Guyana chronicle 13 12 13 by Chronicle

GUYANA No. 103679

FRIDAY DECEMBER 13, 2013

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

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Considering subject of 2013 Budget cuts…

PARLIAMENT APPROVES in developmental $3.1B projects Page 2

AMLCFT and two other security Bills re-tabled by Gov’t

Attorney General Anil Nandlall in the National Assembly last evening

Parliament honours Nelson Mandela

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- new bill introduced

16-yr-old secondary student hangs 16 herself at Charity Page

House rejects motion to cut funding for Amerindian communities

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Minister Pauline Sukhai

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh in the National Assembly last evening

Essequibo residents bemoan heavy losses after Page 4 prolonged blackouts - families and small businesses greatly affected – Regional Chairman

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

Considering subject of 2013 Budget cuts…

Parliament approves $3.1B in developmental projects By Vanessa Narine GOVERNMENT, last evening, secured Parliamentary support for monies, $3.1B, for key developmental projects – projects that were initially the subject of allocations cut from the 2013 Budget. Of the six areas of spending included in a $3.38B Statement of Excess brought to the House for consideration by Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, two areas were voted down: $217.2m for the provision of subsidy to the Guyana Information Agency (GINA) and the National Communications Network (NCN), with $135.8m and $81.3m allocated respectively; and $65.4m for the provision of the modernisation of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The four areas of spending approved included: $1.7b for capital works by the Guyana Power and Light Inc., $21m for the completion of hinterland airstrips, $80m for the acquisition of equipment by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and $34.5m for a mobilisation advance for a consultancy firm to oversee works on the Specialty Hospital. DIALOGUE Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman, called for dialogue to allow for the government’s policies to be advanced, given that the arguments proffered by Members of Parliament were largely legalese. Trotman also noted that dialogue among Parliamentary parties would ensure that Parliament would not find itself in a “de facto”

position. “You will have to find a way out,” he said, referring to both sides of the House. Opposition MPs referred to the debate as a conundrum as the monies, subject of allocation cut from the Budget, have already been spent, hence their inclusion in a Statement of Excess, and their consideration by Parliament is to approve withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund. Government MPs, on the other hand, relied on the interim ruling of the Chief Justice, Ian Chang, who stated that the National Assembly cannot cut the budget and that the Finance Minister has the authority to allocate monies as needed. The main arguments proffered also relied on Section 218 of the Constitution which states that monies from the Consolidated Fund can be used and subsequently included in a Statement of Excess – as was done. The Speaker explained that his understanding is that the Opposi-

tion’s arguments are founded in the fear that amounts, the subject of allocations not approved in the 2013 Budget during the April debates, will be incrementally increased. “I don’t have a solution…the way out is that we have to speak to each other,” he said. Alliance For Change (AFC) member, Moses Nagamootoo, said the issue at hand is one that has to be addressed politically. The Finance Minister maintained that his actions were in keeping with requirements in the Constitution. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, added that the amounts on the Statement of Excess are presented in accordance with Section 218 of the Constitution, which regards the Consolidated Fund, not the Contingency Fund. He stated that this particular section deals with the financial situation after the Budget has been passed, and its provisions are clear. “This is what the Constitution says and this is what we are doing,” Nandlall said.

AMLCFT and two other security - new bill Bills re-tabled by Gov’t introduced MINISTER of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall last night re-tabled in the National Assembly three Government Bills targeting security reform which were defeated by the Opposition, and introduced a new one. The re-tabled bills are the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) (Amendment) Bill 2013, the Evidence (Amendment) Bill 2013, and the Firearm (Amendment) Bill 2013. The Summary Jurisdic-

tion (Procedure) (Amendment) Bill 2013 was introduced for the first time. Government, in recognition of the fundamental importance of the pieces of legislation to the lives and livelihood of the people of Guyana, committed to returning the bills to the National Assembly for consideration. AMLCFT Government views the AMLCFT Bill as a matter of national importance, and

has pledged to give it the highest priority because of its deep-seated importance to Guyanese. The standing orders in the current construct of Parliament prohibit a bill from being re-tabled after being rejected. However, the relevant standing order says after a bill is defeated at its second reading, then it cannot be brought back within the same session of that parliament. It was not defeated at that reading, but after the third. The passage of this Bill is now crucial, in light of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force’s (CFATF) blacklist of Guyana at its November 21 plenary for failing to put in place the anti-terrorism legislation. If this re-tabled bill does

not succeed and Guyana is unable to meet the requirement at CFATF’s plenary meeting in May 2014, then the body will hand over Guyana to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for an International Cooperation Review Group’s (ICRG) evaluation to commence. This will see the country’s financial infrastructure being put under scrutiny by officials who will visit Guyana. These officials will then make a series of recommendations, all of which will have to be complied with, before Guyana can be removed from the blacklist. The FATF rule is that a country must enjoy 100 percent compliance before being removed

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

House rejects motion to cut funding for Amerindian communities By Vanessa Narine

JUSTIFICATION

THE National Assembly last evening considered a motion from Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan, to c u t a p ro v i s i o n o f s o m e $ 5 0 0 M f o r p ro j e c t s a n d programmes in Amerindian communities, brought to the House in a supplementary financial paper tabled by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh. And Members of Parliament vote resulted in the motion to reduce the provision not being carried in the Committee of Supply. Ramjattan filed a motion with Parliament on Tuesday to cut $300M in supplementary funding earmarked for the provision of projects and programmes in Amerindian communities. However, even as the House commenced the sitting, Amerindians from various regions turned out in their numbers to protest Ramjattan’s move outside Public Buildings. Among those represented were members of the Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana (TAAMOG) and staff of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. On the issue of voting for the provision, 30 members abstained, two members voted against it and 32 MPs voted in support.

Shadow Finance Minister for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Carl Greenidge, called the request an irresponsible one and was subsequently chided by the Speaker Raphael Trotman. Accepting the Speaker’s contentions, Greenidge called for a justification in the validity, feasibility and acceptability of the large request. APNU front-bencher Dr. Aubrey Norton reiterated similar sentiments and asked for the minister to justify the urgency of the allocation and the unavoidability of its coming to Parliament. Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai told the House that the $500M supplementary funding comes on the heels of the just concluded National Toshao’s Council meetings, which sought to provide a forum for Amerindian village leaders to plan developmental projects for their respective communities. According to her, it includes coverage: of transportation costs for school children using both the roadways and waterways; and costs to develop roads and access paths to promote trade and agriculture, among other priority areas. AFC Member Valerie Garrido-Lowe noted the time frame of the submission, two weeks before the

AMLCFT and two other From 2 security Bills ... page

from the ICRG process. The AMLCFT Bill 2013 seeks to amend the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering of Financing of Terrorism Act, No 13 of 2009 and related legislation by strengthening the regime for combating money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism, and specifically to meet the recommendations of the FATF. The Firearm (Amendment) Bill 2013, which seeks to make trafficking in firearms a punishable offence, and the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to expand the range of documents/reports that can be admitted as evidence, were both before introduced by Home Affairs Minister Clement to the National Assembly, but were voted down by the Parliamentary Opposition. The firearms bill, which is also geared towards enhancing the citizen’s security strategy, was defeated by the Opposition on March 14. Opposition Leader David Granger, after the Bill’s defeat, had said that APNU’s vote was solely based on the fact that it was tabled by Minister Rohee who does not enjoy the Opposition’s confidence. The Summary Jurisdiction (Procedure) (Amendment) Bill 2013 seeks to amend section 8 (2) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Procedure) Act, Cap.10:02, to allow a person who is issued with a traffic ticket for an offence to pay the prescribed penalty to the clerk of the court of any magisterial district regardless of where the offence was committed.

end of the year, as well as the fact that the supplementary is more than the initial sum approved in the 2013 Budget, $392M. Sukhai returned that the request following the end of the National Toshao’s Conference was tabled since November 7 and now, 35 days later, is being debated.

Garrido-Lowe questioned the spending on providing transportation for Amerindian children, when other children on the coast are not afforded the same luxury – a comment that was widely heckled in the House. The subject Minister explained that many of the expenses are small amounts, the community participation limit

being $1.5M, while others will be approved funds to facilitate the tendering process to ensure transportation arrangements are in place for January. Greenidge pressed a line of questioning, asking what percent of the $500M is for contracts. “There will not be any contract,” she said.

Sukhai maintained that the provision is intended to improve the lives of Amerindian people in the Hinterland areas. By the end of the evening, the financial paper containing the $500M provision, as well as provisions in the Agriculture and Public Works Ministries, totalling $7.74B, was passed by the House.

Mr. Peter Persaud of the Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana joining in the protest

Parliament honours Nelson Mandela By Clifford Stanley PARLIAMENT last evening observed a minute of silence in honour of the late Mr. Nelson Mandela. And Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Leader of the Opposition Mr. David Granger and member of the Alliance For Change, Mr. Moses Nagamootoo also paid tributes to him, recognizing the legacy of the late Mr. Nelson Mandela. Minister Birkett said that as President, Mr Mandela demonstrated through his wise leadership his immense capacity for consensus building and for reconciliation as he guided the new democratic nation of South Africa. She said that his Excellency, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, former President of the Republic of South Africa, was a great yet humble man; a man full of pride in his country, yet modest over the immeasurable contribution which he made to change the course of its history from being bound by the cords of apartheid and propelling it onto a path of unity in diversity, respect for humanity and fairness, equality and justice. This was the man who laid the foundation for a democratic South Africa. She said that his sincerity for people – not just for South Africans – was even more firmly validated when, following his first

and only term as President, he formed an independent group of eminent global leaders – the Elders - who would offer their collective influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity. Leader of the Opposition David Granger also paid glowing tribute to the “extraordinary life” of the late anti-apartheid hero. He said that Mandela’s life taught the world that in building a nation, reconciliation should replace recrimination and revenge, and that progress could only grow out of inclusionary democracy and not out of exclusionary politics. He extended the gratitude of the Parliamentary Opposition for the life of Mr. Nelson Mandela. He said: “We bewail his death we celebrate his life we venerate his legacy.” Mr. Nagamootoo described Mandela as a great son of the earth. Mr. Nagamootoo stressed that it was Mr. Mandela’s willingness to negotiate with his former captors that “changed the course of South Africa’s history”.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

Essequibo residents bemoan heavy losses after prolonged blackouts - families and small businesses greatly affected – Regional Chairman By Leroy Smith ESSEQUIBO Coast residents have been incurring heavy financial losses during the prolonged power outages caused by a fault on one of the machines used to facilitate the distribution of electricity through the various power lines. A Guyana Chronicle team travelled yesterday to the area and spoke with residents as well as Region 2 Chairman, Mr. Parmanand Persaud about the power outages which they have been experiencing since Monday. The Chronicle team caught

up with a fisherman on the Anna Regina foreshore and the man identified himself as Kalicharan Rooplall. He said that he had travelled to the area to relax but usually he would be at sea “catching his hand” but over the past few days he has been unable to do so since he has no access to ice to preserve his catch. He showed this publication items he had brought to the foreshore to dump since they were spoiled in the refrigerator due to the power outages. He said that other foodstuff in his fridge had become unfit for consumption and also had to be dumped. The fisherman yesterday pointed to his boat on the river bank as he explained his plight in being unable to go to sea since such a venture would have been a waste of time and resources, since the fish when brought to shore would not be purchased by residents unless it was ‘iced down’. Meanwhile further along the foreshore another fisherman, Sanjay Persaud of Cotton Field stated that the blackouts has caused him hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses and he has had to close off his work for

the week. He said that he has eight workers who are unable to show up for work because they cannot go to sea. His concerns were similar to that of Kalicharan Rooplall. According to Persaud, he is not getting ice to freeze his

fish and so heading to sea would be a waste of time. The man pointed to three freezers which he said he uses in his business. One of the freezers had nine small containers of ice which was already melting. He said that the ice was far from

A freezer filed with spoiled fish that had to be dumped yesterday by the Persaud family after they failed to secure ice (Photos By Leroy Smith)

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Kalicharan Rooplall has nothing else to do with his time than to sit at the seashore hoping that GPL can sort out its technical problems adequate for the amount of fish the man said his losses are in he brings ashore from one trip the hundreds of thousands of at sea. dollars. The other freezer had about eight spoiled fishes which were NO PARTIES OR DANCES floating in about six pints of And residing next door to water. Moreover, the motor for Persaud is his brother Kasim that freezer had been damaged Bacchus, a tailor. The man owing to fluctuating power said that for him all parties supply in the region, accordand dances are called off for ing to Persaud. And the third his customers since they were freezer contained nearly three unable to get their clothing hundred fishes which were all completed. spoiled and would have to be He said that on Wednesday dumped. night he was forced to create Asked when last they were a makeshift lighting gadget to faced with such a scale of blackput on some buttons on a shirt out woes, the man related that for one of his customers. Mr. Essequibo is not really known Bacchus emphasized that the to suffer blackouts in the way power outages have affected it has seen over the past three him significantly. days. He stated that many perThe man said that they have sons brought cloth to him to not been getting any satisfactory sew garments within a specific word from the power company timeframe. According to him, and the situation was truly caushe had already cut the cloth to ing the region financially. specifications but was unable According to Persaud, the to meet his customers’ deadline two boats he operates are his and he is now left with the fabbut he is still paying for the enric on his hands. The persons are gine for one of the vessels and no longer interested in having being unable to go to sea is quite the outfits since the occasion burdensome as he also has other has passed. bills and commitments. The businessman said that Asked to assess the total they are very concerned losses he has suffered thus far since the power outages and Please see page 16 the dumping of his spoiled fish,

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

Honduras: Juan Orlando Hernandez confirmed as president (BBC News) The Honduran electoral tribunal (TSE) has confirmed governing party candidate Juan Orlando Hernandez’s win in last month’s election. The result of the 24 November poll is contested by

the defeated candidate, Xiomara Castro. The TSE officially declared Mr Hernandez president for a four-year term from 27 January 2014. Ms Castro, whose husband Manuel Zelaya was ousted as president in 2009,

Man, woman shot and chopped to death ...second couple also wounded By Carolyn Kissoon (Trinidad Express) A PH driver and a woman found in a cemetery bleeding from gunshot and chop wounds, died while undergoing treatment at the Chaguanas Health Facility on Wednesday night. Two others victims found at the scene, a man and woman, are listed in seriou condition at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope. The driver has been identified as 35-year-old Clifford George of Carolina Village, Couva. The dead woman and the wounded couple are yet to be identified, police said. Chaguanas police were contacted by residents who heard gunshots at the Chaguanas cemetery at around 7p.m. Police said officers found George and a pregnant woman seated in a red Nissan Almera car with gunshots. Another couple were outside the car with chop wounds. The four were taken to the Chaguanas Health Facility, where George was pronounced dead. The woman, who was standing outside the car with chop wounds, died while undergoing treatment. Police traced the vehi-

cle’s registration number and contacted the owner, who informed officers that George was plying the vehicle for hire. Relatives of George told the Express today that they had no clue regarding why the attack happened and that he was simply hired by someone. Three suspects linked to the killings were detained while trying to break into a supermarket in Chaguanas shortly after the killings.

has demanded the election be annulled. ‘ROBBED’ She said she had been robbed of her victory by “fraud.” Mr Hernandez won 36.9% of the vote with Ms Castro coming second with 28.8%, according to results released by the TSE on Saturday. The TSE said there was a difference of more than 250,000 votes between the two candidates.

