Kaieteur News » KNews

Windwards qualify for Caribbean T20 semis at Guyana’s expense

KNews — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:30:02 +0000

Darren Sammy appeals for Royston Crandon's wicket

The Windward Islands fought and qualified for the semifinals of the Caribbean T20 cricket tournament in Barbados yesterday by 5 wickets on the Duckworth Lewis system.
In a game affected by rain and having to employ the Duckworth Lewis system, the Windwards got past the Guyanese by reaching the required total after ensuring their superior run rate was intact to Guyana’s.
Batting first, Guyana after a good start faltered and ended on 140 for 8 off their 20 overs despite a rain delay. Skipper Christopher Barnwell top scored with 32 in the middle, while earlier in the innings Sewnarine Chattergoon 27 and Trevon Griffith 17 made a good start. Darren Sammy 3-11 and Delorn Johnson a bit expensive with 3-40 took wickets at regular intervals to restrict Guyana.
Chasing a revised target, the Windwards reached the required 94 runs to ensure their qualification before winning the match, reaching 119 for 5 to win the match. Johnson Charles made 65 at the top for the Windwards to lead their fight. Devon Smith supported with 25 not out. Devendra Bishoo with 3 -15 and Royston Crandon 2 wickets were the bowlers on target for Guyana.
Jamaica play the Netherlands and CCC face Barbados to round off the preliminary phase today.

Is CARICOM or the UN going to intervene in Guyana cricket now?

KNews — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:50:51 +0000

DEAR EDITOR,
Things are looking comical for Minister Anthony’s IMC or we can say Clive Lloyd’s IMC. Let us retrace our steps before we describe the circus.
The Chief Justice refused an injunction in relation to the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). He said that since the board has no legal existence therefore legal action cannot be used as a sanction. But he opined that the Government can intervene since there is a Sports Ministry.
Misinterpreting an opinion, the Sports Minister saw the words of the Judge as a mandate to act. But the judge’s “mandate” and the Minister’s IMC are in trouble.
A group of top Guyanese cricketers including test players have written to the President of the Republic.
In their letter they want the IMC’s padlocks to be removed from the GCB’s offices.
The letter went on to state that, “They hinder the Guyana Cricket Board from fully functioning.” That is development number one.
Development number two (I am excluding the WI Cricket Board’s rejection of the IMC) is that the Essequibo Cricket Board has not recognized the IMC and is accepting the authority of the GCB.
Where is the comical dimension mentioned at the start of my letter? It is plain to see. The Chief Justice saw confusion and offered an opinion. The Minister accepted there was confusion and installed an IMC. Now the IMC itself is in confusion because it has become part of the original imbroglio.
So we have the IMC, the Guyana Cricket Board, the Essequibo Cricket Board and some top cricketers, all of whom are in the confusion.
What we need now is another “mandate” to bring peace to the warring factions, which ironically and facetiously includes the IMC. Where is that “mandate?” (Can someone please teach Minister Anthony some semantics; an opinion cannot be a mandate and Justice Ian Change’s opinion is his and why should his opinion be superior to other Guyanese citizens?). Well it means just as how Justice Chang wanted to restore stability to cricket administration and his recommendation got into a tangle. Another person has to offer an opinion from which we can act to sort out the mess which happens to include the Minister’s IMC.
I have such a viewpoint. Here it is. I will follow the logic of Justice Chang. Now that we have further confusion in which some stakeholders are not listening to the Government of Guyana’s IMC, then since we have an integration movement in which Guyana is an integral part, then I would suggest that this integration movement, which is known by the name CARICOM, should form another IMC to oversee the problem between the Minister’s IMC and the cricketing authorities.
I would suggest that the Secretary-General of CARICOM consult as far and wide as possible for his IMC membership. If IMC number two fails because IMC number one and the GBC reject it, then maybe we can get IMC number three by asking the United Nations’ Secretary-General to further set up another IMC.
If IMC number three is rejected, then how about an arbitrator to bring IMC number one, IMC number two, IMC number three and the GCB to their senses.
My proposal is that the former Guyanese President Bharrat Jagdeo be given the job.
Frederick Kissoon

Guyana’s 2011 Elections – “A Political Watershed”

KNews — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:45:12 +0000

DEAR EDITOR,
The historic importance of the 2011 elections is yet to be played out, but what is irrefutably true is that the scourged politics of race which has bedevilled Guyanese politics since the 1950s will cease to feature as a political force in the future.
To be sure, this last vestige of a corrupted political heritage, of divide and rule, has finally been rejected by a significant section of the Guyanese electorate. And henceforth no political party can assume with any certainty that it is in an unassailable position to govern, on the basis of the racial make-up of the Guyanese electorate.
This cross over is now a political reality and the first in a string of changes which will inevitably lead to a realignment in the body politics of Guyana. From here on, all political parties will have to earn the support of what is now a mature and confident electorate, aware of its power to bring down governments that fail to act in the public interest and uphold reasonable standards of behaviour in public life. It is the generally accepted view that it was corruption in public life and contempt for the electorate that caused the defeat of the PPP.
Nineteen years of PPP rule has shown that with the best will in the world, the winner-take-all politics of Guyana and the undemocratic nature of the party, created the conditions which led to widespread corruption and the alienation of much of its grass root support and gives meaning to the saying that ‘power corrupts etc, etc.
Let us not forget that when the PPP eventually gained power in 1992, there was widespread support from all, but a hard core within the PNC, who were hopeful that at long last democracy would be given the chance to develop. After all, did the PPP not spend some 40 years claiming to be the defenders of democracy, while making the case that they were cheated out of office?
Indeed, ‘The West on Trial’, written by the late President Cheddi Jagan, was the ‘cause de celebre’ of that charge. Right up to this election they were claiming to be the sole defenders of democracy which would only exist if they were in government.
In fact this notion of democracy and the PPP is a central part of the politics of race, as it is based on the mistaken assumption that since Indo Guyanese make-up over 50% of the population, and since the PPP is their party, then it stands to reason that when the PPP is in power then that is fulfilment of the democratic creed.
By any stretch of the imagination the PPP lost the 2011 elections when it failed to secure more than 50% of the votes and therefore lost its majority in the National Assembly, the body responsible for passing laws. Irrespective of what they are now claiming, they are only holding on to power because of a fundamentally flawed constitution which allows the president to be elected with less than 50% of the votes.
The folly of this position is that Donald Ramotar could well have been elected with much less votes than the 48% he is said to have received. The fact is that the presidential candidate with the highest votes becomes president. So here we have a constitution which in the past was vilified by the PPP but since gaining power hailed as democratic and now legitimises their right to continue in office.
This action is the high of political arrogance, reminiscent of the Burnham years, and puts to bed the claim of the PPP as upholders and defenders of democracy in Guyana. This election is proving that when push comes to shove, the PPP have a lot more in common with the old guard of the PNC, and like them, will do everything to cling on to power.
As each day goes by they are losing creditworthiness, and locked as they are in an ideological straitjacket, will not enter meaningful power sharing discussions with either one of the other main parties, let alone, an all-embracing Government of National Unity. It follows that while the PPP has lost the elections, the opposition is yet to win it. To do so, it must win the argument that its cause is the people’s cause; that democracy is safe in its hand and moreover, it is the only guarantor of peace, freedom and prosperity for all Guyanese.
So the solution must be with the opposition parties. They must work together. So far they have shown vision and statesmanship. The time has come for them to make that decisive move and formally prepare a programme for government to include a National Dialogue on the approach needed for taking action to deal with corruption, ministerial accountability and financial and constitutional reforms.
Basil Bollers
London, England

