2014 09 29 by Guyana Chronicle

GUYANA No. 103965 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2014

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Steelbands delight hundreds at Botanical Gardens – with sweet ‘pan’ music Page

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At UN meet...

President voices concern about ‘wrong direction’ of international financial flow

Page

A section of the crowd that gathered at the Botanical Gardens yesterday to enjoy the melodious renditions by the steelbands

Guyana to meet today, tomorrow with regional review group – on AML/CFT-related business in Miami Page

Crackdown on illegal imports of meat and meat products Page

Panwave Academy during their encore performance yesterday

Veteran court reporter, George Barclay, Page 11 hospitalised

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 29, 2014

Steelbands delight hundreds at Botanical Gardens – with sweet ‘pan’ music

THE Botanical Gardens, one of Georgetown’s popular recreation parks, yesterday drew hundreds of people who were entertained by several steelbands as part of the Min-

istry of Education’s programme to celebrate Education Month. According to Coordinator of Drama at the Unit of Allied Arts in the Ministry of Education, Ms. Lorraine

Barker King, the annual event is one which serves as part of the Ministry’s Education Month celebrations. It is being celebrated this year under the theme: ‘Literate by Grade Four through

consistent home, school and community involvement’. Led by school and band instructors, steelpan music pulsated through the cool afternoon from the Bishops’ High School, Panwave

Academy, North Ruimveldt Multilateral, Buxton Steel Orchestra, St. Roses High, West Demerara Secondary and the lone primary institution, North Georgetown Primary School.

Meanwhile, the greatly-anticipated event attracted hundreds of people from all walks of life who evidently enjoyed the musical flavor of the afternoon. (Ravin Singh)

Guyana honours visiting China’s Minister of Health – at Herdmanston Lodge reception THE Ministry of Health on Saturday evening held a reception at the Herdmanston Lodge in honour of visiting China’s Minister of Health, Madam Lin Bin. Among those in attendance besides the Guest of Honour were the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Mr Zhang Limin; members of the 11th Chinese Medical Brigade; Guyana’s Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran; Director of Medical and Professional Services at the Georgetown Public Hospital, Mr. Sheik Amir; Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud; acting Foreign Minister Mr Robeson Benn; and

Prime Minister, and Acting President, Mr. Samuel Hinds. Madam Lin Bin praised the relationship with China and Guyana, noting that the Chinese Government aims to work in partnership with Guyana to support other areas of development such as infrastructure, education, agriculture and health. Madam Lin Bin also recalled her earlier visit to the Eye Clinic where patients underwent surgery for the removal of cataracts recently and was pleased with the recovery rate. In closing remarks, Dr. Ramsaran expressed gratitude to the Chinese delegations for

services rendered to Guyana over the past 20 years. Meanwhile, discussions are underway on the establishment of a Chinese medical faculty at the University of Guyana through a cooperation programme to train and teach Guyanese medical students. The Chinese medical brigade thanked Guyana for the hospitality they were shown throughout their stay, and deemed Guyana a welcoming place. The Guest of Honour then had the opportunity of socialising with Guyanese guests, including special invitees and government ministers.

Prime Minister Mr Samuel Hinds introduces Madam Lin Bin to some special guests during the formal reception (Photos by Cullen Bess-Nelson)

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Mr Zhang Limin (left) encourages China’s Minister of Health, Madam Lin Bin to sample some of Guyana’s mouth-watering delicacies

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 29, 2014

At UN meet...

President voices concern about ‘wrong direction’ of international financial flow PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar has expressed concern over what he terms ‘the wrong direction’ that the net flow of international finances is moving. By ‘wrong direction’ he meant from developing to developed countries, thereby creating an unhealthy financial situation for countries like Guyana, in that while some countries have more resources than others, the economic and social disparities are growing. “The gaps between the top and bottom segments of our world population are widening greatly,” he said in his address to the United Nations General Assembly’s 69th debate, adding that the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few has reached what he deems to be “dangerous” proportions.

To bolster his argument, he quoted the recently released data from Oxfam International, an international organisation committed to alleviating poverty, which shows thgat the richest 1% of the world’s population owns about 46% of the global wealth, which is some $110 trillion. In comparison, the bottom 50% of the world’s population owns 0.7% of the world’s wealth or just about $1.7 trillion. Noting that this degree of inequality is unsustainable,” President Ramotar said, “In much the same manner, while we have all agreed on increased developmental assistance to developing countries, the reality is that the net transfer of financial resources from developing to developed countries continues unabated, amounting

to US$200 billion in 2002 and increasing to US$557 billion in 2010.” He not only contends that the perverse trend is continuing but draws only part of the larger picture, but that with the transfer of financial resources from developing to developed countries, there is also the transfer of skilled and trained persons through migration. He also noted that developing countries would have invested in the education, training and the provision of health to their respective citizens, only to have their investment migrate to developed countries which have more established economies. “Clearly, all of these imbalances are unsustainable, and will only be addressed through concerted global action,” President Ra-

motar said, adding, “While many developing countries demonstrated serious determination in working towards the goals by allocating more resources to human development, the support by the developed countries as envisaged by MDG 8 fell significantly short of expectations.” He further expressed disappointment that only about half-a-dozen developed countries have kept their pledge to provide 0.7% of their Gross National Product (GNP) towards the delivery of aid to qualifying developing countries like Guyana. The President used the forum to remind UN member states of that commitment which was made over four decades ago. In a like manner, President Ramotar called for further debt relief

of developing countries, including the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), of which Guyana is part, as debt accumulated by these countries makes their economies unsustainable. He reminded the General Assembly of the proposal which was first presented by former President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, for a New Global Human Order. That proposal, President Ramotar noted, seeks to balance the interests of the developed and developing countries. “It is a proposal whose time has come, and should be pursued with other initiatives to find solutions so that we can realise the dreams of generations that came before us for peace, progress and prosperity,” he said. The UN General Assembly, which comprises

President Donald Ramotar

of all 193 members of the United Nations, meets once a year at its Headquarters in New York. It provides a forum for all member states, including Guyana, to engage in multilateral discussions, and to lend voice to a variety of international issues, as provided for in the UN Charter.

Guyana deposits two treaty instruments at UN – to foster rule of law at the international level MINISTER of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett deposited the instruments of accession for two Conventions at the United Nations (UN) 2014 Treaty Event, which was held from September 23-25 and will continue from September 30 to October 1, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The two conventions are: The Convention on the Rec-

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett presenting the instruments to UN UnderSecretary-General for Legal Affairs, Mr. Miguel de Serpa Soares. Also in photo is Chief of the Treaty Section, Mr. Santiago Villalpando

ognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (1958), and the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (1980) By depositing the instruments of accession, Guyana joined the efforts to advance the universal application of the framework of internationally agreed-upon norms and standards. The Treaty Event provided a distinct opportunity for states to fulfill pledges made at national and international forums to sign on to, and

particularly to ratify or accede to multilateral treaties deposited with the UN Secretary-General. It has proven to be an effective means for promoting wider participation of states in the multilateral treaty framework, thereby fostering the rule of law at the international level. Since 2000, annual Treaty Events have attracted a total of 1,878 treaty actions. Last year, 59 states undertook 113 treaty actions during the course of the Treaty Event. (GINA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 29, 2014

Hong Kong activists defy police tear gas as protests spread By James Pomfret and Yimou Lee HONG KONG, (Reuters) - RIOT police advanced on Hong Kong democracy protesters in the early hours of today, firing volleys of tear gas that sent some fleeing as others erected barricades to block the security forces in the heart of the former British colony. Earlier, police batoncharged a crowd blocking a key road in the government district in defiance of official warnings that the demonstrations were illegal. Several scuffles broke out between police in helmets, gas masks and riot gear, and demonstrators angered by the tear gas, last used in Hong Kong in 2005. The unrest is the worst since China took back control of Hong Kong from Britain in 1997. It poses a serious challenge to Communist Party leaders in Beijing, concerned that calls for democracy could spread to cities on the mainland and threaten their grip on power. Thousands of protesters were still milling around the main Hong Kong gov-

ernment building, ignoring messages from student and pro-democracy leaders to retreat for fear that the police might fire rubber bullets. Police, in lines five deep in places, earlier used pepper spray against activists and shot tear gas into the air. The crowds fled several hundred yards (meters), scattering their umbrellas and hurling abuse at police they called "cowards". "If today I don't stand out, I will hate myself in future," said taxi driver Edward Yeung, 55, as he swore at police on the frontline. "Even if I get a criminal record it will be a glorious one." Britain returned Hong Kong to Chinese rule under a formula known as "one country, two systems" that guaranteed a high degree of autonomy and freedoms not enjoyed in mainland China. Universal suffrage was set as an eventual goal. But Beijing last month rejected demands for people to freely choose the city's next leader, prompting threats from activists to shut down the Central business district. China wants to limit elections to a handful of candidates

loyal to Beijing. The protests later spread to the busy shopping district of Causeway Bay and across the harbor to Mong Kok, posing a greater challenge for authorities to contain, local media reported. In a move certain to unnerve authorities in Beijing, media in Taiwan reported that student movement leaders had occupied the lobby of Hong Kong's representative office on the island in a show of support for the democracy protesters. Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying had earlier pledged "resolute" action against the protest movement, known as Occupy Central with Love and Peace. "The police are determined to handle the situation appropriately in accordance with the law," Leung said, less than two hours before the police charge began. "NEVER GIVE UP" Police had not used tear gas in Hong Kong since breaking up protests by South Korean farmers against the World Trade Organization in 2005. "We will fight until the end ... we will never give up," said Peter Poon, a protester in his 20s, adding that they may have to make a temporary retreat through the night. Police denied rumors that

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they had used rubber bullets. A spokesperson for China's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office said the central government fully supported Hong Kong's handling of the situation "in accordance with the law". Such dissent would never be tolerated on the mainland, where student protests in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square calling for democracy were crushed with heavy loss of life on June 4, 1989. In mainland China, the phrase "Occupy Central" was blocked on Sunday afternoon on Weibo, the country's version of Twitter. It had been allowed earlier in the day. Later, a Hong Kong government statement urged the Occupy organizers to bring an end to the "chaos", for the overall good of the city. The government said some public transport may be disrupted on Monday due to the protests, while some schools in affected areas would be closed. A tearful Occupy organiser, Benny Tai, said he was proud of people's determination to fight for "genuine" universal suffrage, but that the situation was getting out of control, local broadcaster RTHK reported. He said he believed he would face heavy punishment for initiating the movement. Inside the cordon, thousands had huddled in plastic

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Alex Chow, secretary-general of the Hong Kong Federation of Students, reacts as he is taken away by police after storming into government headquarters in Hong Kong, yesterday (Credit: REUTERS/Donny Kwok)

capes, masks and goggles as they braced for a fresh police attempt to clear the area before Hong Kong re-opens for business in the morning. The city's financial markets are expected to open as usual on Monday. "WE WILL WIN WITH LOVE AND PEACE" Publishing tycoon Jimmy Lai, a key backer of the democracy movement, said he wanted as big a crowd of protesters as possible, after a week of student demonstrations, to thwart any crackdown. "The more Hong Kong citizens come, the more unlikely the police can clear up the place," said Lai, also wearing a plastic cape and workmen's protective glasses. "Even if we get beaten up, we cannot fight back. We will win this war with love and peace."

