Kaieteur News

Wednesday October 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

TCL uses website to target proper use of cement As Guyana’s housing drive continues to perform well for the economy, at least one company is seeking to capitalize and increase linkages with its customers.

TCL Guyana Inc. has launched a website which among other things will allow for customers to learn best practices as far as cement use is concerned. According to Eric Whaul, a marketing representative of the Trinidad-owned company, www.tclguyanainc.com/site/ is specifically designed to provide easy access to information on the uses of cement for all purposes.

“Apart from providing specific advice on handling, storing, mixing and curing of concrete made with TGI cement, it also offers information on mix designs for foundations and the manufacture of quality concrete blocks.”

The company commands a respectable 70% of the cement market in Guyana.

Cement has increasingly become an important material in the construction business.

Whaul pointed out that once used properly, cement is a powerful product that can lead to total satisfaction of the customer.

Pozzolan Cement, he said, is environmentally-friendly and does not easily crack, unlike other similar products.

The website will allow overseas-based persons building homes to contact the company’s distributors directly and even send questions.

Whaul admitted that many persons are unaware that not following the correct procedures when using cement can lead to problems.

He cited as an example, the

TCL Guyana has launched a website which it will use to educate Guyanese living at home and abroad about the proper use of its Pozzalan cement. use of canal water which, if it contains contaminants, can lead to poor quality.

In many new housing areas, the lack of access to potable water, which is preferred when mixing cement, is a problem. “Many contractors resort to the use of drain or canal water…not a good idea,” the official said.

Among other things, the website also offers advice on the need for aggregates (rocks) to be washed; the use of mechanical mixers; curing, storage of cement, safety tips, and even best practices on

how to make concrete blocks.

TCL has been attending the Housing Expo and the Ministry of Housing’s One Stop Shop forum as part of its bigger campaign to educate customers, Whaul said.

“Guyanese no longer have to guess about cement, they can now visit for important information about cement and ask questions which will receive prompt attention and feedback. TGI welcomes comments from its valued customers and the general public.”

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Ricardo Rodrigues execution…

Forty-one AK-47 spent shells recovered at scene Investigators have so far recovered 41 spent AK-47 shells from the scene of the execution-style killing of Ricardo Rodrigues called ‘Fat Man’ on Monday last.

The recovery of so many spent shells reflects the intensity of the brazen attack which also resulted in the wounding of three other persons.

Rodrigues was riddled with bullets, which mutilated several parts of his body, killing him instantly.

Investigators are convinced that the former right-hand man of convicted drug kingpin Shaheed ‘Roger’ Khan was the sole target of the attack which took place in the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club compound on Albert Street.

Eyewitnesses recalled seeing two men dressed in black, firing repeatedly at Rodrigues who was sitting at a table outside the club’s Pit Stop Restaurant and Bar. The men had also fired shots at the three other persons who were nearby.

Those injured are Aubrey Henry, 35, of Alberttown, who was shot in both legs; Michael Hutchinson, 42, was hit on his right arm and right foot and Canadian Jean Le Blanc who was shot in his right hip.

Henry has since been discharged while Le Blanc remains a patient in the High Dependency Unit of the hospital.

Police said that so far they have not taken anyone into custody although they have indicated that there is someone of interest who is

being sought. They have not disclosed who that person is.

Several individuals have been questioned.

Rodrigues’ death has sent shockwaves through the city and its environs.

No clear motive for the killing has been established as yet but investigators are probing whether it is linked to the recent arms and ammunition find at Lethem.

Rodrigues was released last week on $100,000 bail after spending a night in police custody pending investigations into the discovery of three M-70 and four M-16 assault rifles, along with a grenade and radio communicating equipment.

A source close to the investigation told Kaieteur News that hopes of obtaining footage from a closed circuit TV camera on a nearby building were dashed when it was established that it was not functioning.

“The gunmen fired at it yes, but it was never working,” the source said.

There are reports that Rodrigues, upon seeing the men, drew a handgun he was carrying in his waist but he never got the chance to fire it as the bullets tore into his body.

The handgun was left lying on the ground next to his body.

“I see a banna run and fall down. He lie down about five minutes and then he get up and start limp and then fall down again,” one eyewitness stated.

Workers at the nearby Critchlow Labour College spoke of ducking for cover

Dead: Ricardo Rodrigues upon hearing the gunshots.

“It was constant; there was no lull in the gunshots, just rapid gunfire over a period of time, numerous shots, then it stop,” one of the employees recalled.

A bullet pierced one of the college’s exterior lights and fell in the compound.

“I couldn’t see anybody, because I was in the building.

Whoever would have done the shooting would have already left. When I came outside all I see was people running, apparently to get away from the location where the shooting was taking place,” the employee explained.

Questions are being asked as to how the gunmen managed to carry out such a brazen attack in that part of the city, at that time of the afternoon, and then disappear without a trace.

Rodrigues’ death is the seventh execution-style killing in Guyana so far for the year, with all but one occurring in the city and its immediate environs.

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Kaieteur News

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

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

Editorial

Guyana and Cuba President Donald Ramotar is on his first official visit to Cuba. Just before he departed, he unveiled a monument to the victims of the Air Cubana disaster of October 6, 1976.

Seventy-three persons, including 11 Guyanese, perished when a terrorist bomb blew their plane out of the skies soon after it took off from Barbados. The latter country erected a monument in 1998.

In 1972, in the face of strong US disapproval, the governments of Guyana (and the other members of Caricom) had opened diplomatic relations with Cuba. But a full decade before, a beleaguered PPP administration in charge of internal self-government that had been rebuffed by the US’ JFK administration, had moved to establish close commercial and political relations with Cuba.

A contract for rice to Cuba, for instance, not only saved the Guyanese rice industry but gave it a powerful shot in the arm. The visit of President Ramotar, who remains the General Secretary of the PPP, will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of those contacts.

But the nexus between the two countries predates even those linkages. The humiliation felt by JFK after the failed 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion to remove Fidel Castro made him swear that he would not ‘allow another Cuba in the Western Hemisphere.” He imposed an embargo on trade with Cuba that remains in force to the present. At the time, Jagan’s Marxist proclivities made him an anathema to JFK, who resolved to remove him from office to prevent the feared contingency.

After his initial acquiescence, Burnham’s willingness to thumb his nose at the US to recognise Cuba in 1972, owed as much to his desire to outflank Jagan in leftist credentials as to the objective foreign policy interests of Guyana. Guyana did begin to receive doctors, medical supplies and medical training from that time. Castro visited Guyana in 1973 and Burnham reciprocated in 1975 - receiving the José Martí National Order, Cuba’s highest honour, much to Jagan’s chagrin. During this time, Guyana permitted Cuban military aircraft to land on their way to Angola in 1975 to fight against the Portuguese. All of this infuriated the Americans, who it is alleged, sanctioned the bombing of the Cubana plane in retaliation.

Burnham ironically died on the operating table in Georgetown Hospital with Cuban doctors in attendance. His successor Desmond Hoyte downplayed the Cuban connection in his quest for a western bailout of the collapsed economy. Last week, the IMF conceded that its ‘conditionalities’ for loans to third world economies (including Guyana), - criticised by Castro and Jagan - were misguided. When Jagan was returned to office in 1992, after the ‘fall of communism’ in 1989, he however adhered to the terms of the IMF’s SAP – and never visited Cuba.

But since 1993, Guyana has voted in favour of Cuba’s annual resolution demanding an end to Washington´s economic blockade against the island at the UN General Assembly. In October 2001, then President Bharrat Jagdeo carried out his first official visit to Cuba at the invitation of President Fidel Castro. Bilateral cooperation was advanced in the fields of health, agriculture and livestock, forestry, construction, foreign trade, culture, education and sports.

While the supply of doctors was continued, the most important agreement was for hundreds of Guyanese to be trained as doctors in Cuba. These are now returning to Guyana in droves.

Paradoxically, the post-1989 era has seen a tightening of the Cuban embargo by the US administration as they react to domestic right-wing concerns. The resignation from the Cuban presidency by Fidel Castro in 2008 has not helped in the face the Helms-Burton law of 1996 which prohibits any recognition of a Cuban transitional Government where Fidel—former President—or his brother Raul Castro are involved.

For Guyana, however, its ties with Cuba are much too strong to be sundered over a sixty-year old humiliation of the US, in which we became a pawn that was sacrificed. We hope that President Ramotar’s visit to Cuba will result in a deepening of our historic cooperation to improve our social conditions.

Wednesday October 17, 2012

Letters... Where your views make the news

THERE BISRAM GOES AGAIN!

DEAR EDITOR, Vishnu Bisram, that pollster with roots in the PPP, was at it again, this time explaining away the wrongdoing of his political party and trying unsuccessfully to put the blame on the AFC for the Agricola unrest.

Was he on the ground in Agricola to ascertain the facts? If not, whom did he gather his facts from; Anil Nandlall?

This man got some brass to pretend to call himself an independent pollster and still want to have the transport to write such partisan pro-PPP political trite.

FACTS: 1. At 1:38 PM on October

11, 2012, the Demerara Waves issued a public news release quoting Dr Roger Luncheon in his diatribe “We shall not be move.” In this article there was also public evidence of that disrespectful and mocking “Let’s rumble” declaration from Luncheon.

2. By 4:00 PM , Agricola was in turmoil as a reaction to the Luncheon declaration.

3. At 5:17 PM, Shonette Grant, the mother of the slain young man cut down in the prime of his life issued a statement that said “Mr. Luncheon needs to apologize….” She further stated “Since he ready to rumble, I want rumble too...”

4. At about 6 PM, residents of Agricola stated

that they observed foreigners in their village robbing people especially Indo-Guyanese but they were too busy running from Police tear gas to carry out citizen’s arrest of these thugs.

Did Mr. Bisram check with his sources at Office of the President to find out about the meeting earlier in the day between a famous PPP thug and about 20 known AfroGuyanese felons who were each paid $50,000 with clear instructions to insert themselves into Agricola and rob and beat Indo-Guyanese?

5. If Bisram has the capability to analyze situation then he can answer this question – Which political party has the most to gain

when Indo-Guyanese are robbed and beaten in street demonstrations? Certainly not the AFC! Therefore, why would the AFC want to throw away the 12,000 plus votes it got in Berbice?

So how on earth can this so-called pollster arrive at the conclusion that the “opposition should be held accountable for the violence.”

What was the empirical basis of his conclusion? Is this how he arrives at his poll results?

On hearsay or on the figment of Luncheon’s imagination?

Well if Bisram is speaking the truth, we have just purchased all of Manhattan.

We rest out case.

Dr. Asquith Rose and Harish S. Singh

Corporal punishment in schools - The real picture DEAR SIR, The beating of mothers, fathers, children and any other human being is wrong and extremely distasteful.

It is reprehensible; degrading to both the person carrying out the act and the victim and it is an act of violence that can perpetuate violence.

To those who claim that ‘licks’ was beneficial to them I honestly do not know

whether to sympathize with or to congratulate them on being beaten. Some persons probably felt that they needed’ licks’ to focus. Some people even like being beaten so that they can wallow in self pity afterwards.

Many children suffered as a result of these hostile acts. I can recall the ‘bad ‘boys in class placidly taking their licks as we all looked on admiringly wondering at their

ability to withstand blows. I didn’t see their performance improve in class.

I’ve seen a teacher with a gleam in his eye and a smirk on his face happily caning students. He relished the act and all but licked his lips in delight as he vented his frustration possible at home by delivering telling blows.

We have all heard stories of teachers beating female students spitefully because

of non-cooperation to their amorous advances.

There were teachers whose limited ability to teach was camouflaged by unreserved ‘licks’; teachers who failed to understand the limitations of students and through utter ignorance found joy in whipping them.

I certainly did not benefit from the ‘licks’ system as one reader suggested. I know of one student who was beaten regularly and who one day just didn’t show up in class.

He never returned to school.

There were students with fearful looks on their faces during the teaching of certain subjects who just ended up hating the particular subject area.

Students who stayed away from school due to fear of licks because they found it difficult to do the work.

Students who were made to feel inadequate were further degraded by ‘licks’.

School is a learning institution. Children go to school to learn not to be disciplined. There will be negative interaction and disagreements as in any social institution of which the administration will have to find favorable ways to deal with. There are already the police to deal with extreme cases.

Many parents who advocate corporal punishment want their children to be disciplined in school. They are unwilling or unable to or just make no time to discipline their own children. There are parents who just couldn’t care less about their children’s moral development.

Instead of advocating ‘licks’ teach your children love, generosity and the benefits of a good education.

Why not have lashes in a ‘controlled’ manner for those parents who fail to teach their children ethics.

B. Shivdas

Wednesday October 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

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

What does Guyana have to celebrate this Agri Month?

DEAR EDITOR, I thought long and hard before deciding to pen this letter. This month, as Guyana knows and as the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, so proudly proclaims, is Agricultural Month, and really it should be a time for the country and Guyanese farmers to celebrate. But should we?

Government in recent years went on a campaign to encourage farmers to plant more.

We, as farmers, are too well aware of the uncertainties of farming in Guyana. From the weather to market to other certainties, the farmers were left to bear the brunt of it, never mind the loans from IPED or the losses from flooding or drought because of the inefficiencies and favouritism from drainage folks.

We were told to grow more. For what?

A few months ago, very quietly, Government issued 12 licences to businesses for the importation of one million pounds of chicken. It also issued licences for the importation of one million pounds of pork.

There are several things wrong here. Not only did Government not confer with the farmers to find out what is wrong, it took a decision without even thinking of the repercussions. Government said that it is looking out for the consumers.

Well, ministers, what about the farmers? We have invested millions of dollars…in infrastructure, in feed, in labour and equipment, and in baby chicks, piglets, etc etc…Do we have anything to celebrate this month?

It is a fact that we are getting lots of mortality and stunted growth in the chicks. This has been blamed on the poor feed and poor baby chicks.

Many pig farmers are telling us now that chicken and pork is being smuggled from neighbouring Suriname.

We a r e n o t h e a r i n g much from our Ministers except how good things are. I bring the points above to highlight the challenges we are facing.

There is no evidence to suggest inspections at the hatcheries and at Stockfeeds. Where is the

Guyana Livestock Development Authority in all this? There were talks about huge support from the authority to farmers when it was launched. It seems to have gone underground. Farmers are left to fend for themselves while decisions, and unilateral ones at that, are being taken by the almighty powers that be.

It is a fact that many farmers are now pulling out because of losses that could have been easily avoided if there are more regulations and if government is serious about improving agriculture. We have land.

We need your help. But it seemed as if there are only talks. If only the Miniser of Agriculture could hear the cries of the people on the ground, then he will understand.

I do expect the Ministry to come up with excuses on how things are rosy and how many combines people are buying.

What does farmers have to celebrate this month?

A highly frustrated farmer

The injustice continues DEAR EDITOR, The embattled Guyana Cricket Board officials may have thought that the dark days were over when the Caribbean Court of Justice ruled that the Court of Appeal of Guyana must hear their case.

This was not to be as almost five months has elapsed and the Court of Appeal of Guyana is yet to fix a date for hearing despite many reminders and requests being sent to the Court of Appeal for a hearing. I should state that the CCJ heard and delivered judgement in this matter in less than Two months.

The Caribbean Court of Justice, recognising that this matter is of great national and regional importance, ruled that “due to the seriousness of the issues and the urgency of the matter this court most exceptionally will exercise the power of the Court of Appeal in the following manner”. The CCJ went on to state in item 42 of its ruling that “This court grants the appellants an extension of time until Fourteen days from the del i v e r y o f t h i s judgement to file a notice of appeal from the order of

Chang CJ (ag) of 29 December 2011, provided the Appellants, within seven days of the delivery of this judgement, file with the Registrar of the Supreme Court a motion seeking such an extension.

“Such motion shall be supported by affidavit exhibiting a copy of this Court’s judgement as justification for such extension of time. Upon compliance with these conditions the notice of appeal shall reflect that it is filed pursuant to an order of this Court granting an enlargement of time”.

Through our lawyers Sir Fenton Ramsahoye and Mr. Sanjeev Datadin the GCB complied with all of the requirements within the time frame specified.

Subsequent to the Minister of Sports in Guyana, Frank Anthony, issuing an edict that the GCB, an unincorporated sport organisation, be disbanded because it has no legal identity, the GCB had asked that the court declare that the minister does not have the right to disband a private entity.

The Government of Guyana, through its Attorney

General, also proceeded to file court documents to cease the GCB assets on a principle of “Bona Vacantia” (ownerless property).

This matter is still pending even though the CCJ also ruled that “it is trite law that the members for the time being of an unincorporated association are beneficially entitled to its assets, subject to the contractual arrangements between them”.

I, as a representative of the GCB in this appeal, am of the opinion that such delays are unacceptable since not only the cricketers and Officials are suffering but the nation as a whole. Guyana is being deprived of international cricket, coaching and developmental programmes, regional fixtures and shortly a stake in the WICB T20 League.