Guyana was spared a disaster of astronomical proportions

KNews — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:35:18 +0000

Dear Editor,
It has been said time and time again, that Guyana is a Blessed Nation. On November 28, that statement was proven to be true, for Guyana was spared a disaster of astronomical proportions.
Had the AFC and PNCR joined forces to contest the elections as a single unit, they probably may have won a narrow victory, leading Guyana down a path of turmoil and destruction. These two parties just can’t seem to find common ground.
During a pre-election interview with Kaieteur News’ Gary Eleazar, Raphael Trotman wanted it known that he was not in support of excluding the PNCR from forming an alliance with the AFC to contest the General Election under one umbrella, stating that the “AFC’s decision to exclude the PNCR was not unanimous.”
He told the reporter, “I believe that the decision of last Saturday, even though made with the best interest of the AFC at heart, can actually create more division than it does healing and from that standpoint alone, has to be placed under constant review.”
Even before Moses Nagamootoo absconded from the PPP/C to join forces with the Alliance For Change, Raphael Trotman was high in praise of this veteran politician. “Nagamootoo is of national worth and is indicative of the ilk and calibre of persons that the party is looking to attract,” he said.
Now it appears that Moses Nagamootoo may be having cause to regret his move to the AFC. First, he fell for the oldest trick in the book… He was promised the position of Vice-President if the AFC won the election.
But every political pundit knew that the AFC’s chances of winning the presidency was at best slim or none. Nagamootoo allowed his frustration with the PPP/C to cloud his vision. In his quest for power, he allowed himself to be suckered into joining the AFC by false promises of grandeur, and was used as window dressing just like the Non-Resident Guyanese who financed the AFC campaign.
He played his part, and can be credited with costing the PPP/C an outright majority at the polls. But instead of getting the full support of the AFC to win the Speakership consolation prize, Khemraj Ramjattan seems to be the only one pushing Moses’ nomination.
The silence of Raphael Trotman is deafening. We still don’t know where Trotman stands on his party’s choice.
Earlier, Trotman himself withdrew from being considered, leaving Moses Nagamootoo as the sole AFC nominee.
And while A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is floating the names of Attorneys-at-Law, Deborah Backer and Bishwaishar ‘Cammie’ Ramsaroop, David Granger dismisses Nagamootoo as not being the “right person” for the job.
But when one considers that during the campaign, Granger welcomed Nagamootoo’s decision to leave the PPP/C and recognized his tremendous value to the opposition, it is hard to believe that David Granger would suddenly find him unsuitable. Could it be that Granger is simply carrying out the wishes of a greater force within his party?
APNU continues to oppose Nagamootoo on grounds that he is too politically close to the ruling PPP/C administration. He is accused of supporting them on certain offensive laws while he was a PPP/C Parliamentarian.
At least, this is the line they’re peddling. But it is interesting to note that while Cammie Ramsaroop is a trusted PNC insider, he is unlikely to get the nod. The “unofficial” youth arm of APNU, Youth Coalition for Transformation (YCT) threatens to take to the streets to ensure Deborah Backer becomes Speaker of the National Assembly.
In a recent interview with Demerara Waves, YCT Leader and PNC firebrand Lurlene Nestor vowed that her organisation would not be bullied into accepting anyone else as Speaker of the National Assembly.
“I am saying that we need politicians to negotiate in good-faith. No amount of slanted propaganda will work or silence us. We are saying ‘peoples power’ will work in this country and there are some things we got to do and if we got to take the streets for that, we going to take it, and so we putting people on notice,” she told Demerara Waves.
Of course, this is the same radical APNU group, also lead by attorney J. Anthony Bond, who is vowing to intensify protest action unless government caves in to a number of their demands: The removal of Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee by the end of March; to force the administration to include the opposition in a government of national unity; and to have a new Elections Commission and Chief Elections Officer in place within six months… Preposterous!
But Backer herself seems to have her own agenda for wanting to be Speaker. At a YCT meeting, she told the small gathering at Stabroek Market Square that when APNU goes to Parliament, “hopefully with yours truly being the Speaker of the National Assembly”, her priorities will include lowering of the 16 percent Value Added Tax; increase in pensions; the reduction in former presidents’ pensions; and guaranteeing the rights of ordinary Guyanese.
As an attorney, doesn’t Deborah Backer know that the Speaker of the National Assembly’s job is to be impartial?
In recent days, former High Court Judge and father of Raphael Trotman – Donald Trotman, has declared he is available as a “compromise candidate”, and Granger doesn’t seem to have any objection to this.
Can this be the reason Raphael declined consideration for the Speakership? What is going on here? Moses Nagamootoo may soon find out that “national unity” is only relevant to the PNC/APNU if they can bully and intimidate the administration into giving them a ministerial position or two in government.
Apart from that, APNU has no intention of compromising on anything that’s not in their best interest, and it seems that Raphael Trotman has forgotten which political party he now belongs to.
Harry Gill

T&T’s Caledonia AIA lift championship despite dismal crowd support at K&S final

KNews — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:30:43 +0000

Team Caledonia AIA in an ecstatic mood, displays its winnings shortly after sending Pele FC packing.

The theory which advocates that sports and politics are combustible mixes and should not be experimented with, was forcefully exemplified when Guyanese responded to a boycott call by the youth arm of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and stayed away from the K&S football finals at the National Stadium, Providence Sunday evening last.
The action got underway at just around 18:00hrs and despite the uncharacteristically meager attendance, some degree of positives were accrued from the dismal state of affairs after Caledonia AIA of Trinidad and Tobago turned in a determined display to slide past Pele FC 2-0 and lift the championship trophy and the first prize offering of a pound of good Guyana gold. This was shortly after the culmination of the curtain raiser where Milerock FC dished out a similar beating to their village team Amelia’s Ward to take the final podium prize of $500,000 and trophy put up by Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds.
Devon Jostling sent Caledonia AIA one up in the 74th minute, while Jamal Gay stitched in the decider in the 83rd minute. In the game to determine the third place position Randolph Jerome and Randy Small were the players that made the difference with strikes in the 60th and 68th minutes respectively.
As anticipated, the Caledonia AIA/Pele duel commenced at a fast clip with both teams attempting to grab the initiative. The opening salvoes were ferocious as both sides attempted to make definitive statements. Trevin Caesar, the prolific striker that has tormented his team’s adversaries in earlier games, was his old bustling self but the Pele players had his number and kept him under close scrutiny. He failed to breach the opposition’s goal but refused to be kept quiet.
Naturally, he proved his usefulness and during one of the early salvoes the dapper striker collected a pass and raced down the right wing. He delivered a pinpoint cross but with none of his teammates in place to capitalize, the opportunity was wasted. It was certainly not his night as Caesar received another dolly of a pass and sprinted to the opposition’s goal only to be checked by Pele’s strong defensive lineup.
In the meantime, Gay was passing the ball around and awaiting the scoring opportunities. When his chance came he sprinted to the goal but the advancing opposition defence forced him into an early shot which slammed into the crossbar and rebounded into play.
Pele’s strikers were also hard at work with Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, Devon Millington and Konata Manning working in tandem to create an opportunity. Richardson made the breakthrough and weaved his way to the opposition’s goal. Recognizing the difficulty in getting pass Caledonia’s defence cordon, he passed the ball to Manning whose powerful kick slammed into, and threatened to break the crossbar. Despite spirited raids by both sides the teams went into the interval deadlocked at nil all when in fact the score should have really been 3 goals apiece but for the missed opportunities.
The Trinidadians entered the second half with gusto and no sooner had the whistle sounded that Abuallah Guerra weaved his way through the opposition’s defence in what appeared to be a sure chance but botched the opportunity as the ball sailed over the crossbar. It should have been 2 nil shortly afterwards when the same player dribbled to the goal but with only Pele’s custodian to contend with, he lost his nerve and sliced the ball down the right side goal post.
All the while Pele was attempting to bring the situation back to equilibrium and almost succeeded when Marvin Joseph charged past Caledonia’s defence only to foil a perfect chance. Gay then slammed in his contribution after deceiving the goalie, skillfully drawing him from his berth and swiveling the ball to his right and into the goal. When Marvin Joseph sprinted to the opposition’s goal shortly afterwards it should have narrowed the score line for Pele but he only managed to replicate the blunders that have characterized his team’s mode of play that denied them the match and another hold of the prestigious trophy.
The Milerock/Amelia Ward duel was also characterized by numerous misses that sent both sides into the half devoid of a goal. Randolph ‘Blackhead’ Jerome changed his team’s fortunes in the 60th minute after he was fouled in the box and awarded a penalty which he calmly placed at the right of the goal while the ‘keeper’ sprang to the left. Goal number two was a humdinger. Randy Small intercepted a pass just outside the 18 yards box eight minutes later and performed a cartwheel reminiscent of King Pele in his heydays to send the ball cannoning into the network. It proved to be the final success for Milerock and the nail in the coffin of Amelia’s Ward.

GFA / Banks Beer Knockout Cup… Thousands witness ‘the Hammer’ win $3million

KNews — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:25:35 +0000

Inaugural champions of the GFA / Banks Beer Knockout Cup Alpha ‘the Hammer’ United pose with their trophy which was handed over by Banks DIH Marketing Executive Carlton Joao to Captain Howard Lowe following the completion of the final on Sunday.

- Beacons upset Sunburst Camptown for 3rd place

Thousands of football fans braved the inclement weather to converge at the GFC ground to witness the finals of the GFA / Banks Beer Knockout Cup which ended on Sunday evening with Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United through a solitary strike from Andrew Murray Jnr edging a spirited Fruta Conquerors to claim the top prize of $3million and a trophy.
Murray’s effort came in the 73rd minute of play.
Conquerors, however, were not disgraced and went away $1.5 million richer.
In the playoff for third place, Beacons scored a surprising 3-1 victory over a lackluster Sunburst Camptown to cart off the $500,000 prize, while the latter had to settle for $250,000.
In what could easily be described as the largest crowd to ever assemble at the most popular venue for local football with over 10,000 fans thronging the Pavilion, sidelines and every other available space, the soggy conditions failed to dampen the spirit of the teams who produced some good performances and an exciting brand of football much to the delight of faithful supporters.
The feature game saw a keen tussle develop between the two combatants with the young brigade of Fruta Conquerors going on the offensive very early and failed to capitalise on an excellent opportunity to take the lead when Eon Alleyne’s attempted header inadvertently hit his hand and landed wide of the upright.
Shortly after, Alpha had a chance wasted with Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams finding the safe hands of goalkeeper Colin Edwards with the defence stranded.

