Kaieteur News

Thursday Edition October 22, 2015 - Vol. 8 No. 43

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Prisons head to face sexual assault charge

Welton Trotz

Even pigeons can’t stand the current heat These pigeons opted to cool off yesterday in one of the yet to be cleaned gutters on Saffon Street.

Prisoner claims detective raped him in station Fishermen catch C’tyne pirates after robbery

High Court orders Official DDL offers to date for sell Berbice GNBA to issue Deepavali broadcast licence is Nov. 10 Bridge shares to Govt. to businesswoman - Minister Ramjattan

Female acts as lookout while accomplices terrorize, rob family

Caught on camera...

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Thursday October 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

High Court orders GNBA to issue broadcast licence to businesswoman Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang has granted an order clearing the way for local businesswoman, Vidya Lewis, to be issued a Broadcast Licence.

Lewis, the proprietor of Vidya’s Enterprise of Lot 220 South Road, Lacytown, Georgetown, had been embroiled in court battle with the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), since 2012.

The businesswoman, who is known for broadcasting religious programmes, had taken the Broadcasting Authority to court following its refusal to grant her a licence under the National Broadcasting License Act of 2011.

Chang ordered that the businesswoman is and was at all material times entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms set out in Article 40 of the Constitution and therefore entitled to be issued a Broadcasting Licence.

According to court documents, Lewis had been operating a radio frequency prior to the introduction of the new legislation, but was denied a licence when she was asked to apply to the

new authority which came into being in August 2012.

The body had requested that all existing broadcasters reapply and satisfy the requisite criterion for fresh certification under the new laws that were in place.

But according to Lewis, her application was denied without adequate reason, resulting in a contravention of her fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 40, 142 and 146 of the Constitution of Guyana.

In her affidavit, Lewis noted that the GNBA had sent her a correspondence acknowledging receipt of her application.

The applicant was represented by Attorney-atLaw, Abiola Wong-Inniss.

According to court documents, Violet Boyal, Administrative Manager of the GNBA, through her Attorney, Sase Gunraj, had argued that pursuant to the Broadcast Act, Act No. 17 of 2011, the authority is not in receipt of any application from Lewis.

She claimed, therefore, the authority was unable to respond or grant any licence to Lewis.

Boyal further described

Media houses protest

the motion as without merit and misconceived. She called on the court to dismiss same with substantial costs to the Authority.

Boyal and the Attorney General were named as respondents in the case.

The radio licences issue has been a burning one for the nation since it was revealed that former President Bharrat Jagdeo during his final days in office in 2011, gifted several licences to close friends of the party.

The beneficiaries of radio licences included the sister of former Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud. Five were given also to the publisher of The Mirror, the PPP newspaper.

Indeed, his close friend, Dr.

Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, was the beneficiary of five frequencies.

But independent media entities which had applied, were sidelined, and were requested to submit fresh applications.

This resulted in widespread condemnation of the allocations as several media houses, including Kaieteur News, Stabroek News, Capitol News, CNS 6 and HBTV 9, were all overlooked by Jagdeo.

There had been days of protests by the media houses whose applications were not considered by Jagdeo.

Members of the international community and Diplomatic Corps also condemned the actions of the former Head of State.

Thursday October 22, 2015

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Kaieteur News

Prisons head to face sexual assault charge T

he administration of the Guyana Prison Service is set to undergo some major changes, once the current Director of Prison Welton Trotz is charged for a sexual offence. Kaieteur News was reliably informed that the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack, has advised that Trotz be charged with sexual assault of a female prison officer.

The advice to charge comes a mere two weeks after Trotz was presented with the Disciplined Service Medal at the recent investiture ceremony presided over

by President David Granger.

It stems from an incident that allegedly took place in Trotz’s office at the Guyana Prisons Headquarters on Brickdam way back in January.

Kaieteur News understands that the woman, a Prison Officer One, is

alleging that Trotz, who was confirmed as Director of Prisons last year July by then President Donald Ramotar, made sexual advances towards her. She rebuffed him on several occasions.

She claimed that after these advances failed, the Director invited her into his office and showed her pornographic images, after which he again made sexual advances to her.

The woman became annoyed and subsequently lodged an official complaint with the then Ministry of Home Affairs.

A Board of Inquiry, headed by the late Cecil Kilkenny, himself a former Director of Prison, was set up. That Board, after a detailed examination of the facts of the matter had recommended that Trotz face disciplinary action.

He was also advised to apologise to the aggrieved female

Prison Officer but he did not.

All of this transpired before the May 11 General Elections. Months passed and no justice was meted out to the woman; so she went to the police with the intention of getting criminal charges instituted against the Prison Director.

After intense investigations by the police, the file was sent to the DPP who subsequently advised that Tr o t z , a f o r m e r A s s i s t a n t Commissioner of Police, be charged with sexual assault of the woman.

When contacted last evening, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan told this newspaper, “I have no comment to make at this stage but I will be speaking to him (today).”

Three years ago, the late Commissioner of Police, Henry Greene, was forced out of office following similar allegations made

by a 34-year-old mother of two.

The woman had alleged that she was forced to have sex with Greene after she was induced with cash and a promise to assist her in a matter that was engaging the attention of the police.

Greene had dismissed the w o m a n ’s c l a i m s a s m e r e allegations and had declared that God will be his judge, although he later admitted to having consensual sex with her. Following weeks of investigations by a team of detectives from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, under the supervision of then Crime Chief Seelall Persaud, the Director of Public Prosecution advised that Greene be charged withrape.

However, Greene successfully got the High Court to overturn the DPP’s advice with Chief Justice Ian Chang ruling that the decision to charge Greene was irrational.

Welton Trotz

NCN’s satellite uplink equipment …PM Nagamootoo labels state superior to TVG’s of affairs downright criminal Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo wants to await a decision by the Board of Directors at the National Communications Network (NCN) on the way forward regarding the many glaring allegations that would have surfaced in recent weeks.

More recently there has been the purchase of millions of dollars in satellite uplink facilities that have been lying unused for two years now.

N a g a m o o t o o , commenting on the issue, yesterday, said that based on preliminary findings, it appears that the equipment in stock may in fact be superior to the ones used by TVG 28 to broadcast the signal for The Learning Channel.

Government has been paying TVG—a television station owned by Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop—a whopping $3.6M monthly to broadcast The learning Channel, even as its own uplink facilities were never ever brought online.

The NCN, equipment according to Nagamootoo,

would allow the Stateowned television station to have a greater reach in the broadcast of the signal.

Nagamootoo told media operatives that the new board which has been installed at NCN and headed

by Bish Panday, is taking the

need to be advised on the matter before pronouncing definitively.

“I am advised that there are two sets of equipment there that have a superior advantage.’

Nagamootoo explained that should the two sets of

“We believe either there has been collusion or a massive recklessness with regard to assets purchased with the tax-payers money” -Nagamootoo matter very seriously.

He lamented that the equipment was lying at NCN’s compound having never been activated, while revenues from the people of Guyana were being paid over to a private entity to broadcast the signal for the Ministry of Education.

“We believe either there has been collusion or a massive recklessness with regard to assets purchases with the taxpayers’ money…The new board will have to enquire what really happened,” said Nagamootoo.

Asked about the capacity of NCN to utilize the satellite uplink equipment, Nagamootoo said he would

pieces of equipment be utilized, The Learning Channel could then be taken to all parts of Guyana.

“There won’t be a part of Guyana that won’t be covered.”

A c c o r d i n g t o Nagamootoo, the equipment that has been left to idle and rot, “Was for me a criminal neglect not to be able to service all the areas….Why this has not been done requires a lot of investigation.”

Asked to outline Government’s plan for the future operations of NCN and its management, the Prime Minister lamented the physical state of affairs at the entity before expressing a desire to see new energy at the operations.

The matter of NCN management, according to Nagamootoo, ought to be

addressed by the new Board.

He drew reference to the fact that a number of the glaring revelations being made public would have been unearthed as a result of an audit that was ordered.

The place, he said, “Has been badly managed and it is for the Board to deal with the management, even the CEO (Chief Executive Officer).”

Asked if he believed that the entire management of NCN should be changed, Nagamootoo retorted, “I have an opinion that I will not mention here, but if I am asked by the Board I will give an opinion but let the Board decide what it wants

Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop to do.”

According to the Prime Minister, “I think it (NCN’s Management) needs new energy, that’s what I feel; it needs new energy and it needs new direction.”

Thursday October 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

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

Samuel Small’s death Why all the fuss about the salary increase? is a great loss DEAR EDITOR, I learnt with much grief about the death of an outstanding Guyanese educator Mr. Samuel Augustus Small A.A. News of this irreparable loss struck me like a bolt from the blue.

I believe that all those knew Mr.Small are equally perturbed. Kaieteur News, Sunday October 18, 2015 carried an article under the caption, “Police Force no longer a last employment option -Top Cop.” The last sentence in that article stated; “The Commissioner also posthumously recognized education stalwart, Samuel Augustus Small A.A. for his contribution of human resource development for more than 38 years of selfish dedication to the force , with a plaque to his wife.”

This was a fine gesture by the Commissioner. I do not know what was said about Mr. Small or what is written on the plaque.

As someone who has been associated with Mr. Small for over thirty five years, more so in the area of training and development in the GPF I wish to write about some of the things he believed in.

Mr.Small’s interactions with the police commenced in the mid seventies when he was the Deputy Principal of the Teachers’ Training College. It continued as Head of the Extra Mural Department of the University of Guyana, The Institute of Adult and Continuing Education, The Institute of Distance and Contuning Education and long after his retirement from public service.

He took the university to the police and the police to the university. As a result of his influence, numerous members of the force graduated from the various faculties of the University of Guyana.

Some won the Prime Minister’s Medal for being the Best Graduating Student.

Many are still attending and others will follow.

Unlike some others he felt that the GPF was not a refuge for uneducated persons and that training should not be treated as an unwanted, unmarried, pregnant step daughter.

He urged the police to always keep training on its front burner. Hence, his sustained input in all aspects of training conducted by the police. Mr. Small was held in

DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me space to make my pronouncement on the discrepancy concerning the date for Deepavali (Diwali) 2015, which is gazetted for the 10th of November 2015.

From an objective stand point my pronouncement is meant to shed the perpetual light of Maha Lakshmi(Goddess of prosperity)on this particular issue. Deepavali is celebrated on the dark night/New Moon (Amaavasya) in the eight Hindu calendar month Kaartik(mid OctoberNovember) and according to

the coordinated universal time(UTC)the date and time for New Moon in the month of Kaartik will be on the 11th of November 2015 at 13:47pm,therefore,the festival of lights(Deepavali) should be observed on the 11th of November 2015.

Pandit Deodatt M. Tillack Psychologist

Deepavali should be on November 11

high esteem by Police Commissioners Henry Fraser, Lloyd Barker, Balram Raguber, Laurie Lewis, Floyd Mc Donald, Winston Felix, Henry Greene, Leroy Brummel and Seelall Persaud. His favorite commissioner was Laurie Lewis.

They both had a public passion for training and development of the human resource of the GPF. Mr. Small told us on numerous occasions that what we believe about a person that belief will influence our behaviour towards that person. He explained that we should not see our policemen as ranks, as numbers, as replacements, as bodies.

If we see them that way we will treat them as ranks, as numbers, as replacements, as bodies.

We should see them as individuals with potentials for growth and development. If we do then, we will harness their desires, train them and treat them as human beings.

He opined that policemen must understand behaviour.

They must not only understand the behaviour of criminals but the behaviour of members of the public, friends, family and their own behaviour.

Through his intervention, the police trainers moved away from the basic chalk and talk method of instructions to question/ answer sessions, discussions, individual presentation, group Continued on page 23

DEAR EDITOR, I do hope this letter will find favour as a previous one supporting the wages increase to Government functionaries did not. Mr Editor, a writer once said that he had kept focusing on the forest and lost sight of the trees. This connotation seems to be paramount in our expressions these days where we are focusing on politics and losing sight of realities.

That being so brings me to the issue of withdrawal of subsidies for water and electricity to old aged pensioners.

As a recipient, Mr. Editor, this is not what took place.

The reality is, subsidies for 2015 were already given to those who were benefiting before the application of the

increase and those who were not are now receiving cash in lieu.

Whatever anomaly that may have been sighted is expected to be corrected in plans for 2016.

What is surprising, there were no protest previously for the subsidy not being given to all pensioners, why now?

Based on my trade union experience, you do not protest against administration in their attempt to correct wages and benefits anomalies, you do so when they failed not to.

This is one of the reasons for which I am in disagreement with my colleague Lincoln Lewis for somersaulting on the wages issue. My understanding is that provision had to be made

on the scale for the VPs and in doing so the anomalies sighted were prudent to address now, and I further understand that the 50% is not across the board some will receive a paltry 5% so why all this fuss.

Patrick Yard did the right thing to support the issue which to my mind he will use as a yard stick to negotiate for better wages and working conditions for his members.

Finally, Mr. Editor we need to give this new administration breathing space to function and as our President rightly said we will see the benefits of that increase down the road, and again friends, let us not focus too much on politics and lost sight of realities.

Sam T. Fraser

DEAR EDITOR, I read a recent letter about the anthropologist Professor Raymond T. Smith and noted the debate about the origin of his nationality.

Allow me to add some spice to this intriguing situation.

In 1960, while on a visit to London, I did temporary secretarial work, at the wellknown firm ‘Encyclopedia Britannica’.

For two weeks I shared office space with a middleaged, courtly gentleman, always in a three-piece suit, striped shirt, bow tie, wearing a fob watch at which he constantly glanced.

Head down, always

beavering away, he was there presumably to update his entry. During one morning coffee break, he asked me what part of the world I was from.

When I answered that I was from British Guiana, he lit up, and told me that his very good student was an anthropologist there and had married a local girl.

I am wondering now whether the student he referred to was Professor

Raymond T. Smith. Our chat was interrupted by the Deputy Editor, who had come to find out how “Dudley” was getting on. I never got round to asking Professor Dudley Stamp of ‘World Geography’ fame whether his ‘very good student’ was Professor Raymond T. Smith. Nor was I able to let him know how much his World Geography had helped me in the Cambridge Uni. exams.

Geralda Dennison

Remembering Professor Raymond T. Smith

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Kaieteur News

Thursday October 22, 2015

DDL offers to sell Berbice NCN CEO fires back Bridge shares to Govt. at critics …complains about attack on her privacy - PM Nagamootoo

One of the shareholders in the Berbice River Bridge has offered to sell its shares in the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) to the Government of Guyana.

Prime Minister and First Vice President, Moses Nagamootoo, made the announcement yesterday, as he hosted his first ever post Cabinet Press engagement at the Ministry of the Presidency.

According to Nagamootoo, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) has agreed to sell Government the 40 million shares it owns in the bridge company. The company has an asking price of some $45M, but Nagamootoo is optimistic that through negotiations a more convenient price could be arrived at.

Nagamootoo told media operatives, “Cabinet accepted the offer made by DDL to sell its shares in the BBCI to the Government of Guyana…The offer comprises of 40 million shares.”

The shares are held by Demerara Contractors and Engineering Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of DDL and represents 10 per cent of the shares in BBCI. According to Nagamootoo, “This government is determined to reduce the tolls attached to the Berbice River Bridge.”

He drew reference to previous measures taken by the coalition A Partnership for National Unity plus Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government, such as the introduction of river taxis at a subsidized cost.

This, he said, was done to “ease the pressures and burdens of the people who use the bridge.”

According to the Prime Minister, Government has adopted a position that while negotiating with the bridge company to effect the reduction in the toll, “We are also thinking of how this government can place itself in a better negotiating position,

Prime Minister and First Vice President, Moses Nagamootoo

by attracting shares so that it could have a stronger voice in the governing body of this company.”

The Prime Minister said that government was taking its promise for a reduction in the tolls “to a further stage of ensuring that our voice is not a feeble one and that the dominant partners in the Berbice Bridge would recognize that we are serious.”

Prime Minister Nagamootoo has in fact put the shareholders on notice saying, “We are prepared to go even further.”

He announced too, that Cabinet has authorized the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, to conclude the purchase of the shares.

“He (Jordan) has also been advised to seek the best possible price for the shares,” said Nagamootoo.

He said that Government is cognizant of the asking price but is optimistic that “DDL as an outstanding corporate citizen of Guyana would agree to a reasonable settlement of this matter.”

