Kaieteur News

Saturday Edition

Online readership yesterday 186,518

October 10, 2015 - Vol. 9 No. 40 - Price $80 kaieteurnews@yahoo.com Website:http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Charged: Devon Griffith

Man, 23, remanded to jail in great aunt rape/murder case

Permanent It is time Secretaries for the should not Jaguar: be political appointees

Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary logo, created by Christopher Taylor and Compton Babb, was launched yesterday at the National Cultural Center.

- former Auditor General

US-based Guyanese pleads guilty to cash smuggling

Suspects who trailed Granger stands off-duty cop from CJIA by Presidential still to be apprehended prison pardons - Shot accomplice assisting police

...“I will keep on doing it!”

Gov’t to review all mining - new national policy concessions to be developed

Page 02

Saturday October 10, 2015

Kaieteur News

Agriculture is a business R

egional Trade and Agricultural Ministers have b e g u n deliberations as part of a renewed drive to come up with concrete decisions to be implemented by Member States as early as possible in face of the global challenges facing the industry.

The Ministers were meeting at the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) Secretariat, Turkeyen. It was the two-day meeting of CARICOM’s Counsel for Tr a d e a n d E c o n o m i c Development (COTED).

Guyana’s Minister of Agricultural Noel Holder led the local delegation which has joined up with their regional counterparts PRAGMATIC APPROACH Assistant Secretary General of CARICOM, Joseph Cox, led the charge to the visiting delegations. He delivered the stark warning that Agriculture needs to be treated as a business and not a social welfare project.

According to Cox, the region has to adopt a pragmatic approach to reviving the industry.

“Business is not static,

- says COTED official

Guyana’s Agricultural Minister Noel Holder (left) ahead of the opening ceremony of the 59th COTED Meeting held at the CARICOM Secretariat but dynamic, and therefore sometimes we are faced with hard choices,” said Cox. The recently appointed straight talking Assistant Secretary General remarked; “It is often said that if you have a business with declining market share and no real prospects for recovery, what you actually possess is not a business but an expensive hobby.”

As such, he posited,

some of the subsectors which previously were the pillars of regional economies, are now moribund and “it’s time to seek those areas of opportunity in which we possess a competitive and comparative advantage.”

He drew reference, too, to international developments as it relates to regional agricultural produce and said “we are

now forced to take a hard look at our place in the international trading environment.”

Cox said too, “These developments juxtaposed against the loss or erosion of preferential access to international markets has consequences for our development objectives.”

He did posit, “This provides us with an opportunity to focus more intently on the Regional Market –a market of 15 million people.”

According to Cox, “One of the major challenges facing the Regional Agricultural Sector is the accomplishment of meaningful structural transformation and dynamic competitiveness which will facilitate our ability to compete globally.”

TRACK RECORD He was adamant that Member States of CARICOM need to ensure that their agriculture development strategies facilitate an environment that fosters increased production and access to global and regional markets…We must be clinical in our assessments and pragmatic in our search

for solutions.” Cox also used the opportunity to rail the community’s track record in approaching the challenge at hand.

According to Cox, the Region must come to the realization that no single group can go it alone, and that collaboration is not a choice but an imperative.

Challenging the grouping ahead of their plenary deliberations, Cox called for a focused effort to be centered on the promotion of a unified regional extension mechanism aimed a t t a rg e t i n g e ff e c t i v e knowledge sharing, across borders.

He called too, for the establishment of a transparent and harmonized agricultural incentive mechanism, which allows perceived and real barriers entry in the industry to be decimated along with renewed efforts at treating with issues of land titling.

Cox suggested that concessional financing should be provided to aid in the acquisition of titles.

TECHNOLOGY The CARICOM Assistant Secretary General also spoke to the need to effectively address the

technological deficiencies in the Region.

According to Cox, “it is pointless for us to be seeking to compete in industries which are almost totally mechanized and technology driven while we continue to be heavily reliant on manual labour.”

He suggested that the Regional Ministers use foresight and the strength of firm regional resolve to retrain workers where appropriate “to minimize the dislocations which are sure to occur as we exit some markets but embrace new opportunities.”

Cox also used the opportunity to address the sometimes vexed issue of the Common External Tariff (CET), a tax applied to regional imports and sometimes waived at the request of member states.

According to Cox, “Let us begin the new day by acknowledging that the CET is impatient of reform in terms of waivers and suspensions.”

He said the status quo which obtains, threatens to undermine the very framework for sustainability and that “we need a structural protocol replete with the transparency guarantees that public policy demand that once and for all treats with the requests for waivers and suspensions.”

He was adamant that such requests must be determined on a data driven basis only.

COTED The COTED Meeting is being chaired by the Minister of Agriculture of St Kitts and Nevis, Eugene Hamilton.

In his brief remarks to the opening ceremony yesterday, he expressed optimism that the two day confab will produce “some important decisions upon which our individual countries can act for the benefit of the people who we serve.”

Saturday October 10, 2015

Page 03

Kaieteur News

Equal educational opportunities must - Pres. Granger be available for all

By Desilon Daniels Wi t h h u n d r e d s o f students gathered before him, President David Granger emphasised the need for young people to seize educational opportunities, regardless of their current station.

It is only then that the youths of Guyana could firmly live up to their potential to positively transform the nation, the Head of State said. He added that all children must be presented with equal educational opportunities.

President Granger made the remarks during his main discourse at the Education Month rally held yesterday at the National Park, Thomas Lands. The event saw hundreds turning out and filling the stands. There were students from all levels and trainee teachers from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).

Granger expressed pleasure at attending the event and at being among “young people”. He emphasised that the youths are indeed the future of the country and the nation cannot do without the young.

He also highlighted the important role youths will have to play when the time comes.

“You will have to take this country over; we [adults] cannot take this country where we’re going.

You have to take this country over and lead it into the future... We must remember that the youths are the most important citizens of this country,” Granger said.

He added that the importance of youth has long been recognised and that is why the government spends billions of dollars each year to invest in the education system.

Granger further said that education was a necessary element if Guyana is to undergo much needed development.

“We are here today because education is that gateway to the good life.

President David Granger during his address

We’re here today because education is the mother of good jobs, the mother of empowerment, and the mother of enterprise,” Granger said.

matriculation rates, and migration of successful students. He stressed that these areas must quickly be rectified. President Granger said that when it comes to

“Education is not for rich people. We have an education system that will allow all children, regardless of their circumstances, to reach to the highest level of society and education is the mean of reaching that highest level of society.”

“Whatever you want to do – to become a businessman, become a professor, become a teacher, become a soldier – the way to get there is through the doors of schools and colleges and universities.”

According to President Granger, the best resources of the nation must be made available to the youth of Guyana. He said, too, that the youths in turn must recognise the great responsibility they hold and just how beautiful and precious a country Guyana is. “I want you to understand what a great country you live in...You have to be prepared to take possession of this land,” Granger stressed.

He noted, however, that the nation faces challenges.

Among the issues, he said, are high failure rates at the Secondary School Entrance Examination (SSEE), high dropout rates at the secondary level, poor

learning, the youths and the nation as a whole must learn to respect each and every person.

“One of the most important rules we must learn is respect for each other; we are a multicultural and multiethnic country and we must learn respect for others and respect for ourselves. That’s where the education starts...it starts at home, at the mandir, at the church, at the masjid. It starts at learning to respect one another,” Granger said. He went on, “We may look different but what matters is not the colour of our skin or what’s on top of our heads but what’s inside of our heads and where we are going in this country.”

Granger stressed that every single Guyanese child must find a place in school, regardless of where the school is or the child’s situation. He emphasised that primary education is compulsory and parents must take this seriously, regardless of their own personal circumstances. In regards to secondary and tertiary education, the Head of State said that youths must take up their opportunities to secure their futures.

“Too often we hear that children in some riverine areas or some squatter areas are not getting to go to school,” Granger said before adding, “But together we all can help them...we have to try to get every child into school.”

“Education is not for rich p e o p l e . We h a v e a n education system that will allow all children, regardless of their circumstances, to reach to the highest level of society and education is the mean of reaching that highest level of society.”

He therefore urged all children at all levels to grasp the opportunities presented

to them and, if they do indeed take up these opportunities, to see their decisions through.

“I don’t want you to drop out in primary or secondary school. Every year over 4,000 Guyanese children drop out of school. Many of them end up not being able to read and write properly...so you must not give up midway with your education...you must take up the opportunities provided,” he stressed.

The President’s remarks were well received by those in attendance, who cheered wildly when favourable points were made. In particular, teacher trainees from the CPCE were particularly vocal and energetically waved flags t h r o u g h o u t G r a n g e r ’s speech.

EDUCATION FOR ALL

“All of you gathered here today are part of a system, the core purpose of which is to plant a tree to benefit the next generation; that tree is education,” Minister of Education Rupert Roopnaraine said in his r e m a r k s . “ We h a v e a responsibility to ensure that it grows and blossoms within each and every child.”

In his address, the Education Minister stressed that education must be for all and therefore, he said, the education system must focus more on inclusivity. He made special mention of children with special education needs and emphasised that all children m u s t b e c a t e r e d f o r, regardless of their situations and challenges.

“The aim of our education system must be to (Continued on page 12)

Friday October 09, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 5

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

Compensation for Parliamentarians DEAR EDITOR, It is interesting how bellicose the persons have been about salary increases for current Ministers and MPs; but have at – the same time been eloquently silent about the meagre salaries paid to teachers, as publicised in the press recently. These include some of the very people who are forced to raise funds to pay for extra lessons.

Not a peep from the media either, since the story may not have been sufficiently sensational.

But for the information of these very publics some review of comparabilities in job values of Parliamentarians as a whole may help. The table below shows salaries of Parliamentarians published earlier in 2015 by Kaieteur News.

A practised eye could detect the lack of rationality in the values attached to the various levels of decision-making. For example, the Parliamentary Secretary is ranked much higher in the hierarchy than the Deputy Speaker, Chief Whip and other MPs. Compounding the apparent irrationality are the following comparabilities (reflecting Public Service salaries as at January 01, 2014).

Highlighted are the maximum of each of the scales applicable to the identified positions.

Up to that time it did not appear to have been noticed that a Permanent Secretary who reported to a Minister could access a maximum salary higher than that of the latter’s fixed salary. Imagine the differential in the case where the PS is a contracted employee!

Not mentioned in the Table is GS12 the maximum of which is $380,536. This grade includes the position of the Administrator of the Palms.

Compare this with the salary of Deputy Speaker, Chief

Whip and Other MP. But perhaps more interesting would be some of the salaries attributed to staff in the former Office of the President, the majority of whom were not public servants, but could have been expected to benefit from the usual across-the-board increases.

- Policy Advisor Land & the Environment - $1,035,000 - Presidential Advisor 967,988 - *Head of the Presidential Secretariat - 895,326 - CDC Director General 686,122 - Attorney At Law 478,476 - Technical Legal Advisor - 430,196 - Press Secretary - 395,000 - Prime Executive of Coordinating Committee 393,117 Communication Coordinator - 339,950 * A Public Service Post – GS14 The above salaries were prior to the adjustments reflected in scales effective January 01, 2014. They represent a tiny proportion of a staff over 350 in the Office of the President at May 2015, competence not necessarily being a demanded performance factor.

It once again directs attention to the exponential increase in the proportion of contracted employees, alleged to be public servants, over recent years.

For example across the Regional Administrations alone there are 1471, the competency criteria for selection being quite unknown. Then there are the 4018 employed across Ministries whose salaries do not necessarily fit into any scale.

In the meantime it seems to

have been overlooked that they all are likely to benefit from recommendations for salary adjustments expected from the current COI into the Public Service.

All the above research has tried to do for legitimate skeptics is place the issue, hopefully, in a more balanced context, remarking in the process that the Opposition would appear to also benefit from the proposed increases.

E.B. John

We weren’t ‘thiefing money all over...

From page 4 /oz to US$ 255/oz); rice with its ups and downs in the European and other markets and sugar perennially challenging.

We held off from increasing the salaries of Cabinet members relative to others for ten years, not because we were ‘ thiefing’ but because we felt we needed to hold the strain that we were asking of others.

Mr. Editor, my fellow Guyanese, the problem we of the PPP/C fear about this affair is that the stage is being set for another inflationary spiral, heaven forbid, such as

our people and country had to endure from shortly after independence unto 1992.

When I joined the bauxite company (D EMBA) in McKenzie as a fresh, young engineer in 1967, I received a handsome pay (for Guyana at that time) of G$750 per month.

A brand new motor car then, was priced at G$ 4,000 with tax included. As I tried to accumulate the down payment, prices were rocketing and I closed my eyes and bought a brand new car in 1973 for G$ 16,000, a fourfold increase in six years! As inflation contin-

ued at faster rates than pay increases, I could not overhaul the engine in 1990 and sold that car after coming to office in 1992, for G$ 300,000 at which time the price for a brand new car with all taxes paid was approaching four million Guyana dollars! That is a vivid presentation of the inflation we had experienced and which we, the PPP/C, had to take account of in 1992. It is our tight financial discipline which might have seemed mean but which was very necessary against that background of two and a half de-

cades of rampant inflation, which is to be thanked for our progress since 1992. That discipline should not be compromised – we are not yet out of the woods.

The belittling and making trite of, rather than acknowledging and recognizing the challenge in the great improvement which there has been during our PPP/C years, does nothing for national cohesion or for our prospect for continued growth and development.

Samuel A. Hinds Former Prime Minister

Page 6

Kaieteur News

GRA forensic auditors to be procured after Tax Commission Inquiry- Sharma

By Jarryl Bryan The Ministry of Finance is likely to begin procuring auditors for the much anticipated forensic audit into the GRA from December 31st, after the Tax Commission Inquiry lays its interim report.

This is according to Minister within the Ministry of Finance Jaipaul Sharma, who has oversight for the forensic audits currently being undertaken into many of Guyana’s statutory bodies.

“We want to coincide that audit with the conclusion of the Tax Commission Inquiry.

The Commission will be looking into recommendations from the Tax Reform Committee,” he said, adding that the committee’s interim report is expected to be out by year end.

In a previous publication, Sharma had stated that the GRA forensic audit and evaluation would be undertaken by international auditors. This, he had revealed, was because of the scope of the audit and the inevitable chance of conflicts of interest arising.

The other forensic audits were performed by a number of independent auditors. The

Junior Minister of Finance Jaipaul Sharma GRA will be the first body to have an overseas audit firm.

After the submission of the report, an agency will be identified and contracted to carry out the audit by early February of 2016.

According to Sharma, the time span will also allow the international auditors to get a chance to examine the report, in order to understand the depth of Guyana’s tax

CANU busts Canadian with 25 pounds of Cocaine Guyana’s Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU), has made another drug bust at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

This publication was told that a Canadian citizen was busted with over 25 pounds of cocaine. The man identified as a 53 year-old, was an outgoing passenger on Fly Jamaica.

He was heading to Toronto, Canada.

The drug was concealed in packets of milk and frozen food. He is currently in custody assisting with investigations.

situation.

Speaking on the Tax Commission Inquiry, Sharma said that there would have to be an in depth analysis on the tax system. This will also help in understanding how deeply tax reform can impact the economy, whether positively or negatively.

The launching of the Tax Review Committee was first announced during Minister of Finance Winston Jordan’s budget presentation. Chaired by economist Dr. Maurice Odle, it has been operating out of the Ministry of Finance, which also provided technical assistance, since August 2015.

Its terms of reference include investigating the state of taxation, reviewing taxes with a view of reallocation and distribution, and to look into how tax was formerly administered.

Specifically, the committee is expected to examine how taxes can be paid in an equitable manner, since there is a general perception that the system is not effective.

One of the charges that Jordan had issued to the Committee was to come up with recommendations that would produce a system more fair and firm, but with rigorous legal systems in place to nab tax dodgers and cheats.

Stakeholders, including the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and Chambers of Commerce, have decried the high taxes and other shortcomings in the taxation systems for years.

Though promised under the previous Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) administration, tax reform never came to fruition.

Other stakeholders to make submissions to the committee include the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), banking and other institutions.

Friday October 09, 2015

Granger stands by Presidential prison pardons ...says, “I will keep on doing it!”

President David Granger has indicated that he will continue with the Presidential prison pardons which resulted in some youths convicted for minor offences receiving “get out of jail free” cards on Independence Day. And even though the Head of State has admitted that he is fully aware of the criticisms surrounding his

Onderneeming Primary School; too many of our children go to Camp Street Secondary School and too many of them end up in the Mazaruni University.”

He said that rather than realising their potential, these youths spend their whole lives in confinement. He indicated that while some may believe that this is due

“Young people don’t have a right to be jailed; they have a right to be schooled. They have a right to be in college.”- President David Granger decision, he will nonetheless move ahead as planned since he strongly believes that young people should be in school, rather than in jail.

Granger made the statement during an education rally held by the Minister of Education as a conclusion to its observance of Education Month. At the time, the President was addressing “Guyana’s future” – hundreds of gathered schoolchildren.

According to Granger, the nation faces many problems and too often youths find themselves turning to crime rather than education.

Granger noted that many times these persons are smalltime criminals who have made bad decisions. These youths, he added, do not deserve to waste away their lives behind bars.

“This is the opportunity for all of us to turn this situation around. We don’t want to see our young people in the New Opportunity Corps; we don’t want to see our young people in Camp Street [Prison]; we don’t want to see our young people in Mazaruni [Prison],” Granger said.

“I always say that too many of our children go to the

President David Granger

justice, he thought otherwise.

“I say, “Go your way and sin no more”. Get out of jail: go to college, go to university instead...Some people are quarrelling because a few people who steal cell phones are allowed to get out of jail free...People are appalled at that, but I will do it again next year!” Granger firmly said.

“Young people don’t have a right to be jailed; they have a right to be schooled. They have a right to be in college.

So, I will keep on doing it, and my critics will keep on complaining. But I want to see young people graduating from university, from secondary schools. Not going into Mazaruni and

Camp Street.”

Earlier this year, President Granger had drawn both commendation and criticism for his decision to pardon convicted prisoners on May 26, Independence Day. His decision saw 60 nonviolent convicts, between the ages of 18 and 25, returning to their families.

President Granger had said that with the annual amnesty, consideration will not be given to persons who have been convicted for crimes of violence. He also expressed hope that the released youths will turn their lives around and make good use of their second chances.

A businessman who drove away from the scene after he struck down and killed a labourer will now have to send the next three years behind bars.

Roopnarine Samaru, 25, of Rosignol, West Bank Berbice was on Wednesday sentenced to three years in jail by Magistrate Rhondell Weaver, when he appeared before her at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court on a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

According to Prosecutor Corporal Rocquel Mars, Samaru was accused of causing the death of Parmendra ‘Roger’ Mohan, 49, a labourer of Plantation Brahan, West Coast Berbice, at around10:55 hrs on the D’ Edward Public Road, West Coast Berbice.

