A 40-year-old man is currently at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), nursing two gunshot wounds to his left foot.
The victim, Aaron Hunter of Jawalla village, Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven, yesterday said that he was allegedly shot twice in his left foot Tuesday morning by his brother-in-law.

Aaron Hunter

Hunter said that he intervened in an argument between his sister, Pam Hope, and his brother-in-law. According to Hunter, his sister was running around the village shouting for help. Her husband was pursuing her with a gun in his hands.
Aaron said that his sister managed to make it to his home.
“I was outside telling he fuh left me sister and he cussing about killing everybody. I try fuh take him home and duhs when he get vex. He take the gun and shoot me two times and then run away,” Hunter explained.
He accused his brother-in-law, who has four children with his sister, of being an abusive person. “…many times he does threaten her fuh kill she.”
After being shot, Hunter was taken to Kamarang Hospital and later transferred to the city hospital.
The brother-in-law was arrested the Tuesday.

HENRY GREENE

Greene’s lawyers Rex Mc Kay SC, Neil Boston, Bettina Glasford and Maxwell Mc Kay are contending that the advice by the DPP was unreasonable, unfair, unlawful, unconstitutional, and null and void with no legal effect.
In December last year, a 34 year old woman shocked the nation with the allegation that the commissioner of police raped her in a city hotel.
The allegation was extensively publicized in the Kaieteur News on December 14, 2011.
Greene subsequently proceeded on leave to facilitate an investigation, which was conducted by a Jamaican team of detectives under the supervision of Crime Chief Seelall Persaud.
The Commissioner said that members of the Jamaican Police team together with Seelall Persaud, Crime Chief interviewed him.
He subsequently submitted a statement to them on January 13 last, denying that he had unlawful sexual intercourse with the woman.
The DPP later advised on or about the 3rd day of February, 2012, that the Police charge Greene with the offence of rape.
According to Greene’s attorneys, the Commissioner should not be prosecuted for the offence since there is not sufficient evidence to provide a “realistic prospect of conviction”.
It was further stated that not every allegation of a criminal offence will automatically be prosecuted.
“The D.P.P. retains discretion to prosecute, which should be exercised according to judicial principles,” Greene’s lawyers argued.
Further, they contended, that the Director of Public Prosecutions exercised her discretion unreasonably when she advised that the Applicant be charged for the offence of rape.
Greene in his, affidavit said that it is a practice for him every Tuesday, to meet members of the public who have complaints against members of the Police Force.
He said that it was on one such day, Tuesday 15th November, 2011, when he met the victim (name given).
According to the Commissioner, it was the victim who requested to see him at his office in Eve Leary. Kingston, and was cleared by staff to do so.
He said that the victim complained that the police were investigating an allegation against her and she was hearing nothing about it and she needed to know what was happening.
Greene said he noted her complaint and promised that he would look into the matter. The Commissioner said he later requested information from the investigating ranks as to the status of that investigation.
He was then informed by the ranks that they were investigating an allegation made against her by another woman, in which his accuser had demanded $2m from her, otherwise she would go to the media and show a video of her husband having sex with the woman in a Hotel room.
It was on November 22, 2011, when the victim returned to Greene’s office and was told that the matter was referred to the DPP for advice.
According to Greene, the victim told him that in the course of that investigation, a cell phone was taken from her by the police, and was lodged at Sparendaam Police station.
It was further stated that the victim then requested from the Commissioner if he could have gotten back the cellular phone or if she can get access to the cell phone to retrieve the telephone number of some friends in Trinidad.
Greene said he told her that it is not possible for him to do so because the cellular phone is being used to conduct the investigation and it would prejudice the process.
Greene alleged in his Affidavit that it was the woman who subsequently requested to meet him socially. He said that he told her that he was having a meeting at the Officers Mess, Eve Leary at 7:00 p.m. the said night.
He stated that even though he was supposed to be in a meeting, the woman insisted that she will still visit the Officer’s Mess to see him.
The woman, according to the Top Cop, came and they spent some time talking and consuming beverages.
Greene said that they both agreed that when they left the Officer’s Mess, they will go somewhere private. After they left the Officer’s Mess, they drove to the ‘Villa’ “where we entered a private room where we had consensual sex.”
The Commissioner denied ever having a gun in his possession on the night of November 22, 2011.
Greene said that after leaving the hotel, they drove to Regent Street, where they purchased food at her request.
“There were several persons around the food stall buying food on the night in question. We spent about 15 minutes on the road where we purchased the food. I gave her the money and she went and purchased the food.”
Greene further stated that he drove the victim to her Victoria, East Coast Demerara home.
When they arrived at her home, he said, she identified her mother who was on the verandah and showed him an unfinished building which she said was her own.
“A close examination of the statement first given to the police will certainly reveal that the sexual encounter with me and the complaint was consensual and will negative the key contested issues of probable compulsion and lack of consent,” Greene said in his affidavit.
Greene was contending that the woman gave several written statements to the police, touching and concerning the allegation of rape against him.
He said that his attorneys were able to get access to one of those written statements which is dated the 13th December, 2011, which the woman gave in the presence of her lawyer Nigel Hughes.
He however noted that there are other statements taken from different persons by the police touching and concerning the said allegation of rape of which are in the custody of the police and which were always available to the Director of Public Prosecutions but not available to his Attorneys.
Greene argued that the woman’s background and history were necessary to determine because credible testimony from her is necessary to establish the crime he is likely to be charge for.
He used the previous police investigation against the woman as a basis to attack her character.
According to Greene, the woman has been under investigation by the Guyana Police Force since October, 2011, for extortion by demanding a large sum of money from the wife of a policeman, who she alleged had an adulterous relationship with her husband.
Greene referred to allegations made by his accuser that the policeman had sexually assaulted her, detailing the alleged act in a statement she gave to the police.
“A close examination of the aforementioned statements will point to only one conclusion that the victim lacks credibility and her allegation of rape is not credible. That it is increasingly clear that the complainant’s credibility cannot withstand the most basic evaluation. The prosecution cannot be sufficiently certain what account of those events the complainant will gave at the trial,” Greene stated
Greene an, attorney at law himself, continued that it is always said that along with the substantial power conferred upon prosecutors come unique responsibilities adding that rather than serving only as a zealous advocate on behalf of a client, prosecutors have a broader set of obligations to the community, the victim and the defendant:
“The prosecutor is the representative not of an ordinary party to a controversy, but of a sovereignty whose obligation to govern impartially is as compelling as its obligations to govern and not that it shall win a case, but that justice shall be done. As such, he is in a peculiar and very definite sense the servant of the law, the twofold aim of which is that guilt shall not escape or innocence suffer.”
The acting commissioner, crime chief and the DPP have until February 20 to respond, failing which they will be liable to process of execution for the purpose of compelling them to obey the Chief Justice’s order.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall told Kaieteur News that although he will be representing the DPP, the Acting Commissioner and the Crime Chief in the matter, he had not been served with a copy of the order up to late last night.
In an invited comment, A prominent attorney at law who did not wish to be named said that technically this is a novel situation.
He said that Greene’s lawyers must have provided good and sufficient reason for the chief justice to make such an order.
He could not say, however, if the move by Greene’s attorney is unprecedented.
“We live in an evolving society and things change,” the attorney stated.

