Guyana chronicle 04 02 14

GUYANA No. 103729

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2014

The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com

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PRICE: $60

ONLY CRIMINALS from STAND TO non-passage of AML/CFT Bill BENEFIT

INCLUDING VAT

Page 3

President Donald Ramotar

- President questions Opposition’s motives

NIGEL HUGHES IN LEGAL HOT WATER AGAIN Page 3

NIGEL HUGHES

Jeopardises 300 students preparing for CSEC exams in April-May, 2014

Opposition walks out of AML sub-committee meeting

Page 5

- objects to PSC observing committee meetings

At PAC meeting…

- bodies found at Page 11 12 Meten-Meer-Zorg foreshore

Alleged cop killer remanded

Page

Page 10

GECOM’s acting CEO in ‘hot seat’ over financial irregularities

Imbibing fishermen get entangled in seine and perish

Calvin Benn

Man jailed for threatening to kill wife Page 12

Mother, toddler fall into manhole at Stabroek Page 10

- KFC staff had illegally removed cover to clear blockage

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

Parliamentary Select Committee continues AML/CFT review today

By Vanessa Narine

Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall, who

TIME CONSUMING

tabled the Bill in the National THE Parliamentary Select Committee reviewing the

Assembly, had issued a similar caution.

“It was a very time consuming process,” Nandlall

Anti-Money Laundering and

He said the Government’s

Countering the Financing

position is that the Bill should

According to him, what

of Terrorism (AML/CFT)

not be substantially changed,

was recommended could

Bill met yesterday and will

since, in its current form, it has

have been made effective

continue deliberations today.

already secured approval from

by legislation in a piecemeal

CFATF.

manner, but the decision

Chair of the Committee

observed.

and Presidential Adviser

“We have to be careful with

was to do this in a more

on Governance, Ms. Gail

what we are titillating. What is

c o m p re h e n s i v e m a n n e r,

Teixeira to l d t h e Gu y a n a

there is what CFATF wants and

particularly foreseeing

Chronicle that the Opposition

any changes must be in those

challenges with the passage in

is unavailable to meet any

parameters (recommendations)

such a way.

other day this week.

or else we run the risk of the Bill

He said: “It is a big bill,

“Today (Monday) and

now being non-compliant with

but it is a comprehensive

tomorrow (Tuesday) we are

the recommendations which

one that embraces all the

going through the Bill. Last

have already been made,” the

recommendations...it was a

week we had three days,

AG said.

long process.”

Wednesday to Friday, where

Nandlall explained

The Committee is expected

we had presentations from the

that the Bill, which was

to conclude its work to meet the

Bankers Association, Dr. Clive

re-tabled in the House

France-based Financial Action

Thomas and Christopher Ram

after being voted down by

Task Force (FATF) February 13

and the Bar Association,” she

the combined Opposition,

deadline.

said.

is a product of extensive

The significance of the

According to her, much

consultation with the

approaching deadline has

of what was presented were

CFATF, which had issued

been heightened following

commentaries on the Bill.

an advisory on the need for

a statement by FATF last

Teixeira said: “In some

changes in November 2011.

week, which listed Guyana

cases, we had recommendations

But with elections in the air

as the number one country in

for amendments. The task we

then, work was deferred until

the Americas that could be

have now is to review the

after the voting.

taken on by the International

recommended amendments

Nandlall remembered

Cooperation Review Group

to ensure they are in line with

that, after that advice, CFATF

(ICRG) for review and, possibly,

both CFATF’s (Caribbean

o ff i c i a l s v i s i t e d G u y a n a ,

further sanctions due to non-

Financial Action Task Force)

examined the local situation,

compliance.

requirements and international

met with the Government,

T h e FAT F s t a t e m e n t

standards.”

Private Sector, regulatory

said: “The methodology to

She noted, however, that

bodies and other stakeholders;

prioritise jurisdictions in

the Committee has to be careful

examined the legislative

the pool for ICRG review

in making substantial changes to

framework and then made their

was adopted by the FAFT in

the legislation.

recommendations.

October 2010.

Teixeira warned: “The Bill,

He added that the

“It builds on four financial

as it stands, has already been

legislation to give effect to the

indicators – total value of

approved by CFATF and, if we

recommendations was another

Domestic Financial Assets (in

change it, we will be inviting

process that took time.

USD billion); total Domestic

more problems.”

SIMILAR CAUTION In a previous interview with this newspaper, Attorney General and Minister of Legal

“Each provision was

Financial Assets expressed

sent, individually, to CFATF,

in percentage of GDP; Cross

examined by their specialist

Border Interbank Assets (in

and confirmed to have complied

USD billion) and Remittances

with the recommendations,” the

Inflows and Outflows (in

AG said.

USD million) – to rank the jurisdictions in the pool from

Ms. Gail Teixeira, Chair of the Committee, Government’s Chief Whip in Parliament and Presidential Adviser on Governance

1 to 10, where the higher final

8.125 out of 10 and it was

between seven and three, all

ranking means larger and

ahead of Haiti, Aruba,

countries in the Americas.

more integrated financial

Belize, Suriname, Turks and

It was, as well, at the top of

deadline, CFATF itself is

sector.”

Caicos Islands, St. Kitts and

the listing of the jurisdictions

expected to review Guyana’s

the

Nevis, St. Lucia, Grenada

in the ICRG-pool in the Africa/

position in May 2014 at its

statement, Guyana scored

and Dominica with scores

Middle East and Asia/Pacific

next meeting.

According

to

Regions.

In addition to the FATF’s

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

Only criminals stand to benefit from non-passage of AML/CFT Bill - President questions Opposition’s motives

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar is questioning whose interest the combined Opposition is representing, since neither the country’s economy nor its people stand to benefit from the non-passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill, which is currently languishing before a Parliamentary select committee.

The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) recently ranked Guyana as one of the most delinquent countries that is most likely to be selected for review by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the International Cooperation Review Group’s (ICRG) later this month.

As it stands, the country has already been blacklisted by CFATF since November last year, and the effects of that label have begun to penetrate the local financial sector. Should the country be subjected to a review by FATF, it would be seen internationally as a terrorist state and one that is in support of money laundering. As such, transactions with financial institutions overseas will be suspiciously examined, and they will become more time consuming and expensive.

“Who will benefit if this Bill is not passed? Definitively not the Guyanese people…in the first instance it will affect the cost for people in our country doing business with banks abroad… it will also give our country a very bad name and send a message to investors that can negatively impact investments coming to our country,” the Head of State lamented during a programme titled ‘The Conversation’ aired on the National Communications Network (NCN) yesterday.

He emphasised that not only will the banking and insurance sectors be affected, but there will be dire impacts on investments which contribute significantly to job creation. Further, even ordinary Guyanese citizens who conduct money transfer transactions with relatives overseas will not be spared the consequences of international blacklisting.

The President said that the only people that stand to derive benefits from the non-passage of this important piece of legislation are those perpetrating money laundering and other financial crimes. As such, the parliamentary Opposition needs to decide whose interest they are representing.

The intention of the amendments to the AML/CFT Bill is simply to bring Guyana’s financial crimes legislation in line

with those of other jurisdictions. It addresses loopholes in the existing Act under which money laundering and financing of terrorism can be done.

The Bill was tabled in the National Assembly since March 2013 at which time the Opposition asked for it to be sent to a select committee for further deliberations and to make amendments where necessary. This was done; however, at the select committee, the Opposition employed a number of delaying tactics to stymie the work of that committee. As a result, Guyana missed consecutive deadlines in May, August and November in 2013.

Missing the latter led to CFATF issuing an adverse public statement calling on member states which fall under its jurisdiction to take the necessary measures to protect themselves from the risks that Guyana poses as a money laundering and terrorism State.

The President reminded that even though the Opposition rejected the Bill when it came up for the third reading in early November last year, they are yet to state what their contentions are with it and propose amendments accordingly.

The defeated Bill was re-tabled in December and was again sent to a select committee, on request by the Opposition.

The President said that his Government was very optimistic after the Opposition echoed a call for the Bill to be re-tabled.

However, the same old delaying tactics are being played out in this new select committee. The Opposition refused to allow the media, as well as relevant stakeholders to observe the meetings of that committee.

This, President Ramotar said, is cause for great concern about the real intentions of the Opposition. Further, in a design to waste time, they insisted that persons, who made submissions to the committee, re-appear before it.

Reference was made to a recent APNU statement in which the party stated that it will not support the Bill. He said that given their one-seat majority in the Parliament, should they follow through with this intention, then the country will be blacklisted internationally.

With regard to the Opposition’s call for the President to assent to certain Bills in exchange for their support for the AML/ CFT, the Head of State stated that at present there are no Bills before him. The ones that he refused to assent to on the basis

of unconstitutionality were returned to the Parliament with an appropriate explanation.

He informed that there is a constitutional procedure that must be followed for the Bills to be returned to him.

Thus far, he said there has been no legitimate force in Guyana that opposes the amendments to the AML/CFT Bill. The largest section of organised labour, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions (FITUG), the Private Sector Commission (PSC), farmers through the Rice Producers’ Association (RPA) and ordinary Guyanese cit- President Donald Ramotar izens have all come out in support of the Bill because they recognise the damaging effects of its non-passage.

President Ramotar said that this stance that they (the Opposition) have taken will essentially protect criminals and money launderers. “They have intelligent people on their side, and they must know the consequences of the non-passage of this Bill…I hope that the Opposition will go on the side of the legitimate forces of Guyana…I still hope that they recognise that they have absolutely nothing to gain by not passing this Bill,” the President stated.

He reminded that international blacklisting will affect all Guyanese, regardless of whether they support the PPP/C or any of the Opposition parties (APNU or AFC).

The Bill in its current form before the House has already been approved by the CFATF, as it meets all of the requirements and incorporates the recommendations that were made by the watchdog body.

NIGEL HUGHES IN LEGAL HOT WATER AGAIN Jeopardises 300 students preparing for CSEC exams in April-May, 2014

THE Alliance For Change (AFC) Chairman, Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Nigel Hughes, seems incapable of staying out of legal trouble.

On the 17th January, 2014, Mayfield French, the owner of popular city school Mae’s, sued Nigel Hughes, Hand-in-Hand Mutual Life Insurance Company and the Registrar of the Supreme Court in respect of a property located at Lot 29 Subryanville, Kitty, Georgetown, upon which part of the school has been built.

In the Court papers which were seen by this newspaper, French is contending that since February 24th 2006, she purchased the said property from Nigel Hughes for the sum of $20,000,000 (twenty million dollars). She paid $8,000,000 (eight million dollars) as a deposit and went in possession; transport was supposed to be passed within 8 months and a mortgage on the said property was supposed to be paid off before the passing of the said transport.

In the meanwhile, this property was built up by French with buildings constructed on it as part of the school building complex.

According to French, she spent nearly $400,000,000 (four hundred million dollars) on the said property. The portion which was bought from Hughes houses classrooms of Mae’s Secondary School, the canteen and the auditorium offices, washroom and other administrative and learning spaces. However, Hughes never passed transport to her.

STUDENTS’ EVICTION Before the sale to French, Hughes had mortgaged the very

property to Hand-in-Hand Mutual Life Insurance Company.

French claimed that it was only in December, 2013that she first learnt that Hughes never paid off a loan for which this said property was mortgaged as collateral and that Hand-in-Hand Mutual Life Insurance obtained foreclosure proceedings against the property and Hughes since 20th March, 2012.

Hughes’s indebtedness to the company stands at over $26,000,000 (twenty-six million dollars). The property was levied upon in December, 2013, by the Marshal of the Supreme Court and purportedly sold at an auction.

According to French, NIGEL HUGHES Hughes never disclosed that he did not pay off the loan; that he was sued as a result, and that a foreclosure order was obtained against the property. French claimed as a result she now faces ruin.

In the Court’s document, she states: “The Plaintiff has no premises in which to house Mae’s Secondary except the building on East ½ of Lot 29 Third Avenue which was built by the Plaintiff specifically for that purpose.

There are three hundred (300) secondary students in occupation of the building, all students of forms 1-5, fifty-nine of which are preparing for their CSEC examination in April and May. These students would face irreparable damage if evicted from their school.”

RANK FRAUD A senior Legal Practitioner who spoke with Chronicle said Hughes’s conduct constitutes “a rank fraud” against French. “This is the kind of conduct that brings shame and disgrace to the profession,” the source concluded.

Only recently the National Assembly unanimously passed an amendment to the Deeds Registry Act to protect purchasers from the fraudulent conduct of vendors who sell their property multiple times without passing transport or just as Hughes did, mortgage same to a financial institution and then refuse to pay the mortgage.

The Alliance For Change supported this Bill. Little did they know that their own Chairman was himself a miscreant, or did they know?

One would recall that KhemrajRamjattan, leader of theAlliance For Change claimed that he did not know that Hughes was the Company Secretary for Amaila Falls Hydro Inc.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

Health Ministry partners with Periwinkle Cancer Club for World Cancer Day activities today

By Shivanie Sugrim

THE Ministry of Health is collaborating with the Periwinkle Cancer Club to mark World Cancer Day, which is being observed today under the theme: ‘Reduce Stigma and Dispel Myths: Debunk Myths’, as proclaimed by the World Cancer Declaration.

Prostate, breast, lung and cervical cancers are identified as the main cancers affecting the Guyanese population, leaving Guyana with the third highest rate of deaths from cervical cancer in the Western Hemisphere.

The Health Ministry continues its national response to ensure preventive methods, such as immunisation against cervical cancer and screening, are made available to the general population via these cancer clubs/organisations, namely the “small and vibrant cancer

fighters –(such as) the Periwinkle Cancer Club,” Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran said.

At a press conference yesterday at the Ministry of Health headquarters, Minister Ramsaran announced the ministry’s collaboration with the Periwinkle Cancer Club to aid in educating the public, cancer screening campaigns and other cancer awareness and treatment necessities, with the objective of fighting against the chronic

that hypertension, diabetes, asthma and cancer are quite prominent in Guyana today. He also pointed out such cancer risk factors as tobacco smoking, inadequate diet, alcohol consumption and a sedentary lifestyle.

LEADING CANCERS IN GUYANA The leading cancers in Guyana are prostate, breast and cervical. The collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Periwinkle Club is

Prostate, breast, lung and cervical cancers are identified as the main cancers affecting the Guyanese population, leaving Guyana with the third highest rate of deaths from cervical cancer in the Western Hemisphere. disease, cancer.

Present also were founding member of the Periwinkle Cancer Club, Ms. Bridget Callender and the secretary, Ms. Stella Mitchell.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has noted that cancer is becoming more prevalent today, and prostate cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in Guyana.

On the 30th of December, 2013, the ministry launched a strategy-based campaign which has arrived at the conclusion that: “NCDs (Non-Communicable Diseases) are becoming an epidemic.”

Minister Ramsaran noted

expected to spearhead a drive against these cancers.

Ms. Mitchell extended her gratitude to the Ministry of Health for assisting the Periwinkle Club in various ways to carry out their activities. She said they are hoping to achieve greater awareness among persons to help them live a longer and more comfortable life by exercising and eating healthy foods.

MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES She noted that as it relates to exercise, they have implemented martial arts classes to help promote exercise. Dr. Ramsaran pointed out that “30 minutes of moderate exercise is essential per day.”

The club is also fostering education for the survivors of cancer while promoting awareness for early screening. More-

DATE: 01/02/2014 B 07 10 20 28 15 25 27

Periwinkle representatives, Ms. Mitchell and Ms. Callender, along with Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, posing with their tokens of appreciation, compliments of the Ministry of Health so far they have had cancer T-shirt and perfume. The Wellover, they are hoping to partner outreach campaigns at Fort ness Warriors group is another with the Ministry of Health to Wellington, Linden and Santa branch of cancer fighters in conduct Visual Inspection using Mission.

Guyana.