Our youngsters continue to suffer because of the suspension the grass root and kiddies cricket programmes. The ICC recently issued a US$3 Million grant to the region, will we be deprived of the benefits this will bring about?

I appeal to the Government and the Court to let better judgement prevail.

Robin Singh

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday October 17, 2012

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

Why the silence over David Hinds’s rabid comments?

DEAR EDITOR, It is prudent to revisit Mr. David Hinds’s controversial Buxton utterance, in the wake of the recent Agricola protests.

Even the casual observer of the goings-on in Guyana cannot help but notice the repugnance of David Hinds, and his pugnacious and feral calls on the people of Buxton to tear up and buss up roads.

What is astounding, as is resounding, is that the recalcitrance, rebellion and virtual insurgency calls by Mr. Hinds passed with hardly a whimper from the major Guyanese and West Indian media. You’d think that the

party in power would be up in arms (ignore the pun) with such a precipitous call on a vulnerable community.

This event could have been easily perceived as juicy journalistic morsel to lap up.

One cannot help but notice the depth of depravity to which so-called ‘respectable’ leaders would go to achieve political leverage.

For those who have missed what the august civic rights leader said, let me quote verbatim from the Demerarawaves.com report, “WPA wants Buxton Road blocked; Top Cop dares leaders to be on the frontline”, Aug. 17, 2012: “WPA

Executive Member, David Hinds Thursday night reiterated previous calls for villagers to occupy the road …[and] suggested that the thoroughfare be dug up as has been done in the past”.

The medium quoted Mr. Hinds as saying, “One thing the Lindeners learn from us is how to barricade roads, how to dig up roads. I don’t have to teach you all in Buxton how to do that,” he told a public meeting on Buxton Railway Embankment”.

Then came the icing on the cake from this venerable rights leader, as the website recorded Mr. Hinds as saying, “These roads belong to us

and if this road belongs to us we decide who pass and who don’t pass.”

That media outlet reported that Mr. Hinds indicated that his party’s grievances be addressed “by any means necessary” including peaceful and non-peaceful means! Mr. Hinds also advised attendees at the public meeting “to be on the lookout for members of the police intelligence special branch unit and “deal with them””!

You would think “civil” groups such as Red Thread would be so livid with such antics, that they would join with Brown Thread and Black

Thread to become twine - and wrap around Rodney House to stifle the trifle that comes out of the mouth of the WPA Executive member.

And you’d expect that venerable conscience of the country - the famous columnist, commentator and camaraderie of the protagonist, who described David Hinds as a “great Guyanese” would soundly condemn such audacious statements.

But no - nothing! Zilch!

Bas! A few months ago, Mr. Hinds chastised Dinesh Ramdin for his (in)famous note after scoring a cricket century, and expressed a yearning for Caribbean civilization to come to a point of maturity and civility.

This is now the very same person who has instigated a community that has had a bad name - to re-group and strengthen the perception that the village name ‘Buxton’ would be synonymous with trouble.

But alas, the good people of Buxton have had enough of the fluff and froth, and want to move on.

It was reported (only in the KN, and Demerarawaves.com –

Stabroek News and Chronicle, where were you?) that Mr. Hinds’s call for a massive protest in Buxton on August 18 resulted in a grand total of 12 to 18 persons, mostly with placards, which “snarled traffic for about three minutes shortly after 9 AM”.

In other words, the people of Buxton ignored the calls of those who wished to revert back to mayhem, leading to destruction and loss of life!

In his chastisement letter (to Ramdin), Mr. Hinds stated, “In some respects we have allowed the lack of success to dull our better instincts”.

He also rightly observed, “… The rhetoric and reality of nothingness, of form rather than essence, of vulgar individualism, of abject surrender seems to have taken strong root”. Sounds good, eh?

The Guyanese people have obviously had enough of the empty rhetoric of Mr. Hinds. His questionable and dangerous calls for extremist civic actions should be of concern to any government, conscientious civic group or individual.

Devanand Bhagwan

DEAR EDITOR, As I pen this letter, feelings of anger, hurt and dismay course through my numb veins, akin to the modus operandi of our mighty Kaieteur Falls. Whilst on medical, psychological or even spiritual grounds I may be best served averting such ungainly emotions. I’d like to believe that vindication of such isn’t even remotely farfetched or inappropriate in this instance.

My current amalgamation of uninspiring emotions stems from my recent enlightenment of the continued existence of a heinous scourge. This scourge to which I am referring is none other than that of racism; a phenomenon that should have been, but apparently isn’t merely a regrettable tendency of the past. The circumstances under which my eye-opener ensued are quite shocking and unfolded as follows.

It so happened that a close relative of mine was perusing the Sunday Chronicle (October 14, 2012 Edition), in search of a place for rent, and accordingly rummaged through the classified ads.

Upon encountering an advertisement depicting a house for rent in the Chateau

Margot area, this poor, unsuspecting individual made a ‘fatal’ mistake. The mistake to which I refer, was simply calling the number provided, in a bid to discuss possible rental acquisition of the property.

Astonishingly, the first detail that the call recipient inquired of was my relative’s ethnicity, whether “Negro or Indian”. Oblivious to what was actually unfolding here, the relative duly uttered her ethnicity as being of African ancestry; ‘fatal’ mistake again! The recipient of the call then proceeded to terminate the call. Absolutely astounding, isn’t it? Such was my conviction that I couldn’t help but console my much-aggrieved and obviously shaken relative.

Is this the nature of the society in which we live? Do we inhabit a society in which your ethnicity predisposes you to such discriminatory and embarrassing treatment?

It is my humble opinion that the time has come for us all, as ‘decent’ Guyanese citizens, to do some selfintrospection. We should ask ourselves if this is the culture we want our children and their children to inherit; that of imbibing the toxic champagne of race-hate.

Continued on page 7

Racism is alive and well!

Wednesday October 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

Letters... Where your views make the news

Exploiting women once more DEAR EDITOR, The use of women’s bodies in advertising and marketing in Guyana has increased in proportion to the intense levels of violence that many women and girls face. Around the world, many advocates against violence campaign against the objectification of women in the media. The private sector in Guyana has been relentless though and has not backed down.

In this season of Navratra, leading up to Diwali, many Hindus are now trying to reclaim that divine Mother, the Shakti, as a force which could turn the tide of violence against women and girls.

It is shocking to see how the season of Diwali is being used by Digicel in their recent promotions. A Hindu woman’s body is featured prominently.. with the Diya held in one hand and the other hand on the waist. Most of

us at this time usually are reverential rather than confrontational with our Diyas.

The Diya of course is not given the prominence. While Hinduism is diverse and Digicel and its Hindu advisors might believe that they are doing a good thing, we should question the decision behind that kind of imagery in a society in which many women and girls have to deal with the harassment and violence which limits their ability to have light in their lives.

The Diya with the light is the prominent symbol for Diwali... that kind of inner light which is so desperately needed when many of us wish to light fires all around to deal with our rage and anger.

The private sector, which might say that it supports and adds its branding to Diwali events, should know that it cannot give with one hand and grab back with two. More

Racism is alive and...

From page 6 Special efforts should be lent by our political tycoons, to curb this disgraceful reality that continues to hamstring a national procession towards true racial harmony in our beloved land.

Should these tangible and whole-hearted efforts be delayed any further, whether opportunistically or not, then I fear that all previous efforts by our forefathers to bridge the racial divide in Guyana may be permanently vitiated.

Joel Joseph

than donations in exchange for branding, Digicel and other companies who want to celebrate Diwali might want to join with those Hindus who are rejecting the pervasive sexism which has resulted in the destruction of the lives of many women.

Lighting up your Life as Digicel wants us to do... is really not about blackberry plans, it is an important call to all humanity to remember our spirituality and to think of those who face danger every day .

In Guyana, where inner light is being quashed in some instances, and where raging fires are lit in its place, we need more than ever to link our faith with our practice.

Navratra and Diwali means questioning our desires for material things and considering how we represent and manifest those desires.

Navratra and Diwali are opportunities to confronting the sexism which underpins the acceptance of gender based violence.

Digicel is urged to light up their life, to find a way to participate in the 2012 Diwali so as to seek to promote a more just and equitable society in which women and girls are viewed as equals.

Vidyaratha Kissoon

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday October 17, 2012

New GPC bids $228M more than other bidder for anti-malaria drugs Two bids were opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Ministry of Finance, Main Street, for the supply and delivery of anti-malaria drugs.

The bids, a little over $228 million in difference, were submitted by the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation Inc. and International Pharmaceutical Agency (IPA). They are:

President’s College Science laboratory – Engineer’s estimate $5,708,500 The Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce received a lone bid for a financial proposal for state-of-the-art testing and metrology facilities for the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS.)

The Agriculture Ministry received bids under the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) for the rehabilitation of the Plaisance pump station building, East Coast Demerara, Region Four.

With an engineer’s estimate of $2,926,240 the bids were:

President’s College IT laboratory – Engineer’s estimate $4,327,750

St John’s College IT Laboratory - Engineer’s estimate of $2,793,318 Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education received bids for the procurement of works for rehabilitation of Dolphin Secondary School’s Information Technology (IT) laboratory. And bids were also submitted in the education sector for several other secondary schools.

The engineers estimate is $2,714,475 and the bids were:

Central Corentyne Secondary Science Laboratory – Engineer’s estimate of $14,453,200

With an engineer’s estimate of $1,659,130, bids were submitted for the procurement of works for the rehabilitation of the Bishops’ High School Information Technology laboratory.

Campbellville Secondary School IT Laboratory – Engineer’s estimate of $3,649,140

St. Stanislaus College IT lab - Engineer’s estimate $3,181,325.

Lodge Secondary School IT Laboratory – Engineer’s estimate $2,955,645 St Joseph High School IT lab - Engineer’s estimate $3,231,261.

Richard Ishmael Secondary School IT Laboratory – Engineer’s estimate $3,870,250

East Ruimveldt Secondary School Science lab – Engineer’s estimate $3,355,000

Ascension Secondary School Science laboratory – Engineer’s estimate $5,337,640

With an engineer’s estimate of $6,210,400 bids were submitted for the procurement of works for sanitary block and walkway at President’s College.

And with an engineer’s estimate of $10,575,049, bids were submitted for the procurement of works for the rehabilitation of works to St. Peters Nursery (Special School)

With an engineers estimate of $1,732,126, bids were submitted for the procurement of works for the rehabilitation works at UNESCO (Dargan House.)

Wednesday October 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 9

The ball is now in the President’s hand There has been a damning field audit report about the activities of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA). That report is now being contested by the Ministry of Agriculture, under which the NDIA falls, and also reportedly by the NDIA. The report has also been said to have been sent to the President of Guyana. What is important is the process that will follow.

It will be within the rights of the NDIA and their top officials to contest the contents of the report. The Ministry of Agriculture should not have pronounced on the report so soon, because if the matter reaches the level of Cabinet, then the Ministry will be expected to be impartial in its assessment.

Having already pronounced publicly on the report, the Ministry finds itself in an awkward position.

The correct procedure would be for those affected to be afforded a response to the damning charges made against them. It will be for the Ministry, or if there is a Board of the Authority, to normally consider the charges and the responses made in defence of these charges.

However, seeing that the Ministry of Agriculture has quite unadvisedly committed itself to castigating the report

which was leaked to the media, then the Ministry of Agriculture has automatically disqualified itself from adjudicating on the contents of the report.

The President will now have to take command of this issue. He has in recent times been allowing due process to take its course; he has not rushed into any premature or premeditated action, but has allowed justice to run its normal course.

This was quite evident in the way he handled the Henry Greene matter. He allowed a process to run its course and when that process was completed, he acted in what he considered to be the public interest.

He should do the same in this instance. He should ensure that a decision on the field auditor’s report is not compromised by the hasty decision of the Ministry of Agriculture to jump to the defence of the NDIA, when in fact it should have awaited the response by the NDIA to the report, studied the implications of that response, and then commit itself.

The President must now take the matter under his wing.

He should not be distracted by the attempts that are being made to go after the messenger- in the case the field auditor. That person has

Dem boys seh

Rodrigues going to Peter wid he lawyer Deepest sympathies to the relatives of Ricardo Rodrigues and Vic Puran. Dem was two people who dead sudden and dem death send shock waves throughout de country.

Rodrigues death lef nuff people wid dem mouth open. Puran was Rodrigues friend and lead lawyer.

Every case Rodrigues had was Puran who was representing he.

When dem boys hear that Puran dead hours after Rodrigues dem seh that it look like if Puran decide that he had to go fuh defend he friend in de next life. He couldn’t lef Rodrigues alone.

He know that when Rodrigues meet St Peter at de Pearly Gates he got to get a proppa lawyer and a liar. Puran like many of dem wha call demself lawyer, does wear both caps. Ask Anil de Ganda Lall.

Now dem boys want to know if Rodrigues got other lawyers pun de list fuh join he. Anil de Ganda Lall planning fuh send a message to Uncle Donald that he done wid law. He use to represent Rodrigues too.

Then dem have Glenn, not Glenn Lall. He is not a lawyer.

De other Glenn seh that he don’t tek case beyond de shores of Guyana. He seh that if any senior counsel want to go dem can go, but he not going one way.

Dem ask Khemraj, Moses, Nigel, Harmon, Bond, Debbie Backs, and Basil de Willie whether dem prepare fuh join Rodrigues defence team.

Basil de Willie was de fuss one to holler not he. De word barely come out he mouth and all de rest chime in. Dem claim dem refuse to tek case out de air space of Guyana.

In life Rodrigues and Puran was decent people.

Dem never walk anyhow. If dem naked dem always had towel wrap round dem. When was de post mortem dem two man lie down side by side, naked as dem born in front of Uncle Knee All. That is why dem boys seh that people does lef this world just like how dem c o m e i n . A n y h o w, d e m know de pain that de relatives feeling and dem offer deepest sympathy.

Talk half and pray fuh dem soul.

done his or her job. The fact that the Ministry of Agriculture does not agree with those findings should not lead to a condemnation of a professional doing his or her job.

The President must now appoint an independent auditor, like was done with NCN, to do a much simpler exercise. The independent auditor should be asked to review that audit report and pronounce on its findings.

This would end speculation and dismiss any possibility of a cover-up.

Forget about asking the Auditor General’s Office. It is not the duty of the government to ask the Auditor General to do any

special investigation.

The President must continue to act in the way he has been acting. He should not rush to judgment until he has had the benefit of an independent review. Based on the outcome of that review he should decide the next course of action.

The fact that the review may or may not concur with the field auditor’s report should not be the basis of going after the field auditor.

Obviously, if the independent auditor finds that the audit was incompetently done, then the field auditor would have to be given an opportunity also to respond.

But there should be no

pressure at this stage applied to the field auditor neither should there be any attempt to discredit him or her until such time as an independent review takes place.

If the review finds that the report was inaccurate in material aspects and incompetently done, then a process of asking for a response from the field auditor will have to be commissioned. And if the response is not satisfactory, only then can action be taken against the field auditor.

If on the other hand the review substantiates the findings of the field auditor, then there must be a basis for not just calling in the police, but also extending the

investigation into previous years.

It does seem as if the present report concentrated mainly on recent procurement, especially of fuel for the many pumps that fall under the NDIA. But let it not be forgotten that this newspaper had run many stories about contracts awarded by the government in relation to the NDIA and these controversies have not been definitively resolved.

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Wednesday October 17, 2012

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Vic Puran left a secret with me I knew Vic Puran since we were teenagers. For over thirty-five years we remained friends. We became closer when he was to marry into a family in Kitty. I was very close to that family. Our friendship deepened when we became UG students at the same time. He read for a literature degree; I did history.

Strangely, our opposing politics did not come between us. In the seventies he was a PPP member and in the eighties, he became an assistant to President Burnham. On campus, he

belonged to the UG PYO group, while we formed Students for a Concerned Society and tried to link it with the WPA. Vic and I were good friends to the point where I often visited his home in Shell Road, Kitty, and got to know his parents well. His younger sister and I were particularly fond of each other, but the relationship remained Platonic.

After our graduation, she married a radical South African professor and migrated, and I married a fellow

Wortmanville-born youth, Janet Mohamed.

In the eighties, Vic became an assistant to President Burnham. By that time I was a radical WPA activist, but Vic Puran was never hostile to the WPA. I repeat, for someone close to the Burnham Government,Vic Puran was never aggressive to WPA personnel. In all his years with President Burnham, Vic’s cordial relationship with me continued. I think Vic Puran was psychologically astute to know the WPA was

essentially a patriotic party that wanted good for Guyana and that he, Vic Puran, should not do anything to harm the WPA. After he fell out with the Burnham Government, he took a job as a sales attendant in the spare parts store of the Rahaman family on Russell Street. It was from there that he planned his entry into the legal profession. He became a lawyer and gradually earned a name for himself.