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Pro-democracy Hong Kong lawmaker Lee Cheukyan said three fellow legislators were among a small group of activists detained by police, including democratic leaders Albert Ho and Emily Lau. Organizers said as many as 80,000 people thronged the streets in Admiralty district, galvanized by the arrests of student activists on Friday. No independent estimate of the crowd numbers was available. A week of protests escalated into violence when student-led demonstrators broke through a cordon late on Friday and scaled a fence to invade the city's main government compound. Police used pepper spray to disperse the crowd. The Hong Kong Federation of Students extended class boycotts indefinitely. Police have so far arrested 78 people, including Joshua Wong, the 17-yearold leader of student group Scholarism, who was dragged away after he called on the protesters to charge the government premises. Wo n g w a s re l e a s e d f ro m p o l i c e d e t e n t i o n without charge on Sunday evening. He told reporters that he planned to return to the protest site after resting.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 29, 2014

Cuba calls for reform of UN

UNITED NATIONS, Sep. 28, CMC – CUBA’S Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla has called for “profound reform” of the United Nations, starting with the 15-member Security Council, saying that the Secretary-General should be “an advocator and guarantor of international peace and security.” In addressing the 69th Session of the UN General Assembly Debate on Saturday, Rodríguez also said the UN needs to defend its principles. “The Security Council should be rebuilt upon democracy, transparency, a fair representation of the countries of the South that are discriminated against among Permanent and Non-Permanent Members, credibility, strict observance of the United Nations Charter, without double standards, obscure procedures or the anachro-

nistic veto,” he said. “The General Assembly is to exercise the prerogatives entrusted to it by the Charter given the currently dangerous and unstable international situation, which is full of threats and challenges,” he added. Rodríguez also called on the international community to “respond vigorously” to the UN appeal for help to fight the Ebola epidemic in West Africa . “It is urgent to consider Sub-Saharan Africa a priority. It is necessary to jointly and resolutely confront, through a sufficient and genuine cooperation, the Ebola epidemic that is affecting some countries of the continent,” he declared, stating that Cuba decided to maintain its medical cooperation in all the 32 African countries, where more than 4 000 Cuban specialists are working, and expand it,

Cuba hands down 15-year sentence to Canadian executive A COURT in Cuba has sentenced the president of a Canadian transport company to 15 years in jail for bribery. Cy Tokmakjian, 74, was detained in Cuba in 2011 as part an anti-corruption operation. He denies the charges. The Tokmakjian Group said the court had seized its assets in Cuba, worth about $100m (£62m). The company said the ruling was worrying development for potential investors on the Communist-run island. “Lack of due process doesn’t begin to describe the travesty of justice that is being suffered by foreign businessmen in Cuba,” the company said in a statement. Two other executives from the Tokmakjian Group - fellow Canadian citizens Claudio Vetere and Marco Puche - were sentenced to eight and 12 years in prison. The Ontario-based company used to sell transportation, mining and construction equipment to Cuba. There has been no comment on the case from the Cuban authorities. CLAIMS Its offices in Havana were seized in 2011 when President Raul Castro launched a major drive against corruption in the Caribbean nation. Canadian MP Peter Kent visited Mr Tokmakjian in jail last year. “The trial was, from almost any measure, extraordinarily unfair and rigged,” Mr Kent told the Financial Post newspaper. The Tokmakjian Group

was the sole representative of South Korean company Hyundai in Cuba, which has been making efforts to replace its ageing car and bus fleet. The company has launched claims worth more than $200m (£123) against Cuba through the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris and Canada’s Ontario Superior Court. (BBC )

Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla Cuba’s Foreign Minister under the leadership of the World Health Organization (WHO), to the other most affected countries. “We call upon the international community, particularly the industrialised countries with abundant resources, to vigorously respond to the appeal launched by the United Nations and the WHO, so that it could be possible to immediately count on the financial, health and scientific resources required to eradicate that scourge and prevent it from taking a higher toll on human lives,” he added. Likewise, the Cuban foreign minister said “all the necessary resources should be contributed” in support of the Agenda 2063 of the African Union, which has established the roadmap for the development of that region. In five decades, he said 325, 000 Cuban health workers have assisted 158 nations of the South, including 39

African countries, where 76, 000 cooperation workers have served. Rodríguez said a total of 38 000 medical doctors have been trained, free of charge, in 121 countries – 3, 392 of them from 45 African nations. “If Cuba, a small and blockaded country, has been able to do it, how much else could be done in favor of Africa with the cooperation from all of us, particularly from the wealthiest States?” he asked. On the eve of observing the International Decade of Afro-descendants (20152024), Cuba reminded the global body that this year marks the 210th anniversary of the independence of Haiti, “whose Revolution for independence and against slavery was the forerunner of all liberation movements in Latin America and the Caribbean.” “Haiti deserves a special contribution for its reconstruction and development, under the sovereign leadership of its government, for which we call upon the entire international community,” Rodríguez said. “We support the Caribbean’s claim for reparations from the colonial powers for the horrors of slavery.” Stating that the U.S. State Department has again included Cuba in its “unilateral and arbitrary list of States that sponsor international terrorism,” Rodríguez said the department’s “true purpose is to increase the

persecution of our international financial transactions in the whole world and justify the blockade policy.” Under the Obama administration, he said “there has been an unprecedented tightening of the extraterritorial character of the blockade, with a remarkable and unheard-of emphasis on financial transactions through the imposition of multi-million fines on banking institutions of third countries.” Rodríguez claimed that the USAID-sponsored Zunzuneo project, “which not only violates Cuban laws but also the U.S. laws, is the latest evidence of that.” “Cuba, for its part, keeps calm and ready to establish a mutually respectful and responsible dialogue with the U.S. Government based on reciprocity,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 29, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Of Sycophants and Opportunists THEY proliferate in the social landscape; the opportunists who submerge their realities under many guises. They pander to the egos of newly-emerging powerbrokers, who largely ignore the real face of protagonists, newly become friends and supporters, which are indelibly painted on the landscape of this nation’s history, and abandon their defence mechanisms as they fall victims – willingly, to the inventive ploys structured to win unde-

served trust, because the real motivation behind this newly-configured, ostensible friendship has the imprimatur of the Bank of Guyana and the map of Guyana. And they are succeeding – immeasurably, riding the crests within every sector because they know the right words, and even though those words camouflage their real sentiments and intents, honourable people who have proactive, nation-building agendas do not look beyond the surface

to find the caricature lying beneath. However, switching identity to access, even to forge opportunities, is a natural human trait. In Guyanese parlance it is called “drinking soup.” These two-legged chameleons are the parasites to be found within every society, but they are extremely hard to detect because they burrow themselves into easy income access frameworks, and then entrench their presence like so many larvae that

give birth to flesh-eating maggots, which translate into resource-consuming parasites that rob any nation, especially developing nations such as ours, of much-needed resources that could benefit the infrastructures of social development in a more meaningful way. A deeper and wider scrutiny by national stakeholders would reveal the true visage of these charlatans and set the stage for the ultimate cleansing of the Augean stables this has become, where pretence

has superimposed itself over actuality to an extent where it has assumed a visage of sincerity. Actually, equating these pretenders with the chameleon is insulting the poor creature, as it only changes colours to protect itself from predators, whereby the sycophants are the real predators

colouring the socio-political landscape with the dark hues symbolic of the evil and the opportunistic denizens inhabiting the belly of the underworld of societies. Do you know where to find them? Just look right next to you; and under every rock.

Guyana to meet today, tomorrow with regional review group --on AML/CFT-related business in Miami By Vanessa Narine G U YA N A h a s s e n t a high-level delegation to meet today and tomorrow with the Americas Regional Review Group (ARRG), to discuss matters pertaining to its referral to the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Heading the delegation is Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall. Other members of the team include head of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Mr. Paul Geer; Head of the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU), Lt. Col. Sydney James; and Deputy Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga. The meeting reportedly precedes the AARG’s presentation of its findings following a targeted review of Guyana’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism

(AML/CFT) framework at the behest of the FATF. In a letter dated July 9, 2014, FATF officially confirmed its decision to commence a targeted review of Guyana prior to its October 2014 plenary meeting. And the international watchdog body made it clear that the purpose of that targeted review would be to examine the most significant deficiencies in Guyana’s AML/CFT framework that pose a risk to the international financial system. FATF also said in its July 9 missive: “This review will be conducted by the International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG), Americas Regional Review Group (ARRG), co-chaired by Ms. Darlene Boileau (Canada) and Ms. Maria Fernanda Garcia-Yrigoyen Maúrtua (Peru).” It further said, “In our capacity as ICRG Co-Chairs,

Mr. Anil Nandlall we now request your full by the ARRG co-chairs.” cooperation in assisting the The letter also indicated ARRG to conduct this work, that Guyana would be given including by providing up- an opportunity to review the to-date information on your draft targeted review, and to jurisdiction related to AML have a face-to-face meeting, and CFT issues, as requested starting today, with the

ARRG. ACTION PLAN Minister Nandlall told the Guyana Chronicle prior to leaving for Miami that as part of the FATF review, steps that should be taken to address Guyana’s deficiencies through the development of an action plan have been identified. “We are going to be discussing that action plan when we meet,” Minister Nandlall said, adding that there have been moves in Guyana in areas that do not require legislative actions, non-legislative successes in improving Guyana’s AML/ CFT framework. He noted that after Guyana’s meeting with AARG, the latter is expected to complete its report on the targeted review of Guyana. At its next meeting, slated for between October 2024, 2014 in Paris, France, the

FATF is expected to discuss the results of Guyana’s targeted review. Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Special Select Committee reviewing the AML/ CFT (Amendment) Bill has not met since June. The Chairperson of the Committee, Ms. Gail Teixeira, disclosed that the next scheduled meeting is slated for October 15, having been moved from the initial date of October 10. The last suggested dates for meetings of the Committee were July 8, 10 and 30, all three of which were rejected on the basis on the unavailability of opposition members sitting on the committee. The passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill has been the centre of much political contention for almost two years now.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 29, 2014

Adventists host successful health fair --with support from Ministry of Health

Children being educated on health matters at the fair

By Savitri Laikram THE Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists joined the Caribbean Union in ‘Hands Across the Caribbean’ yesterday for a massive health fair at the Ministry of Health compound at Brickdam, Georgetown. ‘Hands Across the Caribbean’ is an initiative of the Caribbean Union Health Ministries Department based in Trinidad and Tobago. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has been promoting healthy lifestyles for over 100 years. Back then it was called Health Reform. This is according to the Director of Caribbean Union, Pastor Alexander Isaacs, who pointed out that this is the initiative of the Adventist churches throughout the Caribbean in partnership with the health ministries. He added that once every year, there is collaboration to have these activities hosted, which are designed to raise awareness for non-communicable diseases such as stroke, hypertension, diabetes, etc. Isaacs said that the programme is planned across the entire Caribbean