Asked by this publication about any negotiations involving the other

shareholders in the company, the Prime Minister said, “I believe what government seeks to do is to send out a broad feeler to all those who have shares.”

The New Guyana Pharmaceutical Company (GPC) which is owned by Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, has 80M in share stock in the Berbice Bridge.

The other principal investors in the bridge include the National Insurance Scheme with an initial 80M shares, Secure International Finance Company with 80M shares, Demerara Contractors which holds 40M shares, Hand in Hand Motor & Life Insurance Company that holds 40M shares and the Colonial Life Insurance Company with 80M shares.

The remaining and overwhelming majority of shares held in the Berbice Bridge Company belong to Government through the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) and stands at $950M in preference shares.

This has since been sold to NIS, bringing its share stake to in excess of 1 billion shares.

Molly Hassan, Chief Executive Officer of National Communication Network, has come out swinging as an imperative in response to content in the state run Guyana Chronicle with reference to the front page headline “NCN CEO gets higher pay than ministers –New Board uneasy about Performance”.

Despite what she dubs as an “unfair attack, she states, “I stand resolute in my functions as CEO of NCN and remain committed to the overall welfare of the staff of NCN.” In a press statement issued yesterday, Hassan declared that as CEO she is the executing officer of all policies of the Board of Directors of the National Communications Network and has always acted in accordance with this directive.

Hassan stated that she was asked to manage “a badly wounded company; but nevertheless” was in her opinion able to transfer her “exemplary private sector record to the public sector.”

She noted that in a matter of months despite the political challenges that were brought to bear on her ability to manage the company, professionally, she was able to implement strategies which optimized employees output and improve the management and overall functioning of NCN. She said that she understands why her positive effort has gone unnoticed given that NCN has over the years been the subject of much conjecture and ridicule. The ridicule appears to have now been transferred to her personally.

The NCN CEO stated that over the past six months she has encountered several unwarranted and malicious attacks on her character and reputation.

She also noted the most recent “Unethical exposure of my private information which sought to cause harm to my professional reputation. My right to employee-employer privacy has been breached in

Michael Gordon General Manager at Guyana Chronicle and Molly Hassan CEO of NCN a most filthy way.”

She noted that it would appear that efforts seem slanted towards making her a scapegoat for ills affecting the Company; ills that predate her employment.

Setting the record straight on information published yesterday in other sections of the media Hassan stated “They did not seek my input or response to it prior.”

As an ex-officio member of the NCN Board, she confirmed that “The newly installed Board of Directors, under the Chairmanship of Mr. Bishwa Panday, has never convened a statutory a meeting.”

“The Board of Directors has never conducted a performance appraisal with me nor have they ever discussed with me any dissatisfaction with my performance as CEO of NCN.” Further, Hassan stated that the Chairman of NCN is on record stating that he is unaware of any dissatisfaction with her performance.

Another point made by Hassan is that her monthly emolument “Is no different from what was enjoyed by any of the CEOs of NCN” including her predecessor, Michael Gordon who acted in the capacity of CEO for two years after the substantive CEO Mohamed ‘Fuzzy’ Sattaur resigned.

She stated that a cursory glance through any of the audit reports tabled in Parliament will reveal this. For the record, the NCN CEO stated that the after taxes and other deductions salary of the CEO is nowhere near the $1M that is “Maliciously published…”

“This seemingly orches-

trated public attack on my character can only be interpreted as an attempt to undermine my authority as CEO of NCN and consequently, continue to infringe on staff morale. As a professional, I should not be subject to this unfair level of scrutiny and misguided conjecture.”

Most importantly, Hassan sated that her right to privacy has been snatched from herself and family and “The security of my young children and husband is now officially compromised. And this has far reaching social implications and consequences; this wanton attack and careless handling of confidential financial information by despicable individuals who have a clearly set agenda should concern similar professionals within the industry and government and in fact any employee of a public organization. “ When contacted senior staffers at the Chronicle expressed surprise that the story was published minus any effort to seek a comment from Hassan.

One explanation is that the story’s intention was to make a comparison between state employees and other persons who are earning more money than Ministers however the article did not refer to other government employees who are making more money than Government Ministers.

Reports indicate that the article did not point out the fact that the Guyana Chronicle’s General Manager also earns a salary as well as benefits that are at the level of Hassan’s.

Thursday October 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

China’s Xi seals landmark multibillion-dollar nuclear deal in Britain

China’s President Xi Jinping is welcomed by Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron to 10 Downing Street, in central London, Britain, yesterday. REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett LONDON (Reuters) Chinese President Xi Jinping has sealed a multi-billion dollar deal to finance nuclear power stations in Britain, crowning a visit that Prime Minister David Cameron hopes will unleash a wave of investment from the world’s second largest economy.

After a day of pomp, Communist Party General Secretary Xi yesterday turned from pageantry to discussion of 40 billion pounds’ ($62 billion) worth of deals with Cameron in his Downing Street residence, where a landmark nuclear deal was signed. In the first major Chinese investment in a Western nuclear facility, China’s General Nuclear

Corporation (CGN) will take a one-third stake in the planned 18 billion-pound ($28 billion) Hinkley Point nuclear plant, to be owned by France’s EDF. State-owned CGN will also take a two-thirds stake in the Bradwell nuclear plant east of London, where it plans to build a Chinese-designed reactor, and a one-fifth stake in a project for Arevadesigned reactors at the Sizewell plant.

“We will build a global, comprehensive strategic partnership between our countries in the 21st Century and jointly open up a golden era,” Xi told reporters via a translator, adding that the nuclear deal was a flagship investment. Cameron is

pitching Britain as the preeminent Western gateway for investment from China, though the warmth of the reception for Xi has raised some eyebrows with allies and drawn criticism that London is ignoring China’s human rights record.

Protests on the street against the Communist leader have been small so far, despite activists accusing Cameron of courting Chinese money while brushing aside criticism of a crackdown in civil liberties since Xi came to power in 2012.

British officials and business leaders say the rise of China is impossible to ignore: China’s economy is four times the size of Britain’s.

Trudeau to Obama: Canada to pull out of bombing campaign against ISIS

(CNN) Canada’s new leader-in-waiting says he intends to follow through on his campaign promise to pull the country out of the U.S.led bombing campaign against ISIS militants in Syria and Iraq.

Justin Trudeau, who led the Liberal Party to a stunning victory in elections Monday, said he has already told U.S. President Barack Obama of his plans.

“He understands the commitments I’ve made around ending the combat mission,” Trudeau told reporters Tuesday, without giving a time frame for when Canada’s airstrikes would stop.

Trudeau is expected to take office in the coming weeks, replacing Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who sent Canadian warplanes to carry out airstrikes against ISIS. Canada’s bombing raids started hitting the Islamic extremist group’s positions in Iraq in November 2014 and expanded into Syria in April.

As of last week, Canada’s

Justin Trudeau six Hornet fighters in the region had flown 1,046 sorties in the anti-ISIS operation, according to the military, which didn’t specify how many of the flights involved airstrikes. Other aircraft have conducted hundreds of refueling and reconnaissance missions.

Trudeau said Tuesday that Canada would remain “a strong member of the coalition” against ISIS but

would “engage in a responsible way.”

His party wants to provide more humanitarian aid in Iraq and Syria and for the Canadian military to take part in training rather than bombing missions, CNN partner CBC reported.

The White House statement on the phone call between Obama and Trudeau didn’t mention the Canadian leader’s intention to withdraw from the air campaign.

It said the two leaders “committed to strengthening the countries’ joint efforts” on combating terrorism and other issues.

Other nations that have taken part in the U.S.-led coalition’s airstrikes against ISIS include Australia, France and Britain as well as Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

As of early October, the coalition had carried out more than 7,000 strikes, nearly twothirds of them in Iraq, according to the Pentagon.

The U.S. military has conducted close to 80% of all the strikes.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday October 22, 2015

U.S. adds charges against Macau billionaire in U.N. bribe case NEW YORK (Reuters) U.S. prosecutors unveiled more charges against a billionaire Macau real estate developer and three others accused of engaging in a bribery scheme involving a former president of the United Nations General Assembly.

The charges were in an indictment in Manhattan federal court against five people including John Ashe, a former U.N. ambassador from Antigua and Barbuda who was General Assembly president from 2013 to 2014.

Prosecutors previously

said Ashe took more than $1.3 million in bribes from Chinese businessmen including Ng Lap Seng, who has a $1.8 billion net worth and developments in the Chinese territory Macau.

Ng, 68, who prosecutors say paid Ashe more than $500,000 to seek U.N. support of a conference center in Macau, had previously been charged on Oct. 6 with bribery conspiracy and bribery charges. Ng now faces two additional counts including money laundering, as well as his assistant, Jeff Yin, and Francis Lorenzo, a now-suspended deputy U.N. ambassador from

the Dominican Republic. Both men were accused of facilitating the bribes. Ng’s lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, said his client would be “vigorously defended.”

Lawyers for the other people charged had no immediate comment or could not immediately be reached for comment.

The indictment also added two bribery counts against Sheri Yan, who had been chief executive of Global Sustainability Foundation, and had been accused of facilitating $800,000 bribes to Ashe by three unidentified Chinese businessmen.

smaller size makes them more tempting to use in a conventional war. Sharif and Obama are due to meet today. The United States wants Pakistan to commit to not using tactical nuclear weapons but Islamabad wants to keep its options open as a way of deterring a potential Indian attack, said Maria Sultan, head of the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute.

Pakistan says the United States is demanding unreasonable limits on its use of nuclear weapons and not

offering much in return apart from a hazy promise to consider Pakistan as a recognized recipient of nuclear technology.

“Pakistan’s nuclear programme is ... India-centric.

And it exists to make war a nonoption ... Tactical nuclear weapons block off this room (for war) completely,” said a security official with knowledge of Pakistan’s nuclear programme. “No one can dictate what kind of weapons we will make or use.”

Pakistan to tell U.S. it won’t accept limits on tactical nuclear arms ISLAMABAD (Reuters) Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will tell U.S. President Barack Obama this week that Islamabad will not accept limits on its use of small tactical nuclear weapons, Pakistani officials said yesterday.

Pakistan insists smaller weapons would deter a sudden attack by its bigger neighbor India. But the United States worries tactical weapons may further destabilize an already volatile region because their

Thursday October 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 9

TRANSPARENCY AND THE BUSINESS DECLINE I am once again asking the media that when reporting on appointments made by the government, be it to Boards or to public offices, to kindly indicate the age of the persons being appointed. The media should also ascertain whether the persons were ever members of Guyana’s military.

Guyanese have way of poking fun at situations. This is one way in which Guyanese defuse tensions. The big joke around town these days, is if a person is over 60 or was in the past associated with the military, then that person has a good chance of nailing down a good job within the administration. This is the Guyanese way of hinting that retirees and ex-army personnel are being re-employed in the government.

Before the joke becomes a reality, it is important that the government tries to be more transparent in the manner in which it makes appointments. This is not a PR problem; it is about being more transparent.

The situation would not be all that bad had it not been for concerns that there have been no advertisements for a number of important positions. This goes against the commitment to transparency that the new government promised.

There continues to be indications that the government has no intention of advertising certain positions within the public sector. It is now being suggested that a frontrunner has already been identified for a top position within the State-owned media.

It is not surprising that coinciding with these rumours has been a smear campaign against the person who is likely to be replaced. If the government is transparent about appointments, there is no need for the character assassination of anyone. It is unbecoming, it is unnecessary and it is distasteful.

People have lives to live.

No one is standing in the way of the new government from doing what it pleases and therefore there is no need for the reputations of persons to be besmirched. If persons have done wrong, there are legal measures which can be taken against them rather than condemning them in the court of public opinion.

It was disturbing to read that the Ministry of Business had to outsource the recruitment of someone to head the Guyana Office for Investment.

According to that Ministry, a private firm has been selected to develop the terms of reference for the job, advertise the position, conduct the inter-

Dem boys seh...

JAGDEO STINK UP DE COUNTRY Soulja Bai and he team got a lot of cleaning to do-from top to bottom, side to side-right across this country. Everywhere you tun in this place it smells and a lot of people stink.

That is de condition rats like and is de one and only Rat that create de conditions. A woman seh how Henry Greene, de former commissioner of police, rape she. Henry Greene run to de court and get Chang to stop de PPP DPP from charging him.

Of course, everybody know de role de Rat played in that.

Now a man who wuk under that same Henry Greene going to de court on a sex charge. Another woman seh that he mek he hand fast wid she.

Nuff other police who wuk under dem doing de same thing. Dem male police now doing it to man in de lock ups.

Just yesterday one of de male prisoner complain how a detective hammer him and de detective is not a carpenter or a contractor like Brassington.

After all is Brassington who design de contract and get people to build de Berbice Bridge. He and de big Rat dem draft de contract to rob everybody. But Yesu smell de Rat. Dem boys seh whether is Rat shit or Rat fart dem don’t know, but Yesu get de smell and get confused. One of his company got shares in de Berbice Bridge and dem boys hear de cries of de poor man start fallin pun all of dem so he decide to tek he self out by selling out de shares.

Dem boys hear he seh at this age he nah able fuh let tears fall on him. He did put in de money because of that scamp Jagdeo. Dem boys hear Jagdeo force him and he couldn’t seh no.

Now that de clean up start dem boys hope that Soulja Bai, Moses who never part a trench, and de others got enough toilet paper to clean up de mess wha Jagdeo and he kavakamites put this country in.

Talk half and start wearing face mask

views and make the recommendation for appointment.

Is this an attempt at transparency or is it a lack of capacity on the part of the Ministry of Business? Why would the Ministry of Business have to ask a private firm to develop the Terms of Reference for a position in a public corporation?

Guyana developed the plans to build a controversial hotel and yet Guyana cannot find the means to write the Terms of Reference for its investment and export promotion agency?

The Terms of Reference of that position must be lo-

cated in some file within the Office of GOINVEST and if it is not there surely it cannot be rocket science to develop them. It is shocking to know the government has money to spend on something like this.

The government must be awash with funds.

Well apparently not because the Guyana Revenue Authority is being asked to accelerate the collection of revenues, especially in reports that motor vehicle imports have declined appreciably in recent times, resulting in a massive shortfall for revenues collected from this source.

The government needs to wake up to the reality that it will take more than revenue collection to boost the economy. The government has to address the structural problems that are at the core of the decline in businesses activity.

The problem is that businesses are waiting on the government. The businesses do not want to invest, only to find that the government drops the rate of the VAT. Those who would have imported at the higher VAT will feel, even though this is not technically so, that they will lose financially. Businesses

are therefore not committing until they are sure that policies will become more certain and transparent.

Once the government’s tax policies become more predictable and transparent, the business slowdown will end.

This slowdown is because the business community is not sure what will happen next year and so they are adopting a wait- and- see approach.

FISHERMEN CATCH C’TYNE PIRATES AFTER ROBBERY Three pirates who attempted a daring attack on a group of fishermen at sea on Friday last, were on Tuesday remanded to jail by Magistrate Carlyn Artiga when they appeared before her at the Mibicuri Magistrate’s Court in Black Bush Polder on two charges of Robbery under Arms.

The men are Vickanand Chandika, 36, of 26 Block 4 Tain Settlement, Corentyne; Khemraj Persaud, 23, of the same address and Ram Singh, 52, of Cromarty Corentyne Berbice.

They are accused on October 16, last, while armed with a gun and cutlasses, robbed Vishwanauth Ram, 39, a Captain of Lot 122 Section ‘A’ No 65 Village, Corentyne, Berbice and his crew of their fishing boat ‘Khan 1418’, one 248 HP Yamaha outboard engine, some fish and a quantity of fish seine.

According to Prosecutor Inspector Godfrey Playter, boat captain Ram, supported

by crew members Paul Williams, 47, of Lot 90 Alness Village, Tajraj Sudial of Lot 192 No 64 Village, and Vishanand Vandick, 19, of No 64 Village, Corentyne departed the No 66 Fisheries around 12:00 hrs on October 11 on their fishing trip.

About 13:00 hrs on Friday 16, while about 10 miles off shore in the vicinity of Bush Lot Village they were approached by the suspects in a small blue boat. The pirates ordered the fishermen into the fish pen, then took the engine from one boat, placed it on another before dumping the fishermen into the boat that had no engine.

The fishermen were left to drift for several hours before they reached land where they made a report to the Police station who responded immediately to the report.

The stolen boat was subsequently abandoned by the pirates after it got stuck.

