Screengrab from Roland Muller’s Instragam accountFil-German goalkeeper Roland Muller announced his retirement from the Philippine men’s national football team on Wednesday.Muller broke the news on his Instagram account as he posted a photo of himself waving to the crowd that was accompanied by a lengthy and emotional note describing his journey and experience representing the country.ADVERTISEMENT “[Six] years ago, I made [my] first game for the Azkals, a new experience gave the chance to see a part of my roots… teammates became brothers! We lost, fought and won together,” Muller wrote. “I had a great time. I was and will be forever proud to [have] played for this country. I gave always 100%! Hard decision saying ‘goodbye.’ Time to take care of my own family.”“Thank you to [the] support and for all that you did for me. I will never forget this part of my life and I’m so thankful for this chance! I will always be an Azkal.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnThe 29-year-old Muller became part of the Philippine Azkals in 2011 when he made the 20-man roster for the Long Teng Cup.One of the highlights of Muller’s international career was when he played a key role in helping the Philippines qualify for the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup. ‘1917’ takes top honor at the Producers Guild Awards View comments Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite Popovich, coaches searching for answers on rest issue Muller also suited up for Ceres-La Salle in the United Football League.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next LATEST STORIES Panelo: Duterte only wants to emulate strong political will of Marcos
‘Bad Boys for Life’ debuts so good with box office top spot MOST READ Duterte promises to look for funds to establish rail transport in Cebu Prince Harry: ‘No other option’ but to cut royal ties ‘It’s not my shame’: Why Filipino women are calling out sexual misconduct on social media Taal Volcano evacuees warned against going home Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town Palace: Crisis over ABC-CBN franchise unlikely
Month: January 2020
Drug-banned Noah sorry for ‘mistake’ that ‘backfired’
‘1917’ takes top honor at the Producers Guild Awards Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparc Read Next Duterte promises to look for funds to establish rail transport in Cebu Taal Volcano evacuees warned against going home Noah has said he ingested the drug unwittingly in an over-the-counter supplement which is banned under NBA rules.“I made a mistake,” Noah said. “It was a tough year for me and the team and I want to start by apologizing to my teammates, to the Knicks, to the organization. I let a lot of people down. It was a mistake and I got to learn from it and bounce back. FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC return“This is a tough moment but I’m going to learn from it. I tried to take supplements to help me and everything I was going through. I was going through a lot of injuires. I tried to take something to help me and it backfired.“It didn’t come from a bad place. I’ve been working with the league on this for a while. I got punished. Twenty games is severe but it is what it is and I’ve got to bounce back.” FIFA bans Lionel Messi for 4 World Cup qualifying games View comments FILE – In this Jan. 25, 2017, file photo, New York Knicks’ Joakim Noah (13) walks to the bench during a time out in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas. Noah has been suspended 20 games without pay for violating the league’s anti-drug policy, the NBA announced Saturday, March 25, 2017. He tested positive for a substance found in some over-the-counter supplements, the league said. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)New York Knicks center Joakim Noah apologized on Tuesday for the failed drug test that resulted in a 20-game ban, vowing to bounce back from what he called a “mistake” that “backfired.”Noah, the son of French tennis legend Yannick, was suspended by the NBA on Saturday after testing positive for an illicit substance reputed to have effects similar to anabolic steroids.ADVERTISEMENT Palace: Crisis over ABC-CBN franchise unlikely Wildlife rescuers asked to turn over animals to DENR The National Basketball Players Association has noted that Noah was “completely forthcoming and cooperative” throughout the league’s investigation.In 46 games this season for the Knicks, all of them as a starter, Noah has averaged 5.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists.The two-time NBA All-Star, who was named the league’s 2014 Defensive Player of the Year, underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on February 4. He had also been nagged by a hamstring injury earlier this season.ADVERTISEMENT Prince Harry: ‘No other option’ but to cut royal ties ‘Bad Boys for Life’ debuts so good with box office top spot Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town ‘It’s not my shame’: Why Filipino women are calling out sexual misconduct on social media MOST READ Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. LATEST STORIES