According to information, Mohan, accompanied by his wife, Indranie Singh, had just exited a taxi when a car, PPP 7913, driven by Samwaru, and

going at a fast rate, collided with him.

The impact pitched Mohan into a parked vehicle before he fell to the ground.

The injured man was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he died while receiving medical attention.

The driver subsequently fled the scene, but was later apprehended at a roadblock near the Fort Wellington Police Station.

The driver, in his haste to escape, had also collided with a Rav4. However, the driver of the Rav4 driver had pursued the accused, until his arrest at the roadblock.

Samwaru was also charged with failing to stop after an accident, for which he was fined $20,000, with an alternative of 21 days in jail. He was also charged with failing to render assistance to an injured person after an accident.

He was fined 25,000, with an alternative of 21 days in jail.

Businessman jailed for three years on causing death charge

Saturday October 10, 2015

Kaieteur News

South Africa’s Zuma admits ruling ANC seen as corrupt, losing support Johannesburg (AFP) South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma admitted yesterday that the ruling ANC party of late liberation icon Nelson Mandela is perceived as corrupt and is losing support.

The African National Congress swept to power under Mandela at the end of apartheid 21 years ago, but faces growing discontent over high unemployment, a faltering economy and government corruption.

“The ANC needs to work harder to reverse the incorrect public perception that the ANC and its government are soft on corruption and that the ANC is a corrupt organisation,” Zuma told a major party policy planning meeting.

He noted that party membership had plummeted by about a quarter in the past three years, from more than a million to about 770,000.

Zuma also acknowledged a fall in voter support — from 66 percent at the 2009 elections to 62 percent in 2014.

“We have identified certain negative tendencies

Jacob Zuma which undermine our credibility, that make ... voters feel unhappy,” he said.

“These tendencies create a public perception that the ANC has become a self-serving organisation or one that at times deviates from its core values.”

Analysts say Zuma himself is to blame for at least some of the party’s dwindling support, amid a scandal over the spending of $23 million dollars of taxp a y e r s ’ mon e y o n u p grades to his private rural residence.

Zuma, who ousted former president Thabo Mbeki in a bitter contest for the party leadership in 2007, lamented the existence of factions which he called a “serious cancer” driven by greed and hunger for power.

The party is due to choose a new leader in 2017, with the battle seen as likely to be between deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa and Zuma’s ex-wife and current African Union Commission chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

Page 7

Page 8

Kaieteur News

Saturday October 10, 2015

U.N. diplomat charged by U.S. for Govt., Opposition distance themselves bribe scheme gets $2 million bail from alleged actions of Antigua diplomat

Francis Lorenzo (left) pictured with Ban Ki-moon and Antigua’s Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer in 2011.

NEW YORK (Reuters) A deputy United Nations ambassador from the Dominican Republic facing U.S. charges over a bribery scheme had his bail set at $2 million yesterday, despite a prosecutor’s warnings that he poses a flight risk.

Francis Lorenzo, who was arrested on Tuesday, must also live under house arrest with his mother after bail conditions are met and waive diplomatic immunity from future arrest, a federal magistrate judge in Manhattan ruled.

The decision by U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry Pitman came over the objections of prosecutor Daniel Richenthal, who said the ongoing investigation had unearthed evidence that Lorenzo received even more bribes than authorities initially alleged.

“His incentive to flee is massive,” Richenthal said.

Brian Bieber, Lorenzo’s

lawyer, sought to assure Pitman that Lorenzo would return to court, adding the Dominican Republic had just suspended him from his post.

Outside of court, Bieber said he was confident that Lorenzo “didn’t commit a federal crime.”

The hearing followed the announcement of U.S. charges on Tuesday against six individuals including Lorenzo and John Ashe, a former president of the U.N. General Assembly and U.N. ambassador from Antigua and Barbuda.

A criminal complaint said Ashe, 61, took more than $1.3 million in bribes from Chinese businessmen, including billionaire Macau real estate developer Ng Lap Seng, who was arrested last month in a separate case.

Prosecutors said Lorenzo, 48, acted as an intermediary for Ng to pay $500,000 to Ashe to submit a document telling the U.N. secretary general that a yet-to-be built

multibillion-dollar U.N.-sponsored conference center in Macau was needed.

At the same time, Ng paid Lorenzo $20,000 monthly while he served as “honorary president” of one of his organizations, South-South News, and directed additional payments to a company controlled by Lorenzo’s brother in the Dominican Republic, prosecutors said.

At yesterday’s hearing, Richenthal, the prosecutor, said the bribes were even more extensive than first alleged and included being allowed to live in a $3.6 million luxury apartment near the United Nations that Ng bought last month.

Lorenzo also received a $20,000-per-month contract with another of Ng’s organizations, Sun Kian Ip Group Foundation, after attending a conference in Macau where Lorenzo “aggressively pushed” for the conference center, Richenthal said.

EU at odds over Assad role in Syrian transition BRUSSELS (Reuters) European Union countries are struggling to find a common position on the role that Syrian President Bashar alAssad should play in the solution of the Syrian crisis, diplomats said yesterday.

Ahead of a regular meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg on Monday, diplomats are working to reach a compromise between countries which want Assad to quit immediately and others ready to accept a “flexible” transition.

“There is consensus among member states that Assad will not be part of a future governance of Syria but how to formulate that exactly is to be seen,” an EU diplomat said.

With pressure on EU governments to work for an end to the war heightened by the arrival in Europe of large numbers of Syrian refugees over

Bashar al-Assad the past few months, France is keen to see Assad go as soon as possible, while Germany would prefer to have him involved in the transitional phase before he quits.

Under discussion is also what should happen to the Syrian president after he leaves, with hardliners preferring him to be referred to the

International Criminal Court, while a softer option would be a voluntary exile in Russia.

The issue is so divisive that EU foreign ministers for many months have refrained from adopting common conclusions on Syria and its rulers, despite the worsening situation in the field.

“We are talking about flexible transition arrangements,” a second EU diplomat said.

“Transition is key now. You won’t see ‘Assad must go’ in the EU’s position,” the diplomat added.

This would be a significant turnaround from past positions when the Assad administration was considered not even fit to fight Islamic State due to its “brutal” actions.

Other diplomats are more cautious and point out that the key issue is stopping violence against Syrian people.

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – The Antigua and Barbuda government is distancing itself from the bribery allegations made against John Ashe, the country’s former representative at the United Nations, declaring that its hands are clean.

And the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP), under whose administration Ashe served, is making a similar declaration, although it has admitted that it did receive money from the former diplomat.

The Gaston Browne administration has sought to make it clear that the claims being made against Ambassador John Ashe, Antigua’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations up until last year, occurred during the UPP’s leadership, during which time Baldwin Spencer was prime minister.

Ashe, who served at the UN Mission between 1989 and 2014 and was president of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) from September 2013 to September 2014, was arrested at his home in Dobbs Ferry, New York earlier this week in connection with the scheme that allegedly saw him receiving more than US$1.3 million in bribes in 2013 and 2014, in exchange for supporting Chinese business interests.

It is alleged that he shared some of his bribe money with politicians from Antigua, including the prime minister at the time. Although Baldwin Spencer’s name was not men-

Both the United Progressive Party (UPP), whose political leader is Harold Lovell (left), and the government of Prime Minister Gaston Browne (right) say they were not involved in the alleged corruption. tioned, he held that position during the period in question.

In a statement issued after the news broke, the Antigua Labour Party government stressed that it had replaced Ashe after it was elected to office last year.

“The present government of Antigua and Barbuda has implemented and upholds the highest standards of good governance and accountability,” it said, adding that it would monitor the situation.

The mention of a former prime minister accepting bribe money has triggered calls for Spencer, who is Opposition Leader, to resign, but he has so far been silent.

The UPP, meantime, expressed shock at Ashe’s arrest and at “the attempted incrimination” of Spencer.

It distanced itself from any alleged criminal conduct and said that while it did receive

donations from Ashe through Spencer who was political leader before Harold Lovell took over in May this year, it never knowingly accepted the donations as the proceeds of any crime.

“A close perusal of the relevant court document reveals an inference that monies were received to facilitate access by potential investors to government ministers, including the then prime minister. That is patently untrue and contrary to the UPP administration’s business culture. Accordingly, we absolutely deny that any investor had to pay for such access,” the party said in a statement.

The UPP said it regretted that Ashe had found himself in this situation, but asserted it was confident that Spencer’s hands were clean.

(Caribbean360)

Barbados facing unjustified attacks, PM says BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Prime Minister Freundel Stuart says Barbados, as a small international financial centre, continues to face “unjustified attacks” from powerful nations.

And he has accused those countries of changing the rules at will to satisfy the demands of their own onshore interest groups and constituents.

Delivering the feature address at the opening of the two-day International Business Week Conference 2015 Thursday Stuart said, however, that Barbados would continue to defend its reputation.

“Despite the constantly shifting goal posts, we have held steadfastly to those principles that have brought us to this signal point in our country’s history. We must remain committed to the tried and tested standards for which Barbados is celebrated

– that of being a transparent, well-regulated and globally competitive jurisdiction that offers political, social and economic stability, as well as an excellent quality of life,” he said.

Stuart said the international business sector was moving into new markets by developing and strengthening relations with its Latin American partners.

“From all reports, our outreach to Colombia, Mexico and Panama, to name a few, has started to bear fruit.

We also confidently expect good results as we craft strategies to attract select types of business from the African and Eastern European markets,” the prime minister reported.

“But even as we create new opportunities, we have to keep returning to old battlegrounds. A few months ago, several territories, including Barbados, were blacklisted

Freundel Stuart by the European Union. Since then, after vigorous and justified objection by my government, through the Ministry of International Business, we were quickly and rightfully removed from Spain’s blacklist.”

Stuart pointed out that in more recent times, the attacks had come, not only from countries, but sub-national jurisdictions as well.

Friday October 09, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 9

PARDON THE PENSIONERS WHO ARE PRISONERS I am asking the media in Guyana that when they are announcing the appointments to senior public offices, they should not just provide the name of the person so appointed, but also the age of the person.

There is also a need for the media to find out whether the vacancies for these top positions were advertised and whether the selections of the persons appointed was done through a competitive process.

There was a lot of chat by the government when it was in the opposition about young people not getting jobs. It was also claimed that qualified people were not finding employment within the State sector. It was further

contended that jobs were being handed to friends, cronies and supporters.

It therefore is coming as more than a bit of a surprise to be constantly reading about appointments of retirees to public offices.

What has happened to the qualified young people who it was claimed are in need of jobs?

What has happened to persons working within the civil service who should be eligible for appointments to these jobs? Are promotions no longer made?

One way to look at the recent salary increases made by the government is that it was a case of poor timing.

Well, it could also be a case of perfect timing. It was the

best time to make the sort of increases that will be paid to Cabinet Ministers because if, as anticipated, we have an early Budget for 2016, that Budget will most likely have to make an award to public servants, following negotiations with the recognized union in the public service.

Public Servants are not going to enjoy as large an increase as Ministers and therefore to have announced a small increase for public servants and then a large increase for Ministers would not have gone down well.

The present timing of the increases for the Ministers is therefore perfect. There is a lot of noise being generated by the increases. But this is

Dem boys seh...

Some people see Rekha and some looking fuh Brian When people do things in de dark it does come to light. Three things happen that got dem boys thinking how small de world small and when people think dem hiding dem night be hiding from one set but somebody does see dem.

When de GPL deputy decide to lef de country he hide and travel backtrack. He coulda do that because de people never charge him or tek him to court.

He think that he hide good but he didn’t know that dem had people pun de same plane wha he get away to go to Canada.

Li’l Joe go and look all about fuh Nirmal Rekha. He claim how de man disappear and he can’t find him.

He lef and go to de man house; he lef messages; he even phone but it was like if Rekha all off de face of de earth.

But de other day dem boys see Rekha at de Mahaicony market buying poulourie.

He didn’t risk going to any fancy restaurant, and is not that he didn’t have money.

De third thing that had dem boys thinking is how Brian, de Young Man, coulda end up in so much trouble. He was

de man Jagdeo did really like because Jagdeo give he nuff contract.

De first contract was to set dem security cameras at de airport.

Was nuff money he get fuh doing that.

Then Jagdeo give he a bigger contract.

Jagdeo tell de nation that he want to see wha happening pun de road suh he contract Brian, de Young Man, to set up dem cameras all over de city.

Again was nuff money.

Dem boys seh that dem don’t know if Brian tek some of de money to set up a cable system but dem know that he go and borrow money from a young gyal.

Why? Only he know. Wha dem boys know is that he didn’t pay back.

When de gyal ask he tell she that eh bankrupt.

De woman going to court to get back she money. Wha mek things li’l rough is that Jagdeo ain’t in power no more and he can’t divert money from de treasury.

Dem boys seh that one by one dem falling from grace.

Talk half and wait fuh de court story to buss out.

Guyana and within six weeks all of the protests over the magnitude of the increases and the statement about no apologies being necessary for the increases are going to be forgotten.

Within six weeks, people are going to be more concerned about Christmas than they will be about what salaries Ministers are receiving. Christmas in around the corner and the pickpockets are already on the loose.

There is also a big concern that next year a large number of persons who committed non- violent crimes are going to be pardoned and put on the streets just at a time when large numbers of Guyanese will be in the country for the 50th anniversary

celebrations.

I do not understand what is meant by non-violent crime.

I do not understand how someone can be charged for stealing your cellphone from you in person and that crime does not involve violence.

For me, if someone comes up to me with a knife and demands my cellphone, that is violence against me. If someone snatches my cellphone, that is violence against me. If someone breaks into my house and steals my cellphone, that is violence against my home.

It is always the tradition to pardon people at special occasions in the life of a country, but how about pardoning someone on humanitarian grounds, someone who has served a fair amount of time for a crime

they committed and for which they are remorseful.

It is nice to want to keep young people out of jail but unless they are remorseful, then they will come out and do the same thing again and make a mockery of the pardon they have received.

Perhaps we should pardon some prisoners who are over seventy years old. Who knows, they may stand a chance of being appointed to a top public service position seeing that pensioners seems to be a favored category these days.

Tourism Ministry’s boosts capacity to market Guyana New Director General appointed Donald Sinclair has assumed duties as Director General of the Ministry of Tourism. His appointment became effective October 1, 2015.

Minister of Tourism, Catherine Hughes, made this disclosure to members of the media during a press conference at the Ministry of Tourism, Colgrain House, Camp Street on Thursday.

Minister Hughes expressed confidence in Sinclair, stating that he is capable of carrying out his duties effectively.

She also spoke about his wealth of knowledge in the tourism field. “I am really excited to introduce him to you, and be able to say that he has joined our team,” said the Minister.

Sinclair is said to be ‘wellseasoned’ having held a number of related senior positions, both locally and internationally.

Prior to his appointment, he served in Suriname as Director at the Suriname College of Hospitality and Tourism. In addition, he had previously served as Special

Newly Appointed Director-General at the Ministry of Tourism, Donald Sinclair Assistant at the Ministry of Tourism, and also Executive Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Friday October 09, 2015

== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

Ministerial salary increases: The runner stumbles Context is everything in life. Context underlies the movement of life in the world and individual action in it.

Every action has a context.

One of the greatest, phenomenal explanations of the indispensability of context in understanding human action I have ever seen was when a cricket writer in the Guardian newspaper of the UK analyzed the achievements of the global cricket star, Sachin Tendulkar.

Using the methodology of context, the writer showed that in cricketing history,

Tendulkar was far down the order as a great batsman. He put him as the 28th greatest batsman in history.

There isn’t space here to elaborate on the article. I suggest you Google and read it. You will learn from it. I have.

The fifty percent salary increase for Ministers and Parliamentarians is creating waves. It may be more factual to describe it as a tsunami of disappointment. Why is there this huge reverberation?

Context is the answer.

Context 1- In two Ashni

Singh budgets since 2011, APNU-AFC had denounced the huge income for many PPP big-wigs. Since that was just a year ago, it was too early in the rule of the coalition government to award themselves a substantial elevation in income. It is not a question of justification because of poor ministerial earning. Cabinet Ministers deserve to be paid more. It is context. Coming so soon after the denunciation of the hefty sums the PPP kings and queens paid themselves, the move was unwise.

Maybe next year, but not four months after the assumption of office.

Context 2 – The entire population of Guyana will admit that the pay packet of policemen, teachers, nurses and public servants is as ugly a sight as sadistic hunters killing innocent animals.

The coalition government just passed a budget in which public sector employees were awarded an Ashni Singh pittance.

Why in the context of that recent national outpouring of chagrin did the Ministers assign themselves a hefty pay packet?

Surely, the Cabinet has to

have some pretty naïve members if they think that the increase would not have irritated large sections of the population. At the time of writing, the teachers’ union is livid. No doubt as the days move out, other unions will sing the same refrain.

Context 3- Raphael Trotman made some pellucid statements in August when the salary hike was announced. Speaking on behalf of the Government, he literally backed down and apologized for any move the government might have made to guide people into thinking that salary increase for Ministers was about to happen.

In unambiguous language, he said it would not happen in the immediate future.

From August to the end of September is certainly the immediate future. In Canada, the US, Europe and in places like Nigeria, India, Brazil, Chile and Argentina, Trotman would have received calls for his resignation.

However light-handedly the media want to treat Trotman, he is facing extensive embarrassment and needs to jump on a damage-

control machine ASAP Context 4- Guyana in the midst of a huge corruption exposure campaign. On a daily basis, Guyanese are hearing about extravagant sums that went into the pockets of the major players of the previous regime. Big money is the centre of these corruption scandals.

It is not wise thinking and a good strategic move that right in the middle of this campaign that Guyanese have emotionally embraced, that the new government gave its Ministers some handsome pay packets.

Context 5- The salary increase came too soon after the 2015 election victory. Four months is too short a period for a government to stumble.

Governments are going to make mistakes that exasperate citizens but not just four months after electoral success. After a rapturous, emotional and satisfying election victory, the victors have to ensure they nurture the extensive sympathy and support they received.

A huge salary increase isn’t the most elegant way to do it.

Context 6 - The PPP is on the warpath. Even the blind

Frederick Kissoon can see that. Armed with the optimism it lost the election by less than 5000 votes, it won seven (?) of the ten Regions, and that there is no grand embrace between the AFC and APNU ( Stabroek News and Ralph Ramkarran said so), the PPP is in election mode.

The PPP is in a fighting mood. Why would the ruling coalition embark on an unpopular policy that would make its enemy’s work easier?

The AFC called in Dick Morris from the US to help with polling. The AFC called in Alstrom Stewart from Jamaica to help with election campaigning. It has to call in Julius Caesar to help with strategizing. But he died along with the Roman Empire thousands of years ago.

Friday October 09, 2015

Kaieteur News

US based Guyanese pleads guilty to cash smuggling A well-known New Yorkbased Guyanese, arrested by US authorities back in February last year for attempting to smuggle a large quantity of cash, has pleaded guilty.