A large section of the thousands of fans that converged at the GFC ground on Sunday evening to witness the final of the GFA / Banks Beer Knockout Cup.

The half time whistle sounded with no team managing to score and everything to play for in the final period.
In the decisive period, both teams squandered chances of taking the ascendancy, but competent work between the uprights nullified the efforts.
Marko Marcus, one of the heroes of their semi-final win was guilty of missing a clear opportunity, while Dwight Peters did likewise also from close range, before Murray took his only chance and scored.
In the supporting game, Beacons took full advantage of a depleted Camptown unit to register a well deserved win.
No details of scorers were available up to press time.
The presentation of prizes will be done on a date to be announced.

Sewkarran hits 53 & 81 for Bath; Andrews grabs 6-31 & hits 63 for Police

KNews — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:20:07 +0000

Leon Andrews

Avishkar Sewkarran

The 2011 Memorex Enterprise-sponsored Leslie Amsterdam Memorial Under-17 two-innings cricket competition in Berbice which resumed recently saw the prolific Avishkar Sewkarran continuing his good showings with the bat when he registered scores of 53 and 81 for Bath against No.7 Silver Park.
Sewkarran, who had scores of 103 and 36 in his previous matches of this competition and who also, slammed 101* in a recent New Building Society Second Division match, also picked up 4 for 15 in Silver Park’s first innings, leading Bath to a comprehensive 137-run win.
After Police’s off spinning all-rounder Leon Andrews did well to take 6 for 31 to restrict Tucber Park to 149 in their first innings, he came back with the bat to score 63 guiding his side to first innings points despite medium pacer Martin Singh excellent returns of 7 for 52 for Tucber Park.
Following are the collated scores:
At Bath – Bath mauled No.7 Silver Park by 137 runs. Bath’s first innings 133; Avishkar Sewkarran 53, Joel Jacobs 5 for 46, Charran Hardial 4 for 47 and 2nd innings 124 for 4 declared; Avishkar Sewkarran 81. No.7 Silver Park first innings 76; Naresh Mahadeo 24, Anil Nandram 4 for 11, Avishkar Sewkarran 4 for 15 and 2nd innings 44; Zamin Khan 3 for 15 and Anil Nandram 4 for 15.
At the Berbice High School Ground – Police took first innings points from Tucber Park in their drawn match. Tucber Park first innings 149; Hakeem Hinds 38, Waqar McKenzie 27, Gavin Moriah Jnr. 23*, Leon Andrews 6 for 31, Totaram Latchmi Narine 2 for 23. Police first innings 203; Leon Andrews 63, Marlon Shepherd 49, Clifton Lindee jnr 25, Martin Singh 7 for 52, Kierre Henry 2 for 29.
At Blairmont, Achievers defeated Blairmont Community Centre by 3 wickets after conceding first innings points. Blairmont Community Centre first innings 69; Ridwan Ramjohn 21, Quacy McPherson 4 for 5, Randy Wade 2 for 2, Grisean Grant 2 for 9 and second innings 74.
Achievers first innings 48 for 7 declared; Ridwan Ramjohn 3 for 15, Parmanand Ramdhan 3 for 16 and second innings 96 for 8; Randy Wade 40, Thomas McDonald 3 for 19, Ridwan Ramjohn 3 for 15 and Parmanand Ramdhan 2 for 21.

RHTY&SC maintains benevolence during yuletide season

KNews — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:15:28 +0000

Some of the children who attended the children’s party.

The seven cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC) for the 20th successive year hosted a highly successful Christmas Charity Programme for the less fortunate in the Ancient County.
The teams, RHT Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19, Metro Females and Gizmos and Gadgets Under-21 and First Division organised several programmes under their personal development programme.
Club Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster, stated that the seven teams in 2011 hosted a combined total of 68 programmes. The teams launched the 2011 Christmas programme with donation of toys and goodies to 14 NGO’s and Churches including the Wesleyan Church, Assemblies of God, Port Mourant Catholic Church, the Berbice Cricket Board and the Congregation Church Kiddies School.
One hundred & twenty citizens on December 18, 2011, were treated to a special luncheon at the club’s restaurant and also received food hampers and gifts worth $8,000 each. Three hundred children were treated at a special Christmas Party on December 18, 2011 at the Area ‘H’ Ground while over 1000 toys were distributed across the Ancient County.
The long serving Secretary/CEO, also disclosed also disclosed that 40 pairs of new footwear and educational materials was shared out to students while clothing was also handed over to less fortunate families.
Foster hailed the management of the club and the seven cricket teams for working beyond the call of duty to make a positive difference and for touching the lives of so many people during the festive season. The teams which have been dominating cricket in Berbice have set themselves a target of 75 personal development programmes for 2012.
The club is expressing gratitude to the following companies and individuals for their contribution to the Christmas Programme: Food for the Poor, Zara Apartments, Scotia Bank, Beharry’s, Ansa Mc al Trading, Bounty Farm Ltd, AM Khan, Roma Manufacturing, Corket Distributor, Geddes Grant, Bermudez, Namilco, Gizmos and Gadgets, The Gift Centre, Banks DIH Ltd, Guyana Beverage Inc. (Busta), DDL, Len’s Craft, Starr Computer, HA Snacks, Ricks and Sari Agro Industries, Farfan and Mendes, June Mendes, Kanhai’s Electrical, J’s Supermarket, Derek Seetaram, Kris Jagdeo, Bobby’s Boutique, Universal DVD, Marcel Crawford S.C, S. Tulsi, GT&T Cellink, Bakewell, DTV-8, Sase Narine Latchana Grocery, Shane Hardware, Leon Wiggins, Sham Grocery, R. Deodat, Silvinia Grocery, Ryan Rambarran, Toucan Industries, Dev Trucking Service, Askay Singh, Auto Design, Fredrick Rengasmi, Anil Beharry, BCB, Poonai Bhirooj and FM Hardware.
The club would also like to express gratitude to the hundreds of Berbicians who responded to the DTV-8 advertisement and donated toys and clothing towards the programme.

Letter to the Sports Editor… Lumumba’s role in the GFA Banks Beer Knockout Cup

KNews — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:10:32 +0000

Dear Sir,
With financial sponsorship amounting to $1,000,000 from Mc Neal Enterprise of which Ministerial Advisor on Empowerment, and Member of Parliament, Odinga Lumumba is an integral part, it remains mind boggling that the individual’s financial contribution, aids in some remote way to the clarion call by the APNU- Youth Arm for the boycott of the Annual Kashif and Shanghai Tournament.
And to “rub salt further in the wound” the Government of Guyana, has as in the past continues to provide sponsorship to the Annual Tournament so, what is Mr. Lumumba up to, and by extension APNU-youth Arm?
Boycott Kashif and Shanghai because of the former’s political support for the ruling party. But support the GFA -Banks Beer KO, which is partly sponsored by a governmental individual, whose team is in the final and receives substantial financial support from the government, more than any other team.
Who is fooling whom, and for what gains? Something simply black that I cannot understand (mindset), “In words of Mr. Lester Sealey, former GFA Executive.
Orin Davis

Rising Sun end of year horserace meet postponed due to inclement weather

KNews — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:55:51 +0000

Due to the inclement weather the authorities and organizers of the Grand Finale Annual New Year’s Day horserace meet which was scheduled for New Year’s Day 2012 at the Rising Sun Turf Club, Arima Park West Coast, Berbice decided to postpone the activity to a date to be announced.
The consistent rains, which have been falling heavily on the West Coast of Berbice, left the venue in a soggy state, giving the authorities no alternative but to put the event on hold. A new date is expected to be announced shortly. Ten events were carded for the day with over $7.6M in cash and other incentives up for grabs while over 85 Horses were down to participate.
Over eight foreign Jockeys were already in the country including five from Trinidad and Tobago, two Jamaicans and one Barbadian in top Caribbean rider, Brian Harding. While a number of overseas based Guyanese jockeys were also home to do battle with their Guyanese counterparts lead by top riders Yap ‘Old Boy’ Drepaul.
Among the stable that were rearing to throw their horses on the track were the Jumbo Jet/ Chattergoon stables, the Colin Elcock Delmur P&P Syndicate stable, Shariff, Crawford, Habibulla, Jagdeo, Dennis DeRoop Simple Royal, Mahaicony, Rumours, Customs, Ashrafalli, Jagmohan/Jagroop, Night Eyes and Singh Racing stables among the others.
The events listed were the feature B and Lower event, the three year old 1400M event for Guyana and the West Indies Horses, the D Class 1300M event, The two year old Guyana and the West Indies event over 1300M, The event for two years old Guyana Bred Horses over 1100M, the F class event over 1400M, the G and lower event over 1100M, the H class race over 1400M, there were two I class events, both over 1300M.
For queries and confirmation persons can get in contact with Fazal Habibulla at Chester Fry Bush Lot West Coast Berbice on Tel No 232-0232 or 648-6522, 6577010, Inshanally Habibulla on tel No 623-4495, 623-5453 or 232-3295, or Donald or Zaleena Lawrie on telephone no 225-4530, 225-4565 or Dennis De Roop on telephone 640 6396.
Among the sponsors were; Banks DIH Limited Jumbo Jet, Courtney Benn, Colin Elcock and Delmur Shipping Company, DDL and Nauth Construction, Sterling Products and Hand In Hand Insurance, Ramesh Sunich proprietor of Trophy Stall Bourda, Mohammed “Nankoo” Shariff of the Shariff racing stable and John Fernandes Limited. (Samuel Whyte)

RHTY&SC honours PMSS Teacher and Student of the Term

KNews — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:50:55 +0000

Teacher of the term Ms. Latisha Inasally (right) collects her award.

