readership yesterday 98,341

Price $80 (VAT Inclusive)

Online: http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com

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

Government discards radio, TV licence applications Gold miner killed in Mahdia car crash

Dead: Keith Paul

Keith Paul was hurled from this car which ended up on its side after turning turtle several times.

Three Guyanese, one Chris Young mechanic Brown non national shortlisted not died by drowning, for VC position at UG coming blunt trauma

No decision yet on how US$25M will be spent - govt.

GT&T’s 20% sale…

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Thursday November 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Government to construct $50M Special Needs school Government has approved funding for the construction of the S50.19M Special Needs school which will be housed in the same compound with the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, located on Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

This disclosure was made by Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, during one of his weekly media briefings yesterday.

The Special Needs building will cater for at least 60 disabled students. It will replace the three small and clustered classrooms located at the top flat of the Ptolemy Reid rehabilitation centre and will continue to provide rehabilitative services for children who suffer from residual paralysis.

The project is funded by the Government through the Ministry of Education.

Yesterday, Kaieteur News was told that the three c l a s s r o o m s N u r s e r y, Preparatory and Primary, have a population of 40 students.

According to the school's head master, Anand Mangru,

The proposed new Special Needs school the current space in the classrooms is very small. He added that it is difficult for students to reach to the top flat of the building daily.

“Our students are heavily disabled; some cannot walk, and they have to be lifted. We have a ramp but some of the students with wheelchairs cannot wheel themselves up so we have had to hire a porter.

Sometimes when the porter is busy it is difficult for the children to reach their relevant classrooms,”

Mangru said.

The school head added that the new school will be more spacious, airy and will be built flat so that the students wouldn't have a difficult and uncomfortable time while they are in class.

“We will also construct the building in a way where the walls which will divide the classes can move so that when we have any event we will move the walls and have one big hall,” Mangru stated.

In addition to the space, there will be a new

classroom to accommodate a computer room which will

enable the students to learn a little more about the various

forms of advancement in society.

Cricket legend urges UGBC graduates to have positive attitudes in life ...Prof Samad misses convocation

From left, Dean of Health Sciences, Dr E. Cummings; Pro Chancellor, Dr Prem Misir; Bursar, Mr John Seeram; Acting UGBC Director, Mr P. Da Silva and Registrar, Mr Vincent Alexander. In background is Dr Paloma Mohamed Some 180 students graduated from various fields over the weekend at the University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC) at Port Mourant, Corentyne.

The new graduates were conferred with their Certificates, Diplomas, Associate Degrees and Degrees. In the Natural Sciences Faculty, 30 students graduated; Social Sciences Faculty, 58; and Education and Humanities, 73.

Guyanese cricket legend, Clive Lloyd, delivered the feature address at the ceremony. He talked about what a good leader is and does. His address was filled with encouragement and examined life with a more positive attitude. He noted that leaders are expected to empower others, “and that elders do not create followers; they create more leaders”. He noted, too, that

“whatever roads lead you down; you can change directions anytime. Map out your future, but do it intensely”. He reminded the convocation about Steve Jobs “who wandered many times before finding his calling”.

Mr Lloyd also urged the graduates to know their goals and to stay focused.

“Courageous leaders experience as much fear as others.” He urged them not to give up because of those fears.

“Say 'yes' more often to new challenges; you never know where they may lead…Assume responsibility, take ownership of what happens to you and how you respond to it.”

“Steve Jobs, Mark Zukerberg, Bob Gates all agreed on one thing: persistence flies to the heart of success and never give up.”

Muniram Purnwasi, the Valedictorian, received the Highest Grade Point Average. He was awarded with the Republic Bank award for Best Graduating Student. A school teacher by profession, he completed his Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics.

Shinella Avis Gamble was the Second Best Graduating Student and received the Scotia Bank Award. Also receiving prizes and awards were Yulette Moretta Park, Moira Thomas, Seema Singh, Azad Hoosein, Dascia Johnson, Jennifer Freso, Rehanna Sammy, Pamela Mootoo, Sarah Khemraj, Chandradeo Ghansham, Janelle Williams, Treshan Budhram, Maorai Sawh, Desmond Kursattie, Tejwattie Singh, Michelle Amsterdam, Pulmattie Rabinchand and D a v e Sarran.

Thursday November 22, 2012

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Kaieteur News

Three Guyanese, one non national shortlisted for VC position at UG

By Latoya Giles Secretary to the Cabinet, Dr. Roger Luncheon, has announced that the University of Guyana has shortlisted three Guyanese and one non national out of a total of 19 candidates who a p p l i e d f o r t h e Vi c e Chancellor's position.

Dr Luncheon made the disclosure yesterday at his weekly press briefing at Office of the President.

According to Dr Luncheon the interviews have begun. He noted that they will also have to undergo an evaluation.

Those shortlisted are Dr Rory Fraser, a lecturer at the University of Alabama; Dr Jaipaul Singh, a lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire; Dr. Munilall Budhu, a lecturer at the University of Arizona; and Nigerian Jacob Opadeyi, a lecturer at the University of the West Indies.

The Cabinet Secretary noted that the interviews should conclude at the end of November and an appointment should follow.

Dr Rory Fraser earned his Ph.D in 1993, at the Pennsylvania State University. He has teachings in Forest Economics, Natural Resources Policy, Environmental Policy and L a w, C o o p e r a t i v e Education. His research interests include identifying and addressing forestland o w n e r s ' n e e d s , entrepreneurship in the forestry sector, community forestry and forest-based

Dr Jaipaul Singh

Dr Jacob Opadeyi

Dr Rory Fraser

economic development.

His work also involves examining the social and economic relationships between forests and people in rural Alabama, the role of minority landowners and entrepreneurs in forestry and forest products economies of the United States and the building of a forestry outreach programme for Alabama's under-served woodland owners.

He works closely with the National Network of Forest Practitioners, the Alabama Forestry Commission, the Federation of Southern Cooperatives and the Alabama Consortium in articulating opportunities for underrepresented minorities in forestry and service delivery to underserved forestland owners.

Professor Jaipaul Singh received his first Doctor of Science degree last year and is based in the United Kingdom. Jaipaul is a

University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) academic who became the first to receive the prestigious Doctor of Science degree (DSc).

Singh has a long career based primarily at University of Central Lancashire. He received the award based on his lifetime's work on 'Mechanisms associated with contractile responses in tissues and cells of the body in health and disease'.

He is recognized as a pioneer and world–leading authority in his field and he has had a major and enduring influence on the development on both these fields of research.

The post-doctoral award is given to people who are considered to be a worldleading authority in their field. Professor Singh, based in the School of Forensic and Investigative Sciences, graduated with a BSc from the University of Guyana

before taking up a place to do a PhD at the University of St Andrews in 1974.

On graduating in 1978 he held four research posts at the Universities of St Andrews, Dundee and Liverpool before joining what was then Preston Polytechnic, now UCLan, in 1984. In 1993 he was awarded his Professorship.

The other applicant is a former lecturer at the University of Guyana, Muniram Budhu . This newspaper was told that

Woman jailed for house break A two-year trial for break an enter and larceny came to an end yesterday at the Providence Magistrate’s Court, resulting in a woman having to spend the next five years of her life in prison.

The 23-year-old woman, Christine Bharrat, of Grove, East Bank Demerara, was sentenced yesterday by Magistrate Leslie Sobers.

On September 1, 2010, Bharrat broke into the dwelling place of Michelle Bowen, her cousin and stole a quantity of gold jewellery and other valuables totaling $323,200. Bharrat had pleaded not guilty.

The court was told that Bowen secured her home at lot 213 Grove and left for work that morning. When

she returned home about 17:00 hours, she noticed that her house was broken into.

Further checks revealed that the articles were missing.

A report was made and the VC informed the police that she suspected Bharrat was responsible for the breakage. Fingerprints were lifted and the suspect was arrested.

The ranks then took fingerprint samples from the accused and they matched those recovered from the scene. The evidence was tendered in court.

On November 4, the woman, in an unsworn statement, told the court that she was nowhere around the premises when the items went missing. The woman

told the court that she was at her husband’s workplace all day. However, the husband said that he only saw the woman around 08:30 hours on the day in question.

D u r i n g y e s t e r d a y ’s hearing after the woman was told that the court found her guilty and she was asked by the Magistrate if she had anything so say.

The woman responded in the negative. In handing down his sentence the Magistrate pointed out to her that at no point did she dispute her fingerprints being found at the scene nor did she try to make out to the court how her prints were found in the house, since she was not a visitor to her cousin’s home.

Budhu lectured in the faculty of technology. Kaieteur News understands that he is now a Professor at the University of Arizona.

Budhu teaches undergraduates and graduates in engineering, conduct research in civil engineering and tertiary education (focus areas: geomechanics, engineering mechanics, groundwater, land subsidence, earth fissures, hydraulic engineering, distance and online education, foundation engineering, digital library), doctorate and MS advising.

The last applicant is Dr. Jacob Opadeyi a Nigerian lecturer who is based at the University of the West Indies. Dr. Opadeyi obtained his MBA (Executive) at The University of the West Indies in 1999, his Ph.D in Geomatics in 1994 and M.Eng in Surveying Engineering in 1988 both at the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada, his M.Sc., Surveying University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria, 1985,

and his B.Sc., Surveying (First Class Honors), University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria, 1984.

He was the Head of Department of Surveying and Land Information during the period of 1995-1999 and a Consultant to the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Marine Resources, Trinidad & Tobago from 1995 to1999.

He is also the author of "Land and water resources management in the Caribbean" CARDI/CTA by C. L. Paul and J. Opadeyi, (eds) (2001) and has several publications in The West Indian Journal of Engineering. He lectures at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago.

Earlier in the year Professor Compton Bourne had resigned from the university. The resignation was welcomed by the president of the UGSSA and the UGSSA. Prof. Bourne was re-appointed Chancellor recently, much to the dissatisfaction of the UGSSA.

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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

The telecommunications sector is madness The telecommunications sector is perhaps the most profitable but also the most unregulated. We have seen the burgeoning internet cafes and the various wireless networks that provide internet services outside the realm of the established service providers.

Indeed, there presence, like that of EZjet was most welcomed because people were paying a lot of money to talk with their overseas-based relatives. Back then it cost as much as $100 for one minute of conversation. Indeed, it was at first a welcome arrangement because it was almost an impossible task to talk to those relatives overseas.

When the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company came on the scene it established a number of systems that made communications easy. It established links with service providers overseas and applied rates that were applicable overseas. The disadvantage was that the people who lived overseas were being asked a small percentage of their earnings for telephone calls when compared with what Guyanese had to pay. But the mere idea that they could talk to their overseas-based relatives and friends, as far as the Guyanese were concerned, was worth every dime.

But in the United States there was a move to attack what the regulators called unfair competition; monopolies had already been dismantled so technology brought in a number of telecommunication providers that were offering links at a cheaper rate. Guyana automatically benefitted but as would be the case in developing countries the provider would capitalize because there was no regulation on what the provider could charge for international calls.

These internet service providers, given the monopoly had to approach the telephone company for lines which they used to access external providers that were offering cheap rates. Some went beyond and established their own satellite network to access the outside world without the assistance of the monopoly service provider.

Today there are implements like the Magic Jack that routs calls away from the service provider for a fraction of the cost to the user. It was not long before they sprang up all over the place and advertised as though they were established and had a right to operate. And because of a lack of regulation they operated to the point where they put up signboards advertising their rates.

As can be expected, the GT&T brought its rates down to the point where calls were very inexpensive. Before that, as a means of competing with the internet cafes, it had been offering peak and off peak rates. Today, international calls are cheap but there is so much leakage. Certainly the government is leaking revenue but this is to be expected if the government wants to show that the cost of living is lower than it actually is. It is also necessary if it wants to create the illusion that people have more disposable income than they really have. The Forbes Burnham government did the same thing. It allowed smuggled goods into the country so that these could be retailed cheaper than they normally would and people would access these and feel that goods were cheap. This is one way of making necessities available to the people and so keep them happy.

In the end as far as the telecommunication sector is concerned, technology is making the establishment as redundant as the fifth wheel on a coach. There have been inventions such as Skype and Yahoo chat that allow talk without the use of the telephone and at little or no cost. However, to access these services they still need the service provider and technology that allows access to these services.

It is interesting that the service providers actually support the internet cafes. They sell bandwidth at a rate much cheaper than they sell the domestic consumer. To do this suggests that homeowners and businesses that make overseas calls provide a profit.

What is interesting is that Guyana must be the only country in the world where people advertise that they are operating outside the service provider and are doing so with impunity. The reality is that the telecommunication sector is unregulated and it is only a matter of time before chaos prevails.

Thursday November 22, 2012

Letters... Where your views make the news

It is time for the President to acknowledge the political liability of Mr. Rohee DEAR EDITOR, We quote from George Entwistle, the former Director General of the BBC who said, “In the light of the fact that the director general is also the editor-in-chief and ultimately responsible for all content, and in the light of the unacceptable journalistic standards in the Newsnight film broadcast on Friday 2 November, I have decided the honourable thing to do is to step down from the post of director general.”

We want to use this quote to reflect on the ministerial responsibility of Mr. Clement Rohee as Guyana’s Minister of Home Affairs for the past six years.

Individual ministerial responsibility is a constitutional convention in governments using the Westminster System, where a cabinet Minister bears the ultimate responsibility for the actions of his staff in their ministry. Ministerial responsibility demands the Home Affairs Minister take the blame and ultimately resign when his Ministry fails to serve and protect the population.

However, the Government of which the minister is part is not held to be answerable for that minister’s failure.

Thus, no one is calling for the head of the Ramotar Government for the countless lapses in law and order; the majority of Guyanese are demanding exclusively ministerial accountability.

But unfortunately Guyana

is not a normal democracy that values the Westminster model or its traditions. In Guyana, the Security Tsar, in the form of Clement Rohee, can lord over a team accused of so much wrongdoing, and still claim he is not ultimately responsible.

Thus the foolish statement that he “did not give instructions to shoot” clearly is an unintelligent attempt at evasion of the tried, tested and honourable tradition of accountability and taking ultimate responsibility for the action of his troops.

Such ignorance of one’s duty to his troops and accountability to the people just goes against the grain of basic commonsense, maturity and decency. It is time for the head of state to stop procrastinating and demand Rohee’s resignation.

Nobody is disputing that only President Ramotar can appoint his Ministers, and

thus no one will have a problem if Mr. Rohee is appointed into a vacant Ministerial portfolio; that is the privilege of the Presidency.

But the President has been sent a clear message by the majority in Parliament on Mr. Rohee, vis-à-vis the Security Sector, and he should let good sense prevail.

For over three months he has allowed the Rohee issue to take precedence over the people’s business. This is wrong, and the populace should not suffer because of the actions of one individual.

Since when in Guyana has one person become more important than the entire population? We remind the PPP regime that they were elected by the people to work on their behalf and not to protect a minister who has failed the people of Guyana in terms of their security.

There is enough empirical evidence to illustrate that Mr.

Rohee has failed to set a proper vision for the security sector. He has failed to promote the values on which the Guyana Police Force was founded.

He has failed to implement national security policies or strategies with any measure of success. He has failed in his anemic efforts to reduce crime, illegal trafficking of drugs and police brutality and murders. In short, Mr. Rohee is an absolute failure as the Minister of Home Affairs and no one in the Jagdeo/ Ramotar regime can redeem his poor image. It is time for him to go.

The Guyana Police Force will never mature and grow as an organization if their subject Minister is allowed to hold that portfolio.

Mr. Rohee has failed to evaluate and unleash their present and future opportunities. He has failed Continued on page 6

DEAR EDITOR My wife and I are pensioners; we also have two orphan grandsons to care for.

On August 29, 2012 an employee from GWI came to my residence and disconnected my water supply without a notice or without telling me anything.

On August 30, 2012, I went to the office where I was told by a female staff member that I owe $12,000 and that I have to pay a reconnection

fee of $6,000. I paid the reconnection fee and $10,000 on the amount of $12,000 (see receipt no 20517164). On September 7, 2012 I went to the office to pay the remainder.

When I reached the office I met the said female staff member and she told that the balance was $11,000. I asked for an explanation and she told me that the $12,000 was from July to August 2012.

How is it that from July to

Augustthe charge is $11,000.

It seems to me that underhand business is taking place in the GWI o ff i c e a t A n n a R e g i n a , because the said female staff told me that I have to pay at least half of the $11,000 or they would disconnect it again and I have to pay to reconnect. So I paid $6,000 (Receipt no# 85001527) just to avoid disconnection.

David Shivlall Walton Hall

Fleecing a pensioner

Thursday November 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

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

The will of the people must be respected DEAR EDITOR, The Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs has the prerogative to apply his interpretation of the Constitution and advance argument in defence of his cabinet colleague, but this prerogative must be challenged at the point when he decides he is going to insult the intelligence of the citizens.