Vilton Bourne, 31, is now set appear in a New York court on November 17 to be sentenced.

On August 18, he pleaded guilty before Judge Nicholas Garaufis on one count of smuggling cash.

Bourne was arrested and charged in February 2014 with knowingly and with intent to evade the currency reporting requirements of the US. According to court documents filed recently, US prosecutors have applied for the forfeiture of the cash- US$35,577that he was found with. He was allowed his pre-trial liberty last year after posting a US$50,000 bail.

According to prosecutors last year, Bourne was detained

by US border authorities after he failed to declare more than US$26,000 in cash that he was

Guilty: Vilton Bourne carrying. He was set to travel to Guyana on a Caribbean Airlines flight to Guyana.

Personnel from the Customs and Border Protection at the JFK InternationalAirport selected him for an “outboard enforcement” examination.

When asked, he declared US$9,000 and signed a form.

However, he reportedly

presented US$10,000 to the officers, the complaint said. He was asked if he had other cash and Bourne replied in the negative.

According to the complaint, the security officials took his two pieces of luggage and searched them. There was US$10,000 in each.

In the defendant’s wallet, the officials discovered that Bourne had US$5,577. In total, Bourne had US$35,577.

In applications filed this month, the US authorities said that Bourne has consented to the forfeiture of the monies.

Forfeiture will become final to the defendant at the time of his sentencing and be made part of the defendant’s sentence and included in his judgment of conviction.

Prosecutors made it clear that the forfeiture of the seized currency shall not be considered a payment of a fine, penalty, restitution loss amount, or any income taxes that may be due, and shall survive bankruptcy.

New Demerara Bridge could be funded by UK …the single largest bilateral donor in Caribbean

By Abena Rockcliffe There are still lots of details to be worked out; but Guyana is set to benefit tremendously from a hefty grant made by the United Kingdom of Great Britain to the Caribbean.

Recently, UK Prime Minister David Cameron visited Jamaica.

There, he announced that his government will invest £300 million for vital new infrastructure in the Caribbean. These include roads, bridges and ports to help drive economic growth and development across the region. The £300M allocated converts to about US$550M. Yesterday, UK High Commissioner, Greg Quinn at a press conference at his residence to update Guyana about the fund, told the media that the funding initiative is aimed at re-invigorating the relationship between the UK and Caribbean countries.

He noted that this is something that his country has not done in a while.

Evidently, the UK came back with a bang.

The Infrastructure Fund will be available to eight Commonwealth countries in the region eligible for Official Development Assistance. These countries are Jamaica, Guyana, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

Montserrat as an ODA-eligible Overseas Territory is also under consideration.

Quinn said that the generous grant which comes with “no strings attached” has made the UK the single largest bilateral donor to the region.

UK High Commissioner, Greg Quinn The High Commissioner said that the UK will not make any demands of the countries that will benefit. He explained that the countries will decide on the projects that they want funding for and the funds will be made available through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

However, giving examples of what can be funded through this project, Quinn pointed to the new Demerara River Bridge that the government plans to build.

“It is a bridge, and bridges are one of the things stressed upon by the Prime Minister…But the government of Guyana will have to decide.”

Quinn noted that not one cent of the fund has yet been allocated to any specific country. “We are still working things out.” However, he said that Guyana will, just as the other countries, get a significant portion.

The new government recently said that it will not use the Public Private Partnership (Px3) financial structure to build the Demerara River Bridge because it proved problematic when the previous administration used that model for the Berbice River Bridge.

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, said “I don’t know which model we will use but it will not be the Px3, we are not going down that route again.”

The existing two-lane floating bridge was constructed in 1978 by the UK firm Thomas Storey Engineers Limited and had a life of 20 years. From 1995 to 1998 the bridge underwent major rehabilitation by the Damien Ship Yards of the Netherlands at a cost of US$9M and was given an extended life of 15 years (from 1995). At present, the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) carries out intensive annual maintenance and element replacement activities on the bridge structure to provide a continuous level of service.

The Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation is responsible for the management and collection of tolls. The average annual revenue collection is approximately US$1.9M. Quinn explained yesterday that although UK contractors will be allowed to bid for projects in the region, they will have to compete with local contractors.

He said that they should be dealt with on their merit and not just because they may be British.

Page 11

Permanent Secretaries should not be political appointees- former Auditor General - Calls for discharge of contract workers

Anand Goolsaran “No one can serve two masters,” former Auditor General, Anand Goolsaran, underscored in his submission to the Commission of Inquiry, (COI) into the Public Service yesterday.

In his presentation before the Commission, Goolsaran alluded to the fact that civil servants cannot uphold professionalism, fairness, equity, transparency in serving in the interest of the public, and still have allegiance to the political directive.

According to Goolsaran, political affiliation and allegiance are simply unacceptable for those working in the Public Service.

Goolsaran, served as Auditor General of Guyana from 1990 to 2004. He has also worked in financial management and accountability in a number of institutions locally and internationally, including at the United Nations.

He told the COI into the Public Service that the single principle of non alignment must be employed to ensure professionalism and efficiency in the sector.

In response to questions posed by Commissioners Harold Lutchman, Samuel Goolsaran and Sandra Jones, the witness underscored that politicization of the sector must be a source of concern for those interested in the reformation of the Public Service.

Speaking specifically about Permanent Secretaries and Regional Executive officers, Goolsaran noted that both officials have essentially the same functions.

Given the administrative and accounting qualities associated with such jobs, Goolsaran said that Permanent Secretaries and Regional Executive officers should not be politically appointees.

In response to questions by the panel, he said that the Public Service Commission, (PSC) should be responsible for such appointments.

Goolsaran held out that the PSC will help to ensure that there is fairness, equity, transparency and accountability in the recruitment and functions of such officers.

However, Professor Lutchman pointed out to the witness that the PSC is not without its flaws. Goolsaran also expressed concerns over the significant number of contracted employees in the sector.

The witness noted that Guyana has been operating with two public service systems; the traditional and parallel. The traditional public service refers to those employed permanently in the sector and the parallel refers to those employed on contract.

According to him, contract employment has aided the politicization and demoralization of the sector.

Pointing to research documents, Goolsaran noted that often traditional employees are sidelined by contracted workers, since their compensation packages are significantly higher than traditional workers.

The former Auditor General went on to share some statistics from his research document which he also presented to the Commission. He outlined that at the Ministry of Presidency, (formerly) Office of the President, 66 per cent of the employees are on contract, from a total of 238- 128 are contract employees.

At the Office of the Prime Minister — 61 per cent are contracted workers , Ministry of Finance — 55 per cent are contracted workers; the Ministry of Natural resources —100 per cent are contracted workers, and Ministry of Housing and Water –72 per cent are employed on a temporary basis.

According to Goolsaran the system of contract allows a number of injustices in the public service. He detailed that retired persons are being

allowed to maintain their positions on contract making it unfair for others to succeed them or even obtain promotions.

“I know of instances; where persons retire today, collect millions of dollars in pension and gratuity and return to work in the same position, on contract, sometimes the very next day.

How can that be fair?” he asked.

Calling for the discharge of contract workers, the former Auditor General said that the PSC should be responsible for the regulation of salary, increase of wages, promotion and retirement of all public servants.

He recommended that that promotion should not be based on seniority of workers or those who have years of service in the public service but rather on their performance.

Goolsaran called for the reintroduction of appraisals to monitor the performance of civil servants. He called, too, for consideration to be given to the retirement age limit for public servants; from age 55 to age 60 years.

The witness said, too, that there are a of number of loopholes in the system, specifically with the allowance for duty free concessions, the use of state assets particularly State/ Government vehicles and the lack of tribunal to hear the concerns of public servants .

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Saturday October 10, 2015

Region 9 residents ask for deeper wells amidst drought woes Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, has committed the government’s support to Region Nine, to ensure that the impact of the dry season is vastly minimised and that long term solutions are found.

This commitment was given to regional officials and residents on Wednesday, when the Minister of State visited the region to hear firsthand, how residents are affected during this season.

Residents were also about to provide their recommendations and offer possible solutions, which can be implemented by government to ensure that in the long run, the Region does not become severely affected during the dry months.

Even as long term solutions were discussed, the Minister committed immediate support through the CDC to ensure the provision of purification tablets, water tanks and other related materials to combat the effects of the season, while the building of a warehouse in Lethem for the storage of food and other needed items is actively being pursued.

Minster Harmon assured

the residents that the new administration will not neglect the communities, but will work assiduously to bring relief where needed.

“As your government, we are your servants. We are here today to ensure that the service, which we provide to you, is a service that is of high quality. I came here because I am your servant. If there is a problem that affects you or any other person in this country, it is our responsibility to respond to it and we will do so diligently,” he said.

The visit was spearheaded by the Civil Defence Commission’s (CDC) Disaster Management team, along with support from the Ministries of Communities and the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.

Among the delegation was Director General of the CDC, Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup; Sherie Samantha Fedee, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs; Marlon Daniels, Ministry of Communities; Major Sean Welcome, Operations and Training Officer at the CDC

and Lieutenant Colonel Godfrey Bess, Staff Officer in the Defence Secretariat, Ministry of the Presidency.

Stopping first at Bina Hill in North Rupununi, Minister Harmon met with officials from the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), Surama, Aranaputa, Kwatamang and Rupertee, where he listened to the issues currently being faced by that district with regard to the dry season.

Randy Gilbert, Vice Chairman of the NRDDB, told Minister Harmon that the villages and the entire region battle during these months, to ensure that there is enough water for basic needs such as cooking, washing and bathing.

Gilbert said that the cattle and farms are often neglected and losses are incurred, since the water supply is not sufficient to sustain farming activities.

The NRDDB representative said that Central Government’s help and support is immediately needed.

“Each year, there is a shortage of water during this

season and we cannot allow it to persist as it is. We need deeper wells.

Each community should and have to get deeper wells. The wells we currently have are too shallow and not all communities have them so we really need to look at this. The residents are willing to dig deeper wells but we need support from the government,” Gilbert said.

Over at Lethem and Sand Creek, Minister Harmon met with Regional Vice Chairman, Carl Singh, representatives of the community, Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) and other government agencies, where similar sentiments were also expressed.

The call was reiterated for deeper wells to be dug so that a larger volume of water can be stored to sustain the needs of the communities during this period of the year. It was also expressed that there is a need for the provision of water tanks and other large storage apparatus so that water can be conserved and managed during the wet

Minister Harmon and his delegation meeting with the North Rupununi District Development Board and officials of Surama, Aranaputa, Kwatamang and Rupertee.

The low level of the Takutu River, Region Nine. season.

Residents also suggested that ‘Water Committees’ be set up in the communities to ensure that the valuable resource is carefully managed. They also called for the provision of dry season cassava sticks to protect the livelihood of farmers.

Minister Harmon, responding to suggestions from the residents, said that while the government will be looking to put short and medium term solutions in place for immediate relief, there is need for a long term plan so that the problem is not revisited every year.

“I have no doubt that we can respond with immediate relief but we have to look at the help that we can give to the communities. We need to ensure that we can respond to the changes [in] climatic conditions. Climate change is

a real issue and not a paper matter and we are seeing the effects of it,” Minister Harmon told residents.

He noted that when Government spends money, it must be able to assist residents, not only through the current issues but these decisions must also be made with longer term solutions in mind.

“It is these situations that justify how Government spends money. We want to see how best we can help for the long term so that the residents are not affected in a severe way. We treat all of Guyana the same way and if there is a problem here, we must find a solution to that problem. Yes, short term fixes are okay, but we cannot keep coming back to the same problems year after year, and subject our citizens and residents to this and so we Continued on page 23

Equal educational opportunities must be available for...

From page 3 serve each and every single child in Guyana, particularly those faced with severe personal challenges in learning,” Roopnaraine said.

He continued, “We ac-

knowledge that sometimes those we consider the least among us, by virtue of their courage and the sheer intensity of their personal struggle, are in fact the greatest among us and as a society we owe

them the best opportunity we can create.”

He said too that special needs education remains the most significant indicator of overall education development simply because of its

inherent challenges.

However, he said, when Guyana can confidently proclaim that it has created a system whereby special education needs are satisfied, then the likelihood will be that the rest of the education system would have been improved to a satisfactory level.

The Education Minister further said that the education system must be used to cultivate respect for culture and reverence for the environment in children. These qualities, he said, are fundamental to the citizenry’s “survival as a people”.

Speaking on the fostering respect, Roopnaraine said, “No human society can sustainably exist – much less thrive – with one culture or

ethnic group creating and maintaining dominance over another,” he said.

He stressed that cultural diversity, which in Guyana’s history has created divisions, should instead be used to bond people together. He opined that the education system was the perfect launching pad for this unification and respect for culture.

He went on to reiterate his cry for national reconciliation through the youths of Guyana. “I challenge our young people to be the foremost crusaders for unity and reconciliation in our country,” he said.

The education rally saw wide participation from all levels and even education related bodies such as the Na-

tional Library and the Carnegie School of Education. Those gathered were also privy to a mini concert feature steel pan renditions and dances. Though many of those in attendance had been a part of the rally, which saw them walking through the streets of Georgetown, there were no signs of exhaustion.

Instead, they all jumped and waved in abandon, clearly enjoying the day out with friends.

The rally came on the tailend of Education Month, which ran from September 1 to October 5.

This year, Education Month was celebrated under the theme “Quality Education Leadership: Improving Schools from Within”.

Saturday October 10, 2015

Page 13

Kaieteur News

Suspects who trailed off-duty cop from CJIA still to be apprehended

D

etectives believe that they are close to finding two gunmen, who along with a third accomplice, trailed a couple from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport to their Kitty residence Wednesday night.

Their accomplice, Shawn Thom, who was shot by police during the confrontation, is providing ranks with information as it relates to the two escapees, and also about other gangs responsible for trailing and robbing incoming travelers from the airport.

A police source, who is part of the investigation, yesterday told this newspaper that detectives are currently working on the information provided by Thom.

On Wednesday night, an off-duty police rank, who had gone to the airport to

pick up one of his relatives, noticed a yellow IST following him all the way from the airport.

Sensing danger, he immediately called his colleagues and informed them. This newspaper was told that police turned up close to the man’s home in Kitty and waited on him to arrive from the airport.

When the off-duty rank arrived in front his yard, the car with the men stopped at a corner away from his home.

Two of the gunmen came out of the vehicle and were liming at a bridge and one remained in the car.

A source explained, “As soon as the policeman reached in front of his yard, he jumped in the police vehicle and they rush up to the guys but before they reach, the (bandits) opened fire at the police who returned fire, wounding Thom.”

The weapon left behind by the bandits The two others managed to escape, leaving a weapon behind.

According to the source, the police believe that when these bandits follow persons from the airport, they do not carry weapons with them.

In fact, police suspected that when the bandits would have already identified where the travelers live, they call on another person, who would then drop off the weapon.

He also explained that the armed bandits do not confront their victims while they are in their vehicles.

“What they do is, they wait until the people come out their vehicle to take out the suitcases then they would ambush them. After they finish, the one waiting in the car would collect them,” the police source said.

Last February, Shawn Thom and Orin David, were released from prison for the

2010 murder of Mahaica businessman, Lakhram Bishundial after a mixed jury at the Demerara Assizes found them not guilty.

Bishundial was driving his vehicle along the roadway when he observed his brother in his motor pickup.

The siblings stopped their vehicles and were talking on the road when two men rode up on a motorcycle. The pillion

Shawn Thom rider, who was armed with a h a n d g u n , g o t o ff t h e motorcycle, approached the two brothers and discharged rounds at Bishundial, hitting him in his abdomen.

The armed man then grabbed a bag containing an undisclosed sum of cash from the pick-up and escaped along with his accomplice on the motorcycle. They were subsequently captured.

Increase of private water distributors linked to unsafe State-provided water The privately operated water distribution industry is one that was “unnecessarily allowed to be proliferated.”

This state of affairs has been directly linked to the fact that the water produced by the State, in some cases, is not recognised as safe.

This is according to Director of the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GAFDD), Mr. Marlan Cole. He has said that some of the water made available to the public by the State is suspected to be very unsafe.

But there is an explanation for this. Cole divulged that while in many cases the water produced by the State is safe from the point of production when it enters the distribution system it has been known to become unsafe. This is due to the fact, he added, that the distribution system is not a 24-hour supply system.

This, in essence, means that “when the pressure gets low in this distribution system, precipitates from outside of the pipes can get into cracks and holes and cause the water supplied to become unsafe.”

This has been the suspicion in many Regions, according to Cole. The resulting outcome is that citizens opt to put their confidence in the privately operated water distribution industry.

But this may not always be the better option, Cole said. In many cases the operatives in the private water distribution industry do not provide water that is safe for consumption as the water treatment process many not always be ideal, he added.

“Their water is not always as safe as it is perceived to be...so we have been trying to monitor it and

- Cole ensure that even before they get a licence to operate they have to undergo a course with EMPRETEC so that they can know the system

properly,” Cole disclosed.

EMPRETEC Guyana is a non–profit institution with a mission to enhance private sector development by providing support to established, and emerging small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

But limited manpower has been a major shortcoming for the Food and Drug Department. This therefore means that far too many unauthorised water distribution facilities operate undetected. “We have nevertheless been trying to

monitor as far as we can but we have our limitations,” said Cole who noted that while tackling this challenge is an “uphill task” it is definitely doable.

In order to boost its monitoring efforts, the Food (Continued on page 20)

Page 14

Saturday October 10, 2015

Kaieteur News

Proprietor of Sanjay’s Jewellery jailed on causing death charge Prominent city jeweler, Bishnarine ‘Sanjay’ Persaud, was yesterday jailed for 58 months by City Magistrate Judy Latchman, after he was found guilty on a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

His Attorney, Glenn Hanoman, gave an oral notice of his intention to appeal the matter in the High Court and asked that his client be released on bail.

But Persaud, of Lot 26 Sheriff, Street, Campbellville, Georgetown was sent to prison after the bail application was refused.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Vishnu Hunt opposed bail for the businessman and his objections were upheld by the Magistrate.

On September 10, 2014 at Lamaha Street, Newton, Georgetown, Persaud drove motorcar PKK 5051, in a

… refused bail pending appeal

Attorney-at-Law Glenn Hanoman manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of former Mayor and City Council worker, Leon Hunte, 55, of Stone Avenue, Blygezigt. According to reports, about 23:15 hrs. on

the day in question, Hunte was riding his pedal cycle when he was struck from behind by a sports car driven

by Persaud.

Hunte was pitched some distance away and died before an ambulance arrived on the scene.

P o l i c e P r o s e c u t o r, Hunte, submitted that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt and none of its witnesses were discredited.

A few hours after the verdict, Persaud was handcuffed and shackled. He was then whisked off to the Camp Street Prison in a blue and white metal prison van.