A ‘B’ Field Sophia family is now broken in two as they are forced to make funeral arrangements and

Dead 18 year-old Sherwin Kennedy

at the same time contemplating finding a good lawyer, following the stabbing to death of 19-year-old Sherwin Kennedy.
Around midmorning yesterday, Kennedy died after his younger brother Leroy Kennedy pelted him with a knife causing it to stick into his chest in the region of his heart.
He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
His brother was subsequently nabbed by police while hiding out in another location at ‘B’ filed Sophia.
The incident occurred at around 10:30 yesterday at the Kennedy’s house.
The dead man’s girlfriend, Lisa Franco, who witnessed the incident, said Kennedy and his brother were arguing over a pair of pants. `
“He (Sherwin Kennedy) come to me and tell me leh we go over by her grandmother and wash clothes and I tell he me ain’t able.”
Franco said that Kennedy eventually left and went over to his grandmother where he placed his clothes into the washing machine.
Moments later, the woman said, her boyfriend returned to his house where he noticed his younger brother wearing a pair of pants that belonged to him.
“After he see Leroy with the pants, he tell Leroy tek off he pants and Leroy say good. Sherwin start quarrelling, saying ‘y’all always troubling me things and I don’t trouble anything fuh y’all,” Franco said.
She said, eventually the two brothers were seen in a scuffle with each other.
“I see Leroy chop Sherwin with a big metal knife and Sherwin start running to go to he mother fuh show she how he get chop and like Leroy think Sherwin de coming toward he fuh do he something and Leroy pelt Sherwin with the knife.”
Franco said that after the younger sibling threw the knife at his brother, she saw it stick in his chest and he ran to his mother screaming, “Mommy, I dead”
The woman added that Leroy Kennedy then fled the house as other relatives tried to get the injured Kennedy to the hospital.
She explained that it was while she was putting on her clothes to head to the hospital that she received the tragic news that her boyfriend was already dead.
“I was putting on me clothes and getting ready to call the taxi when the phone ring and I hear everybody start screaming. I just hear everybody screaming and saying how Sherwin dead, so we hurry and jump in car and when we reach the hospital he de already dead.”
The dead man’s mother Joan Kennedy said her life would never be the same.
“This is something I got to live with…but I can’t lose two sons…but it will never be the same but the love for Leroy will take a time to build back,” she lamented.
The woman said she was over at her mother’s house when her son (Sherwin) ran into her arms saying “Mommy ah dead”.
“I seh no baby, you aint dead.” At that point, the woman said, her other son ran away.
Mrs. Kennedy was lost for words at the hospital as she was being consoled by other relatives who tried to accept the brutal fact of what had transpired. Many of the dead man’s close friends also gathered at the hospital and they too could not hold back their tears.
The police were called in and they are continuing their investigations.

Relatives and close friends of fisherman Kumar Narine were in mourning yesterday after his body

Confirmed dead: Kumar Narine

washed ashore at Hampton Beach, Essequibo, even as the search continued for three other occupants of the vessel which capsized in the Essequibo River on Saturday.
Narine’s body was identified by Rasheed Khan, called ‘Boza’, who owns one of the fishing vessels that was attacked by pirates, and who the missing men were going to assist when their own vessel capsized.
“I feel really sad about all this,” said Khan, whose younger brother, Shafeek Khan, is one of those still unaccounted for.
When told that police had reportedly retrieved a box containing some $100,000, Khan surmised that the money belonged to the lone survivor, Ganeshwar Reddy called ‘Smallie.’
He said that Reddy was in the habit of walking with large sums of money.
Narine’s sister, Devi, was inconsolable when Kaieteur News contacted her last night.
“How I can take this? He is my only brother,” she lamented. Narine, 33, hailed from Strathsphey on the East Coast of Demerara, and leaves behind two sons, aged 21 and 18.
Sill missing are Narine’s 33-year-old cousin, Damodar Khemraj, called ‘Rackoo’;  Shafeek Khan, called ‘Baby’, both of Strathsphey, East Coast Demerara and Richard Smith, 38, of Da Silva Street, Kitty.
Khemraj is a taxi driver while Smith works with the owner of the capsized boat.
The men were taking a boat engine to pirate attack victim Rasheed Khan and his stranded crew when their own vessel capsized in rough waters off the Suddie Coast.
One of the rescuers, Ganeshwar Reddy, of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, was rescued on Sunday and was admitted to the Suddie Hospital.
He told Kaieteur News that he survived by clinging to a five-gallon bottle and floating in the rough waters for several hours.
Between Friday and Saturday, authorities have reported that 15 fishing boats were attacked and robbed by pirates just off the Pomeroon River, in Region Two.
The fishermen were badly beaten and in some cases locked in their boats.
Government officials said that all of the fishermen, said to be numbering around 19, have been accounted for and that law officials and others are stepping up security.