Student of the term Navita Jaikissoon (left) receives her award.

The seven cricket teams of the Rose Hall Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) last week honoured the Teacher and Student of the term at the Port Mourant Secondary School (PMSS). The duo was honoured by the Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19, Metro Females and Gizmos and Gadgets Under-21 and First Division teams.
The September to December Term Teacher was Ms. Latisha Inasally while Ms. Navita Jaikissoon of Grade 9 was named the student of the term achieving 89.6%. Club Organising Secretary, Ravi Narine disclosed that for 2011 RHTY&SC teams hosted three award programmes at the school to honour outstanding students and teachers as part of their Pro-Education Campaign.
The aim of the Teacher/Student of the Term Programme is to encourage the school to consistently aim for higher standards. Head Teacher of the school, Colin Bynoe, who is also President of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) expressed gratitude to the club for its continued investment encouragement in the educational sector.
Each of the awardees, who received a wide arrangement of gifts, expressed their pleasure at being honoured and pledged to work harder in the future to achieve even greater success.

Peeping Tom should stop being facetious

KNews — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:45:56 +0000

Dear Editor,
I can understand that Peeping Tom supports the PPP and given the tone of his writings, he definitely supports President Donald Ramotar. I have no problem with that. What I have a problem with is Peeping Tom’s facetiousness.
In his column titled “Remnants of an Old, Desperate Guard” (KN, December 28, 2011), Peeping Tom seems to believe that forces within the ruling party are acting against the government. Peeping Tom never contemplates the concept of the government acting against itself by retaining and hiring jaded discards from the old Jagdeo regime.
This is the same Peeping Tom who expressed no serious disfavour and disenchantment with the recycled Cabinet President Ramotar selected. The Cabinet is replete with the old, desperate guard and by their very selection, the progress of the nation and the substance of the Ramotar government will be derailed.
How could Peeping Tom expect anything different when there is no real change and it is virtually the same people holding the same spots all over again?
Crime has skyrocketed and Clement Rohee retains his post as Home Affairs Minister. When Rohee fails, President Ramotar fails too. While Bharrat Jagdeo developed the skill in shifting blame to everyone but himself and succeeded in doing so due to his popularity at the time, President Ramotar does not have that luxury. Failed ministers of the old guard will haunt Ramotar unless and until he removes them. With so many Jagdeoites still holding key power positions, the President has only himself to blame for the old bitter guard devastating any gains because he has placed them squarely in his sphere of influence.
Peeping Tom appears to be labouring under the delusion that there is a battle. I think not. The old guard, which continues to bare its fangs and dominate the course of the PPP and the government, has won this war without a shot being fired.
To date, President Ramotar has exuded grave compliancy with a seemingly misguided agenda pushed by a known sinister group which still retains significant power. That agenda has so far been disconnected from the ordinary PPP supporters who demanded real change and got none.
Peeping Tom is right on the issue of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) imposed by the government on local cricket. A government operating with a Parliamentary minority cannot and should not act with such unilateral stupidity, crass ignorance and belligerent bullyism that it jeopardises the international image and standing of the nation.
I believe that Donald Ramotar’s greatest act as President will come when he firmly steps out of the shadow of Bharrat Jagdeo and his acolytes and casts a trusting, independent and fearless shadow of his own, surrounded by people selected by him without influence and interference who can chart this nation on a different course. Until then, it will be more of the same.
M. Maxwell

Encouraging good behaviour in public

KNews — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:40:39 +0000

Dear Editor,
The talk around town, post-election, is about things that are ‘new’. New President, National Assembly, Speaker, politics, parliamentarians, faces, GECOM, ships, deals, contracts and the list goes on and on. Oh! I almost forgot, a new Commissioner of Police or not quite yet.
It is great to have things that are ‘new’ as they often take the place of things that are either old, past their sell/use-by date (shelf life), damaged beyond repairs or simply an addition to the existing collection. Irrespective of where, when, what or how the new conglomerate gels into a cohesive whole, the overriding outcome points to some form of change.
My anticipation and the expectation of the majority of ‘right minded’ Guyanese would be to see an emergence of better social and economic circumstances for Guyanese as changes are rolled out in the months and years ahead. It is also my wish that sometime soon, we will be in a better position, perhaps in the middle of the 10th Parliament, to establish whether these changes are justified, both qualitatively and quantitatively, as a measure of accountability.
However, complementary to all things ‘new’, would be ‘good behaviour’. Yes, good behaviour in public life would be a starting point to effect theses changes and I would like to share a couple of experiences and to provide a list of basic and acceptable standards as guiding principles. The first is well known to us, the second is from my professional life and the third and final, is a list of a few well known, tried and tested attributes for good behaviour in public life.
First, our parents, who held initial responsibility for fostering respect and manners as well as establishing expectations, limits and consequences as a part of the preparation strategy for any public family outing. We were often given reminders, in so many different ways, as our parents took advantage of teachable moments to reinforce the rules they would have set. As we grew older, smarter, wiser, we learnt how vital these lessons were when it came to our own behaviour in public life.
Secondly, I often say to groups of students prior to departure on a public outing, “When we leave these premises you represent three groups of people: yourself, your families and this community. Do not allow or give anyone reasons to ridicule or judge the last two groups because of your bad or inappropriate behaviour”.
As a reminder, “When your child exhibits good behaviour, be sure to acknowledge it with a ‘thank you.’ Praise for a job well done goes a long way. Positive reinforcement instils pride and motivates children to make good behaviour a habit. …….Applied on a daily basis, these lessons can help your little one develop into a much friendlier companion, guest and citizen at home as well as in public” (Adair, S: 2010 – Encouraging Good Behaviour in Public Life).
Finally, what should we expect of and from those who represent us in public life?
Some may say nothing short of acceptable good behaviour should be the minimum standard. Those of us who may be in our late 30s and moving on, may recall those days when there were less incidences of cursing, swearing, threats, abuse, bullying, coercion, intimidation, social, economic or political pressure, frolicking with minors and/or victims of circumstances.
Our public officials’ behaviour was better in the past, and a return to those acceptable norms is overdue. We need to promote good behaviour in public life by our deeds and actions, which are always open to public scrutiny. For example, the following leadership characteristics of: Selflessness; Integrity; Objectivity; Accountability; Openness; and Honesty, should serve as benchmarks for the promotion of good behaviour by public officials. There are many more qualities that can be included to this list which of course, is not exhaustive. Furthermore, a default in any of these few characteristics would be considered a dereliction of one’s duty to the nation at large.
Brendon Mounter

Senior cricketers seek President Ramotar’s intervention as cricket imbroglio deepens

KNews — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 10:35:48 +0000

President Donald Ramotar

Chris Barnwell

The administrative rift within the local cricket fraternity has reached an alarming level and several local players that have represented or are representing the regional cricket team are requesting a meeting with President Donald Ramotar to have the situation return to a semblance of normalcy. Among those players are reliable middle order batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Christopher Barnwell, Sewnarine Chattergoon and spin bowler, Devendra Bishoo. The players are adamant that unless the current situation is rectified they stand to undergo unnecessary and unwarranted hardships.
The players concern comes just one day after Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) Dr Frank Anthony convened a media briefing in his Ministry’s Main Street boardroom to indicate Government’s stance on the cricketing issue. The Minister had stressed that there is nothing sinister about his Ministry’s intervention and in fact he was more concerned with mending the rift between the warring factions, while healing of Guyana’s cricket.
To this extent, an Interim Management Council (IMC) led by former West Indies captain, Clive Lloyd has been charged to solve the numerous discrepancies that have arisen with the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).
Below is the full text of the players’ letter.
Your Excellency,
We the selected players of the Guyana National Cricket team are respectfully requesting a meeting with you or any appropriate designate with regards to our continued participation in West Indies Cricket Board and International Cricket Council events.
Some of our major concerns which we wish to address are listed below:
We have learned of the WICB’s directive to the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) on their ability to provide a team

