2014 10 01

GUYANA No. 103967 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 1, 2014

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

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Serial rapist stalks Devonshire Castle…

Mother dragged from home, brutally raped in bushes Page

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No-confidence motion could languish on the Assembly’s agenda for one year - Trotman

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Kaieteur News front page Page 8 picture is a ‘blatant lie’ – Dr. Ramsammy

Foreign Affairs Minister commends Paruima residents for maintaining their language – at village’s heritage celebrations Page 3

CARICOM leading charge Page 15 against Chikungunya, Ebola threat

This little Paruima resident came out to greet Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett yesterday

Biker dies in road accident

after Uitvlugt party Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 1, 2014

Serial rapist stalks Devonshire Castle…

Mother dragged from home, brutally raped in bushes

By Rajendra Prabhulall A 31-YEAR-OLD mother of four was cruelly dragged from her home through bushes and brutally raped at around 02:00 hrs Monday morning at Devonshire Castle on the Essequibo Coast.

Speaking to this newspaper, the badly brutalised and injured woman said she was sleeping on her bed with her young baby in the front room of her two-bedroom flat concrete house when she was attacked by a man whom she described as short and dark with a low haircut. The woman said she only awoke from her sleep when her feet accidentally hit her wall divider in her house.

She said the man had already lifted her off the bed and was taking her outside the house when she awoke.

The young mother said she started to scream and fight the man who dealt her

Victim’s neck swollen with bruises as a result of the rapist choking her

several cuffs in her face.

She said her two young sons were awaken by her screams and ran behind the man hitting him with pieces of wood to loose her. She said the man choked her and hit one of her son with a claw bar and the other in his stomach.

She said the man then began to drag her by her hair through the grass and bushes to the back yard.

According to her the man

dragged her cruelly over barb wire and thorns which caused several cuts to her back and legs.

According to the woman, she lost consciousness while the man was raping her in a clump of bushes.

The woman said she only regained consciousness when she heard some voices calling for her in the bushes.

She said she was naked and could have barely moved and was in terrible pain.

However, she got up and stumbled in the dark towards the voices and was rescued by her neighbours who had formed a search party for her after her two sons alerted them that a man had dragged their mother into the bushes.

Reports said the Police was informed and they

rushed to the scene but by then the rapist had already escaped by swimming over a canal.

The woman, whose husband was at sea fishing at the time of the incident, was told to report to the Anna Regina Police station at 8:00 hrs the morning and was taken for a medical examination at 10:00 hrs.

She said it was proven by doctors that she was brutally raped.

Meanwhile, several angry residents of Devonshire Castle said the Police need to do more and they cannot understand why the Police is unable to capture a rapist.

Residents said several women in Devonshire Castle were raped during the past months and the rapist is still on the run.

According to one resident, the rapist is targeting women who are defenseless and whose husbands are out working during the night.

Reports said that a widow who operates a beer garden was, recently, brutally raped and robbed at Devonshire Castle.

Until now the Police have not found the rapist. Residents are calling for more Police patrols and for drug addicts to be arrested and

charged.

The rapist is said to have threatened his victims by promising to kill them if they reveal his identity.

Residents of Devonshire Castle and Walton Hall are calling on the Ministry of Public Works to fix the

lights on the public road in the villages.

According to residents, the public road is left in darkness during the night and rapist and criminals are using it to their advantage to attack women and their homes.

The bushes where the rapist dragged the woman to and raped her at Devonshire Castle at around 02:00 hrs on Monday morning

George Barclay now in stable condition

By Shirley Thomas GUYANA Chronicle Chief Court Reporter, Mr. George Barclay yesterday remained in a stable condition at the Davis Memorial Hospital and he is thanking God for sparing his life.

He is communicating with persons around him and can now sit up in bed. Last Saturday he was rushed to the hospital after complaining of difficulty breathing, along with pains in the chest and back.

Since being hospitalised, Barclay has been placed on oxygen, has had two X-rays done and a minor corrective surgery.

The most recent X-ray done on Monday showed that there was an improvement in his condition, but doctors are monitoring his condition closely and will continue to update the family.

Barclay last reported for duty at the Guyana Chronicle last Friday and worked as usual, with the same zest

and enthusiasm characteristic of him. He returned home Friday afternoon and never showed any signs of illness or discomfort, relatives said.

However, around 05:00 hrs Saturday morning he woke up complaining of pains in the chest and back and difficulty breathing. But within minutes his condition worsened and his family was forced to rush him to the Davis Memorial Hospital where he was promptly attended to.

George Barclay, 78, has given decades of dedicated service to the Guyana Chronicle, formerly the Guiana Graphic.

He joined the reporting field in the 1950s as a cub reporter at the Guiana Graphic, headed by Editor, Mr. M. Alfred Thorne. He served initially for four years then joined the B.G. Consolidated Goldfields Ltd. Tumatumari as an Assistant Secretary to the General Manager, Mr. C.J. Park of Britain.