A Corriverton, Berbice woman is in a critical condition at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital after she was brutally stabbed in the throat and head by a bandit around 15:30hrs on Tuesday in a store just a stone’s throw from the Springlands Police Station.
According to reports, the woman, Jaiwantee Sharma, also known as ‘Besky, 49, an employee of Wazir’s Rice Depot of Lot ‘M’ Springlands, was at work when a man entered the store and demanded cash.
The woman was alone in the store at the time.
Proprietor Wazir Dilchand said that a man entered the depot, acting like a customer.
Dilchand said that the man closed the door and suddenly pounced on Sharma.
“He choke the lady and rob she and slashed she throat, either with a knife or a razor; two or three slashes on the head,” the businessman said.
“The other people that rented the building, tried to open the door and as soon as they did he (the bandit) dashed away by the Seaside (Corentyne River),” Dilchand told  this newspaper.
When asked if the bandit carted off any money, he noted that, “For today, we didn’t do any kind of business, but he carried way the keys for the [money] drawer and he carried away some cash [from her], I don’t know how much, some ID cards and bank [deposit] books.”
“The police tried to run after the guy and he escaped. But some more information came in stating that he might be staying at the Amerindian Hostel at Springlands,” Dilchand stated.
Vidya Sharma, the woman’s daughter, speaking from their Crabwood Creek residence, said that her mother’s condition is critical but stable at the New Amsterdam Hospital.
“She can talk but she cannot eat”, she remarked.
“She lost a lot of blood and (is) complaining that her head is swinging a lot. She’s not feeling well right now. She has pains…vomiting and stuff, like that. The doctors said that she will be fine but they will be observing her over the next few hours after which they will be making a decision on what to do next.”
Sharma worked for four months at the store and would be celebrating her 50th birthday today in the hospital.

The police have again been called in as two more boys have made sexual assault allegations against Mufti Neezam Ali.
This publication was told that the two boys were taken into the police yesterday but they were unable to get their medical examination done. This publication was told that the boys will be taken back to the doctor sometime later today to put all speculation to rest.
Already, the Imam has been taken before the court for sexual molestation of four boys. He has since been remanded to prison. In addition to those four boys, three other boys have obtained medical certificates to substantiate their claims of being sexually molested by the said Islamic teacher. However charges are still pending in relation to the three other boys.
On Thursday last the Imam made an appearance at the Saprendaam Magistrates’ Court he is expected to make his next court appearance tomorrow.
Initially when the matter was brought to the Authorities’ attention, the names of ten boys who were supposedly molested were presented through an anonymous tip.

At the time of writing, there is a news item that informs us that protest meetings against human rights violations in Guyana, organized by Guyanese, will unfold in Barbados and Toronto. One hopes that this is the reaction to November 28 last year when Guyanese the world over saw the election results as a dream come  alive, not only in the sense that the opposition secured a window of opportunity but that there can be serious attempts at political reconciliation that could shape an optimistic future for this land.
The reaction of protest is ironic in that it means that far from rejoicing, Guyanese are demonstrating against continued human rights violations. An interpretation could be offered that the protestors are indignant that in the face of November 28, the PPP Government continues in its old ways. In my column yesterday, I offered a small list of this continuation. But the days bring more of the old Jagdeo style.
A majority of Guyanese do not know about the padlock circus that is taking place at the offices of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), the reason being that the GCB is not doing adequate PR work. I told the GCB Secretary, Anand Sanasie, that he and his executive must inform the press each time their sovereignty is assaulted by the Government. Here are some facts about the circus around the perimeters of the GCB offices. After the court ruled that the padlocks the Ministry of Sports put on the doors of the buildings must come off, the Ministry complied but couldn’t find the key for one lock.
Here is a Ministry that imprisoned the offices of a major sporting organization but couldn’t find the key to one of the padlocks. One would like to think that Clive Lloyd must have reflected on the people he is working for after this incident. While one of the GCB executives was in the offices working, the gates were “arrested” again. This time the Ministry officials didn’t know that an employee was inside. The Ministry of Sports denied it put the locks on for the second time. Who then had the brazenness to defy a judge and return to the GCB and forcefully close the area off?
When asked to remove the locks, the Ministry said it did not engage in such action. For the second time, the gadgets were burned off. Then the locks appeared again, the Ministry again is in denial, and again the stuff was burned off. This masquerade the Guyanese people are not aware of because the GCB did not inform the press. I am writing about it because Mr. Sanasie described for me what happened. Surely, Clive Lloyd should step in now. This padlock joke must have affected his image.
Important to note is, like my UG dismissal, the padlock masquerade took place after the phenomenal results of the November 28 elections. Next, there is the transfer of Overseers from their respective jurisdictions by the Ministry of Local Government. This has drawn the anger of the Opposition Leader, Mr. David Granger, who has requested President Ramotar to stop the process.  The Opposition Leader contends that redeployment will be oppressive because people familiar with their territory or born within their borders are being removed and sent to regions where their knowledge of their new environments is inadequate. Granger complains of a lack of consultation.
Consultation has never been a weapon in the PPP’s arsenal, even under self-government in the fifties. This explains the demonstrations planned for Barbados and Toronto. One would like to think that these picketers have concluded that after November 28, there cannot be business as usual and since the PPP is continuing with business as usual then the need for the picket exercises outside Guyana’s High Commissions, consulates and US Embassies.
There can be no question about what those picket signs will read. One must carry the words; “Who or what is next?” That is the same question the Guyanese people have asked after what happened at UG with four lecturers, including this columnist, and the Registrar, Vincent Alexander. The specific violation we cannot predict but we know it will come. Intriguingly, all eyes will be on the Opposition as the budget reaches Parliament. If the budget is the same old PPP blueprint, the Opposition will have to vote it down. In the Social Sciences, there is the methodology of logical deduction. If after November 28, the runaway train is still out of control, then we can deduce that the budget will not be the historic moment that will stop the crazy engine.