While the President by Constitution (Chapter IX) has the responsibility to determine his Cabinet and the members’ portfolios, those who are appointed to such positions must discharge their duties in a manner that guarantee the safety, wellbeing and confidence of the people. Government is about people and people’s development and in those whose hands our business is placed they must be able to command and maintain the

respect and support of the citizens. Votes in the National Assembly reflect the will of the majority, and as per our Constitution unless otherwise stated, a simple majority carries the day on the issue.

As such, any Head of Government or Head of State that is prepared to work in the interest of the people must take note of this timehonoured principle and practice and act accordingly.

Consequently, the strident position to oppose the will of the people by applying a mangled interpretation of the Constitution and laws is indicative that we are operating in an atmosphere where dictatorship reigns.

There are three branches of government – executive, legislature and judiciary – and each branch must be respected and allowed to do

DEAR EDITOR, I am having trouble understanding the following facts: Lethem has had little or no power for several days now due to a faulty Generator plunging the community there into complete chaos, I don’t understand why there is not a standby generator or why one of the caterpillar diesel sets which we are paying an arm and a leg for, if we use them or not, could not have been taken to Lethem to help the people until their generator is fixed.

The people at Madhia and other places in the Interior are complaining that the roads are in a bad way affecting them fundamentally, the farmers in Black Bush Polder are crying out that they have no water for their rice which is dying since two of the three pumps required to serve them are down.

The city of Georgetown looks like a garbage dump and the Lindeners are crying out

for help from a government which will agree to anything, with the deliberate intention that they will do nothing to rectify the situation - they just agreed to the people’s demands to get them to stop protesting.

In the meantime and in the same country, the government is building a Marriott hotel which will only bring affluence to a few members of the ruling cabal. They are using badly needed money to invest it in another Skeldon factory debacle, this situation is made worse since they are setting up to subcontract those aspects of the hotel which will be lucrative, i.e. the casino and the restaurant, to private individuals.

How much will be too much for the Guyanese people? At what point will they say enough? I am amazed at the capacity of the Guyanese people [all races] to endure pain.

Tony Vieira

The capacity of Guyanese to endure pain is amazing

its work. And in the case of the current Minister of Home Affairs being denied the opportunity to speak in the National Assembly on matters pertaining to internal security, if anyone has objection to the decision of the National Assembly, the Court must be allowed to do its work and adjudicate on the matter. Until such time, the people must reject the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs’ foray in seeking to impose upon us that the decision of the majority in the National

Assembly is ineffective and unconstitutional.

While the National Assembly cannot by Constitution determine the Cabinet the President chooses, on behalf of the people, there is nothing that prevents the National Assembly from expressing its concern/dissatisfaction with the performance of any member in the Executive.

What is before us is a National Assembly noconfidence motion in Clement Rohee discharging duties as Minister of Home Affairs.

To wit, the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs is advised that this very Constitution at Article 50 vests ultimate power in the hands of the people, and if the Parliament - the people’s representative body - as the “supreme organ of democratic power in Guyana” has spoken, then it says that the people have spoken!

No one must be allowed, irrespective of the position held in government, to believe that s/he can cherry pick the Constitution and malign this Constitution for any self-

serving end.

Ultimately, the will of the people must be respected. If our parliamentarians, on both sides of the House, are serious about their role and responsibility under the Constitution and to the people, they will ensure that whatever strategy they employ on this matter, at the end of the day the NoConfidence Motion must be upheld, unless otherwise determined by the Court or the people ask that they change direction.

Lincoln Lewis

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 22, 2012

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

There are more questions than answers The Health Minister is trying about the dealings of the PPP govt. to blindfold us with spectacles DEAR EDITOR, I just read a letter to your newspaper penned by one Mr. Vishnu Bisram. Mr. Bisram was berating your newspaper for peddling falsehoods about the ownership of EZjet – an airline that has been receiving adverse publicity in the media recently.

I was reading the letter which seemed quite innocuous when my eyes almost jumped out of my head at the following statement: “If the airline were owned by government officials, it would have received the full backing of the government.”

I am not sure Vishnu Bisram re-read his letter or whether he realized what he had written. Having left Guyana many years ago, I do not even know what place Mr. Bisram holds within the government, if at all. But it is quite obvious that he is an ardent supporter of the PPP cabal, as evidenced by his decision to come out to bat for the former President and one of his cronies. There, in unequivocal and unambiguous language, Vishnu Bisram indicated that if EZjet was owned by government officials, it would

have received the “full backing” of the government.

What a statement! Is this the reason why we see the government giving its full backing to the Marriott Hotel project, the Amalia Falls project, the Airport project and the many other nefarious schemes being used by the government to squander poor people’s tax dollars?

How do we know who are the “real” owners of many of these projects? Who will own the casino and restaurant at the Marriott?

Who is getting kickbacks from the airport project? Why did senior government officials so foolishly and arrogantly bulldoze their way into getting the Amalia Falls project for Fip Motilall despite information indicating that the man did not have the requisite experience to undertake such a project?

There are more questions than answers about the dealings of the PPP government.

What a revelation, Mr. Bisram. Keep writing. We need to learn more about the shady characters in government.

Leonie Williams

DEAR EDITOR, It is funny yet distasteful for the Minister of Health to try to make light of the matter in which his Ministry failed to get its act together to send a flight to evacuate that young lady from the Mabaruma Hospital.

The Minister must accept the blame for presiding over a failed mechanism. A system should be put in place when these emergencies arise. He should not try to bully his way out of this. Saying that they “don’t shake pilots off trees” , “why should a woman’s guts be ripped out?” and “we probably need to push more doctors into the bush who can probably deal with more serious cases but why should we be having these cases”, sends a message of insensitivity to an already tense and very emotional situation. In another section of the press, the Minister was quoted as mouthing more drivel, the likes that maybe the Government would have to buy its own airplanes just to do medical evacuations.

The Doctor and his staff at the Hospital did a good job of stabilizing the patient. The

time the Doctor turned up at the Hospital is not an issue now, because when he turned up, he turned on and functioned like he wanted to save a life. He prepped the patient for the emergency flight which, as we can now surmise, was never on the cards. I am sure that there were pilots in the trees waiting to do that flight, but the Minister was too shortsighted and lacking in proper systems management to “shake them off”. The aircraft operators at Ogle have been purchasing planes like rice. Would they delve into that expenditure without an

adequate complement of pilots? They did not buy planes as ornaments.

My three-year-old would tell you that the Minister of Health is trying to blindfold us with spectacles.

Does the Ministry of Health owe the flight operators at Ogle? Has any reporter tried to get an explanation from the aircraft owners? They too may have their story - the correct story.

The pestle is not the only thing in the mortar here.

May the soul of Zaleena Shaddick rest in perpetual peace.

Concerned citizen

From page 4 to assess and mitigate the threats and risks to the organization.

He has failed to implement the strategic options available to the security sector. Simply put, Mr. Rohee has failed the men and women under his command and should be removed from office It is time for the President to use commonsense, maturity and acknowledge the political liability of Mr.

Rohee.

The Minister has failed in his duty to the people, he will continue to fail in the security sector and that will only result in a total breakdown of law and order in Guyana.

Once Mr. Rohee remains i n o f f i c e , we advise all Guyanese families, that it is time to double up on grills for their doors and windows!

Dr. Asquith Rose and Harish S. Singh

It is time for the President...

Thursday November 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 22, 2012

Government discards radio, TV licence applications Previous applications for radio and television licences, some of which were pending for years, have been set aside.

Bibi Shadick, who chairs the Governing Board of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority, made this known yesterday.

She said that those old applications would not confirm to the new regulations of the recently enforced Broadcast Act, and so those persons who would have applied in the past would have to re-apply.

Once these satisfy the new requirements, including submitting a detailed business plan, they will be processed. Shadick told a news conference yesterday that the Authority currently has no new applications ready for processing. She said that the Authority expects to have applications

by January 31, 2013.

Individuals who would have applied in the past would not have their applications processed unless they form a company or trust, as applications from individuals

are no longer being accepted.

But under Shadick’s watch some who had applied even after the older applicants were granted radio and television licences. They included Hits and Jams, Wireless Connection and Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop.

Shadick refused to see this as discrimination.

All licence holders under the new Act will have to make two payments – one for the spectrum and another fee for the licence. The licence fee would amount to a percentage of the gross revenue earned by the broadcaster.

Shadick said that the Board has met with current broadcasters and has indicated that they will be given time to put together all the details that are required when submitting a new application.

Current broadcasters h a v e b e e n written to indicating that they can continue to broadcast until they are licenced under the new Act. Shadick also defended her suitability and that of the other board members, for functioning in the position.

She said that while some have suggested that she may not even be able to “use a remote,” she contended that the appointments are at the discretion of the President and that the work of the board is mainly administrative.

Shadick is a former Minister and now functions mainly as an Attorney-at-Law. The other members are UG lecturer, Sherwood Lowe (nominee of the leader of the Opposition) and presidential nominees, Project Manager of the One Laptop Per Family Project, Margot Boyce; Captain Gerry Gouveia; former army chief, Major General Norman McLean (ret’d); Head of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), Dr. Dindyal Permaul and Charles S. Ramson Jr, a lawyer at the Office of the President.

The Board is tasked statutorily with licencing in the Broadcast Sector and ensuring compliance of broadcasters with the provision of the Broadcast Act. The new Act came into force on August 28, 2012.

Chris Brown not coming

International artiste Chris Brown is not coming to Guyana for a show which was scheduled for Boxing Day, December 26, 2012 at the Guyana National Stadium.

The Hits and Jams Entertainment Group which was organizing the event noted that the Management of Chris Brown has decided to pull the artiste from his performance in Guyana over concerns about recent media reports on protests over the artiste’s intended visit to Guyana.

The management team in a correspondence to HJ Entertainment said that it does not feel comfortable at this stage allowing the multi award winning singer to visit Guyana.

The team said that it has been following reports in the local and international press about the protests over his

- Replacement being sourced for “Unforgettable II”

Chris Brown Guyana appearance.

Over the weekend, the

singer ’s performance in Europe was smeared with widespread protests.

His team appears to be making efforts to avoid similar protests. His management team has indicated that it remains interested in having the singer perform in Guyana but just not at this time under the current circumstances.

Hits and Jams Entertainment intends to still host the “Unforgettable II” show on December 26 but with a different headline act.

“Already negotiations have started with a number of leading American R&B artistes and we will keep the media and the public up-todate with the developments” Hits and Jams stated.

No new vendors on Regent Street for Christmas Season - Mayor In order to keep the city clean for the Christmas holidays, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) says there will be no new vendors for the season especially along Regent Street.

Those vending will have to hire private waste disposal services to dispose of their daily garbage.

Mayor Hamilton Green said that the situation will be

monitored, He called on vendors not to block businesses and to ensure their surroundings are kept clean.

In September a clean-up campaign was launched in collaboration with Keith Burrowes’s Implementation Committee which wanted to remove vendors temporarily for the exercise to be effective.

However, this was futile since most vendors were reluctant to remove.

Town Clerk (ag) Carol Sooba, noted that vending on Regent Street is illegal and that the issue was taken to the court before, with then Chancellor, Justice Desiree Bernard, pronouncing that “the M&CC is breaking its own laws and persons should be jailed.”

Thursday November 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 9

THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SHOULD BE PUT ON NOTICE Guyana’s system of parliamentary democracy faces its sternest test today.

This day will either go down in history as a day in which the country’s parliamentary democracy survived its gravest challenge, or it will go down as a day of infamy when democracy was trampled upon within our legislative assembly.

If the opposition political parties have their way, then a motion i s l i k e l y t o b e passed today that would gag the Minister of Home Affairs and prevent him, ironically in the name of enforcing ministerial r e s p o n s i b i l i t y, from exercising that responsibility and his rights as an elected member of the National Assembly.

The international community should be put on the alert about the possibility of the overturning of democratic norms within the National Assembly this afternoon. The regional grouping, UNASUR, should in accordance with the “democratic clause”, inserted into its charter, be informed that constitutional and democratic rule, faces its gravest threat this afternoon in the National Assembly.

Guyana for the better part

of its history as an independent nation has had a checkered history in so far as democracy was concerned.

For twenty-six of those years, Guyana’s parliament was an unrepresentative body, the product of shamelessly rigged elections.

The result was that Guyana became a pariah in the international community, its name being associated with the subversion of democratic norms.

Guyana seems destined to once again suffer similar infamy if that repugnant motion seeking to gag an elected member of the National Assembly is passed.

If that motion is passed it effectively undermines parliamentary democracy.

Parliament would have been reduced to a legislative pariah because it would have censored, unjustly, one of its own members.

This attempt at silencing a minister, thereby stopping him from any meaningful role in a parliament to which he was elected, is far more endangering to constitutional rule than the parliamentary putsch that occurred earlier this year in Paraguay when President Fernando Lugo was impeached without due

Dem boys seh ...

Uncle Donald protecting dem thieves Spite is a thing that does mek nuff people holler. Is spite mek people don’t complain when dem got evidence bout corruption. Dem frighten that de government tek spite pun dem because de man is a government man.

Dem boys see this happen nuff time. Dem seh that Uncle Freddie getting spite because he talk bout Bharrat and how he keep de man who sit down and watch people forge duty free concession.

Dem see how Walter Willie get move from de dump site because he expose one of de Bees; dem see how Uncle Adam can’t get he pension and dem see how dem businessman does shut dem mouth when dem see how de government does give everything to de Atlantic people.

Is de same way Clement gun deal wid all of dem who trying fuh shut he mouth in parliament. He know that dem got to walk pun de road and one by one he gun mek de police pick dem up and lock dem up fuh 72 hours.

But is only in Guyana dem got so much spite. In dem other country dem got serious business. De Waterfalls boss man do something and de police put on dem siren and drive behind he. People looking fuh see if is a wanted man. De people in de Waterfalls boss man car tell he that he probably run a light and that he gun get a ticket.

Right away de boss man seh that if dem police gun chase after a man fuh a ticket, imagine wha dem gun do wid a man who thief millions. That is why nuff of dem ain’t going to de States because from de time dem drive off from de airport is siren behind dem.

Brazzy was to go but somebody warn he that de police gun use so much siren behind he that dem battery gun run down. De King Bee is a special proposition and Uncle Donald know. But he saving dem. That is why he ain’t sending dem to de States. He going heself.

Dem boys want know how long he gun protect all dem thieves.

Talk half and wait fuh de spite and de siren.

process.

Then, the international community responded promptly, recognizing the dangers Lugo’s impeachment represented to democracy in the western hemisphere.

UNASUR eventually suspended that country, effectively derecognizing the government that emerged following the impeachment which was deemed a rupture of the democratic process.

The silencing of the Minister of Home Affairs of Guyana by the National Assembly by way of a motion, would constitute more than a rupture of the democratic process. It opens the way for the opposition majority in the National

Assembly to silence the entire government at its whim and fancy.

If this motion goes ahead, it would mean that parliament can effectively decide which minister should function and which minister should not function. It would effectively eviscerate ministerial participation in the National Assembly and hold the Executive hostage.

This possibility, alone, has dire implications which the international community cannot and is not likely to ignore. Not after Honduras and most definitely not after Paraguay.

If an opposition with a one-seat majority can move with such swiftness, and

without any trial, silence an elected member of the National Assembly, what else are they not capable of doing? Is this an opposition that can be trusted with political power ever?

If a one-seat majority can be used to threaten and possibly subvert parliamentary democracy, imagine what would happen if this opposition gets its hands on Executive power on Guyana. What will it do then?

This is all the more reason why the international community must be put on immediate notice about what is likely to happen today.

The motion to gag the minister should not be entertained. The Minister can

only be gagged if he has shown contempt for parliament and has committed a breach of privilege. There is no such breach established and even if they were, the matter would have been required under the Standing Orders of the National Assembly to be sent to the Committee of Privileges.

The m o t i o n b e i n g proposed should therefore not be entertained. It does not establish a breach of privilege and is tantamount to effecting punishment without either cause or due process.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 22, 2012

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Clint Eastwood is making a fourth version starring Beyonce I do try my best to see the television interviews that Yesu Persaud and Christopher Ram do separately every Sunday night. But there is no consistency on my part.

Things always get in the way and I would miss several weeks. It is important to listen to these interviewees because many of them are important political actors whose praxis will determine the shape of this nation.

On one occasion, I saw David Granger with Mr. Ram and he said that he was concerned at where the 100,000 absentee voters in the national elections went. I suspect Granger knew that most of them, if they had cast a ballot, would have opted for the opposition.

On another occasion I saw Nigel Hughes telling Mr. Persaud that he believes that there should be constitutional reform before another general election. The value of that statement lies in the fact that Mr. Hughes is a huge figure in the AFC. As a matter of policy my eyes seldom visit NCN and I

never watch the PPP stations – channels 65 and 69. Last Sunday evening, I was typing away when my daughter came into the study (you know young people are always roaming the channels) and said to me, “Look what is on channel 11.” I turned on the set and there were four Guyanese political actors that tell the story of a cruel tragedy that has gone on for far too long in Guyana.

The four were Gail Teixeira, Odinga Lumumba, Ravi Dev, and yes, an opposition parliamentarian, Rupert Roopnaraine.

