Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 25, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 5

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

There are old heads in power in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, As an eighteen year old student studying overseas, I was deeply distraught when I read the story about the recent suicide of a young woman at Kaieteur Falls.

Over the past few days, I have been doing some critical thinking about what happened and about what can cause Guyana to have the highest suicide rate in the world being such a small nation with below one million citizens.

While thinking I could not chalk up these statistics to nothing more than a flawed government and flawed system. It baffles me that all the various parties and Presidents that have held office have failed to yet come up with a comprehensive solution to this problem among many other problems plaguing the Guyanese population at large.

In my opinion the first step to combating this suicide phenomenon is for the Government to integrate

guidance counselors and social workers in all schools at the tertiary, secondary and primary levels, and also make it mandatory that some companies provide access to therapists etc for their employees.

A lot of times when persons commit suicide we may want to say it’s because they lack willpower or a strong mind or that the devil confused them or something of the sort, but the fact of the matter is that no one knows what crosses or burdens these victims are bearing.

We may see them walking down the street with a smile as bright as day but they may have deep-seated problems, whether at home with their families, relationship problems, problems with friends and peers among others.

We need to establish a system where a teacher will send certain students that exhibit certain signs or behaviors to the guidance counselor so they may assess

Restaurant staff must be publicly praised for great performance DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me some space in your newspaper to share with the public, and express my pleasure with the impeccable customer service which my family and I recently received from the staff at the Roraima Duke Lodge. To celebrate the 70th birth anniversary of my grandmother—the matriarch of our family, we visited a number of restaurants to dine for the evening.

Of all the places we visited, Duke Lodge stood out.

Confronted with lackadaisical attitudes from the other places, we got the feeling that we needed to beg them for their services; and immediately knew that none of those places would be among the chosen. On our visit to Duke Lodge however, the staff there acquitted themselves with distinction—clearly setting themselves apart from the rest; when it came to hospitality and quality customer service.

From the moment we arrived, we were ably assisted by a very friendly; yet professional receptionist who directed us to a hospitable and well-spoken Nadine Moore to whom we Continued on page 29

and help them accordingly.

Another thing that popped up in my train of thought was the fact that many persons living in Guyana are deeply oppressed.

Many persons in Guyana are working for a salary that stands below GYD $100,000 which is equivalent to approximately $500 USD. I am a worker at a fast food joint and I make $800 which is far more money than trained nurses and teachers in Guyana.

Government officials are seeking a raise for themselves when in actuality they need to raise the minimum wage to no less than GYD $100,000.

Have those officials ever had to live on $40,000 a month when your rent and bills are almost $30,000 it is absurd.

Persons should be working for a salary where they can afford to pay their obligations and yet afford some quality of life where they can take a vacation or spend time with family or afford to do something relaxing and meaningful to them.

It is this sort of financial oppression that is causing drugs and crime to reign supreme in Guyana, since persons cannot earn a substantial living without doing illegalities. It is this sort of oppression that is causing us to lose our skilled workers to more developed nations where they are better paid and better appreciated.

On a last note why does the government continually spend on only providing scholarships for lawyers to UWI, doctors to Cuba and China etc? A country cannot

only run with lawyers, doctors, nurses and teachers.

We need more engineers, more biologist, scientists, social workers, psychologists, more computer engineers etc. so that they can help come up with more integration and

ideas that can help propel the country forward.

We need to change the stigma and the rotten stench that accompanies the name Guyana as being the suicide capital of the world or being one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere.

We need to do something; those old heads in power need to reach out and get younger generations more involved in Government and government policy since we are the ones who’s futures they are deciding on Tevin Skeete

Concepts discovered in one area can be applied to others DEAR EDITOR, I thank Mr. Nowrang Persaud for his letter but was not surprised with his expressed alarm at the use of the concept of “distributive leadership” in Guysuco. I, however, would agree with him that this concept did originate in the education sector.

However, may I humbly advise him that this concept has successfully been tested and adopted in turning around failing companies with much success. So the concept is well used in industry today.

Changes in Guysuco can be driven from the bottomup. The factory and field foremen can lead the way in reducing the waste in the industry. We have to step out of the box and accept an alternative way.

No need for any fear Mr. Persaud; we all have to be realistic and accept that the old style system of ”a few big men” at the top, has failed.

Although elements of that system are still necessary, by and large headquarters have to create greater space for the technicians and the workers to push the ideas to

successfully turnaround Guysuco.

Guysuco is exactly where it is today because the big men who ran the industry for years were not “pragmatic” and realistic but relied on the old philosophy that headquarters know it all and in the end brought the industry to its knees. The old model failed, it is time to try what even Harvard University is recommending today.

Change is very hard to accept, especially for those who have done the same thing over and over for decades. The reality is we do not have a choice? We cannot continue to run the industry in the same old command and control manner

or else it will die.

We cannot expect the Treasury, in the long run, to be pumping billions into this industry; it is just not economically feasible. What is certain is that there has to be a greater balance of power across the industry.

Steps have to be taken to empower workers to more actively contribute, not only their labour, but also their ideas on how to improve the work process. It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who said “In skating over thin ice our safety is in our speed.” Our speed at embracing the necessary changes will be essential for success in Guysuco.

Sase Singh

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 25, 2015

Disgust expressed at ‘inevitable’ demise of young mother …at the hands of abusive married man

By Mondale Smith Melissa Skeete, a mother of four, was to have celebrated her 32nd birthday next Tuesday, and was dubbed a woman of pleasant personality who always wore a smile despite her trials.

As the police conduct investigations into the murder of the 31-year-old resident, of lot 94 Prince William Street, Plaisance, ECD, which occurred about 15:15hrs on Monday, her neighbours are expressing disgust at the brutal killing.

When this publication visited the woman’s home the building was locked, but her neighbours asserted that her demise was inevitable, at the hands of her very jealous and controlling child father.

“When I moved here a year ago she was already living here and she used to confide in me,” said a heartbroken neighbour who asked that her name not be published.

The confidante said Skeete often told her personal stories and forever expressed fears of her child father who was way older, extremely jealous and controlling.

“We know he as Cayenne and he is a married man from Melanie (Damishana) who used to pay her bills when she was unemployed. She had three children and then she made a child for him three years ago,” the woman said.

According to police

investigations thus far, Skeete was fatally stabbed to her abdomen by a man with whom she shared a relationship and who had picked her up in a motor car from work at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The victim was later seen coming out of the motor vehicle in Carmichael Street, Georgetown, with stab wounds and was taken to the GPHC by public-spirited persons. She later succumbed while receiving medical treatment.

She lived with her four children, Jayden, Jermaine, Jenicia and Jellana at the aforementioned address.

“Cayenne used to visit her and give she a run for she money.

He was very jealous and used to embarrass she on the road and everywhere she went, yet he used to go home to he wife at Melanie when he done, and he was very controlling.”

Another neighbour said, “In the first place Cayenne was her complete opposite, but he was paying the rent.

She tell he she done with he many time, but he used to always come back.

It was like he had full control of she and he doesn’t talk much.”

Unemployed for awhile, the young mother landed a job at the GPHC about six months ago as a dispatcher and opted to move on. The woman began dating another

man, who according to several neighbours, was much nicer in attitude.

Yet another neighbour, recalling Skeete’s last days, said the woman’s alleged killer visited her last week Monday.

“She finally standup to he and tell he that she moved on with someone else. He get vex and break up all she windows and she went to the police, but they came long after. He wanted to harm her long.”

At her workplace yesterday her colleagues only had good things to say about the now dead woman.

Human Resource Officer Rahmena Chung said that since she (Skeete) started as dispatcher in June of this year,

she always wore a smile. She said the woman left work at 15:00hrs on Monday and was picked up by a car.

One of the woman’s workmates said the woman seemed okay when she left work but left a number for a car and a telephone number, stating that if something happens to her that the number should be forwarded to the police.

Ultimately she died at the GPHC, hours after she was stabbed by her jilted lover who then, according to witnesses, kicked her out of his car on Carmichael Street, Georgetown, in broad daylight on Monday, in the vicinity of Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre.

The woman died while

Murdered: Melissa Skeete undergoing surgery at the hospital. She was stabbed multiple times.

Shortly after stabbing Skeete, the suspect, who is on

the run, reportedly called one of her friends and when the individual asked why he injured the woman, he denied and ended the call.

Teen among four remanded for drug trafficking George Hope

From Left: Shakeel Leon, Alicia Smith and Quincy Boyce Four persons including a seventeen year-old were yesterday remanded to prison after denying a drug

trafficking charge, when they appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Quincy Boyce, 35, a

mason of East La Penitence; Alicia Smith, 33, a hairdresser of Lot 112 East La Penitence, Georgetown; George Hope,

21, a labourer of Lot 107 East La Penitence and Shakeel Leon, 17, a block maker of Lot 91 West Ruimveldt, pleaded not guilty to having 2.468kg of cannabis sativa(marijuana) in their possession for the purpose of trafficking.

They were allegedly busted with the drug on November 20, at Freeman Street, East La Penitence.

The quartet had no legal representation and appeared before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

They were remanded to prison until December 8, after Police Prosecutor, Corporal Simone Payne objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness and prevalence of the offence.

Payne told the court that on the day in question, around 16:20hrs, ranks from the narcotics branch, acting on information, went to Lot 112 Freeman Street, East La Penitence. She said that when Smith and Leon saw the (continued on page 25)

Wednesday November 25, 2015

Kaieteur News

Appeal Court throws out Bakr’s lawsuits Trinidad Guardian Jamaat-al-Muslimeen leader Yasin Abu Bakr has lost his appeal over two failed lawsuits against the State relating to a murder charge in 2010 for which he was eventually freed.

In an oral judgment delivered at the Hall of Justice in Port-of-Spain, Monday, appellate judges Rajendra Narine, Prakash Moosai and Judith Jones dismissed Bakr’s appeal and ordered him to pay the State’s legal cost for defending it.

Bakr filed the appeal in

July after High Court Judge Frank Seepersad threw out his constitutional motion and malicious prosecution claims which he described as an “abuse of process.”

Seepersad ruled that Bakr had failed to adduce evidence to show that his constitutional rights were infringed by coroner Nalini Singh when she ordered that he and Brent “Big Brent” Miller be charged with murder at the conclusion of a coroner’s inquest into the death of 22-year-old mechanic Israel Sammy in September

2010.

Sammy, a former member of Bakr’s organisation, was shot dead behind his home at Valot Street, Boissiere Village, Maraval, on May 20, 1998.

Seepersad also said Bakr provided no evidence to support his claim that Singh used a flawed process in coming to her decision, which was eventually overturned one month later when Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard said that there was insufficient evidence to sustain the charge.

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Kaieteur News

Turkey downs Russian warplane near Syria border

Alpaslan Celik, a deputy commander in a Syrian Turkmen brigade (C), holds handles believed to be parts of a parachute of the downed Russian warplane near the northern Syrian village of Yamadi, near the Turkish-Syrian border, Syria, yesterday. REUTERS/STRINGER Reuters - Turkey shot down a Russian warplane near the Syrian border yesterday, saying the jet had violated its air space, in one of the most serious publicly acknowledged clashes between a NATO member country and Russia for half a century.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the plane had been attacked when it was 1 km (0.62 mile) inside Syria and warned of “serious consequences” for what he termed a stab in the back administered by “the accomplices of terrorists”.

“We will never tolerate such crimes like the one committed today,” Putin said, as Russian and Turkish shares fell on fears of an escalation between the former Cold War enemies.

In a letter to the U.N. Se-

curity Council, Turkey said it had shot down the jet while in Turkish air space. Along with a second plane, the aircraft had flown more than a mile into Turkey for 17 seconds, despite being warned 10 times in five minutes while approaching to change direction, the letter said.

“Nobody should doubt that we made our best efforts to avoid this latest incident.

But everyone should respect the right of Turkey to defend its borders,” Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said in a speech in Ankara.

In condemnation of Russian air strikes in Syria, during which Turkish air space has been violated several times in recent weeks, Erdogan said that only Turkey’s “cool-headedness” had prevented worse incidents in the past.

Each country summoned a diplomatic representative of the other. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov cancelled a visit to Turkey due today and the defence ministry said it was preparing measures to respond to such incidents.

U.S. President Barack

Obama and French President Francois Hollande, meeting in Washington, urged against an escalation, while NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the military alliance stood in solidarity with Turkey.

Footage from private Turkish broadcaster Haberturk TV showed the warplane going down in flames, a long plume of smoke trailing behind it as it crashed in a wooded part of an area the TV said was known by Turks as “Turkmen Mountain”.

Separate footage from Turkey’s Anadolu Agency showed two pilots parachuting out of the jet before it crashed.

A deputy commander of rebel Turkmen forces in Syria said his men shot both pilots dead as they came down. The Russian military confirmed one pilot had been shot dead from the ground and another soldier died during a rescue operation.

A senior Turkish official said at least one of the pilots could still be alive. “It’s not a fact but a possibility. We’re trying to verify the information and taking all necessary steps to facilitate their return,” the official said.

Wednesday November 25, 2015

Griffith: Ban returning nationals...

No second chance for ISIS terrorists Trinidad Guardian — Former National Security Minister Gary Griffith has called on his successor Minister Edmund Dillon to protect T&T and veto moves to allow the return of nationals, now with fighting with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Griffith wants Dillon to pass any lists of such people Dillon may receive to T&T’s international allies.

He made the call Monday after Islamic Front founder Umar Abdullah said he would be lobbying Dillon at a meeting next Tuesday to allow the return of T&T-born foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) and assist their reintegration.

He said following recent international developments, including the Paris attacks and other crises involving terrorist attacks, he received a call from Dillon’s secretary early last week seeking a meeting this week. Abdullah said she called back to postpone the meeting to next week Tuesday.

Dillon in the Senate last week said a discussion was taking place within Government on revisiting or changing the current situation of free, unrestricted/unhindered entry of T&T nationals (FTFs) who have joined the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) Yesterday, Abdullah said that in hinting at that position, Government may have been throwing the issue out to the public to get feedback.

Last weekend, the Muslim community was addressed on the Muslim IBN channel on this following a call (via IBN) for all Muslim leaders to hold an emergency meeting on the issue.

Taulib Seales of the Enterprise masjid, who confirmed the move, said it was planned that a press conference would be held after that meeting on a joint position.

Seales said Muslim leaders were being asked to meet and open a dialogue.

Abdullah said at his upcoming meeting with Dillon he also planned to call for action on the five T&T nationals currently detained in Venezuela on alleged terrorist charges for the past 17 months.

Abdullah said he would also seek action on the situation involving Tariq Shamoon Mohammed, detained in Saudi Arabia since August.

However, the Abdullah/ Dillon meeting came in for criticism from Griffith, who queried the view the FTFs should be given a second chance.

He said: “A second chance at what, trying to cause a plague by attempting to lure more naïve young men to become FTFs, or actually commit some terrorist act in our country based on training they received in Syria?

“Hopefully that list of 75odd persons Mr Abdullah has submitted to Minister Dillon, should immediately be handed over to our international intelligence allies and if intelligence has confirmed these persons were FTFs, then they would and should be red-flagged, upon which being blacklisted to board any flight and hence never see T&T. “Thankfully, both Minister Dillon and Mr Abdullah are totally incorrect if they perceive because someone is a T&T citizen, they can automatically be authorised to re-

Gary Griffith enter, regardless if they are linked to terrorist activity.”

Griffith said there was a window which could prevent them from returning. He noted T&T’s signing of the United Nations Resolution on the ISIS issue last year has mandated fulfillment of various obligations, including denying terrorists the ability to put down roots, build a base and establish safe havens, prevent easy access of travel for FTFs and prevent radicalisation for the recruiting of FTFs. “Based on recent horrific acts of terrorism globally and revelations of dozens of T&T FTFs it’s evident certain measures must be taken to prevent such acts locally.

“Everyone deserves a second chance, however, not terrorists. The rights of those few who became terrorists and want to return could never supersede the rights of the many T&T citizens.”

