Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

Deserving

BETTER

The partial cleaning up of Georgetown for Presidential Granger’s inauguration ceremony was an enlightened moment but the social decay which is evident today reflects a loss of dignity and pride. There is clear evidence of garbage being piled-up in the city again and this is a complete failure on the part of the administration which has criticized the PPP regime for the stench in the city.

Although there has been a change in government, garbage is everywhere in Georgetown and its environs. The disregard for the welfare of the masses has reached crisis proportions. It is clear that even though the garbage pile-up is of grave concern, there is still not even a semblance of any broad, structured plan to help the nation recover from what has become a chronic national problem.

Not only is garbage piling up in the city and its environs, but also the public infrastructure, especially the health care facilities, is crumbling. It cannot even provide basic services for the people for any type of ailments. This is a rather crude experience for the people who voted for change.

The public hospitals and other medical facilities in the country have serious service limitations of one kind or another, whether with bed capacity, shortages of medication, equipment failures or basic medical supplies.

Insufficient beds continue to have a numbing effect on the sick, especially those with chronic ailments who need specialized surgical care at the hospitals.

They have been unable to access the necessary services needed to cure their ailments because routine emergencies have almost always dictate who occupies the very limited amount of beds at the hospitals.

As if this was not bad enough, it is very sad that an 11month-old infant had to endure pain and suffering for almost a month with a broken syringe needle in his buttocks. A country that cannot take proper care of its babies is doomed. This is the good services that the government can boast about at the public hospitals? Is this a propaganda exploit?

There are also several other public infrastructure problems such as clogged drains and waterways, open manholes and broken kokers in Georgetown and in the rural areas. It seems that a large segment of people have simply given up on maintaining their communities.

It should be no surprise that a sprinkle of rain has often resulted in floods throughout most of the country. Having a dirty city is one thing, but it is another to allow it to evolve into one in which criminal activities are a daily occurrence.

Is Guyana seriously aspiring for First World status? Surely, not anytime soon.

It is known that qualified and skilled personnel are in decline in Guyana, therefore the APNU+AFC government must seek such services and skills in the diaspora.

The economy is in a tailspin and the opposition is waiting to pounce on the government if it tries to sugar-coat its now pronounced legacy of a declining GDP growth rate.

The people need hope to spur them on to contribute to the process of national and human development. They need motivation and emotional incentives to help rebuild the country from the ground level.

Many continue to live an undignified life and this has bred contempt for the system and order in the country.

There is a deep socio-economic problem that must be addressed thoroughly before it becomes a most undesirable phenomenon across the nation. It cannot be swept under the carpet as has been done previously, resulting in the population becoming generally more disappointed due to the neglect by the authorities.

The people deserve better, and they will either get it through the will of the government or the will of themselves. They will be the judge and jury of the change.

Friday September 04, 2015

Letters... Where your views make the news

We have to allow the auditors to do their work thoroughly DEAR EDITOR, Many supporters of the governing coalition have been calling on the government to move more quickly against alleged instances of corruption in the previous government. Some are also dismayed that many operatives of the PPP still hold top positions in the government. This is understandable.

The instances of corruption, which have thus far been made public by the government has confirmed in the minds of many that there is more in the mortar.

The logic of party politics invariably takes us to this place. The coalition made rooting out and prosecuting corruption a centerpiece of its campaign platform. Many of their supporters have individually and collectively felt the wrath of the PPP when in government. When one combines the two, the government has to appear to be

aggressively going after those suspected of corruption.

But one has to make a distinction between proper investigation of corruption and witch-hunting.

The government has to make sure that it is doing proper investigation before prosecuting people. I know people are impatient, but even instances of corruption that are obvious need to be carefully documented before prosecution. Accumulating the evidence needed to prosecute those suspected of misappropriation of government assets takes time.

We have to allow the auditors to do their work thoroughly. The AssetRecovery unit also has to make sure that it is engaged in investigation and not witch-hunting. Government is a very complex set of institutions. Because there are several layers of and avenues

running through the government, it takes some time to catch and follow the trail of corruption.

Many persons have asked me to evaluate the government. A few have pointed to the fact that many items in the 100-day plan have not been implemented. Frankly, I think the government is doing a good job overall.

It is not easy coming into government after 23 years.

The government has to confront a shattered economy, the Venezuela threat and a rampant and unrepentant opposition. That’s a fair bit to handle.

The new government invariably encountered more problems than it anticipated. Some may say they should have known this. But although they are related, there is some difference between campaigning to get into (Continued on page 31)

How now, about the September month gun amnesty, Mr. Harry Gill?

DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me space to respond, in part, to Mr. Harry Gill’s September 3rd, 2015, letter to Kaieteur News, lacerating the Honorable Minister Ramjattan’s September 2015 Gun Amnesty program. Many of his opinionated (no empirical evidence supplied, no instances/case sources footnoted nor conducted survey results highlighted) recommendations seem fairly reasonable but nebulous at best.

Hmmnn...One wonders why they were not implemented under the PPP/CIVIC administration. In my opinion, to be more of a balanced letter writer on this subject matter, Mr. Gill must first really integrate himself into

the labyrinthine mosaic of Guyanese culture-not politics-to become a subject expert to fully evaluate if his recommended models are viable or must they be modified to be in alignment with the Guyanese socio-cultural paradigm, and what feedback mechanisms will be implemented to gauge results. However, enough said on that as I will now respond on a more focused portion of his letter.

Mr. Gill, whom, I must confess, I do not know, seems to be the Siamese twin to Mr. Rohee, as both concurred, with vehement certainty, that the gun amnesty initiative is doomed to fail.

Second paragraph, last line -”This program as advertised, is visionless and will bear no fruit.”- firstly, lacks

credibility as that particular line is grammatically incorrect. That is dismissively secondary, though, to the actual proclamation Mr. Gill made with 100% certainty, that this gun amnesty will not work.

Mr. Gill, may I remind you, Sir, that on the very first day, the media reported that over 1,000 rounds of ammunition and two hand guns were handed in !!!!!

Who, therefore, is visionless, Mr. Gill?

And, if nothing else, is a thousand rounds of ammo handed in not enough ‘fruit’ for you and your ilk? How do you gauge this gun amnesty initiative a success or not, Mr. Gill?

For too long, many are guilty of (Continued on page 31)

Friday September 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

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

The necessary and timely restoration of D’Urban Park DEAR EDITOR, They say that cleanliness is next to godliness. If this is really so, then God has been making His presence felt in Guyana since May 16, 2015 when the APNU/AFC coalition led by H.E. President David A. Granger was declared winner of the 2015 General and Regional Elections, and took the seat of governance.

One of the first subsequent acts of godliness inspired by His Excellency’s government was the restoration and cleaning of the Independence Arch on upper Brickdam in Georgetown, general improvement and the enhanced aesthetics around the City and its environs. The clearing of the D’Urban park area, once coined a ‘junglette’ by the former infamous HPS, Dr. Roger Luncheon, is a relief to the eyes.

The latter area is my main focus.

Long before, as the old people would say “I dream to born”, that area was said to be one of the most celebrated recreational parks in Georgetown. It was the named the Demerara Turf Club, but popularly called the “Race Course”.

The area was used in the 1950’s and 60’s for horse-

racing, and was visited and admired by many locals and overseas visitors. It was a prime tourist attraction.

The Demerara Turf Club was subsequently revamped to make way for the extension of a road during the expansion of the city of Georgetown sometime in the early 1970’s. That road stretched in front of the Grandstand, where jockeys and horses previously extended themselves to win, had replaced the final furlongs of their race and was known as the ‘homestretch’. The road was hence named Homestretch Avenue.

Subsequently, most of the horse racing in Guyana was diverted to the Port Mourant Turf Club, Bush Lot United Turf Club and the Rising Sun Turf Club, among others.

After the construction of what is now the NCN facility, Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Former GBS Radio Studio and the 1763 Monuments between 1970 1980, D’Urban Park took the form of a large pasture.

D’Urban Park was well maintained during subsequent years prior to 1992. I recall as a young Queen’s College student in the 1980’s, using the facility to sharpen my athletic and football skills after school, since it was closer to home and a superb alternative to the National Park. The facility was also used annually at Easter by thousands who flocked the area to participate in Kite Flying. The park even hosted the GDF field gunners who set off luminous fireworks following Republic anniversary ceremonies at the Square of the Revolution during the reign of the late President L.F.S. Burnham.

Since 1992, D’Urban Park was literally left to fall to the dogs, reptiles, and overgrowth. A significant portion of the land also became an unsightly and noxious dumping ground for all sorts of waste matter.

It was the nightmare and daily haunt of many residents in the Lodge community, particularly those who live between John

and Chapel Streets. They had to endure the indignity of glaring, intimidating junglette, which was the breeding ground for mosquitoes, alligators and a variety of snakes. The residents’ agony was compounded each time a huge camoudie or two ventured from the bushy D’Urban Park area across the Hadfield Street borderline and into their yards. Invariably, the alert and disgusted residents instinctively inflicted mortal

injuries to those reptiles before they could prey on livestock or children.

Disappointingly, despite numerous appeals to members of the previous PPP government and the then constrained M&CC, absolutely nothing was done to change the condition of D’Urban Park for over almost two decades.

Then, as God would have it, D’Urban Park experienced an almost immediate transformation within a week of Mr.

Granger’s assent to the Presidency. By May 25, 2015, the junglette had been dismantled. Georgetown sighed in relief. The residents of Lodge got a breath of fresh air, and God smiled! The APNU/AFC government has clearly demonstrated its intent to create change, and has done so resoundingly by the initial and ongoing works to restore particularly D’Urban Park to a place of civility, admiration and ‘godliness’.

Orette Cutting

Friday September 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

I Dare You, Portia! - Samuda Challenges Jamaican PM To Call Election … Within Six Weeks The Gleaner - Declaring that the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is well settled in the “starter’s blocks”, Karl Samuda, a key campaign organiser, Wednesday challenged Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller to call the general election within the next six weeks.

Speaking ahead of an election planning meeting at the JLP’s Belmont Road headquarters, Samuda told The Gleaner that, but for financing, all was in place with his party.

“All the structures that will assure us an election victory are in place,” said Samuda, who has been approached by JLP leader Andrew Holness to lead the party on the campaign. “We are gently working on the ground,” he added.

With Simpson Miller declaring that the ruling People’s National Party was ready for an election, Samuda said he dared her to “stop jumping up and down and call the election.

“PM, call the election. I dare you to call the election within six weeks.”

He told The Gleaner that the JLP was in a position to field good candidates in all 63 constituencies. At the same time, Samuda admitted that the selection of candidates in five constituencies, including West Central St Catherine and West Central St James, was still outstanding, but stressed that people were working the seats.

The veteran politician, who, as campaign manager, led the JLP to its first electoral

victory in 18 years back in 2007, said campaign work on the ground was proceeding smoothly.

“We are very green in these constituencies with only spotting of drought, so there is no real cause for concern,” he asserted.

But despite the work on the ground, Samuda expressed unease that the party was strapped for cash.

“Financing remains our biggest challenge at this time and we have to try find a way to overcome this, but we are good to go and are ready for the challenge in all 63 constituencies.” he said.

Last week, Holness expressed optimism that corporate donors would pull through for the JLP. Samuda hinted that the JLP would be banking on what he said was the hardships being experienced by Jamaicans under the arrangement agreed by the Government with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“The JLP is absolutely confident that the level of pain being experienced by the average Jamaican at all levels under this IMF agreement makes it extremely difficulty for a second term for the Government,” he said.

Added Samuda: “The JLP has repeatedly enunciated its approach that would create opportunities for the masses of the country and we would not just willingly accept onerous elements of the agreement.”

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Kaieteur News

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The United States is not acting like a friend Information was recently shared with the government of Guyana about the smuggling of gold from here to the United States. This revelation comes against the backdrop of a precipitous decline in gold declarations in 2014 over which there was huge national debate.

There was a great deal of speculation about the causes of the decline. There were claims that the industry was in problems and that output had declined because of the high costs of production which forced many small

miners out of business. There were also claims that the reason for the decline was because of hoarding of gold.

The decline in production has continued into 2015. One therefore has to assume that the United States of America knew all along about this smuggling and did not inform the government of Guyana earlier, thus hurting the economy of Guyana. The government of Guyana needs to ask the United States why it is that only now it is bringing to the attention of the government of Guyana

the fact that for some time now large quantities of gold were being smuggled out of Guyana to the United States and to Suriname.

This is not the first time that gold smuggling was alleged to be taking place between Guyana and the United States. Persons were actually charged in this country for smuggling the precious metal out of the country.

The only reason then that the United States brought it to the attention of Guyana was because they felt that the

Heightened movements of terrorists…

Int’l airline denies South Asian passengers, Guyana remains watchful

By Abena Rockcliffe It seems as if precautionary measures being taken around the world may help Guyana in its quest to bar potential terrorists from entering the country.

Kaieteur News recently reported that the Guyana Government is on the lookout for potential terrorists after being warned by certain countries to so do.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge said, “In the few weeks since we have been in office we have already seen some odd trends…and trends include a sudden rise in visa applications from South Asia.”

He added that at the same time, the Government of Guyana received alerts from the governments of some of the very “South Asian” countries regarding the movement of potential terrorists.

Greenidge identified some of the “South Asia” jurisdictions as Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India.

He said that Guyana had picked up, from the general system, that countries had detected increased movements of terrorists from such countries. Therefore, there became a need for special care in monitoring the movements out of those counties.

“We were then told to be careful,” said Greenidge.

While Greenidge refused to state exactly where his warnings came from, he said, “You must know that only a few countries have the ability to do such monitoring, in order to warn us.”

Yesterday, Greenidge said that the high volume of applications for visas to travel to Guyana was by nationals of India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge Nepal in particular.

Greenidge specified that while some of these applications are for student and business purposes, a significant amount is for tourist purposes.

The Minister added that “at least one international airline has therefore been denying boarding of its aircraft to some tourist visa holders from these countries.”

He said too that apart from the issue of terrorists, there is of course the matter of trafficking in persons, which is also a major issue.

Greenidge said that Guyana will remain keen to protect itself from being invaded by potential terrorists, maintaining that the country is in no way prepared.

Previously, Greenidge had

said that “Guyana has little capacity to monitor ordinary criminals, let alone an influx of illegal immigrants from those parts of the world where terrorism is crossing new boundaries – see Thailand for example.”

BBC had reported on Tuesday that “a second foreign suspect has been arrested in connection with the deadly bombing at a Bangkok shrine in August.”

A foreign man was arrested in Bangkok on Saturday for the blast which killed 20 people.

Greenidge said that if Guyana was to become open to situations similar to that of Thailand the country would indeed be in a sad state, especially when Guyana’s capacity to deal with terrorists is considered.

“If terrorists arrive in Guyana they would wreak havoc, therefore, we must be careful.”

Greenidge told Kaieteur News that he had discussions with the Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, regarding alerts and arrangements to ensure both careful monitoring and proper handling of visitors.

Kaieteur News made persistent efforts both on Tuesday and yesterday to get in contact with Felix in order to find out about measures that may have been put in place but he remains unavailable.

gold was being used for shady business. They were not concerned about the economic interests of Guyana.