Ms Castro alleges there were “inconsistencies” in thousands of tally sheets, which she alleges were “doctored” in favour of the governing party. She also said that the voter registry included people who were dead or abroad, and that polling stations were poorly monitored. Ms Castro and her husband have called on their supporters to march to the TSE on Thursday, the second such protest since the election.

American States (OAS) urged Hondurans to unite behind their elected leader.

Mr Hernandez ran on a law-and-order platform

Church must take fight beyond abortion, homosexuality - Reece Jodi-Ann Gilpin, Gleaner Writer (The Gleaner) The Church in Jamaica is being called on to move beyond sen sational issues like its pet peeves: homosexuality and

abortion. Crime and the battered economy are issues to which it should turn its focus instead. Donald Reece, president of the Jamaica Council of Churches and archbishop of Kingston, wants this shift in

Red tape stifling Jamaica’s growth, says Wehby (The Gleaner) Don Wehby, GraceKennedy’s group chief executive officer, has highlighted the urgent need for added impetus and drive to the local export sector that has, for some time, remained stationary in an economy desperately in need of a boost. Wehby, in an address to the annual Christmas luncheon of the Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA) last week, stressed the need for the Government to remove roadblocks and hurdles that block the path of the exporters to enable them to carry out their mandate. “Bureaucracy, red tape and lengthy delays stifle rather than

Following Mr Hernandez’s confirmation as president, the Organisation of

promote success,” warned Wehby. The export market, handicapped by obstructive red tape, did not escape Wehby’s attention. EXPORTS THE WAY TO GO “I am putting it firmly on the table that in a country like Jamaica, where there has been no more than two per cent growth in the last 20 years, if we are to grow, it has to be export-led,” he declared. Wehby referred to unfulfilled objectives of the National Export Strategy (NES) that was completed in 2008, through the efforts of the JEA

and other stakeholders in the sector.

Don Wehby, group chief executive officer of Grace-Kennedy Limited.

the Church’s focus, saying that it must be more practical in dealing with issues of importance. “I think we have to broaden the scope as a Church and not just focus on the push-button issues - homosexuality, abortion, etc. … We must be more focused on reaching out to the poor, and issues such as the economy and crime are all important issues that have affected people over the years,” he said. Reece, who was reacting to news of Pope Francis being named Person of the Year by Time Magazine, is also urging Christians to be more compassionate to the most vulnerable. “Compassion does not mean you don’t stand for principle, neither does it mean that certain issues are overlooked, but we have to ensure that a person’s dignity is respected, irrespective of an individual’s circumstances,” Reece told The Gleaner. KEEPING IN TOUCH Extending his congratula-

tions to the Pope, he said, “It goes to show the type of person he is. He is in touch with the people, and as ministers, we have to emulate these traits and ensure that our medium is used to disseminate positive messages.” Similarly, Pastor Glen Samuels, ministerial secretary of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, offered his commendations, urging leaders to ensure that service is done with the people in mind. “I have always admired Pope Francis. I am particularly moved by his humility. [He is] a people-friendly person and I offer my own commendations to him and the Catholic Church,” said Samuels. “The world is definitely in need of moral leaders, and persons ought to know that ministry is not about being lords over the people. It is about serving people, and so going forward, leadership in the Church and outside the Church must be about the people,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

GUYANA

Spinning, tinkering with facts on granting PGGS

EDITORIAL

Stifling Amerindian development We frequently hear of charges of marginalisation of a particular ethnic group in Guyana, especially from the political opposition but our indigenous people since the colonisation of this country have been victims, perhaps, more than any other ethnic group. Both during the colonial and post independence era Amerindians in Guyana were relegated to third class citizens with hardly any opportunities to improve their educational status and living standards. This situation was compounded by the fact that they mostly lived and still live in the remote parts of the country. Consequently, poverty levels in Amerindian communities were very high as well as severely lagging in living standard compared to their coastal and urban counterparts. However, with the advent of the PPP/C government in 1992 consistent efforts have been made to improve the lives of Amerindians and today we can proudly declare that much has been achieved in this regard albeit much more need to be done. But no one can deny that there has been a dramatic improvement in all aspects of their lives as we have seen in many Amerindian communities across the country more schools and health facilities built; improved access to potable water, electricity and housing; better roads and transportation facilities, and more opportunities for agriculture, economic and commercial ventures. One would have thought that the entire country would have been happy to see the lives of the first people who set foot on this land continuously being improved. Unfortunately, this is not the case because the political Opposition have been making deliberate efforts to stall Amerindian development by using their combined one-seat majority to cut funds earmarked for this purpose. In the first instance, they instituted a cut of funds allocated under the LCDS, which is heavily focused on Amerindian empowerment and development throughout the country. Their latest move in further stalling of Amerindian development is an AFC motion brought before the National Assembly to cut $300M in supplementary funding for projects and programmes in Amerindian communities. Reacting to the motion, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, said she was extremely appalled at the AFC leader. “This motion clearly demonstrates the bias and contempt towards Amerindian development in Guyana and provides further evidence that the AFC is intentionally and maliciously stifling the Amerindian people,” the minister said. Ms. Sukhai’s response is understandable and correct but in addition this act by the AFC is a demonstration of playing political games with people’s lives. No political party that is genuinely interested in the development of its country and people would play political games of this nature. But this is not surprising because ever since it gained its combined one-seat majority the opposition has been using crucial national issues to hold the government to ransom and attempt to wring political concessions and make demands. In the political arena it is all well and good for political

THE Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment is disappointed by the continuous efforts of the Stabroek News to misinform the public on the granting of a Permission of a Geological and Geophysical Survey (PGGS) and the presentation by the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Hon. Robert M. Persaud to the Standing Sector Committee on Natural Resources on November 27, 2013. There can be no excuse. All the facts and answers to questions on this matter have been dutifully and accurately provided to the Stabroek News and the media as a whole. 1. Attempts to suggest that the required and legal process was not followed in the processing of the PGGS were debunked as the facts were glaring. Evidence that the process of granting derived from a public and open one undermined its false claims of lack of transparency. 2. The Stabroek News then changed the angle of its story to suggest that the Minister’s presentation to the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee was untruthful.The Ministry supplied the transcript as provided by the Parliament Office which vindicated the Minister. What did the Stabroek News do? It did not retract its misleading story but then proceeded to tamper and manipulate the transcript of the Parliament Office so that its earlier erroneous version can stand. Shame! Again for ease of reference this is what the Parliament Office provided: Lt. Col. (Ret’d) [Harmon]: Thank you very much minister. Is there, though, any permission or anything for any activity other than mining say for example forestry or forestry concessions issued for in that area? Mr. R. Persaud: I am advised by the technical officer…. I am told by the staff that there is no permitted forestry operation in that particular area. And this is the tampered version of the Parliament Office transcript the Stabroek News’s produced in its story (12/12/13) captioned : ‘Minister for grilling over New River survey grant’ “Harmon also asked whether there was any permission issued or anything for any activity other than mining,including forestry or forestry concessions, in the area.” 3. Having being exposed for misleading the public, the Stabroek News now seeks to engage in semantics rather than sticking

Local government elections should be held early next year

P E R H A P S t h e P P P / C p a r t y s h o u l d d o m o re than only say that they are ready for local and national elections, but actually call for at least local government elections under whatever laws are presently in place. The party should advice the government, opposition and nation that they are ready to call for such elections early next year. They need to point out what new laws were enacted and why a proposed law was not signed into law. Such an election would give all Guyanese an opportunity to express which party or individuals they believe best serve their local interest and the nation at large. Whether the opposition boycotts such an election or not it is time for the voters to be given such an opportunity to elect new local leadership that may best address their needs at the local level, while their leaders argue at the national level as to who should rule Guyana. The opposition must explain to their supporters why they must wait until the opposition gets all that they demand before allowing them a chance to vote for the people they want to run their local affairs. A boycotted election cannot be worse than no elections at all. It is incredible that any party would fear such an election. N. AUGUSTUS parties to make demands and attempt to wring concessions, however, it is unacceptable to do this by using issues of crucial national importance. The Opposition should realise that the nation is closely watching these intrigues of the Opposition and will definitely give their verdict when the opportunity arises. Notably, it may turn out to be one which the Opposition would be unhappy with.

to the relevant facts of the matter. The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment and its agencies, particularly the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission remain open and available to present information so requested. Just recently, the National Assembly was supplied with all the various permits for the mining and forestry sectors from January 1, 2012 to November 2013. Further, the minister has directed the GGMC to join the GFC in putting online all the various permits and licences granted. This will be a first for Guyana. We are aggrieved at the slew of partisan and tabloid-style reporting. Since we are unable to get the Stabroek News to carry the unassailable facts regarding this matter, we invite the public to view the facts on the Ministry’s website: http://www.nre.gov.gy/ and watch the television excerpts of the minister’s presentation to the sectoral committee on the TV show ‘El Dorado Shines’ which will be aired on NCN on Friday (December 13) at 19:30 hrs as well as on other stations. PARMANAND PERSAUD Stakeholders’ Support Officer

Women in love mode cannot think rationally IN a previous communication to you I highlighted the fact that most women in domestic abuse situations are a danger to themselves as well as to others around them, whenever they are in that so called “love mode” of theirs. It means that warnings to stay away from, or sever all relations with the abusive mate would go unheeded and those around them who are giving the timely life-saving advice are also at risk. When I say a risk, I am speaking about the fact that he sees that person/s as a barrier to his communication with her, which means that he can even become violent with those individuals also. That part of my hypothesis was clearly evidenced in the story of the young man who murdered his common-law wife’s - let’s say for academic purposes grandmother - and her brother, a very dangerous situation if I may add. My letter today bears similar sentiments as I press ahead with that thesis of the woman being the root cause or architect, if you please, of her own domestic violence scourge. I will begin with a story related to me by one of our oldsters. Somewhere on the East Coast of Demerara, there was a cheating wife who was in the habit of entertaining her lover whenever her husband went off to work. This went on for some time until the husband caught the two on one of his chanced early return from work one day. He questioned the woman about her association with the man to which he got a more than convincing response that this guy was her cousin. A very convincing woman and an equally understanding simpleton husband! Then came the day when he stumbled on the two in passionate love making when nothing was left to reason as to that “cousin theory”. What took place later was an attack on “her cousin” which saw the alleged cousin getting the better of her husband. He flung him headlong through the window of that house to his death. The wife’s lover was subsequently arrested and charged for murder. Now, the rest of that story is worthy of note, the wife was the one making visits to the murderer in prison, providing meals, while comforting him in his time of trouble. When one would have thought that the wife would be in mourning for her dead husband she was showing “her love” and sympathy for her so-called cousin. If that was not enough at the trial the wife became the star witness for the defence. She claimed that it was the husband who was the aggressor and the one who initiated the violent attack. The only sad thing was that he got the worst of it. Seeing she was the only eyewitness to the encounter and the sole evidence with-which you can rely on the court had no choice than to free the accused. The court concluded that the husband, for no real reason in a fit of rage attacked the accused. Hence, someone dying as a result of mutual combat, the accused can quite naturally walk free. I cannot recall how soon after, but our older folks familiar with the above story would be in a better position to give a more accurate timing, but, it was not very long after the two alleged cousins got married. Fantastic! There is no reason or feeling of remorse from a woman who is supposedly “in love.” Now, let us turn to another episode which took place in New Amsterdam. In this case we have a woman who was in an abusive relationship for a very long time. Her abuse ranged from the constant cuss-outs then to the knockdowns and stabbings. As in most of these cases, she would make numerous reports then recant her position until it reached a point where she could not take it any longer and decided to take the matter to court. She finally decided to make a break from the abusive man, or didn’t she? On the day of his trial everyone was stunned when that woman changed her story. She claimed that she was never abused

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

ANC adopted labour laws which are among the most progressive AS we pay tribute to Nelson Mandela, the pillar of the struggle against apartheid. Wages and conditions have improved considerably. The African National Congress (ANC) government has adopted a series of labour laws which are amongst the most progressive in the world, and has enshrined fundamental trade union rights in the country’s constitution. The world’s number one citizen Nelson Mandela said in three of his Quotes. “We understand still that there is no easy road to freedom we know it well that none of us acting alone can achieve success. We must therefore act together as a united people, for national reconciliation, for nation building, for the birth of a new world Let there be justice for all Let there be peace for all” “Overcoming Poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice” “No one born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion” During apartheid’s darkest hours, the resilience of black independent trade unions was viewed as a beacon of hope as they relentlessly pressed for economic sanctions. Throughout this period, the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) consistently backed the development of a strong independent black trade union movement in South Africa and provided the necessary international coordination of trade unions initiatives. Sanctions were first imposed against South Africa in protest apartheid in 1960s, following the Sharpeville massacre, when the UN General Assembly called for an arms embargo. This embargo was weak-kneed as it was not binding on member states and arms continued to be delivered by South Africa’s trading partners. In the wake of the Soweto uprisings in 1977, the UN Security Council adopted a mandatory arms embargo. In the 1970s OPEC countries imposed an oil embargo but in the absence of effective enforcement agencies, South Africa obtained adequate supplies of oil from small oil-exporting countries, third parties and off-shore companies. Foreign multinationals showed little or no willingness to comply with international calls for sanctions against the bloody minded regime. Codes of Conduct for companies with investments in South Africa proved ineffective. The ICFTU, which had been calling for mandatory economic sanctions since its inception in 1949, had stated several years ago that such codes would have been welcomed by the international free trade union movement if they had included an effective enforcement clause backed by a tripartite monitoring system and penalties of sanctions against offending companies.

