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

Revamp the electoral laws Over time the Guyana Elections Commission has been the source of criticism and even ridicule through no fault of its own. Prior to 1992 the Elections Commission was the creation of the government. There was a Chief Elections Officer selected by the government and a Commission that comprised two other staff members.

The law gave the Chief Elections Officer power over the elections and his declarations were final. That had been the case over the years until the People’s Progressive Party convinced the international community that the system was being abused by the government in place.

Changing the Commission saw the life of the then government extended by a further two years until the Commission was reorganized. Laws had to be passed that allowed for the modified Elections Commission. Then there had to be modifications to the system that saw the preparation of the voters’ list.

The modified law governing the Guyana Elections Commission saw the appointment of one Commissioner by the government, and one by the opposition. The Chairman who would be elected by the President held the casting vote.

There were to be further modifications to the composition of the Guyana Elections Commission. It became an expanded body.

Despite these measures to eradicate problems with the Commission and the final vote, there has not been an election without some confusion. One is forced to conclude that elections in Guyana are recipes for confusion.

In 1992, the Guyana Elections Commission produced a Final Voters’ List that saw the disenfranchisement of thousands of people. By some stroke on ingenuity, the Commission produced one list that contained the names of the voters and another from which certain names were deleted. The result was that people saw their names on a list outside the polling station, but the names were absent from the list in the hands of the Presiding Officers.

The 1997 elections saw more confusion. The new President was sworn in surreptitiously, the first and only time there has been such a swearing in. The Elections Commission was complicit in that swearing in.

There were other cases of the Elections Commission acting in the interest of the government. It produced identification cards that were supposed to minimize multiple voting. Instead, one found that it accommodated multiple registrations and consequently, multiple voting.

Again, supporters of the political opposition felt cheated.

The first time that there was no election trouble was in 2006. By then the Guyana Elections Commission was an independent authority free from direction by the politician.

Yet there was the suspicion that the Chairman was open to dictation by the politicians. Since then the nation’s confidence in the Elections Commission grew.

But there has always been the problem of a timely declaration of the elections results. Guyana with a population of fewer than a million people has never been able to deliver its elections results in a day.

At one time it took two weeks for the results to be declared. More recently, the nation is lucky that the results could be had within five days.

Trinidad and Tobago recently produced its elections results within five hours of the closing of the polls. Some twelve hours later the new Prime Minister was sworn in.

Jamaica and Barbados are not far behind.

To the credit of the political parties, despite the topography, the elections results were known within ten hours. Declaration was another matter.

The international community knows what the problem is and they have been making recommendations to correct this situation that leads to delayed poll results. However, it would seem that our politicians over the past two decades

Saturday September 12, 2015

Letters... Where your views make the news

Government’s one-month gun amnesty is a good idea whose time has come DEAR EDITOR, The government’s one-month gun amnesty period which commenced on September 1, 2015 is a good idea whose time has come. The results in some countries vary but the vast majority of law abiding citizens are supportive of the process, even though a few who are themselves in possession of illegal firearms may be reluctant to surrender their weapons. Among the probable reasons for this unwillingness in some places may be a perception that the state does not ensure security for all people and communities regardless of political affiliation, or social status.

And therefore several general and specific factors would have been observed when the amnesty programme was envisaged.

These would have included considerations of demographics, levels of gun crime and violence, and the structure and quality of security sector service.

It is important to note that the amnesty forms part of a broader strategy that is focused on promoting public security and human development, which addresses not only the presence

of weapons, but also the causes of violence. Although the short term objective might be to take certain types or numbers of weapons of the streets, the long-term goals must reflect an urgent desire to reduce armed violence, or raising awareness of the risks associated with the illegal possession of firearms. It will therefore require a major shift in attitudes for total submission to what is essentially disarmament as a crime prevention strategy.

Destroying or rendering weapons unusable is the only way of ensuring they are permanently taken out of circulation.

Destruction if done publicly sends a powerful message about the importance of removing the tools of violence from society. In addition to the monitored destruction of collected weapons (to prevent diversion or recirculation), the avenues for resupply of illegal guns and ammunition must be closed off. Our porous border presents a challenge in this regard and is another militating factor in our public security environment.

Public education

enhanced and integrated with weapons c o l l e c t i o n e ff o r t s c a n c h a n g e perceptions about the desirability of possessing illegal weapons.

The current initiative to improve our public security environment can be boosted significantly if it receives the endorsement of all political leaders and public officials. This will serve to encourage and reassure the undecided who arguably might still perceive the need for self-protection.

Editor, thus far there is every indication that the current programme was introduced after serious thought, and therefore we can anticipate at the end of this one-month period that an evaluation of the programme process and outcome will be undertaken in order to document the results to the authorities and general public. The evaluation should, at a minimum, describe the process, assess the degree to which stated goals have been achieved, identify unexpected programme impacts, verify the final disposition of the weapons, and determine what lessons have been learned for the future.

Patrick E. Mentore

NIS: Dishonest employers and scams DEAR EDITOR, inadequate application of laws, VAT, income tax and Pay As You Earn, The National Insurance Scheme is a inadequate laws, lack of prosecution while they are far from that. great one indeed, created by the World criminally, and mostly by dishonest We saw recently in the media how a Health Organization and commenced employers, who make the contributions welder suffered damage to his leg and by our former Prime Minister, Linden by their work forces as a source of t h e e m p l o y e r n e v e r p a i d h i s Forbes Sampson Burnham. profitability for their businesses. contributions. We saw people working This is one of his great legacies. The The fact that the Chairman of the last in trawlers and boats, and so many intention was to cause people to enjoy Government for NIS, and leaders of the places and cannot get their NIS benefits, benefits when they fall ill or in event of country would not listen to sound due to dishonest employers. an accident, or if they pass away; or in advice publicly posted, did not help.

Such employers, large and small are case of old age, a good pension.

I had several publications and numerous in all Guyana. They usurp National Insurance is an important outbursts even on television, on the contribution of their employees, to ingredient to a decent, sane and particularly unscrupulous business fatten their bodies and augment their prosperous nation and economy. I people, and am even ashamed to say lifestyles. This can be compared to the believe in National Insurance with some in the Security Industry, and by proverbial blood sucking monsters. much emotion and human passions. some who use the name security Where is their humanity? Where is I have witnessed how people services to cheat the NIS, the GRA of (Continued on page 5) suffered when employers stole their benefits, or NIS could not pay due to improper computation, destruction of records (old stamp card system), due to leaking roof as some decades ago.

DEAR EDITOR, How long does one take to the morning. Yesterday it got I know a lot about NIS, as I Permit me a space in your remedy this problem that worse. have been around for a long newspaper to express the myself, and my fellow residents The drip drip water time, and have been in my own discomfort that we residents have been complaining pressure was so low, I only business, RK’s Guyana of Melanie and Non- Pariel repeatedly about to the got a drip at a time now! I was Security Services, for over 37 Community are facing since Guyana Water Inc, Ministry busy from yesterday at 5pm years now.

September 1st 2015. It has been of Communities, We even to 7pm to fill water to do my The National Insurance 11 days since we got water! aired our concerns on a call-in night routine and had to stay Scheme is in financial crisis, In this day and age, water, programme. up the whole night up to 12:30 due to lack of vision in a which is a basic need, has This is our last straw, in am to full water for the realistic perspective by been denied by us residents! addition to the much more morning routine and storage Governments, all of them, Where are we heading in this frequent blackouts we have in the essence that I don’t get current, and the past! The country! been experiencing. water in the evening.

Everyday I have to leave That’s my plight, as a work early to go home and wife, mother, daughter, stand at my pipe to get the resident and citizen of my little drips, so that I can cook country. I am calling on the dinner, allow my children, m a n a g e m e n t o f G W I , husband and my elderly Ministers of Communities parents to have a bath with at and President Granger to least a half bucket of water! please, if you can’t give me Plus, I have to fill from the the good life, at least fix my drip drip water to store to do water problem. the same things all again in Resident of Melanie

If you can’t give me the good life, at least fix my water problem

Saturday September 12, 2015

Kaieteur News

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

NIS: Dishonest employers and... Has the new Govt. overlooked City Hall for fiscal inspection?

From page 4 their human conscience?

They will look out for their own old age and retirement with savings and plans, even sophisticated ones.

So why do they deny their employees? Most of whom are obviously the most vulnerable, the poorest.

Such employers have to be mean and sick in their minds. I have heard a lot of talk of this being criminal or that being criminal, by the new Government, but this is what is most criminal minded, denying the workers their due in life’s difficulties, and the country of its income taxes, the country where people live, and in which the money is made.

When people spend a life time or years serving with a business or office, they expect to be protected and cared when they are ill, so their families and they will not suffer.

When, people get old, they wish to collect their pensions, as I am now enjoyably, and the employees of my company are enjoying when they apply for benefits.

Then indeed are some quality security companies and other industries, which take pride in contributing to this life enhancing scheme, and even taking on private insurance for loss of life or limb in event of accidents on or off the job.

Such of my colleagues would include GEB Security, PGS Security, Massey, our force RK’s Guyana Security.

There may be one or two more, but the reality is many security services, or so called ones, are actually criminal in the theft of NIS. Such thefts

that not only affect lives, put people on the streets, and of course create a financial crisis for the National Insurance itself. But more so, this criminal dishonesty, creates a social dilemma, in which, the people would turn or demand for the Government to look out for them. Such demands would cease or be very minimal if the workers were protected by the NIS with pensions and sick benefits.

WHAT TO DO? 1. The Government and the NIS management always go a begging for employers to comply. Appealing to their conscience, they would say, or making petty threat of prosecution. I say this has to stop.

Court actions are usually civil and take years to collect, and then the culprits, and highway robbers transfer their assets or sell out, or declare bankruptcy, and then change name of the business.

These actions are also very expensive. NIS legal teams do not get injunctions preventing transfer or sales of assets of the companies, businesses or of persons. They should! Fines are few and too little, theft of NIS is a profitable criminal enterprise perpetuated by some business people.

2. Criminalize the theft and non-payment of NIS to the Scheme. Minimum penalty for first offence, two years jail, $500,000. 00 fine, after that five years imprisonment and one million dollars, and like that it goes up. Theft of NIS is like manslaughter or attempted murder to this writer.

3. If court action for the time being is needed, it

must be private criminal lawsuits for fraud, as the monies were collected to be remitted to the scheme or the GRA, failing which it is fraud, so try the police, but at the same time, if necessary make it a private criminal action.

Then, just watch the money, the remittances roll in.

Fines could also go the relevant authorities and not necessarily to the treasury.

Private Security Act:The Hon Cabinet and President must know that the former Minister of Home Affairs established a Private Security Act. It has more power than both the Ministry of Labor and the National Insurance.

With this act alone, security services can be suspended or lose their license to operate if they are found not remitting NIS and GRA to the authorities, or involved in theft.

Another dilemma is that we have many illegal entities operating as security services without licenses, and competing with legitimate companies.

Just imagine, one employer, a big one actually used violence on a set of NIS Inspectors who wanted to inspect books.

How can such people eat, live, sleep, watch their face in the mirror in the morning, knowing they steal worker’s National Insurance, denying them a future and comfort in old age or in accidents or illness, how can they? These have to be bad people, lost in wealth, and lost their human consciousness.

Roshan Khan RK’s Guyana Security Services.

DEAR EDITOR, I have observed that the new government, since coming into office in May of this year, has effected a number of forensic audits and commissions of inquiry to investigate the goings on at several state agencies and quite rightly so.

However, they seemed to have overlooked the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown for fiscal inspection, an agency well known over the last two decades for being culpable for every financial impropriety possible.

One wonders whether this is an oversight, or whether it is deliberate bearing in mind that this municipality

has been governed for the last twenty one years by the majority by Councillors that belong to the governing party.

Whatever the reason, with the Local Government elections looming large, it is important for the government to step in quickly.

It would be a mistake of monumental proportions for the Government to hand over the three hundred million dollars to this Council that has budgeted for the

rehabilitation of Georgetown. It would be an early Christmas for the boys.

Indeed, even without that, there is a spending spree currently underway at City Hall, with contracts being handed out left right and centre to friends and family.

Come on Mr. Minister of Communities, save the citizens of the capital from the wanton pilfering of taxpayers’ dollars.

Sean Moniz

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Corruption, absence of safe practices contributed to mining pit deaths COI reports says ...

By Jarryl Bryan The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) at its 32nd annual general meeting yesterday, unveiled a report of a Commission of Inquiry ordered by President David Granger. The report revealed that 25 deaths have been recorded in 16 accidents within the past 12 months.

Among the findings were that the principal causes of pit failure accidents were the neglect of safe mining practices, as well as shortcuts being taken in a bid to grab as much gold, in the shortest time possible.

GGDMA executive Colin Sparman, a member of the Commission of Inquiry into mining pit collapses, presented the findings of the Commission to the meeting.

It was noted in the Admin-

One of the bodies being removed from the Mowasi pit

istrative Coordinator's report that from 2010 to 2015, a total of 62 miners, particularly young men, have died in the industry. This figure was described as “scandalous and

unacceptable”, in particular since the statistics are from a small population.

The COI was launched after the mortality rate for gold miners recorded a spike on

May 17 last, when a Mowasi, Potaro mining pit collapsed and killed 10 miners in what was arguably the worst mining accident in recent memory.

The findings were ex-

pected to be released imminently as the COI was concluded since August. It had however been reported that the findings were with the Cabinet.