They were concerned and concerned only about their own interests. If the gold was not then being used for shady business, do you think the United States would have made an issue of it?

Here again, the United States had to have known that the gold was being smuggled out of this country. So why did they not bring it all along to the attention of the government? Why did they not hint this all along to the government so that instead of the government believing that it was hoarding or a drop in production that was responsible for the decline in production, they could have

investigated this smuggling?

Guyana’s economy has been hurt. Guyana GDP could have recorded a higher increase had the smuggled gold been reported. Steps could have been taken to stop the smuggling. Falling declarations led to a loss of confidence in the mining sector. This would have cost Guyana investment.

Now the US comes along with the story that there have been illegal gold exports? So why did it not charge those involved within its jurisdiction? Why did it wait so long? What games is the United States up to in this country? What is it trying to do?

Only the United States can answer those questions.

The government should demand an explanation. The

United States has not acted like a friend. A friend does not withhold critical information only to share it later.

The United States is acting in a selfish manner. It is only concerned about its own interest.

Why should Guyana be tumbling over to react to the allegations of gold smuggling provided by the United States? It should because if it is true then it is serious. But the government should also ask the United States why it acted so unethically in this whole matter.

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Kaieteur News

Friday September 04, 2015

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Guyana: A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma It was the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, who wrote the words above to describe Russia in 1939.

That was over 70 years ago.

Since then Russia has thrown off the curiosity the world had of it. If I were to lift Churchill’s assessment out of its particular context and apply it to another country in the entire world, it would be my own homeland, Guyana.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Social Cohesion held a roundtable on national unity at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. The number of national stakeholders was staggering – over fifty. But it was déjà vu. Haven’t we been this way before? I didn’t attend; not out of disrespect for the Ministry. Its effort should be applauded. But out of the mental discomfort of sitting in the same room with

stakeholders who just a few months ago were willing participants in the perpetuation of national divisiveness and power madness.

Then there were others in that round table that couldn’t be bothered if a magistrate jails a baby for crying too loudly.

I remember representing the TUC on a similar occasion at the same venue years ago.

Each stakeholder brought his own bestial instincts to the meeting. Absolutely nothing was achieved and that was because this is an inhuman, unconscionable, uncaring, dishonest, immoral county, riveted by horrendous selfinterest.

If national cohesion is to fertilize in this Dostoyevskian desert called Guyana, it has to start with people having an appreciation for the

fundamental law of right versus wrong. In this barren landscape of cowardice and raw instincts, Guyanese must use every moral thread in ontology to invent a culture of human endearment. If you are devoid of the capacity for empathy you cannot appreciate the cultural and ethnic difference within the human race.

Everyday in this society, human tragedies cascade like falling water from a fountain and Guyanese don’t even look in the direction of the misery in front of them. Is there another country like this? Magistrates are out of control and not one citizen dares to speak up. You pick up the newspaper each day and you see reckless decisions by mediocre magistrates that destroy the lives of hundreds of teenagers not for violent robberies but

their first offence of marijuana possession.

And the dozen youth groups we have here utter not a word. It never occurred to this society that if voices are raged against what these magistrates do then we can regain some human value in the society.

Guyana, we are told, is a nation of youth with almost half the population being of young people. Not even one group of the dozens of youth organizations we have in Guyana voiced even an ounce of concern about the disappearance of the Ministry of Youth. It has not occurred to them that if they had asked for the return of their Ministry it might have happened.

A new government comes into power after winning the general election after spending years on the

‘Mason’ caught trying to sell stolen boat A young man who allegedly stole a boat valued $200,000 and was caught trying to sell it by the police, was yesterday remanded to prison, after he appeared before City Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Steve Singh, a mason, who resides at Yarrow Dam, West Ruimveldt, was charged

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood

with simple larceny. He denied that between August 19 and September 2, at Riverview, he stole the boat from R&S Fishing Enterprise. His next court appearance will be on September, 8.

The police’s case is that on August 19, the owner of the boat secured it and left.

On his return the next day, he noticed that the west wall of the boat station was broken.

Further checks were made and it was discovered that the boat along with other articles was missing.

The matter was reported and on September 2, around 10:00hrs, the police acting on information launched a sting

operation to lure the defendant, along with another man, who had promised to buy the boat. As a result, the accused was caught trying to sell the boat by the police.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Seon Blackman objected to the defendant being released on bail. In doing so, the prosecutor emphasized the penalty attached to the offence.

Further, Blackman argued that the boat was identified by the owner, as his. He pointed out that the police have since launched an investigation, as they are uncertain about the

defendant’s profession.

There are speculations that he is working for a pirate gang.

During his address to the court, Singh begged the Magistrate to show leniency.

He told the court that on the morning of September 2, he was approached by an unknown man while offering prayers at the river side.

The defendant explained that the man sought his assistance with bringing the boat ashore, when he was arrested.

Additionally, he stressed that he and the man were taken into the lock-ups, but the man later escaped while he was asleep.

opposition benches.

Just three years before they won the election when they were in the opposition, they passed a pro-democracy motion to remove a canopy of jail fences that surrounded the National Assembly edifice.

No sooner had they walked into the halls of power, than the jail fences grew longer and wider devouring more streets in close proximity to Parliament. Not one citizen sees this betrayal of a prodemocracy advocacy as an ominous sign for the future.

A long, long time ago, in 1811 to be precise, Frenchman, Joseph de Maistre, wrote the following words with cynical intention; “People deserve the government they get.”

The jail-fences around Parliament worry me because I have always been a student of history and philosophy and when you study both, they leave you in a permanent state of disappointment with power. History is very instructive. Power takes an inch.

When silence greets it, it takes another inch. When the silence is more deafening, it

Frederick Kissoon takes three inches. When the silence becomes the norm, power takes over the soul of a country.

What becomes of all those stakeholders who left the Arthur Chung Convention Centre yesterday? Do you think they care to comment on why the APNU-AFC people betrayed their own prodemocracy motion in Parliament now that they are in power? Do you think these stakeholders will have the decency to tell the supermarket owner that they patronize that he is running a sweat shop? Will they boycott the super-rich family that compels its employees to buy their own toilet paper for use in the work place? Do these stakeholders hold anything that is dear in the menagerie of values that hold civilization together?

Dem boys seh...

Jagdeo to follow Guatemala president soon When dem boys was li’l dem use to play a game call monopoly. When you land pun a square de game does tell you, ‘Go directly to jail; do not pass go; do not collect $200’ De Guatemala president and Jagdeo use to play and when dem use to land pun that square dem know dem can get a card which seh, ‘Get out of jail free’.

When both of dem tun president dem continue playing that game thinking that dem can do anything and get past jail free.

Well, yesterday Otto Perez Molina, was forced out of office in Guatemala. De people seh that he thief too much and dem couldn’t tek it no more.

Dem boys hear that as soon as Molina step out of de presidential office de police bangle de SOB. Dem walk him straight to court and de judge didn’t even watch him. He send him straight to jail.

He think he was still playing monopoly because he tell de prison warden that he gun get card fuh get out of jail.

When this news bruck and dem boys see it, right away dem seh that if de people of Guyana was like de people of Guatemala dem wouldn’t have to take Jagdeo to court, dem woulda march him straight to Mazaruni prisons.

Molina, like Jagdeo, had control of de Customs money.

All two of dem do things wid de Customs money but only one go straight to jail. Wha happen to Jagdeo who do things wid money from all sections of de revenue collection?

Don’t talk bout Brassington and NICIL because dem boys seh he and all got to go to jail. He do nuff things wid de people money. He craft a lot of cockish deals to enrich all of Jagdeo kavakamites.

He craft de Amaila road project that give away millions of US dollars that belong to de poor people of this country to Fip million, a man who never build a latrine.

De same Brassington craft de contract fuh de Marriott that was giving a man 67% ownership of de hotel fuh only US$8 million when de taxpayers put in more than US$30 million. You believe this? And this man still outside, walking free, and sometimes carefree but not fat free.

Is this same man who walking free craft de agreement fuh de Berbice Bridge wha Brassington and Ramroop own half of after dem invest little or nutten.

Talk half and ask de new govt if dem run out of bangle fuh Jagdeo.

Friday September 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

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UG appoints Professor Granger justifies dismissals Nigel Harris as Chancellor in public service A new Chancellor has been appointed at the University of Guyana (UG) in the person of Professor Nigel Harris.

With his appointment, Harris, a Guyanese by birth, will in effect be the ninth Chancellor of the university.

His appointment became effective from August 26, 2015. He will succeed yet another Guyanese who held the very position, Dr. Compton Bourne, who served as Chancellor from 2009 to 2012.

Since assuming power earlier this year, the coalesced A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change had identified the former Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies as a suitable candidate for the position of Chancellor at UG. In commenting on his new appointment, Professor Harris said, “I welcome this opportunity to work with the leaders, staff and students of the University of Guyana community, as well as with government and other stakeholders to forge the growth and success of this institution so critical to the economic, social and cultural development of Guyana and the Caribbean.”

Professor Harris held the position of UWI Vice Chancellor over the period October 1, 2004 to April 30, 2015 when he retired. He was named Vice Chancellor Emeritus.

Prior to joining UWI, he was Dean and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia from 1996 to 2004. He was previously a faculty member at the University of Louisville, in Kentucky (1987 -1996) where he rose to the rank of Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Rheumatology.

While he was Vice Chancellor of UWI, he held many other leadership posts.

He served as Chairman of the Caribbean Examination

Newly appointed UG Chancellor, Professor Nigel Harris Council, (CXC) (2006-2014).

He was elected Chairman of the Association of Commonwealth Universities for a two year term (20112013) after serving on the administrative board and executive committee for four years (this is a Consortium of 530 universities in the Commonwealth). He is a current member of the Administrative Board of the International Association of Universities (IAU), a consortium of more than 600 universities.

He has served as President of the Association of Caribbean Universities and Research Institutes (UNICA) from 2012 to 2015. While Dean at the Morehouse School of Medicine, Professor Harris had a number of leadership roles, including executive membership on the Committee of Deans of Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Professor Harris has held many other leadership positions; President of the Association of Caribbean Universities and Research Institutes (UNICA) from 2012 to 2015. He is internationally known for his work as a Rheumatologist.

With Doctors Aziz Gharavi and Graham Hughes in London, he helped to define a disorder which they called the Antiphospholipid Syndrome and devised a diagnostic test (the anticardiolipin test) for it. For

this work, he shared the CibaGeigy Prize awarded by the International League Against Rheumatism (ILAR) in 1990 with Dr. Graham Hughes, Dr. Aziz Gharavi and others. He has published over 150 papers, Editorials, Reviews and chapters on this subject and these have been cited in several thousand publications. In 1987, he launched the Antip h o s p h o l i p i d Standardisation Laboratory, which led to worldwide efforts to standardise the anticardiolipin test and he developed standards for the test that are often referred to as the “Harris Standards”.

For his contributions to the field of Rheumatology, he was made a Master of the American College of Rheumatology in October 2014.

The new Chancellor graduated with a BS degree in Chemistry from Howard University (1968) and proceeded to Yale University, where he received a Master of Philosophy Degree in Biochemistry (1973). He earned his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania (1977) and returned to the Caribbean where he completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of the West Indies at Mona. He was subsequently awarded the post-graduate degree, Doctor of Medicine (DM) in 1981.

Professor Harris has also a c q u i r e d many notable awards, including the Cacique Crown of Honour from Guyana in 2011, the Martin Luther King International Award that was received in Washington DC in 2010 and the 11th Congressional District of the USA declared February 11, 2015, the “Eon Nigel Harris Day” in recognition of his contributions to Medical Research. Chancellor Harris is married to Dr. C. Yvette Williams-Harris, a general internist and they have three children and five grandchildren.

By Abena Rockcliffe President David Ganger yesterday cast aside cries of witch hunting saying that in each case where the government has terminated the services of a public servant, there was a “good explanation.”

“There has not been a purge; there has been no witch hunting,” said Granger.

The President told the media of the instances where it was found that “funds have disappeared”. He recalled cases of malpractice saying that those cases were taken to Cabinet which made its decisions.

“So there has been no witch hunting or any purging.”

The Head of State said that his government intends to pursue a transparent and efficient economy.

He added, “In my first week in office, I mentioned that we need an efficient public service. Some persons who were not prepared to participate in our programme have since left the service.”

President Granger renewed his administration’s

- Cites malpractice and disappearance of tax dollars commitment to the launch of a Public Service Staff College.

He said, “We want to make sure our Public Servants are trained and I told them that Public Servants must be ‘unbribeable’. We want an honest and efficient Public Service (The public servants) will be better paid, better educated and they will be respected. That is what we are aiming at.”

Since the government assumed office, many officials spent a lot of time defending the dismissal of several public servants while the former governing party—People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C)—made cries of witch hunting and “ethnic cleansing.”

Many Government Ministers took time during their budget presentations to defend Government’s right to fire errant public servants.

Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, went as far as to say that “it is necessary” whenever a new

President David Granger government takes over to let some people go.

More than 20 persons who were secretly working at the Office of the President under the guise of being ‘Work Processor Operators’, but were actually doing political work under the People’s PPP/C Government, had their services terminated.

According to sources (Continued on page 12)

Page 12

Kaieteur News

GRDB has paid rice millers All outstanding monies owed to millers across the rice growing regions of Guyana have been cleared by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

The announcement was made by the Ministry of Agriculture yesterday as Essequibo farmers protest for payments.

According to the Ministry, Government is now calling on millers to keep their end of the bargain by paying rice farmers.

Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, cautioned that it is now the responsibility of millers to pay farmers and not the Government of Guyana.

GRDB, in keeping with practice, paid millers from the

- Agriculture Minister

Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder PetroCaribe fund.

Earlier yesterday, rice

farmers from Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast staged a protest demanding the administration’s intervention in ensuring that they are paid.

To date, all farmers in Region Two, according to the GRDB’s records, have been paid in full by millers with the exception of a few.

The millers on the Essequibo coast with outstanding payments to farmers include Wazeer Hussein (Dry Shore/KSCL) – $285M; Ramesh Ramlakhan (Ex-mouth) – $156M; Deonarine (Evergreen) – $135M; Old Mac Guyana Inc. – $28M and La Resource Rice Industry – $27M. “The Agriculture Minister is calling on millers to settle all outstanding debts to farmers who have supplied them with paddy. It is only fair the farmers are paid and in full.

We have be e n v e r y supportive of both millers and farmers but it is time that those millers who have not done so to pay rice farmers,” Minister Holder said.

Friday September 04, 2015

Rice farmers protest non-payment for rice supplied

Rice farmers protesting With late payments and the pricing of paddy being only two of several critical issues that continue to affect rice farmers, a small number of rice farmers, led by officers attached to the Guyana Rice Producers Association (RPA), Essequibo sub office, staged a peaceful protest outside of the building at Anna Regina, yesterday morning.

Farmers who are owed monies by millers since March of this year are demanding to be paid while others concerned about how much they would be paid for a bag of paddy for this crop and beyond, are requesting that the new Government release the $23B that was allotted in the 2015 budget for payments to be effected.

One female rice farmer, Mrs. Budram, of Reliance, Essequibo Coast, explained that for the last 15 years she has been selling seed paddy.