Barbados Government To Push Legislation To Seize Illegal Assets Daily Observer - The Barbados government will next year table legislation amending the Proceeds of Crime Act so as to allow the authorities to seize the assets of people with no legitimate source of income.

Addressing a ruling Democratic Labour Party (DLP) meeting over the weekend, Attorney General,

Adriel Brathwaite, said that drug barons and others engaged in criminal activities would not be allowed to flourish in Barbados.

Brathwaite, who is also Home Affairs Minister, said that Caribbean countries have been hard-hit by an upsurge in criminal activity, because the region is being used as a trans-shipment point for drugs.

Wednesday November 25, 2015

Kaieteur News

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OLD HABITS DIE HARD The PPP leaders are moving in circles. But they are not circling the wagons. The PPP is ending up where it started. The PPP is not going forward or backward. It is moving in a circular fashion.

The existing leadership has run out ideas. They are using the same failed strategy now that they are in opposition, as they were using when they were in government in 2011 and in 2015.

The targets of their attacks then were the two principal leaders of the Alliance for Change, Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan. That strategy was to attack these two gentlemen so as to isolate them from the electorate and thereby reduce the AFC’s support. This did not work in the 2011 elections and the PPP quite inexplicably repeated the same old failed strategy in 2015 and ended

up losing power.

Now that they are in opposition, the same strategy is being used. The attacks are incessant on Nagamootoo and Ramjattan. The PPP has learnt nothing as a result of its election results.

The PPP is caught in this circular mode because its politics is obsessed with personalities. It is concerned more with these two individuals and cannot see beyond that. It wants to make

these guys out as being the reason why the PPP lost power.

In this regard, the PPP is behaving like an ostrich with its head in the sand – it is refusing to acknowledge reality. The reason why the PPP lost power in 2015 is because the attacks on these two AFC personalities galvanized rather than split the AFC’s support base.

The PPP cannot hope to split the AFC’s support base

Dem boys seh...

Dem Babbie love to cuddle up to de president Everybody got somebody to help like a jackabout. He does run here, run there; do this, do that.

Teachers does got nuff of dem. Senior police officers does got dem and is de same thing wid de army and public servants and political parties.

In de Pee Pee Pee, Papa Cheddi had Robert and Rohee. One was a letter carrier and de other was a watchman who use to stand up at Freedom House guarding.

Burnham had nuff. He had Elvin, who was he henchman.

Then he had Kester and Halim. Kester was de man who

does run wid de news wha Burnham want he run wid.

Halim use to run wid socialism. That is why Soulja Bai send him to Cuba.

Jagdeo had Babbie and still got Babbie. In fact, Jagdeo own Babbie.

De two of dem do de gods to Guyana. Dem tek state property fuh next to nutten; dem tek state business that was mekking tons of money; business like de drugs company.

Dem put clause in contracts so that only Jagdeo and Babbie can win bids. Dem boys use to pray that this

country would never see another Babbie clinging on to a president.

Up come de new kid on de block—Soulja Bai—and before he swear-in a Babbie tun up and deh side by side wid him. This Babbie start fuh organize everything.

He was part of organizing de big swearing-in ceremony fuh Soulja Bai. He try to lead de team fuh organize de cleanup. When he didn’t get wha he want, he run back to de States.

This Babbie deh close to Soulja Bai and that is not nice.

Dem Babbie like to cut deals.

Dem boys hear de Jagdeo Babbie build big factory and warehouse in India. De plan was to sell Guyana everything, from rope to soap, through that factory and company.

Dem boys hear Soulja Bai Babbie done seh he putting a factory in South Africa suh he can now sell from perfume to poison. But dem boys want he know that he wouldn’t last as long or be allowed to get away wid de things Jagdeo Babbie get away wid.

Talk half and don’t mek any more Babbie get close to a president.

by targeting the AFC leaders.

If the PPP feels that the votes it needs to win the next election has to come from disaffected AFC supporters, the worst it can do is to attack the leadership of the AFC. When the leadership of a party is under attack from external forces, the supporters of that party close ranks. The supporters of the AFC closed ranks in 2011 when the party’s leaders came under attack and they closed ranks again in 2015.

APNU and the AFC have in turn, since the coalition took office, made Bharrat Jagdeo a special target. They understand the threat that he represents. He is no pushover.

And like what the AFC supporters did when its leaders were targeted, the PPP supporters did when Jagdeo

was targeted; they closed ranks behind their leader.

It is not that Bharrat Jagdeo is so much loved within his party. He does have significant support nationally, but the very fact that he was attacked and targeted by APNU and the AFC allowed the supporters of the PPP to close ranks behind him.

The same thing has happened to the leadership of the AFC and APNU who are being attacked. Yet the PPP persists with this dumb strategy. They do so because they are lost about what to do.

Continued on page 14

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 25, 2015

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

What is President Granger going to say to GBTI? On November 24, The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry announced an education saving plan.

It is to help parents provide for higher education enrollment through the establishment of an education savings account which matures when the child reaches 18 years. It also earns a higher interest than a normal savings account.

The programme was launched with a huge colour advertisement of seven kids walking across their college campus with the knapsacks over their shoulders. Every student is a Caucasian.

What is wrong with the image? Well, depending on the perspective of the person looking at it, you can see either a Freudian mind at work or simply an act that has no meaning.

A person can say there was nothing Freudian about the decision. The bank just found an image of college kids and used it. But if you think

so, then it would be interesting to hear your answers to these questions.

If an Italian bank opened a similar operation would it put seven Chinese students in the advertisement? If a Pakistani bank did likewise would the newspaper placement feature seven African students?

If a Chinese bank started such a programme would it put seven Arab students in the picture? My answer is no to all three questions. Why? Because there are things that comes naturally to human beings.

Why would a pharmaceutical company advertise a formula to make animals live longer and the advertisement has a donkey as the image? It is a thousand percent certain that the animal featured in the image would either be a cat, puppy or horse.

Why in non-white Third World Guyana does a local bank offer a favourable

savings account plan for higher education, and in the placement in the newspapers are seven Caucasian students, one of whom wears long top boots to her knees?

I guess it depends on how you see life.

A person may say students are students and it was just an advertisement. Another human may object to it pointing to deep, p s y c h o l o g i c a l determinants. On this point, we can look at the 49th Independence Anniversary speech of President Granger.

The President described a situation in the advertisement sector during colonial times, in which he said that depending on the type of product or services being highlighted, a dark-skinned person’s face would appear or a White face.

He didn’t go into detail, but what he meant was that

if the product was toothpaste, you would see the radiant face of a white woman. If it is a new car, you would see a white male model. If it is a new sewing machine, you see a Black woman, perhaps on the heavy side, with her foot on the pedal.

I have done several columns on the predominance of Caucasian faces in advertisements whether in the electronic media, print media or the front of store buildings or on the side walls of commercial vehicles or the back door of commercial vans. It is there for the naked eyes to see. Here is a quote from my column of May 12, 2013; “Last Wednesday, we were traveling north on Camp Road and I continued straight instead of swinging into Carifesta Avenue. I noticed a huge billboard of Hand-In-Hand

Insurance Company on the fence of the Everest Sport Club. What I saw dazzled my eyes and for a moment I took my eyes off the road and almost drove into the eastern trench of Camp Road. This billboard had a white man dressed in neck tie and suit beckoning readers to patronize HandIn-Hand. Why a white man? (end of quote).

Another commentary was on September 11, 2015 captioned, “Zeitgeist: C o l o u r, race and telephones at Roraima Airways.” I quote from that article; “Chances of getting into a commercial on television or snatching a flight attendant job if you are black-skinned are almost non-existent.

The evidence of the death of the zeitgeist when people in Guyana proudly proclaimed that “Black is beautiful” is everywhere. Just look up at the van with the faces on it advertising

Frederick Kissoon anything from pen-torch to bath soap to perfume to pentorch batteries and the faces are all-white.

Yesterday on Vlissengen Road this van was in front of me and on the back door facing me directly was the smile of a very lightcomplexioned couple showcasing the beauty of Lux soap.” (end of quote) I doubt whether President Granger will have a word with GBTI. Presidents don’t do those sorts of things. But I am sure he knows the forties and fifties have returned to Guyana. Are there seven Caucasian students at UG right now?

Wednesday November 25, 2015

Kaieteur News

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CDB approached to help strengthen capacity for “green economy” transition In preparation for Guyana’s transition into a “green economy”, the coalition government has approached the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for assistance in capacity strengthening.

This was revealed by Finance Minister Winston Jordan when he recently delivered the feature address at the award ceremony of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA).

Jordan said that Guyana, today, is classified as a lowmiddle income, resourcesdriven economy. He said that resource-driven economies are mainly successful when six core elements are present.

He listed these to be; building the institutions and governance of the resources sector; developing infrastructure; ensuring robust fiscal policy and competitiveness; supporting local content; deciding how to spend a resources windfall wisely; and transforming resource wealth into broader economic development.

Today, as the country gears to become a “green

economy”, Jordan said that several of these core elements are necessary for implementing a low carbon trajectory towards a green economy.

“We inherited the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and are committed to the REDD+ arrangement and the partnership we have with Norway. However, the strategy needs to be placed within the context of a fullyintegrated and mutuallysupportive legal, regulatory, fiscal and financial framework.

“Further, the strategy cannot be a substitute for a long term development plan or long term development planning. To address this lacuna, the Government has approached the Caribbean Development Bank to strengthen our capacity for long term planning.”

The Finance Minister also noted that a major challenge facing Guyana is how the country must leapfrog the lack of an industrial age revolution through a low carbon trajectory to create a sustainable green economy, in which manufacturing plays

Finance Minister Winston Jordan a significant role in job creation. He said that even more problematic is the absence of a human resources pool to successfully execute the LCDS-to-green economy transition.

“This is why our Government, through the Minister of Education, has been speaking about STEM education and of a re-tooled and re-focused University of Guyana (UG). We hope the Private Sector and, especially manufacturers, can join

hands in strengthening UG and create mutually beneficial partnerships.”

Jordan said that for Guyana to optimize and maximize its manufacturing competitiveness, given the government’s focus on a “green economy” and a low carbon pathway, it plans to engage the Private Sector, Civil Society and its Development Partners in an ongoing process of national dialogue, so that it can reach a national consensus on the sustainability of a singular LCDS approach to sustainable development.

The Finance Minister then proceeded to share extended thoughts on Partnerships, Inclusiveness and Private Sector Leadership. He also noted that Goal # 17 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development speaks to “Partnerships”.

Jordan asserted that in order for the Private Sector to become the true “engine of growth” and the strategic codevelopment partner with the Government, it has to reengineer itself. He then challenged the members of

the Private Sector in general, and the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association in particular, to take the leadership role in nurturing and promoting more broad-based and inclusive growth.

Jordan said that the existing Private Sector - with its access to capital and its many domestic and international networks - must include the “historically excluded” in its business planning. In this regard, he said, “Contract farming is a model of inclusiveness. Subcontracting is another successful global model. We are one economic family. We share the same patrimony.

Guyana cannot develop with one eye, one leg and one arm.”

Jordan pledged that Guyana’s economy will become one of the most envied in the Caribbean, as he firmly believes that the country has all the natural endowments to achieve this.

He noted that the Government is transforming Guyana into a vibrant, sustainable, inclusive and green economy, and called upon the members of the business and manufacturing community to join them in this quest.

The Finance Minister said that the Private Sector can lead through visionary leadership.

Young mom dies after taken off NY-bound flight A Diamond mother of two is dead after she fell ill on a New York-bound flight yesterday.

According to reports, the woman, who is said to be in her 20’s, was on the plane when she complained of feeling unwell. Her name was given as Mitzy.

She was on the flight with her 3-year-old daughter. She was taken off and rushed via an ambulance to the Diamond Hospital where doctors pronounced her dead.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 25, 2015

Bids opened for Linden river defence to be upgraded During yesterday’s opening of bids at the Ministry of Finance’s National Procurement and Tender Administration (NPTA), there were bids for upgrades of the Wismar/Christianburg river defence structure in Linden, Region No. 10. This project is under the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

There were two lots. The engineer’s estimate for lot one was $9,574,825, and lot two $31,200,970.

Under the Office of the Elections Commission, there were bids opened for the construction of perimeter fences at Lethem registration office, Region No. 9. The engineer’s estimate was $4,404,147.

Meanwhile, bids were opened for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) for the supply and delivery of construction equipment at Base Camp Ayanganna.

Under the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), there were bids for the supply of goods for Information Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure. The project was divided into three lots. The engineer’s estimate for lot one was $11M, lot two - $14M and lot three - $3.6M

Under the National Communications Network (NCN), there were bids for the servicing and maintenance of motor vehicles.

Also under GDF, bids were opened for the procurement of vehicles.

Still under the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), there were bids for the supply and installation of electrical items for the rewiring of the administrative building at Base Camp Stephenson.

There was also a tender under the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) for the procurement of musical instruments.

And the final tender under the GDF was for the procurement of laptops, computers, printers and projectors.

Wednesday November 25, 2015

Kaieteur News

Sophia man admits to stealing former minister’s phone

Page 13

Lady Northcote rehab completed Lady Northcote at the E.C Vieira Wharf yesterday.

— fined $50,000

Daniel Wilson A man who carted off an iPhone 6 belonging to Former Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, was yesterday fined $50,000 after he confessed to stealing the device from the woman’s car.

Daniel Wilson, 20, of 282 South Sophia, admitted that last Sunday, November 22, he stole the cell phone, valued $282,000— belonging to the Former Minister at Rosemary Lane, South Cummingsburg (Tiger Bay). The fruit vendor appeared before City Magistrate FabayoAzore in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Manickchand was also present for the court hearing and had to endure Wilson

apologizing repeatedly to her.

Wilson told the court, “Is now I catching back myself. I pick up Aunty Priya phone.”

He continued, “I am very sorry to Aunty Priya”, while begging the Magistrate for mercy.

Court facts revealed that on the day in question, Manickchand along with others went to the area to distribute food to the less fortunate in observance of her son’s birthday.

Manickchand went about her duties after concealing the cell phone in a compartment of her car. It was revealed that Wilson lowered the left side window of the vehicle and removed the phone. At the time of the incident, Manickchand’s father, who was seated in the back seat of the vehicle raised an alarm.

The victim’s husband pursued the thief, but failed to apprehend him. A report was made to the Brickdam Police Station and the accused was arrested and charged after admitting to the offence.

Failure to pay the fine will see Wilson serving a threemonth prison sentence. The court was told that the cell phone was recovered.

After being docked for almost two months, Motor Vessel Lady Northcote took to the Demerara River yesterday afternoon.

The vessel which usually plies the Georgetown to Port Kaituma, Region One route was docked back in September for rehabilitation, and is expected to be available to the public sometime next week.

Managing Director of E.C Vieira Investments Limited, Edmond Vieira told Kaieteur News that the rehabilitation of the vessel was “a massive undertaking” and labeled it as the most challenging project he has e v e r r e c e i ved from the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) thus far.

He further stated that the initial cost of the project was $70M however, after

thoroughly inspecting the vessel, he noticed that there was much more work needed.

The cost then rose to $170M. Vieira said that he committed to offer the government a 15 percent discount which he said, was almost $25M. “When the vessel first arrived, it had zero functionality, the engine was damaged, the entire vessel was unsafe, and the propulsion system was damaged…so was the system’s steady rest bearings, tremendous work was also needed on the super structure itself…” Vieira revealed.

He went on to say that approximately 48,000kgs of metal was needed in order to repair the hull, reconstruct and rectify transverse frames, and to complete deck works.

Repairs were also carried out on cargo holds, the crew quarters, passenger walkways and rooms.

“Plumbing and electrical works were also done on the vessel. A new engine which assists the winch in the offloading and unloading process, was replaced…A new paint system was also applied from the keel, right on to the top of the vessel,” Vieira said.

Also present at the wharf yesterday was Chief Mechanical Engineer attached to the T&HD, Dwane Griffith. He pointed out that the vessel is now up to par with the Maritime Administrative Department (MARAD) safety requirements.