According to Sparman, there was an absence of controls to make the mine facing (inner wall) safe when miners washed the ore. This was coupled with the fact that a lot of miners were practicing shortcuts including the nonremoval of overburden (waste earth deposited from digging operation), contributed to the mining pit collapses.

In addition, there was an absence of proper entry and exit points to the mine, making it almost impossible to safely escape when there is danger. “We found that steep and high mine (facings) with poor or no benches were a feature of these (accidents),” Sparman said. The report also noted that once the retaining walls were breeched, there was no restraining the loose and wet mud.

Sparman also noted that (continued on page 9)

Guyana gears for tougher laws on wildlife trade, protection A critical Bill that will revise old laws that govern how Guyana protects its wildlife is expected to be laid in the National Assembly as early as next month, government says.

Yesterday, a key national stakeholders’ consultation was held at the Grand Coastal Inn with the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE), under its Wildlife Management Authority (WMA), hosting the event to discuss the final draft of the Wildlife Import and Export Bill.

In addition to Minister Raphael Trotman, also present were Permanent Secretary of the NRE, Joslyn McKenzie; Advisor on Sustainable Development at NRE, Clayton Hall; Head of the Wildlife Division, Alona Sankar; Wildlife Protection activist, Annette Arjoon-

Martins and Consultant for the Department, Teni Housty.

Representatives from various organisations including the United States of America Embassy, Conservation International Guyana (CIG), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Iwokrama International Centre, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), among others, were also present, a Government statement said.

Minister Trotman told the participants of the session that it is important that the draft be completed and become a reality for Guyana.

“We believe that this is one of the very worthwhile endeavours of the last administration.

Wildlife exporters, regulators and other stakeholders at the meeting yesterday.

It must be seen to completion and so we have gathered to ensure that we see that process through to reality. I’ve gone through the Bill and so far, I am quite impressed with the work done.”

He said that he is hopeful that when the Bill is tabled in the National Assembly, it will

receive the support of the Opposition- the People’s Progressive Party- as well as all National stakeholders.

“Once it is tabled in the National Assembly, we will take it to the Special Select Committee. We want it to receive the support of the Opposition and the stakeholders so that by the end of this year, Guyana can say it has an Act and not a Bill,” the Minister told the participants.

Head of the Wildlife Division, Alona Sankar, said that the consultation was another step in the legislative process as it provides a new approach to protect and conserve wildlife in Guyana.

“In July, 2014, a consultative meeting was held on the Wildlife Import and Export Bill. Concerns were expressed about the apparent disjointed approach to wildlife management and conservation in Guyana.

This consultative meeting seeks to present the new

approach to wildlife management and conservation in Guyana and to obtain feedback from the stakeholders on the way forward.

In today’s session, there will be heavy focus on the areas of the Bill which have been amended to reflect the new framework,” she said.

Adviser on Sustainable Development at NRE, Clayton Hall, said that this approach was born out of the new administration’s thrust to ensure Guyana’s national patrimony and natural resources are sustainably protected. “…Under this government, wildlife is recognised as part and parcel of our natural resources and patrimony.

There is a new approach to how we deal with how these are used by the people and for the people. We want to ensure that whatever happens, it happens in a way that provides benefits for all

Guyanese and also that we leave that which we have inherited for future generations to enjoy,” Hall told the participants.

He noted that the Bill will also ensure that participants and stakeholders in the management of the conservation of Guyana’s wildlife are of the highest rectitude and integrity, while ensuring that the future safeguards are in place for those involved in conservation and trade to operate under strict rules and guidelines.

There have been complaints by especially animal lovers and others over what seemed to abuse not only in the wildlife trade but that of the protection of animals.

There have been shocking cases of animals dying in poorly ventilated cages and containers while being exported. Of course, those are instances of protected species being killed.

Saturday September 12, 2015

Kaieteur News

Russia to U.S.:

Talk to us on Syria or risk ‘unintended incidents’ Reuters - Russia called yesterday for military-tomilitary cooperation with the United States to avert “unintended incidents” as it stages navy exercises off the coast of Syria, where U.S. officials believe Moscow is building up forces to protect President Bashar al-Assad.

The United States is using Syrian air space to lead a campaign of air strikes against Islamic State, and a greater Russian presence raises the prospect of the Cold War superpower foes encountering each other on the battlefield.

Both Moscow and Washington say their enemy is Islamic State, whose Islamist fighters control large parts of Syria and Iraq. But Russia supports the government of Assad in Syria, while the United States says his presence makes the situation worse.

In recent days, U.S. officials have described what they say is an increase of Russian equipment and manpower.

President Barack Obama said this would not change U.S. strategy in countering Islamic State fighters, which includes U.S. planes leading an international coalition in airstrikes in Syria.

“But we are going to be engaging Russia to let them know that you can’t continue to double-down on a strategy that is doomed to failure,” he said at an event with military service members during a visit to Maryland.

In the latest reports, two Western officials and a Russian source told Reuters Moscow is sending advanced SA-22 anti-aircraft missiles to Syria. The system would be operated by Russian troops, rather than Syrians, the Western officials said. U.S. officials in Washington also said they believed about 200 Russian naval infantry forces were now stationed at an airfield near the Syrian city of Latakia, an Assad stronghold, and that the number had increased in recent days.

One official estimated that the majority of the forces were involved in preparing the airfield for future use.

Sergei Lavrov

Lebanese sources have told Reuters that at least some Russian troops are now engaged in combat operations in support of Assad’s forces.

Moscow has declined to comment on those reports.

Obama said Russia would have to start using diplomacy rather than force to counter the influence of Islamic State militants. He said the group posed more of a threat to Russia than to the United States because of the country’s large Muslim

population.

At a news conference in Moscow, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia was sending equipment to help Assad fight Islamic State.

Russian servicemen were in Syria, he said, primarily to help service that equipment and teach Syrian soldiers how to use it.

Russian naval exercises in the eastern Mediterranean were long-planned and in accordance with international law, he said.

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THE PPP IS NOT INTERESTED IN A GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL UNITY The People’s Progressive Party is not interested in joining any government of national unity. The PPP in its present formation is not interested at all in any such formulation.

The PPP is only interested in regaining power. It feels that under the leadership of Bharrat Jagdeo it will win any future free and fair elections.

What it fears is whether APNU+ AFC will allow such elections.

The PPP was never interested in any government of national unity. It won in 1992 and dumped the idea.

Despite the baptism of fire and violence that greeted the ascension to power of Bharrat Jagdeo in 1999, the PPP was never interested in a government of national unity.

Even after the PPP lost its parliamentary majority in 2011, it still frowned on a government of national unity.

There is no reason to indicate that the PPP will be interested in such an idea now.

The idea of a government of national unity is alien to the PPP. It sees national unity as different from a government of national unity.

The latter it seems, as a means of other parties forcing themselves onto the PPP and trying to nudge the PPP out

of power- that was when it had power.

The PPP therefore is highly suspicious of a government of national unity.

The leadership of the PPP is not interested in that idea because it is a difficult concept to wrap itself around.

It does not help when those who speak about national unity to do not explain what they mean by this concept and how it is expected to be implemented.

There is too much vagueness and cloudiness around this idea of a government of national unity.

The history of Guyana has been that people speak a great deal about a government of national unity when they are in the opposition. But when they get into power they are not keen to relinquish or share that power with others. This is why we are not going to see any serious attempt to have a government of national unity.

There will only be token gestures at achieving national unity through the usual meetings and talks but there is nothing to convince anyone that even APNU or the AFC is serious about a government of national unity.

How is the ruling

Dem boys seh...

When you give blow, you got to expect blow Cheating has become a way of life. So it seems in Guyana.

Jagdeo is a big cheat. He cheat de whole of Guyana to become de richest man in de region.

De man suh low that he cheat de pandit wha he seh na married him, legally. He nah pay de man.

Plenty of he ministers cheat and some get ketch cheating.

Is only de jail door waiting fuh dem.

Other people does cheat, too. You can’t forget dem MP. Nuff of dem does bring in car wha dem ain’t entitled to.

Nuff of dem does cheat taxes while others does cheat pun dem wife and husband.

Last month one of dem same MP want to find out if he wife and he sweet woman was faithful to him. De MP decide to send both of dem pun de same cruise and question each one, later, bout how de other one behave.

When he wife come back, he ask her about people pun de trip. He then casually ask about de passenger who was he sweet woman.

When he mention de name de wife seh, “Oh. Oh. That woman? She sleep wid nearly every man on de ship.”

De MP wasn’t happy wid wha he hear. Then he plan a dinner fuh meet wid de cheating sweet woman and decide to ask she about de same trip before he confront she wid wha he know.

During de dinner, he carefully inquired about de woman who was he wife after verifying that de two of dem did meet up. De sweet woman tell him, “She was a real lady.” De MP face light up. All he eye get bright. He had a big smile pun he face.

“Why do you say that/” he ask de sweet woman.

“She came on de cruise ship wid her husband and never left his side.”

De MP never get pick fuh go back in parliament.

Talk half and let this be a warning to all cheating MP.

coalition going to be serious about national unity when there were serious divisions within the coalition over the violations of the Cummingsburg Accord which brought APNU and the AFC together?

The PPP protested the results of the elections. The environment was therefore not conducive just after the elections for any overtures to the PPP to join the government.

But there was never any convincing evidence that the coalition government was serious about having the PPP join the government. You cannot have a government of national unity by

consultation. It has to be by participation and the PPP was never invited to be part of any government.

The PPP leadership has a deep hatred for the leaders of the AFC who were formerly from the PPP. These persons have been the object of the PPP’s venom on the campaign trail.

They have been personally attacked on the political campaign more than any other persons from the coalition. The PPP therefore has bad blood against its defectors who have joined the AFC. It was therefore shocking to learn that the new government has appointed

one of the AFC’s leaders to have talks with the PPP on the issue of national unity.

APNU cannot be serious.

The PPP leadership will not meet with this individual.

There is too much bad blood between the two sides and therefore this appointment is recipe for failure.

Nothing will come of the talks because there will be no talks. The PPP will not meet with the appointed, not now and not in the next five years.

The PPP is not interested in a government of national unity. They are not interested in any form of unity at the level of politics.

The main and sole objective of the PPP now is

to regain power. The PPP is no pushover.

The PPP won six of the ten regions in the last elections.

It has geographical reach in this country. It is a strong party.

It will sweep local government polls whenever it is held. Nothing can stop the PPP from winning those elections.

Nothing either can stop them from ignoring any request that is made for national unity talks with the government. The PPP is simply not interested.

Corruption, absence of safe practices ...

From page 6 during the COI, miners reported living in perpetual fear of the walls falling on them, a fear that stayed with them every day as they worked. This, he said, was particularly true during the rainy season. In fact running from these walls has become a daily practice for miners.

Sparman added that the COI determined there was a pervading lax culture to safety and that clear rules must be applied and enforced.

“As the Guyana Women Miners Organization (GWMO) puts it, everyone is wired for gold and not for safety. A drastic change in culture involving education and sensitization at all levelsminers, operators, property owners and regulators, is required.”

LARGER PITS, LARGER RESPONSIBILITIES The recommendations of the report also noted that as the gold industry transitioned over the years, the sector be-

came more mechanized and heavy duty machinery characterized mining.

However, the report went on to note, the sizes and dimensions of the pits being excavated required proper engineering controls and safeguards that appeared to be beyond the capability of most operators in the sector.

One of the recommendations called for the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to institute the proper framework in order to respect the requirements of the transition and avoid accidents in the future.

Sparman also pointed out the shortcomings of the emergency rescue system. “Whenever an accident occurred, the available emergency mechanism, the search and rescue recovery was inadequate and will need proper definition and manning.

There is also poor reporting of these accidents. Most times GGMC would act on a report (appearing) in I-news or

Demerara Waves or Kaieteur News. GGMC needs to improve on this,” Sparman said.

overburden, tailings management plan, camp and other infrastructure around the mine.

CURRENT INSPECTION SYSTEM The report described the current operator-inspection system for wall cracks and instability as “woefully inadequate” since there was a lack of experience with mining pit requirements.

Among the recommendations put out of the COI findings to address this shortcoming was for operators to receive more “robust” guides and predictive tools. In addition, the report noted, engineering support must be mandatory for these operations in order for it to even be continued.

Another recommendation was for all operations using earth moving equipment to file a plan. Noting that it is not enough for operators to just go out and dig, the report observed that plans must include everything- location of waste/

REGULATORY BODIES The COI's report was succinct in calling on GGMC to fulfill its responsibilities, stating that visiting mining operations and issuing cease work orders when breaches were observed was not enough.

Imran Khan, owner of the Mowasi mining pit was issued such an order before the pit collapse, but he then countered with an injunction.

Instead, the report said, the relevant remedial advice to cure the technical and other deficiencies was essential.

The COI was first ordered

by President David Granger and was chaired by Dr. Grantley Walrond; its membership was composed of representatives from the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and the Ministry of Social Protection. Its technical advisor was Jo Bayah.

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Saturday September 12, 2015

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Mission Impossible 6: Rogue money I sat between two staff members of the Assets Recovery Unit at the cremation of Andaiye’s father, Dr. Frank Williams; Tacuma Ogunseye and Desmond Trotman.

While we were talking, Dr. Henry Jeffrey came up and started to chat with us.

Obviously the discussion

had to turn to assets recovery. Jeffrey looked at Tacuma and offered some intellectual advice.

He observed that recovering illegal funds will take more than ten years.