She is worried that if the price does not improve significantly, rice farmers would encounter difficulties

going back into the field come the next crop.

Budram argued that the cost of production is extremely high and she is not making any profits like before.

Meanwhile, Devika Persaud, who owns almost 11 acres of rice land, is strongly contending that rice farmers, especially on the Essequibo Coast need to be educated.

Persaud argued that Agriculture is not based only on “rice”; instead, farmers should by now be thinking about diversification, since the rice industry is already wounded and sinking.

“It’s a shame to see we the farmers have one cause and are divided because of political influences.”

Persaud also made reference to the last Government, maintaining that if they had truly cared about rice farmers and the rice Industry, farmers would not have been in this predicament today.

She said that any protest must have a “meaning” and as such it is unfair to now

blame the new government, since they have taken over with a lot of “mess to clean”.

“This mess that this Government has reached would take years to clean,” she said.

The vocal rice farmer is insisting that if rice farmers cannot have unity and cooperate, millers would continue to play “football” with them.

Persaud added that farmers should consider planting peas, beans and poultry, like in the early eighties.

She said many farmers are aware and used to intercrop previously, but instead of looking at the situation realistically, it has now become a blame game.

Persaud is further calling on the new government to do its best to help farmers.

Persaud is appealing for the resuscitation of Silos, and the Guyana Agriculture Bank.

Many rice farmers are preparing to harvest in the new week.

(Yannason Duncan)

Granger justifies dismissals... within of the Ministry of the Presidency, most of the staffers were being paid to write letters to the editors of the various newspapers, and to create fake profiles on Facebook and other social websites.

It would be one of the most glaring cases to have emerged in which State resources were being abused under the previous Government.

Almost a dozen of them had contracts with the National Communications Network (NCN), reportedly receiving salaries from that

entity as well as from the Office of the President.

The 20-odd persons were said to be under the watch of Kwame Mc Coy, the controversial Press Liaison, who served under the administrations of Bharrat Jagdeo and then Donald Ramotar.

On Mc Coy’s orders, the special media unit was tasked with monitoring critics of Government and responding to them, in the online fora and in the newspapers.

Among the persons in the unit was a relative of a former senior PPP/C Minister and

another is closely related to a Parliamentarian who lives in Berbice and works at the NCN branch.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had told the media that the Ministry of the Presidency was overstaffed by almost 200 persons.

Advisors to the former President, Donald Ramotar, and “research” personnel have been fired.

People like Odinga Lumumba, who had responsibilities for “Youth Empowerment” is also gone.

At least two Permanent Secretaries who campaigned for the PPP were sent home.

The government also stopped paying 2000 indigenous Community Support Officers who were found to have been paid to do community work for the PPP.

Friday September 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 13

ExxonMobil eyes early 2016 for next phase of oil exploration US-owned oil giant, ExxonMobil, is set to continue work in its offshore concession early next year following the discovery of significant evidence of hydrocarbon a few months ago.

On Wednesday, Government, through the Minister of Governance with responsibility for the State’s patrimony and natural resources, Raphael Trotman, said that Guyana is in full support of ExxonMobil which committed to continuing exploration works early next year. This meeting was held with some of the company’s top executives at the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Boardroom.

ExxonMobil’s team was led by Erik Oswald, ExxonMobil Exploration Vice President. It included Craig Kelly, Senior Director for the Americas, International Government; Chuck Calavan, Vice President, South and Latin America; Jeff

Johnson, Exploration Commercial Manager; Alison Rana, Public and Government Affairs Advisor; Jeff Simons, Country Manager Esso, Guyana; and Carlton James, Public and Government Affairs Manager, Esso, Guyana.

According to Oswald, the company was especially happy with the discovery made in Guyana.

“As you know we have had a discovery of what we thought was a very successful well. This was a very low probability well so it is one of these things we love to see. It’s a very risky investment so we are very pleased about that,” he said.

Regarding to activities next year, Oswald said that the company remains committed and is looking forward to the next investment.

“When the technical work is done, the others will be done. And the idea is, if we have a lot of success, we will bring additional rigs,” Oswald said.

He explained that the

Minister Trotman flanked by (from right) Technical Officer, Theresa Game, Advisor on Sustainable Development, Clayton Hall and Technical Officer, Euileen Watson, and executives from ExxonMobil.

“Deepwater Champion”, the rig that struck oil, left Guyana in June upon completion of its contract with the corporation.

Government’s role in ensuring the company’s right to continue its exploration in the Stabroek Block was also discussed during the meeting. Trotman made it clear to the executives of President David

The Deepwater Champion rig.

Granger’s assurance that the block will be protected. ”I give you my assurance. The commitment to the project is 110 per cent. We have no intentions of giving up on that partnership.”

He also communicated the government’s willingness to support and assist in any infrastructural needs, which may arise when the company expands its operations here.

Given the ongoing threats to Guyana’s territorial integrity, Minister Trotman also used the opportunity to update the company on the ongoing border controversy and the recent visit to Guyana by a team from United Nations Headquarters.

The minister spoke about the restated intentions of neighbouring Venezuela to claim significant portions of Essequibo, the largest county, and even waters off Guyana, including where oil was discovered a few months ago.

Relations between the two countries have been at an all time low ever since.

“The UN had a team here in Guyana… We are doing our best to get (the issue) resolved. We are pushing for a comprehensive and resolute result. The dispute has not been helpful to this country.

We are entitled… to develop our country’s natural resources,” Trotman explained. ExxonMobil’s

drilling began on March 5 offshore in the Stabroek Block. Just two months later, on May 20, the company announced that its engagement in Guyana was p r o v i n g successful, as its exploration drill ship, the Deepwater Champion, had found a deposit of a ‘significant’ amount of oil in the Block, about 120 nautical miles from Georgetown.

The discovery of oil would be the first major one for Guyana but oil prices have fallen to around US$40 per barrel, one of the lowest in recent years. Guyana is not likely to see production in at least five years.

Page 14

Kaieteur News

Friday September 04, 2015

90 lose jobs as Linden Call Centre closes Toucan Connections Incorporated, the only Call Centre in the Mining town, violated labour laws when it closed operations recently and sent home some 90 people without prior notice.

This has forced the government to intervene to ensure that the now unemployed persons will be given their full benefits.

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes, who holds oversight responsibility for the Labour Department, led a team to the Mining town yesterday, to meet with officials and staff of the now closed Call Centre, a government statement said.

During the engagement with the manager, supervisor, and 86 staff members at the centre, the Mi n i s t e r explained that she was informed of the issue by Regional Chairman, Rennis Morian, who was also present at the session.

Staffers claimed that management of the centre had advised them that the benefits due to them would be paid by the government.

This notion was quickly shot down by Minister Broomes. She told the now unemployed persons that this was not true.

“If it was told to you that

- Regional Chairman wants managers blocked from flying out it is the responsibility of Government to pay your severance, I would like to say to you, this is not true. It is the responsibility of the person who employed you to do so,” Broomes told the now unemployed persons.

Broomes insisted that management of the call centre violated the labour laws in Guyana, as these mandate that businesses upon their closure or intentions to do so, must first inform their employees and then the relevant government or State agencies.

“Supervisor of Toucan Connections, Shontel Brooks, advised the Minister that the company misinterpreted the laws, since she thought that the severance package was the responsibility of the government, but later apologized to the staff.

Minister Broomes viewed this as “misleading the employees”. She said that ignorance of the law is no excuse,” the Government release said.

“How can you be here and establish a building and say to me that you didn’t know the law? You are misleading

workers to say that it is Government’s responsibility to pay severance,” Minister Brooms chided.

Broomes disclosed that had it not been for the intervention of the Regional Chairman, staffers would have staged a protest to blame the Government for their status of being unemployed and their owed benefits.

In addition, investigations done by the Ministry’s team discovered that NIS contributions were not remitted to the scheme, and from all indications, documents are managed in St. Kitts. However, the business still collected taxes and NIS contributions from their salaries.

Minister Broomes stated, “The reason I had sent for inspections to be conducted is that I had received complaints from workers that they were being abused and they are made to work in terrible conditions.”

Labour, Occupational and Health Officer, Dawn Gardener, pointed out that she witnessed the abuse while conducting her investigations at the centre.

Broomes promised to ensure that all the necessary contributions will be paid up to date and indicated intentions to take the company to court for breaches of the labour laws.

According to the labour laws, employees should be consulted, “as early as possible but no later than one month from the date of

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes addressing staff members during the meeting existence…with recognized trade unions, or if none exists, the employees or the employees’ representatives and the Chief Labour Officer, on the possible measures that could be taken to avert or mitigate the adverse effects of such circumstances, in relation to employment generally and employees concerned.”

The laws also state that a guilty employer can be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $20,000 and imprisonment of three months. One of the now unemployed persons, Adele Bakker, explained to Minister Broomes that the company is

robbing them of their monies, pointing out that whenever an employee logs out of the system, whether it be to visit the washroom or to visit the supervisor upon request, money is being deducted from their salaries.

The Regional Chairman signaled his intentions to have the building secured as it belongs to the state. He appealed to the minister to launch an overall investigation into the operations of the centre, as he was advised that valuable assets have already been removed from the building.

He also wants the foreign managers to be blocked from

leaving, until the workers are paid all their benefits and all arrangements are completed.

Region Ten’s Member of Parliament, Valerie Patterson, urged the Minister to ensure that the agreements with foreign companies, wanting to invest in Guyana, be done in accordance with the prescribed rules, regulations and laws of the country.

Owner and Managing Director of the company, Gordon Walker, was not present during the meeting.

The closure of the call centre would be a hard blow for Linden which has been complaining about the scarcity of jobs.

Toucan Connections Call Centre

Friday September 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 27

Tough times ahead for Berbice loggers amidst China downturn

Loggers from the Upper Berbice area are facing tough times. They reportedly have a large stock on their hands.

A group of them met late Wednesday with Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, to seek help.

Over recent years, residents of Kwakwani and the surrounding areas have been doing well, selling logs to especially Chinese companies like Baishanlin.

But reportedly, in the last few months, exports have been reduced significantly amidst problems with China’s economy which have affected its manufacturing centers.

With little processing in Guyana, loggers have been heavily dependent on exports to exist.

According to a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday, Government has given a strong commitment to work with the relevant state agencies and all other stakeholders, to address the issues affecting the small loggers of Region Ten. Trotman also has responsibilities for the Natural Resources Sector.

Reporting on the meeting, the minister told the Government Information Agency (GINA), that the group consisted of representatives from 14 different logging

Minister Raphael Trotman and his team meeting with the representatives of the logging community of Region Ten. associations in Region Ten, and several individual loggers. Among the major concerns raised was access to lands for logging purpose.

“They are concerned about an obvious downturn in the global economy. A lot of logs were going to China and Asia and there has been a downturn (there), so they have a lot of stock in hand.

They want to know what concessions if any, Government can give,” Trotman disclosed.

Among the concerns raised were that large logging companies were crowding the local loggers out of the market; the impassable state roads and fuel prices.

Trotman, describing the

meeting as “a very good” one, said that the representatives have pledged their support to the new Government but “they have also put us on notice that it is not a blanket support--they expect that we would perform in their interest.”

He said that some of their concerns will be addressed through the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) with new regulations and practices in place. These include usage of the Global Positioning System (GPS) for which the representatives requested training.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure will be addressing the deplorable state of the roads used by the

Greek Ambassador pledges...

From page 17 avoid predetermining the outcome of the ongoing negotiations at the United Nations.”

Further he asked that Guyana accept and use any name which derives from the UN-led talks.

“My country is willing to strengthen the ample potential that exists in bilateral economic and trade cooperation, especially in the fields of mercantile marine, tourism, new technologies as well as the field of agriculture, which is the main income for Guyana and one of the many sectors of the economy of the Hellenic Republic,” he said.

The Ambassador expressed that exploring possibilities of cooperation in those sectors could produce results for mutual benefits to the two countries and their people.

President David Granger reflected that Guyana and Greece established diplomatic relations since May 14, 1979.

There is scope for enhanced relations at the bilateral level between the countries, he

added.

“Guyana stands ready and willing to work with Greece and its other international partners for the development and attainment of common goals,” he said. Granger said that his country shares Greece's hope for viable, sustainable development agenda.

“Guyana also is committed to the purpose and principles of the charter of the United Nations. We view it as sacrosanct the obligation of all United Nations member states to settle international disputes by peaceful means and to refrain in their international relations from the treat or use of force against territorial integrity or political influence from any State,” the Guyanese Head of State remarked.

The President accepted Greece's proposal for support in UN Security Council elections. He expressed confidence that Kotrokois's appointment will serve as a catalyst to enhance cooperation and strengthen bilateral relations between the two coun-

tries.

Kotrokois is Greece's nonresident Ambassador to Guyana. He is stationed in Caracas, Venezuela.

Later yesterday, Kotrokois paid a courtesy call at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure where he met with Minister David Patterson and Junior Minister Annette Ferguson. Greece's Ambassador pledged his country's offer to render technical assistance to the Ministry, especially in the maritime sector to Guyana, a release from the Ministry noted.

Establishing maritime links with the European country will significantly boost the local industry as Greece is viewed as a maritime giant.

The last EuroBank report, 2014 stated that the Greek shipping industry has a prominent position in global maritime transports. The Greekcontrolled fleet is ranked first globally regarding international merchant fleet capacities, accounting for 16.16% of the world's total transport capacity.

loggers.

“I do plan a visit to Region Ten later (this month), and I would insist that Minister David Patterson go along, because the state of the road is very critical. Much of the cost of production or getting the logs to market has to do with transportation and the bad state of the road … So hopefully the trip can involve Minister Patterson and some

others, where we can bring some immediate relief. The Minister can see for himself what the needs are,” he stated.

Addressing the issue of possible tax concessions, Minister Trotman explained that he would have to seek the permission of Finance Minister Winston Jordan, who in turn has to get Cabinet approval.

With regard to reviewing the tax concessions granted already to existing companies, the Minister explained, “I do not want us to get into the mood of being antiinvestment or antiforeigner…We are going to ensure that the playing field will be level… It must be the same for the foreigners as well as for the local small loggers, these are things we are working on with the GFC.” According to the Government statement, the intention of the administration is also to ensure that those large companies that have been granted concessions, that they are working them and doing that in a proper manner, respecting the country’s laws and regulations, the Minister said.

“We want to ensure that they are keeping to their agreement at the end of the day, so there is value added… if they can’t, then we will look at taking them away, but we don’t want to start off by saying we are going to be (Continued on page 29)

Page 28

Kaieteur News

Friday September 04, 2015

41 graduate from Youth Empowerment Project The National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) continues to bear fruit and Wednesday churned out 41 more persons who are now better equipped to hop into the world of work.

Despite the unexpected rain, there were only smiles on the faces of those gathered at the Eccles Youth Skills and Information Technology Training Centre for the graduation ceremony.

Particularly jolly were the graduates who completed their four-month courses in information technology, catering, welding, and fabrication. In fact, they were so jolly that they danced their way into the ceremony. They were also privy to classes in Literacy, Mathematics, English, Entrepreneurship, and Sexual and Reproductive Health. The project was executed under the Ministry of Social Protection’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and is open to persons 15 years and older.