The ICFTU played an active role in the work of the UN’s special committee such as the UN committee Against Apartheid, the Ad-hoc Working Group of Experts – Centre for Human Rights and the International Labour organisation Special Conference Committee on Apartheid. The ICFTU provided a direct response to the demands made by black workers. This policy was reflected in the conclusions of the ICFTU’s London Conference in 1980,that adopted a comprehensive action programme in support of the independent black trade union movement; in the updated programme of action in 1984 and, most importantly, in the daily follow up work carried out in the framework of the of the ICFTU’s special Coordinating Committee on South Africa – (COCOSA). This committee coordinated financial assistance to the unions and provided a forum to members of the international free trade union movement for the exchange of related information as well as for collective monitoring of their various actions. The ICFTU’s Executive Board, which met in Washington in 1985, adopted a statement “Beating Apartheid”- outlining a specific sanctions programme. The statement called on governments to use administrative and legislative action to up a programme of compulsory disinvestment. After the imposition of the state of emergency in South Africa in 1985, when the international community finally began to seriously consider sanctions as the only realistic option, the ICFTU statement served as a blueprint for other sanctions programmes. By mid-1985, a chain reaction of disinvestment began slowly, the US, the European Community and the Commonwealth began to introduce packages of selected economic and other sanctions. The internation-

al free trade union movement launched a worldwide campaign to focus attention on the appalling situation in South Africa, including targeted campaigns, beginning with an internationally coordinated boycott of Royal Dutch Shell. However, a 1985 ICFTU fact-finding mission found that so-called reforms had not scratched the surface of apartheid and blacks were suffering under more repression than ever before. In July 1986, an ICFTU delegation travelled to South Africa to show solidarity with the independent black trade union movement and the families of detained trade unionists. The message from the unions was unanimous: the overwhelming majority of black workers in South Africa were demanding sanctions. The ICFTU, together with the Southern African Trade Union Coordination Council (SATUCC), organised and international conference, “Beating Apartheid and strengthening the frontline”, hosted by the Zambia Congress of Trade unions in Lusaka, October 1986. The conference called upon the ICFTU to set up the Monitoring and Research unit which monitored disinvestment and transnational corporation withdrawals. The Monitoring Unit highlighted the hypocrisy behind withdrawals of corporations, noting that only a few multinationals, had left altogether. The majority had pulled out without really leaving. ICFTU acted as an observer in the run up to the first democratically held elections won by the African National Congress (ANC) in April 1994. Extract of statement delivered by Comrade Nelson Mandela from the dock in Pretoria Supreme Court on April 20, 1964, at the opening of the defence case in the rivonia trial in 1963 – 64 reads thus: “The South African Government often answers its critics

Women in love mode cannot ... From page 6 by the man, rather it was the investigating police officer who wanted a relationship with her, so he is the one who concocted all of these strange stories of abuse against her man. At this trial the victim of the accused suddenly became the victim of the police officer. This is shocking, yet believable testimony coming from the one who was supposed to have been abused. Again, the court was forced into accepting her testimony and set the accused free. No wonder some police officers are reluctant to intervene in these matters. And I do not blame them because you are not dealing with a rational thinking woman in such circumstances. The rest of this sick disgusting story I cannot now recall but suffice it to say that she might have met her demise at the hands of that lover she so stoutly defended. The point here is when a woman is in that mode or trend of emotional thought she lacks the power to reason. She lacks the capacity to be rational or reasonable, hence, no amount of beatings, stabbings or any other form of abuse is ever seen in that light. She paints a different picture in her mind of the man. She sees the abuser in a whole different light. She sees him as being strongly in love with her one who is “prone to make mistakes” so he is to be protected at all cost. This is a dangerous situation to herself and to others who are associated with her. NEIL ADAMS

by saying that Africans in South Africa are economically better off than the inhabitants of the other countries in Africa. I do not know whether this statement is true and doubt whether any comparison could be made without having regard to the cost of living index in such countries. But even if it is true as far as the African people are concerned it is irrelevant. Our complaint is not that we are poor by comparison with people in other countries, but that we are poor by comparison with the white people in our own country, and that we are prevented by legislation from altering this imbalance. “The lack of human dignity experienced by Africans is the direct result of the policy of white supremacy. White supremacy implies black inferiority. Legislation design to preserve white supremacy entrenches this notion. Menial tasks in South Africa are invariably performed by Africans. When anything has to be carried or cleaned the white man will look around for an African to do it for him, whether the African is employed by him or not. Because of this sort of attitude, whites tend to regard Africans as a separate breed. They do not look upon them as people with families of their own; they do not realise that they have emotions that they fall in love like white people do; that they want to be with their wives and children like white people want to be with theirs; that they want to earn enough money to support their families properly; to feed and clothe them and send them to school. And what ‘houseboy’ or ‘garden-boy or labourer can

ever hope to do this? “Africans want to be paid a living wage. Africans want to perform which they are capable of doing and not work which the Government declares them to be capable of. Africans want to be allowed to live where they obtain work and not to be endorsed out of an area because they were not born there. Africans want to be allowed to own land in places where they work and not be obliged to live in rented houses which they can never call their own. Africans want to be part of the general population and not confined to living in their own ghettoes. African men want to have their wives and children to live with them where they work and not be forced into an unnatural existence in men’s hostels. African women want to be with their menfolk and not to be left permanently widowed in the Reserves. Africans want to be allowed out after 11:00 pm at night and not be confined to their rooms like little children. Africans want to be allowed to travel in their own country and to seek work where they want to and not where the Labour Bureau tells them to. Africans want a just share in the whole of South Africa; they want security and a stake in society. “Above all, we want equal political rights because without them our disabilities will be permanent. I know this sounds revolutionary to the whites in the country, because the majority of voters will be Africans. This makes the white man fear democracy.” “But this fear cannot be allowed to stand in the way of the only solution which will

guarantee racial harmony and freedom for all. It is not true that the enfranchisement of all will result in racial domination. Political division, based on colour, is entirely artificial and when it disappears so will the domination of one colour group by another. The ANC has spent half a century fighting against racialism. When it triumphs it will not change that policy. “This then is what the ANC is fighting. Their struggle is a truly national one. It is a struggle of African people inspired by their own suffering and their own experience. It is a struggle for the right to live. “During my life time I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” In conclusion, we could quote from the tribute paid by Colin Legum to Sobukwe after his demise in February 1978: “Contribute, with the firmest solidarity, to the fulfillment of our duties towards the South African people and all those who are still suffering the consequences of imperialist and colonialist exploitation” SHERWOOD CLARKE General President Clerical & Commercial Workers’ Union

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

Gov’t welcomes investment by Guyana Gold Fields GOVERNMENT has welcomed the investment made by Guyana Gold Fields Inc., the second largest investment in the mining sector after that made by Omai Mining Company and looks forward for the pouring of the first gold bar in the first quarter of 2015 when the company begins large scale production, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said yesterday. Speaking at a media briefing of the company at the Guyana International Conference Centre at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, Prime Minister Hinds, who was performing the duties of President, said that as a country, “we have to open to the world…we have to partner with the world,” particularly given the potential size of the multi-million dollar investment. He added that the experience, expertise and technologies which the investors are bringing into the country would have been difficult and time consuming to have been sourced locally. He said that the need for markets overseas to bring the necessary income needed to further develop Guyana, was also essential. “Our challenge is to develop partnerships with the world…we have to develop the ability to recognise who we could develop good partnerships with.” He said that the investment is somewhat risky, but he was looking forward to its success. Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud also welcomed the investment, which he said government fully supports. The need to keep all stakeholders was necessary, he noted to ensure “national buy-in” and give them an opportunity to offer advice. The project will be bringing tremendous benefits to the Guyanese people, he added. Persaud also assured all stakeholders that Guyana Gold Fields has undertaken a comprehensive ESI and the necessary permits to ensure compliance with local laws and international best practices. REDUCING CARBON FOOTPRINT The move by the company’s management team to reduce the “carbon footprint” of the site’s mining plant from 2,000 hectares to 1,200 hectares is recognition that they are conscious of their responsibilities, the minister said. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s Environmental Division will be upgrading their monitoring capability and enforcement capacity to manage and ensure compliance, Minister Persaud added. “It is an area in which we have commenced work, especially given that we are looking at a new type of mining technology that will be utilised, and to ensure that from an environmental standpoint we build that capacity.” GOLD PRODUCTION RECORD Noting that gold declaration has set another record of in excess of 452,000 ounces versus the 451,000 ounces target and the 438,000 ounces declared in 2012, the minister said that there is growth and further expansion in the sector. He said it is against this background that renewed and enhanced attention to environmental and social responsibility will be given. Moreover, the hope was expressed that the company would inspire and support others to pursue sound environmental practices. He added that a broad-based panel to examine various reform initiatives was needed. “If we are not up-to-date, if we are not prepared, as it were for today’s challenges and opportunities, but also in the future, I think it will be severely lacking in terms of our part in fulfilling our responsibility.” The issue of diversification was also mentioned by Minister Persaud, who said that as part of the process, creating an enabling environment to attract investments, whether local or foreign, was necessary. He added that it seems as if when every effort is made to attract some sort of investment to move development forward, there are elements in society who take it to mean there was a “sellout, buyout or give-out”. The minister stressed that Guyana would not be able to develop if incentives, in various forms, are not offered to enable the environment to attract potential investments that would enhance the nation’s development. “Sometimes due to lack of information, and sometimes just out of political mischief, there are attempts to misrepresent the facts. Our government has made it absolutely clear that we are open for investment, local and foreign, we are not going to discriminate, but create the necessary arrangements and facilitation so that our resources can be developed in a sustainable way that brings tremendous benefits

Stakeholders at the Guyana Goldfields media briefing at the Guyana International Conference Centre to our people.” Government is keen to operate in a transparent manner, hence the move to join the Environmental Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI), and this is due to large companies such Guyana Gold Fields and the prospective hydro-carbon sector, along with other resources, being developed, Minister Persaud said. These and other sectors, he added, will only be developed for the benefit of all if done in a transparent manner. Mining, particularly, the minister said, has been a big factor in economic mobility, but it must be done in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner to ensure benefits for the nation as a whole. Recently appointed Canadian High Commissioner, Dr. Nicole Giles, in brief remarks said government and businesses alike recognise that resource development has the vast power to change the way a country lives, adding that she was confident that this change would be positive for Guyana. Guyana Gold Fields was described as a “model corporate citizen” by the Canadian High Commissioner. “The Guyana Gold Fields team has focused on exploring, building its infrastructure, and developing partnerships with communities and suppliers in preparation for the realisation of production. Guyana Gold Fields has also invested heavily in developing Guyana’s human assets by training the local workforce to meet their growing demand for skilled labour. The Canadian Government, High Commissioner Giles said, has recognised the need to support its companies abroad, and along with the Canadian Development Agency (CIDA) and its Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, resources are brought together to accomplish this. The collaboration with her government, the Guyana Education

Ministry and the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Council which will result in a supply of skilled labour for various companies was cited as an example of what is possible when trade and development work together. She added that the Canadian Government stands ready to work with Guyana in promoting and protecting investments, as well as strengthening ties. Guyana Gold Fields has been operating in Guyana since 1996, conducting explorations and surveys. It is expected to begin open pit mining within the next few months, then transition to underground mining. It is in the process of setting up prefab accommodation for 600 staffers initially. The prefab housing units have been imported and are being transported to the site along an access roadway built from a port facility at Buckhall on the western bank of the Essequibo River. Up to 900 staffers will be employed, the majority of them Guyanese, during the period of 2013 to 2014 for the construction phase. Routine operations will see as many as 500 staffers being employed and according to company officials, up to 95% of the workforce will be local employees. Medical schemes, health services and training in new technologies will be passed on to local staff along with leadership and managerial development skills. From its initial launch in 1996 to 2013, about US$192 million has been invested. The sum of US$249 million will be invested from 2013 to 2014, with US$153 million to be spent from 2015 to 2017. The mine is projected to be in operation until 2031. The total investment is being supported by a partnership with Sedgman Limited and Grana y Montero, a joint venture company specialising in technology leadership and engineering. (GINA)

GuySuCo, GAWU to negotiate API today THE strike action in the sugar belt is over and represen-

He acknowledged that the strike was a clear demonstra-

tatives of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), the

tion that the workers believe they deserved to be paid the

Guyana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) and other

API this year.

stakeholders will meet today to negotiate the payment of the

The minister said, “Just as GuySuCo has asked for under-

Annual Production Incentive (API) to workers in the sector.

standing considering the difficulties that affected production, we

This is according to Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ram-

must also take into consideration that the production figures we

sammy, who told the Guyana Chronicle that the agreement to meet was made on Tuesday, the first day of the country-wide strike.

are seeing is not their (the workers) fault.” The API is paid to workers based on the sector’s yearly production.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

Misleading the public and personal attacks – the norm of Kaieteur News THE SAME medium publishing house; the same target; the same strategy – gross inaccuracies, misinformation, malicious and personal vilification, against the person of the former President of Guyana, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. Absolutely, more than any of the past personal attacks on the former President, this latest piece originating in the Kaieteur News depicts a journal that has exceeded its bounds in seeking

to denigrate and bring the person of the former Head of State into disrepute. To repeat that this is beyond the norm of professional journalistic practice is to put it mildly. This is about a newspaper becoming involved in politics, not objectively, but of the kind that is reflective of the horrible mental intent of the collective disparate forces of doom, whose views it

represents. As in the many former instances, there can be no excuse for this continuous vendetta against a former Chief Executive who has served his country unselfishly. Why should this print continue to harass Dr Jagdeo, particularly about his private, business transactions? Is he not, as any other citizen, inclusive of KNs’ publisher, entitled to privacy? Does he not, also, have the right to own property? Has anyone been investigating KNs boss’ material holdings? Would he be pleased, should such an action be directed towards him? The same questions, as well, must be asked of those on whose behalf he does such nefarious reporting. What is so alarming has been the desperation at the attempts of misleading the nation, so as to slander the former President, resulting in another lie and falsity being exposed. More than that, it has caused great embarrassment to the specific property owner, which may even jeopardize his personal safety. There are so many positive happenings taking place throughout this nation that this medium ought to be highlighting in its pages. Even internationally. No young, aspiring journalist, serious about a professional career as a journalist must ever think about KN as a model. Finally, and as a reminder to all those who attack press freedom in Guyana – this is a classical case of abuse of the media, where a journal continues its daily diet of impunity. Where else does this happen?

Old Kai: Chronicles of Guyana

Exposed - David Granger: The Great Pretender OLD Kai read in the news that APNU launched its Local Government elections campaign in Berbice last weekend and how Granger talked about national unity. Now that’s not a bad thing, after all APNU is named:- A Partnership for National Unity. But you see there is a big difference in talking and pretending that you want national unity and actually believing and working towards national unity. Remember the old saying, ‘actions speak louder than words’; well we have heard a lot of words but no action in this regard from the Opposition. Even the average man out there can easily conclude that the actions of the Opposition, particularly the APNU, over the past few years has served to cause division in society rather than unity. Well I know some of them will be ready to jump down Old Kai’s craw, so let me confirm this reality beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Granger is quoted in the media during his speech at the rally in New Amsterdam of accusing the PPP of ‘sowing division among Guyanese.’ But more interestingly, he is quoted as ‘calling on residents to put race aside and vote on issues.’ Clearly, this is not the same APNU and Granger who, in September last, announced that they held fruitful discussions with three AFC defectors from its New York chapter. It is not the defection but the content of the discussions between APNU and these three gentlemen which should serve as a serious ‘eye-opener’ for all Guyanese. A local news site which carried the report spoke to one of the defectors, a Professor Rose, who disclosed details of the conversation between his group and Mr. Granger. This is what their ‘pro-Guyana’ and ‘national unity’ approach

Sooba’s on-the-job experience was taken into account - Luncheon By Telesha Ramnarine HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr Roger Luncheon has defended the decision taken by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development to install Carol Sooba as Town Clerk of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC). Dr Luncheon was asked about Sooba’s qualifications following his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President, in Georgetown, last Wednesday. “I don’t know the lady. I’m totally unfamiliar with her,” he said. QUALIFICATIONS – ONE SUBSET However, he pointed out that the local government ministers were quite forthcoming about Sooba’s appointment at the last Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. “The point he (the minister) made is that the issue of qualifications is just one subset of the criteria that the panel had to address in making their recommendations.”