Persons visiting the various booths at the health fair yesterday (Photos by Savia Laikram) to reduce these diseases. He pointed out that there are hinterland communities to access The Guyana leg of this proa number of agreements with the medications, etc. gramme is organised by the Director health ministry, including providHe observed that Health Minof the union’s headquarters here, Mr. ing airplane services for persons in ister, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran was John Joseph. Isaacs acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Health, the National Blood Transfusion Unit (NBTU) and other Non-Governmental Organisations who played an active part in the event. He said that the fair offers free health checks, video shows, health lectures and even a children’s programme, all in the effort to improve healthy living in Guyana. Pastor Isaacs noted that the event would have been impossible without the assistance of the Health Ministry POLICE have launched an inves- Brazilian woman to fall overboard which has been very hospitable to tigation into the Mazaruni River and disappear. their annual events. mishap involving two speed boats As a result, a search was conHe said that they have always in which a Brazilian national lost ducted and the body was found at offered them the compound to set up her life on Friday. 15:00hrs the same day and was tents and carry out the activities, and It was reported that at about taken to the Bartica Hospital where they are very grateful. 12:50hrs last Friday the boats, she was pronounced dead on arrival. Isaacs noted also that the miniscaptained by Eugene Charles, 58, Meanwhile, Maritime Admintry has supplied them with the reof Parika, East Bank Essequibo istration Department (MARAD) quired machines, equipment and reand Clifton Melville, 19, of Fifth said at about 13:00hrs two vessels Avenue, Bartica, were proceeding collided in the Mazaruni River, in sources to make the event possible. along the Mazaruni River, with the vicinity of an area known as He said that these are not the passengers when they collided, “All-boys”. only activities held here as similar causing Jifele Brasilaira Vierra De A press release stated that one events are usually held countrywide Sales- Lie Akigia, a 31-year-old of the two boats is an aluminium with the support of the ministry.

unable to attend and participate in the event as he had to leave the country for an urgent engagement.

Police probing death of Brazilian woman --after boats collide in Mazaruni River

hull passenger vessel and is propelled by two water jets. The other is a wooden passenger/cargo boat and was being propelled by a 200 horsepower outboard engine. MARAD added that as a result of the collision, a fire ensued and quickly engulfed the wooden vessel causing a female passenger to be burned extensively, and she subsequently perished. MARAD has sent a team to the Mazaruni area to commence an investigation into this incident, the release added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 29, 2014

Crackdown on illegal Soil testing workshop imports of meat and a tremendous help to cash-crop farmers meat products – in terms of yield improvement

REPORTS of illegal importation of some meat and meat products have re a c h e d t h e M i n i s t r y o f A g r i c u l t u re , w h i c h is working on cracking down on such activities. According to the Ministry in a statement, any illegal importation of these products threatens Guyana’s food security, as well as investment made in the livestock sector; threats that will not be tolerated by the Government of Guyana. To this end, the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, has announced that it will be strengthening its surveillance to protect Guyana’s livestock.

‘Any illegal importation of these products threatens Guyana’s food security, as well as investment made in the livestock sector; threats that will not be tolerated by the Government of Guyana’ to enter through a set procedure,” a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture said. The procedure for importation of animal products requires the prospective importer to apply for a trade import licence from the Ministry of Trade. The Guyana Livestock Development Authority through the provision of the law is required to give its no objection to the import which is based on the prevailing animal health situation of

► Reduction in the availability of the specific meat product with the resulting decrease in available protein for human consumption; ► There would be a need to spend huge sums of money in combating the disease; ► Loss of trade opportunities due to the imposition on restriction in trade of animal products both locally and internationally, through the banning of imports from Guyana;

By Derwayne Wills RECOGNISING the need for improved measures of testing soil quality and reducing the amount of time, resources and energy in cash crop production, the Ministry of Agriculture yesterday held a one-day workshop at Grand Coastal Hotel, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara. The event, which saw the participation of farmers from small, medium and large scale entities was well attended. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Regional Area Officer with the Rural Enterprise

“You are an integral [and] important element within the Ministry of Agriculture and within Guyana. You are... the producers, farmers who are playing a very significant and important role in feeding our nation... the Caribbean, South America, and Central America.” Baksh called for the large scale development of cash crops which were traditionally introduced hundreds of years ago by those in the field of agriculture. He also noted the demand for products produced locally which have the quality of being marketed internationally.

Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Ali Baksh making remarks at the well-attended workshop on effective soil management

a market that sometimes has scarcities.” SOIL TESTING KITS

Minister Ali Baksh with some of the recipients of Soil Testing Kits

Both Ministries have also emphasised the need for importers to adhere to applicable laws, regulations and procedures regarding importation of meat and meat products. “Any meat and meat product found on the market without the requisite approval will be seized and destroyed. This serves as a warning to all those who are marketing meat and meat products as illegal importation of animals and animal products into Guyana constitutes a breach of the Animal Health Act 2011 which requires that all animal and animal product be granted permission

the importing country. THREAT TO LOCAL LIVESTOK Illegal entry of any animal product from an animal health perspective poses a threat to Guyana’s livestock industry. Such a product could provide a vehicle for the transference of disease-causing agents from the importing country into Guyana. A disease could have the following effects: ► Reduction of the livestock population as a result of death; ► Reduction in livestock productivity through sickness;

► In some cases there may be public health implications if the disease affects humans; and ► In such cases there are huge setbacks in the genetic improvement programme of the country. “Import certification and control provides the first line of defense in preventing the entry of exotic animal diseases to a country,” the Agriculture Ministry stated. Additionally, the Ministry of Health, Public Health Department is also required to give its no objection to this import, the statement concluded.

A section of the gathering at the workshop

and Agricultural Development (READ) Project, Randy Beckles explained the purpose of the event in providing training and information which will lead to “overall increases in production.” Beckles told this publication that the expected outcome from the activities is that farmers will be able to gain knowledge on effective soil management. Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Ali Baksh, who was also at the event, welcomed the contribution of people skilled in agriculture and their contribution to meeting food demands in Guyana and the Caribbean.

While small, medium and macro-scale farmers continue to produce the necessary crops, Minister Baksh said that Guyana has capitalised on this. “We are packaging a lot of products today and we are exporting a lot.” He added that some products are being bottled, destined for international markets. In a call for increased productivity, the Minister called for the blending of “science and technology to develop agriculture.” Baksh said too that since Guyana’s climate allows for only dry and wet conditions, farmers should “organise and capitalise on

The Minister made presentations of Soil Testing Kits to some of the farming groups at the event. With a message of encouragement he told the groups that “the soil testing machine will help sometimes to grow crops round the clock.” He observed that “It is the first of its kind of implementation to rural communities [and] to simple farmers,” he said. Baksh said that the tool kits will not only save time, but also money and energy in determining the soil quality. “It will give you a better opTurn to page 11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 29, 2014

At World Maritime Day...

Minister Benn commends captains and bowmen for service offered to the public

Items on display at World Maritime Day exhibition at T&HD headquarters

By Michel Outridge THE Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), in observance of World Maritime Day 2014, on Thursday hosted a marine exhibition at the Transport and Harbours Department’s Head Office on Battery Road, Kingston. There, special awards were presented by Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn to speed boat captains and bowmen who have performed commendably in offering a quality service to the public. World Maritime Day is celebrated under the theme: “International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Conventions: Effective Implementations”. Benn, in remarks, said that MARAD has an extremely important role to play in respect to assuring Guyana’s economy functions in relation to port infrastructure, security, dredging of the harbours and channels, and training of pilots and mariners. He urged that attention

be paid to compliance, since MARAD is tasked with implementation of the IMO compliances and there is lagging. He said that in achieving compliance and on-theground activities, as well as ensuing maritime security and ISPS codes, MARAD officers must be aware they have been working with the US Coast Guard in port security and ISPS regulations. He noted that he was, however, pleased with the advance made in MARAD and T&HD, and a greater awareness and the overall sustainability of Guyana’s shipping. The minister pointed out it is known that Guyana is an export led country, and most of our produce is exported in bulk through ports and harbours. Benn said the work of MARAD mariners, pilots and the agency is critical in acquiring livelihood of our people and economy. He emphasised the practice of safety on our waterways, which have also become the responsibility of MARAD and a difficult area

of which they haven’t had appreciation in terms of operating in a safe environment. Benn said, “We are greatly distressed when we have the loss of lives on the sea, and MARAD was given the imperative to improve the safety standard on boats and vessels at sea and on our waterways.” He added that MARAD is also engaged in awareness campaigns on the promotion of safety in schools, and has since visited several far-flung interior villages to distribute more than 1,000 life jackets. The minister told the gathering that time must be taken to recognise those who have lost their lives at sea, and also those who were killed in river accidents. He urged the gathering to lend support to the families who are left in great distress after these incidents. He was, however, pleased with the efforts of MARAD and T&HD for the improvements made in that sector, and disclosed that they would be acquiring another pilot vessel to boost their fleet. Benn stated that dredg-

Minister Robeson Benn making remarks at the opening of the World Maritime Day exhibition Thursday (Photos by Michel Outridge)

ing of the Essequibo River with their vessel “Steve N”, training of marine cadets, development of the deep water port in Berbice, and the future development of the Demerara Harbour are all

highlights of MARAD. Also, making remarks were Director of Maritime, Stephen Thomas, and Director of Administration/ Research and Development, Ernestine Vigilance.

Yesterday’s exhibition featured the work of MARAD and T&HD, as well as safety practices among other things which highlighted the activities of maritime.