The WPA front man reminds me of that well known statement that journalists in the music industry love to use when they write on a successful artist whose career is over but who refuses to see it – an aging, faded superstar.

Actually, there is a very famous story of that tale made three times into a movie, and now Clint Eastwood is planning to make a fourth version starring Beyonce – “A Star is Born.” The best one for me featured Barbra Streisand and Kris

Kristofferson.

I hope Eastwood brings out his fourth version early so that the WPA front man can see it. It was pathetic to see the WPA front man last Sunday night perform with Gail Teixeira when you think that in the seventies they were both superstars and back then Roopnaraine was by a billion miles, the main attraction.

The story of Teixeira and Roopnarine is the identical theme of “A Star is Born.”

Thirty six years later, the WPA front man has paled into mediocrity, intellectual ordinariness and plain stupidity. The WPA front man in 2012 is an aging, faded superstar. Teixeira on the other hand, has remained the subtle, Stalinist talent she always was.

The WPA front man had to contend with Teixeira only.

Lumumba was out of his depth and hardly spoke. Dev was his usual boring self with his obsession with Indian supremacy. One wonders why up to now the PNC and ACDA haven’t told this man to pen a note on ethnic imbalance in land ownership, contracting

service and commerce. I guess as an Indian supremacist, Dev has his work to do. It is for democratic nationalists in Guyana to expose his sickening polemics.

Teixeira took over the programme and Roopnaraine just listened attentively to her poisonous, miasmic, Machiavellian fictions. The WPA rock star from the seventies said not a word.

Teixeira told her viewers that the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) did a study of racial composition in land titles and State scholarships and found no discrimination.

Rupert Roopnaraine remained reticent.

He was part of the recent

negotiations with the Government during the Linden crisis. He knew one of the demands was Region Ten membership in the land allocation committee because there were horror stories in the awards.

The WPA front man is losing his memory. In the Jagdeo libel case against me, it was brought out in court that the Office of the President and the Ministry of the Public Service refused to submit documents and statistics to the ERC consultant that investigated ethnic bias in the award of government scholarships. Teixeira went on to knock the PNC’s attitude to the ERC claiming that the

Frederick Kissoon PNC’s beef was with Juan Edghill.

The entire Guyana had a beef with Edghill being the Chairman of the ERC. And Guyanese were right. Months after holding that post, he joined the PPP campaign and exclaimed that if Jesus could have voted he would have chosen the PPP. All along Guyanese knew that Edghill was the wrong man for the ERC except the WPA front man, of course.

American embassy attracts protest Scores yesterday mounted a protest outside the American embassy to register their rejection of America’s pledged support to Israel as it relates to the fight between Israel and Palestine in the Gaza strip.

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, said that the demonstration was

orchestrated by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and a number of non-governmental organizations.

“We consider it was a serious crime against humanity and the US is supporting this.

This is the same country that portrays high morality and paints itself to be the bastion of freedom of the

world. Yet still it lends support to the slaughter of innocent people including children on a daily basis,” he added.

There have been many calls, worldwide, to halt the fighting between Israel and Palestine. People all over the world are hoping for a ceasefire and for peace in Gaza, Nandlall said.

Thursday November 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 11

UN report on human trafficking exposes many governments modern form of slavery - Says still in denial A Global Report on Trafficking in Persons launched by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) says the most common form of human trafficking (79%) is sexual exploitation, followed by forced labour (18%).

Although trafficking seems to imply people moving across continents, most exploitation takes place close to home.

Data show intra-regional and domestic trafficking are the major forms of trafficking in persons.

Based on data gathered from 155 countries, the report offers a global assessment of the scope of human trafficking and what is being done to fight it.

The report includes an overview of trafficking patterns; legal steps taken in

Motorbike bandit jailed for four years A self-confessed motorcycle thief was yesterday sentenced to four years’ imprisonment by Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry. Roger Samuels, 36, of 10 Water Street, Agricola, was charged with stealing a CC 58 motorcycle which belonged to Tony Bentley.

According to the evidence, the defendant was found in possession of the motorbike on Tuesday last.

He claimed that he had found the cycle in a yard.

The accused then said that he did not wish to waste the magistrate’s time.

“Here is wha happen.

Your Worship I move de motorbike and same time I going with it a mobile patrol stop me and ask me where I get the bike from I tell them a

Roger Samuels lie and dem ain’t believe the lie so I had to carry them wheh I get it from and a lady wha say she own the motorbike come out same time and them

collect me and charge me.”

The man later told the court that he spent time at the Mazaruni Prison for simple larceny and for stealing at least three other motorcycles.

“You worship I go to jail nuff time. Me ain’t mind because I commit the act plus I from the old school. They got other offences that I never get charge for. If wasn’t for the patrol I wouldn’t a get ketch” Samuels however asked for leniency since he said that he is ill. The man also noted that the stolen article was recovered.

He thanked the Chief Magistrate after she sentenced him. Samuels was cautioned by the Magistrate to “use the opportunity to change his ways.”

response; and countryspecific information on reported cases of trafficking in persons, victims, and prosecutions.

Executive Director of UNODC, Antonio Maria Costa said that “many governments are still in denial.

There is even neglect when it comes to either reporting on or prosecuting cases of human trafficking”.

He pointed to the fact that while the number of convictions for human trafficking is increasing, two out of every five countries covered by the UNODC Report had not recorded a single conviction.

According to the Report, the victims of sexual exploitation are predominantly women and girls. Surprisingly, in 30% of the countries which provided information on the gender of traffickers, women make up the largest proportion of traffickers.

In some parts of the world, women trafficking women is the norm.

Forced labour is less

frequently detected and reported than trafficking for sexual exploitation.

Worldwide, almost 20% of all trafficking victims are children.

The United Nations Protocol against Trafficking in Persons - the foremost international agreement in this area - entered into force in 2003.

The Report shows that in the past few years the number of Member States seriously implementing the Protocol has more than doubled (from 54 to 125 out of the 155 States covered).

However, there are still many countries that lack the necessary legal instruments or political will.

“This Report increases our understanding of modern slave markets, yet it also exposes our ignorance”, said Mr. Costa. “We have a big picture, but it is impressionistic and lacks depth.

We fear the problem is getting worse, but we cannot prove it for lack of data, and many governments are obstructing”, he admitted.

The head of UNODC

therefore called on governments and social scientis t s t o i m p r o v e information-gathering and -sharing on human trafficking. “If we do not overcome this knowledge crisis we will be fighting the problem blindfolded”, he warned.

Mr. Costa called on governments, the private sector, and the public at large to step up the fight against trafficking in persons.

“More must be done to reduce the vulnerability of victims, increase the risks to traffickers, and lower demand for the goods and services of modern-day slaves”, he said.

To increase public awareness of human trafficking and rally the world to fight it, Mr. Costa appointed Academy Awardwinning act r e s s M i r a Sorvino as a Goodwill Ambassador to Combat Human Trafficking.

“We know that Mira’s commitment to the plight of trafficking victims will move people to take action against m o d e r n - d ay slavery”, said the Executive Director of UNODC.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 22, 2012

Greenwich Park Primary School wins ECHO’s ‘Most improved school yard competition’ Greenwich Park Primary School defeated 14 other schools on the East Bank Essequibo to cop first place and emerge winner of the Environmental Community Health Organization (ECHO) ‘Most improved schoolyard competition’.

Leonora Primary School and Stewartville Primary took second and third place respectively and received trophies at an award ceremony held at the Stewartsville Primary School yesterday.

Several students and teachers from schools that participated in the six-weeklong competition also attended the get-together with some receiving prizes such as cricket bats, balls and smaller replicas of winning trophies for their efforts.

According to the rules of the competition, the schools were to improve their surroundings, keeping it clean and exhibiting good disposal habits. Judges who visited the schools throughout the six-week period checked for the manner in which students were keeping the environment.

Students had to keep their school drains and gutters clean and litter-free. It was considered the way in which this was being done.

Washrooms were also monitored. The judges checked for odours and the cleanliness of the area, while taking note of hand washers and the free flow of water for sanitation purposes.

With the help of school authorities, students had to protect their school buildings by maintaining clean walls and floors. Judges checked for the enhancement of their surroundings by natural beautification.

This entailed students increasing the number of plants in the school yard, by growing flowers and planting trees.

Executive Director of ECHO, Royston King, congratulated the winning schools and applauded the other institutes for their efforts. In his address to those present, King commented on the importance of maintaining a clean surrounding and thus protecting the environment.

He noted that the initiative for the competition brewed

for early education and awareness of environmental protection and care. “We chose the schools because we felt that it was the perfect starting point to raise awareness and teach students about the importance of the environment.”

He said that schools provide a flow of creative energy and it was felt that new approaches and attitudes to environmental care existed.

Positive thinking and attitudes can be embedded in younger students, King cited; shifting and molding their minds as they are the environment’s future.

Apart from the competition, King explained that the EHCO organization is working with schools, focusing on the areas of solid waste management, water conservation and purification and climate change.

He disclosed that the organization has instituted in the school ECHO clubs and has elected that students play an integral role in managing the activities.

These clubs are educated in the collection and disposal of the solid waste in their school environment;

EHCO club schools showcase their prizes with Executive Director EHCO, Royston King in the background. educated on the conservation and purification of water and further on climate change; its effects, causes and possible outcomes of the global phenomenon.

Activities like the most improved school yard competition will be going to other regions, King noted.

Coupled with that, he

introduced the upcoming “Ambassador for recycling” initiative which will be launched in the respective schools. That aspect of waste management, King said is very essential and a student from each school where the programme is launched will have the privilege of being the ambassador.

To conclude his address, King thanked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment who sponsored the awards and the refreshments. He also recognized private entities and urged them to continue their support of the students involved in the initiatives of EHCO.

Thursday November 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Soesdyke children murder…

Wife continues to testify at PI Yesterday, Onica Blanchard, the wife of triple murder accused, John Blanchard, returned to court to offer evidence against the man she once shared a home with.

The woman was called to the witness stand and asked to recall the night her three children were reportedly killed by their father.

However, the matter was again put down for January 2, next, when Mrs. Blanchard is expected to conclude giving her evidence. Already the woman’s mother Denise Cumberbatch has offered evidence against the accused.

On October 11, 2011, Blanchard was detained for

chopping his three young children killing two –year- old, Belika Blanchard and her fiveyear-old brother Daniel Blanchard, instantly. Six-yearold Joy Blanchard subsequently succumbed to her injuries.

The family resided at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, and according to persons, at the time of the incident, the children’s mother had left for the interior ostensibly to seek a better job.

It is alleged that the chopping incident stemmed from a phone conversation Blanchard allegedly had with the woman moments earlier.

Blanchard who sold clothing to sustain his family had reportedly been

experiencing difficulty with his companion. The two had allegedly spilt up with the woman leaving the children behind.

It was indicated that Blanchard had sought the support of his younger sister on the night of the incident. She claimed that Blanchard had tried to contact her but was unable to do so.

The death of the children had sparked nationwide interest and outrage.

Blanchard was attacked twice while in police custody. The man had been beaten severely by fellow inmates who sought to teach the alleged “child murderer” a lesson.

ECD four-lane expansion ...

Dipcon Engineering Services to take-up controversial section

Stalled works on the East Coast Demerara Public Road four-lane Dipcon Engineering Services has been approached by Government to execute construction works from Better Hope to Montrose to expand the East Coast Demerara Public Road into a four-lane thoroughfare.

This was revealed by Dr. Roger Luncheon, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, yesterday, during his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President.

The construction company is already executing road widening works from Montrose to Golden Grove to the tune of $671,623,054.

However, works in this section are progressing slowly because of encumbrances on the roadway.

Dipcon Engineer Services is also undertaking

works on the East Bank Demerara Public Road fourlane expansion project. The company was awarded Lot One of the projectProvidence to Prospect- to the tune of US$8,003,265.

According to Dr. Luncheon, Dipcon Engineering Services and Government are negotiating the contract for the construction of the roadway for, Better Hope to Montrose. Works in this section of the road were previously carried out by Falcon Transportation and Construction Services. The contract totaling $468.2M was terminated by the Public Works Ministry based on poor performance of the contractor.

The contractor had

refuted that his works were shoddy and claimed that his contract was terminated because he failed to give gifts.

In September last, Dr. Luncheon, indicated that interests have been aroused among contractors but the Ministry has to assess some technical difficulties before choosing a contractor.

Dr. Luncheon had said, “We had some difficulties with the quality of work that has been done which for all intents and purposes, suggest that works have to be redone.

“When some of it has to be undone and then redone, you can understand how technical will be the process of engaging someone else – another contractor to take over.”

Page 13

Page 14

Thursday November 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Gold miner killed in Mahdia car crash Gang Forty-year-old Keith Paul, called “Link up”, became the country's latest road fatality when he was hurled from the speeding car that was transporting him back to his worksite in R e g i o n E i g h t (Potaro/Siparuta) early yesterday morning.

Paul, of Number One Road, Corentyne, Berbice, was among other passengers travelling in the car PNN 8226 around 06:45 hours when the driver, Michael Smith, lost control near the Madhia Airstrip.

The car turned turtle several times, hurling Paul on to the roadway where he

landed and sustained severe injuries.

He died almost instantly.

Passersby stared in horror at his body which lay on the roadway, a few feet from the mangled car, for almost an hour before it was taken away.

Kaieteur News understands that two other persons sustained injuries as a result of the accident.

Their names were given as Shawn Simon, 40, of 111 Miles, Mahdia and Michael Prince, 50, of Belmont, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara.

News of his death sent his relatives into a state of

shock, since he had only left his home last Saturday to return to the interior.

His sister, Cabina Paul, told this newspaper that around 07:30 hours y e s t e r d a y, t h e f a m i l y received a telephone message from a friend informing them of the tragedy.

“We didn't believe the news at first. Is till the police call around 9:30, then we know it was true,” Cabina Paul told this newspaper.

The dead man has been working in the interior for he education the past 20 years. system in East He was not married and Berbice, Region had no children.

Six, continues to take a

invades school, beat, stab schoolboy

T

beating. There were shocking revelations at the Vryman's Erven Secondary (VESS) in New Amsterdam on Friday.

A fifth form student, Victor Edwards, was badly beaten and injured by a group of young men who barged into the school on Friday. Edwards had to be rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he received medical attention including three stitches.

Reports on the incident state that Edwards sustained the severe beating after the intruders were informed by a female student, said to be a g an g memb er, of a disagreement between her and the boy.

Kaieteur News understands that around 09:00 hrs the students were gambling in the school. It is understood that Edwards decided that it was time to stop the game and subsequently seized the cards. This was met with stern opposition by the female student who insisted in an explicit laced retort, that no one can stop her from playing. She subsequently went and collected another pack of cards and resumed the gambling.

Edwards again took the cards; this infuriated the young woman even more and she challenged the young man to a fight, even hitting him subsequently.

She then left and returned with a cutlass which she had hidden in the school.

She then cuffed and broadsided the young man on his hands and his head.

Eventually she dropped the cutlass which Edwards reportedly picked up and retaliated.

The young woman left the school and after a while, some men aged between 18 and 20 walked into the school, got hold of Edwards and dealt him a severe beating.

T h e s t u d e n t subsequently informed his parents and the matter was reported to the head teacher.

The assault in school

The injured youth, Victor Edwards According to information the girl's boyfriend who is one of the leaders of the gang subsequently turned up in the school, decked out in school uniform, in order to dupe the teachers that he was a student. He then produced an ice pick with which he stabbed Edwards on his arm, ribs and head.

The student had to be rushed to the hospital by his father.

The police were subsequently informed and began investigations. Then on Sunday evening Edwards and some friends were on the road in Smythfield and had to run for their lives when they were attacked by the same gang, this time numbering about 15. They were on bicycles and were armed with cutlasses.

Another report was made to the police station. The police went in search of the men who upon seeing the cops ran away into the Angoy's avenue area. None has been arrested so far.

Thursday November 22, 2012

Page 15

Kaieteur News

Ethanol demonstration plant being built at Albion Sugar Factory An example of a small scale ethanol dehydration technology that will be installed at the Albion Sugar Factory.

Guyana is continuing its quest to explore alternative energy sources.

This time, a Londonbased technology company is building a bio-ethanol demonstration plant that will use molasses at the Albion

Sugar Factory, at a cost of US$500,000, Kaieteur News was told.

According to Whitefox Technologies, yesterday, together with its partner, Green, it has secured a bioethanol contract with the

Guyana Government.

Whitefox is working together with the Brazilian company, Green, to install the units for the plant and will be delivering a turnkey unit early next year.

Bio-ethanol can be

mixed with gasoline to create a blended fuel, offering the chance to significantly reduce Guyana's reliance on oil imports.

With sugarcane, one of Guyana's main commodities

responsible for approximately 20 per cent of the annual revenue and 40 per cent of all agricultural production, Whitefox said that the move will be seen as a positive move to use this resource and the local agricultural expertise in growing sugar cane, to produce liquid fuel (in the form of bioethanol) and bioelectricity (through using the waste bagasse from the cane).