According to the HPS, the importance of experience on-the-job ought not to be discounted. “The day you finish getting the degree… that does not make you experienced. And if you look at the public service job specifications, you will find that a qualification rarely is the only criteria.” He said further: “Why would the minister take someone who has not met any aspect of the criteria? I don’t think the minister would do that. I can’t imagine that you ain’t meet no criteria and still the minister would find it convenient, appropriate to go ahead and make the appointment. Hardly likely. Not in the modern world.” “INTEGRITY OF CHARACTER” Meanwhile, Minister in the Ministry of Local Government, Norman Whittaker told this publication a few days ago that Sooba is someone with “integrity of character.” He spoke to the Guyana Chronicle following the statutory meeting of the M&CC last

entails, “With more of the PPP’s traditional East Indian supporters migrating to other countries, Rose believes that the time is ripe for APNU to break in to the 76,000 Black non-voting supporters mostly in South Georgetown. His estimates that overall, there are 140,000 non-voters.” So there you have it, this is how the opposition AFC and APNU see our population, as mere ethnic pawns in their game to ultimately secure political power at all cost. This is APNU’s ‘National Unity’ approach. That hand which they have as a symbol is clearly intended to be a ‘slap in the face of every Guyanese’ who believes that a unified nation is a strong nation where progress will be accelerated. We have to decide as patriotic Guyanese if we will let our Opposition use the rope of ‘racism’ to hold our country back from its true potential. The ball is in your court. Monday at which councillors fervently complained about Sooba’s appointment. Whittaker said his ministry is empowered by legislation to do appointments in the absence of a Local Government Commission. At present, this body does not exist and hence the ministry could not allow the municipality to go on without the necessary appointments, he explained. He informed that the panel was not empowered to appoint but to recommend. “And the minister may or may not accept such a recommendation.” On the point raised by councillors about Sooba’s “incompetence” and “unprofessionalism”, Whittaker said the municipality has over the years seen many qualified town clerks but all of them presided over the decline of the city. “So this minister was looking for someone with integrity of character, experience, knowledge, and commitment,” he offered. Whittaker observed that the former qualified town clerks could not have found out the shocking revelations that came out in the ‘Burrowes Report’ and in the ‘Gaskin Report’. He said academic qualification is not the only requirement for the job and Sooba has brought about changes. “She couldn’t work miracles to fix everything but now people have no problems with collecting their salaries and garbage contractors are not striking. So there has been improvement,” he declared.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

STANDARDS CORNER President Ten useful Weights and Measures Ramotar to address Region Tips for shopping during the 4 BIT graduation Christmas Season class of 2013 … proceedings to take place at NCC on Monday By Telesha Ramnarine CABINET Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon announced Wednesday that President Donald Ramotar would deliver the feature address at the graduation ceremony of the Region 4 (Demerara/Mahaica) Board of Industrial Training (BIT) on Monday, December 16, at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) in Georgetown, beginning at 1.30 pm. A total of 697 young Guyanese would be graduating with critical skills in the fields of engineering, building construction, allied health services, information technology, clerical practices and home economics. Thus far, 2,292 young people have graduated from the BIT courses in 2013 in Regions 2 (Pomeroon Supenaam), 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne), 7 (Cuyuni Mazaruni) and 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice). The BIT was established under the Industrial Training Act Chapter 39:04 of the Laws of Guyana. Part of the BIT mandate is to provide training opportunities for youths to equip them with marketable skills in a variety of occupations.

DURING this busy shopping season, it is customary for consumers to engage in the purchase of goods by Weights and Measures. Although the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has been executing its mandate to ensure that all weighing and measuring devices used in trade are verified (stamped), consumers have their roles and responsibilities to guarantee that they are not given short weights and measures. The following are ten of these:

1. Buy goods from vendors who are using verified scales and other verified devices. Verified devices, if used properly, give correct weight or measure. 2. Look for GNBS verification seals on devices. The affixed GNBS seals are one way of determining whether the device (scale) was verified. 3. Make sure the device used to weigh or measure your goods is clean and tidy. Dirty devices often give inaccurate weights and measures and can cause contamination of goods. 4. Make sure that you can see the measuring indicator. Ensure that the scale is positioned in a manner which will allow you to see the weighing process.

Expectant mother, 37, disappears without trace GOULD Marcellene Amsterdam is expected to deliver her fourth child during this month but, since October 6, she has disappeared without a trace, leaving her relatives with several unanswered questions. So her family is appealing to the public to assist by furnishing any information surrounding the woman’s disappearance. Meantime, an elderly male relative, who spoke to this newspaper on condition of anonymity, said his cousin had an abusive relationship with a man who fathered one of her children. “Women need to be alert with respect to the slightest sign of abuse. Even if they would have had sex with the person, when there is any form of abuse, women must learn to leave. No woman can change an abusive man. You have got to leave them for God to handle,” he advised. A sibling of the missing woman revealed that the loss of their sister is causing daily agony for her children and other family members. “My sister was always there for us. She was the spokesperson whenever there is a family discussion. I am pleading with anyone who knows what happened to my sister to let us know,” she appealed. Thirty-seven-year-old Amsterdam, of Caracas, West Canje, left her three children at approximately 23:00hrs telling her daughter, Akeesha Daniels, that she was going over to ‘Son Son’, Errol Lindo, who lives about one hundred metres away and had shared a relationship with her resulting in the birth of nine-year-old Javzel Lindo. SEEMED GOOD A sister, Danell Amsterdam said, initially, the relationship seemed good but became abusive years later, resulting in the couple

Gould Marcellene Amsterdam separating. The sister recalled an incident in which Lindo, allegedly, attempted to drown the mother of three but was prevented from doing so, by one Errol Lewis, who was passing by. According to reports, on that Sunday morning, the 13-year-old Akeesha, while visiting a nearby aunt, enquired whether her mother was at her house. After receiving a negative response, she reported that her mother did not sleep at home. Subsequently, calls were made to her phone but without any success, as the instrument indicated it had been turned off.

Sisters Village murder PI Teenagers get three years adjourned to December 20 imprisonment for burglary THE preliminary inquiry (PI) into the murder of Devon Da Silva known as Devon Lewis continued before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus with the testimony of crime scene investigator Corporal Curtis Cort at the New Amsterdam Court. Da Silva was killed on December 27, 2012, as he lay asleep in his girlfriend’s Lot 112 Sisters Village, East Bank of Berbice house. Facing the charge for the capital offence is his step-uncle Ray Lewis, who is unrepresented by legal counsel. Eight witnesses, including the girlfriend of the deceased, Ashley La Toya Whyte, testified before the PI was adjourned to December 20.

TWO teenagers who confessed to a charge of break and enter and larceny were both sentenced to three years imprisonment by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at New Amsterdam Court. Kevin Dhanpat called Kelly and Danswrick Griffith nicknamed ‘Police’, both of Canefield Settlement, also in Berbice, went into the home of their neighbour, Antonio Bissondyal and stole a flat screen television and a DVD player valued a total of $140,000. In his confession, Dhanpat told the court that the door to the virtual complainant’s home was open and he went in but Griffith said it was he who climbed through a window to open the door.

5. Do not buy from vendors or shopkeepers using the domestic (kitchen) scales. The scales are not approved for commercial trade because their internal mechanisms are quickly worn, hence they give inaccurate weights. 6. Do not accept purchase if you have doubts about your weight or measure. 7. Buy in metric quantities. Devices used in the market place are in metric units and by requesting goods in metric quantities you are assured of the quantity of goods issued to you. 8. Buy all solids by weight instead of measure. Rice, peas and channa are solid goods and all solids must be weighed, not measured. Request these goods in grammes and kilogrammes. 9. Buy prepackaged goods that are labelled with the quantity (net contents). For example: 450 g, 1 kg, 3 Litres, etc. 10. Call the GNBS hotline or visit the Weights and Measures office in your region and make your complaints if the need arises. For further information please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0069, 219-0065, 2190062.

Policeman in duo remanded on gun robbery charge

POLICEMAN Colin Harris, of Lot 207 East La Penitence and civilian Kelvin Pollard, of Lot 607 East Ruimveldt, both 19 years old, appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry Wednesday , charged jointly with robbery under arms. Each of the defendants denied the allegation that, on Saturday, December 7, at South Ruimveldt Gardens, also in Georgetown, being armed with guns, they robbed Rosita Kalchow of G$620,000 and US$50, property of Vibert Puran. Police Corporal Bharat Mangru, prosecuting, told the court that the virtual complainant is an office assistant at Green Ice Taxi Service, in the city, too, where she was at work when the number one defendant pointed a gun at her and took out the money from her desk. He, subsequently, ran out of the premises and made good his escape with number two defendant who was waiting on a motorcycle. The prosecutor said, soon after, a message was sent out by the dispatcher and taxi drivers, who conducted a search, found the duo fitting the given description along Mandela Avenue and seized the motorcycle. Attorney-at-law, Mr. Melville Duke, who represented Harris, said he is a serving member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) at Linden, a man of good character and had been threatened on that day when his bike was taken away. Defence Counsel said Harris was robbed and went to make a report at the police station when he was pointed out as one of the suspects. LAWYER MAINTAINED The lawyer maintained that his client was wearing a black helmet when he was accused of wearing a red helmet. Other attorney-at-law, Mr. Winston Moore, for Pollard, said the latter is self-employed and lives with his parents. That day, he had been sent, by his mother to purchase kerosene, when he asked his friend to give him a drop and the bike was taken away by some taxi drivers. The prosecutor successfully objected to bail for the defendants, citing the seriousness and prevalence of the offence. He acknowledged that Harris was identified but the other defendant was not. Still, the lawyers’ application for reasonable bail was refused, resulting in the teenagers being remanded to prison until January 10.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

Challenges preventing police from solving more murders - Crime Chief Persaud CRIME Chief Seelall Persaud has said the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is solving about 50 percent of the reported murders but he outlined some challenges preventing them from solving more crimes. According to the Deputy Commissioner (Law Enforcement) the hurdles include the lack of a true forensic capability, coupled with an acute shortage of qualified personnel. This means that they have to send evidence, including DNA overseas to other CARICOM countries and the results, sometimes, take months to be delivered. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs is in the process of building a new laboratory, which will be able to perform all forensic functions, with the exception of DNA analysis that they hope to send to Brazil, shortening the time for results to be delivered. Persaud, when asked, said he is not satisfied with the police intelligence gathering capability, declaring that it is still in the embryonic stage and emphasised the need for improvement in this area. In the interview, reference was made to the Guyana Chronicle story captioned ‘Police say former GDF officer’s execution linked to drug underworld’ that alluded to the killing of Denzil Mingo, who was gunned down outside a city nightclub in the early morning

hours of November 16, 2013. ESCAPED UNHARMED One of the dead man’s two companions was wounded, while the other exited the vehicle in which the trio had been

Crime Chief Seelall Persaud and escaped unharmed. Persaud was quoted as saying that they have conclusively matched the bullets used in an October 4, 2010 execution- style killing that occurred on Stone Avenue and Royal Drive in Campbellville, Georgetown. The victims on that occasion were Patrick Goodluck, 35, of Campbellville Housing Scheme and Godfrey Goodform, 29, of Lot 131 Canterbury Walk, Beterverwagting, East

Coast of Demerara. In the Kaieteur News of Tuesday, the police are reported to have linked the gun that killed Mingo to the October 1, 2010 execution-type murder of Mark Caesar also known as ‘Lil Mark,’ who was gunned down in Broad Street. Persaud confirmed that ballistics tests on the bullets retrieved at the scene of the Mingo’s death have been conclusively linked to those recovered from the Stone Avenue, Campbellville shooting, where Patrick Goodluck and Godfrey Goodform were killed. However, he denied that these were connected to the ‘Lil Mark’ killing. He was asked about progress in solving some of the most well-known executions in the last few years, including of: * Terry Bacchus, who was shot dead near his business in Water Street; * the Cummings Lodge killings of Christopher Jupiter, Christopher Gordon alias ‘Bigga’ and Sherwin Jerome nicknamed ‘Dice Head’; * Fiona Singh and Steve Jupiter called ‘Steve Man’; * the Stone Avenue murders of Patrick Goodluck and Godfrey Goodform; * the brazen daylight killings of Ricardo Rodrigues,

Marlon Osborne and Police Corporal Roman Cleto; * the killing of the Mootoo couple, burned in their Turkeyen home; * the killing of Jamaican businessman Patrick Forbes who was shot dead on Orange Walk and * Diamond businesswoman Sirmattie Ramnaress, who was killed in her posh home. The Crime Chief said none of those crimes have been solved, so far. However, he pointed to other similar type murders for which people have been charged, among them those of Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris, the grandmother who was killed in Robb Street after a contract was reportedly put out to kill her over a property

dispute. HIRED SOMEONE He mentioned another currently engaging the High Court, in which it is alleged that a New York-based woman hired someone to kill the victim and when the gunman failed to do it, he was himself killed. One more solved murder case surrounded that of an Industry man who is, himself, suspected of being behind a number of murders. Considering that the majority of the more sensational killings have not been solved, there might be a public perception that the GPF is unable to do so but Persaud said it is not just the police who need to improve. He declared that the whole justice system needs a revamping, because, after the police have done their work and

brought cases to court, the trials often fall apart. Persaud cited a recent case where a murder accused was allowed to walk free, even though there was video evidence of the crime being committed, as witnesses did not attend the trial. The Deputy Commissioner was in favour of bringing in professional investigators and prosecutors to train local police and other prosecutors, acknowledging that this has been done successfully elsewhere. However, he said: “We have to be cognisant of the fact that there are differences between communities in developed countries and a developing country such as Guyana.” He cited instances like in Trinidad and Tobago, where an expert was recruited from Canada to head the Police Force but which did not yield the desired result.

Fisherman granted $80,000 bail on burglary charge

FISHERMAN Sitaram Singh, of Lot 23 Montrose, East Coast of Demerara, was granted $80,000 bail on a break and enter and larceny charge Wednesday. He appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya-Sewnarine Beharry and pleaded not guilty to the offence, particulars of which said, on Sunday, December 8, at Houston, East Bank of Demerara, he broke and entered the business place of June Pereira and stole 13 tins of V8 juice and one case of Bentley beverages, all valued $7,260. Police Corporal Bharat Mangru, prosecuting, told the court that the virtual complainant operates a small food and beverage shop at Houston and, that day, about 14:00 hrs, she received some information and, on arrival there, she discovered that the premises had been broken into and the merchandise missing. The prosecutor said an investigation was carried out and the defendant admitted committing the burglary. His trial has been adjourned to January 17, 2014.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

At Demerara Assizes…

Death sentence passed on shooting murder convict JUSTICE Diana Insanally, yesterday, inflicted the death penalty on Terry Kissoon, of Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown, for the murder of Troy Smith in July 2010. When asked whether he had anything to say why he should not suffer the punishment, the convict, who had led an alibi defence, told the judge: “I did not have a fair trial. This was an injustice.” Then defence counsel, George Thomas, who previously made a no-case submission that was overruled by the judge, disclosed that, within a day he proposes to appeal against the conviction and sentence. At that stage the marshal ordered all in the courtroom to stand and be silent as the sentence of death was about to be passed on the prisoner. Justice Insanally told Kissoon he would be taken to a lawful prison and thence to the place of execution, where he would be hanged by the neck until he be dead. During his Demerara Assizes trial, Kissoon had maintained his innocence and said he was about 300 miles away from the crime scene in Thomas Street, on his way to Lethem, when police questioned him about the crime he was supposed to have committed. He denied that, because of a motorcycle incident, he shot and killed Smith between July 30 and 31, 2010. An alleged eyewitness, Shawn Smith, brother of the victim, had said he knew the accused from gambling days and was present when the latter shot his sibling in the abdomen.