The part of Vic Puran that we forget is that long before there was any attempt to form

a political party outside of the PNC to oppose the Jagdeo regime, Vic had done so. He faced ridicule from many of his associates but he persisted, even doing his own television programme on Channel 6.

He told me that he gave up because he simply did not get the numbers in the party that he needed to keep it going. The birth of the Alliance for Change came a few years later. The long friendship I shared with Vic Puran ran into jeopardy after he became the prosecutor in the treason trial.

For me, it was difficult to see Vic in the same light. I met him in Tiger Bay at the Foreman Shoe Shop that he purchased and asked him why he of all persons would take such an offer from the State. I saw the guilt in his face and he said to me he saw the evidence and therefore he agreed to take the case.

Our friendship ran into further trouble when I opened the Kaieteur News and saw that he had attacked me in a letter. He asked where Mark Benschop, Lincoln Lewis and I were when the three protestors were shot in Linden. He said that we failed our supporters and that he spit on us. Something was not right.

Since the early seventies Vic Puran and I got along excellently. I intervened to get Vic released when CANU locked in him up for obstruction of police investigation. I knew CANU’s deputy head, Vibert Innis well. I intervened with the UG authorities when he told me his daughter had a problem of victimization in the law department.

It was Vic Puran who turned up a Saturday morning at my home on Hadfield Street to ask my advice on his

Frederick Kissoon relation as a lawyer, with Roger Khan. My humble advice to him was to stay in politics and stay away from drug clients.

Why then would Vic write a letter in the newspaper and say he spit on me? But he did that. This “spit” letter was followed by another in which he praised President Ramotar as a good man who will change Guyana.

I met Vic and asked him about what I considered was his treachery. He said he was finished completely with politics. Then he told me why.

I was speechless. I will not reveal that secret unless I get permission from Vic’s business partner, the coowner of his agricultural farm which he was visiting when he died.

This gentleman and I grew up together, his parents accepted me as their son. My wife was extremely fond of this gentleman with a mountain of memories. This very man turned up at the People’s Parliament with his wife (whom I introduced him to on the Kitty seawall many moons ago) and spent an hour with me last Saturday evening.

I don’t think my wife and Vic’s friend, who is my good friend, would want me to reveal what Vic told me as the reason for publicly supporting the Government.

But I have an obligation to my editor and would tell him if he asks.

Wednesday October 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

Puran remembered as “one of the best” by legal colleagues

The empty seat (at left) next to Attorney Dawn Holder (sitting at centre), that Vic Puran once occupied during the Commission of Inquiry at the High Court.

Many individuals from the legal fraternity yesterday paid tribute to their fallen colleague, Vicramadictya ‘Vic’ Puran, who was found dead at Mahaicony early yesterday morning. A few well-known attorneys reflected on his life and death.

“He was a legal luminary, a former Magistrate, an established Lawyer, a great man, humanitarian, businessman and an altogether great human being,” Attorney at Law Paul Fung–A–Fat, who briefly spoke with Kaieteur News at the Magistrates’ Court, said of Puran.

Fung–A–Fat added that he knew the now deceased lawyer to be “a loving and

dedicated husband and father”.

“We go way back. He was one of the best in the practice.

He made sure that his children received their education and he was an outstanding attorney who was always willing to provide legal representation.”

Over at the High Court, a moment of silence was dedicated in Puran’s memory at yesterday’s hearing of the Commission of Inquiry into the Linden fatal shootings, as he was attached to the proceedings as part of the legal representation for the police.

Attorney-at-law Dawn Holder said she knew Vic Puran when she was a Magistrate, “He was always

a very courteous and colourful character. I sat next to him every day since the Commission of Inquiry started.

He was a very astute lawyer, one of the best. A simple guy who can be described as a gentle warrior.

I extend condolences to his family and also on behalf of the Queen’s College family.”

Attorney at law Nigel Hughes described the lawyer’s death as, “…tragic, a really tragic occurrence.” while former associate Hookumchand stated that he was, “Shocked at the sudden death. (Vic) Puran was a good lawyer, if not an excellent one.

I extend sympathies to his family.”

(Rehanna Ramsay)

Page 11

Prominent lawyer Vic Puran dies in accident Prominent Lawyer Vicramadictya ‘Vic’ Puran was found dead in his Toyota Tundra at about 06:45 hours yesterday at Esau and Jacob, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

Puran’s vehicle was spotted, partly submerged in a canal, by a farmer who was making his way to his farmlands. It is believed that Puran lost control of his vehicle and ended up in the trench sometime between 18:00 and 19:00 hours on Monday.

One resident told this publication that the man who made the discovery noticed that there were skid marks on a turn and there were signs of a vehicular mishap. Further checks revealed that a vehicle was in the canal.

“The man run up the road to another man who got a tractor and tell he come see wha’ happen, and the man come with he tractor and when he start pull out de vehicle we realize was it was Vic in de vehicle,” a resident from the area told this publication.

Having discovered that the lawyer was dead in his vehicle, the police were

notified.

The lawyer was pulled from his vehicle in a crouching position (Rigor Mortis had already set in) with all of his valuables intact.

At the scene, as word got around that the lawyer was dead, persons gathered to get a glimpse of his corpse which was placed next to his vehicle.

The vehicle was covered in mud as crime scene investigators quickly cordoned off the area and covered the body with sheets. The pig feed which he was taking to the farm was still in the tray of the pick-up.

Investigators were seen photographing and handing over items which were found in the vehicle to Puran’s wife who arrived on the scene shortly after the discovery was made.

The dead man’s close friend and colleague, Glenn Hanoman, told this publication that Puran, left his home at around 17:20 hours on Monday for his routine run into his pig farm at Mahaicony. Residents also said they saw Puran passing in the area as he normally would every other day, but he did not pass out.

Dead: Vic Puran According to Hanoman, who spoke on behalf of the dead man’s family, Puran last made contact with his wife via cellular phone at around 18:00 hours.

Hanoman told this publication that Puran and his wife were supposed to go to dinner for his birthday which he celebrated on Monday.

“Mrs. Puran said he called and told her that he was stuck in traffic on the East Coast and that he would be late so she shouldn’t wait up.” However, after Puran (Continued on page 13)

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Wednesday October 17, 2012

Commission of Inquiry hears…

Meeting on Mackenzie Bridge was held past - protestors “stopped to rest” stipulated time From a line of questions

by Commissioner Dana Seetahal (SC), it was revealed yesterday that demonstrators in Linden on July 18, last, violated the stipulated time given by the police who granted permission for the protest against the rise in electricity tariffs.

The Trinidadian Senior Counsel, part of a fivemember team chairing the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the Linden shooting, had directed her questions to Region Ten Chairman Sharma Solomon, who was the first witness of the day Solomon said that he applied for permission for a demonstration on July 18, and four days after, by a request to the Commander of the E and F Division. The letter, he said, was responded to by Officer in Charge, Mr. Sutton. Solomon said that he requested five days for demonstrations against the electricity tariff hike and permission was granted.

He continued that on July 16 he had a meeting with Commander Clifton Hicken.

That meeting dealt with the terms for the demonstrations.

Solomon said that permission for the demonstrations was subject to conditions, and as far as he could remember, the conditions were that the procession would be overseen by marshals; that the demonstrators would move at the intended time outlined in the request; and that the demonstrations should in no way impede the flow of traffic on the roadways.

The stipulated time for the march on July 18 was 09:00 hours; demonstrators would march from the Community Centre which is located on one side of the Mackenzie Bridge and then congregate at the Toucan Call Centre, located on the other end of the bridge.

At 13:30 hours, a meeting was supposed to be held at the call centre until 17:00 hours, following which the

demonstrators would disperse in an orderly manner.

On the requested days subsequent to that, the demonstrators would again meet at the Toucan Call Centre at 13: 30 hours for more meetings.

Commissioner Seetahal asked Solomon if in light of the information put forward in connection with the demonstration; that is, permission for the protest, the stipulated time and the conditions for the demonstration, “What were you doing holding a meeting in the middle of the bridge at 17:00 hours in the afternoon?”

Solomon explained that those present for the procession expressed exhaustion and sought to rest on the bridge since the call centre was located some distance away from the march’s starting point. He also explained that in numerous demonstrations previously held in the community, demonstrators

Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon (right) takes the oath before testifying would stop on the bridge, but would subsequently remove.

Apart from that, Solomon said he was explaining to those on the bridge that permission was still being sought for the exact location of the meetings. He indicated that in totality, the march and meeting place had not been finalized with him, thus he read out the programme for the demonstration to the crowd.

Solomon, however, answered when asked, that he did not directly tell those gathered on the bridge that they should remove, knowing that demonstrators congregating there, was unlawful.

That particular question was asked on different occasions by Attorney-atlaw Euclin Gomes, Attorney Peter Hugh, Commissioner K.D. Knight Q.C., Commissioner Dana Seetahal S.C and Commissioner Cecil Kennard, CCH. Solomon said he could not remember using those words to instruct the

gathering, but he recalled words to that effect, since his speech on the bridge pointed to them congregating at the Toucan Call Centre and what would take place there.

Solomon said that he never saw the police shoot at anyone because he was not in the location where the shots were fired. He said he however heard noise like gunfire and heard people screaming that someone was shot.

He said he started to move towards the screams but subsequently saw persons running towards him with the injured.

He later said that it was after the shooting on the bridge that he received a letter from Commander Hicken explaining that the rules of permission were violated and that permission would have to be re-evaluated for further requests. That letter, he said, came around 18:00 hours at his regional office.

Attorney Hugh had the Commission replay video

footage showing an excerpt from Solomon’s speech on the bridge. Hugh wanted to show that Solomon was knowledgeable of the protestors taking over the bridge and with him telling the demonstrators that they had taken “possession” of the significant thoroughfare.

The lawyer also wanted to show a part of Solomon’s speech telling protestors to get on the social networks and call out more persons to join the gathering on the bridge.

The Region Ten Chairman however explained that his telling the demonstrators about possession of the bridge at the time was referring to their stopping and occupying it to rest. And in response to telling the demonstrators to call out more persons, he said he was referring to them joining the protest, which did not mean blocking the bridge.

The footage, however, failed to highlight Hugh’s point to the Commissioners.

Wednesday October 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 13

Census “slightly behind” schedule - Chief Statistician In this the fifth week of the national census, the Bureau of Statistics is “slightly behind”. It should complete the exercise in six weeks duration. This was disclosed by Chief Statistician, Lennox Benjamin, on Monday in the Boardroom of the Bureau of Statistics Annex, High Street.

This is as a result of approximately 200 persons dropping out of the enumeration process, for various reasons, according to Benjamin.

Enumeration activities began on September 15.

Other than dealing with a headcount, the census checks and evaluates the changing size and composition of the population, taking into consideration the foreignborn population, access to basic social services, quality of life, economic activities, maternal health, fertility rates, housing stock, qualification and education levels.

Benjamin said that field officers have taken up the slack of those persons who dropped out as enumerators.

He explained that a

geographical area was assigned to each enumerator, who would complete the district which would mostly comprise 100 households or 500 persons.

“If some enumerators have found the job tough and dropped out, we have had and will be assigning other enumerators who have been trained in the field,” Benjamin said. “So far the interior regions are far ahead of schedule and are nearing completion” Adding that another issue was residents not being home at various times of the day, Benjamin said that such situations have led to a backlog of households that would be tackled on weekends when persons are more likely to be at home during the day.

Deputy Census Officer, Vanessa Profitt, noted that takers have to deal with citizens who have jobs and other commitments, and as such, they cannot be asked to change their lifestyles to suit the enumerators carrying out the census.

However, she disclosed that the process involved in

Prominent lawyer...

(From page 11) never made it to the farm and he did not return home, the woman, in the company of other relatives, took a taxi and went in search of him but failed to locate him.

One of the dead man’s sons, Maqsood Puran, said they combed the entire stretch of road leading to the farm, but because there were no lights where the incident happened, they did not see his father’s vehicle. The man’s wife even made a missing person report as she tried desperately to locate her husband.

Hanoman said when he woke up yesterday morning he noticed a missed call on his mobile phone and when he returned the call it was from Mrs. Puran’s phone.

“She said that her husband didn’t come home and they searched everywhere for him, so I drove up the East Coast and did some searching, too, and while I was at Cove & John station, I heard police saying they found a pick-up in a

trench at Mahaicony,” Hanoman recounted.

Hanoman said when he arrived at the scene his worst fears were confirmed. The man’s wife was immediately informed. “He was a fantastic mentor to me. He had strong views; sometimes radical, but he always had an intelligent view on things,” Hanoman reflected. Puran’s colleague also said that he had no reason to believe that his death has anything sinister to it. “Given my experience, I am satisfied that it was an accident. I suspect that it was a combination of tiredness and hurrying to reach back to his wife to celebrate his birthday,” Puran served in the local judicial system for more than 20 years. He once served, as an Advisor to the late president Forbes Burnham and as a Magistrate. At the time of his death he was representing dozens of persons who had varying matters in the courts. Puran, whose hobby was farming, was described as a devoted father and family man.

arriving at the results of this national exercise is tedious, and from all indications, the exercise will conclude some time in 2013.

Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, in observance of Caribbean Statistics Day said, “I do believe that much thought was given to the selection of this year’s theme for the observance of Caribbean Statistics Day “‘Working together to improve Statistics in the 21st Century and Beyond.”

He said the intent of this year’s theme could not be clearer. Regional cooperation, sharing and support among

the national statistical offices to further develop the quality and scope of the regional statistical output are the intention.

“I continue to commend the work of the Bureau of Statistics which, though a small office, continues to meet all challenges, produce despite restraints and contribute both nationally and regionally to the provision of statistical data of all dimensions that is always continuously in demand.

“I note the Bureau’s full participation in such regional and wider geographical groupings such as the

Statistical Conference of the Americas, the Standing Committee of Caribbean Statisticians, and as a Member of the Interim Working Group for the Conference of Commonwealth Statisticians and the Statistical Conference of the Organisation of Islamic Countries,” the Minister stated.

The national census and surveys produce data that tell about changing population and demographic trends, key indicators in society such as housing, and access to water, health and education.

Guyana is among four

countries conducting census enumeration in 2012 in the region. The other countries are the Turks and Caicos, Suriname and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The last population census in Guyana was done in 2002. The exercise excludes accredited diplomatic personnel and Guyanese nationals accredited to foreign embassies and their family members who reside with them overseas, and Guyanese migrant workers and students in foreign countries, who will not be in the country at the time of the census.

Page 14

Kaieteur News

Wednesday October 17, 2012

US$3M revolving fund to aid No evidence govt. blacklisting underperforming contractors waste water treatment With an initial US$3 million revolving fund and a proposed preferential investment rate of 2.5 per cent, plans are being streamlined by the Ministry of Housing and Water, through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), to introduce an integrated water resource management system.

According to Minister Irfaan Ali, the sector is currently seeking to look at the most efficient ways in which water can be utilised and to ensure that there is less wastage of water.

Ali was at the time speaking at a GWI-hosted stakeholders’ consultation forum held at the Georgetown Club on Monday.

He revealed that already the Ministry has seen five expressions of interest from private entities to aid the implementation of the project.

Among the entities are the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Cevons Waste Management Incorporated, Puran Brothers Waste Disposal Service, Madewini Villas and Caribbean Container Incorporated.

“A lot of these private

companies will have to meet international standards and part of the standard now, internationally, is to establish environmentally-friendly waste water treatment facilities,” the Minister asserted.

He made reference to the fact that since such an endeavour is relatively new to these parts, it is understandable that some banks may not be very willing to offer financing.

“We are aware that this is new and the commercial banks are sometimes not desirous of financing such activities that they see will bring in very little profitable returns,” Ali noted, even as he stressed that such facilities are seen as a necessity if efforts are to be made to access regional and international markets.

He pointed out that it was against this background that the notion for a revolving fund was established, and intimated that a proposal from DDL has already been found to be favourable.

“I am pleased to inform that we have advanced with the DDL proposal so far, because they have had the

most detailed proposal,” Ali said. He vocalised his expectation that in the not too distant future, perhaps within the next six weeks, the Ministry will seek to collaborate with the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) with a view of launching the first project under the initiative.

Already the IDB is financing massive rehabilitation work on the near century-old Georgetown Sewerage System to the tune of US$10M, an undertaking, which according to the Minister, is linked to the proposed water resource management system.

The introduction of the project will be supported by the Caribbean Fund for Waste Water Management, which Ali emphasised is a pilot initiative that represents new ground for Guyana.

“This is the first time that we are implementing a project that looks at the treatment of waste water from industrial zones... So under this project we will have public/private partnership in treating waste water that goes out back and waste water that can be reused.”

Government has the ultimate responsibility to pursue breaches in public contracts to recover monies.

This notion was expressed by Chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes, last week during the party’s press briefings.

