January 17, 2020
Dear Editor,Permit me some space in your letters column to express my profound disappointment and anxiety at the heartless and cruel manner in which the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown has been treating the vendors of the Kitty Market.In the first place, it should be noted that it is not the vendors, nor the citizens of Georgetown, nor Central Government that had left the Kitty Market to go to rot and ruin; but rather, the City Council that did so. The vendors paid their stall rents, and the citizens of Kitty and beyond paid their property rates.It was the Council that chose to waste these monies on luxurious foreign travel, retreats to local resorts etc, rather than on maintaining the market. So the attempt by some municipal officials to cast blame on others, rather than on themselves, is dishonest and is absolute poppycock.The repair job which was touted to take three to five months is still not completed three years on; but, strangely, civil society, the relevant NGOs, and private sector agencies have not come out in support of the small vendors, who are being taken advantage of.Is the completely toothless Guyana Market Vendors Union (GMVU) still awaiting recognition by the Council?Quite shockingly, these small vendors have been made to pay their stall rents every month although the market has been closed for repairs; and they are now being told that they are not guaranteed repossession of the same spaces and/or stalls. This is preposterous!There needs to be a Commission of Inquiry set up to determine not only the reasons for the protracted delay, but whether there was transparency and accountability for the monies spent on the project. Clearly, no proper plan or quantity survey was done prior to the commencement of the project, as the real cost has far outstripped the estimated costs several times over, and continues to climb further.I am disappointed at Central Government for injecting large sums into this project on at least two occasions without demanding that an audit of the expenditure by the Council be done prior.What has happened to the grand plan to have the bottom flat of the reconstructed Kitty Market outfitted with air conditioning units; extractor fans; an automatic switchover generator, to cater for power outages; and installation of refrigeration facilities in the meat and fish section of the market? Was this just another trip into La La Land by the administration of the Council?And what of the new wing that was to be added to the western side of the market to accommodate 100 new applications from vendors?Projects like the Kitty Market can best be described as a black hole: where materials can be bought in the name of the project but diverted elsewhere; where friends and relatives can be recruited to do the plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry and masonry whilst the workers within the Council are not allowed to do these jobs.How could a municipality be taken seriously and be expected to manage, maintain and expand a city under their charge when they lack the administrative, technical and other capabilities to maintain and rehabilitate a single building?Sincerely,Shanta Singh
Dear Editor,The recent missive written by Finance Minister Winston Jordan in response to an editorial of October 7 in the media requires response. Any attack on the press must be defended by all who care for our freedom of speech. Jordan begins by stating that the description of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration as a “bumbling, incompetent Government that rules over us” is “lazy”, ironic, given that Minister Jordan was too incompetent to understand that a press conference should be the professional method to debunk such a serious and influential editorial. Sad, given that the entire Cabinet is facing an investigation from the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) for breaking the law (Public Procurement Act); delusional in that the APNU/AFC bumbling began at the Inauguration ceremonies (plural) which have never been accounted for, and includes self-awarded exorbitant salary raises; the D’Urban Park fiasco; the $325 million rental paid for a $25 million building with the pharmacy bond contract between the Public Health Ministry and the Linden Holding Company; the payout of $3.37 billion to RUDISA which was a direct result of APNU/AFC’s (while in Opposition) refusal to assent to corrective legislation proposed by the then People’s Progressive Party Administration, bumbling before they were elected! Editor, these are mere highlights of the long list of incompetent acts of the APNU/AFC.Editor, no doubt Comrade Jordan thinks himself clever with his attack on the newspaper; a classic ‘blame the messenger’ move, however, given his patent lack of credibility due to his denying the existence of a ‘signing bonus’ from the oil company as a “figment of the imagination”, Jordan has no leg to stand on for this assault. Interestingly, as it now further emerges, the $18 million had to be ‘reconstituted’ for deposit into the Central Bank, Minister Jordan has gone on the attack of the Auditor General. Bluster will not aid the cause in future SOCU and State Assets Recovery Agency investigations and to quote America’s best-known expert on lying, Pamela Meyer, “When a pointed question is beaten back with an attack or threat of, ‘How dare you…’ it’s a reliable signal that deception is involved.”Editor, Jordan delves into the realm of sophistry with his personal interpretation of various reports of international monetary agencies, and while he concludes quite rightly “that (they) are increasingly viewing Guyana as a stable, well-managed country with bright prospects that is ripe for sustainable development” he has used the wrong premise. Guyana has become a ripe target for those interested in exploitation of our oil and other assets because our nation’s interests are being poorly represented by the mooks in the APNU/AFC Administration. Editor, recently a Guyanese won the $246 million Powerball Lottery in the USA, he had simple words for those looking to exploit him ““If I didn’t know them two weeks ago, I don’t know them today.” A timely reminder that not all of us are as easily duped as our Government.Respectfully,Robin Singh