Ascetic Acid (VIA) in districts A year ago, the HPV vacthat are not easily accessible, Dr. Ramsaran said, “I’m given that the VIA helps in cine drive was initiated to prehappy that you’re advocating identifying pre-cancerous cells vent cervical cancer in women to fight against cancer...” as he in the cervix. before they become sexually commended them for their hard Dr. Ramsaran also noted active. And the Periwinkle Canwork. “We are engaging the that “early detection can lead to cer Club has been working to Periwinkle Club as a strategic simple, early intervention and promote the use of these vacpartner to help us mobilise the good, long term treatment.” cines, and is accelerating the communities and use their reach He gladly announced that drive on the occasion of World because the ministry cannot do “the ministry will partner with Cancer Day. it alone.” the Periwinkle Club to push Following the press conMoreover, the club is urgcervical cancer screening” and ing men to undergo screening ference, a little token of apassist in providing transportagiven that both breast and preciation was presented to the tion and information flyers. prostate cancers are prevalent.

Periwinkle Cancer Club. They The Periwinkle Cancer Club Ms. Mitchell concluded that received a gift bag of a box of has been in existence for over “cancer is not the end of life.” chocolates, a Wellness Warrior seven consecutive years and

30/01/2014

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14 18 13 05 12 02 20

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02 04 06 09 11 16 21

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

AG dismisses claims of ‘constitutional crisis’ flowing from recent ruling in budget cuts case

By Vanessa Narine

TALK of a constitutional crisis as a result of the recent ruling of Chief Justice Ian Chang on the 2012 Budget cuts which were made by the combined Opposition have been debunked by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, he said, “What ‘constitutional crisis’ means in this context (the Chief Justice’s ruling) is not explained by those who are making such wanton predictions.”

He flayed the leaders of A Partnership for National Unity

(APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), David Granger and Khemraj Ramjattan respectively, for making such claims.

“I consider such statements to be irresponsible and reckless, in that they can convey the impression to the citizens, the business sector and internationally that Guyana is on the precipice of some constitutional catastrophe,” Nandlall said.

According to him, such an impression can create unnecessary tension, fears and uncertainty, all which are wholly without any factual or legal basis.

He said, “These statements are coming from persons in au-

thority and who are presumed to know better.”

CONSEQUENCES The AG explained that, in his view, the Chief Justice’s ruling can result in three possible eventualities. He said, “Three consequences can flow from the Chief Justice’s ruling: (a) The budget is passed as presented by the Finance Minister (b) The Opposition withholds their support for certain parts of the budget, in which case the Finance Minister will amend his estimates to capture the approval of the Opposition (c) The third possibility is

that the Opposition may withhold their support from the entire budget. If this occurs, then General Elections MAY be -- not MUST be -- a consequence.”

Nandlall stressed that none of the three eventualities can be described as a constitutional crisis. He said, “I presume that those who predict this constitutional crisis are referring to the holding of national elections.

How the holding of national elections can amount to a constitutional crisis is indeed mind-boggling.”

Nandlall made it clear that national elections are a process prescribed by the Constitution.

Opposition walks out of AML sub-committee meeting

- objects to PSC observing committee meetings OPPOSITION parliamentarians last evening walked out of the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Special Select Committee meeting, in response to Government support for the Private Sector Commission’s (PSC) attendance at meetings of the committee in an “observer” capacity.

The PSC had submitted a letter to the sub-committee last month requesting, as stakeholders, to observe the meetings. Last evening Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh moved the motion to have the PSC attend the meetings, but the Opposition, after objecting strenuously to the PSC being allowed to attend all meetings of the committee, walked out of the meeting in an attempt to avoid voting on the matter.

In an invited comment, Minister Singh stated that Government’s position was clear in that the private sector of Guyana has a legitimate interest in the timely passage of the legislation, given the grave consequences that would devolve on Guyana’s economy should Parliament fail to enact the amendments.

“This is a most unfortunate development, and reflects yet another attempt by the Opposition to frustrate the timely passage of this bill,” the Finance Minister declared.

“Their refusal to allow the PSC to observe the committee’s proceedings reflects the fact that they are unwilling to be unmasked and have revealed to the world at large the blatant delay tactics they have been attempting in frustrating the work of the committee.”

Minister Singh further noted that government members of

the committee emphasised that they would have absolutely no objection to the PSC attending and observing the proceedings of the committee.

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh “In contrast, the Opposition clearly and persistently objected to the PSC being permitted to attend and observe all of the meetings of the committee,” explained Minister Singh.

“They attempted to evade and contort the matter and, eventually, when the chairperson of the committee attempted

to put to the committee the specific matter of whether the PSC should be permitted to attend all meetings of the committee in an observer capacity, the Opposition walked out.”

This is the second incident where the Opposition has moved to muzzle the PSC in Parliament.

On November 6 last year, the combined Opposition voted down the motion for the reading of the PSC petition on the Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill prior to its debate in the National Assembly.

The petition represented 17 private sector groups which sought to urge Members of Parliament to recognise the damage to the private sector,the local economy and the citizens of Guyana if the legislature failed to enact the bill.

The business community has already begun to feel the consequences of Guyana be-

ing blacklisted by the CFATF. While FATF will discuss the case of Guyana at its plenary meeting in Paris scheduled from February 12-14, CFATF itself is expected to review Guyana’s position at its next meeting in May. According to the FATF, jurisdictions that have not made sufficient progress in addressing the deficiencies or have not committed to an action plan developed with the FATF to address AML/CFT will be penalised. If Guyana does not comply, it will join countries such as Algeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Myanmar, Pakistan, Syria and Yemen as a blacklisted country by the FATF.

In other words, it is a constitutional process, and can never be described as a “constitutional crisis”.

APPEALS Asked about the commitments made by the Opposition Leaders’ pledges to pursue appeals of the Chief Justice’s

Attorney General Anil Nandlall ruling, the AG said only the Speaker of the National Assembly can make an appeal to the local Court of Appeal.

He said, “In terms of the appeal, in my view Mr. Granger cannot appeal the Chief Justice’s final ruling because, at that stage of the proceedings, he was no longer a party, having being struck out earlier.”

He added that Granger had appealed to the Full Court the Chief Justice’s decision to strike him out. “That Court, comprising Justices Rishi Persaud and Bovell-Drakes, dismissed his appeal on the ground that it was filed in the wrong court, and therefore that court had no jurisdiction to deal with the matter,” Nandlall said.

According to him, any appeal referred to by Granger must be an appeal against the Full Court’s ruling, and not the Chief

Justice’s ruling.

“Such an appeal will lie, in my view, with the Court of Appeal. In any event, such an appeal will only address the issue of whether the Full Court was right or wrong in declining jurisdiction, and nothing else,” he said.

The AG noted that he is doubtful of the “practical value” of such an appeal at this stage.

RESPECTED Nandlall told the Guyana Chronicle that the Government expects that the Chief Justice’s ruling will be respected and obeyed.

He said, “I observed in the press the notion being peddled that the Chief Justice’s ruling mandates the Opposition either to approve the entire Budget, or to reject the entire Budget.

In my considered view, nothing in the Chief Justice’s ruling, either expressly or by implication, can lead to such a conclusion or inference. The Chief Justice has ruled that the National Assembly has no legal or constitutional power to amend the estimates of the Finance Minister by way of reduction or increase; and that the Opposition in the National Assembly has a power of approval (not disapproval), or a power to withhold their approval from those parts of the Budget which do not meet their approval.

“In such an eventuality, the Finance Minister will have to amend his estimates to meet the approval of the Opposition of the National Assembly.”

The national budget is expected to be presented to the National Assembly in March; and, to date, other than the pledge to appeal the decision, there has been no word from the combined Opposition on the next move as it relates to the 2014 Budget.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

GUYANA

What happens to children left without parental care and guidance?

EDITORIAL

MY heart goes out to Nicholas Kissoon, the young man who is allegedly a “sex commercial worker”, and who accused the cops of sodomy.

Kissoon went to the rooftop of the Police Co-op building to gain attention for his cause, and was clearly suffering from mental, emotional and societal agony. According to press reports, he expressed that he was fed up with his lifestyle, and kept blurting, “I want dead, I want dead”.

The 16-year-old’s mother is apparently ill, while his father is serving a life sentence for murder. With apparently no one to take care of him, how was the young man supposed to survive? What if his mother were not sick - would his fate be different? If his father had gainful employment instead of serving time in jail for murder, would it have mattered? And if Nicholas had encountered good role models to look up to - who would respect him and guide him, would he have been a different lad today?

Where are all those who preach on radio, T.V., on the roadsides

and in the noisy churches, proclaiming how much they love God? Have they done anything for the likes of Nicholas Kissoon? They could “tell” of God’s love by giving him some of the basics such as food and clothing, and most of all, respect. Jesus came for all, especially for the outcasts of society.

The boy obviously needs respect, food, clothing, good role models, and friends. He needs a good education and discipline, and needs to experience the love of people and God in his life. Instead of laughing and mocking the young man because of his sexual orientation, we ought to help, love, care and pray for him; God can do a miracle in his life through our acts of love.

Our response to the eccentric, the unfortunate and the “despicable” speaks volumes of our maturity as a society in the 21st century.

ONE of the oldest mottos of the workers’ education movement is: “Knowledge is Power”. The promotion of collective bargaining obviously presupposes the presence of the parties at the bargaining table and therefore the designation of the organisations that will represent the workers. The Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (No. 98) calls on States to take measures to encourage and promote voluntary collective bargaining. It refers specifically to “the full development utilisation of machinery for voluntary negotiation”. Importance is placed on the voluntary nature of collective bargaining, thus limiting the State’s direct role in the process. However, this is balanced against the concept of “Promotion”: a State is not entitled to remain indifferent with respect to collective bargaining.

While the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) supervisory bodies have not determined an “ideal” collective bargaining system, they have identified practices and procedures that promote collective bargaining. The recognition of representative trade unions for the purpose of collective bargaining, good-faith bargaining, the prohibition of unfair labour practices, and mediation/conciliation procedures have been identified in this context, all of which are provided for in all Guyanese jurisdictions.

Once certification is granted, either party can give notice to begin collective bargaining. When notice to bargain is given, the employer again must refrain from unilaterally changing terms and conditions of employment, and both the union and the employer are obliged not only to bargain, but to bargain in good faith. Good-faith bargaining is important in the view of the ILO supervisory bodies “for the maintenance of harmonious development of labour relations”.

Although good-faith bargaining does require the parties to reach an agreement, it does require them to make every reasonable effort to enter into collective agreement. In this context, the Committee on Freedom of Association has noted the importance of genuine and constructive negotiations and avoidance of unjustified delays. The committee has also stated that agreements, once reached, should be binding on the parties which is the case of collective agreements under the laws of Guyana.

ILO Convention 154 (Convention concerning the promotion of collective bargaining 1981) Article 5 states: 1.

Measures adapted to national conditions shall be taken to promote collective bargaining.

2.

The aims of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 of Article shall be the following: a) collective bargaining should be made possible for all em-

ployers and all groups of workers in the branches of activity covered by this Convention; b) collective bargaining should be progressively extended to all matters covered by subparagraphs (a) determining working and terms of employment; and/or, (b) regulating relations between employers and workers; and/or and (c) regulating relations between employers or their organisations and a workers’ organisation or workers’ organisations, of Article 2 of this Convention; c) the establishment of rules of procedure agreed between employers’ and workers’ organisations should be encouraged; d) collective bargaining should not be hampered by the absence of rules governing the procedure to be used or by the inadequacy or inappropriateness of such rules; e) bodies and procedures for the settlement of labour disputes should be conceived as to contribute to the promotion of collective bargaining.

Finally, let it be emphasised that the organisation and content of labour training for Trade Unionists must take into account certain guiding principles, including timeliness and relevancy, so as to ensure that immediate and emerging problems facing the Trade Union Movement in our country at the national, local and industry-wide levels organised in terms of priority concerns and presented from a practical problem-oriented point of view, taking into account their direct impact on the lives of the workers.

The world’s number one citizen,the late Nelson Mandela said: “ Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.

Global food Promotion of Collective prices still impact Guyana Bargaining in enterprises EVEN though Guyana is a net exporter of food, it is not insulated from the impact of global food prices.

Guyana is the only country in the Caribbean basin which can claim the status as a net exporter of food; but this fact does not necessarily cushion us against the impacts of the price of food, as the prices of the world’s commodities are a function of global supply and demand.

And of course, we are particularly vulnerable to the inexorable rise in the cost of fuel and other inputs needed for food production.

So what is necessary, and has resulted in the PPP/C administration unveiling a number of additional, pivotally important economic interventions to cushion the impact on Guyanese, especially the most vulnerable groups, is an holistic effort within the agricultural community to diversify production and rotate crops in order to sustain viability of the sector, especially in view of the global economics and the impacts of the climate change phenomenon.

All across the world the crisis has been unfolding at an alarming speed, whereby food prices have been increasing on a daily basis, with many communities in various countries even facing starvation.

The devastation of crops by natural phenomena, as well as other man-made disasters, is expected to continue having a significant impact on the price of staples.

Joachim von Braun, Head of the International Food Policy Research Institute in Washington, said “world agriculture has entered a new, unsustainable and politically risky period, shown by the food riots that have erupted in countries all along the equator.”

However, the productive capability of countries clustered around the equator is climactically advantageous, and the Region, rather than being the early indicators of social upheaval when food prices are affected, can begin to look at these situations as opportunities.

Guyana, although relatively better off due to the aggressive steps taken by Government to cushion prices by zero-rating more food items and significantly reducing taxes on fuel, whilst significantly increasing disposable incomes, among other interventions, is poised to take advantage of the opportunities. However, a concerted, patriotic effort is needed across the entire spectrum of our society to begin to grapple with the changes we must make.

Our future can be a bright one, even as the world faces a dawn on a horizon on which looms the issues of climate change and the increasingly erratic weather phenomena associated with it, unaffordable and increasingly unavailable fuel, and increasing demand for food as consumer patterns change in emerging economies and competition increases for food acreage from bio-fuel.

The nexus of climatic impacts, geo-political strategies, energy inflation and fertiliser inflation, and shifting consumer patterns have formed an inter-related population of factors which all contribute to increasing food prices, whether they are emerging and their effects only now being felt, or they have been around for a significant length of time.

What is clear is that the combination of global factors is now fuelling the current high prices across all continents, as well as here at home.

The identifiable contributory factors include, inter alia: record oil prices have increased the cost of agricultural production by boosting the cost of fertilizer and pesticides, mechanized cultivation and transport of inputs to production and processing centres and outputs to markets. Also to be taken into consideration are

the increased demand for food and changes in eating habits, as well as rapid economic growth in many developing countries, especially China and India.

Thus, the continuum of interventions by Government in all sectors, with special focus on the agriculture sector, has assured Guyana of food security, and we have met the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goal, while yet being constrained by the influences of global imperatives and impacts.

DEVANAND BHAGWAN

SHERWOOD CLARKE General President Clerical & Commercial Workers’ Union

Is this the only British Guiana telephone directory?

I MAKE a special appeal to the public at large to search those old cartoon boxes, attics, cupboards, book shelves, garages, etc, and hopefully you would un-earth a copy of a British Guiana Telephone Directory.

Also, I am kindly asking whether The Guyana Trust, The National Library, University of Guyana Library,the National Archives, Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Heritage Museum, Historians or anyone else can say whether there is only one edition of the British Guiana Directory?

T. PEMBERTON

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

Commentary by David DeGroot VIOLENCE in the country is a national disgrace and the priority concern of all right-thinking Guyanese, so the time is long past for drastic measures to be put in place to arrest the prevalent use of weapons in the perpetration of violent crimes.

A most frightening development is the apparent easy access of all ages of criminals desirous of owning any type

of weapon; which prompts the question: what is being done by the authorities to confront and deal with this deadly threat to the society at large? No one can really feel safe from criminal elements in the society, particularly business persons and private citizens who, for one reason or another carry large sums of cash on their persons.

Then there are areas where gun usage – such as domestic

violence, unstable minds leading to “jealous” killings; and still further, areas such as acts of assassination and associated deaths linked to money laundering make national headlines with great frequency. There are many instances where there is the unlawful use of firearms, but the point being made here is that accessibility to firearms appears to be much too easy and worry-free.

Urgent and more serious thought must be devoted to elimination of the use of guns in the wider society; and it must be conceded that the peculiarity of borders in our country poses real problems of monitoring movement of cross-border trafficking, thus rendering easy smuggling of illicit commodities – such as drugs and arms.