Jeffrey opined that the people from the last government who stole money weren’t stupid; they would have taken the

best brains to hide the stuff.

Jeffrey is right. There are thousands of ultra wealthy Americans and Europeans who cheat on their taxes and the powerful US with its ultramodern investigating techniques cannot catch them. It was under the last Bush presidency that Switzerland opened up some

of its files after extensive pressure by President Bush.

Obama continued in that vein but the American taxman only netted a few thousands.

The US and British Governments only learned about holders of accounts in the offshore banking systems in some small islands around the world after documents were leaked by whistle blowers.

In reporting on that story, the Guardian of the UK described how complex and secret is the system that it is not easy for these taxdodgers to be caught. One top economist put the secret stuff at US$32 trillion.

No you are not reading wrongly nor have I stated a wrong figure. Some of the money is not in the name of the owners and a labyrinthine trail makes it impossible to find names.

Here is an extract from a Guardian article, “As well as Britons hiding wealth offshore, an extraordinary array of Government officials and rich families across the world are identified, from Canada, the US, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Iran, China, Thailand and former communist states.

The data seen by the Guardian shows that their secret companies are based mainly in the British Virgin Islands (end of quote.)

In the UK and the US where state funds are scare and the state has to cut back on many programs that benefit the poor, US$32 trillion

if taxed would bring in billions to the Treasury Why billionaires get away with tax evasion is because the financial laws of capitalism were intended to make it difficult for government to pry into the financial account of companies.

If people can cheat on the IRS and the American Government with its unbeatable tentacles cannot catch them then the Guyana Government faces an almost impossible situation.

My belief is that money stolen from the state in Guyana the last fifteen years is not sitting in a foreign account in the name of those who just lost power. It is far more complicated than that and it will not be easy to follow the money (remember in the Watergate scandal, Deep Throat told Bernstein and Woodward, “Follow the money”.

They did and it led to the fall of President Nixon). In Guyana, there is no paper trail in which you can follow the money. Those funds are in the accounts of people that are closely related to the former PPP officials but their names are very different.

How can the American Government know that John Spike with a ten million dollar bank account is related to a former Minister named Sookhoo.

If you have ten million dollars in the bank, the American Government will never go after you because

Frederick Kissoon that is considered a very small saving by American standards. A lower middle class immigrant would have that after twenty years of savings.

That figure would not be considered money that came from laundering. Now over a hundred million American dollars is probably spread over ten accounts and this is where it becomes difficult to pick up stolen money from Guyana by foreign governments.

I believe trusted Guyanese business people and trusted relatives have the stolen money in their names and that is where the insurmountable journey begins.

A hundred million American dollars is too large a sum to steal from one of the poorest countries in the world but if that figure is spread in twenty different bank books in six foreign countries, it is a gargantuan task to recover the money.

One reason explains it; the money in individual accounts is too small to attract American and Canadian curiosity. Jeffrey says it will take more than ten years. It may never be recovered.

In the meantime, the GRA should move quickly to demand that some people who became wealthy overnight, explain this sudden wealth like the woman who sold a house in Pradoville 2 for a million American dollars.

Saturday September 12, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Residents picket Berbice Bridge authorities The Justice for the Unjust (JFTUJ), a non-Governmental organization (NGO) recently formed in Berbice, on Friday staged a picketing exercise at the western approach to the Berbice River Bridge.

The group, which came into being to fight for the cause of the unjust, has led a number of protests in front of various organizations across Berbice.

Using the D’Edward entrance, the group protested the high toll being charged by the operators of the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated BBCI). They also protested the refusal of the company to lower its toll charges despite the assurance of the coalition Government to subsidize the cost.

The NGO which has about 30 members says that it intends to lead the fight against the BBCI in its quest to have the principals of the company lower the toll and ease the burden on the pockets of Guyanese, Berbician’s specifically.

The picketing exercise

which lasted for about four hours began around 10:00 hrs.

The group carried placards which read – ‘Rich business people always like to see poor people live and suffer;’ ‘Is the new government running the country or the rich business people’; ‘Is exploitation the only way to finance money into Guyana’s Economy’; ‘Why the government allowing the bridge company to exploit the poor people?’, ‘Is time for a change.’

The group also shared out flyers which read – ‘Poor people need their NIS money;’ ‘The bridge company needs to come clean with Berbice River Bridge records.’

They also had a message for the coalition government which asked them to prove that they are working for the poor people in stress! They are also calling on the government to take the bull by the horns and reduce the bridge tool by half.

The group is also calling on the David Granger-led administration to look into the

Members leading the fight for justice against the Berbice Bridge Company crime situation in Berbice, youth empowerment, discrimination, underpaid workers, land dispute, the

plight of pensioners, disabled persons, suicide, police brutality, teenage pregnancy, domestic violence, sexual

Father of three gets 45 years for rape A 40-year-old father of three, was yesterday sentenced to 45 years in prison, after he was found guilty of two counts of rape.

Sean Trotman was on trial before Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire and a mixed 12-member jury at the High Court in Georgetown for the rape of a child under 16 years.

The victim was said to be a young relative.

The incidents are said to have taken place some time in January 2013 and March 2014. Trotman’s trial was held in camera. However, following a summing up of the evidence by the trial judge and deliberations by members of the jury, the verdict was

announced to an open court, yesterday. The verdict in relations to the first count of rape, was 10-2 but unanimous for the 2nd count. Following the announcement, the judge asked Trotman, if he had anything to say.

The man stood firmly in the docks and responded, “Yuh worship I don’t know anything about this case.”

Trotman then clarified that he does know anything about the allegation.

The man claimed that he would never do such a thing since he has children—— five of them— including a one-year-old baby and a fiveyear-old daughter.

He told the court that the

victim’s mother had concocted the story and put her up to it.

“I love my children. I would never do something like that,” Trotman said as he pleaded with the court.

However, before handing down her sentence, Justice George-Wiltshire stressed the seriousness and prevalence of the offence.

The judge noted that the events are far too prevalent, and would in most cases, leave the victims to cope with many issues.

The judge told Trotman that since he was found guilty of rape a strong message must be sent to society, especially to perpetrators of

such crimes.

She noted, too, that in committing the act against a close relative, Trotman had abused his position of trust.

While handing down the sentence, the judge took into consideration the fact that Trotman had never been in prison for the offence—he has been on bail since his first appearance at the Magistrate’s court.

As such Trotman was sentenced to 20 years in prison on the first count of rape and 25 years for the second count.

His sentences will run consecutively. The case was presented by State Counsel Shawnette Austin.

harassment among other topics.

The protesters want the labour officer in East Berbice to be replaced since he is in bed with business persons who are corrupt and are exploiting poor workers.

They planned to continue the protest action until the bridge company reacts.

The Chairman of the group is Deon Thomas; Vice Chairman, Ishmael King, while Shannon Hooper and Allison Hooper are members.

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Saturday September 12, 2015

Govt. seeking int’l support in quest for sustainable development Although the notion of recycling has been touted time and again to help tackle the solid waste situation here in Guyana, Head of the Secretariat of the National Task Force for Sustainable Development and Climate Change within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Dr Sewnauth Punalall, is contending that this is currently not a workable option.

“I use to say that it would be wise for us to have recycling plants here but because of our small population we do not generate enough garbage to run those plants. They require a certain volume and at the present time the government has considered it to not be feasible to establish such a plant,” asserted Dr. Punalall.

He however noted that a venture that Government is currently considering is the conversion of waste into smaller bits and having them compressed and exported to countries where recycling plants are in operation.

Dr. Punalall’s disclosure came during an address at a Ministry of Education

spearheaded forum at the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD) on Thursday to address the role that education can play to aid the efforts of sustainable development.

The Task Force, according to him, has also been seeking international support in the quest for sustainable development.

Dealing with the country’s drainage situation is also one that is gaining the attention of the Task Force, Dr. Punalall said. In this regard, he said that attempts are being made to collaborate with the Government of the Netherlands.

“It is not that we are not trying to connect with international people, we are trying our best…” said the Task Force head as he stressed the need for solid waste management and proper drainage, among sustainable issues.

It was with keen focus on sustainable development, he said, that Cabinet last June, approved the establishment of the National Task Force.

This body, according to him, is tasked with putting

measures in place that caters to the rehabilitation of the country.

“This was decided because of the state in which the country has fallen physically, morally and otherwise,” said Dr. Punalall, as he pointed out that “it has been over many years that the people of this nation have been going to other lands to make it their homes and people from other lands do not come here anymore like old times to establish their homes.”

Like all organizations, the Task Force has a mission statement, which stresses that it is established to “restore Guyana as a land of great attractiveness, a land of great prosperity and one that offers a good life for all of its citizens and all of its visitors.”

Even as he described the work of the Task Force as “critical”, Dr. Punalall alluded to the need for investment and unity for the desired outcomes to be realised.

As such, he noted that the Task Force involves not only the Government through the Ministry of Public Infrastructure but it also sees

collaboration from the business community.

And there are plans to expand this collaboration, Dr Punalall noted, as he stressed the need “to transform our country into a land that is cleaner, a land that is safer; a land that is more sustainable.”

And according to the Task Force head, those who haven’t had the privilege of travelling to the interior locations of Guyana have been denied access to some of the real beauty of this land.

“You would not have really experienced the great beauty of our country.

Guyana is really, really a very beautiful country but a lot of its beauty is hidden behind the problems that we have to correct,” he asserted.

And some of these problems are all too prevalent on the coastland. Dr. Punalall presented, for example, a situation of a beautiful flower garden that is laced with unsightly garbage.

“This is in essence what we have to deal with,” said Dr .Punalall as he emphasized the need for sustainable development in order to ensure that there is a quality Guyana for the future

Head of the Task Force Secretariat, Dr. Sewnauth Punalall generations.

Realising sustainable development, he added, could even translate to a change of the daunting traffic situation that motorists are often faced with.

The Task Force will therefore be looking to address the prevailing congestion situation.

Moreover, he noted that sustainable development would mean a change of lifestyle choices. “This process is really a slow one because people are sometimes very settled in their choices so I am saying

to all of us here that you have got to make some choices, some adjustments, some reprogramming of your life if you want to have a balanced life that displays respect for nature and our relationship with animals, etc,” said Dr Punalall.

The Task Force currently has two arms – that is, the Commission, that is headed

by Major General (Ret’d) Joseph Singh that caters to technical aspects, and the Secretariat (headed by Dr. Punalall) that has responsibility for the administrative work.

Saturday September 12, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 21

M&CC hosts vendors meeting As they move forward with plans to beautify the city, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, (M&CC) yesterday met with hundreds of street vendors to discuss various aspects of their restoration project, set for implementation within the coming weeks.

Last month, the council launched the “Green, Clean City initiative”, a programme which seeks to promote efforts, leading to the development and enhancement of the general aesthetics of Georgetown.

The initiative is also aimed at reinforcing a new culture against littering and other illegal practices in Georgetown through environmental counseling and other practical work in the communities.

As part of the efforts, the Council has been removing illegal structures set up to facilitate vending around of the city.

The M&CC team has since tackled vendors along Regent Street and Bourda Market.

But the efforts have not been without strong resistance from vendors and stallholders, who had grown accustomed to trading freely, on the pavements and street corners.

Thus, the Council decided to meet with a number of these vendors at the compound of City Hall, yesterday to facilitate a dialogue on matters of improving the city.

Town Clerk, Royston King, was present as a number of vendors shared their views on the topic.

A section of the gathering present at City Hall yesterday M&CC Public Relations Officer, Debra Lewis, noted that the meeting was essentially aimed at engaging

Porter robs UG student, gets 2 years jail A 43-year-old porter who pounced on a 17-year-old student as he was making his way home from the University of Guyana, and robbed him of a high-end smart phone, was jailed for two years, yesterday morning.

Shem France was taken to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court where, before Magistrate Ann McLennan, he readily admitted to the crime he committed on Wednesday.

The courtroom heard that late Wednesday afternoon, the teenaged student, Amdranauth Persnauth, left the Turkeyen campus through the Sophia gates and was walking home. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones told the court that France, on a bicycle at the time, cornered the teen and demanded he hand over his valuables.

Afraid, the UG student handed over his Samsung Galaxy S5, which the court heard had cost him some $250,000. France rode-off but his escape was short-lived. The victim raised an alarm and public spirited-citizens rushed to his rescue.

They cornered France. After they dealt him a sound beating, the residents handed him over to the ranks at the Prashad Nagar police outpost. A report was made and the matter was further investigated which led to him being charged with robbery.

have umbrellas and (types) of stands which will be available to the vendors so that they can continue their work in a decent manner.”

Lewis also disclosed that the Council is set to impose an environmental impact fee on those selling on the streets from October 1.

She said that $1000 weekly fee will be used for cleaning and maintenance of the environment, in which the vendors ply their trade.

Georgetown is home to hundreds of street vendors.

But while the practice is illegal, it has been widely accepted as a norm by the general populace. In recent years, with an increasing

number of vehicles being introduced to the roadways, vending on the pavements and street corners has become a hazard, hindrance to traffic and a form of congestion.

Regent Street and Water Street account for at least 400 of these persons, several of whom were present at City Hall yesterday.

The vendors echoed sentiments of being in support of the enhancement project and spoke of the need for better garbage disposal and restroom facilities. They seem to have welcomed the plan, with the prospect of having a better place to ply their trade.

'Stay Alive!' Lisa Punch urges youths for suicide prevention programme

Convict: Shem France According to the Prosecutor when confronted with the allegations, France confessed. With his guilty plea before the Magistrate, France was sentenced to two years imprisonment.