“The vessel is now equipped with inflatable life rafts, these rafts in total can accommodate 100 passengers while the wooden ones which were onboard before, could have only accommodated 50… Life rings were also replaced “Griffith said.

Page 14

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 25, 2015

Celina’s operator insists permission granted for $1B expansion An excavator at work at Celina’s, Kitty seawall.

Celina’s spokesperson, Bobby Vieira

Developers of Celina’s Atlantic Resort at the Kitty seawall are adamant that their current activities are not unlawful, but in conformity with permission granted under its lease which was renewed in 2011.

Celina’s, a hangout located on the foreshore overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, is currently moving to develop a US$5M facility that

will boast a restaurant, bar, mini-golf course and kids’ park. A number of guest rooms are also planned.

The resort is slated to be opened in time for next year’s grand 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

However, the construction is facing legal problems, with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and sea defence department saying

that there is no permission to expand.

At least three cease orders were issued this year to Bernard Yhun, whose name appears on the lease that was issued in 2003, under the Bharrat Jagdeo government in 2003.

Yhun has reportedly taken on an overseas-based Guyanese as a partner and developer.

The Ministry is preparing to ask the courts for an injunction to stop the construction works. There have been concerns expressed over the impacts on the sea defence in Kitty.

Yesterday, spokesperson for the developments, Bobby Vieira, said that the matter was a simple one for Celina.

“We have the lease here which allowed the property to be developed. We have the restaurant and liquor licence paid up-to-date. You can’t have that unless you had permission in the lease that allowed you to build in the first place.”

Vieira said that works being done are not any new buildings.

“What is happening here is that workers are replacing a few windows in a building and raising the level of the area by 12 inches. What is wrong with that? The mangroves are not being destroyed by clearing the

vegetation.”

According to the spokesperson, land reclamation and seaside development is nothing new in the world, and is evidenced in Japan, St. Maarten and Dubai, among other places.

“Celina is bringing entertainment to Guyana and if anybody wants, we stand ready to provide information.

We have sought legal advice and are being told that our lease and up-to-date payments to the Guyana Lands and Surveys and the Guyana Revenue Authority for permits, allows for renovations and protecting the investments.”

Vieira noted that the area with its thick vegetation has been a haven for robbers, with even a few rapes reported.

“Celina’s is making the place more attractive and protecting its investments at the same time.”

The tussle with Celina’s has reportedly caused some

OLD HABITS DIE...

From page 9 The answer is simple. If the strategy of the PPP is to win over disaffected supporters of the AFC, then the PPP’s game plan cannot be to attack the leadership of the AFC. The PPP’s game plan has to be to sow division within the AFC; the PPP’s game plan has to be to allow for a power struggle within the AFC; the PPP’s game plan cannot be for the AFC to close ranks in the face of a common enemy.

The AFC has decided that it will contest the local government elections with APNU on a single ticket. The AFC may have had no choice, because it may not have wished to be humiliated by going it alone. It may have felt that it simply did not have the time to make a strong impact at these elections if it goes it alone.

The PPP’s strategy of isolating the AFC, therefore, will come up blank in the local government campaign, because the AFC vote is being cemented with that of APNU. The PPP felt in 2015 that many AFC supporters would not support the coalition if the AFC joined with APNU. The PPP and many others, including this columnist, were wrong in that assessment — yes the Peeper was wrong. It is not that the AFC supporters love APNU; they do not. It is just that they hate the PPP more.

The PPP, therefore, was the galvanizing force that led to the AFC supporters not breaking ranks with their party when it joined the coalition. They will not, so long as the PPP continues in its old ways.

friction between a number of ministries in the Government, with some ministers for the development and others worried about environmental impact.

Vieira noted that Celina’s is paying up to $500,000 monthly for security of the place.

There has also reportedly been pressure mounted from a few other nightspots over the enhancements at Celina’s.

According to the Notice of Violation by the ministry issued to Yhun, any activity regarding the seas and river defence reserves has to be approved by the Sea Defence Board. The Ministry was unhappy that Yhun breached regulations when he stockpiled construction materials, operated heavy equipment across the seawall, excavated the foreshore area, cut mangroves and did modifications of existing buildings.

Celina’s is also accused of placing three containers in the area. Yhun was ordered to cease all work and remove the equipment and workers from the site.

In 2003, the land was leased for 50 years to Yhun for tourism purposes, for the establishment of a seaview resort. The land, east of the Kitty groyne and north of the seawall, was 1.54 acres, with Yhun asked to pay $1.5M every two years.

Celina’s lease barred it from undertaking any work without permits from Environmental Protection Agency. The business entity was also specifically barred from disturbing mangroves east of the property without consent of the Board.

Vieira yesterday claimed that no mangrove was disturbed, just vegetation.

Yhun was also told that he must move any equipment and materials to and from the area by the way of the sea.

He was forbidden to move any construction plant, equipment and materials over the sea defences without the Board’s permission.

Wednesday November 25, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 15

Early and full HIV treatment can reduce risk by 96 percent – UNAIDS The Caribbean is in a position to accelerate progress to end the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) as a public health threat. This ambitious goal is very achievable if countries opt to adopt the UNAIDS Fast-Track Strategy.

At least this is according to information emanating from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) yesterday. The new Fast Track Strategy is geared towards helping the world achieve its commitment to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.

“The Caribbean can build on the gains of its HIV responses to end AIDS as a public health threat,” UNAIDS has underscored.

At the centre of the UNAIDS Strategy is new science which shows that early and full HIV treatment reduces the risk of HIV transmission by 96 percent.

This is most appropriate, since a new global HIV report released by UNAIDS yesterday - ahead of World AIDS Day (December 1) “Focus on Location and Population” - demonstrates the value of targeting the people and places with the highest HIV risk as part of an approach to dramatically reduce HIV transmission.

According to UNAIDS, the next five years present a window of opportunity to scale up HIV testing and treatment. In this regard, the new 2020 targets adopted by the Region are known as 9090-90.

This takes into specific account that countries will aim to ensure that 90 percent of people living with HIV know their status; that 90 percent of those diagnosed with HIV are placed on treatment and that 90 percent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression. Viral suppression means that the

- C’bean urged to adopt Fast-Track Strategy to end threat

UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibé level of HIV in the blood is so low that health outcomes improve, while the risk of transmission dramatically declines.

And according to UNAIDS, the Caribbean can achieve these ambitious targets. It pointed out that since 2000, new infections in the region declined by 50 percent.

In the last 10 years alone, the Caribbean achieved a 61 percent reduction in AIDSrelated deaths.

Additionally, following the success of Cuba (elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV and Syphilis), several Caribbean countries are on track to be validated as having eliminated HIV transmission from mothers to children by 2016.

According to Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton, earlier this year, “if Cuba can do it, so should Guyana and with that we have to work.” Guyana has seen a decline in the motherto-child transmission of the HIV from 5.8 percent in 2010 to less than one percent today.

“All these gains are linked to improvements in HIV testing and treatment,”

highlighted UNAIDS, of the gains made in the Caribbean.

It has observed, too, that based on the new World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for initiating patients on antiretroviral medicines immediately after diagnosis, treatment coverage for the Region is 44 percent for adults living with HIV and 36 percent for children. Moreover, by scaling up efforts to test and treat, UNAIDS is convinced that the 90-90-90 targets are achievable.

LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND The new UNAIDS report therefore emphasises that in order to dramatically reduce new HIV infections and deaths due to AIDS, “we must rethink and renew efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination.”

Strategic efforts are therefore required to reach those who are most vulnerable, where they are.

The report identifies five groups relevant to the Caribbean that require intense investments and efforts— adolescent girls and young women, gay men and other men who have sex with men, transgender people, sex workers and prisoners.

During his mission to the region earlier this month, UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibé, stressed the importance of addressing not only the prevention and HIV treatment needs of girls, but also the need for increasing social protection.

Education, keeping girls in school and addressing gender-based violence are all key ingredients to reducing the disproportionate HIV risk borne by girls, UNAIDS has noted.

It has outlined too that young women in the Caribbean are two to three

times more likely to be living with HIV as young men.

This is partially explained by the early sexual debut among young women in the Caribbean and the prevalence of intergenerational sex involving younger females and older male partners. “ We n e e d t o e n s u r e that our programmes can reach girls where they are and address their concerns. That is not resolved with pills. The problem is structural. We need to have courage to remove boundaries… make sure people should no longer accept gender inequality or the social construction that if I am the man I can abuse women as

I want,” Sidibé said.

Ta rg e t e d e ff o r t s a r e also needed to address key populations, UNAIDS has observed. HIV rates among men who have sex with men vary throughout the Region, but are well documented to be between six and 20 times higher than that of the general population.

“Those groups are very vulnerable,” he said. “We know that when we discriminate they will hide themselves and they will not have access to services. Some of them will have relationships with women and infection goes on to the general population. Justice for all is key if we want to achieve

the goal of breaking backbone of the epidemic.”

Sidibé urged increased investments and collaboration with civil society and the faith-based community aimed at reducing prejudice and providing services to hard-to-reach communities.

“It is very clear that the traditional service approach will not work. We need to bring all these partners around the table. We will never reach all people where they are if we do not reduce stigma and discrimination.

There is no way to do it without compassion…without realising that any life lost because people do not have access to services is unacceptable.”

Page 16

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 25, 2015

Robb St. Granny killers get 81 years each - ‘Intellectual author(s) still at large’ - victim’s Pastor laments

By Rehanna Ramsay Wails echoed through the hallowed halls of the Georgetown High Court yesterday, shortly after four men were convicted for the execution-style murder of 72year-old Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris.

Fiedtkou-Parris of Lot 42 Robb Street, Georgetown, was killed in her home on June 30, 2011, as part of a conspiracy for money, and was related to a property dispute.

On the day of the fatal shooting, two men entered the woman’s yard and requested an audience with her. Upon hearing the persons’ request, she moved to the door. A gunman opened fire on her, hitting her several times about the body. After the shooting, the assailants made their escape in a waiting car.

Four men, who were on trial for the vicious attack, were yesterday given a combined sentence of 324 years for the

murder. The sentences were imposed by Justice Navindra Singh Orwin Hinds, called “Red Man,” of Burnham Boulevard, Mocha, East Bank Demerara; Kevin October called, “Troy,” of Second Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara; Cleon Hinds and Roy Jacobs called “Chippie” or “Black Boy” of Evans Street, Charlestown, were each sentenced to serve 81 years in prison.

The sentences comprised a base of 60 years, 10 years for premeditation, another 10 years because the murder was for pay and five years for the use of a firearm. Four years was deducted for the time the men served in prison pending trial, bringing the judgment to 81 years each.

The men must serve at least 45 years in jail before they are eligible for parole.

Justice Singh, in summing up of the evidence, urged the jury panel to use their common sense, intelligence and experience,

Justice Navindra Singh when reviewing the case.

In less than four hours after retiring to deliberate, the panel returned to the courtroom. The atmosphere was tense as members of the panel announced unanimous guilty verdicts for all four accused, in relation to the murder.

The convicts, who were seated in the prisoners’ dock,

Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris covered their faces and shook their heads in dismay at the announcement. They all maintained that they had nothing to do with the murder.

“I haven’t done anything wrong. I know nothing about this thing,”said an emotional Orwin Hinds, in response.

Kevin October maintained “the records will show that I was in police custody at the time of the murder.”

Their colleagues echoed similar sentiments.

Attorneys George Thomas, Moti Singh, Raymond Alli all

pleaded on behalf of the men, for light sentences. In relation to Orwin Hinds, Attorney Thomas noted that this was his first time before the court; he had no antecedents or prior convictions. In addition, the lawyer beseeched the court for leniency, noting that yesterday was also his client‘s birthday.

In his plea of mitigation, Cleon Hinds‘ lawyer Raymond Alli told the court that his client is 38 years old and a father of three minors.

Attorneys Singh and Thomas subsequently indicated to the court their intention to appeal the convictions, on behalf of their clients. The case was presented by State Prosecutors Teshana Lake and Narissa Leander, who sought the court’s guidance in sentencing.

Seats of the public gallery of the courtroom were filled to capacity. Relatives and friends of the accused as well as curious onlookers appeared anxious as they waited on the judge’s pronouncement. Some persons were forced to exit the courtroom as they could not contain their emotions. Others whispered among themselves,”well dem boys going down today.”

“Dem gun get lash hard. Is

bare big numbers this Judge know,” one observer commented.

Prior to handing down his ruling, Justice Singh explained that the men would each be given the same amount of jail time since they were found to be equally liable in the plan and participation to execute the crime.

As they exited the courtroom, murmurs could be heard from the four men, who expressed dissatisfaction in the trial and the judge’s ruling.

“Your Judgment Day is coming,” yelled one of the convicts to Judge Singh.

Meanwhile, a Pastor of the church, Mrs. Fiedtkou-Parris once attended, lamented the fact that although the four men have been convicted for murder, the intellectual author of the crime is still at large.

During the trial, the caution statement provided by one of the accused had outlined there was a plot by someone to murder the elderly woman, who lived adjacent to Trans Pacific Auto Sales on Robb Street.

The caution statement of Roy Jacobs also had outlined that there was suspicion that the plan to execute the elderly woman was hatched by someone attached to the prominent local auto dealership.

Wednesday November 25, 2015

Kaieteur News

Three years for ganja man City Magistrate Fabayo Azore imposed a three-year prison term on a man yesterday after he admitted to having 46 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

The man, Vibert Butts (no address given) confessed that he had the cannabis in his possession on November 23, at Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown. Butts, who had no legal representation, had initially pleaded not guilty to the charge before the said Magistrate.

However, when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts yesterday, he told the Magistrate that he wanted to

change his plea and begged for leniency.

The man explained to the Magistrate that he uses the drug for medicinal purposes. He added that he also utilizes the drug as part of his culture.

In addition, Butts promised the court that he would never do something like that again.

The convict was also ordered to pay a fine of $69,000 three times the street value of the drug. According to information disclosed in court, Butts had also received a one-year prison term for another offence. The nature of the offence was not revealed. The prison terms will run concurrently.

JAILED: Vibert Butts

Int'l Fraud Unit to help SARU unearth ...

From page 20 executive who oversaw a number of contentious multibillion-dollar public infrastructure deals.

According to Scott, the allocation of parcels of land to several former ministers, senior Government officials and friends close to the PPP administration, and the method to determine the prices paid, were not assessed by the CH&PA. He said that CH&PA seemed not to have been in the loop. The infrastructural works were contracted to Atlantic Construction

by NICIL/Privatisation Unit.

NICIL reportedly also spent tens of millions of dollars to build roads, drainage and culverts, and to lay pipelines and in some cases, underground power cables. The developed house lots, complete with infrastruc-

ture, were then sold to Jagdeo, several ministers and Government officials and friends.

There is no evidence that the house lots sale was advertised or what procedures were used in the allocations of the parcels of the ocean-front properties.

Jagdeo himself, according to details of allocations, received two parcels equivalent to two acres. On it, he built an imposing mansion, complete with pool and overlooking the seawall and the Atlantic Ocean.

He paid a total of $9.8M. He had owned a property along the OgleAirport Road in the community that was known as 'Pradoville One'. However, he reportedly sold that property to Trinidadian advertising executive, Ernie Ross.

It was determined that Jagdeo essentially paid three times less than what ordinary citizens in the

Diamond and Grove Housing Schemes, East Bank Demerara, would have been required to fork out. Jagdeo's payment for the Pradoville Two parcels translated to $5M per acre which works out at $114 per square foot; the ordinary man pays $317 per square foot for his plot.

The sale of the Pradoville Two house lots for such a low price would contrast starkly with what remigrants had to pay under the Government's scheme for returning to Guyana.

Remigrants paid more than ten times the price Jagdeo paid for the same size house lot. They paid $1,111 per square foot.

A detailed report on the matter has since been prepared by SARU, handed over to the police, and is still being investigated.

Page 25

Teen among four remanded for ...

From page 6 police they attempted to run.