However, an effort should be made to elevate this dialogue to

Heinous crimes are more and more bearing a juvenile face I DO not think persons in Guyana are really taking note of what is going on in our country, Region 4 in particular. I mean the real impact of what is taking place in Guyana. I speak of the spate of blood-curdling murders that seems to hit the headlines on a daily basis. This is indeed shocking!

The spate and level of these horrific crimes are beyond comprehension, and to add fuel to the fire is the youthfulness of the offenders, teen-aged girls included. Truly, I believe serious crimes of a juvenile nature has reached an all-time high; and if something is not done soon enough, our country will become one of those crime capitals, if not the crime capital, of the Caribbean. We are most certainly nearing the top, judging from Guyana’s low population and the high incidence of murders, we are at the pinnacle of things.

We have now grown accustomed to the notoriety of being called the murder capital of the Caribbean.

Like the proverbial ostrich that hides its head in the sand, I would like to think that it is not happening here, that these horror stories are taking place somewhere else such as in a North American capital, but quite to the contrary, it is all happening right here in Georgetown right before our very eyes; people killing people as if there is no tomorrow.

Now, let us review a few of these horror stories. The murder of taxi driver Rubindranauth Jeeboo - his life brutally snuffed out by three teenagers who stole his car then strangled him. Just a week later the same trio ambushed Raphael Campbell and did the very same thing, stole his taxi and killed him too. This is reminiscent of serial killers of the North American type, where cold-blooded murderers can go on a rampage, lynching their victims indiscriminately. These are horror stories of the worst kind and, most troubling to say the least, committed by youngsters who can be so bold and daring at such a tender age. Then, heaven help us; what would our country be like when these become adults and are still allowed to roam free among us?

The story is not always lopsided, that is, on the side of the crim-

inal, but victims of these heinous crimes are also fighting back - an example being the young man who was slain at Paradise on the East Coast of Demerara. In that armed home invasion, one of the perpetrators met his demise at the hands of a licensed firearm owner, the armed bandit being a mere teenager of 15 years. While I commend Mr Evans for stoutly defending his family - and I wish all armed home invasions turn out this way - the spine-chilling reality still remains that all of these cases are youthful offenders. Youthful and of a certain ethnicity, which is certainly worrying; in the afore-mentioned matter, two teenaged girls are also implicated. What in the world is going on in our country?

So, let me sum up here: heinous crimes are more and more bearing a juvenile face. We must “man up” to the harsh reality that this situation has reached epic proportions due to the following reasons; (a) The Opposition, by their mindless antics in parliament, have given these bandits and would-be bandits tacit support. They have not, to date, openly condemned these acts of criminality; rather, they’ve been politicising the whole issue by blaming the victims and the Government, among other things. These acts only embolden the felons and, as seen in those matters cited above, encourage new and younger recruits for criminal activity. (b) These serious crimes are taking place in their strongholds, so what have they done to rectify or turn this around? What have they done for the youths in their constituencies? Instead of using them to gain cheap political mileage in times of so-called protests, why not go down into their communities and source out avenues that would lead them away from a life of crime? (c) Thirdly, some justices are into the habit of freeing the felons, releasing them back into the mainstream society to commit more crimes.

I shall deal with the last item in a more detailed way in a subsequent letter.

a national concern and to solicit the assistance of the opposition and all other stakeholders to participate in confronting this deadly scourge.

How about calling for a voluntary handing-in of weapons, even perhaps an agreement to pay for all illegal weapons within a stated period of time?

This could be the start of an attempt to address the prevalence of the use of guns.

David DeGroot

Guyana opens investigation into Brazilian diplomatic mission FOREIGN Affairs Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett has ordered a full investigation launched into the Guyana Diplomatic Mission in Brazil. During a media briefing yesterday, the minister stated that she had received a letter which indicated a few issues and these are to be checked.

“Some (issues) needed straightforward answers which I did not get, so I ordered a full investigation,” the minister stated.

She declined to say whether the issues included alleged misuse of consular property. “At the end of it, I think we would be able to say whether it includes all of those but it certainly did include some wrongdoing,” Minister Rodrigues said.

That Consulate is headed by Leila King, the widow of Guyanese businessman, David King.

The Foreign Minister suggested that based on the trend of the probe, changes would be coming soon at the Boa Vista Honorary Consulate after the investigations are concluded shortly. “We will take the necessary action as soon as the report is submitted to me,” she said.

More information will be revealed after the investigation is completed she assured the Media Corps.

She also assured that the administrative problems had not affected relations between Guyana and Brazil.

NEIL ADAMS

The continuum of airline fiascos CONVIASA is to begin scheduled flights this month, while Government is in talks with other airlines.

One thing I beg the authorities not to let happen, and that is never to allow “intransit” passengers to overstay their time sitting in a plane or in the airport as those “Trinis” did to Guyanese.

Before you know it, Guyana and Guyanese will be branded as dirt bags, same as those “Trinis” that (allegedly) “feel up” and “finger” Guyanese at their airport.

Over the last two years, the sector has seen the exit of both large and small airlines, including Delta Airlines, Ezejet and REDjet, among others. On the other hand, the sector has seen the entrance of several airlines, including Suriname Airways, Fly Jamaica and TravelSpan.

An official has stated that the exit of Delta Airlines had contributed significantly to the decrease in passenger movement through the CJIA. Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the CJIA also reported a decrease of 12% in passenger arrivals for 2013. Immigration processed 235,967 passengers during 2013 when compared to 267,652 for the same period in 2012. Total passenger movement for

2013 amounted to 479,177 compared to 543,374 in 2012.

There was also an 18% decrease in international aircraft movement with 3,811 international aircraft movements being recorded as of December 2013, when compared to 4,640 for the same period in 2012.

It matters a lot whenever there is a decrease in flights and passengers to any country.

I am willing to bet officials do not know the cause for this decrease in passengers: lots of people could not care less for Caribbean Airlines, even since it was BWIA. No matter how many times the “Trinis” changed their names, many Guyanese never travelled and will never travel with them.

Same goes for PNC, to PNCR, to PNCRiG, to APNU, it is still PNC. Government needs to get Guyana its very own national air carrier and you are bound to see an increase in passengers arriving in Guyana in record-breaking numbers again.

Simply put, Guyanese would never trust the “Trinis” - ever.

T. KING

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn RodriguesBirkett addressing a news conference yesterday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

Bankers reiterate call for action on AML/CFT Bill

By Vanessa Narine

THE Guyana Bankers Association, yesterday reiterated its call for action on the Anti–Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act (AML/CFT) Bill, ahead of the February 13 meeting of the France-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Head of the local body, Mr. Amit Kumar, told the Guyana Chronicle that the banks here see a strong AML/CFT legislative framework as fundamental to their continued functioning.

In a presentation last Wednesday to the Parliamentary Select Committee reviewing the Bill, he said urgent action is needed to ensure that all of Guyana’s commercial banks are in accordance with acceptable international standards.

Kumar made clear that it is important that Guyana enacts the recommendations of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), which include amendments to the current law that are “comprehensive and satisfactorily compliant” with all international and domestic requirements.

He said the implications of non-compliance were outlined at the Select Committee meeting.

The statement to the Committee read: “Without the necessary action taken to ensure compliance with the CFATF’s recommendations to enhance Guyana’s AML/CFT framework, there would be far-reaching implications for the financial/banking sector.”

STATED IMPLICATIONS The stated implications included the facts that:

* Bank-to-Bank relationships and business between Guyana’s commercial banks and foreign banks may be halted for an unpredictable amount of time. This includes relationships with commercial banks in sister CARICOM territories. The foreign banks may opt not to do business at all with Guyana’s banks if Guyana’s AML/ CFT laws do not meet the standard required by the requisite AML/ CFT bodies (in this case the CFATF) and are thereby inadequate to provide those institutions with the requisite level of comfort to conduct business with local banks; * Adequate access to foreign exchange in a timely manner may be affected; * Members of the public may experience difficulty in sending, or receiving money from overseas, through commercial banks and cambios if the correspondent banking relationships with foreign banks are jeopardized, as there may be no bank-to-bank relationships to foster this activity; * Payments in a timely manner to persons overseas for provision of goods and services may be affected, and * The “Letter of Credit” issued by banks in Guyana may not be accepted by overseas banks, resulting in numerous problems and complications when conducting business with these entities.

“The total effect of the foregoing is that the impact to the integrity of the local banking sector could significantly reduce the level

Finance Minister and team consult with Private Sector Commission - on Budget 2014

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and other officials of his ministry meeting with members of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Budget 2014 at the Guyana International Conference Centre, yesterday.

Ten petitioners granted - pending hearing of their cases $2.1M bail ACTING Chief Justice, Mr. Ian Chang last Friday granted 10 petitioners $2,165,000 bail pending the hearing of their cases for various offences.

Following are the offences, the offenders, and the amount of bail granted each of them. ** Robbery under arms: Joel Mendonca - $300,000; Michael Scott - $150,000 ; Corivin Estwick - $400,000

of international financial activities that Guyana’s commercial banks can engage in,” the statement said.

TIMELY RESOLUTION The association emphasised the need for Members of Parliament to recognise the need for a timely resolution and take “urgent action” to implement the recommendations of the CFATF. “We the members of the Guyana Association of Bankers remain concerned with the potential consequences of being blacklisted, should Guyana fail to adequately demonstrate progress in implementation of recommendations of the CFATF, including amendment of its AML/CFT legislation prior to the country review in November,” the statement said.

The Bankers Association is a representative group that includes all the major commercial banks operating in Guyana.

In addition to FATF’s deadline, CFATF itself is expected to review Guyana’s position in May 2014 at its next meeting. If Guyana is unable to meet the May 2014 deadline, further sanctions are expected to be levied against this country, which has already been blacklisted by CFATF.

Drunken policeman drives car into Sophia drain, smashes fence

By Alex Wayne A PLAINCLOTHES policeman, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol on Sunday afternoon, drove a car into a drain at Sophia and smashed the nearby fence of a resident.

Residents said that just after the accident a bullet proof vest and ammunition were removed from the car bearing number plate PLL 7698.They also pointed reporters to a number of Guinness bottles that they said were removed also from the car.

Upset residents also identified the man who was driving the car. However, when attempts were made to take his photograph, he queried why that was being done and further asked, “Don’t you know you supposed to be 100 feet away from the crime scene?”. A civilian-dressed female officer then urged the man to cool his temper.

Eyewitnesses said that as the man spoke, the breath of the visibly unstable man smelled of an alcoholic substance.

As a result of his reckless action, he destroyed the fence of resident Maylene Jordan of 542 ‘B’ Field, Sophia.

A female member of the police force who was on the scene was overheard telling incensed residents: “Wuh ya’ll getting on suh fuh? You gat to understand that police is human to and everybody is error ...dem aint hire them from another country so if is goat yuh hire is goat yuh gat to tek.”

This latest incident comes at a time when the police force’s image has been taking a battering with allegations of sexual assault and common assault of detainees. Several policemen are due to be charged in connection with one of the incidents.

The Home Affairs Ministry has urged the Guyana Police Force to take steps to improve its administration of the law-enforcement agency.

** Assault and threatening behaviour: Latchman Persaud $40,000: ** Unlawful possession of arms and ammunition: Adien Kirton $250,000; Alex Mendonca - $320,000; Candacey Givend - $200,000. ** Simple larceny: Dexta Hodge - $75,000: ** Possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking: Kevin Abraham - $300,000; Linden Hodge - $150,000.

The scene of the accident.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

Old Kai: Chronicles of Guyana...

Lindeners confound APNU’s ‘pervasive poverty’ theory - spent a whopping $850M on Banks DIH products last year

WITH each passing day, Guyanese are waking up to realise the extent to which they were being deliberately misled through misinformation and nasty propaganda peddled by the combined Opposition.

Even in their traditional strongholds, people are beginning to seriously question their credibility and competence. This is evidenced in the recent failure of their much-touted ‘shut down Linden’ campaign two weeks ago.

On January 17, 2014, the main parliamentary Opposition party, A Partnership for National Unity, in a press statement continued its rhetoric on the state of the mining township by saying there was ‘pervasive (universal) poverty’. This obviously followed their pronouncements in 2012 that over 70% of Lindeners were unemployed, as part of their campaign to instigate the violent demonstrations which subsequently followed.

This picture that is being painted of a depressed Linden by the opposition and their localized minions differs starkly from an announcement by Banks DIH Limited on Friday during a shareholders meeting in the township.

According to company representatives, revenue generated from sales at its Linden branch for 2013 amounted to G$850M (US$4.250M) Please bear in mind that APNU has stated, as a matter of fact, that there is ‘pervasive poverty’ in this community of approximately 25,000 to 30,000 residents.

Using the larger figure in a hypothetical analysis, this would mean that every man, woman and child in Linden each spent a little over $28,000 on Banks DIH products in 2013. For a family of four, this would be around $112,000. Not bad by any standard for a community where there is supposed to be large-scale poverty.

One also needs to bear in mind that this is only what they spent on one company; this does not include the other distribution companies such as DDL, ANSA McAl, etc., the many shops, supermarkets, grocery stores, hangout bars, roadside stalls, trips to Georgetown and so on.

Further, it was revealed by Banks DIH that the final tally in revenue saw a $30M increase last year when compared to 2012.

In fact, according to the company, “physical sales” amounted to 661, 000 cases of their products, the equivalent of 62,000 cases

per month or around 2,000 cases per day. What this can possibly tell us is that each Lindener bought approximately 22 cases of Banks DIH products last year.

Now, these are startling revelations, and no doubt will lead to a lot of teeth gnashing by the political Opposition as they expose their contention for the lie it was all along.

Old Kai, however, is not disputing the fact that there are elements of poverty in Linden, as is the case for any part of our

What Linden was when the PPP/C was returned to office in 1992, and where Linden is today is akin to comparing chalk with cheese. When even APNU and their Regional Chairman have been forced to admit the many areas of progress in the mining community under the PPP/C leadership, as was exposed by Old Kai a few days ago, President Donald Ramotar and his Government and Party must know that they are on the right track. country or world, but clearly, it has been grossly exaggerated by the APNU and AFC alliance. I have seen homeless people and other displays of abject poverty in every major city in First World countries that I have visited thus far.

This is no excuse to justify our reality, but it must be viewed in context. What Linden was when the PPP/C was returned to office in 1992, and where Linden is today is akin to comparing chalk with cheese. When even APNU and their Regional Chairman have been forced to admit the many areas of progress in the mining community under the PPP/C leadership, as was exposed

by Old Kai a few days ago, President Donald Ramotar and his Government and Party must know that they are on the right track.

However, in all of this, there was a stark revelation by the Chairman of Banks DIH, Mr. Clifford Reis, as articulated in the media during his address at the Linden gathering. He is quoted as saying, “The results from the second half of the financial year were disappointing, meaning that set targets were not achieved.

The reason for this are many and varied, and shows that when

Mischief: The handmaiden of the idle

MISCHIEF is forever a characteristic that is the handmaiden of not only the idle, but also the reckless. It is a facet of human behaviour that is manifested by many persons, particularly those who have a particular agenda planned for a particular objective.

Transfer this to the local media in Guyana, and a particular publishing house immediately comes to mind, because of its well known penchant for this kind of journalism.

Last Saturday’s front page pictorial in the Kaieteur News of a core home under construction, the wall of which allegedly “...came crashing down” underscores the modus operandi of that journal.

Sure enough, press freedom abounds in Guyana; sure enough, all the media houses have been free to report, whether electronically or print. But reporting with a vendetta can never be understood as

professional journalism, especially the type that is not objective, and also seeks to discredit a government, despite its numerous socio-economic programmes that have benefitted so many thousands of Guyanese.

As every Guyanese is aware, the government’s grand mission of affordable housing for especially low-income Guyanese has been lauded internationally for the great benefit that it has accrued to the thousands of new home owners. Never before has there been such a national project that has been so thorough in its reach and scope.

Yet, the Kaieteur News has, from time to time, attempted to criticise this seminal intervention, for reasons that are clearly designed to undermine national development.