By Michael Benjamin
Five Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) titles will be at stake when the organizers of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) stages a special boxing card dubbed, ‘World Boxing Council (WBC) Cup Caribbean Championships,’ at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Saturday February 25.
Heavyweight CABOFE champion, Barbadian Shawn Cox will put his title on the line against former WBC cruiserweight champion, Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite in what will be the battle of the strongmen while Edmond DeClou will face his toughest foe when he laces up gloves against Barbadian Kevin Placide. The winner of this bout carts off the CABOFE middleweight belt.
USA based Guyanese and CABOFE bantamweight champion, Elton ‘Coolie Bully’ Dharry will defend his title against Barbadian Selwyn Lett in another eagerly anticipated 12 rounds scorcher, while Barbadian based Guyanese, Revlon Lake will go after Barbadian, Miguel Antoine for the CABOFE super lightweight belt.
Organizers are attempting to fill the many vacant spots in the Caribbean Boxing Federation ratings to create the opportunity for local pugilists to compete for lucrative titles and monetary rewards in the WBC anniversary celebrations tournament slated for later in the year. Already, Simeon ‘Candyman’ Hardy has cemented his place with a crushing knockout victory over Iwan ‘Pure Gold’ Azore.
The Cox/Braithwaite encounter should provide top class action and fans would not want to miss it. The Barbadian has had a successful run in the Friday Night Fights and his recent demolition of local heavyweight champion, Kurt Bess has made him almost invincible. He will find a different challenge in Braithwaite whose international experience is expected to stand him in good stead. Both boxers pack a terrific wallop and the chances of the bout lasting the distance are very minimal.
Cox has won the CABOFE title and after experiencing difficulties procuring worthwhile competition turned to the local Fight Night extravaganza. There he made favourable impressions after defeating Leon Gilkes, Anthony Augustin and quite recently Kurt Bess, in defence of his CABOFE title. The question is; is he biting off more than he could chew? That question will be answered this month end.
Braithwaite practices at the world famous Gleason’s Gym, Brooklyn NY where there is no paucity of sparring partners. He recently ventured into Russia for a proposed bout against Ali Ismailov of Azerbaijan on a card dubbed ‘Not a Step Back,’ at the Khodynka Palace of Sports in November last. However, certain organizational inconsistencies forced a termination of the fight and Braithwaite chipped in as the main sparring partner for Dennis Levedev who eventually defeated former world champion, James Toney in an interim bout for the WBC cruiserweight title. The former cruiserweight champion will enter the ring with a wealth of experience.
The other bouts will be the icing on a well baked cake and the Antoine/Lake bout will generate the most interest. The latter pugilist will best be remembered for his sensational knockout of Mark Austin in an earlier edition of the Fight Night card. Antoine had also defeated Austin twice but his victories were not as commanding as that of Lake. He does not pack a wallop and will find that Lake is a powerful puncher. However, the latter fighter takes a while to work up a rhythm while the former starts his fight from the first gong. One could only visualize the ensuring battle for supremacy when these two warriors take to the ring.
Otherwise, DeClou gets an opportunity to solidify his claim of being the best middleweight in the Caribbean. Placide is no slouch but has dropped decisions to less classy boxers than DeClou. Nevertheless, he is the more experienced and might be able to use this trait to overwhelm the Guyanese middleweight champion.
Orland Rogers is on a high after scoring a convincing win over Lett in July last year. He will want to convert this trend to the Marques bout especially since the stakes are high. Marques has had a rude awakening when he was stopped by Dharry last year. Since then, he has had a short training tenure in Canada and would be eager to display his newly acquired techniques.
The boxers convene this afternoon to affix their signatures to their respective contracts before opening camp at their respective gyms. The price of admission is $3,000 for ringside and half that amount for the stands. Activities will not be televised live.

Despite, the President of Guyana Sport Development Foundation (GSDF),

Representatives of sponsors (from left) Sharda Vereen-Chand , Jennifer Cipriani, and Colin Baker displays replica football to signal the launch of this year’s Scotia Bank/Pepsi Schools Football Academy, yesterday.

Colin Baker, revealing that the programme was slower than expected during the launching of the Scotia Bank/Pepsi Schools Football Academy at the Ministry of Education Sport Club, Carifesta Avenue, it must be noted that the fruits of the Academy were also already being picked, as the Academy produced players who played for the U-17 Lady Jaguars team as well as Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) in Suriname last year.
The President stated that this year four schools have joined the programme in this their second year.  Baker disclosed that the programme, which has three phases, has already undergo its first one, which is the coaching course with the teachers. The Coaching course was conducted under United States-based Coach Stanley Harmon, who is also the Technical Director of the Scotia Bank/Pepsi Schools Football Academy.
The second phase of the programme will be a referee’s coaching programme for students; the programme will be conducted by officials Guyana Football Federation (Lawrence Griffith and Colin Aaron).
The third will be the tournament which is slated for March 3rd.  Baker stated that is where the spectators will see both males and females in a play-off league with each team having the chance to play each other before the final four battle in the finals.
Baker continued by saying that the Academy would not have been a reality without the sponsors and was appreciative of interest in the second year of the Academy. He also indicated that two coach instructors from Trinidad and Tobago will be assisting the coaches and players before the tournament starts and added that scholarship opportunities are in the making for the players who excel in the game.
Jennifer Cipriani, Marketing Manager of Scotia Bank, stated that she was proud of the results from last year and has a vision of more football matches being played at school level.
Marketing Director of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Sharda Vereen-Chand, added that DDL could not have turned down GSDF offer when they were contacted by Baker. Chand stated that with the professionalism from GSDF and the ideas the Foundation had it was an opportunity to take and with that was happy to co-sponsor with Scotia Bank.
Ministry of Education Representative from Allied Arts, Desiree Wyles-Ogle declared that the Academy will help tremendously as the tournament and programme for the students will also impart knowledge in them which will assist in their Physical Education Examination (CXC) in May-June.
She also disclosed that in 2005 only two students wrote the Physical Education Exams under CXC however the amount of students increased vastly to 400 for 2012.
The General Secretary of Guyana Football Federation said that the Academy should be praised and not buried and stated that both schools and football in the whole will benefit.
He also added that the programme helps to prevent school drop-outs and added that useful partnership from everyone with aid in the development of the sport in Guyana. (Juanita Hooper)

Incessant rainfall that has inundated most of the coastland is causing headaches for ground staff and teams preparing to compete in the third annual GT&T Nationwide 10/10 Softball Cricket Competition scheduled to commence on February 18, at various venues across the country.
However, the Organising Committee has expressed confidence that despite the rain which has caused most of the grounds to remain waterlogged over the period will not affect the start of action.

Flashback: A view of last year’s massive crowd support which is anticipated to be exceeded this year.