One of Persaud’s relatives and his bodyguard were present in court to give support. There were no relatives and friends present for the deceased.

Hanoman, in mitigation, pleaded with the Magistrate to consider the application because his client covered funeral and wake expenses for the deceased. He added that his client is the sole breadwinner of his family, which comprises of two small children, who are attending playschool.

The Attorney pinpointed that the now dead cyclist’s negligence played a role in how the accident came about.

Before handing down the prison term in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, Magistrate Latchman considered all of the mitigating factors. The court considered the fact that

Persaud called the police and remained at the accident scene until they arrived. It was also noted that a life was lost. On this note, the Magistrate emphasized the need to preserve the country’s most valuable resources – humans.

She also pointed out the prevalence of the offence and a need to promote road safety. Reference was made to the police traffic statistics for the period January to September. The Magistrate highlighted that several pedestrians have lost their lives for the year, due to excessive speeding by motorists on the roadways.

During the summing up of evidence, Magistrate Latchman disclosed that even though the prosecution had failed to produce an eyewitness to the accident.

She pointed out that five witnesses testified, including a cousin of the deceased.

The Magistrate stressed that she disbelieved the defendant when he said in an unsworn testimony that he was driving cautiously. In relying on evidence tendered to the court, Magistrate Latchman said that there is proof that shows Hunte was hit from behind and not from in front, as Persaud had claimed. She underlined that if Persaud was driving with his lights on and had been paying attention on the roadway, he would have seen Hunte, who was always in front of him.

She also revealed that

JAILED: Bishnarine ‘Sanjay’ Persaud several photographs were tendered during the trial.

Some of them, she said, depicted that the bicycle Hunte was riding sustained severe damage to its rear end.

In relation to Persaud’s unsworn testimony, the Magistrate said that she found his evidence to be a “fabrication”. She added that the testimony was a desperate attempt by him to hide his flaws. She stressed that the businessman falls below the standard, care and skill of a competent driver.

Furthermore, Magistrate Latchman emphasized that she believed beyond a reasonable doubt that the dangerous driving exercised

by Persaud caused the death of Leon Hunte.

In addition, the Magistrate underscored that Persaud failed to exercise the five C’s (common sense, care, c o u r t e s y, c a u t i o n a n d consideration) on the date in question.

NO CASE SUBMISSION Before Persaud was

found guilty of the offence and sentenced to prison, his Attorney, Glen Hanoman had made a no case submission to the court. In the lengthy submission, the Attorney asked that the matter be dismissed because the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Hanoman argued that the prosecution failed to provide direct evidence, as to whether his client was d r i v i n g d a n g e r o u s l y.

Further, he said that the court is to consider whether Hunte’s death was caused by the accident.

He asserted that there was no evidence as to what the deceased was doing prior to the accident. In this regard, the Attorney questioned whether Hunte had just emerged from a “rum shop” or if he was going in the wrong direction up the one way road.

Hanoman further questioned whether the cyclist was hit by another vehicle.

Saturday October 10, 2015

Page 15

Kaieteur News

Fire destroys house at Crane, four homeless The house being ravaged by fire

Patrick Whyte stands near his destroyed home.

Four persons are now homeless after a fire destroyed a two-flat house at Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara. The origin of the fire, which started around 02.00 hrs y e s t e r d a y, w a s n o t immediately known.

However, Patrick Whyte, who resided in the top flat with his reputed wife Camille, said that he is sure that the fire started in the bottom flat of the building.

“I’m not sure if it was electrical or if something was left on or wuh, but I sure it started downstairs,” said a hysterical Whyte as he watched his house burn.

According to the 40year-old man, he was home alone when the fire struck.

His reputed wife and the bottom flat tenant, identified as Tricia, were out together.

“She (Tricia) de living downstairs with a boy from B e r b i c e … S h e ( Tr i c i a ) encourage me girl fuh go out and tek a drink,” said an evidently upset Whyte.

He claimed that he was awakened by a noise in his

kitchen sometime before 02:00 hours. The noise, he would soon discover, was the result of a blaze that had engulfed his kitchen.

The man said that his immediate reaction was to rush to a verandah at the front of his home in an effort to escape the inferno.

“I jump down from the verandah and I see downstairs done blazing with fire.”

At first, he disclosed, that he was worried that his reputed wife and company were in the bottom flat, but noted that his fear was appeased when they turned up at the scene shortly after.

Neighbours, many of whom were awakened by the blaze, summoned the fire service.

When this publication arrived on the scene just after 02:00 hours, fire fighters were already employing tactics to help contain the fire which had by then reduced the house to a mere frame. “The house burn really fast…the bottom had some old wood, suh it burn fast, fast,” Whyte divulged.

According to Whyte, the Lot 75 Crane Housing Scheme property belonged to his parents who reside in the United States. He too had spent a period of his life overseas but said that he lived most of his life at the

now destroyed house.

At the break of dawn yesterday Whyte was seen at the site assessing his losses.

According to the man, he is a contract worker attached t o t h e G u y a n a Wa t e r Incorporated; he estimates his losses to be several thousands of dollars. “I just

buy a stereo set and TV that I still paying on…all meh clothes and everything get bun up,” Whyte lamented as he examined the destroyed property he once called home.

Whyte has plans to construct a makeshift abode at the back of the site since, according to him; he has

nowhere else to go.

“Me girl might come with me but I don’t know about Tricia. She was just staying here because my parents wanted she to rent here but now she outta here.”

He is however hopeful that he will receive some assistance to eventually reconstruct a proper home.

Page 16

Saturday October 10, 2015

Kaieteur News

Guyanese illegals among 314 arrested

by US immigration crime sweep Florida (SouthFlorida R e p o r t e r. c o m ) - U . S .

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested 314 criminal aliens last month in an enforcement action targeting individuals who pose a threat to public safety. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers made the arrests across the state of Florida.

All of those arrested by ICE during the enforcement action, which concluded September 29, met at least one of the agency’s three enforcement priorities. Over one quarter had criminal records that included felony convictions for serious or violent offenses, such as murder, attempted murder, child sex crimes, sex offenses, weapons charges and drug violations.

“As this operation makes clear, ICE is committed to prioritizing convicted criminals and those who are public safety threats for apprehension and removal,” said Marc J. Moore, field office director for the Miami Field Office of ERO, which oversees all of Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S.

Guyanese were among 314 persons arrested by US immigration officials in exercise to rid the state of crime.

Vi r g i n I s l a n d s . “ O u r communities are safer today thanks to the hard work of our officers across the state.”

Sixteen of those detained during the three-week enforcement action are previously removed individuals who are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for felony re-entry after deportation.

During the three week

operation, ERO was s u p p o r t e d b y I C E ’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the U.S. Marshal’s Service.

The arrests were made in the Florida counties of: Miami-Dade (81), Broward

(62), Martin (34), Palm Beach (31), Hillsborough (29), St. Lucie (13), Pinellas (9), Osceola (7), Indian River, Manatee (6), Duval, Suwannee (4), Volusia, Lake, Hardee (3), Marion, Orange, Sarasota, Alachua (2), Okeechobee, Seminole, P o l k , S u m t e r, H e n r y, Brevard, Clay, Lee, Desoto, Collier and Hendry (1).

Some examples of arrests from the action include: On September 10, ERO officers arrested a Cuban citizen in Tampa who is a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. In June, the subject was convicted of Lewd and

or Lascivious Act on a minor and was sentenced to eight years of probation. The subject is currently pending a removal hearing by an immigration judge.

ERO officers arrested a Jamaican citizen in West Palm Beach Sept. 15 who has been a lawful permanent resident since 1972. The subject pleaded guilty for murder, was sentenced to 10 years deferred adjudication and placed on community supervision. The subject is currently pending removal proceedings before an immigration judge.

A Mexican citizen in the Doral area was arrested by ERO officers September 18.

The subject was previously convicted in Los Angeles for enticement of a minor for prostitution and procurement for prostitution (pimping) in 2010. The subject was sentenced to three years’ probation and served two months in prison.

The subject is now in ICE custody pending removal.

On September 18, ERO officers arrested a Peruvian citizen in Hialeah who is a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. In August the subject was convicted of sexual battery on a minor and was sentenced to 10 years of probation. The subject is currently pending a removal hearing by an immigration judge.

ERO officers arrested a Mexican citizen in Wauchula on September 25.

In August, the subject was convicted of lewd conduct and was sentenced to four years of community control.

The subject was issued an administrative order of removal and subsequently removed to Mexico October 1.Those arrested represented many countries throughout the world, including: Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Ve n e z u e l a , C o l o m b i a , Guyana, Ecuador, Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Jamaica, Ukraine, Bahamas, Trinidad, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts, Turks & Caicos, Antigua, Cuba, Canada, Czech Republic, Romania, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Latvia, Greece and Egypt.

ERO coordinates the removal of criminals, foreign fugitives and others ordered deported. ICE is focused on smart and e ff e c t i v e i m m i g r a t i o n enforcement that prioritizes its resources based on those who pose the biggest threat to national security, border security and public safety.

ICE’s civil enforcement efforts are based on priorities set by the Secretary of Homeland Security in November 2014.

Orthopaedic Surgeon toutsknowledge-sharing as a crucial asset The most important aspect of any health care worker’s job should be pride.

This is the firm belief of Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Fawcett Jeffrey.

Dr. Jeffrey, who has been operating in this very crucial field for many years, recently intimated that his greatest joy as an Orthopaedic Surgeon would be “to see somebody that I train get better than me.”

But achieving such a goal, he asserted, cannot be attained by simply keeping the knowledge gained to oneself.

It is for this reason that he has urged graduates of the one-year orthopaedic programme offered by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to seek and share the knowledge they have acquired. And this should be a practice embraced at any institution,

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Fawcett Jeffrey

Dr. Jeffrey insisted, even as he stressed that once knowledge is attained “you should want to impart your k n o w l e d g e . Wi t h t h e knowledge you gain, you can now become a teacher.”

“In the institution in which you are going to be working, the person who works along with you, who doesn’t know anything about orthopaedics...can become a technician too in his own

little proxy way,” said Dr. Jeffrey.

And this can be done in the most unassuming of ways, he noted, since even a trained technician cannot apply a cast alone. “You need traction and counter traction...so you can do like me; talk all the time, teach all the time, and the guy next to you will become a technician too...Share your (Continued on page 17)

Saturday October 10, 2015

Page 17

Kaieteur News

Man, 23, remanded to jail in great aunt rape/murder case

T

he man who was fingered in the brutal raping, sodomising and killing of his great aunt has been charged and remanded to jail.

O n F r i d a y a n unconcerned looking Devon Griffith called “Two Kick” 23, of Cemetery Road, Hopetown Village, West Coast Berbice, appeared before Magistrate Rhondell We a v e r i n t h e F o r t Wellington Magistrate’s Court on a charge of murder.

The man, a deportee and an alleged drug addict, is accused of the brutal murder of Vaulda Britton called ‘Auntie Vaulda’ 78, his great aunt of Lot 9 Main Street, Hopetown, West Coast Berbice.

According to Police Prosecutor Corporal Racquel Mars, the man is alleged to have committed the act between Saturday

Devon Griffith being taken away to prison

October 3 and Sunday October 4, where he is alleged to have raped and killed Britton in the course or furtherance of rape at the above address. The elderly woman was allegedly brutally raped, strangled, sodomised and murdered by

the deranged man around 03:00 hrs on Sunday morning.

The quiet village was shocked after learning of the dastardly act committed on one of their senior citizens by her relative.

The elderly woman

Sugar industry production surpasses target GuySuCo has surpassed its set target yet again for the second week.

In a press statement Public Relations Officer, Shiv Dindyal, reported that the corporation produced 10,160 tonnes of sugar for week ending October 2, 2015. This surpassed the 10,000 tonnes for the second consecutive week, and

maintaining the current momentum of production.

This target was achieved despite the challenges experienced in the factories over the last week.

Skeldon, Blairmont, East Demerara and Uitvlugt Estates have all surpassed their weekly production target while Albion Estate achieved 95.47 per cent.

Skeldon Estate supplied the Guyana Power and Light Inc. with 1.3 million KWh of electricity using bagasse fuel. This brings the total power supplied for the year to date to 28.3 million KWh. As at October 5, 2015, sugar production for the crop to date is 76,622 tonnes and 157,766 tonnes for the year to date.

would usually sleep with her e i g h t - y e a r - o l d granddaughter and another relative.

Griffith would usually stay with his grandmother, but from time to time sleep at the elderly woman.

On the night in question the deranged man reportedly visited and queried who was at home. When told that it was the elderly woman and her granddaughter alone he decided to stay over.

Around 03:00 hrs on Monday morning the little girl reportedly awoke and saw her relative standing naked over her grandmother who was lying on the floor.

The startled child began to cry, but Griffith covered her mouth and told her to be quiet. The child fell after he

hit her. He then picked up the elderly woman and placed her on the bed, fixed her neatly before leaving the premises.

The child subsequently screamed which alerted other relatives. Upon checking, they realized that the woman was dead.

Initial reports were that the elderly woman had died from hypertension.

At the time the discovery was made there were bruises on her face and she was bleeding from her ear and nose. It was told to police that she had burst a vein, fell and died.

However police said they were only appraised about the matter around 15:00 hrs the afternoon. Relatives had expressed concerns about

the way the police had handled the matter. Griffith returned to his g r a n d m o t h e r ’s h o u s e looking quite oblivious to what he had allegedly done earlier. It was reported that he had threatened to rape his grandmother after he had committed the act.

Griffith, who it was reported, once lived in Antigua is wanted in that country for allegedly raping another elderly woman. He is alleged to have been recently released from jail after serving a four-year sentence.

In court he showed no emotions and even smiled for the cameras. He has been remanded to jail until November 11. Britton leaves to mourn eight children.

Orthopaedic Surgeon...

From page 16 information.” He continued by pointing out that any technician must not only be willing to share knowledge, but also strive to be the best at what he or she does. According to him, “if what you do manifests that you are proud, then you are going to be doing a wonderful job.”

He disclosed that in addition to pride, another valuable character trait that must be embraced should be honesty.

“You must be proud of what you do; you must look back at what you do with a smile...you must be urged to take a picture of what you do because this is so wonderful. If that is how you feel about the job that you are doing, then you would have been doing a wonderful job,” asserted Dr. Jeffrey.

He moreover cautioned against persons delving into health fields such as

orthopaedics simply because “this was the only opportunity I had.” “You must be doing this because this is what I want to do; this is what I love to do and I will continue doing it, and I want to impart my knowledge.” He was at the time making reference to a batch of recently trained orthopaedic technicians who he disclosed are poised to impart knowledge to others with whom they work.

But he cautioned that technicians, despite being well trained, should always remember that they are part of a team.

An orthopaedic technician is an allied health care worker who is expected to assist the orthopaedic surgeon to care for patients.

The technician is specifically tasked with applying and removing casts, splints and braces and must take care in administering such techniques in order to not cause patients further injuries.

Page 18

Saturday October 10, 2015

Kaieteur News

Olive Green turtle washes up, dies Annette Arjoon-Martins and Dr. Nicholas Waldron with the Olive Green Turtle.

O

n Wednesday, a sea turtle found in distress under the Rubis wharf in the Demerara River subsequently died after efforts to save its life proved futile.

Help at the time of its

spotting was immediately called for and resulted in assistance from founder of the Guyana Marine Turtle C o n s e r v a t i o n S o c i e t y, Annette Arjoon-Martins, Commissioner Damien Fernandes and staffers of the Protected Areas

Commission.

Upon arrival at Gaico wharf at Nismes, West Bank Demerara, it was observed that fast thinking workers had already placed the Green turtle in an aluminum boat filled with water to keep it comfortable. The sighting of

this particular species of turtle was said to be highly unusual as the turtle usually nests in early February and should not have been in the ocean much less in the Demerara River in October.

A brief examination of the turtle revealed that it was extremely weak. It was immediately taken to the National zoo where Dr. Nicholas Waldron along with Romeo De Freitas carried out medical checks.

At the time it was determined that chances of the turtle’s survival were slim to nonexistent.

Scars were apparent on the front right flipper, which suggested that the turtle had become entangled in a fish net and through its escape efforts, lost part of its flipper.

The loss of the flipper was said to be unfortunate. A turtle missing a flipper is equivalent to a human

without a foot.

The turtle’s weakened state made it easy for it to be washed up with the Demerara River tide and its emaciated state was also a clear indication that it was slowly starving to death.

This was confirmed by an autopsy which revealed that its small intestine contained undigested antelope grass which would have been the only food it would have come across.

Unfortunately, this type of grass cannot be digested by turtles and instead remained lodged in its small intestine and prevented the passage of any other material into its stomach.

Turtles caught in fishing nets frequently die because they are unable to surface for air. The Green sea turtles dive and feed on sea grass which is gelatinous and can be easily digested. By

grazing on beds of sea grass they provide an essential ecosystem service as they keep the sea grass at a level necessary to serve as fish nurseries. If Olive Green turtles cannot perform this function then fishing stocks are also affected.

At the beginning of this year a sperm whale became entangled in a fisherman’s net washed up on Guyana’s shores. Reasons for the whale’s unusual proximity to Guyana have remained unclear. This was followed by another sperm whale washing ashore on the Suddie Beach a few months later. This animal was bleeding through its ears.

Shortly after, a pygmy sperm and a manatee were also washed ashore. Two weeks ago a giant leatherback which normally nests in March washed up on the Ogle shore.

IMF, TT Central Bank now offering capacity training for region’s finance

T

he International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago have signed a Memorandum of Understanding providing opportunities for officials from the Caribbean region to train at IMF Headquarters.

The agreement was signed on October 5, in Lima, Peru, at the Second

Caribbean Region Dialogue held during the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings.

This partnership, the IMF says, is based on the generous offer by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago to provide financing for officials from Caribbean small states to attend the IMF’s Externally Financed Appointee Program.

This programme will

enable officials from Central Banks and Finance Ministries to gain valuable international experience in macroeconomics and other related fields by working in the IMF headquarters in Washington, D.C. Human capacity development is a key factor that will transform current improvements in the C a r i b b e a n ’s e c o n o m i c

outlook into sustainable growth. This is particularly critical to manage the unique constraints the region faces.

“The Caribbean region has come a long way in stabilizing its economies,” said Deputy Managing Director Min Zhu, who signed the agreement on behalf of the IMF. “Building the skills and strengths of officials in small states will

help countries manage and navigate the changes to come, and the IMF can help.”

“Capacity building has become key to helping Caribbean countries transform their recent macroeconomic gains into sustainable growth, in an in cr eas in g ly u n cer tain global environment”, said Jwala Rambarran, Governor of the Central Bank of

Trinidad and Tobago. “ We w e l c o m e t h e technical assistance and training the IMF has provided through CARTAC. Today, we build on these efforts with the launch of this new Caribbean small states capacity building initiative with the Fund.”