On World Rabies Day…

Guyana reaffirms commitment to eradicating rabies GUYANA yesterday joined other countries the world over in observing World Rabies Day 2014, with a reffirmation of its commitment to eradicate the scourge. “While we have an active programme to eradicate rabies, Guyana today joins the rest of the world to re-affirm our commitment to end the rabies scourge in animals, particularly domesticated animals,” Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said, adding:

“Guyana will continue our efforts, in keeping with this year’s global theme, ‘Together Against Rabies’, to consolidate our status as a country free from rabies in humans and pets.” In Guyana, Rabies occurs in cattle primarily. These cases come about as a result of the animal being bitten by vampire bats. In cases where there is a suspected outbreak of rabies in cattle, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority’s (GLDA) veterinarians will

take control measures which include vaccination, vampire bat reduction, public education and disease surveillance. The GLDA is a semi-autonomous agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, created in 2010, in which resides the Animal Health and Animal Production Departments. These departments work with the farming community and with the Veterinary Public Health Department, Ministry of Health to ensure that rabies doesn’t

become a widespread problem, affecting, dogs, cats and humans. ANIMAL QUARANTINE There have been no reported cases of rabies in humans and pets in Guyana. In an effort to maintain this, the Government of Guyana has recently constructed an Animal Quarantine Facility at Timehri. This facility will be utilised to keep animals that may not have met the legal requirements for entry into the country and which

may have originated from rabies-infected countries. This World Rabies Day, the Ministry of Agriculture and GLDA took the opportunity to remind farmers, particularly those in affected regions, to vaccinate their cattle against rabies. The agencies also reminded persons desirous of bringing pet animals into the country to seek guidance on the correct procedures to be adopted. “This will help to reduce the possibility of

bringing in a rabies-infected animal,” the agencies said, adding: “Let’s do our part to make the world rabies free.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 29, 2014

Guyana, China sign MOU for House of Medical Science THE Government of Guyana and the People’s Republic of China has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the ‘China/Guyana House of Medical Science’ which would allow for training of local doctors by members of the Chinese medical team. Minister of Health, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, who signed on Government’s behalf, said the MOU

is a continuation of a bilateral agreement between Guyana and China, which sets the foundation for more powerful interaction between the two countries. China’s Health Minister, Li Bin, who signed the MOU said the two countries have a long standing relationship for approximately 100 years, and added that the Chinese Government is working on collaborating with

Guyana to aid in other areas of development such as infrastructure. Minister Bin said since 1993, a medical team of 147 practitioners came to Guyana from China and since then practitioners have been rotating their visits. It was further stated that since 2001, China established a medical team at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

China’s Health Minister, Li Bin and Guyana’s Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran sign the MOU for the Medical House of Science

(GPHC) and over 5,000 patients have been looked after. Ophthalmologists have looked after hundreds of patients through advanced systems for eye surgeries. “I believe that under the efforts of the two Governments the partnership will bring about new achievements,” Minister Bin said. Minister Ramsaran said Guyana and China have enjoyed strong diplomatic and people-to-people relationships. He stated that this is the first visit of the Chinese Health Minister to Guyana and follows numerous visits to Guyana by Chinese delegations. “The Government of Guyana is very thankful for the help of the Chinese Government,” Minister Ramsaran said. Guyana recently received the 11th batch of Chinese medical brigade. “So far they have

only worked at GPHC and the Linden Hospital but the Government is anticipating an expansion to the Lethem and Mabaruma Hospitals with the signing of the MOU. He added that over the years, the Chinese Government has assisted with the training of local doctors and graduates from the Chinese medical schools are starting to enter into local post-graduate programmes. “The Government will explore the possibility of inviting the Chinese to come and teach medical classes at the University of Guyana, as this will allow for a more cost effective manner of production of more local doctors,” Dr. Ramsaran said. He added that the Government and the people of Guyana will be very grateful for China’s help. “Guyana is on its way to achieving the millennium health

goal but there are still some challenges,” Minister Ramsaran said. He added that the temporary expansion of the Chinese medical team will be most welcome as Guyana prepares to reach the goal of universal health coverage. Further, the Minister said Chinese herbal medicine is a growing interest locally and appealed to the Chinese delegation for an expansion of the Chinese herbal medicines in Guyana. Under the MOU of the China/Guyana House of Science, the Government of Guyana hopes to consolidate what they have advanced while working with China and also to expand surgeries provided and training of doctors. The MOU is valid for a period of five years and can be renewed for a similar period if both countries so desire. (GINA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 29, 2014

Veteran court reporter, George Barclay, hospitalised

VETERAN court reporter, George Barclay of the Guyana Chronicle was on Saturday admitted to the Davis Memorial Hospital where he remains under close medical watch. His wife, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Barclay told the Chronicle that around 05:00 hrs on Saturday, her husband woke up complaining of pains in the chest and back, and soon developed difficulty breathing. She said that within min-

utes, his condition had become so severe that the family was forced to rush him to the nearest hospital, which was Davis Memorial. There, he was placed on oxygen, and tests were conducted on him. He has since had a minor surgery, and his condition is said to have improved, since the oxygen has now been removed. Mr. Barclay, now a freelance journalist, has been covering the courts for well over 50 years.

Chronicle court reporter, Mr George Barclay

Soil testing workshop... portunity in analysing practically with a small instrument.” And this will eventually see an improved quality in the future, “where you will be able to have more advancement in terms of your knowledge and to enhance production and productivity for the benefit of yourself, your family and for the benefit of all of Guyana,” Minister Baksh said to the gathering. Speaking with this newspaper, Ganesh Balkrisia of the Shields Town Community Development Cooperative Society Limited, welcomed the content of the workshop. He explained that one of the major problems facing farmers in his community is that “you have to wait until the crop is actually growing to see the defects.”

He said that with the soil testing equipment, farmers will be able to determine in advance what is needed for a better yield. The young farmer, when asked, disclosed that he manages a plot covering some 70 acres. Balkrisia welcomed the READ project saying that it has not only helped farmers to set up effective irrigation systems but “now with the soil testing equipment, we will be able to hopefully increase the productivity level of that area.” Another farmer, Deodatt Seodatt identifying himself as the Secretary of the Parika Naamryck Ruby Farmers Progressive Organisation, said that being involved in the training session has opened his eyes to how critical soil testing is for farmers and the

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community. He too said that there is some uncertainty when adding nutrients to the soil since the outcome isn’t always clear, but with soil testing then farmers will know what micro-elements are most effective. Seodatt said that while soil and water samples have previously been tested by the technical persons at the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI), the farmers will now have an added sense of security since the results of those tests are , considering the crops produced. Stating one concern with how long the kit will last, the farmer however expressed his satisfaction in having a general idea of how the soil content, which influences the crop produced, can be improved.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 29, 2014

AG: Gov’t committed to resourcing Judiciary – At opening of Berbice Mediation Centre MEMBERS of the legal profession, including Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall, and Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Anthony Singh, were present at Friday’s commissioning of a new Mediation Centre in Berbice. The centre is located in the compound of the New Amsterdam High Court. The new Mediation Centre is intended to provide an alternative to aggrieved persons seeking legal redress in the courts, by having trained mediators help the parties arrive at a compromise and settle their disputes without actually having to go through the formal court system. The Mediation Centre was the brainchild of Chancellor Carl Singh, who reiterated that Berbicians were known for using Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) such as mediation, as a viable option to resolve disputes; it was against that backdrop that the mediation centre was established in the county. With the commitment from government, who provided the necessary resources, the institution was brought to fruition. Delivering the feature address was the Attorney General (AG). He explained that the establishment of the Mediation Centre in Berbice was an executive commitment from the government to make resources available to the judiciary, so that it could administer justice fairly, competently and efficiently. The AG said that the tradition at the Berbice bar was to settle matters utilising the ADR mechanism such as mediation, so the opening of the building only marks the formal introduction of mediation in Berbice. According to Mr. Nand-

lall, no one can dispute the benefits and values which accrue from mediation. He asserted that in the Caribbean, mediation is formally rooted in the legal system of almost every country. He made reference to the mediation system in Trinidad and Tobago and quoted Chief Justice of the twin-island republic, Ivor Archie, who said, “Since the inception of the Court Annexed Mediation Pilot Project in 2011, and having reviewed the reports on that project with a settlement rate of 60 percent and a customer satisfaction rating of 95 percent, the question in my mind has been, not whether mediation should form part of our judicial system, but rather and quite simply, why was it not done a long time ago.” Perhaps that is the question that we should pose to ourselves here,” the AG remarked. He then made reference to Belize Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin, who, in addressing the 2012 opening of the Supreme Court spoke about the overwhelming volume of cases that reach the court on an annual basis; and said that the mediation system may need to be introduced in order to address the problem. Mr. Nandlall added: “Of course they have since done so in their Rules of Court. The same position obtains in the Eastern Caribbean, in Jamaica, in The Bahamas and in Barbados.” The AG then mentioned the English legal system, where he made reference to Lord Justice Brook in the case Dunnett v Railtrackplc [2002]1 Week Law Report page 2434,who said: “Skilled mediators are now able to achieve results satisfactory to both parties in many cases, which are quite beyond the power of lawyers and courts

to achieve. The court has knowledge of cases where intense feelings have arisen, for instance in relation to clinical negligence claims. “But when the parties are brought together on neutral soil with a skilled mediator to help them resolve their differences, it may very well be that the mediator is able to achieve a result by which the parties shake hands at the end and feel that they have gone away having settled the dispute on terms with which they are happy to live. A mediator may be able to provide solutions which are beyond the power of the court to provide. Occasions are known to the court in claims against the police, which can give rise to as much passion as a claim of this kind where a claimant’s precious horses are killed on a railway line, by which an apology from a very senior officer is all that the claimant is really seeking and the money side of the matter falls away.” According to the AG in another case, Lord Justice Dyson said: “We recognise that mediation has a number of advantages over the court process. It is usually less expensive than litigation which goes all the way to judgment...mediation provides litigants with a wider range of solutions than those which are available in litigation: for example an apology; an explanation; the continuation of an existing professional or business relationship perhaps on new terms; and an agreement by one party to do something without any existing legal obligation to do so.” Mr. Nandlall said that the judicial sentiments expressed, highlights the importance of the new mediation facility established in Berbice. “You see the system of justice benefiting from the expediency

The newly commissioned Mediation Centre

that mediation brings and you see the important role that the legal profession is expected to play.” The Attorney-General referred to professionalism needed by lawyers who are often criticised as being impediments to the mediation process, because the mediation process it seems apparently reduces the remuneration packages of attorneys. “If such a myopic and unfortunate view exists in Berbice, I hope that we can change that view, because it is wrong and we are members of a profession to which nobility and honour have been ascribed. Therefore, I wish to remind you of the oath of office that you took, when each of you would’ve been called to the bar, you took an oath to represent the cause of your client and I ask you to remind yourself of that and think of the justice of the cause in which you are intervening,” said the AG. He continued that lawyers “will be the persons who will be the driving force of the mediation process that will be accommodated at this facility and to the litigants, the

process of mediation requires your input.” The AG recalled that at one point in time mediation was solely a voluntary process, but asserted that the law as of recent has been modified slightly, to empower judges to order parties to mediation in the appropriate cases. He did say however that “The fundamental truth is that mediation largely remains a process that is litigant driven, so while the legal profession will advise you and counsel you to go to mediation, ultimately the decision will be yours whether that process will be successful.” Addressing the perception that persons might have in wanting to have their matters heard in court as opposed to mediation, the AG highlighted that “Even with all the work that we are doing to reduce the backlog in the system, to increase speed at which the system functions, the reality is that the volume of litigation simply cannot be dealt with,with the speed that you would like it being dealt with. I don’t know of any country that has success-

fully challenged, successfully overcome that. So sloth in the judiciary system will be with us for a very long time and if it is, that you want to remain in the judicial system for a very long time, then that’s your right, but if you want a quick resolution to your dispute, then I would humbly advise that you seek mechanisms which are alternative to the judicial system and this facility presents you with one of those alternatives.” Mr. Nandlall expressed hope on behalf of the government that the facility will be utilised to its fullest potential and that in the use of the Mediation Centre “It will be recognised that it is a facility that will benefit you the people of Berbice and that you will take care of it. I also take this opportunity to express the hope, that those who will be in charge of the facility, either administratively or the day-to-day running of it, will ensure that it provides the services to the people of Berbice that it is intended to provide.” The AG congratulated the judiciary for spearheading the initiative.