According to Organising Committee member Carmachand Rambarran, the planning for this year’s tournament is on schedule and they expect officials and teams in all the communities to push ahead with preparations in order to meet the deadline for commencement of competition.
“We in the organising committee have stepped up preparations in an effort to host another successful event. The only major setback right now is the lack of preparations of grounds, but we are keeping our fingers crossed that the weather will break and the venues identified will be prepared in time for the start of the tournament,” Rambarran said.
The tournament is anticipated to be bigger and better than previous years, and according to the GT&T official, in excess of 500 teams have already registered for the knockout competition.
However, he issued a call for teams who are yet to register to do so as soon as possible to accommodate the preparation of fixtures.
The competition has been a huge success over the past two years with last year’s 1224 registered teams set to be overtaken, especially after the challenge offered by GT&T CEO Yog Mahadeo, who dared the Organisers during the launching to double the entries and he will most likely increase the prize monies.
The competition is aimed at fostering community involvement in sport and culture is set to conclude on May 12.
It is by far the most lucrative softball tournament ever to be hosted in Guyana with last year’s attendance at the National Stadium recorded at over 10,000 patrons
Meanwhile, teams yet to register are required to pay a participation fee of $1,000 and registration forms are available only in the GT&T 10/10 magazine that are on sale at all GT&T business offices and all Guyana Softball League (GSL) representatives some GT&T C-point vendors and GT&T 10/10 coordinators.
The closing date for registration is Saturday, February 11.
At the official launching of the tournament on January 16, Mahadeo disclosed that the prize monies of last year will form the base for this year’s tournament.
He mentioned that “for every team registered above last year number will automatically increase the prize money this year”.
With a total of $30 million in cash and prizes up for grabs, fans will have the chance to win a SUV which is up for grabs through a texting game “Fansuv” to 620-3788. Questions for the “Fansuv” text game will be based on the contents of this year’s 10/10 Magazine and for every four correct answers, fans will receive a coupon that will allow them to enter the promotion for a chance to win the SUV with the drawing set to be conducted during the finals on May 12 followed by a Caribbean-style entertainment package.
It was revealed also that the GT&T inaugural International 10/10 leg will be play on May 12 between a Select GT&T team, USA and Canada.
Last year’s tournament saw West Demerara’s Wolf Warriors cruise to an easy eight-wicket triumph against Berbice’s Celebrity Times in the Men’s final, while the Ancient County gained sweet revenge when Berbice All Stars beat Lusignan Street Warriors by nine runs in the women’s final.
For their win, Warriors received $2 million, while All Stars took away $1 million.

 -Pacesetters back in the fold for tournament

By Edison Jefford
The Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) League will officially

GABA President, David Carto (sitting, right) and Vice-President, Kester Gomes pose with the representatives of the three winning teams from the GABA Knockout tournament following an announcement of an upcoming League.

bounce off on February 18 with a reported 14 teams expected to participate after the sub-association dunked an alley-oop from three major sponsors for the extensive League.
The 14-team League will be historic, underscoring the most teams that have ever competed in the sub-association League in the New Millennium. The announcement came during a GABA media briefing yesterday at Thirst Park that essentially served two purposes.
The first reason for the update was to officially present the top three teams in the GABA Season-Opening Knockout Tournament with their awards, while the secondary purpose was to officially announce the coming of what is anticipated to be an impressive League.
“We have oral commitments from three big organisations for the League and we are going to tie those arrangements up by Friday,” GABA President, David Carto told Kaieteur Sport when asked about sponsorship for what will certainly be a massive undertaking.
The League will feature Ravens, Pacesetters, Knights, Macabees, Pepsi Sonics, Guyana Defence Force, Panthers, Eagles, Nets, Patriots, Plaisance Guardians and Bounty Colts. The GABA head informed that two new teams from the West Bank of Demerara are expected to register, upping the number of GABA-affiliated teams to 14 ahead of the League.
Asked if the registration issue with Pacesetters that affected the performance of the association in the last year was settled, Carto made it clear that it has been resolved and all the clubs have given their full support to ensuring that the League is a success.
“I would say that the issue have been resolved and they (clubs) have agreed in principle to support us,” he said. Pacesetters and other clubs had responded negatively last year to calls from the association to follow an established registration process, which was aimed at developing an inventory of affiliated teams for smooth administrative purposes.
The Guyana Basketball Officials Council (GBOC) will run the tournament that is expected to start on the Burnham Basketball Court and according to Carto, progress to other venues based on how sponsors and patrons respond.
The competition will attract over $500,000 in prize monies with another sum set aside for getting the top teams equipment. Carto told the media that apart from the winning prize money, a GABA initiative will see teams being equipped with balls, uniforms, coolers and other basketball paraphernalia based on how well they perform in the League.
This writer had commented on the invaluable nature of basketball Leagues in the January 24 edition of this newspaper. The GABA League will provide the true picture of the level of the sport in Georgetown, which will further enlighten stakeholders.

Junior chess player Roberto Neto created a major upset when he defeated

Khan (left) lost the battle against Roberto Neto but eventually won the war

senior national champion Taffin Khan when action in the Trophy Stall Open Chess Tournament concluded at the Keishar’s Sports Club, Hadfield Street, Georgetown, over the past weekend.  However, the loss did not change the dynamics and Khan went on to chalk up yet another tournament win in the senior category.
Glenford Corlette of Lodge, Georgetown put on a solid performance and finished in the second place while Cuban national, Maria Thomas closed off the podium spots.
In a battle of wits, Neto prevailed when he forced Khan to launch an invasion with the queen, the most powerful piece. Neto defended cautiously, cutting off the queen’s retreat whereupon Khan lost the piece and subsequently conceded defeat.
Cecil Cox, student of Queen’s College, won in the juniors’ category, while Neto of Diamond Secondary School finished in the second place. Saeed Ali of Richard Ishmael Secondary secured the third place, while 12 year old Sheriffa Ali of St. Joseph’s High School ended in the fourth place. Dravin Drickpau of West Demerara Secondary School ended fifth among the junior players, while Trenton Bennett was awarded the trophy for being the best newcomer.
The point standings at the end of the seven round tournament read: SENIORS Taffin Khan (6), Glenford Corlette (5) and Maria Thomas (4½) . JUNIORS: Cecil Cox (5); Roberto Neto (4½); Saeed Ali, Sheriffa Ali and Dravin Drickpaul (4 apiece) and Trenton Bennett (3). Twelve juniors and five senior chess players participated in the annual competition.

-Team leaves today for games, hopes for the best in the Fair

The Guyana Sports Development Foundation (GSDF) President Colin Baker,

The President of Guyana Sports Development Foundation presents cheque to Daniela King, Assistant Registrar, Welfare of UG, in the presence of Team Manager, Lavern Fraser.

contributed $200,000 towards the University of Guyana (UG) Barbados Relay Fair team yesterday afternoon at the Ministry of Education Sport ground, Carifesta Avenue.
With this donation and the GSDF motto “To assist with sport development in Guyana”, it can be clearly seen that the President does not only support, Football but also supports all sports which includes Track and Field.
Baker, who was a former athlete stated that it was a great pleasure to assist the University with their expenses and hopes that the team will do their best as they go out Saturday to participate in the relay.
Baker, who revealed that he was an ex-UG student, added that it’s always a joy for him to indulge in such activities as these and as a result would also continue to support sports in his country.
Daniela King, Assistant Registrar, Welfare of UG, expressed her gratitude to the President with his donations and hoped that the relationship which started between then continues in the future.
The team which comprises of 15 athletes will depart Guyana for Barbados at 2:45pm today.
(Juanita Hooper)

- junior karters set to become star attractions

The inclement weather had its say, but the competitors at last Sunday’s Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club season opener never allowed the overcast conditions and several interruptions to affect their performances as they thrilled the fair-sized attendance to some nerve tingling excitement that clearly set the tone for a year of top class entertainment in the sport.
Rookie driver Mohamed Ali, of Team Fullworks, young Stanley Ming Jnr, Alexander Fiedtkou, Mohamed Roshandin, Carey Griffith,

Rookie champion Mohamed Ali (third left standing second row) poses with his trophies won last Sunday along with team members and supporters for a Kaieteur Sport photo op.