The Caribbean Region Dialogue, initiated and convened by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, gives policymakers from Central Banks and Ministries of Finance in the Caribbean the opportunity to engage directly with the G20 on key priority issues for the region.

The Second Caribbean Region Dialogue discussed innovative financing for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the Caribbean in the post-2015 era, and considered two SDGs: SDG 9, building resilient infrastructure, and SDG 14 on financing the Caribbean Blue Economy.

Countries participating in the meeting included Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, the Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as invited guests from regional and international institutions.

The next dialogue will be held in April 2016 at the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C.

Saturday October 10, 2015

Kaieteur News

Man allegedly threatens to have wife killed …if she returns to Guyana I n a country where killers are offered an airline ticket or given snow-cone money to “take out” people at the request of their rivals, a desperate mother of two is pleading with the police for protection.

She is worried that she might very well be a victim of such a hit if the police don’t act quickly enough.

The desperate woman made this plea after receiving a terrifying phone call in New York from her estranged husband, in Guyana, threatening to execute her if she returns home. The woman, Tejkumarie Jetto, said that she called and reported the matter to the Skeldon Police Station early yesterday.

When contacted, a police rank who provided his name to his newspaper, confirmed that a statement was taken from the woman over the telephone.

He explained that because Jetto is not in the country, there is nothing the police can do.

“First, if we go to the house and confront her husband, he will deny it so we advised her to stop at the station when she comes back and we will go with her to the house,” the rank explained.

Jetto is currently seeking medical attention in the foreign country but claims that when she completes receiving her treatment, she will have to return home.

Jetto is the same woman, whose husband allegedly paid five men, to enter their Lot 42-26 Grant, 2757 Crabwood Creek, Berbice home on September 05, last to beat both he and his wife in a fake attack to influence the woman to stay in their unraveling relationship.

The fake robbers were allegedly instructed to inflict most of the injuries on her.

She was beaten severely with a hammer to the head, arms, feet and even on her fingers. The men had also ransacked the house and escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash to make it look like a robbery.

However, police, employing their intelligence methods, found out that it was the businessman who hired the bandits to beat him and his wife. He was remanded to prison along with two of the bandits but was subsequently released on bail.

In a telephone interview yesterday, the woman said that her husband wanted to paralyze her so that he could take over her business. She operates a general store at her home while her estranged husband is a taxi driver.

According to the traumatized woman, two days ago her husband called and informed her that if she returns to Guyana, he will have her killed. Now scared for her life, the woman said that she is travelling on a visitor’s visa and can only stay in the USA for up to six months.

Also, she added that she has to take care of her business which is currently being operated by her estranged husband and his relatives.

The woman said that her estranged husband is not interested in her but her property and she is sure that he would go to any extent to get his hands on her assets.

“He told the police that he wanted to paralyze me so that he would have taken care of me and then get my business. I am the one who does everything… he gets up after 10 o’ clock in the

morning,” the woman told this newspaper.

Going back to what transpired early September, the woman said that the robbers hit her husband on his head and tied him up.

They (robbers) then put him to lie down while they repeatedly beat her with a hammer.

According to the woman, when the fake bandits were tying her husband up, she was begging for his life but when they turned to her, he lay quietly on the floor without saying a word.

Kaieteur News was unable to contact her husband yesterday for a comment.

Tejkumarie Jetto

Page 19

Page 20

Saturday October 10, 2015

Kaieteur News

Courts hosts employees appreciation week

T

Staff of Courts dressed for ‘Throw back Thursday’

he Courts Main S t r e e t , Georgetown branch, this week celebrated its annual “Staff-appreciation week” which saw entertaining displays and performances from the staff.

The initiative is aimed at celebrating the hard work of the staff while also, providing a small “hiatus” for them before the hustle and bustle of Christmas promotions begin.

The appreciation week consisted of breakfast for the staff on Monday, office dress up on Tuesday, branch visits on Wednesday, followed by “Throw-back Thursday” and today it will culminate with a ‘T-shirt and cupcake’ day.

The activity yesterday saw the staff donned in various school uniforms and teaching outfits to attend

their “Unicomer-MultiNational-Institute of the Royal Renegades” classes.

The week however was not only to celebrate staff alone as several promotions have been ongoing.

Customers shopping Whirlpool appliances will benefit from a promotion which may culminate in two lucky customers winning $1 million in cash.

Eight customers whose purchases amount to or over $30,000 will win Samsung Grand cell phones and three customers shopping $170,000 and over will win $90,000 worth of paint from Harris paint.

Another promotion will also see customers being able to uplift their products without paying until January if they are purchasing on the grounds of an 18 month and over contract.

From page 13 and Drug Department has been gaining much needed support from the Ministry of Public Health and the Pan American Health Organisation, according to Cole.

At a sensitisation forum last year Cole had threatened that the absence of a certified operator on any water processing site could see the Food and Drug Department taking legal action.

He’d disclosed that “failure to comply with the Department’s rules and processing requirements will result in legal action against defaulting establishments.”

Without an operator in place, Cole said that water processing/distribution establishments will be denied operating licences.

The Department had last year convened a workshop with water distributors and processors in order to highlight the requirements for such businesses, including the employment of a certified water processing operator, by June 30, 2014.

But the Food and Drug Department has not been able to make good on its

legal action threat. This is in light of the fact that Cole, the Director of the Food and Drug Department, is currently the lone prosecutor within the organisation’s employ. With him being tasked with other major responsibilities it has been impossible to prosecute illegal water distribution operators who have been increasing by the day.

“Currently only myself is a trained prosecutor but all of our inspectors are supposed to go through the prosecution course. We have new inspectors who are not yet trained but we hope to have them trained by next year,” confided Cole.

It is his belief that next year, “our people will be out there finding people who have all sorts of violations.”

Aside from the illegal water distributors, Cole is hopeful that among the violations targeted will be deceptive labelling or unlabelled products as well as the deliberate sale of expired goods and the preparation of foods in unsanitary conditions, among others.

Increase of...

Friday October 09, 2015

Kaieteur News

Cooperating Guyanese-born operator testifies in deadly Philadelphia building collapse Phildelphia, US (philly.com) – Mariya Plekan rolled into a Philadelphia courtroom in a mechanical wheelchair, which she maneuvered by pushing her right hand on a knob of the chair.

Dressed in a sweater and black skirt that should have covered what were no longer there - her two legs - Plekan, 54, testified of the moment when a Salvation Army Thrift Store collapsed onto her.

The Ukrainian immigrant living in Philadelphia had gone to the store, where she was a regular customer, and was about to leave when “I heard a cracking sound,” she testified through a Ukrainian interpreter.

“I turned my head to the side and I saw some kind of steel beam coming down and in a second I was down,” she said, as her face reddened and she wiped away tears with a tissue.

“I realized I was going to die here,” she said.

As Plekan testified, at least one female juror also got teary-eyed.

Plekan’s emotional testimony came at the start of the seventh day of the trial of demolition contractor Griffin Campbell, 51, charged with third-degree murder, recklessly endangering another person and related offences in the June 5, 2013, collapse of the Thrift Store, at 22nd and Market Streets in Center City that killed six people and injured 13 others.

Yesterday’s trial day also included three hours of testimony from Sean Benschop, 45, the excavator operator who pleaded guilty in July to involuntary

Witness: Sean Benschop manslaughter and related offences, and who is cooperating with prosecutors.

In straightforward detail, Benschop told the jury how he demolished the four-story Hoagie City building next to the adjacent one-story Thrift Store using his large excavator even though he knew that operating heavy machinery next to an occupied structure was dangerous.

He said he did so, on the orders of Campbell - the general contractor on the job who was paying him $800 a day.

Benschop said he first started working at the Hoagie City demolition site June 2, 2013, a Sunday, when the Thrift Store was closed.

A video, which the jury has seen numerous times during the trial, showed the excavator clawing at the front facade and removing the “Hoagie City” sign.

That Monday, nobody worked because it was

Mariya Plekan testified in court in the Market Street building collapse trial.

She lost both legs in the 2013 tragedy.

raining. On June 4, Campbell wanted Benschop to start removing the eastern wall of the Hoagie City building with the excavator, Benschop said.

“He told me, ‘Go ahead and take the left wall down.

Don’t mess with the right wall,’ “Benschop testified.

The right, or western, wall was the shared wall with the Thrift Store.

Benschop said he was concerned about the shared wall because it stood unsupported - the building’s joists or the horizontal beams that kept the walls stable, had been prematurely removed.

He said he expressed his concerns to Campbell, who told him that he would have other men remove the western wall by hand.

On the morning of June 5, Benschop said, Campbell again ordered him to demolish the eastern wall of Hoagie City. “He said the owner of the building wanted the building down,” Benschop said referring to property owner Richard Basciano, whom another witness has said was angry the demolition was behind schedule.

At the time of the collapse - 10:42 a.m. - Benschop said he had a steel beam in the claw of his excavator and was using the beam to extend his reach so he could knock down the top of the eastern wall.

“I was taking the left [eastern] wall down. Instead of the left wall goes out [to the east, toward an already demolished site], it goes in,” toward the Hoagie City building, testified Benschop, a native of Guyana.

The caving in of the eastern wall of the Hoagie City building caused the building to knock over the then-three story unsupported western wall, which collapsed onto the Thrift Store, Benschop said.

Right after the collapse, in the midst of screaming and firefighters coming to the rescue, Benschop said he saw Campbell, who had one question for him.

Continued on page 24

Page 21

Page 22

Kaieteur News

FOR RENT

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, Advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

PARTY DECORATING: balloon creation, back drops etc. for weddings, birthdays, anniversary etc. Make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, A/C, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES,FREEZERSCALL: 629-4946 OR 225-4822 REPAIRS & SPARE, FRIDGE, FREEZER, A/C, WASHERS, STOVES CONTACT NICK: 6831312, 627-3206 Floor sanding & Lacquering House plans, Estimate & painting, Boat for Santa Mission - Call: 650-4362 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building. visadocumentsgy@yahoo.comCall : 225-6496, 662-6045 Landscaping: Palms, largest varieties of plants, Used in every one of our unique landscapes- Call: 648-1821/ 219-0468 Hello the Doctor is back!

Have your gas stove replaced and serviced-Call: 601-0595; 220-4073 Desmond Repair Services Fridge, AC, gas stove, microwave, washer, etc on the spot repairs –Call: (592)678-8683; 687-9709

WANTED Farm worker for Soesdyke Highway-Call: 644-6693 One live in maid –Tel:6755256 or 666-4153 Popular band needs keyboard player- Indian Music-Call: 680-4024; 615-1350 We buy land in Eccles, Herstelling, Providence, Zeelught & Parfaite Harmonie. Call: 611-7223; 604-2207 Female worker wanted sound secondary education, computer literate-Tel: 6121607 Contract Cars & Drivers – Call: 619-2228; 227-1720; 2271721; 660-6102 Honest and able handy boy apply to Nanda’s Boutique 223 Camp Street; next to Shell Gas Station.

One live in domestic or a couple to work in Mahaicony River, well paid-Call: 2256571; 644-6905 Experienced Driver @ Gem’s Taxi-Call:665-5338; 231-3709.

One experience assistant salesgirl E.C.D Tel: 603-5416, 644-9802 2 Skilled Carpenters to work on a roof, must be able to modern design, paying $10,000 daily. Call: 670-7171 1 Portable toilet cleaner to work in Georgetown-Call: 2271717 Welder to work in Georgetown-Call: 227-1717 1- Domestic worker-Tel: 6675717 or 650-4761 Experienced Canter Truck Driver. Preferable from GTown. Call Neville Osman 624-1737 (8:00am - 4:00pm Mon-Fri .)

Experienced Plumber, Carpenter/Joiner , Painting & Lacquering of Cupboards . ( Day + Job Work)Call N. Osman 624-1737 (8:00am 4:00pm Mon-Fri .)

Windows: To make and supply windows for residential buildings.Call: N. Osman 624-1737 (8:00am 4:00pm Mon-Fri.)

TAXI SERVICES Mario’s Taxi Service; Travel & Collect Coupons to win a smart Phone, Drawing Every Month from October- Call: 225-7686; 225-7689 FOR SALE/RENT American pool tables –Call: 277-0578

Carpenters and masons to work in Linden-Call: 668-9863; 602-9469 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj Building- Tel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 3 Bedroom bottom flat apartments on WBD $45,000 monthly, water an garbage inclusive –Call: 6094810 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE- CALL: 667-2535, 627-5098 Vreed-En-Hoop Junction, Storage Bond, office, lessons place, games shop, stationery shop & other – Call: 680-9905 Prime business place for rent @ MonRepos Public Road E.C.D, 3 (2) Bedroom apartment @ Block 8 Mon Repos E.C.D-Contact: 6181754; 681-1508; 220-6168 House to rent-Call: 689-8694 One bottom flat in Enmore $40,000 monthly – Call: 6003035 Huge bond space can hold up to four containers of goods & Huge corner lot at Meter-Meer- Zorg-Call: 6704036 Business place in Georgetown 1st floor and 2nd floor, have office space for lawyers, just opposite the High Court. Call: 670-4036 Mining blocks with high potential in the Puruni, Erereku & Siparuni area – Call: 615-8810 or 668-3100 Two bedroom apartment $50,000 –Call: 681-4275; 2314432

Friday October 09, 2015

VACANCY

SALON

Work from home earn $5,000-$20,000 monthly. Call monday-friday (9am-5pm): 233-6517; 638-0595 or www.jobfairworldwide.com

-Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal, Mabelline.

-Nail Technician Course Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Affordable salon services: pedi, mani, wash & blowout, facials, etc $2,500 each. Vogue @ Kalyan Mall, Lamaha Street. Tel: 647-1773/660-5257

Porters and Carpenters to work at Coveden, E.B.D, apply at Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling.

Maid, 38-50years; experienced will be an asset @ Wieting & Richter LtdCall: 226-6150-7 Female accounts clerk, apply at Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling.

Cashier’s & Salesperson for cosmetics/general store on the East Coast- Call: 642-1141 Accounts clerk: experienced in QuickBooks, accounting software, VAT NIS & PAYE, @ Technical Services Inc, 1823 Industrial Site, Eccles E.B.D

Didn’t do well for CXC; let us help you- $2500 per subject @ Micrograhics, Vreed-EnHoop. Call: 264-3057 New Advanced Diploma in Computers office 2016, window 8/10, 9 courses @ Micrographics, Vreed-EnHoop-Call: 264-3057 Private Custom brokerage, Training Certificate CourseOctober 19, 2015 –Call: 2231506 or 694-8322

One commercial property at Sheriff Street, one double lot @ Cummings Lodge –Call: 638-8930; 653-8226 Large 4 bedroom concrete house for sale at Ruimzeight Garden W.C.D, Residential Area- Call: 269-0189; 268-3214

Agent require for preparing document and quotes for regional contracts. Email: mozartart@yahoo.com/ 6919383

Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244

M.A.X Consultancy & Accounting Services urgently need: field sales agents.

For more information-Contact: 2231855/ 609-0623

Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461.

Bond Clerk, Office Clerk, Security officers, Engineer, Kitchen assistant, Waiter/ waitress, Cleaner, Operator/ mechanic. Call: 603-4094 Bar worker to work in the Interior-Call: 231-0363 Male sales representative 25years and older @ Wieting & Richter Ltd-Call: 226-61507 Experienced Driver and porters @ Wieting & Richter Ltd-Call: 226-6150-7

EDUCATION Princeton College Forms 1-5 CXC Adults Classes, Grade 1-6 Lessons: Phonic lessons @ East Street-Call: 690-5008; 619-7911

PROPERTY FOR SALE

2 Storied transported concrete property upstairs 2 bedrooms, downstairs 2 bedrooms, fully grilled, block ‘8’ MonRepos, E.C.D -$18M- Call: 625-1514; office 231-7255 2 Storey 45x35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete- Land 65x120 @ Diamond N/S 5th Avenue, E.B.D- Call: 664-5052

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

1 Complete sound system, 1 Vyper Sound, interested persons- Call: 265-3586 Reduced Prices: Dell/HP laptop & desktop computers complete, from $55,000, free games and educational software @ Future – Call: 2312206 Stalls 69, 70, 71, 72 @ La Penitence Market Albouystown-Call: 663-1597; 218-4837 Pile Driving Hammers, weight 3 & 4 tons, 10 tons double steel wheeled roller, pneumatic roller -9 wheelsCall: 275-0538 or 683-7225 2,500 GLS, steel tank, 1-428 cat back-hoe, D4H cat bulldozer, 1 Leyland Daf 55 Tipper truck- Call: 275-0538 or 683-7225 20. Lengths-Plastic Sheet Piles, 1-930 CAT front end loaded, all in working condition-Call: 275-0538 or 683-7225 ‘One Manual Two-Function Home Used Hospital bed.’

Excellent condition Call: 6836200 1 BJJ series –Call: 678-5887; 677-3177 One church & two storey house @ 180 Charlotte Street Bourda-Call: 624-7341; 2276817

Property in Prashad Nagar; top and bottom flat, land size 100X50. Contact Dennis & Nanda: 223-5934; 648-9226; 627-3557

1 House 2 bedroom flat concrete & land for sale @ Onderneeming Housing Scheme Essequibo Coastprice $1.8M-Call: 627-5415; 647-4824

Pearl: Well Built 1,995 Sq. Ft concrete structure 45X165 lot, formerly meeting hall 13.5M. Call: 649-1670

Jevity liquid balanced nutrition prebiotics to maintain & restore gut flora damages by antibiotics/ disease-Call: 626-6335

#53 Village: East Berbice, concrete house and land for sale, please submit offers, Call: 674-2155 Property for sale at South Half of 111 Bagotville, West Bank Demerara-Call:267-0117

ACCOMODATION Aracari Resort: rates from US$45; breakfast included, fully air conditioned rooms, 5 mins away from the Demerara Harbour Bridge. Tel: 592-2642946

Concrete flat house 3 apartments @ Friendship E.B.D (good location)$10.5M negotiable. Call: 6618700; 671-2689

Inner Retreat Hotel Restaurant & Bar, Retreat Road Parika. Indoor /Outdoor bar in Picturesque setting – Phone: 260-4504; 685-6934

Huge property for sale Sheriff Street great location for a business of residential, lot size 60X110 –Call Today: 6704036

Saturdays & Sundays after lunch @ Inner Retreat Hotel Parika: Bar-B-Que & games: pools, darts, table tennis etc – Phone: 260-4504

Albouystown- 3 Bedroom upstairs, downstairs parking and suitable for business$9M negotiable-Contact: 227-0583

Sheet sets; queen 6pc $5,500, full 4pc -$4,500, king white cotton sheets, king bed throws. Call: 626-6335 Laptop Pouch -$1,000, TV wall mount, heavy duty, 1 pair outdoor speakers+ more bargains-Call: 231-8414 2-LL 7000 F.G Wilson Alternators (600KVA) Wieting & Richter Ltd-Call: 226-6150-7 One-1000 gallon fuel tank at (New Amsterdam Location) Wieting & Richter Ltd-Call: 226-6150-7 Just Arrived! Yamaha Outboard Engines –various sizes –Call: 698-7047; 6817737 Continued on page 23

Friday October 09, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Letters... Where your views make the news

Is Harmon saying they are all corrupt unless they are paid more?

