Kaieteur News

Thursday Edition October 11, 2012 - Vol. 5 No. 40

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Price $80 (VAT Inclusive)

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

Ed Ahmad pleads guilty...

Faces 10-yr p. 3

minimum jail term - fines totaling US$42.5M

Ed Ahmad

A collapsing waterfront From the look of things, the city waterfront is collapsing. Famous waterfront landmarks are heading into the Demerara River and not for a swim.

AFC deems Rohee Police release Rodrigues “useless”as of today on $100,000 bail p.

6

p.

3

US$840M hydro project…

No power purchase deal signed as yet p.

6

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Thursday October 11, 2012

Kaieteur News

Regent Street landscape undergoes major change

United Centre opens to public today One of the sections within the store offering home furnishing.

The United Centre Mega Store

Standing at six stories with a spacious environment, the new multimillion dollar “United Centre” has transformed the appearance of the Regent Street shopping zone.

The total area space is

58,300 square feet. It's a steel structure clad with concrete board. The exterior of the building is aluminium board, which reduces the overall weight of the building, and glass. Its six stories have four shopping floors, an

office floor and the roof which is a work in progress.

In addition, the sixstorey store will boast a fivestar restaurant in the next two months when the roof is completed. This will also be complemented by two open

dining decks, three bars and a VIP area.

The Mega Store also features an amazingly large screen television on the exterior which advertises the variety of brands and offers the store has.

According to Marketing Director, Michael Alleyne, United Centre is the culmination of five years of tireless commitment from conception to completion.

He explained that United Centre sees the amalgamation of Essential Shopping Centre at Camp and Regent Streets and other branches of the store such as Footsteps, Home and Beyond at the corner of Camp and Charlotte Streets will be incorporated into the new Mega Store.

“The vision the owner, Ms. Sabita Narine, had when the idea was undertaken was to bring a First World luxury experience to all Guyanese.”

Adding that it was her belief that the famous junction, at the corner of Camp and Regent Streets deserves a structure that all Guyanese can be proud of,

Alleyne said the facility itself took about four years tocomplete. Building codes were strictly adhered to and enhanced upon.

He underscored that some of the features on the building itself are an earth tremor stabilizer system, a filtered water system throughout the building, a state of the art fire alarm and response system, and an air conditioned chill water system which is new technology, this reduces the carbon footprint of the building itself.

“This project would not have come to fruition had it not been for our financial partner Citizens Bank who saw the vision and stuck with us through our ups and downs so that we can bring to realization what was conceptualized so long ago.

Great thanks are extended to the Management and staff of Citizens Bank,” Alleyne noted.

“All along with our Exclusive Styles, Footsteps, Essentials and our Home and Beyond brands have been synonymous with affordable

items and luxury.

“We are Guyanese; we believe that all Guyanese deserve affordable luxury and the right to shop in an environment that enhances the experience. We believe in the Guyanese economy with this in mind we have four of our five floors dedicated to this theme.

“We have increased not only the volume of our items but also the variety. We have diversified United Center so that the shopping experience is made simpler and much more comfortable.”

He added that there is also an Upper Crust Cafe and Chester Fried fast food added to the complementary pieces that complete the experience at the MegaStore. “We've done all this and yet have maintained our prices at the standard that the average Guyanese can appreciate.”

The facility also has deterrent for shoplifters with cameras at every corner and tags that are connected to all items that will activate an alarm if stolen from the store.

Thursday October 11, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 3

Ed Ahmad pleads guilty

Faces 10-year minimum jail term

By Vivian Williams in New York Appearing visibly shaken, with his voice breaking at times, Ed Ahmad was biting back tears, as he cut his loss and entered a guilty plea in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, in Brooklyn.

He gave his name as Edul Ahmad and informed the court that he is a naturalized American citizen who originates from Guyana, South America.

In the early stages of the case he had advised the court of his strong ties to the then Guyana President Bharrat Jagdeo.

It was exactly 12:08pm on October 10, 2012 when the Guyanese-American businessman sealed his fate, entering a guilty plea to count one of the ten-count criminal complaints against him, and told the court that his attorney has advised him that there is no viable defense to the charges against him.

In admitting guilt, Ahmad told Judge Dora Irizarry that between January 1995 and January 2009, within the Eastern District of New York and elsewhere, together with others, he knowingly and intentionally conspired to defraud several lending institutions, in a mortgage fraud scheme that lasted almost 15 years.

The United States Attorney’s office alleges that Ahmad was part of a scheme that defrauded American lend-

- fines totaling US$42.5M

Edul Ahmad as he left court yesterday ing institutions of approximately US$50 million, obtaining approval for mortgages on various properties by falsifying documents submitted to the lending institutions, using a string of straw buyers, and other illegal practices.

In detailing the allegations against the Queens businessman with strong political connections, Judge Irizarry outlined a scheme which had as its victims NOT only financial institutions, but also many ordinary New Yorkers most of whom were Guyanese immigrants pursuing the American

dream to own their own home only to find themselves trapped in a real estate scheme, ultimately resulting in them losing their homes in foreclosure proceedings while Ahmad and his co-conspirators made millions of dollars.

Staring down at the desk in front of him and shifting continuously in his seat, Ahmad spoke clearly into the microphone and told the court that he knew what he was doing was illegal, then cleared a lump or lumps in his throat, fighting hard to maintain his composure.

Defense attorney Steven

R. Kartagener told the court that his client was nervous.

Immediately, Judge Irizzary advised that he should take his time and ensure that his plea is knowingly and intelligently given.

She then reminded the defendant that the charge for which he was entering a plea carries a maximum of 30 years in prison.

Before Ahmad entered his plea, Judge Irizzary informed him that his guilty plea would mean that he would be faced with a mandatory US$500,000 criminal forfeiture, a fine that is double the gross monetary

loss caused by his conduct, and restitution.

The government has pegged the momentary loss at US$14 million which means that Ahmad would face a criminal fine of US$28 million in addition to US$14 million in restitution, exposing him to monetary penalties i n t h e t o t a l amount of US$42.5 million.

Ahmad’s attorney immediately informed the court that his client intends to challenge the financial loss attributed to him, setting the stage for further litigation on this issue before sentencing.

While the offence that Ahmad pleaded guilty to carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines will determine exactly how much of the 30 years he is actually sentenced to.

Judge Irizzary invited submissions from the prosecution and the defense as to where Ahmad would stand when the Sentencing Guidelines are applied to him.

This resulted in U.S. Attorney Alexander A. Solomon advising the court that a term of between 121 and 151 months (10 to approximately 13 years) of imprisonment is the range that is applicable to Ahmad.

He cited various factors.

The defence did NOT challenge the application of the Sentencing Guidelines by the

Judge Dora Irizarry U.S. Attorney, only stating that it intends to challenge the amount of financial loss attributed to Ahmad, hoping that a significant reduction in the financial loss would make a big difference at sentencing, he said.

Ahmad would also be placed on probation for a period that could be up to five years after serving his time.

The court will issue a scheduling order very soon, setting out various timelines to be followed leading up to the sentencing. No date has been fixed for sentencing as yet.

Ahmad’s case has attracted much attention from the media in Guyana and in New York, fueled by his strong political connections in Guyana and the U.S.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday October 11, 2012

Letters... Where your views make the news

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

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

EDITORIAL Suffering a lack of public accountability Former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran has written a book that examines the issue of public accountability. Indeed in Guyana public accountability is an issue with all the charges of pervasive corruption and a failure on the part of the administration to properly account for monies spent on supposed national programmes.

In 2005 coastal Guyana experienced a flood of gargantuan proportions. People in Guyana made significant contributions to affect those worst affected. People were stranded in their homes and could not access food; some died from a waterborne disease named leptospirosis; farmers and livestock rearers suffered tremendous losses.

Money came from international agencies, including the Canadian International Development Agency, and the Guyana Red Cross. Despite repeated promises an audited account of the receipt and expenditure of the monies has never been done. Soon it will be a decade since the floods.

Guyana also hosted Carifesta for the second time in the history of the regional exposition. Again monies were spent but to date there has not been any presentation of an audited account. And as if this is not enough there has been a decade-long call for monies accruing from the Guyana Lotteries Commission to the government to be paid into the Consolidated Funds.

The Guyana Lotteries Commission, by law, must give the government twenty-four per cent of the sale of each ticket. This money was intended to enhance sports, and facilitate health practices. About three years ago, the lottery company had contributed some $6 billion from its inception. Not one cent of this money has been accounted for.

Needless to say, these actions have only fuelled th4 accusations of theft and corrupt in Government circles. And up until November 28, 2011, the government pretty much ignored the accusations. It was simply saying that it did not need to explain to anyone, not even the electorate.

In his book, Dr Goolsarran notes, “Corruption is the misuse of power for private gain. A misuse of public power occurs when, in the exercise of their duties, politicians and bureaucrats deviate from formal rules or established procedures and in doing so, the public interest is sacrificed in favour of private interest.”

It has not escaped public notice that all of the current crop of politicians are extremely wealthy and have become so after they entered the political arena. Coincident with their acquisition of wealth has been the large extent of substandard work offered in the place of substantial contracts. There is widespread belief that politicians help contractors wrangle a contract and so qualify for a share of the financial allocation.

So we return to the Auditor General reports which highlight overpayments to contractors and the failure or refusal of the contractors to return the extra funds. No action is taken by the government to recover its money and this does not help public confidence.

It does not help when people point to other countries where corrupt people are dealt with condignly. In Guyana they are ignored by both law enforcers and the politician. One of the offshoots of this public accountability in Guyana is mass migration.

Dr Goolsarran notes in his book, “Improving Public Accountability”, that the World Bank concluded that poor governance “has contributed to the deterioration situation (in Guyana) which has been triggered to an unknown extent by drug trafficking activities.” And speaking to a recent study by Prachi Mishra of the International Monetary Fund, “89 out of every 100 Guyanese who had completed tertiary education during the period 1965 to 2005 have migrated…This is the highest migration rate in the Caribbean and several Guyanese commentators have linked this brain drain to not only deteriorating economic conditions, but also to the increasing level of corruption.”

Public accountability would prove to be stimulant that Guyana needs to reach the levels of economic development that the government so loudly proclaims that it wants to reach.

The United States, for example boasts, “Our democracy here in the United States over the last two centuries has weathered the storms of war, economic depression, crime, drugs, corruption and scandal.

“It survives because we make our mistakes openly, we learn from them and we correct them openly. Our government and its officials are politically, financially and legally accountable.”

The signif icance of October 5 significance DEAR EDITOR, October 5, 2012, marked 20 years since that historic day when democracy was returned to Guyana after some twenty-eight years of undemocratic and dictatorial rule. Guyanese under twenty years of age would not have been born during those sordid years and a significant number of young people are too young to remember what life was like during those painful years.

H o w e v e r, f o r t h e majority of Guyanese who lived through that period, it was a virtual nightmare to provide for themselves and their families due to mismanagement and incompetence of the then PNC regime.

It is perhaps necessary to provide some background as to the factors that led in the first place to the emergence of dictatorial rule, especially for the younger generation, many of whom are unaware of our past history and of the trials, tribulations and intrigue that dogged our political evolution.

Most Guyanese today take for granted our right to

vote, but this was not always the case and the electorate of this country was forced for over two decades to endure a farce that was called national and regional elections.

So pervasive was the electoral fraud that it affected all strata of society, including village elections in Amerindian communities. Not even religious organizations were spared the manipulative arms of the s t a t e , w h i c h led to the formation of parallel organizations as in the case of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha under the leadership of Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud and the United Sadr Islamic Anjuman led by Moulvi Yacoob Ally, both of whom were known to be leading members of the PPP. The genesis of undemocratic rule in postindependent Guyana resulted from Anglo-American intrigue which, along with local reactionary groups, conspired to remove the popular and democratically elected PPP from power in the elections of 1964. It must be said, for the record, that the PPP was never defeated in the

elections of 1964 but in the words of the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan it was ‘cheated and not defeated’, in clear reference to the fact that the removal of the PPP from government was a studied and well orchestrated plot by the colonial government, under pressure from the United States, to remove the PPP from office.

Space will not allow me to provide the details of what could be described as a great betrayal by the west.

Suffice it to say that the removal of the PPP from office in 1964 proved to be a turning point in the country’s march towards constitutional rule and democratic governance.

One of the first acts of the PNC was to kick out its junior coalition partner, the United Force, but only after it had consolidated itself in power by taking control of the electoral machinery.

The Elections Commission was dominated by pro-PNC members, who did everything possible to ensure the return of PNC to power in the ‘elections’ of 1968.

It is to the lasting shame of the PNC that the

constitutional advances made after robust representation by the PPP for the right to vote and the introduction of the ministerial system of government, were systematically taken away from the Guyanese people.

It is common knowledge that all elections since 1968 were flagrantly and blatantly rigged by the PNC to perpetuate its life in government. It was not until the early 1990s, after the intervention of the Carter Centre and the direct involvement of former US President Jimmy Carter, that the dynamics of power changed, paving the way for the holding of free and fair elections.