Two of the men went back to retrieve the outboard engine

from the boat. However they were intercepted, while removing the engine by another group of fishermen that was passing in the area at the time.

The boat was towed to

shore and the men taken into custody.

None of the attacked fishermen were injured. The matter has been transferred to the Whim Magistrate’s court for continuation on November 5.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday October 22, 2015

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Ramotar says it is too early to reflect As I entered the door of my home on Tuesday around 8.25 pm, the television was on and Donald Ramotar was on the screen. He was being interviewed by the HGPTV newscast. The question I heard was, what regrets he has about things not done and things done but didn’t work out.

For a President who spent three years in office, his answer was unusual. He said it is too early to reflect on his Presidency.

With three years behind

him, Ramotar must have at least a few items in his head of which when he looks back there must be regrets.

The most naked one was his failure to either court the AFC or APNU after the 2011 elections to prevent the noconfidence vote.

Minority governments are inherently shaky for commonsensical reason – you can wake up and find yourself out of power because you don’t have a majority in Parliament.

Mr. Ramotar was not pre-

pared to distribute any kind of power to either of the two parties, no matter how small.

It was the most fatal mistake of the Ramotar presidency thus, he will end his political career without a legacy.

Several reasons explain why Mr. Ramotar showed such unwise obduracy. For many analysts, including this columnist, an overarching factor was the relentless presence of Mr. Jagdeo in the presidency of Ramotar. It would appear that Mr. Jagdeo’s style of politics, minority government or not, was never to seek any modus vivendi. But even if Jagdeo had left it up to Ramotar, there would have been no concessionary attitude. Herein lies the tragedy of the PPP which will further undo it in the 2020 elections.

The PPP is soaked in the mythology that it cannot lose national elections. For the PPP, it never did, it never will.

That is partially true. If the

1968, 1973, 1980 and 1985 elections were physically clean, the PPP would have won.

Any party looking at that type of invincibility would conclude it has a permanent electoral imprimatur.

The PPP believed this and put down the loss of a majority in 2011 to over-zealous Berbicians who stayed away out of the belief that the victory was a done deal.

The perpetual triumphalism came from the racial arithmetic. In a poisonously plural society, race makes PPP victory a foregone conclusion.

From 2000 onwards that arithmetic began to change but the optical illusion remained stationary. Indians were leaving Guyana faster than the bullet train in Japan.

But the historical mythology prevented the PPP from seeing and interpreting changing demography.

The thinking of the PPP is that once you combine the Indian and Amerindian electorates, the PPP is unbeatable. The huge signpost that was there to see from 2000 that Indian numbers had declined, that the Indian voter was no longer a Pavlovian

creature, and that African Guyanese were less apathetic in voting, was ignored by the monarchs of Freedom House We arrive now at a critical juncture – why did the PPP lose the 2011 and 2015 elections? We will not dignity the asinine claim of rigged polling in 2015. Of the Indian numbers, the PPP cannot get a hundred percent. To have won the 2011 poll it had to collect a hundred percent of Indian and Amerindian votes.

That was impossible in 2011. Interestingly, the Indian votes for the PPP rose dramatically in 2015 and this is the reason why the PPP still cannot believe it lost. The PPP believes it has got back the embrace Indians gave the AFC in 2011.

This is extremely faulty analysis. The PPP did not recollect the ballots the Indians gave the AFC in 2011. It recollected a sizeable percentage of those 2011 ballots in the May 2015 election.

But it was that small percentage that stuck with the AFC that prevented the PPP from going over the fifty percent mark.

What is interesting to note is that though APNU

Frederick Kissoon analysts have argued that the AFC did not bring the eleven percent of the Indian votes in 2015 as most people expected, the percent that it did bring caused the PPP to lose.

It means that the AFC was the crucial factor in the election victory. In all seriousness, I think the APNU leadership should acknowledge that if it wasn’t for the vivid symbolism of the APNU+ AFC unity team, the threeway race of 2011 repeated in 2015 would have resulted in another PPP minority government. Honestly! The PNC (not APNU) should be grateful to the AFC. Based on this analysis above, I think it is impossible for the PPP to win the 2020 poll.

It cannot get all the Indian and Amerindian votes to take it over the 50 percent mark.

Thursday October 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Opposition MPs will be paid salary increase Despite the cries, protestations and claims that the opposition will not be taking a salary increase, all members of the political opposition—the Peoples’ Progressive Party (PPP) - will in fact be paid, the increases when Parliament pays its salaries this month.

Kaieteur News consulted a senior official at Parliament Buildings-the authority that is responsible for making salary payments to Members of Parliament-and was told that the body is bound to make the payments taking into account the Ministerial Order that authorized the increases.

Speaking to this publication on the condition of anonymity, it was explained that under the relevant legislation governing the salaries of a Minister and other Members of Parliament, the subject Minister is permitted to making the Order for the increase in salaries.

It was explained to this publication that when Parliament meets tomorrow, the Order will be laid in the House, but this is only a formality since the Order has already been brought into force by virtue of its publication in the Official Gazette.

The Parliament will be

…Parliament bound to make payments by Ministerial Order making the payments this month, in keeping with the Ministerial Order, signed and Gazetted by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.

The salary increases were published in the Official Gazette of September 25.

This publication was told that opposition Members of Parliament simply cannot say they will not be accepting an increase in salary and that Parliament will abide with its wishes.

The Parliament is bound to act in accordance with the Ministerial Order, dictating that increases be paid to each member of the Executive and Legislature ranging from as little as five per cent to 50 per cent.

This publication was told that there is a mechanism in place to challenge the salary increases.

The Standing Orders of the Parliament do provide for a motion to be tabled to challenge the increases.

This publication was told however, that in order to challenge the Ministerial Order, it will first have to be

laid after which any member of the assembly will have 21 days within which to move a motion to either amend the Order or annul it altogether.

The motion if successfully tabled and approved will still have to be debated and voted on in the National Assembly.

The coalition A Partnership for National Unity plus Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government commands 33 of the 65 seats in the National Assembly with the PPP holding 32.

The PPP has signaled its intention to challenge the salary increase by way of a motion but given the voting strength of the Government, its successful passage is unlikely.

Ever since the Gazetting of the Ministerial Order was made public, there has been much public debate over the salary increases leading the opposition PPP to publicly declare that its MPs would not be taking the increase.

The PPP, yesterday, by way of a public missive indicated that its members

Parliament Building

have in fact received their pay slip from the Parliament Office for the month of October 2015 which indicates that they have been paid salary increases.

The PPP is adamant that the payments were made notwithstanding the fact the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, stated publicly nearly two weeks

ago that they will not be accepting this increase in their salaries.

The party believes that the Ministerial Order is not in force since it has not been tabled in the House as yet.

The PPP said that Government, by hastily paying these increases in salaries to themselves, is clearly subverting the role of

the National Assembly, violating the Standing Orders and contravening the law.

“All of this is designed to defeat the PPP/C’s efforts to challenge these unconscionable salary increases in the National Assembly…The decision to pay themselves these salary increases was made in (Continued on page 24)

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Kaieteur News

Thursday October 22, 2015

UG medical degree not valid outside Guyana - Dean calls for Government’s support to remedy state of affairs The medical degrees of the 46 students set to graduate from the University of Guyana (UG) School of Medicine this year will be affected due to a move by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP) to revoke the institution’s accreditation.

This therefore means that the students, once graduated, will not be able to utilise their degrees outside of Guyana without first sitting the Caribbean Association of Medical Councils (CAMC) examination.

This examination would not have been required if the accreditation was not revoked.

Of the 46 students, fewer than five are from Caribbean territories, and unlike their

Guyanese counterparts, they will not be able to practise in their homelands when their degrees are conferred upon them next month.

The School of Medicine’s accreditation was revoked earlier this year following a visit by CAAM-HP when it was revealed that a number of recommendations to improve the institution were not adhered to. The recommendations were made in 2012 when the Kingston, Jamaica-based body visited Guyana. Full accreditation is usually offered for a four-year period.

Re-accreditation of the School of Medicine may not be possible until the latter part of next year, according to Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr. Emmanuel

Cummings, as he considered the volume of work that will have to be done and submitted to CAAM-HP. Dr. Cummings and Dr. Carl ‘Max’ Hanoman, who was at the time Director of the School of Medicine and Vice Chairman of CAAM-HP, were instrumental in paving the way for the institution to be fully accredited in 2009. While Dr. Cummings was Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences for a period of 10 years he’d stepped down in 2013. He was however reappointed to the position in August in order to help the process of putting measures in place for the School of Medicine to regain its accreditations.

“We might be able to get things together and submit our documents to CAAM-HP

by January (2016) and it could be about three to four months before they visit and when they come their visit will take about a week,” said Dr. Cummings.

He noted that all stakeholders are usually interviewed by the body to determine the authenticity of the information submitted.

Stressing the importance of accreditation, Dr. Cummings said that because Guyana is a signatory to the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), which allows for professionals to work within the CARICOM region without a work permit, the Medical School was required to be accredited by CAAMHP. This process is done in order to ensure that the degrees throughout CARICOM are equivalent.

According to the CAAM-

HP website (www.caam. hp.org), the body is the legally constituted body established in 2003 under the aegis of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), empowered to determine and prescribe standards and to accredit programmes of medical, dental, veterinary and other health professions education on behalf of the contracting parties in CARICOM. Dr. Cummings therefore pointed out, “You have to meet certain minimum standards in order for your degree to be worth anything...it was to address this that CAAMHP was established.”

The UG programme, although when accredited is on par with the others in the region, is offered at a much cheaper cost and thus attracts some Caribbean students. Dr. Cummings disclosed that while the UG medical programme is offered at the cost of US$2,500 per year, the cost across Caribbean territories can range from US$10,000 to US$20,000 per year and even more in some cases.

At the George’s University in Grenada for instance, Dr. Cummings said that the medical programme is offered at US$60,000.

This, however, is one of the factors that has been preventing UG from adhering to the recommendations of CAAM-HP, said Dr. Cummings.

“How can you maintain standards when you are collecting fees that don’t allow you to maintain those standards...that is the problem that we have and I have told the politicians this; this is not about politics this is the reality,” asserted the Health Sciences Dean.

“We have said to the University many times that we have to find ways and means of increasing the income of the

Dr. Emmanuel Cummings, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Medical School in order to maintain the recommended standards,” said Dr. Cummings as he disclosed that there are 144 standards divided into seven areas that must be met.

He cited the need for a proper anatomy laboratory, certain amenities such as a students’ common room and library, state of the art classrooms complete with multimedia equipment and even an improved building.

Currently, the medical students are subjected to have some classes at a location above the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation mortuary which according to Dr. Cummings, “I’ve been made to understand is falling to pieces.”

In addition to the university’s failure to submit required reports to CAAMHP, one of the most troubling deficiencies highlighted by CAAM-HP was the need for a curriculum review.

The Dean yesterday confided, “The last time that we had a major curriculum review was in 1994 and since then what we did was minor review so when they came in 2006 and came back in 2012 we ba-

sically showed them the same curriculum with some minor changes. We added some courses but the mode of delivery wasn’t what they wanted.”

“They wanted to see a mode of delivery that encourages integration...What the medical students are doing in year one you must be able to see the relationship in the subsequent years...” added Dr. Cummings.

Another recommendation of CAAM-HP is that lecturers of the medical programme be qualified in education. “I must say that we are doing that right now; there are a number of doctors who have been enrolled and they are doing that right now,” asserted Dr. Cummings.

Added to this, CAAM-HP has recommended that a recent and updated Memorandum of Understanding between the university and the GPHC be crafted.

While an MOU was signed just before the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic demitted office earlier this year, the document is currently under review by the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change government.

“That MOU has so far not received the full blessing up to now...It is still being reviewed by the new Government,” said Dr. Cummings.

“We as a Medical School can do our best but then it hinges on support from the Government financially.”

He added, “The accreditation of the Medical School is not just the Business of the Medical School it is the business of the whole country...Government has to support financially; this is not politics. If our programmes in health are not accredited then our professionals are not going to be able to work in CARICOM countries,” he added.

Thursday October 22, 2015

Prisoner claims detective raped him in station A 36-year-old man has come forward with harrowing claims of being forced to have unprotected sex with a police officer in exchange for a case against him being dropped, at the very Police station where the infamous case of Colwyn Harding’s baton rape made headlines in November of 2014.

The sexual assault allegedly occurred on Tuesday evening at approximately 19:30hrs in the ablution area of the Timehri Police station. Up to yesterday afternoon at 17:30hrs, the victim, the man was reportedly yet to receive medical attention.

According to the victim, who lives alone, he attended a barbecue on Saturday evening. As he was going home, he was accosted by his neighbour, who accused him of breaking into his house.

He stated that his neighbour also pushed him.

“So I was going to the police station to make a report,” the victim said. “But before I meet, the police collect me at Kuru Kuru (Soesdyke, Linden highway). When I go Timehri (police station), the detectives ask the man how he suspects me (of stealing a TV and break and enter).”

He recounted that the neighbour then declared that the basis for his accusation was because “People say I am the biggest thief man.”

He related that even though he protested his innocence he was placed under arrest by the detective and put in the lockups. He alleged that at the time his step son, a minor, was with him. “I was placed (in the lockups) since Saturday, punishing to eat. I telling them the story, (but) they bring a man who claim that he see me,” he said.

However, he was adamant that his stepson had seen who really entered the house.

Sodomy According to the man, for three days he languished in the lock ups, depending on food that other inmates and their families shared with him. He said that some time after 19:00hrs on Tuesday night the detective overseeing his case came to him.

“He come to the cell, took me out and said that he wants some information

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Kaieteur News

from me and he will send me home. Before that, he took me out and he loose the boy (step son). And he give the boy money to go back home to Berbice.”

“He took me out of the lock up and tell me to give him a deep throat, let me (perform fellatio). I did that and he told me that he wouldn’t carry the matter to court; (that) he will arrest the man that did the crime,” He said that the detective also sodomized him in the ablution area of the station.

He alleged that the detective, when he had finished with the act, told him he had not ejaculated in him.

However, the victim related that after spending the night in considerable pain and discomfort, he was shocked that the next day the detective came to him and woke him up, telling him that he would have to attend court at the Providence Magistrate’s Court.

“This morning (yesterday) I was surprised to hear that he is carrying the matter to court,” he said.

“Since last night I hollering out (but after hearing of the case proceeding) I start hollering out (anew). There is a guy in the lockups that see when he was (having) sex with me.”

“When I reach to court, I tell the Magistrate that I’m innocent and (after) the Magistrate put me on $75,000 bail, I also told her what he done to me,” the man said. “But while I was there, the detective brought the virtual complainant and they tell me that today I going to jail.”

He added that the Magistrate then ensured that the police escorted him to the Brickdam Police Station, after which ranks took him to the Georgetown Public Hospital at approximately 16:00hrs. Kaieteur News understands that the victim has been under police escort since leaving the Timerhi Police Station.

According to the man, he was also a witness in the Colwyn Harding baton rape case. Though he never came forward publicly for fear of discrimination, he alleged that the police nevertheless continued to harass him and accuse him of petty crimes.

“Since the Colwyn Harding story I’ve never been at peace,” he said.

Ranks should not hide to trap unsuspecting drivers - Traffic Chief T raffic ranks lurking amid t r e e s a n d stationary vehicles to trap unsuspecting drivers with speed guns, is hazardous to both the lawmen and road users, according to the Traffic Chief, Dion Moore.

The police, in an effort to control speeding drivers on the road, use radar guns to measure the pace of moving vehicles.

However, there are reports coming out that policemen and women, working on the country’s roadways would tend to come out from stationary vehicles or from areas where there are bus sheds and stop vehicles.

In February last, Daniel Hinds, a taxi driver from Mocha, East Bank Demerara (EBD), crashed his car into a culvert at Rahaman’s Park,

EBD, and killed himself.

This was after he allegedly spotted a traffic rank hiding behind a parked vehicle and he tried to slow down.

According to reports, Hinds was traveling at a fast rate when he spotted the policeman in the vicinity of R a h a m a n ’s P a r k a n d suddenly stepped on his breaks, causing him to lose control of his vehicle.

Eyewitness said that the car spun three times before hitting the edge of a nearby drain and toppled. Many persons had blamed the traffic rank for Hinds’ death, citing that if he (rank) was not hiding, then the taxi driver would have seen him from a distance and slow down. The father of one was heading home when he lost

control of his vehicle PPP 7130.