Alleged bike thief granted bail on months-old charge A 24-year-old miner, charged with stealing a motorcycle three months ago, was placed on $100,000 bail when he appeared in a city court yesterday.

Lester Hopkinson, of Lot 79 Owen Street, Kitty was taken before Senior Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to face the larceny charge.

The court heard that between June 22 and June 23, last, at Alexander Street, Georgetown he stole David Troyer ’s Honda Rockus motorcycle (CG7708). The vehicle is said to have cost

the vendors in a bid to sensitize them about the restoration project and what is expected of them as the council moves to implement aspects of it.

Lewis said that the long term arrangement to have the vendors removed from all main thoroughfares and street corners in Georgetown is in motion.

“This is a subject that is being discussed since illegal vending on the street corners and main thoroughfares is the key source of congestion,” Lewis explained.

She said that the Council has already considered a number of places to relocate these vendors. “We also

Troyer $750,000.

According to Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones, around 22:00 hours on June 22, last, the owner secured his motorbike, but the next morning, around 10:00 hours, he discovered it missing.

Later, the police on patrol noticed Hopkinson acting in a suspicious manner. When they checked, they reportedly found him with the vehicle.

He was arrested and the charge was laid following investigations.

The 24-year-old miner told the court he had not committed the crime.

However, according to

Hopkinson, he and his sister had left their home to purchase food. The court heard that the duo had stopped at a street stand to make the said purchase when the police approached him.

Hopkinson told the Magistrate that the police told him that he had stolen the Rockus, but he insisted that he did not. The defendant added that the Honda Rockus was parked next to the stand with the handle locked but he did not put it there.

After hearing both sides, the Magistrate granted bail and the matter is set for statements on October 12.

From page 20 provide three. A billboard will be erected in each administrative region of Guyana.

GTT Representative, Allison Dundas, was present for the event. She expressed pleasure on the company's behalf at being a part of the Beauty with a Purpose campaign.

“When we were approached, we did not hesitate to jump onboard,” Dundas said. “GTT facilitates talk and any form of communication and we thought about how important it is to work with this organisation to facilitate worthy talk, lifesaving talk.”

She said that as part of its commitment, GTT launched a hotline known as GTalk. The number for this hotline, she said, is 227-8255.

“We've heard the statistics and they are very troubling. This is all of our concern; it's all of our business and as a leading organisation in this country it's our corporate responsibility to be involved in something of this nature,” she said. She further noted that GTT recently rebranded itself under the slogan “Do More”.

“But it's not just about GTT doing more; we all need

to commit to do more to prevent suicide among our people. We do not need to lose another person after today,” she emphasised.

Punch also launched her new video and song “Stay Alive”. The song will be packaged in a CD booklet along

with the lyrics and warning signs for suicide along with where to go and what to do.

The Beauty with a Purpose campaign is a part of the Miss World Pageant and sees contestants in various countries undertaking individual charity projects.

Truck carrying 400 boxes of smuggled chicken ...

From page 18 “every person who knowingly acquires possession of or is in any way knowingly concerned in carrying, removing, depositing, concealing, or in any manner dealing with any goods with intent to defraud the revenue of any duties thereon, or to evade any prohibition or restriction of or applicable to such goods, shall be liable for each such offence to a fine of treble the value of the goods or ten thousand dollars at the election of the Commissioner-General; and to imprisonment for one year and all goods in respect of which any such offence shall be committed shall be forfeited.”

Additionally, given the perishable nature of the com-

modities, directives will also be given regarding disposal.

This latest bust, GRA said, adds to the ongoing efforts by LEID in conjunction with other law enforcement entities to tackle smuggling and the concomitant loss of state revenue, not to mention potential threats to human safety and the environment.

Page 22

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 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building. visadocumentsgy@yahoo.comCall : 225-6496, 662-6045 Construction and maintenance of Terrazzo – Call Bacchus: 642-2289 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar Desmond Repair Services Fridge, AC, gas stove, microwave, washer, etc on the spot repairs –Call: (592)678-8683; 687-9709

ACCOMODATION Harmony Inn apartments, furnishing (Kitchenette, bath tubs, hot & cold, TV, Wi-Fi, AC) –Tel: 668-0306; 6947817; 218-1400 $5,000-$8,000 FOR SALE/RENT American pool tables –Call: 277-0578

Kaieteur News

WANTED Canter Truck to sell 5 gal bottle water- Call: 623-2728; 618-1967 Handy boys to work. Free live in accommodation and meals provide. Call: 628-1756; 2285655 One live in or live out maid E.C.D –Call: 603-5416; 6449802 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 Persons wanted to work at Café/Restaurant, flexible hours, interested person – Contact: 687-2666; 610-5664 One live in domestic must know to cook Indian dishes $70,000 monthly. 25yrs40yrs-Call: 610-3974 Experienced Dental Technician to work part time –Call: 695-0007 Straight stitch/Over edge machine operators. Call: 2222541 (8:00am-4:00pm MonFri) Experienced Cook @ Hibiscus Restaurant –Call: 231- 5857 Live in Couple to care take country home, suitable accommodation peaceful environment. Risans, 51 Main Street Georgetown.

New company hiring; security officers needed: $3,000 per day-Contact: 2316052 between 8am and 4:30pm Contract Cars with driversContact Triple ‘S’ Taxi – Tel: 220-0060; 622-7772

SALON

CAR RENTAL

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257

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

1 Mazda Axela, PTT series, low mileage, e x c e l l e n t condition -owner migrating Tel: 649-0956 Automotive and Manual buses, premio, Hilux. Two and three bedrooms apartment to rent in Bougainvillea Park. Call: 6167635 In Stock @ First Class Auto: 08 Premio, Allion, Runx, Axio, Bluebird, Sienta, Fielder, Rush –Tel: 609-8188, 638-3045 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154

PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL: CARS & SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 2 Bedroom apartment in Charlestown, available October, 1st -price $50,000 – Tel: 681-4275 Single room, semi-furnished apartment @ Crane Housing Scheme, W.B.D- Call: 6740509; 696-5599 One bottom apartment for rent– Call: 614-4275; 663-4813 Robb St. Building - $US2000 per month –Call: 227-2454 Fully furnished Apartment, luxury 2 and 3 bedrooms selfcontained, long and short term- Contact:603-9671 1-3 Bedrooms house @ Oleander Ave, Bel-Air Park, all modern conveniences, unfurnished -$1600US, monthly-Call:231-7839 working hours House and land at Canal #2 Polder -$35,000 monthlyContact: 613-1860; 685-9721 2 Self Contained rooms; water (hot & cold) A/C & phone$US1500 @ Vlissingen RoadContact: 660-9478; 672-0865 One four storey building at Lot 14 Croal and Longden Street to rent- Contact 6631876

Office Clerk, must be computer literate, 25-30yrs –Call: 231-8344 or 231-8529

TO LET Kitty 2 Self Contained Bedrooms apartment, cable TV, Internet, parking security cameras-$100,000 monthly –Call: 645-0247 One bedroom apartment Grove New Housing Scheme, EBD -$36,000 –Tel: 642-1956

TO LET 2 BEDROOM FULLY FURNISHEDAPARTMENT, FOR SHORT TERM RENTAL (OVERSEAS GUESTS -$US35 DAILYCALL: 609-8132; 672-8569 (MAX)

Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807 Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up- Call: 690-6494

VACANCY Work from home; earn $5,000$20,000 daily Call MondayFriday 9am-5pm #233-6517, 6 3 8 - 0 5 9 5 www.jobfairworldwide.com One Junior Accountant; qualification: certified accountant technician, 2 years experienced. Contact: 673-5475 or email: Kevin@expresstrukingcorp.com Babysitter/housekeeper live in Trinidad with family, hiring on excellent recommendations onlyCall:868-688-5908 Sales clerk/cashier with experienced. Call: 227-1846 or apply to Kards Plus, City Mall, Camp Street.

Experienced bartender & Cleaners- Call: 225-8572 Salesman needed. Job Description: Sell food in the Street, salary $100,000 monthly –Contact: 225-9808, 660-9000 or 677-7395 Male sales representative wanted to work in New Amsterdam on Commission, Valid Driver ’s Licence, between age 25-40.Call: 6093650

Live in waitress to work in a bar –Call: 604-6606

A senior accounts clerk, with level 1 ACCA 3yrs experienced required.

Attractive salary. Email resume to humresdes@gmail.com

Saturday September 12, 2015

Flat house, two bedroom with toilet and bath -$35,000 a month –Call: 684-8877 1- (One bedroom) tiled semifurnished bottom apartment C/Ville –Call: 667-1896; 2231051

One Driver; apply @ Technical Services Inc, 18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles E.B.D Accounts clerk: experienced in QuickBooks, accounting software, managing VAT NIS & PAYE, apply @ Technical Services Inc, 1823 Industrial Site, Eccles E.B.D Bond Supervisors, Delivery Clerk, Office Assistant, apply with written application and passport size picture call: 227-5286/9 1 Clerical staff for copy centre, no previous experience required must be pleasant Risans 51, Main Street, Georgetown.

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 One Honda CRV Immaculate Condition 17" mags, CD, AC, price -$1,850,000 negotiable – Call: 626-2884 White NZE PNN 6837, excellent condition -$1.65M – Call: 667-3101; 672-5347 One Toyota Corolla Wagon, PFF 5462 back wheel Drive in good condition- Call: 6241372 after 5PM Kaw a s a k i N i n ja 650R, excellent condition, lime green $650,000 asking price Tel: 655-2561 1 Pit Bull Minibus, 19 seats, recently sprayed & service also brand new rims & tires.

Contact: +592-695-3813

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 One never used Hydromatic sewa g e pump, model 5k50M2 -$86,000 –Call: 6259281 Automatic Gate opener, garage door opener, chainsaw 51 HP, Dell Projector, Toyota Fielder, year 2003 –Call: 644-4582, 6628665 Ducks @ $500 per lb (live), free plucking & roasting, free delivery on EBD with purchase of 2 or more- Call: 684-2877 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games & applications.

Delivery also – Call: 672-2566; 265-3232 One Massey Ferguson Tractor 175 – Call: 255-0343; 694-7154 Section 1, Stall 71/72, La Penitence Market, Albouystown – Contact: 6631597; 218-4837 33.6 Acres Farm land, one 2" water pump, 1 STHL M.Blower, 1 Tiller-garden purpose-Call: 225-7794; 679-1151

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

Dachshund puppies, dewormed ($12,000) –Call: 2160521; 642-8671

Star Cars Auto Sale: Just Arrived: Rush, Allion, Pitbul, Bluebird, Alteeza, Benz, 06 Premio. Tel: 679-3140, 2683509 Star Cars Auto Sale: 04 Premio, Allion,06 Runx, 03 Runx, Axela, New Raum, IST, Vitz. Tel: 679-3140, 268-3509 Venus Auto Sale: September Specials: 2004 Premio $2.350M, Pre-Order specials on IST -$1.9M –Call: 624-5617 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 1 Ford 2005 F350 Pickup, extended cab, 4X4 Diesel, 35 inch tyre auto, 1 Chevy Van 2007 –Call: 610-5370

2 Canters going cheap, owner migrating –Call: 6281756, 228-5655.

Lovely Tibetan Terrier pups for sale –Call: 649-4247 1 Two base music set for saleCall: 669-9055; 674-1291

Toyota Premio- 2003, Spacio2004- Call: 227-5950 or 681-7117

F5-160 Shil Weeding Machine equipment included. Call: 661-2888 1 Complete six inch dredge inclusive of pick up and ATVprice 6,000,000-Contact: 6600422 1-45FT Fishing Boat with 800lb 5 inch Nylon Seine, 240 engine, Yamaha and 1 GPS for $4.8M-Call: 260-2591 4 Gold claims located in Mining District #5, Wanamu Calalu, area Barama River – Contact: 690-7932 Continued on page 23

Saturday September 12, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Hungary PM slams migrant ‘rebellion’, U.N. warns of millions more refugees

From page 22

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Reuters - Hungary’s prime minister angrily accused illegal migrants yesterday of “rebelling” against the rule of law in his country as security forces across Europe struggled to control record flows of hungry, scared refugees.

The United Nations called for the swift creation of largescale reception centres in frontline states such as Hungary and Greece, and one U.N. agency warned that millions more refugees could arrive in Europe if Syria’s civil war continues to rage.

Many of the tens of thousands of refugees now trekking from Greece via the Balkans and Hungary towards western Europe are fleeing the Syrian war in search of sanctuary, above all in more welcoming and generous countries such as Germany and Sweden.

German Foreign M i n i s t e r F r a n k - Wa l t e r Steinmeier said his country, which expects to take in 800,000 asylum seekers this year alone, had finite resources and urged other European countries to do much more to share the burden.

He said Germany expected to receive another 40,000 migrants this weekend.

And as politicians from the left and right accused Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government of losing control of the refugee situation, the defence ministry put 4,000 troops on standby to help with the influx.

Citing security concerns, Austria partially shut a highway linking Vienna and

Hungary yesterday. Some 8,000 people had crossed the border on Thursday and a further 4,500 arrived overnight, Austrian police said. The rail link to Hungary also remains shut due to “massive overburdening” by the migrants.

Hungary is racing to construct a fence along its border with Serbia by early October to help stem the tide.

It also plans to implement much tougher immigration rules from next week.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a fiery populist who has framed the crisis as a battle to preserve Europe’s prosperity and “Christian identity”, angrily criticised the behaviour of the mostly Muslim migrants who have been filling up central Budapest and disrupting traffic along roads running

westward to Austria.