Of course, life is not perfect; and this simple truism can be

the national economy slows up, everyone is affected, as reduced disposable income results in a reduction of spending power. Our company is not exempted from that reality.”

Yes indeed; each and every Guyanese, irrespective of which political party you support or if you are middle or working class, you will be affected whenever the economy falters. While the Banks DIH Chairman never mentioned specifics, all Guyanese are aware of the numerous efforts by the combined Opposition, both inside and outside of Parliament, to harm our economy and chase away investors.

Their much-publicised efforts to kill the Amaila Falls hydroelectric project; chasing away a Brazilian investor; attacks against the Marriott Hotel and the Specialty Hospital; targeting and maligning our professionals; refusing to support the ammended Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill, which has effectively placed Guyana on a financial blacklist, have all had a negative impact on our economy.

The extra scrutiny placed on Guyana because of the Opposition’s refusal to support the ammended Bill is beginning to affect all levels of financial transactions for our citizens and companies, and it appears that Banks DIH is also feeling the squeeze.

This warning by the Banks’ Chairman should not be taken lightly, as the effects could have a serious impact. If revenue generation continues to be affected, not only will the Company’s future expansion plans come to a halt and negate job creation possibilities, but it may be forced to let go of those it currently employs in Linden.

Even the average man-on-the-street could easily understand such a reality, which is why Old Kai has maintained all along that this appears to be a deliberate strategy of the Opposition.

Clearly, they are not concerned about the possibility that their actions could affect even their own support base, as is currently the case. Rather, they seem hell-bent on bringing the economy to a standstill, and then conjure up all manner of excuses to blame the PPP/C. It is heartening to see that more and more supporters of the Opposition are liberating their minds from the clutches of the Opposition and their crass messages which preach division and upheaval. The choice is obvious; it is now entirely up to you! transposed to national projects that have the best of expertise, and are being undertaken with the best of intentions in mind.

With the national housing programme, the government has thoughtfully ensured that every level of income earner has equal access to home ownership; and the core home is one such programme that falls under this category.

Closer examination of the front page pix does not depict the scale of the collapse, if true, which the Kaieteur News wishes to convey to the public. In fact, there ought to be a pile of rubble, as should be in such an instance. Even if such an occurrence did take place, as can happen at times, it has always been remedied.

Obviously, the line that this media house wants to take is that the alleged collapse is the government’s fault. Nonsense! It is a well known fact that this Administration does not condone shoddy work, and that many contractors have been fired for sub-standard performance. Therefore, since these are contractual assignments, then it is the particular contractor who must bear the responsibility and remedy the deficiencies.

Why not highlight the almost 200 housing schemes of beautifully designed homes that are a living testimony of the nation’s socio-economic transformation? OBSERVER is certain that there are many beneficiaries among Kaieteur News’ staff, whether directly or indirectly, so pervasive is the housing programme.

This is another facet of the Kaieteur News’ waste of print again dedicated to its plot of destabilisation. The good thing is that the thousands of beneficiaries will ignore such mischief.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

Mother, toddler fall into manhole at Stabroek --KFC staff had illegally removed cover to clear blockage

By Leroy Smith TWO-year-old Hailey Thomas and her mother, of 83 William Street, Kitty, almost drowned when they fell into a manhole on the pavement in front of the KFC outlet in Stabroek yesterday afternoon, sparking chaos in downtown Georgetown; and up to late yesterday, doctors were treating and monitoring their condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Vendors and shoppers in the Stabroek Market area told the Guyana Chronicle that the manhole cover had been (illegally) removed by employees of the KFC outlet in undertaking to ease the ‘fat’ out of the sewerage chamber. This publication has been informed by the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) that the fast food outlet does have a grease trap, which would undergo scheduled inspection by the GWI this month-end. The GWI continuously encourages businesses to ensure that they use the traps correctly, and clean them regularly.

This publication was told yesterday that because the KFC

employees had removed the cover to gain access to the sewerage chamber, there is a strong likelihood that the business entity had not been using the grease trap properly. Moreover, they had broken the law in removing the manhole cover to gain access to the channel.

The law states that manhole covers are to be removed only by employees of the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) and those from the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), and removal of the manhole covers is only to facilitate clearing of the chamber.

The cover of the manhole on the pavement in front of the KFC outlet in Stabroek was removed by KFC staffers, and two lengths of PVC pipe had been used by them to attempt to clear the chamber. Afterwards, they had retreated, leaving the manhole open and the pipe still stocked within.

Persons in the area said the woman was walking with her toddler on the pavement when, because of the amount of ‘fat’ which had overflowed from the manhole, it was difficult to notice that its cover had been removed, and both she and the

Vendors and other persons in the Stabroek Market area review a video of the entire ordeal yesterday afternoon again raising several concerns toddler fell into the hole. A chivabout the operations of the fast alrous gentleman who was in food outlet, with some calling the area dived into the manhole for its immediate shutdown. and pulled the duo out to safety, Only last year, the food chain whereupon they were rushed to came in for harsh reviews when the Georgetown Public Hospital inspectors from overseas arrived for medical attention. in the country and found that the Persons in the area said that KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants when the incident was reported were operating in very unsanto the KFC shift manager, she itary conditions, which were became very abusive, allegedly hazardous to the public’s health. slamming a steel door in the Several calls made to the face of those who raised conmobile number of managing cerns, and causing the crowd to director of the KFC, Mr. Deo become agitated.

Singh, for comment went unThis incident saw persons answered yesterday.

Persons in the area placed this table over the manhole to alert other passersby of the danger, after the mother and her child had fallen into the open manhole

The manhole with the PVC pipe sticking out even as the cover of the manhole lies close by

At PAC meeting…

GECOM’s acting CEO in ‘hot seat’ over financial irregularities

By Vanessa Narine AUDITOR General, Deodat Sharma is sticking to his 2011 report on the financial management at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), where several areas have raised red flags for the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Acting Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Calvin Benn, and other GECOM officials, yesterday, appeared before the committee which is chaired

by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Shadow Finance Minister, Carl Greenidge.

Greenidge, along with Government’s Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira and outspoken committee member, Bibi Shaddick, among other members were in agreement as they questioned several areas of concern, including: * The loss of some $500,000 from GECOM, which the Commission is asking to be written off; * The claim for over $10 million in outstanding payments, a debt the Commission is asking the Ministry of Finance to write off; * The write off of inventory, which was not labelled and as such is presenting a challenge for the Ministry of Finance in acquiescing to the request for a write off; * Missing vouchers valued at $2.32 million; and * The theft of 11 Canon digital cameras.

Greenidge called on Benn to present hard evidence to support his claims, many of

which were contrary to Sharma’s report.

CONFLICTING REPORTS Citing the Auditor General’s report, Shaddick noted that an advance of $500,000 was claimed by Benn in June 2006, who was then acting CEO, and three months after the monies were reportedly lost in a fire in September 2006.

Benn returned that the monies were to cover unforeseen expenses as it related to the August 2006 national elections.

According to him, he is in possession of $65,000 in vouchers, leaving $435,000 to be clear.

Benn said he was told by senior GECOM officials that the advance cannot be cleared in part when the $65,000 in vouchers were presented.

The Auditor General debunked this, as did the Finance Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Nirmal Rekha, who stressed that the vouchers could have been cleared in part.

He maintained that the monies of taxpayers have to be accounted for in a proper manner.

Benn further explained that the monies were kept in a safe and after the fire; officials were unable to access the GECOM compound.

He said when GECOM officials finally entered the compound, two or three days later, the “safe” was found to have been broken into and the monies lost.

Shaddick argued that the Auditor General’s report indicated that the monies were kept in a drawer, not a safe.

Committee Member, Manzoor Nadir, also questioned why the advance was taken to cover elections related expenditure three months before the fact.

Benn claimed that the money was not taken three months in advance; rather it was taken three days before.

Shaddick quoted information that informed the Auditor General’s report and stressed that the given date was June, three months in advance.

“What you are saying is at complete odds with what the Auditor General’s report has said,” she charged.

Shaddick called on the Acting CEO to not “disrespect” the members of the PAC and relay comments that are “far removed” from the truth.

The Acting CEO maintained that his comments are not intended to mislead and stated that the claims in the Auditor General report are “far from the truth, false and inaccurate” as they relate to the time the advance was taken and how it was kept.

The PAC Chair intervened to query the clearly conflicting reports of Benn and the Auditor General.

He questioned whether consultations were not had between the two officials to clear any misconceptions.

Greenidge expressed concern that Benn saw a report that impugned his integrity, yet he made no move to respond.

Benn responded that during the consultations on the 2012 Auditor General’s report, he raised the issues and submitted accompanying documents to substantiate his claims.

Sharma acknowledged that this was done, but made it clear that he is standing by the 2011 report on the matter.

Greenidge requested that Benn submit the documents and other necessary accompanying reports to the Committee by the end of the week, so the PAC can seek to resolve the issue, which Benn committed to have done.

Teixeira pointed out that the problem of insufficient documentation is one that was raised with the former CEO, Goocool Boodhoo.

She added that the continued disregard for this warning is unacceptable.

According to her, there must be greater efforts to address this concern.

The Committee Member noted too that Benn’s report to the Committee widely quoted decisions made by the Commission, with no supporting documentation, such as the rel-

evant sections of the minutes of the meeting where the particular issue was addressed.

Greenidge said it is not the Committee’s task to become “judge” but he agreed with Teixeira’s call for documentation.

He said the absence of documentation leaves “question marks” over the head of senior officials and GECOM’s processes.

SWEEPING LEGAL STATEMENT The claim for over $10 million in outstanding payments, a debt the Commission is asking the Commission to write off was another major point of the Committee’s questioning.

Shaddick quoted Benn’s report as saying that the “Commission at its 379th and 380th statutory meetings has ruled that this matter is legally dead and no legal action can be taken against ACME (the debtor)….

GECOM is now statute barred from pursuing any action to recover monies owed since the time for bringing a cause of action has lapsed.”

She questioned on whose legal advice this decision was made.

Benn said the Commission’s legal officer, Wanita Barker, advised that the Commission has exhausted all legal avenues, hence the request for a write off of the debt.

Shaddick noted that she is unsure that such “sweeping legal statements” can be made by the Commission, as it relates to recovering monies owed.

Benn responded that in addition to Barker, the Commission sometime seeks outside sources of information, including that of prominent local lawyer, Ashton Chase.

Shaddick raised the issue (PLEASE SEE PAGE 19)

Nirmal Rekha, Finance Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, right, and Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, left, with another senior Ministry of Finance staffer during yesterday’s PAC meeting

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

Imbibing fishermen get entangled in seine and perish - bodies found at Meten-Meer-Zorg foreshore

By Telesha Ramnarine THE bodies of Sahadeo ‘Jango’ Bhagwandat and Ramdeo ‘Bobby’ Sijogie, both 46 years old, were yesterday fished out of a trench leading to the Meten-Meer-Zorg koker, on the West Coast of Demerara. When found, the bodies were wrapped together in the seine that they had gone to set last Friday afternoon.

A seine is a fishing net which hangs vertically in the water. It has floats at the top and weights at the bottom, and the ends are drawn

Backer must resign or have seat declared vacant - says Clerk of Parliament THE prolonged absence of Deputy Speaker Deborah Backer from the National Assembly, has equated the Opposition and Government’s voting power in the House.

Recent reports in the media have quoted A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) insiders as indicating that medical doctor Karen Cummings is among persons being considered to fill the vacancy.

However, Clerk of Parliament Sherlock Isaacs, told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that Backer has to either resign as a Member of Parliament (MP) or have her seat declared vacant by Opposition Leader David Granger, before a replacement can be named.

“The replacement will be taken from the list of party members that was submitted on Nomination Day,” he said.

According to him: “The parties in the House will nominate persons for the post and the vote can be taken either before or after the Opposition fills the seat,” Isaacs said.

DEBORAH BACKER The House had, unanimously, voted Government MP Bibi Shaddick as the Deputy Speaker for the January 23 sitting only.

UNCONFIRMED ILLNESS Backer, the front-bencher for APNU, has been absent from the proceedings in the National Assembly due to a still unconfirmed illness and went to access medical care outside Guyana at least twice in the last month.

In early January, she was flown to Florida in the United States (U.S.) for tests and APNU Leader Granger, in media reports, had expressed his hope for Backer’s speedy recovery.

She was first treated at a private hospital in Georgetown after falling ill.

On the Order Paper for the last Parliament sitting, Backer was slated to move a motion for the second reading of the Married Persons (Property) (Amendment) Bill 2013, which would amend the principal Married Persons (Property) Act. In addition to being Deputy Speaker, Backer is also her party’s Foreign Affairs Shadow Minister. (Vanessa Narine)

together to encircle fish.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that one of the men had encountered a difficulty when his foot became entangled in the seine he had set, and the other had reportedly attempted to assist him to extricate himself when they both met their demise.

Although this incident happened on Friday, it was not until early yesterday morning that their bodies were discovered.

Both men had been imbibing alcohol immediately prior to the incident, relatives told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday.

Rajkumarie, known as Dianne, speaking to the Chronicle from her home at Lot 8 Railway View, Meten-Meer-Zorg, said that Bhagwandat, her husband of 22 years and the father of her four children, went on Saturday morning to pick up the seine that he had set on the previous day. “Since then he didn’t come home. I didn’t look all day Saturday because he does drink and come home till night. Sunday morning I got a bit worried, and my son and a couple of them boys from the area went to look for him.

They didn’t find him anywhere,” the woman reported.

Subsequently, she went to the police station on Sunday afternoon to make a report, and yesterday morning she went to the Best Hospital and checked all of the wards to see if her husband had been admitted a patient.

It was only after returning home from the Best Hospital that she heard someone say two bodies had been found in the vicinity of the koker. Upon checking, she saw the Dead: Sahadeo ‘Jango’ bodies of her husband and the other Bhagwandat man wrapped up in the seine.

Mrs. Bhagwandat said she believes her husband was drunk at the time of his meeting his demise and she suggested that he had drowned. She said Bhagwandat would sell his catch and proceed to go and imbibe; but apart from his drinking habit, her husband was an “ok” guy who had no health issues.

SIJOGIE Sijogie was last seen on Friday afternoon playing cards a

Bhagwandat (at left) with his wife, Diane, on their son’s wedding day stone’s throw from where he lived at Lot 188 West Meten-MeerZorg. His sister, Mureen Ram, said Sijogie’s parents passed away many years ago, and he had lived with his two brothers up to the time of his death. He was unmarried and had no children.

Relatives of Ramdeo ‘Bobby’ Sijogie gathered at his home yesterday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

National consultation told...

Land leases at Kokerit solely for livestock rearing

By Clifford Stanley THE Ministry of Agriculture has taken away leases awarded to rice farmers at Kokerit in East Berbice and reissued them for the lands, with the specific instruction that they be used solely for livestock rearing.

The subject minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy made the disclosure yesterday, while emphasising the need for a policy of land tenure for the livestock sub-sector.

He said this issue has to be urgently addressed if this area of agricultural production is not to merely survive but to grow and reach its full potential.

He was addressing the gathering at a national consultation on livestock development and strategy held by the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA).

Ramsammy said, too, that Guyana needed to fast track traceability requirements and livestock processing facilities which would enable livestock products to meet international marketing standards.

The Livestock Sector Strategy and Policy Forum was designed to identify barriers to production and marketing and determining innovative methods for dealing with those issues so that the full potential can be achieved.

The venue was the GLDA’s Head Office at Mon Repos, East Coast of Demerara.

MAIN CHALLENGE Speaking about his withdrawal of leases for rice farming in Kokerit, Dr Ramsammy said the situation there, which he was forced to correct, epitomised the main challenge facing the livestock sub-sector in Guyana, namely a lack of cohesion on land tenure for livestock at the national level.

“Kokerit is cattle land, yet persons got leases to plant rice there. I have said this cannot be allowed to continue. Land allocated solely for livestock must be used solely for livestock, since the livestock industry cannot develop without land.

“I said that those converting this land into rice production must stop immediately. Kokerit is cattle land. So, at the moment, all the leases that were granted for rice farming are being withdrawn. We are giving back those leases to interested persons with the specification that the land be used for livestock production and nothing else,” he said.