The Traffic Chief, during the interview, explained that ranks ought, to at all times, give the vehicle they choose to stop, enough time to come to a halt because if they (ranks) should dart out on the road and there is not enough space, the vehicle can cause an accident.

He said that while ranks used (hiding behind stationary vehicles) as a strategy to catch speeding drivers, it is dangerous.

“As superiors of those ranks, we emphasized on them that they should desist in such practice because it endangers their own lives as well as the lives of those who might be approaching them,” Moore stressed.

Their tactic of suddenly

emerging from the undergrowth, bus sheds and stationary vehicles to catch drivers was branded ‘unfair’ and dangerous by drivers.

One route 32 minibus driver, who asked that his name be withheld, said that alarmed motorists who spot the ranks abruptly slam on their brakes and put themselves and other road users at risk.

“Sometimes, the roads are clear and then all of a sudden, a rank pops up in front of you from a turn or from behind a tree with the radar gun.

They don’t give you enough time to stop. Also, if there is a vehicle in front of you, and you have to stop abruptly then the vehicle at the back could run into you,” the driver related.

For the year, 18,040 persons were charged for speeding countrywide.

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Thursday October 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Report on Sugar Industry…

Chairman appeals for acceptance of GuySuCo CoI recommendations

By Abena Rockcliffe Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) set up to examine the Sugar Industry, Vibert P a r v a t a n , o n Tu e s d a y presented the Commission’s findings to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, George Jervis.

Jervis collected the report in the absence of Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, who is said to be in Mexico on

Government business.

Those present at the handing over ceremony held at the Ministry of Agriculture Boardroom, included Commissioners Professor Clive Thomas, John Dow, Joe Alfred, George James, Aslim Singh, Claude Housty, John Piggot and Nowrang Persaud. The only Commissioner absent was Harold Davis who has since returned to the United States of America.

The handing over

COI Chairman, Vibert Parvatan

-“Our finding may not find favour with many…” ceremony, which was closed to the media, was also witnessed by Secretary to the Commission, Omadatt Chandan.

G u y S u C o ’s I n t e r i m General Managers, Errol Hanoman and Paul Bhim, were also present as was Ministry of Agriculture staff.

According to Parvatan, Jervis thanked the Commission on behalf of his Ministry. He commended the Commissioners for accepting the mandate and applying themselves

enthusiastically.

Parvatan said that all the Commissioners initially had some trepidation about taking on such an important assignment which attracted vast attention both local and abroad.

He thanked his colleagues for their support and their objectivity in seeking a resolution to the crisis in the sugar industry.

Parvatan told those who gathered that he is well aware and accepts the harsh reality, that whatever has

been recommended will certainly not meet the expectations of all, “There will be people who are not satisfied.”

He reportedly added “I expect that, but I hope the majority will find what is advocated as a positive step in the (local sugar industry’s) scenario.”

The Chairman noted that there were political sensitivities to the subject given its importance, relevance and significance to Guyana and its people.

Parvatan reportedly took the opportunity to express thanks and appreciation to the many persons who made submissions to the COI. He mentioned Barry Newton, a former Director of Booker Tate; Bigyan Chandra, former Agriculture Director GuySuCo; Mr. Pitan, former Human Resource Director of GuySuCo; Mike Singh, an Economist; Sydney Robinson, former Factory Manager; and Ragnauth, former senior Sugar Te c h n o l o g i s t f o r m e r Chairman of DDL, Dr.Yesu Persaud, current Chairman, Jomal Samaroo, lawyer and financial Analyst Christopher Ram, Businessman Stanley Ming, Economist Rawle Lucas and former GuySuCo Chairman,

Vic Ouditt, Parvatan yesterday told Kaieteur News that most of the men had similar conclusions even though varying views were expressed. Several technical staff of GuySuCo and most Heads of Department (HoD) also appeared before the Commission. The estates were visited and discussions were held with HoDs. Representatives of the Trade Unions, Guyana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), Guyana Labour Union (GLU) and National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) also appeared before the Commission.

Parvatan told Kaieteur News that the report includes an executive summary and the special technical sub committee reports, as well as a section on Human Resources and Industrial Relations, Finance and Economics. There are also sections on factories, fields and marketing.

He refused to speak on the actual findings saying that due process has to be followed.

Parvatan said that upon Minister Holder’s return, he will examine the report, discuss it with Cabinet and then organize its release.

Thursday October 22, 2015

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Kaieteur News

Guyana for the first time covets top - to again receive four Regional CAPE award top regional CSEC awards

Top Regional CAPE Performer: QC’s Cecil Cox

W

ith Cecil Cox of Queen’s College (QC) being named the Most Outstanding Overall candidate at the 2015 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), Guyana has achieved a novel feat.

Cox secured passes in seven subject areas including: Communication Studies Unit 1, Applied Mathematics Unit 1, Chemistry Unit 2, Pure Mathematics Unit 2, Physics Unit 2, Digital Media Unit 2 and Computer Science Unit 2. He secured six Grade One passes and 1 Grade Three pass respectively. The 18year-old also secured CAPE passes in seven subject areas last year.

Superintendent of Examination, Ms. Sauda Kadir, yesterday confirmed that this is the first year that Guyana will receive the coveted top CAPE award from the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

This award, along with a number of other top CXC awards, will be presented at a ceremony later this year.

Achieving the top CAPE award is one that Ms. Jackie Benn, Principal of the premier secondary school, was eagerly anticipating.

During an interview soon after the Ministry of Education unveiled the 2015 results in August, Ms. Benn, disclosed that while students of QC have over the years copped a number of regional awards at the level of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination on multiple occasions, including the overall best

Most Outstanding in Business Studies (CAPE) - Shonta Noel

Most Outstanding in Business Studies (CSEC) -Victoria Najab

Most Outstanding in Science (CSEC) Shannon Woodroffe

Most Outstanding in Technical-Vocational Studies (CSEC) Aliyah Rasheed

Most Outstanding in Humanities Studies (CSEC) Joshanna Hopkinson

performer, strategic moves were made to accomplish a similar feat at the level of CAPE this year.

She said that since 2013, “I did motivate my students to work together with the staff to try to get this particular award at the regional level”.

According to Benn, although the school is always pleased to have its students claim top regional CSEC prizes, “We have never been able to cop the regional prize for CAPE.” Although Cox is the only QC student identified for a regional CAPE award this year, he is not the only excelling Guyanese.

Shonta Noel, of St. Rose’s High School, is also set to claim a coveted award – Most Outstanding Student in Business Studies. She has been able to do her school and by extension Guyana proud by securing six Grade One passes and one Grade Two pass in the subject areas of Caribbean Studies Unit 1, Tourism Unit 1, Accounting Unit 2, Law Unit 2, Management of Business Unit 2, Entrepreneurship Unit 2 and Economics Unit 2. Although Guyana has not been able to claim the top performing spot at CSEC this year, it will however be the recipient of four outstanding awards. Two of these awards will go to QC. This year the school is set to claim the Most Outstanding in Sciences award because of the performance of Shannon Woodroffe, who secured 14 Grade One passes, as well as the Most Outstanding in Humanities award which will be claimed by Joshanna Hopkinson. Hopkinson secured 18 Grade One

passes. An award will also be claimed by national CSEC top performer, Victoria Najab, of the Saraswati Vi d y a N i k e t a n H i n d u Secondary School, who was named Most Outstanding performer in Business Studies. She secured 20 grade one passes, a novel feat for Guyana this year.

Also set to receive a CXC award is Aliyah Rasheed of the Anna Regina Secondary School. Rasheed who secured 19 Grade One passes will receive the award for Most Outstanding in Te c h n i c a l - Vo c a t i o n a l Studies.

In an advertisement published yesterday in the state owned newspaper and a privately operated daily, Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, extended congratulations to the outstanding performers who he described as “exemplary young people.”

“Not only have they made their parents, guardians and teachers proud but have also kept Guyana’s Golden Arrowhead flying high,” said Minister Roopnaraine.

He continued by drawing attention to the fact that local students have consistently performed exceptionally well at the examinations conducted by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

The Minister particularly gave focus to the consistent good performance of Cox and went on to note, “While we did not win the CSEC Best Overall Student award, a prize that we have dominated in previous years, Guyana has taken four out of eight of the available awards in the four core subject

areas...”

Chief Education Officer (CEO), Mr. Olato Sam, also in a message, observed that “our consistent dominance of the Regional awards is certainly testament to the value placed on education in Guyana and our commitment to excellence in this area.”

He emphasised the need for stakeholders to support students in raising their standards so that the gap that exists between the best performers and those on the lower tiers could decrease significantly.

But in celebrating the outstanding achievements

Sam added, “I would like to give due recognition to the teachers who tirelessly devote themselves to making such performances possible.

All of Guyana should feel extremely proud of these scholars and join in celebrating their truly remarkable accomplishments.”

Page 16

Thursday October 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Official date for Deepavali is Nov. 10 Minister of Public S e c u r i t y, K h e m r a j Ramjattan, is maintaining that he will not relent on his position that November 10 will be a public holiday to celebrate the Hindu festival of Deepavali.

R a m j a t t a n ’ s announcement comes amidst confusion among Hindu groups on the official date of the Festival of Lights.

According to Ramjattan, his decision was arrived at following consultations with various authorities on the subject, both locally and abroad.

In explaining how he arrived at his decision, Minister Ramjattan in a statement issued last evening said that he received a letter

- Minister Ramjattan dated June 16, 2015 informing him that based on the zodiac constellations in the Hindu Calendar (Drik Panchang), the correct date for Deepavali is November 10, 2015 and not November 11, 2015 as shown on certain calendars.

This letter was written by a respected and well known Pandit Rabindranath Persaud, (Ravi), Head of the Hindu Organization called the Viraat Sahba.

This letter also informed him that at a meeting held on June 4, 2015, at the Guyana Pandits Council, senior Pandits and Mandir leaders

approved November 10, 2015 as the rightful date for the observation of this Hindu Festival of Lights.

The Minister said that apart from the signature of Pandit Ravi, other senior Hindu representatives attached their signatures at the end of that letter, namely, Swami Shivashan Karananda of the Guyana Seevashram Sangha of Cove and John, Pandit Rudra Sharma of the Guyana Pandits Council, Pandit Maneshwar Sawh of Gandhi Youth Organization, among others.

“I sought justification as

to why the date which Pandit Ravi claimed was the rightful date. I was then sent a letter from Pandit Ramdial Balbadar, President of the Sanatan Vaidic Dharma Pandits Sabha – Region Three, setting out the reasons why the 10th November, 2015 is Deepavali in Guyana,” Ramjattan stated.

By this time he had learnt that the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, headed by Dr. Vindhya Persaud, was the other Hindu Organization which was arguing the case for November 11, 2015, and not November 10, 2015 as the date for Deepavali.

Ramjattan said that he decided that it was necessary that he share the contention

of the Viraat Sabha with Dr. Vindhya Persaud.

He said that he requested that Dr. Persaud respond to Pandit Ramdial Balbadar, and for her to justify why it was November 11, 2015 and not November 10, 2015.

Dr. Persaud responded by letter dated September 4, 2015 and presented a full case in support of her position.

“I then requested Pandit Balbadar to reply to what Dr. Vindyha Persaud canvassed.

He did so by letter dated September 30, 2015… I then naturally deliberated on the contending positions.”

According to Minister Ramjattan it does appear, upon a distillation of what the core issue is that the primary question is: When is the period of Amavasya here in Guyana?

Both contending factions agree that Deepavali must be called during this period of Amavasya.

It is regarded as the darkest period and as is well known that is the reason for the Festival of Lights.

“Pleasantly surprising to me on this issue, both sides agreed that Amavasya commences as at 11:35 a.m on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 and ends at Wednesday 1:47 p.m November 11, 2015.

“Now if Amavasya ends on Wednesday 11th at around 1:47 in the afternoon, it necessarily means the New Moon will begin immediately after this time and therefore the evening time, say 6.00 p.m. of Wednesday, November 11, cannot be the darkest night or that period within Amavasya. It most certainly is outside of it by some four hours even as admitted by Dr Vindyha Persaud in her submission to me,” Ramjattan declared.

The Minister said that since Amavasya commences at 11:35 a.m on November 10, then the only night, which falls during this Amavasya period, is the night of November 10. This night then should be the night for the Festival of Lights, and not the night of November 11.

Ramjattan said, to shore up this opinion, he sought the views of some other knowledgeable Pandits.

“I received a note from the very prominent and authoritative Swami Aksharananada. I wish to quote Swamiji: ‘Please note that according to the Panchangs I have consulted, Amavasya of Kartika 2015 will last from around 11.35

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan a.m. on Tuesday November 10 to 1:55 pm on Wednesday, November 11. It means that Lakshmi Puja to mark Diwali must be on the appropriate muhurta within this time slot.

To do this Lakshmi Puja during the evening of Wednesday, November 11, will mean in essence celebrating Diwali on Pratipada.

The gist of the problem is that some people are conflating the lunar tithi with the solar day. The two do not necessarily coincide. I hope this helps!’”

Ramjattan said that he is aware that Trinidad and Tobago has roughly the same situation as in Guyana. He said he then contacted an associate in that country to request of the powerful Hindu Leader Pandit Sat Maraj to find out what was their computation.

The communication he received was that Tuesday November 10 is when Deepavali will be celebrated in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Minister said that a number of Pandits all across the country have signed on to petitions urging that he makes the call for November 10. The President of the Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindyha Persaud did, by telephone call, communicate to me her disappointment at my declaring Deepavali on November 10. I indicated to her I had very good reasons to declare that date and will not relent. So the November 10, 2015 it shall be.”

“I am the Minister empowered to declare public holidays under the Public Holidays Act Cap 19:07. I as a result, on Thursday, October 15, 2015 signed on to an Order declaring November 10, 2015 as Deepavali Day, a National Public Holiday.

Thursday October 22, 2015

Page 17

Kaieteur News

Copa Airlines adds two more weekly flights

M

ore than 15 months after starting operations to Guyana, Panamanianowned Copa Airlines has announced plans to add two more flights every week.

That will make it a total of four flights weekly by the airline and would signal a good response by Guyanese.

Speaking with the media yesterday, ahead of the busy Christmas season, Regional Sales Director, Diego Bermudez Parra, said that the additional flights will go into operation from December 16.

The request by the airline to increase the number of these flights was recently approved by the regulatory body, Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Copa will operate the two additional flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Copa Airlines, with its Panama hub, has 74 destinations in 31 countries around the Caribbean and Americas.

“We bring with us an impeccable safety and security record and on-time service that is now rated number one in Latin America. The airline has

been extremely proud to serve this beautiful country and its people and provide a way by which Guyana’s tourism product could be further enhanced,” the director said.

The executive, during the press conference at Cara Lodge, yesterday, also pointed out that Copa Airlines’ partnership as a Star Alliance member means that there are many more opportunities for Guyanese to travel, covering 1,321 destinations in 193 countries with more than 18,500 daily flights and more than 1,000 VIP lounges.

“This is why we urge you to enroll for a frequent flyer card of our Connect Miles programme because we know that once you experience our world class service you will become regular patrons of it.”

Bermudez, assuring that Copa Airlines is here to stay, said that the local operations have been doing well, averaging passengers’ loads of over 75 percent.

With complaints by other operators that incoming passengers are being turned back by immigration officers using questionable procedures, Copa Airlines

Copa’s Regional Sales Director, Diego Bermudez Parra, and Sales Manager, Nadine Oudkerk yesterday.

insisted that it adheres to procedures when accepting passengers.

Since starting in July last year, Copa Airlines said it

has moved over 25,000 passengers to and from Guyana. According to the Director, the airline as part of its strategy, has been

marketing Guyana as a destination.

Nadine Oudkerk, Sales Manager, noted that the response from Guyana over

the last year has been overwhelming with very healthy load factors in our flights departing and landing in the country.

“As we further enhance our service, Copa Airlines is also looking to forge greater social partnerships with the people of Guyana. The airline takes very seriously our corporate social responsibility and as such, we are always ready to assist groups or entities involved in fostering social development, in giving travel tickets or donations of necessities.”

Guyana has been battling to attract new airlines, especially to North America.

With high fares and a large Diaspora a problem in past, the situation has improved but still has a long way to go.

Page 18

Thursday October 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Guyana-born NYPD cop shot dead in Harlem One day after a US-based Guyanese, NYPD officer was fatally shot, flags flew at half mast yesterday in New York. The NYPD housing officer was fatally shot to the head on Tuesday night, by a trigger-happy perpetrator during a chase and gunfight on a pedestrian overpass in East Harlem, police said.

