Daily Archive: Wednesday, April 11, 2012

(Reuters) – Australia won an exciting first test against West Indies by three wickets as Michael Clarke’s team were rewarded for their positive approach.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., (Reuters) – A Florida prosecutor filed a murder charge today against the neighborhood watch volunteer who shot and killed unarmed, black teenager Trayvon Martin in a case that has captivated the United States and prompted civil rights demonstrations.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall today advised Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack that it is his opinion that an appeal is not possible against the decision of Chief Justice Ian Chang to quash the advice of the DPP to charge Police Commissioner Henry Greene with rape.

AMSTERDAM,  (Reuters) – The Netherlands will suspend all financial aid to Suriname, the Dutch foreign minister said on Wednesday, in protest over its former colony’s decision to grant amnesty to the suspected killers of 15 opponents of President Desi Bouterse 30 years ago.

Alliance For Change’s (AFC) Moses Nagamootoo has come under fire for an example that he gave in Parliament during the budget debates yesterday, when he described speaking to his grandchildren in a rough manner, much to the chagrin of government MPs.

(Trinidad Guardian) Trinidad and Tobago is bound by international law to make the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) its final court of appeal.

(Jamaica Observer) Jamaican and Trinidadian entrepreneurs are potential investors in an airline carrier aimed at tapping into the South American market.

(Jamaica Observer) Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Roger Clarke has appealed to farmers to step up production levels and for consumers to consume more local produce to cut the country’s food import bill, which is running at approximately US$800 million per annum.

(Jamaica Observer) Solar power has finally become a viable option, driven by falling prices for photovoltaic panels and the soaring cost of oil, say proponents of the alternative energy.

(Jamaica Gleaner) The Ministry of Finance has approved a licence for a new company called CRIF NM Credit Assure Limited (CNM-CAL) to operate a credit bureau in Jamaica.

(Barbados Nation) Next Wednesday’s preliminary hearing of the case Jamaican Shanique Myrie brought against the Barbados Government could lead other Caribbean nationals to follow in her footsteps.

(de Ware Tijd Editorial) Thousands participated in yesterday’s silent march against adoption of the controversial Amnesty Act by Parliament.

(Barbados Nation) Doctors and Lawyers yesterday shot back angrily at charges of tax dodging.

LONDON,  (Reuters) – A wintry blast at the start of the English season and the return of the national team after a chastening winter coincide with the publication of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanac under its youngest editor for 72 years.

JAKARTA, (Reuters) – At least two major quakes with a magnitude exceeding 8.0 hit off the coast of Indonesia’s Aceh province today, the U.S.

Saying that this year’s $192.8 billion national budget misses the mark in human development and poverty alleviation, AFC MP Moses Nagamootoo yesterday accused the government of a lack vision, conscience and heart for failing to address the needs of the poorest.

Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack are to meet today to discuss the recent outcome of the Henry Greene court case, a source said yesterday even as government officials and the police remain tight-lipped about the future of the embattled top cop.

Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge opened the debate on the 2012 budget yesterday calling for the government to reduce VAT in stages and to increase public service wages, saying that the administration would be able to find the money once it reins in improper spending.

Speeding along the Versailles Public Road, West Bank Demerara is being blamed for an accident that claimed the life of a young

Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali says the Marriott Hotel and an expanded Cheddi Jagan International Airport are crucial if Guyana is to build on the tourism sector.

Mahaica toddler Rebeka Seetaram, who was bitten about her body by rats at her home two weeks ago, died at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) late Monday afternoon.

Seventy-year-old Chinta ‘Roy’ Persaud who was charged with killing his reputed wife walked out of the No 51 Magistrate’s Court a free man after the case was discharged against him yesterday.

Some thirty members of the Guyana Women Miners’ Association (GWMA) yesterday called on members of Parliament to urgently address the growing instances of land being taken from them to facilitate new Amerindian settlements.

Five Venezuelan nationals were yesterday jailed by Magistrate Allan Wilson after they pleaded guilty to five armed robbery charges that stem from an attack on stranded travellers at an island in the Wenamu River, Cuyuni.

An overall decrease of 8% in serious crimes has been recorded at the end of March this year in comparison to last year, but robbery under arms has increased by 21%,  the police reported yesterday in a press release.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment has announced the creation of a Bauxite Development Unit within the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), in light of the positive trends and increasing demands for Guyana’s bauxite.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados,  CMC – West Indies lost the plot in a disastrous 25-minute period before tea on the fourth day here yesterday, to leave the opening Test against Australia teetering on a knife’s edge heading into today’s final day at Kensington Oval.