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

for the upcoming Caribbean T20 Cup 2012. We are also aware that only teams nominated and sent by the GCB, the sole cricket authority in Guyana, would be accepted. Further, we have been privy to the communication sent to the Honorable Minister of Sports, Frank Anthony indicating the same position.
Sir, we wish to emphasize that we earn our livelihood from playing cricket and WICB and ICC events constitute the major part of our career earnings.
We are the proud representatives of a rich legacy of cricket, and many of us have already represented our country with honour while there are others on the sideline awaiting an opportunity to do so.
We respectfully ask in light of the above developments that the Government of Guyana remove all impediments including the padlocks on the GCB office doors as they hinder the Guyana Cricket Board from fully functioning, and by extension, curtailing us from earning our livelihood the way we are best suited.
We ask that some measure of care be demonstrated for our welfare and that statements making their rounds and suggesting that the Government is prepared to accept a ban on participation from all cricket, be rescinded since we are the ones who would suffer under such an imposition.
We look forward to a meeting with you to hammer out a solution to this problem and have affixed our signatures to this correspondence.
Respectfully yours,
Chris Barnwell
Shivnarine
Chanderpaul

Devendra Bishoo

Royston Crandon
Leon Johnson
Devendra Bishoo
Narsingh Deonarine
Darwin Christian
Steven Jacobs
Veerasammy Permaul
Dillon Heyliger
Rajiv Ivan
Ronsford Beaton
Sewnarine Chattergoon
Trevon Griffith

WICB seeks meeting with government on cricket matters

KNews — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 10:30:19 +0000

Dr. Julian Hunte

The West Indies Cricket Board in a letter dated December 30, 2011 is seeking a meeting with Sports Minister Dr. Frank Anthony to look into the cricket matters affecting the game here.
However, the letter signed by WICB President Julian Hunte, indicated that it will be with…”the understanding the WICB recognizes the GCB as the sole legitimate authority for the administration of cricket in Guyana. In addition, the GCB is the only body that can organize or request the sanction of official cricket in Guyana.”
The response was in reference to a conversation between Dr. Hunte and Dr. Anthony last week according to the letter. Government had requested that they “…be afforded an opportunity to make a presentation to the WICB.”
The WICB letter acknowledged an email sent by government notifying of the formation of the IMC and their agenda. The WICB letter pointed out; “I have also noted your reference to the GCB as the ‘previously recognized Guyana Cricket Board’ and the constituent Boards of the GCB as the ‘previously recognized Boards’. I have been informed by the Guyana Cricket Board that they are in receipt of a letter from you indicating that you have installed an Interim Management Committee that shall assume the administration of cricket in Guyana in place of the GCB; and that you have asked the officers of the GCB to cease to act on behalf of the Board.”
“From the above it is clear, that as Minister, you have dissolved the GCB and its constituents Boards. I recall our meeting in Georgetown where the WICB expressed the view that the Government should not act to replace the GCB with the IMC but instead act in an advisory capacity.
I am also informed by the GCB that they have expressed the same view to you and have offered to work in parallel with the IMC and yourself to address the issues and concerns that you have with cricket

Dr. Frank Anthony

administration in Guyana.”
Dr Hunte further noted, “Since our meeting, I have contacted you for an update on the matter in keeping with our discussions. I was under the impression that you were in consultation with all stakeholders to finalize the process for the appointment of the IMC in keeping with our discussions.”
He stated that, “The WICB cannot accept the interference of the Government of Guyana in the administration of cricket in Guyana and certainly cannot accept the dissolution of the recognized GCB. For the sake of clarity, the WICB is not opposed to any Government investigating the affairs of a Member Board in order to ascertain whether any criminal offence has been committed, including fraud, dereliction of directors’ duties (including fiduciary duties) or contravention of any relevant legislation.
However, we believe that the dissolution of a member board is not in keeping with the spirit of ensuring the independence of cricket administration and avoiding governmental interference.”
The WICB boss concluded, “I look forward to your confirmation of a meeting where these matters can be discussed.”
This letter to the minister had followed the WICB receiving a report from Anand Sanasie,
Hon. Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board and Guyana’s representative on the WICB.
In their response to Sanasie the WICB stated; “The WICB Executive met today and discussed the matter and decided on the following:
1. That the GCB is the duly recognized entity responsible for the management of cricket in Guyana and is a shareholder of the West Indies Cricket Board;
2. That the WICB does not accept the interference of the Government of Guyana in the affairs of the GCB;
3. That the GCB indicates whether it will be able to provide a team to participate in the upcoming Caribbean T20 which commences on January 9, and if not, the reasons for the inability;
4. That the WICB affirms its support for the GCB and offers its assistance to find a resolution to this matter.
Just Friday, the IMC headed by Clive Lloyd met for the first time, excluding reps from Essequibo and the GCB, and declared that they were not taking over cricket but rather to rectify the current situation affecting the game locally, which resonates with court actions, accusations and infighting by various factions.

Sewkarran 101*, Sean Kadim 51 steer Bath to victory

KNews — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 10:25:23 +0000

Avishkar Sewkarran

Eon Abel

Avishkar Sewkarran became the latest centurion when play in the 2011 New Building Society (NBS) sponsored second division 40 over cricket competition continued recently in the Ancient County.
Sewkarran belted a match-winning 101 not out for Bath of West Berbice who were set a challenging 204 to win off 35 overs by Cotton Tree Die Hard. Spearheaded by 61, inclusive of 3 fours and 3 sixes, from Tage Singh, Sewkarran opened the innings for Bath and he and Naresh Ramnauth, 22, put on an opening stand of 34.
He was next joined by Sean Kadim and together they produced a second wicket partnership of 160 after which Kadim fell for 51 inclusive of 10 fours at 194 for 2, Sewkarran four short of his century.
Sewkarran went on to achieve his hundred ending on 101* (11×4 4×6) in the process he guided Bath to 204 for 2 in 28 overs.
In a rain-affected match, D’Edward rattled up 171 against Shieldstown, thanks mainly to former Berbice all-rounder Eon Abel, who slammed a 25-ball 82 (10×4 4×6). Abel came back with his offspiners to take 3 for 19 and together with legspinner Derick Lalsa-Narine Jnr, who took 3 for 8, restricted Shieldstown to 92 in 9 in their 20 overs.
Andrew Dennis notched up 60 (3×4 2×6) to lead Achievers to 211 for 4 in 30 overs against Hopetown United. Hopetown in reply were bowled out for 117 mainly due to the exploits of offspinner Dennis Webster (5 for 13) and legspinner Dennis (2 for 9).
After Seawell had scored 201 for 4 in 30 overs, their opening pacers, brothers Petam and Dhanesh snapped up 4 wickets each to bowl out East Canje for a meagre 50.
Other bowlers with 5 wicket hauls in the latest round were Derick Cedgan of Glasgow New Scheme, Shabir Khan of No.70 MYO and Quacy DeVelde of Flying Star.
Following are the collated scores:
At Cotton Tree – Bath hammered Cotton Tree Die Hard by 8 wickets. Cotton Tree Die Hard 203 in 35 overs; Tage Singh 61, Naresh Ramnauth 4 for 26 and Vishal Bejai 4 for 30. Bath 204 for 2 in 28 overs; Avishkar Sewkarran 101 not out, Sean Kadim 51, Roshan Gafoor 2 for 30.
At D’Edward – D’Edward got past Shieldstown by 79 runs. D’Edward 171 for 5 in 20 overs; Eon Abel 82. Shieldstown 92 for 9 in 20 overs; Derick Narine-Lalsa Jnr. 3 for 8 and Eon Abel 3 for 19.At Lovely Lass – Achievers thumped Hopetown United by 94 runs. Achievers 211 for 4 in 30 overs; Andrew Dennis 60, Raffel Estriado 49, Sherwyn McPherson 39 and Dennis Webster 27 not out. Hopetown United 117 in 22 overs; Steffon Adams 34, Dellon Wayne 26, Dennis Webster 5 for 13 and Andrew Dennis 2 for 9.
At Seawell – Seawell mauled East Canje by 151 runs. Seawell 201 for 4 in 30 overs; Aslam Ally 45 not out, Nourang Singh 44, Aprudh Waortie 42 not out and Naitram Jainabi 29. East Canje 50 in 18 overs; Petam Dhanraj 4 for 19 and Dhanesh Dhanraj 4 for 20.
At Sisters – Overwinning Bible Church brushed aside Glasgow New Scheme by 107 runs. Overwinning Bible Church 163 in 19 overs; Glenroy Clements 46, Carl Peters 30, Derick Cadogan 5 for 22 and Vibert Hope 2 for 29. Glasgow New Scheme 56 runs in 19.3 overs; Richard Henry 3 for 12, Jeeraish Deejees 2 for 3 and Rocky Hutson 2 for 5.
At No.69 – No.70 MYO took care of No.69 Red Rose by 44 runs. No.70 MYO 138 in 25 overs; Shabir Khan 38. No.69 Red Rose 94 in 19 overs with Shabir Khan 5 for 15.
At Edinburg – Flying Star humbled Edinburg by 6 wickets. Edinburg 85 in 19.1 overs; Quacy DeVelde 5 for 19, Marvin Durant 2 for 21 and Ravi Bridgelall 2 for 24. Flying Star 89 for 4 in 15.3 overs; Mark Sampson 3 for 26.
At Letterkenny – Letterkenny Young Stars beat Big Star by 2 wickets. Big Star 124 in 20.4 overs; Jason Gray 33, Clifford Gray 28, Paul Rajigadoo 26, Jaipersaud 3 for 26, Parasam Tilkuram 3 for 23. Letterkenny Young Star 128 for 8 in 16 overs; Jaipersaud Baijnauth 31, Parasam Tilkuram 30 and Clifford Gray 2 for 9.