Tuesday night’s incident started as a gang dispute between members of rival gangs that operate in the adjacent Jefferson Houses, East River Houses and the Wagner Houses, police sources said, noting that there is an ongoing dispute between gangs in the three apartment complexes.

Billy Aubry, the NYPD’s Chief of Detectives for Manhattan said that two police officers on the roof of one of those locations observed shots being fired down below and responded.

The gangs got into a dispute in front of a parking garage at 445 East 102nd Street and that is where shots were fired, police sources said.

“We know from the evidence recovered at the scene that there were at least three firearms that were fired,” Aubry said.

Officer Randolph Holder, 33, was shot in the forehead by the coldhearted gunman, who had stolen a bike and was being pursued by cops along the promenade hugging the East River around 8:30 p.m., Police Commissioner Bill Bratton said.

Described as a brave officer, Holder died at 10:22 p.m. at Harlem Hospital. A suspect, shot in the legs, was arrested.

Holder joined the NYPD in July 2010 and worked in Police Service Area 5, as a patrol officer in the public housing projects of East Harlem.

“I think all of us will tell you

this is the hardest thing that we do,” Bratton said. “That we mourn one of our own. I’ve been doing this for 45 years. It doesn’t get easier. It never gets easier and it should never get easier.”

Holder was the fourth NYPD officer killed in the line of duty in the past 11 months.

Police responded to reports of gunshots around 8:30 p.m. near First Avenue and 102nd Street.

Witnesses told cops that several men fled over the pedestrian walkway that crosses the FDR Drive and then continued onto the footpath that runs alongside the highway.

“There was an argument between two or three people. All of a sudden there were shots; you could hear the shells kick back as they hit the cement. I had my whole family on the floor,” said witness Doris Ayala, 62, who lives at the Urban American River Crossing apartment complex at 102nd St. and FDR Drive.

“I thought they were going to shoot outside of my window. There was a gun on the sidewalk outside my building,” said the shocked woman, who reported hearing about 10 shots. One of the men stole a bicycle and fled north along the footpath.

Holder and another cop encountered the fleeing suspect on another pedestrian overpass, near 120th St., and exchanged gunfire.

“There were six or seven shots; they were exchanging fire,” said John Lucero, 19, who could see the shooting from his apartment window. “There were three of them, one police officer and two other men. Cops were pointing at a body. It was a police officer. He was just lying there.”

The mortally wounded Holder crumpled to the ground as the suspect ditched the bike and ran

north along the promenade. The fiend was finally apprehended at 124th Street.

He suffered gunshot wounds to his legs and was taken to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell. Rescuers rushed the critically injured cop to Harlem Hospital.

Three other suspects were taken into custody around 111th St. and were being questioned early Wednesday. At least two guns were recovered, police said.

Mayor de Blasio was seen rushing out of a dinner for the Gracie Mansion Conservancy, an invitation-only fund-raiser to celebrate the grand reopening of the mayoral residence after recent repairs.

mourning a man that gave his life as a guardian for all of us.

“We are humbled by Officer Randolph Holder’s example of service and courage and sacrifice.

Our hearts are heavy. We offer our thoughts and our prayers to his family who are experiencing unimaginable pain as we saw earlier when we gathered with them,” the mayor said.

Traffic on the FDR Drive was at a standstill for hours as police investigated the shooting.

At Harlem Hospital, hundreds of police officers held vigil, hoping for the best before they received the grim news of their fallen colleague.

“New York City police officers everyday go out and carry themselves on the street like

Randolph Holder

Randolph Holder and his Fiancé US based Guyanese Mary Muhammad in happy times.

“We’re all in mourning tonight.

This whole city is in mourning,” Mayor de Blasio said. “We’re

superheroes on the street,” P a t r o l m e n ’s B e n e v o l e n t Association President Patrick

Lynch said. “But the reality is, when we’re attacked, we bleed.

When we bleed, we die. And when we die, we cry.”

The slain office’s father, Randolph Neil Holder Snr. was on hand at the hospital. In his moment of grief, he offered his son’s fellow officers comfort. “He always wanted to be a cop…He delivered his duties diligently, with pride said the elder holder.

“When in his time of grief, he sought to comfort the officers of PSA 5. He was strong enough and brave enough to go in and address them as they tried to comfort him.

He in fact was comforting them,” a teary-eyed Bratton said.

“I can understand his son and the bravery his son exhibited tonight, rushing toward danger and giving his life for the citizens of New York City.”

At least 100 NYPD officers were seen leaving the hospital around 11:30 p.m.

Holder, who emigrated from (Continued on page 24)

Thursday October 22, 2015

Page 19

Kaieteur News

Female acts as lookout while accomplices terrorize, rob family

Caught on camera...

The businesswoman and one of her sons

One of the bandits entering the shop. The gun can be seen in his hand

The female robber caught on camera

T

wo armed men on T u e s d a y terrorized and robbed a mother and three of her young children while a female accomplice was on the “lookout” outside of the grocery shop located at La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

The incident which occurred around 19:45 hrs at Lot 1868 La Parfaite Harmonie was caught on surveillance camera.

According to reports, two young men and a woman visited the shop and purchased a beer, shandy and a malta. At the time, 16-yearold Lavanie Sukram was behind the counter.

The surveillance footage seen by this newspaper showed the trio standing outside of the shop, sipping on their beverages. The female then returned to the counter to purchase a Malta.

When she was informed that it was finished, she requested a Shandy.

When Sukram handed the female robber the S h a n d y, o n e o f h e r accomplices grabbed the teenager’s hand and forced himself into the shop, through the little opening at

the counter. The other male also did the same while the female stood outside of the shop.

Bibi Balram, the teen’s mother explained that she was inside of the house when she heard her daughter screaming on top of her voice. “She was shouting,’Mommy, come help me, come help me.’”

“When I rushed, I see one of them was already in the shop with my daughter so I run back to hide the three small children but one of the bandits with a gun already had two of them, taking them upstairs. My small daughter hid under the bed so they didn’t see her,” a devastated Balram recalled.

The shop owner said that the armed man, who was in the shop, had her daughter lying on the floor while he emptied the cash into a black haversack.

“When he see me, he rushed to me with the gun and tried to pull me upstairs but I hold onto a piece of wood and I told him that I don’t have anything. I told them that I buy things from Banks and that I don’t have cash on me,” the shop owner said.

According to the

businesswoman, when they attempted to scream for help, one of the men fired a shot at her 16-year-old daughter.

“He fired a shot at her but the bullet missed her. I think he (gunman) thought that the shot hit her because after the shot was fired, they rush out of the shop,” Balram related.

She added, “They tormented my children.

They held a gun to their head

and were continuously asking for money. My children cannot sleep at nights because of this,” the businesswoman lamented.

According to Balram, the men escaped with an undisclosed sum of cash and other valuables.

“They had a vehicle waiting on them outside,” the mother of four related.

She said that while she

was robbed before, Tuesday’s night incident was the worst.

“With the last robbery, the men didn’t use a gun but this one, two of them were armed and they really

terrorize my little children.

They had a gun point to my son’s head,” the woman said.

Police visited the scene yesterday and took statements from the business woman and her children.

Page 20

Thursday October 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Berbice October sessions open T

Ceremonial opening of October Criminal session in Berbice

he Ceremonial opening of the October 2015 Criminal session of the Berbice High Court attracted the usual pomp and ceremony outside the Berbice High Court building on Esplanade Road, New Amsterdam.

The parade which featured the march past was commanded by Assistant Superintendent, Marlon Taylor, with Inspector Michael Newland the parade Inspector and Sergeant Marlon O’Donaghue as they led the 27 man strong contingent in an impressive

d i s p l a y. T h e y w e r e accompanied by the police drum corps.

The salute and inspection were taken by Justice Navendra Singh in the absence of assigned Judge William Ramlal, who is ill. Justice Singh was escorted by Deputy Commander of Police B Division, Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, supported by Assistant Superintendent Karl Wilson and Officer in charge of the Guyana Fire Service, and Berbice Divisional Officer, Patrick Carmichael.

When the June session was closed earlier on Tuesday it was revealed that 32 persons are in the New Amsterdam Prison awaiting trial. While 27 are for the capital offence of murder, one is for attempted murder.

One is awaiting trial for rape, two for sexual penetration

and one for unlawful and malicious wounding.

All 32 are requesting early trial while four who are awaiting trial for murder have signed written documents requesting to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. They are Omar Bacchus, Navin Sugrim, Roy Lewis and Charles Goodluck.

In the meanwhile 53 persons are listed to be tried during the October session; eight are for murder.

Justice Singh subsequently told jurors gathered that Justice William Ramlall who is scheduled to preside in the Berbice criminal court is ill, therefore sessions will not start as scheduled.

He then instructed the jurors to return to court on November 5 when it is anticipated that the October session will begin.

After two years on the run…

Shawn Fordyce

B

ail was refused for captured fugitive, Shawn Maltus Fordyce, who was yesterday slapped with four counts of attempted murder.

He is accused of trying to kill his wife, Dorothy Blackman-Fordyce, his daughter Dolette Fordyce and his two step daughters, Attorney-at-Law Wanda Fortune and Latoya Wilson.

The accused, an expoliceman, was on the run for over two years. He was captured last Tuesday, in a house at ‘B’ Field Sophia.

Fordyce was at the time living in the home with the wife for whom he has been charged.

Fordyce, a 42-year-old newspaper vendor was not required to enter a plea to the indictable charges, after they were read to him by Magistrate Sueana Lovell in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that on

Captured fugitive charged with attempted murders August 1, 2013, Fordyce attempted to murder the four persons. He had no legal representation and was remanded to prison.

The victims and several of their family members flocked the courtroom to get a view of the accused.

Fortune took the opportunity to express how happy she was at her stepdad being captured and brought before the court.

According to reports, on the night of August 1, 2013, Fordyce went berserk and hacked away at his wife, after disapproving of her going out with a relative. It was reported that the accused went into the home, retrieved a cutlass and began firing chops at the woman.

He then turned the weapon on his daughter and two step daughters.

The victims sustained multiple wounds about their bodies and had to be hospitalized.

Thursday October 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Guyanese woman in US Medicaid fraud pays back US$85,000 New York (New York Daily News) - A Bronx woman who committed one of the borough’s biggest ever cases of benefits fraud got off with five years’ probation Tuesday after paying back a hefty chunk of cash.

Parvattie Raghunandan, a Guyanese immigrant who misrepresented her family’s income for a decade — netting thousands in fraudulent Medicaid payments — received the jailless sentence in Bronx Supreme Court after paying back over $85,000 and pleading guilty to grand larceny.

The fraudster had received well over $50,000 in city Medicaid benefits between 2006 and 2013, court papers state, even though her family was far above the poverty line.

A spokesman for the city Human Resources Administration, whose data crunchers started the probe, said that no one in the agency could recall a bigger case of Bronx benefits fraud.

Parvattie Raghunandan Raghunandan’s husband, Ramesh, owns two buildings in the borough and another in Pennsylvania, according to state records.

The family also runs an electrical contracting business on Morrison Avenue in Soundview and shared a joint bank account

worth over $100,000, investigators found.

Raghunandan’s lawyer, Todd Spodek, said that many new immigrants sign up to receive benefits without fully understanding the requirements.

“Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common in immigrant communities,” he said. “Often families in need of assistance are not provided adequate guidance as to the disclosure requirements for Medicaid and other subsidized welfare programs.”

City data heads had flagged Raghundandan’s case as bizarre and worth investigating because she had only applied for Medicaid and not other types of benefits common for her family size and income, officials said.

But Spodek argued that HRA’s data analysis “fails to take into consideration the human component and leads investigators into believing inadvertent mistakes are evidence of actual fraud.”

E’bo man found floating in canal An Aberdeen family, whose relative Mahesh Narine a/k “Big” 30, a rice farmer whose decomposed body was discovered floating in a trench in the back dam early Wednesday morning, is making preparations for his funeral.

The partially decomposed body of Mahesh Narine, , formerly of Aberdeen Back dam, along with his pair of slippers and a bag containing cow mould was discovered in a trench, in the Aberdeen back dam.

From all appearances, Narine’s body bore no marks of violence and it appeared that he drowned after he experienced a seizure.

Surita Narine, the sister of the deceased, said that she last saw her brother some time after noon, Tuesday, moments after he ventured into the Aberdeen back dam to pick up cow dung which he usually sells to people in the Village.

Narine explained that it was usual for her brother to stay away from home for long periods since he is a known alcoholic, but after he failed to return home Tuesday night, her family became worried and braced themselves for the worst.

Narine further explained that early Tuesday, a rice farmer who was making his usual checks in the back dam saw the body floating in the trench and alerted the family.

The police, Narine said, were similarly informed. They visited the scene and examined the body before transporting him to the Suddie funeral parlor to await a post mortem examination.

Mahesh Narine once served in the Guyana Defence Force. He was not married and he had no children. Narine lived in a house in front of his mother, at Aberdeen back dam (Yannason Duncan)

Man freed of carnal knowledge charge A visibly emotional James Wong was on Tuesday acquitted of a carnal knowledge charge. He was found not guilty of the allegation by a mixed 12-member jury.

Wong had been indicted for having Carnal knowledge of a girl less than 15 years.

The incident is said to have occurred on July 4, 2008. He had pleaded not guilty to the allegation.

The man subsequently faced a trial before Justice Joann Barlow at the Georgetown High Court.

The proceeding was held in camera.

However, following approximately two hours of deliberation, the jury panel re-

turned a verdict of not guilty for the offence. Wong, who had no legal representation, was visibly moved to tears at the announcement of the jury. He was on $250,000 bail pending trial.

The man stood in the prisoners dock and wept silently.

Before discharging the former accused, Justice Barlow admonished him to stay out of trouble.

“You have been given a second chance to fix whatever needs fixing … and to get closer to your God whatever, you perceive him to be,” the Judge underscored. The case was presented by State Counsels Diana Kaulesar, Tuanna Harday and Tameika Clarke.

Acquitted of Carnal Knowledge: James Wong

Page 21

Page 22

Kaieteur News

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

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

Land Cruiser Prado in Mint condition, fully loaded, PNN Series-Call: 601-0053; 2750264 2013 Mercedes C250 turbo AMG coupe, retractable glasstop, mileage 15K, alcantara leather interior, brush aluminum acc- Call: 650-5136 One Ducati 1098cc motorcycle in excellent condition, will negotiate best offer-Call: 617-6934, 674-0137

Porters, Ripsaw, re-saw and moulder operators, security guard @ Eccles Industrial Site EBD- Call Richard: 6097675; 624-1705; 233-2614 Porters: apply at Alabama Trading Ferry Stelling Georgetown, Stabroek.

Accountant, Bond clerk, male & female workers, drivers @ RA Soda Factory, Rosignol. Call: 330-2399; 6235920

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

One 52ft, complete snapper boat and one 38ft bore cruiser in excellent condition.

Call: 654-2817; 648-6815

Porters, Drivers, Mechanic (Melanie Branch) 1-Bond Clerk RA Soda Factory (Rosignol). Call: 330-2399; 623-5920

Pool Tables and business property for sale- Call: 6216878

Caterpillar and Perkins mechanic contact 223-5273

One Imported Pools Table contact 223-5273/4

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM

MILL CUT AND DRESSED GREENHEART FROM $160BM AND KABUKALLI FROM, $180BM- TEL: 6886579/653-9752 One flat bottom boat 32 feet, one 15 Yamaha, one hundred & seventy five (175lb) banga seine. Call: 691-7775 One Nissan Z20 Engine with gear box in working order.