Suriname’s Oliver Tjin-Liep-Shie and even Caribbean Superbike champion Stephen Vieira, who gave the crowd a free exhibition of his skills, all helped to make the day an exhilarating one for the fans.
Ali, who along with his brother Roshan has been the most dominant team over the past year, produced another overwhelming performance to stay unbeaten throughout the day and cart off the championship trophy, while Ming Jnr was also in irresistible form as he outlasted the opposition in some tenacious battles to end with the best record in the Shifter karts category.
The young brigade as they are frequently referred to displayed the daredevilry and skills that could very well see them become the star attractions during the year.
Their fierce rivalry was a sight to behold as Ming Jnr, Fiedtkou, Nikhil Seereram and Denzel Hopkinson stood toe to toe with their more illustrious counterparts in Stanley Ming Snr, Marcus Fiedtkou, Jerry Max Gouveia and Kevin Jeffrey and even upstaged them to some extent which has certainly set the tone for some interesting battles for the remainder of the season.
Meanwhile, Ali maintained his terrific form from last year and the manner in which he registered his victories in both the wet and dry conditions is a patent signal that beating him this year could prove just as difficult as last year.
This is a team that has also dominated the Endurance races, winning six consecutive titles, while it has been just as efficient in the Drag Meets.
Look out for more exciting performances from the members of Team Fullworks.

Cricket in the West Coast of Berbice is set to receive a massive boost in 2012 after a delegation from the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) met with nine clubs last Sunday.
Anil Beharry, Treasurer of the Board and Public Relations Officer Hilbert Foster met with the Clubs after some cricket officials expressed concerns over the state of cricket in the area and the almost non-functioning of the West Berbice Cricket Association.
Foster who is also the Chairman of the BCB Special Events Committee who chaired the meeting said that BCB in 2012 would be placing special emphasis in the West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje and Upper Corentyne areas.
Foster also disclosed that the BCB would be hosting at least twenty cricket tournaments including 20/20 and 40-Overs tournaments for teams in West Berbice area and also two 2-day matches between Zones in the area in an effort to develop new talents.
After listening to Representatives of the Club it was agreed that two one-day Cricket Academies would be held at the Bush Lot and D’Edward Cricket Grounds for West Berbice youths.
BCB would be providing assistance to eight clubs in the area with some items while the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTYSC) would provide five gifts to the Rosignol Cricket Club (RCC) for the holding of a fund raising Raffle., with BCB supplying their grass cutter to assist clubs in the maintenance of the grounds.
A five man committee was set up by the clubs to administer the cricket tournaments which would be launched shortly.
Representatives of the Clubs which included Blairmont, D’Edward, Rosignol, Cotton Tree and Bush Lot thanked the BCB for the visit and pledged to work along with the Board to develop the game in West Berbice.
The BCB would shortly be meeting with Clubs in the New Amsterdam/Canje and Upper Corentyne areas to disclose tournaments and programmes design for their clubs.
Beharry explained that in addition to tournaments for the entire county, the Board would also be organising several programmes with the different zones.
The BCB would like to advise all cricket clubs in Berbice to use the rainy season to prepare their teams for upcoming Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 Cricket Tournaments.
Interested Clubs in West Berbice area for 20/20 and 40-Overs tournaments can contact the BCB Office on 333-2375 or Shabeer Baksh: 628- 6767.

- Devers hopes for the best in T&T as he leaves for treatment

The President of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Ramsay Ali donated $500,000

The President of Guyana Cricket Board, Ramsay Ali (right) hands the cheque to Sean Devers in the presence of Colin Europe (extreme right) and Reon Griffith.

yesterday afternoon at GCB Office, Regent Street, in support of Sean Devers health situation which recommends urgent overseas treatment.
Devers was diagnosed with Gilioma by a Jamaican based Brain Surgeon, earlier in the year. The cost of surgery is around 20 million dollars.
Executive members of GCB as well have made their personal donations to Devers who is expected to leave for Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday for treatment of his illness.
Commenting before the presentation of the funds was made to Devers, Ali stated that Devers is someone who lives and breathes cricket and as a result saw it worthy to make the donation of which he knows will assist with his threatening illness.
The President added that Devers is someone they (GCB) can use to get their priority right, since he always present the facts when writing especially on cricket.  He further stated that it was a plus for them (GCB) as they were in the position to lend a helping hand to Devers.
An Executive member of the Board, who described Devers as a good adviser, disclosed that they came close to the amount the GCB donated to Devers.
Speaking with Devers after the presentation, he emotionally stated that he appreciated all the support he has gotten and indicated that GCB donation was the second he has received with the Guyana Softball Cricket Association (GSCA), CaribbeanCricket.com and GuyanaCricket.com being the first.
He also added that he will be departing Guyana for Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday and that will determine if the operation will be done depending on it severity of his  brain cells which is damaged by the Gilioma. (Juanita Hooper)

- GVF President says best birthday gift ever, Berbice wins feature match

Last Sunday the Guyana Volleyball Federation launched its 2012 season

GVF President Lennie Shuffler handing over the trophy to Berbice Captain with rest of team looking on.