In recent times, there have been questions whether government was invoking contract clauses to penalize underperforming contractors.

According to Hughes, as a principle, there should be a standard operating procedure for contracts, and especially for government contracts.

“When people breach contracts…breach provisions of the contracts… it is expected that the state should, as a matter of course, protect its interest.”

Hughes, a lawyer by profession, said that the AFC expects automatically that all breaches will be addressed in a manner prescribed in the contract.

“Once breached, one should expect the government, as a responsible government, to take contractual remedies…

Government is in a position as a trustee of the people’s money.

It is not government’s money to decide whether to

- Hughes recover or not to recover it.”

There was one notable case, in January this year, of government taking the harshest of stances against a contractor – termination of contract- when it ended the Amaila Falls road contract with Synergy Inc. There was also one case in which the contractor of La Parfaite Harmonie Bridge on the West Bank of Demerara, was supposed to have been penalised because of delays.

However, there have not been many other evidential cases, at least not any made public, of contractors being penalized. Rather, there are numerous cases of contracts being extended and contractors being given chances to rectify work.

Hughes mentioned the Supenaam Stelling, which cost Guyana over $500M to build, with another huge sum of money being spent by government to fix faults. An independent investigation failed to find one party at fault after a key part failed during initial operations.

Government was forced to delve deep into its coffers to pay for those blunders.

The AFC Chairman made it clear that the money is not

AFC Chairman Nigel Hughes the government’s, it belongs to the people.

Hughes also wondered whether it is a policy of government to blacklist contractors who breached contracts. It is the norm in other countries where contractors would have failed, maybe deliberately.

“I have yet to see conclusive cases of people being blacklisted. I have not seen this. I certainly believe that the government should discharge its responsibility to pursue all persons in breach of contracts, especially in the supply of goods and contracts.”

Wednesday October 17, 2012

The Guyana Police Force has warned that while its ranks have been showing considerable restraint, the Force cannot and will not allow persons who appear to be using the pretext of protesting to cause mayhem and confusion in the society.

The Force was responding to complaints about the many criminal acts perpetrated by bands of youths in the Agricola/ McDoom area, on hapless commuters under the guise of protest actions against unlawful killings by the members of the Force.

Amidst tremendous public pressure and failing further alienation, the Police Force has recently adopted a less forceful way of dealing with unruly protestors. This position has resulted in criminal elements capitalizing and making life difficult for commuters along East Bank Demerara corridor, particularly at Agricola, where spontaneous unrest has erupted.

The Force said that it has so far demonstrated a high level of restraint in dealing with protestors at Agricola on the East Bank of Demerara, but issued a subtle warning that this position will not go on forever.

“These people are getting bolder and we cannot remain like cowards forever,” a senior police officer told this newspaper, adding that the Guyana Police Force is the primary Law Enforcement agency responsible for public safety, the

Kaieteur News

maintenance of Law and Order and the protection of life and property, and remains resolute in carrying out its mandate.

Last week Thursday, a large number of persons who claimed to be protesting following the death of Shaquille Grant, who was fatally shot during a police operation on September 11, 2012, in Agricola, blocked both carriageways of the East Bank of Demerara roadway, with the use of burning tyres and other debris and obstacles.

This action brought traffic to a standstill, leaving thousands of commuters, including the elderly and school children, stranded for over five hours.

In addition, criminal elements seized the opportunity presented and proceeded to rob and beat persons who had sought alternative routes through the village.

The unruly protestors, some of whom were armed with cutlasses and pieces of wood, continually threw incendiary devices, bricks, bottles and other missiles at the police ranks who were engaged in maintaining law and order, resulting in many of them being hit.

One rank, Corporal Kwesi Lawrence of the Tactical Services Unit, sustained burns to both thighs and an injury to his left eye.

The police were forced to resort to the use of rubber bullets and tear smoke to eventually bring the situation

The police have been showing great restraint; risking injury in the face of violent unrest. under control and allow traffic to flow.

Again, during Monday afternoon, persons attempted to block the East Bank of Demerara thoroughfare with fiery obstacles, but this was prevented by alert police ranks who quickly removed them from the roadway.

Police ranks were again besieged with bricks, bottles and other objects being thrown at them and also endured taunts, verbal abuse and derogatory remarks.

Some of the missiles being thrown by the protestors damaged motor vehicles on the way through the community.

The Guyana Police Force

Agricola’s ‘neighbours’ living in fear Residents of the East Bank Demerara communities bordering Agricola are living in fear as marauding mobs of youths, under the cover of protest action, continue to threaten the area.

The communities of Eccles to the south of Agricola and McDoom and Houston to the north, were under siege on Monday, as gangs of youths attacked residents and other persons seeking refuge from other assailants who were robbing and beating commuters.

One Eccles resident spoke of seeing staff from the Gafoors Industries running into a yard to avoid the youth gangs who were “taking away cell phones and other valuables.”

“I didn’t see anything like that in the news,” one Eccles resident stated. According to the resident, the police are only protecting the main roadway, leaving persons, including residents at the

mercy of the gangs who capitalize on the opportunity to create mayhem within the villages.

“The police chasing these youths from the road and we have to open our gates to rescue persons who are being attacked. These youths are not doing this for protest, they are just about robbing people. You know how much BlackBerry they were selling?” the resident declared.

When Kaieteur News visited the McDoom and Houston communities yesterday, there were hardly persons walking through the streets. All doors and gates were tightly locked.

In McDoom, a few school children were seen racing to reach their homes. It was in fact impossible to keep up with their pace. One man, who was scared to give his name, told a reporter from this newspaper, “Y’all get out of here, this place is nah fuh y’all, hurry and go home.”

Page 15

The streets in Houston were the same, looking like a ghost town. No vehicles were seen through the streets.

At Fifth Street, Houston, a woman stopped to talk with this publication, but as soon as she saw a man riding across with a scarf on his hand, she said “I can’t talk, bye, bye” and quickly walked away.

Everyone who spoke with Kaieteur News was scared, and obviously wouldn’t give their names. A woman said that she and her family were in the upper flat of her home, when five men ran into her yard and jumped her fence to escape from the police.

The youths who are creating the mayhem were described as teenagers.

“We are in fear, we frighten to come out we house,” said another resident, who added that the layout of the communities provides adequate getaway opportunities for criminals.

said that it respects the rights of all citizens to protest peacefully on issues of concern to them, and the Force has no objection to persons conducting peaceful protests. “However when protests degenerate into a series of unlawful acts

infringing on the rights of other citizens and putting the protection of life and the safeguarding of property at risk, the Police Force will as a consequence have to take the appropriate action in response,” the force warned.

This newspaper was

reliably informed that arrangements are in place to secure the East Bank Demerara carriageways at Agricola and its environs.

“We are maintaining both static and mobile patrols in the vicinity,” the senior police official assured.

Page 16

By Latoya Giles Independent forensic ballistics expert Dr. Mark Robinson, in testifying yesterday at the Commission of Inquiry into the July 18 fatal shooting of three Lindeners, stated that the men were shot with ammunition which the police said that they had stopped using seven years ago.

Dr. Robinson, a British national, has since submitted a detailed report on his findings to the commission.

In his report, Robinson stated that all the projectiles recovered from the three deceased were copper-plated lead 00 buckshot pellets, ammunition which the police force said that they stopped using since 2005.

Robinson explained that while most buckshot ammunition is commercially manufactured, in the absence of spent cartridge cases and wadding from the scene, he was unable to rule out the possibility that home-loaded or modified shotgun cartridges were used.

The expert also said that he has seen no evidence of

Kaieteur News

the pellets having ricocheted prior to impact with the deceased.

It was Assistant Superintendent Patrick Todd who told the commission that he fired to the ground to scare the protestors.

Dr. Robinson also stated that from the locations of the victims, the evidence is consistent with shots having been fired along the road towards the Wismar/ Mackenzie Bridge and from the road towards the Linmine Secretariat Building.

Robinson said that he however has not seen any fired wadding, pellets or confirmed gunshot damage at the scene which might assist in confirming or refuting this scenario.

With regards to Allan Lewis, one of the victims, he said there were two impactdamaged lead buckshot pellets recovered from the body at the post mortem. He said that the dimensions of the pellets correspond to 00 buckshot.

He noted that there were also traces of a copper colouration on both pellets.

Neither of the pellets, he said,

Wednesday October 17, 2012

- Cops disown rounds bore evidence of having ricocheted from a road surface.

In relation to Ron Somerset, the second victim, he said that there were two impact-damaged lead buckshot pellets recovered at the post mortem examination.

Robinson said that the dimensions of the least damaged pellet (from the chest) corresponded to 00 buckshot.

He further noted that the pellet from the left thigh was in a badly flattened condition which was consistent with 00 buckshot.

According to the expert, there were traces of copper plating on the both of the pellets and neither pellet bore evidence of having ricocheted from a road surface.

With Shemroy Bouyea there was an impact damaged lead buckshot pellet recovered at the post mortem.

Robinson said that the dimensions of the pellet corresponded to 00 buckshot

and traces of copper were evident on the pellet.

He noted that the pellet did not bear evidence of having ricocheted from a road surface. Robinson posited that in the instance of Ron Somerset and Shemroy Bouyea, the two could have been shot at a distance no greater than 30 yards and 20 yards. Robinson has said that each pellet could retain lethal potential over such distances.

During a line of questioning by Attorney at Law Nigel Hughes, Robinson was shown a picture of an officer who was present at the scene on July 18. The witness was asked he had seen a shotgun which is being held by the officer and he answered in the affirmative.

According to Robinson, the weapon was a “pump action� shotgun. He further told the commission that the police had shown him three cartridges. Robinson said that two of the cartridges

Ballistics Expert Dr. Mark Robinson yesterday with Attorney at law Nigel Hughes were still in use by the police, while the other according to the police was not used since 2005.

He was asked if it is possible to conceal a shotgun that fires 00 pellets.

Robinson said that it would be very difficult.

Attorney at law Peter Hugh, who is representing the police, asked Robinson if

his report found out whether there is any evidence which pointed to the police shooting and he said no.

The inquiry continues today. The witness yesterday told the commission that he is a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Philosophy.

He said that he is a forensic scientist specializing in forensic ballistics.

Wednesday October 17, 2012

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Sacre-Coeur announces large Miner fatally stabbed at Karrau gold production in last quarter Sacre-Coeur Minerals says it produced and sold a total of almost 597 troy ounces for the JulySeptember quarter from its alluvial operations in the Puruni area, Region Seven, for an average of 49.7 troy ounces per week, citing continued improvement in production and cost performance. Alluvial gold can be found in soil and sediment deposits. These deposits are usually found around rivers, streams, or any other sort of running water.

“We are very pleased that our elluvial/alluvial production operation from a single production unit is continuing to improve, and is now producing gold at very competitive costs, and delivering consistent operating results,” the company said in a statement.

“We look forward to further increasing output in the near future.” The South

America-focused company said yesterday the average price realized in the 12-week period ending September 30 was US$1,653.74 per ounce, yielding US$986,373 in gross sales receipts.

Operating availability rose to 66.8 per cent, despite time lost due to mechanical interruptions and moves and setups, Sacre-Coeur said.

Daily production per 20hour actual operating day rose to 10.63 troy ounces, while cash costs for the 12week period amounted to US$495.12 per troy ounce.

Royalties and production taxes amounted to an additional US$146.52 per troy ounce, providing a cash margin of US$1,012.10 per troy ounce produced and sold at the average price realized. This equated to net cash flow of US$603,667 for the quarter. Sacre-Coeur noted continued improvement at its operations

in the latest period, as weekly production for September rose to 68.95 per troy ounce per week, excluding planned maintenance downtime, and operating costs fell to US$356.92 per troy ounce.

The decline in operating costs was due to better grades and increased operating availability, it s a i d . M e a n w h i l e , the fineness of gold produced in the latest quarter remained steady, the miner said, at 96 per cent fine gold.

Sacre-Coeur is involved in the acquisition, exploration and production of properties for gold, metals and diamonds in South America.

Initially, the company is focused on exploring and producing gold from its properties in Guyana. It currently holds a 100 per cent interest in roughly 850 square kilometres in Guyana, including its Million Mountain property.

Goedverwagting murder…

Suspect discharged from hospital The 42-year-old man who reportedly ingested a poisonous substance a day after he allegedly stabbed his reputed wife to death and wounded her sister was yesterday discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The man, Alex Douglas, swallowed the poison Monday morning as he was being pursued by a policeman to whom he was pointed out by a relative of the woman he is suspected to have killed last Sunday night.

Forty-one-year-old Allison Bowen was stabbed to death around 23:00 hrs on Sunday at her Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara home. The dead woman’s sister, Nicole King, is currently hospitalized at GPHC. She is said to be in a

Alex Douglas

stable condition.

Upon his discharge, Douglas was accompanied by policemen to the

Sparendaam Station. He will most likely appear at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court today.

Pensioner fined $75,000 for forgery A pensioner yesterday pleaded guilty to forging the expiry date affixed to his Republic of Guyana passport.

David Deochand 71, who resides in St George’s Barbados, faced Chief Magistrate (Ag) Priya Sewnarine–Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on an allegation of fraud. He subsequently accepted that he had committed the felony after the charge was read to him.

The court heard that on October 5 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, Deochand presented

his passport to a female immigration officer with a fake expiration date attached to it in an attempt to pass through the necessary checkpoints.

He was represented by Attorney at Law Paul Fung– A–Fat. The lawyer begged for leniency as he stated that his client has thrown himself at the mercy of the court.

Fung–A–Fat said that Deochand had been living with a young woman in Barbados, who changed the expiry date on the document to afford him the opportunity to travel since he would be

unable do so otherwise.

The lawyer explained that his client wanted to travel home to Guyana to pay his last respects to a close relative, but that his passport would have prevented him from attending the “very important funeral service”.

The lawyer said that his client has no antecedents with the law and made a mistake in desperation to attend a funeral. After listening to Fung–A–Fat’s submission, the Magistrate ordered Deochand to pay a $75,000 fine or alternatively spend six months in prison.

Gregory Thomas’s body outside the shop The body of 32-year-old gold miner Gregory Thomas, of Karrau, Essequibo River, was discovered with a stab wound to the abdomen shortly after 01:00 hrs yesterday.

The victim was lying naked, on his back, with only a pair of white bobby socks on his feet, in front of a shop located about a mile into land by road from the Essequibo River.

The Amerindian community of Karrau is located about one mile in a northern direction, on the opposite shore from Bartica Reports indicate that Thomas had left his home located at Red Hill, two miles in, on the Karrau trail, around 13:00hrs on Monday last, to go and collect his earnings from his employer “Johnny”, a Land Dredge owner, who lives nearer to the Karrau River ‘front landing’.

After doing so, Thomas

and several friends decided to have a drink on the landing. It is said that Thomas later encountered a dredge owner and two other men from Madhia who operate the man’s four-inch land dredge on a location about four miles from Karrau.

The three men and Thomas were allegedly involved in an altercation two Sundays ago (October 7), at the Karrau Community Centre Ground, in which Thomas reportedly had the better of a physical exchange.

According to reports, on Monday last the dredge owner encountered him again, and seething with displeasure, had made it known to the Village Elder that he (the Elder) would be later annoyed with him, because he was going to “doctor up” Thomas.

Persons who are now assisting the police with their investigations have

reportedly claimed that they did see a scuffle between the Madhia trio and Thomas, and one bystander is said to have rushed into the shop where Thomas had been drinking, to inform his friends what was going on, and when they eventually came out, they saw Thomas lying on his back on the ground, motionless.

Thomas’s shirt, underwear and boots were thrown a distance away from his body, with no evidence of his trousers, while a black toque Thomas was wearing was found inside the shop at the scene behind an empty beverage case.

A group of seven men, the Village Elder and three men from Madhia, are now assisting the Bartica Police with their investigations into the matter. A post mortem examination will soon be conducted.

(Edward A Persaud)

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Wednesday October 17, 2012

Local writer finding it hard to market work in Guyana

By Leon Suseran For local homegrown writers such as Berbician, Stephanie Bowry, it is no easy road when it comes to publishing and selling her work. Given that the local writing industry (if there is even one) in Guyana has little or basically no framework for the marketing of writers’ works — their poems, books, stories, novels, etc— Guyanese writers, from time to time, have faced enormous challenges and difficulties in selling their work and making a great profit from those works.

Bowry, who has just released another book of short stories, can be seen riding the entire town of New Amsterdam on her bicycle trying to get copies of her new book sold. She regularly travels to the city just to market her work. She is having a very difficult time selling her work and making some ‘small change’ (profit) from it, since even the book stores want most of the profits if they were to sell her books. “It could almost discourage me if I allow it to, but I am determined not to be discouraged”, she asserted.