Call: 667-7337 CRV 2000 Model, 1998 CC PLL5892, Burgundy, immaculate condition- Call: 684-5868

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 656-0087 ,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N T A L @YAHOO.COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807 Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494

Princeton College Forms 1-5 CXC Adults Classes, Grade 1-6 Lessons: Phonic lessons @ East Street-Call: 690-5008; 619-7911 New Advanced Diploma in Computers office 2016, window 8/10, 9 courses @ Micrographics, Vreed-EnHoop-Call: 264-3057

Need to get rid of ants and roaches? Call:667-4604; 4421284; 647-0632 School bus on E.B.D to G/ town and back. Get your children on Board. Call: 6873017 TAXI SERVICES

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Prime business place for rent @ MonRepos Public Road E.C.D, 2 (2) Bedroom apartment @ Block 8 Mon Repos E.C.D-Contact: 6181754; 681-1508; 220-6168 Canal No.2 Polder W.B.D, great condition -$35,000 monthly-Call: 613-1860 Fully furnished two bedrooms house for rent in Kitty, preferably foreigners or serious local. Call: 625-4118

Thursday October 22, 2015

TO LET Fully furnished luxury 2 and 3 bedrooms apartments to let (short and long term). Call: 603-9671 FOR OVERSEAS VISITORS, FULLY FURNISHED 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT, ECCLES, FRIDGE, STOVE, MICROWAVE ETC-$US30 DAILY-CALL MAX: 6118698 OR CLAUDETTE 6854449

Model M Truck with Winch & Spares- GRR. Call: 6626045 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 Suzuki Escudo. Recently registered in excellent condition.

Lady d r i v e n . $ 4 . 3 M negotiable. Contact: 609 8425 1 AT-170 for sale $800,000.

Call: 627-2897; 220-0904 1-Toyota 4WD extra cab, pickup LH drive –price $1.2M negotiable –Tel: 6688431 45 Leyland DAF, GRR Series, price -$2.5M. Call: 696-2663 One RZ minibus RR SeriesCall: 685-2113 Toyota Rush, Raum,AT212, IST, L-Touring & Fielder Wagon, Tundra, Hilux 4 Runner, Nissan 4 Door Pickup. Call: 644-5096; 697-1453

Prado 2000 model, 2700CC, PPP2872, pearl white & silver, next to new- Call: 684-5868

Honda Fit, year 2003, PMM series, full body kit, OEM rims, excellent condition, price $1.3M negotiable. Call: 600-1435; 600-4402

House in Tuschen Main Road -$27M, 46ft fishing boat & 500lbs Nylon Seine -$2.3M. Call: 696-6074 One 40 outboard Tohatsu Engine, excellent condition.

Call: 687-8239 or 675-3004

One 1.5 Ton Toyoace Canter, GLL Series, good working condition. Call: 623-1202 One Honda CRV, immaculate condition, 17" mags, AC, CD, price -$1.750,000 negotiable.

Call: 626-2884

Brazilian Hair Special! 100% Natural, no fillings, feel, test & buy it @ Low prices. Call: 679-1174; 231-5700 Deep fryer for fish or chicken, gas, 3 gallon with inner basket and cover. Call: 686-6379

LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj Building- Tel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997

ACCOMODATION Inner Retreat Hotel Restaurant & Bar, Retreat Road Parika. Indoor /Outdoor bar in Picturesque setting – Phone: 260-4504; 685-6934 Saturdays & Sundays after lunch @ Inner Retreat Hotel Parika: Bar-B-Que & games: pools, darts, table tennis etc – Phone: 260-4504.

Continued on page 23

Thursday October 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Letters... Where your views make the news

Increases in Salaries of Parliamentarians DEAR EDITOR, One could not help being attentive to Adam Harris’ Column in KN of Sunday October 18, 2015, about Ministers’ Salaries. No explanation about this topic could be simple, however. For one, despite the focus on Ministers, the reported increases affect all Parliamentarians on both sides of the House. But not unreasonably, emphasis has been on increases for Ministers.

Mr. Harris’ attempt to put the issue in some historical perspective may just barely dampen some of the hysteria surrounding a decision made by an administration who clearly did not prepare itself adequately to provide a rationale for the outcomes, whether or not the latter

would have been acceptable.

The range of official responses omitted appreciation of any technical analysis that may have informed the adjustments, alleged to have been recommended at levels greater than those finally agreed.

It would be undeniably accurate to say that the Human Resources Management Consultant, Sandra Jones, mentioned in the media, was not part of the decision-making process. So that it is at least illogical to suggest, however obliquely, that that professional could be responsible for the published outcomes.

Notwithstanding, the undersigned is grateful to KN’s Editor for attempting to assuage the heat which has

characterized the debate. One should note, however, that even the apparent sympathizers have legitimately argued that there could well have been a contradiction in one approach to a similar salary issue being that of a Commission of Inquiry; while the other approach arrogated to itself the ability to decide in its own interests.

Suffice it to say that in the overall context of compensation structuring, Sandra Jones has to her credit, amongst others, the construction of the jobs, salaries and benefits hierarchies of: a) The Guyana Audit Office In this case the recommendations were passed in Parliament as

Regulations to the Audit Act of 2004; b) Guyana Geology and Mines Commission; c) Guyana Livestock Development Authority Also local private sector organizations, as well as eminent Regional Institutions.

Every structure was built on internationally accepted principles and practices, much unlike the ‘gut-feeling’ approach which KN’s Column appeared to suggest may have been used in the past, with regard to Parliamentarians.

One implication emerging from Mr. Ramkarran’s ‘honeymoon’ piece is the observance by good leadership of listening being the most critical part of the conversation.

E.B. John

From page 5 presentation, demonstration, hands on learning, role play, case studies, action centered learning, simulations and many other methods. In the area of management and leadership he was well read.

He loved Douglas M Gregor, Peter Drucker, Max Depree, Stephen Covey and many others.

He shared with us Covey’s Life Circle, which explained that in order to be highly effective one must secure a job, be physically and mentally fit, socialize, have a family and develop a close relationship with God. He emphasized that the police cannot do effective policing without God and that if we

want to do effective policing we must read the Bible, the Quran and the Bhagavad Gita Mr. Small wanted us to live a life bigger than life itself.

He stated that we must be an asset to our family, the community and the country.

He went further. He received a Caribbean Award for his contribution to adult education in the region and was an executive member of the World Body that deals with adult education. He was a world beater, yet, he was a very simple and humble person. The Guyana Police Force wanted to bestow a rank on him for his contribution to the force. I was given the task to influence him to accept the

offer. I approached him. He looked at me and said, “My brother the rank looks good.”I smiled. He then looked across both shoulders and said,” It is too close to my nose. I do not like the smell of the rank.” He declined the offer. To us he remained Mr. Samuel Small.

We talked a lot about cricket especially when the West Indies Cricket team was dominating the world. I missed the celebrations for his ninetieth birth anniversary. Business kept me away. I apologized to him.

I told him that I will be around when he scored his century.

He informed me that it was only ten quick singles away. I received the sad news that he

died overseas. I felt that perhaps, out of character he was in a hurry to get to that land mark. He went for a very sharp single and was run out.

It was a small but fatal error.

The third eye made the decision . He is dead. He is on his way. He is gone but not forgotten by the hundreds of police personnel and members it the Joint Services both past and present he inspired. To his sorrowing wife, son, daughter, grandson, relatives and friends I wish to express my heart- felt sympathy. May his soul rest in peace.

Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police Retired

From page 4 criticisms on this issue are seen as overbearing and offensive.

In reality, salary increases may have little or no influence

on good governance, though corruption remains a common barrier to economic development because it adds to the overhead costs of social and economic development. There

is no guarantee that salary increase will lead to good governance. What the Granger government should be focusing on is realistic measures that have a more direct impact on corruption, such as, improving the rule of law, transparency, creating an effective Ombudsman, and better mechanisms for detecting and punishing corruption.

This does not rule out establishing a precedent whereby PPP officials found guilty of corrupt actions while in office are prosecuted to the extent that the law allows.

Corruption in the developing countries like Guyana cannot be effectively addressed simply by applying anti-corruption structures that work in developed countries.

The experience the latter countries have acquired in terms of legislation, public procurement codes, institutionalized procedures, multiple bureaucratic check points, and control procedures is valuable, but it will take generations to develop them in Guyana.

It requires a re-thinking of the role of government and greater involvement of a civicminded public. Linking reduced corruption to economically developed countries is one thing. However, arguing that a salary increase can automatically lead to good governance without creating institutional changes in the way government does business is quite another.

Baytoram Ramharack

Samuel Small’s death is a great loss

Little evidence that ministerial salary...

Assets Recovery Unit needs to investigate these Region 2 land sales DEAR EDITOR, Just before May elections prime properties in Region Two were given to rich PPP/ C loyalists for under market value. Prime property in Anna Regina next to the Republic Bank which was reserved for sea defense access - for trucks and heavy machinery to do maintenance- were sold to a wealthy supporter of the last government.

Editor, this state reserve is still needed for access but was sold in a sweetheart deal disregarding the needs of other residents.

In another instance, twenty five acres at the Onderneeming sand pit was sold to another rich businessman for a small price on May 8, three days before

elections.

Editor these are two examples of questionable financial transactions that the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) needs to look at urgently.

These individuals have started to develop/exploit these prime lands and should be stopped by injunctions until these lands are recovered for the benefit of all residents.

SARU needs to step in, investigate and recover these and other lands and assets sold unfairly as patronage in corrupt deals. A good place to start is at the Lands and Surveys office in Anna Regina.

Concerned Region Two Resident

From page 22

LAND FOR SALE Eccles (100FtX50ft) -$4.6M, Herstelling (110ftX61ft) $4.2M; low lands (East Coast) -$1.8M, Parfaite Harmonie -$1.2M. Call: 6042207; 611-7223 Land @ Lot 1856 Farm, EBD, size: 50X80$2.7M negotiable-Call: 676-5229

PROPERTY FOR SALE Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461.

Pearl: Well Built 1,995 Sq. Ft concrete structure 45X165 lot, formerly meeting hall 13.5M. Call: 649-1670 #53 Village: East Berbice, concrete house and land for sale, please submit offers, Call: 674-2155 Property at Diamond New Scheme: 1-Three bedroom flat concrete house, price $9.5M negotiable. Call: 2663962; 667-1240 Two bedroom wood house for sale; located at Stwertville, W.C.D, serious inquiries one only –Call: 6841838 1 Church & 2 Storey building at 180 Charlotte Street. Call: 624-7341; 227-6817 Property @ 1193 Tuschen New Housing Scheme – Call: 695-3983; 685-5747; 691-1567 3 Bedroom; 2 flat house for sale, Enterprise, Lincolin Street, Lot 135 -$14M negotiable. Contact: 597858-4554 (Suriname), Guyana: 602-3643 Transported property at Tuschen Housing Scheme, located around School -$7M negotiable. Contact: 2641050; 683-7045; 669-3553 2 Storey 45x35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete. Land 65x120 @ Diamond N/S 5th Avenue, E.B.D- Call: 664-5052 Property at Tuschen-Call: 669-9055; 674-1291 Yarrowkabra Linden, H/Way, land size: 100’X200’ fully fenced, house, chicken & pig pen. Call: 676-0931 1 Flat house on 1 acre land with chicken pen & fruits tree at Unity E.C.D- $11M-Call: 642-7898

LAND FOR SALE 365 Acres cultivated, 1135 acres-unclean, house 20X60 (porch)- Call: 657-0992

Page 24

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 22, 2015

Carjacking family gang for court today Canal man clings to Two men believed to be part of a gang responsible for the shooting and carjacking committed on a Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara taxi driver are expected to appear in court today.

The suspects, Seon Heywood, of 52 A Field Sophia, and James Bourne, 19, of 589 B Field Sophia, were positively identified by Colin Ageday, the 53-year-old taxi driver, who was shot to his back during the ordeal.

The incident occurred two Thursdays ago on Dennis Street, Sophia Georgetown.

Kaieteur News understands that Bourne has been pointed out as the

shooter, while his accomplice, Heywood was seen by a civilian changing the number plate on the stolen vehicle.

The police, acting on information from the said civilian, went to a yard on Sunday, located at ‘B’ Field Sophia, where they captured six persons- five men and a woman.

Heywood and Bourne were among the six that included Michael Heywood of 52 A Field Sophia and Selwyn Heywood of Victory Valley Linden along with Winston DeHaarte of 596 D Field Sophia and Tresa Ramitt.

Ramitt was held for questioning into the

whereabouts of her reputed husband, Seon Heywood, who was fingered in the gang.

Shawn Heywood surrendered himself to the police on Tuesday.

However, they were all released from custody yesterday because there was no evidence linking them to the crime.

When the police arrived at the yard they found the car that had a knife in the driver’s seat and a piece of stick in one of the passenger seats. A music deck was missing from the vehicle.

The vehicle, already fitted with a new number plate, has been impounded by the

police. Kaieteur News was told that the police had to contact Ageday’s wife for a key to open the car.

According to reports, someone called a taxi service based in Kitty, Georgetown and requested a car in ‘A’ Field Sophia. When Ageday showed up, two men entered his car and requested that he drive along Dennis Street, to pick up another individual.

When the taxi driver arrived at the location, the men proceeded to stick him up and they robbed him.

They then pushed him out of the car, shot him and then made good their escape with the silver grey Toyota Premio, HC 3612.

Multi-million dollar bids opened for Mahdia road work

During Tuesday’s session at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Ministry of Finance, bids were opened for the contractors to undertake infrastructural works on several roads in the mining community of Mahdia, Region eight.

Divided into four lots, the engineer’s estimate ran as follows; Lot one was $99,650,000, for the supply of ¼ minus crushed aggregate to stockpile at Mahdia, while lot two was $23,625,000 for the supply of white sand and laterite to stock pile.

life after road accident

The injured Isaac Dindyal Garroway

A 49-year-old Canal #2 resident is currently battling for his life at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), following an accident on the West Bank Demerara (WBD) Public Road last Saturday evening.

The man, identified as Isaac Dindyal Garroway, was reportedly struck down on La Grange Road by a car attached to a taxi service that operates in the locale.

This publication was told that relatives received a call from the West Demerara Hospital shortly before midnight

on Saturday last, informing them that the man had been in an accident and that they were awaiting a relative for his transfer to GPHC. He is said to be suffering from internal head injuries and several broken bones.

Relatives have since said, that they were told that Garraway had just exited a minibus and was crossing the public road when he was hit by the car. The police have since indicated to the family that they are waiting to see if Garraway recovers before instituting any charges.

Opposition MPs will...

For lot three, the engineer’s estimate was $283,099,538. This entailed the construction of Mahdia community roads from Campbelltown to the primary school and from Cenotaph to Dormitory Road, while for Lot Four, the engineer’s estimate was $355,203,827.

This covers the Mahdia Hospital roundabout to Campbelltown’s main access into Mahdia. The contract also covers the roundabout to Government quarters.

From page 11 similarly clandestine circumstances,” the PPP said.

The party insists that it will be pursuing every other available avenue to annul and reverse “these reprehensible salary increases which we now realize have been paid in violation of the law and Parliamentary norms and practices.”

Finance Minister Winston Jordan had, in explaining the

rationale behind the increase, spoken to resolving the anomalies that existed, catering for the increased ministerial workload and catering to the posts of Vice Presidents.

The Finance Minister insisted that the salary increases were necessary and justifiable.

He said, “There are about 13 senior ministers who got the 50 percent increases.”

Guyana-born NYPD...

Under the Ministry of Agriculture’s National Drainage and Irrigation Agency (NDIA), bids were opened for the construction of a tail regulator at Buxton East Sideline, East Coast Demerara, in Region Four. The engineer’s estimate was $16,444,470.

From page 18 Guyana 12 years ago, was a third-generation police officer, following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps in the line of duty.

From all accounts the police officer gunned down by a career criminal was focused on his seemingly bright future: A gold NYPD detective’s shield and a nice home in the suburbs.

“He should have been closing on a house next month in Valley Stream, but all of the dreams went down the drain, he always wanted to be a policeman,” said the elder Holder, himself a cop and the son of a cop from their native Guyana. “That he did. He delivered his duties diligently. With pride,” his father Randolph Holder Sr. said Wednesday morning.

Holder Sr. said he chatted with his son on Tuesday afternoon, about five hours before the fatal gunfight with suspect Tyrone “Peanut” Howard, 30.

“Another cousin, 18year-old Damani Adams, remembered how thrilled the family was when Holder Jr. graduated with the Police Academy’s Class of 2010.

His cousin, Ruth Lawrence, told the Daily News that Holder, a five-year NYPD veteran, was poised to move up in the department ranks. “He said he was going to be a detective,” said Lawrence, 54. “He was just waiting for the call.”

De Blasio extended his condolences to Holder’s family and vowed, “We will not stop in the relentless pursuit of the violent few.”

Thursday October 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 25

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Kaieteur News

Thursday October 22, 2015

Venezuela president wants economic zone for Caribbean and Latin America

Grenada Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell (L) meeting on Saturday with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (GIS) — Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has called for the setting up of an economic zone for the Caribbean and Latin American.