…call for Govt’s resignation…express no confidence in Agriculture MinisterHours after acting Chief Justice Roxanne George, SC, ruled that the December 21, 2018, resolution of the motion of no-confidence against the A Partnership for National Unity -Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government was validly passed, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo was rejected by the residents of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) as he visited the region for a meeting.Essequibo Coast residents protesting at State House, Anna Regina on FridayHundreds of residents, particularly persons from the business sector and rice farmers, staged a picketing exercise as the Prime Minister made his way to the State House in Anna Regina on Friday for a series of meetings with the farmers and business persons.The frustrated farmers on the picket line, told Guyana Times that prior to being defeated by the no-confidence motion, the PM never cared for the development of the region or it’s rapidly declining economic state.“Why he visiting us now when the rice industry is already dead and buried? He promised us $9000 per bag of paddy, we give him our votes and he never deliver. He helped to kill the industry by saying rice is private business. He can fool us most of the time but not all the time. His Government has fallen. We support the no-confidence motion. Go home Nagamootoo, we don’t need you in Region 2,” one protester said.Rice farmers were among the residents who rejected the PM’s visitThe protesters bore several placards with messages such as “Moses is a de facto Prime Minister since December 21st, 2018…No confidence vote must be respected…treat farmers with respect…33 is greater than 32…Government must resign now, announce election date now…farmers can’t survive on $300 per bag urgent help needed.”Meanwhile, at the meeting at State House, some of the rice farmers who decided to go to the meeting told the Prime Minister that they have lost all confidence in the ability of Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, who was also present at the meeting. They informed the PM that they never got any help from Holder since he never took the time to listen to their concerns or provide them with tangible assistance to aid in the betterment of the struggling rice industry. They also questioned the motive of the Government as it relates to the sudden meeting with, particularly, the farmers.Additionally, during the meeting, the farmers accused Nagamootoo of neglecting the region and its residents, explaining that the only time they seem to care is around elections time.At the beginning of 2019, the rice farmers were advised to be judicious in the use of irrigation water since the water level of the Tapakuma Conservancy had dropped significantly as a result of minimum rainfall during this rainy season. The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) had said that despite its pumps working beyond the scheduled operating hours, the level of irrigation water in the main canal continued to be insufficient to adequately service all rice fields in both the front and backlands areas.
“Certainly it provides an outlet for entertainment for I think a cross-generational group of people,” said Larry Mankin, president and CEO for the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce. “Comedy clubs are available to young and old, to rich and poor.” Gause did not return calls. The club had been scheduled to open in September of last year at the Valencia Town Center, but that was pushed back, said Jalina Warner, spokeswoman for the Westfield Valencia Town Center. A January opening date also was scrapped, she said. “We were looking forward to having them join our retail mix and bring another aspect of entertainment to our center,” Warner said. But Mankin said Gause still plans to bring the club to a space on Cinema Drive in Valencia. “It’s supposedly a pretty large space,” Mankin said. “He is overwhelmed, he’s so excited.” Gause, a local resident, wrote for NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” and “Last Comic Standing.” He also produced comedy tours, according to The View from Valencia, a publication of Newhall Land and Farming Co. Comedy Blvd was designed to take after such famous comedy clubs at The Comedy Store and The Improv, according to The View from Valencia. “He’s been through a long drawn out buildout process in the other spot, so I think he’s somewhat reluctant to set (an opening) date,” Mankin said. Warner would not comment on why Gause pulled back from opening the club in the mall. “They’re great people and a great business concept, just, unfortunately, it didn’t work out,” she said. The mall could bring a restaurant or a retailer to the vacant location that Comedy Blvd will not be using. alex.dobuzinskis@dailynews.com (661) 257-5253 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! VALENCIA – The proposed comedy club has a nifty slogan: “Where Funny Lives.” But where exactly Comedy Blvd will “live” remains to be seen. After delays in its planned opening date, Comedy Blvd is not coming to the Valencia Town Center. Still, Walter Gause, the comedy writer and entrepreneur behind Comedy Blvd, might have the last laugh if he succeeds in bringing the club to Cinema Drive. The Santa Clarita Valley does not have any clubs exclusively dedicated to comedy, and some residents had been looking forward to Comedy Blvd’s opening. Marie Callender’s in Valencia hosts a weekly comedy show. 