Automated voter machines to be used for UGSS elections THE annual elections for the posts of president and faculty representatives for the University of Guyana Students’ Society are scheduled for October 1, 3 and 4, 2014. The four student groups contesting the elections this year are: the Students’ Empowerment Alliance, with presidential candidate Mr Joshua Griffith ( the out-going Senior Vice-President, UGSS); the Students Movement Advocating Real Transformation, with presidential candidate Mr Andre Chow-

bay (out-going Assistant Secretary, UGSS); newcomers the Students United Movement,whose presidential candidate is Mr Denroy Tudor; and the Veteran Revolutionaries with presidential candidate being Mr Glenfield Dennison. A new feature has been added to the voting process this year: it is the use of automated voter machines (AVMs) - as a pilot/case study - to allow for the casting, tabulation and generation of the statements of poll. The use of electoral technology

is expected to improve the integrity of the vote count, allowing students to have more confidence in its legitimacy. The use of this new technology was made possible through the university partnering with the government of Canada, and the Canada-based non-governmental organisation known as The DELIAN Project, to fund the use of the automated technology. Students of the Turkeyen campus are expected to vote on Wednesday, October 1, from noon; students of the

Berbice campus (Tain and John’s annex) will cast their votes on Friday, October 3, 2014, while on Saturday, October 4, the graduate students will cast their votes at the Turkeyen campus.

ABOUT the DELIAN Project DELIAN reported that the key benefits of using an AVM-based system include transparency, accessibility, speed in the tabulation of votes and a reduction in administrative costs. The DELIAN Project has piloted the

use of the AVMs in a number of emerging democracies with much success; and more recently the electoral technology was used at the University of the West Indies (Mona Campus) for student elections. Of particular interest to the University of Guyana and by extension the country in general, is the secure transmission of results from remote poll stations to a pre-determined central command centre utilising pre-existing GSM network systems. This latter aspect will be robustly

tested during the UGSS elections, given the spatial distribution of the polling stations. The DELIAN team will be in Guyana from September 29, 2014. They are expected to give a demonstration of the AVMs on the same day, at 15:30 hrs in the Education Lecture Theatre, Turkeyen campus. The University of Guyana has extended an invitation to the Guyana Elections Commission to observe the voting process at both campuses. (Asif Hakim)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 29, 2014

Police-sponsored 16-week cookery class commences in Agricola By Leroy Smith TWENTY-FIVE females and one male from the community of Agrico la, East Bank Demerara on Friday were officially inducted into the sixteen-week elementary cookery class being spon-

sored by the Guyana Police Force through its 'A' Division. Speaking at the orientation session, â€˜Aâ€™ Division Commander Clifton Hicken told the participants that the police decided to work with them, given the already ongoing relationship the po-

lice share with the younger people through the weekend sessions at the primary school in the area. The group of women represent single mothers, the unemployed and school dropouts. He told the women and the man that at the end of the sessions they will be

A section of the gathering and a lone male with several females who will be part of the cookery class

in possession of skills which can assist them in being self-sufficient in order to earn for themselves. The encouragement was also given to the gathering for them to push towards working together and explore the possibility of establishing their own community catering service at the end of the training. Hicken stressed that there will be continuous training for the young people to make them competitive with the rest of caterers countrywide. The commander said that as the programme goes along, other persons would

be added as the objective is to get all the young people from the community of Agricola to channel their energies in areas which are not contradictory to the laws of Guyana. The first eight weeks of the training will among other things focus on the preparation of appetizers, cakes, pastries, salads, desserts, beverages and cookies. There would also be a graduation exercise upon the completion of the programme. The participants will also be decked out in their uniforms for the training by the Guyana Police Force.

Commander Hicken hands over a monetary donation to the tutor of the programme to assist with the initial startup

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 29, 2014

SILWFC addresses range of issues affecting Black Bush community – with help of First Lady Foundation, Labour Ministry

By Shirley Thomas THE Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund Committee (SILWFC), in collaboration with the First Lady Foundation and the Ministry of Labour, has conducted a two-day Training of Trainers workshop on social issues affecting the community of Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice. Held last week at the Mibicuri Baptist Church, the forum brought together a

Ms Kavita Bishun delivering the welcome and Opening addresses at the Training of Trainers workshop at Mibicuri Baptist Church

Officer; and Prandatt Basdeo, Senior Labour Officer. Ms. Chitrika represented the First Lady Foundation, of which Mr. Basdeo is also a member. The participants were predominantly youths, but there was a good representation of teachers, religious and community leaders and self-employed businessmen, each having a passionate commitment to working robustly towards addressing and stemming the tide of the known social ills confronting

From right, are Ms. Chetrika Dass; Mr. Deigo Mario Alphonso and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Patrick Findlay

Permanent Secretary Patrick Findlay coaches a workshop session while Steven Singh jots notes on the flip chart

total of 20 participants drawn equally from the four homesteads of Black Bush Polder, namely Mibicuri, Yakusari, Johanna and Lesbeholden. The workshop focused on Conflict Management, Suicide Prevention, Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Child Labour, Domestic Vi-

olence, School Drop-out, and the Value of Good Parenting. Facilitators from the Ministry of Labour were Mr. Patrick Findlay, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, who headed a team comprising Mr. Deigo Alphonso, Administrator of the Men’s Affairs Bureau; Steven Singh, Men’s Affairs

the communities. The objective of the training was to equip a cadre of trainers with the knowledge necessary to effectively respond to the social issues evolving within the homesteads of Black Bush Polder, so as to avoid disastrous outcomes.

Ms. Kavita Bishun, Administrative Manager (Ag) of the SILWFC, tendered an excuse on behalf of First Lady Mrs. Ramotar, who was unavoidably absent. She also opened the forum with one minute’s silence as a mark of respect for those brothers and sisters who had lost their lives to suicide and domestic violence in and around the community. Ms. Bishun congratulated the participants in training. Preparing them for the very serious and important task ahead, she affirmed: “We believe that, as trainers, you will be able to share your knowledge and experiences in your communities, to make a positive difference for the betterment of the lives of your brothers and sisters…. To help you to do that, we are conducting this workshop that will be facilitated by personnel from the Ministry of Labour. It means

that you will be a part of history, as people reflect on the outcomes that are expected to be achieved from this workshop.” Ms. Bishun said participants were being trained with the hope that they would train others who would, in turn, train others; so that the training of residents of the community would have a multiplier effect, thereby promoting the objectives of the initiative. The workshop, which began on Tuesday last, concluded on Wednesday, and Certificates of Participation were presented to the 20 participants of the programme, who are now equipped, ready and rearing to embark on the task at hand. Presentation was done by SILWFC’s Ms. Sattie Gopal. Last week’s training programme follows the launch of a workshop held on July 26 last to address social is-

Participants during the Training of Trainers workshop held at Mibicuri last Tuesday

sues confronting Black Bush Polder. It was held by First Lady of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Mrs. Deolatchmie Ramotar, who is also Chairperson of the Sugar Welfare Fund Committee. That workshop was held at the Mibicuri Secondary School and was the initiative of Guyana’s First Lady. Among those who addressed the workshop held in July were Dr. Pradeep Balram, GuySuCo’s Medical Officer; Mr. Jairam Petam, GuySuCo’s Human Resource Director; Mr. Bhopaul Jhagroo, Region Six Regional Vice Chairman; and Mr. Kenneth Joseph, General Secretary of NAACIE and member of SILWFC. At that workshop, the idea was mooted to implement training in response to the social issues of which suicide ranked number one.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 29, 2014

Human Services marks Child Protection Week with grand rally By Clestine Juan AS PART of Child Protection Week 2014, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security held a grand rally on Thursday at the National Park, under the theme, “Breaking the silence against child sexual abuse.” This annual event is observed in over 120 countries worldwide and aims at increasing awareness of the issues of child abuse and promotes the belief that it is everyone’s responsibility to make society child friendly. The gathering at the National Park included Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster, and Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran. Speaking from the medical community was chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health, Mr. Shamdeo Persaud; Assistant Commissioner Law Enforcement, Mr. Lesie James; Deputy Representative of UNICEF, Mr. Abheet Solomon; and Master of Ceremonies, Henry Rodney. Also present were members of the diplomatic corp, the Merundoi cast and

Dance Skit from the Dominion Dancers

the Qualfon volunteer team. Delivering remarks, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster said that we must unite in the fight to eliminate child sexual abuse in the society. While child protection requires year-round vigilance, Child Protection Week gives us an opportunity to focus on these preventable crimes against children and put them at the centre of public attention. She commended the work of the Guyana Police Force and the Child Care and Protection Agency in their mission to stamp out abuse. Also speaking at the rally

was Minister of Health, Dr Bheri Ramsaran. He encouraged parents to become more aware of their children’s environment, emphasising that “it’s everybody’s business”

make sure they are brought into a healthy world. A world where they are free from such hostile environment, that child abuse is never right and should never be condoned.

Minister of Health, Dr.Bheri Ramsaran during his speech

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster delivers her remarks

Assistant Commissioner Law Enforcement, Mr. Lesie James

Monday, September 29, 2014 - 08:30 hrs Tuesday, September 30, 2014 - 08:30 hrs Wednesday, October 1, 2014 - 09:30 hrs

for support and recognition to end child sexual abuse in Guyana. Speaking from the medical community was Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud. Dr. Persaud noted that “Children need us to

He urged the public to “advocate for healthier childhood in Guyana and all across the world.” In his presentation, Assistant Commissioner Law Enforcement, Mr. Leslie James, spoke about the involvement of the Guyana Police Force.

Their role, he said, of law enforcement in child abuse cases is to investigate to determine if a violation of criminal law occurred, identify and apprehend the offender, and file appropriate criminal charges. Speaking to the public was Deputy Representative of UNICEF, Mr. Abheet Solomon who said, “The road ahead is not easy, but it’s

durable,” and that with the help of family and the community, ending child abuse is attainable. The audience was entertained by various dramatic pieces such as a dance and a short skit from the Merundoi cast. The dramatic arts were used to focus attention on the issues of child abuse and neglect, and to encourage the public to participate in prevention activities.