It must be said, for the record, that the holding of democratic elections did not come about without strong resistance by the PNC under the then leadership of Desmond Hoyte, who refused to agree on a critical demand from the Carter Centre, namely that the counting of ballots be done at the place of poll. Hoyte described the counting of ballots at the place of poll as a “logistical nightmare” and refused to concede. It took much arm-twisting on the part of President Carter before Hoyte finally agreed to count the votes at the place of poll, along with some other opposition demands, including the composition of the Elections Commission, which was heavily biased in favour of the PNC. Wi t h t h e o p p o s i t i o n demands being largely met, including the counting of votes at the place of poll, the elections results became a foregone conclusion. The PPP won the elections by a comfortable majority, and Dr. Cheddi Jagan became the first democraticallyelected Executive President of Guyana.

Since then, Guyana has advanced steadily and has now become once again one of the showpieces of the Caribbean in terms of democratic and good governance.

From one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere, the country has now graduated to middle income status, thanks to sustained economic growth and sound monetary and fiscal management.

The PPP/C administration must be given credit for having taken this once backward country to one of peace, progress and prosperity.

Hydar Ally

Thursday October 11, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news APNU’s “A good life for all Guyanese” is just another broken promise DEAR EDITOR, The APNU Manifesto labeled “A Good Life for all Guyanese” has become a dead document, since today, the Majority Leader in Parliament has failed to bring that document to life as a result of his pathetic performance with respect to his legislative agenda.

On page 7 of that document, he and his team promised to “amend our laws… to ensure the process of collecting, analyzing and disseminating key economic and population data is protected from political interference.”

In layman’s language, that means amending the Statistics Act, Chp. 19:09 and the Bank of Guyana Act, 1998.

If one is to peruse these laws, they clearly establish that the Chief Statistician and the Governor of the Bank of Guyana are creatures of the Minister of Finance.

Thus as the former Auditor General Dr. Goolsarran quite aptly pointed out, appointments under similar conditions are “are serious cause to worry.”

What has Mr. Granger done since becoming the official leader of the majority

in Parliament?

Other than partaking in the budget cuts reluctantly and arranging back room deals with the crooked Jagdeo/Ramotar regime on issues such as GECOM appointments and electricity hike on the Lindeners, APNU has done little or nothing in Parliament to help the poor and the working class in Guyana, save and except for Sharma Solomon and his Linden Team.

It is clear that Mr. David Granger and Team APNU have not only failed in their promise to provide a good life for all Guyanese but they have produced zero on all the other promises they have made on the campaign trail including t h e r e d u c t i o n o f VAT, advocating both in and out of parliament for tangible wage/salary increases for the workers and improved working and living conditions for the poor and the working class.

Our recommendation: 1. Section 6 of the St a t i s t i c s A c t m u s t b e amended to put the Chief Statistician under the direction of the majority in Parliament rather than

under the direction of the Minister of Finance; 2. All funds necessary to conduct its work shall de deliberated on by a Board of Directors appointed by the majority in Parliament and the Minister shall so apply for those funds subject to an affirmative resolution from the House.

The Minister should not have the power to revoke the work programme of the Bureau of Statistics like he current has.

3. With respect to the Bank of Guyana Act, the Governor shall be appointed by the President subject to a public review process in Parliament of the requisite skill and ability of the potential candidates and an affirmative resolution of a majority in the House.

This dark room closettype arrangement that currently exists where the Leader of the Opposition and the President decide who shall be appointed is mired in subterfuge, bad governance and opaqueness.

4. There should be a statutory place on that Board for the Academic Community,

especially one from the Finance/Economics subcommunity, a representative from the Unions (TUC/ FITUG), and there should be a place for a representative from the Private Sector, (inclusive of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana) who does not sit on a Board of a company that is supervised by the Bank.

Until and unless these and other amendments to the laws are made, these institutions shall remain creatures of the Minister of Finance and the Guyanese public will continue to get a diet of massaged economic, poverty, and population data because these two institutions which are supposed to be in principle, independent of the executive, remain perpetual stooges of the Ministry of Finance, hence the Jagdeo/Ramotar cabal.

On the one hand, President Ramotar has to be blamed for his nontransparent actions and disrespect for good governance.

However, on the other hand, the opposition leader Mr. Granger must be held accountable not only

f o r A P N U ’s l e t h a rg i c performance in Parliament but its general representation of the people’s interests. This

kind of behaviour is tantamount to going AWOL on the troops.

Dr Asquith Rose and Harish S Singh

It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday October 11, 2012

Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news Corporal Punishment: The Big Picture Are we to live in filth and risk the health and DEAR EDITOR, Then comes the lunch and the teacher, a Mr. from the U.S. Yes the U.S. is a I’ve just read an article in so-called developed country. medication. That’s the Williams, began doing math lives of our residents? your letter pages (KN, Oct.10) But there are some things in money-maker. Last year, where we had to multiply by by one B. Shivdas entitled “The contradictions of Corporal Punishment.”I really don’t think the writer has wrapped his head around the current corporal punishment controversy.

The real contradiction is that the supporters of banning corporal punishment (CP) are beneficiaries of the same system when they were schooled in the last couple of generations when the cane was a favourite (for teachers) though hated (by students) instrument in the classroom.

Were it not for the cane back then, many of them would have fallen off the education platform and into the pool of indiscipline. With all the arguments for and against corporal punishment, the bigger picture is totally missed.

The bigger picture is this.

We’re copying wholesale

the so-called Third World that we do better. Disciplining our children used to be one of them. But we’ve chosen to embrace whatever the U.S. is doing.

We’ve seen the multiplying of disciplinary problems in U.S. schools with the banning of corporal punishment.

Talk to any teacher out here in the U.S. (and yes, I’m one) and they can tell you horror stories that will make your ears twirl. And what, you may ask, did the U.S. have to gain from banning corporal punishment?

Money.

Every program that’s implemented here is motivated by making more money. How? Simple. You stop corporal punishment and children start acting up.

When they act up you diagnose each behavior and label it.

doctors at one hospital here were complaining about students being dumped in their laps for medication to modify behavior and that it was costing taxpayers millions.

The main argument sold to the public to vilify corporal punishment was that it damaged students psychologically - this from the very people who were kept on the straight and narrow by this method when they were growing up.

If this argument held water then the entire, now middle-aged generation, as well as those that came before during the reign of corporal punishment should be psychologically damaged.

For me, personally, although I did not like it when I was in school, I know for a fact corporal punishment kept me on the straight and narrow.

I didn’t get much of it in school because I knew what boundaries not to cross or I’d get it. It taught me there are consequences to crossing that line. CP even motivated me in the learning department.

I remember one incident when my class returned from

16. Some brave soul meekly pointed out to him that he never gave us 16 times tables to learn. He wrote it out on the board and told us to copy it, then sent us under the school to learn it in 15 minutes. Mr. Williams was an expert on using the cane. I used to think he was an ‘A’ student when he did the caning course in teacher’s college. From that time to this day I still know the 16 times tables. Had there been no caning during my school days I probably would not have even attended High School much less college.

When I learned that corporal punishment was being taken out of schools at home, I predicted discipline in schools and teacher respect would plummet. I had no idea it would fall this steeply and this far so fast. What in the world made us think in banning caning in our schools students would get better? And when do we start medicating our students? Do we have the finance for that?

I might be wrong, but the cane was much cheaper and more effective.

Nathaniel Hinckson

DEAR EDITOR, Very few will disagree that the lack of reliable garbage disposal service in Georgetown has not taken a toll on citizens and residents in an around the nation’s capital.

The accumulation of garbage is no longer limited to the streets, but has now spread to private residences. In the past we have seen and heard of strike action taken by the contracted collectors due to non-payment by the Mayor and City Council, often resulting in the halt of garbage collection throughout the city for an extended period of time and often forcing the creation of smaller private collectors (using horse carts) who made their rounds in several communities, collecting garbage for a fee paid by the residents. Those who did not wait for the new collectors resorted to burning their garbage on their premises or on the street corner to prevent or reduce the pile-up. However, according to the Mayor and City Council, burning garbage is unlawful within the confines of the city.

Lately, there have been constant delays and changes in the garbage collection schedule which communities have grown

accustomed to over the years.

In the Costello Housing Scheme area, garbage was regularly collected every Thursday, however, that suddenly shifted to Sundays on two occasions, then Monday, then Friday and so forth. It peeves me that to the day of writing this letter, Wednesday October 10th, 2012, the garbage collection schedule is still irregular and is of great inconvenience to all households.

I believe I speak for most if not all residents who are sick and tired of playing watchmen for the garbage truck on a daily basis.

Some residents have resorted to burning their garbage on the punt trench without care for their neighbours, and without hindrance, while others have been warned or threatened by a so-called community leader.

The irregular and unreliable schedule has left many residents with no alternative to burning garbage and suffering the consequences of the law. What does the Mayor and City Council expect the residents to do under these conditions? Are we to live in filth and risk the health and lives of our residents?

A. Dyer

Thursday October 11, 2012

Kaieteur News

Antigua plane crash…

Page 7

It was grandmother’s first plane flight

Dead Berbician: Sandrama Poligadu It was her first air trip from Guyana. She was on her way to see her hospitalised, pregnant daughter who lives in Monsterrat, an island in the Caribbean.

But hours after leaving her Berbice homeland on Sunday, Sandrama Poligadu, 57, a grandmother from Williamsburg, Corentyne, Berbice, was dead, when a nine-seater Montserratbound Britten-Norman Islander crashed shortly after takeoff from Antigua. The Fly Monserrat aircraft was heading to Montserrat.

Her son, Kisnasammy Poligadu, speaking from the Williamsburg residence yesterday stated that the family is in shock at this time but nevertheless understands that accidents do happen.

He added, too, that they took his mother to the airport on Sunday. Her son-in-law, Trishan Khan, was awaiting her at the Montserrat Airport for her flight to arrive around 16:00 hrs.

He, however, suspected something had happened after there was an unusually lengthy delay. His worst fears were confirmed when the airport authorities informed him that the plane had crashed during take- off on Runway Seven at the VC Bird International Airport, Antigua.

Khan immediately informed the woman’s relatives in Guyana.

The body is still in Antigua and the family is awaiting its arrival so that preparations can be made for the funeral.

They are questioning who is going to pay the cost for transporting the body to Guyana and even the funeral expenses.

Poligadu leaves to mourn her husband Gopaul Sammy Poligadu and her children, Beena, Sheena, Deena and Veeren and grandchildren.

The woman was set to look after her three-year-old granddaughter. Her daughter is said to have been living in Montserrat for the past eight years. There she met her partner and got married.

The remains of the crashed Fly Monsterrat plane.

Poligadu made the connecting flight from Guyana to Trinidad from where she took a plane to Antigua.

Meanwhile, in an update of the shocking crash, the West Indies News Network (WINN) quoted meteorological officials in Antigua as saying that the weather may not have been ideal for flying on Sunday.

Within minutes of the accident, questions were raised about whether the conditions were a contributing factor. But despite the thunderstorms and lightning island-wide, Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua & Barbuda Airport Authority, Stanley Smith, said at a press conference on Sunday night that the weather

was good at the time of the incident.

But the Antigua Observer is reporting that the director of the Met Services Keithly Meade has said that an upper level trough was lingering in the area for quite some time, which created unstable conditions on the island.

The Antigua Observer reports that Captain Jason Forbes spent his last hours alive with family in his native Antigua, watching cricket championships and left to fly to Montserrat where he was set to meet his pregnant wife, Florisca.

Three people were killed as a result of the crash.

Captain Forbes and a female passenger Anya Duncan died on the scene.

Jamaican national, Anya

Duncan, a Maths and Science teacher at the Montserrat Secondary School was heading back to Montserrat where friends were waiting for

her at the airport to treat her to a surprise 29th birthday party. Poligadu of Guyana died in hospital.

British visitor Michael

Hudson, the lone survivor of the crash, remained in critical condition at Mount St John Medical Centre Tuesday.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday October 11, 2012

Jack Warner bans release of Trinidad crime reports P O R T- O F - S P A I N , Trinidad (AP) — Former world soccer vice president Jack Warner has forbidden the release of crime reports and statistics in his capacity as Trinidad’s national security minister, saying that publicizing such information encourages people to commit more crime.

“They want to make news, they want to make headlines,” Warner said late Tuesday. “I decided with immediate effect that no figures of any kind will

be given anywhere ... I’ve also instructed the police not to reveal any figures on murders anywhere, anytime.”

Warner is a former vice president of the world soccer body FIFA who oversaw North American and Caribbean soccer for almost three decades. He resigned in June 2011 to avoid investigation into a bribery scandal tied to the FIFA presidential election, but has denied wrongdoing.

Many people were

surprised in June when he was appointed national security minister. Shortly afterward, Warner was sharply criticized for dispatching troops and riot police to remove a protest camp built by environmentalists.

Warner ’s ban on the release of crime reports comes as Trinidad struggles with an increased number of killings in recent years.