About five years later he resumed working with the

George Barclay

Guiana Graphic, covering all aspects of news including Courts, Sports, Parliament, Chamber of Commerce, Town Council, Harbor Calls, Hotels, Press Conferences and interviews. He was at the Graphic when it was taken over by the then Government and renamed the Chronicle.

Having served with distinction, Barclay was nominated as Workers’ Representative at the system of Workers Participation in Management and became a Member of the

Board of Directors, a position he held until the time of his retirement at the age of 60.

Following his retirement, he was hired by management on a freelance basis to cover certain court cases at the Supreme and Appellate Courts.

During his sojourn at the Guiana Graphic-Chronicle, he had the opportunity of working with several editors – local and foreign, and thus gained a wealth of experience.

Barclay was also granted the privilege of attending a number of seminars and courses – both overseas and local, which included Cuba, Colombia and Iraq. He also had the honour of attending the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles to Princess Diana.

In the ensuing years, Barclay continued to cover without fail all the top cases in the courts in the country.

Apart from daily coverage, he has a special Sunday column in which he features prominent cases through the years.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday OCTOBER 1, 2014

Foreign Affairs Minister commends Paruima residents for maintaining their language – at village’s heritage celebrations

Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett assisting this little one to perform the ceremonial ribbon–cutting to officially commission the sewing room in Paruima, Region Seven yesterday “LANGUAGE defines a people and when you lose it, you lose a very large part of your culture”. These were the words of Foreign Affairs Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett who, yesterday, joined with the Toshao and residents of Paruima Village, Region Seven in their Heritage cel-

ebrations, where all of the cultural items were done in their native language.

The minister said that at a time when many Amerindian settlements have allowed the language to be lost, the people of Pariuma have not only preserved their language, but also use it on a daily basis.

This, she said, is most com-

mendable.

Today, six Amerindian languages are alive in Guyana, while the Government is working to resuscitate the others through its Language Revival Project.

Minister Rodrigues-Birkett spoke of the importance of education in driving development in hinterland communities and emphasised that obtaining a sound education does not in any way mean that indigenous peoples have to lose a part of their culture.

Recognising the importance of education, the Government of Guyana has been investing heavily on building schools and dormitory facilities throughout the hinterland.

Minister Rodrigues-Birkett recalled that about 14 years ago, there was only one indigenous doctor in Guyana.

Today, there are about 25, who were able to become professionals in the field of medicine through the Cuba Scholarship programme.

“Our job is to work to make sure that we give our

young people these opportunities so that they could be what they want to be. Many of these schools are doing well,

Secondary School. This, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said, is a clear indication that more children are in school.

A cassava bread worthy of its name but we still have more work to do,” she said.

At present, the Education Ministry is looking at establishing another secondary school in the Upper Mazaruni to deal with the issue of overcrowding at the Waramadong

She said that while Heritage Month is a time for celebration, it should also be used as a time to reflect on the progress made individually, as a community and nationally as a people. One of the issues that she said must be

addressed in hinterland communities is that of excessive alcohol use, particularly in the festive month.

The minister recently visited an indigenous community in New Zealand, where tourism is playing a critical role in their development.

Recognising that Guyana’s hinterland has the same potential, the minister is making arrangements for a group of Guyanese Amerindian leaders to visit New Zealand so that they can observe and replicate what is being done in that country.

Paruima Toshao, Damian Chambers said that Heritage celebrations in their village have become an annual event and their food and traditions are very unique to the Arecuna people.

While there, the Minister also handed over a quantity of books to the head teacher of the Paruima Primary School and commissioned a sewing room that was built for the women’s group in that village.

Heritage celebrations were observed under the theme, ‘Traditional Embodiment for Amerindian Development’. (GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday OCTOBER 1, 2014

Speaker contradicts AFC’s claims of political ploy to delay no-confidence motion THE Alliance For Change (AFC), in the last several days, has claimed that allegations of sexual assault levelled against Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Raphael Trotman, are part of political machinations intended to delay a debate on the no-confidence motion.

However, Trotman himself has said that him being seated as Speaker to preside over the debate on the motion is not necessary.

“The motion does not require Raphael Trotman to preside over it,” he said, yesterday at a press conference, held at Public Buildings, Brickdam Street.

Since the disclosures, there have been calls for Trotman’s resignation and talk about the confidence reposed in him as Speaker by his colleague Members of Parliament (MPs).

“I was elected on a vote…that is how the Speaker is elected,” he said, adding

that the fact that the Government MPs did not vote for him was a demonstration of their confidence in him.

Since then, Trotman made it clear that he has worked and performed his best to discharge the functions of his office.

His comments are a clear contraction of his party’s contention.