This batch of students was also fortunate to be the first to complete the project in collaboration with the Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC).

According to Richard

Technical Officer of BIT Richard Maughn Maughn, Technical Officer of BIT, the graduates are now ready to face the world of work. In fact, he said, at least 15 of the graduates have already secured jobs.

He indicated that BIT has trained thousands of Guyanese and will be accelerating its efforts in the coming months.

“Since we would have had the full support of the new government, we’ll be accelerating our training,” he said. “We will continue to do what we do and even do it better,” he added.

Next week the efforts will intensify and will be spread throughout Guyana, he said.

He also urged persons who are youths to engage in the training.

“We want to inspire people and turn ordinary people into extraordinary individuals,” he stressed.

Furthermore, Maughn emphasised that the training focused on imparting knowledge on all aspects of an area of study.

“What we do is that they must understand the underpinning knowledge; why they do what they do.

Apart from the practical there are class exercises in which each student is made fully competent not only on what they’re doing, but their employability skills and attitude towards work.”

“We’re trying to instil in our students that they must possess the right attitude for work; they have to be able to deal with conflict and the real world, so that when they enter the workplace they can perform,” he stressed.

Other speakers, such as Trainer Benjamin Corlette, also encouraged the graduates to follow the advice of older persons and he emphasised the importance of hard work. He further indicated that graduation is not an instant

Cause they’re happy! The graduates dance their way into the ceremony path to a “big pay”. Rather, he encouraged, the graduates to remain humble, patient and receptive of criticism.

Meanwhile, each graduate said that the available courses affected them positively in one way or another. One such graduate, Quason Thatcher, explained that his training had allowed him to become well-rounded.

“I have truly benefited from this programme; now I know what I want to become

– a computer specialist – and this is why I have enrolled at UG in Computer Science,” he shared. He said too, that the trainers were excellent and imparted advice that they too themselves followed. He went on to congratulate his colleagues and urged them to make use of their newfound skills.

Other graduates similarly expressed that the training gave them the opportunity to use previously wasted time in

a meaningful way.

One young man shared that he had simply been at home unemployed when his grandmother encouraged him to get up and enrol in the programme.

“I don’t know what I woulda do with myself in the long run,” the young man stressed. Currently, 33 other persons are undergoing training in Region Seven. The BIT also has a single parents training programme.

Caribbean Airlines reaffirms commitment to Guyana CAL officials meeting with Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, yesterday.

Several executives from Trinidad-owned Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) has committed to expanding services in Guyana.

The promise was made yesterday when the team paid a courtesy call on Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. The visiting team included Chief Executive Officer, Michael DiLollo; Head of Corporate Communications, Dionne Ligoure; Vice President of Commercial Operations and Customer Service, George Reeleder; Area Manager, South America, Roy Ferguson, and Sales Executive, Guyana and Suriname, Dion Inniss.

According to Harmon, despite challenges, CAL has been providing “invaluable

service” to Guyana.

The Minister took the opportunity to point out to the group that Guyana in 2016 will celebrate 50 years as an independent nation. This, he said, “will involve many Guyanese from the diaspora coming home to be part of the celebrations”, and leading to challenges in air travel.

The minister added that expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport is continuing. This will allow for bigger planes and better services to be offered.

DiLollo explained that the air carrier’s operation in Guyana has recorded an “increase in on-time performance”, an achievement the company is proud of. The official also

revealed that changes have been made locally thus allowing for 40 persons to be employed here. This move, he believes, came about because of the company’s commitment to Guyana.

“He reassured Minister Harmon that CAL is committed to, and will make arrangements to facilitate and accommodate the demands of 2016 which is expected to be a peak year of travel to Guyana.” He noted, too, that the CAL customer service focus and on-board services will change for the better.

The CAL network allows flights to London, New York, Toronto and around the Caribbean. The Guyana market has been one of the biggest for CAL.

Friday September 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

President warns against racism...

President David Granger delivering the feature address.

(From page 7) ideal of inclusionary democracy can best be achieved by strengthening social cohesion. That concept focuses combating exclusion and creating a sense of belonging and promoting mobility.

Granger commented that Guyana, a country with land space greater than England and Northern Ireland, with bountiful natural resources and beautiful people, need not be poor or divided.

“We can improve cooperate relationships at all levels of society: among our religious and ethnic groups, among our political parties and among our communities.

The score arising out of ethnic, economic, political, religious and other differences as we have discovered during the disturbances of 1964 and more recently during the troubles of 2002 to 2008 has been seen to have the potential to spun extremism and conflict,” Granger said.

“Society has been scarred by violence which left a lingering legacy of distrust with the potential for fresh disorder,” the President said referencing “The Troubles” (2002-2008) – a period known for scores of extrajudicial killings and the rise in the death toll of police ranks.

It is imperative for that damage to be repaired and for the trust to be renewed. The time, Granger said, had come for the basis for a moral community to be built.

The President proposed five areas of public policy to the roundtable discussion, tackling extreme poverty, equal access to education, inequality, fair employment and youth employment.

“We must do more to get rid of extreme poverty. Far too many Guyanese are classified even now as extremely poor which means that they do not have enough to buy basic food on a daily basis.

There can be no social cohesion between people that are characterized by huge gaps and wide income disparities,” the President

said.

Extreme poverty can be reduced and eventually eliminated, said Granger. He warned against the farreaching effects of poverty on the family as well as society.

“We cannot give our people the good life they deserve if they are constantly preoccupied with finding enough to eat and somewhere to sleep,” remarked Granger.

He pointed out that the worst forms of inequality must be eradicated, including gender and geographical inequality.

“We speak of one nation but in economic terms we are two countries: one from the coastland and the other in the huge hinterland west of Fort Island,” he said.

The disparities in development between the coastland and the hinterland must be removed, Granger added.

The gender gap must be closed by ensuring that boys and girls are given equal opportunities to be educated and employed. Cohesiveness cannot be nurtured in an unequal environment, the President added.

“Guyana has been burdened by historical legacy of segregated communities, Granger, a historian himself, remarked. “This segregation fosters ethnic tensions and creates a sense of separateness.

Social cohesion cannot exist where there are gross disparities of income and development between the rich and poor, hinterland and coastland,” he said.

The Head of State said that the gap can be bridged by forcing equal rights for all and equal access to education, health and other public services. “A more equal society will become a more cohesive society,” he said.

The President underscored the need for greater political inclusion, starting at the party level and should facilitate general, regional and regular municipal and local government

elections so as to create a system of inclusionary democracy.

“We believe that the creation of an inclusive political system is the foundation of national unity,” said Granger. He reiterated recent statements that he intends to be the President of all people, regardless of their political choice in the recent polls.

Political inclusivity, he said, allows the combined efforts to accelerate the process of national development and possibly avoid violent conflict.

Granger recently met with Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, and discussed the process of national unity.

Fourth on the President’s agenda is to work to implement fair employment laws for working people and safety for miners in the interior.

Providing jobs for young people is matter of national priority, the 69-year-old President highlighted as he said the crisis of youth unemployment must be addressed.

“It is not our intention to deprive the rich from being rich to provide for the poor.

We must, however, provide opportunities for the thousands of young people who leave school and university every year but are unable to find jobs,” said Granger.

He reminded that every year when thousands write the exams, jobs must be found for them since without jobs they will not be able to escape the cycle of poverty.

Granger emphasised that equal access to education is imperative because schooling has the potential to be an equalizer that provides equal opportunity for upward mobility.

“Thousands of children are estimated to fall short of their development potential owing to absence of breakfast or sometimes transport to get to school,” he said. He said providing equal access to education for boys and girls will break “hereditary poverty.”

Page 29

Army Special Forces join search for missing Kaieteur Falls tourist ]A Special Forces team from the Guyana Defence Force has joined the search for Gyaneshwarie Lalita Sivanand, who disappeared on Tuesday while on a tour of the Kaieteur Falls.

According to reports from the Office of the Presidency, up to late last evening the woman had not been found and a decision was taken to add the Special Forces to the search party which already comprise park rangers, the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force and Civil Defence Commission.

Late Tuesday afternoon, reports were received that one tourist from a flight to the Kaieteur National Park, which initially had nine passengers, was discovered missing. A search operation was immediately launched by the National Parks Commission Rangers.

Sivanand, who is employed in the field of Human Resource, is a former employee of Laparkan and Singer’s. She was part of a nine man touring party that left the ogle airport for a tour of the world famous water falls in an Air Services Limited aircraft. Reports are that the woman was seen crying and talking on her phone while on the airplane was heading to the tourist destination.

When the aircraft landed at the falls the woman appeared to brighten.

However, Sivanand was discovered missing when the tour guide was distributing chits to the passengers for snacks, at the Kaieteur airstrip before they boarded the aircraft back to Ogle.

One of her colleagues on the trip said that the missing woman was with the party when it was returning along the trail from the falls.

She said that the woman lagged behind and when they urged her to walk up she said that she knew the place and that she had been there several times before.

She spoke of being with a British team that discovered some caves in the Kaieteur Falls area a few years ago.

Reports are that all of the trails in the Park were searched and binoculars were also used to view the area below the falls and along the sides of the gorge. However, there is still no trace of the woman.

As a result of the incident all tours to the Kaieteur National Park continue to be suspended.

The Ministry of the Presidency noted that they continue to treat the matter as a search for a missing person case and remain hopeful that she will be located.

This publication visited

Missing: Gyaneshwarie Laleta Sivanand the woman’s home at Durban Backlands and spoke to her husband Rabindranauth Sivanand, but he did not wish to say much. He however echoed the sentiments of an elderly woman at the home that it is, “A troubling, worrisome and stressful time for the family.”

He said that he last saw his wife on Tuesday morning, adding that “she left to go out but she did not say where she was going.”

He also expressed hope, saying, “I hope that they find her and that she is found alive.”

When asked if there may have been problems in the home before she left, the husband said such information is his private business.

Tough times ahead...

(From page 27) taking anything away, that’s not in our interest.”

The Minister made it clear that Guyana was intent on maintaining good relations with Norway, as this is critical for the development of the forestry sector.

In November 2009,

Guyana signed a five-year agreement with Norway that could see up to US$250M being paid to ensure the forest remains intact, once certain performance indicators are met.

In the country’s efforts to promote and improve its value added products, “we

have to maintain our good relations with Norway; we have to maintain that Guyana has a product…That is, lumber or logs that can be harvested… We have got to ensure that there is value added products.”

Guyana wants to extend the Norway agreement.

Page 30

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

PARTY DECORATING: balloon creation, back drops etc. for weddings, birthdays, anniversary etc. Make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES,AIR-CONDITIONERS, WASHINGMACHINES,TVS, MICROWAVES,FREEZERSCALL: 629-4946 OR 225-4822 REPAIRS & SPARE, FRIDGE, FREEZER, A/C, WASHERS, STOVES CONTACT NICK: 6831312, 627-3206 Floor sanding & Lacquering House plans, Estimate & painting, boat for Santa Mission - Call: 650-4362 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Eagle’s fridge re-gas @ 99100 New Market Street $8,000 & washing machine repairs. Phone: 697-2969, 223-5818 Licensed Custom Broker/tax consultant: tax compliance certificates, assistance with customs documentationsCall: 660-9478 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building. visadocumentsgy@yahoo.comCall : 225-6496, 662-6045 Welding & fabricating, grill & Boat work - Call: 666-2101 Desmond Repair Services Fridge, AC, gas stove, microwave, washer, etc on the spot repairs –Call: (592)678-8683; 687-9709 Construction and maintenance of Terrazzo – Call Bacchus: 642-2289 TAXI SERVICE Travel with World Boss Taxi Service, located at 206 Grove, Housing Scheme, from all Locations- Call: 2668852; 699-3041 FOR SALE/RENT American pool tables - Call: 277-0578

Kaieteur News

WANTED Kitchen Assistant, apply at Shanta’s; lot 225 Camp & New Market Street.

Domestic Worker: hardworking, single, dependable, trustworthy, resident In or around Georgetown –Call: 646-1758; 650-8632 (9:00am-7:00pm) 2yrs Experienced seamstress – knowledge: flat/ over lockers/ Serger machines, meeting of deadlines/target a must- Contact: 270-4852 6am6pm & 645-5533 6pm-?

Male sales clerk to work at hardware store at Pouderoyen West Bank Demerara. Call: 264-2524 One single honest live in housekeeper or domestic help for long term. Preferably from country areas-Call: 6645725 Pump attendants and cashiers –Call: 670-6005, 6997782 or 627-2550 One live in maid must know to cook – Contact: 677-8484 One male to provide assistance for refilling bottle on the East Coast-Call: 6242391 or 222-5990 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 One cook to cook for family in the interior –Contact: 6778484.

One maid - Call: 691-7271 Gasoline Mechanic neededCall: 623-0318 Experienced wash bay attendants living in G/Town, attractive salary-Call: 6468748 OFFICE CLERK FOR WHOLESALE FOOD COMPANY MUST KNOW C O M P U T E R S , A C C O U N T I N G, INVENTORY FROM 25YRS-35 –CALL: 2318344 OR 231-8529 Security to work at a mining firm must have military experienced –Contact: 2269768; 661-5307

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

Friday September 04, 2015

SALON

VEHICLE FOR SALE

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Learn to do nails lashes, pedicure and manicure $5,000 – three weeks. Phone: 691-4336

1 Mazda Axela, PTT series, low mileage, e x c e l l e n t condition -owner migrating Tel: 649-0956

We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 3 Bedroom bottom flat Section D, Non Nonpareil E.C.D - $50,000- Call: 642-3927 One 1 bedroom apartment, Grove New Scheme, EBD $36,000 per month –Call: 6421956 Business Spot located on Public Road en route to East Bank Public Road-Contact: 613-0448; 672-8625 One bedroom apartment well secured, preferably working couple or single person Call: 638-8858 Bottom Flat @ Lot 166 DaSilva Street Newtown, Georgetown. Preferably for Daycare centre or private dwelling-Call: 227-3578; 6232342 Furnished 3 bedrooms flat @ Supply E.B.D –Call: 648-5149; 678-3826 1-1 Bedroom apartment at Howes Street Charlestown $30,000 monthly –Call: 2262856 One top flat house to rent with two bedrooms –Call: 6671473

PEN PAL Male seeking female pen pal – Call: 675-9183

Smart Choice Auto: Premio, Allion, Fielder, Carina 212, Bluebird - Call: 652-3820; 665-4529 In Stock @ First Class Auto: 08 Premio, Allion, Runx, Axio, Bluebird, Sienta, Fielder, Rush –Tel: 609-8188, 638-3045 Toyota Rav4 2008 yr, dark blue PLL series, fully loaded, no accident excellent condition Tel: 652-2409 1 Toyota Landcrusier Prado, PMM Series – Call: 223-7500 (Monday – Friday) (8:154:15pm), Saturday 8:151:115pm) For Sales: Bus BRR 2501, 19 Seater pit-bull – Contact: 6893173 or 614-3947 SALE! SALE! SALE! 2008 TOYOTA PREMIO-$3.3M, 2006 TOYOTA ALLION$2.3M, ALL VEHICLES FULLY LOADED & UNREGISTERED- CALL: 642-7295 2000 Freightliner hauler, C12 Engine –Tel: 609-7257; 689-9041 EP 82 Starlet, AC 4 Doors, working standard rims, lady driven – good condition $550,000 – serious inquiries only - Call: 662-5052

AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 Nissan Bluebird PEE Series, very good condition, asking $900,000 –Call: 267-2999, 6192141 1 Ford 2005 F350 Pickup, extended cab, 4X4 Diesel, 35 inch tyre auto, 1 Chevy Van 2007 –Call: 610-5370 Toyota 212 Carina - $650,000 –Call: 696-2251; 693-1474 Venus Auto Sale: September Specials: 2004 Premio $2.350M, Pre-Order specials on IST -$1.9M –Call: 6245617 60 Seater Bluebird bus, brand new, air conditioned, electronic doors (front & back) for schools/ church etc –Call: 675-3062 Automotive and Manual buses, premio, Hilux. Two and three bedrooms apartment to rent in Bougainvillea Park. Call: 6167635 1 RZ minibus BJJ series – Call: 678-5887 or 677-3177

1 Model M Truck with winch, big tire- Call: 692-9577; 619-2406 Toyota Hilux extra cab 2003 yr gasoline GTT series, fully loaded, excellent condition Tel: 652-2409 Unregistered Toyota IST – Fully Loaded -$1.9M –Call: 657-1796 Kawasaki Ninja 650R, excellent condition, lime green $650,000 asking price Tel: 655-2561

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM

Toyota Runx PMM Series, female driver, price -$1.8M negotiable, owner leaving country. Call: 692-4076 or 6795048

DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YAHOO.COM/WWW. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM

One Leyland Daf LF with 6 ton Hiab 2002 GTT series (New) price $5 million Call: 622-6746

Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807

One Fuso canter truck with 3 ton crane GTT series, price $4 Million Call: 622-6746

Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up- Call: 690-6494

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

One 318 BMW never registered for $ 3M down payment $500,000 contact # 650-0402 or 616-0429 Land at Schoonord (Next To Demerara Harbour Bridge), 45' X 100' $ 6 M, 60' X 100' $ 7.5M- Contact 650-0402 / 260-4988 Reusable ¼ & 3/8 inches marine steel plate – Contact: 688-7256 1 Complete six inch dredge inclusive of pick up and ATV- price 6,000,000Contact: 660-0422 One grocery stall @ Stabroek Market, Farm Land @ Kuru Kuru Linden Soesdyke H/Way, Garden Teiler - Call: 679-1151; 225-7794 52ft complete cabin cruiser.

In excellent condition- Tel: 592-654-2817, 592-622-2958.

Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games & applications. Delivery also – Call: 672-2566; 265-3232 1 Shop, 1 block, 9 Claims, located at Imbamdai- Call: 218-0471 Ford Escape 2004 model Contact No: 641-4952/6621991 One 928F Caterpillar Wheel Loader $8M contact # 6500402/ 260-4988.

LAND FOR SALE Land for sale at Farm E.B.D – Tel: 219-5526 15 Acres land situated at Naamryck East Bank Essequibo-Call: 655-9227 We buy & sell land: Farm, Herstelling, Eccles, Grove, Parfaite Harmonie, Stewartville, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt, from $1.2M- Call: 611-7223, 604-2207 Land @ Parfaite Harmonie & Tuschen -$1.5M, $1.3M – Call: 604-6724 Friendship house lot for saleCall: 617-0465, 223-0733

1-Toyota 4WD extra cab, pickup LH drive-price $1.2M negotiable - Tel: 668-8431 Star Cars Auto Sale: Just Arrived: Rush, Allion, Pitbul, Bluebird, Alteeza, Benz, 06 Premio. Tel: 679-3140, 2683509

TOUR th

th

Trip to Suriname 20 -24 November 2015 -$38,000; Brazil 25th -30th, 2015- $46,000Call: 660-0312, 695-4506

Star Cars Auto Sale: 04 Premio, Allion,06 Runx, 03 Runx, Axela, New Raum, IST, Vitz. Tel: 679-3140, 268-3509

TO LET TO LET Three bedrooms house at Dennis Street Sophia $85,000 - Call: 621-7366 Four storey business place located on Robb Street, next to Bourda Market-Call: 6237731; 629-0636

Apartment in Eccles, rooms in Albertown –Call: 225-3234 Business apartment for rent at 7 Durban Street Lodge $20,000 per month –Call: 6905796 Continued on page 23

Friday September 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 31

Letters... Where your views make the news

The necessity for more investigative journalism in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, Responding to a report in your August 27, 2015 edition headlined: $42 billion worth of gold smuggled in four months, a friend and former colleague who, like myself was a media operative in Guyana, now resident in the USA, sent me this significant reflection on the paucity of, and necessity for investigative journalism in today’s Guyana.

This state is lamentable, given the endless possibilities presented to any serious reporters to ‘background’ their reportage.

It is not sufficient for readers to rely only on letter writers

and mind pieces from columnists, to complement the news. The investigative journalist is expected do “the real digging, ferreting out, running down the details no matter how long it takes or where they lead”.

For example, the accumulation of evidence on the skullduggery and generally corrupt practices of the deposed Jagdeo/Ramotar PPPC government will supply grist for the investigative journalist’s mill, sufficient to make his/her career as a respected practitioner in the field… Below are Duke Lambert’s views with which I identify completely.

“This is an important topic, critical to Guyana’s economy, and deserving of a better presentation. It is worthy of a larger investigative piece, not merely a recounting of incidents and circumstances, in other words, a poorly written and edited story.

“There is no connection between the headline and the story. How can the newspaper’s reporter, copy editor/headline writer claim that the gold smuggling racket had been “Blown wide open” then give us a puff piece with a lame lead?

“The story merely recounts events that are

“under investigation” by government officials who, and agencies that, “declined to go into details”? Where is the drama? Where is the probing exposure of a corrupt element of Guyanese society?

Where is/are the whistleblower(s) who lit the fuse to “blow wide open” the corrupt undertakings?

“All I read was a puff of smoke because, apparently, investigative reporting-the real digging, ferreting out, running down the details no matter how long it takes or where they lead-has yet to rear its creative, detailed head in Guyana.”

Joan Cambridge

APNU/AFC did promise rice farmers $9000 per bag for Paddy DEAR EDITOR, With regards Mr. Ganesh Mahipaul ‘s letter published in Kaieteur News on Monday August 31, 2015, I would like to bring to light to Mr. Mahipaul, the rice farmers and the Guyanese public that the APNU/ AFC did ,whole heartedly promised rice farmers $9000 per bag for paddy at several of their political meetings.

This declaration was made with gusto by our Prime Minister, Mr. Moses Nagamootoo in Region Six , while our Public Security Minister, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan ensured that he was not denied the opportunity and hence made this “juicy promise” to the rice farmers at political meetings in Regions 4 and 6.

This promise was eventually repeated by Dr. Turhane Doerga, who did not hesitate to jump on the bandwagon and the $9000 per bag declaration was made by him at a political meeting that was held in the rice growing community of Cane Grove in Region 4.

Mr. Mahipaul should not be totally blamed for his lack of recollection for such a promise being made by men in high offices of the present Government.

It is understood that by nature some people conveniently suffer from “fading recollection” of information to achieve their own purpose. The truth is that rice farmers were promised $9000 per bag of paddy by the current APNU/ AFC Administration, and as we all know that one cannot, in any way, alter or improve the truth.

In a world made up of a deceit, the APNU/AFC has used the “tool of deception” to its fullest and should by all means be given full credit for this deceptive scheme which will result in over 7000 rice farmers suffering the consequences for what surely looked like a failed promise.

As a rice farmer I am in full support of Mr. Jagdeo’s demand for the APNU/AFC Government to fulfill its promise to rice farmers. The

leader for the opposition is simply doing his duty and what is right.

This is not to gain political points as was mentioned in Mr. Mahipaul’s letter.

The PPP/C is simply demanding that the Government deliver on its promise. What is wrong with holding the Government accountable?.

They (Government) should see the wisdom of delivering on this promise knowing full well the importance of this vital industry to Guyana’s

economy. Or maybe this is too much to expect of them.

Rice farmers and the 150,000 people who depend on the rice industry directly and indirectly are sincerely hoping that the Government will make good on its promise and pay rice farmers $9000 per bag for their paddy.

The Government should do the “wise thing” and live up to its promise. If not, this industry in no doubt will suffer severely under their governance.

Benjee Singh (Rice Farmer, Region # 4)

How now, about the...

From page 4 regurgitating party propaganda and waxing negative philosophy, at the peril of the simple common Guyanese folks. At least, Mr. Ramjattan is pragmatically trying, for Heaven’s sake, trying, to reduce crime and add quality of life for all, by mobilising available resources as his disposal.

On this particular front, I believe that, up until May,

2015, the PPP/CIVIC administration could have leveraged identical resource and human capital to implement the very strategy now initiated by Mr. Ramjattan but obtusely failed to do so. So, Mr, Gill, there is an old Guyanese saying....”One one dutty build dam !” ..hope you heard of it and, therefore, understand what it truly means.

Jonathan Subrian

We have to allow the auditors to do their...

From page 4 government and actually governing. The government, for example, has to deal with the partisan bureaucracy installed by the previous government. The operatives may be political appointees but they know the system.

If you throw all of them out immediately without proper replacements you may end up undermining your own administration.

In a sense these first few months are really a period of familiarisation and learning.

The vast majority of the Ministers are new to government.

Some of them are new to poli-

tics. I suppose one can criticise the leadership for not choosing a more experienced team. But given what they have and given the fact that it is a coalition they have done a good job at advancing the process. They have not met some of the 100 day deadlines but what is important is that they have shown intent.

These 100 day deadlines are really election gimmicks.

To do the things that they promised to do in 100 days assumes a combination of the following factors—that there was normalcy in the system they were taking over, that the outgoing government would

cooperate and that there were the necessary expertise at their disposal.

This is not the case. But we now have a budget. That in itself is an achievement of sorts because a proper budget assumes a thorough grasp of the macro economic situation.

I think with the passage of the budget we would see faster progress.

The one criticism I have of the government is the relatively low level of consultation with stakeholders outside of formal government.

This I know slows down the process, but it is a vital

aspect of democratic and good governance.

You simply cannot arrive at some crucial decisions based on the views of just 15 people, however competent or well-meaning they are. The naming of the members to government boards was a victim of this lack of consultation. So too was the swift ending of the Walter Rodney Commission.

I also believe that Ministers, with a few exceptions, have not been accessible to the public. I am talking here about outreaches to the communities.

David Hinds

From page 30

PROPERTY FOR SALE EDUCATION I.A.E currently registering students for full time secondary school, lessons & evening CXC classes for adults- Call: 683-5742 Princeton College Forms 1-5 (5000) CXC adult classes $1,500 a subject, Phonics/ Grade 2,4,6,9 lessons Call: 231-1209, 690-5008,657-7398 International Language Institute Classes for adults & Children, Spanish, English as Second Language, Portuguese, Dutch –Call: 2233556

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

Republic Park Phase 1$48M, Prashad Nagar $49M, 4 bedrooms -Call:6092302, 645-2580, 609-6516, Property for sale, business place at Kuru kururu, New Town on High Way- Call: 261-6282 or 676-4787 Pearl: Well built 1,995 SF concrete building on 58X165 lot, formerly used at meeting halls-$13.5M-Tel: 649-1670

CXC Lessons: Mathematics & English- Small Class Size, Teacher: Student Ratio 1:15, day and night classes, adults and youths –Call: 690-9378

Flat house 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, double garage, 2160 sq ft on 0.2 acres land in Parfaite Harmony Tel: 6522409

Didn’t Do Well for CXC? Let Us Help you get better grade@ MicroGraphics, Vreed-En-Hoop.264-3057

Liquor Restaurant going business with 2 pools table, 2 fridges, 1 freezer, 107 Middle Road La Penitence, price -$18.5M –Call Lovin: 225-7796

Advanced Diploma in Computers: Office 2016, Windows 8/10, 9 Courses @ MicroGraphics, Tel: 264-3057, Vreed-En-Hoop Computerized Accounting: Quick-Books, Peachtree, POS, Excel 2016 @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-En-Hoop.

264-3057 Makeup Classes @ La Vie Est Belle. Come register and be apart, its life changing!

Call: 682-9699; 218-2092

Transported concrete, Block “8” Mon Repos E.C.D, top flat 2 bedrooms, bottom flat 2 bedrooms- $18M. Call: 6251514 office hours 231-7255 Property for sale, East La Penetance Arapaima Street - $17M negotiable –Call: 648-4420, 662-6173 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities - $45M Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Property for sale: House, Campbellville, Georgetown.

Call: 223-0733 or 617-0465 Property for sale: House, Craig, East Bank Demerara. Call: 223-0733 or 617-0465

VACANCY Vacancies exist for cashiers/ supermarket, helper. Apply in person with written application at Nirva Supermarket –Call: 227-5771 Office clerk, porters, apply at Survival Wholesale Depot, Lot 10 Vlissengen Road Bond clerk, office clerk, security officers, chef/cook, kitchen assistant, waiter/ waitress, secretary & operator/driver-Call: 6034094 Exist in growing organization, for one experienced seamstress, must have experienced with industrial machines. Call: 225-8831 General Worker and sales person needed-Call: 6680159

Are you interested in selling your home? Call T &T Realty: 660-9478; 672-0865 North Ruimveldt- 2 St o r e y Wo o d e n a n d Concrete house –price $9M-Call: 653-8082 2 Storey 45x35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete. Land 65x120 @ Diamond N/S 5th Avenue,E.B.D- Call: 6294017 Property for sale: Land, North Klien, Pouderoyen West Bank Demerara. Call: 223-0733 or 617-04 VACANCY Work from home; earn $5,000-$20,000 daily Call Monday-Friday 9am-5pm #233-6517, 638-0595 www.jobfairworldwide.com

Page 32

Kaieteur News

Friday September 04, 2015

Migrants scuffle with Hungary police; dead toddler’s image shocks Europe Reuters - Migrants forced from a train in Hungary scuffled with helmeted riot police and some clung to railway tracks yesterday, as politicians across Europe struggled to respond to public opinion appalled by images of a drowned 3-year-old boy.

France and Germany said European countries must be required to accept their shares of refugees, proposing what would potentially be the biggest change to the continent’s asylum rules since World War Two. Europe’s worst refugee crisis since the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s has strained the European Union’s asylum system to breaking point, dividing its 28 nations and feeding the rise of right-wing populists.

Hundreds of thousands of refugees from wars in the Middle East, along with economic migrants fleeing poverty in Africa and Asia, have braved the Mediterranean Sea and land routes across the Balkans to reach the European Union. Thousands have died at sea and scores have perished on land.

Nearly all first reach the EU’s southern and eastern edges before pressing on for richer and more generous countries further north and west, above all Germany, which has emphasised its moral duty to accept those fleeing genuine peril.

Accusing some European countries of failing to “assume their moral burdens”, French President Francois Hollande said he had agreed with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on “a permanent and obligatory mechanism” to allocate refugees across the bloc. “I believe that today what exists is no

longer enough,” he said. “So we will need to go further.”Merkel said Germany was prepared to accept more refugees per capita than its neighbours, but others must do their part with “quotas and rules that are fair and take into account what is possible in each country”.