Foreign Minister meets UN Secretary-General on Venezuela MINISTER of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett on Friday met with the United Nation’s Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and held discussions that focused on continuing border issues between Guyana and Venezuela. Their discussions focused on the continued involvement of the UN Secretary-General in the solution of the controversy which arose as a result of Vene-

zuela’s contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 that definitively settled the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela is null and void, a press release stated. Also discussed were issues pertaining to Climate Change, as well as financing for development in particular, the next Conference to be held in Ethiopia in 2015, preparations for which are being co-chaired by Guyana, in the person of Ambassador George

Foreign Affairs Minister, Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett during her meeting with UN Secretary-General, Ban Kimoon

Talbot, Permanent Representative to the United

Nations and Norway, the release added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 29, 2014

Matthew Vieira, Rameez Mohamed impress on low-key GMR&SC race day By Rawle Toney IT WAS certainly not the best, but for what it’s worth, the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) Race of Champions was successful. The event didn’t have the usual huge crowd but those who turned up were

entertained by the little competition on the day. The lack of normal participation from the likes of Vishok Persaud, Kevin and Kristian Jeffrey and Mark Vieira, told a story of the drivers, who aim to help Guyana win the Country Championship at the November 16 hosting of the third leg in the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC). Nonetheless, the drivers and riders who did suit up and fuel their machines gave the patrons their money’s worth of thrills and spills on the track. Sixteen-year-old Matthew Vieira, the son of Mark Vieira, was fearless on his Yamaha YZF 600 and easily won the only two Superbike races featured in short race day programme. Everyone wanted to see a showdown with the new sensation and his cousin Stephen ‘Valentino Rossi’ Vieira yesterday but the older Vieira was a ‘noshow’ as he was preparing for November. No Group 4 The usual eye-candy and crowd pleaser – Group 4 – was missing from yesterday’s Race

of Champions, leaving many disappointed, but understandably so. The cars are way more expensive to run as one competitor, Mark Vieira, had pointed out. Yesterday’s event was cutting too close to November and like many others, he’s focused on the Caribbean Championship. Kevin ‘Bush Cow’ Jeffrey was seen working on his Mitsubishi Evolution and though the heavy sounds of his highpowered engine during some trial runs turned the heads of the motor racingstarved fans present, their smiles quickly turned to frowns after realising it was ‘just a test’. Danny Persaud and his dependable Mazda Miata had to race in the Group 3 category and the Banks Beer-sponsored driver thrilled the audience with some clinical display of his driving skills, though he did not race for a space. Rameez Mohamed won all three Group 3 races. Chet Singh, Shairaz Roshandin and Shane Seejathan each won a race in Group 2. Azaad Hassan claimed two of the three Group 1 races, while Vicky Persaud won the other.

GHB names national Boys Under-19 squad for 2016 Junior Pan Am Cup THE Guyana Hockey Board has named its national boys Under-19 squad to begin preparations for the 2016 Junior Pan American Cup in Toronto, Canada. The programme will be run by a coaching staff which includes experienced coaches Andrew Xavier and Dwayne Alleyne as well as national senior men’s coach Robert Fernandes. Thirty-two players are expected to be developed into a formidable force over the next two years, with their first assignment being a tour to Trinidad and Tobago in December of this year to have their first taste of the artificial surface on which all international hockey matches are played. During the four-day tour the team will train and compete against club teams from the twin island republic, in addition to playing against the country’s Under-19 National Development squad. Although the majority of players are newcomers to the national programme, standouts, such as Mark Sargeant, Andrew Stewart and Aroydy Branford, have already tasted success at the senior level, having been part of the men’s team that won bronze at the Indoor Pan American Cup in Montevideo, Uruguay earlier this year. The players listed below are asked to attend a meeting at St Stanislaus College at 18:00hrs today. Members of the squad are: Mark Sergeant, Medroy Scotland, Kareemm McKenzie, Keon McKenzie, Daniel Hooper, Sammar DeFreitas, Rosario Ramsammy, Lorenzo Vanzo, Aroydy Branford, Andrew Stewart, Leon Bacchus, Robert Brumell, Joshua Carew, Omar Hopkinson, Stephon Sprosta, Deheron Wilkinson, Richard Thomas, Akeem Wilson, Hilton Chester, Paramanand Dindial, Shemar Boston, Nicholas Nervais, Gordon Trotman, Troy Hodge, Ezekiel Springer, Delmar Ng, Ato Greene, Edmund Chinian, Myron Phillips and Meshach Williams.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 29, 2014

Ruthless Europe retain iron grip on Ryder Cup By Mitch Phillips GLENEAGLES, Scotland (Reuters) Europe maintained their Ryder Cup stranglehold over the United States with a crushing fivepoint victory yesterday as rookie Jamie Donaldson had the honour of securing the decisive point to make it eight wins in the last 10 matches. Starting the day 10-6 up, Europe needed four points to retain the trophy they won after coming back from the same score two years ago and got there with plenty to spare, winning the singles battle 6-1/2 - 5-1/2 for an overall 161/2 - 11-1/2 victory. Rory McIlroy set the tone with a 5&4 demolition of Rickie Fowler and Graeme McDowell soon added a second point. American rookie Patrick Reed completed a wonderful personal weekend when he got his side’s first point on the board, with Phil Mickelson and Matt Kuchar also victorious, but there was no real tension around Gleneagles as Europe were well-placed in so many other matches. Martin Kaymer, who sunk the putt to complete the Miracle of Medinah two years ago, chipped in for an eagle to beat Bubba Watson 4&2 and Justin Rose, Europe’s stand-out performer with four points from five matches, came back from four down to halve with Hunter Mahan. Then began the biennial Ryder Cup game of trying to work out who would secure the decisive point; and it turned out to be the 38-year-old Welshman Donaldson, who never trailed all day. Four up with four to play he had already ensured Europe would at least half

the match and retain the cup but he made sure he finished in style by hitting a stunning approach to within two feet on the 15th.

players, they have all been colossus, and all of them, the caddies, the backroom team, five vice-captains, it’s been a huge team effort.”

great players, but we came in here thinking we could beat them,” he said. “The foursomes play is what separated the two teams.”

Team Europe golfers pour champagne over captain Paul McGinley as they celebrate retaining the Ryder Cup, during the closing ceremony of the 40th Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in Scotland, yesterday. (REUTERS/Phil Noble) Unsure whether to concede the putt, the match and the Ryder Cup, his opponent Keegan Bradley looked to his captain Tom Watson, who said: “Pick it up. They’ve won.” Those simple words, delivered with the customary dignity of one of the most respected men in the game, sparked the usual pandemonium of celebration as the green disappeared beneath a mass of humanity. “It’s unbelievable,” said Donaldson, who won three points out of three over the weekend. “You can’t put words to it. Just a perfect yardage and wedge shot of my life to close the game out.” Victorious captain Paul McGinley, who sunk the putt that won the cup for Europe in 2002, said: “It’s been a real honour to get these 12

“The Ryder Cup has evolved. I’ve seen the mistakes we’ve made over the years and I’ve changed things a little bit. “This sense of pride for the players and the happiness of the people in the stands - that is what you do it for. It is not the same as playing and I told the players to enjoy it because these days go quick.” WIDESPREAD CRITICISM Watson, who remains the last man to lead the U.S. to victory on foreign soil 21 years ago, was outthought by McGinley and was already coming in for widespread criticism for his tactics even before the final match ended. “We made them think about us early on in the singles and then they turned it on,” he said. “They are stacked with

Europe’s combined 7-1 victory in the two foursomes sessions, after losing both fourballs, indeed gave them the cushion they wanted, and though there was some red on the board after the early holes on Sunday, it all soon turned blue for the visitors in every sense. McDowell, sent out first by McGinley because of his fighting spirit, needed to summon all of it as he fell three holes down after nine holes to inspired rookie Jordan Spieth but he fought back to secure a 2-1 victory and give Europe their second point moments after McIlroy had dusted Fowler. The world number one stamped his authority from the start and after four birdies and an eagle he was five up after six holes and cruised home.

South Africa Racing Tips Flamingo Park 08:20 hrs Imperani 08:55 hrs Random Al 09:30 hrs Quick Glance 10:00 hrs Gaelic Girl 10:30 hrs Queen Of Rock Irish Racing Tips Roscommon 09:05 hrs Devonshire 09:35 hrs Crafted Mastery 10:05 hrs A Greater Force 10:35 hrs Annagh Haven 11:05 hrs Ted Veale 11:35 hrs Aranhill Chief 12:05 hrs Myles Ahead 12:35 hrs Kilkishen English Racing Tips Hamilton 09:10 hrs Rylee Mooch 09:40 hrs White Vin Jan 10:10 hrs Tango Sky 10:40 hrs Paddy’s Rock 11:10 hrs Libra Romana 11:40 hrs Bajan Bear 12:10 hrs Stanarley Pic

Bath 09:20 hrs Kifaaya 09:50 hrs Maxwell 10:20 hrs Zambeasy 10:50 hrs Red Lady 11:20 hrs Molly Jones 11:50 hrs Captain Ryan 12:20 hrs High Secret 12:50 hrs Hallouella Newton Abbot 09:30 hrs Val D’Arc 10:00 hrs Lysino 10:30 hrs Laser Blazer 11:30 hrs Northern Say 12:00 hrs Call Me April 12:30 hrs Gorteenwood American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 Smooth Looker Race 2 Another Surprise Race 3 Raglian’s Revenge Race 4 Payton’s Victory Race 5 Ticfaw Race 6 Dancing Lounge Race 7 Keepmeinstiches Race 8 Forest Rim Race 9 Noah n’Jacob

Australia coach Lehmann turns heat on spinner Lyon MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Australia coach Darren Lehmann has turned the blowtorch on Nathan Lyon, saying the spinner had not “delivered” in second innings spells to drive the Test team to victory. An orthodox spinner who rarely strays from his stock off-breaks, Lyon will be under pressure to perform in the United Arab Emirates next month, when Australia take on Pakistan in a two-Test series. “It’s a hard time because the last day of a game you expect him to win the game,” Lehmann said of the 26-year-old in quotes published by News Ltd yesterday. “He’s bowled well in the first innings of Test matches but when

it comes to the crunch he hasn’t delivered as he would have liked or we would like,” he added. “He knows that, he’s worked really hard on that. It’s about putting good balls in the right spot more often. If he improves that aspect of his game his record would be outstanding.” Though Lyon has captured 112 wickets from 33 Tests at an average just under 33, he has long lived in the shadow of retired leg-spinner Shane Warne and never quite been able to silence his critics with a virtuoso match-winning performance. Australia have kept the faith, however, and employed retired Test wicket record holder Muttiah Muralitharan as a spin consultant

Nathan Lyon in June to help Lyon develop his craft. MARSH POISED Australia are likely to need a big contribution from Lyon in the United Arab Emirates, where placid

wickets and heat are likely to prove taxing on pacemen. Though the injury-prone Shane Watson will miss the tour with a calf problem, Australia would definitely play an allrounder, Lehmann said, backing 22-year-old Mitchell Marsh to make his Test debut. Marsh and Glenn Maxwell will have a chance to audition for the vacant all-rounder spot in a tour match ahead of the first Test in Dubai on October 22. “You would probably think so,” Lehmann told reporters in Melbourne yesterday of a possible debut for Marsh. “He’s certainly done everything right from our point of view. He’s

a young lad and he’s got a bright future. We wouldn’t pick him if we didn’t think he was up to it, same with Glenn Maxwell.” Lehmann also backed captain Michael Clarke to recover from a hamstring strain in time for the first Test and expected paceman Mitchell Johnson, recovering from a rib injury, to be fit for one-day matches against Pakistan ahead of the Test series. “I think (Clarke) will be alright, he’ll play the tour match to give him a hit and we’ll look after him and make sure he’s right for the Test match,” Lehmann said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 29, 2014

Bowlers deliver comfortable win for Kings XI Punjab A LATE batting collapse in the Cape Cobras innings, triggered by career-best spells from Akshar Patel and Anureet Singh, helped Kings XI Punjab overcome an early blitz from Hashim Amla. Their batsmen then comfortably overhauled the middling target to make it four wins in four, ensuring the team finished at the top of the Group B table. Scores: Kings XI Punjab 139 for 3 (Saha 42;, Peterson 2-19) beat Cape Cobras 135 (Levi 42, Amla 40: Anureet 3-12, Akshar 3-22) by seven wickets. The pitch had been sluggish in the afternoon during the game between Barbados Tridents and Hobart Hurricanes and that had forced the groundsman to water the surface before the start of the match. One cannot be certain if the way Cobras started their innings was a result of that or the brilliance of one man. Amla saw his partner Richard Levi pick up two fours and a six in the first two overs - all poor deliveries - before spreading his wings. Amla greeted Kings XI’s best bowler, Akshar Patel, with a rasping cut shot in the third over and followed it up with two inside-out boundaries in the next over - one of them going all the way over the ropes. Thirteen runs came off the fourth over but it just happened to be the trailer. In the fifth over, Amla launched into Thisara Perera, picking up five consecutive boundaries and taking the team well past 50 in the process.