Last Friday at an AFC news conference, Mr. Moses Nagamootoo said, “This concoction or allegation against the Speaker was intended to rile the Speaker up…the intention is clear.

It is to derail the no-confidence motion, to create a parliamentary crisis. If you don’t have a speaker you have an uncertainty as to where and how the motion will be discussed.”

According to Nagamootoo, the interpretation of the intention of the attack against Trotman is seen in the calls already being made to him to resign.

Additionally, like Trotman, the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall, has since offered a simi-

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lar reasoning to that of the Speaker.

The AFC has advanced the ludicrous contention that this is a plot hatched to avert their no confidence motion,” he said.

The AG explained that Nagamootto’s arguments are both “clumsy and foolish” ones.

“If for whatever reason, Mr. Trotman is removed or resigns as Speaker, then a new Speaker can be elected by a majority in the National Assembly at its very next sitting. How this simple legal process eludes so many lawyers in the AFC is indeed startling,” he said, dismissing Nagamootoo’s arguments.

The sexual abuse allegations were levelled against Mr. Trotman by 22-yearold Johnny Welchman Jr., Mr. Raphael Trotman, the Speaker of the National Assembly, since the allegations were made, has been most empathic in his denial of claims that he sexually assaulted the young man in question. The allegation was first made public via an entry on the popular social media site, Facebook.

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‘HOW CAN THERE BE SQUANDERMANIA?’ - Minister Anthony responds to APNU accusation of PPP ‘squandermania’ on proposed City Hall restoration

By Ravin Singh CULTURE Minister Dr Frank Anthony, having said that spending for rehabilitation of City Hall has not commenced, has asked the rhetorical question: “How can there be squandermania?”

Dr. Anthony has rebuffed claims by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) members that the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is on a “pre-election spending spree with state funds” as the ruling party moves to effect restorative intervention to City Hall.

Last week, at his coalition’s press conference, Opposition Leader Brigadier David Granger accused the PPP/C administration of having started its elections campaign “with a massive spending spree of state funds.”

He noted that the “squandermania” is aimed unapologetically at winning votes from constituents and communities which the PPP/C neglected for years.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport is one of several ministries which were not spared by the Opposition Leader as he charged: “Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, only this year on the approach to elections,

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Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony seemed to realise that the celebrated 125-year-old Georgetown City Hall was in danger of collapse and needed major restoration.”

Brigadier Granger also noted that Minister Anthony had announced the administration’s intention to expend some $200M to start work on City Hall; and this, according to APNU, reflects a pre-election spending spree campaign.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday OCTOBER 1, 2014

HOW CAN ...

From page 4 But Culture Minister Dr. Frank Anthony disclosed in an invited comment that the initiative to restore and rehabilitate City Hall was one which had been decided upon since last year. He said that through the efforts of the National Trust of Guyana, City Hall had been successfully selected for listing on the 2014-2016 World Monuments Watch List of sites that are at risk globally.

The watch list offers global recognition of the world’s most endangered sites.

“The Monument Trust had listed City Hall as an endangered monument in Guyana, so the interest in us [the Government] rehabilitating City Hall didn’t start now. So I don’t see what this has to do with elections,” the Minister explained.

He also explained that the Opposition L e a d e r ’s re m a r k o f “squandermania” is an accusation which is completely inaccurate, since no money has as yet been expended on the building. As such, no case of “squandermania” applies.

Earlier this year, too, according to Dr Anthony, a committee had been established to facilitate rehabilitation of the historic site. “The committee is currently chaired by the Chairman of the National Trust, and (has) members of varying entities which will play a part in this rehabilitation project,” Minister Anthony related.

With regard to the present project, Minister Anthony explained that experts are currently engaged in drafting a proposed plan and financial assessment of the project which will lead to the project being materialised.

The Culture Minister reiterated that the deplorable state of City Hall was the key factor which led to the restoration initiative. As such, he is baffled by remarks made by the Opposition Leader, since no money has been expended, yet he is accused of engaging in squandermania, more particularly with state funds.

“I don’t see how this has anything to do with elections,” Dr Anthony declared.

No-confidence motion could languish on the Assembly’s agenda for one year - House Speaker Raphael Trotman

By Vanessa Narine THE Alliance For Change-sponsored no-confidence motion “could languish” on the National Assembly’s agenda for as much as a year, Speaker of the House, Mr. Raphael Trotman, told the media during a press briefing at Public Buildings yesterday.

He explained that this could be one of the possibilities regarding the outcome of the motion, and added that this course of action has been taken in other jurisdictions dealing with similar matters.

“This issue has created much national and international attention,” he conceded.

The Speaker of the House made it clear that the Standing Orders which guide the proceedings of the House clearly spell out the procedures that ought to be followed for consideration of the motion.