DEAR EDITOR, As I was preparing this letter, I came across a video on Facebook by CNN that profiled the CEO of one of the world’s top 10 Airlines (Japan Airlines). The CEO commutes with his workers by public transport, eats in the same cafeteria with his team and waits in line for his turn to get food.

When his company was facing financial difficulties (like the case of Guyana now) the CEO refused all his perks and bonuses and took a pay cut up to the point where he was only earning JPN$90,000 yearly. To put this into to context, this CEO made less than a middle to low income earner in the US. The point here is, when a country or organization is in economic disaster, only the wise and true leaders will lead by example and not take the whole pie and leave the crumbs for the others.

If you accept Mr. Harmon’s justification as fact, then he is naturally implying that all of his Government officials (including him) are corrupt, unless they are given

Region 9 residents ask...

From page 12 need to find solutions to them,” the Minister of State said. Harmon said that the government will begin investigations into the merits of the recommendations made by the residents to see which can be immediately implemented.

He also said that Guyana will begin using overseas conferences and trips to seek advice and help in combating the situation and finding solutions.

“We will have to invest in research and development in all of our related ministries to ensure that we don’t spend money on trial and error; that we can spend in technology that can provide you with a certain level of certainty,” he told officials and residents.

The government too, he said, will examine the feasibility of a water treatment plant as well as water resource management plans for the Region. In the meantime, the Education Ministry has begun monitoring attendance of children in school while awareness programmes on the conservation of water have also begun.

Already, Government is predicting a dry spell for the country that can last until February.

The Takutu River, which separates Guyana and Brazil, has dropped considerably.

more money. Can the Minister show us any data that proves this fact? Can he prove to us that more money given to public servants will reduce corruption?

The problem here, like the other Ministers, example Mr. Ramjattan, they are using baseless reasons with no scientific data to back their decisions and making national policy changes on pure smoke.

The only justification that APNU/AFC provides is that the PPP/C did the same, so it seems they have to right to do so too.

The Government offered public servants a so called “election promise” pay

increase and everyone thinks it was great but if you look at the sharp rise in cost of living after May 11, 2015, it is clear to everyone that those same public servants are probably worse off now than before.

The only ones that will see actual benefits from their pay increases are the Government Ministers and Vice Presidents, because they are taking the whole pie.

I thought APNU/AFC were “Public Servants” and not necessarily hoping to become rich off of tax payers as they accused the PPP/C of.

Where is the “it is time for change” factor in all this? Has APNU forgotten about it?

Malcolm Watkins, CSCP.

LEGALNOTICE

FOR SALE 1 Salon in full operation, prime spot in G/Town, stations rented, etc-Call: 680-6136; 677-1177 Second hand chair set & wall divider cabinet for -$90,000.

Contact Small: 696-7155 1 Building on Mattew Allen Road, N/A, Berbice- Contact Wieting & Richter Ltd, Water St. Georgetown-Tel: 2266150-7 Huskey Puppies for sale-Call: 695-2377; 216-2364 3 Jacuzzi –Call: 680-2095 Limited stock: 120z. Glass jars with Acid protective covers suitable for jam, achar, etcWieting & Richter Ltd-Call: 226-6150-7 Pools table (slate) & house hold items, rum shop equipment –Call: 616-0398; 676-7643; 269-0916

TO LET New 1 Bedroom house to rent, 1 business place to rent, immediately-Call: 276-0818; 699-0085 Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park, E.B.D-Call: 227-5194; 624-5194 For foreigners fully furnished two bedrooms apartment in South. Hot & cold, cable, washing machine & internet.

Tel: 689-5877

2015 —HC-CIV-DEM-P IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OFCATURE DECLARATION OF TITLE. In the matter of Sub-lot lettered ‘A’ being part of the north half of south half of lot numbered 1 (one) section ‘A’ Plantation Den. Amstel, situate on the West Coast of Demerara, in the County of Demerara, Republic of Guyana, the said sub-lot ‘A’ containing an area of 0.1121 (nought decimal one one two one ) of an acre and being shown and defined on a plan by D.C.JESSIMY Sworn land Surveyor, dated the 13th day of October, 2014 and recorded in the Department of Lands and Surveys on 30th October, 2014 as plan NO. 60029.

-and In the matter of the Title of Land (Prescription and Limitation) Act, Chapter 60:02 of the Laws of Guyana.

- and ‘In the matter of the Rules of the High Court Cap:3:02 (Declaration of Title).

- and— In the matter of a Petition

by ROBERT EVERTON ADAMS for a declaration of title to the above land. ...............................................

NOTICE OF PETITION ...............................................

LEGALNOTICE

From page 22

2015 HC-CIV-DEM-P/ IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE DECLARATION OF TITLE NOTICE TAKE NOTICE that ROBERT EVERTON ADAMS of 436 Warwick Street, Brooklyn New York, 11207 and also of lot 1 Den Amstel, West Coast, Demerara, have presented a Petition for Declaration of Title by Prescription to the property described in the schedule hereto.

ANY PERSON intending to oppose the said Petition must within one (1) month after the date of the first publication of this notice file in the Registry of the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature at Georgetown notice of his/her opposition and an affidavit in support thereof upon the said ROBERT EVERTON ADAMS. The said Petition is accompanied by a plan of the property which may be inspected at the said Registry during office hours

GEM I. SANFORDJOH SON Attorney-at-law for Petitoner.

Dated at Georgetown Demerara. This 2nd day of September, 2015 SCHEDULE Sub-lot lettered ‘A’ being part of the north half of south half of lot numbered 1 ( one) section ‘A’ Plantation Den. Amstel, situate on the West Coast of Demerara, in the County of Demerara, Republic of Guyana, the said sub-lot ‘A’ containing an area of 0.1121 (nought decimal one one two one ) of an acre and being shown and defined on a plan by D.C.JESSIMY Sworn land Surveyor, dated the 13th day of October, 2014 and recorded in the Department Of Lands and Surveys on 30th October, 2014 as plan NO. 60029.

MEMORANDUM: The Petitioner’s address for service and place of business is at the chambers of his Attorney-at-law Ms. GEM I. SANFORDJOHNSON of lot 154 Charlotte and King Streets, (Sharon’s Bldg. 3rd floor suites 309 & 311) Lacytown, Georgetown.

LAND FOR SALE House Lot: Republic Park, E.B.D. Developed AreaPrice: $17,5m. Or Make OfferCall 227-5194 1500 Acres Transported land 4 Miles from Bartica, 2 Miles River front, sand, loam, forestry, rock quarry, farming, resort-Call: 603-1266; 625-9788 Guyana’s 1st 5-Star Community, modern amenities, luxurious, recreational & business facility, security entry and more- land @ US$ 7.2SqFtCall: 650-0978 80X40ft. Land at B Field, Sophia. Well-developed and ready to build on. Call: 6836200 Two (2) Lot in Parika Contact # 650-0402 $1.2M (corner lot) Parfaite Harmonie, Farm (100ftX50ft) -$3M, Zeelught -$2.5M (100ftX50ft)-Call: 604-2207; 611-7223 Kuru Kururu 100X 200 residential lands, First Hill on Highway, 5 minutes walk in from Road-Call: 680-6136; 6771177 One plot of land for sale situated at 3167 Spurwing Drive, South Ruimveldt (corner lot), (size of land: 59’X90')-Call: 625-0356 Houselot @ Wallers Delight W.C.D, 9 lots available in different size; road side land, great investment for business or huge bonds.

Call: 670-4036

VEHICLE FOR SALE We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 Toyota Noah & Voxy -$1.7M ‘G’ Series, never registered – Call: 617-2891 Quality unregistered cars @ cheap deals: 07 Allion $2.9M, 06 Bluebird-$2.65M, Manual Axela sports etc-Call: 616-3413 Two Hilux Pick up, one 3RZ, one Vigo-Call: 638-8930; 6538226 Pitbull minibus-Call: 6886316; 603-4494 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 One 1.5 Ton Toyota Toyace Canter, GLL Series good working condition –Contact: 623-1202 PRR Series Toyota Sienta, excellent condition$1.7M negotiable-Call: 691-7475 2- Unregistered new model Tacoma, Step, crash bar, alarm, bed covering, mag rim-Call: 695-6461 or 6397758 AT170 stick gear $350,000 negotiable with papers also parts –Call: 656-5338 1 Toyota super custom bus, fully loaded BPP series price $1.6 negotiable Contact: 6470016 Unregistered Fielder Wagon, new shape Spacio, fully loaded, rims, camera, bodykit, HID, dark interior-Call: 6175536 1-212 PNN series – Call: 6792928; 678-3388

CAR RENTAL Land Cruiser Prado in Mint DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: condition, fully loaded, PNN 225-7126/226-3693 - Series-Call: 601-0053; 275DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ 0264 YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM 1 Toyota Granvia bus fully loaded BPP series price $1.7 PROGRESSIVE CAR negotiable Contact: 647-0016 RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP Toyota Rush, AT212, AT192, PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, Starlet Raum, Hilux 4 Runner, 656-0087 ,EMAIL:PRO_ Tundra, Fielder & L-Touring A U T O R E N T A L Wagon, Nissan March & 4Door Pickup Call:644-5096; @YAHOO.COM 697-1453 CAR RENTAL Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick security- Call: 698-7807 up rental- Call: 690-6494

Page 24

Kaieteur News

Friday October 09, 2015

New York Diaspora announces plans to commemorate Guyana’s 50th NEW YORK CITY: Guyana’s Consulate General in New York City and the 50th Independence Anniversary Celebration Committee in New York have announced elaborate plans to celebrate Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary in New York City.

They have planned to do so from June 4 to June 12, 2016. The Committee’s Communications Director,

Nevlon Duguid, said on Monday that the bipartisan, broad-based Committee comprises 112 members from the New York City metropolitan area, Atlanta, North Carolina and Florida.

He said the Committee is divided into twelve subcommittees for efficacy.

Officers of the Committee are: Mr. Rickford Burke – Chairman; Ms. Lourdeth Ferguson Secretary; Ms.

Geraldine Joseph-Watson Assistant Secretary; Mr. Aquafie Munroe – Treasurer; Mr. Ewart Marshall Assistant Treasurer; Mr. Rennie Parris - Recording Secretary and Ms. Jacqueline Smartt – Assistant Recording Secretary. General Counsel and Counsel to the Committee are Attorneys Rovin Rozario and Edward Meertins-George, respectively.

President David Granger and other officials of the government have been invited to attend the New York festivities.

Duguid said that a State Dinner and Awards Ceremony and a grand finale Mashramani-styled, Guyanese-American Unity Parade and Rally will culminate the week-long celebration. He estimated an attendance of over twentyfive thousand nationals at the Unity Parade.

Duguid said that the commemoration will be officially launched in November 2015 with the kick off “an amazing and a robust eight-month public relations

and social media campaign to keep the Diaspora informed and to solicit unprecedented participation.”

He promised a spectacular celebration of every aspect of Guyana’s rich history and culture of which every Guyanese will be ecstatic and proud.

Duguid also revealed that the committee will be selling commemorative memorabilia and souvenirs. He said that the Committee will be the sole merchandiser of such collectable items.

Duguid highlighted the special importance of young people in the celebration.

“Our youth are playing a significant role in planning

the celebration. They have a role in propelling Guyana to new heights of development.

This is why most of the officers as well as most chairs and co-chairs of the events are young people. “It is laudable that they have stepped forward to help lead this massive effort,” he stressed.

Noting that the Diaspora will be kept fully apprised, involved and engaged in the commemorative activities and events, Duguid said that the committee will continually reach out to every Guyanese organization, religious congregation, societies and every Guyanese community in the US.

The Red Thread women’s group recently made its intentions clear that it will stage a protest against the recent pay hike awarded to Government officials. The protest will be held in front of Parliament Building next Thursday.

The group aims to let the government know that the country’s citizens are highly annoyed.

“We know it may not change anything but we are not just going to stand idly by as they do what they want,” stated a member of the Red Thread organization.

Member of the Red Thread organization, Joy Marcus, said that the women’s group is highly offended by the 50 per cent increase for Government officials while public servants only received a mere five per cent increase in their salaries in the recent budget.

“We don’t think it is right

to tell workers that the country doesn’t have money to give more increases for public servants and pensioners, yet you (government officials) can give yourself and everyone else an increase.

Public Assistance persons only receive $6,500 a month while they (government officials) are already getting a lot of perks and still they have raised their salaries. They gave the excuse that the officials must be paid for their “quality work”.

What kind or work is everyone else doing then?”

Joy Marcus asked.

The women of the organization were also said to be “highly insulted” in the way the matter of the pay rise was dealt with. The lack of a public announcement regarding the pay increase was seen as a “sneaky” act by the administration, an act

very similar to the ones they condemned during their time as the opposition.

The justification for the pay increase given by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, stated that Government officials needed to be paid well so that they will not be tempted to “thief” like former Ministers. The women saw this justification as disturbing as it insinuates that Government officials cannot survive on $500,000 a month while “normal taxpaying Guyanese” are expected to survive on $6,500, $17,000 and $50,000 per month without any of the benefits enjoyed by government officials.

The Red Thread organization was founded in 1986 with a goal to provide services to women and children exploited in unequal power relations and simultaneously work to change those relations.

From page 21 “Mr. Campbell turned to me and he said, ‘Sean, do you have your insurance?’

“Benschop said.”I said, ‘Yes,’ and asked him, ‘Do you have your insurance?’ “Campbell didn’t, Benschop said.

Benschop said he stayed at the scene for about 10 minutes, but then had another worker take him to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

At HUP, a nurse took his blood, which showed Benschop was under the influence of marijuana.

Benschop said under questioning by Jennifer Selber, Chief of the District Attorney’s homicide unit, that he was smoking marijuana half a joint each morning, the other half at night - for a serious medical condition. He contended it did not affect his ability to operate machinery.

During crossexamination, Campbell’s attorney, William Hobson, got

Benschop to admit that he had previously lied about his marijuana use during a May motions hearing before Common Pleas Judge Glenn Bronson and on the day of the collapse to a police officer who questioned him at the hospital.

Benschop also acknowledged that he had kept his daily marijuana use secret from Campbell.

Asked by Hobson why he used his excavator to demolish the Hoagie City building on the day before and day of the collapse when the Thrift Store was open - even though he knew operating machinery next to a store was unsafe, Benschop replied: “I had to feed my family . . . If I don’t do my work, I wouldn’t get paid.”

Plekan, who now has to live in a nursing home, testified that after she realized she was still alive, but stuck under rubble, she yelled for help for hours.

“I heard the sound of a tractor,” she said. “I heard a lot of people, yelling.” At one point, she heard a man talking, standing right on top of her, “but he did not hear me, so I lost hope,” she testified.

She said under questioning by prosecutor Ed Cameron that she was buried under rubble for about 14 hours. It wasn’t until all the noises quieted down, and she heard a dog that “with whatever energy I had left, I began to yell.”

That’s when Fire Department Capt. John O’Neill found her.

Doctors at HUP had to amputate her legs to save her, she said.

“I have no legs,” she said.

“I don’t even have the bones for legs. All I can do is get around in a wheelchair.”

The prosecution is expected to rest today.

Campbell is to testify in his own defense Tuesday, after the Columbus Day holiday. ˇ

Red Thread to protest against ‘Fat Cat politrickians’

Cooperating Guyanese-born operator testifies...

Saturday October 10, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 25

Page 26

Kaieteur News

Saturday October 10, 2015

Trinidad approves construction aid for Dominica storm recovery

Flooding from Tropical Storm Erika’s rains destroyed houses and caused more than two dozen deaths.

Trinidad and Tobago has pledged TT$5 million (US$79,263) in construction material for Dominica as the Eastern Caribbean country continues to rebuild following the devastation caused

by Tropical Storm Erika in August.

And the donation is expected to come in particularly handy as Dominica Thursday listed building supplies among its critical needs.

Communications Minister Maxie Cuffie made the disclosure of Trinidad’s aid at a postCabinet press briefing Thursday. The decision to assist Dominica in this way followed

a discussion between Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and his Dominican counterpart Roosevelt Skerrit and held last week. Dominica recorded major damage to communities and infrastructure as a result of the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Erika in late August.

Homes, bridges and roads were destroyed and more than 30 people were killed.

Skerrit said it would take about EC$1.2 billion (US$444 million) to rebuild the country.

His government Thursday expressed sincere gratitude to all those who have partnered with Dominica dur-

ing recovery efforts in the aftermath of the storm, acknowledging that his administration could not have done it alone.

And it said that following an assessment of the situation and recovery strategy the critical needs included building materials, fixtures and fittings, and construction tools and equipment.

“Additionally, the local private sector is able to supply food, clothing, and other items, so the Government encourages persons wishing to assist families to send cash to allow them to purchase the items locally in Dominica,” it added. (Caribbean360)

Saturday October 10, 2015

Kaieteur News

Dominican merchants close border market amid Haiti goods ban SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Merchants in the Dominican Republic have shuttered the biggest border market for trade with Haiti amid that coun t r y ’s b a n o n s o m e goods entering overland.

Haiti has banned 23 products from crossing by land its border with the

Dominican Republic, seeking to improve tax collection and ensure better quality control.

As of Oct. 1, such things as drinking water, flour and construction materials can arrive only by air or sea.

Yesterday, Dominican traders in the market town of Dajabon began a strike to pressure Haiti to scrap its ban.

Union leader Freddy Morillo says the work freeze at Dajabon is “indefinite.”

The banned goods represent $500 million in annual sales and make up 6 percent of all Dominican exports.

The D o m i n i c a n g o v ernment has complained to the World Trade Organization.

China warns U.S. it will not allow violations of its waters BEIJING/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - China said yesterday it would not stand for violations of its territorial waters in the name of freedom of navigation, as the United States considers sailing warships close to China’s artificial islands in the South China Sea. A U.S. defense official told Reuters on Thursday the United States was considering sending ships to waters inside the 12-nautical-mile zones that China claims as territory around islands it has built in the Spratly chain.

Western media reports quoted U.S. officials as saying the action could take place within a matter of days, but awaited a decision by U.S. President Barack Obama.

The commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific, Admiral Harry Harris, declined to say yesterday whether the United States would carry out the plan. But he made clear it was an option he had presented to Obama and said the United States must carry out freedom of navigation patrols throughout the Asia-Pacific.