She also acknowledged that laws requiring refugees to apply for asylum in the first EU country where they arrive were “not working any more”. Germany has caused confusion among its neighbours by announcing it will accept applications from Syrians regardless of where they enter the EU. Politicians across the continent acknowledged the impact yesterday of images of a 3-year-old boy in a red T-shirt and tiny sneakers face down in the surf of a Turkish beach, which gave a haunting human face to the tragedy of thousands dead at sea.

“He had a name: Aylan Kurdi. Urgent action required - A Europe-wide mobilisation is urgent,” French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said on Twitter.

Hungary has emerged as the primary entry point for those reaching the EU overland across the Balkans, and its right-wing government has become one of the most vocal on the continent opposing large-scale immigration.

Yesterday brought a days-long stand-off to a pitch as Hungarian authorities who refused to let migrants board trains for Germany for days finally allowed hundreds onto a train bound for the Austrian frontier only to halt it at Bicske, a town outside Budapest with an immigration registration centre.

Friday September 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

Greek leftists put on brave face as poll shows conservatives pulling ahead Reuters - Former Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras’s leftist Syriza party said yesterday it remained confident of winning an outright victory in a Sept. 20 election despite an opinion poll that showed its main conservative rival edging ahead.

Just a few weeks ago, a Syriza victory in the snap election had appeared almost certain as Greeks lauded the charismatic and youthful Tsipras for waging a bruising battle against European and International Monetary Fund creditors over austerity cuts.

But opinion polls over the past week have shown the New Democracy party run by Evangelos Meimarakis catching up quickly, with one showing it even overtaking Syriza, suggesting a surprisingly tight contest.

A senior Syriza official played down New Democracy’s sudden spurt of momentum, reiterating his party’s ambition to win an absolute majority in parliament - the hope that propelled Tsipras to call the snap vote after clinching a bailout deal.

“Our objective continues to be an outright majority in parliament and in this case we would want to team up with the Independent Greeks,” Panos Skourletis, a former energy minister and close aide to Tsipras, told Mega TV, referring to Syriza’s former right-wing coalition ally.

He reiterated Syriza’s stance against an alliance with New Democracy. By contrast, the conservatives have said they are open to a broad alliance to help steer Greece through its worst post-war economic crisis.

According to the GPO poll published on Wednesday, Syriza’s stance is not backed by

most Greeks - 59 percent of respondents preferred a coalition administration over a one-party government.

The poll also showed Syriza set to win 25 percent of votes, just behind New Democracy on 25.3 percent. More than one in 10 voters remained undecided, meaning the final outcome is far from certain.

A separate poll by Pulse, published yesterday, showed Syriza clinging to a slender lead of 25.5 percent against New Democracy’s 25 percent.

The biggest surprise in Wednesday’s poll was that Meimarakis, 61, a centrist figure within New Democracy who only took the conservative party’s reins in July and has since tried to unite its various factions, was more popular than Tsipras.

He was shown with 44.3 percent approval ratings, compared to Tsipras’s 41.9 percent - a major reversal for the leftist leader, who had enjoyed ratings of up to 70 percent while he battled foreign creditors over a new bailout programme.

Tsipras ultimately backed down and accepted a bailout and tough austerity policies in exchange for aid under the threat of a Greek exit from the euro, but only after shutting banks for three weeks and imposing capital controls to stop Greeks rushing to withdraw their bank deposits.

Polls now show most Greeks disapproved of how Tsipras, 41, managed the negotiations with creditors and of the final outcome - a bailout considered tougher than the previous two that has included a new round of punitive taxes and spending cuts.

Page 33

Page 34

Kaieteur News

Friday September 04, 2015

I have no interest in... Guatemala President sent to jail From page 35 because the private media cannot cover the country as a whole. “I have no intention to regulate the private media.

They must be sanctioned if they libel or commit any breach of the law but… the state is different. Private media is free. I believe in media freedom,” Granger added.

Recently, the GPA made known its concern to the reports of Nagamootoo’s interaction with a reporter attached to the Guyana Chronicle. The GPA had said that the incident can be viewed as a method of intimidation, which may have a dampening effect on press freedom. According to reports, the PM had expressed displeasure and disappointment over headlines, which were published in the State-owned newspaper, during the recent budget debates.

Nagamootoo reportedly held discussions with the reporter, Derwayne Wills, to express his dissatisfaction over the article titled “Gov’t blunders on Budget Estimates … violates laws

assented to by President Granger”. This was published in the Tuesday, August 25, edition of the newspaper.

Subsequent to the publication, it was reported that editors at the Chronicle were ordered to have all headlines vetted by Director of Public Information, Imran Khan, before publication.

However both Khan and Nagamootoo have debunked such claims.

But a subsequent editorial in the Chronicle stated that “a State newspaper, like all other newspapers, has vested interests, politically and ideologically. Ours arise from the government’s thrust; there is no running away from that.” The editorial also stated that the Chronicle, “is owned by the State, and is, therefore, expected to editorially support the general thrust of the government of the day.”

The statement did not sit well with veteran journalists, media operatives and publishers, who shared the general view that the State media houses are owned by the State not the government and therefore ought to reflect the views of all segments of society.

While they all agreed that in principle there is nothing wrong with a government having an opinion and airing it in the State-owned

newspaper. One online news operative specifically noted that when all is taken into consideration, including the Prime Minister ’s recent action, it amounts to a creeping misuse of the newspaper.

The GPA, in a statement to the press, said that it feels compelled to comment on the issue, given that while the Prime Minister is free to express his views; he should not express such views directly to media workers.

The association said that the incident is known to be a tactic of intimidation and may have a dampening effect on press freedom bordering on self-censorship. It believes that there needs to be a clear distinction between the State and the Government.

The statement contended that “the GPA wishes to suggest that there should be, following extensive consultations, a policy which adumbrates the way the executive should interact with state-owned media that would allow for freedom of the press in a meaningful way within these entities.”

Integral to the approach towards a free and open State media, the Association believes, should be the reform of the Broadcasting Act and the adoption of the British Broadcasting Corporation’s editorial guidelines that govern the United Kingdom State-owned and funded broadcaster.

hours after ousted from office

Otto Pérez Molina, former president of Guatemala, was taken away under custody at the end of a hearing at the Supreme Court in Guatemala City yesterday.

GUATEMALACITY(New York Times) - Hours after resigning his post as the president of Guatemala, Otto Pérez Molina, a former general and the nation’s most powerful man, was sent to jail yesterday, to await the conclusion of an evidentiary hearing into his role in a multimillion dollar customs fraud.

The decision to detain Mr. Pérez Molina, much like his resignation, is unprecedented in Guatemalan history and

was a stunning conclusion to a day of swift change in the Central American nation. Mr. Pérez Molina tendered his resignation overnight, and by midmorning day the country’s Congress had accepted it.

He then presented himself before the courts for the evidentiary hearing, where prosecutors played more than six hours of wiretapped conversations.

At the conclusion of the hearing, which will resume early today, the judge ordered

the former president to be held at Matamoros prison in central Guatemala City. Mr. Pérez Molina, on his way out of the courtroom, spoke briefly to reporters, maintaining his composure.

“It’s one thing to listen but another thing to investigate,” he said, referring to the long day of taped conversations. “All Guatemalans have to respect the law, and I assure you I will respect the law and this process.”

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Kaieteur News

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I have no interest in regulating the private media - Pres. David Granger - Says private media is professional and can regulate itself through the GPA

By Kiana Wilburg President David Granger categorically stated yesterday that he has no interest in regulating the private media. The private media can and should regulate itself through the Guyana Press Association (GPA). But the state media, he said, “This is different.”

He was at the time speaking to a panel of journalists invited to be a part of Government’s new programme called, “The Public Interest.” The revised programme will include on a weekly basis, journalists drawn from the local and regional press corps.

Recently, there have been mounting concerns that there was interference in the state

media by the government after an article published by the Chronicle newspaper appeared to place the government in an embarrassing position. Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo had subsequently made a call for a media policy.

Asked to comment on the media policy and what he believes it should include, the President said, “There is a dichotomy here. I do believe that because of the size of the country, the complexity of Guyanese society, we need a Public Information System and I would support a policy for that.”

The Head of State added, “Many countries have similar systems. We must realize that many of the media houses are

President, David Granger based on the coastland or in Georgetown itself. So something occurs at Moruka, many of the private media houses cannot cover those

events…We need a Public Information System which provides public information in emergencies in order to prevent disasters or prevent

the worsening of it.”

President Granger said that this is a separate category and in the said circumstance, agrees with the Prime Minister on calling for a media policy which would serve as a guide for the Public Information System which would inform the public about matters of national importance.

As for the private media, the Head of State said that it should regulate itself. He sees this grouping to be professional.

“I spoke to the members of the media in our community and I told them that what I want to see from them is professionalism. They must have knowledge and study and master their profession. I don’t want them to be quacks

and pretend to behave in a manner they should not,” said the President.

He continued, “They must have a social responsibility, that is, they are responsible for speaking the truth. I don’t want them to tell lies.. I want to see the press as a community regulating itself.”

Granger said that if a reporter misbehaves or deliberately publishes falsehoods, he expects his or her peers, particularly through the GPA, to sanction that reporter.

The President said that at the end of the day, he sees two branches of the communications system.

The state media has an obligation to report what the government is doing simply (Continued on page 34)

President warns against racism, impediments to social cohesion …as national dialogue gets underway The national dialogue on social togetherness has begun. Yesterday, scores of Guyanese from all walks of life came from the different corners of the country, eager to put forth their visions for nation building, unity and equality.

The Social Cohesion Roundtable (SCR) got underway early yesterday morning. The event saw the Arthur Chung Convention Centre packed with representatives of at least 50 stakeholder groups.

Among them were dignitaries like former Commonwealth Secretary General, Sir Shridath Ramphal; the Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Josephine Ojiambo; United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Coordinator Khadija Musa; and British High

Commissioner James Gregory Quinn who shared their various perspectives and experiences on social cohesion.

United States Charge d’Affaires, Bryan Hunt, representatives of the Carter Centre, other members of the diplomatic corps and Ministers of Government were also there. Notably absent were members of the Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party.

On the heels of an introduction which explained Guyana to be the first country in the Region and the Commonwealth to establish the Ministry of Social Cohesion, made possible through his visions, President David Granger spoke at length to the need for disunity to be a concept of the past. “Our strategy is to foster greater integration

among the groups of our country. Integration is intended to create a sense of belonging; it is intended to give recognition to groups and to allow them to freely practice their culture.

Integration expands the space for diversity; it does not reduce diversity.

“We are therefore asking people not to abandon their cultural practices and adopt another culture but to bring their practices with them into the Guyanese beat.”

The government’s intention, he said, is to bring greater recognition to every ethnic group and to encourage the promotion of their practices and culture so that they could feel more accepted. This will improve a greater sense of belonging and they will then be more willing to identify with the society in which they live,

Granger said. The gathering heard that social ties within communities will be strengthened. “We will dismantle the artificial walls of distrust and division,” he said, adding that the government will encourage greater tolerance and understanding between groups.

“We are a multi-religious, we are a multi-ethnic, we are a multi-cultural country. Our diversity is an asset, not a liability,” the President intimated. But he also warned against attempts at disunity.

“We will enforce the existing laws against racism more vigorously and vigilantly guard against bad elements who foment social and racial strife.”

Granger recalled that Guyana attained its independence in 1966 under a State of Emergency. This

was in the wake of the “Disturbances” during which 176 were killed, over 1000 injured, 15,000 made homeless or became internal refugees and 1500 homes and properties were burnt or destroyed.

The President reflected that the electoral system of proportional representation was introduced in 1964 to respond to the need to prevent further political conflict and, hopefully, to promote social cohesion.

It was under that system

that election was held in 1964 which resulted into the entry into office of a coalition administration, President Granger told the gathering.

“Guyana still needs, however, to inhibit the sort of social cohesion that degenerated into social and civil violence. We still need to exhibit the spirit of social cohesion which can ensure effective representation a n d inclusion.”

The President said that the constitutional (Continued on page 29)

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Kaieteur News

Friday September 04, 2015

Bent Street, West Front Road... Obama enthusiastic for Los Angeles From page 42 to unnerve the West Demerara side and who else but Wagner was to take full advantage as he hammered in from close range in the 28th minute.

However, Showstoppers needing to dig deep in its nerves tank did just that as Lloyd Prince netted one minute before full time from a Sancho pass.

But, West Front Road talisman Wagner sunk the hearts of Showstoppers supporters and players when he rifled in a thunderous shot seconds before the final whistle sounded for the win.

Two goals apiece from Stellon David in the 17th and 26th minute and Daniel Wilson in the ninth and 30th minute proved vital in Bent Street’s victory over a fiesty North Ruimveldt unit.

Their efforts were supported by solitary strikes from O’Kenie Fraser, Colin Nelson and Sheldon Profitt, who netted in the second, 10th and

25th minute respectively.

The experienced Gerald Grittens led the way with goals in the fifth and 29th minutes, while Rickford Jones recorded a second half double in the 22nd and 28th minutes to go with Joshua Browne’s 16 seconds goal (fastest in the competition) and Colin Daniels 14th minute strike.

With the respective wins, the four teams now join the likes of Sparta Boss, Albouystown, Festival City and Kitty Weavers in the next phase which starts on Sun-

day. The fixtures are as follows: West Front Road battles West Back Road, Sparta Boss go up against Kitty Weavers, Festival City square off with Albouystown and Bent Street opposes Sophia.

Up for grabs is $500,000 and trophy for the winning team, while the second, third and fourth place finishers take home $250,000, $125,000 and $75,000 respectively.

National Milling Company (NAMILCO) and Trophy Stall are the other sponsors on board.

New Amsterdam...

From page 40 each. The presentation ceremony followed immediately afterwards and NA United collected the winning trophy and 15 gold medals while Cougars received a trophy and 15 silver medals for their second place position. Monedderlust was awarded third place and

copped a trophy and 15 bronze medals.

The MVP award and accompanying trophy went to Raymond Emmanuel of Cougars.

The day’s activity was coordinated by former national footballer, Neil ‘Grizzly’ Humphrey.

Friday September 04, 2015 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) Get back into a routine that promises a better looking, more aware individual. You will be full of energy and you need to find something constructive to do.

TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) You may find yourself interested in more than one person. Avoid joint ventures and steer clear of groups that want you to contribute financial assistance.

GEMINI (MAY 22JUNE 21) Avoid boredom by being creative in your endeavors. Now is the time to concentrate on building a strong financial future for your family. Your mind may not be on the job.

CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Spending too much time talking to friends or relatives could easily turn into a debate that could lead to estrangement.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Rely on yourself and you will look good to superiors. Concentrate on work and on making money. Try not to take everything so seriously.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 SEPT. 23) You may be looking through rose colored glasses. Use your charm, but don't sign or agree to anything.

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Think twice before you agree to take on any new projects. Keep important information to yourself.

SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Things will be hectic and family members will be erratic. Jealousy may get in the way of a good relationship. People you live with will not be terribly happy with you regardless of what you do today.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) It may be a disappointing day emotionally.