“They seized railway stations, rejected giving fingerprints, failed to cooperate and are unwilling to go to places where they would get food, water, accommodation and medical care ... They rebelled against Hungarian legal order,” Orban told reporters.

“From the 15th, Hungarian authorities will not forgive illegal border crossings,” he said.

More than 170,000 migrants have crossed into Hungary from non-EU Serbia so far this year.

Many try to avoid being registered in Hungary for fear of being stranded there or returned to the country later in their journey across Europe.

In Geneva, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees

(UNHCR) said it was sending pre-fabricated housing units to provide temporary overnight shelter for 300 families in Hungary but also expressed concern over Budapest’s tough approach, including the possible deployment of troops to tackle the crisis.

“Obviously we expect authorities to respect rights of refugees whether they are the police or army,” said UNHCR spokesman William Spindler.

Syria’s four-year civil war has so far displaced almost eight million people, said Peter Salama of UNICEF, the U.N. childrens’ agency, adding: “There could be millions and millions more refugees leaving Syria and ultimately (going) to the European Union and beyond.”

Judge to rule on Warner’s application Sept. 23 PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – The Appeal Court will rule on September 23 whether or not to issue a stay on the near one million dollar (One TT dollar =US$0.16 cents) award handed down in favour of former attorney general Anand Ramlogan against the leader of the Independent Liberal Party (ILP) Austin Jack Warner.

Warner had filed an appeal against TT$894,000 award handed down by Justice Robin Mohammed on

July 29, who found that Ramlogan had been defamed in statement Warner made at a 2013 political meeting.

Justice Alice Yorke-Soo Hon Thursday heard arguments in Chambers from the attorneys representing the two parties after she deemed Warner’s application for the stay, urgent.

Warner, who has since announced his resignation as ILP leader following the September 7 general election, had claimed on October 19, 2013, that Ramlogan was the

owner of over 51 properties, “some of them in his brother’s name.”

But in his ruling Justice Mohammed ordered Warner to pay TT$600,000 in general and aggravated damages and TT$200,000 in exemplary damages.

He was also ordered to pay costs of the defamation claim that were quantified in the sum of TT$94,000.

During his trial in May, Ramlogan denied ever speaking with Warner about his personal life.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday September 12, 2015

Guyana records108 murders so far Terrence Adams is President of the GGDMA - as outgoing President highlights needs of mining workers The newly elected executives with Terrence Adams, President (seated second right)

Following a voting session at the 32nd annual general meeting of the Guyana Geology and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), Terrence Adams was elected President, with Andrew Alfonso elected as the Vice President. Mahendra Persaud was elected Secretary, and Ajay Baksh, the treasurer.

In his address following his election, Adams promised to represent the Association to the best of his ability. He added that there will be a meeting early next week with the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman.

Adams is replacing Patrick Harding, who used his final opportunity as President to do an in depth review of the mining industry and its challenges.

Harding said that the industry was struggling—it was trying to combat falling gold prices down from US$1,800 to under US$1,100

as of yesterday. Then there were high operational costs, increases in criminal activities and illegal mining, impassible roadways and the increase in mining accidents.

Harding was critical of the “ineffective support” to the mining industry from the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

He noted that the GGMC does not have a functioning Chairman and Board of Directors. He called on the government to appoint a Chairman and Board of Directors, as the current Commissioner, Rickford Viera was hampered in his decision making authority.

He went on to note that because there is no board, contracts for road building, repairs and maintenance are not being evaluated.

Harding reminded the gathering that at one time, over 40% of gold declarations were going to the GGB’s

Bartica branch. He asked the pertinent question, “Where is that gold being sold?” since that branch was closed last year.

Harding made a strident call for several incentives, including reduction on payable royalties on gold sales, reduction in mining rentals and the same tax rate of 10 per cent being enjoyed by large scale mining establishments on fuel to be extended to small and medium miners The GGDMA was established in 1982 and is now registered under the Trade Union’s Act. According to its mandate, its purpose is to enter into negotiations with the relevant authorities, including the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

It also makes binding agreements on behalf its membership, which comprises all miners from large scale to small.

From page 3 backpacks with school stationery and water bottles.

In “E” Division (Linden/ Kwakwani) a football tournament among 14 teams from Police Youth Clubs was held at the Bayroc Community Centre Ground, Wismar; a day of sports was also held at Silver Hill, Soesdyke/Linden Highway; and the youths were involved in first aid training and a workshop on Peer Pressure as well as a cheese straw making competition.

In “F” Division (Interior Locations) a three-week community project was conducted at Itaballi, Mazaruni, between August 2 and August 23, 2015.

The project involved 64 youths from the Purple Heart Police Youth Group engaged

Lusignan shrimp...

From page 18 shipping company based in Queens, was arrested, but said he was innocent of any wrongdoing.

“Sukdeo stated that he was present only in the vicinity of the truck containing the target shipment because he was curious about its contents,” Varrone stated in the complaint. The shipment had originated in Guyana and was addressed to “Randolph Fraser” which is apparently Sukdeo's alias, an employee told the feds. Sukdeo was ordered held without bail.

Defence lawyer, Andre Travieso, said Sukdeo has never been arrested before.

“I'm pretty confident that when all the facts come out, this was just a huge mistake,” Travieso told the Daily News, insisting that his client did not order the drug-crusted shrimp.

in skills training, craftwork, sports and educational talks.

On August 3, 2015, the police in “G” Division (Essequibo Coast and Islands) launched a four-week empowerment project for 23 youths from the Dartmouth community.

They are being exposed to home economic skills at the Essequibo Technical Institute.

Upon the successful completion of the programme the youths will be certified by the Carnegie School of Home Economics.

Divisional Commanders also held a number of community outreach meetings where issues and concerns raised by members of the public were addressed.

During last August, there were 24 interventions supported by the religious community in the Cops and Faith Community Network, which treats with juvenile first offenders for minor crimes as a preemptive intervention to the New Opportunity Corps.

Since the launch of the

Cops and Faith Community Network in September 2013 and unto August 31, 2015, there have been 210 such interventions.

In all cases the youths were counseled by the religious leaders and following the involvement of parents/ guardians, and the victims where necessary, the majority of them were warned and sent away.

In relation to the Family Liaison for victims of serious crimes and domestic violence project, which is also under the Cops and Faith Community Network, there were 17 interventions by members of the religious community in response to suicide attempts, and several cases of serious crimes, including armed robbery and murder where the affected persons, victims and relatives, were counseled.

A number of police ranks who were involved in incidents where they came under fire while responding to reports, were also counseled by the religious leaders.

Block-maker's death was a paid hit - police source From page 13 waiting on the court matter to end.

“He tell his sons that once the court matter finish, he will transfer his shares in their names and he will go and get his visa and leave the country because he is scared,” the relative said.

Persaud's body was discovered around 09:45 hrs on Thursday by neighbours.

The back of his head was bashed in and detectives recovered a hammer, two knives and a piece of rock, all of which had blood stains.

Neighbours said that they

heard the man screaming earlier in his house but they were too scared to enter his home since they were all females.

“We called the (Providence) police station but the lines were engaged. He was screaming on and off. When the screaming stopped, we went back inside,” a neighbour said.

Kaieteur News was told that about 10 minutes after the screaming stopped, a strange man was seen walking out of Persaud's yard.

He allegedly smiled and waved at a neighbour. Investigations are ongoing.

Saturday September 12, 2015

Kaieteur News

At least 107 killed by falling crane at Grand Mosque in Mecca RIYADH (Reuters) - At least 107 people were killed when a crane toppled over at Mecca’s Grand Mosque yesterday, Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence authority said, less than two weeks before Islam’s annual haj pilgrimage.

At least 238 people were wounded, Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence body said.

“All those who were wounded and the dead have been taken to hospital. There are no casualties left at the location,” General Suleiman al-Amr, director general of the Civil Defence Authority, told al-Ikhbariya television. Strong wind and rains had uprooted trees and rocked cranes in the area, he said.

A statement by a spokesman for the administration of the mosques in Mecca and Medina said the crane smashed into the part of the Grand Mosque where worshippers circle the Kaaba - the black-clad cube towards which the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims face to pray.

Pictures circulating on social media showed pilgrims in bloodied robes and debris from a part of the crane that appeared to have crashed

A general view from inside the Grand Mosque showing a part of a large crane that collapsed on the mosque yesterday. (EPA/STRINGER) through a ceiling. Saudi authorities go to great lengths to prepare for the millions of Muslims who converge on Mecca to perform the sacred pilgrimage. Last year, they reduced the numbers permitted to make the haj pilgrimage on safety grounds because of construction work to enlarge the Grand Mosque.

The haj, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, has been prone to disasters in the past, mainly from stampedes as pilgrims rush to complete rituals and return home. Hundreds of pilgrims died in such a crush

in 2006. Saudi authorities have since spent vast sums to expand the main haj sites and improve Mecca’s transport system, in an effort to prevent more disasters.

Security services often ring Islam’s sacred city with checkpoints and other measures to prevent people arriving for the pilgrimage without authorization.

Those procedures, aimed at reducing crowd pressure which can lead to stampedes, fires and other hazards, have been intensified in recent years as security threats grow throughout the Middle East.

Cuba to free 3,522 prisoners ahead of Pope Francis’ visit Reuters - Cuba yesterday pardoned 3,522 common prisoners in what it called a humanitarian gesture ahead of next week’s visit by Pope Francis, repeating similar actions it took ahead of two previous papal visits.

Cuba said they would be released within three days in what would be among the largest mass releases of prisoners since the 1959 revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power. Cuba freed 3,600 political prisoners at once in 1978.

This time, however, there appeared to be no political prisoners among those pardoned. The Communistled country, which officially denies it has political prisoners, said those convicted of crimes against state security would not be pardoned. Also not included, according to state-run media accounts of the Council of State decision, were people convicted of murder, rape,

child abuse, the illegal rustling or slaughter of cattle, or drug trafficking.

Those freed would include men over 60 and under 20, women, the chronically ill, prisoners due for conditional release in 2016, and foreigners whose repatriation could be assured, Cuba said.

The Cuban Conference of Catholic Bishops, which is preparing for the pope’s Sept.

19-22 visit, welcomed the release, saying in a statement it was “cause for happiness

and spiritual relief for the prisoners and their family.”

Church officials were still trying to determine if any of those pardoned were among the prisoners they have asked the government to release.

None of the 3,522 names published in the Official Gazette appeared to match a list of 60 political prisoners published in June by the dissident Commission of Human Rights and National Reconciliation, according to a Reuters review.

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Saturday September 12, 2015

PM: DON’T WORRY T&T, everything is going to be all right Trinidad Express - Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley yesterday delivered a powerful speech at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain, in which he called citizens to serve their country without seeking reward, and promised that all would share in the nation’s fortunes.

Speaking after the swearing in of Government ministers, Rowley silenced the audience with a speech completely out of character for the man many had come to know as brash and stern.

He told a story about coming from Tobago to Queen’s Hall as a boy, to represent his alma mater, Bishops High School.

“The only support I had in that room was my principal Mr Blackett who is still alive today and I would like to give him a hail out. He sat there in the audience in total shock because I had the biggest mouth in Bishops and here I was in Queen’s Hall on the stage and I couldn’t say a word. I stood there for a while and then he nodded to me and I left the stage having not said a word,” he said.

Rowley said his principal held his shoulders and said, “Don’t worry, you are going to make it. I didn’t know what he was talking about but he said don’t worry you are going to make it.”

Rowley said the experience remained with him all his life, until he entered politics in 1970.

“I tell that story so that all those young people can understand that there are times when things don’t go right, but that does not mean that things would not go right. Just stick with it and have confidence in yourself and look around. There are people like Mr Blackett around to hold your shoulder and tell you don’t worry everything is going to be all right,” he said “Don’t worry Trinidad and Tobago”, he said, “everything is going to be all right.”

Rowley said his Cabinet comprises both experienced people and youth. He said gone were the days when the criteria for holding high office in this country was based on being senior in age and meritorious in experience.

“You will see a lot of our young people come across this stage today and what that means is that we have put the affairs of the State into the hands of the young people of Trinidad and Tobago,” he said. He said every member of Cabinet would be held accountable for the office they have taken.

Rowley said it was his style of management to give responsibility and to hold

Dr. Keith Rowley people accountable for that responsibility and noted that there was enough to sustain everyone and people should change their attitude.

“Let’s not keep shouting, please can I have some more. We will try to make sure that whatever this country has, that everyone is at the table and everyone will share with what is on the table,” he said.

He told his new ministers that there were many young people depending on them.

“Wherever you are located, not just in the Cabinet, not just behind the bus wheel, everyone of us has a responsibility. And if each of us pull our weight Trinidad and Tobago will be a model nation,” he said.

And he made an appeal to the national community to bring back the sense of volunteerism. To do something, whatever it might be, without expecting a financial reward.

“There is always a reward because if you help an old lady cross the street, there is a reward in feeling good that you got her across safely.

“Not everything you do should carry a pay cheque. Let us get rid of the give me, give me attitude. And let us be confident that what we have done in the dark can be defended in the light,” he said.

Saturday September 12, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Brazil police want to question FORMER PRESIDENT SILVA SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s Supreme Court yesterday said that federal police have asked for its permission to question former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for possible involvement in the kickback scheme that has engulfed state-owned oil company Petrobras. The court’s press office confirmed the request, which was first reported by weekly newsmagazine Epoca on its website yesterday. The court received the request on Wednesday. It has not indicated when it would rule on the police request to question Silva.