Monaco striker and Tottenham target Anthony Martial 1 Bordeaux have joined the race to sign Tottenham target Anthony Martial.Martial was not part of the Monaco squad which lost 4-1 to Bordeaux on Saturday, adding to the speculation that he is set to leave the club.It had been thought that Tottenham would snap up Martial, who has been touted as the new Thierry Henry.However Bordeaux manager, Willy Sagnol, confirmed after Saturday’s match that he is interested in signing the 18-year-old.“He lacks a bit of experience, but he’s a player I think about a lot,” he told Canal Plus.
1 Monaco striker Radamel Falcao Manchester United have agreed an astonishing loan deal for Monaco striker Radamel Falcao.The Colombia forward will spend the season at Old Trafford, subject to passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.Manchester City were thought to be in the box seat to land the 28-year-old, but, as talkSPORT told you earlier this morning, United have been successful with a late bid.It’s understood a £6million fee has been agreed, with a view to a permanent deal, and the ex-Atletico Madrid forward will earn around £200,000-a-week.
Gor now has a mountain task in handling Espérance who have been a hard nut to crack with the last time the two sides met seeing the North Africans thrashing the record 16 time KPL champions 8-2 on aggregate.Esperance de TunisEsperance had earlier dumped out ASAC Concorde of Mauritius with an emphatic 6-1 aggregate win.K’Ogalo will host the first leg between March 6-7 before travelling to Tunis for the return leg a week later.The winner between Gor and Esperance will grace the lucrative group stages – with the draw set for March 21.-Gor too sweet for Vegetarios-Gor Mahia defender Wellington Ochieng in action against Vegetarinos. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYAGor coach Dylan Kerr made eight changes from the team that beat Zoo Kericho 4-2 in a Kenyan Premier League match on Thursday last week with Boniface Oluoch returning to man the post as captain Harun Shakava partnered Joash Onyango in central defence.Wesley Onguso, Meddie Kagere and Shakava were the only faces that featured against Zoo while Ernest Wendo and Humphrey Mieno resumed their midfield roles.Godfrey Walusimbi started on the flanks alongside Francis Kahata with Kevin ‘Ade’ Omondi – who scored in the 2-0 first leg win in Machakos – playing behind lead striker Kagere.Gor Mahia’s Kevin Omondi in action against Leones Vegetarianos’ Jesus Tomasosngong during the first leg of the 2018 CAF Champions League played at the Machakos Stadium on 10th February 2018. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYAAfter a cagey start, Gor settled in the match towards the end of the first half which ended goalless.Leones took the lead in the 55th minute and pushed for another goal which would have taken the match to penalties.But Gor levelled after Francis Kahata’s corner was redirected into the net by a Vegetarianos player, making matters harder for the hosts as they now required to score three unanswered goal to progress.0Shares0000(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today) 0Shares0000Gor Mahia players jostle for space with Leones Vegetarianos. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYANAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 21 – Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia will take on Espérance de Tunis in the first round of the CAF Champions League after eliminating Equatorial Guinea side Leones Vegetarianos 3-1 on aggregate in the preliminary stage.This is after K’Ogalo rallied a goal down to hold Vegetarianos 1-1 in the return leg played away in Malabo on Wednesday. The first leg staged in Machakos’ Kenyatta Stadium 10 days ago, ended 2-0 in favour of the Kenyan champions.
*DISCLAIMER: Like Manchester United and Real Madrid trying to agree a transfer deal, this video is just a joke.They may be two of the biggest football clubs in the world, but neither Real Madrid nor Manchester United employ anyone capable of using a fax machine.How else can you explain the failure to ensure David De Gea’s transfer went through before the deadline this summer?Well, if you watch the video above you will find an alternative explanation.For more of the best sports entertainment on YouTube, subscribe to talkSPORT now!