Printing the books, she said, is okay, “because you pay for

Mrs. Bowry with her newly-published book of short stories that, but the selling of the books— now going all around, looking for market is kind of difficult and I am hoping that our government should take it in hand to encourage the writers”.

She stated that she is sure that in the schools there are students who would like to become writers “but unless they are encouraged now, they would not take up the

challenge...it is not easy to walk around going from store to store or stopping people on the road or going from house to house, asking people to buy and very many of them say, “I am broke right now; come back month-end”, the writer might have to beg his bread”.

She noted that she has heard of the online system whereby her work can be put

on websites that sell items such as Amazon.com and EBay, but Mrs. Bowry would be glad for some assistance in that regard in how to put her works on those websites, and even this has costs attached to it. “I am not very au fait with the online system but I am hoping that it would be a good way; I think it might be a good way from what I hear”. ‘True- true Story’ Volume 2 has just been released. Volume 1 which was released in December of last year, she added, was wellreceived and this encouraged her to bring Volume 2.

“People are already asking me for Volume 3,” which she boldly stated, is on the way. She has already started work on that compilation and revealed that she will thrill readers with the ‘Leelawattie story’. “I like very much that I was able to get some information on what I didn’t know— some amazing information about Leelawattie and I am excited about that.”

This compilation features “true stories— things that our parents and grandparents would tell us about long ago...the funny things, the weird things and unbelievable things like ‘don’t throw water through

the door after 6 o’ clock; don’t say you are going when leaving a wake’ and so on”.

Readers, she noted, will enjoy the most form this collection, the culture of the stories, “and because people like stories— even adults like stories— they are like big children, so they like a story and knowing that the story is true, that it belongs to Guyana, to the Guyana culture, you know, it makes it interesting and it is written in language you can understand and appreciate”.

Bowry added that she gets the ideas for these stories through talking with people and listening to their stories, “so all I needed was to meet with people who would know, interview them, and they would tell me a little more of the story which I didn’t know and then I would find out a little more from someone else”.

The books are available at a cost of $1,000 at Laparkan in Georgetown and Dave’s Television Station Channel Eight in Berbice. She also has copies and can be reached at 333-4451 and 676-5442.

Bowry wrote several poems, both documented and undocumented. She is hoping that one day she can put those that are undocumented in print

so that the public can read them. She has quite a few religious monologues that she performs in churches and other occasions and has performed her poems and songs as well as monologues before President Donald Ramotar, ministers, government functionaries even at various events across the country.

The writer also gave her view on the textbook copyright issue and said that she does not think people should copy others’ works. “I don’t think they should, because, when you come to think of it, the amount of work a writer puts into that book— sometimes you don’t sleep for the night— you’re on the computer, working, up soon in the morning and then somebody benefits more than you. You manage to get 100 books out and then somebody gets 400 from your 100...something is wrong about that”.

“I don’t know how to stop it”, she noted and did not offer any suggestions, “but something is definitely wrong and even those who do the photocopying— if they examine it and put themselves in the shoe of the other person, they will see something is wrong”.

Wednesday October 17, 2012

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Wednesday October 17, 2012

Divided Syrian rebels Obama goes on attack against agree on joint leadership Romney in debate rematch

BEIRUT (Reuters) Syria’s divided rebels have agreed to set up a joint leadership to oversee their battle to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad, two insurgent sources said yesterday as fighting raged in cities across the country.

Rebels hope the decision, taken after increasing pressure from foreign supporters on them to unite, will help convince those backers that they are a credible and coordinated fighting force deserving to be supplied with more powerful weapons.

“The agreement has been reached, they only need to sign it now,” one rebel source said. Foreign supporters “are telling us: ‘Sort yourselves out and unite, we need a clear and credible side to provide it with quality weapons’.”

He said Qatar and Turkey were the main drivers behind the agreement, which might be formally announced this month.

Bashar al-Assad It is the latest attempt to bring together Assad’s disparate armed opponents, most of whom have fought nominally under the banner of the rebel Free Syrian Army but who in practice have operated independently, often weakened by deep rivalries.

The new leadership will include FSA leaders Riad alAsaad and Mustafa Sheikh criticized by many rebels

because they are based in Turkey - and recently defected General Mohammad Haj Ali, as well as heads of rebel provincial military councils inside Syria like Qassem Saadeddine, based in Homs province.

The Syrian National Council has set November 4 as the date for an opposition unity conference in Qatar, organizers said.

The 19-month-old revolt against Assad, which started as peaceful demonstrations, has mushroomed into a civil war with sectarian dimensions, pitting the mainly Sunni Muslim rebels against a power structure dominated by the Alawite minority.

Activists say more than 30,000 people have been killed, hundreds of thousands have fled to neighboring countries and more than a million have been displaced inside Syria as entire city districts have been rendered ghost towns by heavy shelling.

HEMPSTEAD, New York (Reuters) - President Barack Obama and Republican rival Mitt Romney clashed repeatedly on jobs, energy and Libya in their second debate last night, with Obama moving aggressively to challenge his opponent.

Obama was much sharper and more energetic than in their first encounter two weeks ago, when his listless performance was heavily criticized and gave Romney’s campaign a much-needed boost.

The Democrat fought back against accusations by his rival that he had played down the attack by Islamist militants in Libya last month that killed four Americans, including the U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens.

“I’m the president and I’m always responsible,” Obama said. The two men argued over whether Obama had described the Libya attack as terrorism or not.

Romney accused his opponent of overseeing a stagnant economy. “The middle class has been crushed over the last four years and jobs have been too scarce,” the former Massachusetts governor said.

“I know what it takes to get this economy going,” he said. “I know what it takes to create good jobs again.”

Obama repeatedly accused Romney of misstating his policies as president, and resurrected his charge that the economic proposals put forward by the former private equity executive were designed to protect and bolster the

U.S. Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney (L) and U.S. President Barack Obama shakes hands at the start of the second U.S. presidential campaign debate last night. wealthy at the expense of the middle class.

The debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., was in an intimate town-hall format, in which some of more than 80 undecided local voters from New York state’s Nassau County asked questions.

Both candidates were able to roam the stage to talk directly to the questioners, and at times they circled each other warily like prize fighters.

Romney approached Obama at one point to ask repeatedly if licenses and permits for energy drilling on federal land had been reduced during his administration.

The Republican’s strong performance in the first debate helped him catch up to Obama and recent surveys have put

the race for the White House at a virtual dead heat just three weeks ahead of the November 6 election.

Obama seems to have stopped the slide in polls after the last debate. In a Reuters/ Ipsos daily tracking poll released before the debate on Tuesday, he gained a bit more ground on Romney for the third straight day and led 46 percent to 43 percent. But a Gallup/USA Today poll showed Romney ahead by 4 percentage points in the 12 most contested states.

Romney, a wealthy former private equity executive often accused of failing to connect with ordinary people, stayed on the offensive but frequently asked the moderator for more time to answer Obama.

IMF’S Lagarde urges flexibility on euro zone deficits (Reuters) - Euro zone countries that do not face difficulty borrowing money should adopt a more flexible approach to deficit-cutting, International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde said yesterday.

“The rhythm could be a bit more flexible for all the countries in the euro zone - I am not talking about France that are not under pressure from investors,” Lagarde said in Paris on LCI television.

At a meeting last week in Tokyo, Lagarde had already called for Greece, Portugal and Spain to be given more time to bring their public finances under control. The euro zone last week granted Portugal one more year, until 2014, to get its budget deficit below a European Union ceiling of 3 percent of gross domestic

product.

In Paris Lagarde went further, saying it was less important to focus on nominal deficit targets than to carry out structural reforms to reduce budget deficits and make European economies more competitive. She added that euro zone countries and institutions should jointly raise the possibility of more flexibility in the timetable for deficit-cutting programmes.

Asked whether Europe needed more inflation to help solve the euro zone’s debt crisis, Lagarde said allowing inflation to vary in different members of the currency bloc would help to correct economic imbalances.

“Asymmetric inflation in the euro zone would be extremely useful,” she said.

The European Central

Christine Lagarde Bank, which sets monetary policy for the euro zone’s 17 members, has a mandate to keep inflation close to but less than two percent.

The Eurostat statistics agency reported on Tuesday that inflation in the euro zone stood at 2.6 percent in September, unchanged from August, though rates varied from 3.5 percent in Spain to 2.1 percent in Germany.

Wednesday October 17, 2012

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Taliban says its attack on Supreme Court gives Obama camp a win in Ohio early voting tussle Pakistani schoolgirl justified (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court yesterday denied Ohio’s request to curtail early voting in the state, a victory for President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign which had battled Republican efforts to scale back in-person balloting in the days leading up to Election Day. Ohio, critical to the election hopes of Obama and his Republican challenger Mitt Romney, began early inperson voting earlier this month but planned to cut it off on November 2, the Friday before the election, except for members of the military.

The Obama campaign, the Democratic National Committee and the Ohio Democratic Party had sued Ohio officials to restore early voting right up to the eve of election day. Republicans opposed their efforts, saying a cutoff was needed to reduce voter fraud and ease the

burden on election officials.

In states that allow voters to cast ballots before election day, early voting and extended voting hours are thought to benefit Democratic candidates because lowerincome people, who tend to vote for them, are more likely to work odd hours.

According to a Reuters/ Ipsos national survey, about 10 percent of likely voters have already cast ballots. And of those who have voted, Obama holds a sizable lead over Romney - 56 percent to 35 percent. The poll has a credibility interval, a measure of accuracy, of plus or minus about five percentage points.

That contrasts with a much closer race according to polls of likely voters. There, the president holds just a slight edge of 46 percent to 43 percent in yesterday’s Reuters/Ipsos daily tracking poll.

Earlier this month, the 6th

U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a U.S. District Court order that reinstated early voting in the final days before the election. The state had appealed that ruling to the Supreme Court.

In a one-sentence order yesterday, the high court denied the state’s petition for a stay of the appeals court decision.

“This action from the highest court in the land marks the end of the road in our fight to ensure open voting this year for all Ohioans, including military, veterans, and overseas voters.” Obama campaign General Counsel Bob Bauer said in a statement.

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted, the state’s top elections official, called the 6th Circuit’s decision an unprecedented intrusion by federal judges into state elections that was illegal and impractical.

BRUSSELS (Reuters) European Union governments imposed sanctions yesterday against major Iranian state companies in the oil and gas industry, and strengthened restrictions on the central bank, cranking up financial pressure over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

More than 30 firms and institutions were listed in the EU’s Official Journal as targets for asset freezes in the EU, including the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), a large crude exporter, and the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC).

Both are vital to the Iranian oil industry, the main source of revenue for the

government.

Their importance has risen in recent months as the European Union and the United States seek to reduce Tehran’s access to cash by forcing Western companies to halt trade with the OPEC producer.

Yesterday’s decision complements previous moves by the EU, such as this year’s embargo on Iranian oil imports to Europe and a decision on Monday to ban gas purchases.

“We are now comprehensively capturing all possible elements of this sector and sources of funding for the regime,” a senior EU official said. Western governments fear Iran wants the ability to build an atomic

bomb. Iran denies having any military intentions.

Iran said the sanctions would not work.

“We recommend that, instead of taking the wrong approach and being stubborn and using pressure...with a logical approach they can return to discussions,” foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told a news conference.

The United States imposed restrictions on NIOC last month and has blacklisted the tanker company.

Justifying the decision, EU governments said that both NIOC and NITC provide financial support to Iran’s government.

EU sanctions target Iran oil, gas, tanker companies

Government to drop airport fee in New Delhi, Mumbai

(Reuters) - India will abolish a controversial airport fee at New Delhi and Mumbai airports from January 2013, the government said, as the country seeks to bolster air travel amid complaints of high costs by global airlines.

India recently allowed foreign carriers to buy a maximum 49 percent stake in local carriers, but so far no airline has shown interest, with high infrastructure costs among the deterrents.

New Delhi airport has been termed the world’s costliest by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Asia’s largest budget carrier, AirAsia Bhd (AIRA.KL) of Malaysia, said last month it had no immediate plans to enter India because fuel taxes and airport charges were too high.

New Delhi airport charges passengers

1,300 rupees per international ticket as an airport development fee.

Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh asked the state-run Airports Authority of India (AAI) to inject additional equity at the two airports where it is an operating p a r t n e r, t h e g o v e r n m e n t s a i d i n a statement yesterday.

AAI operates New Delhi airport with a consortium made up of GMR Group (GMRI.NS), Germany’s Fraport (FRAG.DE) and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB.KL). Its partner for Mumbai airport is a group of investors led by infrastructure firm GVK Power (GVKP.NS).

Delhi and Mumbai airports had started to levy an airport development fee as AAI failed to inject additional equity to meet development costs at the airports.

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) Taliban insurgents said yesterday that the Pakistani schoolgirl its gunmen shot in the head deserved to die because she had spoken out against the group and praised U.S. President Barack Obama.

Malala Yousufzai, 14, was flown to Britain on Monday, where doctors said she has every chance of making a “good recovery”.

The attack on Yousufzai, who had been advocating education for girls, drew widespread condemnation.

Pakistani surgeons removed a bullet from near her spinal cord during a threehour operation the day after the attack last week, but she now needs intensive specialist follow-up care.

Authorities have said they have made several arrests in connection with the case but have given no details.

Pakistan’s Taliban described Yousufzai as a “spy of the West”.

Malala Yousufzai “For this espionage, infidels gave her awards and rewards. And Islam orders killing of those who are spying for enemies,” the group said in a statement.

“She used to propagate against mujahideen (holy warriors) to defame (the) Taliban. The Quran says that people propagating against Islam and Islamic forces would be killed.

“We targeted her because she would speak against the Taliban while sitting with shameless strangers and idealized the biggest enemy of Islam, Barack Obama.”

Yousufzai, a cheerful schoolgirl who had wanted to become a doctor before agreeing to her father’s wishes that she strive to be a politician, has become a potent symbol of resistance against the Taliban’s efforts to deprive girls of an education.

Pakistanis have held some protests and candlelight vigils but most government officials have refrained from publicly criticizing the Taliban by name over the attack, in what critics say is a lack of resolve against extremism.

“We did not attack her for raising voice for education.

We targeted her for opposing mujahideen and their war,” said the Taliban. “Shariah (Islamic law) says that even a child can be killed if he is propagating against Islam.”

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Cuba lifting much-reviled travel restrictions HAVANA (Reuters) Cuba will scrap much-reviled travel restrictions starting in January, easing most Cubans’ exit and return, state media said yesterday, in the communist island’s first major immigration reform in half a century.

The Cuban government imposed broad restrictions on travel starting in 1961 to try to stop a mass migration of people fleeing after the 1959 revolution that put Fidel Castro in power.

The government now is set to lift requirements to obtain an exit visa permitting departure from Cuba and a letter of invitation from someone in the destination country.

Raul Castro Instead, starting on January 14, Cubans will simply have to show a passport and, if needed, a visa from the country to which

they are traveling, Communist Party newspaper Granma said.

The changes are the latest reform under President Raul Castro, who has modestly liberalized Cuba’s Sovietstyle economy. They are sure to please Cubans who have chafed at the country’s travel restrictions.

The process of obtaining the needed documents has been time-consuming and expensive, with no guarantee at the end that the government would grant permission to leave.

The difficulty in travel has helped fuel charges for years that freedoms are limited in Cuba.

Some analysts described

the travel move as a dramatic step forward.

“This is truly important for the future of revolutionary Cuba,” said Hal Klepak, a Cuba expert who is a professor of history and warfare studies at the Royal Military College of Canada.

The changes are part of work “to update the current migratory policy adjusting it to prevailing conditions in the present and foreseeable future,” Granma said.

The measure extends to 24 months, from the current 11, the amount of time Cubans can be out of the country without losing rights and property, and they can seek an extension, Granma said.

Wednesday October 17, 2012

Barbadian ex-airline baggage handler given life in prison NEW YORK – The testimony at a federal drug trafficking trial was chilling: Jurors heard how bribed baggage handlers at John F. Kennedy International Airport concealed cocaine on commercial jets inside sensitive wing assembly compartments.

Saying the tactic risked the lives of passengers, a federal judge sentenced the convicted leader of the drug ring yesterday to life in prison.

Former American Airlines baggage handler Victor Bourne was found guilty last year of charges he used his behind-the-scenes access at New York City’s busiest airport to orchestrate the smuggling of more than 330 pounds of cocaine from 2000 to 2009.

“You personally exacerbated one of the nation’s greatest blights,” U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis said at the sentencing in federal court in Brooklyn.

An unrepentant Bourne insisted investigators used “false evidence” to frame him.

“How can I accept responsibility for something that I don’t have nothing to do with?” the 37-year-old native of Barbados asked.

The sentencing capped a federal investigation that has resulted in the convictions of 20 people - 19 of them airlines employees - the seizure of large amounts of cocaine and the forfeiture of $6.9 million.

As leader of the crew, Bourne made millions of dollars that he laundered through business ventures in Brooklyn and Barbados, authorities said.