Lending and borrowing may be a problem. Don't get involved in secret affairs or underhanded involvements.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Take part in stimulating debates that will allow you to show off your intelligence. Don't overspend on luxury items. You need to get out if you want to meet potential partners.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) You can dazzle members of the opposite sex with your quick wit and aggressive charm. You can convince anyone of anything.

PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Be creative in your efforts. Take the initiative and go after your goals. You must use discretion when talking to others. Gambling should not be an option.

Summer Olympics bid: White House President Barack Obama was pleased with Los Angeles’ bid to host the 2024 Summer Olympics, the White House said yesterday.

“Both the president and first lady are very enthusiastic and strongly supportive of the bid put forward by the city of Los Angeles,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said while traveling with the president in Alaska.

Los Angeles was officially selected on Tuesday as the American candidate city that will bid to host the 2024 Summer Olympics after Boston pulled out of the race in July, the U.S. Olympic Committee said. (Reuters)

US President Barack Obama

Murray escapes from two-set...

From page 37 around his body. A wheelchair was brought out but after several minutes Sock was helped to his feet and, assisted by a trainer under each arm, he limped off the court. The week-long heat wave has taken a heavy toll at the year’s final grand slam with 12 players retiring due to the conditions or because of injuries in the opening round before Sock added his name to the casualty list in the second.

Britain’s Johanna Konta delivered the shock of the day but needed three hours and 27 minutes under the blazing sun to complete the upset as she ousted ninth-seeded Spaniard Garbine Muguruza 7-6(4) 6-7(4) 6-2. Germany’s

GFF...

From page 41 while adding “we have about six weeks minimum to issue a formal notice to our members; we haven’t done that as yet, but we had this meeting to come up with the date and we’ll do it all within the specified time.”

Urling had met with the Member Associations on Wednesday at the GFF’s Head Office to address the way forward for Congress and it was agreed that November 14 would be ‘D’ Day football in Guyana.

Urling also told the local media yesterday, that “the main two we (GFF) need is for the MA’s to adopt the new constitution and then hold elections and the Normalisation Committee will be the Electoral Committee to supervise all 22 of those elections.” The first stop for the GFF and their constitution reform team is Linden, where they will meet with the clubs on Wednesday September 9.

Angelique Kerber, the 11th seed, also took the express route into the third round by taming Italian Karin Knapp 75 6-2 while 20th seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus was a 75 6-4 winner over Belgium’s Yanina Wickmayer.

Australian Sam Stosur, the

2011 U.S. Open champion and the last player to beat world number one Serena Williams at Flushing Meadows four years ago, looked ready to make another run at the title as she crushed Russian qualifier Evgeniya Rodina 61 6-1. (Reuters)

Friday September 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Murray escapes from two-set Courts contributes $1.5 Million towards GFF’s deficit against Mannarino Halep and Wawrinka beat the heat while Sock drops Stag Beer Elite League

Andy Murray made another of his trademark escapes as the third-seeded Scot overcame Frenchman Adrian Mannarino after losing the first two sets to reach the third round of the U.S. Open yesterday.

Murray, who looked bewildered early on, recovered to beat the lefthander 5-7 4-6 6-1 6-3 6-1 as he came back from two sets down to register victory for the eighth time in his career.

The world number three finished off the extreme turnaround with his 21st ace to end the three hour, 17 minute match on a sweltering hot humid day at the U.S. National Tennis Center.

The crafty Mannarino, ranked 35th despite having no ATP Tour titles to his credit, seemed to put Murray in a daze with a shifting variety of ground strokes, drop shots and volleys at the net. But with his back against the wall, Murray snapped into focus, hit his strokes with piercing accuracy and ran the tiring Frenchman ragged in streaking through the next three sets.

Next up for Murray will be Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci, a 6-0 6-3 6-4 winner over Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka.

Simona Halep and Stan Wawrinka beat the heat with straight-sets wins to reach the

Andy Murray of Britain reaches to return a shot to Adrian Mannarino of France. Reuters/ Adrees Latif third round of a sweltering U.S. Open; American hope Jack Sock wilted under the punishing conditions, collapsing on court.

As courtside temperatures pushed past 100 Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) at Arthur Ashe Stadium, second seeded Halep of Romania wasted little time finishing off Ukraine qualifier Kateryna Bondarenko 6-3 6-4 in just 76 minutes before escaping to the air-conditioned comfort of the players’ lounge.

Fifth-seeded Swiss Wawrinka outslugged gutsy South Korean teenager Chung Hyeon, but still

sweated out a 7-6(2) 7-6(4) 76(6) second round decision.

Next up for the French Open champion is Ruben Bemelmans of Belgium, who advanced when Sock retired due to cramping while leading 6-4 6-4 3-6 1-2.

Sock had looked in control of the match but began to show signs of distress in the third set, then sent a shock through the crowd when he began to cramp and dropped to the court as medical staff rushed to his aid. The American grimaced in pain as he was wrapped in ice towels with bags of ice also placed (Continued on page 32)

CONCACAF referees earn U-17 World Cup roles Zurich - FIFA released yesterday names of match official’s assigned duties at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile. A total 21 referees (3 from CONCACAF) and 42 assistant referees (6 from CONCACAF), as well as six support referees (1 from CONCACAF) from 33 different countries, earned appointments to the biennial competition.

The 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup will be played October 17–November 8 in Chillán, Concepción, Coquimbo, La Serena, Puerto Montt, Santiago de Chile, Talca and Viña del Mar. FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP CHILE 2015 CONCACAF Referee & Assistant Referee Appointments Referees: Valdin Legster (Jamaica), Ricardo Montero Araya (Costa Rica), Hector Rodriguez Hernandez (Honduras).

Assistant Referees: Warner Castro (Costa Rica), Walter Lopez Ramos (Honduras), Juan Mora Araya (Costa Rica), Kedlee Powell (Jamaica), Christian

Ramirez Soto (Honduras), Richard Washington (Jamaica).

Support Referee: Oscar Reyna Moller (Guatemala).

(CONCACAF)

At their Main Branch on Main Street yesterday, Courts’ Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings presented a $1.5 Million cheque to Head of the Normalisation Committee of the Guyana Football (GFF) Clinton Urling to help fund the federation’s Stag Beer Elite Football League.

The inaugural event set to commence on September 18 at the Leonora Track and Field facility and will include eight teams from several associations across the country. The tourney is expected to end next year May. The eight-month long League will see what is expected to be pulsating battles among top teams Alpha United, Guyana Defence Force, Slingerz FC, Pele, Fruta Conquerors, Georgetown Football Club, Buxton United and Monedderlust FC. Before the presentation Cummings noted that Courts is committed to the development of Guyana’s football.

“We have also contributed sponsorship to the Pee-Wee League and I encourage the public to support this important inaugural League which could go a long way in preparing the Golden Jaguars for qualification in 2022 Football World Cup” Cummings noted.

Public Relations & Promotions Officer of the Furniture Giants, Roberta Fergurson that the entity is pleased to once again support

sports adding that Courts had pledged $1.5million for the League.

Urling thanked Courts for their support and said that the League strives to achieve footballing excellence.

“The eight clubs in the League are the best football clubs in the country, and not just best in terms of the players who go on the field; they’re the best in terms of their administrative practices.”

Urling stressed that the most important element of the League is to have it sustained, in order to aid the development of the sport.

“Without the League, we’re only talking about development. We want to move away from one-off competitions where people look at and assess and say that’s where development is happening. Development can only happen over a longer period of time where there is consistent football being played. The Stag Elite League starts that process,” Urling disclosed.

On Monday last, the GFF, led by Urling, met with Minister of State, Joseph Harmon as the federation tried to get the Government of Guyana’s support for the League. The meeting was also used to discuss the mechanics of the League and to solicit Government’s support financially after Ansa McAl Trading had agreed to be the premier sponsor under the Stag Beer Brand. (Sean Devers)

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Kaieteur News

Friday September 04, 2015

WICB stages historic Coaches FRASER-PRYCE SECURES CONFERENCE IN BARBADOS Diamond League 100 trophy St. John’s, Antigua – A historic gathering will take place today in Barbados, when the WICB Professional Cricket League Coaches Conference is convened featuring coaches from each of the six franchises.

For the first time, regional coaches will meet with three key WICB officials – Director of Cricket Richard Pybus, Convenor of the West Indies Selection Panel Clive Lloyd and Head Coach of the West Indies team Phil Simmons – to discuss matters of common interest in the further development of the game at the professional level in the Caribbean.

The coaches attending are: Hendy Springer and Dexter Toppin (Barbados Pride), Esuan Crandon and Rayon Griffith (Guyana Jaguars), Junior Bennett (Jamaica Scorpions), Reginald Benjamin (Leeward Islands Hurricanes), Gus Logie (Trinidad & Tobago Red Force) and Ian Allen (Windward Islands Volcanoes).

“It’s the first sitting of the franchise coaches with us and to get them all aware of what are our common goals as we approach the second season of operation of the PCL,” said Pybus, who will chair the meeting.

“It is very important that they also have the opportunity to share the challenges which they face at the franchise level, as we work together to build a World-class cricket performance system.

Pybus added: “At the end of the day, the goal is for us to be producing international

quality players for the West Indies and we need to be able to identify what challenges we face and streamline the system, so that it works efficiently.

“It’s also an opportunity for the coaches to network with fellow coaches and take practical examples back to their franchises, so that we are able to advance West Indies cricket.” The PCL was introduced last year and ushered in a new era of franchise play drawn from the six territories of the WICB, with the specific goal of giving players the opportunity to produce consistently throughout the season. Two of the important features of the new league are a longer 4-Day Tournament with each franchise playing 10 matches, the transfer of player talent from territory to territory and the introduction of retainer payments for 15 core players in each of the six franchises.

Simmons said he was looking forward to the conference, where issues of training methodologies, fitness standards and player evaluations will be discussed. “This is one of the first things for which I asked when I was appointed West Indies head coach, so that we can outline to everybody where we want them to be and where we want the players to be,” said Simmons.

The new PCL 4-Day season is scheduled to start in early November and conclude next March, with the NAGICO Super50 set for next January.

Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce anchors Jamaica’s women’s 4x100m relay to victory at the 15th IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China August 29, 2015. Reuters/Lucy Nicholson Twice Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce streaked to victory in the Diamond League women’s 100 meters final yesterday with a time of 10.93 seconds against a head wind on a cold, blustery evening.

The 28-year-old Jamaican, who dyed her hair green for her successful world title defense in Beijing last month before reverting to black during a two-hour visit to a Zurich hairdresser on Wednesday, picked up $40,000 for winning the Diamond League Trophy in her event.

Sixteen finals were staged yesterday at a meeting which featured 20 individual gold medalists from Beijing.

The remaining 16 events will be decided in Brussels on

Sept. 11. “There is no more to ask, I won the world championships and the Diamond race,” said FraserPryce. “I was eager to come back on the track after Beijing and I just enjoy this meeting.”

Fraser-Pryce completed the night by anchoring the Jamaican team to a meeting record of 41.60 seconds in the women’s 4x100 meters relay.

Britain’s Greg Rutherford, who added the world men’s long jump title to his Olympic, European and Commonwealth gold medals in Beijing, showed his competitive grit after a long season to win on a countback from American Marquis Dendy and clinch the Diamond League trophy.

Both men leaped 8.32 meters.

“It was very important to come out here to win again,”

Rutherford said. “I am absolutely over the moon, I won the world championships and I won the Diamond race. It is the last crown for me.”

Former Olympic champion American LaShawn Merritt won the men’s 400 meters in a race which finished with the Beijing medalists again taking the top three places but this time in a different order.

The 2011 world champion Kirani James of Grenada, who finished third in Beijing, was second and South Africa’s surprise world champion Wayde van Niekerk was third.

James’s second place was enough to give him the Diamond League Trophy for his event.

“I am very tired now but I’m nothing but thankful to these guys,” James said.

“Merritt was great tonight.”

Beijing bronze medalist Eunice Sum of Kenya surged to the front in the final 50 meters to win the women’s 800 meters in 1:59.14 from Britain’s Lynsey Sharp and pick up the trophy for her event. Sum, who lost her world title to Maryna Arzamasova of Belarus when she finished third in China, said: “This race really meant a lot to me after Beijing. I didn’t feel well there but I still made the final.”

Another Kenyan, Asbel Kiprop, winner of the last three world 1,500 meters titles, got the victory he needed to confirm his $40,000 prize.

Qatar’s world indoor high jump champion Mutaz Barshim, who finished out of the medals in Beijing, won the men’s event in Zurich ahead of his close rival Bodhan Bondarenko of Ukraine, the world bronze medalist, with a height of 2.32 meters. (Reuters)

Digicel remains onboard Indigenous Heritage Month Day of Sports Digicel Guyana which has been the sole sponsor of the Indigenous Heritage month Day of Sports for the past seven years, maintained its support for the event when Communications Manager Vidya BijlallSanichara handed over sponsorship cheque to Project Coordinator, Bisham Ramsaywack on Wednesday, at the Company’s Head Office in Kingston.

Ramsaywack, who accepted the cheque on behalf of the Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Valerie GarridoLowe, expressed appreciation to the company for its sustained support of the activities, adding that “this year we are expected to have about 500 athletes from Regions 1 to 10. Last year’s defending champion for football is Region 9 and they are expected to be there to defend their title.”

In her brief remarks, Bijlall-Sanichara said “It’s always a privilege for us to be on board

with the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, as you know Digicel is the leading telecommunication provider in the hinterland regions and we pride ourselves on being the first to take telecommunications to some of the most remote hinterland villages of Guyana.”

Bijlall-Sanichara also noted that as part of their corporate social responsibility, Digicel always strives to partner with agencies, in this case the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs to make a difference in the lives of Guyanese. The dates for the sporting activities are set from Sept 18 to Sept 20, at the Everest Ground, Georgetown which will see thousands of hinterland residents converge in Georgetown to participate in the activities.

In addition to football, cricket, volleyball, archery and other games, swimming has been added to this year’s calendar of events. This is scheduled to take place at the National Aquatic Center on September 20.

Friday September 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

Basketball Camp in New Amsterdam ends

Young and aspiring Basketball players in the New Amsterdam/ Canje area had a chance to learn the game and improve their skills over the holiday period when they were involved in a one week Coaching Clinic (Aug. 24 – 28) organised by Basketball coach Kirk Fraser. The sessions which attracted male and female participants between the ages of 8 – 17, were held from 09:00hrs to 12:00hrs at the Vryman’s Erven Basketball Court.

Fraser was assisted by a number of other persons including some senior

players in Berbice. He Fraser stated that the purpose of the clinic was to rekindle the interest of the game in the Berbice area which has been on the decline especially among the youngsters.

Another reason he stated was to help keep the youngsters off the streets and gainfully occupied during the holiday period. Keeping them occupied “will help to instill disciple into the youngsters, and learn them about team work at an early age” he stated.

During the sessions, participants numbering about 20; were thought the

Participants during one of the sessions.

basics of the game which included passing, shooting, dribbling and intercepting among other moves.