“Happy New Year! 2012 could be the last year for West Indies cricket as we know it!”

KNews — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 10:20:08 +0000

Colin E. H. Croft

Colin E. H. Croft

With greatest respect to Scotsman Robert Burns, “Auld Lang Syne” be damned! What’s done is done! Whatever it was, it may have adjusted us, but not changed us. People do not change. They only adapt. We cannot now change 2011 occurrences. We should forget and move on. Happy New Year 2012!
Life should be too short to be holding grudges, even though many people are like Guyana’s Bush Master snakes, always moving in pairs. If you kill one, the other takes its place, to try to, mortally, bite you back. So, even very early in 2012, heels may still have to be used to grind these serpents into the dust!
But, 2012 could be a wonderful year; the best yet. It is a Leap Year. I look forward to friends who were born on February 29 holding tremendous parties. These “real” birthdays only come around once every four years. I wonder what happens if you were married on that day too? Anyway, celebrate all fully!
London 2012 Olympics is one big party and celebration that I plan to be a part of, by hook or by crook. It is much too close to our neighborhood for Caribbean inhabitants not to try to be there, a real once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I fully promote travelling to London this year. There is mega fun to be enjoyed!
If you do manage to get tickets to London 2012, you have Johann Blake, Usain Bolt, Veronica Campbell-Brown, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the entire Jamaican contingent, and Trinidad & Tobago’s Kerry Ann Batiste and Jehue Gordon, at least, to support there; maybe.
Even without referring to 2011, Caribbean’s cricket starts 2012 with its usual asinine bacchanal. Old acquaintances will not be forgotten for some time. For starters, West Indies Cricket Board and West Indies Players Association do not look like calling any truce soon. The war continues on. Well….…!
Excellent cricketing events are ahead, though. West Indies satellites, at least for now – Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Windward Islands, Leeward Islands, Jamaica and Combined Campuses & Colleges – and invitees – Sussex, Netherlands and Canada – are busy preparing for next week’s Caribbean T-20.
Let’s deal with this immediately, even before we go to planned 2012’s international tours including West Indies teams, home and away. These feature Australia, England and New Zealand, and ICC T-20 World Cup, for men, and ICC T-20 World Cup, for women, the latter two to be played in Sri Lanka, late 2012.
I am not a politician and I do not like politics, even though I always exercise my franchise, but can this be the year that West Indies cricket, as we have known it, since 1928, comes to a decisive conclusion, to be, at least partly, dismantled, to be replaced by, maybe, separate playing countries? It is very possible!
Do Guyana’s new government and its Cricket Board really appreciate what they are doing right now? Can it be that “absolute power does corrupt absolutely?” Or is it, as I had mentioned often, that being supposedly so educated does indeed not make you smart? How can Guyana’s cricket be so stupid?
Somehow, this reminds me of 1992, when my very first dentist ever, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, became Guyana’s President. I visited Guyana then too. I would never forget being “warned”, for no apparent reason, even in pilot’s uniform, by the Supervisor of Customs at Timehri Airport, an Indo-Guyanese, that “Look, watch yourself. Remember, we in power now!” Is Guyana’s cricket in similar situations? I do not know!
However, I am very sure that, right now, WICB’s Competition Committee, perhaps even its full WICB representative members, must be, not may be, considering to eject Guyana from its T-20 2012 competition. As I understand English language, no cricketing entity anywhere should be run politically.
This possibility, though, did not come about only because of Government of Guyana intervention. G of G is not fully at fault here. Its actions are only reactions to severe, idiotic in-fighting that has consumed Guyana’s cricket for more than two years; simply, auto-cannibalism; that special art of eating one’s self!
Is this power so intoxicating or the perks so great that people who should know better, who have been around especially Guyana’s cricket for eons, could be so absolutely insane with position, and blind, that they cannot see what is happening to Guyana’s cricket? It has become the Caribbean’s early 2012 joke!
Few there, seem to really care about Guyana’s cricket. Where is respect for this special place and game that produced Rohan Kanhai, Clive Lloyd, Roy Fredericks, Alvin Kallicharran, Lance Gibbs, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and others? Are these power hungry people like the blissfully oblivious, naked emperor?
When I started playing for Guyana’s senior cricket team in 1972, Fredericks, Kanhai, Lloyd, Kallicharran, Gibbs, Leonard Baichan, Sew Shivnarine, all eventual Test players, were in that year’s team. Another international, Milton Pydanna, was wicket-keeper. Yet no-one even thought of Guyana going it alone!
Surely Guyana cannot now be thinking, ala Trinidad & Tobago, recently, and Barbados; distant past; that they could go it alone. Apart from Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan, Guyana, at present, has a no-name cricket team. Other players themselves do not know who they are, so ordinary they have been!
The scary thing is that Guyana’s cricket honchos do not have too far to go for pertinent examples. Surely they must have been following happenings around the cricket world, even in their gilded towers!
Zimbabwe has just come back into the fray from near extinction, after being somewhat exiled, on its own volition, I admit, but with “help”, if you will, from ICC, who stated then, and even more recently, in Sri Lanka’s case, categorically, that “any intervention from any political bodies will not be tolerated.”
Guyana can be banned from all cricket games operated under West Indies Cricket Board’s umbrella, regardless of what anyone else shouts. Making this situation worse is that, even as there may have been acrimony in electing the present GCB and President, at least they exist.
Where, then, does this Interim Management Committee come in? If GCB and this IMC were in cahoots, GCB would not have been taking IMC to court, filing injunctions two days before 2012 started. There is something disastrously wrong here!
Is the IMC, appointed by Guyana’s Minister of Sport, supposed to oversee Guyana’s Cricket Board? If so, then why have the GCB at all? Why not just go all the way and operate cricket under the IMC, and ‘devil takes the hindmost?” This situation is so filled with lethal content that it must blow, very soon!
With so much really good international cricket everywhere in 2011, I really continued to hope that West Indies would, despite itself, progress in 2012. As things stand right now, Guyana can be booted from West Indies cricket. Also, it would not be stretching the possibilities to believe that others could follow!
I do have great personal plans for 2012; to learn to speak Spanish properly and getting a CDL – Commercial Driver’s License – to drive those tremendous 18-wheelers, to match my CPL. But, instantly, cricket is still so full of intrigue, excrement and excitement, I may yet forego those plans! Enjoy 2012!

All Roads lead to Rising Sun Turf Club today

KNews — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 10:15:26 +0000

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Fazal Habibulla

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Dennis Deroop

Horseracing fans will trudge to the Rising Sun Turf Club, Arima Park, West Coast Berbice today for the end of season meeting at that entity set to start at 12:30pm.
Thousands are expected to swarm the venue for the Annual New Year’s Day event, which will see over $7.6M up for grabs and over 85 horses entered.
Banks DIH Limited sponsors the feature B and Lower event with a massive $2M and Trophy injection with the winner set to race away with $1M and the Banks DIH Trophy over 1600M.
The line-up includes Jet Set Go, The Message, Grande de Roja, Donut Prince, Marathon man, Night Crescendo, De Clever cat, Who So ever, Fresh Again and Zelik among others.
The three year old 1400M event for Guyana and the West Indies Horses sponsored by Jumbo Jet has a winners’ money of $500,000 and will have horses such as Technology, Work Force, Captain Crook, Damascus Dream, Bridal Stone Corner, Swing Easy and Super cat in action.
The D Class 1300M event compliments of Courtney Benn has a winner’s prize of $500,000 with Home Bush Baby, Night Crescendo, Who so Ever, Dubai Duchess, Who is On the Case, Wad a Luck, Top of the line Star Tracer, Majestic, Miss Karina and Face the Music.
Other events will be for two year old Guyana and West Indies horses for a $400,000 first prize over 1300M compliments of Colin Elcock an Delmur Shipping Company with Settle in Seattle, Serenity, Feels Like Gold, Rock Sonia, Storm in a Tea Cup, Big Red, Windy war and Happy Choice in action.
The event for Two year old Guyana Bred Horses Compliments of DDL and Nauth Construction over 1100M for the $300,000 top money and has among others I want revenge, Watch My shadow, Little Tip Top, new Time, Baby flyer, Blessing and Titan Gold.
The F class event is for a $350,000 winner’s money over 1400M with Miracle Run and Top of the line expected to continue their battle.
The G and lower showdown compliments of Sterling Products and Hand In Hand Insurance has a winners’ purse of $400,000 over 1100M with Bridal Stone Corner, Pixie Fire, The Gap, Gabriel’s Gold, Appealing Harvest, Work Force, Miracle Run Sweet Miss, Spanish Love and Peace and Love in contention.
There is an H class race compliment of Mohammed “Nankoo” Shariff of the Shariff racing stable that has the winning set at $220,000 and is a 1400M event.
There are two I class events, both over 1300M the first is for horses classified ‘I’ and lower and will see the winner carting off $180, 000, while I3 will see the winner taking home $160,000.
Outstanding individual performers will be presented with trophies and other accolades compliments of Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall, Bourda Market.
The Race will be held under the rules of the Rising Sun Turf Club.
Last minute queries can be directed to Fazal Habibulla at Chester Fry Bush Lot West Coast Berbice on Tel No 232-0232 or 648-6522, 6577010, Inshanally Habibulla on tel No 623-4495, 623-5453 or 232-3295, or Donald or Zaleena Lawrie on telephone no 225-4530, 225-4565or Dennis De Roop on telephone 640 6396.