The Guyana Revenue Authority’s designated new offices at the former Clico building on Camp Street, in Georgetown, will soon undergo hundreds of millions of dollars in modifications to make it fit to house agency divisions.

Three groups are vying to complete the Amaila Falls road and transmission line clearing project and bids opened yesterday showed a more than $1B difference between the highest and lowest submissions.

CGX Energy Inc yesterday announced that delays due to minor mechanical issues on the Ocean Saratoga semi-submersible rig and weather conditions have pushed back the time frame for the completion of drilling of the Eagle-1 well beyond the originally planned 60 days.

A man who admitted abusing his father and displaying  threatening behaviour was fined $10,000 and placed on a bond to  keep the peace for six months when he appeared before Magistrate Alan Wilson yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

By Emmerson Campbell Guyana’s light heavyweight champion Kwesi ‘Lightning Struck Assassin’ Jones will defend his title against former WBC CABOFE Light heavyweight champion Trinidad and Tobago based Guyanese Sean Corbin when the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) stages it 22nd edition of its Pro Am card on April 27.

Golf competition returned to the Lusignan Golf Club over the weekend as 29 players battled for the coveted Woodlands Hospital Medal Play tournament.

Tragedy struck at L 27-1021 Latchmansingh Street, Tucville when a fire of unknown origin gutted the home of Senior Manager of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Simone Beckles sometime around 3:30pm yesterday.

A Cummings Lodge Secondary School student died after taking a plunge in the GuySuCo canal yesterday aback of the Sparendaam New Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara.

Orin Joseph was elected president of the Guyana National Dominoes Association when that body held its annual general meeting and election of office bearers last Saturday, at Joseph’s residence, Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt Park.

An afternoon swim for a group of boys at the Kingston seawall yesterday ended tragically when an 11 year old disappeared after being engulfed by the rough waters.

HAMILTON, Bermuda, Apr 10, CMC – Impressive sprinter Luan Gabriel handed Dominica its first ever track gold medal when she clinched the Under-17 200 metres title, as the curtain came down on the 41st CARIFTA Games here Monday night.

LONDON,  (Reuters) – Andy Carroll’s ninth goal since joining Liverpool over a year ago gave 10-man Liverpool a 3-2 win at relegation-threatened Blackburn Rovers in a game including a sending-off, two penalties and some comical goalkeeping.

A twenty-four-year-old man appeared before Magistrate Alan Wilson at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday charged with possession of one 9mm pistol and seven 9mm live rounds of ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence and he was  placed on $150,000 bail on each charge.

GETTYSBURG, Pa.,  (Reuters) – Rick Santorum ended his improbable run for the White House yesterday after leading a Republican tilt to the right that could dog the more moderate front-runner, Mitt Romney, in November’s election.

STRASBOURG, France, (Reuters) – Britain can extradite its most notorious Islamist cleric to the United States to stand trial on charges that he supported al Qaeda and aided a fatal kidnapping in Yemen, the European Court of Human Rights ruled yesterday.

Come Sunday, the Rising Sun Turf Club, in collaboration with the Lions Club of Durban Park, The Bartica Lions Club And the Central Demerara Lions Club will stage its fund raising one day meet at the Rising Sun Turf Club, Arima Park, West Coast Berbice.

Close to 200 tourism specialists and media representatives are expected to participate in the 13th annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development opening this weekend at the Guyana International Conference Centre at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

Fire suspected to be electrical in origin gutted a two-flat three-bedroom house and small business place at Guava Bush, Albion on the Corentyne around 1:13 pm on Easter Monday.

(Trinidad Guardian) Twelve hours after 26-year-old Anastacia Emmanuel was shot to death, Jamal Jack and his accomplice Joel Mayers were murdered in a swift act of reprisal.

The Golden Jaguars team chances of defeating Costa Rica in their upcoming third round World Cup qualifiers have been boosted by the fact that their opponents could be without captain and striker Bryan Ruiz.

BEIJING,  (Reuters) – China’s Communist Party suspended former high-flying politician Bo Xilai from its top ranks and named his wife, Gu Kailai, a suspect in the murder of a British businessman, in revelations yesterday likely to shake leadership succession plans.

TOKYO, (Reuters) – Britain and Japan said on Tuesday they have agreed to jointly develop and build defence equipment, the first time since World War Two that Japan has concluded a weapons-building deal with a country other than the United States.

Dear Editor, APNU’s view, articulated by the Deputy Speaker and Ms Volda Lawrence, MP, that the Director of Public Prosecutions should appeal Chief Justice Chang’s decision in the Henry Greene matter (Stabroek News edition of April 3 refers) is commendable, if I may say so with respect.

(Trinidad Express) Little Aaliyah Johnson was sexually and physically abused before her unresponsive body was taken to the Siparia hospital on Easter Sunday.