Two Canje teenagers each get 3-yr jail sentence for break & enter and larceny - third defendant on $250,000 bail

TEENAGERS Kevin Dhanpat, alias Kelly, and Danswrick Griffith, called ‘Police’, both of Canefield Settlement, East Canje Berbice, appeared before New Amsterdam Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus to answer a charge of break and enter and larceny committed on the dwelling house of their neighbour, Antonio Bissondyal, from which they stole a black, flatscreen television and a DVD player, to the total worth of $140,000. Confessing to the offence, Dhanpat told the court that the door to the complainant’s home was open, and he entered the home and extracted the television. Griffith confessed to having climbed through the complainant’s window in order to open the door. Asked by the magistrate the length of jail term they expected, Dhanpat replied, “Maam, I don’t know,”, but Griffith suggested two months. They were each consequently sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. Meanwhile, a third defendant, Vishal Ramlochan, denied the allegation and was ordered to post $250,000 bail. His case is scheduled for December 11 for statements and fixture.

Duo shot by cops in Golden Grove stakeout died from gunshot injuries - post-mortem report POST-MORTEMS performed on the bodies of Paul Bascom, called ‘Shine Buck’, of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank of Demerara and Alberto Grant, called ‘Bush’, 27, of Meadow Brook, Georgetown, by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh gave the cause of death as shock and haemorrhage due to gunshot injuries. The men were fatally shot during an armed confrontation with the police on December 07, 2013, at Golden Grove, EBD. Acting on information received that a robbery had been planned to be carried out on a gold miner, the police staked out an area at Golden Grove, EBD, during December 07, 2013. At about 22:30 hrs the police challenged two men who were approaching on foot and one of them pulled out a handgun and opened fire on the ranks. The police returned fire and fatally wounded both men. A .38 snub-nose revolver with two live rounds and two spent shells, along with one 9mm round and two 7.62 x 39 rounds were recovered by the police.

Devon Lewis murder PI to continue on Dec 20 THE preliminary inquiry into the death of Devon Da Saliva, alias Devon Lewis, continued before New Amsterdam Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus with testimony of crime scene investigator, Corporal Curtis Cort. Da Silva was killed on December 27, 2012, as he lay asleep at his girlfriend’s house at Lot 112 Sisters Village, East Bank of Berbice. Facing a charge for the capital offence is his step-uncle Ray Lewis, who is unrepresented by legal counsel. Eight witnesses, including Ashley La Toya Whyte, girlfriend of the deceased, have since testified at the hearing, which will continue on December 20.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

16-yr-old secondary student hangs herself at Charity A 16-YEAR-OLD secondary student of Charity Housing Scheme on the Essequibo Coast ended her life tragically by suicide early yesterday morning. According to reports, the student, Talia Da Silva, who attended the Charity Secondary School, became angry that morning after her mother took away her cell phone. Reports said the student argued with her mother and in passion locked herself in her bedroom and took her life by hanging herself with a piece of rope from a beam in the house, just as her mother left the home. Reports said the tragic death of the student has sent shock waves through the Charity Housing Scheme, especially at the school she attended. She was looking forward to the last day at school with her friends and teachers. She has left to mourn her mother, who is a single parent, two brothers and a sister. Region 2, over the past few months, has lost several young people as a result of suicide. A 17-year-old girl of New Road Village several weeks ago ended her life by ingesting a deadly poison, while another 17-year-old girl of Affiance recently ended her life by hanging herself with a piece of rope. Only a few days ago, another young woman died at the Suddie Hospital after ingesting a deadly poison. Reports said she was highly qualified at the CXC level. Several residents are now calling for action to be taken by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and for religious leaders to come forward and help to stop the suicide rate in the region. (Rajendra Prabhulall in Essequibo).

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

Learning resource centres gifted books by former Presidents by Tash Van Doimen LOCAL Government and Regional Development Minister, Ganga Persaud, yesterday, presented several copies of various local titles to six regional education officers (REOs) at a ceremony in the board room of his ministry at Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown. The REOs, from Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 6 and 10 got texts written by former Presidents Cheddi Jagan and Janet Jagan, to bolster their respective learning resource centres. Minister Persaud told the recipients: “We provided these titles so that young people and any others who visit these learning resource centres can research on the works of the former presidents.” He explained that, next year, the ministry will be focused on adding similar books to primary school libraries. According to him:“This year, we strove to assist the regional learning resource centres but next year we will be focusing on providing schools, particularly primary schools, with local titles.” Each REO was given several copies of ‘The West on Trial’ and ‘Rooting for Labour’ by former President Cheddi Jagan and ‘Children Stories of Guyana Freedom Struggles’ and ‘When Grandpa Cheddi was a Boy’ by

former President Janet Jagan. The same ministry, previously, gifted similar read-

ing matter to the Regional Learning Resource Centres of Regions 1, 7 and 8 and intends

do the same for the Learning Resource Centre in Region 9 later this month.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Collin Croal presenting the titles for Region’s 10 Learning Resource Centre

Essequibo residents bemoan ... From page 4

about the blackouts and are hoping that the power company sorts the issue out very soon. Yesterday morning when this publication visited the GPL generation facility at Anna Regina no one would speak to us with respect to the issues which were affecting the residents and the inability of the power company to provide the region with a reliable supply of electricity since earlier this week. One man who is closely associated with the operation said that all things were back up and working. However he was soon proved wrong since the power went again and the community was once more plunged into blackout woes.

Meanwhile, speaking with this publication at his office in Anna Regina yesterday morning, Regional Chairman, Parmanand Persaud said that he was advised by the power company that a “Bus—Bar” which is used to get the power to the distribution channels somehow managed to get moist causing the problems. He said that he was assured that the technicians were working to have the issues fixed. He also noted that the region was truly affected by the power outage, especially families and small businesses. GIVEAWAYS The Guyana Chronicle was informed that small businesses in the region were forced

to gather children and other persons to whom they shared away ice cream and other items which required cold storage. Residents said that they were advised by the power company that they were being issued with two hours of power for the day to facilitate the pumping of water and the performance of other essential small chores. They said that they were also advised that the power would come at 15-minute intervals. However this reporter was present in the region when the power was restored at exactly 07.45 hrs yesterday morning after a prolonged period during late Wednesday night and into the wee hours of yesterday morning.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

We were making our last selection of the fashion hotties for the holidays when we got a nasty surprise. Try as we could to deter a few persons from even suggesting their attire was fashionable we were met with remarks that we were biased. Well we had no choice but to put them. Everyone else was dressed for the season except one male and a female. I am sure you know who they are folks...

Very simple, yet classic...

Guyanese fashion at its best

why is she hiding her face ? maybe her claim to fame has brought her to shame

CONTACT NO: 616-0301/ 604-3518

Some people just know how to unleash their creativity

What a perfect Holiday Package

Sassy and very provocative

This dude was taken centre stage, but the party is over a long time ago

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

Bombshell’s most eligible bachelors

Jermaine Mc Bean: looking for love and affection in a woman of direction This guy is fashionable

HIS week, our bachelor brings a very strange request, in that he is looking for a woman to control his ever-roving mind and rid him of a certain wild streak he just can’t seem to control and eliminate. Jermaine Mc Bean was honest enough to admit that, over the years, there seemed to be a wildfire burning within him, driving him into the arms of many ladies. He said none of the unions lasted because, while he was looking for love and security, the divas were just looking to have a good time in the bedroom. Jermaine realizes he is growing older each day, and is now making a last try at getting a woman who can bring him true love and care as he deserves. He desires a woman who is decent, ambitious, can gave good love, and is not looking only for fun. Well, my dearies, if you are out there and you think you can help this dude, please call him up on phone number 670-2345.

Katherina Roshana serves food to New York homeless –whilst participating in ‘a truly moving experience’

Jermaine Mc Bean

K.I. and the JMC 3Veni Band added to ‘Night of Love’ Lineup! THE combination of John Legend and Beres Hammond for the ‘Night of Love’ concert has already been creating quite a buzz. Now promoters are raising the bar with the addition of K.I. and the JMC 3Veni Band out of Trinidad. Surely the reggae and R&B superstars can be considered as geniuses of romance in their respective genres. However, before lovers wind down at the Night of Love, they can look forward to an energetic performance by Chutney sensation K.I., backed by the JMC 3Veni Band. This group, which is popularly known for ‘Friends for the Night’ and ‘Single Forever’, will be joining local entertainers to open for the main acts. JMC 3Veni, originally an East Indian music aggregation, now straddles all genres of music, excelling in soca and chutney soca, providing reveling music for any occasion. The band has successfully captured a larger audience in recent years, and has brought to the platter a vibrant and captivating brand of music that is more focused on Soca and Calypso. Lead vocalist for the band, Kris Veeshal Persad, aka “KI”, won the Trinidad Chutney Soca Monarchy in 2012. These performers are billed to perform at the Guyana National Stadium on January 4, 2014. The event is a collaboration of Hits and Jams Entertainment and McNeal Enterprises, which have previously brought Beres Hammond and K.I. and the JMC 3Veni Band to Guyana. Pics saved as JMC, CAPTIONED AS: Pic saved as Beres Hammond and John Legend

206 Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown, G/Town | T:592.227.0580|E:hitsandjams@gmail.com

Guyana’s beauty ambassador Katherina Roshana distributes food packets to the homeless in New York City. DURING her recent visit to the USA, Miss Guyana Universe, the adorable Katherina Roshana, was invited by Gary Singh, head of the service-oriented religious and charitable organisation the Calvary Mission Food Pantry, to assist in serving food to homeless people. This humanitarian deed was accomplished alongside other members of the organization, including Roger Gary. The Calvary Mission Food Pantry distributes essential food items to those in need every Saturday. According to a release from the organisation, on November 22, Roshana served the homeless and needy in Richmond Hill, New York City. Roshana, who also holds the Miss India Guyana crown, said it was a “truly moving experience” to have been invited to help this great organisation. The statement disclosed that, while distributing the food, Roshana conversed with the people and found them to be most joyful, cheerful, and full of life. The people were grateful to the Calvary Mission for its service, and also to the beauty queen for being there to bring them love and goodwill. They even requested that she returns, and, as such, Roshana promised that whenever she is in New York City, she would visit the mission to serve them and give comfort. Katherina is back in Guyana, where she continues her drive to promote autism education and help disabled children.

K.I. and the JMC 3Veni Band

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

Telling it like it is…

Unprincipled men get snared in the traps of modern-day Jezebels IT’S indeed shocking, agonising and appalling to witness the gruesome treatment of the feminine gender at the hands of some men, who can only be called horrid beasts in human form. Take, for instance, the tale of this supposedly ambitious young man from the Central Mahaicony District, who married a young virgin from the countryside and fathered her two children, before suddenly dumping her unceremoniously for the likes of a ‘modern

returned home. This almost drove his young wife insane; in fact, she suffered a nervous breakdown. After about three weeks, he called her one day to cruelly drop the bomb that he was seeing someone else. What a human beast! Could he not realise he was causing his wife unspeakable agony? Her tears have saturated her pillow night after night, and her knees have become bruised from kneeling in prayer. She had no answer for the children when they looked at her with sad eyes, asking questions about the absence of their father. It’s been two years since his departure, and his wife’s bed is still empty as she yearns for the security and comfort of her matrimonial husband’s presence in the home. He has visited her a few times, but each visit has brought her more pain and torment. Today, she is learning to cope with the situation, and is doing her best to move on with her life. You see, she has grown tired of his promises to come home, and she is no longer waiting on him to fulfill those promises.

sonably good figure and excellent dancing skills; that is, if you would consider wining on her head with her bottoms exposed proper dancing. Residents of her community have related that, after performing her ghetto dance routine, Jezebel would bravely advance on a man of her liking; and before he knows it, he is in her bed; and soon after, he would move in with her. “Well, hear nah people,” according to very good sources, “don’t think de men moving in voluntarily. No way! This happens after she

Had your family’s welfare been important to you, you would never have found yourself in the dilemma you are in. day Jezebel’ from a certain city community. I can recall the days when the young man was relentlessly pursuing this modest young girl while she was still at school, and of course her parents were totally against it. He would sneak into the home at nights, since he had befriended her brother, and manage to get a kiss or two, since the young lady was unrelenting about keeping her virginity until she became a married woman. There was the time also when her father came home and chased the young man with a mortar pestle in the dead of night, much to the amusement of villagers. The minute she left school, the young man asked for her hand in marriage, as any man with honourable intentions would do; and although her father strenuously objected to the union, her mother finally persuaded him to change his mind. A lavish wedding followed, and baby number one was born in due course. This young man was certainly not wasting time in the bedroom, because baby number two came when baby number one had just begun to curiously appreciate the beauty of the world around him. This man was a musician who would travel around Guyana to perform at various locations where he was booked to perform. Suddenly, the good wife noticed that he was staying away from the matrimonial home longer than usual, and was often distracted when at home. One fateful day, he left to perform in Georgetown and never

Boy, look how much collateral damage you have wreaked on your loving family”.

“Don’t worry with you, Jezebel. Your next destination is the pits of hell”.

The Modern day Jezebel “Well, dat (city community) gyal wha bruk up de people home should be shame ah sheself! “Well alyuh hear dis: Sources seh dat dis bai is victim numbah nine, and when she get tired ah he, she gon just dash he out!” according to very reliable sources. You see, folks, this woman has such a reputation for ‘doing what she does best’ that the community has named her “the globe throttle”, but I would want to call her ‘the Predator’, since that would have been a more suitable title for this ‘female vulture’. For years this girl have been dressing up in the vulgarest and most provocative outfits, and would go to parties to lure men with her rea-

done throw ah certain powder in de food she give dem. De gyal is ah obeah queen! “I just wish de obeah can turn back pon she and turn she into a big green toad, suh she gon croak fuh de rest ah she life,” our source has opined. And it looks as if she has bewitched this musician as well, because his wife has said that he had packed up his bags to return home on very many occasions, but Jezebel would suddenly leave to go on a special errand as the family kept him distracted, and in no time he would change his mind and become all ‘lovey-dovey’ with her again. “Jezebel, like yuh mumma didn’t tell yuh dat what yuh sow yuh does reap. Is only time wid yuh, gyal! Only time! Is a terrible thing when obeah turn back pon he massa”, our source has opined I still deem the musician a beast of a man, because, as a married man, he was is supposed to be faithful and devoted to one’s partner. If he were, no amount of ‘ghetto dancing’ and feminine advances could have penetrated his defences to wreak havoc on his matrimonial home. He was just a downright cheat!!! Nevertheless, for the sake of the children, I just wish this couple could get back together. “But Miss Jezebel, take warning: The devils of hell are just waiting to welcome your soul when the right time comes”, our source has concluded.