According to parts of the request published by the magazine, police believe Silva “may have obtained advantages for himself, his party ... and the government while he was president by maintaining a base of political support sustained by illicit business” at Petrobras.

Silva is a two-term president who left office in 2011 with an approval rating of 86 percent and who has

made it clear he’s willing to run again for the presidency in 2018 for the ruling Workers’ Party, known as the PT, he helped found. If the court permits the questioning, it dramatically ratchets up the investigation that has already seen high-level executives of Petrobras and Brazil’s massive construction and engineering firms jailed.

“The fact that they want to question him shows they have something pretty solid

against him up their sleeves,” said David Fleischer, a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Brasilia. “This if the first chapter of the end of Lula and by extension the end of Dilma and the considerable weakening of the PT.” Prosecutors allege over $2 billion was paid in bribes by businessmen to obtain Petrobras contracts, projects that then subsequently ballooned in costs.

Additionally, more than 50 federal deputies, senators and other top political figures are under investigation or have been charged. As yet, no charges have been brought against President Dilma Rousseff, Silva’s handchosen successor, who served as the chairwoman of the Petrobras board for several years as the scheme played out.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

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Saturday September 12, 2015

Saturday September 12, 2015

Kaieteur News

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The brutal Test day I... Serena Williams loses to Roberta From page 30 Waca, probably the only arena in the world with the conditions that could have given rise to this particular gunfight.

The pitch was the fastest in the world, made so by the black clay on the square that was imported from a town called Waroona, 70 miles away on the Harvey River, and baked hard under the broiling sun.

Few grounds have elicited such column inches before a Test match. “The deck of death”, a tabloid announced before England’s last match there. Few grounds have elicited such nervous apprehension from batsmen.

It was there that David Lloyd had his protector turned inside out by Thommo (“take the pain away but leave the swelling!”); there that Mark Butcher had a gash made above an eye by Matt Nicholson, a Western Australia quickie, there that Curtly Ambrose took seven wickets for one run.

It was announced last week that the Waca has been basically decommissioned as a Test ground (it will still host minor Tests but not an Ashes Test), to be replaced by a purposebuilt, multi-sport stadium out at the Burswood Casino. With the move, cricket loses a little of its history, its soul and becomes a little more homogenised as a result. Although the authorities have promised to try to recapture the properties of the Waca pitch, with the

drop-in pitches for the new stadium, it is unlikely that they will be able to reproduce the extreme pace of yesteryear.

Of course, elements of the ground were rubbish. Were I watching as a spectator rather than in the air-conditioned television studio, I’d probably get skin cancer years hence because of the lack of cover from the sun.

During England’s last Test there, in temperatures reaching 45C (113F), many reporters who had been relocated to a tent at square leg, because of the lack of media facilities, had to put their laptops in the fridge to cool them down.

Some spectators and reporters will not be sorry to see the Waca go. But it was a demanding place for cricketers. Batsmen had to be brave, quick of eye and of reflex, they had to leave the ball well and play horizontal shots - the hook, pull and cut - to score.

Bowlers had to be not suckered into bowling too short and they had to learn how to use the Fremantle Doctor that blew in most afternoons.

Slip-fielding there was a pleasure, as you stood so far back as to sight the ball beautifully. Spectacular catches resulted.

It was a unique venue and it inspired what was surely one of the great innings in Test history. The day Kid Cement put the Aussie quicks to the sword.

Saturday September 12, 2015 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) Look into some form of physical recreation.

Face any emotional problems head-on to avoid situations getting out of hand.

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Think twice before you pursue an unrealistic endeavor. Make changes to your home that will be pleasing to everyone involved.

TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Be sure to think twice before you say something that might hurt your partner's feelings. Your love will not be willing to listen to your criticism.

SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Romantic encounters will develop through group activity. Get out and have some fun. Overindulgence could lead to problems with digestion.

GEMINI (MAY22-JUNE 21) Abrupt action will cause difficulties with relatives.

Others may want to steal your thunder when they realize your ideas are pretty solid.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) You can increase the value of your dwelling. Look into residential moves that will give you more space. Overexertion and negligence will be your worst enemies.

CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) You have a tendency to think that no one else will do things properly.

Discrimination will be in order. Control your temper when dealing with your emotional partner.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) You can develop your creative talents if you take the time to practice your art. Don't let others saddle you with guilt that isn't warranted.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Social activities or travel should be in your plans.

Problems with ear, nose, or the throat are likely. Don't overlook that fact that someone you care about may be hiding something.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Sudden changes could result in estrangements. You may find that your emotional partner will not be too eager to accommodate you.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) Stop those bad habits.

Family outings should include visiting friends or relatives. Your emotional partner will push all the right buttons today.

PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Sign up for tours or courses that will enlighten you. Be prepared to lose friends or alienate other people if you insist on being stubborn.

Vinci in US Open SEMI-FINALS

BBC Sport - Serena Williams’ hopes of securing a calendar Grand Slam were ended in stunning fashion by Italy’s Roberta Vinci in the semi-finals.

Vinci, the world number 43 and playing her first Grand Slam semi-final, caused a huge upset with a 2-6 6-4 6-4 win.

Williams, 33, had been two wins from completing a clean sweep of all four majors in 2015.

Vinci, 32, will play Flavia Pennetta in an all-Italian final at Flushing Meadows on Saturday.

Serena boils over in deciding set Williams’ hopes of winning a first calendar Slam ended just two victories short, and in the most sensational of upsets.

The American had survived 11 final sets in 25 Grand Slam matches during 2015, but at the 12th time of asking came up against an opponent who simply grew stronger.

When Williams smashed her racquet after dropping the second set it was clear that the tension was beginning to boil over, and her cries of “Come on!” in the third set took on an increasingly desperate air.

There was still the possibility that Vinci would crumble in the decider, but she served out to love with two nerveless half-volleys for the win of her life.

“It was an incredible match,’ said the Italian. “I lost the first set, and tried to stay in every point. I tried to stay focused and not think about Serena. It is the best moment of my life.”

Williams remains the holder of all four major titles for another 24 hours, having completed the “Serena Slam” at Wimbledon - she won the Australian Open in January, before taking the French Open title in June and Wimbledon a month later.

But the calendar Slam remains something achieved only by Maureen Connolly (1953), Margaret Court (1970) and Steffi Graf (1988).

Vinci variety the difference Williams appeared edgy from the outset, dropping serve with her sixth error as early as game three, but when she reeled off five games to take the set it appeared the nerves had settled.

Her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, had said he wanted her to “use the stress to lift her level” but it appeared to have the opposite effect in the second

set. Vinci’s clever mix of spins and length played on the American’s nerves and began to draw errors, a wayward forehand giving up the only break in game five.

Williams earned a break point at 5-4 down but Vinci fired a forehand into the corner and took the set, prompting the four-time champion to smash her racquet and receive a code violation.

By the time Vinci recovered an early break to level at 2-2 in the decider, Williams was screaming at herself just for winning points on serve.

Two double faults opened the door for Vinci to break in game seven, and when the moment came to try and close out the match, she produced the service game of her life.

Spiky Serena not keen to talk “I don’t want to talk about how disappointing this is for me,” said Williams in her postmatch news conference. “If you have any other questions I’m open to that.”

On whether she felt the strain of winning the calendar Grand Slam, she added: “I

don’t feel pressure, never feel pressure and never felt that pressure to win here. I said that from the beginning.”

‘One of the biggest sporting upsets ever’ Former US tennis player Jeff Tarango: “You can look back on this in 10 years and say this is one of the biggest upsets in sporting history, especially with Serena going for the calendar Grand Slam.

“I can’t recall seeing, in the history of women’s tennis, the first and second seeds losing in the semi-finals of a Grand Slam.

“For the first time ever, the women’s final sold out before the men’s final because of Serena aiming to win the calendar Grand Slam. It is a shame that Serena is not in it, but also a breath of fresh air that Vinci is there.

“However, I think a few ticket holders will be disappointed not to be seeing Serena trying to create history.”

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra David Law: “Roberta Vinci beating Serena Williams is one of the biggest upsets the sport has seen, perhaps any sport has seen.”

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Kaieteur News

Saturday September 12, 2015

Brady dominates in Patriots’ The brutal Test day I

SEASON-OPENING WIN wish I had witnessed

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Gillette Stadium. (Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports) (Reuters) Tom Brady moved past a stormy offseason throwing four touchdowns as the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots scored a season-opening 28-21 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday in front of a frenzied home crowd.

Brady, whose status for the first four games of the season was in doubt until last week because of an NFL-imposed “Deflategate” ban, led his team onto the field to rousing cheers before putting on his silver helmet and delivering a stellar performance.

“It was a pretty special night so I was excited. Our whole team was excited,” the 38year-old quarterback told reporters.

“It is always fun getting out there and getting the opportunity to go play and we took advantage of it, it was a good win, I thought our guys played hard.”

On New England’s opening possession, Brady completed his first three passes to get New England into Pittsburgh territory. He then threw pair of incomplete passes and was sacked, forcing the Patriots to punt.

Brady eventually opened the scoring in the second quarter when he capped a 13-play, 90-yard drive with a 16-yard touchdown pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski.

He finished the game having completed 25 of 32 passes for 288 yards.

BCB/Berbice River Bridge 2015 first division 50-over KO Semis fixed for tomorrow Police host Albion at Cumberland, RHT Gizmos and Gadgets at home to Port Mourant The highly anticipated semi finals of 2015 Berbice River Bridge 50 Over First Division Knockout Cricket Competition is set for tomorrow at the Area ‘H’ Ground in Rose Hall Town and the picturesque Cumberland Cricket Ground in East Canje.

At Area ‘H’, is a third round game between neighbors Port Mourant and Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets which is a virtual semi final with the winner going straight to the finals.

The rivalry will bring the best of both teams with Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets having the home advantage.

They have in their lineup West Indies middle order batsman Assad Fudadin and he will be supported by wicketkeeper batsman Jason Sinclair, Delbert Hicks, Vidal Crandon and all rounders

Veerasammy Permaul Clinton Pestano, Shawn Perreira and Eon Hooper.

Port Mourant will be led by the young and talented all rounder Arif Chan, with support from Lloydel Lewis, Demitri and Nicholas Cameron, all former Rose Hall Town youth cricketers.

At Cumberland, giant killers Police may not have individual stars but they have over the last twelve months performed beyond expectations, defeating many top teams in Berbice cricket.

However, the powerful Albion team will start as favorites.

Police will be led by the experienced former Berbice all rounder Michael Newland. He will have support from Brentnol Woolford, Andel Doris, Albert Sinclair and Qwesi Mickle. The powerful Albion will have in their lineup controversially dropped West Indies left arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul.

Prolific T20 star Jonathan Foo will lend support along with the young brigade of Kandasammy Surujnarine, Sharaz Ramcharran, David Latchaya, Balchand Baldeo and Gudakesh Motie.

Matches start at 9:30am.

The Times (Mike Atherton Cricket Writer of the Year) - If you could requisition the Tardis from Doctor Who for 24 hours, which day of cricket would you choose? The Golden Age, to watch Victor Trumper, the golden boy? Bodyline: Harold Larwood against Don Bradman?

The Ashes coming home in 1953 at the Oval? Maybe a day of the 2005 series?

Since the sight of a great fast bowler in full flow is the most thrilling in the sport, I find myself drawn to them for my time travel.

Larwood, bleeding himself for his captain, in 1933; Frank Tyson, the Typhoon, blowing fiercely in 1954; Jeffrey Robert Thomson shuffling up and whanging ’em down in 1975 or Patrick Patterson on the ridged pitch at Sabina Park in 1986, the only time that Graham Gooch thought that his reflexes might not be quick enough to save him from being hurt. Or maybe Mitchell Johnson at the Gabba in 2013.

No, not Johnson, because the contest between bat and ball is everything, and England wimped to defeat in that series without much resistance.

So I would have to choose a day when there was seriously fast bowling but also a batsman who relished it, stood his ground and fought back.

Enter Roy Fredericks, the pocket battleship Guyanese opener who packed a punch that belied his 5ft 3in, 10st 3lb frame.

The day? That would be straightforward: December 13, 1975, the second day of the second Test between West Indies and Australia, surely one of the most astonishing of all days, when a pall of black smoke hung over Perth, owing to a fire from a downtown skyscraper, that might as well have come off Freddo’s bat, so smoking hot was he for a little more than three hours as he lashed Dennis Lillee and Thomson to kingdom come.

Australia’s first innings came to a close 90 minutes before lunch on that second day and by the interval West Indies had scored 130 for one in 14 (admittedly eight-ball) overs.

Freddo began by hooking the second ball off his nose from Lillee for six, just as he had the first ball of the World Cup final months before, only this time he did not tread on his stumps.

Lillee’s first five overs cost 35 runs; Thomson’s

The diminutive Fredericks took the fight to Lillee and Thomson during their brutal pomp on a rapid Waca pitch. (PA)

opening three went for 33.

Freddo’s fifty came up in 33 balls and, after lunch, he continued the assault so that his hundred came up in 71 balls — then the fastest Test hundred — until he was dismissed for 169 off 145 balls.

Clive Lloyd, no slouch, later scored a rapid hundred of his own, but nobody recalled Lloyd’s efforts, only the slim figure of Freddo and his flashing blade, both feet off the ground on occasions as he flayed, slashed and burnt Australia’s bowlers into submission. West Indies’ first innings closed the next day at a remarkable 585 off 95.4 overs.