Maduro said the economic zone should be part of a production and economic plan aimed at curbing the region’s high import bill.

During a bilateral meeting with Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell last weekend, the Venezuelan leader suggested the establishment of a commerce and purchase agreement with Caribbean countries.

“I insist that we need to

create an economic zone in the region. We need to produce locally,” Maduro said. “We need to have a production and economic plan. Venezuela, with all its challenges, we are still importing billions. We need to curb this.”

During the talks, Mitchell lamented Grenada’s high import bill compared to the high level of food production.

“Look at how much food we produce yet we continue to import millions of dollars,” Mitchell pointed out. “Unless we take major intervention in food security, we will not only develop agriculture but increase the health of our

people.”Maduro suggested that the Caribbean and Latin America work out transportation arrangements to facilitate the movement of goods and services.

“We have to establish a commerce and purchase agreement with our Caribbean friends, where we have a production planning of what products we need and what each other can supply.

Let us look inward to support each other in production,” the president explained.

“Let us also work in transportation arrangement so we can move our goods and services in region,” he said.

Brazil opposition bolsters impeachment case against Rousseff

BRASILIA (Reuters) Opposition lawyers filed a new petition to Congress for the impeachment of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff yesterday, seeking to unseat the unpopular leftist leader for allegedly doctoring government accounts in 2014 and into her second term.

If the request is taken up by the speaker of the lower house, Eduardo Cunha, who himself is under pressure to resign due to corruption allegations, months-long impeachment proceedings would begin, prolonging a political crisis that has deepened Brazil’s economic slump.

The request is considered the most serious attempt so far to impeach Rousseff because it is based on a federal audit court ruling that her government manipulated its accounts to disguise the size of the deficit and allow for more spending in the runup to her narrow re-election last year.

Rousseff has denied any wrongdoing and has accused her opponents of trying to overthrow a legitimate, democratically elected government. She has argued that her government shored up funds for social

Dilma Rousseff programmes with the same methods used by previous administrations.

The authors of the filing are prominent lawyers Helio Bicudo, a founding member of Rousseff’s ruling Workers’ Party, and Miguel Reale, a former justice minister, who are backed by Brazil’s main opposition party, the PSDB. The new petition reinforces an earlier one by the lawyers to include accusations that the doctoring of government accounts continued into Rousseff’s current term. It also accuses her of signing spending decrees for 820

million reais ($210 million) without the approval of Congress, an impeachable violation of Brazil’s budget laws.

Rousseff’s government is scrambling to block impeachment proceedings in the lower house, where her opponents would need twothirds of the votes to approve an impeachment trial that would be held in the Senate.

Polls show two in every three Brazilians want to see Rousseff impeached. Her approval has fallen to single digits in recent polls as many blame her for not stopping a corruption scandal at staterun oil company Petrobras and for mismanaging Brazil’s once-booming economy.

If Congress impeaches Rousseff, Vice President Michel Temer, leader of the country’s largest party, the PMDB, would serve as president for the remainder of the term.But it is not clear when, or even whether, the speaker will decide to take up the impeachment request.

Cunha is battling to stay in office following revelations of secret Swiss bank accounts in his name that link him to the massive bribery and political kickback scandal at Petrobras.

Thursday October 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Privy Council shocker! …UK Court made offer to sit in Jamaica Jamaica Observer - The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council had, five years ago, signalled its willingness to travel to Jamaica to hear cases, the Jamaica Observer has learnt.

The London-based court made the offer to then Attorney General and Justice Minister Senator Dorothy Lightbourne in an April 16, 2010 letter, a copy of which was obtained by the Observer.

“Late last year, John Almeida of Messrs Charles Russell indicated that the Government of Jamaica wished to explore the idea of a visit by the Judicial Committee to conduct hearings in Jamaica on a future date,” the court’s Acting Registrar Louis di Mambro told Lightbourne in the letter. “I am writing to let you know that Lord Phillips and Lord Hope would be delighted if a formal invitation were to be extended, say, for 2011,” di Mambro said.

He raised the issue of the cost of the court travelling to the island, saying that he had delayed writing to Lightbourne until they had an idea of the cost involved in the board’s first sitting overseas that year.

That sitting was apparently in Mauritius as di Mambro pointed out that the board, which comprised five judges, would have been accompanied by three members of staff.

The Observer was Tuesday unable to determine how the then Government responded to the offer.

Attorney General and Justice Minister Senator Dorothy Lightbourne However, the itinerant nature of the court runs counter to arguments put forward by Justice Minister Senator Mark Golding in the Upper House last Friday as he opened the debate on three Bills related to the Government’s determination to make the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Jamaica’s final appellate court.

The Bills are the Caribbean Court of Justice Act 2012; the Judicature (Appellate Jurisdiction) (Amendment) Act, 2012; and the Constitution (Amendment) (Caribbean Court of Justice) Act 2012, which would make the constitutional change to replace the over 180-year-old Privy Council with the 10year-old CCJ headquartered in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Golding had argued that for centuries the vast majority of Jamaicans have been denied the right to appeal

their cases to the Privy Council because it sits in London.

He said that the Privy Council, for the most part, only hears appeals from two categories of Jamaicans — convicted murderers who are facing the death penalty, and “the wealthy individual or corporation in Jamaica that can afford the enormous costs, amounting to many tens of millions of dollars, that are required to take an appeal to the Privy Council”.

He said that for the vast majority of Jamaicans, if they lose their appeal in the Jamaican Court of Appeal, “that is the end of their recourse to the law for protection of their rights, even though there may be a right to a further appeal to the final court in London”.

Added Golding: “The Privy Council is fundamentally inaccessible to most Jamaicans. Litigants and their counsel need visas to travel there, which are not available as of right.”

However, in his letter to Lightbourne, the Privy Council’s acting registrar said the board was “very conscious of the cost involved when it sits overseas and has sought to reduce the numbers of staff who accompany the board”.

Debate on Jamaica joining the CCJ in its appellate jurisdiction has been controversial, with the Government insisting that the country shed the Privy Council, which it has described as one of the last vestiges of colonialism.

Police Commissioner summoned before Parliamentary Committee as murder rate goes up

The Gleaner - A committee of parliament has summoned the Commissioner of Police, Dr Carl Williams to appear at a meeting next month to report on efforts to stem the increase in murders across the country.

He and other members of the hig h c o m m a n d w i l l reportedly be asked to explain the crime strategy of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

News of the development came yesterday morning in a media release from the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre understands that requests to appear before a parliamentary committee are typically sent by the Houses of Parliament.

According to the JLP’s release, Spokesperson on National Security, Derrick Smith, summoned the Commissioner and other high

Dr Carl Williams ranking police personnel in his capacity as chairman of the Internal/External Committee of Parliament.

Smith says the police team

is to report to the committee on Tuesday, November 10.

He says as chairman of the committee, he has an obligation to promote optimal levels of performance and accountability by key agents of the State charged with ensuring a safe society.

Smith says he was compelled to summon the police team because of murders spiralling out of control.

According to him, it is disheartening to note that while the country observed National Heritage Week about 36 Jamaicans were murdered.

The murder toll this year has already surpassed the 1,005 mark that was recorded last year.

He says as at Monday, Jamaica’s murder toll so far this year stood at 1,004, representing an increase of 26 when compared with the similar period last year.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday October 22, 2015

Vice President Joe Biden says no to 2016 run

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden announces he will not seek the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination during an appearance in Rose Garden of the White House in Washington yesterday. REUTERS/CARLOS BARRIA Reuters - U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said yesterday he would not run for president in 2016, ending months of indecision and removing one of Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton’s biggest potential obstacles to the party’s nomination.

Biden, who had been pondering a run since August, appeared in the White House Rose Garden with wife Jill and President Barack Obama to say the window for mounting a successful campaign had closed.

“While I will not be a candidate, I will not be silent,” Biden said. “I intend to speak out clearly and forcefully to influence as much as I can where we stand as a party and where we need to go as a nation.”

Biden, 72, had been wrestling with doubts about whether he and his family were ready for a grueling campaign while still mourning his son Beau, who died of brain cancer in May. His son had urged him to run.

His decision was a boost for Clinton, whose prime challenger now is U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. A self-styled democratic socialist, Sanders has galvanized the party’s left wing but has yet to prove he can broaden his appeal.

“It’s an easier path for Hillary Clinton now,” said Democratic strategist Bud Jackson.

“Most polls reflect that without Biden in the race, it’s more beneficial to her.”

His decision also ends a highly public, months-long “will he or won’t he?” political guessing game about Biden’s intentions which had shadowed Clinton’s campaign and frozen the support of Democratic activists and donors.

Jumping into the race so late would have been a huge challenge to Biden, who would have had to quickly build a fundraising network and campaign structure ahead of the first nominating contest in Iowa on Feb. 1.

“Unfortunately, I believe

we’re out of time, the time necessary to mount a winning campaign for the nomination,” Biden said in the Rose Garden.

“The process doesn’t respect o r m u c h c a r e about filing deadlines or debate or primaries and caucuses. But I also know I couldn’t do this if the family isn’t ready.”

Biden, who is popular with white, working-class voters, could still play a major role and become a valuable surrogate for Democrats against the Republican nominee in the general election campaign. He urged Democrats to defend and run on Obama’s record.

Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump said on Twitter that he preferred to run against Clinton anyway because “her record is so bad.”

Also in the running for the Democratic nomination are former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and former Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee.

Thursday October 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

CROWDS ARE BACK, NC leaves...

From page 30 used players from Slingerz, Alpha and GDF, the only local teams that appeared to mobilize their players to train regularly.

With the advent of the Stag Elite League the scales are now more evenly balanced.

Players are active over longer periods and our choices can better extend to both home and abroad.

This brings me to the current form of one of our best players, Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson who is scoring a goal a game and seems unstoppable at the moment.

Richardson’s talents were never in question here. I, however, have reservations about his discipline.

Truth be told who other than Richardson must take the blame for him not being in the United States MLS or a European League?

Once Richardson submits himself to the disciplinary

regime to which professional players are required to conform there is a place for him on the Guyana team and I daresay at any top club team in the CONCACAF region, even at age thirty three.

I welcome his goalscoring feats in the Elite League for if he cannot dominate in this League where else will he play?

Let me say that it is my admiration for this player and my belief in his talents that causes me not to bow but instead to push him towards greater heights of discipline.

I suggest those who claim to love him should do likewise for it is friends who tell friends when they going wrong.

Finally I want to mention the abundance of talent that the Stag Elite League is exposing on a weekly basis.

One just has to witness the youthful GFC squad, Fruta Conquerors and Monedderlust to testify to the avenue created by this

opportunity.

I want to publicly commend Mr Urling, the NC, Technical Director Claude Bolton, Rawle Toney, the clubs, the players, the fans, the sponsors, the management team and of course the media, for their efforts in the Elite League.

May Almighty God bless all our efforts and use football to unite, not divide our people.

Lest we forget there were foreign troops at our borders and it is through our steadfastness that we will secure the courage to ensure they do not take one blade of grass.

Editor’s Note: Kaieteur Sport will be carrying the thoughts and observations on football related issues of National Coach Jamaal Shabazz in this weekly column for an extended period as he gives insight into the game locally and even regionally and internationally. Enjoy.

Thursday October 22, 2014 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Strengthen your position among your peers. Your hypnotic eyes will capture the hearts of those who interest you.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You can make career moves that will bring you a much higher income. Your emotional partner will push all the right buttons today.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Your charm will be captivating. Problems with in-laws may cause friction in your personal relationship. You may enjoy doing something musical for entertainment.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Look into ways that you can make extra cash. Look into making changes to your personal papers and don't neglect those bills that have been piling up.

SAGIT (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Don't get involved in idle chatter that will hurt your position. Your personal life will be disrupted if you have been too busy with business.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

CAPRI. (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You may find yourself in an opportune position if you are willing to take a bit of a risk. You can meet potential new mates, but make sure that they aren't already committed to someone else.

Difficulties with your mate may lead to estrangement.

Pleasure trips will bring you into contact with new and interesting people.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Don't let your lover put demands on you. You can make profitable investments if you purchase an art object for your home. Your energy will be high.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don't forget that you've only heard one side of the story.

A little rest will do wonders.

You can make major gains professionally by completing projects on time.

Try not to be so demonstrative. Don't be afraid of opposition; your suggestions are valid. Any difficulties with peers could be unnerving.

AQUAR. (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Get busy. Your sensitive, affectionate nature will capture the heart of anyone you are attracted to.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You may find that your anger stems from lending or borrowing money. Don't let your health suffer because of worry. Talk to someone you trust.

Page 29

Fears for development as FIFA cleans up house ZURICH (Reuters) As FIFA struggles with internal reforms to clear up a corruption scandal, some within the sport worry that the world governing body could be distracted from its commitment to international development programmes.

Especially in Africa, football associations that lacked proper offices or quality fields for training and games have seen FIFA projects bring significant improvements.

“In Cape Verde, the football association was sharing a small three-floor building with other sports federations, there was nothing,” Jerome Champagne, former director of international relations for FIFA, told Reuters.

“If you got there now to Cape Verde, FIFA built a headquarters with offices, in another wing you have dorms so that people attending courses are able to stay onsite. We convinced the government to restore the national stadium, we put in an artificial field,” he added.

Champagne says the improvements have had a direct impact on the performance of the African country.

Cape Verde had never qualified for the African Cup of Nations but in 2013 they reached the finals for the first time, getting as far as the last eight. They qualified again in 2015.

“Not only did the facilities help players improve their quality, but they improve motivation,” he said.

While FIFA’s Goal

Fitzgerald and Smart dominate GDA Monthly Tournament Sudesh “Kerry “Fitzgerald and Melissa Smart ruled supreme in the Guyana Darts Association (GDA) monthly tournament which was held last Friday, at the Malteenoes Sports Club, Thomas Lands.

Their respective runners up were Miguel Merlano and Sherwyn Green, while for the females the runner up was Natisha Fordyce.

In the luck of the draw, the pair of Miguel Merlano and Green defeated Fordyce and Fitzgerald to take the top spot.

Another tournament sponsored by Dr. Terrence Joseph was scheduled to take place last evening, at the same venue.

Program, which has focused on building federation headquarters and technical centers, has drawn most attention, the organization has also pumped cash into developing countries through its Challenger Program, which offers help for grassroots facilities, and Financial Assistance Program.

The ‘Win-Win’ program looks to improve revenuegenerating activities in countries where the commercial development of the game has not progressed, while the Solidarity Fund helps victims of natural disasters. FIFA’s budget for 2016 projects $220 million in various investments.

In the wake of the corruption scandal, which has seen 14 people indicted in the United States and led to the suspension of FIFA boss Sepp Blatter, the talk in the upcoming FIFA presidential election in February is likely to focus on structural reform.

But the agenda is somewhat different in the developing world.

“These programs are critical for us. Let’s be honest, without the FIFA development projects and the Financial Assistance Program, the small island territories in the Caribbean would be struggling,” Caribbean Football Union president Gordon Derrick told Reuters.

“These projects, when they are executed properly, are of critical importance to the development of the sport in our region,” he added. “They have not always been executed properly, but those that have been are working exceptionally well.”

In essence FIFA’s projects take the revenue from the World Cup every four years, generated mostly by commercial deals in advanced economies, and spend a portion of it helping nations with little hope of ever making the big stage.

Page 30

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 22, 2015

THE NATIONAL COACH SPEAKS

Letter to the Sports Editor

CROWDS ARE BACK, NC leaves legacy on the field

Response to Chronicle Article

By Jamaal Shabazz The crowds are back!

Fans are packing local venues to see matches in the Stag Elite Football League.

Commissioning this Elite League is the most important step that the Normalization Committee has taken in its one year tenure.

It is an invaluable legacy for a group of persons who came into the job as novices in football.

When you compare to their predecessors, a blind

Clinton Urling folded Ray Charles will see that no one can truly call him or herself a football administrator when under their tenure no football was played.

Clinton Urling and his NC were ridiculed as ‘soup drinkers,’ novices and babies in the football world. And indeed the Urling led NC were babies on their FIFA appointed entry into Guyana’s football. On the eve of their departure, having introduced the Stag Elite

League, they leave on a high note. Say what you like, they got football playing again!

That fact cannot be questioned.

What is the value of playing football in a country where the game was threatening to descend into disrepute? For all the criticism leveled against them, Urling and company have ensured that football is back where it belongs, on the field.