Bourne “turned American Airlines into his personal narcotics shuttle service, running a criminal organisation that ignored passenger safety and security in pursuit of a greater goal - enriching Victor Bourne,” U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch said in a statement.

Prosecutors built much of their case against Bourne based on the testimony of six former employees of Fort Worth, Texas-based American Airlines who pleaded guilty to narcotics trafficking.

The jury heard evidence that Bourne bribed crew chiefs to assign his gang of corrupt baggage handlers to flights from the Caribbean.

The cooperators testified he also paid them tens of thousands of dollars each to “pull drugs” hidden in the planes - and to keep quiet about it.

One witness described one instance when Bourne carried two duffel bags into a cargo hold so he could retrieve drugs off an American Airlines jet arriving from Barbados.

After removing a panel covering the wing assembly containing “some of the plane’s avionics and other vital equipment” - Bourne “proceeded to remove conservatively over 60 bricks of cocaine,” prosecutors said in court papers.

Another witness testified that Bourne accused him of stealing cocaine and warned he would “kill me, my family and kids” if it wasn’t returned. (Fox News)

8.3 per cent of C’bean children do not finish primary school Jamaica Gleaner - An independent publication commissioned by the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has found that one in 12 young people in the Caribbean and Latin America fail to complete primary school.

The report also found that these young people lack the skills needed for work and need alternative pathways to acquire basic skills for employment and prosperity.

The findings were published as part of a paid advertisement in yesterday’s Gleaner by UNESCO. The advertisement did not speak to the Jamaican

scenario specifically, but the Minister of Education, Ronald Thwaites says this issue is a documented fact.

While not commenting on the report directly since he wants a chance to study it, Thawites says the Ministry has taken steps to address the problem. The report has urged governments and donors to continue to prioritise education. It recommends that young people be given alternative pathways to learn foundation skills.

The report states that every one dollar spent on a person’s education yields US$10 to $15 in economic growth over that person’s working lifetime.

Wednesday October 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Mexican Embassy hosts Airport worker accused of art exhibition, workshop plotting to assassinate PM Ever since 1996, the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been hosting an annual international drawing competition, and this year is no different.

But since Guyana had only one entry into this year’s competition, the Mexicans saw the need to motivate other students to participate.

Thus, they once again extended their invitation to a number of Guyanese students, in the form of an art exhibition and workshop.

This time around, there were 12 participants from Joshua House, who did their drawings on Friday last; 11 Art class students from the Grove Primary School who did theirs yesterday, and 15 other students from the Georgetown International School who will be taking Spanish and Art classes today.

These children will be given a chance to enter next year’s worldwide contest.

In addition to this, the Mexican Embassy, located in Brickdam, hosted an art exhibition of the winning drawings of the 15th Annual Worldwide Contest, which took place in 2011.

The aim of the initiative has been to teach children all across the world about the history and culture of Mexico,

while keeping the ancestral culture of those in the Mexican Diaspora, alive. The theme has always been“Este es mi Mexico,” (This is my Mexico).

“The drawing contest has evolved to include children from all over the world, regardless of their nationality, in order for them to learn of Mexico’s culture and traditions as well as their own,” Maria Elena Alcaraz, the Deputy Head of the project said.

She added, “the competition has thus become a great celebration that brings together children from all over the world as a consolidated factor of unity of communities beyond Mexico’s borders”.

Ambassador Francisco Olguin in welcoming the children explained the importance of keeping in touch with their culture and roots, even if they live away from their native country, since it helps families to stay together.”

Olguin led the Embassy staff in showing the children the 40 winning drawings of the 2011 Contest.

The children were also shown and films depicting Mexican art, history, and culture, which later helped them to generate ideas for their own drawings.

Canada puts a case for the Caribbean before World Bank and IMF BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC - The World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) have been told that recent experience in the Caribbean is a stark reminder that poverty reduction is even more difficult in societies facing disasters, shocks and crises, whether natural, environmental or economic.

Canada’s Minister of Finance, Jim Flaherty, speaking on behalf of several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, as well as Ireland and his own country, said poor families suffer the brunt of catastrophe and face the greatest challenges in recovering and rebuilding.

In a statement to the just concluded meeting of the World Bank and IMF in Japan, Flaherty said there is an opportunity for the financial institutions to improve coherence in global efforts to build resilience, and to connect disaster risk management to important work being done on social safety nets and climate change.

He said that priority must be

given to practical approaches to encourage implementation of measures to prevent events from becoming disasters, including incentives for implementing appropriate building codes in urban areas, and to find creative solutions that can also generate economic opportunity, such as creating natural flood barriers through agro forestry.

He said effective insurance facilities were critical, as it has been learnt in the Caribbean.

“Building resilience also requires effective and coordinated support across the World Bank Group for national economic and fiscal management in countries at risk. “We are pleased to be working with the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund on new mechanisms to build economic and fiscal management capacity in the Caribbean as well as in the Deauville Partnership countries in the Middle East and North Africa, where sustained economic growth and open, transparent governance will be critical,” said Flaherty.

A 23-year-old airport porter who a police charge alleged that he swore to kill Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar appeared Monday before a Port-of-Spain magistrate charged with sending a menacing message.

Nikolai Marfan, 23, appeared before Chief Magistrate Marcia AyersCaesar in the Eighth Court, to answer the charge. The magistrate read the charge that on Wednesday last at Western Main Road, St James, he sent a message via telephone that was menacing in nature.

Marfan of Charford Court, Port-of-Spain, pleaded not

guilty to the charge.

When the magistrate enquired if the accused intends to retain an attorney, Marfan responded that he had an attorney, but he did not know the attorney’s name or his whereabouts.

Court prosecutor Sgt Logie made no objection to bail being granted, but he suggested that the magistrate, in granting bail, take into consideration the office the person, to whom the threat was made against, holds.

Ayers-Caesar granted the accused man $75,000 bail to be approved by a Clerk of the Peace III. As a condition of the bail, Ayers-Caesar ordered that Marfan report to

the Besson Street Police Station every Monday and Thursday from 6 am to 6 pm.

The case was adjourned to November 8.

The charge as read out in court stated that Marfan told police via a telephone call that he wanted to assassinate Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar. After seeking the advice of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard SC, Persad formally charged Marfan for the offence.

In November, it was revealed that a plot to assassinate the Prime Minister and three Government Ministers had been uncovered by National

Kamla PersadBissessar Security agents. Recently, National Security Minister Jack Warner made public, the police’s investigation into a death threat sent to Opposition and People’s National Movement (PNM) leader Dr Keith Rowley.

(NEWSDAY)

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DTV CHANNEL 8 08:55hrs. Sign On 09:00hrs. Live! With Kelly and Michael 10:00hrs. The Ricki Lake Show 11:00hrs. The View 12:00hrs. Prime News 12:30hrs. The Young and the Restless 13:30hrs. The Bold and the Beautiful 14:00hrs. The Talk 15:00hrs. Boy Meets World 16:00hrs. Beverly Hills, 90210 17:00hrs. MacGyver 18:00hrs. World News 18:30hrs. Nightly News 19:30hrs. Greetings and Announcements 20:00hrs. Channel 8 News 20:30hrs. Jamie Foxx Show 21:00hrs. Criminal Minds (New Episode) 22:00hrs. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (New

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Wednesday October 17, 2012

Wednesday October 17, 2012 ARIES (March 21 - April 19): You've been cruising along nicely in the fast lane lately, but today you might want to ease over to the slow side of the road. Too much is going on, and there is some exciting stuff you're going to miss out on if you are not careful! ******************* TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Someone in your social circle has a chip on their shoulder, and they feel like they deserve something that you have. It's reality check time -- you earned what you have fair and square, so do not go on the guilt trip they have all planned out for you! ****************** GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): If someone you are being forced to collaborate with is being as willful as a child, then you need to be as strict as a schoolmarm. It might not be too much fun to parent a grown adult, but doing so is much more desirable than the alternative -- dealing with the mess that they make. ******************** CANCER (June 21 - July 22): If you're focusing on makinIf someone you are being forced to collaborate with is being as willful as a child, then you need to be as strict as a schoolmarm. ********************* LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22): If you sense that something isn't quite right with one or two people today, you are probably right. Something is going on that you need to know about. To find out about it, watch for plotters and people whispering in corners. ******************* VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept.

22): The truth is sometimes hard to believe, and today it will be difficult for you to buy into an idea that other people claim to be the truth. Are you letting the fact that you don't usually agree with these people overrule your common

sense? Just because you don't usually agree with a group of people doesn't mean than you aren't ever allowed to. You'll be cutting off an important new learning opportunity if you get all hung up on labels or party affiliations. ********************* LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22): Mixing your business with pleasure is not a wise move right now, so if you are thinking of cooking up a romance in the workplace, turn off the heat ASAP! ********************* SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21): If you are trying or starting something new today, the level of risk is much higher than you had initially expected it to be. But remember -- whenever there is high risk, there is potentially high reward. ******************** SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 Dec. 21): You are on one heck of a roll today, so do not slow down for anyone or anything!

If someone you've been working with can't quite keep up with you, that is their problem, not yours. **************** CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 Jan. 19): Sometimes your opinions are wonderful gifts that people really appreciate - but other times they can be a huge can of worms nobody wants to open! ******************** AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18): If a recent argument or embarrassing situation has left you feeling a bit emotionally exposed, try to take time today to lick your wounds.

You might benefit from having some quiet time on your own to think things through and comfort your bruised ego. ********************* PISCE S ( F e b . 1 9 March 20):A person who's working behind the scenes has some specific ideas for your future, and they feel the need to tell you all about them today.

Wednesday October 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

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England victory over Serbia marred by racism and violence England Under-21 captain Jordan Henderson has told how players suffered racist abuse and came under attack from missile-throwing Serbian fans after his side qualified for Euro 2013.

Fans ran on to the pitch and scuffles broke out after England won 1-0 in Krusevac to progress 2-0 on aggregate.

The Football Association has reported “a number” of racist incidents to Uefa.

“There was a lot of racist abuse out there from the stands and a lot going on after the game,” Henderson said.

“There were also stones, coins and seats getting thrown at us,” he added.

“What happened wasn’t nice and is not called for in football.”

England defender Danny Rose, sent off after the final whistle in Serbia after kicking a football into the crowd, seemed to indicate he had been racially abused.

“I didn’t understand why Danny Rose was sent off at the end - I didn’t see he did anything wrong, other than

Confusion reigned at the end of the game. (Getty Images) get abused,” said Henderson.

The FA said in a statement it “condemns both the scenes of racism and the confrontation at the final whistle during which time our players and staff were under extreme provocation”.

It added: “The FA has reported a number of incidents of racism to Uefa following the fixture. These were

seemingly aimed at a number of England black players by the crowd. The matter is now with Uefa.”

England assistant coach Steve Wigley was manhandled by opposition players and staff after the game and manager Stuart Pearce told BBC Sport: “One or two of the technical staff from the opposition, and I

Senegal banned from Nations Cup after riot

The chaotic scene that brought a premature end to the match.

BBC Sport - Senegal have been disqualified from the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations after a riot forced the abandonment of Saturday’s home tie with Ivory Coast.

It is not yet clear whether the Confederation of African Football will take further action against Senegal.

The match in Dakar was called off after 74 minutes, with Ivory Coast 2-0 up on the night and 6-2 ahead on aggregate. Caf has officially confirmed the result as a 2-0 win for Ivory Coast, sending them through to next year’s tournament.

Senegal manager Ferdinand Coly said on Sunday that “Senegal will accept the sanctions”. He also

apologised to Ivory Coast.

Trouble flared after striker Didier Drogba scored his side’s second goal from the penalty spot.

Visiting supporters were forced to leap down on to the pitch to escape as violence erupted, with home fans throwing missiles, stones, bottles and firecrackers.

Ivorian players took refuge in the centre circle while the security forces used tear gas to disperse the rioting fans.

The match was suspended for 40 minutes while police tried to restore order but the referee was forced to call off the secondleg, final-round qualifier.

Caf says its decision to

ban Senegal is in accordance with the provisions of article 16 paragraph 20 of their regulations of the competition, which states: “If the referee is forced to stop the match before the end of the regular time because of invasion of the field or aggression against the visiting team, the host team shall be considered loser and shall be eliminated from the competition, without prejudice to the sanctions existing in the regulations.”

Ivory Coast had already been included in Monday’s seedings draw for the 2013 Nations Cup , which will be held in South Africa between 19 January and 10 February.

don’t include their manager in that, didn’t cover themselves in glory on the pitch at the end. “Punches, headbutts were thrown, and God knows what else. We will let the authorities deal with this at Uefa.”

In 2007 the Serbian Football Federation was fined £16,000 at the Under-21 European Championship in Netherlands after their supporters racially abused England’s Nedum Onouha.

Former England player

Paul Ince has called for Serbia to be banned from tournament football.

“It’s disgraceful to see these scenes,” said the former Liverpool and Manchester United midfielder, whose son Tom featured for England.

Ince admitted he had been worried for the safety of the 20-year-old, who plays for Blackpool.

“When your son’s out there it’s worrying,” he told ESPN. “You could just see if they [England] were to win or

go through, it was getting more hostile. “[Fifia boss] Sepp Blatter and [Uefa chief Michel] Platini need to look at this.

“If it was me they [Serbia] would be kicked out for the next five tournaments European, World Cups - but they will get a little ban and that will be it. “Things like that are not what we want to see in football - it takes it back to the dark ages.”

Clarke Carlisle, an ambassador for the Kick It Out Campaign, said: “It’s so disappointing to see things like this going on, the racial element and the pure physical violence, kicks and punches being thrown. “These guys are supposed to be international players and conduct themselves accordingly.”

Reading striker Jason Roberts took to Twitter to back Rose, who is on loan at Sunderland from Tottenham Hotspur. “Well done Danny Rose. I stand right beside you,” tweeted Roberts.

In another message, Roberts added: “We demand to be treated with respect. We are not asking. NOW, not tomorrow. I am fuming.”

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday October 17, 2012

BCB launches T20 tourney Eon Abel, Charles Grimmond and for Upper Corentyne teams Niroj Singh shine in latest round Neal and Massy Intermediate 50 overs cricket

The Neal and Massy Intermediate 50 overs cricket competition organised by the Berbice Cricket Board continued recently with three players recording fine allround performances.

Off spinner Eon Abel took 3 for 24 and together with 3 for 14 from Derrick Narine Lalsa and 3 for 33 from Navindra Rampersaud saw D’Edward bowling out Blairmont Community Centre for 109.

Abel, a former Berbice all rounder came back with the bat to slam an unbeaten 62 (2x4 8x6) to steer D’Edward to an easy 7-wicket victory.

Charles Grimmond scored a patient 54 to steer Police to

Charles Grimmond a fairly challenging total of 185 in 38 overs against Young Warriors; 15 year-old left arm pacer Kassim Khan

picked up 4 for 34 from 5 overs.

When Young Warriors replied, they were not up to the task and fell for 173 with Grimmond coming back with his medium pace to claim 3 for 49.

Gudakesh Motie hit 56 (8x4) and Niroj Adrian Singh scored 51 (5x4 2x6) to guide Albion Community Centre to 214 over Courtland All Star.

Guyana Under-17 off spinner Sharaz Ramcharran took 3 for 25 and Singh returned with his off spinners backing up with 2 for 22 to bowl out Courtland for 164 in response; Keon Sinclair scoring 50.

Following are the collated scores: At D’Edward - D’Edward hammered Blairmont Community Centre by 7 wickets.

Blairmont Community Centre winning the toss and choosing to bat first made 109 in 29.1 overs; Chandrika Harrinarine 41, Derick Narine Lalsa 3 for 14, Eon Abel 3 for 24, Navindra Rampersaud 3 for 33.

D’Edward 113 of 3 in 12.4 overs; Eon Abel 62*, Shabeer Baksh 2 for 19.

At Cumberland - Albion Community Centre defeated Courtland All Star by 50 runs.

Albion Community Centre choosing to bat first made 214 in 50 overs; Gudakesh Motie 56, Niroj Adrian Singh 51, John Percival 2 for 23, Eon Gibson 2 for 31, Troy Mathieson 2 for 29, Munilal Shivdyal 2 for 44.

Courtland All Star 164 in 42 overs; Keon Sinclair 50, Jamal Cort 23, Sharaz Ramcharran 3 for 25, Niroj Adrian Singh 2 for 22.

Mr. Sarfaz Gafoor (centre) hands over sponsorship cheque to BCB Treasurer Anil Beharry in the presence of President Keith Foster.

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) as part of its development plan had promised earlier this year to organise adequate games to keep the five zones active.

Tournaments have already stared in the West Berbice, Berbice River and New Amsterdam/Canje areas.

The Board on Wednesday last unveiled a Twety20 tournament for teams in the Upper Corentyne area that stretches from the No. 43 Village to Moleson Creek.