PBA players spend Holy break nurturing faith, bonding with family
Panelo: Duterte only wants to emulate strong political will of Marcos Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite LATEST STORIES Canadian military mobilized to help Newfoundland dig out Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. MOST READ SpaceX launches, destroys rocket in astronaut escape test Palace: Crisis over ABC-CBN franchise unlikely “Since it’s the Holy Week, we have no work and we have no games and this is the time for God. If many would notice, there are times when we have hard time sleeping even if we’re really sleepy and tired. And for me, it’s God telling us, ‘Let’s talk,’” said Ababou.“This Lenten season is the best time to talk to God and reflect. It’s also time to ask God what he wants us to do and ask for his forgiveness for the sins we’ve done,” he added. “Eventually, God will give us what we asked for. He’ll give us revelations on what we have to do and he’ll let us feel peace and joy.”Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Dozens wounded as Iraqi protesters up pressure on government Ai-Ai delas Alas on Jiro Manio: ‘Sana pinahalagahan niya ang naitulong ko’ Panelo: Duterte only wants to emulate strong political will of Marcos Welterweight champ Keith Thurman calls out Pacquiao On the edge of America, census begins in a tiny Alaska town Raymond Almazan of Rain or Shine. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netWith the PBA on three-day break for the commemoration of the Holy Week, players around the league have their own ways of spending the coming days whether it be going home to their provinces or favorite vacation spots to unwind.But that’s not to forget about the essence of Lent and some players are taking the opportunity to nurture their faith in God.ADVERTISEMENT His teammate Raymond Almazan will also use the four-day break to catch up with his family.“I want to spend time with my family, with my baby and my wife because now I practice twice a day and I just rest when I get home after practice and I usually see my baby asleep so now is the best time for me to bond with them.” the 6-foot-7 center said.Almazan also shared he used to go with his older brother, who performs flagellation, a religious ritual in an attempt to repent one’s sins during the Lenten season.“Before, I used to whip my brother in the back (as part of a ritual) in our province in Bataan,” Almazan recalled. “My brother did that for five years because he felt he had his shortcomings as a father. Even though he was my brother, I don’t hold back, I make sure I hit him hard because that’s his penitence and he has to feel it.”GlobalPort swingman Dylan Ababou spends the Holy Week by talking to God. He said it’s his way of asking forgiveness and reflecting on what he should do to be a better version of himself.ADVERTISEMENT “For me, the lenten season is about reflecting on the death, passion and resurrection of Jesus so we try to make little sacrifices and also we try to commemorate what happened to our Lord,” said Rain or Shine guard Chris Tiu.“Usually, what I do is to attend retreats or if I can’t do it for a full three, four days then we do daily recollections, watch movies about the life of Jesus or read about it, so basically, it’s about that.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnBut Tiu said the ongoing 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup and its unpredictable schedule has prevented him from going to retreats.“We only found out about our team schedule after this game and I don’t think I’ll be able to do a retreat this year, maybe just daily recollection and just try to catch up with the family, there’s no other work so just spend quality time with my family, my baby is 10 months now. “ Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town View comments
Bucks overwhelm Raptors 104-77, take 2-1 series lead