Lillee and Thomson, remember, had blitzed England during the previous winter and were at their fastest and most hostile, Lillee still raw and unreconstructed of action, Thomson preshoulder injury and with a hatred of batsmen.

Alvin Kallicharran, another diminutive Guyanese left-hander, had his nose broken during the game and Thomson was measured that day of having bowled a ball at 99.68mph, the fastest recorded at that time.

Time and place made this a day I wish I could have seen (to my knowledge no footage exists). This was 1975, just before the Packer revolution.

Commercialism was some way from forcing its foot through cricket’s door.

The players were unvarnished; the game was unvarnished. Freddo was never media-trained, never talked of “daddy” hundreds,

or the importance of the team effort. Instead he was more apt to say, if he said anything at all, that he enjoyed putting the lash on ’dem for a short while before sipping some rum in the evening.

There were no helmets.

Freddo wore a short-brimmed cloth floppy hat, or sometimes his maroon cap, neither of which afforded much protection from the bowlers or the sun.

They called him Kid Cement because when he was hit he did not seem to flinch.

He wore his shirt unbuttoned halfway down his chest.

There was no chestguard, no arm-guard. If he made a mistake, hooked a little soon or chose the wrong ball to pull, he knew that the consequences could be severe. There were no limitations on bouncers. It was raw and macho.

It was an era before professional coaches, too, and professional coaching systems, so cricketers were natural and more idiosyncratic in their ways.

I am not for one minute saying that the standard was better, only that the cricket was more varied and, therefore, more interesting.

There was Max Walker, bowling off the wrong foot, and Viv Richards, launching himself into a shot with the kind of style that had Alf Gover muttering into his breath when Richards first appeared at old Alf’s indoor school. And place? Well, that’s the point of this column, really. The ground was the (Continued on page 25)

Saturday September 12, 2015

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Warriors coach Hart warns Ruggers prepare for start of tough campaign ahead of season after break

Trinidad and Tobago head coach Stephen Hart PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - Trinidad and Tobago head coach Stephen Hart is bracing for a tough campaign when the Soca Warriors start their bid to reach the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

T&T will join the CONCACAF qualifying tournament at the fourth round which kicks off in November and will take on the likes of powerhouses United States, tough Central American nation Guatemala and St Vincent and the Grenadines in Group C. “The opening two games are extremely tricky as we have to travel to Guatemala and then travel to play USA at home (in Port of Spain),

which takes away one day of preparation. But we’ll deal with it,” Hart said.

“I think right now everyone is very aware of what it will take and our first priority is starting well and securing our place in the final round of qualification and then we take it from there.”

Hart had kept an eye on the third round of CONCACAF qualifiers which wrapped up on Tuesday, with the winner of the Antigua and Barbuda and Guatemala tie poised to be T&T’s opening opponent of their qualifying campaign.

The Antiguans stunned Guatemala 1-0 at home in the first leg last week but went

down 2-0 in Guatemala City, to miss out on a chance to advance.

“To be very honest I always thought that is how the group was going to be. I always thought we would end up playing Guatemala and this is just a confirmation of how I felt all along,” Hart noted.

“They have always been very difficult opponents at home and I didn’t expect Antigua to go there and steal points. It will be the same for us. This game will be totally different from the one we played in the Gold Cup.” In the Gold Cup last July, T&T brushed aside Guatemala 3-1 at Soldier Field in Chicago, en route to topping their group.

Significantly, T&T have never won a World Cup qualifier away to Guatemala, with a heavy 5-1 defeat nine years ago and a goalless draw seven years ago, emphasising their struggles.

However, the Caribbean side have had a great build up to the qualifying campaign, reaching the quarter-finals of the Gold Cup and then drawing 3-3 with Mexico last Friday in their only international friendly since then.

The fourth round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers will run from November 7 to September 6, 2016, with the top-two teams from each of the three groups advancing to the fifth round.

Pennetta stuns Halep to reach U.S. Open final

Flavia Pennetta of Italy reacts after defeating Simona Halep of Romania in their women’s singles semi-final match at the U.S. Open Championships tennis tournament in New York, September 11, 2015. (Reuters/Shannon Stapleton)

NEW YORK (Reuters) Flavia Pennetta crushed Romanian second seed Simona Halep 6-1 6-3 to kick off a packed day of action at the U.S. Open on Friday with an stunning upset that put the Italian into her first grand slam final.

Pennetta, 33, entered the contest as the clear underdog but the 26th seed showed her experience and was not overwhelmed on the big stage having re a c h e d a t l e a s t t h e quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows in six of the last seven years.

After rain forced officials the postpone the women’s semi-finals by a day, the clash had an undercard vibe to it as it preceded the match featuring top-seeded Serena Williams, who was stunned in her quest of sweeping the year’s four grand slams.

After a short break locally due to international duties and recovery time, rugby players will shake of the rust and spring into action today when the Guyana Rugby Football Union stages pre-season Tens practice games, at the national Park commencing from 16:00 hrs. In the two female teams -Kiskadees comprising players from the GDF and Pepsi Hornets take on Bluesackies made up of players from Yamaha Caribs and Police.

The Coaches are Elwin Chase and Laurence Adonis, while the Referee is Carlton Heywood and Replacement Clifton Garrett.

In the Men’s practice games that follow a combination of players from the GDF/Yamaha Caribs/Police square off against those from UG Wolves and Pepsi Hornets.

The Coaches are Kenneth Grant-Stuart and Clinton Clarke, while the Referee is Conrad Arjoon and Replacement: Alwin Etwah.

Supporting Officials are John Lewis, Philip Browne and Abiola Blair.

Meanwhile, the Union has stated that among the upcoming events are the Banks Sevens Tournament, Schools Tournament and its Annual General Meeting.

FLO-JO’S 200M WORLD record on Schippers’ radar BRUSSELS, Belgium (AFP) — Dafne Schippers warned Wednesday that the long-standing world record in the women’s 200 metres held by the late Florence GriffithJoyner could be under threat.

Schippers provided one of the more memorable moments at last month’s world championships in Beijing when she smashed a 36-year-old European record to capture the 200m gold.

The Dutch sprinter clocked an electric 21.63 seconds for victory, the fourth-fastest time ever, just days after her silver in the 100m.

It was a remarkable run by Schippers, 23, who eclipsed the European record of 21.71sec set by Marita Koch in 1979 and matched by fellow East German Heike Drechsler in 1986.

Only Americans Marion Jones and Griffith-Joyner have run the 200m faster than Schippers, who said the latter ’s world record of 21.34sec set in 1988 was on her radar.

“Before the 200m final in Beijing, I didn’t know I could run this time, so I surprised myself,” Schippers said ahead of Friday’s seasonending Diamond League meet in Brussels, where she will come up against multiple medal winner American Allyson Felix, who stepped up from her favoured 200m to claim world 400m gold in Beijing.

“I’m 23, I have all the time [to break the world record]. I hope so. We will see what happens in the coming years.

I’m training as a sprinter; it’s step by step, I think.

“I hoped to run under 22 seconds in Beijing and I did, it was faster than I hoped.

Maybe it (breaking the world record) is possible, but I need some time, that’s normal. I think more about it than before.” The careers of Koch, Dreschler, Jones and “Flo-Jo”

Netherlands’ gold medallist Dafne Schippers waves on the podium during the victory ceremony for the women’s 200 metres. were unfortunately plagued by doping allegations, and Schippers was again quick to distance herself yesterday.

“I know I’m 100 per cent clean. What more can I say?” she asked.

Schippers also won heptathlon bronze at the Moscow worlds in 2013, but insisted her days in the gruelling multi-discipline event were over, although she will likely compete in some long jumps next season.

“I think I am a sprinter now!” she joked.

“I like to train in winter for the other events and I will do that this winter, but I will compete only in the sprints and maybe in the long jump.”

Schippers said that with

adequate training she should be long jumping a very competitive 7 metres, denying that it would interfere with her sprinting future.

“You have to have a little fun,” she said, adding, however, that at next year’s Rio Olympics the “100 and 200m will be enough”.

Schippers acknowledged that her life had changed since her outstanding performances in the Chinese capital.

“Life’s become a little bit difficult, but I try to stay relaxed. People recognise me in the street when I walk my dog,” she said.

“It’s very busy now, it’s been hectic, but it’s also nice when people see you and know who you are.”

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Justin Gatlin crowned Diamond WICB clears the air over LEAGUE 100M CHAMPION decision to sack Ramdin

Justin Gatlin was crowned overall Diamond League champion in the 100m. (Getty Images) BBC Sport - Justin Gatlin was crowned overall Diamond League champion in the 100m after winning the final race of this year’s series in 9.98 seconds.

Qatar’s Femi Ogunode was also given the same time, but Gatlin got the nod with France’s Jimmy Vicaut third in 9.99.

Briton Chijindu Ujah finished eighth in Brussels, in a time of 10.19.

American Gatlin, 33, has run personal bests for the 100m and 200m this season but finished runner-up to

Usain Bolt in both events in the World Championships.

The Jamaican opted to end his season rather than run in Belgium.

Gatlin was also due to run in the 200m, but pulled out.

That event was won by Ogunode in an impressive 19.97.

In one of the races of the night, Dutch 2015 world champion Dafne Schippers beat Olympic champion Allyson Felix to win the 200m in 22.12.

American Felix, who won 400m gold in Beijing this year,

clocked 22.12. Briton Jodie Williams was seventh in 23.34.

Williams’ compatriot, Paralympic champion Jonnie Peacock, eased to victory in the T44 100m with a time of 10.99. Germany’s Felix Streng was second in 11.08, while world record holder Richard Browne was disqualified for a false start.

There was more British interest in the 100m hurdles, with Tiffany Porter taking fourth spot in 12.81 behind winner Dawn Harper-Nelson of the USA who clocked 12.63.

Morgan, Willey on fire as England level series LONDON (Reuters) Eoin Morgan and David Willey shone as England held their nerve to beat Australia by three wickets in a tense fourth one-day international in Leeds on Friday and level the series at 2-2.

Captain Morgan hit 92 and Willey launched John Hastings for six to take the hosts to their target of 300 with 10 balls to spare, setting up a deciding match in Manchester on Sunday.

Glenn Maxwell was Australia’s stand-out player, plundering 85 off 64 balls and sharing a fourth-wicket partnership of 137 with George Bailey (75) after Willey had taken three early wickets.

The touring side slumped to 215 for seven before Matthew Wade (50 not out) and Hastings (34 not out) clubbed 84 in the last eight overs to lead Australia to a competitive total of 299 for seven.

Watched by British Prime Minister David Cameron, England lost Alex Hales early but Jason Roy (36), James Taylor (41) and Ben Stokes (41) helped Morgan keep up with the required run rate.

Morgan struck two sixes and eight fours and looked to be leading his side to their target until he was brilliantly caught one-handed by Maxwell at backward point off Pat Cummins.

Jonny Bairstow chipped in with 31 and Liam Plunkett 17 off 10 balls before he fell to another superb piece of fielding from Maxwell, who knocked the ball up before falling over the boundary and took it one-handed as he leapt back on to the field.

Moeen Ali (21 not out) and Willey (12 not out) kept cool in mounting tension at

Eoin Morgan ©Getty Images Headingley, the latter ending the match in spectacular style with a powerful strike over long-on to complete a triumphant return to the side. Scores: England 304 for 7 (Morgan 92, Cummins 4-49) beat Australia 299 for 7 (Maxwell 85, Bailey 75, Wade 50*, Willey 351) by 3 wickets.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is seeking to clear the air over the circumstances surrounding the decision to remove Denesh Ramdin as captain of the regional side.

A WICB statement was released on Wednesday in response to media reports suggesting sinister motives may be behind the decision to sack the Trinidad and Tobago wicketkeeper/ batsman.

The decision has drawn fire in some quarters, including from the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board President Azim Bassarath and former West Indies Manager Omar Khan.

Bassarath says he does not agree with the decision to sack Ramdin, while Khan has called on the WICB to come clean.

A WICB statement said that Holder’s appointment had been recommended by the Clive Lloyd-chaired selection panel and “endorsed unanimously” by the directors.

However, Khan has pointed to comments in the media by Director Azim Bassarath, who says he did not participate in the teleconference because of his

Denesh Ramdin

commitments as a returning officer for Monday’s general elections here.

“The West Indies Cricket Board would like to clear the air following a number of media reports throughout the Caribbean concerning some details of the decision to replace Denesh Ramdin as West Indies captain,” the statement read. “... The appointment of Jason Holder was recommended by the WICB Selection Panel and endorsed unanimously by the Directors

who participated in a teleconference meeting on the matter last Wednesday.”

Khan has also suggested that Ramdin may have been fired as Windies captain because of his decision to resign from the West Indies Players Association (WIPA).

But in attempting to dismiss this claim, the WICB noted that Holder is currently not a member of WIPA. West Indies are preparing for a tour of Sri Lanka to play two Test matches, three ODIs and two T20s.

206-6 from 19.2 overs for victory. S. Ishamel 72 and Mahase Manbahal 26 led the chase.

Wolf Warriors def: Farm by 76 runs. Wolf Warriors 184-9 in 20 overs. S. Karim 36, A. Khan 4-16. Farm 108 all out from 17.1 overs.