Chairman of the BCB Special Events Committee Hilbert Foster disclosed that four businesses have combined to sponsor the tournament; they are Sarfaz Photo Studio & Recording Centre, T. Persaud & Sons Business Enterprise, Palace Liquor Restaurant and Larry Car Services.

About 30 teams are

expected to be part of the tournament and Foster said that only one first division player would be allowed to be on the roster of each team.

The main aims of tournaments being held at the inter zone level are to expose more players while encouraging non-performing teams to lift their standards.

Foster urged teams in the Upper Corentyne to take advantage of the opportunities being presented to them by the BCB. He also announced that a 40 overs and inter school tournaments would be held for the area.

Board Treasurer Anil Beharry expressed gratitude to the four sponsors of the tournament and stated that they had the full confidence of the Berbice cricketing public. President Keith Foster noted that Berbice was by far the most active subassociation in the West

Berbice with numerous tournaments being played and over 150 off the field activities completed for 2012 so far.

President Foster urged all clubs and players to maintain the high standards in Berbice and to always strive for excellence.

Managing Director of Sarfaz Photo Studio & Recording Centre, Mr. Sarfaz Gafoor shared his pleasure at being able to help sponsor a tournament for his peers in the Upper Corentyne area. Gafoor stated that the sponsorship was approved at the first request because all the sponsors were pleased at the development policies of the Berbice Board.

The tournament would be played on a knock-out basis and teams are urged to get in contact with the Board on telephone number 333 2375 to register.

Queen’s College badminton tournament 2012 concludes The Queen’s College B a d m i n t o n To u r n a m e n t concluded on Monday at the school’s badminton courts.

Cecil Abrams and Ambika Ramraj were crowned QC Boys and Girls Champion at the Finals.

The results of matches played on Day 3 are: Boys Singles Finals: Cecil Abrams defeated Darnell Benn: 21-16, 21-15 Third Place went to Omari Joseph Girls Singles Finals: Ambika Ramraj defeated Varsha Boodram: 21-14, 21-11 Third Place went to Arian Kayume who defeated Nadine Jairam: 21-17, 21-9

QC boys and girls champions Cecil Abrams (right) and Ambika Ramraj

Wednesday October 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

Anthony Grant captures Boys Under-12 category, Shavani Persaud is Girls winner - as Nigel’s Junior Tennis Classic continues As play in the Nigel’s Junior Classic continued over the weekend a number of winners were decided. Firstly, Anthony Grant, who did not lose any matches in the round robin format, proved to be too good for his opponent Jordan Beaton, who was considered the favorite in the category.

Grant had an incredible performance as he displayed confidence in every match he played and was able to defeat Jordan Beaton.

Beaton struggled in most of his matches but managed a good comeback against Keenan Persaud to win that encounter.

Another talented player in the final round was Hemraj Resaul, who played excellently but was unable to close out games and ended with only one win. Jordon

Beaton captured the runnerup position by 1 point ahead of Hemraj Resaul.

In the Girl’s Under-12 category, talented Shavani Persaud was the winner for the second year running.

Persaud, who is a very quiet, easy going individual, displayed a maturity beyond her years with the seriousness that she approaches her tennis and like Grant in the Boy’s category won all her games and was a clear-cut winner in the round robin competition. Kalyca Fraser was the runner up after she started slowly and improved as the competition progressed. Despite the final score being 4-1 4-0 against Persaud in the final match, Fraser had opportunities which she was not able to grasp in the match.

In the Under-10 category, players competed in the best of three sets to nine points. The Boys winner was Maximillion Astner of the Georgetown International Academy who displayed good court sense in all his matches to end unbeaten. His opponent in the final match was Vadeanand Resaul, who despite being the youngest player in the tournament, was able to capture the runner-up position, final score 4/9 9/3/ 9/4.

The Girls Under-10 category went to Wallindy Roberts, who won against Nathalie Ramdyhan in her final match to take the top spot.

Final score in the match was 9/3 9/5.

Matches continue with play in the Under-14 and 18 categories.

IOC ponders Armstrong 2000 Games medal options (Reuters) - Lance Armstrong should come clean with a full doping confession, while the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will look into ways of taking away the former Tour de France champion’s 2000 Games medal, IOC vice president Thomas Bach said on Tuesday.

American Armstrong, who won the Tour a record seven times from 1999 to 2005, is set to lose his titles after the United States AntiDoping Agency (USADA) accused him of being the central figure in an elaborate doping conspiracy.

The 41-year-old rider, who according to the 1,000-page report published last week, had been involved in doping well before the 2000 Sydney Olympics where he won a time-trial bronze medal, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

“This case is now with the UCI (International Cycling Union) which has to determine whether Armstrong should have taken part in the Sydney Olympics or not,” Bach told Reuters in an interview.

“If the case is that he should not have taken part, that he should have been banned for that period, then the IOC will take its decision on this basis and will need to decide on the stripping of the medal,” said Bach who is also Germany’s Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) chief.

Armstrong, one of the

world’s most famous athletes who is also well known for his cancer-fighting charity work, has refused to challenge the USADA charges. With testimony from 26 witnesses, many of them former team mates of the American, the report concluded that Armstrong was one of the ringleaders in a sophisticated doping scheme at the U.S. Postal team.

‘CLEANSING PROCESS’ The UCI has 21 days to rule on the USADA report while the IOC has an eightyear statute of limitation for changing Olympic results and stripping medals from doping offenders. Bach said there could be ways around that in this case.

“USADA’s report has given some pointers that the statute of limitation was interrupted through Lance Armstrong lying about doping. We will have to examine to see if this is a way we can follow according to Swiss law.”

Bach, a lawyer who heads the IOC’s juridical commission and will be a possible IOC presidential candidate next year, also urged Armstrong to make a full confession. “For this procedure to be comprehensive, it would be good for the sport and for himself if Lance Armstrong would stop burying his head in the sand and come clean with a complete and open testimony.”

“It is late but not too late; it would be a cleansing

Lance Armstrong process.”

The American’s team manager during his Tour wins, Johan Bruyneel, is among four other people accused of doping violations

by USADA. Bruyneel is contesting the case.

Calls for the resignation of UCI president Pat McQuaid, who took over in 2005, and his predecessor Hein Verbruggen who is now an honorary UCI president and an honorary IOC member, have been growing louder.

“At this moment the documents are with the UCI and this is a very transparent procedure. I am certain that it will examine it carefully and then take the necessary consequences,” said Bach, a former Olympic fencing champion.

“I am confident the UCI will react in a comprehensive and appropriate way.”

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4th Diamond Fire & General Insurance U-19 Inter Zone tourney launched The Berbice Cricket Board in its ongoing effort to lift the standard of the game on Wednesday last launched another tournament. The Board, which has committed itself to a record, 25 tournaments for 2012/2013 has renewed its successful partnership with Diamond Fire and General Insurance Company for the fourth successive Under-19 Inter Zone tournament.

Chairman of Board’s Special Events Committee Hilbert Foster at the presentation ceremony stated that the Insurance Company was sponsoring the tournament at the cost of $335,000. Teams for the 2012 edition would be West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne. West Berbice would play New Amsterdam/Canje at the Cumberland Ground while Lower and Upper Corentyne would clash at Skeldon Ground.

The two winners would clash in the final at the Area ‘H’ Ground while the third place payoff is set for the Port Mourant Ground. Foster shared that the Board would name a 30-man elite squad at the end of the competition to start preparations for the 2012 Inter County Under-19 tournament.

Among the players expected to play are national Under-19 Captain Shawn Pereira, Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai, Sharaz Ramcharran, Romario Shepherd, Shailendra Shameer, Grisean Grant, Parmanand Narine and Kevin Ramdeen.

Board President and Treasurer Keith Foster and Anil Beharry both complimented the Diamond Fire and General Insurance Company for their investment.

President Foster pledged that his administration would continue to invest heavily in the development of every player in the Ancient County while the long serving Treasurer stated that Berbice cricket was developing at a rapid pace while praising the hard work of everyone involved.

Mr. Phillip Kowlessar representing the sponsor commended the BCB for the outstanding work it was doing pointing out that the Diamond Fire & General Insurance Company was pleased to be associated with them.

The Company, Kowlessar disclosed was committed to fulfilling its responsibility as a corporate citizen and would continue to support youth development.

He challenged the four teams to play the tournament in the right spirit of the game and to strive for excellence at all times.

Mr. Phillip Kowlessar of Diamond Fired & General Insurance hands over sponsorship to Anil Beharry (right).

Kaieteur News

Wednesday October 17, 2012

Republic Bank/BCB U-17 Inter Zone

New Amsterdam/Canje edge Lower Corentyne to lift title

The winning New Amsterdam team.

The strategic investment by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) in the New Amsterdam/ Canje area has started to produce positive results with the Zone defeating Lower Corentyne on first innings points to lift the Republic Bank Inter Zone Under-17 tournament.

New Amsterdam/Canje last month defeated Lower Corentyne to win the NCN Inter Zone Under-15 tournament.

Batting first after winning the toss, New Amsterdam/ Canje was given a solid start of 53 in 24 overs by openers Shimron Hetmyer and Leon Andrews before Hetmyer was brilliantly caught by Tyrone Poornauth off the bowling of L. Bishram for 26 (5x4).

The spinners of Lower Corentyne combined well to bowl out the visitors for 125 in 49.3 of the allotted 60 overs; only Andrews batted well to compile 47 (4x4) before he was run out. Skipper Daniel Lewis was the best bowler for

Lower Corentyne with 4 for 25 runs off 13.3 overs, off spinner Viendra Gooniah 2 for 33 and Latchman Bishram 2 for 26.

In reply Lower Corentyne lost Balchan Baldeo caught at slip for one by Hetmyer off Andrews to be 2 for 1 at lunch off five overs. After the lunch break fellow opener Shivnarine Srikissoon was brilliantly caught and bowled by left arm pacer Kassim Khan for 5 at 13 for 2 before the pair of Brandon Prashad and Gooniah added 65 for the 3rd wicket to put Lower Corentyne in a strong position to clinch first innings.

Prashad was then stumped off the bowling of Andrews for 31 (3x4) before Gooniah ran himself out for 51 (5x4). Andrews and left arm spinner Gavin Moriah worked in tandem to bowl out Lower Corentyne for 121 in 57.4 overs after they were 85 for 3 at one stage.

Only Daniel Lewis (15) of

the remaining batsmen reached double figures.

Andrews completed a brilliant all round performance with 5 for 35 off 24.2 overs while Moriah took 2 for 17 from 6.

At the Blairmont Ground, West Berbice got past Upper Corentyne to take the third place prize. Batting first after winning the toss, West Berbice were bowled out for 178 in 52 overs; Parmanand Ramdhan top scored with a classy 56 and Avikar Radinanauth 24.

Bowling for Upper Corentyne, Vidanand Sugrim took 2 for 43 and Deon Esau 3 for 43. In response Upper Corentyne were sent packing for 117 in 42 overs. The impressive Esau returned to score a polished 57 (9x4), Richard Matadial took 3 for 21 and off spinner Derick Narine 3 for 31.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the BCB Special Events Committee Hilbert Foster at the presentation said the tournament was a success

while expressing confidence that the game in the New Amsterdam/Canje area was coming into its own.

The Board, Foster stated was quite pleased with the rich pool of talent identified during the tournament and thanked the Management and Staff of Republic Bank for its investment. Manager of Republic Bank, Rose Hall Town Branch Leon Mc Donald restated the Bank’s commitment to youth development via sports and promised further investment in Berbice.

He praised the young players for their high level of discipline while urging them to work harder to fulfill their potential. Mc Donald also complimented the BCB for the level of organising during the tournament.

The winning team received $50,000, runner-up $40,000, 3rd place $30,000 and 4th place $20, 000. Leon Andrews was named playerof-the-finals.

Wednesday October 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 29

GFC host Camptown in feature Abigail McDonald wins, but Devraj clash of double header today Deonarine steals the show at GASP Open Abigail McDonald proved that she is unquestionably the most prolific scrabble player when she defeated a competent field of her contemporaries to cart off the honours when the Guyana Association of Scrabble Players (GASP) staged a National Open Championship at the Malteenoes Sports Club, Sunday evening last.

McDonald amassed 6 games and a positive aggregate spread of 715 points to clinch the first prize, while James Krakowsky scored 4 points and a positive spread of 550 to take the second place.

Devraj Deonarine, a relatively new player from the Enterprise Scrabble Club, surprised the top guns when he scored 4 points and a positive spread of 138 to seal off the p o d i u m s p o t s , edging out top seed Moen Gafoor who has also scored 4 points but with a lesser spread of 11.

Deonarine’s performance comes close on the heels of his remarkable showing in the just concluded Caribbean Individual Championships when, despite the presence of top players in the region, he

Abigail McDonald amassed 5 points from a possible 8.

The budding word former was also the recipient of the award for best player out of the top 10 in the just concluded tournament.

Deonarine hails from the Enterprise Scrabble Club, an entity that has produced more than its fair share of talented players the likes of Satamand Ashwant, Kamta Ramnarine and Anand Mohabir, all extremely talented in their own right. Ms McDonald hailed this development and

said that their participation in future GASP sanctioned competitions will be refreshing.

Meanwhile, McDonald started the day with a decisive win over Deonarine (133) and then registered a win over Gafoor (72) before closing the pre-lunch session with a victory over Krakowsky (17).

Ashwant was her first post lunch victim by a spread of 176 shortly before she defeated Julian Skeete (20) and Kampta Ramnarine (297).

Krakowsky shrugged aside the loss to McDonald and defeated Mohabir (18), Maurice Munro (251), Skeete (4), Gafoor (215) and Ashwant (79) while Deonarine suffered consecutive losses in his first two games to McDonald (133) and Orlando Michael (171). He rebounded with victories over Wayne Cave (192), Grace Hercules (135) and Mohabir (65). He also enjoyed a bye.

Meanwhile, the players will convene at the Maltenoes Sports Club this Thursday from 17:30 – 22:00hrs for practice sessions in preparation for the Eid-UlAzha Open competition, October 26 next.

Two more matches are planned for today when the President Beer Super 8 KO Tournament continues at the GFC ground.

In the opening fixture, Santos tackle Northern Rangers from 18:30 hrs and that will be followed by the feature clash between hosts GFC and Camptown.

Santos, a team that had shown remarkable improvement shortly before local football was abruptly ended due to the ongoing impasse between the Guyana Football Federation and the Georgetown Football Association, will have in their line-up seasoned players such as former ‘Golden Jaguars’ Glenorvan Edmonds along with Lennox Charles and William Europe, while Kimba Brathwaite and Sherwin Vincent will lead the charge for victory for Northern Rangers.

In the other game, GFC will be relying on the services of Shad Fernandes to engineer

Shad Fernandes

any chances they have of victory, while Camptown’s quest to advance further will rest on the shoulders of the evergreen Troy ‘Bugsy’ Prescod, Devon Lindie and how well goalkeeper Oswald Cornette performs between the uprights.

Meanwhile, in opening day action, the GDF crushed the Guyana Police Force 5-0 through goals from Sherwyn Caesar (21 min), Delwyn Fraser (65 and 85 mins), Hubert Pedro (75 min) and Marlon Benjamin (88 min). Pedro was red carded in the 80 minute of play.

Fruta Conquerors then beat Riddim Squad 3-1 in overtime with Joshua Brown (44 min), Michael Henry (105 min) and Trevon Lythcott (115min), the players on target, while Lyttleton Ramsey (9 min) had given the East Bank Demerara unit the initial lead. Riddim Squad’s Dorville Stewart (118min) was the recipient of the second red card of the day.

Trevon Lythcott

Troy Prescod

Page 30

Kaieteur News

Wednesday October 17, 2012

K&S supports GBFA The Kashif &Shanghai Organisation once again demonstrated their support for the development of sports in Guyana after making a significant contribution to the Guyana Beach Football Association (GBFA) during a simple presentation ceremony conducted at the entity’s Head Office on Irving Street recently.

Receiving the donation was member of the GBFA Rollin Tappin who collected the gift from Managing Director of the K&S Organisation Kashif Muhammad.

Muhammad in his remarks expressed delight in assisting in the development of beach football and restated his organisation’s commitment towards the overall development of sports in Guyana.

Tappin speaking on behalf of the GBFA thanked the K&S organisation for their

Managing Director of K&S Organisation Kashif Muhammad (right) seen presenting the cheque to EBFA’s Rollin Tappin recently. timely support, adding that the Guyana ‘Red Jaguars’ is on a developmental path and urged more entities to come forward and offer their

support.

The team is currently preparing to participate in a tournament in Trinidad and Tobago.