Anureet Singh takes 3 for 12, his personal best to bowl out Cape Cobras. But the innings took a different turn once Amla holed out at long off to Karanveer

Singh’s legspin. The ball started gripping and stopping on the pitch again. Levi continued

for a bit, finding the odd big hit and taking the team past 100 in the 13th over, before the wheels came off. The next seven wickets, after Levi was dismissed, could last for only 33 more balls and only 30 runs were added in that period. Three of those wickets went to the impressive Akshar, who was also economical, giving away just two fours in his spell, and the other three to Anureet. Both also had to thank the agility of their wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha who affected two stumpings off Akshar and took a brilliant diving catch off Anureet. The target of 136 was going to be hard to defend against the Kings XI batting lineup. They had been prolific during the IPL and they have been similarly ruthless in the Champions League this year. Their lowest total - 146 - came from 17.4 overs. So Cobras’ best bet was to pick early wickets. But that never happened. Apart from Robin Peterson, who picked up the wickets of Virender Sehwag and Manan Vohra, none of the bowlers exerted any control over the batsmen and, with no real weak spot in their batting order, the run rate never dipped during any of the partnerships. Sehwag and Vohra added 41 for the opening wicket, Saha joined Sehwag to add another 33. Once Sehwag was dismissed, Saha added 34 with Glenn Maxwell and paired with David Miller to take Kings XI over the line. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Tame Tridents suffer soft loss to bow out of CLT20 MOHALI, India (CMC) – Barbados Tridents produced a limp allround effort to crash out of the Champions League Twenty20, after going down by six wickets to Hobart Hurricanes here yesterday. Sent in at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Tridents tumbled to 113 all out off 19.4 overs, with only Jonathan Carter showing any enterprise with a top score of 42. He faced 34 balls and struck three fours and two sixes, and was the only batsman to pass 20 and one of four to reach double figures. Carter, who hit a hundred in the last match, was the last of leg-spinner Xavier Doherty’s four wickets for 27 runs while seamers Ben Hilfenhaus (2-14) and Doug Bollinger (2-27) supported with two wickets apiece. When they bowled, Tridents were again loose in the field, squandering three chances as Hurricanes rode their luck en route to their target, reached in the 19th

over. Hope sprang eternal at 32 for two in the seventh over after Ben Dunk (0) and Aiden Blizzard (21) fell early but Shoaib Malik, who ironically represented Tridents during the recent Caribbean Premier League, saw Hurricanes home with a typically responsible, unbeaten 39 not out from 35 balls. He put on 47 for the fifth wicket with Jonathan Wells who played freely for an unbeaten 23 off just 17 balls, a partnership that snuffed any hope of a Tridents revival. Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein picked up two for 25 from four economical overs. The defeat kept Tridents winless from their three outings and eliminated them from the competition, with a match still to play in Pool B. Needing a win to stay alive, Tridents started badly when Neil McKenzie top-edged a pull behind off Bollinger without scoring at six for one in the second over and Raymon Reifer followed for six with the score on 26, top-edging

another pull at Hilfenhaus to the keeper. Opener Dilshan

Bollinger’s second over, the fourth of the innings which went for 12 runs.

Xavier Doherty picks up four wickets to dismiss Barbados Tridents for 113. Munaweera, who scored 18 from 16 balls, had started positively and looked to be building a decent innings. He was off the mark with a wristy stroke through point for four and followed up with three more fours off

However, his enterprise got the better of him and he holed out to square leg the delivery following Reifer’s demise, to leave Tridents 26 for three. For the second straight match, Carter then carried

the Tridents on his back admirably. He managed just four runs from his first nine deliveries before finding his stride with a streaky boundary off Shoaib then clearing the ropes at midwicket off the same bowler a few overs later. He cleared long-on with Doherty in the next over for his second six before smashing two successive boundaries off Bollinger in the next over – the first flying to the straight boundary and the second was whipped through square leg. In the interim, he lost James Franklin for 12 bowled by Doherty after missing a prod, Jason Holder for five holing out to long on in Doherty’s next over, Hosein for 12, taken at long on off Bollinger and Ashley Nurse, lbw for one after missing a sweep at Doherty off the first ball of the 14th over. Three balls later, Carter perished and with him Tridents’ hopes of a competitive score, as the left-hander swept Doherty to short fine leg. In reply, Hurricanes

lost Dunk without scoring when he drove the fourth ball of the innings from seamer Kyle Mayers to short over where McKenzie took a sharp chance with one run on the board. Blizzard, who faced 24 balls and struck three fours, was then put down twice – first by McKenzie at slip off seamer Ravi Rampaul in the second over then by Reifer at square leg in Rampaul’s next over. However, he eventually cut the first ball of offspinner Munaweera’s opening spell to McKenzie at short third man to depart in the seventh over. Tim Paine, who scored 18, then got a life on seven when he edged one down the leg-side off off-spinner Ashley Nurse only for wicketkeeper Carter to miss the difficult chance. Paine also lost his balance and slipped out of his crease but Carter failed to gather to effect the run-out. Hosein accounted for Paine and then Travis Birt for nine but Shoaib took control of the innings to deal his former teammates heartbreak.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 29, 2014

SCA Premier League

Chattergoon slams 217 as HACC reach fifth final HACC also made light work of Kokuvil in their quarter-final matchup, played the previous Saturday. Led by consistent knocks from Zaheer Allard (45), Harrinarine Chattergoon (42),

Hemnarine Chattergoon is rewarded by his teammates for his brilliant innings. By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – Led by a scintillating unbeaten 217 by former Guyana and West Indies Under-19 batsman Hemnarine Chattergoon, Hawaiin Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) moved one step closer to retaining supremacy in the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Premier League tournament which was set to climax here yesterday. Chattergoon’s knock and another responsible innings of 65 by opener Reyaz Prahalad saw HACC romp to 355 for seven in their allotted 50 overs after being inserted by Bawa XI in their semifinal encounter, played at the

Ashtonbee ground here on Saturday before a large and enthusiastic crowd. Bawa X1 could muster only 199 all out in 43 overs, losing by the large margin of 136 runs. The elder of the Chattergoon siblings, who was once touted as a future West Indies player before migrating here, was in sublime form on a Summerlike day here as he delighted his many fans with an array of exciting strokes to all parts of the Ashtonbee ground, slamming 28 fours and three sixes while facing 157 deliveries. The right-handed Chattergoon, who had set tongues wagging with a brilliant century for the West Indies Under-19 team against Pakistan at the Kensington

Oval in Barbados before migrating here, was having an average season prior to Saturday’s knock with just one half century to his credit. Entering the fray with the departure of his brother Harrinarine (13) and HACC 35 for one, the HACC skipper was in a no-nonsense mood, pulverising the Bawa X1 attack while adding 184 for the second wicket with the reliable Prahalad whose innings counted three fours and a six. Bawa X1 were never in the hunt despite a robust 85 from opener Shabbiz which included seven sixes and four fours as left-am medium pacer Ravi Bodhoo grabbed three for 33 and spinner Mahadeo Moonasar two for 34.

GABA coach Moore successful in Mexico THE Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) is now better equipped to assist in the development of local fighters, following yesterday’s return of coach Clifton Moore from an intense and high profile coaching course in Mexico. Moore was part of 42 coaches from around the world, and the lone Guyanese to participate in the one-week Pan American Sports Organisation (PASO) course. “I am happy to inform you that Mr Moore was successful in Mexico and is now more equipped to execute his duties as a coach in Guyana,” president of GABA, Steve Ninvalle, said. “We congratulate him on passing all his exams and being the disciplined and committed coach he is.” Moore is head coach

at the Essequibo Boxing Gym which has produced several of Guyana’s top Under-16 boxers and his participation in Mexico was made possible through the Guyana Olympic Association. The PASO course is held every four years and in the past Guyana has been represented by Lennox Daniels and Sebert Blake. Ninvalle reiterated that boxing can surely benefit from such programmes and pointed out that in the past year there had been an upward swing in the international certification of local coaches. “It is important to keep upgrading our coaches. They play a pivotal role in the growth and progress of our boxers,” Ninvalle declared. The GABA boss recapped that last October, Technical and Tournament Director Terrence Poole travelled

to Kazakhstan to create history by being certified as Guyana’s first AIBA Three Star coach. The certification makes Poole one of a handful of Three Star coaches in the English-speaking Caribbean, and allows him to officiate at all AIBAsanctioned tournaments. During the same period under review, Sebert Blake attended a three-month course in Hungary where he topped the class at the Semmelweis University. Blake returned home with a diploma in Sports Science and Boxing Specifics, and followed up last month by attending AIBA Professional Boxing (APB) and World Series Boxing (WSB) courses in Havana, Cuba. Ninvalle noted that GABA has also been working closely with the GOA to tap into Olympic Solidarity programmes.

Prahalad (40), the fourtime defending champions reached 268 for nine in their 50 overs. Kokuvil were skittled for 117 in 29 overs, going down by 151 runs. Mahadeo starred with six for 37 and

Hemnarine Chattergoon took two for 32. HACC are seeking an unprecedented fifth consecutive title and were down to face East West Cricket Club at the same venue yesterday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 29, 2014

`Obeah Man’ wins Alanzo Birthday Cycling Classic … carts off over $38 000 in prize money By Michael DaSilva RAYNAUTH `Obeah Man’ Jeffrey carted off the top prize in the Alanzo Greaves’ Birthday Classic Cycle Race which was staged in the National Park yesterday and in the process, won more than $38 000 in cash. From the start of the 30-lap event which was sponsored by Greaves for his 26th birth anniversary, Jeffrey jumped the pack immediately and opened a small lead ahead of Enzo Matthews while the main chasing bunch followed close behind. However, after the completion of the second lap, Robin Persaud surged ahead and took the third of the $2 000 prime prizes that were up for grabs for each of the first 27 laps. Persaud was subsequently joined by junior rider Jamal John during the fourth lap and together they worked in tandem for the next 12 laps, collecting the $2 000 prime prizes in the process. The main chasing pack, led by Marlon `Fishy’ Williams, who did most of the work, subsequently

In this Adrian Narine photo, the top three finishers of the Alonso Birthday Classic Cycling Race strike a pose with their trophies and cash prizes yesterday. At centre is Raynauth Jeffrey. caught up with the two leaders and immediately Greaves went to the front but the small lead was shortlived as John found a second wind and connected

to him, jumped the pack and went ahead. Persaud was quick to join him once more while Greaves led the chasing pack a short distance behind.