“I simply won’t discuss future operations,” Harris told a Washington seminar. “With regards to whether we are going to sail within 12 miles, or fly within 12 miles, of any of the reclaimed islands that China has built in the South China Sea, I will reserve that for later.”

Yesterday, China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying warned against any such patrols.

“We will never allow any country to violate China’s territorial waters and airspace in the Spratly Islands, in the name of protecting freedom of navigation and overflight,” she told a regular news briefing.

“We urge the related parties not to take any provocative actions, and genuinely take a responsible stance on

Hua Chunying regional peace and stability,” she added.

China claims most of the South China Sea, where The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims.

Washington has signaled it does not recognize Beijing’s sovereignty over the several islands China has built on reefs in the Spratly archipelago and says the U.S. navy will continue to operate wherever international law allows.

The issue is central to increasingly tense relations between the United States and China, the world’s two largest economies.

David Shear, the U.S. assistant secretary of defense, told the Senate Armed Services Committee last month there had been no U.S. patrols within 12 miles of the Chineseclaimed islands since 2012.

In May, the Chinese navy issued eight warnings to the crew of a U.S. P8-A Poseidon surveillance aircraft that flew near the islands, according to CNN, which was aboard the U.S. aircraft.

During a visit the Washington by Chinese President Xi Jinping last month, the two sides finalized an agreement aimed at reducing the possi-

bility of aerial clashes.

On the eve of Xi’s visit, the Pentagon said a Chinese aircraft performed an unsafe maneuver during an air intercept of a U.S. spy plane on Sept.

15 over the Yellow Sea. Harris told the seminar he believed the incident was the result of “poor airmanship” rather than a directive from headquarters in China.

Page 27

Page 28

Kaieteur News

Saturday October 10, 2015

St Lucia to soon sell citizenship to global investors CASTRIES, St. Lucia (AP) — St. Lucia will soon become the latest Caribbean country to allow far-flung investors to buy local citizenship.

Prime Minister Kenny Anthony has told a “global citizens forum” in the wealthy principality of Monaco that St. Lucia will start accepting applications for a citizenship-

by-investment program in January.

Yesterday government statement says Anthony made the announcement at a gathering of investors, wealth managers and citizenship lawyers.

It’s part of a trend in the Caribbean to boost revenue on islands struggling with oversized debt.

The nearby islands of Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda a n d Grenada allow global investors to secure local citizenship in return for a donation or investment.

The islands offer a much faster, easier and cheaper path to citizenship than countries with “investor visas” like the U.S.

Lawyers Cry Foul, Attorney Arrested Inside Supreme Court Building The Gleaner - Lawyers attending court at the Supreme Court building in downtown Kingston yester morning raised concerns about the way in which one of their colleagues was allegedly taken into custody by

law enforcement personnel.

It is reported that the attorney was arrested by police investigators on exiting a courtroom.

The attorney had reportedly left the courtroom after presenting a client in a case.

Lawyers who were on the scene are claiming that the law enforcement personnel may have acted illegally when they arrested the attorney.

Attorney-at-law Hugh Wildman yesterday morning explained to our news centre that the law prohibits someone from being arrested at or within the precinct of the Supreme Court.

According to Wildman, the action of the personnel may be deemed as contempt of court.

Saturday October 10, 2015

Kaieteur News

Swiss approve extradition of soccer official Takkas ZURICH (Reuters) Switzerland’s Federal Office of Justice (FOJ) has approved a U.S. extradition request for soccer official Costas Takkas, one of seven individuals arrested in Zurich in May as part of a U.S. clampdown on alleged corruption in soccer.

The seven are half of the 14 soccer officials and sports marketing executives indicted by the United States on bribery, money laundering and wire fraud charges involving more than $150 million in payments.

Takkas, a British citizen, has 30 days in which to appeal the extradition ruling, the FOJ said in a statement.

He is the former secretarygeneral of the Cayman Islands Football Association and attache to the president of the Confederation of North and

Costas Takkas Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).

Of the seven officials arrested in Zurich, former FIFA Vice President Jeffrey Webb agreed in July to be extradited to New York, where he has pleaded not guilty.

The other six remain in Switzerland, though FOJ has also approved U.S. extradition

requests for Uruguay’s Eugenio Figueredo, Venezuelan Rafael Esquivel and Eduardo Li of Costa Rica.

All three have said they intend to appeal their extradition rulings, an FOJ spokesman said.

Extradition requests are still pending for Julio Rocha of Nicaragua and Jose Maria Marin of Brazil.

Saturday October 10, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Take the time today to consider your health, Aries.

Living a long, healthy life is something we all want. Start now to take care of your body.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your mother may be on your mind today, Libra. Your mother probably affects how you think, act, and feel, both in the past and now.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Today you may emphasize organizing things and managing your life, Taurus.

Take a look at your time management.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Focus on yourself today, Scorpio. Take note of your health. You probably know that this is something you must take care of always, not just sometimes.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) One day, I want to be….

When you were little, how did you finish that sentence, Gemini? See what your memory and imagination come up with.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) If you feel cautious today, Cancer, don't be alarmed. This can be a good thing, Cancer, as you can be too trusting at times or forget to take care when going into something new.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Leo, personal dignity may be important to you today. This may come about when things go wrong or if you're accused of something you didn't do.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Don't be surprised if someone describes you as conservative.

It may be true. It could indicate that it's important for you to maintain control over most things - these are all things that conservative people tend to closely monitor.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) No dream is too big or too late to fulfill. You may be thinking about your special dreams today, perhaps you aspire to do something really great, be a pioneer in some field, or be a prominent figure.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Chances are good that you will receive a helping hand or comfort from someone many years your senior who cares about you, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today, Aquarius, you may think about competition and possible future goals. Take time to think such things through and, if need be, get back on the right track.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may think about your finances today, Pisces. It's never too late to learn about saving and investing, especially if there's something you really want to do, like travel.

Page 29

Exclusive: FIFA mulls delaying...

(From page 30) ahead as planned,” he said. “But if the extra 45 days is added to the 90 day suspension and it goes on into early 2016 then I think logic would dictate that the election should be postponed to such a time when all the eligible candidates have time to prepare their campaigns without any risk of those campaigns being compromised by any investigation,” he added.

Dutch FA (KNVB) executive director Bert van Oostveen said he was uncertain of the best way forward.

“I’m not sure how to proceed, we’ll have to study the

regulations. We are going to sit down after the trip to Kazakhstan and formulate the KNVB position. While we do so, we’ll take a sample of what the other European associations say and (see) whether we can form a united front,” he said.

But Karl-Erik Nilsson, chair of the Swedish Football Association (SvFF), told Reuters the date should not change.

“We want the election to be held on Feb. 26 as planned.

Together with many European countries, we supported Michel Platini’s candidacy and we need more informa-

tion about exactly what has happened.

“We said when this story first appeared that it could cause problems, and it is very bad for his candidacy,” he said.

Meanwhile in latest news, Soccer’s governing body FIFA said on Friday it would hold an extraordinary executive committee meeting on Oct. 20.

The announcement came a day after FIFA president Sepp Blatter and UEFA president Michel Platini were suspended for 90 days by FIFA’s Ethics Committee. The executive committee had not been due to meet until December.

Arima Park Rodeo at Rising Sun...

(From page 35) wider audience of fans especially from the greater Georgetown area, East Coast and surrounding areas.

The sponsors include: the Ministry of Tourism, Guyana Tourism Authority, Banks DIH Limited, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, Ishan Bacchus Trucking, Shariff Racing Stables,

and Metro Office Supplies.

Arima Park Rodeo at Rising Sun is planning on holding this event twice per year, beginning in 2016. The local turn out which has made the event a success, was instrumental in that decision making. The only other Rodeo event in Guyana is held in the Rupununi Savannah hun-

dreds of miles from Georgetown, making it impossible for many sporting fans to enjoy a top tier Rodeo close to home. The Arima Park Organisors have mobilized a huge effort to get Vaqueros and their entourage to travel to Guyana from many countries in Latin America and South America.

E-Networks rewards Richardson...

(From page 35) process of launching a new product, which will revolutionise Cable TV in Guyana and Richardson will be the first recipient of the service that is set to launch later this month.

Richardson copped the award after the media met and voted that his 87th minute game-tying freekick against Alpha United at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground as the best goal of the Month.

It was a close call between Richardson and Fruta Conquerors’ Trevon Lythcott, who netted a spectacular header against the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) at Tucville Ground.

The league leading goal scorer with four goals from as many matches, Richardson is considered the ‘back bone’ of Pele FC and yesterday, the player said that he’s happy with the recognition he has received so far for his goal.

According to Richardson, the goal meant a lot to him since it was against his former club and he wanted to show his exbosses that he’s the best at what he does.

The prolific striker dedicated his award to his team-mates, whom he said are very supportive, adding that collectively, Pele FC will rise once again in Guyana’s football.

Page 30

Kaieteur News

Outstanding Head Teachers in Lower Corentyne honoured by RHTY&SC cricket teams

Rewarded for dedicated exemplary service! The Head Teachers pose with RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster and other members of the club.

Cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) on Tuesday last recognised outstanding Head Teachers drawn from schools in the Lower Corentyne area as part of the club’s World Teachers’ Day programme.

Since 2008, the teams have been honouring Head Teachers under the Ansa McAl Tribute to Teachers initiative in recognition of their contributions to the Education sector and for the roles they have played in shaping the character of RHTY&SC members.

Club Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster saluted the Head Teachers for their contributions while praising them for their discipline, commitment and hard work. He noted that running the club has been made easier because of the work the teachers, who during the course of their duties have molded the cricketers into level headed individuals.

Foster urged the educators to uphold the high standards they have set themselves and to work harder to develop the educational sector, noting that education is important in the career of a sportsman.

It was disclosed that the RHTY&SC would continue to invest heavily in the education sector and in the development of every member, while it would also be increasing its assistance to schools in 2016 with the main aim of making sure that every child fulfills their educational potential.

The Head Teachers honoured are Minerva Rodney (Rose Hall Town Nursery), Tayola Them (Port Mournant Nursery), Shaundelle Bourne (J.C.Chandisingh Secondary), Sharon Durant (Tain Primary), Somwaru Hussain (Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary), Hirallal Goberdhan, Ray Jonas

(Courtland/Gibraltar Primary) and Paul La Cruz (Lower Corentyne Secondary).

La Cruz, speaking on behalf of the honorees expressed gratitude to the club and cricket teams for recognising the contribution of the hardworking Head Teachers.

He reassured the gathering that they would remain committed and be positive role models to every one of their students.

The teams making the event a success are the Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Bakewell Under17 and Second Division, Metro Females and Gizmos and Gadgets Under-21 and First Division.

Special gratitude was extended to Ms. Beverly Harper and the Management of Ansa McAl for their sponsorship of the programme. Each of the teachers received an Ansa McAl hamper and a special gift.

‘C’ House dethrones ‘A’ House for championship honours in Multi Inter house athletics The North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary School held its Inter-House athletics championships at the Police Sports Club Ground last Thursday afternoon and after an action packed day of competitive racing, ‘C’ House amassed 715 points to take top honours from defending champions, ‘A’ House, which tied with ‘E’ House on 544 points to share the 3rd place.

‘B’ House accumulated 648 points to finish in the second

place, while ‘D’ House finished in the cellar with 349 points.

The event was competitive and the audience was entertained by some close finishes. However, while there were a few exceptional performances, the administrators were unable to determine who are the recipients of individual honours. These included the champion boy and girl award. Headmaster (ag), Kirwyn Mars assured that

these, along with a few other awards would be forthcoming.

Meanwhile, the students spent the most part of yesterday engaged in recreational activities in the school’s compound. When Kaieteur Sport visited that venue they were playing cricket and football and generally milling around after a hectic day at the tracks.

A more updated report will follow as soon as it becomes available.

Saturday October 10, 2015

Ramnarine Appiah Memorial 20-over 2nd Division cricket starts tomorrow The Ramnarine Appiah Memorial twenty over cricket competition for second division teams from Betsy Ground, East Canje to No 19/ Warren on the Lower East Coast of Berbice is set to start tomorrow.

This competition is sponsored by Mukesh Appiah and family and is in memory of his dad, Ramnarine Appiah fondly known as Brother Appiah of No 19/Warren area, who passed away last year.

Nine teams are registered to take part and will be divided into two zones with the winner of Zone A clashing with the runner up of Zone B in the first semi final and the winner of Zone B clashing with the runner up of Zone A in the other semi final. The two respective winners will clash in the final with the losers playing the third place playoffs preceding the grand final. Total incentives, cash and trophies, totaling over $100,000 will be up for grabs.

First round fixtures are as follows:

Flashback to the launching of the tournament earlier in the year.

Zone A: At Rose Hall Estate ground: 9:30am Rose Hall CC vs Betsy Ground Triple Star 1:30pm Goed Bananen Land vs Canefield Sports Club Young Warriors drew the bye.

Zone B:

At Kendall’s Union: 1:30pm Kendall’s Union Big Team vs Buski Eleven being the only game.

Teams are asked to submit the scores within 48 hours for the media. No first division players will be allowed unless the player is 40 years and over.

Exclusive: FIFA mulls delaying presidential election - sources ZURICH (Reuters) FIFA is discussing delaying the election for their next president following the suspensions given to Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini, two sources have told Reuters.

The issue is expected to be on the agenda of an emergency executive committee meeting which could make the decision to postpone the vote, scheduled for Feb. 26, the sources, with knowledge of the discussions, said on Friday.

FIFA said on Friday a decision whether to hold an emergency executive meeting would likely be made next week.

A spokesman for England’s Football Association said they would ask FIFA’s acting general secretary Markus Kattner to organize such a meeting to discuss the election.

UEFA’s 54 member associations are gathering on Thursday at their headquarters in Nyon where the topic of the election will also be on the agenda, the FA spokesman said.

UEFA president Platini was an early favorite to win the vote to replace Blatter at the helm of FIFA before he was given a 90 day suspension by FIFA’s Ethics Committee on Thursday. A further 45 days can be added to the provisional ban.

The FIFA logo is seen outside their headquarters in Zurich October 7, 2015.

(Reuters/Arnd Wiegmann) Platini’s ban relates to a 2 million Swiss francs payment he received from FIFA in 2011, which is part of a Swiss criminal inquiry into Blatter.

Switzerland’s Attorney General said Platini is being considered somewhere “between a witness and an accused person” in the case.

Both Platini and Blatter deny they have done anything wrong and are appealing the suspensions.

Currently, the election nominations need to be provided by Oct. 26 but a change in the date of the vote could see that deadline move.

UNITED FRONT “For the time being the schedule is as it is,” a FIFA spokesperson told Reuters, adding that only the execu-

tive committee had the power to make a decision on the election date.

The FIFA spokesperson did not want to speculate further on the matter.

It remains to be seen whether a majority of the executive committee would back postponing the vote.

Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan said he would prefer to stick with the February date depending on the outcome of the appeals process against the bans.

“My feeling is that the sooner the election takes place the better. If the Ethics Committee has clarity on this situation by the end of December then I think the election should go (Continued on page 29)

Saturday October 10, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 31

Supply overcome Soesdyke Primary School in Windball competition Supply defeated Soesdyke Primary by five runs when the Ministry of Education Department of Sport, National Sports Commission/AL Sport & Tour Promotions Primary School Windball competition was contested at the Timehri Red Ground.

In the male category, Supply batted first and managed 29-3 before restricting Soesdyke for 24-3.

Timehri Primary overcame St. Mary’s by nine runs. Batting first, Timehri posted 512, off their allotted five overs with Ricardo Thomas scoring 26 (3x4, 2x6). Saint Mary’s replied with 32-3.

In the female segment, St. Mary’s got the better of Timehri by two runs. St.

Members of the participating teams share a moment.

Mary’s took first knock and scored 28- 1 off their four

overs while Timehri responded with 26-2.

Timehri rebounded to beat Soesdyke by nine runs.

Timehri batted first and rattled up 30-1. Allya Dodson made

14 (3x4). Soesdyke scored 255 in reply.

RHTYSC Pepsi U-19 cricket team to host St. Margaret’s, Number 5 Primary register wins one-day five-a-side football tourney Football players in Rose Hall Town will be given the opportunity to showcase their skills when the Rose Hall Town Pepsi Under-19 Cricket team hosts a 5-a-side knockout tournament at the Area ‘H’ ground tomorrow.

Four teams would be contesting the tournament which has been organised as part of activities to coincide with the club’s Silver Jubilee celebrations.

Hilbert Foster, Secretary/ CEO of the club commenting, noted that over the years, they have not placed a lot of emphasis on the world’s most popular game for many reasons, but the hosting of this tournament would mark the revival of that policy.

The tournament would kick off at 15:00hrs on the all weather court and would be part of the club’s Tribute to Naeem Nasir activities. A 12team five-over cricket tournament, sponsored by Bakewell would also be played at the same time at the ground.

The teams will be captained by Troy Paul, Trevor Sampson, Junior Ross and Benjamin Harry with the winner set to receive a trophy named after Leon Wiggins, the first treasurer of the RHTY&SC and a former football coordinator. Wiggins would hand over the prizes at the conclusion of the tournament.

Foster indicated that he would be closely monitoring

the attitude and discipline of the players during the tournament with a view of deciding the club’s role in further investment in football.

He noted that the club was willing to assist football but only in an atmosphere of discipline and commitment. The four competing teams are: Team A - Troy Paul, Leroy Hashley, D Delroy Adams, Kevin Paul.

Team B - Trevor Sampson, Anathony Ramalha, Tyran Hasley, Shaquille Batson and Samuel Khan.

Team C - Benjamin Harry, Martland Sanka, Levin Ross, Dion Marks and Raio Mootoo.

Team D - Junior Ross, Keion James, Leroy Harry, Ray Jaden and D.Hicks.

The victorious No. 5 Primary school team St. Margaret’s Primary and No.5 Primary recorded victories in the WICB/GCB/ Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket on Wednesday.

At the Racquet Centre ground, St. Ambrose batted first and were restricted for 111-8 off their allotted 14 overs with Mark Offord scoring 19.

In reply, St Margaret’s

found themselves in some early trouble at 25/3 in the third over before Shameer Haynes came to the rescue with an unbeaten 29, despite the fall of two more wickets.

Haynes was well supported by Michael Morgan who hit 17 not out; the pair saw their team to victory, finishing on 116-5 in 8 overs.

In another match played

in the West Berbice District, No. 5 overcame No. 8 primary by six runs. NO. 5 Primary batted first and managed 934 in 14 overs. Travis Layne hit 26 which included five fours and Michael Jupiter contributed 18 not out.

No . 8 P r i m a r y r e sponded with 88-6 in 14 overs. Alwin Pile made 24 (4x4) while Roy Bethune chipped in with 18.

Turning Point dominoes to commence tomorrow

Some of the Rose Hall Town footballers who would be in action on Sunday.