Trinidad’s independent police service commission

- police deny the minister instructed crime-stats embargo said it was taken aback by the order and will discuss it at an emergency meeting.

The commission appoints the police chief and oversees disciplinary actions.

Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams said yesterday he had not received any orders from Warner, and will continue to respond to requests for crime information from the media and the public.

“The matter of dissemination of information to the public is one which I believe the police service has

a legal obligation to fulfill, and we will in fact be fulfilling our legal obligation,” Williams said.The acting commissioner said that banning the release of crime information “is not a matter which the minister has authority to instruct the commissioner of police on,” Williams said.

Warner did not immediately respond to Williams’ comments.

But thousands of Trinidadians criticized Warner’s decision via social media, on radio and Internet comments sections, accusing him of violating the country’s freedom of information laws

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico Puerto Rico’s health department has declared a dengue epidemic.

Health Secretary Lorenzo Gonzalez says at least six people have died, including two children younger than 10. A total of 4,816 cases have been reported, including 21 cases of the potentially fatal hemorrhagic dengue.

…six deaths, thousands of reported cases

and in some cases calling for his resignation.

Warner also drew fire for blaming the opposition People’s National Movement in the killing of a man who was shot nearly 30 times Tuesday in Laventille, southeast of the capital. “This could be avoided if the PNM weren’t sponsoring crime,” Warner said without elaborating.

Legislator Nielung Hypolite, who represents the region where the killing occurred, called Warner’s statements “irresponsible” and said the political movement has always fought against crime.

Puerto Rico declares dengue epidemic The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 342 new cases were reported in one week last month, twice the number of cases during the same period last year.

Dengue cases usually flare up from August to

January. The mosquito-borne virus causes fever, severe headaches and extreme joint and muscle pain. Dengue claimed a record 31 lives during a 2010 epidemic that saw more than 12,000 suspected cases.

Gonzalez made the announcement on Monday.

Thursday October 11, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 9

BRING BACK THE MAN WITH THE GUTS Yesterday’s newspapers carried a photograph of the President of Guyana at the rifle ranges. He lay with the lower half of his body on the ground and the upper half elevated in a shooting position.

He was seen taking aim at a target but the newspapers never told us how far his shot was off the mark or whether he fired live or blank rounds.

One would have expected that at least the newspapers would have recognized that there was a human interest story there concerning the sharpshooting skills of the President of Guyana.

Since his election to office he has hardly been able to get off a political shot against his

opponents. In fact, since his administration took over, the PPP/C has been fair game for an opposition which has a one-seat majority and which is behaving as if it won the elections and has a right to dictate executive policy.

The opposition has pursued a vicious political agenda against the government which has shown strong resistance.

Had the Donald Ramotar administration not shown fight, this country would have been in serious problems because the combined opposition was hell bent on sending a message to the government that they are in control and will use its majority of one to frustrate the

will of the executive and impose its own will.

This certainly, under the Westminster system, is not the role of the opposition but it must be appreciated that the hunger for political power is so strong that the combined opposition is not too concerned with traditions and conventions regarding the roles of government and the opposition.

The opposition wants power and its one-seat majority in Parliament is exposing their power drunkenness.

Following the summer recess, Parliament will resume this month and the opposition will again go on the attack. It claims that it wants to create

Mc Doom man burns wife with iron A 29-year-old seaman was yesterday denied bail when he faced Chief Magistrate (Ag) Priya Sewnarine-Beharry accused of burning his reputed wife with a “hot iron” following a disagreement about money.

Police say that on October 5, Kevin Abrams, of 55 Middle Street, Mc Doom, took a “sizzling” clothes iron

and pressed it against his partner’s face because she persistently asked him for money.

Abrams pleaded not guilty to the charge. He told the court that his wife accidentally fell on the iron after they had a scuffle and as a consequence sustained burns to her face.

The prosecution asked that the defendant be kept in custody, given that the couple had a history of violent behaviour towards each other and as such both parties served prison sentences.

The Magistrate granted the prosecution’s request and Abrams was remanded to prison until October 12.

change but it is more interested in head hunting rather than in genuine reform.

Attack is its mode of operation. The opposition is flaying wildly at imaginary windmills.

It wants to see heads roll and persons dismissed. Its idea of reform is political confrontation. This approach makes a mockery of all the rhetoric that is spewed about power sharing and political cooperation.

The opposition wants to have things its way and have started out with untamed aggression.

The latest target is the Minister of Home Affairs.

The opposition wants him to resign since it claims that national security policy has failed. It wants him to resign following some incidents involving the police in which civilians were killed. The opposition claims that the removal of the Minister will help promote reform.

The public understands this charade that the opposition is engaged in. The people understand the circuses that will take place with persons demanding the Minister must go and

walking around with a coffin.

It is absurdity at its best. The opposition wants the Minister who is merely responsible for policy making to be held accountable for the recent incidents in which civilians were killed by the police.

But it does not see the ridiculousness of its own stance when it calls for the Minister to go but say nothing about those who are in day to day and operational command of the police.

It does not see failure on the part of anyone in the chain of command of the police force.

The opposition is even seen posing with members of the police hierarchy totally oblivious to the criticisms that have been made by civil society organizations about the conduct of the police in the incidents that have led to protest action.

One opposition party has gone so far as to suggest that the Commissioner of Police needs help and he has been praised for adopting a new attitude.

Yet this new attitude has not prevented what has been described as reckless actions by the police. Instead of

demanding change at all levels, the opposition is only demanding the resignation of the Minister because the real objective is to make the government look ridiculous.

This is a well drilled strategy which has been around for some time. Hoyte in fact promised to make the country ungovernable. The new opposition seems bent on calling after every controversial incident involving the police force for the resignation of the Home Affairs.

If the opposition wants changes in the Ministry of Home Affairs, the government should give it what it wants.

The government should reassign the present Minister of Home Affairs and bring back the man with the guts.

Surely the opposition cannot protest this. After all, it is not the role of the opposition to decide who should be the Minister of Home Affairs. Or does it feel that this is part of its job too?

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 11, 2012

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Rape allegation the day before a fraudulent celebration On Monday evening, I was sitting next to my wife in our study, chatting with her while she read her accountancy book. The phone rang. It was a distant relative. The time was about 20:00 hours. He said to me that the daughter of his good friend has been raped, that mother and daughter are at the A&E of the Georgetown Public Hospital, and that the mother wants to talk to me.

I got on my mobile and called Dale Andrews of Kaieteur News, Julia Johnson and Nazima Ragubir of Prime News, Dennis Chabrol and Mark Benschop. I failed to make cell phone contact with four Stabroek News journalists and with Gordon Moseley of Capitol News. As I was leaving home, my wife asked me to come back safely.

Twice I almost didn’t come back to my family, barely surviving the violent visitors who came out of the night. Yet we are supposed to be celebrating on October 5, 1992 which according to President Ramotar, heralded the return of freedom to Guyanese.

One of these days when

the daughter of Cheddi and Janet Jagan, Nadira, is in Guyana, I would ask her to meet my daughter. Remember Nadira publicly said she cannot help hating people who criticize her mother because her mother was a good woman. I think my daughter would say that her father is a good man and that he does not belong to an organization that sends attackers to kill other citizens.

We arrived at the hospital and met a distressed mother.

I was told that a “favoured one” had raped the sixteenyear-old daughter of his subordinate when the girl visited her father’s workplace.

The allegation was that she was drugged and suffered forceful sex. The mother spoke intermittently to us because she had to be with the doctors but my relative had told me what happened.

The father, a well known State employee (who once said publicly that he knew Stevie Wonder when he lived in the USA) arrived at the hospital.

And after an hour, the mother disappeared. She didn’t use the normal entrance of A&E. She then said she

wanted the issue to be dropped. I guess you know what happened.

One or more of the persons who were to be at the event at the Convention Centre the next night (Tuesday) to celebrate October 5, 1992 had done what they knew they had to do. That is the end of the story.

Reminds me of a similar incident, a very similar incident. I went to the Ministry of Education but was rebuffed by the mother.

This incident had to do with a medical doctor who was asked to take a little girl home after the celebrations at State House of Dr. Jagan’s death anniversary. He took her home alright; but to another home, his house, not too far from the Ogle airport; in fact on the same airport road. The doctor and his October 5, 1992 friends had “fixed” up the girl’s mother. So there are two incidents I have investigated where underage daughters were alleged to have been raped and “hush” money did the trick.

So I guess the tale of high drama involving a “favoured

one” and a fifteen-year old girl just vanished into thin air.

What has not vanished is the barefacedness of those who have the temerity to tell us that the election results of October 5, 1992 brought back freedom to Guyana.

In Guyana, if freedom has returned then this is a nation of sick fools. Why if we have freedom, 14 citizens migrate each day to the US and that excludes migration to Canada and CARICOM territories plus illegal migration to the world which in common parlance is known as backtrack.

The World Bank put the

figure at 85 percent of those with a tertiary education who permanently leave these shores.

The victory of October 5, 1992 was celebrated last Tuesday at the Convention Centre by the PPP Government at a time when pensioners may have their freedom to survive taken away from them. The NIS is operating with a deficit and if it continues, this wonderful institution that the PNC Government of Forbes Burnham give to us may float away under the Berbice Bridge which was built by the money of the NIS, money that

Frederick Kissoon belongs to Guyana’s pensioners.

The biggest irony of October 5, 2012 was that it was broadcast on the country’s only radio station owned by the Government. One radio station, rape allegations, a dying NIS and police killing of youths have overshadowed the circus of October 5, 1992. Did Karl Marx know where Guyana was?

Dem boys seh ...

Judge Irizarry going to de thiefing Bees next Show me you company and I will tell you who you BE. Dem old people always use to seh suh, especially when dem giving warning to dem young pickney. Ed Ahmad was one of Jagdeo company.

He rob, cheat, fraud and steal from dem poor people in America and now he deh in de court crying because he preparing fuh peep through bars fuh a very, very long time. Dem boys dream Judge Irizarry seh suh.

And he end up in front of that same judge wha dem boys love. When Ed guh fuh talk de judge tell he fuh tek he time and think before he put heself in more hot water.

She seh that she want an

intelligent answer. That is a caring judge. She even tell Ed that not because he name Ed Ahmad that he gun play de last three letter in he name.

De man plead guilty and imagine that he own lawyer tell he that he couldn’t defend he pun that charge wha could send he jail fuh 30 years.

But de Americans is great people. Dem don’t tek advantage and dem doing things slowly and in order.

De prosecutor who name Solomon in de court send a message to dem boys. De man tell dem that Uncle Sam does wuk chronologically and alphabetically. Dem start wid A and almost done wid de A. That is A fuh Ahmad.

Dem gun tun dem attention

to de Bees next. Well dem boys seh that Brazzy deh down de list because dem got Bar Rat, then dem got Barbie and then Boyah. But he time gun come before dem Brians.

And de suit done measure, sew and hang up.

Dem boys seh that de people had to alter Brazzy suit a couple times because he getting bigger.

Ed Ahmad rob, cheat, fraud and steal from dem poor people fuh a lang time, from 1995 to 2009. When dem boys do de English dem get 14 years. De lovely judge gun use that same English and get de same answer because she bright just like dem boys.

Talk half and go girl judge.

Thursday October 11, 2012

Kaieteur News

Dexter Todd is new admission to legal profession Attorney-atlaw Dexter Mark Godfrey Todd

Thirty –one-year-old Dexter Mark Godfrey Todd, a former member of the Guyana Police Force, was on Tuesday admitted to the Guyana Bar after his petition was presented by Attorney-at-law Joseph Harmon.

Todd was warmly welcomed to the Bar by Justice Brassington Reynolds who expressed satisfaction and approval of the petitioner’s qualifications and experience.

In presenting Todd to the court, Harmon said that he was privileged to have the honour of presenting the former cop whose career had mirrored his own.

Harmon said that Todd started his early education at the Shirley Field Nursery School and then went on to the Vreed-en-Hoop Primary.

The West Demerara Secondary School was next after Todd had completed the Common Entrance Examination.

Todd then attended the St John College and obtained six passes at the Caribbean Examinations Council exams, later attaining three passes in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations.

Before receiving a diploma in leadership studies from the American University of Peace studies in 2006, Todd was awarded a customer care certificate from the Cambridge University in 2004.

Todd went on to earn a Bachelor ’s Degree in International Relations in 2006 and later returned to the University of Guyana where he was awarded his Bachelor’s of Law (LLB). In 2010, Todd attended the Hugh Wooding law school where he was awarded his Legal Education Certificate.

The new addition to the Bar worked as an immigration officer from 2004 to 2006. He was a cadet officer in the Guyana Police Force from

2006 to 2008 and was the personal assistant to the Commissioner of Police from 2007 to 2008.

Todd was also the area manager for the COPS Guyana Limited, Chairman for the National Crime Prevention Committee GYDA and Director of Parliamentary Affairs National Youth Parliament.