by hosting a Volleyball Festival in honour of the GVF’s President Lennie Shuffler’s 73rd Birthday, at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.
The event was deemed awesome and highly successful by volleyball players and fans because for the very first time regular volleyball clubs/teams and affiliates of the GVF from Demerara and Berbice interacted and participated in friendly competition with corporate bodies and non-volleyball organizations and what was even more amazing was the level of female participation. A beaming Shuffler remarked that it was, “…the most fulfilling birthday present he ever got”. Lenox Shuffler aka “Mr. Cool” during his playing days, has been associated with Volleyball in Guyana for over 60 years.
He served as a player and National captain for 16 years and later as an administrator and President of the GVF and is recognized for the approval of the “Bloc Development” Plan by the FIVB and other initiatives such as “All Fours”, “Sports Train” and “Fun Volleyball”.
The festival attracted teams from the Guyana Hockey Federation, Guyana School of Agriculture, Bank of Guyana, Guysuco Training Centre of Port Mourant, Castrol Strikers of Georgetown, Achievers of Goed Fortuin, Rollers of New Amsterdam, Jaguars of Port Mourant, Rangers of Georgetown, Vanguards (the National U19 Female Squad), Dynamic Force (senior female players), and Falcons of East Canje.
The first segment of the festival saw the teams being involved in an “All Fours” competition all matches played over eight (8) minutes, some matches featured female players against junior males and “mixed teams” and “beginner  players” against “B” players of more established teams. The female hockey players caused a major upset during this segment by defeating the “B” players of the National Under-19 team, prompting some “knowledgeables” to remark that they should try out for the female national volleyball team.
The second segment was a feature match between a select twelve (12) from Demerara against a select twelve(12) from Berbice. The format used was described as a relay format, with the first six of each team playing for ten (10) minutes (with no time outs or substitutions) and the second six continuing for the next ten (10) minutes.
The match proved to be a fitting climax for the day’s event as both teams produced some powerful spikes and there were some exciting rallies as fortunes fluctuated, after the first ten minutes the Demerara select team led 18-15. The second ten minutes saw the Berbice select team upping their game but when the time expired the score was a 32-32 tie. The officials decided on a one minute playoff and the Berbice players held their nerve to triumph 34-33.
At the conclusion of that game the GVF President congratulated the Berbice Select team and presented a trophy donated by Director of Sport Neil Kumar to the captain of the Berbice team- Errol Yannick Chase.
President Shuffler also thanked all associated with the successful event and made a call for continued support in the future.

- Programme to also create scholarship opportunities for students/players

Executive Director of the Scotia Bank/Pepsi Schools Football Academy, Colin Baker said that one of his aims of the Programme will be an introduction of international coaches in Guyana to work along with the physical education teachers in schools to help improve football in his homeland.
Baker made specific reference to the players starting at an early age which is from 10, since they will learn the fundamentals of the game and use it as everyday skills in their life.
He revealed that the Scotia Bank/Pepsi Schools Football Academy is for students who are attending schools and are between ages of 10-15 and caters from both genders since sports is important in a student life.
This year Football Academy has a total of 12 schools participating; last year Academy comprised of eight schools. Baker, who is also the President of Guyana Sports Development Foundation, said that a few adjustments has been made to the programme to make it more effective and added that the Academy will involve a coaching course for teachers (which was already conducted) and a referee course for students of the different schools and institutions.
The President noted that the reason for implementing a referees course for the students from the different schools/institutions on the programme is for them (students) to be assistant referees at the upcoming tournament in March.
It must be pointed out that students should take advantage of this course since it will also help them with their educational segment in school; football is a sport which is a part of Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) exams (Physical Education) and with CXC in May-June students will be entering the examinations with an advantage.
Asking Baker about the successes from the Academy, he declared that they had seven players from the programme playing for the Lady Jaguars U-17 team last year and also players qualifying for the Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) which was held in Suriname last year; the IGG male team was coached by Gordon Brathwaite.
He further disclosed that upcoming tournament will aid in recognizing new talent in Guyana and stated that youths are the future and the fruits of the country.
He added that it was necessary to get the youngsters to play the game from the youth stage to be able to identify possible scholarship candidates, “The reason to start this young is to create scholarship opportunities for the students, I am currently working along with some coaches in the United States of America to organise scholarships for the successful players,” he said.
He also disclosed that at the conclusion of the tournament in March an All Star Boys and Girls Team will be named and hopes that the selected teams will be able to participate in tournaments of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the Georgetown Football Association (GFA).
In closing, Baker expressed his gratitude to the sponsors of the Academy, Scotia Bank, Demerara Distilleries and also the stakeholder and members of the organising committee for the programme.

Dear Editor,
GPL made a profit of $553 million in 2010 based on what GPL claims was an average price for fuel at US $78 or GY $15,600 per barrel. GPL’s 2010 spending on fuel was $16.5 billion. Based on these numbers, GPL purchased 1,057,692 barrels of oil in 2010. GPL stated that demand for fuel increased by 6.8% from 2009 to 2010.
Customers increased from 2010 to 2011 by only 3.83%. Applying this rate of increased demand from 2010 to 2011, it would mean that a 6.8% increase in demand for power would lead to an increase in required barrels of oil from 1,057,692 to 1,126,442 barrels of oil in 2011.
Average world fuel prices in 2011 were around US $87.50 or GY $17,500 per barrel. $17,500 multiplied by 1,126,442 barrels of oil equals $19.712 million. This figure does not correspond with the $22.4 billion figure that Chairman of GPL, Winston Brassington, claimed GPL spent on fuel in 2011.
There is a $2.688 billion discrepancy that Brassington has not properly explained to the Guyanese people. $22.4 billion is supposed to buy 1,280,000 barrels of oil at 2011 world prices, not the approximately 1,126,442 barrels of oil the GPL likely purchased in 2011. Unless 153,000 barrels of oil went missing, that $2.688 billion shortfall has to be explained by the GPL.
In my opinion, the mounting losses of the GPL lie in a combination of mismanagement, inability to tackle technical and commercial losses, waste and arguably the biggest culprit of them all, the stunningly handsome compensation packages this failed corporation continues to pay itself , while it continues to suck on the suffering public purse, seeking bailouts at every turn, while trying to raise electricity rates on the Guyanese nation.
I have been saying for a while now that GPL employees and its top brass have been living like King Croesuses over the past few years.
GPL paid each employee roughly $2,636,223 (US $13,181) in 2010. It is no surprise Brassington did not reveal how much GPL paid its staff in 2011 and its projected employment cost in 2012. This is a corporation that delivers shoddy service and blackouts on a regular basis to the Guyanese people and somehow wants to charge them even more for its gross failures while paying itself like emperors.
Blaming fuel prices for their inadequate performances will not cut it. Cutting off poor people and forcing many to steal electricity in this nation will not cut it. The time is up for the charlatans posing as business executives at the Guyana Power and Light Corporation.
It is time for APNU and the AFC to use their Parliamentary majority to launch a full enquiry into this GPL mess. Imagine the other bunch in the PPP strangling this nation with a hush-hush shady US $840 million and counting hydropower deal wants to have this group of failures at GPL handle electricity generated from its Amaila Falls white elephant.
This is a truly inefficient corporation that has failed to fix its many blemishes ranging from incompetence to mismanagement to wanton waste. Technical losses continue to bleed vital revenues from the corporation.
The response from the enriched working at the GPL is to seek to impose more tariff increases for their blatant incompetence and outlandish failures. It does not matter how much power Amaila produces, it will be too costly and in the hands of this inept cabal it will continue to saddle us with more tariff increases.
APNU and AFC, bring these so-called managers from GPL into Parliament to answer some serious questions.
M. Maxwell