The prosecutor related that the two defendants ran into a house situated at the front of the yard.

The police pursued the suspects into the house, where the other two defendants were found.

A search was conducted in their presence and several Ziploc bags containing a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems were found. Payne stated that the four defendants were told of the

offence committed, but denied ownership of the drug.

The prosecutor added that they were taken into custody, where their hands were swabbed. According to her, Hope and Leon’s hands tested positive for cannabis.

Payne also informed the court that the police file is incomplete.

Shakeel Leon was slapped with a separate charge. He was accused of having 5.6 grams of cannabis in his possession. To this charge,

he pleaded guilty. However, Magistrate Azore explained to him that the charge carries a mandatory penalty of three years jail.

After listening to the Magistrate’s explanation, Leon changed his plea to not guilty and was released on $35,000 bail.

Bail was still granted to the defendant despite objections from Police Prosecutor, Corporal Simone Payne.

This matter was adjourned until December 8.

Page 26

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 25, 2015

Truck driver shot during failed robbery

SHOT: Deon Primus A shooting incident which occurred around 19:30 hrs on Monday at Lot 38 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, has left a man nursing a gunshot injury.

Injured is 38-year-old Deon Primus, a self-employed canter truck driver.

The incident occurred as the man was about to drive his truck GPP 4827 into his yard. He was attacked by two men and was reportedly shot in his jaw.

The man, who distributes petrol among other jobs with his truck, was about to park his truck when he saw a male individual in his rear view mirror, acting in a suspicious manner.

Primus stated that about the same time he saw another man who rode up on the passenger side of the truck on a bicycle and pointed a gun at him.

Primus said that he tried to quickly wind up the window but was still shot in his left side jaw. The men

The Canter truck

then escaped without taking anything.

Julius Dey, who resides at

the same residence with Primus, told the media that after seeing the truck coming he was preparing to open the door when he heard a gunshot. He said that as he ventured outside, he was in time to see a short, darkskinned, slim person, who

was said to be the shooter, near the truck. Dey said that he started shouting and neighbours began to come out as the bandits hurried away.

Primus reportedly had $4,000 on him at the time. He was rushed to the New

Amsterdam Hospital. His condition is regarded as stable.

Reports are that several pellets were lodged in Primus’ jaw and throat area.

Investigations are continuing. No one has been arrested so far.

Roman Catholic Commission to release social study findings today After carrying out a social study, the Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Georgetown, Guyana will be releasing their findings today.

The event is scheduled for today at 4:30 pm at Marian Academy, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown.

According to a release from the JPC, due to the suspension of Parliament in November 2014, Bishop Francis Alleyne issued a call for the Church to become active in helping the nation navigate the dangers of ethno-political conflict.

The Bishop issued a mandate that there be processes of engagement

with parishes to pray, reflect, discuss and discern the urgings of the Holy Spirit as it relates to justice and peace in Guyana.

The report entitled, “Reconciliation and Trust” will be highlighting the key findings emerging from the engagement process with Catholics and Catholic groups across the country Brief remarks will be offered by His Lordship Bishop Francis Alleyne, O.S.B., followed by a discussion of key findings of the engagement process which was undertaken by Peace and Governance Practitioner, Lawrence Lachmansingh and Attorney-

at-Law, Gino Peter Persaud.

In its closing, the release read “The Justice and Peace Commission of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Georgetown is tasked with disseminating the social teachings of the Church.

The JPC is a body that seeks by Christian witness to contribute to the development of Guyana by promoting justice and peace as fundamental elements within enabling human relations, be these social, economic or political.

The Commission has as its ultimate end the development of a society based on respect, equality, and dignity”.

Wednesday November 25, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 27

Only two of nine pumps Businessman faces court after functional in Capoey allegedly receiving stolen passport With hundreds of acres of Essequibo rice lands at the mercy of flood water, engineers in Region Two, Pomeroon/Supenaam are slated to begin works in Capoey, Essequibo Coast, by tomorrow.

When Kaieteur News contacted Regional Engineer Jafaun Permansingh yesterday, he noted that one factor in the excess flooding is the erosion which has been developing over the years.

He admitted that the sluices and excavators were not working, hence when rainfall averaging a little over high-intensity came, there was flash flooding after the drainage trenches overtopped.

Permansingh noted that repairs to the sluices are not one hundred percent guaranteed to work, but at the moment mobile pumps are being employed.

There have been reports that the lack of maintenance of the drainage and irrigation systems in Region Two over the years has caused excess siltation, another factor that precipitated the flooding of rice lands between Sparta and Windsor Castle, Essequibo Coast.

There are also reports that the regions have been plagued by mechanical issues. One reason is

- Relief works promised from tomorrow vandalism; flagged as contributing to the nonfunctioning of several of the heavy-duty machines and other equipment.

As regards functioning pumps in the region, it is understood that seven of the nine pumps are not operational.

Rice farmers emanating from Sparta/Windsor Forest have been calling for (Agriculture) Ministry’s intervention, with many of them fearful that their investment into the current rice crop will be lost.

There have even been fears that the flooding will extend to residential lands.

These farmers recently paid a visit to the Regional Vice Chairman Nandranie Coonjah in order to have their concerns addressed.

With replanting having only recently begun, the floods are proving detrimental to any seedlings that might have been planted. Farmers have had a rough year. While the year has seen recordbreaking productions, there has also been a consistent delay in being paid by millers for paddy supplied.

The Guyana Rice

Development Board (GRDB) recently released some $660M to rice millers for the supply of rice to Panama.

GRDB’s General Manager (ag) Nizam Hassan explained last Saturday that this was the payment that Guyana had received from Panama for its supply of almost 7,500 tonnes of rice. The GRDB had also said that all millers have been paid in full.

“This payment was made on the second contract for rice supplied to the Spanishspeaking country between September and October 2015.

With payment arriving in such a short time, GRDB is confident that this can be seen as a start to the potential end of lengthy waiting periods for rice payments, by farmers,” a statement from GRDB’s public relations firm had said.

GRDB is also said to be working closely with stakeholders to address the ongoing challenges farmers face in receiving early payment from millers for paddy sold. However, the low price farmers have been receiving for paddy (per bag) has already put many of them under financial strain.

Cops say man slain over woman was aggressor

- reportedly killed with own knife

Troy Brutus Troy Brutus, the man who was slain on Monday during a fight over a woman, was stabbed to death with his own weapon after wounding his rival, police said.

Brutus, 37, of Castello Housing Scheme, died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after he was fatally wounded during a confrontation near the Garnett Street, Albouystown home of his alleged rival.

Initial police reports had stated that he was shot.

The suspect, identified as Michael Ridley, 36, was placed under police guard

after he turned up at the same hospital with knife wounds.

According to a police statement, Brutus, who was armed with a cutlass and a knife, attacked a man at Garnett Street, Albouystown, and chopped him to his hand and face at around 19.30 hrs on Monday.

“The man, however, managed to take away the knife from Troy Brutus and stabbed him about his body. He was pronounced DOA at the GPHC.” “The suspect has been arrested and is admitted to the GPHC where he is under police guard.”

Reports indicate that the wounded Brutus ran from Albouystown to ‘The Island,’ in West La Penitence, where he collapsed.

Brutus’ relatives have alleged that the killing stemmed from a dispute the two men had over a woman.

She had reportedly broken up with Brutus and is in a relationship with the suspect.

But one relative said that Brutus had insisted that his relationship with the woman

had never ended.

A female relative who lives in the West La Penitence area known as ‘The Island’ said that she was at home on Monday night when she was told that something had happened to Brutus. She then ran outside and saw the man sitting on the roadway and bleeding profusely. Another relative recalled that blood was gushing from his mouth and he was unable to speak.

A neighbour took him to the GPHC where he succumbed.

The wounded rival, along with his lover, turned up shortly after at the hospital.

He reportedly told police ranks there that Brutus had attacked him first.

One of Brutus’ relatives said that the suspect had come to her home in West La Penitence a few days ago and had asked to speak to Brutus.

“He said, ‘try talk to he’ (Brutus) and that he (the suspect) don’t want trouble.”

According to the relative, Brutus alleged that the rival later attacked him with a knife that same day.

Twenty-five-year-old Naipaul Basdeoram of Lot 3 Railway, Embankment, Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, was yesterday placed before a City Magistrate after being charged for receiving a stolen passport.

It is alleged that between October, 5, 2014 and July 15, 2015, Basdeoram received Guyana Passport #R03153338, in favour of Michael Yagram, knowing that same was stolen or unlawfully obtained.

To t h i s c h a rg e , t h e defendant pleaded not guilty and was placed on $75,000 bail by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

It was further alleged that on August 26, the defendant departed

Naipaul Basdeoram Guyana illegally via Springlands, Berbice, which is not a port of entry/ departure en route to Suriname.

Basdeoram pleaded

guilty to this charge and was fined $30,000. Failure to pay the fine will result in him being imprisoned for six months.

An attorney for Basdeoram told the court that his client is a businessman.

He assured the court that the defendant is not a flight risk.

The lawyer revealed that Basdeoram has a pending matter at the Vi g i l a n c e M a g i s t r a t e ’s Court in relation to the offence of unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.

As it relates to the charge of stolen property, the defendant will return to court on December 7, for continuation in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Page 28

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday November 25, 2015

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Wednesday November 25, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 29

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

Minister Lawrence does seem US Embassy asks Guyanese to join in on its 16 days of activism to want to stop her foreign trips DEAR EDITOR, The world community joins us today, November 25th, in recognizing the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW).

It is a time to renew our commitment to end this scourge and to stand in solidarity with women and girls who have been victimized.

Millions of people across the world are rallying under the orange banner, chosen to symbolize our collective hope for a brighter future for all.

Orange lights will illuminate iconic landmarks from the historic ruins at Petra in Jordan to Niagara Falls in North America.

Following the IDEVAW, the U.S. Embassy will be participating in 16 Days of Activism against Genderbased Violence. The 16 Days of Activism is an opportunity for everyone to become involved in their communities and spread the important message that gender-based violence is never acceptable.

Launched by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Kimoon, the campaign, which concludes on Human Rights Day on December 10, demands decisive action from everyone— men and women, boys and girls, government officials and community leaders.

Gender-based violence comes in many forms, from intimate partner violence and rape and sexual assault to early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

Each is a stain on our collective humanity, a barrier to peace and stability, and demands action by all of us

to bring it to an end.

Worldwide, an estimated one in three women will be physically or sexually abused in her lifetime, and one in five will experience rape or attempted rape.

In some places, especially in conflict zones, these statistics are even higher.

Such violence is not inevitable—and each of us can do something to stop it.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has remarked that “preventing and dealing with the effects of gender-based violence is a fundamental moral issue; it’s a basic question of right vs. wrong.

But it’s also about our collective security, so people who don’t get motivated by the moral issue or a sense of right and wrong at least hopefully can be motivated by some pretty practical choices, and by security – I mean, we have learned in painful and searing ways that gender-based violence can rip families apart, rip communities apart, and attack state structures. And too often, in too many countries, it perpetuates conflict and creates instability for generations.”

At a global level, the United States is working with the United Nations to end gender-based violence with the new 2030 Agenda. We are pleased with the adoption of an Agenda that emphasizes gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as both a goal in its own right, and as a cross-cutting issue that we must address if we are to achieve any of our development goals. From Berbice to Beirut, the United

States is committed to making a difference by raising awareness of gender-based violence, educating policymakers on the issue to increase legislative support, training service providers to better address the needs of survivors, and working to increase justice and accountability. We fund projects that provide safe spaces and vocational training for survivors, and work to mobilize religious, business owners, and community leaders to end different forms of genderbased violence.

We all can take action in our own lives to end genderbased violence. We can support survivors by listening to them and believing in them. We can educate men and boys to support women and girls and stand up to violence. As First Lady Michelle Obama said, “think about the needs of women and girls with every program you create, with every policy you craft, with every project you undertake.”

Please join us and the international community in commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the 16 Days of Activism that follow.

We all must work together— the international community, governments, multilateral organizations, private sector companies, and grassrootslevel advocates to address and prevent violence from occurring any longer.

Together we can, and will make a difference.

Ambassador Perry Holloway US Embassy, Guyana

Restaurant staff must be...

From page 5 needed to speak, regarding reservation. Ms. Moore and her team which included Ms. Narissa and others were most accommodating and helpful.

They made our evening dine of November 8, a comfortable and truly memorable one.

Ms. Moore was most accommodating, entertaining our repeated phone calls, just to ensure that everything was perfect for the evening—right down to the last detail. She emailed us their menu and we were able to select in advance what each person wanted to have. This eliminated any waiting time, as the chefs had our meals prepared for our arrival. Ms. Narissa and the team of waitresses ably catered to our needs at the dinner and were always within reach if we needed them. They were simply excellent. We were greeted with smiles.

Irrespective of what may have

been their personal issues, if there were any, it did not show.

The ambiance they created for us, and the songs they selected (without us even asking,) were more than appropriate. Editor, when we receive poor customer service, we share those experiences with the public in the hope that publicizing it can bring positive changes.

In the same vein, I believe that when we encounter excellent service, it is only fair that we highlight these as well—to let organizations know that we appreciate their service—to cheer them on to keep up the good work. It is also an opportunity for those who are not performing up to standard to raise the bar.

Customers are observing; try to impress them. Duke Lodge impressed us. For the places we opted out of choosing, it was the cover-

staff—those who interface with the public, that were rude and obnoxious. Managers need to realize that these staff members are like the cover page for their businesses.

Ensure that they are performing excellently.

Disgruntled staff can cause you too loose customers.

They must perform or leave the job.

The team down at Duke Lodge exhibited international best standards. If we intend to make Guyana a tourist destination, it is these little things with which we must start—hospitality and good mannerism. Others can take a page from Duke Lodge’s book. To Ms. Moore and team, kudos on a job well done—they went above and beyond the call of duty. I would recommend Duke Lodge to others. We got more than we bargained for!

Marratta David-Dazzell

DEAR EDITOR, The effort wasted by the Honorable Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence to defend her trips abroad, could have been better used to explain why, one year after I first submitted an application to adopt a child who’s biological mother I’m now married to, a child is being denied a father due to the incompetence of her stewardship in getting rid of an Adoption Board before a new one was even selected or approved by Cabinet.

The life of the old Adoption Board officially ended on June 30, 2015, but could have been extended for an indefinite period until the new board was selected and approved by Cabinet.

Instead, in her own words, Minister Lawrence wrote, “Upon my assumption to office the Child Protection Agency (CPA) informed me that there were several matters still outstanding with the Adoption Board.

As a consequence, I asked Ms Bibi Shadick, on June 24 to Chair the meeting of the Board to conclude those outstanding matters which were before them prior to the May 11 polls.

The Board met but was still unable to conclude all the outstanding matters, and on August 26 Ms Shadick was asked again to Chair the Statutory Meeting in a bid to bring closure to those issues with assurances from me that that Meeting would be the last she would have been asked to Chair.”

Here lies the problem... the Minister of Social Protection knew that the Child Protection Agency had outstanding matters that had to be dealt with by the Adoption Board.

She also knew, or should have known that it would take some time before a new Board was selected and approved by Cabinet.

Yet without proper planning, she extended the life of the old Adoption Board by a mere one month, giving the Chairperson, Ms. Bibi Shadick the assurance; “that Meeting would be the last she would have been asked to Chair.” Was Volda Lawrence so desperate to get rid of the PPP/C appointed Board that she ignored the cries of those children waiting to be embraced by a family they can finally call their own?

Or was it a case of sheer incompetence on her part?

Editor, I spoke with Ms. Bibi Shadick, and she assured me that she and other members of the Board would have willingly stayed on to serve the interest of our children had Minister Lawrence asked her to do so.