He was showcased as an excellent debater. He had represented the Guyana University and the various foreign schools he attended and went on to win numerous awards for organizing the best debating teams; National Youth Parliament, Best knowledge of subject; National Youth Parliament, Best speaker; St. John debate and again best speaker, this time for the Horace Mitchell Debating Competition; Guyana Police Force. Todd was also the best graduating student at the Felix Austin Police College; Course 248.

Tuesday’s addition to the Bar came at a bitter-sweet moment for Todd who expressed regret that his mentor, the later Gregory Gaskin, was unable to attend his special event. It was revealed that Todd had been attached to Gaskin’s office for some time and was being tutored by the late attorney.

Attorney-at-law Trenton Lake however welcomed Todd to the field and highlighted the many qualities that the new lawyer would be bringing to the profession.

Todd expressed heartfelt gratitude to his friends and family and assured that he was going to serve his country to the best of his ability.

He said that he was not viewing his service just as a job or a career but his passion, love and dedication for the field would showcase a faithful relationship.

Page 11

Man killed in freak accident on Aruba-bound vessel A 69-year-old man who was employed as a Chief Mate on a ship for the past four years was killed in a freak accident which occurred onboard a sand-laden vessel Tuesday night. The dead man has been identified as Vibert Hamil Ferdinand, of 108 Laluni Street, Queenstown.

The dead man’s wife, Doreen Ferdinand, said that she last spoke to her husband around 18:00 hours on Tuesday. The grieving woman told this publication that when she spoke to her husband he told her that the vessel was grounded. Mrs. Ferdinand said

she pleaded with her husband to stay in his cabin and wait for things to get fixed.

Reports are that the MV Fairland was in the vicinity of the Demerara Harbour Bridge waiting for the scheduled opening when it grounded. This publication was told that while efforts were being made to salvage the sand-laden ship, Ferdinand was struck in the head with a plank after a crane boom fell.

According to the police, the crew members were moving the crane from one side of the ship to another when the hydraulic line burst

and caused the boom to fall.

MV Fairland was leaving Guyana for Aruba. The incident occurred at around 20:30hours. However, the woman said she received a telephone call around midnight, and was informed of his sudden demise. Sitting in her living room the woman said she that was hopeful that her husband would return home from this trip like the many other trips he made over the years.

“He left Monday and I started making plans for us to celebrate our 49th wedding anniversary next month and now I have to start planning

Dead: Vibert Hamil Ferdinand a funeral,” the man’s widow lamented. The man’s remains have since been taken to the Lyken Funeral Home as a post mortem examination is expected to be conducted soon.

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 11, 2012

AFC deems Rohee “useless” as of today Bakewell owner

By Latoya Giles Chairman of the Alliance for Change, Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes has made it clear that his party would not be cooperating with Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee as of today. Hughes yesterday called for Head of State Donald Ramotar to step in and remove the Minister from his post immediately. His announcement was made at the party’s weekly press briefing. Hughes described Rohee as a “masquerader” in the office of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Chairman said that in his party’s view, there is no Minister and the office is vacant. He said that they have noted that if the acting minister is confirmed, that would be some form of progress.

Hughes said that he hopes that the acting person has come to realize that the Ministry ought to be concerned about the deaths caused by the police.

He said it was a move in the right direction, but it has come late. Hughes noted that the actions which are being taken now should be proactive and be quicker.

Hughes made the point of the need for the reorientation of the police force towards the protection of the human rights of its citizens.

He said that it must be consistent with the United Nations standards as recommended. He noted that works with APNU have started and by next week he would be able to comment further.

Days after the fatal shooting at Linden the joint

opposition immediately called for the minister to demit office. Three protestors were killed when the police allegedly opened fire during a march on July 18 at the Mackenzie Bridge.

This was followed by a ‘No- confidence Motion’ which was passed in the National Assembly by the opposition.

That motion was passed without government support.

The calls for his removal intensified after two youths were allegedly shot and killed by the police. Shaquille Grant, 17, was shot and killed allegedly by police after they swooped down on an Agricola yard on September 11. Police in a press release on the day of the shooting had said that the ranks came under fire and they returned fire, fatally wounding Grant.

But residents disputed this version with an eyewitness claiming that the teenager was executed. The Director of Public Prosecutors later advised that the three officers involved in the shooting be charged.

However, only one of the ranks was charged since the other two disappeared.

Terrence Wallace was the only officer who appeared before the magistrate. The police have since issued wanted bulletins for Warren Blue and Jamal Lewis.

Last Friday, Dameon Belgrave, 21, was killed after police officers opened fire in a crowd at the White Castle Fish Shop, Hadfield Street, Werk-en-Rust. At the time of the shooting, the police had said, they were trailing a car which was filled with teenagers.

dies, laid to rest The late, Naeem Nasir

Scores of persons from all walks of life yesterday turned out to say farewell to prominent businessman, 52year-old Naeem Nasir, who was laid to rest at a Muslim burial ground in Crane Village, West Coast Demerara.

He was the proprietor of Guyana’s largest bakeryBakewell, Roti Hut, and the Rituals Coffee Shop at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri.

Those in attendance of the funeral service held at Merriman Mall included President Donald Ramotar; Leader for A Partnership for National Unity, David Granger; officials of the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG); and a large cross section of the Muslim community.

Ramotar during his address to the large gathering noted that Mr. Nasir was a well

respected businessman who made significant contributions to society. The President also took the opportunity to extend condolences to the Nasir family.

APNU Leader David Granger noted that Nasir’s death is a huge loss for the business community and country as a whole. This view was shared by many others.

Nasir, who died on Tuesday at the Balwant Singh Hospital after a period of illness, was said to have been a silent donor to the Doobay Renal Centre, a regular contributor to charitable initiatives by CIOG and several other groups.

The Bakewell Soup Kitchen which is now on hold was also one of the many ventures he undertook.

Nasir is survived by his wife and two sons.

Police release Rodrigues on $100,000 bail Police yesterday released businessman Ricardo Ignatius Rodrigues, called ‘Fat Man’, on $100,000 bail.

This was after they failed to present to Chief Justice Ian Chang any evidence of his links to the cache of arms and ammunition discovered at Lethem last week.

In fact, the police, who were represented by Attorney General Anil Nandlall at a habeas corpus hearing on Tuesday, did not show up before the Chief Justice.

Rodrigues, accompanied by his lawyer, surrendered to police on Tuesday, mere hours after a wanted bulletin was issued for him.

The businessman, who along with his cousin Clive King, called ‘Bora’, is fingered in the recent arms and ammunition bust at Lethem, turned himself in around 09:30 hours.

His attorneys believe that

the police do not have enough evidence to link Rodrigues to the Lethem arms find. After handing him over to the police, Rodrigues’s attorneys had moved to the High Court with a habeas corpus writ, which was heard by Chief Justice Ian Chang at 10:30 hours.

The Chief Justice had granted a temporary order for the police to show cause why they should not release Rodrigues. The Attorney General, representing the police (state), on Tuesday told the court that the police have evidence which they will be presenting to justify keeping Rodrigues in custody.

He had asked the court to give the police up to 11:00 hours today to provide an update on the evidence they have. However, the police chose to release Rodrigues without charge rather than presenting to the Chief Justice the evidence they claim to have.

Thursday October 11, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 13

Airport expansion project will be executed against all challenges

Front view of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon told a press briefing last week that the current Administration will allow nothing to stand in the way of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion Project. He dubbed the investment, “Extremely important for a vibrant tourism industry with modern facilities.”

Luncheon was replying to media operatives who queried the future of those persons living in the vicinity of the airport and who would have to be relocated to facilitate the refurbishing of the structure.

Luncheon insisted that the expansion project will modernize the facility to accommodate increasing arrivals to the country.

He argued, “There was no

question about the increase in the number of persons travelling to Guyana, thus making the project necessary to synchronize the requirements for a vibrant tourism industry with aviation access.”

Luncheon added, “There is unquestionable justification for the airport expansion and to that extent, one can be assured that the Administration intends to persevere against all odds and

challenges to have the airport expansion project executed.”

He maintained that those occupying the space around the airport, “will have to move,” that “terms, conditions and circumstances will have to be worked out.”

“It is not insurmountable; it has been done before,” the Government official said. “The construction of several other infrastructure has led to the

relocation of persons in other communities and Timehri is no different.”

The Timehri residents are however adamant that they will not be removing from the lands that most of them said they have occupied from birth. The residents have sent airport officials a lawyer’s letter rejecting the one-month eviction notice that was distributed to the community

earlier this year.

The residents had argued that they have for years been promised titles for their land and it has not yet manifested.

Philomena Sahoye-Shury, a Ministry of Housing official, had visited the area; the residents claimed, and had informed residents of the possibility of regularizing the area. As a result of those promises, Chairman of the Timehri (North) Community Development Council (TNCDC) Daniel Fraser said, the community was able to access electricity, telephones, water and other amenities.

China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) is however continuing its soil testing works.

The contract was awarded to the Chinesefirmtoexpandandupgrade the airport.

The US$138 million contract was however made public after a Jamaican media house ran a story on the deal which was signed unknowingly to Guyanese in Jamaica.

The contract has also come under great scrutiny from local opposition members and other intellectuals who said that such a massive investment was not needed; calling for a halt in the project.

Page 14

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 11, 2012

Unprofessional police ranks must go - Minister Benn Acting Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, has stated that there is a ‘great problem’ within the Guyana Police Force, and he sees the need for fundamental changes.

“Where there is a great problem there is room for self examination and this also opens the door for fundamental change. Once you properly identify the problem then changes can be made.”

Benn’s statement comes close on the heels of a recent shooting outside a popular night spot which led to the death of a young man who

was celebrating his birthday.

The lad was reportedly shot by police ranks who said that they were on a ‘high speed chase’ which ended at the crowded night spot.

The Minister stated that it is not his belief and no one should believe that any one in the Police Force would have wanted to go to the Fish Shop and shoot and kill the young man.

“Without wanting to prejudice any investigation, inquiry or court hearing, that shooting in a level manner in a crowded area could not be justified without warning and

other resorts being taken.”

The Minister also stated that during a recent event involving senior ranks of the Force, and in a conversation with the Police Commissioner and other security officials, he came to the belief that the intention is there to operate by the service and protection creed with a high level of professionalism.

“Even if there are criminals and murderers and other people out there in our society as in any other society, the desire is to ensure that there is law and order, that we would want to assure the public and the Guyanese

people, to restore the confidence of the Guyanese people in the force”.

The Acting Home Affairs Minister added that the administration would like to see the force operate professionally and at the same time with compassion.

Benn further called on those ranks who cannot meet the standards to simply leave the organisation.

Over the past few months the Police Force has come in for fierce criticisms that started with the shooting to death of the three Linden protestors, Ron Somerset, Shemroy Bouyea and Allan

Lewis on July 18.

This was followed by the fatal shooting of an Agricola teen, Shaquille Grant by the police. On Friday evening another youth, Dameon Belgrave, was shot by the police while celebrating on the eve of his birthday.

To date an inquiry has begun into the Linden killings; one police rank has been charged with murder in connection with the Agricola shooting, while two other ranks are on the run as wanted bulletins have been issued for them.

The ranks allegedly involved in Belgrave’s shooting have been placed under close arrest as investigations are ongoing.

Acting Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn

Thakeram Dularie, a/k “Dutch”, formerly of Lima Village, Essequibo Coast, died while on duty Tuesday night, at the Caricom Rice Mills Complex, at Anna Regina.

One of his brothers, “Tanka”, said that the now dead man left for work Tuesday afternoon in high spirits and without complaining of feeling unwell, although he often visited the doctor for constant pains in his chest.

Tanka said that his family received a telephone call on Tuesday night, an hour before Dularie would have been relieved from his duties, informing them that he had collapsed.

He added that moments after he arrived at his

brother ’s work site, he discovered him lying motionless.

Tanka said that the police were similarly notified and his brother was immediately taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where his death was certified by a doctor.

Dularie worked at Caricom Rice Mills for the past 30 years. He fathered three children and was described by family members as a hard working and humble man.

Officials at Caricom Rice Mills Ltd. have pledged to continue to lend support to Dularie’s family at this time.

And Rabindranauth Ramanand, of Anna Regina collapsed in his mother’s yard early Tuesday morning and died.

Two drop dead on E’bo Coast

Man charged for stealing friend’s Blackberry A man who admitted to stealing his friend’s $140,000 Blackberry cellular phone was yesterday placed before the court on a larceny charge.

Anthony Samuels pleaded guilty to stealing Shawn Jones’s cell phone on October 6, when he faced Chief Magistrate (Ag) Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, but offered to compensate the complainant for the item.

The court was told that on the day of the incident, Samuels went to Jones’s place of business where he vends clothing on Regent

Street, and asked to borrow a cell phone. Jones gave the defendant his mobile and turned away to tend to customers.

Some time later, Jones discovered that Samuel had disappeared without returning his phone. In an attempt retrieve his belonging from the suspect, the man continuously dialed his cellular phone but all calls went unanswered. Jones later took the police to the defendant’s home.

Magistrate Beharry granted Jones bail in the sum of $50,000 and ordered that he return to court on October 25.