Milwaukee Bucks’ Greg Monroe drives past Toronto Raptors’ Jonas Valanciunas during the second half of game 3 of their NBA first-round playoff series basketball game Thursday, April 20, 2017, in Milwaukee. AP PHOTOMILWAUKEE— Khris Middleton scored 20 points and the Milwaukee Bucks overwhelmed the cold-shooting Toronto Raptors for a 104-77 win on Thursday night (Friday, Manila) to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.Greg Monroe added 16 points and seven rebounds for the Bucks, who held DeMar DeRozan without a basket and never looked back after leading by 20 points after the first quarter.ADVERTISEMENT View comments Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Presidency bid needs ‘deep reflection’ – Sara Duterte Dozens wounded as Iraqi protesters up pressure on government Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town Making this blowout even more impressive was that they barely needed All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo. He finished with 19 points and eight boards.Game 4 is Saturday (Sunday, Manila) back at the Bradley Center.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnGAME 1 RESULT: Antetokounmpo lifts Bucks over Raptors in series openerGAME 2 RESULT: Lowry bounces back, Raptors edge Bucks to even series at 1-1 Ai-Ai delas Alas on Jiro Manio: ‘Sana pinahalagahan niya ang naitulong ko’ On the edge of America, census begins in a tiny Alaska town Canadian military mobilized to help Newfoundland dig out ‘Big sister’ Hingis looks to end 20-year Fed Cup wait Panelo: Duterte only wants to emulate strong political will of Marcos SpaceX launches, destroys rocket in astronaut escape test MOST READ LATEST STORIES Palace: Crisis over ABC-CBN franchise unlikely On the other end, the Bucks’ length bothered the Raptors. Toronto also started poorly from the 3-point line, missing its first six shots from behind the arc.With about 6 minutes left in the second quarter, the Raptors had called their fourth timeout while trailing by 31. They had only six field goals at the time.If the Bucks take this series, Game 3 might be seen as a turning point in the development of an up-and-coming franchise in a town starving for basketball success. Milwaukee hasn’t won a playoff series since going to the conference finals in 2001.Few fans, if any, left the sold-out Bradley Center by the end of the night, cheering loudly for every last Antetokounmpo dunk and block.TIP INSRaptors: Toronto trailed 57-30 at the half, tying the team’s regular-season low for scoring in a half. The Raptors scored 30 in the second half of a loss at Charlotte on Jan. 20, 2017. … Frustration was evident early in the game. Serge Ibaka was whistled for a technical foul with 2:03 left in the first half and Toronto trailing by 31 points after slamming the ball hard on the floor following a defensive goaltending call.Bucks: Middleton finished 8 of 15 after hitting his first five shots to get the offense going. The 6-foot-8 forward is the Bucks’ best all-around player after Antetokounmpo with his ability to hit from the 3-point line, create in traffic and defend on the perimeter. … Monroe fouled out with 8:07 left.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite With raucous fans wearing black Bucks giveaway T-shirts to match the players’ uniforms, Milwaukee put on a dominating display of basketball worthy of the team’s “Fear the Deer” slogan.The Raptors looked frazzled after shooting 4 of 18 in the first quarter. Kyle Lowry had 13 points.DeRozan scored eight but was 0 of 8 from the field. The Raptors and their playoff-tested backcourt looked nothing like the crew that held off the Bucks in Game 2 in Toronto.This night belonged to Milwaukee.The Bucks moved the ball well, hit open shots and had a double-digit edge on points in the paint for much of the night.ADVERTISEMENT
Croatia welcomed like champions
ZAGREB, Croatia (AP):In an outburst of national pride and joy, Croatia rolled out a red carpet and staged a euphoric welcome for the national team yesterday despite its loss to France in the FIFA World Cup final.Tens of thousands of people wearing national red-and-white chequered colours and waving Croatian flags poured into the streets in the capital Zagreb to greet the team.The joyful, singing crowd crammed the central squares and the route where the players passed in an open bus, greeting fans and signing autographs.Police said more than 250,000 people came out in central Zagreb and many more along the route. The players’ bus travelled for hours, often stopping when it was blocked by the crowds.Thousands of fans, many coming from other parts of the country, began arriving in the centre in the early morning, and emergency medical services said they aided hundreds of fans who collapsed from exhaustion. City authorities brought in water tanks to the city centre.Fans honking car horns, waving and shouting “Bravo! Bravo!” welcomed the bus as it slowly left the airport. The inscription at the front read: “Fiery heart, the pride of Croatia!” in reference to the name ‘The Fiery’, as the team is dubbed at home.As the bus went by, fans followed on bicycles or on foot, waving. Large players’ photos were displayed along the way amid a cacophony of noise and cheers.The first Croatia team to reach the World Cup final showed off their silver medals and embraced the atmosphere in Zagreb.