Jeffrey then joined Persaud and John during the course of the 22nd lap and accelerated at the signal of the bell for a $22 000 prime for the first cyclist to cross the line at the conclusion of the 27- lap, Greaves moved into overdrive and took it for his birth anniversary. The following lap also had a $22 000 prime prize money on offer, and Jeffrey took that. At the sound of the bell signalling the final lap, Greaves was heard calling on Jeffrey to take over the lead and go ahead for the victory. Jeffrey was heard asking Greaves, “Go and win?” and he got an affirmative answer from the birthday boy and obliged. Of the 30 prime prizes that were on offer yesterday, Greaves won four, Jeffrey two, Persaud eight, John eight, Stephan Husbands six and Albert Philander and Hamzah Eastman one each. Williams placed third, Eastman fourth, Christopher Holder fifth, Persaud sixth and Husbands seventh.

Dann pips Hinds as JCA 2nd vice-president KINGSTON, Jamaica Newly elected second vicepresident of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), Osmond Dann, says he hopes to bring his approximately 12 years’ experience as president of St Catherine CC to the position. The accountant and businessman, who narrowly defeated former West Indies batsman, and president of the West Indies Players Association, Wavell Hinds, 8-7, during a vote at a JCA monthly board meeting on Tuesday, will replace Courtney Walsh. Having occupied the post for close to one year, Walsh recently resigned to serve as a member of the new Clive

Wavell Hinds Lloyd-chaired West Indies selection panel. “I am honoured to have gained the confidence of my fellow directors, who saw it fit to elevate me to the vice-

presidency,” said Dann. “I have no doubt that I will be able to deal with it, as I have been president of St Catherine for close to 12 years, and am very familiar with cricket administration at the national and regional levels.” The meeting was attended by 15 of 19 voting board members, with outgoing second vicepresident Courtney Walsh, Melbourne president Mark Neita, St Elizabeth CA president Darren Powell and assistant secretary Clinton Clarke absent. Dann, who will serve in the post until the association’s next voting annual general meeting, set for late next year, also said

that he was not surprised at the result, given the support he had going into the vote. RESULTS NOT SHOCKING “I was not surprised by the result, but more so the margin of victory, as going into the vote I had the assurances of several directors,” he said. “But I was up against a good candidate, and I understand that there were some last-minute swings, as well as a few absentees.” Walsh’s other positions at the JCA are to be taken by outgoing West Indies selector Robert Haynes and former Jamaica cricketer Wayne Lewis. (Jamaica Star)

September 29 down the years ...

The long-fingered Mr Gibbs … Birth of an indefatigable West Indian spinner

Lance Gibbs, the first spinner to 300 Test wickets.

1934

The birth of the first spinner to take 300 Test wickets. With his lissome figure and unusually long fingers, Lance Gibbs allied pronounced spin and bounce to a fierce accuracy. He took 309 wickets in 79 Tests - including 18 five-fors all the while conceding his runs at a staggering 1.99 per over. Brave and indefatigable, his best run was between 1960 and

1962. He was left out of the first two Tests in Australia, but Gibbs took three wickets in four balls in Sydney and a hat-trick in the next Test, in Adelaide. The following winter he returned the remarkable figures of 53.3-37-38-8 against India in Barbados, all eight wickets coming in a 15over spell at a cost of just six runs. It was a performance he never bettered. (ESPN Cricinfo)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday September 29, 2014) 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 Monday’s quiz: (1) 163-Roy Fredericks (WI vs NZ, Jamaica, 1972) (2) Deryck Murray (62); Larry Gomes (60); Roy Fredericks (59); Joel Garner (58) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has the distinction of scoring a century in his only Test innings? (2) Alvin Kallicharran played 31 ODIs. How many centuries he scored? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 29, 2014

Four in Four for Euleen Josiah-Tanner … Cleveland Thomas dismantles field to win COURTS 10K road race title By Rawle Toney EULEEN Josiah-Tanner won her fourth Annual COURTS 10K Road Race while Cleveland Thomas made good use of the absence of defending champion Cleveland Forde to win the senior male category when the event was run off yesterday. The race, which started at the company’s Main Street, Georgetown head office, saw the largest number of participants for a 10K Road Race of any kind in Guyana. Hampered by the dreadful Chikungunya virus and Dengue fever, Forde, the two-time defending champion, was unable to compete, but his absence didn’t stop Thomas from running one of the fastest times in the event’s four-year history. The Running Brave Athletics Club athlete clocked 32 minutes 56.13 seconds to win the race ahead of Kelvin Johnson (33:31.81), Tyson Bentinck (33:35.20), Dennis Horatio (34:21.94) and Nathanial Giddings (34:33.37). Meanwhile, Euleen Josiah-Tanner can safely be called the ‘owner’ of the COURTS 10K Road Race

after she easily won the event, this time, with little or no competition. Josiah-Tanner raced across the finish line and stopped her watch which read 38 minutes 30.79 seconds to win the female category. Her closest rival Alika Morgan (42:57.87), Guyana’s queen of the distance races, was beaten into a distant third position with Andrea Foster, the daughter of local sprint ace Alicia Fortune finishing a commendable second running a time of 41 minutes 46.19 seconds. In the junior male category, another Running Brave athlete, Matthew

COURTS Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings presents Euleen Josiah-Tanner with her trophy after winning her fourth successive 10K Road Race. (Adrian Narine Photos)

McKenzie was first, running 34 minutes 44.17 seconds. Calvis Saul (35.22) and Marlon Nicholson with a time of 35 minutes 42.55 seconds rounded off the top three finishers in the class. Shontell Hinds (43:07.76) won the junior girls category, beating Delicia Harper (43:07.76) into second place and Cassey Kirton (46:02.19) into third. Speaking to reporters after the race, Thomas said that with or without Forde, his aim was to win the race. “It was a very nice race I must say, and the conditions were perfect for running. My aim was to run under 33 minutes. I did it before but not in Guyana so it’s the first

COURTS staff who participated in the 3K Run/Walk event pose for the photo.

time I’m running that time in Guyana. I think even if Cleveland Forde) was here I would’ve ran the same time but I’m happy I won,” Thomas said. Only last week Carey Griffith, owner of Windjammer Hotel along with proprietor of Professional Key Shop Quincy Ridley sponsored Thomas and his partner McKenzie for the event, donating supplements and new pairs of running shoes. “I must say thank you to Carey and Quincy for believing in me as well; and what they did played a part in the outcome of today’s race and I will continue to do them proud,” Thomas added. Up next on Thomas’ agenda is the South American 10K next month. For Josiah-Tanner, a call for more competition was made and the U.S.based distance athlete added “It was a great run and I’m happy that the Almighty God has blessed me with good health and strength to win again. Now, I’ll rest then prepare for a couple more races, including coming back to Guyana for the first leg of the South American 10K.”

EDFA/ STAG BEER LEAGUE

Buxtonians suffer mixed fortunes in sweltering heat By Calvin Roberts

THANKS to an injurytime goal from the veteran Gerald Whittington, hosts Buxton United were denied the opportunity of joining their twin club Buxton Stars in victory lane yesterday afternoon, when action in the East Coast of Demerara Football Association/ Stag Beer Senior League competition continued at the Buxton Community Centre ground. Having seen Buxton Stars defeat Golden Stars of Golden Grove 2-0, courtesy of a Tyron Abrams double, Buxton United, with former

national Under-19 cricketer Clive ‘Shaka’ Andries in their lineup, took the field in the feature game to face a game Beterverwagting/ Triumph United (BVTU). The home team had much to cheer about within the first 20 minutes of play, as BVTU seemed content on blaming the referee of being biased instead of playing football and fell behind the eight-ball in the 21st minute, when Keyoma Sullivan beat their custodian with a loose free kick from midway inside their own half. Try as they may to snatch the equaliser before the lemon-time whistle

went, and even though both Whittington and the hard-working Delroy Deen made their presence felt at midfield, BVTU were denied the opportunity to nullify the score before the halftime whistle sounded. After the break and with the wind on their backs, Buxton United went hard at their opponents, using Andries as their playmaker and, while BVTU did well to thwart his efforts occasionally, both Deen and Whittington created havoc for the home team’s custodian. With the sun setting and the shadow from the main pavilion making

its way across the field, Whittington found himself in the path of a well weighted free kick, which he controlled on the left hand side of his opponent’s goal area and fired a first time shot at the custodian. To the surprise of many, instead of clutching onto the feeble shot, the Buxton United custodian opted to parry it away, with the loose ball falling back at Whittington’s feet to which he made no mistake but blasted same to the last post in the 81st minute, to the delight of his teammates. Prior to that action, a well-directed free kick

from Deen saw the ball head to the last post with the custodian stranded but great defensive work from the Buxtonians, denied BVTU an early and another attempt to equalise the game, until Whittington’s strike. In the first game, Abrams scored his first of two goals from the penalty spot, after Golden Stars’ Collis Josiah handled the ball in the area while it was in play in the 56th minute, following a goalless first half which was contested in sweltering heat. He (Abrams) got his second when he beat Golden Stars custodian

with a powerful shot to his left, after receiving a gem of a pass from the dreadlocked Kwabina Watson, who worked his way into his opponents’ 18-yard box and squared the ball, finding an unmarked Abrams, in the 66th minute. Action will continue this weekend at the Victoria Community Centre ground. On Saturday, Golden Stars do battle with Mahaica from 16:00hrs while on Sunday, a double-header is carded with Ann’s Grove facing Sparta at 16:00hrs, followed by Buxton Stars meeting Victoria Kings from 18:00hrs.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

September 29 down the years ...

The longfingered Mr Gibbs â€Ś Birth of an indefatigable West Indian spinner

See story on page 26

Thomas crosses the finish line Matthew Vieira eases into the lead at the Clubhouse turn during his superb run yesterday. (Sonell Nelson photos)

Matthew Vieira, Rameez Mohamed impress on low-key GMR&SC race day See story on page 22

FINALLY! After finishing behind rival Cleveland Forde for years, Cleveland Thomas crosses the finish line to capture the COURTS 10K Road Race yesterday in record setting pace. See story and more photos on page 27. (Adrian Narine photo)

Rameez Mohamed celebrates on winning one of his three Group 3 races yesterday.

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MONDAY, September 29, 2014