R. Reddy 28, L. Marks 20, Mark Harold 2-13. Parika Defenders def: Enterprise Legends by 3 wkts.

Enterprise 155 all out from 19.4 overs. Jitlall 31, K. Beharry 3-31, F. Baksh 2-12.

Defenders 158-8 off 19.2 overs. Oswald Black 35 N.O., D. Kannon 29 N.O., R. Ally 3-

20, N. Roopdeo 2-12.

At G.N.I.C. Ground, Regal def: Herstelling Raiders by 160 runs. Regal 214-7 from 20 overs.Safraz Esau 71, Richard Latif 46, Chien Gittens 37, Richie 3-20.

Herstelling 54 all out from 9.3 overs. Khalid Haslim 4-15, R. Latif 3-20, Delroy Perreira 2-4.

Regal Masters def: Savage Masters by 5 runs.

Regal 141-7 off 20 overs.

Falim Mohamed 46, Bhim Singh 3-29. Savage Masters 136-9 in 20 overs. Randolph Perreira 32, Raymond Harper 3-21, Peter Persaud 2-27.

Petama Enterprise/Motor Trend Softball fixtures continue tomorrow

Petama Enterprise/ Motor Trend Softball fixtures will continue tomorrow with several matches at the Carifesta Sports Complex.

Fixtures for tomorrow, Sunday 13th September, Carifesta Sports Complex: Pitch (1) 9:30am- Young Guns vs Princess Hotel.12:30pmParika Defenders vs Fishermen Masters. Pitch (2) 9:30am- Farm vs United Brothers.12:30pm- Park Rangers vs Enterprise Legends. Pitch (3) 9:30amWellwoman vs 4R Lioness.11:30am- Trophy Stall Angels vs Blue Divas.1:30pm- Young Guns vs Brickery Super Stars.

Meanwhile, in results from last Sunday September 06th, Princess Hotel upstaged Brickery Super Stars in the latest round of matches.

At Carifesta Sports Complex, Princess Hotel defeated Brickery Super Stars by 4 wickets. Brickery made 203-5 off 20 overs. Kelvin Kanhai 48, Shafeek Ishamel 238 were the main performers.

Princess Hotel replied with

GTTA prepares to...

From page 30 programme is set to form part of the GTTA decentralisation initiative.

According to the GTTA President, Godfrey Munroe, who spoke with Kaieteur Sport briefly yesterday, the initiative is geared at building the base of the sport while introducing communities to

the novelty aspect of the sport, which has a novice category. “This will be the catalyst for a major programme in communities, parks, grounds, community centres, and some schools,” Munroe said, adding that the GTTA is taking the development of the sport to the communities as opposed to just hosting events.

Saturday September 12, 2015

Kaieteur News

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BCB 2015 Tenelec First Division fifty over cricket competition commences From today, Saturday September 12, the Berbice Cricket Board will commence its premier round robin fifty overs first division cricket competition, t h e T E N E L E C TOURNAMENT. This very important tournament is sponsored by Bobby Deonarine, the uncle of West Indies all rounder Narsingh Deonarine and his business partner Tom Gruntzel, both based in Washington, USA. Many top players are products of this tournament with names such as Deonarine himself, other West Indies cricketers Devendra Bishoo, Ve e r a s a m m y P e r m a u l , Assad Fudadin and Royston Crandon. Many other West Indies junior cricketers and national players are also products of the TENELEC Championship.

The fixtures are as follows: GROUP ”A” Round 1 - Saturday September 12, 2015.

(1) Blairmont Community Centre vs Police at Blairmont (2) Bush Lot Rising Star vs West Berbice at Bush Lot. Round 2 - Saturday September 19, 2015 (1) Police vs Bush Lot Rising Star at Cumberland.

(2) Blairmont Community Center vs West Berbice at Blairmont.

Round 3 - Sunday September 27 (1) Bush Lot rising Star vs Blairmont Community Center at Bush Lot (2) West Berbice vs Police at Blairmont GROUP ”B” Round 1 - Saturday 12th September 2015 (1) Edinburgh vs Tucber Park at Edinburgh.

(2) Young Warriors vs Port Mourant at Cumberland.

Round 2 - Saturday 19th September 2015 (1) Port Mourant vs Tucber Park at Port Mourant (2) Edinburgh vs Young Warriors at Edinburgh Round 3 - Sunday 27th Sept, 2015 (NOTE DATE) (1) Young Warriros vs Tucber Park at Cumberland (2) Port Mourant vs Edinburgh at Port Mourant Group C Round 1 - Sat 12th Sept, 2015 (1) Upper Corentyne vs Rose Hall Town Gizmos &

FLASHBACK.....Launching of Tenelec Inc First Division Fifty Overs Cricket Competition...Bobby Deonarine (right) hands over sponsorship cheque to the BCB. Gadgets at Crabwood Creek.

(2) Skeldon Community Centre vs Albion Community Centre at Skeldon.

Round 2 - Saturday 19th of September 2015.

(1) Albion Community Center vs Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets at

Albion (2) Skeldon Community Center vs Upper Corentyne at Skeldon Round 3 - Sunday 27th

Sept, 2015 (1) Albion Community Centre vs Upper Corentyne at Albion.

(2) Rose Hall Town

Gizmos & Gadgets vs Skeldon Community Centre at Area ‘H’! Rose Hall Town.

All matches start at 9:30hrs sharp.

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Saturday September 12, 2015

David Thomas preparing for the Imran Khan challenge as fight night nears David Thomas (right) engaged in several stiff rounds yesterday afternoon.

Boxing is no gentleman’s sport; it’s usually a war between two supremely fit individuals each aspiring for the top prize while staying within the confines of the rules. Oft times the winner is the pugilist with the greater endurance that inflicts the most pain on the other. Those boxers preparing for the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) card at the G i f t l a n d O ff i c e M a x , Lilliendaal, ECD, fully understand their responsibilities and are working assiduously on their techniques.

When Kaieteur Sport stopped over at the Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis Boxing Gym, David Thomas was drenched in perspiration and engaged in sparring sessions under the watchful eyes of George ‘Canchi’ Ophrecht.

He is scheduled to bare fists with debutant and former national amateur bantamweight champion, Imran Khan, in a 4 rounds bantamweight affair.

All told Thomas sparred for six rounds against several amateur boxers and though he is yet to achieve maximum fitness, he seems to be in ripping form. His punches were strong and crisp even as his coach

nodded approvingly.

Khan, meanwhile, operates out of the Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym and chose to engage in roadwork yesterday afternoon before closing off with a hectic session of calisthenics and free hand exercises.

Thomas is the more experienced of the two after chalking up four fights but Khan is no slouch after practicing his trade in the amateur sector for a great number of years. He has had several training stints overseas and has represented Guyana at several high profile games. Touted as the best locally, Khan was selected to represent Guyana at the 2012 Olympiad and even enhanced his chances with a training stint in Cardiff Wales. Nevertheless, he failed to qualify after losing in the qualifying rounds. Now, three years later, Khan has decided that he has had enough in the amateur field and has decided to strip off his shirt.

He has perfected the art of psychological destabilization of his opponent as was evident when he appeared at the signing ceremony two days ago and immediately flew into Thomas’ face and

unleashed a verbal assault.

However, his opponent looks sharp and focused and Khan will find that the amateur and professional stages are totally different propositions and present conflicting challenges. How well will he be able to make the transition? Only fight night will tell.

In other bouts, Terrence Adams and Keeve Allicock will match gloves in a 4 rounds featherweight scrap while Quincy Gomes, on the redemption trail, will tackle Anson Green who has a 5-32 record and whose main claim to fame is a scintillating knockout victory over super/

middleweight champion, Derek Richmond. Dexter Gonsalves will fight Iwan Azore for the latter fighter’s welterweight belt in the main bout of the card.

The will also be several amateur bouts and GBA administrators are putting the modalities in place to ensure that the best pugilists are on show. To date, Republican boxer, Nankumar Singh, has been shortlisted foe an opponent to be named later. GBA executives are also examining their resources to select the best boxers to be on the card and should release those names shortly.

The price structure has been

set to meet the pockets of the small man and ringside seats have been allocated to those from the corporate

community while fans will pay one thousand dollars for general admission. Children pay half price.

GTTA prepares to serve off grassroots prog. in communities

I

n a direct attempt to expand the base of table tennis through engagement, Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) is preparing to serve its grassroots programme in communities under what it is labelling a “Three Parks Initiative”.

Under the first phase, the association will construct table tennis boards at the National Park, Hits and Jams Water World at Providence and California Square, East Ruimveldt. The (Continued on page 28)

Inaugural Silvies General Store Golf Tournament to be played today

Silvies’ Sales Representative Mr Ramjit Paul (right) hands over sponsorship cheque to LGC-PRO Guy Griffith.

Silvies General Store, of 31 High & Hadfield Streets, Georgetown, - opposite Parliament Buildings, - (with another branch at 44 High Street) is the proud sponsor of today’s Golf Tournament at the Lusignan Golf Club. The action tees off at 12:30pm.

Sales Manager Bramanand Persaud indicated that in spite of challenges in the commercial sector, his business has maintained its passion to contribute to golfing in Guyana in a significant way, hence today’s Tournament which Silvies was standing by to sponsor since July of this year! He gave praise to veteran golfer Mr Kishan Bacchus who initiated their interest in the sponsorship.

Grounds Superintendent of the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC), Mr Deanand Bissessar confirmed that the Golf Course is now in fine condition, with Fairways well cut and Greens, Bunkers and Tee-boxes all prepared for very

competitive conditions. He is aware that local golfers are looking forward eagerly to this and succeeding tournaments, especially since the Surinam Invitational is upcoming and the Guyana Invitational is scheduled for end of October.

President Oncar Ramroop, through Public Relations Officer Guy Griffith, expressed gratitude to Silvies for its commitment to seeing golf develop in Guyana. Noting that Silvies General Store, in operation for some forty two (42) years providing Automobile and Motorcycle parts, and now also providingHardware, Electrical and Industrial Products and serving customers in the gold mining, construction, vulcanizing and manufacturing industries, Mr Ramroop is appreciative that their commitment to the commercial sector is now being shared with the golfing community. Today’s 18-hole event is a medal play tournament.

Saturday September 12, 2015

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Final round of CFU Women’s Olympic Qualifiers postponed G

uyana’s senior n a t i o n a l w o m e n ’ s football team – The Lady Jags – would have to wait a little longer than anticipated for their clash against Puerto Rico, in the final round Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Wo m e n ’s O l y m p i c Qualifier, with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) receiving communiqué regarding its postponement.

The CFU Women’s Olympic qualifiers Final Round was scheduled for October 2 - 4 at a venue that was still to be determined, after Guyana, Jamaica and Puerto Rico had qualified for the ‘four team playoff’ after topping their respective groups.

The ‘Lady Jags’ clinched their berth to the final round by conquering Group 4 that comprised of Cuba and St Kitts and Nevis, while Puerto Rico played undefeated against Haiti, Grenada and Aruba in Group 1. Jamaica, competing in Group 3 with the Dominican Republic and Dominica, qualified after dominating their group. Information reaching the GFF stated that part of the postponement was due to the fact that the

Group 2 winners have not yet been decided since the group is yet to be played.

Initially, St Lucia was identified as the host nation of Group 2 which also includes Trinidad and To b a g o , A n t i g u a a n d Barbuda and the Cayman Islands. Unfortunately, according the document, the CFU is yet to also identify a host for the final four team playoffs.

The GFF had shown interest in hosting the matches, but the steep costs attached was a factor in the Lady Jags not having a chance to make history in front of their home fans.

However, the CFU said that they have received communications from interested parties who have shown some willingness to host the Group.

As such a final decision will be made soonest. The group has now been rescheduled for late October / early November. In the final round, the four teams will play a single-elimination tournament.

The two finalists and the winner of the third place match will qualify for the 2016 CONCACAF Wo m e n ’s O l y m p i c Qualifying Championship as

Guyana’s Lady Jags CFU representatives. Should the Lady Jags finish within

the top three, they will face the likes of USA, Canada,

Mexico and two representatives from the

Central American region.

(GFF)

Guyana celebrate Commonwealth Squash Bronze medal

G

uyana were able to secure a historic bronze medal in the Girls doubles of the squash competition at the recently held Commonwealth Youth Games in

Samoa.

The fifth ranked Girls team beat Norfolk and upset Australia to finish third and secure the bronze medal.

Taylor Fernandes and Larissa Wiltshire played the number two ranked Malaysia and lost 11-3, 11-3 in a two best of three, they then played Australia and won 11-9, 7-11, 11-10 in a sudden-death tie-breaker with Australia on serve. Guyana then lost against top-ranked New Zealand. The Guyana girls played very well, but lost 11-7 and 11-9.

They beat Norfolk 11-2, 11-5 exploiting the weaker player of the pair to gain the well deserved bronze medal.

Larissa Wiltshire and Taylor Fernandes (right) on the medal podium with winners Malaysia and silver medalist New Zealand.

t r o Sp

Serena Williams loses to Roberta Vinci in US Open semi-finals

Vinci had never won a set in four previous defeats against Serena Williams. (reuters)

After blasting pass Vinci in the first set- Serena seemed to lose energy by the third. (AFP Getty Images).

GTTA prepares to serve off grassroots programme in communities These youngsters cannot wait for the tables to be completed at the National Park before ushering in their usage. The outdoor tables are part of the GTTA grassroots programme to create the much needed popularisation of the sport.

Members of the men’s and women’s rugby squads seen during a practice session recently.

Ruggers prepare for start of season after break Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210