Thursday October 11, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 15

US$840M hydro project…

No power purchase deal signed as yet The developer of the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project has disclosed that it has not yet signed agreements with the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) for the sale of power.

According to a statement from Amaila Falls Hydro Inc. (AFH), the local subsidiary of Sithe Global Inc, the developer of the US$840M project, it has already signed several agreements.

These include an “Investment Agreement” governing the fiscal arrangements and certain legal obligations related to the activities of the contractor, China Railway First Group Company Limited, (CRFG) in Guyana.

AFH said that the project, earmarked for Region Eight, reached a major development milestone in September, with the signing of key project agreements in Xi’an, China.

“The various stakeholders continue full development efforts and look forward to providing a public update as new milestones are achieved.”

AFH said that it received press inquiries regarding exactly what agreements were signed in September and the signatories to such agreements.

“The Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC), valued at US$506 million, was executed

by AFH and China Railway First Group Co, Ltd. (CRFG).

Neither Guyana Power and Light (GPL) nor the Government of Guyana (GOG) is a signatory to the EPC contract.”

According to AFH, it has the contractual obligation to build and finance the construction of the plant, then sell the power to GPL pursuant to agreements to be entered in to with GPL and GOG. Also signed was the “Mandate Letter”, a letter agreement that formally

initiates the documentation and due diligence phase related to the planned participation of the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) in the financing of the project.

Last month, AFH said that it expected financial closures within nine months with construction to start by mid2013.

AFH said that the access roads to the construction site to the falls have to be completed before the start.

Government earlier this year terminated the contract with Synergy Inc, the company which originally submitted the plans for the project, after months of delays.

There had been questions about the experience of Synergy and its main principal, Makeshwar ‘Fip’ Motilall, but Government had insisted the company was competent.

AFH said that it will deliver hydro energy in 42 months.

The hydro project, the largest single investment in Guyana’s history, has been marred with questions of cost, access road construction delays and the suitability of contractors.

In September, following disclosures that Sithe Global, the developers, had signed the EPC agreement with CRFG. There were immediate questions about the suitability of that Chinese firm after media reports revealed that last year Poland had

An artist’s sketch of the proposed 165 megawatts hydro power facility for Amaila Falls, Region Eight.

severed a multi-million-dollar project with one of the overseas subsidiaries because of cash problems experienced by that company.

The Chinese firm reportedly demanded more money to complete the highway project, but the Polish Government refused.

There were also disclosures that the Pakistani government refused to greenlight a railway project and instead started an investigation to determine how it was awarded the

contract in the first place.

Regarding the price of the project, AFH last month warned that currency fluctuations could cause the price to go up.

“Signing the EPC contract provides price certainty, avoiding the risk of commodity price adjustments for a period of nine months, during which AFH will secure

the project financing. The pricing is subject to adjustment in currency fluctuation until financial closure is reached, at which time the pricing will be fixed.”

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Kaieteur News

Thursday October 11, 2012

Granger confident that opposition’s action will see Rohee’s removal Although it has been established that only the President of the Republic has the authority to revoke the appointment of a Minister, Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition, Brigadier (ret.) David Granger is confident that moves by the opposition parties will result in the removal of the current Minister of HomeAffairs.

The Parliamentary Opposition had in fact brought to the National Assembly a Noconfidence Motion against Mr Clement Rohee, the HomeAffairs Minister, in order to amplify its belief that he is unfit for that office. The move by the parliamentary opposition has since spurred several protest actions aimed at highlighting the need for the removal of the Minister.

According to Granger, “we feel that the action we took against Rohee will eventually result in his removal. Similarly, the position we took against (former Minister of HomeAffairs Ronald) Gajraj resulted in his removal.”

Granger has, however, acknowledged that “we know very well, according to the law, that only the President can revoke the appointment of a Minister and the National Assembly cannot do that...but Gajraj was removed because of the weight of public pressure and the gravity of public pressure pulled him down

and similarly the gravity of public pressure will pull Mr Rohee down; we are confident of that,” Granger insisted.

He was at the time speaking at a People’s National Conference Reform (PNC/R) press conference at the party’s Sophia headquarters on Friday.

In referring to the Commission of Inquiry tasked with scrutinising the July 18 shooting deaths which occurred in Linden, Granger speculated that it is likely that inefficiency on the part of the Police Force, which falls under the purview of Rohee’s Ministry, will be unearthed.

“The Commission of Inquiry that is taking place now will indicate that there was, at the very least, a lack of careful training, supervision and superintendence of the Guyana Police Force,” the Opposition Leader added.

He alluded to the fact that Rohee has been Minister of Home Affairs for the past six years a period that has seen no let-up in narco-trafficking, murders, domestic violence, traffic a c c i d e n t s o r a n y major aspect of public security. For this reason, Granger said that “we in A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the PNCR do not believe that he can competently administer security in this Republic.”

...promises to return DFC report discussion to Parliament Granger, in commenting on the Disciplined Services Commission Report, revealed that while some of its recommendations have been partially implemented, it is through the National Assembly that the Opposition will bring it back for consideration.

Granger himself was sworn in as a Commissioner of the Discipline Services Commission (DFC), along with

Chief Justice Ian Chang, former Attorney General Charles Ramson, and current Attorney General Anil Nandlall back in 2003.

The Commission also included Dr Harold Lutchman.

The team of Commissioners were tasked with scrutinising the operation of the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Fire Service and the Prison Service with a view of

highlighting inadequacies and offering recommendations to lend to public safety and security. The Commission was established in the wake of a heightened situation which was particularly evident on the East Coast of Demerara during that period.

Granger, amplifying the importance of the recommendations of the Report, recalled that when the British

Government tried to introduce the Security Sector Reform Action Plan a few years ago, it insisted that the DFC be brought back and discussed in the National Assembly.

“This is what we will return to...It is on our agenda when we return from recess to bring certain public security issues to the National Assembly and the review of the DFC report is one of those issues.”

Wanted bulletin issued for Magistrates’ Court staff The police have issued a wanted bulletin for a 22-yearold employee of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The woman is wanted for questioning in connection with an alleged $5M heist.

Tiffany Peters, of Lot 35 Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara, is wanted allegedly for forgery and larceny by clerk or servant, which she reportedly committed at her place of work.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of the woman is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 226-7065, 226-1326,225-2227,225-6411,911 or the nearest police station.

Kaieteur News understands that Peters had been employed at the court for close to four years and had been in charge of collecting proceeds for child support.

Early last month the police swooped down on the legal institute, locking down the Registry Department after some discrepancies were discovered with the child support funds.

Staffers were asked to remain in the building until the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) ranks had concluded their investigations while auditors from the Attorney General’s office conducted clerical investigations.

At least two clerks were at the centre of the investigation and Kaieteur News understands that some staffers were detained and later placed on bail. They are said to be witnesses in the matter.

Kaieteur News also learnt that on the day of the police raid, Peters reportedly went out for lunch at about 11:30am but never returned to work. The police are currently viewing the woman as the prime suspect. Peters, during her time at the court, had reportedly been collecting the fees for child support.

The discovery of the missing cash was made when

Tiffany Peters the Attorney General presented the annual report and it was reflected that there had been discrepancies in monies received.

Investigations into the matter are still ongoing.

Thursday October 11, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Thursday October 11, 2012

“Picture Boy” murder trial …

Witness said accused confessed to killing two persons An East Coast Demerara bus driver was the first witness to give evidence yesterday in the murder trial of Cyon Collier called “Picture Boy”. The driver, Mohan Singh told Justice Diana Insanally that the accused after approaching his minibus said, “I just kill two people and I got to move.”

Singh, led by Senior State Counsel Judith GildharieMursalin, said that in the early hours of September 23, 2006 he was on his way to the city with passengers in his minibus. He claimed that his minibus door had a problem

so he stopped at Victoria to repair the door.

In doing so, the driver claimed that Collier came up to him and said, “I just kill two people and I got to move.”

According to the driver his reply to the accused was, “Rest ya self, rest ya self.”

The driver who testified to knowing the accused for quite a few years, said that following Collier’s utterance, a male and female passenger seated in the front of the minibus exited and walked away.

He later alleged that the accused got into the front

seat of the minibus and ordered that he be taken to Factory Road, Paradise, East Coast Demerara. From there, the driver said he headed to town.

During cross examination, defence attorney Lyndon Amsterdam showed that the driver had however given conflicting evidence compared to that given in the Magistrates’ Court during the Preliminary Inquiry (PI).

According to Amsterdam, while the driver said that Collier had taken out those seated in the front seat of the bus at the PI; he testified

yesterday that male and female passengers voluntarily came out of the bus.

Amsterdam showed with the use of the witnesses’ statement given in the Magistrates’ Court that although the minibus driver alleged that he saw the accused on the night of the incident he claimed yesterday that Collier was standing behind him and he was unable to see the accused.

The witness in the face of the challenges said that he could not say which one of his testimonies was true.

Colin De Jesus, a

neighbour of the accused was the next witness. The man said that he knew Collier since birth and that he lived a short distance from the accused.

On the morning of the incident, Colin De Jesus said he heard gunshots and a voice saying, “Come here,” followed by more gunshots.

De Jesus said he peeped through his window blind and saw men running up the road.

He said he doesn’t know who the person was but he saw someone running with a rifle.

He continued that the person then stopped and said, “ya’ll don’t f**king hear,” and again gunshots rang out. A bus later stopped and then pulled off.

People then started to come out, De Jesus said.

Defence refused cross examination and the prosecution refused reexamination.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Lyndon Lord testified to being with a party of policemen and Army ranks arresting the accused .The officer said Collier answered the door when they went to a house at Lot 43 Bachelor’s Adventure ECD. After putting the allegation of murder to the accused, Lord said a search was conducted. An AK 47 rifle, a. 25 pistol and 13 live rounds of 7.62x 39 ammunition in a magazine were found on a bed on which the accused was lying. A further search led to the discovery of a shotgun and eight live 12 gauge cartridges under the accused bed.

The rank said Collier was later taken to the Cove and John Police Station where the police procedure was conducted.

On Tuesday, the High Court hearing of the state verses Cyon Collier called “Picture Boy” commenced.

The man is on trial for the alleged murder of Carl Andrews, called “Sugar” and Ray Walcott called “Alo”.

The brothers were killed on September 23, 2006 at Victoria Four Corner East Coast Demerara.

The state’s case presented by, Senior State Counsel Judith GildharieMursalin is that on the day in question Collier while dressed in all black clothing rode up on a motorcycle with a gun slung across his back and stopped at a domino table at the Victoria Four Road where the two deceased were witnessing the game.

The accused reportedly engaged in conversation with the deceased, subsequently drawing his gun, cocking it a few times before opening fire on them. The prosecutor said those at the scene scattered in different directions while

Cyon Collier called “Picture Boy” the accused took off after Walcott still shooting.

When the shooting stopped, the brothers lay dead; Andrews was on the roadside and Walcott was found in a yard. The men were later pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

According to the prosecutor the rifle was confirmed by a ballistics expert as the same weapon used in the brothers’ murder.

The dead brothers’ father gave evidence on Tuesday that around 3:45hours on the day of the shooting he was awakened by a phone call.

As a result of that call he said he went to the Victoria Four Road where he saw Carl Andrews lying on the roadway and Ray Walcott lying in a yard.

They were both covered in blood and appeared to be dead. The father said that on September 25, 2006, he later witnessed the Post Mortem of his sons.

Inspector Noland Burnette attached to the La Grange Police Station also gave evidence. He said he along with a party of policemen arrived on the scene and had collected ballistics evidence.

Burnette testified that when he first arrived on the scene around 2:15 hours, he noticed plastic chairs, broken and unbroken bottles scattered about.

He said he later saw on the eastern side of where he was standing, a motionless body of a man which he examined and noticed a large hole in the forehead.

To the south of the body, the policeman said, he noticed four spent shells (continued on page 20)

Thursday October 11, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Pipe bursts in GPHC’s state-ofLone survivor of the-art facility Charlestown fire 11 days later …

recovering After spending the past 10 days battling for her life in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), Yolanda Cort, the lone survivor in the Charlestown fire which claimed the lives of four persons, is now said to be “coming around”.

Cort, of Lot 2 Drysdale Street, Charlestown, is said to be semi-conscious but cannot speak as yet. This is according to her sister, Sueann Cort.

Although the badly burnt woman is “semi-conscious” and moving, doctors are still looking at her as a critical patient. The mother of two was badly burnt in an early morning fire which started at her home on September 29 last, and claimed the lives of four other persons, including three children. In the fire, Cort lost her two daughters, three-yearold Kelisha Solomon, and one-year-old Akesha Cordis.

Doctors at the institution told family members that the badly burnt woman has a 5050 chance of survival.

Yesterday, during a telephone interview with this newspaper, Sueann Cort re-

… floods the ward

Yolanda Cort vealed that whenever relatives try to communicate with the badly burnt woman, she would react by opening her eyes and move her body. “If you call her name, she would open her eyes and look around and move.”

The healthy Cort is suspicious about her sister's ability to see. “Whenever you talk to her she would open her eyes and she would not look at the person who is talking to her; she would look away.”