“Utilising this resource for bioenergy production will help improve Guyana's balance of payments and enable it to become more self-reliant.

“The objective is to move towards a 10 per cent blend of bioethanol to gasoline.”

The project, through the government's Agriculture Sector Development Unit (ASDU), is being supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

“As part of the development of its Climate

Change Strategy, the IDB has identified sustainable bio-fuels as a priority area.

After detailed studies it was concluded that locally produced bio-fuels could have a positive impact in Guyana.

Whitefox Technologies will provide the dehydration technology for the first small scale bio-ethanol facility in Guyana.”

Gillian Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of Whitefox Technologies said: “We are very proud to be playing a role in the development of the ethanol industry in Guyana.

We see the potential for countries like Guyana to use locally produced resources to produce ethanol and electricity, which we expect to have a positive impact on development and improvements in the local economy”. Guyana is said to be well-suited for bio-energy production given its abundance of sun, water, and available land.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 22, 2012

Young mechanic died by drowning, blunt trauma The Blankenburg, West Coast Demerara mechanic who was found dead in a hotel pool, died of drowning compounded by blunt trauma, a post mortem examination found yesterday.

Sadeek Juman was discovered dead in the swimming pool of the popular Double Day hotel at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo on Monday afternoon. He would have been celebrating his 21st birthday today, but will be buried instead.

Blunt trauma suggests that the young man hit his head in the pool or that he was physically attacked.

H o w e v e r, i f h e w a s physically attacked that would have been referred to as “blunt force trauma” which was not the conclusion of the post mortem, according to a pathologist.

Juman was discovered in the pool by hotel workers around 16:00 hrs Monday, manager Rabindra Bhola told Kaieteur News.

The discovery was made about 24 hours after Juman was seen entering the facility. Relatives had suggested that the young man never did go to the hotel, but others recalled seeing him

disembarking the bus at the hotel.

He had left home to go see his grandmother at Ruby, East Bank Essequibo on Sunday.

Police investigations are continuing.

A 17-year-old girl who was caught with 1.5 kilograms of cannabis in her possession at the Ogle Airstrip appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on a drug trafficking charge.

According reports, the teen was intercepted at the Ogle Airstrip while she was in the process of sending goods into an interior location.

The suspect was purportedly sending two tires into the interior for her stepfather, v ia the Ogle Airstrip, when she was questioned by ranks of the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) about the package since the type of wheels that

she was transporting into the interior could not be used there.

Further suspicion arose when the ranks handled the said articles and found that they seemed to have something “rolling around in the inside.” Additional investigation revealed that the tyres had a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems concealed on the inside.

Attorney –At-Law Glenn Hanoman made an application for bail. The lawyer noted that the offence is not bailable except when special reason is given.

He said that his application was on the grounds that his

client is a juvenile who turned 17 just last August. The lawyer, none- the -less was not in possession of his client’s birth certificate as evidence to support his statement.

CANU Special P r o s e c u t o r, Oswald Messiah, submitted that according to the Narcotics and Psychotropic Controls Act the lawyer’s application did not satisfy the grounds of special reason for bail.

Thus the teen was remanded into police custody. Her case is scheduled to be recalled on N o v e m b er 27, at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court.

Sadeek Juman

Teen remanded after Ogle drug bust

Canadian University Service Overseas (CUSO) replaces VSO

By Latoya Giles Dr Roger Luncheon has said that Government has decided to part ways with t h e Vo l u n t e e r S e r v i c e s Overseas group. He made the disclosure yesterday at his weekly press briefing.

According to Dr Luncheon, the VSO had informed Government that it will no longer operate in Guyana.

At the s a m e t i m e Canadian University Service Overseas (CUSO International) opted to replace the British operation. Dr Luncheon explained that the agreement with VSO was between Guyana and Britain.

He said that over the years volunteers from Britain were assigned to Guyana with different fields. Dr Luncheon noted that CUSO is a parallel organization with the same aim and objection as VSO, with the provision of the same skills.

E a c h y e a r, C U S O International would send hundreds of volunteers to work on collaborative development projects in

more than 40 countries in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

CUSO International (formerly CUSO-VSO) was created in 2008 from the merger of two development agencies. CUSO was founded in 1961, originally as Canadian University Service Overseas.

Vo l u n t a r y Service Overseas Canada started in 1995. Combined, they placed some 15,000 volunteers in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, the Americas, the Caribbean and Eastern Europe.

CUSO International is the North American strategic alliance partner of VSO, a worldwi de federation of voluntary s e rvice overseas organizations based in the UK, the Netherlands, Kenya and the Philippines.

Volunteers are also recruited from the United States (through CUSO), India (IVO), Ireland (VSO Ireland), Uganda (VSO Jitolee) and Australia (AVI), and from several de v e l o p i n g countries with VSO

p r o g r a m m e s .

Approximately one-quarter of CUSO and VSO volunteers are from the developing world.

These VSO agencies make up the world’s largest non-governmental development network that works through volunteers.

Collectively, the members of VSO International have placed over 45,000 volunteers since 1958.

CUSO International volunteers come from many professional and personal backgrounds, from many ages, and from across Canada and the United States as well as from many of the Southern countries in which they work.

Through its own programmes and as a strategic partner of VSO, CUSO works with developing world organizations and governments to identify areas of greatest need. Volunteers work with overseas partner groups on locally and nationally managed projects.

This way, the benefits of their work continue to be felt by local people long after the volunteers have passed on their skills and returned home.

Thursday November 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 17

CeCe Winans, 15-member troupe coming for 'Fulfilment' Festival

CeCe Winans

T

en-time Grammy award winner and double platinum recording artiste, CeCe Winans, has been contracted to perform at a massive Gospel Festival set for the Guyana National Stadium on January 26, 2013. The renowned artiste is expected to be backed by a 15member troupe.

At least this has been confirmed by Chief Executive of Inspire Inc., Yog Mahadeo, who said yesterday that Winans is expected to arrive in Guyana on January 25, 2013, ahead of the show entitled 'Fulfilment'. He was at the time addressing a press conference at the Princess International Hotel.

The press conference also marked the official launch of the event which is being touted as the largest Christian event in the history of Guyana's entertainment. “ We a r e h a p p y t o announce that it is official. It is now locked and ready; we are having our Gospel Festival 2013... CeCe Winans will perform live,” said Mahadeo. He said that the Festival is appropriately titled. “We believe that we are fulfilling the dreams and hopes of a lot of persons...More so we are fulfilling what we hope to be...”

It is Mahadeo's expectation that the event will become an annual feature each January and will serve to provide the necessary impetus and motivation to bring the entire country together.

“People we have spoken to have already expressed a lot of excitement and volunteers have already started to come on board.

Our leadership within the Christian community has already started to come on board too,” Mahadeo added.

Collaboration with the Christian community is essential, he stressed, to ensure that “every step of the

From left: Pastor Ralph Harte, Reverend Kwame Gilbert, Mr Yog Mahadeo, Mr Muharrem Kulekci, Pastor Simon Harris and Mr Oliver Kanhai. process is blessed; that we are doing everything the right way and with the right intentions and to achieve the right aims.”

The event is currently attracting an estimated cost of $60 million and already Princess International Hotel and Casino has thrown in its financial support, Mahadeo disclosed yesterday.

Princess International Hotel and Casino has for the past three years been involved in supporting a number of cultural events thus the move to support the Gospel festival came as a naturally.

According to the entity's General Manager, Muharrem Kulekci, “We are pleased to inform you that we are happy to be a part of this wonderful cultural event. I am very excited to have people come together at the Stadium to see this wonderful event.”

The event is also expected to feature local gospel artistes who will be represented by the “cream of the crop”, according to Youth Minister of the House of Prayer Church at Tucville, Georgetown, Ralph Harte.

“Lots of local gospel artistes have already signalled their intention to be a part of this event so what you will be able to experience is not just CeCe Winans and what she is but also the very best of our Guyanese artistes who are doing well here and overseas.”

Cece Winans is today a household name in gospel music in Guyana, according to Reverend Kwame Gilbert of the Kitty, Georgetown, Wo r l d Vi s i o n N e w Testament Church. He lauded the plans to bring such a renowned artiste to Guyana.

The artiste's arrival in Guyana, he noted, will be at a time when most churches are engaged in prayer and fasting thus will set the tone (continued on page 19)

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 22, 2012

Wider investigations at NCN unlikely …recommendations made against staffers - Luncheon Government is not likely to order a wider probe into the affairs of the National Communications Network (NCN) unless the Auditor General demands it.

Responding to media queries, yesterday, on the status of a board-conducted investigation at the stateowned company, which controls a string of television stations and the only authorized radio station, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, also said that President Donald Ramotar has received a completed report. Ramotar is the Minister of Information.

Dr Luncheon admitted that a number of recommendations have been

made regarding staffers. He, however, declined to go into details making it clear that the state is yet to “pronounce definitively” on the report.

He also said that a number of interim steps have been implemented at NCN. Government will be considering making the report public, he added.

NCN came under the spotlight this year after allegatio n s o f f r a u d p r o m p t e d the Board of Directors, headed by Dr. Prem Misir, to launch an investigation into payments to the entity for the Jingle and Song Competition hosted

by Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) last year.

NCN was hired by GT&T to record and produce the popular show last year.

However, acting on information, the NCN Board launched a probe and discovered that Programme Manager, Martin Goolsarran, collected almost $4M and placed it in his personal bank account. There was also no written contract.

There were several other breaches discovered in the probe conducted by an independent auditor which led to Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Sattaur, resigning.

Goolsarran has been sent on suspension leave since June.

The probe was triggered after NCN, during the budget debates in the National

Assembly, disclosed that it earned over $500M last year…yet wanted over $60M in subsidies from Government.

An angry opposition, claiming that NCN had been continuously biased in its coverage of them, reduced the NCN amount to $1.

During the probe, evidence had emerged that both Goolsarran and Sattaur allegedly pressured staffers to falsify documents, backdating them to fool the auditors.

There were other indications of records deliberately being poorly kept. The opposition parties, the A Partnership For National Unity and the Alliance For

Mohamed Sattaur

Martin Goolsarran

Change (AFC) had both called for the resignation of the board.

There were also questions about the failure of the Board to pick up the breaches.

The NCN affair had proven to be a major embarrassment for the administration with questions also whether criminal charges will likely to be laid.

GT&T’s 20% sale…

No decision yet on how US$25M will be spent - govt.

Government says that it has not made any decision yet on the sale of its 20% stakes in GT&T and that the monies have not gone into the Marriott Hotel construction.

Almost $5B (US$25M) received by government for the sale of its 20 per cent stakes in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) has been

placed into the accounts of the Privatization Unit (PU)/ National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) but no decisions have been made as

yet how it will be spent.

Speaking with reporters yesterday, Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, made it clear that proceeds from privatization deals have to

first go to the accounts of those two state-owned companies which are charged with managing Government assets.

NICIL’s Board of

Directors, which comprises Government ministers, is to meet shortly to decide on the funds.

The sum has been under the focus of the Alliance For Change (AFC) recently with the party’s leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, saying that he has been informed that Government intended to use it for the construction of the Marriott Hotel in Kingston.

However, Government has denied this with Dr Luncheon yesterday warning that such conclusions would be “premature”.

“To jump from Privatization Unit/NICIL to others (Marriott), in the absence of a specific and deliberate decision…is a bit premature.”

In the face of the impending liberalization of the telecommunication sector to allow new players, Government had decided to sell the shares which had been

earning around $500M annually. However, GT&T’s parent company Atlantic Tele-Network (ATN) had refused to buy them.

The shares were sold to Hong Kong-based Datang Telecom Technology and Industry Group earlier this year for US$30M, with US$25M in cash up front and the rest to be paid over a year.

The Marriott Hotel had come under criticisms because of Government’s failure to name the investors especially in light of the fact that over US$20M was being spent by government to build it. Construction has already started on the 197-room hotel which will include a casino, nightclub and restaurant.

Local hoteliers had questioned whether it was fair that Government was embarking on a project that will compete directly with them at a time when there was a problem filling rooms.

Thursday November 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 19

Two stillbirths occur at Berbice hospital, mothers in anguish Two child deaths rocked Berbice, and took place hours apart; both at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

Kaieteur News spoke with the sorrowful yet angry mothers who were in tears.

One mother said that it was her first baby after 17 years and the child died. She believes it could have been prevented.

Keisha Niles, 35, a teacher of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam was admitted last Wednesday at 02:00 hrs “with severe back pains. The doctor examined me and they said I was not ready; that I was not dilated as yet”.

She added that throughout the following day, they kept checking but there was no dilation. “I begged them to do the caesarian section; because of the pain I was feeling. I begged them.

Even my mom and a niece who works at the hospital begged them but still. “(Eventually) the pain stopped and I was admitted. I told them that my family suffers from sickle cell anemia and asked them if they can run the test because my HB count was low too.

They said the results were due in 24 hours”.

The woman said that the results did not come back until Monday “and they [the doctors] had an attitude, telling me that I had so many high persons calling his phone and they asked me why not let one of them go and get the test results”.

Her cousin later uplifted the results. She added that the results came in after the doctor left the ward. On Tuesday, the doctor advised her to do an ultra sound. “She told some of us to go and do the ultra sound and when I went to do it that was when the doctor showed me the baby's heart was not beating.

Immediately I had to go and they induced labour on Tuesday and gave me the

tablets. Around 9pm Tuesday night I delivered the child”.

“This is happening too often—and I have one child, 17, and now this one. And the amount of preparations I made for that child, I don't know; only God can comfort me and only he knows how I feel”.

All the doctor can tell her now, she said, “is that they are sorry; nothing else”. She believes that the death could have been prevented “had they done the c- section when I asked on Thursday—the child was still alive and unto Monday afternoon I heard my baby's heartbeat on the monitor!”

The doctor has given no explanation to the mother to date. “I feel real bad because this is years I waited for this child—I prepared!”

Not too far away from her bedside was the other mother who was supposed to have twins; but only one child made it through.

Carletta Griffith, 35, of Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, said that she delivered a premature baby and “the next one with…I did not know was twins so the other one held on.

The nurse called the doctor to help me and she told him that they had to go emergency to take out this child but he decided not to go emergency and he decided to rip my inside, turning and bringing, turning and bringing, turning and bringing.

“When I couldn't do it anymore, he decided to pull the child and the head stick up. He asked me to push and I told him I cannot push anymore and I gave one more push and he held the child from the hand and pulled it out.

The nurse told him that she hopes he does not make the child die and when the

CeCe Winans, 15-member ...

From page 17 for an atmosphere of spiritual revival to come to the nation.

According to Pastor Simon Harris of the Ruimveldt Life Improvement Centre Assembly of God Church, Guyana has long been abuzz with talk about CeCe Winans so it was already in the air that some big gospel artiste was coming.

He said that since the visit of Donnie McClurkin, another top recording artiste earlier this year, the Christian community has been waiting for the next big artiste which will now materialise in the person of CeCe Winans. “We are so happy as a church to join with Yog to bring off this event...it is wonderful for Guyana,” Pastor Harris asserted.

Businessman Oliver Kanhai of the Agricola/McDoom area, who also shared the head table at the press conference, said that it is no secret that the event is highly anticipated and will no doubt be well supported by the Guyanese society. He is optimistic that the Fulfilment Festival will even help to foster much needed change.

child came out it died, but before they were feeling the heartbeat so that's why the nurse asked him to take me to the operation theatre.”

The woman said it was not an easy task “to see a doctor doing you something like this—If it was their country, they could not have done it like this and that is very sad—that is murder because you can't deliver a child like this!”. “He ripped up all my inside!”

The incident took place on Monday evening. Her

first child was delivered on Monday morning.

The woman broke down in tears. “The nurse told me it could have been prevented”.

She said the doctor came in also with an attitude at the time of delivery.

“I call that murder; the doctor murdered my child and he gonna pay for it—I woulda get my child today because all them nurses told me I woulda get my child up to today”, she said, crying.

The doctor was not available for comment.

Keisha Niles

Page 20

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 22, 2012

Thursday November 22, 2012

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Thursday November 22, 2012

T&T environmentalist continues hunger strike

Dr. Wayne Kublalsingh PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC Environmentalist Dr. Wayne Kublalsingh begins the eighth day of a hunger strike today after his mother dismissed a personal letter from Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar that she had “a duty and an obligation to the nation in ensuring that all matters are dealt with fairly and in the interest of everyone”.

Kublalsingh, 53, a University of the West Indies (UWI) lecturer, started the hunger strike in support of an effort by a group opposed to

the construction of a highway, south of here. He has pledged to continue the hunger strike until Prime Minister Persad Bissessar meets with the Highway ReRoute Movement in “any form or fashion” to discuss the construction of the San Fernando-to-Point Fortin Highway.

The four-party coalition People’s Partnership government has said it provided every opportunity to the Highway Re-Route Movement group and Dr. Wayne Kublalsingh “to present their objections and concerns” regarding the extension of the highway and “ in any event the Highway Re-route Movement has filed a case raising the very issues and these are now therefore the subject of judicial consideration by the High Court”.