But this request was never Lawrence will again be made. traveling overseas sometime Ms. Shadick was also this week. She needs to be adamant that the Adoption reminded that she has a duty Board concluded all matters to serve the people of presented to them by the Guyana, and that is where her Ministry at every Meeting, focus ought to be. and suggested that any such For while numerous “outstanding matters” Boards have since been mentioned by the Minister appointed and functioning may have been pending at the under the APNU+AFC secretariat / ministerial level, Administration, Lawrence’s for which she was unaware. “track record” means nothing In her letter published in to the numerous children that the Stabroek News on need the security of a loving Monday, November 23, family and the most Minister Lawrence vulnerable amoung us, our completely failed to address elderly, if our dear Minister the issue I raised in my has no time in her busy travel previous letters or even to schedule to get the Adoption mention when the new Board up and running, nor to Adoption Board will finally meet appoint members to serve on to bring closure to many families. Local Boards of Guardians.

Despite the insinuation Harry Gill, MP- PPP/C made by Minister Lawrence that I was lying or as she puts it, I was being “deliberately careless with the truth” when I mentioned in an pervious letter that she promised she will instruct the old Adoption Board to meet once more on September 30, 2015, she From page 28 knows who is being deliberately careless with the truth. Why did she not deny making this promise when I requested an update from her during another Sitting of the National Assembly on Thursday 22nd October? The subject never came up.

CAR RENTAL During our brief PROGRESSIVE CAR discussion, she told me that Cabinet had already RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP approved the new Board and she expects them to meet PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 656-0087 ,EMAIL:PRO_ shortly. It is because of this that I called her office last A U T O R E N T A L @YAHOO.COM week only to be told that the Minister was in Peru, and DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: although the Board was 225-7126/226-3693 approved by Cabinet, the DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ Minister will decide when the YA H O O . C O M / W W W. Board meets after she receives DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM the letter from the Cabinet Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick Secretary. up rental- Call: 690-6494 It was this discussion that prompted me to reluctantly Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick write my second letter on the up, cheapest rate, low subject which says in part, security- Call: 698-7807 “Minister Lawrence should have ensured that this letter was expedited, paving the way for the Adoption Board to meet before she boarded the plane for Peru.

But that was not her priority, “They seem to be LAND FOR SALE more focused on trips Luxury gated community with abroad.” How can the pool, mall, swipe entry/exit, Ministry of Social Protection underground irrigation – commit to “strengthening and Contact: 609-0783 supporting families,” and create windows of D I A M O N D / G R O V E opportunity for our children HOUSING SCHEME 50X80 by focusing the Ministry’s –CALL: 676-0931 energies on “strengthening Formerly Globe Cinema, the family unit” when the corner lot @ Church & Minister is always out of the Waterloo Street, size country and no one else 126ftX133ft. Call: 610-2234 seems to have the authority Transported Land @ to get things done in her Richmond Essequibo, next to absence.” school, fenced, fruit trees, I was reliably informed filled high -$4.5M. Call:682that the Honorable Volda 5230; 628-9596

Page 30

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 25, 2015

THE VOICE OF THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS GuySuCo decries compromise of Bath Settlement and its importance to 2020 API discussions

By Sase Singh

Despite reports of a consensus being reached to wait until Annual Production Incentive (API) discussions are completed before going to the press, the dispute between the sugar corporation and workers’ unions has spilled over once more.

In a statement yesterday, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) declared that workers are falling victim to misinformation, which is being peddled to incite them to down tools, and has been used to compromise the API process.

It also provided an update on the API discussions which were held last Friday at La Bonne Intention (LBI). The corporation had offered to pay one day’s API for every 85,000 tonnes of sugar. This equates to 2.7 days for the corporation’s expected year production of 233,361 tonnes.

“At this time the Union informed that it will not sign on to an agreement with such a high number (tonnes sugar per day’s pay),” the statement went on to reveal.

“But has no objection to the Corporation paying the sum to the workers sometime earlier. Further, they (had stated that they) will like to consult with the Union’s wider membership on the position put forward.”

“The Corporation had proposed to reconvene on Tuesday (yesterday) of this week. However, the Union requested that after their consultation with the wider membership they will get on to the Corporation on the way forward. Finally, it was agreed that both parties will not speak to the press until we conclude this matter.”

At this point, however, the corporation noted that that very evening “the Union’s local officer and its representatives were in the villages bordering the East

Demerara Estates, (using) a loud speaker to call out workers to strike for one week instead of the expected consultation on the Corporation’s offer.”

According to the corporation, this became a reality when the workers of that estate responded on Saturday.

The cane harvesters withdrew their labour.

“Further the Union representatives of Skeldon and Blairmont indicated to management that they would be proceeding on industrial action from Sunday.

Blairmont harvesting reps were clear that they will be withholding their labour for the entire week.”

The Corporation called on Unions to allow workers to continue working. It noted that Skeldon, Albion and East Demerara estates have three more weeks for the crop, while Rose Hall has four and Blairmont two “Isn’t it good sense to allow these workers to resume their duties and earn as much as they can over the next 2-4 weeks at their respective estates?”

As of yesterday the crop’s production stands at 133,464 as against 146,300 tonnes sugar budgeted. For the year to date the figure is 214,607 tonnes. The industry also has an opportunity to surpass 150,000 tonnes sugar this crop which was last achieved in the second crop of 2009.

According to GuySuCo, workers have so far earned 66 days pay [Weekly Production Incentives] for this crop and 92 days for the year valued at $1B. “Workers should be encouraged to resume normal duties and work towards achieving their respective weekly targets and earning themselves additional incentives over the next 2-4 weeks,” the Corporation stated.

Bath Settlement is a village in West Berbice which has seen the development of a new housing scheme and an increase in its voting population by some 26 percent since 2011. Bath draws its sustenance from the sugar industry, but there is a strong entrepreneurial class in the villages around the “shallot” business.

Historically Bath Settlement has been the epicentre of the PPP in West Berbice. They have core competencies at grass root militancy that they learnt in the sugar industry. Starting as far back as 1948, they stood with Dr. Jagan and his legacy through thick and thin.

Winning over Bath should be the objective of any progressive political movement since they have strong foundations in working class struggle.

These villagers were fully aware that they were getting the short end of the stick from the Jagdeo/Ramotar cabal.

They saw the beachfront hundred-milliondollar mansions and they knew that the Jagans’ legacy was dead under Jagdeo. In 2005 with the formation of the AFC, a small but politically significant core group out of Bath / Woodley Park NDC made that strategic decision to break with the Jagdeoites and align with the AFC. The AFC Constitution offers the kind of language that will always be music to the ears of the people of Bath – ”commitment…” to treating all of our people “fairly and equitably in the allocation of national and regional resources”.

The elections result from the Bath / Woodley Park NDC in 2011 saw the following results: APNU – 22 votes (mainly from the WPA influence), AFC – 615 votes and the PPP – 2,789 votes.

The Jagdeoites were on trial and the beginning of the end for them was in progress.

I have checked all the records since 1953 and there

is no evidence to substantiate that any political party other than the PPP had the capability to draw more than 50 votes from Bath.

The AFC did it in 2011.

Much credit has to go to the AFC foot soldiers including a young dynamic woman called Cindy Sookdeo who was a “fireball” on that 2011 campaign trail. She was ably supported by many others including Pradeep Bachan, Abel Seetaram (now Regional Advisor to the Hon. Prime Minister) and many other unsung grassroots champions. The message was potent, relevant and was able to find fertile ears in Bath.

Then in 2015, AFC made a strategic political move that was grounded in the concept that it had to stop the plundering and raping of the Treasury by the Jagdeoites.

It took its political capital into alliance politics with the vision of more fairly allocating national and regional resources to all our people for the good of the nation. The Cummingburg Accord was constructed; the Coalition was built and the mission commenced that was aimed at offering the good life.

Although the PPP tried to drive ethnic fear in the minds of the people of Bath / Woodley Park, they could not destroy the breakaway group.

The results for the Bath / Woodley Park NDC in the 2015 elections were as follows: APNU/AFC – 557 votes, PPP – 3,646 votes. Bath Settlement in the main held, as we saw 557 persons, mainly East Indian, voting for a team captioned – Granger for President / Nagamootoo for Prime Minister. In the political landscape in which we operate, these 557 persons can be considered as political gold.

Sometime in October 2015, GPL removed some 20 street lamps from Bath in an era of a continuous crime wave that was inherited from “Rohee and Rohee Inc”. The PPP knew they messed up while in Government and offered a political inducement for voters in Bath. But the 557 voters saw through their “carrot on a donkey” mentality.

Sase Singh But the core point remains - can a coalition that won the general elections by 4,545 votes afford to withdraw these 20 street lamps; especially in light of the upcoming Local Elections?

These street lights act as a critical deterrent to the wild west banditry that is rolling all over Guyana in fine style.

More importantly in people’s mind, these street lights offer perceptive personal security comfort.

In human development, this is very important.

The people of Bath do not give a “hoot” about who was right or who was wrong; the real perception in their mind is that GPL under this Coalition Government took away 20 street lamps from their community and has placed them at grave risk to the banditry that is rolling freely all over Guyana. This is not a figment of their imagination.

The political reality remains that because of this decision, the PPP was given a platform to speak directly to these 557 voters and they have not failed to dish out some serious “political uppercuts” on this issue as a means to a political end. Why should they not?

This is a real political boxing match and if you drop your guard down, then you should not be surprised if a “political left hook” or “political straight right” comes your way.

If one does the costbenefits analysis within a socio-political-economic framework, one will have

enough evidence to prove that this decision was a human development disaster.

It will cost GPL about G$26,000 a month to power these 20 lights. Are we prepared to lose 557 votes to save G$26,000 a month?

It sickens me to my core to see this quality of decision making and analysis in government. There are people in Government who continue to make the jobs of the President and the Prime Minister very challenging with such poor decisions.

The Government’s mission is to offer all Guyanese a shot at the good life, but GPL and whoever else authorized this decision have undercut the Coalition politically. The buck on this one stops at the desk of the Minister of Public Infrastructure.

There is a perception that this community was being targeted by GPL. This may be totally false, but all politics is about perception. Do not tell me about legality and illegality and NDC and a whole bunch of bureaucratic gibberish. The decision was nothing but infantile stupidity and executive immaturity.

I must commend the team at GPL for recognizing their error and for engaging the residents of Bath with a vision of putting back on the lights.

Even stupid decisions can be corrected. However, I am getting a sense, based on feedback out of Bath Settlement, it is too little, too late, since the Coalition has already lost some of those 557 votes. I hope this will not be an exercise in egotistic lunacy.

We must see these lights back on before Christmas 2015 with a solemn commitment to never remove another street lamp from any of the public streets of Guyana, irrespective if they are in Buxton or Bath Guyana is too rich to not give the people in each of the 65 NDCs a G$300,000 annual subvention for street lights.

Let there be light on the dams and streets of Guyana; it will take us closer to the good life.

That is what we promised and that is what we must deliver.

Please provide your feedback to sasesin1@yahoo.com

Students must see education as...

From page 18 of this year, Roopnaraine had stated that he would be looking at furthering discussions with relevant senior officers of his Ministry in an attempt to limit the amount of subjects students can write.

“I believe that this multitude of subjects that students are doing, we will have to have a look at that. Frankly, it has always bugged my mind to know how a student can

be doing 18 subjects and more,” Roopnaraine had said.

The pressure of doing a vast number of subjects, Roopnaraine opined, “is really not a very healthy learning environment, so I would like to see a concentration on fewer subjects and a concentration on wider cultural educational experience.”

Former Minister of Education Priya Manickchand had, during her tenure, expressed

the view that the writing of a large number of subjects could aid and prepare students for their roles as future leaders. She had stated that often, students feel as if doing a small amount of subjects does not challenge them enough.

“They are excellent, they are good, and so they feel they need to do as wide subject entries as possible,” explained Manickchand.

Wednesday November 25, 2015

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Wednesday November 25, 2015

Political history in Barbados as Opposition party expels sitting MP BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – In an unprecedented move, the Opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) has expelled one of its members, a sitting Member of Parliament, over what it says was inappropriate conduct and her failure to be a team player.

Opposition Leader Mia Mottley announced at a press conference last night that Christ Church West MP Dr. Maria Agard was no longer a member of the BLP. The disclosure followed Agard’s appearance before the party’s National Council.

Agard had been summoned to appear before the panel Monday evening on nine charges related to “breaches of discipline”, following a four-year battle with the executive of her own branch that recently played out in the traditional and social media.

She attended the hearing with a legal representative Hal Gollop Q.C., but they both walked out less than an hour later.

Mottley said the decision to expel Agard was not an easy one, but it had to be taken as a matter of principle.

“These charges, contrary to those who would seek to trivialize them, are fundamental. At the very heart of it, they go to the respect for the authority of organs of the party, that are critical to its functioning as a mass-based political

Dr. Maria Agard (right) after emerging from the meeting with her attorney Hal Gollop Q.C. (PHOTO: BARBADOS TODAY) organization – in other words, the failure of Dr. Agard to recognize the legitimacy of a democratically elected branch of this party – her own branch,” she said.

“They speak to the failure of Dr. Agard to be guided by the party’s Council – not to further speak to the media on this matter, so as to allow for reconciliation between herself and her branch. They also speak to her inappropriate conduct, whether in misconstruing the facts in the media or offensive profanities posted on social media.

“And finally, they speak to the failure of Dr. Agard to be a team player – and to play

her part by attendance at the Annual Conference and a series of nominations in the very parish where she is the only sitting Member of Parliament for the party,” the BLP leader added.

Mottley insisted that the issue had nothing to do with freedom of speech, but one of discipline and respect for authority and willingness to work together in an organization with other people.

But Gollop described the tribunal as “unfair” and charged that the same people who brought the charges against his client were also sitting on the disciplinary panel. (Caribbean360)

New Argentine leader rallies Mercosur against Venezuela Buenos Aires (AFP) Argentina’s president-elect Mauricio Macri said earlier this week he would call for Venezuela to be suspended from the South American trade bloc Mercosur over its government’s alleged rights abuses against political opponents.

“We are going to invoke

the democratic clause against Venezuela,” Macri told reporters.

That protocol allows a Mercosur member to be suspended with the agreement of all the others if it is seen to have violated democratic principles.

Macri added: “It is appropriate because of the abuses and the persecution of the

opposition” in Venezuela, where right-wing rivals of President Nicolas Maduro have been imprisoned and barred from elections.

The market-friendly conservative forced a political shift in Argentina by winning a runoff election on Sunday, ending 12 years of leftist government.

Wednesday November 25, 2015

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Wednesday November 25, 2015

Political analyst says delay in election not good for party JLP says it’s ready for election anytime Jamaica Observer - At least one political analyst believes that Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller’s decision not to go to the polls before year-end is a disadvantage to the governing People’s National Party (PNP). From the increased activities of the PNP over the last five weeks, it was clear that the party was heading for a mid-December election.

But on Sunday, Simpson Miller, the PNP president, told orange-clad Comrades gathered for a mass rally in Black River, St Elizabeth, that it was important for newly enumerated young people to be given the opportunity to exercise their voting franchise, which was never a factor since the party went on the campaign trail.

“Comrades, based on the soundings I have been doing around the country, I’m convinced that the youth of Jamaica should be given an equal opportunity to have a say in how their country is governed. Many young Jamaicans just turned 18 years old and are now on the new voters’ list [to be] published on November 30 I’m told.

They should be allowed to exercise their right to vote in the next election, if they wish to do so, and that is their right, that is a commitment I give tonight to the young people of St Elizabeth and the young people of Jamaica,” said Simpson Miller, who only last week urged supporters to “get ready”.

The finance minister, Dr Peter Phillips, had also, during the campaign, stressed the urgency of getting the election out of the way to re-

PNP President Portia Simpson Miller watches as candidates Hugh Buchanan (centre) and Evon Redman greet Comrades in Black River on Sunday night. (PHOTO: GARFIELD ROBINSON) move the uncertainty among some prospective investors and to get the country back on track. But according to political analyst Martin Henry, the PNP, in delaying a general election announcement date, is hurting itself.

“The People’s National Party is hurting its chances of electoral victory by pushing the country forward in expectations and then retreating at this late hour on the reasons given by the party president and prime minister of Jamaica,” he told the Jamaica Observer Monday.