He declared that, unlike the rice and sugar industries, Guyana does not have a land tenure policy relating to livestock which is consistent and reciprocal with its ambitions for that industry.

The Agriculture Minister said: “We have an ambition to reduce importation of dairy products. We are working, diligently, with the GLDA to have a commercial level dairy plant established but these things are not possible unless you have a

Dr. Leslie Ramsammy addresses the gathering at the national consultation on livestock development policy and strategy (Sonell Nelson photos)

land tenure policy that relates to it. And we have to be firm on it.”

“If we think that livestock has an important place for diet and nutrition; if we think we can reduce dairy imports; if we think we can meet all the demands of the meat we need in Guyana; if we think we can export surplus, then there has to be a land policy,” he declared.

The minister said there is need to determine whether there can be common grazing grounds for livestock.

“Do we need common grazing grounds for livestock? Or a different kind of arrangement, perhaps one accommodating larger herds?” he posited.

FURTHER HARDSHIPS Dr Ramsammy told the audience that these were questions which needed to be urgently addressed, adding that, to leave

them unresolved will create further hardships and conflicts within farming communities.

“There are lots of conflicts on the ground between agricultural crops farmers and livestock farmers, some conflicts occurring even within families because we have not fully addressed the issue of land tenure for livestock, he acknowledged.”

Dr Ramsammy said he is aware of the huge demand for land, including for housing but, in 2014, Guyana has come to a time when the question of land for livestock should be put and answered.

He said: “There are no ifs and buts about it. We cannot skirt around it anymore. No more Kokerits. Land tenure is a very significant issue that we must address if our vision for the livestock sub-sector is to become a reality.”

Teen bandit on serial charges of robbery with violence now slapped remands with murder charge - magistrate him to Feb 19

By Geeta Rampersaud

LORANZO Forde, 18, of Lot 4 Drysdale Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry charged with the murder of Pegasus taxi driver Rubrindranauth Jeeboo, and was remanded to prison until February 19.

The indictable offence, to which the unrepresented Forde was not required to plead, alleges that Forde murdered Jeeboo in Georgetown between December 27 and 28, 2013.

Police Inspector Michael Grant, prosecuting, said the deceased Jeeboo had resided at Lot 25 Craig Street and Delph Avenue, Campbellville, and had been a driver attached to the Pegasus Taxi Service.

On Friday, December 27, 2013 at around 21:00 hrs, Jeeboo left home for work; and the following day, December 28, at around 07:50 hrs, his motionless body with several injuries inflicted was discovered lying in a garbage heap at Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt.

During the investigation,

a cellular phone belonging to the deceased, which had been stolen from him, was discovered and was still in use. Further investigations led to the accused, who gave a statement in the presence of his aunt, confessing to committing the offence with two other accomplices.

The accused later took the police to the site in South Ruimveldt where Jeeboo’s body had been dumped.

The prosecutor said a yellow Allion motorcar was also discovered abandoned on the road at Tucville, and the number plates had been removed.

Forde had been remanded to prison on Friday, January 31 last, by Magistrate Judy Latchman on two charges of robbery.

He had pleaded not guilty to the offences. Details of one of the cases had said that on December 26, 2013, at High Street, Kingston, in company of another and armed with a piece of broken bottle, Forde had robbed Marvin Benjamin of one Toyota Fielder Wagon valued at $2M, along with a $10,000 cellular phone and $8,000 cash.

Particulars of the other offence stated that, on December

30, 2013, he robbed Elijah Adams of one Toyota 212 Carina worth $1.5M, and at the time of the robbery he made use of personal violence on the victim.

Police Sergeant Vishnu Hunt, prosecuting, objected to bail, on the grounds of the seriousness of these crimes. He also said the defendant was identified on a parade a month ago.

Forde was represented by attorney-at-law Mr. Paul Fung-

He added that developing the livestock industry to support exports is another very important challenge and he challenged the experts to work together to get legislation which would support the traceability requirements of the export market into Parliament before the year is out.

“Addressing the requirements of international markets is another pillar on which we will stand and grow.”

The programme for the one day event at Mon Repos was entitled ‘National Consultation: GLDA’s Development Policy and Livestock Development Strategy’.

It included welcoming remarks by Dr. Dindyal Permaul, Chief Executive Officer of the GLDA.

Chief Magistrate remands cop killer to Feb 18 for murder and other offences

By Geeta Rampersaud

ACCUSED: Loranzo Forde a-Fat in those charges last week, and that attorney had unsuccessfully applied for Forde’s pre-trial freedom.

Forde has to return to court on February 17 to answer those cases.

The gathering saw two power point presentations, the first entitled ‘Livestock sector strategy and Policy’ by Mr. Lennox Wilson of the GLDA and the second titled ‘GLDA strategy 2013-2033’ by Mr. Michael Welch and Ms. Monique Ifill also from GLDA and veterinarian Dr. Colbert Bowen.

There were discussions on the presentations and they will lead to the production of a document that would outline the strategies and policies to equip stakeholders in the livestock sub-sector with the skills, technologies and the enabling environment they need to take their farming to higher quantitative and qualitative levels.

Chairman of the GLDA Board of Directors, Dr. Collin James gave the closing remarks.

RICHARD Bacchus (no address given) was yesterday remanded to prison when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry to answer the following three charges: (1) Discharging a loaded firearm at Mortimer Maynard on January 23 at Georgetown, with intent to commit murder.

(2) On the same day, stealing from Trevor Fraser one .38 Taurus revolver with six matching live rounds of .38

Man to serve three-month prison term for threatening to kill wife MARK Singh (no address given) was yesterday sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for using threatening language to his reputed wife.

His case was first called before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, and the defendant had initially pleaded guilty with explanation.

Particulars of the offence are that on Saturday, February 1, at Lot 150 Regent Street, Georgetown, Singh had made use of threatening language to Sangeeta Persaud, occasioning a breach of the peace.

Saying that the couple lives in the same home, Police Inspector Michael Grant, prosecuting, added that Singh is always in the habit of threatening Persaud. He said that on February 1, at about 18:00 hrs, Persaud went to her son’s room to collect some of his belongings, and Singh was in the room. A misunderstanding developed, and Singh threatened to chop off Persaud’s neck.

In court, Singh said he could not recall saying those words to his wife, and begged the magistrate for leniency, stating that he had previously been convicted on an assault charge.

Based on his explanation, a not-guilty plea had been entered on his behalf and the case was transferred before Magistrate Chandan-Edmonds for trial.

But when Singh appeared before Magistrate Chandan-Edmonds, he changed his plea to guilty, and was sentenced to serve the jail term mentioned.

ammunition, together valued at $106,000, property of Strategic Action Security Limited.

(3) Murdering Police Constable Quincy Wright on January 24 at Guyhoc Park, Georgetown.

Police Inspector Michael Grant, prosecuting, said that at approximately 20:30 hrs on January 23, private security guards Mortimer Maynard and Trevor Fraser were both in North Sophia performing duties, and Fraser was armed with the gun mentioned in the particulars.

Bacchus and other accomplices held on to, and disarmed, Fraser of the revolver, in the process shooting Maynard to his thigh, before fleeing with the weapon.

Investigations carried out led to Bacchus.

Grant said that on January 24, the deceased Police Constable Quincy Wright was by his girlfriend at Guyhoc Park when the accused went there and asked for his girlfriend, whose name is Alicia. An argument ensued between Wright and Bacchus, and Bacchus consequently pulled out the alleged weapon and fired a shot which killed Wright.

Prosecutor Grant requested two weeks for the file to be completed, and the case was postponed to February 18.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

Guyana negotiating with 14 groups for bio-energy investment

THE Ministry of Agriculture is currently negotiating with at least 14 groups to settle a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will see investment in bio-energy initiatives in Guyana.

The subject minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who made the disclosure also told the Guyana Chronicle that two of them are already engaged with the Agriculture Ministry to pursue efforts in developing the sector.

He said: “Right now, we have Bornion (Bornion-Guyana Inc.) and the Patil Group (Ageen Kya DY Patil Group Inc.) that are interested. They have already signed MOUs with us and both groups are engaged in preparations for feasibility studies.”

The two investors expressed interest in bioenergy following the opening of the bioethanol demonstration plant at Albion in Corentye, Berbice.

Up to now, the plant is operational and has produced over 1,000 litres of bio-ethanol in an efficient manner but has the capacity for greater production, the Agriculture Minister said.

Dr Ramsammy explained that Bornion-Guyana Inc is mainly interested in palm oil for bio-fuel production and producing a particular nutritious crop.

Meanwhile, the Ageen Kya DY Patil Group Inc MOU will

see it conducting its feasibility study on 12,000 plots in the Canje Basin.

Minister Ramsammy said it is looking at sugar cane and palm oil production and has

Dr Leslie Ramsammy, Minister of Agriculture requested 100,000 acres of land, which will be agreed to, depending on the development of the project.

The development of bio-fuel has become increasingly popular because of rising oil prices and the need for energy security.

Ramsammy maintains that the significant interest expressed by investors is a clear indication of the potential of the bioenergy sector, particularly as it relates to increasing local efforts to pursue a renewable energy pathway.

He said, presently, the coun-

try’s bioenergy policy is under review for consideration, by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and a team of technical officers, to have a blend of 10 percent biofuel to the regular gas.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds Dr Ramsammy, in a prior statement to this newspaper, had said: “If we were to consider a blend for fuel, it must not be from a product that we import… we must ensure, at all times, the bio-ethanol we produce comes from our own products.”

MUCH POTENTIAL He added that Guyana has much potential for the production of sugar cane, particularly so in the intermediate savannah regions and this opportuni-

ty could be seized in moving forward in the production of bio-ethanol.

The Agriculture Minister emphasised, however, that contrary to the misconception, no lands presently used for sugar cane production will be converted to produce bio-ethanol.

Rather, use will be made of the vast land resources available.

Dr Ramsammy pointed out that, at present, Guyana uses some 14,000 barrels of fossil fuel per day, 6,000 barrels of which cater to the nation’s transport needs.

According to him, with demand for energy set to increase, the way forward must take into consideration other alternatives.

He said Guyana intends to be seen as a leader in the Caribbean Region as it relates to the push for alternative energy development.

With the agriculture sector presently catering to food and nutrition security, it can also contribute to energy insecurity that may challenge Guyana.

He declared that disregard for bio-energy would be “reck-

less”, as it is also the answer to the global challenge of eliminating carbon emissions.

Other than the development of bio-ethanol, Dr Ramsammy underscored the potential of the local oil palm and paddy husk as products that could be used to generate bio-energy.

“This is an opportunity we must not neglect,” he insisted.

The minister stated, too, that the Agriculture Ministry will be installing a mechanism at its canteen that will demonstrate the use of bio-energy at a domestic level, giving an indication of the possibilities.

REDUCING DEPENDENCY He maintained that, at all levels, Guyana must play its part in reducing dependency on fossil fuels and embrace the need for energy security as a quintessential part of the nation’s development.

“We affirm that bio-energy is here to stay as a national pursuit…Guyana must stand out as a leader in the bioenergy revolution,” Dr Ramsammy said.

Guyana recently concluded a technical cooperation agreement, under the theme ‘Expanding Bio-energy Opportunities in Guyana’, which was lauded by stakeholders as one that will improve the financial structure for bio-energy investment, increase local capacity to support investment and development in this area and resources for training.

The project was agreed in August 2007 and the technical cooperation was spearheaded

by CARICOM and Caribbean Renewable Energy Development Programme (CREDP), through a collaborative effort involving the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), with support from the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Guyana Government.

Since then, several other initiatives have been undertaken, most notably the development of a draft agro-energy policy. (Vanessa Narine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

President Ramotar lauds long-standing friendship between Guyana, China - joins in welcoming the Year of the Horse

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar on Sunday evening reflected nostalgically on the long-standing friendship between Guyana and China, saying such a feat is indeed cause to celebrate, as rather than wane over the decades, the bond they share has grown even stronger.

Addressing invitees to the annual dinner held at the Chinese Association hall on lower Brickdam, to ring in another New Year in the Chinese calendar, President Ramotar said the decision by the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to support the Chinese Communist Party, no matter the circumstances, showed great foresight, since China has developed at such a rapid pace over the ensuing years it has not only surprised many a world power and their leaders, but is now considered a superpower itself.

Touching on China’s unstinting sectoral support to Guyana throughout the years, President Ramotar said Chinese investments will always be welcome, once they are within the ambit of local laws. “These investments will prove to be very important in the future to our country,” he said.

In response, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Zhang Limin also commended Guyana for its many achievements over the years, saying that both economically and socially, it has been developing at a rapid pace itself.

Noting that the friendship between the two countries still has a long way to go, Mr Zhang said China will continue to contribute to Guyana’s development thrust in whatever way it can.

President of the Chinese Association, Mr Shiloning Chow said it was indeed an honour to celebrate the start of another year with members of the organisation, and seized the opportunity to thank the Ministry of Home Affairs for its assistance with regard to security concerns and immigration matters.

Chow said that in addition to the hosting of its traditional cultural fair, among other plans the Association has for the year ahead is to continue rendering assistance to the various local orphanages, and to teach the various Chinese dialects to interested persons, and English to Chinese newcomers to Guyana.

Celebrations usually begin

on the eve of the Chinese New Year. The lunar calendar is based upon the cycles of the moon and has 12 animals, one to represent each year of the lunisolar cycle.

At Chinese New Year, people traditionally wear red clothes, and give children “lucky money” sealed in red envelopes. The colour red symbolises fire to drive away bad luck.

To mark the holiday, families typically reunite and gather

at each other’s homes to celebrate and eat together. It is also traditional for households to thoroughly cleanse the house to sweep away ill fortune, and make way for good luck; to decorate windows and doors with red paper-cuts; and to light firecrackers.

Festivities often continue until the Lantern Festival, held on the 15th day of the first lunar month. Red paper lanterns are hung across houses and in streets. (GINA)

President Donald Ramotar addressing guests at the Chinese Association dinner as part of Chinese New Year festivities

President of the Chinese Association, Mr Shiloning Chow (with script in hand) addressing guests at the Chinese Association dinner as part of Chinese New Year festivities

Five lucky winners in GT&T Mobile Money promotion receive prizes

CELEBRATING “It’s still a Holiday with MMG”, the year’s first promotion, the GT&T Mobile Money Guyana (GT&T MMG) conducted a presentation ceremony on Friday for five lucky winners, who were each awarded 50% rebate on the value of their respective transaction.

The promotion began on January 13, and will conclude on March 15, by which time five weekly winners would each be rewarded with a rebate of 50% of the value of their respective transaction. The minimum reward would be valued at Gy$2,000 whilst the maximum would be worth Gy$10,000.

Geared to relieve some customers of their after-holiday ‘guava season’ expenses, week two of the promotion saw Andrew Edwards of Lamaha Park; Devi Singh of Campbelville; Khemraj Persaud of Uitvlugt; Ryan Ram of Vreed-en-Hoop, and Hemraj Boudnauth of Campbelville being winners. The draw was done on Tuesday, January 28, at the MMG office on Croal Street, Georgetown in the presence of external auditors Ram and McRae and other staff members.

Additionally, GT&T’s MMG is offering all new registrants a free $200 credit deposited to their Mobile Wallet as part of the “Get sum’n back” promotion (secondary promotion), which aims at honouring customers for their support and usage of the MMG Service, and to demonstrate determination in making the lives of all Guyanese citizens simpler – Easy as 123! (Ravin Singh)

Week two winners of the GT&T Mobile Money promotion

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

CJIA modernisation moving apace on schedule - Ghir

THE massive modernisation project at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is moving apace on schedule, according to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Ramesh Ghir.

In his 2013 review, he said work has commenced on the final design of the terminal building and is expected to be completed in March.

Ghir said, between now and then, four stakeholder meetings are scheduled to discuss the designs.

He reported that, to date, over 4,500 truck loads of sand have been dumped in the excavated area as works progress on the runway extension.

Ghir said the excavation and backfilling commenced on a test section of 160 metres by 160 metres, which was aimed at ensuring that the correct design techniques are adopted for the entire runway extension.