Trophy Stall donates GFA Banks Beer tourney MVP trophy

KNews — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 10:10:05 +0000

Trophy Stall’s Ramesh Sunich (right) makes the presentation to Charmaine Wade, while GFA President Lt Commander Vernon Burnett (left) looks on.

The Trophy Stall of Bourda Market has donated the MVP trophy to the Georgetown Football Association for their Banks Beer tournament which concludes tonight at the Georgetown Football Club ground, Bourda.
Alpha and Fruta Conquerors clash in that match up. Proprietor of the Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich, made the presentation to Charmaine Wade, GFA Office Manager in the presence of association president Lt Commander Vernon Burnett at their Bourda Market location. Sunich is known for his support of local sports, rising to the occasion over the years to a number of disciplines.

E-Networks Inc. tangibly assists ten orphanages

KNews — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 09:40:19 +0000

Managing Director of E-Networks, Vishok Persaud (second right), poses with staff of the Sophia Care Centre following the ceremony.

Over 100 orphans domiciled at the Sophia Care Centre now have the opportunity to broaden their scope of learning, compliments of E-Networks Inc., after the company made it possible for the institution to access over 80 television channels – a development that will assist the children with improving their educational abilities.
The simple ceremony which took place at the facility’s location in Sophia saw in attendance Managing Director of E-Networks Vishok Persaud, students and employees.
Persaud speaking at the occasion disclosed that the Centre is just one of ten orphanages that his establishment has agreed to assist with the provision of the service within the boundaries of access to the network and the whole aim is to improve the academic and all-round abilities of children.
He said that the company was moved to provide the service after overwhelming feedback showed that children who have access to such a facility showed remarkable progress in learning after being exposed to a variety of educational channels.
“I saw first hand the improvement of my children as well, and we felt that to show our care and appreciation for the support that we receive, we agreed to make it possible for the less fortunate to benefit from the service,” Persaud revealed.
He added that it is one of the best tools to fast track education for children.
The Centre, located next to the Sophia Exhibition Centre, currently houses 119 orphans – with 62 girls and 57 boys making up the composition – from almost every region in Guyana.
It has separate dormitories for the boys and girls, who are divided into juniors and seniors, while the facility also comprises a library, gym and an area where the children eat their meals.
House Services Supervisor Roxanne Bledman in her remarks first thanked Persaud and E-Networks Inc. for providing an early Christmas present for the children of the institution, informing that they will certainly make the best use of the service.
“This gift will be fulfilling for the children, they are already excited and the staff at E-Networks Inc. has brought early Christmas joy for us since it provides a variety of options for them,” Bledman said.
She extended best wishes to the entire staff of E-Networks, while wishing them continued prosperity.
Bledman took the opportunity to urge more businesses to follow suit, since the institution is always in need of assistance to make the children as comfortable as possible.
Among the items that are needed presently are foodstuff, haversacks and slippers, and a call is being made to the business community for assistance.

I don’t have time to waste

KNews — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 09:35:12 +0000

By Adam Harris

In my life I have been accused of many things, but never of being a spy. Even when I was married I could not find the time nor bring myself to go spying on my wife. Of course, I grew up in a family where the operative word was trust.
To this day I trust people until they prove themselves to be untrustworthy. As an editor in a newspaper I trust reporters. They bring back a story and I would ask them about the facts if I suspect that something is untoward. If they tell me that what they have written is the case and I cannot get independent verification then I go with the reporter.
Of course I have been burnt and the reporter was doubly burnt. I am before the courts because reporters submitted an article and I published because the buck stops at my desk.
Such is the case that I took affront to the accusation by the Guyana Times that I had time to go spying on Queens Atlantic Investment. What is there to spy about? The organization acquired the property that once housed Sanata Textiles.
I was among those who questioned the acquisition but Winston Brassington who heads NICIL explained that there was an advertisement to which no one responded and that an offer was made to the current owners of Queens Atlantic. I saw the conditions and the option to sell after three years and the employment of a certain number of people.
Of course I had some questions but then again, there were many things that went unnoticed and unexplained. I am not going to spend my life peeping after every shady or covert deal that the government entered into.
However, as a reporter it is my duty to investigate some of these and to report on them. I was behind the story of the failed Supenaam stelling because a lot of taxpayers’ money went into it, and even more to have it further rehabilitated although it had hardly been used. Why did I? Because I still feel that the education system could have done with some of that money that went down the drain.
As a former teacher, and for those who do not know, I was a pretty good one, I still believe that the government could spend that money to recruit some retired people who would concentrate on the early development of children. This would reduce the volume of illiteracy that abounds in the society.
If the truth be told, Dr Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop was someone I admired. I never and still don’t dislike him. So for him to suggest that I would be spying on him is to suggest that I have nothing better to do with the few moments I have left on this earth.
I did drive by Queens Atlantic because I wanted an assessment of the size of the compound compared to West Ruimveldt. My intention is to assess the cost of a house lot in West Ruimveldt and then do the Mathematics. That would give me an approximate cost of the Queens Atlantic property. I also know the cost of house lots being sold by some of the private developers.
Indeed, the government does not operate like that, but I would have a fair cost of the establishment. I never stopped for one minute and I certainly never took photographs. I have an aerial photograph of the complex so any photograph I would have taken at the ground level would have been useless.
So there was Dr Ramroop suggesting that my presence there was suspicious. Indeed I was with Glenn Lall who drove, and indeed he is of the view that the complex was had for a song. But to suggest ulterior motives is to stretch the imagination. Guyana Times lied to embellish the story. But then again, anything about Adam Harris and Glenn Lall would have an impact on sales.
If indeed the paper needs to boost sales, call me for advice. Talk to me about ideas that could make the paper hold its own in Guyana. I did that for the Chronicle and made it the best selling paper in Guyana at the time, even when Stabroek News was on the stands. The less said about Kaieteur News, the better, because that newspaper is anathema to some people. It exposes too much of the truth.
There are other things that caught my eye this past week. It never fails to amaze me at the number of people who take to the streets for their Christmas shopping. This is a phenomenon the world over but as far as I am concerned, Guyana takes the cake.
In the United States, a recent survey suggested that one in every two persons is poor. In Guyana, three out of four are poor but they do make merry. I know the stats speak about thirty per cent living in poverty and a further thirty or forty per cent live in abject poverty.
But these people are not poor at Christmas time. They all want to be happy and to make those around them happy. A few years back Banks DIH spoke proudly about doubling annual sales in December. Where does the money come from? Thank Heavens for relatives and friends overseas. They knew what Christmas is like in Guyana and they want to see that spirit perpetuated.
The smells cannot be compared to anything the year round and I love it. I am sorry that I do not have money to entertain the children of the poor. But I do contribute to those poor people who prance as masquerade dancers.
I try to make my grandchildren happy and above all, I give thanks for just being here to enjoy what I once went wild over—and this has nothing to do with sex.