Henry nullified Simpson Miller’s reason, theorising that because voter registration is done at anytime, whenever an election is called, people will inevitably be affected. “Things don’t look good in the field for the PNP from their own internal assessment.

That’s only one of two reasons which would lead a prime minister who has indicated without saying so that

an election is imminent, then pulling back,” he said.

“So you have to scratch around for reasons which are publicly palatable, like not disenfranchising young voters who may have just attained the age of 18, or people who should have registered long before but now have a reason for voting out the PNP,” he added.

According to Henry, a victory for the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is dependent on how it handles itself. “If it makes the right move and it capitalises on the prime minister’s reticence to call the election, it could get a big boost out of the matter.

If it continues the usual trend of disagreements and infighting and the uncertainty about its own direction it may not move the scales in its direction very positively,” Henry said. Campaign manager of the JLP Mike Henry believes that a date now or later will not affect his party’s chances at the polls.

Wednesday November 25, 2015

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Kerry: Palestinian attacks are ‘acts of terrorism’ that must be condemned Reuters - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday described a wave of Palestinian knife and car-ramming attacks as terrorism that must be condemned as he held talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders on how to end the violence.

The bloodshed has been fuelled by Muslim agitation over increased Jewish visits to East Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa mosque compound - Islam’s third holiest site and also revered by Jews as the location of two biblical-era temples.

The Palestinians are also frustrated by the failure of decades of peace talks to deliver them an independent state.

At the start of a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Kerry said they would discuss ways to work together to restore calm in the region.

With U.S.-backed talks on a Palestinian state in Israelioccupied territory frozen since early 2014, Netanyahu said there could be no peace while an “onslaught of terror” continued.

Shortly before Kerry and Netanyahu convened in Jerusalem, a Palestinian drove his car into three Israeli soldiers and a paramilitary border policeman along a road in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, injuring all four, the army said.

“It is very clear to us that the terrorism, these acts of terrorism which have been taking place, deserve the condemnation that they are receiving,” Kerry told reporters, with Netanyahu at his side.

“And today I express my complete condemnation for any act of terror that takes innocent lives and disrupts the day-to-day life of a nation,” Kerry said.

Later, Kerry met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank city

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (R) invites U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to take a seat for their meeting in the West Bank city of Ramallah yesterday.

REUTERS/JACQUELYN MARTIN/POOL of Ramallah in what he described afterwards as “a long and very constructive and serious conversation”.

He gave no details of steps discussed with either Abbas or Netanyahu to end the violence, and there was no sign progress had been made.

“I know that the situation for Palestinians in the West Bank, in Jerusalem, in Gaza is, at this moment, very dire, that there are extraordinary concerns, obviously, about the violence,” Kerry told reporters.

Since Oct. 1, 86 Palestinians have been killed, some while carry out assaults and others in clashes with Israeli forces. Many of them were teenagers. Nineteen Israelis and an American have been killed in Palestinian attacks.

Abbas and other Palestinian leaders have accused Israel of using excessive force

to quell attacks, saying that in many cases assailants could have been stopped and detained without being shot and killed. They have also described the violence as a consequence of Israel’s occupation and related policies.

Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said Abbas brought up those matters with Kerry.

In Abu Dhabi on Monday, Kerry said Washington had ideas “for how things could proceed” to try to stem the violence. But he cautioned: “People aren’t in the mood for concessions.”

Senior Obama administration officials have insisted that Kerry’s latest push to stop the violence between Palestinians and Israelis is not part of a bigger plan to coax the sides into resuming talks on a Palestinian state coexisting with Israel.

Wednesday November 25, 2015

U.N. decries Balkans border curbs on refugees; arrivals in Greece fall Reuters - The United Nations yesterday condemned new restrictions on refugees t h a t h a v e l e f t around 1,000 migrants stuck at the main border crossing into Macedonia from Greece, denied entry due to their nationalities in violation of international law.

“Profiling asylum seekers on the basis of their alleged nationality infringes the human right of all people to seek asylum, irrespective of their nationality and to have their individual cases heard,” U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon said in a statement issued by his press office.

He urged nations to “respond with compassion, solidarity and shared responsibility.”

Balkan countries have clamped down at their borders recently to stem what

has been a n a n a r c h i c , largely unchecked stream of humanity into Europe this year.

But there were signs yesterday that the tide was starting to ebb somewhat - although relief officials cautioned that it was too early to declare a trend.

“Talk about a sharp drop in the number of refugee arrivals to Greece may be premature.

UNHCR staff on Lesbos (island) report that over 40 dinghies carrying an estimated 2,000 refugees and migrants arrived last night” (Monday) and today,” U.N. refugee agency spokesman Wi l l i a m S p i n d l e r t o l d Reuters.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported earlier that the number of refugees and migrants reaching Greek islands, the

most common entry point to Europe, fell to 155 on Sunday while 478 arrived at the ports of Athens and Kavala - far fewer than the daily average for the past few months.

“The drop is significant given that, according to IOM estimates, some 100,000 migrants have crossed into Greece since the beginning of November – av e r a g i n g around 4,500 crossings per day,” an IOM statement said.

There have also been no migrant boats landing in Italy, the other main gateway into Europe, since Nov. 19, it added.

Increasingly stormy winter weather is making crossings by sea to Europe more dangerous, and refugees trekking northwards through the Balkans are now exposed to freezing cold and snow.

Obama, Hollande urge Russia to focus Syria attacks on Islamic State

U.S. President Barack Obama meets with France’s President Francois Hollande at the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, yesterday.

REUTERS/CARLOS BARRIA Reuters - U.S. President Barack Obama and French President Francois Hollande pressed Russia yesterday to focus its attacks in Syria on Islamic State militants after Turkey heightened tensions in the region by downing a Russian plane.

Obama and Hollande also urged Russia and Turkey not to let the situation escalate after Turkey, a NATO ally, said it shot down a Russian warplane near the TurkishSyrian border after it repeatedly violated Turkish air space.

Obama said the United States did not have enough information yet to form con-

clusions about the incident, but said similar confrontations could be avoided in the future if Russia stopped attacking “moderate” Syrian rebels who are battling forces loyal to the government of President Bashar al-Assad.

“This points to a ongoing problem with the Russian operations in the sense that they are operating very close to a Turkish border and they are going after moderate opposition that are supported by not only Turkey but a wide range of countries,” Obama said.

If Russia directs its energies toward Islamic State

forces, “some of those conflicts or potentials for mistakes or escalation are less likely to occur,” Obama said.

Russia is supporting A s s a d ’s government.

We s t e r n n a t i o n s i n s i s t Assad needs to step down for peace to take hold in Syria.

U.S. officials said the Russian aircraft’s entry into Turkish air space lasted seconds. Russia condemned the Turkish action, vowing severe consequences.

“We must prevent an escalation. That would be extremely damaging,” Hollande said.

Wednesday November 25, 2015

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FIFA seeking life ban for Platini... Dey, Tiexeira, Marton, Sanchara...

(From page 34) since 2007.

For a long time, Platini was considered the natural successor to Blatter who has weathered one crisis after another in his 17 years as FIFA president.

The FIFA scandal is one of the biggest of several corruption affairs shaking world sport. International athletics has also suffered revelations of doping, largely affecting Russia, and corrupt manipu-

lation of anti-doping test results.

Platini was one of the most gifted players of his generation and inspired a French team which played with an exuberant Gallic flourish that delighted international audiences during the early to mid 1980s. He went on to coach the national team, then played a key role in helping France host the 1998 World Cup before moving on to become a member of the FIFA

and UEFA executive committees in 2002 and, finally, UEFA president in 2007.

The FIFA payment to Platini was made in 2011 for work Platini had completed nine years earlier, the Swiss attorney-general’s office has said, adding Platini was considered “between a witness and an accused person.”

Platini says the payment was delayed only because of financial problems at FIFA.

Mayor Green’s Inter-ward Football...

(From page 39) School trophy.

Additionally AHL Kissoon has donated a 3piece suite for the top scorer, while Ricks and Sari will give 10 hampers each to the winning and runner up teams.

In recent results from the last round of games; Uitvlugt defeated Goed Fortuin 6-0, Kitty overcame Stewartville 30, Pouderoyen edged Grove 2-

1 and Den Amstel overcame Agricola on penalties after the teams played out a 2-2 stalemate in regulation time.

Trayon Bobb (Uitvlugt) is the top marksman so far with six goals to his credit, while Quincy Moore (Mahaica) follows with three, while Marvin Josiah (Pouderoyen), Keon Moore (Victoria), and Kevaughn Ward all have two.

Among the sponsors aid-

ing a successful staging of the event are: Banks DIH, Massy, Beepat and Sons, CBR Mining, MACORP, Guyana Beverage, home of Busta soft drinks, Aruwai Mining, IPA, Muneshwar’s, E Networks, CIDI, BEV Processors, EC Vieira, Cummings Electrical, Crown Mining, Sattar Gafoor and Col. Larry London along with the above mentioned trophy and cash prize and other donors.

Wednesday November 25, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Whatever difficulties may have arisen over the past few days, you have the power to overcome them, gain new strength, and move on. Your physical energy is good - you won't wear out.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today, you might have an irresistible impulse to put your home in order. You want to give it a thorough cleaning, do a little decorating, or perhaps make some minor but necessary repairs.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Your association with a group could enable your spiritual progress today. Past emotional issues could come up, but don't despair.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A specific task or goal could have you making a lot of calls, writing a lot of letters, or doing a lot of running around in the car.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Money or other resources could be made available to you today so you can increase your career prospects or advance in your occupation.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) If you've been thinking about working out of your home, this is the time to put your plans into action.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Doubts about a romantic or business partnership could have an energizing effect on you today.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Uncertainty about your financial future might have you developing some sort of savings or investment plan to give you more security.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A joint endeavor with a partner could lead to imaginative and creative opportunities. You feel energized and ready to take on just about anything.

CAPRI (Dec.22–Jan.19) This is a great time to start almost any kind of project. The planets indicate success at whatever you try.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Unknown skills or talents that you didn't know you had might set you on a course that leads to increased income, if you're willing to put in some hard work.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) An unwitting communication from a friend could set you off on a path that changes your life. This could involve business opportunities, or you could discover a new interest or group you'd like to join.

(From page 32) Berbice third.

Cleveland Mars of District five captured gold in the boys 1000m U14, while Mark David of District 12 East Georgetown claimed silver and Fayyad Arakhan of District six bronze.

The 2000m boys open title was taken by Balram Narine of District 6 in 3 minutes 59.0 seconds; Shaquel Agard of District 10 placed second and Nigel Duguid of District 11 North Georgetown third.

De Silva of District four East Coast Demerara won the girls 2000m open in 5 minutes

35.4 seconds; Denese Mars of District five finished second and Uranne Charles of District three West Coast Demerara third.

Christopher Joseph of District 10 took the boys U16 2000m in 4 minutes 33.7 seconds, while Ronaldo Narine of District two Pomeroon/ Supenaam took the runner up spot and Birton John of District 11 third.

The boys U14 2000M was taken by Fayyad Arakhan in 5 minutes 21.5 seconds, Emmanuel Atherly of district seven was second and Shawn Mars of District 13

South Georgetown third.

Leona James of District 10 snared the girls U14 2000m in 4 minutes 44.6 seconds; Annstaysha King of District four placed second and Kitesha Saul of District five third.

Destheney Lewis of District 15 New Amsterdam took the top podium spot in the girls U16 2000m in 5 minutes 28.2 seconds, while B’Yonka Barker of District 10 and Tia Henry of District 12 East Georgetown finished second and third respectively.

Action continues today.

Men’s competition should be...

(From page 38) perforamnces both locally and internationally, every opponent will find them hard to beat.

Losing finalist from last year Old Fort has been somewhat of an enigma over the past five to six years, they just like the other teams possess a wealth of talent and game winners, but consistency appears to be their Achilles heel.

They are a hot and cold team that never seems to be able to replicate good performances night after night and at this level that is the standard requirement so for them to be reckoned among the favourites is kind of a gamble.

However, Aderemi Simon, who missed out on the recent Pan Am Challenge, will be eager to show that he is still among the best players locally.

The Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) once considered the strongest team in the country seems to be going through a transformation with the likes of the Fernandes brothers Philip and Alan more focused on playing in the vet-

erans’ category, but they still have some very crafty players in Orland Semple, Kevin Spencer and Devin Hooper and they are capable of creating a few upsets so don’t count them out.

The strongest team on paper has to be the Revamp team out of Canada and they’ve won this tournament already so there is a certain familiarity with the opposing teams.

It was disclosed earlier in the week that four members of the Canada national team that won the Pan Am Cup will be coming and with the country being traditionally strong in

hockey, local and regional teams should find the going tough against them.

Malvern out of Trinidad and Tobago need no introduction to Guyana, they are a usually strong side and they always come to compete and compete hard.

While they would have suffered the loss of several key players over the years, word is that there is a young brigade that are gifted players and skilful enough to create havoc amongst the very best teams in the competition.

The men’s competition should be a cracking affair for top honours.

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Wednesday November 25, 2015

Lopes/Andrews, Persaud/Fraser win marathon matches in Trophy Stall Doubles Tennis The new partnership of Guyana’s most decorated tennis doubles player Jason Andrews with top junior Daniel Lopes proved its worth in a marathon 3hr 20minute quarterfinal match on Sunday to defeat Andre Erskine and Ronald Murray in three sets 6-7 (6/8),7-6 (7/5), 7-5 and book a place in the Men’s Open Doubles Semis.

The win puts Andrews on course to earn himself an 11th doubles title within the last 7 years.

The match started off with Erskine/Murray securing an early break of serve to move ahead 4-1 in the first set as they seemed comfortable with Erskine being the solid baseliner and Murray at the net. But it was determination and masterful net play that helped Lopes/Andrews to shake things up a bit and win four straight games taking the score from 5-2 to 5-6. Erskine/ Murray fought to stay in the set leveling at 6-6. Both teams held service and played neck and neck in the tiebreaker through heated exchanges to bring the score to 6/6, but it was the more experienced Murray/Erskine team that held their nerves and captured the next two points and the first set 7-6 (8/6).

This high level of play was maintained throughout the second set, as both teams held serve comfortably to 6-6 to set up for another tie breaker. It would be the youthful team that would forge ahead 4/2, but Erskine/ Murray again produced some quality points to level 5/5 before surrendering the next two points and the set 7-6 (7/5).

A popped string for Erskine during the third set caused some imbalance in his team as he lost serve at 3/3 to give Andrews/Lopes a 4-3 lead. But the tides immediately turned on Lopes serve when surprisingly, Erskine

Men’s Doubles: From left: Daniel Lopes, Ronald Murray, Jason Andrews and Andre Erskine. who is not known for volleys produced skillful winners at the net to reach break point at which point Murray secured the break with his signature inside out forehand to level the score at 4-4. Murray then held serve to 5-4. But the high level of team support between the Andrews/Lopes pair gave Andrews the willpower to hold his service game to level again at 5-5.

This once again weakened resolve in the Erskine/ Murray camp and Lopes/ Andrews made no hesitation in powering returns to secure yet another break on Erskine’s serve. Serving for the match, it took Lopes/Andrews five deuces, three match points, and two break points to eventually triumph three and a half hours later. In the end, it was a commendable partnership that outplayed the experienced players 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/ 5), 7-5. Lopes was jubilant as he crashed to the ground in exhaustion. But the team will have to quickly refocus as their next opponents in the semis are Nicholas Fenty and Leyland Leacock who will be a formidable force.

Likewise in the Ladies Open Doubles round robin

group A, the junior girls Kalyca Fraser/Shivani Persaud battled for at least two and a half hours to down the pair of junior powerhouse Afruica Gentle and the promising 12yr old Sarah Klautky 6-3, 6-3. But the pair subsequently lost to Nicola Ramdyhan/ Aretta Dey 6-3, 60. In group B Shelly Daly/ Fiona Brushell defeated Nathalie Ramdyhan/Ciara Pooran 6-0, 6-1.