Overseas-based Jamaica players welcomed – coaches
Lorne Donaldson and Andrew Price, assistant coaches to the Reggae Girlz World Cup team, believe that the Jamaican public has welcomed overseas-based members of the squad. The coaches made their observation during the Kingston stop on the Girlz’s islandwide tour on Sunday. Donaldson noted that things have changed since the Reggae Boyz qualified for the 1998 World Cup. In 1997, there was much ado about the inclusion of the England-based trio of Paul Hall, Fitzroy Simpson, and Deon Burton into the squad that claimed a World Cup berth. Speaking at a meet-the-Girlz press briefing at The Jamaica Pegasus on Sunday, Donaldson used the tour as an example. “I think the Jamaican public is a lot more educated about players,” he said. Asked to gauge the public response to the Girlz during the tour, Donaldson said: “I think all these girls have been accepted by the public. They have seen them … and they have given back a lot to the country already … ” He added: “There are players outside of Jamaica, and we’re just trying to get the best players possible.” Best 23 Price concurred. “Once they can play and they can help the cause, then we are always willing to look at the individual, so we are open to looking and carrying the best 23 women to the World Cup to represent our country and represent us well.” Minister of Sport, Olivia Grange, whose ministry organised the tour, also touched on the subject. “No matter where you were born, if you’re first generation, second generation, you are Jamaican,” she commented. Burton, named Sportsman of the Year in 1997 for his goalscoring feats, as well as Hall and Simpson joined the 1998 World Cup qualifying campaign during its latter stages. The tour ended on Tuesday, with the Girlz receiving the keys to St Ann’s Bay and Spanish Town.
6 to vie for Miss East Bank title on November 25 in Soesdyke
Six young and intelligent ladies competing for the title of Miss East Bank were unveiled to the public on Sunday last at Park Vue Hotel at a simple ceremony.The pageant is set for November 25 at the Soesdyke Ball Field, Back Road, East Bank Demerara.The delegates were selected via a screening process where the best delegates were short listed. The delegates are Emily Nurse, Aultiia English, Aliyah Cort, Carlissa Boyce, Latifa Phillips and Janeil Cumberbatch.The aim of the pageant is to give young girls on the East Bank of Demerara a chance to boost their self-esteem and more so, to showcase their various communities.It will also be used as a catalyst to empower young woman to deal with various social issues such as domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, child abuse, sexual abuse and others.On pageant night, the delegates will be competing in the introductory, swimwear, talent, evening gown and intelligence segments. The contestants are already being trained in various aspects, including using the catwalk, speech and talent.It is expected to be a night of stiff competition since all of the delegates will be bringing their ‘A Game’. Apart from the pageant, there will be lots of entertainment in the finalisation phase. So far, Jory Hector has been confirmed to perform at the event which is being promoted by Boss Level Entertainment.Music will be provided by Silver Star, Blackstone and Hardball Squad. Admission to the event cost $1000.