Bus Eireann has confirmed that the bus route between Letterkenny and Dublin will be fully wheelchair accessible by the end of 2013.The news has been welcomed by Letterkenny Town councillor Jimmy Kavanagh who has been campaigning on the issue.“This is great news for wheelchair users.The route between Letterkenny and Dublin is a very busy route, serving the airport and many health services in the capital city, and is widely used by people with physical disabilities,” he said. The absence of a rail service in Donegal means that there is no alternative for many wheelchair users. The route also serves two other counties Tyrone and Monaghan which do not have rail services said Cllr. Kavanagh.“At the moment wheelchair users cannot travel alone without depending on the goodwill of fellow passengers, and although the Bus Eireann drivers are always very helpful, they are limited in what they can do, without a proper wheelchair lift.He added tt is also very difficult for wheelchair users to avail of the break in Monaghan to get refreshments or to use toilet facilities, as this involves the hassle of getting off the bus retrieving their wheelchair from the luggage, and re boarding the bus, with the result that many wheelchair passengers don’t have any break during the four hour journey.“I’m delighted that Bus Eireann have now decided to include this route for urgent upgrading to fully wheelchair accessible. I have been working with Deputy Joe McHugh T.D. on the issue and I would like to thank him for his help, I would also like to thank the Town Council for supporting my recent motion on this issue, and the members of the Donegal Irish Wheelchair Association ho highlighted the importance of making the route accessible.” concluded Cllr. Kavanagh. LETTERKENNY ROUTE WILL BE WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY BY 2013 was last modified: July 15th, 2013 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:bus eireannCllr Jimmy Kavanagh
Naomh Colmcille seniors got their first points on the board in Division 3 in 2013 with a good win over Naomh Bríd at a windswept Páirc Cholmcille on Saturday evening. The final score was 1-12 to 0-6. Full match report on the club website.The reserves also recorded a great home win against Naomh Brid, following their away success against Aodh Ruadh last week. See website for match report.The minors had no game this week; next up is a home game against Letterkenny Gaels on Friday (19th) – check website / Facebook during the week for more details. The next match for the u14s will be on Monday (15th) at home against Malin.The club have been requested to provide two stewards for the upcoming Donegal v Tyrone match in Ballybofey. Training for stewarding will take place in Ballybofey on Monday 22nd and Monday 29th April with a third date to be decided. . If you are willing to volunteer, please contact Paul Callaghan (0876843608) or Alison Ferry (0879154559).Naomh Colmcille has been asked to host a visiting team for the Feile Peile na nOg (for u14s) taking place in Derry from 28-30 June. This would involve local families hosting a minimum of two visiting players. If we have sufficient host families to look after the visiting club, Naomh Colmcille would participate in the Feile competition itself, and this would involve us playing the visiting club at Pairc Colmcille, and then other matches at Derry venues. If you are willing to act as a host family please contact Paul Callaghan (0876843608) as soon as possible.You can now keep up to date with the latest club news on twitter: Go to https://twitter.com/Naomh_Colmcille and hit Follow. The club is again registered for the Sainsbury’s Active Kids scheme so please start collecting the vouchers on behalf of the club.Well done to William Gillespie and his Donegal u21 team-mates on their excellent Uster Championship campaign. Unfortunately the result in the final against Cavan didn’t go as we would have hoped.Training and Match ScheduleThe use of mouthguards for all underage players will be compulsory from this year onwards, and for all ages (including seniors) from next year. More details available at http://www.gaa.ie/mouthguards/; and on the club website.Information here is correct at the time of compilation of the weekly notes. Check the Training Schedule section on the club website for latest updates on training for all age groups. The page will be updated regularly throughout the week. Updates also on the club’s Facebook page. Subscription of €2 per player (up to and including minors) per week for training. Please make sure you bring your full kit (shorts, track bottoms, boots, sports top/hoodie/coat, drink). Remember a mouth guard is needed for training sessions as well as matches.New players most welcome for all teams. Come along to the session scheduled below, or contact the team coach/manager (contact details on the training schedule section of the club website) for details.U8. Training continues Saturday 20th April at 11:00 am sharp for one hour. U10 girls can also come to this session.U10. Training continues Friday 19th April at 6:30 pm sharp for one hour. U12. Training continues Friday 19th April at 6:30 pm sharp for one hour.U14. Training continues on Sunday (21st April) at 1 pm sharp for one hourMinors. See Facebook page and website for training updates during the week.Seniors / Reserves. Training at the pitch on Tuesday (16th) and Thursday (18th) at 7 pm sharp. The session will run for 1.5 hours. Next match is away to St. Naul’s on Saturday (20th). Time TBC. See Facebook and website during the week for updates.Naomh Colmcille Weekly LottoLast week’s numbers were 7, 13, 8, 15, 17. The winners were Gerard Curran, Arthur Miller and Mary Gallagher who won €25 each.. This week’s numbers were 15, 12, 13, 18, 20. Jonnie Callaghan, Monica McDaid and Bernie McDaid matched 3 numbers and win €25 each. Next week’s jackpot is €2550. The Club would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support of the Lotto as it gives the club the essential means of continuing to give our local kids and adults the chance to avail of a great and healthy pastime.GAA NEWS: NAOMH COLMCILLE GAA NOTES was last modified: April 15th, 2013 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Tags:Naomh Colmcille GAA notes
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