In other Men’s Doubles Quarterfinal action, Men’s champion Anthony Downes and veteran Harry Panday

Ladies Doubles: From left: Afruica Gentle, Sarah Klautky, Shivani Persaud and Kalyca Fraser.

defeated the young pair Keenan Persaud/Jordan Beaton 6-0, 6-0. A walkover was granted to Nicholas Fenty/Leyland Leacock by Sandeep Chand/Sanjeev Datadin. Anthony Downes/ Harry Panday also received a walkover from Oswin Coggins/Stephen Bailey to book their place in the finals.

In the Mixed Doubles quarterfinals, Mark McDonald/Afruica Gentle defeated Jordan Beaton/ Kalyca Fraser 6-2, 6-4. Aretta Dey/Daniel Lopes defeated Ramario Chanderballi/Grace

McCalman 6-0, 6-1. Keenan Persaud/Sarah Klautky defeated Fiona Brushell/Martin Campbell 6-4,6-4. Nicola Ramdyhan/Nicholas Glasgow defeated Mark McDonald/Afruica Gentle 6-2, 6-2.

Exciting semis and finals competition are expected as all four categories draw to a close during the remainder of this week.

Meanwhile, the association will be staging a fund raising event on Sunday December 6 at the Racquet Centre, which also serves as a pro-

motional tennis activity with a day of free coaching with racquets and balls provided and information on tennis in Guyana to attract more adults to play.

Action starts at 12:00pm and BBQ will be on sale from that time also. The Euphoria Fun Park for the kids will also provide entertainment from 3:00pm.

Tickets cost $1,500 with $500 redeemable in chits.

Those tickets can be bought from Money Gram Offices in Middle Street next to Mario’s and at the City Mall.

National Schools cycling c/ships

Dey, Tiexeira, Marton, Sanchara land gold

District’s six Curtis Dey crosses the finish line in the male 1000m open race.

Cain Marton of district seven comfortably wins the boys U16 1000m.

Curtis Dey, Shenika Tiexeira, Cain Marton and Chelcia Sanchara were among the gold medal winners when the 2015 Annual National schools cycling championships continued yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium.

Dey of District 6 Corentyne carted off the male 1000m open ahead of Christopher Griffith of 11 North Georgetown and Silvio Inniss of District 10 Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani. With just under 50 meters from the finish line Dey

who was trailing in third position overcame his rivals, crossing the finish line in a time of 1 minute 51.9 seconds.

District’s six Tiexeira easily won the girls equivalent in 2 minutes 21.4 seconds ahead of Naomi Alsop of District 10 and Kenesha Williams of District four East Coast in that order.

District 7 Bartica’s Cain Marton won the boys U16 1000m in 2 minutes 02.7 seconds, while Raphael Niles of District 14 East Bank

Chelcia Sanchara (right) of District 10 outsprinted Beyonce Ross of district six in the girls 1000m U14 event.

Demerara finished second and Denzil Huntley of District 10 third.

Chelcia Sanchara of District 10 edged district’s six Beyonce Ross in a closely contested girls’ U14 1000m; Keshane Schultz of District 14 placed third.

The girls U16 1000m was taken by Destheney Lewis of District 15 New Amsterdam in 2 minutes 31.8 seconds, B’Yonka Barker of District 10 claimed second and Carlene McDonald of District five West Coast (Continued on page 31)

Wednesday November 25, 2015

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Exclusive: Brazil’s Petrobras corruption investigators to probe Olympic contracts SAO PAULO (Reuters) Brazilian police investigating corruption around state-run oil firm Petrobras also plan to probe more than $10 billion of construction contracts for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, a lead investigator said.

Some of the big engineering firms caught up in the Petrobras probe “very probably” broke laws against price-fixing and bribery on contracts to build Olympic venues, said Igor Romario, a Federal Police chief and key figure in the investigation.

“In every situation where there has been an investigation into contracts with these companies, this model of corruption was repeated,” Romario told Reuters in a telephone interview.

“It’s possible that it was repeated in the projects for the 2016 Olympics.”

So far, Romario said, there is no evidence proving any crimes around Olympic bidding and investigators are still focused on the original probe - a deep inquiry into price-fixing on Petroleo Brasileiro SA contracts and bribes for company executives and politicians in exchange for winning bids.

The probe, now nearly two years old, has already ensnared dozens of Brazil’s business elite and congressmen and could put pressure on a tight Olympic construction schedule.

Of about two dozen companies investigated by the comptroller general’s office, known as the CGU, just five are building most of the nearly 40 billion reais ($10.5 billion) worth of venues and infrastructure needed for the Olympics in Rio. Privately held Odebrecht SA [ODBES.UL], Latin America’s largest engineering firm, is involved in over half of all Olympic projects by value, according to contracts

reviewed by Reuters.

Marcelo Odebrecht, the company’s chief executive, has been jailed since June awaiting trial for corruption in the Petrobras case.

The other four companies involved in much of the rest of the Olympic work are OAS SA [OAS.UL], Andrade Gutierrez SA, Queiroz Galvao SA, and Carioca Christiani Nielsen Engenharia SA. OAS’s chief executive was convicted of corruption and sentenced to more than 16 years in prison in August because of the Petrobras probe. Andrade Gutierrez and Queiroz Galvao executives have been jailed to face corruption charges.

Odebrecht and Andrade Gutierrez declined to comment. The other companies did not respond to request for comment.

Pulling off a safe and scandal-free games is important to Brazil, which has lost global influence over the past five years as an economic boom gave way to what is now its worst recession in three decades.

Rio de Janeiro’s mayor, Eduardo Paes, a possible 2018 presidential candidate, says Brazil can boost its reputation with a successful Olympics.

His city administration is overseeing the bulk of the construction projects, though a few are financed by the federal or state government and private company Rio 2016 handles some nonpermanent structures like seating.

City Hall said all the contracts are open for review and that it is available for any clarifications. Rio 2016 said City Hall is responsible for building Olympic venues.

The Petrobras investigation has slowed or halted other infrastructure projects in Brazil as engineering firms struggle to take out loans and some, including OAS, have

Drawing for Winston Murray memorial on today With the annual Winston Murray Memorial softball competition organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL Inc) set for November 29, the drawing will be done today at the GNIC SC at 17:00 hrs.

Eight teams are expected to battle for a top prize of a trophy and $200,000 in a oneday affair set for the Everest Cricket Club; the runner up will take home a trophy and

$100,000.

The GSCL Inc is asking the teams to provide their balls (small supreme), meals and water. No entrance fee is required.

Defending champions and Guyana Softball Cup 5 open winner Regal, Speedboat, Leguan and Farm are the teams that have confirmed their participation so far; action gets underway at 08:30 hrs.

filed for bankruptcy.

But Rio’s City Hall has committed to limiting any fallout on the Olympics, lending companies money to prevent a slowdown in construction, senior city government sources have told Reuters. All construction is slated to be finished early next year.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials have praised progress on the venues after some initial delays.

The IOC did not respond to request for comment on the potential investigation.

Romario, part of a team of high-profile investigators based in the southern city of Curitiba, said police intend to continue expanding their landmark probe beyond Petrobras even as the Supreme Court moves pieces of the investigation not directly involving the oil firm to other states.

The government’s staterun road construction agency DNIT and other government infrastructure departments are also potential targets for investigators, Romario said.

He said the Supreme Court may take other pieces of the case away from Curitiba

A banner of Odebrecht SA is pictured in front of buildings under construction at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games athletes village in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil July 21, 2015. (Reuters/Ricardo Moraes) in the future, but that the police would continue investi-

gating beyond Petrobras anyway.

Heat clamp down on defense, destroy Knicks Reuters – (The Sports Xchange) - The Miami Heat’s sputtering offense continued but they used an improving defense to defeat the New York Knicks 95-78 on Monday.

Miami, spurred by a 36-8 run in the first half, led by as many as 26 points and held on rather comfortably. The Heat snapped the Knicks’ four-game win streak, holding them to 32-percent shooting from the floor.

“They are a good defensive team, that’s one part of it — they make it difficult for you to score,” Knicks coach Derek Fisher said when asked about his team’s offense’s futility.

“Offensively we weren’t as organized. We were trying to take it to them instead of reading the defense and seeing what was available.”

Miami got 16 points each from guard Dwyane Wade and forward Chris Bosh. No-one has scored more than 30 points in a game all season for the Heat.

“It’s just about the team — it’s not about the numbers,” Wade said of the unimpressive offensive statistics.

Heat center Hassan Whiteside had 11 points, 11 rebounds and a game-high five blocks, while point guard Goran Dragic added 13

Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh (1) is fouled by New York Knicks forward Kevin Seraphin (1) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 95-78. (Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports) points, nine rebounds and five assists.

“It was fitting that there wasn’t a quote-unquote star of the game,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

“It was more of a group effort. Our defense was probably our best of this homestand.”

The Heat cooled off the Knicks but not rookie power forward Kristaps Porzingis, who scored 20 points, pulled in a game-high 14 rebounds and made two blocks. It was his seventh double-double of the season.

Knicks forward Carmelo

Anthony led all scorers with 21 points and added eight rebounds.

Miami’s reserves totaled 30 points, including 12 from guard Tyler Johnson, who said there was a reason why the Heat defended so well against New York.

“It was the communication,” Johnson said. “You could hear everybody talking.”

New York could only get as close as 12 points in the fourth quarter as Miami’s relentless defense meant they were never really threatened.

“It’s not easy defending

in this league,” Spoelstra said.

“There are so many good, talented offensive players and teams, and the way they spread you out now, it takes a full team commitment.”

Wade credits Spoelstra and Whiteside as two keys in Miami’s ability to get stops.

“We knew (that by) having a great shot blocker (Whiteside), we could be a good defensive team,” Wade said. “(Spoelstra) did a couple of tweaks in what we’ve been doing. And in this early part of the season, it’s been working for us.”

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 25, 2015

Mingo out-leans Ignacio for classic Schools’ Championship finish - Keona George shatters High Jump record

Selwyn Mingo (right) outleans Francis Ignacio to win the Boys’ 3000m U-16 race yesterday at the National Stadium.

The National Schools’ Track and Field and Cycling Championships got off to a brilliant start yesterday with outstanding performances from Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani’s, Selwyn Mingo and North Georgetown’s Claudrice McKoy at the National Stadium, Providence.

Mingo barely dipped ahead of Rupununi’s Francis Ignacio to win the Boys’ event in a time of 10:06.5s. Ignacio finished second in a time of 10:06, while South Georgetown’s Ronaldo Wishart was third in a time of 10:32.3.

McKoy, in the Girl’s 3000m Under-16 final, ran a very tactical race that ended in a sprint to finish that topped Rupununi’s, Margaret Augusto comfortably in the in end; McKoy stopped the clock at 11:24.9 to win.

Augusto, who took over the lead with two laps to go,

could not hold off the surging McKoy in the final 150m to finish in second with a time of 11:27.6s. Aaliyah Moore of South Georgetown (District 13) was third in a time of 12:20.5s.

In the only record-breaking performance of the day that brought excitement to an unprecedented turnout, Keona George of Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon won the female U-18 High Jump event in a mark of 1.50m. Yolanda Fraser held the old mark with 1.45m that was set in 2012.

In preliminary action, South American Youth Championship gold medalist and record holder, North Georgetown’s, Jason Yaw easily qualified for his 400m U-20 final with 52.2 seconds.

Yaw will contest the final on Friday.

South American Youth Championships silver medalist, East Georgetown’s,

Natricia Hooper also looked comfortable in qualifying for her 400m U-18 final with a winning time of 1:01.5s.

North Georgetown’s Avon Samuels also qualified behind Hooper with a time of 1:01.8s.

North Georgetown’s, Samuel Lynch ran the fastest qualifying time in the Boy’s U-18 400m heats with 53.1 seconds, while North Georgetown’s Yesenia Andrews and Upper Demerara/Kwakwani, Deshanna Skeete are set for a big clash on Friday in the Girl’s U-14 400m final.

Top male sprinter, Tevin Garraway led We s t Demerara to the top 4x100m prelim time of 45.8s to advance to the final, while Cassie Small and Hooper led East Georgetown to clock the fastest qualifying time in the female version of the event in 52.8 seconds.

Corentyne's Kellon Leitch with his unorthodox jumping technique won the Boys Under-18 High Jump yesterday at the National Stadium, Providence.

Singh elevated to ‘B’ contact; Jacobs and Motie awarded ‘C’ Rajendra Chandrika and Devendra Bishoo obtained central contracts from the WICB, making room for two Guyana Jaguars contracts.

Vishaul Singh has been elevated from a ‘C’ contract to a ‘B’, while Gudakesh Motie and Steven Jaco b s h a v e been awarded ‘C’ contracts, a release from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) stated.

Performance at the WICB PCL 2015/16 4-Day Tournament along with training records and attitude were the main criteria for awarding contracts.

Singh has already scored two centuries in three

matches, while Motie grabbed three five-wicket hauls (a total of 23 wickets) and Steven Jacobs has impressed with his all-round efforts.

They have all been disciplined in their training and attitude towards the game.

The Cricket Guy Inc (CGI) contracted players are Veerasammy Permaul, Raymon Reifer, Assad Fudadin, Vishaul Singh, Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Javon Searles, Ronsford Beaton, Paul Wintz, Keon Joseph, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shimron Hetmyer, Kandasammy Surujnarine,

Steven Jacobs, and Gudakesh Motie.

Meanwhile, Chandrapaul Hemraj and Sherfane Rutherford have replaced Motie and Jacobs in the CGI Academy.

The full Academy reads: Anthony Adams, Raun Johnson, Keemo Paul, Raj Nannan, Steven Sankar, Robin Bacchus, Kemol Savoury, Kevon Boodie, Dexter Solomon, Akshaya Persaud, Tevin Imlach, Sherfane Rutherford, and Chandrapaul Hemraj.

Leon Johnson, who is the captain for the Guyana Jaguars team, has retained his WICB central contract.

FIFA seeking life ban for Platini, say his lawyers PARIS (Reuters) Former French soccer great Michel Platini, until recently seen as the man to lead soccer’s governing body FIFA out of its worst ever graft crisis, could face a life ban from the sport if recommendations from FIFA ethics investigators are followed.

FIFA’s ethics committee has completed an inquiry into accusations of corruption against Platini, who as a player led French soccer out of the doldrums in the 1980s before becoming one of the sport’s most powerful officials, and FIFA president Sepp Blatter A media consultant representing Platini’s lawyer Thibaud d’Ales said ethics committee official Vanessa Allard had recommended a life ban for the Frenchman, who is head of European soccer’s governing body UEFA. “I can confirm that she is

proposing to the ethics committee a ban for life,” the consultant told Reuters.

Allard’s report has been passed to FIFA ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert who is due to issue a verdict by the end of the year.

Swiss authorities opened criminal proceedings against Blatter in September over a 2 million Swiss franc ($1.97 million) payment from FIFA to Platini in 2011. The case was part of a broader scandal that broke around FIFA in May when 14 officials including two ex-vice presidents were indicted in the United States.

DISGUSTED BY CORRUPTION Platini, who in May said that he was disgusted by corruption within FIFA, and Blatter have both been suspended for 90 days. They deny wrongdoing.

Blatter’s former public relations officer and confidant

Klaus Stoehlker said the Swiss did not want to “go into detail for now” on what the committee had recommended in his case.

“He was very surprised at the news about Platini,” Stoehlker added.

Platini, still determined to run in February’s election for president in Zurich, has registered as a candidate but FIFA’s electoral committee has said his bid cannot be processed while he is suspended.

He could be allowed back into the race if the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) accepts his appeal against the 90-day ban but could then be eliminated again if Eckert’s panel hands him a long-term ban in its final verdict.

If that happens, Platini would also have to quit his role UEFA president which he has held (Continued on page 31)

Wednesday November 25, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 41

Fairfield are ECDCA/Banks Premuin Beer T20 champs Fairfield defeated Lusignan A by 11 runs to win the final of the East Coast Demerara Cricket Association (ECDCA)/Banks Premium beer T20 competition on Sunday at Enmore Community Centre ground.