The project features three components, construction of a new terminal building, measuring 16,000 square metres, which will have eight passenger boarding bridges and two elevators, as well as close circuit television (CCTV) and departures control systems; the extension of the main runway by 3,500 feet to a final length of 10,500 feet, which will increase CJIA’s capacity to facilitate the landing of Boeing 747-400 aircraft and the construction of eight international parking positions.

RELOCATING SQUATTERS On the issue of relocating squatters, Ghir said a draft relocation plan has been prepared and a meeting was held with those who will be affected to address the way forward.

He explained that there are, presently, no major challenges being dealt with and maintained that works are progressing smoothly.

‘FLASHBACK’: A replica of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion project on display, in March last year, as President Donald Ramotar visits the arrival lounge in the company of Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn and Chief Executive Officer of the airport, Ramesh Ghir

President Donald Ramotar, recently, acknowledged that the modernisation works have the potential to attract more airlines, once Guyana’s capacity to accommodate them is improved.

Alluding to the fact that the Panama-based Copa Airlines has already announced the commencement of its service to Guyana in July this year, the Head of State noted that Guyana is already attracting increased foreign interest.

“These new airlines are coming in on what we have. It is not a question that they are waiting for the completion of the project… this gives you an indication that, with a better runway, Guyana can realise our potential,” he said.

CJIA Public Relations Officer, Aneka Edwards said the contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) is continuing its works.

The joint Parliamentary Opposition, last December, opposed a $65.4M allocation in a Statement of Excess financial paper tabled

by Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh.

However, given that the minister acted in accordance with the Constitution and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, the Opposition’s non-approval had no effect.

The project faced a similar challenge when the 2013 Budget was cut, but in mid-September last year, CJIA Board Chairman, Mr. Ramesh Dookhoo said the modernising programme is being propelled by a US$20M mobilisation advance made under the 2012 Budget.

Government has signed a design and build contract to the tune of US$138M with the Chinese contractor, CHEC which has 32 months to complete the job.

It is being partially funded by a US$130M loan from China, with the rest coming from the local public treasury and is scheduled for completion in August 2015.

Minister of Public Works and Transport, Robeson Benn, CJIA’s Chief Executive Officer, Ramesh Ghir; other airport officials and CHEC Engineers on a site visit recently

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

Jury empanelled in Little Abary murder case AN Assize jury comprising six men and six women were yesterday empanelled to try the three accused in the Little Abary, Mahaica murder trial.

Prosecutrix Mrs. Judith Gildharie-Mursalin is expected to deliver her opening address

to the jury this morning.

Justice Franklyn Holder is presiding.

The three accused, Satnarine Jaikaran, Neville Crawford and Randy Crawford, are charged with having on July 29th, 2010, at Little Abary, East

Coast of Demerara, murdered Maxwell Wilson. They have all pleaded not guilty.

Representing them are Mr. Jailall Kissoon, Mr. Sandil Kissoon and Mr. Satyesh Kissoon. (Barclay)

GECOM’s acting CEO in ‘hot ...

(FROM PAGE 10) of documentation again and stressed that the Committee needs to be aware of who made the decision.

Benn committed to providing the minutes of the meeting where the decision was made.

Committee Member and APNU Member of Parliament, Keith Scott, pointed out that the debt was incurred in 2006 and up to 2010, the statute of

limitations, which is usually 10 years, was not yet passed.

Greenidge urged the Acting CEO that he has a responsibility and cannot be absolved of those on the basis of legal advice.

He added that the Guyana Elections Commission, like other statutory bodies, fall under the rule of law and its process are as such subjected.

The PAC Chair called on Benn to provide a report reconciling the numbers of the debt

For Tuesday February 4, 2014 -08:30hrs For Wednesday February 5, 2014 -08:30hrs

and have the report forwarded to the Committee before the end of the week.

QUESTIONABLE PROCESS The concerns over the Commission’s questionable processes were pursued by Rekha who noted that there has been no marking of any inventory in the Commission’s possession and as such writing off equipment labelled as ‘obsolete’ is difficult.

Benn stated that GECOM has begun rectifying this problem.

According to his report, the installation of an inventory software package is complete and approximately 40 per cent of stock items have been recorded.

He noted, however, that the process was hampered because of the turnover of staff, but is expected to be completed by June this year.

As it relates to the issue with missing vouchers, Benn said GECOM has instituted a system of monthly reconciliations to reduce the risk of missing vouchers.

On the issue of the theft of 11 Canon digital cameras, the Acting CEO said the Commission wrote a follow up letter on August 22, 2013 to the police on the matter.

With reference to these responses, the charge to have supporting documentation to be able to properly account to the PAC was repeated by several Committee Members.

The next PAC meeting is tentatively scheduled for next Thursday, February 13.

Aries March 21 - April 19

You’ve tried patience, you’ve tried understanding and you’ve even tried dead silence. At this point, you’re really not sure what else to do. It’s obvious that someone you’ve been friends with for a long time has bent the truth in a really big way -- but there is something even more serious going on that you don’t know about yet. Before you giving anyone the boot for good, try talking about what’s really going on.

Taurus April 20 - May 20

You do love the best things in life, so much so that you just don’t settle for less unless reality stares you down. You were born with a knack for finding the best, too, so life is pretty good. At the moment, though, you need to muster up some of that patience and persistence to get what you want. Fortunately, you don’t mind waiting when you know it’s going to be worth it. Hunker down and let it come.

Gemini May 21 - June 21

You’ve been on a roll for days, and you have a gut feeling that things are only going to get better. You’re probably right, so if you see an opportunity that looks good, go ahead.

Just don’t waste your time or energy on anything related to money. Take a chance on a relationship or a move, and rest assured that if that charming gift of gab holds up, you’re sure to end up a winner, and so will everyone nearby.

Cancer June 22 - July 22

You need to flee the world every now and then, and the safety and security of your home nest is exactly what you need, especially when you know you’ve earned it. If you’re especially eager to get home today, just ask the powers that be for a few hours off and head out early. Get into your jammies and whip up some of that comfort food that fills the gap so well. All good!

Leo July 23 - August 22

No matter what is going on at work or in your public life, you still need to plan for private time now. You need some time off, you need it soon and, most likely, you need it together with someone special. Be sure your sweetheart (or crush, or friend) is just as adamant.

You both have at least one favour out there that’s coming due soon, so make that call or pull those strings. Do whatever it takes to make this time together happen.

Virgo August 23 - September 22

You’re feeling an extraordinarily strong craving for adrenaline, and you have a sneaking suspicion that you can’t rest until you get it. Still, try your best to keep the melodrama to a minimum when you’re dealing with those close to you. If you’ve still got the urge to stir things up, just remember all the time and energy you’ve put into your relationships. No one’s saying you can’t have your thrills, but in this case, bungee jumping might actually be safer.

Libra September 23 - October 22

You’re due for some romantic excitement soon -- the kind that will keep you smiling for at least the next 24 hours, if not a lifetime. The individual responsible for putting a flush in your cheeks is arranging a lovely surprise for you -- something you’d never see coming.

You are sure to reward them far beyond their expectations. Your gratitude really knows no bounds, and you’re as cute as can be when you’re happy.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21

Your senses go far beyond the merely physical, though you’re most likely no one’s psychic friend. Still, you can sense a storm by simply taking in the air -- and that goes for all kinds of storms. Expect some serious vibes coming from a coworker today, and even though you have nothing concrete, you’ll still know you were right soon enough. The energy you’re silently sending out will come across so loud and clear that they should also know you’re on to them.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21

Aren’t you glad you’ve been socialising lately? You may not realise it just yet, but someone you ran into recently -- the one you haven’t been able to stop thinking about -- may end up becoming a major part of your life for a good long time. Get to know them better. though it will take a bit of time. If that doesn’t convince you to give yourself more evenings off, nothing will.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19

Stop squirming and get moving. When you’re this restless, there’s usually just one reason: There’s something you know you need to do, but you feel unable to do it. In this case, it may be that you want to make some big changes around the house, but they’re so epic that you’re not sure you can handle them alone. Make a few calls and see what happens -- if you don’t know a contractor personally, you can at least find the number for a hardware store.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18

You can’t seem to shut up, even if you desperately want to -- and you thought you’d said too much yesterday! You’re so ridiculously chatty, in fact, that even people who know you well may end up exchanging bewildered glances. You simply love to surprise, startle and amaze the masses, and there’s nothing wrong with that. At the moment, though, you need to find a reason for all this verbal energy. Are you nervous about something?

Pisces February 19 - March 20

You’ve been in a somber mood for a while, but it finally seems to be passing. You’re officially free to let loose and have some well-deserved fun. The way you see it, you’ve earned it! Before you pull out the plastic and hire an army of clowns and minstrels, though, think about all the free or inexpensive ways there are to have fun. The best things in life may be free, but everything else is negotiable.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

FIFA Development Officer not happy ...

From back page

moving along because our interest is that we do get the facilities up and running.”

McIntosh was addressing th e M ed ia at th e G u y ana Football Federation (GFF) G e o rg e t o w n H e a d O ff i c e after wrapping up a one day visit to primarily deal specifically with the Goal Project.

The FIFA official along with the president of the GFF Christopher Matthias and other designated officials of the local Federation met with Minister of Sport Frank Anthony, who had offered a plot of land at Leonora which is to be used as the home of the proposed Goal Project.

This is McIntosh’s second visit in the space of

four months, dating back to September 2013, but the Jamaican said that he’s certainly not looking forward for another visit, laced with speeches of what should’ve been happening as compared to what is actually happening in relation to the Goal Project.

“Personally for me, it’s frustrating because it’s not only in Guyana I have to have these discussions. The commitment is there and the funds are available, so we have to now put our shoulders to the wheel and get the job done and now it comes down to execution and the territories and the Federations must get the job done.

“I know there have been issues, but there’s only so

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much FIFA can do in terms of getting the project off the ground,” McIntosh said.

The GFF and the Government of Guyana are in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Matthias pointed out that after meeting with Minister Anthony, the request was made by both parties to make some adjustments to the document which will see the Guyana Government play a major role in making a 15-year dream of the GFF become a reality.

The delay, according to McIntosh, in putting the infrastructure on the ground only hurts the sport, as he encouraged expediting the erection and construction of the facilities, adding “what we got today was a renewed commitment from the Government and the GFF in relation to moving things along.

There’s an MOU that exists between the Gov-

ernment and the GFF that needs to be completed.

T h e re w a s a d i s c u s s i o n in relation to itemising a phased development plan which is part of what is to be done and the creation of a specific task force.”

McIntosh opined that the media needs to play a role in ensuring the Government and the GFF take full advantage of the opportunity at improving the infrastructure of football in the country.

“Who are really suf fering? It’s the people who play football, not the administrators … who’s to be blamed? That’s what I don’t get into; what happens now is that we will start looking at countries who are not participating in the programme, and have to develop a different strategy to ensure that the people who need to benefit, actually benefit,” McIntosh said.

The FIFA Developmental

Officer, however, mentioned that generally, Caribbean territories “have not done a good job in terms of the managing of these projects, unfortunately. They are not many sporting organisations that would say we are going to facilitate the development of your infrastructure and so part of this now is to try and see things get done and moving very quickly” Meanwhile, McIntosh was adamant that it’s important on the part of FIFA that the GFF “receive a lease on the Goal Project and that is something that the Government will have to work on and facilitate.

The Minister did indicate that he wanted a couple of things happen so that he can work on that. We have a motto in FIFA and it’s very simple; it’s whatever you do, FIFA does. It’s as simple and straightforward as that.”

Jamaica defeat Ireland by 6 wickets PORT-of-Spain, Trinidad - Jerome Taylor made his much anticipated return to the Jamaica team in emphatic fashion as Ireland were skittled out for 161 runs in their NAGICO Super 50 clash at the Queen’s Park Oval last night.

Ireland had a good but slow start to their innings.

The opening partnership of William Porterfield and Niall O’Brien put on 54 runs for the first wicket. Porterfield made 25 runs from 57 balls while Niall O’Brien hit 35 runs from 54 balls.

Alex Cusack also batted patiently, making 30 runs from 52 balls. No other batsman in the Ireland team went beyond 15 but for the

top three batsmen. Both Jerome Taylor (3-34) and Andre Russell (3-19) were Jamaica’s best bowlers. Tamar Lambert chipped in with 2-27.

Horace Miller started Jamaica’s pursuit of 162 for victory in positive fashion, getting to 18 from from 23 balls.

However, he didn’t las long.

It was instead, fellow opener, John Campbell that anchored the Jamaican chase.

He struck six fours and two sixes in an entertaining knock of 71 from the 80 balls he faced. Together with Tamar Lambert, both batsmen added 101 runs together to set Jamaica on course for victory.

Lambert made 27 runs from 49 balls.

Both batsmen fell late

in the innings but Andre Russell finished off the game with a mighty six over longon. Jamaica won by 6 wickets, getting to 166/4 from 29 overs, winning with 21 overs to spare.

Summary Scores: Ireland Innings: 161 All Out (46.1 Overs). Niall O’Brien 35, Alex Cusack 30, William Porterfield 25, Stuart Thompson 15; Andre Russell 8-0-19-3, Jerome Taylor 9.1-0-34-3, Tamar Lambert 10-0-27-2, Dave Bernard 6-0-27-1.

Jamaica Innings: 166/4 (29 Overs). John Campbell 71, Tamar Lambert 27, Nkrumah Bonner 22, Horace Miller 18; Max Sorensen 4-017-2, Tim Murtagh 6-0-26-1, Andrew McBrine 7-1-33-1, George Dockrell 6-0-35-0.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

27

IOC chief says seven-year rule not set in stone

By Karolos Grohmann SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) - An International Olympic Committee rule that forces a sport to wait seven years before it can potentially become part of the Games programme is “more or less obsolete,” IOC president Thomas Bach said yesterday.

Bach, who took over from Jacques Rogge in September, is eager to revamp the organisation, change the bidding process for candidate cities and refresh the sports programme.

The fact that the seven-year rule was included in the Olympic Charter should not pose a problem, the German told reporters.

“I know that the Olympic Charter is not set in stone, we have to evolve, adapt to modern times,” said Bach, who has given hope to baseball and softball to be included in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

International Olympic The two sports, hugely Committee (IOC) president popular in Japan, missed the Thomas Bach attends a cut for inclusion in the 2020 news conference in Sochi, and 2024 Games but the yesterday.

IOC session is set to discuss possible Charter changes in Sochi this week.

“I personally would be very much in favour (of changing the rule),” said Bach. “The seven-year rule is more or less obsolete. If the IOC, organising committees and international federations agree then the seven-year rule must not be applied.

“I hope there will be changes. I hope I will see some of these changes implemented in my (eight-year) term as president.”

Bach has said he wanted to make the Games more attractive by bringing in more sports than the current maximum of 28 in order to win over new generations of viewers and keep the Olympic brand relevant to youngsters.

He said the IOC would discuss all possible changes this week at the Russian Black Sea resort prior to the February 7-23 winter Games and expected decisions to be finalised and voted on by the end of the year.

“I do not necessarily want to drop the seven-year rule. It can be necessary for a completely new sport, but if we all agree in a certain case that the rule must not be respected because technical conditions are met, then why not?”

Australia’s Test warm-up in South Africa cancelled CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) - Australia’s only warm-up fixture ahead of the three-match Test series against South Africa has been cancelled after torrential rain in Potchefstroom left little chance of play.

The four-day match against a South African Invitational XI was due to be played from Wednesday to Saturday, but with conditions unlikely to improve in the coming days, Australia have opted instead for more nets.

“Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Cricket Australia (CA) have reached a collaborative decision to cancel Australia’s four-day warm-up match against a South Africa Invitational XI scheduled for February 5-8 in Potchefstroom,” CSA said in a statement yesterday.

“There has been torrential rain in the area over the last few days which has hampered the squad’s training, with the forecast for the coming days also looking gloomy.

Australia travelled to Johannesburg yesterday, and are scheduled to have practice at SuperSport Park in Centurion this morning.”