On September 29, Abiola Taylor, her four-year-old son Justin Taylor, and Cort's two children lost their lives in a fire which started at around 07:30hrs at their home.

The recently commissioned state-of-the-art facility Several patients had to be evacuated from the new inpatient wing of Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after water suddenly started pouring down from the ceiling.

The new wing was commissioned last November and was hailed as a state-ofthe-art facility.

The water started running down the walls of the Male Surgical Ward around

08:15am yesterday, for kept doing so for some 90 minutes.

There are reports that the main pipeline in the ceiling of the $1.6 billion in-patient facility broke under mysterious circumstances and caused several rooms to be drenched.

Patients in the Eye Ward were seen at the bottom flat of the building, while at least two patients were temporarily relocated. As water continued

pouring into the ward, various parts of the ceiling “came tumbling down”, a patient said.

When Kaieteur News visited the ward yesterday, the cleaners were mopping the wet floor.

Construction workers were also seen carting awaiting the debris from the ward. This happened a day after doctors and nurses at the Accident and Emergency Unit

at the hospital refused to continue their work because of the ongoing construction work to extend the A&E Unit.

GPHC, in a press release, said that an internal ceiling pipeline burst at the Male Surgical Ward yesterday morning which resulted in flooding at some areas.

The release further stated that the problem was immediately rectified by GPHC’s maintenance team.

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Kaieteur News

$1.5M repair works completed on Kara Kara Bridge As was promised by Works Minister Robeson Benn and Presidential Advisor on Governance Gail Teixeira in the wake of the month-long Linden protest, most of the damaged infrastructures in Linden have been fixed.

Yesterday, Minister Benn said that most of the works on the damaged culverts have been completed, and the damaged roadways have also been repaired.

However, this publication was told that where asphalt works are needed those areas have not been completed. This

is owing to the fact that there is no asphalt readily available.

The Minister stated that works on the Kara Kara Bridge have been completed.

The rails were replaced and other needed works carried out all to the tune of $1.5 M. The works on that bridge were completed on Sunday.

Repair works were also carried out on the Wismar/ Mackenzie Bridge which was set alight several times.

Works were done to ensure that the structure of the bridge was not compromised in any way as that is the key artery which allows for the flow of

traffic to several mining hubs in Region 8.

During the month-long unrest in Linden that stemmed from a proposed electricity tariff hike there was a significant amount of damage to some key infrastructure in that community.

Roads were broken and major thoroughfares were blocked and burnt to prevent the smooth flow of vehicular traffic through the community.

In addition, several government buildings were destroyed by fires all of which were confirmed to be the work of an arsonist.

Thursday October 11, 2012

Residents fault works along Casaurina Drive Rehabilitative works on Casaurina Drive are in progress but many persons have voiced their concerns about the drain currently under construction. They feel that it is too close to the thoroughfare.

“We all know that this road used to be a very wide road; now with this drain that they putting in here, it is evident that they did not cater for pedestrians. Where are people going to walk? A lot of children going to the Watooka Day School traverse this area. Where (are) they supposed to walk? ’’ a

concerned parent queried.

That concern was echoed by many others.

Interim Management Committee Chairman, Orrin Gordon, also voiced his concern about the drain, and the road, which he called a very important carriageway.

The residents of Linden, and those from Kwakwani, Ituni, Aroima, and even those from the Upper Demerara communities, are forced to use it, to get to Linden and Georgetown.

Some $20M has been earmarked to be spent on Casaurina Drive, inclusive of drainage works, Gordon said.

Noting that the present rehabilitative works resulted from a collaborative effort between the Regional Democratic Council, the Linden Mayor and Town Council, and Bosai Minerals Guyana Inc, Gordon said that the contract for the road rehabilitation was initially awarded to Sookram and Associates.

They subsequently gave up the contract, which was then taken over by Pioneer Construction. The drainage works were awarded to another Linden contractor, McRae Contracting Services.

“Residents have complained to me about the works being done on the drain, and I’ve brought this to the attention of the parties concerned, including the Regional Executive Officer, Yolanda Hilliman and the engineers, and superintendent of works.

They assured us that they will

ensure that the contractors do quality work.”

Gordon said that residents ought to be concerned about the road and its ‘closeness’ to the drain; “because the drain, now that it is being constructed on the side closest to the hospital, appears very close to the road, compared to when there was a large parapet where children used to walk to go to school.”

He said that recently he observed a schoolboy on bicycle ‘jostling’ with the vehicles.

“It was a bad sight, because I knew that was very unsafe. Apart from that, there are alot of senior people coming out of the Watooka, Fairs Rust and Noitgdacht areas, and along with the school children that makes two very vulnerable groups, so we have to ensure and insist in the circumstances that we get good value for money.

Gordon said that in the past, the road was ‘pretty wide’ and the parapet was ‘considerably wide’. “We used to walk with at least about eight feet between the edge of the road and the drain”.

In the recent past, residents had repeatedly condemned the awarding of contracts to contractors from ‘outside’ of the mining Town. They quite often ‘brought in” their own labour force to execute works here, the residents said.

Witness said accused confessed to killing ...

From page 18 about four feet away. Further north, Burnette said he noticed another motionless body lying on hollow blocks.

Two addition spent shells were recovered.

Collier’s lawyer in crossexamination built his line of questioning on the collection of evidence. He suggested to Burnette that he had not lodged the ballistics evidence with the police until two days later, subsequent to the post mortem examination of the deceased.

The Inspector replied in the affirmative since he admitted that he had not given information in his evidencein –chief to show otherwise.

Amsterdam continued that the witness gave no evidence as to how he

received the ballistics evidence from the pathologist and how it was preserved during transportation to the police station.

After Burnette agreed with the lawyer that, “Time is of the essence in ensuring an injured person’s survival,” Amsterdam highlighted that at least six hours had elapsed before the police took the deceased to the hospital.

Amsterdam suggested that it was due to the officer’s option that the men were dead that led to the injured being taken to the hospital hours after the shooting. The police said indeed, he believed that the brothers were dead.

The matter is scheduled to continue on Thursday 18 October.

Thursday October 11, 2012

Kaieteur News

‘Foreign Invasion’ suffers slight setback but action packed encounters still assured With merely two days to fight night, the ‘Foreign Invasion’ boxing card organized by Hurry Up Promotions, scheduled for Saturday October 13 next, has suffered a setback following the cancellation of all of the international fights. However, boxing buffs have been assured that the card will go on and the fights are expected to provide a high level of entertainment.

A recent press release from the promotional group informs that the team of fighters coming from the United States of America who were to have arrived in Guyana tomorrow morning has had to abort those plans.

Those boxers, Juan Carlos Pena of Santo Domingo and Americans, Alan Phelan and Frank Galarza, have all had to postpone their arrival here until a later date. The release further states that Moore, anxious to provide the boxing starved fans of fistic action, has made the necessary adjustments to make the card a possibility.

The Howard Eastman/ Simeon Hardy 8 rounds light/ middleweight affair remains intact as is the 6 rounds middleweight bout between Jermaine King and Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE)

middleweight champion, Edmond DeClou.

American,Allan Phallen was scheduled to come up against Charlton Skeete in a featherweight 4 rounder but that fight was also cancelled. Skeete will now tackle the exciting Berbician, Richard Williamson, fresh out of the amateur ranks and already successful in his first fight. Former heavyweight champion, Mitchell Rogers completes the card in a 6 rounds affair against Anthony Augustin.

Meanwhile, Moore spoke with Kaieteur Sport and said that the Howard Eastman/ Simeon Hardy bout should compensate for the overseas fighters inability to keep their ring date. He said that both pugilists are in top shape and rearing to go.

He said that the Edmond Declou/Jermain King duel promises much as both fighters have developed a genuine hatred for each other and have been exchanging savage threats.

Moore also assures that the Williamson/Skeete shindig would be a scorcher.

The card was first hit by misfortune shortly after it was organized when American pugilists, Frank Galarza fought to a difficult draw on September 22 last against Alantez Fox at the Resorts World Casino in Queens New York.

His management team was reluctant to put their charge’s health and record at risk and opted to postpone any other ring engagement until further notice.

Alan Phelan, a Spanish fighter pitted against Moore, suffered a similar fate, losing his fight on the same card and has indicated that he is unprepared to re-enter the ring so quickly.

Moore regards this new development as a blessing in disguise especially since his involvement in promotional and managerial activities have weighed heavily on him and severely hindered his preparations.

A multiple champion with vast experience, Moore has promised that a fight with Pena is high on the agenda even as he promised boxing buffs that they will have the opportunity of witnessing the bout at a later date.

Moore also feels that the Howard Eastman/Simeon Hardy bout should compensate since both pugilists are in top shape and rearing to go. Admission to the venue remains at $3000 for inner ringside while those fans occupying the outer ringside will pay half that amount. Weigh in takes place on Friday night while the first bell sounds promptly at 20:00hrs on Saturday night.

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Thursday October 11, 2012

GLTA saddened at passing of Naeem Nasir The Guyana Lawn Tennis Association like many other sporting organizations has expressed shock at the passing of Owner of Bakewell Group of Companies, Mr. Naeem Nasir. Following is the full text of the GLTA’s press release.

“It is with regret that the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association learnt of the passing of Naeem Nasir, owner of the Bakewell Group of Companies after a brief illness.

Naeem, was a true friend of the tennis association providing financial and other assistance to players and coaches as often as it was required.

He also recently donated a Tennis Court to the President’s College so that students can be exposed to the game which he so loved.

He enjoyed playing tennis at the Le Ressouvenir Tennis Club weekly and always insisted that he wished to contribute more to the

development of young children through sports.

Even as the tennis community mourns such a significant loss, we are well aware of his greater humanitarian contribution in immeasurable proportions as he constantly donated in kind and in personal effort to comfort and enhance the lives of the underprivileged in communities and

organisations.

The tennis association considers Naeem Nasir “A national champion for business support for communities” since he exemplifies like no other what it means to give back to society.

Our condolences go out to the Bakewell family, employees and friends. May his soul rest in peace.

Indian cricket star Sachin Tendulkar, who is also an MP, has said he wants to work with the government to boost sports in schools, reports say. Tendulkar’s thoughts were reportedly outlined in the first official letter he wrote since taking his parliamentary oath in June.

Reports said he wrote to the human resource development minister with ideas to “integrate sports” in schools. Minister Kapil Sibal

said he invited the cricketer to make a presentation.

Tendulkar is the first cricketer to score 100 international centuries. The 39-year-old cricket star is revered by millions of Indian cricket fans. “We welcome Sachin Tendulkar’s proposal and I have already written to him for a presentation so that the details can be talked through,” Mr Sibal told The Indian Express newspaper.

(BBC Sports)

Tendulkar proposes sports training for India schools

Thursday October 11, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Boards suspend umpires named in sting operation The ICC and the cricket boards of Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh have agreed not to appoint any of the umpires named in the sting operation, recently conducted by India TV, for domestic or

international matches pending the outcome of the investigations alleging that the umpires had agreed to accept money to give decisions favouring certain players.

The sting named six

AL Sport & Tour Promotions (ASTP), in association with the East Bank Demerara Football Association (EBDFA) & Digicel will be organising its inaugural Primary School Boys Football Tournament which kicks off on Saturday, at the Grove Playfield, starting at 12:00 hrs.

According to a release from the Organisers, the kickoff will be preceded by an opening ceremony which is expected to have in attendance President of the EBFA Wayne François, Digicel’s Events and Sponsorship Manager Gavin

Hope and a representative from ASTP. Schools will be competing for trophies and all the players in the top four teams will receive a School kit, according to an official of ASTP. The official added that the programme will be the first of many such events where the objective will be to ensure that Education & Sport work hand in hand and hence the move to give out school kits to players.

Among the schools in action in this weekend are Eccles, Supply, Saint Mary’s, Timehri, Peters Hall, Soesdyke and Grove.

Al Sport and EBDFA host Schools Football Tourney at Grove

Champions League T20

Hampshire eliminated after defeat Hampshire bowed out of the Champions League T20 competition after losing their first qualifying match in South Africa against Auckland Aces. Michael Carberry hit 65 but Hampshire could only make 121-8 off 20 overs.

JimmyAdams, ShahidAfridi and Dimitri Mascarenhas failed to score, all three falling to Azhar Mahmood, who claimed figures of 5-24 for Auckland. The New Zealand side easily sealed an eight-wicket victory as Mahmood blasted 55 not out in their total of 123-2.

Pakistan all-rounder Afridi, who played for Hampshire in 2011, was back in their side after missing this summer’s FL T20 competition because of visa problems.

However, he lasted only four balls before he was caught by a diving Andre Adams for his fifth duck in his last 10 innings in all formats of cricket.

By contrast, compatriot Mahmood’s 55 came off only 31 deliveries, while Martin Guptill also added 38 as Auckland cruised to their target in 14.3 overs.

Only the winners of qualifying pool one advance into the main competition and Auckland, who defeated Pakistan’s Sialkot Stallions by six wickets on Tuesday, are guaranteed top spot.