In a letter sent by Prime Minister Persad Bissessar to Kublalsingh’s mother, Vilma, she said “as a mother, I share your concern for the wellbeing of Wayne.

“Your brief note tugged at my heartstrings when I read it, for I know what your son’s

actions must be putting you through. As Prime Minister, I also have a duty and an obligation to the nation in ensuring that all matters are dealt with fairly and in the interest of everyone.”

Prime Minister Persad Bissessar said that she had met with Kublalsingh “and took the decision to put on hold a section of the extension of the Solomon Hochoy Highway to Point Fortin development until discussions were held and a technical evaluation conducted.

“These conditions were met, discussions held, evaluations concluded and compromises made to the development. But the insistence of the Highway ReRoute Movement to stop the project is not tenable, and the lives of hundreds of thousands of citizens who will enjoy the positive benefits of the road linkages for generations to come cannot be denied.”

She said while she “admire the strength of conviction of Wayne, I am not so sure that the measures used to express his views are

good for him or the cause he represents.

“I share a deep understanding for the need for causes such as Wayne’s but not of the effects in this particular matter. I assure you, however, that both as a mother and Prime Minister, I have been moved to put in place all measures to ensure that your son is well looked after, albeit within the confines of whatever he allows.”

But Mrs. Kublalsingh dismissed the letter telling reporters “this does not say anything. What they saying is that they are prepared to let my son die”.

The environmentalist, who is staging his hunger

strike outside the Office of the Prime Minister, said while he is feeling “extraordinarily weak and very dehydrated” he would not accept any offer from the government for assistance.

“When my vital signs begin to disint e g r a t e , I myself, alone, will give a warning, and our group will take charge. I will decide that; I don’t need any advice on that,” he said, adding that his family has hired an ambulance.

“They will take me to Port of Spain General Hospital. I do not want to go to any private hospital. I am simply waiting on word from the Prime Minister, not to meet with her, but I am simply

asking her to keep her promise to put on hold and review the Debe to Mon Desir section of the highway and to establish a committee to consider essential factors such as hydrology, costbenefit analysis and social impact assessment,” he said.

Kublalsingh said he remained committed to the hunger strike, even though he was advised that his health was “being risked” at this point.

“I got some advice that my health was under risk, but with this struggle, you have to take some risks. I feel fine; all my vitals are operating fairly. I am weak and my mouth is extraordinarily dry,” he added.

Jamaica has high oil import bill

KINGSTON, Jamaica (DN) — Jamaica spends an estimated US$2.25 billion on oil imports and a monthly J$1.2 billion (One Jamaica dollar =US$0.04 cents) public sector energy bill, Junior Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Minister Julian Robinson has said.

He said there is need, therefore, to stem the expenditure on oil imports and energy usage, warning these high costs could bring the economy to a standstill.

“What we spend on oil exceeds everything that we export, including remittances.

We are in an unsustainable path. We will not be able to afford to pay for the oil, if we continue on this path, because the economy is just not generating enough money. The second part of it is that our energy costs are just too high,” he told a oneweek Energy Management Training Programme for

Julian Robinson public sector officials.

Robinson said that at J$0.42 cents per kilowatt hour, Jamaica’s energy cost is six to seven times that of oil rich Trinidad and Tobago and as a result affects the country’s ability to compete effectively.

He said money saved on energy usage and oil imports could instead be used to boost the economy.

“We want to achieve a 30 per cent reduction in our public sector energy bill. Just imagine if every month the government could spend $360 million to purchase goods and services,” he said.

He said the public sector must lead by example in the thrust for lower oil and energy costs. “There are too many aspects of the public sector where we simply do not pay enough attention to how we manage our energy. You are going to be leaders, because hopefully you will go back and champion what you have gained here and treat it as your own.”

The energy management training programme is designed for public sector workers who are responsible for energy management, as well as other professionals in the public sector who have direct responsibility for managing energy use as a part of their job function.

PIOJ says more Jamaicans employed Jamaica - The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is reporting that 18,000 new persons were employed as at July this year, to bring the total number (of persons employed) to 1,094,700, an increase of 11,100 persons, relative to the similar period last year.

Speaking at the PIOJ’s quarterly press briefing at the Institute’s New Kingston offices on November 20, Director General, Dr. Gladstone Hutchinson, disclosed that based on the latest labour force survey, conducted by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), the workforce complement as at July 2012, stood at some 1,256,000 persons.

He pointed out that the labour force increased by some 20,600 persons as at July this year, compared to the

Dr. Gladstone Hutchinson corresponding period last year.

The Director General further advised of an increase of 2,600 in the number of persons, aged 14 years and older, currently constituting

the labour force. Dr. Hutchinson informed that eight of 16 industries recorded increases in the number of persons employed. Those recording the largest increases, he disclosed, include: wholesale and retail, and repair of motor vehicles and equipment, which were up 13,800 persons; manufacturing , up 6,400 persons; and agriculture, forestry and fishing, up 5,400 persons.

While noting that the unemployment rate, as of July 2012 stood at some 12.8 per cent, which was approximately 0.5 per cent point higher than the rate recorded for July last year, Dr. Hutchinson said it was 1.5 per cent points lower than the figure reported at the start of the 2012/13 fiscal year, in April.

Thursday November 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Trinidadian named 2013 Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes scholar BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – 22-year-old Cornelius Neale of Trinidad & Tobago has been named the 2013 Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes Scholar.

Governor General Sir Elliott Belgrave, the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee, said Neale won from a field of six candidates from Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

Neale, from Marabella in San Fernando, south Trinidad, who intends to pursue a Masters in Environmental Change and Management, with an emphasis on Climate Change

and its repercussions for the Caribbean, said he is “quite humbled by the moment.

“I am a bit speechless…

It feels good to bring the award back to Trinidad, after some years. The first person I am going to call is my mum; I am a single child and she is a single parent, so she will be the first person to hear the good news,” Neale said.He said he his “ambition for the Caribbean region” may have given him the edge over the other Caribbean students.

“My main area is energy and the environment. I plan on diversifying the region’s energy in terms of solar energy.

That is my particular area of research, especially with

Jamaica Observer Finance and Planning Minister Dr Peter Phillips admitted Tuesday that an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) might not be possible before January.

Dr Phillips made the admission under tremendous pressure from Opposition Spokesman on Finance Audley Shaw, in the House of Representatives, following the minister’s statement on his tabling of the tax reform White Paper and a couple of fiscal framework ministry papers.

Asked by Shaw whether he still thinks that a deal will be completed by year-end, Dr Phillips admitted that there was “a set of technical issues” surrounding the question of “buffers” against the current global economic outlook.

He said that the issue involves an extensive set of discussions — which are continuing with a visit to Washington, DC, currently by a Jamaican delegation — and there was no formal decision on those “buffers”.

“Until the Letter of Intent is finalised and any prior actions additional to what are now being discussed, I cannot say to you nor to the country, definitively, that a board meeting (in) December or January is the particular date.

But we are working to ink the agreement this side of the calendar year,” Dr Phillips said.

However, Shaw was not convinced by the minister’s response and reacted, “It appears to me, quite frankly, and I speak from my own experience, that you might be better off simply admitting that a December agreement is not on the cards”.

“I am not trying to draw your tongue or anything, but I speak from my vantage point and my experience. I think that it might be better minister if you remove the debate and the uncertainty about a December decision because it appears to me manifestly clear that, in relation to the number of hanging issues that remain, the date will clearly have to be pushed back,” Shaw added.

Phillips responded that as much as he was committed to transparency and to speak full to the House, he could not “speak about something that is not settled”.

He said that the IMF had not raised the prior actions issues yet, and he had referred to them on the basis of his assessment of the discussions.

“The fact of the matter is that I have every expectation, as I said, that we will conclude the agreement to the point of a Letter of Intent being issued this calendar year.

That remains my expectation and it also remains my hope... Both are possible, but I am more certain about the Letter of Intent being settled this side of the year.

When that is settled, you can be assured that we will report to this House fully and with the utmost transparency,” Dr Phillips said.

Shaw noted that there was distinction between the agreement on a Letter of Intent and a decision by the IMF board.

Phillips insisted that when the IMF management takes a decision to go to the board with a Letter of Intent, “it is based upon their belief, usually, that the programme that they have is likely to be supported by the board”.

Phillips puts doubt on December IMF deal

Trinidad and Tobago and the hydrocarbons that we have been using.

“I have done my research on governmental housing to get away from the conventional oil and gas, and it is something that can be spread throughout the Caribbean, because we are blessed with a lot of solar and alternative energy. I think my ambition to drive the Caribbean forward into using renewable energy might be a key factor that may have played out today,” he said.

Secretary of the Selection

Committee, Peter Goldson, a former Jamaica Rhodes Scholar, said all of the candidates were worthy, but Neale’s interview put him over the top.

He added that in addition to academic excellence, Rhodes Scholars must exhibit other characteristics, including leadership, concern for the weak, and a desire to give public service, and to make a difference in the world.

The scholarship covers tuition and living expenses to attend the University of Oxford in England. It is

considered the most prestigious postgraduate scholarship in the world.

“We had to make sure that the candidates were of a very high calibre. The committee tries to test them to see who is the strongest. In our discussions at the end, there were a number of them who were in contention as the possible winner.

“But the committee thought that Mr. Neale was most deserving of the scholarship this year. We are delighted to have announced him as the winner and we are

looking forward in the future to more applicants from Barbados because of the quality of its education system,” Goldson said.

Among the Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes Scholarship awardees in the past include the late Professor Rex Nettleford; Professor Trevor Monroe; Norman Manley and Chief Justice of Barbados, Marston Gibson.

Internationally, Rhodes Scholars have included former United States President Bill Clinton.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 22, 2012

Caribbean records significant decrease in HIV infections BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC - The number of children born with the deadly HIV declined significantly in the Caribbean during the period 2009 and 2011, according to the 2012 global report by UNAIDS. The report noted that the Caribbean, which has the second highest incidence of HIV/AIDS after sub-Saharan Africa, also recorded the highest decline in AIDSrelated deaths of any region between 2005 and 2011.

“The number of people

(adults and children) acquiring HIV infection in 2011 was 20 per cent lower than in 2001. The sharpest declines in the numbers of people acquiring HIV infection since 2001 have occurred in the Caribbean (42 per cent) and sub-Saharan Africa (25 per cent),” said the report released ahead of World AIDS day on December 1.

World AIDS Day will be observed under the theme “Zero new HIV infections, zero AIDSrelated deaths, zero

discrimination”.

The report said aggressive efforts by governments worldwide to combat the disease by pumping more money into research and making drugs more available have also led to reduction in AIDS-related death.

The report noted that the number of people dying from the disease began to decline in the mid-2000s because of scaled-up antiretroviral therapy and the steady decline in HIV incidence since

the peak in 1997.

“This decline continued in 2011, with evidence that the drop in the number of people dying from AIDS-related causes was accelerating in several countries. “In 2011, 1.7 million people died from AIDS-related causes worldwide. This represents a 24 per cent decline in AIDS-related mortality compared with 2005, when 2.3 million deaths occurred.

“The Caribbean (48 per cent) and Oceania (41 per cent) experienced significant declines in AIDS-related deaths between 2005 and 2011,” the report said, adding that Eastern Europe and Central Asia and the Middle East and North Africa, however, experienced significant increases in mortality from AIDS. The report said that the scaling up of antiretroviral therapy in low and middleincome countries, it added, has transformed national AIDS responses and generated broadbased health gains.

“Since 1995, antiretroviral

therapy has saved 14 million lifeyears in low and middle-income countries, including nine million in sub-Saharan Africa.”

But the report noted that getting to zero new HIV infections, however, will require substantial reductions each year.

“Although there is reason for optimism, including favourable trends in sexual behaviour in many countries and the additive impact of new biomedical prevention strategies, the current pace of progress is insufficient to reach the global goal of halving sexual transmission by 2015, underscoring the urgent need for intensified action,” the report said.

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago says it is closer to achieving the goal of zero HIV/AIDS infections.

Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan said that while there was an average of 20,000 people living with the virus in Trinidad and Tobago, the rate of infection was steadily

declining.

“Already, we have seen a reduction in the number of cases, from over 1,400 new cases recorded in 2008 to 1,077 cases recorded in 2011.

This represents a 25 per cent decline in new diagnosis and brings our average down to three new cases per day,” he said.Dr Khan said that the goal is to decrease the 2008 rate of infection by the year 2015 by 50 per cent.

“In 2008, four new cases were diagnosed every day; by 2015, we aim to reduce that figure to two new cases a day,” Khan said.

“Discrimination against persons living with or affected by HIV/AIDS is a very sensitive topic and is being addressed through strong policies that were launched since October 2011.

These policies are the health sector workplace HIV policy and the prevention of motherto-child transmission of HIV policy,” he added.

Millions missing from THA accounts - Justice Minister

Trinidad Guardian Justice Minister Christlyn Moore waded into chief secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Orville London Tuesday saying he had displayed maladministration of Tobago’s affairs for the past 12 years. Moore was contributing to Tuesday’s Senate debate on a private motion brought by Opposition senator Fitzgerald Hinds. The motion called on the Government to reaffirm its commitment to the principles and practice of democracy.

Moore said more than $29 million was not accounted for by the THA in 2005 in the Auditor General’s report. She said the THA under London had been keeping millions of dollars as unspent balances and then claiming the PP Government was not allocating sufficient funds for

Christlyn Moore its projects.

Moore criticised the People’s National Movementcontrolled THA, saying it had treated the people of the sister isle with contempt by having a Tobago Day in Trinidad. The PNM, led by

London, held the family day at Balisier House last Sunday.

Moore said it was very degrading for Tobagonians as they came to Trinidad and were given “cold food and hot beers.”

She was critical of PNM politicians for telling people if they voted for the Tobago Organisation of the People/ PP they would be encouraging Indians to take over the island. Moore said that was also degrading. She said the THA had not displayed democratic principles because it failed to construct several projects, including the Tobago hospital, after some seven years.

Moore said the recentlyopened Financial Complex had no toilet facilities and people using the building had to go to a nearby restaurant when nature called.

Thursday November 22, 2012

MTV CHANNEL 14/ CABLE 65 Sign on 06:00 hrs - Islamic Perspective 06:30 hrs - News Update 07:00 hrs - DAYBREAK 08:00 hrs - Dabi’s Musical Hour

Kaieteur News

08:30 hrs - Avon DVD Club music hour 09:15 hrs - Top Notch Music Break 09:30 hrs - Caribbean Temptation Music Mix 10:00 hrs - Amanda’s Costume Jewellery Music break 10:30 hrs - GINA programme

11:00 hrs - National Geographic 12:00 hrs - The View 13:00 hrs - Village Talk 13:30 hrs - The Young and the Restless 14:30 hrs - Days Of Our Lives 15:00 hrs - General Hospital 16:00 hrs - The Bold and the

Thursday November 22, 2012 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Happiness may be eluding you today, even if it feels very close. Unfortunately, when it gets near, reality doesn’t measure up to your fantastic expectations. All the best of intentions won’t ensure that everything will work out as planned, unless you are willing to live in a dream world now.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You’re normally not comfortable with uncertainty because you like to know where you are and where you are heading. Now, however, your key planet Venus is having a tough time getting her bearings due to fuzzy Neptune’s influence — and you might feel lost.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may feel a bit awkward in an intimate encounter if the intensity of emotional expression goes to an extreme.

But this isn’t necessarily about drama, since your feelings are probably quite contained. The difficulty stems from your inability to separate what you want from what you think you are experiencing.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You may feel as if the day has wrapped you in a soft velvety blanket of fantasy and you just want to curl up in your contentment. You feel very safe in your isolation, but it’s not as easy when you have to interact with the outer world.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Relationships are now a source of great pleasure and also a bit of confusion.

Although you can temporarily sidestep conflict by glossing over a disagreement with broad philosophical generalizations and sweet gestures, you must face the truth sooner or later.

It’s best to speak your heart VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your words may be unintentionally hurtful today, precipitating a challenging emotional situation. It may be

too easy to project your unresolved feelings on to the nearest person.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your key planet Venus has found a sweet ally in dreamy Neptune today, so let your imagination soar to the greatest possible heights. Give yourself some quiet time to fantasize about whatever you choose.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Loving Venus enters your intense sign today, continuing to lure you into hidden worlds and magical dimensions. This journey into the unknown is accentuated as Venus opens channels to surreal Neptune, making the beauty of your imagination even more apparent to others.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Your desires are now being fueled by idealism as the Sun enters your adventurous sign and moves toward a creative square to inspirational Neptune. You aren’t willing to settle for anything less than perfection now.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may have a frustrating time establishing balance in your life today. You might need to relinquish control because the edges of your plans are dissolving into a changing set of circumstances.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

You have free reign within your own mind today because external noises won’t get in the way of your romantic fantasies. Without any sense of guilt, you can go wherever you want and travel on your wildest thoughts and desires.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Be careful, for your optimism could blindside you today, especially with respect to relationships. Your key planet imaginative Neptune receives a sweet love tap from Venus, tempting you to sugarcoat nearly any difficult situation.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 22, 2012

Goma rebels say will “liberate” all Congo S A K E / G O M A , Democratic Republic of Congo (Reuters) - Rebel forces in eastern Congo vowed yesterday to “liberate” all of the vast central African country as they began seizing towns near the Rwandan border and spoke of a 1,000-mile march to the capital Kinshasa.