A bus driver who is accused of having 942 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking was yesterday remanded to prison when he appeared before Magistrate Alan Wilson at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Edinburg, beaten last Saturday  by Memorex Bermine, bounced back the next day  to register an eight-wicket  win against Skeldon Community Centre when the 2011 Telenec Inc.,

(Jamaica Observer) Why was 33-year-old teacher Paula Gordon brutally murdered and her body dragged and dumped in a river more than 50 metres from her house in Zion Hill, St Catherine Saturday night?

Dear Editor,     Since the decision of Chief Justice (ag) Chang on March 9, 2012 in which he granted orders of certiorari and prohibition, in the process staying the recommendation to charge Commissioner Greene for rape, the press has been inundated by social and political commentators attacking Justice Chang personally more than the decision he handed down.

A man who used insulting language and threatening behaviour to a woman has to pay a fine of $10,000 each or serve three months in prison after he pleaded guilty to the charges before Magistrate Alan Wilson at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

MADRID,  (Reuters) – Chile striker Alexis Sanchez scored twice as Barcelona swept to a 4-0 home win over Getafe that moved them to within a point of La Liga leaders Real Madrid yesterday.

(Reuters) – A New York bride accused of faking terminal cancer so she could raise money from sympathetic well wishers to pay for a dream wedding has been arrested and charged with fraud, authorities said yesterday.

Dear Editor, Would justice ever occur in West Indies cricket? One is left to wonder if the people who are in charge of the game in the Caribbean are really committed to its development.

 (Reuters) – The Oklahoma City Thunder regained the top spot in the Western Conference in some style on Monday after blasting the Milwaukee Bucks 109-89.

A man who is facing a charge of  fraudulent misappropriation was placed on $75,000 bail when he appeared before Magistrate Alan Wilson yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, (Reuters) – Costa Rica’s highest court has rejected an ambitious fiscal reform bill proposed by President Laura Chinchilla to bring the country’s ballooning budget deficit under control.

(de Ware Tijd) PARAMARIBO – Common interests compel Suriname and French Guiana to closer cooperation in the areas of security and law enforcement.

(Jamaica Observer) Four new varieties of tomatoes are to be shortly introduced on the local market to help cut back on the approximately J$8-billion worth of tomato paste imported into the country each year.

(Reuters) – The Miss Universe pageant is changing its rules and will allow transgender women to take part in all of its competitions starting in 2013, the organization and gay rights group GLAAD said yesterday.

President Donald Ramotar gave the assurance that the government will continue being a major patron of the popular Bartica Regatta as he presented a $500,000 cheque on Sunday to Chairman of Region Seven, Gordon Bradford.

Dear Editor, I write to applaud the efforts of the Richmond Hill Guyanese advocacy group in convincing New York City Transit to upgrade the subway train station at Lefferts Boulevard in the heart of the  Guyanese American community in Richmond Hill. 

DUBAI,  (Reuters) – A recent reduction in test draws is due to wickets around the world offering a better balance between bat and ball, International Cricket Council (ICC) pitches consultant Andy Atkinson said  yesterday.

LONDON, (Reuters) – England paceman Stuart Broad has been ruled out for three more weeks, including playing in the Indian Premier League, the England and Wales Cricket Board said yesterday.

A bitter end

Bureau of Statistics

In less than a year now, Barbados will be going to the polls, following the last general elections held in January 2008.

Dear Editor, From July, 1996 to June, 2001 I was involved in the chainsaw logging business, operating from Ituni, in the upper Demerara-Berbice area.  

President Donald Ramotar is urging stakeholders in the agriculture and manufacturing fields to capitalise on the opportunities that the Guyana Exposition and Trade Fair (GuyExpo) will provide come September.

CARACAS, (Reuters) – A Costa Rican diplomat kidnapped last weekend and held for ransom in the latest attack on foreign envoys in Venezuela was released yesterday and is in good health despite having suffered a blow to the head, authorities said.

Separation of powers is the cornerstone of any list of checks and balances for a shared governance regime (“A shared governance regime must contain strong checks and balances!”

(de Ware Tijd) PARAMARIBO – Within 24 hours after adoption of the Amnesty Act it was promulgated and published.

(Trinidad Express) Save the children. In light of the death of two-year old Aaliyah Johnson, who was allegedly sexually and physically abused, Minister of Gender, Youth and Child Development Verna St Rose Greaves yesterday appealed to citizens to be vigilant and take action to save the children who are being abused.

(Trinidad Express) Trinidadians and Tobagonians spend up to TT$1 billion a year betting on horse racing, chairman of the Betting Levy Board Kama Maharaj has said.