Hampshire plays Sialkot in their final qualifying match, a dead-rubber, in Johannesburg on Thursday (today).

umpires: Nadir Shah (Bangladesh), Nadeem Ghauri and Anis Siddiqui (Pakistan), and Sagara Gallage, Maurice Winston Zilwa and Gamini Dissanayake (Sri Lanka). All have, in various media interviews, denied their involvement in match-fixing.

In its statement on Wednesday, the ICC said that the umpires named were not contracted by them and so it was the responsibility of the respective cricket boards to conduct the investigations

urgently.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had confirmed on Tuesday that both boards had begun investigations into the allegations.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board said it was taking the issue ‘very seriously’, adding that there would be an inquiry committee.

The ICC is known to have asked India TV to share the tapes of the undercover operation so

that the tapes may be examined by its anticorruption unit and also studied by member boards in order to understand the content of the sting operation and the context in which all statements were said to be made. The tapes seen on TV on Monday night established that the two umpires who had been linked with two World T20 practice matches, did not officiate in any capacity in those matches, either on or off the field.

In the sting, conducted through July and August, the reporters claimed to belong to a sports management company and promised the umpires officiating assignments in events of all kinds around the world, largely domestic Twenty20 leagues.

The reporters, who worked u n d e r c o v e r, carried out the sting mainly through interviews and conversations via Skype, an internet videophone service.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday October 11, 2012

Lance Armstrong: Usada report reveals doping evidence

Lance Armstrong

Cycling legend Lance Armstrong’s team ran “the most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme the sport has ever seen” according to a report by the United States Anti-Doping Agency.

USADA says it will deliver the full report in the doping case against Armstrong, 41, later on Wednesday (yesterday). It contains testimony from 11 of his former US Postal Service team-mates. He has always

denied doping allegations but has not contested USADA’s charges.

USADA Chief Executive Travis T Tygart said there was “conclusive and undeniable proof” of a team-run doping conspiracy.

The organisation will send a “reasoned decision” in the Armstrong case to the International Cycling Union (UCI), the World Anti-Doping Agency and the World Triathlon Corporation.

The UCI now has 21 days to lodge an appeal against

USADA’s decision with WADA or they must comply with the decision to strip Armstrong, who now competes in triathlons, of his seven Tour de France titles and hand him a lifetime ban.

Armstrong, who overcame cancer to return to professional cycling, won the Tour from 1999 to 2005. He retired in 2005 but returned in 2009 before retiring for good two years later.

In his statement, Tygart said the evidence against Armstrong and his team which is in excess of 1,000 pages - was “overwhelming” and “includes sworn testimony from 26 people, including 15 riders with knowledge of the US Postal Service Team and its participants’ doping activities”.

Tygart revealed it contains “direct documentary evidence including financial payments, emails, scientific data and laboratory test results that further prove the use, possession and distribution of performance enhancing drugs by Lance Armstrong and confirm the disappointing truth about the deceptive activities of the USPS Team, a team that received tens of millions of American taxpayer dollars in funding”.

He also claimed the team’s doping conspiracy “was professionally designed to groom and pressure athletes to use dangerous drugs, to evade detection, to ensure its secrecy and ultimately gain an unfair competitive advantage through superior doping practices”.

Among the former team-mates of Armstrong’s to testify were George Hincapie, Tyler Hamilton and Floyd Landis, who was stripped of his 2006 Tour de France title for failing a dope test and was recently found guilty in a Swiss court of defaming the International Cycling

Union for alleging they had protected Armstrong from doping claims.

Tygart said: “The riders who participated in the U S P S Te a m d o p i n g conspiracy and truthfully assisted have been courageous in making the choice to stop perpetuating the sporting fraud, and they have suffered greatly.

“I have personally talked with and heard these athletes’ stories and firmly believe that, collectively, these athletes, if forgiven and embraced, have a chance to leave a legacy far greater for the good of the sport than anything they ever did on a bike.

“Lance Armstrong was given the same opportunity to come forward and be part of the solution. He rejected it.

“Instead he exercised his legal right not to contest the evidence and knowingly accepted the imposition of a ban from recognised competition for life and disqualification of his competitive results from 1998 forward.”

USADA confirmed that two other members of the US Postal Service team, Dr. Michele Ferrari and Dr. Garcia del Moral, have also received lifetime bans for their part in the doping conspiracy.

Three further members - Te a m D i r e c t o r J o h a n Bruyneel, a team doctor Dr. Pedro Celaya and team trainer Jose Marti - have chosen to contest the charges and take their cases to arbitration.

Tygart also called on the UCI to “act on its own recent suggestion for a meaningful Truth and R e c o n c i l i a t i o n programme”.

“Hopefully, the sport can unshackle itself from the past, and once and for all continue to move forward to a better future,” he added.

(BBC Sport)

Marian Academy Primary School Badminton The Marian Academy Primary School Badminton Tournament commenced on Tuesday of this week at the school’s Badminton Courts with boys and girls singles matches. following are the results of those matches on the opening day: Boys Singles Demetrius DeAbreu defeated Omar Samad 11-6 Gareth DaSilva got past Navindra Persaud 11-4 Amara Adams eased past Adrian Roberts 11-2

Girls Singles Ria Persram took care of Rachael Ramlal 11-1 Rachael Choo-Shee-Nam edged Reba Ramlal 11-9 Angelie Balram thumped Leah Balkaran 11-5 Sarah Samad defeated Arwen Garraway 11-8 Rebecca Ramlal got the better of Yasmin Mohamed 11-5 Primary School action will continue on Tuesday next when the Secondary School segment will also serve off.

Thursday October 11, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 25

East Zone Inter -Sc hool Trac k and Field C’ ships Inter-Sc -School ack C’ships - St. Joseph High comfortably win Field competition; Track events starts today

Competition in the Javelin throw at the East Zone Schools Championship Wednesday at GTU Ground Woolford Avenue.

St. Joseph High School yesterday comfortably won the Field competition of the

East Zone Inter-School Championship at the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU)

Ground. Even though St. Joseph High did not win all their events, they competed

in all events and placed among the top three finishers.

They finished on 292

points; the school that came closest to them was Tutorial High School with 202 points.

North Georgetown was third with 169 points without much competition from the other schools.

St. Winifred’s Secondary totaled 98 points, New Campbelville Secondary 90, Mae’s Secondary 89, Queenstown Secondary 83, Mercy Wings Vocational 71, Sophia Special seven points and the Royal Academy Educational Institute four points.

In the female javelin, Annet Edwards from Mercy Wing Vocational was unstoppable with her best distance of 18.70 meters.

Jessica Samaroo (15.35m) from St Joseph High was second while Tenisha Griffith (14.23m) was third.

The male javelin saw Nimrod John from Mercy Wing Vocational demonstrating his skill with a 38.50m throw while Randal Duguid from St. Joseph High was not far behind with his best distance being 34.54m.

The female Shot Put was a close contest. Tutorial High Kezia Austin won the female Shot Putt with a distance of

5.58m. Annie Westford from Queenstown was second (5.33m) while Natasha Clarke (5.18m) from St. Joseph High was third.

On the other hand, there was a bit of a gap in the male Shot Putt, but the boys fought hard among themselves.

Dante DaSilva from Mae’s threw a distance of 7.95 to cop first while George Jacobs from St Joseph High finished second and Timmon Tennis (6.95m) from St. Winifred third.

Meanwhile, the primary school students were in action in the field events on Tuesday. They did not compete in the long jumps, but were impressive in the other events.

Camilla Institute accumulated 79 points to finish on top. St. Gabriels was second with 67 points, followed by Redeemer (65), Stella Maris (50), Rama Krishna (42), Sophia (39), F.E Pollard (36), J.E Burnham (27), Bel Air (12), and Mae’s (03).

The track events will run off today and continue tomorrow at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary from 10am daily.

Page 26

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 11, 2012

Courts (Guyana) Inc. looking to expand students on-field and academic skills

By Rawle Welch Well-known for ‘bringing value home’ Courts, the official sponsor of the Primary Schools Pee Wee Football Tournament gave a lucid demonstration of its trademark sobriquet after committing to rewarding all sixteen (16) schools confirmed to participate in the competition which commences on October 20 with eight matches, at the

Thirst Park ground.

Yesterday during a simple ceremony conducted in its Boardroom on Main Street, Courts (Guyana) Inc. Marketing Executive Molly Hassan disclosed to Directors of Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca and Marlan Cole (organizers of the tournament), Courts Main Street General Manager Pamela Humphrey, Marketing Assistant Kester Abrams,

Ministry of Education Physical Education Officer Nicholas Fraser, and the media that the Company will be giving Desktop Computers to the top four finishers, while every school that participates will benefit from the donation of two Coby Boom Boxes apiece in addition to trophies and medals.

Hassan, a former tennis player and avid sports enthusiast said that because

the Company strongly believes in the holistic development of youths, they felt inclined to offer additional prizes in support of their view to not only expand the students on-field skills, but their academic abilities as well.

According to the Marketing Executive, in addition, they see the donation of the items as serving to motivate the players to strive to display a

- Donates computers and boom boxes high level of football on a stage specifically designed for them to showcase their skills.

Mendonca, in his presentation outlined the format of the tournament, adding that from the composition of the fixtures, one could clearly see that the intent is to give every school the opportunity to play on every playing day since the aim is to keep them active throughout the competition.

The teams will be divided into four groups with each comprising four schools and will be played on a roundrobin basis with the top two progressing to the quarterfinals, while the remaining two from each group advance to play for the ninth to sixteenth place finishers.

Fraser in his remarks expressed gratitude on behalf of the Ministry to Courts (Guyana) Inc. and the Petra Organisation for

conceptualizing such an important event, adding that they are looking forward to a well organized competition.

Commenting on the donation of the computers and boom boxes, Fraser informed that the gifts will definitely aid the students with their Interactive Radio Instructions (IRI) sessions which are coordinated by NCERD. Abrams assured that the collaboration is a good one and the Company will continue to be on board in the future.

Meanwhile, opening day fixtures are as follows: Marian Academy versus St. Pius from 10:00 hrs; St. Sidwell’s vs. Ketley; Green Acres vs.

Sophia; Tucville vs. St. Gabriel’s; West Ruimveldt vs.

Success Academy; St. Margaret’s vs. F.E Pollard; South Ruimveldt vs.

Redeemer and North Georgetown vs. Enterprise.

The Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) / Queensway sponsored 50 over knock-out competition which is expected to start on Saturday was launched yesterday at the Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda. The competition promises to be as exciting as the previous edition which was won by the Georgetown Cricket Club.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, GCA President Roger Harper, Vice President Neil Barry, Mohamed Qulander of Queensway as well as former West Indies Captain Clive Lloyd, stressed on the importance of discipline, making reference to the debacle which recently occurred at Bourda in the final of a limited overs competition where the umpires awarded the game to GCC after their opponents DCC refused to continue the match following a run out.

Emphasis was also placed on the now common fast bowler rule, which states that the seamers must bowl at least 40% of the overs in an innings.

The GCA also made it clear that umpires will be strict and the GCA will take appropriate actions against any team found guilty of misconduct.

Mr. Mohamed Qulander,

Managing Director of Queensway was delighted to have Mr. Lloyd at the launching and said he was pleased to be associated with the game in Georgetown, as this is the third tournament that Queensway has been a part of.

Their previous competition was played under the banner ‘Haier Cup’.

Qulander mentioned that cricket requires dedication and concentration, and that success cannot be achieved without same. He further stated that the game is a major unifying force in the Caribbean.

In closing Qulander expressed gratitude to Roger Harper and Ronald Williams, who helped tie the knot between the GCA and Queensway.

In the opening games set for Saturday, Police will face Malteenoes at Malteenoes; Transport battles with UG at DCC and Everest will host MYO. On Sunday, Third Class will clash with GNIC at Malteenoes; Vikings travels to play GDF and GYO will entertain Ace Warriors.

The semi final is set for Friday October 26 which will be followed by the final two days later.

GCA\Queensway 50 over KO tourney starts on Saturday

Page 26

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 11, 2012

Courts (Guyana) Inc. looking to expand students on-field and academic skills

By Rawle Welch Well-known for ‘bringing value home’ Courts, the official sponsor of the Primary Schools Pee Wee Football Tournament gave a lucid demonstration of its trademark sobriquet after committing to rewarding all sixteen (16) schools confirmed to participate in the competition which commences on October 20 with eight matches, at the

Thirst Park ground.

Yesterday during a simple ceremony conducted in its Boardroom on Main Street, Courts (Guyana) Inc. Marketing Executive Molly Hassan disclosed to Directors of Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca and Marlan Cole (organizers of the tournament), Courts Main Street General Manager Pamela Humphrey, Marketing Assistant Kester Abrams,

Ministry of Education Physical Education Officer Nicholas Fraser, and the media that the Company will be giving Desktop Computers to the top four finishers, while every school that participates will benefit from the donation of two Coby Boom Boxes apiece in addition to trophies and medals.