Turning Point Sports Club 20/20 dominoes competition is set to commence tomorrow at the above named venue, East La-Penitence.

Entrance fee is $9,000 and the winning team will take home a trophy and $100,000, runner up a trophy and $40,000 and third place $20,000.

The competition will be played in honour of Lorraine

(only name given) 50th birth anniversary and double six time is 14:00hrs.

Prizes are subject to

change.

For more information teams can contact Mark Wiltshire on 665-5855.

Page 32

Kaieteur News

Rugby World Cup 2015: New Zealand reach quarters with 47-9 win over Tonga

Saturday October 10, 2015

Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Pan Am Challenge

Guyana succumbs to Venezuela 4-5 in penalty shootout -to play Uruguay for third place Guyana produced another brave performance before succumbing 4-5 in sudden death penalty shootout against Veenzuela in the semifinals of the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Pan Am Challenge yesterday

in Chicklayo, Peru.

The two teams had earlier battled to an exciting 3-3 draw to setup the shootout which the Venezuelans won to make it to the final where they will meet Brazil who beat Uruguay 4-0.

The Guyanese will now face Uruguay in the third place playoff and a positive result will definitely crown an incredible performance by them against teams that are heavily funded and have artificial pitches.

Milner-Skudder made a strong case for a starting place in the quarter-final with two tries. (PA) BBC Sport - Defending champions New Zealand booked a quarter-final against either Ireland or France after another uneven display against Tonga in Newcastle.

Tonga were arguably the better side early on, dominating the breakdown and scrum and forcing a host of penalties. However, Ben Smith and prop Tony Woodcock both scored first-half tries to give the All Blacks breathing space.

Nehe Milner-Skudder scored twice before Sonny Bill Williams, Sam Cane and Ma’a Nonu applied some second-half gloss.

The permutations The All Blacks, for whom centre Ma’a Nonu was making his 100th Test appearance, top Pool C courtesy of four victories and will play the losers of Sunday’s Pool D decider between Ireland and France next Saturday.

Tonga’s defeat means they finish fourth in Pool C and Georgia, who finished third, will automatically qualify for the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Pool C runners-up Argentina, whose last group game is against Namibia on Sunday, will play the winners of Ireland-France next Sunday.

War games Like the All Blacks, the Tongans perform a traditional dance before every game - the Sipi Tau - which is always a thrill for the crowd. On Friday, the 54,000 souls crammed into St James’ Park were treated to

two dances at once.

Halfway through the Tongan rendition, what sounded like hissing could be heard coming from the All Blacks ranks before the haka broke out early.

Given the combination of cheers and boos, it was difficult to make out if the crowd appreciated the premature challenge or thought it disrespectful.

Tonga riled?

Tonga started well, breaking up the New Zealand defence with some snappy passing, forcing a couple of breakdowns and winning a penalty from a scrum.

But it was New Zealand who scored from their very first opportunity, MilnerSkudder, Kieran Read and Conrad Smith displaying deft hands after a stolen line-out before Ben Smith went over for a try in the right-hand corner.

However, Tonga stood firm, fly-half Kurt Morath slotting over a penalty after some sustained pressure on the New Zealand line.

And when New Zealand winger Waisake Naholo failed to take a simple pass when his side had a three-to-one overlap, you sensed the game was on.

Scrum trouble Woodcock bulldozed over from close range to extend New Zealand’s lead before number eight Read, captaining the side in the absence of the injured Richie McCaw, was sent to the sin-

bin after another Tongan assault.

Indeed, New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen will have been greatly concerned by the way his side’s pack creaked before the break, with Tonga forcing a rash of penalties at the scrum, winning seven turnovers and scattering the All Blacks with their rolling maul.

However, despite having the Tongans camping out on their line for three minutes before the half-time whistle, New Zealand somehow managed not to concede any more points, although they were very lucky not to give up a penalty try.

Tonga started the second half as they finished the first, assailing the All Blacks line, and they were rewarded with another Morath penalty.

But when man-of-thematch Milner-Skudder went over for his third and fourth tries of the tournament, it effectively killed the game off.

Williams sauntered over under the posts after a cute pass by Aaron Smith, and Cane then barged over from close range before Nonu finished off a sweeping move in the left-hand corner.

Should All Blacks fans be worried?

That New Zealand have failed to blow away any of their pool opponents might worry some of their supporters, but history suggests they should not fret too much.

In the 2007 World Cup, New Zealand scored 309 points and conceded 21 in the pool stages before losing to France in the quarter-finals.

In 2003, they scored 282 points and conceded 64 before losing to Australia in the semi-finals.

As such, competitive match-ups against Argentina (26-16), Namibia (58-14), Georgia (43-10) and Tonga might be exactly what the All Blacks needed.

Mike’s Pharmacy under Wellman brand provides uniforms for Young Warriors cricketers

Marcia Shanks, right, a representative of Mike’s Pharmacy hands over one set of uniform to YWCC Secretary/Treasurer.

The Young Warriors Cricket Team out of Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice received a boost in the form of 20 pieces of coloured clothing from Mr Lakeram Singh, Managing Director of Mike’s Pharmacy.

At a simple handing over ceremony held recently, Miss Marcia Shanks, a representative of Mike’s Pharmacy said that the company is pleased to be associated with the YWCC. She said that the progress of the club is closely followed and the sponsor is pleased with its work and its ability to continue to produce cricketers for Berbice, Guyana

and West Indies. She said that the company has a very long history with Berbice cricket, softball in particular, reflecting on the long lasting relationships, through the game, Mr Singh forged with Anil Beharry and many other top softball cricketers and administrators.

In response, Anil Beharry, Secretary/Treasurer of the YWCC thanked Mr Lakeram Singh for his kind gesture. He gave a little background of the birth of the sponsorship. The sponsor witnessed the friendly but exciting T20 game between host DCC and YWCC at the DCC ground

under lights last Saturday and despite the loss by the visitors, he was impressed with their attitude, discipline and fighting spirit.

He was casually approached by former national senior cricketer Hubern Evans and willingly promised to assist, Beharry added. He said that the club is very thankful for the uniforms and urged the players to care them. He called on the Berbice community to purchase products from drug stores, pharmacies and stores that are retailers of the business entity.

Mike’s Pharmacy has a distribution network in the county.

Saturday October 10, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 33

4TH Annual Courts Pee Wee Schools Football Competition

More exciting action anticipated today at Thirst Park More exciting action is anticipated when play in the 4th Annual Courts Pee Wee Schools Football Competition resumes today with twelve matches at the Banks DIH Ground, Thirst Park.

With the opening week out of the way, teams who suffered losses on the first day of competition will no doubt be looking to get on the points table in positive fashion against their respective opponents.

Defending champion Stella Maris though they gained valuable full points in their opening clash against St. Gabriel’s will be aiming to produce a more convincing performance after scraping a 1-0 win.

Last year’s losing finalist St. Pius that won via the walkover route must be eager to get their campaign for championship glory by getting on the field for precious competitive

Part of the action last Saturday and today will be no different. action.

Among the other schools that will be searching for wins are Marian Academy, w h o l o s t t o S m i t h ’s Memorial, Winfer Gardens, Comenius, Rama Krishna,

J.E. Burnham, St. Stephen’s, Tucville and East La Penitence.

The full day’s fixtures are seen below: St. Sidwell’s versus Rama Krishna

St. Stephen’s vs. J.E. Burnham St. Angela’s vs. Sophia F.E. Pollard vs. Smith’s Memorial Marian Academy vs. St. Agnes

Enterprise vs. Stella Maris St. Gabriel’s vs. Winfer Gardens Comenius vs. St. Margaret’s East La Penitence vs. St.

Ambrose School of Nations vs.

Tucville South Ruimveldt vs.

West Ruimveldt North Georgetown vs.

St. Pius

Page 34

Kaieteur News

Chairman of selectors satisfied with improvement shown by Guyana Jaguars

By Sean Devers Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Chairman of Selectors, former Guyana pacer Rayon Griffith says he is pleased with the improvement made by squad members of defending champions Guyana Jaguars with less than a month away from their opening PCL four-day game against the Windward Islands’ Volcanoes at Providence on November 6. ”I am very satisfied with all aspects of our preparation and I must say, as we get closer to the first match, the guys are a lot more prepared than they were last year. You c o u l d s e e t h e improvements,” the 36-yearold Griffith said.

Griffith, who is also the Assistant Coach and Manger of the Jaguars, is pleased with the level of fitness and team spirit among his charges. ”This last simulation match was far better than the first two and I am very satisfied with the temperament shown by the batters. The batsmen all spent time at the crease. I am extremely pleased that the two young batters today (Thursday) showed the right temperament and got scores,” said Griffith, who played 22 First-Class matches between 1999 and 2007.

He was talking about the manner in which Tevin Imlach (74*) and Taignarine Chanderpaul (57*) batted. In the first edition of the PCL

Vasbert Drakes and Rayon Griffith last month at a Jaguars practice session at Bourda.

First-Class Franchise, Guyana got several big totals. They made the highest successful run-chase at the Kensington Oval when, led by 90 from Narsingh Deonarine, 64 from Shiv Chanderpaul, 60 from Rajendra Chandrika and an unbeaten 41 from Reifer, who hit the winning six, reached 335-6 to beat Barbados.

In the last game against the Windwards in Dominica, the Jaguars reached 427 due to Chris Barnwell’s maiden hundred (148*) and 119 from Chanderpaul as the South America team won its first First-Class title since 1998.

And despite the absence of Deonarine, who will make his debut for T&T Red Steel and Chandrika who will be in Sri Lanka and will miss the home games, Griffith likes what he sees and is confident the batsmen can again come to the party. ”Shiv and Fudadin made fifties and batted for a long time in this game before Imlach and Taignarine did the same. (Anthony) Bramble, Reifer and (Steven) Jacobs also put their heads down and batted well. We want the batters to have some runs under their belts by the time the first match,” said Griffith, who has 56 FC wickets with a

best of 6-44.

T h e s e l e c t o r, w h o disclosed that the team should be picked after the first four-day practice match (set for Bourda from October 12-15) and said he wanted the batters to understand the importance of batting in pairs and building partnerships.

Griffith should know about partnerships since his only First-Class fifty (82*) was made against West Indies ‘B’ in Christiansted on the US Virgin Island of Saint Croix in 2003 when a l o n g w i t h Vi s h a l Nagamootoo, he shared in record 198-run ninth wicket stand. ”The pacers bowled with good control and although it’s hard work on these (the slow tracks) pitches, they all bowled well. The batting in this match suggest that mentally the batters understand the importance of batting long in four-day cricket. Our fitness sessions are getting the players a lot fitter than they were last year. Being fit also helps with your concentration,” Griffith concluded.

The team is set to have its second four-day practice games at Providence from October 26-29 before they play the Windwards, the Leewards Hurricanes and Barbados Pride at Providence.

They then go to Trinidad and Jamaica to complete the first half of the four-day competition for the year.

2016 Regional Super50

Guyanese Gordon in ICC Americas team

By Sean Devers Born in New Amsterdam Berbice on January 20, former Guyana First-Class fast bowler Jeremy Gordon, who now resides in Canada, is the lone Guyanese in the ICC Americas One-Day team which will play in Zone ‘A’ of the WICB’s NAGICO Regional Super50 in Trinidad which starts on January 7 next year.

The 28-year-old who played for Bermine in Berbice first division cricket was selected on Wednesday as the only bowler from Canada to make the team

Jeremy Gordon which will travel to the West Indies. The team was selected after two-phase

trial matches with the second phase of the ICC Americas cricket combine ending last

month in Indianapolis.

Gordon, who played for Canada in the 2014 ICC World Cup qualifiers, made his First-class debut for Guyana against the Leewards in Albion in 2007 in his home County and played the last of his five First-Class games in King City in 2013 when Canada beat the Netherlands by eight wickets.

The former Guyana youth team pacer has six wickets from five One-Day International for Canada and 9 wickets from 10 List A games. The Berbician made (Continued on page 29)

Saturday October 10, 2015

Sepp Blatter appeals against FIFA suspension

FIFA President Sepp Blatter reacts before the first game of the so-called ‘’Sepp Blatter tournament’’ in Blatter’s home-town Ulrichen, Switzerland, August 22, 2015.

(Reuters/Denis Balibouse) ZURICH (Reuters) Sepp Blatter has filed an official appeal against his suspension from soccer by FIFA’s ethics committee, his friend and former public relations adviser Klaus Stoehlker said on Friday.

Blatter, the Swiss who has been president of the global soccer body FIFA since 1998, was suspended on Thursday by the a s s o c i a t i o n ’s e t h i c s committee. The 79-year-old is currently facing a Swiss criminal investigation.

“He has appealed. He wants to go on until the congress on Feb. 26 and he is not giving up early,” Stoehlker told Reuters.

Stoehlker, who has been issuing information on behalf of Blatter since FIFA stopped handling his media affairs on Sept. 30, said Blatter had left FIFA headquarters at midnight on Thursday.

Blatter’s appeal will go t o t h e F I FA A p p e a l s Committee, headed by Larry Mussenden of Bermuda.

The New York Times said it had obtained a copy of Blatter’s appeal against the suspension.

In it, the paper reported that Blatter was objecting to brusque and unfair treatment. Blatter’s legal team also demanded to see the ethics committee’s case file and sought a hearing to argue their case in full.

Blatter’s lawyers in Switzerland and the United States did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the report.

In the immediate aftermath of the suspension, Blatter’s lawyers said in a statement that he was looking forward to presenting evidence that would prove he had not engaged in any misconduct.

The Swiss attorney general’s office said on Sept.

25 that it had opened a criminal investigation into Blatter concerning a payment of 2 million Swiss francs ($2.08 million) from FIFA to Michel Platini in 2011, and a Caribbean television rights deal.

Blatter told a German magazine this week that the Swiss criminal investigation against him was “not correct”. ($1 = 0.9605 Swiss francs)

Floodlight to take on Amar Shakti SC in T20 fixture tonight The Demerara Cricket Club ground is set to come alive tonight when the Floodlight Masters take on Amar Shakti Sports Club of Paramaribo, Suriname in a T20 m a t c h s t a r t i n g at 19:00hrs.

Trophies are being sponsored by Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Bourda Market.

The Floodlight team will come from- Ricky Deonarain (Capt.), Dharam Persaud, Surendra Nauth, Rakesh Arjune, Reaz Hussein, Richard Persaud, Uniss Yusuf, Anil Beharry, Lalta Gainda, Khalid Baksh, Lloyd Rooplall, Nafjohn Samlall, Wayne Jones and Romeo Deonarain. The Manager is Jailall Deodass.

Saturday October 10, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 35

GTT confirms 3-year sponsorship deal worth $13M with GRFU The Guyana Telephone a n d Te l e g r a p h ( G T T ) Company became the biggest sponsor of rugby when it confirmed a lucrative three-year deal worth $ 13M with the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) on Thursday, during a simple signing ceremony which was conducted, at the entity’s location on Hadfield Street.

In attendance at the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing were the Company’s Senior Marketing Manager Anjanie Hackett and PRO Nadia DeAbreu, while the with the GRFU was represented by its President Peter Green along with other members of the recently installed executive.

Speaking at the occasion, Hackett said that GTT ‘s decision to enter into such a deal that will see them disburse $4.5M each year was prompted by the potential the sport has to grow and develop into something special and was not just arrived at due to the successes over the past years.

“Our support is to foster

GTT’s Anjanie Hackett (fourth from right) hands over the sponsorship cheque to GRFU President Peter Green in the presence of members of the GRFU’s executive as well as GT&T PRO Nadia DeAbreu. the development of the sport at the national level, we believe that our support over the next three years will help develop the sport and the athletes… we extend best wishes to the GRFU for the upcoming season,” Hackett noted.

Green in his response

expressed gratitude to GTT, stating that the sponsorship is in essence the life saving support that the Union has been asking for sometime.

He informed that because the Union is cashed strapped the local programme in many instances have suffered.

E-Networks rewards Richardson for his ‘Goal of the Month’

E-Networks’ Marketing Coordinator Joublon Beaton (Left) makes the presentation to Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson for the E-Networks ‘Goal of the Month’.

Pele FC’s star forward Gregory Richardson is certainly enjoying a fruitful season in the STAG Elite League and the player, familiarly known as ‘Jackie Chan’, can now add the E-Networks

Goal of the Month Award to his burgeoning collection of rewards for his performance.

E-Networks Inc; Guyana’s premier Cable TV, Internet, VOIP and 4G Broadband Service

Providers, made a presentation to Richardson through their Marketing Coordinator Joublon Beaton yesterday.

The company is in the (Continued on page 29)

“GT&T has given us breathing space with this young executive, the time for talking is over and it is up to us to produce the goods and I must once again thank GTT for this support,” Green said.

The Union Boss Green also revealed that with the

sponsorship, the sport could now take off and venture into other regions as well.

He said the hope is to have tournaments to showcase the talent at all levels, especially in schools and by 2016 year end they intend to attain all the stated goals.

“We have to expand to move forward, I am excited and I know our executive is excited too,” Green mentioned.

The GFRU season gets underway this Sunday with a Sevens tournament at the University of Guyana Playfield.

Arima Park Rodeo at Rising Sun set for October 25 Rising Sun, Guyana The Bravest local and International Vaqueros will be riding some of the wildest animals at Arima Park Rodeo when the Rising Sun Turf Club holds its 2nd Annual Arima Park Rodeo at the Club’s facility at Rising Sun, West Coast Berbice, on Sunday 25th October 2015.

Over GY$3M in prize money will be awarded to event winners. Tickets to the event are $1500 each.

Arima Park Rodeo at Rising Sun is currently the largest and best rodeo event in Guyana. With events of an International standard, attracting local and international Pro Vaqueros and fans alike from several countries throughout South America / Latin America; and the Rupununi.

The Rodeo events on the card include Wild Cow Milking, Calf Roping, Bareback Bronco, Bull Riding, Saddle Bronco,

Flashback of some of the previous action which will be no different come October 25. and Barrel Racing.

Arima Park Rodeo at

Rising Sun aims to attract a (Continued on page 29)

t r o Sp Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Pan Am Challenge

Guyana succumbs to Venezuela 4-5 in penalty shootout -to play Uruguay for third place

Guyana on the attack in their semi-final clash against Venezuela yesterday.

Part of the action in the semi-final that featured Guyana (yellow) and Venezuela which the latter won.

Rugby Rugby World World Cup Cup 2015: 2015: New New Zealand Zealand reach reach quarters quarters with with 47-9 47-9 win win over over Tonga Tonga

Ben Smith powers home to score for New Zealand during the first half against Tonga. (Getty Images)

E-Networks E-Networks rewards rewards Richardson Richardson for for his his ‘Goal ‘Goal of of the the Month’ Month’

Sepp Blatter appeals against FIFA suspension

4TH Annual Courts Pee Wee Schools Football Competition

More exciting action anticipated today at Thirst Park Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210