Centurion, near Pretoria, will host the first Test of the series starting on February 12.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

Ivanovic blasts open race as Chelsea win at City (REUTERS) - BRANISLAV Ivanovic’s first-half cracker and Jose Mourinho’s tactical mastery helped classy Chelsea claim a 1-0 win yesterday at Premier League title rivals Manchester City, who failed to score at home for the first time this season.

Chelsea’s battling victory put the Londoners level on 53 points with second-placed City and within two points of league leaders Arsenal after 24 games.

Ivanovic struck just after the half-hour mark when Ramires’ effort was blocked

by Vincent Kompany and fell for the Serbian right back, who let fly first time from the edge of the box and saw his powerful left-foot shot nestle in the far corner.

City had chances to equalise but Chelsea, who also hit the woodwork three times, were always a threat on the break in an absorbing contest, which was decided by Mourinho’s ability to find the perfect blend between attack and defence.

“We showed a lot of character, and created a lot of chances. We spent a good couple of days working on their strengths and weaknesses - that is typical Jose Mourinho,” Chelsea captain John Terry told Sky Sports.

“We have a couple of games at home now to kick on. We must win them as we dropped points against West Ham last week,” he added referring to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Yesterday’s game was billed as a potential early title-decider by some, such has been City’s incredible form and the widely held belief that wily Chelsea are their most

likely challengers despite Arsenal having led the race for much of the season.

In the battle between the team with the best attack and the outfit with the meanest defence in the league, both managers chose a more defensive midfield than usual to try to take

Yaya Toure twice went close but David Silva had the best opportunity after 18 minutes when his close range finish squirmed wide.

SHAKY DEFENCE Chelsea continually broke at pace and Ramires tapped

A lively atmosphere in an unusually dry Manchester added to the sense of occasion but there was stunned silence apart from an ecstatic band of away fans as soon as Ivanovic struck the winner having not been tracked by Silva.

City striker Edin Dzeko next blasted over after a lull in proceedings before his opposite number Samuel Eto’o rattled the woodwork from a difficult angle just before the interval.

The second half started at a frantic pace with Chelsea again repeatedly worrying the City backline but the hosts were soon up the other end and Toure sent a rasping drive just wide.

Chelsea’s January signing Nemanja Matic then clipped the post with a forceful effort from distance, prompting City boss Manuel Pellegrini to send on creative forward Stevan Jovetic in place of Negredo in a bid to

wrestle control of the match.

It had little effect and soon it was Gary Cahill’s turn to strike the woodwork for Chelsea as the home crowd, so used to their side scoring 4, 5 or 6, struggled to comprehend events - even against a team managed by one of the shrewdest around.

Silva had two good chances in the last 20 minutes with City always in the hunt but Chelsea held out for a famous win.

Berbice cricket clubs continue to benefit from BCB and RHTY&SC AS the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Berbice Cricket Board gather momentum, seven cricket clubs in the Ancient County recently received $180 000 worth of items from

ers to assist them in providing refreshments for their players and keeping the environment clean.

Chairman of the Golden Jubilee and BCB special events

pose.

Foster also announced that other clubs in the county would receive other donations during the year while great efforts would be made to assist clubs

Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic celebrates scoring a goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northern England, yesterday.(Credit: Reuters/Darren Staples) charge of the game at the Etihad Stadium.

Centre backs Martin Demichelis and David Luiz were employed in the centre of the park for City and Chelsea respectively and the visitors’ playmaker Oscar was left on the bench but the game started openly with both sides having decent sniffs at goal.

Free-scoring City, without injured Argentine talisman Sergio Aguero, threatened when Alvaro Negredo fired over and

the ball into the net with the offside flag raised before having a very good effort saved

by Joe Hart after the shaky home defence had fallen away during another foray by the Londoners.

Purists feared often-cautious Mourinho might “park the bus”, an accusation the Portuguese coach has used about sides playing too defensively against his team, but instead the game was easy on the eye.

Representatives of the seven clubs pose after the presentation. the BCB and the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC).

The clubs receiving donations were Bush Lot, Blairmont, Young Warriors, Upper Corentyne, Chesney, Whim, and Police and they each received a collection of dustbins, water mugs, buckets and water pitch-

committee Hilbert Foster, in handing over the donations, stated that the Berbice Cricket Board was totally committed to the development of all cricket clubs in Berbice.

He expressed the hope that the clubs appreciate the donation from the BCB and use it for the intended pur-

with cricket balls and stumps during the year.

Foster also expressed gratitude to Ramsay Ali of Sterling Products Ltd who donated the water pitchers and the crocket teams of the RHTY&SC who contributed the dustbins, buckets and water mugs.

CSA-BCCI impasse likely to end

By Firdose Moonda and Amol Karhadkar CRICKET South Africa and BCCI have resumed discussions about a possible patch-up that may result in the former supporting the ICC revamp in exchange of the CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat being reintegrated into top administration.

If the discussions end positively, then it is possible that not only could CSA vote in favour of the proposed ICC overhaul but also that Lorgat resumes attending ICC meetings and CSA’s dealings with their Indian counterpart. More importantly, India and South Africa could be seen in action against each more frequently than over the last few years.

While a South Africa cricket insider claimed that the BCCI had made “an offer” to CSA, a BCCI administrator maintained they haven’t “offered anything to anyone” for supporting the Big Three (the boards of India, England and Australia) proposal that is likely to be voted on during a special ICC Board meeting on Dubai over the weekend.

The BCCI insider, on the other hand, conceded that CSA and Lorgat are keen to patch up with the BCCI and have informally approached them. Since the decision on Lorgat is an “ICC resolution”, the BCCI “cannot do anything”, according to him. Though it couldn’t be ascertained independently whether ICC has passed a resolution against Lorgat, his role in former ICC head of legal David Becker’s statements during the BCCI-CSA impasse is being probed by an independent ICC panel.

CSA’s turnaround in their stance is significant since they were the first full member to oppose the Big Three proposal that would alter the dynamics of international cricket’s governance. CSA, in a statement ahead of the January 28 ICC Board meeting, had appealed to the ICC president Alan Isaac to withdraw the proposal.

In the course of informal discussions, CSA and BCCI are believed to be discussing more bilateral series.

The CSA chief executive’s appointment and the allegedly unilateral announcement of the itinerary for India’s tour to South Africa led to the relations between the two boards reaching an all-time low. The BCCI agreed for a curtailed tour only after CSA withdrew Lorgat from all the ICC and BCCI-related matters.

This breakdown in relations between the BCCI and CSA was followed by the Big Three leaving CSA in the dark about the proposed revamp as well as the sideline meetings around the ICC Board meeting in Dubai last week.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

29

PCB oppose Big Three proposals THE Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has strongly opposed the move to revamp the global game and called it “neither in line with principle of equity nor in the interest of the game of cricket”.

The announcement came after a meeting of its governing board, presided by PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf, who had been present at the ICC meeting in Dubai last week to discuss the radical proposals which will give the Big Three countries a larger portion of ICC revenues and more of a say in (the) game’s administration.

“The Board Members deliberated and expressed serious concerns on the model proposed by BCCI, ECB and CA which was

neither in line with principle of equity nor in the interest of game of cricket,” a PCB press release said.

“The Board has reiterated the position that Chairman PCB request audience with the Patron of PCB, H.E the Prime Minister to apprise him on this matter of immense significance and of national interest which will have wide-reaching impact on (the) future of cricket in Pakistan.”

Ashraf said last week that he wanted all decisions to be taken through consensus, and didn’t want the proposals to be approved hastily.

“The Board appreciated and supported the stance taken by Chairman PCB at the last ICC Board meeting at

Mings Products & Services donates cricket balls to RHTY&SC for 2014 season FOR the eighth successive year the cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) have benefited from a large donation of cricket balls from the management of Mings Products & Services.

Administrative assistant of the Mings Products & Services handed over the cricket balls to office manager of the RHTY&SC Moonish Singh at the company head office located in Urquhart Street, Kingston, Georgetown.

Singh, who is also co-head of the RHTY&SC Cricket Development Committee, expressed gratitude to the management of the company, especially Colin Ming and Stanley Ming, for their continued investment into the youths of the club.

After a meeting of its board of governors, the PCB said: The model proposed by BCCI, ECB and CA was neither in line with principle of equity nor in the interest of game of cricket.

Dubai. The Board authorised Chairman PCB Mr. Zaka Ashraf and COO Mr Subhan Ahmad to engage with other Board members to align the common position and take other requisite remedial measures in the interest of cricket in Pakistan.”

After the Dubai meeting, the ICC had said its Executive Board “unanimously supported” a set of principles which were more or less along the lines of the original proposal, though there were some concessions granted to the members outside the Big Three.

The proposals had not been voted on in that meeting, but could be at the next ICC meeting in Singapore on February 8. (ESPN Cricinfo)

WIPA takes issue with Barbados manager over Edwards expulsion PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - The West Indies Players Association (WIPA) has taken a swipe at the manager of the Barbados cricket team Hartley Reid over the expulsion of Kirk Edwards from the squad for the NAGICO Super50 tournament under way here.

WIPA president Wavell Hinds says he is disappointed with the attitude of Reid in a dispute which stemmed from Edwards’ refusal to sign for match kits.

Edwards was withdrawn from the team and was scheduled to return to Bridgetown Sunday, the day Barbados defeated Trinidad and Tobago by 28 runs in their opening game.

“Throughout the discussions Mr Reid remained totally inflexible and at no time did he try to find a solution to what we still say is a non-issue,” Hinds said.

“WIPA is extremely disappointed with Mr Reid’s

attitude.”

Hinds stated that Edwards said he has been refusing to sign for match kits over the past two years because they barely last two months.

BCA stipulates that players sign a document agreeing that the two match shirts and two match trousers must serve them for two years, and that the cost of replacement will be taken up by the player in the event of any damage or loss of items within the period.

Edwards complained to WIPA that on his arrival in Trinidad he received threats that he will be sent home if he did not sign for the kits.

“After Kirk made us aware that he had been threatened with expulsion from the team, and of the issue which had given rise to the threat, I immediately contacted Mr Reid (Hartley Reid) and asked if he would be good enough to meet with us and Kirk at the team hotel right after the WIPA AGM which was being

held nearby and he agreed,” said Hinds.

“We were firmly of the view that what Kirk had advised us of as being the issue was a matter which could be easily resolved through sensible and well-intentioned dialogue, and certainly nothing, not even in our wildest dreams, which might warrant the drastic and draconian abuse of power by the team’s manager”.

H i n d s re p o r t e d t h a t during the meeting with Reid, WIPA officials, including Director Michael Hall, were informed that the document which the BCA was insisting Edwards sign was in fact superseded by an official BCA player handbook which stated that a player would be entitled to four sets of match kits for a one-year period as opposed to two kits for two years.

Hinds also took issue with Reid for refusing to accept an offer from WIPA to sign on Edwards’ behalf, since, according to him, BCA contradicted itself

by giving a third party the right to sign on behalf of the former Barbados captain-without his consent.

“At the end of the day, an unnecessary blot has been placed on the career of a dedicated and talented West Indian cricketer,” said the WIPA president. “… All because those entrusted with leadership roles in our game appear not to have the requisite skills to execute the job.”

Edwards, 29, a current West Indies Test and One-Day player, was replaced as the Barbados captain for both the NAGICO tournament and the forthcoming first-class four-day championship of which Barbados are the title-holders.

Batting all-rounder Kevin Stoute is leading the side in the NAGICO tournament, while Test opener Kraigg Brathwaite will be at the helm for the four-day championship, which is scheduled to start February 28.

Organisers expecting higher attendances

Ms Alesa Bacchus of Mings Products & Services hands over balls to Moonish Singh of the RHTY&SC. Singh also disclosed that the entire cricket section of the RHTY&SC is being re-organised to achieve even greater success and Ming’s annual contribution would assist the club to achieve its target goals.

Meanwhile, the RHTY&SC also received financial donations from John Fernandes Ltd, Dr Jose Da Silva of Modern Optical Service and Ralph Ramkarran of the law firm, Cameron and Shepherd.

The club would use these donations for its anti-drugs and pro-education campaign which is coordinated by the eight cricket teams of the RHTY&SC.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - So far ticket sales and crowd attendance for the NAGICO Super50 tournament has been “below par” but the organisers expect that business will pick up as the competition progresses.

The Super50 bowled off on Thursday at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain and continues with matches almost every day until the final next Saturday (February 15).

Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) treasurer Sukesh Maniam said on Saturday the Board was expecting bigger crowds than what turned up over the first two days of the competition on Thursday and Friday but was confident that more fans would have come out Sunday for Trinidad and Tobago’s opening match against Barbados the Oval from 14:00hrs.

“We were expecting bigger crowds but so far it just did not materialise. We knew we would have been competing with various Carnival fetes but so far it was below par.

“We have been getting a little less than 500 in attendance but we expected that number to more than double yesterday,” said Maniam.

Chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board’s (TTCB) Marketing, Business Development and Special Events

Committee Baldath Mahabir said that while they did not expect “fantastic crowds” in the early part of the tournament, they are expecting a bigger turn out starting yesterday.

Asked about the marketing of the matches, Mahabir explained that the WICB only did “standard marketing” on the newspapers on the West Indies Cricket Board website on the TTCB website as well as the sponsors’ website.

“Nothing extraordinary. We really expected the crowds to ramp up from the first night T&T play. It is a long tournament and we expect people will get warm to the tournament as it progresses,” Mahabir explained. “The crowds could have been bigger.”

Asked if he thought the advertising for the tournament was sufficient Mahabir said: “You could never over-market (an event). We expected it to start slow and get bigger as we go along.”

Maniam noted that tickets will be on sale on match days in order to minimise the instances of scalping and counterfeiting.

Tickets cost $30 for the preliminary round matches, $40 for the semi-finals and $50 for the final. (Trinidad Express)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

Carter, Benn inspire Bajans win over T&T PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - Jonathan Carter scored his maiden century in 50 overs cricket to steer Barbados to a 28-run victory over hosts Trinidad and Tobago in the NAGICO SUPER50 Regional cricket tournament at the Queen’s Park Oval on Sunday.

Carter shared in two important partnerships for Barbados in reaching 269 for eight off the reduced 45 overs.

It was Barbados’ highest score against Trinidad & Tobago in a limited overs tournament.

Led by left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn 4-23 and pacer Jason Holder 2-23, Barbados restricted Trinidad & Tobago to 241 runs with nine balls to spare.

Earlier, Barbados won the toss and decided to bat in a match reduced to 45 overs because of early afternoon rain.

Carter joined opener Dwayne Smith after Kraigg Brathwaite (2) and Rashidi Boucher (13) were removed to leave Barbados on 57-2.

Carter and Smith shared in a 103-run third-wicket partnership. Smith rushed to 83 off 72 balls which included 10

fours and three sixes before he was caught by Darren Bravo at long-off from a fuller delivery from Rayad Emrit.

Carter also featured in another crucial partnership with Shane Dowrich (35) which yielded 91 runs for the fifth wicket.

Bravo skewed a chance to remove Carter on 82 in the 37th over and before reaching his milestone. Carter went on to play a brilliant innings of 109 runs from 111 balls which included nine fours and five sixes.

The Barbadians were already in full control and piled on the runs to finish on 269 for eight.

Emrit was the most successful bowler for Trinidad & Tobago with 4-50 and a

wicket each for Ravi Rampaul, Dwayne Bravo, Kevon Cooper and Imran Khan.

There were solid scores from Denesh Ramdin, who was unbeaten on 48, Darren Bravo (40), Lendl Simmons (37) and Jason Mohammed (32). But the home team lost too many wickets for too little runs.

Benn and Holder were tight in the bowling and received good support from all-rounder Smith who took 1-14 from 2.3 overs.

Barbados are on four points, one behind Zone B leaders Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) who inflicted a 160-run defeat on the Leeward Islands on Saturday.