The M23 rebels, widely believed to be backed by Rwanda, captured the eastern city of Goma on Tuesday, a provincial capital home to a million people; United Nations peacekeepers simply looked on, after Congolese troops had quit the town.

Regional leaders called on the rebels to halt their advance and Congo’s President Joseph Kabila appeared to soften his stand yesterday, saying he would look in to rebel grievances as the insurgents extended their reach.

“The journey to liberate Congo has started now,” Vianney Kazarama, spokesman for the rebel group, told a crowd of more than 1,000 at a stadium in Goma. “We’re going to move

Congolese Revolution Army (CRA) rebels sit in a truck as they patrol a street in Sake, 25 km (15.5 miles) north of Goma city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), yesterday.

REUTERS/James Akena on to Bukavu, and then to Kinshasa. Are you ready to join us?

Hours later, a rebel unit took control of Sake, a strategic town near Goma on the road running the length of Lake Kivu to Bukavu, 100 km (60 miles) away. In the 1990s, the current president’s

father burst out of the same area at the head of a rebel force to overthrow Mobutu Sese Seko.

A Reuters correspondent in Sake saw heavily armed rebels in control of the town and no sign of fighting. The bodies of four uniformed men and one in civilian clothing

lay by the road. Locals inspected shelled buildings, burned out cars and a tank abandoned by the Kinshasa government’s FARDC army.

The government in Kinshasa issued a statement yesterday admitting it had lost the battle but pledging to win the war: “Victory will

be ours. That is what the Congolese want.”

The rebels accuse Kabila of failing to grant them posts in the army in line with a peace deal that ended a previous revolt in 2009. The current rebellion also reflects local ethnic tensions, intertwined with Rwanda’s desire for influence over a neighboring region rich in minerals.

Rwanda previously backed the insurgency that swept Kabila’s father, Laurent, to power in 1996 after a march across Congo to oust Mobutu, veteran dictator of a country then known as Zaire.

The new fighting has aggravated tensions between Congo and Rwanda, which the Congolese government says is orchestrating the insurgency as a means of grabbing resources, which include diamonds, gold and coltan, an ore of rare metals used in electronics and hightech materials.

U.N. experts have backed Congo’s accusations implicating Rwanda’s defense minister. The government in Kigali denies the charges and

says Kinshasa and world powers have failed to address the root causes of years of conflict in the region.

Kabila and Rwandan President Paul Kagame met yesterday in the Ugandan capital Kampala after holding three-way talks with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni late on Tuesday.

African foreign ministers urged the African Union to deploy troops to halt the rebels and Kabila, Kagame and Museveni ordered the rebels to halt their advance.

After refusing any form of dialogue with the rebels, Kabila said he would evaluate the causes of the conflict but gave no further details on possible talks.

But there are signs of trouble for Kabila already spreading in the country the size of western Europe.

A Reuters reporter saw hundreds of young men with sticks sack the headquarters of Kabila’s PPRD party in Bukavu, in protest at the Congolese government’s failure to defend Goma.

Goma itself was quiet on (continued on page 28)

Hamas and Israel agree to ceasefire

Mahmoud Abbas and Benjamin Netanyahu GAZA/JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel and Hamas agreed yesterday to a ceasefire brokered by Egypt on the eighth day of intensive Israeli fire on the Gaza Strip and militant rocket attacks out of the enclave, Israeli, Palestinian and Egyptian sources said.

First word of the truce came from a Palestinian official who has knowledge of the negotiations in Cairo, where U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was also pursuing peace efforts.

Asked whether a ceasefire deal had been reached, an Egyptian official in Cairo said: “Yes, and Egypt will announce it.”

Egyptian state TV had earlier said a news conference would be broadcast from President Mohamed Mursi’s palace shortly.

Israeli sources said Israel had agreed to a truce, but would not lift its blockade of the Palestinian territory, which is run by the Islamist Hamas movement.

All the sources declined to be named or to give further details of the arrangements hammered out in Cairo. More than 140 Palestinians and five Israelis have been killed in the fighting that began last week Wednesday.

The ceasefire, if confirmed, was forged despite a bus bomb explosion that

wounded 15 Israelis in Tel Aviv earlier in the day and despite more Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip.

After talks in Ramallah with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Clinton held a second meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before travelling to Egypt for discussions with Mursi, whose country has led mediation efforts.

In Tel Aviv, targeted by rockets from Gaza that either did not hit the city or were shot down by Israel’s Iron Dome interceptor system, 15 people were wounded when a bus was blown up near the Defence Ministry and military headquarters.

The blast, which police said was caused by a bomb placed on the vehicle, touched off celebratory gunfire from militants in Gaza and had threatened to complicate truce efforts. It was the first serious bombing in Israel’s commercial capital since 2006.

In Gaza, Israel struck more than 100 targets, including a cluster of Hamas government buildings, in attacks that medical officials said killed 10 people, among them a 2-yearold boy.

Thursday November 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 27

Putin says Russia’s economy to suffer from WTO entry

MOSCOW (Reuters) Russia’s energy-based economy will take a serious blow from membership of the WTO coupled with a global slowdown, President Vladimir Putin warned yesterday, singling out the most vulnerable sectors of the $1.9 trillion economy.

Higher unemployment and budget revenue shortfalls were likely to result from moves to cut some import duties to comply with WTO rules, Putin said, making domestically produced goods less attractive to cashstrapped consumers and businesses.

“We should understand that the initial period in WTO will require a serious adjustment of our economy,” Putin told his Security Council convened to discuss risks posed to national security by the World Trade Organization membership.

Russia’s domestic animal farming, agricultural machinery, medical equipment, automotive, pharmaceutical, textile and food sectors were particularly

at risk, he said.

“Because of the negative trends in the global economy, the risks linked to Russia’s WTO obligations have grown,” he said.

Russia joined the global trade club in August after 18year negotiations. Putin said entry talks were helped by the global economic crisis which made developed economies more willing to make concessions in order to gain access to new markets.

The president said Russia’s so-called monocities, where at least 25 percent of the economically active population work at a single enterprise, were particularly threatened by measures resulting from the country’s WTO membership.

About 15 percent of the

(Reuters) - A suicide bomber killed 13 people at Shi’ite processions in the city where Pakistan’s army is headquartered last night, highlighting the country’s security challenges a day before it hosts leaders from Egypt, Iran and other developing nations.

Local television stations said 13 people were killed but police put the death toll at eight. Twenty-five people were wounded, including children.

The blast ripped a hole in the walls of a Shi’ite mosque in the city of Rawalpindi, near the capital Islamabad. Body parts were scattered at the scene.

Hundreds of worshippers, beating their heads and chests, kept marching, even though other explosive devices were found at the site.

There was no immediate

claim of responsibility for the attack which occurred hours after two bomb blasts killed at least three people near a gathering of Shi’ites in Pakistan’s commercial hub and biggest city Karachi.

Hardline Sunni militant groups linked to al Qaeda have in recent months stepped up attacks against Pakistan’s minority Shi’ites, whom they regard as nonMuslims.

Pakistan’s military, one of the world’s biggest, has failed to break the back of a persistent insurgency despite launching several offensives against their strongholds in the northwest near the border with Afghanistan.

Pakistan hosts a summit of eight developing nations today. Pakistan, Iran, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria and Bangladesh are expected to discuss ways of

boosting trade and investment at an event which Islamabad hopes will improve its standing. Some presidents have already arrived.

Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the attacks were designed to hurt Pakistan’s image and create the impression that its U.S.backed government is incapable of establishing stability.

“We are trying to build relationships, get investment in Pakistan and these groups are trying to derail the process,” he told Reuters.

Pakistani authorities are bracing for what could be a bloody weekend, the climax of the Shi’ite mourning month of Muharram.

Radical Sunni groups have staged high-profile attacks on that occasion in the past.

Vladimir Putin

Suicide bomber kills 13 in Pakistan’s Rawalpindi – TV

143 million population live in about 300 mono-cities, a heritage of the Soviet planned economy.

Such cities are potential hotbeds for social unrest and during the 2008-09 economic crisis the government spent lavishly and sometimes applied political pressure on owners trying to keep the enterprises they were built around afloat.

However, overall WTO membership remained positive for the country’s economy, said Putin, who did not question any of Russia’s WTO obligations and added Russia should defend its interests in the organization.

Putin, whose health has recently been under close scrutiny amid reduced appearances and canceled

foreign trips, stuttered during his speech saying “Russia will always lag behind” instead of “Russia will always defend its interests”, mixing two similar Russian words.

The Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev also told reporters on Wednesday a U.S. bill, known publicly as the “Magnitsky list”, was also discussed at the meeting but noted it would not threaten Russia’s national security.

The bill would require the names of people believed involved in the death of Sergei Magnitsky, a lawyer for equity fund Hermitage Capital who died in jail in 2009, are published, their U.S. visa applications denied and assets frozen.

Patrushev said the U.S.

needed normal trade relations with Russia “for its own sake” while the bill was dictated by the U.S. domestic political agenda. He warned that Russia had “something to respond with” in case the bill was passed.

Government sources say Moscow is also getting ready to contest European Union energy rules, known as the Third Energy Package, which restrict Russian gas giant Gazprom’s control over its European pipeline assets.

The EU, Russia’s largest trade partner, has criticized Russia’s plans to levy scrappage fees on imported vehicles and a ban on European live animal imports.

The dispute has affected work on the Russia-EU framework agreement.

Page 28

Kaieteur News

World powers want new nuclear talks with Iran quickly

Catherine Ashton BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Six world powers agreed yesterday to seek renewed talks with Iran as fast as possible, reflecting a heightened sense of urgency to resolve a long rift over Tehran’s disputed nuclear activity and avert the threat of war. Their call coincided with growing evidence of Iran expanding nuclear capacity in an underground bunker virtually impervious to attack and follows the November 6 re-election of President Barack Obama, which has cleared the way for new contacts.

Senior diplomats from the

six countries - the United States, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany - met in Brussels yesterday to consider new negotiating tactics despite abiding skepticism that a deal with Tehran can be reached.

It was not clear after the meeting what options, if any, were agreed. But the six said “necessary contact” with the Iranians would be made “in the coming days”.

“The (six powers) are committed to having another round of talks with Iran as soon as possible,” said a spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who represents the six countries in dealings with Iran.

Analysts warn that a window of opportunity for a negotiated solution is narrowing because of growing alarm over Tehran’s nuclear course in Israel, the Middle East’s only nuclear power which has threatened to bomb the atomic sites of its arch-enemy.

Any Israeli air strikes, which many believe would escalate into a wider Middle

East war damaging to a wobbly global economy, is unlikely before Israel’s January 22 election, experts say, giving the six powers some room for diplomatic maneuver.

“There certainly is a window to do a deal, but that window is closing, and closing fast. Ultimately it depends on the Iranians meeting their international obligations,” said Ariel Ratner, a former Obama administration political appointee on Middle East issues at the State Department.

By “obligations”, he was referring to U.N. Security Council resolutions telling Iran to suspend uranium enrichment, the main pathway to nuclear bomb fuel, and open up to U.N. nuclear inspectors in exchange for trade and technology benefits.

Iran’s defiance of the resolutions, rejecting suspicions that it is refining uranium for anything other than peaceful energy, has prompted increasingly harsh sanctions on Tehran.

Thursday November 22, 2012

Goma rebels say will...

(From page 26) Wednesday but at the rebel rally in the stadium, dozens of members of the security forces who had not fled the city appeared to have joined the insurgents.

“Its a problem of governance; there’s no food, there’s no money,” Rashidi Benshulungu, a captain in military intelligence who had changed sides, told Reuters.

“I’m not a politician, that’s a problem for Kabila. But we’re following the ARC,” he added, using an acronym used by the M23’s combat force.

While regional mediator Uganda brokered talks between Congo and Rwanda, whose armies have repeatedly clashed during nearly two decades of on-off conflict around the Great Lakes, the U.N. Security Council ordered the rebels to withdraw and disband.

A statement expressed “deep concern at reports indicating that external support continues to be provided to the M23, including through troop reinforcement, tactical advice

and the supply of equipment, causing a significant increase of the military abilities of the M23”. It “demands that any and all outside support to the M23 cease immediately”.

The French government also expressed frustration with the U.N. peacekeepers, from India, South Africa and Uruguay, who gave up defending the city after Congo’s army retreated. Paris called it “absurd” that the U.N. force did not protect Goma.

But the U.N. mission defended its failed effort to protect the town, saying its forces had fired hundreds of rockets at the rebels but were overwhelmed when the number of rebels attacking the town jumped from 500 to 3,000 in the space of 48 hours.

The mission stopped short of blaming outside support but is likely to add to accusations leveled at Rwanda.

While conflict has simmered almost constantly in Congo’s east in recent years, this is the first time Goma has fallen to rebels since foreign occupying

armies officially pulled out under peace deals at the end of the most recent 1998-2003 war. Aid agencies have estimated that 5 million people have died from fighting and conflict-related disease since that war began.

Tens of thousands of people have already fled days of fighting between the rebels and the U.N.-backed Congolese soldiers.

“We’re starving, we fled the fighting, and when we came back all of our things had been pillaged, but we don’t know by who,” said a Goma resident who gave his name only as Zachary.

New York-based Human Rights Watch said at least 11 civilians had been killed in the latest fighting for Goma.

In Sake, 25 km (15 miles) west of Goma, local people said Congolese troops had briefly regrouped there before pulling out again before the rebels drove in yesterday.

Rwanda’s foreign minister said the fall of Goma had shown there was no military solution to the crisis, so Kinshasa had to seek the path of dialogue.

Thursday November 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 29

GAPF Seniors set for December 2 at Saints - dubbed ‘Judgment Day’

Vijay Rahim

T

he year 2012 has been described as a successful year for the sport of powerlifting on all fronts and will come to an end, competition wise when the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) brings off its premier, Senior National Championships which is being dubbed –‘Judgment Day’.

The date that lovers and followers of the sport would want to ensure that they are free is December 2, 2012 at the Saint Stanislaus College Auditorium.

This final event of the year is anticipated to be the most exciting and competitive one of the year with the possibility of representing Guyana at events in the Caribbean and further afield at stake for the top performing athletes who meet the qualifying standards. Guyana are the defending Caribbean Team Champions.

All the big guns, men and women will be lining up to test each other’s power with a view of out lifting each other individually and in the Inter Gym Team Contest which promises as a release from the federation suggests, ‘No Retreat, No Surrender’.

Some of the gyms expected to line up against each other for the title of Champion Gym and bragging rights for the next year are Total Fitness of Corriverton, Hard Core Gyms of Berbice, Fitrev, Total Fitness and Power House Gyms of East Coast and East Bank, Buddies, Zahiff’s, Kingsrow Barbel Club, GMR&SC of Georgetown and Upper Demerara Barbell Gym of Linden among others.

Showdowns among the top youths in the sport is anticipated when two of

Randolph Morgan

Kimberly Lonke

Guyana, the Caribbean and World’s best in Anis Ade Thomas faces off with Vijai Rahim. Equally riveting competition can be expected in tehs enior and masters ranks when the likes of World Masters 74.0kg total Overall Champion Winston Stoby comes up against World Open Individual Dead Lift Champion Randolph Morgan.

The battle between the two can very well determine who will be called Guyana’s best pound for pound. On the distaff side, Kimberly Loncke will spearhead proceedings in the absence of Dawn Barker.

Some of the younger strongmen to keep an out for are the 17 year-olds Kevin

Brijlall, Sohail Hussain and Suraj Shewdas all from the Ancient County of Berbice.

The 2012 Intermediate Overall Champion Thyron Eusibio of Georgetown will head the competition is another promising prospect to watch out for.

The talk already around is that fans can brace themselves for lots of upsets since the athletes are preparing hard to ensure they are in the pink of condition for this premier event.

Leading the charge for the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden will be Colin ‘Mr. Clean’ Chesney.

Chesney who is being regarded as the heir apparent to the Heavyweight throne that has been dominated by

‘Big’ John Edwards has not been very able to dominate at the Caribbean level for two years in a row but will be hoping that the year 2013 brings a change in this regard.

He is the only man locally to have attained a successful squat of 800lbs and will be under pressure to prove it was not a fluke as he attempts to produce a correct and convincingly deep squat to satisfy the demanding

Anis Ade-Thomas eyes of the International community as well as his fellow Guyanese.

Sportswoman of the year 2011, Linden’s Dawn Barker who is also the reigning Caribbean Gold Medalist and Squat record holder in the 240.0kg unfortunately will not be in action as she is still recovering from injury.