Shivanie Latchman possesses class and style THERE is still the notion that women of East Indian descent prefer not to be associated with bold forms of entertainment, provocative fashion, and similar audacious enterprises; but would rather remain anonymous in this regard. While this is partially true, there are, nevertheless, beautifully bold young women among the ranks of our Indo–Guyanese sisters who are unafraid to stand up and show the world how boldly beautiful they are. Among those is a young lady whose classic style and intriguing talents have caused her to invade the entertainment arena and reverse silly notions that have hitherto assailed the consciousness of misguided persons. Shivanie Latchman has broken down all barriers with her bold, arresting confidence; dashing fashion taste, and talented dancing that would leave the audience drooling. She rounds off the unique package with dramatic skills that affirm her as a force to be reckoned with in that field. This lady is sophisticated, sassy, alluring, and oh so full of provocative fire that the other ladies must have turned green with envy at her every entrance. She is certainly multi-talented, and surprised all when she became the first runner-up in the Miss Guyana/ India Worldwide Pageant a few years ago. Today she is the founder and leader of the Ishara Dance Troupe, which has been chalking up notable points with its performances

SHIVANIE LATCHMAN

over the years. Its choreographies are brilliant and are created by Shivanie herself. As a little girl growing up, Shivanie Latchman had great expectations of what adulthood and life had to offer. And with her sights set on making it big time, she has never stopped in her efforts to get to the top of things. Today she has her own television show, which she executes nicely. Shivanie is a ‘go-getter’, and never stops until she is assured that she has attained ultimate success in her endeavours. This lady is certainly a winner in every sense of the word, and she should be ample motivation for women who dream of success. “Everyone is a winner, and what makes you special is what you do with your passion and strengths through effort, hard work and perseverance,” Shivanie says. Shivanie is the host and producer of “Entertainment Buzz”, a programme designed to showcase the rich and diverse talents of Guyanese entertainers. As a voluntary youth activist, she offers her services for the improvement of her community and the youths of today’s society. She was an executive member of the East Bank Building Social Cohesion Youth Group, which is an offshoot of the UNDP Building Social Cohesion project. Bombshell says, “Hats off to a diva of real class and fine fashion!”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

Sonia Noel shines in Suriname AFTER the high of Guyana Fashion Week at Rahaman’s Park and the Fashion Market at Pegasus Hotel, Sonia Noel jetted off to Suriname with the dynamic Nelsion Nurse to partner in a Pop-up-Shop set up by GFW’s Surinamese guest designers Warda Marica and Remko Sintmaartensdijk. The event was a blast, giving validity to the modern merchandising approach of target vending. The event created quite a stir, and produced lucrative results for the eclectic mix of designers. Organisers plan to continue in this vein, for it serves to broaden client base and open up possibilities for networking and consolidating interests in the uniquely placed Guianas. Rushing out of the Surinamese Fashion buzz, Noel participated in ‘Strut for a Cause’ in St Lucia, where she was featured as the prominent designer involved in raising funds for the Sickle Cell Association and heightening awareness of the disease. The premier event was held at the prestigious Sandals Grande, St Lucia; and, as usual, the production enlisted a professional organisation to serve as the model cast. The Bankers Association of St Lucia, under the artistic direction of celebrated regional production designer Richard Young, did in fact strut its stuff to the accolades of the who is who of St Lucian society. “I have been part of this event for years,” said Noel, “but the show this year meant more to me because I am one of the patrons in Guyana, and I plan on working closely with the association next year to heighten awareness of Sickle Cell.” On showcase were two labels from Noel; her First Resort collection and her Mariska’s

The curvaceous models were absolute standouts in pieces by Sonia Noel

Sonia Noel and one of her supporters in Suriname.

brand. She opened and closed the show to rousing applause from the packed audience. She catered to the youth, the youngat-heart, the full-figured, regular men, and the modelesque fashionistas. On showcase were other Caribbean designers – Shazi Chalon of Martinique; St Lucian designers Nella Collymore, Sarleen Lagon, Noir et Blanc, and St Lucian fashion house Sea Island Cotton.

faces with great personalities and fantastic body lines. Sonia Noel certainly knows how to work the circuit of the regional fashion landscape. The First Resort collection and Mariska’s Designs will be featured this weekend in Suriname at the De Kus, which is an event that showcases creative and original furniture, jewellery, handbags, and paintings. The owner fell in love with Noel’s clothing and decided to add clothing to the artistic line up.

The very next day, Sonia Noel gave a preview of her showing at an exclusive brunch held at the poolside of the exquisite hotel at the sprawling and spectacular Bay Gardens Beach Resort. Needless to say, some of her resort pieces were snapped up by excited international guests. Later that day, she was on the panel of Richard Young’s St Lucia casting for the Caribbean’s Next Top Model. Panel members were Delia Dolor,

managing editor of SHE magazine and host of television show the Dolor Factor; Angie Montoute, former BBC television presenter; Daria Ernest, current St Lucian television and radio producer/presenter; the popular JQ Rodney, Bay Mall manager, who is also responsible for Ayana Whitehead and Jarron Alexander – the faces of the mall -- who attended GFW 2013. The casting was highly successful, rounding up interesting

“Since GFW, I have not had any time to rest; but, hopefully, I may be able to do that early next year,” Sonia lamented. “I was so happy to provide Nesion Nurse the opportunity to showcase for the first time in Suriname, and the experience was tremendous for him,” she added. In Guyana, she is giving back for the season with huge discounts throughout December at her Barr Street, Kitty location.

Rupununi readies itself for first Music and Arts Festival EARLY next year, a most enthralling location in Guyana would see the dawn of a new musical masterpiece; and folks there are preparing for the first ever ‘Rupununi

Music and Arts Festival’, to be held in the exotic village of Annai. This event is set to occur from February 14 to 16, 2014, and it will showcase

The lush beauty of the Rupununi would be available for visitors’ examination

a dazzling fusion of musical talents, infused with other arts in a breath-taking setting. This event is expected to become an annual feature, and would certainly boost Guyana’s tourism sector, according to promoters. Catering for those who relish a little adventure and the outdoors, the organisers will allow for open air camping, so that visitors can pull out their hammocks and enjoy the richness of Mother Nature in the beautiful sprawling savannahs of the Rupununi. This festival will also create local employment for residents of Rockview and Annai villages, even as it brings all regional communities of the Rupununi together. Of course there would be many available benabs that can accommodate visitors, thus affording them the luxury of dining, playing and enjoying soothing music under the stars. The purpose of this event, according to Festival Director Bobb Ramdhanie, is to celebrate and promote Amerindian culture as the weekend is complemented with local

The Rockview Lodge is a traveller’s fantasy entertainers and artistes from around the world. On the platter are special appearances by renowned artist and archaeologist George Simon, who would be in res-

idence in Annai for the festivities. He would, of course, be working along with the organisers to make the event a major success. This event would serve

up a ‘double experience’ for patrons and visitors, in that it would be showcasing our rich folklore and the music of locals and others from lands afar.

CHANNEL 11

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BU3ING 205.48500 336.76937 194.34337 282.87065 101.49563 75.18194 31.78791

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For Friday December 13, 2013 - 14:30hrs For Saturday December 14, 2013 - 14:30hrs For Sunday December 15, 2013 - 14:30hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

Aries March 21 - April 19

It’s not that you’re out of control, but you are behaving a little recklessly. Particularly considering the way you usually act. You’re taking well-calculated risks, though, so don’t feel the need to stop yourself. You’ve simply weighed things and decided that this would be the perfect time to go after what -- and who -- you want. And you’re absolutely right.

Taurus April 20 - May 20

You have a couple of delightful days coming your way, the couple of days out of every month when you are most inclined to devote absolutely every waking moment to the one you adore. Fortunately -- and this doesn’t happen all that often -- this dreamy period has commenced on the eve of a weekend. So you’re golden, straight through to Monday. Needless to say, this calls for a celebration. Start planning.

Gemini May 21 - June 21

You have only one thing to do before you settle down for some serious recreation with your favourite playmates: Make sure all your business is taken care of. You wouldn’t want to be in the middle of a wonderful evening, and then suddenly remember you left the computer on, would you? And you’ll want to leave the cell phone at home, right? Well then, be sure to double check on your way out the door.

Cancer June 22 - July 22

There’s not much you can’t do once you put your mind to it. And your mind is certainly spinning now, because you’ve suddenly been struck with quite the urge to get really, really close to someone. Don’t even try to avoid it, because absolutely nothing else will pacify you -- you’ll go after what you want and get it. Sweetly and with no complaints. That’s just how you get things done.

Leo July 23 - August 22

If you know you should get into contact with a certain someone, do it sooner rather than later. Over the next few days, even the most routine conversations will be difficult to arrange. Hey, it’s Friday. Why not spend it on the phone or with someone you’ve been wanting to get together with? Take this opportunity while you can, because it won’t last forever.

Virgo August 23 - September 22

If there’s anything you’re astrologically equipped for, it’s listening. You’re a born counsellor, and your sympathy and wisdom know no bounds. You’ll be putting those traits to good use over the weekend, and helping a lot of loved ones with them, too. Of course, this isn’t a first -- you’ve been that person others turn to for a long time. Just don’t get so good at counselling you forget about your own needs.

Libra September 23 - October 22

A dear one who’s been trying to handle a tough situation alone will finally work up the courage to come to you and ask for your help. No fair scolding them for not asking sooner -- even if you really want to. Listen to them, do what you can and make it clear by your response that, next time, they can come to you as soon as the fireworks start -- not after the oohs and aahs.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21

You’re just about due for something totally out of the ordinary. You’ve turned down all kinds of fabulous temptations lately, in just about every category. But just as you start to wonder why, the universe will deliver you a one-of-a-kind reward designed especially for you. Don’t question it and don’t worry about why it’s there. You’ll definitely want someone fun on board for this.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21

It’s been quite the week, and there’s more to come. It’s all going to happen just in time to make it a warm and wonderful weekend, too. If you’re attached, you’ll want some quality time alone with your sweetie, no doubt. If you’re not, get out there and resume the hunt. That perfect person is looking for you, too -- but not in the usual places. Think sophistication: art, music and beautiful, quiet places.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19

You’re doing your best to navigate an emotional minefield blindfolded. No one -absolutely no one -- seems willing to guide you. But you don’t need them. Distract yourself any way you can. Try to remember that time really does heal all wounds, and that you have your own life to live. In other words, make your plans with confidence. Your loved ones will get over it. Or not. Either way, remember you can only do so much and move on.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18

You’ve had quite the time over the past few days -- the past few weeks, even. You can take a breath now, however, because the heavens have arranged a break in the action. And you’re probably quite happy to hear about that. The higher-ups you’ve been dealing with lately are probably relieved, too, because if anyone can be stubborn, you can. Fortunately, they’re fond of you.

Pisces February 19 - March 20

If anyone can say what’s on their mind in a succinct fashion, it’s you. So now that you’re feeling chatty, your friends won’t quite know what to make of you. Well, don’t give them a chance to think about it. Keep talking. It’s about time you said what’s on your mind and got some answers to those questions, too. While you’re at it, break out that phone card you’ve been toting around.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

Flower could quit England: Vaughan FORMER England captain Michael Vaughan has s u g g e s t e d c u r re n t t e a m manager Andy Flower may walk away from the team after the Ashes. Vaughan suggested Flower may not be up for the challenge of taking England through a transition phase again after they had been blown away by Australia in the first two Commonwealth Bank Ashes Series Tests. “Transition is the hardest phase to manage,” said Vaughan. “You know perf o r m a n c e l e v e l s a n d re sults will dip in the future.

It is easy to walk away, particularly as Andy will go down as statistically our greatest coach if he decides to quit at the end of the tour. “There are whispers that this will be his last tour but I hope not. I hope he sees this as a new challenge. I don’t see how someone fresh would do anything better than Flower and his experience.” Vaughan, writing for The Telegraph (UK), said England faced another “line in the sand” moment like in early 2009 when they were blown away by the

West Indies in Jamaica. “Whether it is with the odd swap of personnel or a different approach to cricket, something has to change,” said Vaughan. “I don’t think England can win the series but can they do what Australia did to them in the last three games of the summ e r. T h e y c a n t u r n t h e series on its head in terms of mentality and public perception. “At the moment the public is watching and thinking this is men against boys. England have been battered. The

batting has been diabolical and we have not looked like taking 20 wickets.

“Our bowling has been p o o r, o u r c a t c h i n g h a s been poor, ground fieldi n g a n d t h ro w s i n t o t h e

keeper have been average. Every facet of England’s game has been miles below par.”

Campbell backs girls to win awards BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Sherwin Campbell, the head coach of the West Indies Women’s Team, is delighted that three of his players are in line for major international awards. Stafanie Taylor, Shanel Daley and Deandra Dottin are on the short list for International Cricket Council’s ODI Women’s Player-of-the-Year and the International Cricket Council’s T20 Player-of-the-Year awards. The winners will be announced by the International Cricket Council in Dubai tomorrow. “It is really great that we have three players in line for these major awards in women’s cricket. We have some fantastic players in the team and I believe we will take home both these awards,” Campbell told WICB Media. “Taylor has been fantastic for us yet again and continues to show why she is the best player

in the world. Daley has developed into a really good spinner and tactician and Dottin again demonstrated her awesome power and batting ability. “All three have done enough to win the awards they are up for but obviously all three won’t win. I see this as a step towards bigger and better things for women’s cricket and women’s sport in the Caribbean.” Campbell has been at the forefront of the re-emergence of the West Indies team since their re-admission to international cricket in 2008. In just five years they have moved to Number 2 in One-Dayers and Top 4 in T20s. Taylor, Daley and Dottin have all made major contributions to the team’s development and success. Earlier this year Taylor became the first player in history to be Number 1 All-rounder, Batter and Bowler in the ICC ODI rankings. Daley is the Number 1 ranked bowler in the ICC

Women’s T20 rankings while Dottin won the Most Valuable Player award during the Women’s T20 Tri Series in October. Campbell added: “We had a good year as a team. We got the better of South Africa at home in January and the girls played their hearts out to reach the final of the World Cup in India in February. We went on to beat Sri Lanka in their own backyard and when we came home we again performed really well to beat New Zealand in the ODIs in Jamaica and win the Tri Series in Barbados. “We were disappointed to lose the ODI Series against England in Trinidad – which was our first defeat at home in a long time – but we knew we did some great things this year. You could say we were the ‘Team-of-the-Year’ and it would be icing on the care to see our girls win the Player-ofthe-Year awards tomorrow.”