BARBADOS innings 269-8 (45.0 overs) D. Smith c DA Bravo b Emrit 83 K.. Brathwaite b DJ Bravo 2 R. Boucher+ lbw b Khan 13 J. Carter b Cooper 109 K. Stoute b Emrit 0 S. Dowrich c Mohammed b Rampaul 35 C. Brathwaite not out 9 A. Nurse c Rampaul b Emrit 4 J. Holder c Rampaul b Emrit 0 Extras: (b-1, lb-6, w-6, nb-1) 14 Total: (8 wkts; 45.0 overs) 269 Fall of wickets: 1-26, 2-57, 3-160, 4-160, 5-251, 6-259, 7-268, 8-269.

Bowling: R. Rampaul 9-0-65-1 (w-2), Dwayne Bravo 8-1-31-1 (w-2), K. Cooper 9-0-55-1 (w-1), L. Simmons 6-0-39-0 (w-1), Imran Khan 4-1-22-1, R. Emrit 9-0-50-4 (nb-1) TRINIDAD & TOBAGO innings 241 all out (43.3 overs)

A. Barath c +Boucher b Holder 10 E. Lewis c Dowrich b Holder 13 L. Simmons b Benn 37 Darren Bravo b Benn 40 Dwayne Bravo lbw Benn 16 J. Mohammed+ c Boucher b Holder 32 R. Rampaul b Benn 3 D. Ramdin not out 48 K. Cooper b Brathwaite 2 Imran Khan b Smith 7 R. Emrit run-out (Smith) 6 Extras: (lb-8, w-17, nb-3) 28 Total: (10 wkts; 43.3 overs) 241 Fall of wickets 1-24, 2-25, 3-91, 4-113, 5-132, 6-144, 7-181, 8-148, 9-218.

Bowling: F. Edwards 6-0-42-0 (w-2), J. Holder 7-1-23-2 (w-2), C. Brathwaite 7-0-36-1 (w-1) K. Stoute 4-0-29-0 (nb-1), S. Benn 9-1-39-4, A. Nurse 8-0-51-1 (nb-1, w-4), D. Smith 2.3-0-14-1 (w-2)..

Smith not bothered about pre-series jibes Jonathan Carter was named Man-of-the-Match for his brilliant 109.

23rd Annual R&R-sponsored Mash 40-mile cycle road race set for Sunday THE R&R International Limited-sponsored 40-mile cycle road race will be staged on Sunday in the West Coast Demerara beginning at 08:00hrs from Schoonord (entrance of the Demerara Harbour Bridge).

The country’s top pedal-pushers will journey from Schoonord to Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo before returning to the place of origin for the finish.

The top six finishers in the open category as well as the first two finishers in the juniors, veterans and female categories will receive trophies and monetary rewards, while the first mountain biker will also be rewarded.

The defending champion is Alanzo Greaves who clocked one hour 41 minutes 58 seconds in winning last NAOMI SINGH year’s event.

The defending champions of the juniors, veterans and female categories are: Raul Leal, Stephen Fernandes and Naomi Singh respectively.

The veterans, mountain bikers and females will turn back from the Uitvlugt Community Centre, while the open category and junior riders will turn back at Bushy Park.

The event, which is being organised by national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed M.S., will see former cyclist and managing director of R&R International Limited, Jacob Rambarran, on hand to assist with the presentation of prizes to the respective winners.

THE pre-series hype between South Africa and Australia opened the batting in South Africa for long enough to know was suitably simmering when Michael Clarke called Austhat it’s going to be testing,” he said. tralia’s bowling attack the “best in the world,” when Pat “The moving ball is something we have become accusCummins recalled South Africa’s batsmen being “scared,” tomed to. Our bowling attack knows how to exploit conditions of Mitchell Johnson in the last series here in 2011-12 and here.” when Peter Siddle earmarked Graeme Smith as the man Although Australian surfaces also have pace and his team “want to put presbounce, Smith called them sure on.” “a lot truer to bat on” beBut all the smoke was comcause of the lack of sideways ing out of just one pot. The movement. “You can hit Australian one. through the line with more Smith changed that today, confidence than you can in as South Africa got togethSouth Africa,” he said. er for the first day of their “Here it is guys who have preparation and he stoked the ability to play the ugly the flames, albeit in a subtle knock that can change games.” manner.

Someone like Brad Haddin “When you play against then, who saved Australia sevAustralia enough, you learn eral times recently may find to sift through a lot of the ... himself right at home. what’s the word ... the bull But so could someone dot dot dot,” Smith said, at the like Michael Clarke, whose Wanderers with a wry smile. century - in what was a “We just want to focus solitary effort in Cape Town on ourselves and get ourin November 2011 - was an selves ready. We don’t feel example of what he can do the need to get involved in in tough situations. other things. We know this Smith didn’t say it but as series will be decided on the much as the Australian attack quality of the cricket that will will be gunning for him, his When you play against Australia enough, you own bowlers will go after be played.”

After months of adminis- learn to sift through a lot of the ... what’s the Clarke. The theory of felling trative wrangling, dating back word ... the bull dot dot dot – Graeme Smith . the leader works both ways, to the circumstances which led after all, and the pressure on to a curtailed India visit, those words will taste like water on a both of them will be at its peak. scorching day to parched fans. Cricket, and maybe only cricket, “A large part of captaincy is not just about making a can finally take centre stage. decision on the field. I have a lot of respect for Michael,” Although this contest will take place against the backSmith said. “It (the pressure) never goes away. I have been drop of the ICC’s proposed restructure, where Australia in the job for 11 years and every tour I know I have got to could assume an even greater position as haves and South front up. When they are big series, it’s heightened.” (ESPN Africa a lesser one as have-nots, it still has the makings of Cricinfo) a classic clash.

The hosts are the top-ranked Test team and have been for 18 months. They have not lost a series in four summers, dating back to 2008-09.

Then Australia were their conquerors. The same Australia they have not beaten in a series at home since COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda readmission. The same Australia who appeared ripe for the Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS picking a few months ago but have since recorded an Ashes ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville triumph. The same Australia whose sternest challenge, it (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) is widely thought, lies in how their batsmen can front up to the South African pack.

Australia’s fighting talk has come either by or about their Grayson Shillingford (WI vs IND, Trinidad, 1971) bowlers. One journalist asked Smith if he thought that was 1971 an indication Australia knew their batting was going to come under scrutiny. Smith shouldered arms, calling it a “good question,” before offering a cryptic answer. “We are really Who are the WI players to have scored a double century motivated to expose certain things,” he said. and a hundred in the same Test match?

Those things could well be weaknesses in the AustraWhere and when was the first ODI century scored? lian line-up, who Smith thinks, like many others, will face “unique challenges” in South African conditions. “I’ve

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday February 04, 2014) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: Today’s Quiz:

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 4, 2014

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Malta Supreme Guyana going for second win against Windwards today

By Calvin Roberts in Trinidad and Tobago (Compliments of Ansa McAl, Berbice River Bridge, Regal Stationery, Wartsilla, Romaine Car Wash, F&H Printing and GT&T) FOLLOWING their confidence-boosting first-round win over Ireland last Friday Malta Supreme Guyana, led

by Christopher Barnwell, will be looking to make it two out of two when they face defending champions Windward Islands in the second round of the West Indies Cricket Board NAGICO Super50 tournament at the Queen’s Park Oval today.

In their first game against the Irish, the Guyanese who last won a Regional Super50 title in 2005, got a solid opening partnership between dependable middle order batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul and pugnacious opener Trevon Griffith, who curbed his aggressive attitude while posting 129 for the first wicket.

It set the foundation for the stylish right-handed Ramnaresh Sarwan to come at the depth of the innings and free his hand in his man-of-thematch and unbeaten 62-ball 89 which, together with 79 from Chanderpaul and 62 from Griffith, piloted Malta Supreme Guyana to 301 for 3 from their 50 overs.

Their bowlers, led by Paul Wintz’ 3 for 30 and two wickets each from Narsingh Deonarine and Ronsford Beaton, reduced the Irish to 180, but against the defending champions, who got an unbeaten ton from Keddy Lesporis, Guyana would have to be taking their A game to the venue for today’s encounter which bowls off at 14:00hrs.

Prior to the first game, Barnwell said he was looking to his top three experienced players in the squad, namely Chanderpaul, Sarwan and Deonarine to come good for their team.

“We have a lot of talented guys and we have a lot of senior guys like Shiv, Sarwan and Narsingh. I think it’s going to be a good game for us to go out there and do our best, while I expect everyone to play his role in the team to the best of their ability,” stated Barnwell.

From the look of things in the outdoor nets at the venue yesterday, Malta Supreme Guyana may be fielding the same 11 that faced the Irish, which means Robin Bacchus, Royston Crandon and Assad Fudadin would have to be content with the towel duties in these humid conditions.

Chanderpaul and Griffith would start the batting, backed by Sarwan, Barn-

well, Deonarine and Leon Johnson, while Anthony Bramble, who can also be

used as an opener in times of need, can also chip in with the bat and do so heavily

when he gets going.

Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo and pacers Ronsford Beaton and Paul Wintz, are all useful players with the bat, as much as they are with the ball, hence the Guyana lineup can be a force to be reckoned with.

Following Beaton and Wintz’ exploits with the two new balls used in this contest for Malta Supreme Guyana would be the guile of Permaul, Bishoo and Deonarine, while Barnwell can also chip in with his steady medium pace.

The Windward Islands, who, judging from their first round display against Jamaica, are badly missing injured skipper Darren Sammy and banned off-spinner Shane Shillingford, but will be looking to rebound against a team they have defeated in the last two Regional Super50 tournaments to date.

West Indies opener Johnson Charles and Devon Smith got decent starts during their team’s reply to Jamaica’s 282 for 5, a total they finally got after being 32 for 3, thanks to Mervin Matthew’s opening burst.

KEDDY LESPORIS

But they both failed to carry on and were it not for Lesporis’ resilience, backed by a workmanlike 25 from Matthew, the defending champions would not have reached their

final total of 268 for 8.

Both Charles and Smith, along with Tyrone Theophille, Andre Fletcher, Romel Currency and skipper Liam Sebastian, would need to come good with the bat against the Malta Supreme Guyana bowling attack.

On the other hand, their bowlers would need to capitalise and apply more pressure after making early inroads since they failed to do so against the Jamaicans, which means that Matthew, Sebastien, Delorn Johnson, Garey Mathurin and Kenroy Peters need to make a game out of it and keep their team in, with a win.

GUYANA: Christopher Barnwell (captain), Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Anthony Bramble, Robin Bacchus, Trevon Griffith, Leon Johnson, Narsingh Deonarine, Royston Crandon, Assad Fudadin, Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Ronsford Beaton, Paul Wintz; Esaun Crandon (coach) WINDWARD ISLANDS: Liam Sebastien (captain), Andre Fletcher, Johnson Charles, Tyron Theophille, Mervin Matthew, Craig Emmanuel, Garey Mathurin, Keddy Lesporis, Devon Smith, Dalton Polius, Delorn Johnson, Kenroy Peters, Romel Currency, Alston Bobb; Ian Allen (coach).

New Era Entertainment to host Mackeson/Cell Smart Futsal tourney in Linden … 12 teams, $200 000 up for grabs

PAUL WINTZ

NEW Era Entertainment has teamed up with the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) to host its Cell Smart/Mackeson Futsal tournament in Linden, starting March 8, with all games set for the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court.

The twelve team tournament will be played on a Knockout format and will fetch a first prize of $200 000, while second through fourth placers are set to pocket $100 000, $75 000 and $25 000 respectively.

“We’re hoping to make this tournament one of the best ever to be held in Linden and I’m guaranteeing some very attractive individual prizes,” said New Era Entertainment’s Co-Director Aubrey Major Jr. According to Major, while they are yet to register or make known the 12 participating teams, he is aware that Linden is full of players who normally form their own squads to fit the shorter format of the game, noting, “We know there are teams like Russians, Hard Knocks, Retrieve Unknowns, Canvas City All-Stars, Sharp Shooters and Team-25 who have so far signalled their intention to play and are getting themselves together to register.

“We’re hearing about a few new teams as well, so what we’ll be doing, is working with the UDFA in making sure that everything is done in order so we wouldn’t have any problems.”

He added: “Deadline for registration is February 12 and forms can be uplifted and handed in at Muslim’s Top-Up Shop. We’re urging everyone, especially those who would have collected the forms to make sure that they register before the deadline because we wouldn’t be accepting any teams after the date has passed.

Some teams have already brought in their forms and we’ll make an official announcement when everything is final.”

Apart from the opening date, matches will be played on March 9, 13, 15, 17, 19 and the final on March 22. (Rawle Toney)

NEW ERA ENT CO-DIRECTOR AUBREY MAJOR JR

Sport CHRONICLE

The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com

Jamaica please see story page 26 defeat Ireland by 6 wickets

FIFA Development Officer not happy with Guyana’s Goal Project bid

By Rawle Toney THE prime objective of the Goal Programme, launched in 1999 by FIFA president Joseph Sepp Blatter, was to provide FIFA’s member associations with the infrastructure that would enable them to develop i n d e p e n d e n t l y, o f f e r i n g US$500 000 for each phase.

Guyana was one of the first countries identified to be the beneficiaries of FIFA’s development project and 15 years later, even after a visit by Blatter, Guyana is yet to see the realisation of what the World Body is calling a ‘must have’, if any member association is seri-

FIFA Development Officer Howard McIntosh (second from left) addresses the media at yesterday’s Press conference, flanked by GFF president Christopher Matthias and general secretary Noel Adonis.

Seattle Seahawks thrash Denver Broncos Smith’s 69-yard interception return helped Seattle into a deserved 22-0 lead at the break.

Percy Harvin returned the second-half kick-off 87 yards for another touchdown to all but

see page 26

GFF/Banks Beer Premier League

Super Bowl XLVIII:

THE Seattle Seahawks dominated Super Bowl XLVIII, thrashing a badly misfiring Denver Broncos, 43-8.

Marshawn Lynch’s one-yard touchdown run and Malcolm

ous about the sport in their respective countries.

“For too long now the children and football-loving people of Guyana have been robbed of this infrastructure development,” said FIFA’s Development Officer Howard McIntosh, who added “I would easily say, and again I’m using example of other countries in the region who are on their third goal project right now, and Guyana has not gone past one yet.

“Nothing has changed in terms of FIFA’s commitment to the G o a l P ro j e c t . We a re concerned at the pace, we’ll love to see things

end a horribly one-sided affair in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

It was the first Super Bowl staged outdoors in a cold-weather state.

Pre-match fears of an 82

500-strong crowd having to endure sub-zero conditions proved groundless, with the temperature at the roofless MetLife Stadium just outside New York hovering around 7C (44F)

PILE IN, LADS - Seattle Seahawks Marshawn Lynch (C) scores a touchdown between Denver Broncos Wesley Woodyard (L) and Mike Adams (R) in the second quarter.

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Den Amstel, Santos improve points standing with victories on Sunday

By Michael DaSilva DEN Amstel and Santos both improved their points standing in the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF)/Banks Beer Premier League with victories over Milerock and Mahaica Determinators respectively.

Playing at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC), ground, Den Amstel edged Milerock by a 1-0 margin through an own goal in the 87th minute, while in the feature game, Santos beat Mahaica Determinators 2-0 with goals off the boots of Jermaine Fraser and Paul Daniels in the 45th and 58th minutes respectively.

The victories for the two teams have seen them advance in the points standing as they secured three points each.

Den Amstel who went into the game at sixth place with 11 points from eight matches will remain at sixth place with 14 points from nine matches, one point behind fifth place Rosignol United on 15 points from eight matches.

Santos who were 11th in the points standing with nine points from eight matches have moved up to seventh with 12 points after nine matches. They are two points adrift of Den Amstel.

Eight matches were scheduled for Sunday, but according to a GFF source, the other six matches have been rescheduled to Friday when more favourable weather is expected.

The current points leaders are Alpha United with 24 points from eight matches. They are followed by BK Western Tigers on 19 points, third is Guyana Defence Force on 18 points.

Buxton United, Rosignol United and Den Amstel are next in that order with 17, 15 and 14 points respectively.

Sitting at the bottom of the table are Young Achievers with three points. Silver Shattas have seven points, Winners Connection and Riddim Squad eight points each, Grove HiTech and BV/Triumph nine points each, Milerock have 10 points and sit in 10th position.

New Amsterdam United and Mahaica Determinators both have 11 points.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2013