The fans, by their attendance have declared that they are not interested in disputes and divisions.

What they want is to see Pele, Slingerz, Conquerors, Alpha and company play football.

Their presence at GFC, Tucville, No 5, Leonora and GDF grounds reflects the reality that fans are starved for football and want the rivalry to be on the field, not in the court room or the offices.

As National Team Coach and one who is experienced in Caribbean and CONCACAF football, I see the Stag Elite League as an excellent foundation for the Guyana football programme.

During our brief appearances in the World Cup Qualifiers there was much debate over the use of foreign players as against home-grown talent.

Some ‘know it alls’ will go to their grave saying that players born and playing outside of Guyana should never be allowed to represent the National team. Sigh !!!!

Then there are other supremacists who think that by virtue of playing overseas the foreign based and foreign born players should be

Jamaal Shabazz selected ahead of the locals.

Sigh again !!!

Of course, where the ‘nuts and bolts’ of team selection were concerned we could not go with “swar.”

The selection of the national team has to be rooted in the hard, cold facts.

For a period of just over two years there existed no league football where the local based players could compete regularly.

Instead there was a series of knock out tournaments…Namilco Cup, Mayors Cup and the Kashif and Shanghai tournament…to name few.

Consequently, if a team with two national players got knocked out in the first round it meant that those players would be inactive until the national team got together or until the next tournament started.

This impacted on, among other things, the fitness levels of our locally based players.

There is simply no substitute for match fitness.

What we sought to do was to build a national team around players who were active week in week out, training and playing matches for their clubs.

To find those players we were, in many instances, compelled to look outside Guyana. At the local level we Continued on page 29

DEAR EDITOR, Thanks for the opportunity to reply to an article on the Sports page of the Guyana Chronicle on October 20th, 2015, “GFF suspends technical development officer for three months”. Though the title is not of material trouble to Buxton United Football Club (BUFC), aspects of the article are, given the writer’s name is not attached.

I don’t doubt the undertones of intent, but attempts to stigmatize the Club without seeking out clarification smacks a certain trait. This Club has a robust management structure, and while Mr. France can defend himself anywhere and at any time, I as Secretary of this Noble Organization will not allow it to be demonized.

Mr. Editor, I waited for twenty-four hours to hear a GFF version of the events since Mr. France is still a GFF staff and BUFC is a Member of the GFF, but I heard nothing, hence, I rise in defence of BUFC for the records. I like all of the chosen representatives of ALL Elite Clubs had training in the Transfer Matching System (TMS) before the start of the League, so we all knew the rules. No Club should bring in a player playing out of Guyana unless they receive the green light from FIFA. Someone please tell Guyana why did Clubs knowing they did not get international transfers, brought in playersexcept they wanted to cheat.

It must be told that TMS is not only for transfer certificate, but FIFA uses it to monitor implementation of Players contract with the new Club.

Hence, when a foreign player is in Guyana without FIFA’s clearance, the content of his new contract and its terms are unknown, thus FIFA cannot monitor contract payments and conditions of acceptance electronically.

This is another avenue the cheaters benefit from.

The League was deliberately started without Clubs having recourse to independent Adjudication (no judicial bodies in place), so when an infraction occurs you have to write the friends of my friend for justice. BUFC wrote the GFF on this issue on Aug. 21st, 2015 to no avail.

I am convinced Mr. Editor that Mr. France was made a fall guy because of BUFC’s advocacy on ethics at the GFF and to appease the fraternization of the groupies of angelicink.

What is there to be leaked if Clubs knowingly import unregistered players and play them in the Elite League?

If there was a leak, then who at the GFF was covering this illegality that was leaked and why? Imagine Clubs with unregistered players having the audacity to parade them in the media as fire power for the League, but when registration is questioned France is responsible!!!Why will a Club play a player that does not have a transfer letter? Who at the GFF receives domestic or international transfers? Not France!

Was any Association written to in July 2015 for their list of transfers within their Association?

Mr. France as TMS Manager cannot access the TMS of NO Club, only FIFA and the person from that Club trained to do so can.

International transfers cleared by FIFA do not go to Mr. France. I am now anxious to hear the GFF PR department‘s reply. It should be known that when a Club negotiates (TMS) electronically for a player it is only FIFA and the two parties, not even the GFF is involve at that stage.

Mr. Editor, the Secretary of BUFC hand delivered all copies of transfers it received from proposed Members, to the GFF, by the end of July 2015, but in October 2015 there are Clubs still importing

overseas Players for the league. It seems like the GFF deliberately allowed a system of none accountability in relation to transfers to benefit those who appeared deep pocketed. The Associations personnel were found to vote on Constitutions and Slates but not to supply transfer lists. It is issues like the following that have offended the establishment to the extent of pursuing Mr. France to get at BUFC. On the 15th May, 2015 BUFC wrote the GFF on the issue of conflict of interest, by having a known football promoter sit on the League Vetting Committee and the Competitions Committee while contracted to manage world Cup Games. This observation would lead to the ultimate, as the Competitions Committee designed a format to manage the League. The said member in both Committees bided for the management contract he designed and won – earning millions of Guyana dollars and then was asked to resign we were told. The groupies must eat as the establishment facilitates them. This is a case of a Government engineer doing the engineering estimates to build a school and then bidding for the job.

All the issues raised by the concerned Clubs were to no avail since there is no GFF Ethics Committee to write.

Mr. Editor, like if those developments were not enough, the establishment allowed the same person to be presidential candidate on a slate for an Association that was birthed in June 2015importing the membership to vote in those elections. Such is the battle of sanity that has to be waged in order that a just GFF can be had, thus, there will be lots of other fall guys along the way- thank God France is Now. For the Good Of The Game.

Eton Moses- Secretary BUFC

Benn stars in Police victory

Pele’s Ronel Gordon congratulates Travis Grant after his goal, Gregory Richardson (left) is about to do same as fans appreciate the moment in one of the League games.

Opener Troy Benn stroked a fine 95 as Police defeated Guyana Defence Force (GDF) by 162 runs when the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/New Building Society (NBS) second division 40-over tournament continued on Sunday.

Benn hammered nine fours and two sixes as host Police posted 270-9 off their allotted 40 overs, batting first.

Reginald Rodrigues supported with 40 while Kelvin Leitch made 22, Daniel Barker 19 and Trevor Benn 16.

Paul Castello grabbed 4-35 while Michael Cummerbatch and Ravi Persaud had one each.

GDF were bowled out for 108 in 28 overs in reply.

Persaud scored 25 (3x4), Castello 23 and Marcus Watkins 21. Chien Gittens grabbed 4-23, Joshua Paul 2-

10 and Vishal Jaigobin 2-15.

The competition continues on Sunday with DCC hosting Sophia (Nolan Hawke and Leyland Liverpool umpiring).

Meanwhile the Noble House Sea Foods second division two-day will continue on Saturday with GDF playing Transport SC at Malteenoes SC in the first semi final (Javed Persaud and Deon Feassal umpiring).

Thursday October 22, 2015

Kaieteur News

Courts Annual Golf Tournament tees off Saturday

Page 31

WJ Enterprise supports Guyana Softball Cup 5

Supervisor of WJ Enterprise, Teresa Naraine (centre), presents the sponsorship to Petamber Maharaj in the presence Lalta Gainda.

Courts Marketing Manager, Pernell Cummings (left) hands over the sponsorship cheque to President of the LGC, Oncar Ramroop.

Also present are LGC officials, Guy Griffith and Patrick Prashad.

During a simple ceremony that was conducted at its Head Office on Main Street, Furniture Giants, Courts reaffirmed its commitment to its Annual Tournament by handing over sponsorship worth $250,000 to the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) yesterday.

Marketing Manager of the Company Pernell Cummings handed over the cheque to President of the LGC, Oncar Ramroop in the presence of club officials Guy Griffith and Patrick Prashad.

Cummings in brief remarks said Courts was again pleased to be on board with the tournament, adding that over the years they’ve played a major role in the development of sport in Guyana, and golf is no different.

He, however, anticipated that the tournament will experience further growth locally, and at the same time produce golfers of higher quality.

With Guyana’s premier

golf tournament, the Guyana Open fast approaching the one-day tournament is being used to fine tune preparations ahead of next weekend’s Guyana Open Golf Tournament.

Ramroop expressed gratitude to Courts and took the opportunity to highlight the significance of the tournament, referring to it as a precursor to the Guyana Open. “This tournament is an opportune time for golfers who will definitely use it to fine tune their preparations for the Guyana Open,” Ramroop said.

Saturday’s tournament will take the form of a Flight format and is expected to attract a large turnout with several foreign players expected to participate.

Meanwhile, Ramroop disclosed that preparations for next week’s tournament are almost complete.

The tournament is billed for October 31 and November 1, at the country’s lone golf

course at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

According to him, registration will be on a first come first serve basis, since the first 80 golfers to register will be eligible to participate.

Interested golfers can confirm their participation by registering via the LGC email a d d r e s s , lusignangolfclub@hotmail.com, or can make contact with the LGC on telephone number 220-5660.

Described as one of the most prestigious tournaments on the local golf calendar, the two-day event is expected to attract golfers from Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Suriname, French Guiana and North America.

Meanwhile, apart from the usual categories: First Flight (0-9 handicap), Second Flight (10-18), Third Flight (19-28) and Ladies Flight, the club has decided for the first time in its history to introduce a Senior Flight.

The Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) yesterday received the backing of WJ Enterprise for the staging of the fifth edition of the Guyana Softball Cup. The entity which is the sole distributor of Croxley Copy Paper, presented a cheque of an undisclosed sum to the organisers at its Regent Street location.

Supervisor Teresa Naraine, said the company is overwhelmed to be given an opportunity to be part of the country’s premier softball cricket tournament for the second straight year.

Naraine stated that the entity has been impressed with the success of the previous four Guyana Softball Cups, and it was an easy decision to recommit their support. She wished the organisers, local and visiting teams well, and urged softball fans to support the competition.

The Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) is the organising body of the tournament, and its secretary, Lalta Gainda,

was pleased to welcome WJ Enterprise as an official partner of the three-day tournament.

Gainda added that such support is critical to the successful hosting of the competition, noting that an event of such magnitude attracts a hefty budget of approximately nine million dollars.

GFSCA member Petamber Maharaj also used the opportunity to announce that

one of New York’s most successful softball teams, Mercenaries, is confirmed to compete at the October 30 to November 1 competition adding that preparations are moving apace.

This year’s tournament has attracted 24 teams in the Open and Masters categories. Wolf’s Warriors are the defending champions of the Open division, while Floodlights won the Masters title in 2014.

NOC secondary schools 10/10 cricket set for October 31 The New Opportunity Corps (NOC) Sports Club will be hosting a 10/10 knockout inter-secondary school cricket competition on October 31 on the Essequibo Coast.

Eight of May Secondary will face NOC students in the opening fixture before Abram’s Zuil take on Anna Regina Secondary and Johanna Cecelia play Cotton Field.

Among the players expected to be on show are National U17 pacer Joshua Jones and U15 batsman Orlando Jailall.

Meanwhile the club will be staging a senior knock out 10/10 tournament on November 1. Registration will be done on a first come basis preferably two teams each from North, South and Central Essequibo and Pomeroon with an entrance fee of $10,000.

The winning team will receive $50,000 and runner up $20,000. For more information teams can contact Forbes Daniels on 668-2419.

Page 32

Kaieteur News

Banks on Board ‘Tour Guyana’ 5-Stage cycling

Tourism Ministry rep Katy Martin (right), Director of Sports Chris Jones along with Troy Peters of Banks DIH (left) at the launching yesterday.

The ninth annual fivestage Cycling Race dubbed ‘Tour Guyana’ peddles off from Skeldon in Upper Corentyne Berbice on Thursday October 29 for the start of the first stage.

The Tourism Ministry is focusing on Sporting Tourism and this event, which will be contested in six regions with RDO’s in those Regions playing an active role in the race.

Kathy Martin, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Tourism Kathy Hughes who is out of the country, said the Ministry is taking sports to the different Regions.

“Sporting tourism is movement of people because of large sporting events like

the Olympics and World Cup Football and cricket and we at the Tourism Ministry want to capitalize on this fast growing market.”

Apart from the Government’s support, Corporate Guyana is also assisting and Banks DIH is the latest company to pledge its support to the race.

It was disclosed at the launching of the event yesterday at the Ministry of Tourism on Camp Street that International riders from Antigua, Suriname and the USA are slated to participate this year.

Director of Sports Chris Jones said the main difference this time as compared with past races is the quality of

accommodation for the participants.

“In the past the riders were accommodated at schools but this year the NSC will put them in Hotels,” Jones disclosed. The rider who finishes on top will win $1.2 Million.

The first stage (Skeldon to NA) will see the riders going for 46.6 miles, while the second stage (Rosignol to Carifesta Ave) is 60.4 miles.

The third leg (Wales to Parika) is the shortest with the cyclists riding 25 miles, while the fourth stage (on the E’bo Coast) is the longest with 67.1 miles.

The final stage of 64.5 will be done from Linden to Homestretch Avenue.

Thursday October 22, 2015

Buxton trounce GDF; Fruta Conquerors needle Monedderlust Stag Elite League

By Franklin Wilson Buxton United recorded their third win of the inaugural Stag Elite League (SEL) season by defeating the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) 2-1 in the feature game of Tuesday night’s double header at the GDF ground, Camp Ayanganna.

The opening game saw Fruta Conquerors also registering their third win, via a 1-0 score-line against West Berbice’ Monedderlust.

GDF has been running hot and cold this season and is yet to find a high degree of consistently, coming off a big win over Pele, the latter’s first loss, the GDF it was hoped would have encountered little or no trouble in disposing of the pride of the East Coast, Buxton United.

But the little lads from Buxton had other ideas and came prepared for the war in the GDF’s backyard. Solid work in all three thirds of the field saw Buxton building early momentum which they maintained for long periods.

Buxton too, were in high spirits having won their previous encounter against GFC also at the same venue as the undercard to the GDF’s encounter. Twenty-three minutes into the match, Buxton would take the lead.

Goalkeeper Carl

Jermaine Junor Stephenson who was almost flawless against Pele, totally misjudged a casual left foot ball that was lobbed high in the air towards his goal at the JB Singh Highway end of the field.

The constant winds blowing across the ground saw the ball looping into the ‘V’ at the far post over Stephenson’s head when he felt it was destined to sail over the crossbar.

Buxton secured that advantage for sometime before doubling same five minutes after the break.

Kwadjo Garnette it was who accepted the opportunity to push his team

further ahead with a well taken goal in the 50th minute.

The GDF lacked the spark they had displayed against Pele as Buxton stood up as a unit against their opponents.

The Army did manage to pull one back in the 68th minute through Delroy Fraser but Buxton was able to keep them at bay until the final whistle to secure full points.

Fruta Conquerors sealed the deal against Monedderlust early in their encounter, Jermaine Junor netting in the 6th minute of the clash. Monedderlust did create numerous opportunities but lacked the will to finish thus giving up full points to Conquerors.

Another brace of matches were contested last evening at the GDF ground.

Slingerz faced GFC and Pele matched skills with Alpha. On Saturday, the #5 ground will entertain matches between GFC and Buxton with the home team Monedderlust taking on Slingerz.

The Tucville ground will be the focus on Sunday when GDF and Alpha square off in the opening fixture; Fruta Conquerors will then take centre stage against Pele.

Latest SEL Points Standings

GABA releases transfer policy The Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) has released its transfer policy that is to serve as a guide to players wishing to move “freely” between clubs within the association as it continues to implement good administrative structures.

The following is the transfer criterion: (a) Player(s) acceptable transfer periods are (i) January 5- 10 and (ii) July 30-31; (b) Player(s) can be added or signed to a club roster outside of the transfer period providing the player(s) is/are not coming from a

registered GABA club.

In relation to ‘b’ above, the club will be required to notify GABA and include registration fee of $1000; (c) all transfer forms must be signed by the club executive, the player(s) leaving said club and the coach/executive of the new club that the player (s).

The form must be submitted to GABA before the transfer can be effective.

And finally, upon the satisfaction of the above, GABA will notify Guyana’s Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) of the

transfer.

“All matters specific to player(s) transfer or disciplinary action is generally handled by a GABA Select Committee.

Please note that player(s) who would have previously left one club and joined another without following the proper method (since the election of this GABA administration) is/are advised to regularise themselves in keeping with the procedure outlined above,” the GABA highlighted in a release yesterday.