Discipline was one of the key areas of the camp which also focused on physical preparedness and the importance of teamwork. Sessions were also dedicated to other topics including school dropouts, teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, drug abuse and delinquency. Efforts are being made to continue the sessions during the afternoon hours and on Saturday morning’s beginning at 09:00hrs.

Page 39

GCA competition continues this weekend The Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) season continues this weekend with games in the Carib Beer T20 first division the Noble House Seafood’s two-day second division, the Hadi’s two-day division one and the NBS 40-over second division tournaments.

The only first division two-day is set for tomorrow and Sunday at Bourda with GDF taking on GCC while two-day second division games are fixed for the Malteenoes ground and Police ground Eve Leary on the same two days. At Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC), GDF do battle with Transport Sports Club while Saints and Police face-off at Eve Leary.

Tomorrow, two T20 first division games will be played with Everest hosting UG from 09:30hrs and home team DCC playing GNIC from 13:30hrs.

On Sunday, two more first division games are

scheduled to be played at Everest on Camp Road where Police will hope to arrest MSC in the 09:30hrs game before Everest battle GYO from 13:30hrs.

Action in second division 40-over competition will see Third Class taking on Sophia at GNIC and Everest playing host to GYO while on Sunday GCC come up against UG at GNIC and DCC face GNIC at the DCC ground, Queenstown.

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Kaieteur News

Friday September 04, 2015

New Amsterdam United avenge loss to Cougars FC to clinch U-19 football friendly

N

ew Amsterdam United FC (NAUFC) had suffered an earlier defeat to Cougars FC during the preliminary stages but rebounded to avenge the loss with a 1 nil victory when the two teams clashed in the finals of an U19 football tournament organized by football lovers in New

Amsterdam at the All Saints Scot’s Church Ground, Princess Elizabeth Road New Amsterdam Berbice, last Sunday afternoon. Jamal Butts was on target for the winners in the 15th minute after dribbling past the opposition’s defense. Both teams then tightened their defense and goals were difficult to come by with the

final whistle handing the honours to NAUFC. In the semi final affair between NAUFC and Monedderlust Football Club (MFC), the former team got the better of the latter, 3-2 on penalty kicks after the game ended 1-1 at the end of regulation time.

Cougars Football Club (CFC) also won on sudden

The winning NA United Football team members show off their hardware with organisers and club officials just after the final whistle. death penalty kicks over Hopetown United (HU) after that game also ended in a nil all stalemate with the initial 5 penalty kicks failing to decide a winner.

During the preliminary stages NAUFC and HFC played to a 0-0 draw, MFC

won from HU 1-0 while the game between RU and CFC ended in a 0-0 draw. HU then defeated Santos 1-0 with CFC taking the honours over NAU 1-0. Santos and MFC then drew their game 0-0 while the game between HFC and RU also ended in 0-

0 draw with the encounter between CFC and HFC ending in a similar stalemate. NAUFC then rebounded with a 1 nil victory over RU to book their place in the semifinal.

In all, seven teams vied for honours in 20 minutes duels and were placed in two groups; Monedderlust Football Club (MFC), Hopetown United (HU) and guest team Santos football club of Georgetown (Group A) while Group B consisted of New Amsterdam United (NAU), Hope Football Club (HFC), Rosignol United (RU) and Cougars Football Club (CFC). The games were 20 minutes duration (Continued on page 36)

Friday September 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

Johnson enjoying Windies batting camp in B’dos

By Sean Devers Guyanese Test batsmen Leon Johnson is presently in the 166 Sq mile Island of Barbados where he is a part of the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) two-week batting camp. The camp is aimed at preparing the ‘mental and technical’ aspects of eight of the leading batsmen in contention for possible selection for the Sri Lanka two-test series which starts with a two-day warm-up match on October 4.

The first Test begins on October 14 with the second Test scheduled from October 22-26. Three ODIs and two T20s will also be played in Sri Lanka before the West Indies head ‘down under’ for a three-Test series which starts on December 10.

The Caribbean side will play Australia in the traditional ‘Boxing Day Test’ before the final Test starts on January 7, 2016.

The 28-year-old Johnson, who has two half-centuries in his four Tests, said he is enjoying his time at the camp at the High Performance Centre (HPC) under Head Coach Phill Simmons and disclosed that the camp “has been going good so far”.

“I have been working hard on my fitness and the technical part of my batting and I am hopeful of being selected to go to Sri Lanka since there is no Regional Cricket before that tour,” said the Guyana Captain who has played 63 FirstClass matches since making his debut at Enmore against the Leewards 11 years ago.

Johnson, who made his Test debut in St Lucia against Bangladesh last year, was on 66 in his first innings at Test level when he was stuck on his pad by Taijul Islam and took too long to call for the review, which would have shown that the ball would have missed the wicket. In addition to

GFF Congress set for November 14

Leon Johnson on the go at Bourda two days before he departed for the camp

Johnson, 26-year-old opener Rajendra Chandrika, only the second West Indian to bag a ‘pair’ on Test debut when he failed to score against Australia in Jamaica in his only Test thus far, is the other Guyanese at the Camp.

Jamaican Jermaine Blackwood, the Bajan quartet of Shai Hope, the unrelated Braithwaite’s (Kraigg & Carlos) and wicket-keeper Shane

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Dowrich (who made his debut as a batsman) all began the camp on Monday.

Ta l e n t e d b u t temperamental left-hander, Trinidadian Darren Bravo only arrived in Barbados on Wednesday night. Fast and spin bowling camps were held recently and the Guyanese pair of Devendra Bishoo and Veerasammy Permaul attended the spin bowling camp.

Members of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will be tasked to elect a new executive on Saturday November 14, with the Normalisation Committee announcing a date for congress yesterday.

“We’ll have to forward this date now to FIFA and they will push it to their executive committee for approval, but we’re confident that the date will be a p p r o v e d ( b y F I FA ) ” explained Normalisation Committee Chairman Clinton Urling while addressing the local media.

After the world governing body had installed the five member committee last October, it was stated by Primo Cavaro, FIFA’s Head of Member Association, that the Normalisation Committee, Guyana’s first, will be task to above all, reform the constitution of the GFF and their affiliates and had given a deadline of

September 2015 for new elections to be held.

The GFF at their June 26 Extraordinary Congress, adopted a new constitution, paving the way for the Normalisation Committee to now go through the constitutional reform process of all 22 of their affiliates. “ We ’ v e a l r e a d y distributed the template to the Member Associations (MA’s) and they will have to convene a meeting to adopt that constitution and then have elections” Urling said, (Continued on page 36)

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Kaieteur News

Friday September 04, 2015

GT Beer / Petra Organisation Futsal Competition...

Bent Street, West Front Road remain standing after two thrillers It was high drama Wednesday night in two of three matches that were played in the inaugural GT Beer / Petra Organisation Futsal Competition, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The most excitement was reserved for the West Front Road-Gold is Money and the up-started West Side’s Showstoppers clash that went right down to the final minute of the game, before the Georgetown-based unit prevailed 7-6 much to the delight of their fans and disappointment for their opponents.

It took a five-goal blitz in the final six minutes to salvage the fortunes of pre tournament favourites West Front Road that had performed way below par for twenty-four minutes, before star players Randolph Wagner and Hubert Pedro resurrected their chances of advancing. The Bent Street

versus North Ruimveldt clash produced thrilling finish and a similar scoreline as well with the former doing just enough to outlast their opponents.

In the first game, West Back Road secured their spot in the knockout phase after benefitting from a walkover from Beterverwagting (BV).

The second fixture saw Sophia cement their place in the next phase after registering a thumping 10-4 triumph over Broad Street.

Sheik Kamal warmed up for the next stage by firing in a treble in the 21st, 22nd and 25th minutes respectively.

Omallo Williams in the second and 16th minute, Desmond Cottam in the 17th and 20th minute, Shem Porter in the 18th and 28th minute recorded braces each. Joshua Kamal’s 15th minute strike completed their tally. Rocky and Jimmy Gravesande, Kevin

Bent Street’s O’Kenie Fraser shields the ball from North Ruimveldt’s Joshua Brown in their encounter on Wednesday night.

Cummings and Leon Richardson, all netted in the sixth, 13th, 19th and 22nd minutes respectively.

In the Showstoppers versus West Front Road affair, the West Demerara side needed a win to advance and seemed well on their way to doing so after

Anthony Sancho scored in the second minute.

We s t F r o n t R o a d responded five minutes later through Wendell Pedro, who squeezed a cross from Hubert Pedro.

Sancho then returned to regain the lead for Showstoppers after hitting a

right-footer through the legs of the opposing goalkeeper in the 12th minute. Hubert Pedro then leveled proceedings, unleashing a fierce shot from just inside his area that ended into the lower right hand corner.

However, Showstoppers were not fazed by West Front

Road’s stubborness as Sancho completed a hattrick with a clinical finish for a 3-2 advantage, before Dexroy Adams’s goal gave them a handy 4-2 lead at the break.

However, the comeback begun in the 24th minute when Wagner booted in a pass from Pedro, but again Showstoppers responded this time through a Simon Emmanuel penalty two minutes later.

Wagner replied one minute later through a clever piece of skill, delivering a back heel through the legs of the advancing keeper.

Showstoppers finding themselves in new territory succumbed to the pressure and gave up a penalty after committing six fouls and Pedro easily converted.

With the fans sensing a come from behind victory, the noise in the arena seemed (Continued on page 36)

Friday September 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

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/RHTY&SC 5-over KO competition attracts 12 teams The Area ‘H’ Ground in Rose Hall Town would be a hive of activities this Sunday when the Assuria Insurance / Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) 5over knock-out tournament is contested as part of the host club’s Silver Jubilee Anniversary Celebrations.

Twelve teams are set to do battle for the championship title with a top prize of $70,000 at stake.

The competing teams are Rose Hall Town Bakewell A, Rose Hall Town Bakewell B, D’ Edward, Kennard Memorial, Blairmont, Police, Belvedere United, Tamarind Root, Fyrish, Yakusari, All Star Youth and Courtland.

Heavy rain had forced a postponement of the tournament from its original date, Sunday 30th of August.

The tournament which bowls off at 09:00hrs is being organised by the Cricket Development Committee of the RHTY&SC as part of its Say No to Drugs and Crime Programme, a joint initiative with the Outreach Department Committee of the Guyana Police Force, ‘B’ Division.

The losing finalist would receive $30,000 and trophy while the 3rd place winner would take home 20,000.00 a n d t r o p h y. G e n e r a l Manager of Assuria Insurance in Guyana, Yo g i n d r a A r j u n e a n d Secretary/CEO of the RHTY&SC Hilbert Foster would assist with the presentation of prizes at the conclusion of the day’s activities.

Following are the teams: All Stars Youth - Ricky Persaud (Captain) Dwyane Scott, Anthony Carrington, Travis Whitre, George Carrington, Jeetandra Sukhdeo, Hector Cortis, Elroy Fernades, Deoram Persaud, Sanjay Persaud, Randy Ramroop, Jadesh Persaud, Navin Persaud, Anand Bharrat.

Police C.C - Philbert Wilburg (Captain), Brentol Woolford, Martin Singh, Wa y n e R i c h a r d , C a r l Campbell, Elon Shultz, Kevin Sinclair, Lawerence Thomas, Collis Cort, Marlon Sheperd, Clinton Lindee, Haslyn George, Jamal Jerrick, Leon Andrews and Charles Leranon. Manager, Ryan Joe.

R o s e H a l l To w n Bakewell ‘A’ - Vidal Crandon, Khemraj Mahadeo, Delbert Hicks, Shemaine Campbelle, Mark Papannah, Micheal Hicks, Jason Anderson, Sylus Tyndell, Mark Fernandes, Erva Giddings, Roydel Lewis, Joshua Wilson, Justin Gobin.

R o s e H a l l To w n Bakewell ‘B’ - Kevlon Anderson, Surendra Budhoo, Junior Sinclair, Keith Simpson, Brandon Corlettle, Kumar Jeet Joseph, Seeindra marimutoo, Azam Khan, Joshua Gobin, Simon Lawson, Denzil Sinclair,T. Ross, Matthew Pattaya and Shakeem Johnny.

D’ Edward C.C - Jaipaul Heeralall (Captain), Heeralall Bridgelall, Eon Abel, Lakeraj Sookraj, Altaf Khan, Mahendra Persaud, Christian France, Hoolsaran Lalsa, Navin Rampersaud, Abdool Subhan, Deinauth France, Dishawn Phillip, Keith Fraser and Marcus France.

Yakusari Caribs C.C Naipaul Jayona (Captain), Keshore Ayana, Churamanie Ajona, Romesh Ayona, Rajendra Bownauth, Ryan Bownauth, Altaf Mohamed, Terrence Budhu, Karamchand Singh, Jason Watson, Karim Amin, David Bhola, Vijai Ayana, Kuldep Ay a n a a n d K h e l m o o n Phagu.

Courtland C.C - John Percival (Captain), Eon Gibson, Wesley Crandon, Micheal cummings, Oliver Giddings, Esuan Crandon, Troy Matheson, Keon Sinclair, L.Thomas, Jemal Cort, Trellon Cort, Timothy Mcdonald, Delon Crandon and Dwayne Crandon.

Tamarind Root C.C Adrian Singh (Captain), Kunal Mangal, Altaf Mohamed, Mahendra R a m d i h a l , Av i n a s h Looknauth, Linden Austin, Andy Mohan, Dilip R a m a s a m m y, K e v i n Madramootoo, Alvin Ramdas, Deonarine R a n g a s a m m y, P r e m Deonarine, Ravi Ramdas and Manzoor Budhu.

Belvedere United C.C Joshua Dhanai, Devin Juns, Hazrat Ishamail, Avon Cobis, Asif Kamaladin, Sudesh Veerapen, Dendeas Mohan, Azeez Khan, Farouk Khan, Shazam Khan, Mohan Permaul, H. Samid.

Kennard Memorial

C.C - Andrew Persaud, Mankarran Singh, Chunilall Mankarran, Thomas George, J u n i o r B l a i r, F a r o u k Drepaul, Kamaladeen

Parmauloo, Martin Seelall, Azam Hussain, Tamesh Ramessar, Devindra Sydney, Ravi Bassoo, Tota Ramlall, Darren Ramessar and

Kennard Gopie.

Fyrish C.C M. Shivdyall (Captain), Y. Chinapen, A. Srikissoon, C. R o o p n a r i n e , J . A l l y,

J.Mohamed, W.Mohamed, S. Keven, T. Sinclair, A. Hassan, M. Mohamed, M. Amin, L. Notoos, D. Narine and J. Singh.

t r o Sp

COURTS CONTRIBUTES $1.5 MILLION

towards GFF’s Stag Beer Elite League Courts Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings presents the $1.5million chequeto GFF’s Clinton Urling in the presence of Courts’ PRO Roberta Fergurson.

Digicel remains onboard Indigenous HERITAGE MONTH DAY OF SPORTS

Digicel’s Communications Manager Vidya Bijlall-Sanichara (second right) hands over the sponsorship cheque to Project Coordinator, Bisham Ramsaywack in the presence of Sponsorship Executive Luanna Abrams (second left) and Guyana Amateur Swimming Association officials Ivan Persaud and Elke Rodrigues yesterday.

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