Weigh in time of Sunday December 2 at the Saint Stanislaus College Auditorium, Brickdam, is

09:30hrs while lifting time is 11:00hrs.

Admission is $500.00 which will go towards the GAPF’s team’s participation at International competition in 2013.

Lifters are reminded to register with their gyms for nomination before December 1st as the scoring will be fully computerized with data entries. Late nominations will not be entertained.

Page 30

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 22, 2012

Richardson, Young lead 76ers over Raptors

Spencer Hawes, left, and Jason Richardson, right, battle with Jonas Valanciunas, of Lithuania, for a rebound in the first half

Philadelphia (AP) - Jason Richardson scored six of his 21 points late in the fourth quarter, Nick Young had 23 off the bench and the Philadelphia 76ers rallied to beat the Toronto Raptors 10698 on Tuesday night.

Jrue Holiday had 19 points and 12 assists and Thad Young scored 18 to help the Sixers win their third straight game.

DeMar DeRozan had 24 and Andrea Bargnani scored

22 for the Raptors, who are off to a 3-8 start. Jose Calderon, who had a seasonhigh 18 assists in Toronto’s win over Orlando on Sunday night, got 12 more to go with 13 points.

Down 87-80 early in the fourth, the Sixers came back to win their first game in which they trailed after three quarters. Nick Young’s 3pointer got Philadelphia to 9289 with 5:11 left.

After Richardson and

Dorell Wright missed 3s that would’ve tied it, Young nailed another 3 to make it 92-all.

The teams traded baskets before Richardson scored on a driving layup, got fouled and made the free throw for a 99-96 lead with 1:54 remaining.

Richardson extended the lead to 102-96 with his fourth 3, and the Raptors didn’t get any closer in the final minute.

For a while, it seemed the Raptors were going to run away with it. After Holiday’s dunk put the Sixers up 65-64 midway through the third quarter, Toronto scored 12 straight points. Bargnani started the run with a 16-

footer and finished it off with a 3-pointer, giving the Raptors an 11-point lead that was the largest for either team.

But the Sixers answered in the fourth. The Raptors built a 10-point lead early and led the entire first half until Philadelphia went on an 18-8 run late in the second quarter.

Richardson hit a 3-pointer and scored on a fast-break layup off a steal to get the Sixers to 46-44.

Holiday hit a 3-pointer to give Philadelphia its first lead, 51-48, with 30 seconds left in the half. Calderon answered with a 3 to tie it going into the locker rooms.

Jumbo Jet Auto Sales 2 two-day match...

Lower & Upper West Berbice to clash on Monday The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) as part of its continued efforts to assist younger players in the West Berbice area to understand the importance of playing the longer version of the game, has joined forces with Jumbo Jet Auto Sales to run off a two-day match from Monday at the Blairmont Community Centre, Ground.

Game time on Monday is 10:00hrs and only Under-23 players born on or after September 1st, 1990 would be involved. The two teams to contest the match would be Lower and Upper West Berbice with Lower consisting of players from Abary to No. 7 Village while Upper will be made up of players from No. 6 Village to Blairmont.

Public Relations Officer and Chairman of the Special Events Committee of the BCB Hilbert Foster stated that the Board had committed itself to the match on the request of clubs in the West Berbice area

who are concerned that the younger players are only playing the limited overs version of the game.

Lower West Berbice would be captained by Keno Gravesande and Upper by Deveshwari Prashad.

Lower West Berbice Keno Gravesande (captain), Asif Khan, Brentnol Woolford, Ravi Gossai, Javed Saywack, Keyron Fraser, Quacy Mc Pherson (wicketkeeper), Krishnadat Ramoo, Andrew Dutchin, Keon Joseph, Raun Johnson, Raffiel Estriado, Sherwyn Mc Pherson, Steffon Adams and Cleon Moriah.

Upper West Berbice Deveshwari Prashad (captain), Wagar Hassan, Lakeraj Sukra, Derick Narine Lalsa Jnr, Chandrika Harrinarine, Akram Rahaman, Brian Nurse, Abdool Subhan, Ridwan Ramjohn, Kevon Jawahir, Devindra Lalsa, Andrew Jaynauth, Parmanand Ramdhan and Nick Ramsaroop.

Thursday November 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 31

Surging Knicks easily top Hornets, 102-80 much if the Hornets had Davis’ shot blocking ability at their disposal. The Knicks scored only 20 points in the paint, but still shot 44.6 percent (37 of 83) thanks to stellar jump shooting. They finished 14 of 36 (38.9 percent) from 3-point range.

The Knicks came in attempting just more than 26 3s a game this season and seem to have figured out the art of positioning themselves for long rebounds off of missed perimeter shots. New

Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks posts-up against Al-Farouq Aminu #0 of the New Orleans Hornets New Orleans (AP) Carmelo Anthony scored 29 points and the New York Knicks extended the undermanned New Orleans Hornets’ losing streak to four games with a 102-80 victory Tuesday night.

Raymond Felton and J.R. Smith each added 15 points.

Felton scored all of his points on five 3-pointers as New York hit 14 3s as a team. Tyson Chandler grabbed 12 rebounds for the Knicks, who’ve won two straight since their first loss of the

season and are 8-1 for only the third time in franchise history. The other two times, the 1969-70 and 1972-73 seasons, they won championships.

Ryan Anderson, starting in place of Anthony Davis, led the Hornets with 15 points.

Davis was ruled out shortly before tip-off because tenderness in his left ankle.

Rookie Austin Rivers added a career-high 14 points and Brian Roberts 13 for New Orleans.

It might not have mattered

Mitchell, Smartt...

From page 35 North West Amanda James (2:46.9) was third. Straker will also compete in the 1500m and 3000m slated for today and has already won two events, including the 10km Road Race.

In the Boys 800m U-20 race, Devaun Barrington won in 2:01.1 after leading the entire race. New Amsterdam’s Eon Hinds (2:03.9) and Upper Demerara’s Nathaniel Giddings (2:07.5) were second and third respectively.

The 800m Boys U-18 race started with a blistering pace with West Coast Berbice’s Grivon Grant (2:01.6) leading into the final lap and East Coast’s Ornesto Thomas (2:01.9), who was later disqualified for running inside the track, trailing closely behind and Upper Demerara’s Shaquille Smartt (2:03.7) about 15m back. Corentyne’s Darren Dick (2:10.8) was third.

New Amsterdam’s Melissa Byass won the Girls U-18 race in 2:29.2 with East Georgetown’s Adama Roberts (2:39.5) second and North Georgetown’s Tamma

Williams (2:40.6) third.

Corentyne’s Arsenio Gray (2:10.1) won the 800m Boys U-16 race ahead of East Bank Demerara Kwesi Blair (2:10.4) and East Coast Demerara Rawle Success (2:11.2) in one of the best races of the day.

East Coast Demerara struck again when Andrea Foster won the 800m Girls U16 event with the Corentyne’s Dennlie Gray (2:28.3) second and Upper Demerara’s Cassie Kirton (2:28.9) third. In the 800m Boys U-14 race, South Georgetown’s Terrence Alstrom won with 2:20.9 while the Rupununi’s Brandon Pugsley (2:21.3) was second and East Georgetown’s Samuel Lynch (2:25.1) third.

Upper Demerara’s prodigy, Cassie George (2:22.6) smashed Melissa Byass’ 2009 record for her second gold of the competition after winning the 1500m Tuesday night. West Coast Berbice’s Delicia Harper (2:27.2) was second and South Georgetown’s Claudrice McKoy (2:35.7) third. The National Schools Championships continues today at 9am.

York had 13 offensive rebounds, 17 second-chance points and badly outrebounded New Orleans overall, 49-36.

The Knicks led most of the game, going up 12, at 2917 at the end of the opening quarter while the Hornets went more than four minutes without scoring.

Anthony scored 19 on 8 of 9 shooting in the first quarter alone, taking advantage of his matchup against rookie Darius Miller later in the period. At one

point, Anthony spun past Miller on the dribble and drained a floater in the lane while being fouled by Hornets 7-foot Jason Smith.

The Knicks led by 14 early in the second quarter before the Hornets briefly made it competitive again with a 13-0 run.

The spurt included two 3s by Anderson, the second giving New Orleans a 36-34 lead.

It was still as close as 4342 late in the second quarter after a tough driving floater

by Rivers, but Felton made a

pair of quick 3s during an 8-0 run that also included an 18footer by Anthony, and the Knicks were quickly back up by nine before taking a 53-48 lead into halftime.

New York then opened the third quarter on a 10-4 run that included another Anthony jumper and Ronnie Brewer’s 3 to make it 63-52.

The lead remained in double digits from there on, growing as large as 26 on James White’s fast-break dunk in the fourth quarter.

Page 32

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 22, 2012

CONCACAF and English FA launch partnership with development course

CONCACAF President Jeff Webb pose with officials and participants.

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands - CONCACAF and The English Football Association (FA) opened their first jointly conducted International Coaching Course under the new partnership on Tuesday with a ceremony at the Grand Cayman Marriott attended by FIFA Vice President and CONCACAF President, Jeffrey Webb; the Hon. Mark Scotland, Minister of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports

and Culture for the Cayman Islands; and Chris Dowhan, English FA instructor.

The course is being held until the 25th and launches the development partnership between the two organizations that was announced in October.

“I am pleased to be present at the start of The FA and CONCACAF International Coaching Course, devised to fulfill our objectives to develop football throughout the Confederation,” said President Webb. “This course is a direct outcome of that relentless commitment.”

The course programme, which was designed by the FA’s educational and developmental section, consists of three distinct instructional phases, starting with the Foundation level and continuing sequentially. It is intended for those who aspire to coach internationally and have some previous experience training senior players, or have him/herself played professionally.

“Our Confederation welcomes the instruction these participating coaches will receive, which will surely unveil more impressive talent from our region,” asserted Webb. “This is just a first initiative that will be expanded to the different countries and languages throughout our region.”

“I would like to thank CONCACAF for their invitation and I know we will have a fantastic course and we will also find some new friends,” said Dowhan.

The objective of the course is to provide all participants with an introduction to the effective management and coaching of

football, in order to assist the safe and progressive delivery of coaching sessions.

Additionally, it is aimed for coaches to build the vocabulary needed to engage players and gain the confidence to introduce a variety of coaching philosophies.

“We are building partnerships and we recognize the immense benefits football has, especially in health. This course is an example of CONCACAF’s vision and the goals of President Webb,” said Hon. Mark Scotland. “It is important to bring coaches to the same level of training as football is about talent and education and that’s how opportunities arise. Football starts with children at a grassroots level… Spread that knowledge.”

The Foundation Course’s content include an introduction to coaching qualities, assessing player competencies, session planning, session evaluation, as well as the organization of a group run tournament. In addition, there will be an introduction to the FA’s Long Term Player Development model and its incorporation into coaching skills.

Following the opening ceremony, the 21 participants from 20 CONCACAF member associations started their week-long working session.

After theoretical introduction to Long Term Player Development, Player Characteristics and Coaches Tips, the coaches will undertake a series of practical activities that include warmup exercises, pass and receiving adaptation, and games.

Guyana is represented by Ms. Chevon Monchoir.

Sanasie 40 over cricket - Leguan...

Paul Williams slams 111 for Maryville

Maryville and Rebels were the victorious teams when play in the Anand Sanasie 40-over cricket competition continued last Sunday in Leguan.

At Enterprise, Maryville defeated Undertakers by 215 runs.

Maryville batted first and managed 261-7 after the game was reduced to 30 overs due to rain. Paul Williams was their leading batsman with 111 and Tateshwar Chetram supported with 51. Seenarine Oudit grabbed 3-45 and Teekaram Balkissoon 2-42.

Undertakers in response were sent packing for 46 in 9.3 overs; Aseed Khan and

Chetram Ravindra were the main wreckers with 4-8 and 426 respectively.

At Whyte’s Park, Rebels went down to Young Warriors by 2 wickets. Rebels took first strike and fell for 168 in 25.3 overs; Simon Singh top scored with 59 and Anil Roop 29. Brain Herbert claimed 326 and Marlon Narine 2-20.

Young Warriors then knocked off the target in 25 overs as they finished on 169 -8. Herbert showed his allround abilities with a fine 56.

Muneshwar Jattan chipped in with 39 and Tyrone Narine 36. Brian Roopchand captured 4-22 and Wazir Ali 2-36.

Thursday November 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 33

Lusignan Bulls tame Unity Tigers in AR Auto Sales over-40 T20 final Lusignan Bulls hammered Unity Tigers by 44 runs to win the final of the AR Auto Sales over-40 cricket competition on Sunday last at the Lusignan Community Ground.

The host won the toss, batted and posted 151-8 off their allotted overs. Nizam Baksh led the scoring with 74 (5x4 7x6). Bowling for Unity Tigers N. Khan took 2-27 and Bridgelall Heralall 2-28.

The visitors in reply could only muster 107-8 in their 20 overs. Sheik Mohamed made 36 (2x4) and Ravendra Dyal 20 (2x4 1x6). Seeraj Bhimsain snared 219 for the winners. Meanwhile, United XI got the better of Rastafarian XI by 7 wickets in

the third place playoff which was contested earlier.

Rastafarian XI made 92-8 after the game was reduced to 15 overs; United XI replied with 94-3 in 12 overs. Terrance Daniel lashed an unbeaten 58.

The victorious Lusignan team received a trophy and medals.

Trophies were also presented to Unity Tigers and United XI, Chaitram Gangadin (man-of-the-series), Bashir Khan (best bowler), Jeffery Ramgopaul (best batsman), Joseph Nichol (player with the highest score in the competition), Baksh (man-of-the-match in the final) and Terrance Daniel, player of the match in the third place play off.

GCA\Noble House Sea Foods 2nd div.

Police, GDF, TSC record victories Police, Guyana Defense Force (GDF) and Transport Sports Club (TSC) recorded victories when play in the Georgetown Cricket Association \ Noble House Sea Foods sponsored second division two-day tournament continued last weekend.

At Police – Police in their first innings were bowled out for 351 in 55 overs. Pernell London 90, Randolph Knights 50, Fitzroy Culley 44, Troy Benn 31, Rawle Haynes 30, Ryan Rajmangal 25 were the main scorers.

Alvin Castello 3-40, Andrea O’ Neal and Samuel Mohabir 2 each were the main wicket takers for Third Class which in their first innings were bowled out for a paltry 97 in 30 overs.

Trevor Hussain 32 and Alvin Castello 26 toped with the bat.

Randolph Knights was almost unplayable grabbing 7-24 with Sheldon Agard taking 2-0.

Third Class in their 2nd innings did not do much better than the first and were bowled out for 121 in 31.2 overs. Lenny Pancham led with 32 and Castello, 30. P. London captured 5-22 and Stephon Blacks 3-24 to lead Police to a solid innings and 133 run win.

At DCC - GDF in their first innings were bowled out for 262 in 52 overs; Jeremiah Harris 67, Randy Lindore 53,

Travis Blyden 35 and Nakeitha Nestor 33 led with the bat. Miguel Parks 5-54 and Xaviee Smith 2-59 did the same with the ball for DCC but they could only manage 93 all out. Larry Smith 22 and Jaron Byron 21 were the main contributors as Dennis Legay 4-17, Paul Castello 2-21 and Roderick Lovell 2-32 polished off things with the ball.

DCC in their second innings were sent packing for 124 in 42 overs; Andrew Gibson made 28 and Larry Smith 20. GDF’s Dennis Legay 4-23 and Travis Blyden 2-10 led the destruction with the ball as the Army won by an innings and 49 runs.

At MYO - TSC first time around lashed their way to 354-9 declared in 44.3 overs; Charwayne Mc Pherson slammed 128, Jono Alphonso 69 and Sunil Singh 63. D. Cotton was the main wicket taker with 6-36 backed up by R. Persaud with 3-100 for Vikings. They were evicted for 131 with M. Persaud hitting 33 and G. Matthews 25.

Sharing the wickets for TCS were J. Alphonso 3-5, Keon Morris 3-41 and Joshua Wilson 2-7.

Vikings, second time around reached 77-7 innings closed; Damian Ross made 33.

J. Alphonso grabbed 3-26 and K. Morris 2-5. TSC won by an innings and 146 runs.

The victorious Lusignan Bulls displays their silverware following the presentation.

Page 34

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 22, 2012

>>>Nationals School’s Championships<<<

Upper Demerara has another prodigy

Cassey George, representing Upper Demerara and Kwakwani, obliterates the field in the U-14 Girls 1500m race Tuesday night at the National Stadium.

Upper Demerara and Kwakwani, District 10, has found yet another prodigy with Cassey George embodying the technique of classical distance running to impress those who remained at Guyana National Stadium Tuesday night for the Schools’ Championships.

Following the official Opening Ceremony, George, with her perfect technique, stride, arm action and general posture, raced to the Girls 1500m Under-14 title in 4:55 ahead of Delcia Harper (5:16) from West Coast Berbice and Rupununi’s Semonia Lawrence (5:17) respectively.