Buju Banton live in concert on May 25
Reggae superstar Buju Banton is confirmed to perform in Guyana on May 25, 2019 as part of the Guyana Independence Carnival celebrations.Over the past couple days, much excitement has been generated after a few popular social media sites leaked information that Banton was expected to perform in Guyana in May. Well, now it is coming directly from the horse’s mouth, to say: he is coming.Buju BantanAfter seeing how excited Guyanese were to see Buju, High Frequency Entertainment, in collaboration with King Leo Promotion and the Guyana Carnival Committee, decided that it was a great opportunity to make Guyana a part of the “Long Walk to Freedom” tour.Banton, whose “Long Road to Freedom” tour was announced late last year, listed many countries in the Caribbean, such as Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St Kitts, Suriname, Grenada and his home country of Jamaica as concert sights; finally, Guyana is on that list.Banton, who has always referred to Guyana as one of his favourite countries to perform in, in the Caribbean, has not performed here for over 12 years; however, he will return with his full band to give his Guyanese fans a long overdue and highly-anticipated concert.The reggae superstar is known for hits such as “Untold Stories”, “Wanna Be Loved”, “Champion”, “Deportees”, “Not An Easy Road” and much more.Tickets went on sale on Wednesday via the Internet. General admission tickets cost US$25 while the VIP tickets cost US$150 and the VVIP tickets will be available at a cost of US$200 each. For those who wish to purchase their tickets online, you can go to IAMLEGENDCONCERT.COM/I-AM-LEGEND-GUYANAStay tuned to social media sites @guyanacarnival and website www.guyanacarnival592.com for more details.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Pic saved Buju
Free pass…
…on pharma decisionThe AFC, via its leader Raphael Trotman, has announced that everything is hunky-dory with the party on the role Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence played in bypassing the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) to hand out a 5 million sole-sourced pharma contract to ANSA McAL.In the meantime, the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) — which the AFC had fought the PPP tooth and nail to establish, and which is finally in place — hasn’t even completed the investigation which it’s legally mandated to do, and had already started to do!And what was the source of the AFC giving a carte blanche to the Minister of Public Health? Well, just that Mr Trotman knew Ms Lawrence for 25 years, and feels she’s a pillar of the community and all that!!Imagine that!! What else would ANYONE expect Trotman to say about a 25-year-old friendship? The man is loyal to his friends! Remember him picking his “friend” Chantelle Smith over foot soldier Gomattie Singh for an AFC MP seat?? He said his friend Ms Smith needed a job!! Guess he feels his friend Lawrence also does!Well, now we know why the Cabinet sub-committee that “investigated” Ms Lawrence’s predecessor on the rental of the Pharma warehouse let him off with a rap on the knuckles, and the exorbitant rental is still in place. Trotman was chair of that sub-committee!But it’s really outrageous for a full-fledged member of the coalition — with 40% of the seats in Cabinet — to subvert the integrity of the investigative process as the AFC has done. No matter what Mrs. Corbin – as Chair of the PPC — announces after this investigation is complete, it’ll be tainted by Trotman’s affirmation of faith in Lawrence.The point of the matter isn’t the motive of Ms Lawrence for her lapse. As a lawyer, Trotman would know that “intent” and “motive” are two different standards to judge misfeasance; the former focuses on the EFFECT of the action. The bottom line is that Ms Lawrence deliberately broke the rules on Procurement, which resulted in gross enrichment to ANSA McAL to the tune of 0M, which came from the pockets of the Guyanese taxpayers.This is worse than what the Government and SOCU are claiming in their Pradoville II hunt. There, the supposed gains are “opportunity cost”; that is: what the lands COULD have been sold for. Here, the New GPC was ready, willing and able to supply the pharma for half the price. What Trotman’s doing — plain and simple — is trying to subvert the course of justice.But that is par for the course with this PNC-led coalition. Isn’t it?…on UG’s VC fringesNewly-minted VC Ivelaw Griffith — fresh from his fund-raising trip to the US with his personal posse, where they put in a plum and pulled out a (dirty) thumb — had promised that, from his requested mega $5B budget, he’d give staff a big salary increase. They were grossly underpaid, he said. But after getting his budgetary request, he refused to even meet with the staff! So they struck.Responding to their demand for just a 15% raise in salary, the VC pointed to all the “perks” they enjoy. They were being unreasonable with their salary request, he said. So what happened to the budget? Well, the VC now has to pay for new positions created: Deputy VC of Academic Engagement; a Deputy VC for Planning and International Engagement; a Deputy VC of Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement; a Chief of Staff in the Vice-Chancellery within the Vice-Chancellor’s Cabinet; and a new Director of the Office of Strategic Initiatives!And they have super salaries, plus all the perks of the regular staff!…on oilSo here we are, waiting for the oil to start flowing and the good times to roll. And now the PNC-led coalition announces it’ll launch a Sovereign Wealth Fund. Last time they got a windfall (sugar), all Guyana got hydro!!