Hassan, a former tennis player and avid sports enthusiast said that because

the Company strongly believes in the holistic development of youths, they felt inclined to offer additional prizes in support of their view to not only expand the students on-field skills, but their academic abilities as well.

According to the Marketing Executive, in addition, they see the donation of the items as serving to motivate the players to strive to display a

- Donates computers and boom boxes high level of football on a stage specifically designed for them to showcase their skills.

Mendonca, in his presentation outlined the format of the tournament, adding that from the composition of the fixtures, one could clearly see that the intent is to give every school the opportunity to play on every playing day since the aim is to keep them active throughout the competition.

The teams will be divided into four groups with each comprising four schools and will be played on a roundrobin basis with the top two progressing to the quarterfinals, while the remaining two from each group advance to play for the ninth to sixteenth place finishers.

Fraser in his remarks expressed gratitude on behalf of the Ministry to Courts (Guyana) Inc. and the Petra Organisation for

conceptualizing such an important event, adding that they are looking forward to a well organized competition.

Commenting on the donation of the computers and boom boxes, Fraser informed that the gifts will definitely aid the students with their Interactive Radio Instructions (IRI) sessions which are coordinated by NCERD. Abrams assured that the collaboration is a good one and the Company will continue to be on board in the future.

Meanwhile, opening day fixtures are as follows: Marian Academy versus St. Pius from 10:00 hrs; St. Sidwell’s vs. Ketley; Green Acres vs.

Sophia; Tucville vs. St. Gabriel’s; West Ruimveldt vs.

Success Academy; St. Margaret’s vs. F.E Pollard; South Ruimveldt vs.

Redeemer and North Georgetown vs. Enterprise.

The Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) / Queensway sponsored 50 over knock-out competition which is expected to start on Saturday was launched yesterday at the Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda. The competition promises to be as exciting as the previous edition which was won by the Georgetown Cricket Club.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, GCA President Roger Harper, Vice President Neil Barry, Mohamed Qulander of Queensway as well as former West Indies Captain Clive Lloyd, stressed on the importance of discipline, making reference to the debacle which recently occurred at Bourda in the final of a limited overs competition where the umpires awarded the game to GCC after their opponents DCC refused to continue the match following a run out.

Emphasis was also placed on the now common fast bowler rule, which states that the seamers must bowl at least 40% of the overs in an innings.

The GCA also made it clear that umpires will be strict and the GCA will take appropriate actions against any team found guilty of misconduct.

Mr. Mohamed Qulander,

Managing Director of Queensway was delighted to have Mr. Lloyd at the launching and said he was pleased to be associated with the game in Georgetown, as this is the third tournament that Queensway has been a part of.

Their previous competition was played under the banner ‘Haier Cup’.

Qulander mentioned that cricket requires dedication and concentration, and that success cannot be achieved without same. He further stated that the game is a major unifying force in the Caribbean.

In closing Qulander expressed gratitude to Roger Harper and Ronald Williams, who helped tie the knot between the GCA and Queensway.

In the opening games set for Saturday, Police will face Malteenoes at Malteenoes; Transport battles with UG at DCC and Everest will host MYO. On Sunday, Third Class will clash with GNIC at Malteenoes; Vikings travels to play GDF and GYO will entertain Ace Warriors.

The semi final is set for Friday October 26 which will be followed by the final two days later.

GCA\Queensway 50 over KO tourney starts on Saturday

Page 28

Kaieteur News

Republic Bank U-17 Inter Zone cricket Lower Corentyne, New Amsterdam/Canje advance to finals Lower Corentyne and New Amsterdam/Canje have advanced to the finals of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) / Republic Bank Under-17 Inter Zone Tournament after recording first innings victories in their respective first round matches.

Lower Corentyne got past Upper Corentyne at the Area ‘H’ Ground while New Amsterdam/Canje breezed past West Berbice at the Blairmont Ground.

At the Area ‘H’ Ground in Rose Hall Town - Lower Corentyne batted first after winning the toss and were bowled out for 138 in 39.5 of their allotted 60 overs; Brandon Prashad 33 (4x4), Viendra Gooniah 31 (3x4), Shivnarine Srikissoon 20*, Daniel Lewis and Balchan 17 each were the main run getters.

Vidal Sugrim 4 for 24, Deon Esau 3 for 30 and Aslam Baksh 2 for 23 bowled well for Upper Corentyne who in response was bundled out for 115; off spinner Gooniah spun webs around the batsmen

grabbing 7 for 22 from 13.4 impressive overs.

Only Naresh Deo 17, Skipper Deon Esau 10 and Rajesh Mohabir 27 offered any resistance to Gooniah while Joshua Holder, Daniel Lewis and Joshua Harrichan supported with a wicket each.

Lower Corentyne in their second innings reached 90 for 6 when the game ended.

Balchan Baldeo 20, Shivnarine Srikissoon 17 and Gooniah completed a fine all round match with an unbeaten 30. Esau 2 for 20 and Mohamed Deochan 2 for 17 were the wicket takers for Upper Corentyne.

At the Blairmont Community Centre Ground, a brilliant 166 from National Under-19 player Shimron Hetmyer spearheaded New Amsterdam/Canje to an easy victory over West Berbice.

Hetmyer smashed 13 boundaries and four massive sixes as he and Leon Andrews added a record 233 for the opening partnership in 46 overs.

Andrews scored a dazzling 91 (4x4 1x6) and Kassim Khan supported with 20 as New Amsterdam/Canje ended on an imposing 307 for 5 off their allotted 60 overs.

Bowling for West Berbice off spinner Parmanand Ramdhan claimed 3 for 60 from 15 overs. In response West Berbice were bundled out for 123 in 46 overs; Ramdhan returned with the bat to lead with 40 and Deodat supported with 37.

Medium pacer Kassim Khan took 4 for 38 and Kwesi Mickle 4 for 3.

Lower Corentyne and New Amsterdam/Canje will meet in the finals on Friday (tomorrow) at the Area ‘H’ Ground.

Manager of Republic Bank, Rose Hall Town Branch Mr. Leon Mc Donald has urged the Under-17 players to develop a culture of discipline, commitment and success. He further noted that Republic Bank is committed to the development of sports and was delighted to be part of Berbice cricket.

Thursday October 11, 2012

GFF mourns the loss of Naeem Nasir - was true friend of football and sports The President, Executive, members and football fraternity in Guyana has been plunged into a state of shock following the passing of Bakewell owner, Naeem Naseer on Tuesday night at the Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital following a brief illness.

N a s e e r, through Bakewell holds the distinction of being the sponsor of two football clubs in Guyana, Bakewell Topp XX and Bakewell Buxton Stars.

His company also has a long and fruitful partnership with the Kashif and Shanghai football tournament, Guyana’s most successful knock-out competition.

The dedicated sports fanatic was a fierce fan and supporter of the ‘Golden Jaguars’ and was one of the first entities to partner with the Guyana Football Federation for the current historic World Cup sojourn the Jaguars are currently on.

Naeem Nasir Nasir made it his duty to follow the Golden Jaguars when they played their return game against Barbados in the second round of WCQ and also hosted the team to dinner at his Roti Hut Restaurant

chain, Barbados branch, Guyana triumphed in both home and away encounters.

GFF President (ag) Franklin Wilson recalled that Nasir was a dedicated supporter of football who was committed to the continued development of the game and players.

“He did his part for the sport in a huge way. He was just a phenomenal individual who never said no; even if he couldn’t meet your full request you can bet that he will meet you some way. God truly Blessed him in many ways and he never ate his bread alone but shared it with as many as he could.

We will surely miss this Guyanese extraordinaire who touched the lives of thousands during his brief stay on earth. To his wife, children, brothers and sister and the rest of his family, the GFF on behalf of all its affiliates would like to extend sincere condolences.” May his soul rest in peace.

Thursday October 11, 2012

Kaieteur News

Mahaicony's Cool Moves, Dream Team into penultimate round

Page 29

BEATEN! Cool Moves' Thadious Kanhai beats the entire Tavern defence to finish a left-handed lay-up Tuesday night when the Mackeson Smooth Moves 3-on-3 Basketball Contest wrapped up in Mahaicony.

- Berbice's Full Clips, Linden's Jets #1 first teams to Super Six Final

By Edison Jefford Mahaicony-based, Cool Moves and The Dream Team survived gruelling rounds that included six top teams Tuesday night to become the last two teams to qualify for the penultimate round of the nationwide Mackeson Smooth Moves 3-on-3 Basketball Competition.

Cool Moves played unbeaten after announcing their arrival in the tournament with a 10-9 victory against The Dream Team.

The defeat became Dream Team's only loss in the round, allowing them to finish runners-up to Cool Moves at the end of the preliminary playoff.

C o o l M o v e s ' composition of Oral Rockliff, Nial Rockliff,

Trevor Kanhai and Thadious Kanhai went on to beat Above the Rim 20-7; Freestyle 12-5; Tavern 7-6 and Eldorado 6-2 to wrap up a dominant and impressive sojourn in the zone.

D r e a m Te a m b e a t Eldorado 18-3; Above the Rim 13-8; Freestyle 10-5 and Tavern 13-7 to be the second qualifier from the group.

The Dream Team's, Jermaine Morrison, Kevin Samuels, Keono Henry and Julian Morrison played well within themselves.

The two teams were forced to evade strong challenges from especially Tavern's Dorwin Bourne, Orin Alley, Carlon Burke and Cordel Burke. But, unfortunately, with losses against Dream Team and Cool Moves, Tavern was

eliminated after finishing third.

The win for Cool Moves and The Dream Team pushed them into the deciding round against the defending champions, Pacesetters 'A' and Colts from Georgetown tonight on the Independence Boulevard Basketball Court in Albouystown.

Two teams will advance to the Super Six Grand Finale scheduled for Saturday at a venue that is to b e a n n o u n c e d l a t e r.

Berbice's Sheldon Thomasled Full Clips and Linden's Kevin 'Two Feet' Josephled Jets #1 have already qualified for the Final.

The two teams emerged on top of a group of four teams Tuesday night in Albouystown.

Another two teams qualified last night at

California Square in East Ruimveldt when Pitbulls, Slash, Bolts I and Westside Progressive played for the two available spots.

The Ansa Mcal Limited coordinated competition hosted teams in zones from across Guyana for the biggest purse in local

basketball at any level of the sport; the successful team will walk away with the whopping $1M winner-takeall top prize that is up for grabs.

Large crowds have been drawn to the tournament that had preliminary games as far as in Berbice and Linden.

Games were also played in Den Amstel, Mahaicony and several locations in the City leading up to the Super Six Grand Finale that is set for Saturday.

The Mackeson Brand Manager, Jamaal Douglas will announce the venue of the mega final today.

t r o Sp

West Indies Full Bore Shooting C'ships 2012 – Timehri Ranges

Rain disrupts proceedings but Guyanese shooters on top Guyanese shooters defied heavy rainfall to capture the honours when activities resumed on the second day of the West Indies Full Bore Shooting Championships at the Timerhi ranges yesterday afternoon.

However, the rains had the final say and the shooters were only able to complete two of the slated three Ranges before the organizers canceled activities for the day.

The third Range (600 yards) will now form a part of today's activities.

Whereas, the inaugural day belonged to two Jamaicans, John Nelson and David Rickman, who finished at the top of the table, three local shooters, veteran, Lennox Braithwaite, Full Bore Captain Mahendra Persaud

and Dylan Fields, dominated the proceedings and now lead the points standings.

Braithwaite has compiled a grand total of 200 points with 16 V Bulls while Persuad has amassed 199 points with 20 V Bulls.

Fields sealed off the final lucrative spot with 198 points and 15 V Bulls.

Guyanese dominance was apparent after Ransford Goodluck occupied the overall 4th place position with 198 points and 14 V Bulls.

The riflemen had just completed the second Range (500 yards) and were on the lunch break when the skies opened and forced a delay in the proceedings.

When the showers had abated somewhat, the conditions were not conducive to a continuance

and the decision was taken to carry forward Range three to t o d a y .

As such, activities start at 08:00hrs today to allow all three ranges to be completed.

The Guyanese marksmen were always in contention despite the first day's showing by the Jamaicans.

Those that now occupy the three premium spots had been among the top 5 finishers.

The marksmen will rest tomorrow and return on Saturday and Sunday for the team competition as local shooters attempt to regain the Long Range title they had relinquished to defending champions, Jamaica.

Lennox Braithwaite

Mahendra Persaud

Dylan Fields

Courts (Guyana) Inc. looking to expand students on-field and academic skills GCA\Queensway - Donates computers and boom boxes 50 over KO tourney starts on Saturday

Managing Director of Queensway Mohamed Qualander (right) hands over the sponsorship cheque to GCA Secretary Deborah Mc Nichol

Courts Main Street General Manager Pamela Humphrey (third left) hands over the gifts to Ministry of Education official Nicholas Fraser in the presence of Marketing Executive Molly Hassan (centre) Perta Organisation officials Marlan Cole (right) and Troy Mendonca (left) and Marketing Assistant Kester Abrams yesterday.

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