Charlestown and North Georgetown send ... From back page prevailed 3-2. In the second contest of the night, both Charlestown and Lodge, whose players are au fait with each other’s style of game, went about their business cohesively, putting together several passes in the midfield area. The spectators, including Chief Education Officer within the Ministry of Education Olata Sam and Directors of the K&S Organisation in Kashif Muhammad and Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major, were given a treat in the first half by both teams. Brian Prince, Omari James, Josiah Charles and their custodian Mervin Carter churned out incredible performances at various stages of the first half for Charlestown, while for Lodge Jamal Daly, Ryan Hackett and Kevin Boters were the outstanding individuals. After the lemon-time break which was taken with the score sheets clean, Lodge’s Tavel Jonas outran two of Charlestown’s defenders from just past the halfway mark, but when confronted with Carter in a one-on-one situation his shot was a feeble one, creating no problems for the custodian. At the other end of the field, Prince fed James a well-weighted pass, but he failed to control it as Lodge defenders, who were up to the task throughout the course of the contest, disposed of him with the greatest of ease. However, when Dequan Osborne was brought down inside the box in the 51st minute, referee Dion Inniss had no other choice than to order the penalty kick which was converted by Shane Morris to send Charlestown into the lead. Lodge tried desperately to negate that goal, with Hackett sending some well-weighted passes from the left side, which were either muffed or not protected adequately by his strikers, while at the other end of the field, James and Charles searched desperately for their team’s second goal. Charlestown were reduced to 10 men when Prince was given marching orders by Inniss for violent conduct in the 58th minute - walking on an opposing player whom he brought down earlier with a forceful tackle. Determined to protect their lead, Charlestown went on the defensive, leaving James as the lone striker, while Charles made several sporadic runs from the midfield area, even missing an open goal at one time, before they got their second goal through bizarre circumstances. Carter, who had affected a save from Daly on his first post, sent a ball long with the wind, deep inside Lodge’s third and a miscommunication between Lodge custodian Hakeem Roach and Jonas, saw the ball go over the head of Roach off Jonas’ knee and nestle into the back of the net in the 74th minute, giving Charlestown a 2-0 lead and victory by the same scoreline. The action continues at the Den Amstel ground today with another double-header which kicks off at 16:00hrs and sees the Best Dressed team at last Sunday’s march past, President’s College, oppose Stewartville Secondary before Uitvlugt and Annandale Secondary meet in the feature encounter at 18:00hrs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

Winning is all, as Clarke and Cook play their 100th Test match By Nick Mulvenney PERTH, Australia (Reuters) In a neat moment of sporting synchronicity, both Australia captain Michael Clarke and his English counterpart Alastair Cook will play their 100th Test in the third Ashes contest today. It is a great achievement for two master batsmen but given their competitive nature, only a win at the WACA will allow either to really enjoy passing what was once the rarest of milestones. For Clarke, victory would secure a 3-0 series triumph and the return of the coveted urn after three consecutive Ashes defeats at the hands of his country’s greatest sporting rival. “I think that’s why it’s most special for me, that we have the chance to win the Ashes,” Clarke told reporters at the WACA yesterday. “It’s obviously fantastic that I’ve been able to play 99 Tests for my country, something I’m certainly proud of, but in regards to it being my 100th Test match, it’s not my focus; there

ares enough other reasons why this match is special to me and this team.” For Cook, a first win for the tourists in Perth since 1978 would arrest an alarming decline in the fortunes of the England team since they arrived in Australia charged with confidence after a dominant 3-0 win back home earlier this year. “It’s a huge honour to join the hundred club and one I thought I’d never get to,” the 28-year-old told reporters. “It is a special day and it will make it an even more special week if we can produce the sort of performance we know we’re capable of.” That they both reach the milestone in what could be the decisive moment of an Ashes series should not detract from the achievement of two players who will one day go down in the record books as the best their countries have produced. Clarke is four years the senior and has just edged ahead in the statistics during this series with 26 Test centuries to Cook’s 25 and 7 940 runs to the Englishman’s 7 883.

“I think he deserves a lot of credit for the success he’s had over a long period of time and his record is something he should be really proud of,” Clarke said. “He’s a wonderful guy, I really enjoy playing against him. He’s a very good captain. He’s always been a prize wicket for the Australian team and this Test match is no different.” LONG WAY Cook repaid the compliments in kind. “It’s strange isn’t it? How it’s both captains in the same game,” said Cook. “He’s obviously had an incredible career and he’s been the leading batsman (in the world) for the last couple of years. “We’ve had a fair few battles along the way, both of us, and he’s one of these guys when you stop playing cricket you’ll remember playing against him. “It’s great sharing it with him.” Where the pair would have differed before this series was in

their relative success as captain, with Cook well ahead of his Australian rival. That is not the only thing that has been turned around over the two Tests in Brisbane and Adelaide and Cook admitted that his 100th Test was probably the biggest challenge he has faced since becoming skipper. Cook is the youngest player to reach a century of Tests, having achieved the feat in just under eight years since his debut in early 2006. He was not about to be drawn on whether he might one day match Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 200 Tests, which the Indian great recently sealed in his final match before retirement. “Who knows? I’ve just got to cherish every one I play, I’m privileged to play a hundred and I hope to play a fair few more,” Cook said. “It would be wrong to presume anything but if people want me to play, I’ll go on for as long as I can. “(200 Tests) is a long way away.”

Bacchus Drug Store three-way dominoes …

Canal Six take top honours CANAL Six emerged winners of the Bacchus Drug Store (Saffon Street, Charlestown)-sponsored three-way aggregate dominoes tournament which climaxed recently at Ernest Shop, Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara. Entering the third and final leg with a comfortable 10-game lead over rivals International Six and 26 ahead of Persaud’s Six, the home team were never really challenged for the top spot despite going down to their opponents in the final leg. At the end, Canal Six were

easy winners with 237 games with International Six placing second on 230 and Persaud’s Six way behind on 219. The first leg, played at the Everest Cricket Club, saw International Six romp to victory with 81 games with Canal Six placing second on 75, edging out Persaud’s Six on 74. Hilbert ‘Bumpy’ Ali led the way for the winners with 16 games while Ramesh Ramoutar made 15 and there were 14 each for Martin Permaul and Intikab ‘Corbie’ Ali. The top players for Canal were Scotty Ramsaroop with

17 games and Basdeo Persaud 16. For Persaud’s Six, Robin Persaud got 16 games, Motiram Dass 15, skipper Boodnarine Persaud 13 and Radesh Sooklall 13. In the second leg, also played at Everest, Canal Six scored a whopping 91 games, leaving International Six on 75 and Persaud’s Six on 66. R. Sukhai registered the maximum 18 games for the winners with support coming from Avie Persaud (17), Basdeo Persaud (16), Kedar Seopaul (14) and Chibar Seopaul (14). For International Six, Ed-

OVERSEAS-based Sandra Khan hands over the winning trophy to Ramroop ‘Spoon’ Sukhai. Sponsor Mohamed Hussein ‘Bobby’ Bacchus is at centre.

mund Sammy and Intikab Ali got 15 games each while there were 13 games apiece for Hilbert Ali and Ron Callender. Captain Boodnarine Persaud scored the maximum 18 games for his team with Nazimul Joseph getting 14 and Radesh Sooklall 13. Persaud’s Six had the consolation of winning the third and final leg with 79 games with International Six placing second with 74 and Canal in the cellar on 71. The top players for Persaud’s Six were Rishi Samaroo and Radesh Sooklall who both marked the maximum 18 games and Daniel Juman 14. Hilbert Ali maintained his consistency for International Six with the maximum 18 games with 15 coming from Ron Callender and 13 from Edmund Sammy. There were 14 games each for Canal’s Basdeo Persaud, Avie Persaud and Kedar Sooklall and 13 for Chibar Seopaul. Trophies were awarded to the winning and runner-up teams. There were also prizes for the best two players in the winning team, Basdeo Persaud (46 games) and Avie Persaud (42) and the top player in International Six, Hilbert Ali with 47 games and Radesh Sooklall of Persaud’s Six with 44 games.

Ashes captains Alistair Cook and Michael Clarke play their 100th Test today at Perth.

Taylor included in Jamaica 44-member training squad KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) - Former West Indies fast bowler Jerome Taylor is seeking a return to the international stage following his inclusion in a 44-member Jamaica squad to start preparation for the upcoming regional Four-day and Super 50 tournaments. Taylor, who last represented the West Indies in June 2010 against South Africa in Trinidad and Tobago, is making a return to the national set-up after a two-year absence. He has been plagued by a recurring back injury and last played for Jamaica against Trinidad in March 2011 in a Fourday encounter. Taylor’s last internationally recognised match was in August last year where he turned out for the Ruhuna Royals in the Bangladesh Premier League T20. He has also participated in national tournaments, including the just-concluded Jamaica Premier League T20, where he represented Mandeville Thunders. In 29 Test matches, Taylor has taken 82 wickets at an average of 35.64, and in 66 one-dayers he has captured 98 wickets at 26.82 apiece. Current West InJerome Taylor’s last internationally dies players Marlon recognised match was in August Samuels, Sheldon last year. Cotterell, Chadwick Walton and Nikita Miller headline the list of other regional representatives in the training squad. Also included are the five Jamaican players who were a part of the West Indies Under-19 team, which recently withdrew from their tour of Bangladesh- Ramaal Lewis, Brandon King, Tristan Coleman, Marquino Mindley and Fabian Allen.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

Anderson takes two wickets to put NZ on top By Greg Stutchbury WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Reuters) - New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson captured two wickets and took the catch to dismiss Shivnarine Chanderpaul to leave West Indies lurched on 158 for four at the close of a rain-affected second day of the second Test yesterday Marlon Samuels was 50 not out, while Narsingh Deonarine was on 11, chasing New Zealand’s first-innings total of 441 all out at stumps after rain delayed the start of play by 75 minutes and then washed out the entire middle session. Tim Southee had trapped Kieran Powell in front for 21 before Anderson captured the wickets of Kirk Edwards for 55 and Darren Bravo, who scored a double-century in the

… Edwards, Samuels score half-centuries

first Test, for four. Anderson then took a diving catch at point to dismiss the dangerous Chanderpaul off Trent Boult for six to put the visitors on the back foot heading into day three. “It was good to get past 400 and to take four poles tonight was good too,” New Zealand wicketkeeper BJ Watling told Radio Sport. “The boys will be pretty happy and come back fresh tomorrow. “There’s still some nice pace and bounce in the wicket. “We have got six wickets to take and that is the most important thing.” WAGGING TAIL New Zealand had begun the day on 307 for six before

Watling scored his sixth Test half-century and combined in three partnerships that helped the tail push the hosts past 400. The highlight was a final-wicket partnership of 58 runs between Watling and Boult, who scored 38 not out, a record for New Zealand against West Indies. “The runs seemed to flow quite nicely,” Watling added. “It was good to have a couple of partnerships ... and put them under pressure. “We always set a first-innings target of 400 and have definitely got the tail to do it, Trent, Tim, Ish (Sodhi) and Neil (Wagner) can all bat and have good eyes.” Watling was last man out when he was bowled by Shan-

non Gabriel for 65 before the rain forced the players from the field right on the lunch break. Tino Best had the flattering figures of four for 110 after he captured two wickets on successive balls late in New Zealand’s innings though failed to achieve a hat-trick. The fast bowler continued to struggle with his length, bowling too short and also dropped two relatively easy catches in the outfield. West Indies dropped five catches in total. “Tino will always be his normal self,” assistant coach Stuart Williams told reporters of Best’s mood after a forgetful performance in the field. “He has a positive attitude and will forget about it very

quickly. “He gives you energy on and off the field. Having a bad spell won’t deter him.” Williams, a renowned fielder with a safe pair of hands when he played for West Indies as an opening batsman in the 1990s, said there were still positives to

take from their fielding, even if it wasn’t up to international standard. “It’s always frustrating when you drop catches,” he added. “The difference between this game and last was at least we created more chances. “Our fielding wasn’t up to international standard but it’s a work in progress and you’ll have these days sometimes.”

Northern, Net Rockers advance to Banks Beer second round By Michael DaSilva NORTHERN and Net Rockers have advanced to the second round of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA)/ Banks Beer Knock-Out Football Tournament after registering victories against Black Pearl and Flamingo respectively at the Tucville ground on Wednesday evening. Northern beat Black Pearl 4-1 in a penalty shoot-out after the two teams were locked 2-2 at the end of regulation and extra time. Sherwin Vincent netted a double for Northern in the 69th and 97th minutes, while Carlton Jerrick and Prince Johnson scored for Black Pearl in the 13th minute of regulation time and the 28th minute of extra time. Denzil Prince, Roy Fraser and Errol Davis scored Net Rockers’ three goals in the 10th, 36th and 80th minutes respectively. Sunburst Camptown’s Devon Forde and Alpha United’s Anthony `Awo’ Abrams are the tournament’s leading goalscorers with four goals each to their names. Forde recorded a helmet-trick in his team’s 10-0 win against Essequibo, while Abrams scored his four goals in Alpha United’s 8-0 victory over Grove Hi-Tech. Following closely behind with three goals each to their names are Jamal Greaves (Camptown), Gregory `Jackie Chan’ Richardson (Alpha United) and Michael Pedro (Santos). Both Northern and Net Rockers will join Camptown, Santos, Buxton United, Pele, Alpha United, Guyana Defence Force, Bv/Triumph, Milerock, Monedderlust, Slingerz, Den Amstel and Mahaica Deter-

… Forde, Abrams are leading goalscorers

minators in the second round which commences on Sunday at the Georgetown Football Club ground. However, the final two firstround matches will be played this evening at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. Police will oppose Winners Connection from 18:00hrs and BK Western Tigers will face Kwakwani Strikers from 20:00hrs. On Sunday, football action will return to the GFC ground where Northern will take on BV/Triumph from 18:00hrs and Santos will come

up against Buxton United from 20:00hrs. The tournament started on November 23 with 32 teams, but to date, 14 have been eliminated and those teams are: Essequibo, Houston Stars, Seawall United, Topp XX, Grove Hi-Tech, Flamingo, Botofago, Black Pearl, GFC, Beacon, Fruta Conquerors, Cougars, Silver Shattas and Riddim Squad. The winning team in the tournament will receive $4M, while the second-, third- and fourth-place teams will earn $2.5M, $1.5M and $1Mrespectively.

The eight semifinalists will each receive $250 000. The final and third-place playoff are set for January 1 at a venue to be named.

Former Caribbean table tennis champion Gayle, Pollard to miss laid to rest New Zealand ODIs … Miller in for Permaul

CHRIS GAYLE and Kieron Pollard will miss West Indies’ one-day series in New Zealand because of fitness issues. Gayle was sidelined following a hamstring injury sustained during the tour of India last month and Pollard, who did not travel to the subcontinent, is recovering from a knee injury. West Indies brought batsman Kirk Edwards into the 15-man squad as a replacement for Gayle, and replaced left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul with Nikita Miller, also a left-arm spinner. Permaul had played two ODIs on the tour of India and took only one wicket. Miller’s last ODI for West Indies was during the 2011 World Cup, while Edwards’ final one-day appearance was at home against India in June 2011. Edwards is currently part of the Test squad in New Zealand. The ODI players, not taking part in the ongoing Test series in New Zealand, have assembled in Barbados for a week-long training camp. They will arrive in New Zealand on December 21 for the series that begins on December 26. Squad: Dwayne Bravo (capt.), Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Johnson Charles, Narsingh Deonarine, Kirk Edwards, Jason Holder, Nikita Miller, Sunil Narine, Kieran Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons.