Violent brothers attack, brutally chop teen during robbery

KNews — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 08:46:01 +0000

King as he recovers at Woodlands Hospital

A 19-year-old victim nursing chop wounds after a brutal cutlass attack landed him in the hospital is asking the police to probe deeper into the incident since his attackers are regular culprits of such acts and as far as he is aware, he is the third person to suffer at the hands of the persons.
Collis King, who asked that his address only be mentioned as Ruimveldt, speaking from his bed at the Woodlands Hospital relayed that the whole ordeal has left him distraught and he is now fearful for his family since he said that news had reached him that his attackers have been visiting his kid sister’s school inquiring about the child.
“I don’t know what they looking for my sister for, but I hope the police are investigating the matter so that they can quickly bring my attackers to justice.”
King, who said that he is a clothes vendor, recalled the life threatening attack that caused him to undergo surgery for a nearly severed hand. The man said that he had gone to the National Cultural Centre Tarmac on December 8, in the midst of the popular “Guinness, greatest in the streets” football tournament when the incident occurred.
The man said he had collected something from a friend and along with his pillion rider was about to exit the compound when he was attacked by two men whom he identified as brothers. “They snatched me and the bike fell. The passenger ran away and left me behind.” King told.
He said that the brothers began to chop him. He claimed that one of the men pulled off his 28-pennyweight band and continued to chop him about his body. Along with the jewelry, King said it was only after the confrontation that he realized that $36,000 had been stolen from his pocket.
He said that the incident which lasted a mere two to three minutes has caused him to spend at least a week in medical care since he had the surgery and was further tending to three chop wounds to the head which needed several stitches, and additional chops to his arms, legs and back.
King said that his wish is to have the matter reported but was told that the information would be formally taken from him when he was feeling better. The youngster indicated that to some degree, he does not believe that the police are doing all they can to locate his attackers.
He claimed that the attackers who are no strangers to the police can easily be tracked but to date the men have not been arrested.
The men, King continued, come from a family that is notorious for theft, larceny and burglary. He even said that currently the youngsters along with their parents and other members of the family, whom he said is described as a “terror family” in the neighbourhood, have matters pending before the courts.
Prior to this incident the youngster said, the men were implicated in two other chopping incidents when they also sought to rob those persons. Amongst them he said was a friend of his with whom the men had an altercation.
King continued that earlier this year his friend’s older brother had been dating the ex-girlfriend of one of the brothers while he was in the lock ups and on the release of the said man a confrontation stemmed from the relationship his friend’s brother had with the girl.
His friend in turn, King said, sought to bring peace to the matter when he approached the family requesting that the matter be ended and was subsequently assured by the father of the just released detainee that his sons would be brought forward to end the altercation.
King said that very night his friend was chopped and robbed of his valuables by the same brothers. He added that prior to that incident the brothers were implicated in other matters where they robbed other persons some whom he knew.
He revealed that in July 2010 one of the brothers (the men who attacked him) was shot twice in the back by police after they claimed that the man opened fire on them.
Currently the men are out on the streets; King said, and have committed numerous acts as they operate as if crime is their occupation. “The police really need to get these people off the streets and charge them for the crimes they have committed,” he pointed out.
King is now contemplating taking his matter to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) where he believes that his matter may be treated with much more urgency.

Grove Hi Tech and Amelia’s Ward advance to next round in K & S Football Fiesta

KNews — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 08:41:02 +0000

Grove Hi Tech scores during their encounter against Netrockers FC.

Action continues today at Uitvlugt

On Friday evening, Grove Hi Tech and Amelia’s Ward were able to upset their opponents on penalty kicks in the 22nd annual Kashif and Shanghai Knock-out Football Fiesta at Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda with aid of their talented goalkeepers.
Opening the evening with the first match at GCC and upsetting their opponent with a mega comeback was Grove Hi Tech with their 5-3 penalty win against Net Rockers FC who thought they had the game under control.
Net Rockers lead the Kashif and Shanghai Knock-out Football Fiesta in the first half of the game against Grove Hi Tech after gaining full control with their first goal minutes after the referee’s blew his whistle.
With Net Rockers controlling the game from the start they were able to create and score their first goal in the fifth minute of the game, which had lacked crowd support.
With goal chances being created in the fifth minute of the game, Orande Wills was able to make one count after receiving an impressive past from his teammate to volley the ball beyond Grove Hi Tech’s goalkeeper Michael Matthews’ reach.
Tony Adams (captain) of Net Rockers also had a good chance of netting the second goal for his team but his effort was futile. Adams received a lucrative past from his team mate in the 18 yards box and attempted to register the second goal, but his brilliant idea was dimmed when Grove Hi Tech goalkeeper, Matthews kicked the ball into the midfield.
Clarence Huggins, Deshawn Joseph and Ray Fraser were outstanding players for Net Rockers; they assisted in crafting most of the unsuccessful goal efforts.
As the game continued in Net Rockers favour, Grove Hi Tech was unable to record any goals in the first half of the game after all their attempts were denied by Net Rockers goalkeeper, Darius Frank.
Grove Hi Tech player, John Matthews created one of the best opportunities for an equalizer in the first half when his volley off of a cross from the left wing, missed.
The resumption of the second half saw both teams turning up the heat, with Grove Hi Tech switching their game, creating several scoring opportunities to send their supporters wild.
Hi Tech’s Shavez Hendricks was on song for the team, generating numerous goal attempts and played good defence for his team.
Though Net Rockers was rocking the field with their talented players, Hendricks outclassed the players twenty minutes after the interval with an impressive dribble which saw him eluding several Net Rockers players 35 yards out. However, his team mate failed to receive the pass he eventually made to trouble the goalkeeper and secure the equalizer.
The error was soon corrected minutes after when Clive Matthews fashioned a correct play on the right flank of the field near the corner flag with a powerful left kick which landed in front of Darius Frank, Net Rockers goalkeeper, allowing Delroy Dodson to head the ball home in the 62nd minute.
After the equalizer, both teams continued to play defensive with none registering goals even in extra time.
Penalty kicks were used to separate the pair with Grove Hi Tech scoring all their shots to defeat Net Rockers 5-3. Rondell Alleyne, Domini Garnett, Levi Braithwaite, Clive Mathews and John Mathews were the kickers for Grove Hi Tech.
The Amelia Ward and Western Tigers match also ended on deadlock. Shawn Daniels netted Amelia Ward first goal in the 22nd minute of the game to add the pressure on Western Tigers, but Randolph Wagner from Western Tigers roared eight minutes after to level the score line on the 30th minute.
The rivalry between the two teams ended with an equalizer after the recommencement of the second half. Amelia Ward’s Travis Watterson logged his goal on the 55th minute which ended with Wendell St Hill of Western Tigers responding on the 64th minute.
Eventually, Amelia Ward won 4-3 on penalty kicks.
Meanwhile, Bakewell Top XX FC will commence their journey to championship honours when they face off with Seawall United as the action in the 22nd edition of the Kashif and Shanghai football championships continues at the Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground this evening. In the opening match of the double header, Den Amstel will come up against Buxton Stars.

‘Guinness Greatest in da Streets’ Back Circle crowned champions of the streets

KNews — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 08:26:45 +0000

Captain of the victorious Back Circle team Dexter Bentick receives the winning trophy from Banks DIH representative Frederick Henry in the presence of Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste (on Bentick’s left) and teammates on Friday evening.

Organisers of this year’s ‘Guinness Greatest in da Streets’ must be extremely encouraged by the large turnout of fans that thronged the National Park to witness the finals which was staged on Friday evening.
In the Open final, Back Circle registered an impressive 5-2 triumph over West Front Road to be crowned new champions and $500,000 richer, while the losing finalist took away $300,000.
In the playoff for third place, Alexander Village edged Island All Stars 2-1 to take home $150,000, while the losers pocketed $50,000.
In the Entertainment championship game, Guinness Bar squeezed past Upper Level Barber Shop 1-0 to grab the top prize of $100,000 with $50,000 being awarded to the losing finalist.
Clippers Barber Shop beat the Media 3-1 to claim the third prize of $25,000 with the Media taking home $15,000.
Played before a large crowd, Back Circle, runners-up in the same group with West Front Road in the preliminary phase, took the lead in the 8th minute through Daniel Favourite, who returned three minutes later to stretch their advantage to stun the opposition supporters.
Playing an attacking brand of football, Back Circle consistently kept West Front Road on the defensive and their neat interchanges was a constant bother with Favourite and Bentick combining beautifully.
Favourite netted his third goal in the 18th minute, before West Front Road Michael Oie pulled back one in the 20th minute.
However, Back Circle were in a relentless mode and Bentick netted three minutes after and his effort was followed by Favourite’s fourth goal in the 26th minute, before Hubert Pedro scored West Front Road’s second goal two minutes from full time.
In the third place playoff, Shem Porter’s brace ensured that Alexander Village took home a sizeable portion of the prize money.
Porter’s efforts came in the 23rd and 28th minutes of play, while Devon Porter made the lone response for Island All Stars.
In the exhibition section, Denis Edwards of Guinness Bar lone strike was enough to hand them victory.
A hat-trick by Clippers Barber Shop Jermaine White (6th, 8th and 23rd min) was enough to send the Media crashing to defeat.
Chris Camacho 3rd minute strike had given the Media an early lead.

ELITE CRICKET COACHING PROGRAMME SET FOR E’BO COAST

KNews — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 08:16:05 +0000

The Essequibo Coast cricket development programme is set to start tomorrow, Monday December 19, at Anna Regina with an elite coaching programme, which is geared to prepare players for the longer version of the game.
According to Coach Forbes Daniels, twenty six players have been shortlisted to participate. Daniels told Kaieteur sport that the players will also be involved in a number of two day games. Among those indentified are Norman Federicks, Herell Green, Mark Gonsalves, Ricardo Peters and Royan Federicks.
Daniels is calling for the business community to take a close look at the programme and lend their support. A number of coaches from across the county will be involved.