BOSAI Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc Open Challenge B/ball c/ship

‘Squeaky’ Adams last gasp heave squeaks Bulls by to upset Kings 60-57 Top seed Kashif and Shanghai Kings were stunned by a last gasp threepoint shot as fifth seed Half Mile Bulls scored a sensational 60-57 upset victory Sunday night, as the BOSAI Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc Open Challenge Basketball Championship continued at the Mackenzie Sports Cub Hard Court.

Sean ‘Squeaky’ Adams’ throw from just inside midcourt came with just about 4 seconds left in the game which was knotted at 57 in the night cap.

Earlier in the evening second seed Amelia’s Ward Jets blew away the challenge of Block 22 Flames by 20 points, 57-37.

Adams’s shot was only the second successful one for the night by him as the Bulls were led by their prolific guard/forward Michael Turner who netted 21 game high points as forward Keon Cameron supported well with 16 and Travin Dryden notched up nine in the win for the Bulls.

In fact, junior national shooting guard Orin Rose and forward Thornton Wilson led the scoring for the Kings with 13 points apiece, forward Kevin Alleyne netted 12 and national skipper Steve Neils (Jr.) chipped in with 12 in the Kings’ loss.

Adams had opened the scoring for the Bulls for his only points until the end game shot after the Kings had taken

- Jets zoom past Flames 57-37 the lead through Alleyne. But by the end of the first quarter it was surprisingly anybody’s game at 7 -7.

Things did not get better for the Kings and Turner opened the scoring for the second period of play scoring their first four points before Cameron took over with the next five including one from ‘down town’ and Turner polished off an impressive second quarter showing with another eight points as the Bulls took the initiative with a 24-20 score-line.

That lead continued into the pivotal third quarter with the Bulls continuing to hold the sway leading again by four points 43-39.

It was during these periods of play that Rose and Alleyne tried to pull things around for the Kings unsuccessfully and while the fourth quarter was close the scores reflected same with just under 10 ten seconds left when it was tied at 57.

However, as he had done in the first quarter Adams squeaked home the unbelievable shot with a heave that hit nothing but the net and caused celebrations for the unlikely win over the Linden champions Kashif and Shanghai Kings.

That celebration came to end the night’s proceedings which saw in the game earlier

the Jets overwhelming their way against the Flames with a 57-37 dousing.

The game was one where the Jets were off to a good start as they led 19-12 before the Flames ignited to nudge into the lead at half time 2221.

However they failed to keep up with the pace as the Jets jetted their way to a 5737 commanding victory in the end, led by their captain Kevin ‘Two-Feet’ Joseph who had 14 points, as Javon Nelson and Allister Webster each scored nine points and Ruel McKinnon five.

Stephan Arthur was the Flames best scorer with 12 points and Aubrey Johnson netted 10 in the losing effort.

The day before, Saturday, the opening night which was witnessed by BOSAI’s Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc Mines Maintenance Superintendent and his wife, saw sixth seed Retrieve Raiders routing third seed Victory Valley Royals 76-28.

The championship will continue its round robin format among the six contending clubs this weekend.

Saturday Royals will be in action against Flames, and Raiders will face the Bulls; while Sunday Raiders return to face Flames and Kings oppose Jets.

Wednesday October 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 31

National Junior Chess champion Mayor Green 78th to be in rigid defence of title celebrated with 7-a-side tourney - Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton donate trophies & playing bibs

Hai Feng Su (left) and Ron Motilall locked in battle during their game.

Patrick Barton (left) is all smiles as he hands over the winner’s trophy to Lennox Arthur. At right is Earl O’Neil.

City Mayor Hamilton Green’s 78th birth anniversary will be celebrated in fine style when 32 teams clash in a specially arranged 7-a-side tourney on Friday November 9, Tuesday 13 and Sunday 18 at the GFC and Den Amstel Grounds.

And to ensure a smooth and satisfying tournament, former National footballer and Captain Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton has donated the first and second place trophies along with two sets of bibs that the competing teams will use during the competition.

Barton, a former Pele FC player, handed over the items to Coordinator Lennox Arthur noting that he is very pleased

to be associated with a competition that celebrates another milestone of a great Guyanese statesman.

Arthur revealed that the format of the tournament is designed to ensure that fans have an abundance of excitement. He revealed that he has been doing similar competitions (7 & 11-a-side) for the past 31 years in celebration of Green’s contribution to sports and Guyana.

Barton, who made his debut as a junior national in 1971 and at the senior level as a 16-year-old in 1973, voiced his delight in being able to do his part to encourage activity that keeps

the players focused on developing their skills.

He also holds the distinction of Captaining Guyana to victory in the Inter Guiana’s Cup competition twice.

Arthur stated that more information surrounding the tournament would be released in the coming days while also thanking some other sponsors who have come on board to date; Macorp, Guyana Beverage Inc., Nazar Mohamed, New Thriving Restaurant, Ansa McAl, Eddie Grant, Brian Tiwari, Chris Fernandes, Col. Laurie London, Dr Colin Watson, Ramsay Ali and Courtney Benn.

Dyna Ravens, Pacesetters win respective finals As predicted, Dyna Rave n s G u a r d Ry a n Stephney produced an outstanding performance, dumping in a game-high 19 points to lead his team to a 79-73 win over Colts in the final of the First Division segment of the ‘Refresh Your Game’ Gatorade-sponsored Pepsi Sonics organized Basketball Tournament which ended on Sunday, at Burnham Court.

He received support from Ryan Gullen, who poured in 14, while Jermaine Slater contributed 13.

For Colts, Sheldon Thomas netted 18 points, while Shelroy Thomas and

Dave Causeway added 17 apiece.

In the Third Division final, Pacesetters defeated Colours Panthers 65-50 with Joslyn Crawford leading the way with 18 points, while Shawn Gillis and Dwight Gray contributed 10 points each.

For Panthers, Haslyn Hooper had a team high 12 points, while Morris Archer and Jonathan Puran added 10 apiece.

In the Exhibition match, Pepsi Sonics Juniors beat Bobby Juniors.

Meanwhile, the Executives and Members of the Pepsi Sonics Basketball

have extended heartfelt thanks to all who came on board to make the tournament a success.

In a release, the club offered special thanks to Demerara Distillers Ltd for being the main sponsor, while Sankar Auto Parts, Ganesh Parts, Perreira Mining, Bacchus Drug Store, OG Shipping, Giftland Office Max, 4R Bearings, Pro Graphics, Antarctic Maintenance and Repairs, Mackeson, Automotive Essentials, Dalip Tr a d i n g , E . C Vi e i r a , Church’s Chicken, media, tournament officials, the public and fans, all came in for special mention.

National junior chess champion Hai Feng Su exhibited determination last weekend to defend his title when he defeated two main challengers in the SASHA CELLS 2012 National Junior Chess Championship at Olympic House, Kingston. The first to fall was Anthony Drayton followed by former junior champion Ron Motilall. Both players were forced to resign to the reigning junior champion.

Motilall’s forces became casualties in a lost endgame, while Drayton was unable to avoid a heavy loss of material and extricate himself

from a hopeless position.

He recently returned from Suriname representing Guyana at the Umada Cup tournament and won the best Under-17 trophy and a US$700 prize.

The points standings after three rounds read: Hai Feng Su three, Davion Mars, Saeed Ali, Anthony Drayton and Carlos Petterson two each. Ron Motilall is the only player on one, while two other players Dravin Drickpaul and Trenton Bennett are yet to score. Play resumes today at Olympic House, Kingston from 17:00hrs.

Page 32

Kaieteur News

Wednesday October 17, 2012

Caitan, Wilson to compete at SA 10k Race

By Edison Jefford Kaieteur Sport yesterday confirmed the participation of Rupununi’s national junior long distance sensations, Samuel Caitan and Doretta Wilson for Sunday’s International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) South American (SA) 10km Road Race Classic.

The Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG) had indicated at the launch of the event that they are expecting intense contests owed to increase participation of seasoned athletes. It seems as

though those words were prophetic with the advent of this development.

The focus has always been on the senior male and female categories of the race, but with Wilson and Caitan expected to compete Sunday, the competition is expected to get ‘tough’, as the young people would say in street parlance, among the juniors athletes.

Wilson is an outstanding National Schools’ Championship athlete, who went on to dominate the junior circuit two years ago at just

16 years old.

Following her outstanding performances in 2010 when she defeated CARIFTA Games gold medallist, Jevina Straker twice, Wilson had faded into Achawuib in the Deep South of the Rupununi.

The talented distance athlete had beaten Straker in the 10km road race and 1500m at the Schools’ Championships. Wilson was selected among eight of Guyana’s elite distance athletes to compete in Tobago. She seems to be back

- intensify rivalries among Juniors competing now, which is welcome news.

Caitan also had an impressive rise to the pinnacle of junior distance running when he easily beat Nathaniel ‘Brother’ Giddings, who was on top of his game, twice last year.

The AAG was impressed enough to select the athlete for the Junior CARIFTA Games. Wilson and Samuels will certainly add immense competition to the junior

version of the 10th SA 10km race.

Head Coach attached to the Rupununi Athletics and Sports Academy (RASA), Brian Rodrigues, has confirmed with the AAG that the two athletes will be in Georgetown to compete at the most prestigious 10k race for South American countries without synthetic tracks.

The AAG President, Colin Boyce said yesterday that he welcomes the return of the two athletes to competitive athletics. Boyce said that their return will certainly challenge the seasoned juniors. It will be an interesting sub-plot in the overall story of the race on Sunday.

Jevina Straker and Adama Roberts are among the leading athletes to contend with Wilson while Caitan faces a stiff challenge from the surging Devon Barrington.

The other seasoned juniors are also looking to make a

Doretta Wilson mark and cash in on the lucrative race.

The prizes include Open Male and Female International: US$1,000, US$600, US$400, US$300 and US$200 for first to fifth places respectively; Juniors: $40,000, $30,000, $20,000, $10,000 for first to fourth; Masters (Women 35 & above) and (Men 40-55): $30,000, $20,000, $10,000 up to third place; Masters (Men 55 & above): $25,000, $15,000 and $5,000.

Noble House Sea Foods on...

From back page keenly contested. He wished all the teams well.

Chairman of the GCA competitions committee Shawn Massiah said the previous tournament did well for the youths with some of them going on to play for the national team at the U-15 and U-19 levels.

Meanwhile, chairman of the GCA, former West Indies vice captain Roger Harper, thanked the sponsor for coming on board once again. He said that the longer version of the game showcase talent and develop the skills of the players with batsmen getting an opportunity to spend more time at the crease. He urged the cricketers to guard against indiscipline.

The first and second place teams will take home $100,000 and $60,000 worth in prizes respectively.

Defending champions GNIC will battle with Ace Warriors, Police, Transport, Vikings, Everest Cricket Club and Third Class in zone A, while Zone B will see UG, GDF, GYO, GCC, DCC, MYO and MSC clashing for a spot in final four.

(Zaheer Mohamed)

Wednesday October 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 33

Orette: Cutting a path to success through perseverance

By Michael Benjamin Recently, there has been an outcry by many young people exiting the school system over the unavailability of jobs on par with their academic achievements.

Many turn to sports only to discover grave difficulties in attaining top accolades in their respective choices.

Others become frustrated and deviate from their set goals and into less than complimentary vocations that oft times define their future and by extension, that of their very existence.

Orette Cutting (jr) may be categorized as someone exiting the school system with glowing academic achievements after procuring lucrative grades at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination including 6 grade ones, three grade twos and one grade three.

His successes are in English A and B, and Human and Social Biography among other subjects but though satisfied with the fruits of his labour, the youngster is most delighted with his grade one achievement in Physical Education and Sport where he copped a Grade A. During his school

days he had excelled in athletics, yet found enough time to concentrate on his academics, evident in his eventual performance.

They say that school life prepares one for the challenges of adulthood but Orette, while trusting the wisdom of his mentors, never envisaged the difficulties and challenges associated with such transitional changes and therefore, was a mite unprepared for the ‘truth.’

After leaving school, he decided to ‘cool his heels’ for a while before engaging in the arduous task of job hunting.

In the interim, he continued to pursue his dreams as an athlete. Shortly afterwards, he earned a place on a team selected to participate in an invitational meet in Barbados. He did not come away with any lucrative medal but the lesson learned at that meet was invaluable.

“I immediately noticed the type of interaction between the athletes and their respective coaches,” he said.

According to him, the coaches’ input was personal where each coach paid specific attention to individual athletes, correcting faults thus creating the

The two Cuttings, Orette Senior (right) and Junior pose for the cameras environment for improvement of their charges. “I had never experienced such intimate attention here in Guyana and yearned for such since I believe it could be the catalyst to the achievement of lucrative international accolades,” posited Orette.

He is adamant that such ploys could see positive changes within the local athletic sector and by extension, an improvement in the performance and accomplishments of local

Letter to the Sports Editor

The injustice continues DEAR SPORTS EDITOR, The embattled Guyana Cricket Board officials may have thought that the dark days were over when the Caribbean Court of Justice ruled that the Court of Appeal of Guyana must hear their case.

This was not to be as almost five (5) months has elapsed and the Court of Appeal of Guyana is yet to fix a date for hearing despite many reminders and requests being sent to the Court of Appeal for a hearing. I should state that the CCJ heard and delivered judgement in this matter in less than Two months.

The Caribbean Court of Justice, recognising that this matter is of great national and regional importance, ruled that “Due to the seriousness of the issues and the urgency of the matter this court most exceptionally will exercise the power of the Court of Appeal in the following manner”.

The CCJ went on o state in item 42 of its ruling that “This court grants the appellants an extension of time until Fourteen days from the delivery of this judgement to file a notice of appeal from

the order of Chang CJ (ag) of 29 December 2011, providing the Appellants within seven days of the delivery of this judgement file with the Registrar of the Supreme Court a motion seeking such an extension.

Such motion shall be supported by affidavit exhibiting a copy of this Court’s judgement as justification for such extension of time. Upon compliance with these conditions the notice of appeal shall reflect that it is filed pursuant to an order of this Court granting an enlargement of time”.

Through our lawyers Sir Fenton Ramsahoye and Mr. Sanjeev Datadin the GCB complied with all of the requirements within the time frame specified.

Subsequent to the minister of Sports in Guyana Frank Anthony issuing an edit that the GCB, an unincorporated sport organisation, be disbanded because it has no legal identity, the GCB had asked that the court declare that the minister does not have the right to disband a private entity. The Government of Guyana, through its Attorney

General, also proceeded to file court documents to Seize the GCB assets on a principle of “Bona Vacantia” (ownerless property). This matter is still pending even though the CCJ also ruled that “it is trite law that the members for the time being of an unincorporated association are beneficially entitled to its assets, subject to the contractual arrangements between them”.

I, as a representative of the GCB in this appeal, am of the opinion that such delays are unacceptable since not only the cricketers and Officials are suffering but the nation as a whole. Guyana is being deprived of international cricket, coaching and developmental programmes, regional fixtures and shortly a stake in the WICB T20 League. Our youngsters continue to suffer because of the suspension of the grass root and kiddies cricket programmes. The ICC recently issued a Three Million US Dollars grant to the region, will we be deprived of the benefits this will bring about?

I appeal to the Government and the Court to let better judgement prevail.

Robin Singh

athletes.

A soft spoken, self assured young man, Orette is adamant that sports achievement means absolutely nothing devoid of academic achievements. As such, he has every intention of continuing his studies since he also wants to manage his own business.

Already, he has taken the first step in this direction when he attempted to complete registration at the University of Guyana just

before the commencement of the 2012 semester.

His hopes were dashed when he was told he was a mite late and would have to postpone his ambitions until the new term. Orette is unperturbed and is presently putting the necessary modalities in place for the next registration period.

His dad, Orette (snr), manages his own transportation business while his mother Abigail teaches at St Agnes Primary School. Both parents are extremely proud of him and wish that their son, not necessarily follow their footsteps, but to be successful in whatever vocation he chooses.

“I instill in my son the importance of being a true role model in action rather than words,” advocates Mr. Cutting. He said that his son is focused and has all the attributes of a successful businessman. He also said that he is pleased with Junior’s sports achievements and is prepared to support him all the way.

“I believe he has the determination and application and my duty as a father is to inspire him to believe in himself,” he said.

His mother supports this theory while emphasizing the importance of moral and spiritual balance. She said that her son is multi-talented but he must be able to find the singular gift that supersedes the others and use it to positively influence the lives of those with whom he comes in contact.

However, the senior Cutting is prepared to give his son the requisite freedom to make his choices. He is confident that with his perceptive mind and academic brilliance his son could realize his aspirations. Evidence to support this conclusion is apparent in his son’s expert assessment of his Barbados sojourn.

In the meantime, the younger Cutting remains focused even as he awaits that opportunity to prove to his parents and the world at large that he is different from the run of the mill youth who gives up just at the brink of success. He feels that perseverance wins out.

NB: Shortly after completing this article, the writer was informed that young Orette had clinched a job at ‘Buddy’s’ working under the tutelage of a senior manager of that firm.