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - Former Caribbean Junior table tennis champion Gordon Delph was laid to rest following a funeral service at the St. Theresa’s RC church here on Wednesday. Delph, also a former national player and coach, lost his battle with brain cancer at age 56 last week. “Gordon’s contribution to the sport of table tennis has been tremendous over the years,” declared Trinidad and Tobago’s sports Minister Anil Roberts. “He inspired many with his style of play, represented T&T across the Caribbean and the world, and turned into a thoughtful and respected coach when his playing days were over”. Delph was crowned regional Under-17 champion in 1972, and was also a standout senior player, winning the National Championship men’s singles title seven years later.

Marlon Samuels plays the ball to the off side during his unbeaten 50 for the West Indies on the second day in Wellington.

SCOREBOARD NEW ZEALAND first innings (o/n 307-6) P. Fulton c Ramdin b Sammy 6 H. Rutherford c Ramdin b Best 11 K. Williamson c Sammy b Best 45 R. Taylor c Shillingford b Gabriel 129 B. McCullum c Edwards b Deonarine 37 C. Anderson c Powell b Shillingford 38 BJ Watling b Gabriel 65 T. Southee c Bravo b Sammy 21 I. Sodhi c Ramdin b Best 27 N. Wagner c Sammy b Best 0 T. Boult not out 38 Extras: (b-16, lb-6, nb-2) 24 Total: (all out, 115.1 overs) 441 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-24, 3 - 11 2 , 4 - 1 8 9 , 5 - 2 5 7 , 6 - 2 9 6 ,

7-334, 8-383, 9-383. Bowling: Best 21-1-110-4, Gabriel 25.1-5-86-2 (nb-1), Sammy 25-392-2, Shillingford 28-4-92-1 (nb-1), Deonarine 16-2-39-1. WEST INDIES first innings K. Edwards c Rutherford b Anderson 55 K. Powell lbw b Southee 21 D. Bravo c Fulton b Anderson 4 M. Samuels not out 50 S. Chanderpaul c Anderson b Boult 6 N. Deonarine not out 11 Extras: lb-6, w-1, nb-4 11 Total: (for four wickets, 37 overs) 158 Fall of wickets: 1-46, 2-67, 3-103, 4-119. Bowling (to date): Boult 9-3-25-1, Southee 9-1-401 (w-1), Wagner 7-1-37-0 (nb-4), Anderson 7-1-20-2, Sodhi 3-1-18-0, Williamson 2-0-12-0.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday December 13, 2013) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055)

Answers to Thursday’s quiz: 164 Test wickets Scahin Tendulkar and VirenderSehwag

Today’s Quiz:

What is the highest first wicket partnership by a WI pair in Tests? When and where did a WI player first take a wicket with his first ball in ODIs?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 13, 2013

GCB/GT&T/HAND-IN-HAND 4-DAY

By Calvin Roberts BOTH Berbice and President’s XI climbed to the top of the points table of this year’s Guyana Cricket Board-organised Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company/Hand-in-Handsponsored four-day tournament, after recording authoritative victory over Demerara and Essequibo in their respective matches. Both teams used a total of two hours and five minutes to dispose of their respective opponents on the scheduled third day of the second round of matches yesterday, with Ber-

Berbice and President’s XI top table after authoritative victories

bice defeating the defending champions by 10 wickets while President’s XI came away with an innings-and-52-run win over Essequibo. At the Enmore Community Centre ground, Demerara, who were relegated to third position on the points table following the loss, resumed the day on 68 for 6, still looking for another 14 runs to make Berbice bat again, with Christopher Pattadin and Amir Khan on 0 and 4 respectively. They slid further down the barrel of embarrassment to be 76 for 8, when their first innings tormentor Devendra Bishoo, who ended with 4 for

22 for match figures of 10 for 72, trapped Khan lbw for 9 while Royston Crandon, who took 4 for 28 removed Pattadin caught by Bishoo for 3. Joseph Perry (3) and Zaheer Mohammed (3) pushed the score to 80 before Perry was lbw to Crandon 3 and it was left up to Paul Wintz who made an unbeaten 11 to partner Mohammed and guide Demerara to 96 before Mohammed was run-out, inside the first hour of the day’s play. Asked to score 15 for victory, Berbice’s skipper Sewnarine Chattergoon blasted three fours in his unbeaten 14 as his side reached 15 without loss from

DEVENDRA BISHOO

ANDRE STOLL

1.5 overs to complete the win comfortably, while affording his side an extra two sessions and a day of rest. At the world renowned

Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Essequibo, who trailed the President’s XI by 193 runs, began the penultimate and what turned out to be final day on 126 for 6 in search

of an another 67 runs, with Kemo Paul on 24. That contest was over 70 minutes within the day’s play, after Keanu Harry (4) was bowled by Collis Butts (3 for 20), Paul was caught at the wicket by Jason Sinclair off Andre Stoll (3 for 24/match 7 for 68) and Steven Sankar (2 for 19) removed both Heemchand Persaud (2) and Ricardo Peters, who surprisingly batted at number 9, for 1. The point standings after two rounds are as follows, Berbice 18 points, President’s XI 15, Demerara 12 and Essequibo 0 and the third and final round of matches will bowl off on Sunday with Berbice and Essequibo clashing at Everest and Demerara meeting the President’s XI at Uitvlugt.

Zaheer, Ashwin promise better fight in Tests TWO of India’s most experienced bowlers, Zaheer Khan and R. Ashwin, have promised a better fight in the upcoming Tests after India were blanked 2-0 in the ODIs. Zaheer, one of the few in this Indian team not shy to have a word, has begun to stir up the opposition. Ashwin, meanwhile, has said he will not throw in the towel just yet. When asked to respond to South Africa players’ comments that they have scarred a few of the visitors, Zaheer made his feelings known. “You know, talk is talk,” Zaheer said. “You can talk as much as you like outside. Once you go on to the field, it’s all about doing. And I think this Indian team will do the needful. Whatever it’s going to take to win this series.” Zaheer is a bowler who plays mind games well. Once he spots a weakness in a batsman, he goes all the way with it. He has done that to South Africa’s Test captain, Graeme Smith, successfully in the past. This in itself, many Indian pundits felt, was reason enough to

bring Zaheer to South Africa. And he is in no mood to let Smith forget that he has dismissed him 13 times in 396 balls in all international cricket. Asked if he had any new plans to get Smith out, Zaheer said, “I just have to turn up.” Just so he didn’t sound too obnoxious, though, Zaheer added, “Having said that, Graeme Smith has got a terrific record in Test matches. He’s a good leader. It’s good to have that advantage. When you go into a match and have that edge over someone who has been a good opener and (has) been scoring consistently at the highest level ...” Ashwin is part of the ODI side that has taken a hammering in the recently concluded ODI series, which India lost 2-0. He is a combative and proud man too. It doesn’t sit well with him that he has gone for 169 runs off 168 balls for a solitary wicket in the series thus far. He might, rightly, not agree that India’s performance so far is a “disaster”, but pride says he will have to give it his all in the Test. “I am definitely here in terms of looking to fight and just go on

fighting,” Ashwin said. “I am prepared for a fight. I want to take it to the field and see what I can actually do. Be it with catching, be it with bowling or be it with batting. I am prepared for all. So I am just going to go out there and make sure that I at least give it 100% of what I can to try for a series win. It cannot get any better. It means the most to me in life.” Ashwin said that he started to work on his Test bowling during the last, inconsequential ODI, although he did also, for some reason, mention that he had achieved what he wanted to achieve through his bowling in the ODIs. “In terms of what I wanted to achieve out of the ODI series, it’s pretty much through,” Ashwin, on his first tour to South Africa, said. “I wanted to test the conditions, see how much it responded to what I was delivering. Yesterday, pretty much, the Test match was more on my mind. I thought I can toss a lot more balls up and see where it goes. Definitely the ball was drifting much more.

Gordon is Giftland OfficeMax third Sports Ambassador HAVING launched their Sports Ambassador programme in August, when Guyana Defence Force Bodybuilder Devon Davis and Buxton United Football Club’s Kwadjo Garnett were the first two inductees, Giftland OfficeMax recently announced Georgetown Cricket Club’s hockey player Aaliyah Gordon as their third inductee into the

programme. Gordon and Hikers Hockey Club player Janella Munroe were the two contestants chosen randomly by the coordinators of the programme, following which persons were asked to vote via Facebook, BBM and in the store. Out of such, Gordon who attends Queen’s College acquired 564 votes to Munroe’s 484, for which she was named Ms Gift-

land ‘The Striker’ 2013 – 2014 and will benefit from at least $300 000 in sports equipment and academic material. She inked her name to the one-year contract last Wednesday in the presence of her father, Secretary of the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) Tricia Fiedtkou and Munroe, who was awarded $10 000 as her runner-up spoils. Gordon’s achievements in

Giftland Hockey Ambassador Aaliyah Gordon (left) is flanked by the runner-up Janella Munroe (2nd from right), Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) Secretary Tricia Fiedtkou and Giftland OfficeMax PRO Compton Babb after the presentation.

2013 are as follows: MVP GT&T Indoor championships in October, represented Guyana at the Pan American Hockey Federation Cup (PAHF) in Argentina in September where she was the youngest player on the team and one of two to score in the tournament. In August, Gordon represented Guyana at the Canadian Senior National Hockey Championships and was named the MVP at the Under-16 level in the Caribbean Kids Hockey Festival. Giftland OfficeMax Public Relations Officer (PRO) Compton Babb said his company lends a helping hand to hockey and every other sport and promised their continued support to the careers of talented young sportsmen with the intention of assisting them to develop academically. “Everyone here is a champion. We at Giftland are happy and proud to be associated with them and want to build a strong and long-lasting relationship with our young sporting Ambassadors,” revealed Babb who declared that track and field will be the next leg with the champion boy and girl from the 53rd National Schools Championship, where everyone chosen will be entitled to a one-year endorsement. (Calvin Roberts)

Zaheer Khan hopes he can continue to torment Graeme Smith in the upcoming Tests. “I think it’s got to (do) much (with) the air in terms of what I’m planning to do here. I just try and set fields and bowl straighter lines. I’ve chatted to a few people who have been here and done well so that’s going to help. I’d like to play the situation rather than anything else. “I’ve prepared myself in terms of what I can deliver to the best of my abilities, and then I’ll take the situation at hand and do what the situation demands.” Patience and accuracy, Ashwin said, were going to be key to performing well in the Test series. Asked if his mindset changes from being a wicket-taker to the one holding up one end when he goes out of Asia, he said, “Whatever I have heard and whatever tour I have gone on, I was always expected to take wickets. There’s no two ways about it. I have my personal expectations, and I would like to do well anywhere I go. “Nothing means more to me than an overseas victory. In terms of planning a spell or building up a scenario, it’s going to be the key here. Need to be patient here, in terms of letting things happen, rather than look to make things happen. The time will come when you can make things happen.” Ashwin said he will need to contribute not only as a bowler, but also as a batsman and fielder. “There are three facets of the game,” Ashwin said. “I’ll be standing at slips, I’ll be bowling, I’ll be batting. I would fight in every department. I am dead serious about it. I will definitely throw every bit. I will never throw the towel, and I’ll try and see where I can go from here. There is nothing that will mean more to me than a victory overseas.” (ESPN Cricinfo)

Sport CHRONICLE

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Berbice and President’s XI top table after authoritative victories

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Kennard’s Memorial Boxing Day Horse Race Meet

Torginol Paints sponsors 1st race cash prizes By Michael DaSilva TORGINOL Paints, a member of the Continental Group of Companies yesterday handed over a cheque which will cover the prizes of the first event of the Annual Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club Boxing Day eight-race horse race meet. The event, which will be staged at the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club, Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne Berbice facility, is expected to involve over 70 horses from different stables competing for cash prizes as well as trophies. Speaking at a present a t i o n c e re m o n y y e s t e rday in the office of Justice Cecil Kennard, the Police Complaints Authority head thanked the Continental Group of Companies for sponsoring the first event under its Torginol Paints brand on the planned day’s card, saying it is a significant contribution to the Boxing Day meet. Justice Kennard said the Continental Group of Companies has been very supportive

Justice Cecil Kennard (right) accepts the sponsorship cheque from Continental Group of Companies Personnel Assistant Sharon Blackman in the presence of Company Secretary Percival Boyce Jr. (Photo by Sonell Nelson) to the annual meet for the past 25 years, but this year’s sponsorship is greater than the

Campbell backs girls to win awards please see story page 28

previous years. The sponsorship will cover the first- to fourth-place cash

prizes for horses classified `J3 and L over six furlongs and will total $282 000.

The first-place finisher will receive $150 000, while the other three finishers will earn $75 000, $38 000 and $19 000 respectively. Entrance fee per horse for the event is $15 000. At yesterday’s ceremony, Justice Kennard said the Kennard Turf Club and Continental Group of Companies have a very close relationship and noted that sponsorship is very important for the staging of any event. Kennard thanked Continental of Group of Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Rakesh Puri, saying he is very grateful for the sponsorship. According to Kennard, preparations for the race meet are going fine and the weather would be ideal for horse racing. He noted that the annual Boxing Day meet is very well attended and said this year would not be different in terms of spectator support. Speaking on behalf of the sponsor (Continental), Company Secretary Percival Boyce Jr said his company is pleased to be associated with the Boxing

Day meet and will continue to support the event yearly. The feature event on the day’s card will be a one-mile event for horses classified À’ and Lower, with a first prize of $1.5M. The second-, thirdand fourth-place finishers will receive $750 000, $375 000 and $188 000 respectively. The entrance fee per horse is $165 000. We s t I n d i a n a n d l o cal-bred three-year old horses will battle over one mile also for a first prize of $600 000. The second-, third- and fourth-place finishers will receive $300 000, $150 000 and $75 000 respectively. Entrance fee for the event is $70 000 per horse. Three more six-furlong races as well as two seven-furlong races are also listed to be contested during the day. The six-furlong races are for horses classified `G1’ and Lower, two-year-old Guyana and West Indian bred and `J1’ and Lower horses. The two seven-furlong races will be contested by `D3’ maiden and È’ Lower and Ì’ and Lower horses.

K&S/CHICO ELITE GENERATION NEXT C’SHIPS

Charlestown and North Georgetown send opponents packing with clinical displays … Action continues today By Calvin Roberts

DESPITE being reduced to 10 men within the first 15 minutes of the second half, Charlestown Secondary School easily walked away with a 2-0 victory over their nemesis Lodge Secondary at the Georgetown Football Club ground, last Wednesday might. The two were meeting in the feature clash of a double-header on the inaugural Kashif and Shanghai/Chico Elite Generation Next football championships, after witnessing North Georgetown Secondary issue marching orders to Patentia Secondary with a 3-2 result from the penalty spot, after a 1-1 stalemate at end of regulation time. Joshua Ferreira sent North Georgetown into the lead with his 14th minute strike, but that was negated eight minutes later, when Kenton Boyce found the back of the net in the 22nd minute for the West Demerara-based school. Try as they may, neither side broke the deadlock when the final whistle was sounded, forcing the referee to revert to penalty kicks to come up with a winner, wherein North Georgetown

STAFANIE TAYLOR

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‘I got this under control!’ This must be the thought of Charlestown Secondary’s Omari James (with ball), as he attempts to weave his way past the opposing player from Lodge Secondary. (Photo by Adrian Narine)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2013