Dear Editor,
I went to Sparendaam Police Station on Aug 28, 2011 to give support to a friend whose dog was fatally chopped by some thoughtless persons in the village where she lives. During the proceedings I kept hearing a horse neighing.  As soon as the case was adjourned, I exited the court and went to see where the sound was coming from.
Unfortunately, I saw a malnourished mare tied on a short leash in the sun; her small foal standing next to her. I asked a police officer if I could give them some water and the mare drank two large buckets full. I went home and called the station; asking whose horse it was.  They said the horse was involved in an accident and that the owner had never come to care for it. I then asked for permission to feed the horses until the matter was settled.
On Aug 29, when I returned to the Sparendaam Police Pound, myself and another volunteer found more animals, including two goats and a ram sheep, which we named Bully, because of his aggressive attitude.
During September, three wild horses came into the pound.  We assisted in cleaning/sanitizing the pound, bought fresh grass and banana leaves and molasses and bran and fed them all. The three wild horses went within 10 days, much to the relief of the mare and foal and the rest of us.
While we expected the other animals to be returned as quickly to their owners, or sold, that was not to be the case.
It has now been over five months that several volunteers and I have been helping to care for the animals. We go to the pound daily and with permission of the authorities untangle their tethers, move them around, pick up garbage, try to improve their miserable surroundings, feed and water them and we even cleaned up the police station compound of stray dogs.
Upon arrival, many times we found the animals entangled to the point they could not move. They were nearly always thirsty and seldom received any food other that what we provided.  Bully, the ram sheep, when stressed would continuously grind his teeth.
The orphaned animals quickly won over our hearts. Every day when we arrived they would start a chorus of animal sounds.  One day a heavily pregnant donkey arrived at the pound and I asked about her story, the officers said she was involved in an accident. I asked and received permission to move her into a shaded area two buildings away.
She was very sweet and gentle and we left her with water, bran mixture and grass, hoping for the best. The next day she died, apparently from internal injuries caused by the accident. She was buried on site.
Recently, another goat came in; we helped the owner get it back within two days. A cow showed up, brought in by the stray catching vehicle. I asked the driver where they found her. He said “A” field Sophia.  Luckily, the cow was friendly and let us help make her stay at the pound comfortable.  She seemed so friendly I was sure she must have good owners.
I went to “A” field Sophia and asked residents to spread the word about the cow in the pound. Within four days the owner showed up and paid the pound fine and took his cow home. The owner said “Queenie,” was the family pet and his kids missed her very much. I was glad to see Queenie go as the pound has none of the comforts of home.
After nearly six months, including Christmas and New Year, the two goats and one ram sheep are still at the pound. I have asked many times when they would go to the auction block but somehow the paperwork never reaches the commander’s desk.  Commander Trotz is someone whom I admire and greatly respect for his honesty and frankness but somehow the decision making process seems to be flawed.
We have learned over the past six months that police stations are not equipped with infrastructure, equipment or personnel to properly care for the animal’s welfare.
There is a pound keeper but many times, including holidays, weekends and during the elections, he was absent from his post so the animals were often tangled in their filth and left tied for long periods in the rain or sun.
While many people, and rightfully so, call for the removal of animals from Georgetown and our roadways there must be a more humane way of dealing with these animals than just dumping them off at police pounds where facilities, food, water and care are inadequate.
Impounded animals should not be there for more than five days. Unclaimed impounded donkeys should be relocated to private farms.
I wish to thank all my friends who contributed to improving conditions for the animals impounded at the Sparendaam Police Pound, including Noreen Gaskin, Rachel Hibbins, Susan Isaacs, volunteers Richardson, Gloria Fernandes, Soraya Arjune, Natoya Richardson and a very special young lady, Savannah Mendes, who donated her “Christmas vacation earnings” ($5000) to help pay to clean the pound and provide food for the animals. A special thanks to the police officers who assisted us whenever they could.
I’m hoping the auction of the two goats and Bully, (the ram sheep) will happen soon so I can buy and send them to an appropriate “forever home”.
Syeada Manbodh

Dear Editor,
I stand in solidarity with Mr. Freddie Kissoon, as he and many Guyanese, react with justifiable revulsion, against the unwarranted refusal to renew  his contract as a lecturer at the University of Guyana.
Was the Mr. Kissoon  ever called by those who decided on this course of action,  to answer any charges of breach of the terms of his contract, or for non-or poor performance  of his teaching obligations, or for gross misconduct incompatible with his status as lecturer? Have his students revolted against him? Did the Professor fail to take required procedural steps for renewal of his contract?
What the public knows as a fact is that Freddie Kissoon  has been a passionate social and political activist, member/supporter of political organizations which have been relentlessly attacked by regimes in power, and in recent times has been unyielding in his exposure and denunciation of malpractices by functionaries occupying public offices all over the land and  a protagonist of fundamental ideas of propriety, integrity and fairness.
Freddie Kissoon as a columnist   grievously annoys many by his probing journalism and is feared by many who wield power. He has stood up against those whom he feels have misgoverned and have abused power.
We have quite a history of employers, in business and in government, resorting to the ultimate act of intimidation and terror, against working people, by threatening to fire or firing them, for advancing workers’ rights and for acts that are considered destabilizing and disruptive.
Let’s not permit this to continue.
The University of Guyana is a very  important place, where the seeds for flourishing of the intellect and  ideas, are being sown. Since its establishment politicians have kept a close watch, guarding against “subversive ideas”.
As great as the issue of the unfairness and injustice to Kissoon in his personal tragedy, is the protection of the right to stand up and speak out, the freedom to publish ideas widely and in all forms, and freedom of our teachers not merely to teach students, and to consolidate greatness and  effectiveness  of the institutions of learning but also to become part of the dynamic of social  progress  and advancement   of all people.
Not only do I ask for the reinstatement of Freddie Kissoon but I wish to raise for  critical reconsideration the presence, role and qualifications of politicians and political appointees in the administration of the University of Guyana.
Moses Bhagwan