Harper had challenged George on the third of the five lap race on the 300m track at the National Stadium, but the 13-year-old athlete from Linden would have none of it; she upped her pace and simply stretched her lead over Harper heading into the final lap. More entertainment came in the Boys 1500m Under14 race with Corentyne’s Akeem Blackman going on the attack early to win in 4:44.7; Rupununi continued to do well in the distance events with Paul Joseph (4:46.6) second and West Demerara’s Olwin DeFreitas (5:05.3) third.

Rupununi’s Francine Singh took the Girls 1000m Under-12 race in 3:34 with East Coast Demerara’s Kissanna Glen (3:47) second and Corentyne’s Abehola D’Guiar (3:52) third.

East Coast’s, Sean Daniels won the Boys

- George strides to 1500m U-14 gold 1200m Under-12 race in 4:00.5 with Essequibo Islands Nkosi Dazzell (4:03.2) second and West Demerara’s Luke Parjohn (4:06.4) third.

East Coast again featured in the Girls 800m Under-10 event when Monica Gravesande (3:04.4) won ahead of West Coast Berbice’s Rolanda Fredericks (3:04.5) and Essequibo Islands’ Sarah Gomes (3:07.2).

West Coast Berbice took the top podium spot in the Boys 1000m Under-10 contest with the diminutive Trevon Prince winning in 3:24.4; Rupununi’s Elton Nicholson (3:25.1) second with Corentyne’s Tyrese Wharton (3:33.9) third to bring the curtains down on the opening night of the track and field competition.

The cream of Guyana’s athletes compete at ‘Nationals’ Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony made it clear that the best of Guyana’s athletes are usually on show at the National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships when he officially declared the competition open Tuesday night at the Guyana National Stadium.

Anthony extended congratulations to the Ministry of Education and Guyana Teachers’ Union for hosting the event for 52 years.

He said that he would like to see more participation, and based on the number of teams at the Opening Ceremony, there is a clear indication that more districts from across Guyana are growing in interest.

“We have the cream of Guyana’s athletes competing here; keen competition is not just what we do on the field, but how we do it on the field,”

-says Anthony at Opening Ceremony Anthony said, before stressing the importance of having discipline among the competing districts.

“We in Government believe in the development of sport in Guyanese life. I want you who are here to be Ambassadors of sport in schools; use championships to do the best that you can, we will be looking out for talent,” Anthony said in closing.

President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Colin Bynoe welcomed all to event, stating that he hopes that “it will be the most memorable”.

He said that the hard work put into hosting these Championships must be commended.

“You have a glorious opportunity to showcase talent and skills to make it

across the border to the Olympics; I want minister to give us the assurance that someone from here will be going to Rio,” Bynoe continued in his Roll Call address.

Digicel’s Customer Care Director, Sherwin Osbourne, said that their sponsorship of Nationals is testimony to their commitment to the development of sports in Guyana; he commended the Ministry of Education for recognising the importance of sports in the schools’ curriculum.

Over 1700 athletes are competing for the coveted overall Champion District Trophy. The event will conclude tomorrow having officially started on Tuesday.

Upper Demerara and Kwakwani, District 10, are the defending champions.

Cycling competition up for grabs - spoils shared on second day New Amsterdam’s Marica Dick followed up her road race win on Tuesday with another dominant performance at the National Stadium in the ongoing cycling competition of the National Schools Championships yesterday.

Dick won the 800m Girls Open cycle race in 1:33.5 ahead of Corentyne’s Chrystal Lambert (1:50.8) and Essequibo Coast, Stacy Peters (1:53) respectively. West Coast Berbice’ Kurt LaRose won the male version in 1:24.5 with South Georgetown’s Hamzah Eastman second in 1:24.9 and Corentyne’s Elijah Brijadder (1:25.2) third.

In the Girls U-16 800m race, Corentyne’s Roxanne Gittens pedalled to 1:37.9 ahead of Bartica Kerry Wilson (1:59.5) and New Amsterdam’s Catesha Daniels (2:02); Randy Haynes (1:28.3) won the male race ahead of Corentyne’s Romello Crawford (1:28.6) and East Georgetown’s Nyron Wray (1:32.4) respectively.

Bartica’s Carim Chase won the U-14 800m

Mian McPherson holds off a strong sprint challenge from Sherriah Melville in the U-14 Girls 800m race race ahead of Corentyne’s Keomo Logan and North Georgetown’s Alfie Khan. Then Upper Demerara’s Mian McPherson staved off a challenge from South Georgetown’s Sherriah Melville (1:54.8) and Corentyne’s Deancae Welch (2:02.4) to win an entertaining race.

Thursday November 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 35

>>>Nationals School’s Championships<<<

Mitchell, Smartt, Rogers smash 100m records

By Edison Jefford The new kids on the block in local sprinting emphatically announced their presence yesterday at the National Stadium with South Georgetown’s, Torana Mitchell staving off the Jevina Sampson challenge and Ebony Nelson carving out the biggest win of her career.

Mitchell ran a sublime 100m in the Girls’ U-16 race that North Georgetown’s Sampson was the favourite to win. Mitchell won in 12.3 seconds, smashing Rhondell Alleyne’s 12.5 seconds 2005 Albion record in the process.

Sampson clocked a below part 12.8 seconds with West Demerara’s Kenesha Gilkes (13.3) third.

Mitchell was not the only Running Braves Athletics Club athlete that celebrated big yesterday in the marquee sprint. East Georgetown’s Ebony Nelson upset junior national sprint queen, Tiffany Carto from South Georgetown and North Georgetown’s,

- Straker cracks 31-year-old 800m mark

CLASS! South Georgetown’s Torana Mitchell shows her superiority in the U-16 Girls 100m ahead of junior sensation, North Georgetown’s Jevina Sampson (third, left) yesterday.

Shomane Daniels.

Nelson ran 12.6 seconds to capture the 100m Girls U20 race, forcing Carto (12.9), and Daniels (13.3), who are both more seasoned, unto the other podium spots. Nelson fired out her blocks as rocket and maintained excellent form under pressure to win the race.

Junior national sprinter, Stephon James ran 10.8

seconds for North Georgetown to win the U-20 Boys 100m ahead of West Berbice’s Rennick Bernette (11.1) and South Georgetown’s, Selwyn Fraser (11.2); James’ nemesis, Chavez Ageday ran the heat earlier in the day but was not among the starters for the final.

East Coast Demerara’s, Jason Yaw ran 11.1 seconds

in the 100m Boys U-16 race that outdid the efforts of Corentyne’s Carlos Trinidad (11.4) and North West, Alister Bentick (11.5) respectively as new names on the local sprinting scene continued to pop up.

In the 100m Boys U-18 race North Georgetown’s Kevin Abbensetts ran 10.9 seconds for the win ahead of

East Coast’s Samuel Doris (11.0) and South Georgetown’s Danta Thom.

The U-18 title for the Girls went to East Coast’s Deja Smart in 12.3 seconds, who smashed Upper Demerara’s Shannon Griffith 12.6 record set last year at the same venue. Griffith was second with 12.6 while North Georgetown’s Shoquane

Daniels clocked 12.9 seconds for third.

North Georgetown’s Kadeem Blackman won the 100m Boys U-14 race in 12.2 seconds with the East Coast’s, Daquan Liverpool (12.3) and New Amsterdam’s Tyrell Peters (12.4) third.

Upper Demerara’s Onasha Rogers thrashed Sampson’s 12.6 seconds U-14 record when she ran a better 12.4 seconds to win the female U14 race. North Georgetown’s Avon Samuels was second with her time of 13.2 seconds while Keona George (13.4) was third.

Meanwhile, North Georgetown’s national distance running star, Jevina Straker (2:19.2) led the way in the Girls’ 800m race from the beginning, clearly with the Lorrie Ann Adams 31-year-old record in her mind. Straker achieved her goal just split seconds under Adams, who had set 2:19.7 in 1981 in Linden.

Rupununi’s Yvette Joseph (2:39.7) was second while (Continued on page 31)

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 22, 2012

Edwards upstaged by newcomer Abul Hasan K

h u l n a , Bangladesh – A memorable return to Tests for Fidel Edwards was spoiled, when newcomer Abul Hasan overshadowed him with a stunning hundred on debut to lead a rearguard action for Bangladesh against West Indies in the second Test on Wednesday here.

Edwards, playing in place of injured, fellow fast bowler Ravi Rampaul, was the pick of the Windies bowlers, scalping 5-81 from 16 overs, but left-hander Hasan, one of the two changes to the Bangladesh line-up, brilliantly counterattacked with a feisty, even, undefeated 100 to propel the Tigers to 365 for eight in their first innings at the close on the opening day.

A three-wicket burst from Edwards after lunch on the docile Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium pitch appeared to put the visitors in charge, when the hosts sunk to 193 for eight about half-hour

Abul Hasan guides a ball through the off side.

Fidel Edwards

before tea.

West Indies however, came under assault, when Hasan linked up with Mahmudullah, not out on 71 admirably playing the sheet anchor role, to put on a Bangladesh record 172 –

unbroken – for the ninth wicket to transform the complexion of the game.

Off-spinner Sunil Narine was turned to fine leg for a deuce to take Hasan to the triple-figure threshold from just 106 balls, becoming

only the second player to score a Test hundred on debut batting at 10.

There were also two dropped catches by short-leg fielder Kieran Powell that allowed the two Bangladeshi batsmen to indulge themselves.

Powell made three attempts to hold on, but put down Hasan on 42 off left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, and his reflexes were not quick enough to allow him to claim a catch, when Mahmudullah turned a delivery from the same bowler to him.

A delivery from Windies captain Darren Sammy was deposited over long-off for six to carry Hasan to his 50 from 55 balls and Permaul was turned through midwicket for a single to take Mahmudullah to his 50 from 70 balls, as the local pair ticked off the landmarks.

Edwards gave the Caribbean side a bright start, when he had opener Nazimuddin, the other change to the Bangladesh line-up, caught at forward short leg for four in the third over of the day.

For close to 1 1/2 hours, West Indies met resistance, when Shahriar Nafees joined opener Tamim Iqbal and put on 59 for the second wicket.

Sammy removed both batsmen in the final halfhour before lunch.

Shahriar was caught behind for 26, nibbling at a delivery that moved away late, and Tamim was bowled for 32, offering no stroke to a delivery that was angled into the left-hander and also possibly moved a shade, leaving the Bangladeshis on 88 for three at lunch.

After the interval, the

Windies were literally hamstrung, when fast bowler Tino Best was slowed down by a leg injury and later left the field. Edwards eased the pain, when he bowled Naeem Islam, a century-maker in the first Test, for 16 and had Shakib Al Hasan caught behind for 17, wobbling the home team on 98 for five.

West Indies again met opposition, when Nasir Hossain joined diminutive Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim and put on 87 for the sixth wicket.

A delivery from Permaul was steered to third man for the last of Nasir’s eight fours to bring up his 50 from 62 balls, but the same bowler had him caught at mid-on from a miscued, lofted drive for 52. He also struck a six in a 68-ball innings that lasted just under 1 ½ hours, as the Bangladeshis reached 186

for six at tea.

After the break, Edwards tightened West Indies grip, when Mushfiqur nibbled at a ball that moved away late and was caught behind for 38, and four balls later, trapped Sohag Gazi for a duck.

Edwards went past the outside edge of Hasan’s bat with the first four balls he delivered to him, but the 20year-old grew in confidence and shepherded by experienced all-rounder Mahmudullah took the sting out of the Windies’ attack.

West Indies lead the twoTest series 1-0, following a 77-run victory in the first Test that ended last Saturday at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in the Bangladesh capital of Dhaka.

The West Indies have never lost a Test series, let alone a Test in three trips to this country.

SCOREBOARD BANGLADESH 1st Innings Tamim Iqbal b Sammy 32 Nazimuddin c Powell b Edwards 4 Shahriar Nafees c wkpr Ramdin b Sammy 26 Naeem Islam b Edwards 16 Shakib Al Hasan c wkpr Ramdin b Edwards 17 *+Mushfiqur Rahim c wkpr Ramdin b Edwards 38 Nasir Hossain c Edwards b Permaul 52 Mahmudullah not out 72 Sohag Gazi lbw b Edwards 0 Abul Hasan not out 100

Extras (b4, lb3, nb1) 8 TOTAL (8 wkts, 86 overs) 365 Rubel Hossain to bat Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Nazimuddin), 2-64 (Shahriar Nafees), 3-77 (Tamim Iqbal), 4-93 (Naeem Islam), 5-98 (Shakib Al Hasan), 6-185 (Nasir Hossain), 7-193 (Mushfiqur Rahim), 8-193 (Sohag Gazi) Bowling: Edwards 16-281-5 (nb1); Best 10-3-310; Sammy 20-4-61-2; Narine 19-0-91-0; Permaul 19-2-79-1; Samuels 2-015-0

Thursday November 22, 2012

Kaieteur News

Guinness ‘Greatest in the Streets’ Futsal...

Page 37

Pegasus Open Tennis...

Globe Yard beat star- Miller to face Downes for studded Princess Street title, aiming for triple win

Action in the clash between Globe Yard and Princess Street on Tuesday evening at Burnham Court.

U

pset-minded G l o b e Ya r d produced an efficient performance to d e f e a t a s t a r- s t u d d e d Princess Street 2-0 when play in the Banks DIHsponsored Guinness ‘Greatest in the Streets’ Futsal competition continued on Tuesday evening with eight matches, at the Burnham Court.

Princess Street loaded with stars from local club champions Alpha United had in their line-up players the caliber of former national goalkeeper Ronson Williams, Shevane Seaforth, Kelvin McKenzie and Gordon Henry, but even they could not prevent Globe Yard’s Lionel Grimes (9th) and Anthony France (26th) from piercing their defence.

In the night’s full results: Game 1 - Leopold Street

defeated Sophia 1-0; Omallo Williams netted in the 20th minute.

Game 2 - California Square and Bent Street drew 0-0 Game 3 - Durban Street and Island Allstar drew 2-2; For Durban Street Dimone Porter 2nd, Chris Galloway 6th). Island Allstar’s Seon Cox netted in the 20th and 21st minute.

Game 4 - Globe Yard defeated Princess Street 2-0; For Globe Yard Lionel Grimes (9) and Anthony France (26).

Game 5 - Kingstown and Norton Street East drew 1-1; Kingstown (Nigel Denny 5th), North Street East (Rasesh George 8th).

Game 6 - East Front Road beat Berlin Massive 21; East Front Road got their goals from Damon Kelly (2, 21). Berlin Massive consolation came off the

boot of Teon Joseph (10).

Game 7 - Broad Street ACharlestown and Queen Street Tiger Bay drew 0-0.

Game 8 - Hope StreetTiger Bay and Lodge Housing Scheme drew 0-0.

Meanwhile, the competition continues this evening with eight more matches at the Albouystown Basketball Court.

In the fixtures: Sophia A takes on South Riumveldt; Norton Street West tackles Cross Street; Alexander Village collides with East La Penitence; West Front Road engages Festival City; West Back Road square off against Broad Street B; North - Last Entrance battles Albouystown B; Back Circle tackles Stevedore Housing Scheme and Laing Avenue square off against Albouystown A. Kick off time is 18:00 hrs.

Anthony Downes

A

nthony Downes booked his place in the Men’s final of the Pegasus Open Tennis tournament despite suffering a sprained ankle early in the second set against Leyland Leyland in their semifinal encounter.

An immobile Downes persisted in playing out the match when retiring seemed to be the obvious end to his hopes of reaching the final after an excellent first set which Downes took 7-5.

Leacock played good counter attacking tennis which resulted in Downes rolling his ankle chasing down a wide ball.

The event brought about a change in tempo as both players tried to change their strategy to gain the advantage. Downes persisted in playing as a victory was near; he had already established a lead over Leacock.

Leacock who has been a regular in the semi finals without going past that stage

Jeremy Miller missed his opportunity as he strayed from the tennis that kept him close in the first set against the hard hitting Downes.

Despite serving well, Leacock got broken at crucial times and could not push home the advantage over Downes who had no time for recovery as he is scheduled to face an impressive Jeremy Miller in the finals last evening after he put away junior, Gavin Lewis convincingly 6-2 6-1 in their semi final encounter.

Miller, who plays with heavy top spin is the favorite for the title. He has the chance to win all three categories he entered as he has already won the Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles titles.

Also contested last evening was the Women finals which saw 14 year-old Nicola Ramdyhan matching racquets with veteran Carol Humphrey. The presentation ceremony was also slated for last evening.

The cream of Guyana’s athletes compete at ‘Nationals’

t r o Sp Unbea champions ten track and field of the Na Champion ships, Upp tional Schools’ er De the torch to usher in th merara, lights e5 of the com petition Tu 2nd edition esday nigh t

See stories on pages 35&34

- says Anthony at Opening Ceremony

ra and per Demera YS, p U , s n io p C Cham Minister of Defending Bynoe, rches past a n li m o i n C a t n w e k Kwa Presid U T G a Nedd, y, n lm o e nth ED Dr. Frank A retary within the MO el Customer Sec ld and Digic t.

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