Policing…
…red herringIt’s been almost four months since the NCM when Charrandas Persaud became a “Judas”, according to the State-owned Chronic. The AFC MP, as we all know, said he voted for the motion because he was fed up with his Government’s treatment of the Berbice constituency he represented. Especially the 4000+ sugar workers his party had betrayed when they uttered not a word after the PNC had unilaterally fired them and thrown them into the streets. He lived among those sugar workers in Canje.The PNC, not surprisingly in view of their history, couldn’t believe anyone could act on principles and accused the PPP of “bribing” Persaud. Bold talk of money being transferred to the MP in some named hotel over in T&T was floated but nothing came of that. AFC’s Ramjattan and Minister of Security then said he’d received a screen shot of a call from Persaud to a gold miner from Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Sydney Allicock, inquiring to purchase gold.Obviously stung by the criticism from the PNC that the “betrayal” came from their ranks, Ramjattan immediately took 2 and 2 and made 5 (under the new Maths!) that this meant Persaud was using his “bribe” money to purchase gold!! And passed it on to the Commissioner of Police (CoP) .Nagamootoo and others fuelled the fire against Persaud, as they struggled to prove their loyalty. The CoP promised he was launching an immediate investigation into this “lead”. Now the CoP is directly under the remit of Minister Ramjattan – who, in fact, is the person who recommends who gets the Co job.Now even though we know, in this particular selection, Ramjattan was sidelined, surely it strains credulity for the CoP to now announce he wasn’t “instructed” to investigate the “gold” story – but was only “informed” by his boss!! C’mon now!! Is Ramjattan, the Public Security Minister just an ordinary street snitch?? Why didn’t Minister Allicock pass on the screen shot directly to the CoP?? Because, dear reader, he knew that coming from Ramjattan, the “tip” carried much more weight. And the line between “inform” and “instruct” is a very thin one when your boss assures you a bribe was passed!!Charrandas, offered a quite plausible explanation for the inquiry on the gold purchase from the miner – that he was doing it on behalf of an overseas client. All Guyanese know that many overseas Guyanese routinely purchase “Guyana gold”. Persaud has in fact sued Ramjattan for libel.But most disturbing is the fact that the Police is still pursuing what is clearly a red herring across the trail of the Government’s defeat by the PPP in the National Assembly.Shouldn’t the Police instead wrap up the SOCU scandal??…and briberyMoving from allegations of bribery against Charrandas Persaud by his Minister, the CoP deftly moved on to the more substantial matter of bribery in the Force under his command. And your Eyewitness notes that this might be part of the reason why the “FORCE” hasn’t yet been transmuted into a “Service” – as was promised for years. After all, Police demanding bribes from the populace has now practically become a cottage industry and this can only be sustained when folks still perceive them as a “Force”!!You don’t expect that an institution that’s actually “serving” you will shake you down, do you?? And this highlights the disjunct between the CoP’s caution to citizens not to OFFER bribes to the Police. From this Eyewitness’ experience, it’s invariably the Police DEMANDING a raise – starting from a “fried rice” to a “Granger” ($5000) and beyond!! Whaddya do when you’re trying to get to work on time, and the Cop demands you follow him back to the station (for crossing the yellow line!).Or give him a Granger??…and SOPsYour Eyewitness thinks the CoP should start the transition to “Service” by issuing SOPs on how his Police talk to citizens.How about a “Please”, or “Good day, Ma’am”? Or, “Thank you, sir” when stopping drivers to ask for “papers”??