Richard Chaturia and Ramnarine Chatura added 38 for the opening stand after Fairfield opted to bat in front of a large crowd before the latter was removed by Rajindra Naikbarran for 17.

Gajanand Suknanan then uprooted the stumps of Leon Targoonchandra (05) while Richard Chatura was caught off Kumar Bishundial for 28 (1x4,1x6) as Fairfield slipped to 54-3. Consistent bowling

by Lusignan A thereafter ensure Fairfield didn’t recover with only Wassim Mustapha 15 and Mustac Shaw 12 getting into double figures of the remaining batsmen; Fairfield managed 97-9.

Bishundial claimed 3-12, Suknanan 2-13 and Steve Ramdass 2-18.

Ramnarine Chatura had Gavin Boodwah caught for one, while Targoonchandra

trapped Steve Ramdass lbw for seven as Lusignan A were reduced to 24-2 in reply. Brain Sattaur who was given a let off earlier was then bowled by Targoonchandra for 16 (2x4) before Krishna Deosarran was caught off Alex Marshall for 14 to leave Lusignan A in trouble at 45-4.

Leon Morgan (03), Somnauth Bharat (07), Bishundial (01), Suknanand (07) and Imran Khan (06) all fell cheaply amidst tidy bowling by Fairfield. And despite the efforts of Naikbarran who remained unbeaten on 20 Lusignan A finished on 86-9.

Targoonchandra snared 3-20, Richard Chaturia 2-13 while Ramnarine Chatura and Marshall had one each. Richard Chaturia was named man of the match. Fairfield received a trophy and $200,000 while Lusignan pocketed a trophy and $100,000.

Enterprise A beat Tiger’s XI in the third place play off.

Batting first Tiger’s XI scored 65-7 off their allotted 15 overs.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul made 28; Zaheer Mohamed Shadir had 3-13, Vivian Albert

Members of the victorious Fairfield team with their accolades along side representatives of the sponsor and organisers.

2-16 and Kavesh Yadram 2-16.

Enterprise A responded with 70-1 in 10 overs. Shadir hit 35 not out and Albert an unbeaten 26; Chanderpaul had 3-11.

Rockville Hotel and BAR donates $500,000 for Road Race in Bartica Local and Foreign Athletes participating in the Rockville Promotions 4 Miles road race scheduled for Tuesday 1st December 2015 (World AIDS DAY) starting from 4:00pm at the Junction of the 4 Miles Potaro Housing Scheme on the Bartica Potaro Road, will have the opportunity to cash in on the $500,000 in cash prizes made possible with a d o n a t i o n from the Management and staff of Rockville Hotel and Bar o f 1 0 8 T h i r d Av e n u e Bartica.

Winners and 1st and 2nd runner ups athletes in the various categories namely under 13, 15, 17, 19, Open, 40-45, 45 and over will receive $20,000, $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.

Rockville Hotel Promotions is committed to the development of sports and cultural tourism as such this activity will be staged annually to herald in the series of sports and cultural events to be staged monthly in collaboration with the Regional Administration and the Neighborhood Democratic Council or Town Council along with other community Groups leading up to the Grand Finale to be held annually on the 23td of April celebrating Bartica township sta-

tus.

Coordinator Aaron Blackman noted that, Our vision is to encourage competition between athletes on the coast land and their brothers and sisters in the hinterland, and giving them an opportunity to experience and cover a slightly hilly course and feel the vibes of our rich hinterland, we invite local and foreign tourists to come and witness this spectacular event , bringing together athletes from the Secondary and Primary Schools in Bartica and the Open and Masters Categories open to all Guyana and any foreigner wishing to participate in this inaugural event .

At the Presentation Party members of the Na-

tional AIDS Programme Secretariat are expected to deliver presentations to generate HIV/AIDS awareness in Bartica and its environs, while athletes and fans will be given an opportunity to tour the Rockville Hotel and BAR. The National Sports Commission and the Regional Administration of Region 7 will also be presenting trophies and cash prizes.

All interested athletes can uplift registration forms from the National Sports Commission Homestretch Avenue, Rockville Hotel and Bar 108 Third Avenue Bartica, Regional Chairman Office Region 7, Guyana Olympic Association Main Street, Georgetown.

Chatura ton hand Fairfield comfortable win A fine century by Ramnarine Chatura handed Fai r f i e l d a comfortable sevenwicket victory over Ogle w h e n t h e East Coast Demerara Cricket Association (ECDCA)/Tropical Spring Pu r i f i e d Wa t e r U19 50-over t o u r n a m e n t c o n t i n u e d on Saturday.

Chasing 182, Chatura

struck seven fours and three sixes in an even hundred and got support from Nicholas Hardyal 49 not o u t ( 2 x 4 ) a s F a i r f i e ld ended on 187-3 in 33 overs.

Nand Sanicharan c a p t u r e d 2-12 for host Ogle whose main batsmen were Daniel Chunilall 64 (9x4) and Sanicharan with 42. Motilall Chatura had 2-40.

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Kaieteur News

National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships

Wednesday November 25, 2015

NAFMA Martial Arts Championships

Several practitioners impress Minister Roopnarine acknowledges sports’ as activities conclude importance as activities get underway

The National Stadium was transformed into a hive of colourful activity when schools from 15 districts convened at its Providence EBD location, to compete for honours in the 55th National Schools’ Cycling, and Track and Field Championships which got underway on Monday and concludes this Friday; the Swimming aspect of the meet is held at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal ECD. Minister of Education with responsibility for sports, Rupert Roopnarine, attended the event and delivered the keynote address moments after taking the salute as the splendidly uniformed athletes marched past.

The Minister was joined

by Chairperson of the Region 4 Regional Democratic Council, Genevieve Allen, President of the Guyana Teachers Union, Mark Lyte, Director of Sports, Chris Jones, and several other high level officials of the Ministry of Education.

Minister Roopnarine reminisced of his active days on the tracks and urged the participants to compete with zeal.

He said that the champion-

ships are the only national event of such immense scope and his government will acknowledge this fact from a policy level. He said that two powerful athletics nation, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, have strong school programmes and their world class athletes would have benefitted from similar initiatives. Minister Roopnarine said that sports are a vital part of individuals’ lives and contributes to the development of the country as a whole. He also reminded the athletes that irrespective of the final results they should feel proud as their participation was laudable. “There will be many winners but no losers since you would have done what many others failed to drum up the courage to do,” exhorted the Minister.

Mr. Lyte said that the occasion will allow patrons to witness the nation’s best athletes in action. He also lauded the organizers for their commitment and dedication and further posited that the time has come for sports to be cemented into the schools’ curriculum. “You are all champions in your own right,” he

reminded the athletes. Mr. Lyle also acknowledged the input of the corporate community and singled out Banks DIH Ltd, Digicel, Courts and Giftland for their contribution towards the success of the meet.

Ms Allen, in her welcoming remarks also advocated the importance of Physical Education on the schools’ curriculum even as she urged the athletes to be of exemplary behavior. “I know that (winning) medals and trophies will be on your minds but I urge you to be good sportspersons even as you aspire for those achievements,” she said.

Meanwhile, patrons were treated to physical displays by students of three Primary Schools all out of the Linden, Mackenzie, Regma, One Mile and Watooka Day Primary.

Shortly afterwards, students of the reigning champion district, North Georgetown, performed the symbolic task of lighting the torch moments before the principal groups of athletes and officials, recited the games’ oath.

The championships continue at the same venue today.

Sensei Bobb (extreme left) interacts with his students and another organizer, Jose Torres, shortly after the tournament ended.

Martial Arts practitioners of the Felix Austin Police College (FAPC) and the Harpy Eagles Martial Arts Academy (EMAA) turned in commendable efforts to cart off the lion’s share of medals when they participated in the NAFMA Guyana Open Martial Arts Championships at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) last week Friday.

The two entities carted off several awards with the EMAA clinching 14 gold medals in the kata, sparring and

self defence in different age categories. That entity also won 2 silver medals in weapon and defence and wrapped up the day with one bronze in self defence.

Among the high performers of the EMAA are Mark Zaman (1st in kata), Nizi Realine (1st in kata and weapons), Krystal Realine (1st in kata and weapons), Louis Realine (1st in kata and weapons), Amitabh Persaud (1st kata and sparring and 2nd in weapons), Gerald Beaton (1st

kata), Maria Roberts (1st kata) and Sensei Bobb (1st in kata and weapons).

Those that did well from the FAPC are Teneka Grant (1st in self defence), Kisha Clinton (2nd in self defense), Nayiasha Sommersell (3rd in self defence) and Maxine Klass (appreciation).

Sensei Bobb said that he is very pleased with the standard exhibited by the practitioners even as he urged them to continue training in pursuit of greater goals.

2015 Ramnarine Appiah Memorial twenty-over cricket competition

Khemraj Sumair slams ton as Kendall’s Union A score win to secure place in semi-finals Kendall’s Union A team secured a crucial win against No7 in their last preliminary match to book a place in the semi-finals of the Ramnarine Appiah (Brother Appiah) Memorial twenty-over cricket competition for second division teams in the East Canje/ Lower East Coast, Berbice area. They now join leaders of group A Young Warriors Cricket Club who won all their matches. In their match up at the Cumberland Ground in East Canje, Berbice, No7 won the toss and took first strike and scored 120 all out. R. Ali 28, R. Persaud 26 and S. Bukshi 26 were the main con-

Khemraj Sumair tributors. Bowling for Kendall’s Union A, A. Ramnarine took 3 for 10.

Kendall’s Union A in reply, struggled to 122 for 8 to win by a narrow margin of two wickets. T. Garnett 28 and D. Baijnauth 20 were the major scorers. Persaud returned to take 3 for 12 and left arm spinner Raymond Mohamed 3 for 22.

In the preceding game at the same venue, Khemraj Sumair blasted a superb century (107n.o.) to lead Canefield Sports Club to a 77 run victory over Kendall’s Union B. Winning the toss and batting first, CSC scored 181 without loss in their allotment of 20 overs. Sumair was supported by Leon Sunthgolam with 54. At their turn at the crease, Kendall’s Union B folded for 104 with only V. Seedat with 28 offered any resistance. Sunthgolam returned with the ball to take 3 for 28 for Canefield Sports Club.

Both semi-finals will be played on the same day at a date and venue to be announced shortly.

Wednesday November 25, 2015

Stag/EBFA 7-a-Side Final In a classic and heated end to the Stag/East Bank Football Association (EBFA) 7-a-side competition on Saturday afternoon last, Grove prevailed against old rivals Agricola in what was the perfect climax to an entertaining competition.

Grove B stepped up to the plate to overturn the challenge of Agricola A in the final, pocketing the top prize of $100,000 via sudden death penalty kicks. Regulation time of 20 minutes failed to separate the two sides, ending 1-1.

Grove B had the chance to take the lead in the game but having been awarded a penalty; Lloyd ‘Badai’ Matthews put the ball outside the upright. Agricola A were then awarded a penalty and Gordon Grant in hitting the ball into the back of the nets to give Agricola the lead.

As time ticked away, Grove B, urged on by their fans had to pull out all the stops to even the score and that they did compliments of a Travis

Kaieteur News

Page 43

Grove B down Agricola A to win competition; Grove A place 3rd Jones goal that sent the crowd into wild celebrations.

No more goals materialized and in fading light, the ultimate decider was sudden death penalty kicks immediately after regulation time.

Despite feeling the wrath of his fellow villagers and fans when he missed from the spot in regulation time, Matthews took on the responsibility of taking the first kick for Grove, this time he buried the shot in style to hand Grove the lead.

It was now Agricola’s turn to even things up or suffer a loss. Winston Rawlins was trusted with the shot and had to score but instead he hit the upright to hand victory to Grove B and the top prize of $100,000; Agricola A took away the runner-up prize of $75,000.

In the 3rd place match, Grove A made light work of Agricola B, Joel Dick netting a brace to help them to victory and the third place prize of $50,000. Agricola

Stag, EBFA 2015 7-a-side champions, Grove Hi Tech following their triumph. had to settle for the $25,000 fourth place package.

In the first semifinal, Lloyd Mathews and Denzil Crawford scored for Grove B in their 2-0 win over Agricola B, while the other semi saw Agricola A getting the better of Grove A by the lone goal of

that encounter which came off the boot of Travis Welch in the penultimate minute of the match.

MVP, Highest Goal Scorer and Best Goalkeeper will all receive $10,000. The presentation of prizes will be done shortly.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 25, 2015

Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival

Men’s competition should be a cracking affair

Jonathan Roberts Orland Semple

By Rawle Welch G u y a n a ’s r e c e n t performances at the international level have certainly prompted renewed respect among its Caribbean counterparts and this present admiration has caused eagerness and excitement among teams and fans heading into this year’s Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival which opens tomorrow, at the

Jamaarj Assanah

Aroydy Branford

Aderemi Simon

National Gymnasium.

The local stickmen and women has been performing beyond expectations on the international circuit so there is every reason to believe that over the next four days of competition spectators who’re projected to swarm the indoor venue will no doubt be looking forward to sizzling action in the respective categories.

D e f e n d i n g m e n ’s champion Pepsi Hikers

should still be the team to beat because of how loaded they are with some of the most exciting players in the sport locally.

National team Captain Devin Munroe will most likely lead them once again and his vast experience at this level is always a benefit for the team’s chemistry and solidity.

This is a team that has won the title six times since its birth in 2004 and with a

cadre of young stars in their line-up; a sensible wager would be that they retain the crown.

Tournament MVP in last y e a r ’s e v e n t J a m a a r j Assanah has grown from strength to strength, but so too have Aroydy Branford, Robert France, Shane Samuels and Andrew Stewart and with their confidence sky high after a string of magnificent (Continued on page 31)

Wednesday November 25, 2015

Kaieteur News

Mayor Green’s Inter-ward Football final now fixed for Thirst Park on Friday The final of the annual 7a-side Inter-Ward Football competition to mark the occasion of Mayor Hamilton Green 81st birthday organized by former National footballer Lennox Arthur will be played on Friday evening at the Banks DIH Thirst Park ground, home of one of the key sponsors of the tournament.

Arthur confirmed yesterday that the Banks Thirst Park ground will be the venue for the eight-team final starting at 6:00pm sharp.

The teams clashing to determine who eventually advances to the Grand Finale are: Kitty who will play Lima Dam, Mahaica versus Victoria, Uitvlugt against Haslington and Den Amstel face Pouderoyen. The winners advance.

The games are 30 minute

Hamilton Green encounters, 15 per half and the no offside rule is in effect in this tournament.

The teams are battling for a first prize of $200,000 and the John Fernandes trophy, while the other top four finishers will collect; $100,000 and Youth and

Trayon Bobb Sports Trophy, $70,000 and China Trading trophy and $30,000 and the Business (Continued on page 31)

Page 45

THIS BACK IS COMING FOR FLEX NIGHT Another twist has been added to the Flex Night stage on Sunday December 6, with an athlete whose name has not been disclosed.

The young bodybuilder (pictured) who has developed this awesome back will be on the Flex Night stage competing in the heavy class.

Flex Night Managing Director Donald Sinclair stated that, “For now his identity is under wraps, but he is USA-based with family ties in Guyana. Should this bodybuilder win his class the Mr. Flex Night overall will certainly be a clash of titans to see who will prevail.”

The prospects for this show are certainly getting more interesting and fans can look forward to an explosive and exciting night of bodybuilding.

This awesome back of the mystery athlete will be on the Flex Night stage on December 6

t r o Sp Competing Districts line-up at the Opening Ceremony of the National Schools’ Championships 2015

National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships

Defending Champs, North Georgetown takes a photo opportunity after lighting the torch yesterday at the National Stadium.

Minister Roopnarine acknowledges sports’ importance as activities get underway

Primary Schools from Linden combined to give a top physical display performance during yesterday’s Opening Ceremony.

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