He added that the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and counterparts in the Caribbean have been put on alert that Guyana may request support with the interpretation and application relative to the motion.

He said the “unprecedented” no-confidence mo-

tion against the current administration will be placed on the Assembly’s agenda, and after the required number of days’ notice, it would qualify to come up for debate.

“The mover of the motion would have to indicate if and when he would like to proceed with the debate,” Trotman said, even as he explained that the mover of the motion could either ask for a debate and a subsequent vote on the motion, or could request that the motion be deferred for consideration at a later date.

FIRST INKLING The first inkling the public had that the AFC planned moving a no-confidence motion against the Government was back in mid-June, when party Vice-Chairman Mr. Moses Nagamootoo hinted at it.

He did so by way of an article published in the Stabroek News and headlined, “AFC considering no-confidence motion against Gov’t.” He, however, acknowledged that to do so would require the support of the Main Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

The AFC’s position was strengthened on Tuesday, August 5, when APNU Leader Brigadier (rtd.) Da-

vid Granger publicly confirmed that his party was fully behind the no-confidence motion.

The first page of the Motion reads: “Be it resolved that this National Assembly has no confidence in the Government.” It was seconded by AFC Executive Member and Member of Parliament (MP) Mrs. Cathy Hughes.

As stated in Section 106 (6) of the Constitution: “The Cabinet and President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of the majority of all Members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.”

This is made even clearer in Section 106 (7), which states: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office, and shall hold an election within three months or such longer period as the National Assembly shall, by resolution

supported by no less than two-thirds of all elected members of the National Assembly, (approve); and shall resign after a new President takes the oath of office following the election.”

OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS The Speaker highlighted that there are a number of other critically important matters on the Assembly’s agenda, including the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill.

The second readings of the historic Education Bill and the Summary Jurisdiction (Appeals) (Amendment) Bill are also still to be done.

When the House resumes sessions, the Customs (Amendment) Bill is up for a second reading, having been re-tabled in the National Assembly after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ordered the Government of Guyana to repay to a Surinamese beverage company more than $1.2B (US$6M) for charging environmental tax

on its imports of beverages into Guyana.

The CCJ ruling followed rejection of the Customs (Amendment) Bill by the combined Opposition, which voted it down in 2013.

Another important bill is the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill, which is up for a first reading, after being deferred several times. There are also several other important bills.

Several questions for oral and written reply are also on the agenda, the most controversial issue being on the benefits for former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

In addition to the foregoing, the House Speaker acknowledged that MPs would bring other motions, bills and petitions for consideration of the House.

“The Parliament Office is ready and rearing to resume and complete the business of the Assembly, which has a full agenda of critical issues,” Trotman assured.

The last Parliamentary sitting was on July 10, and the next date for a sitting has not yet been set.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 1, 2014

EDITORIAL Buxton revisited VILIFIED, isolated, pariahs on the national and international landscape, Buxton has assumed an identity of notoriety almost similar to the Taliban; but spare a thought to the besieged law-abiding citizens of this village, and similar villages.

Donna Herod was a mother, doing the things all mothers do when she was killed by a bullet. The ensuing animosity against the police was a palpable force that threatened violence. The average Buxtonian is a father, a mother, a brother, a sister, a grandmother, a grandfather, an uncle, an aunt, a child, a friend, a neighbour; but they were cut off from the wider society through no fault of their own because, while it is easy to say, from the relative safety of other communities, that they do not expose the criminals so they are complicit in their activities, we should look at what happened to those who spoke out, including respected village elder, Eusi Kaywana. They had to run.

Take a look at the unenviable position in which the army and police personnel are placed – the decent ones, that is. They are committed to upholding the law and protecting the innocent; but within the community of Buxton during its crime wave, and other communities instigated into destructive, even criminal behaviour by political opportunists, how do they identify the innocent from the culprit?

Many instances would naturally ensue when the innocent may be treated like a culprit; and just as naturally much animosity would result from these encounters.

The distrust and dislike are mutual and are escalating by the day.

The hardships facing the average householder in the country are compounded by a multiplicity of factors in the case of the communities over which opposition ploys predominate; but where could they run to? Where could they find sanctuary?

Fear stalks their community. Their children are daily exposed to scenarios and experiences that will shape their personalities – in which direction? What must be their traumas at being collectively blamed, as a community, for babies being blasted to death while asleep? Buxtonian mothers and fathers must have mourned along with the rest of the nation over the Lusignan and Bartica massacres and other such tragedies, but how could they have shown their solidarity with the bereaved without being spurned; or worse, placing themselves in danger?

Their enforced isolation has put them in a position where their primary access to leadership is directly in the hands of those who are exploiting their vulnerability in order to promote their own interests by touting shared power; but power for whom? And to empower whom? Those leaders who

are encouraging supporters to flout the law and destroy their lives, along with the lives of others, had power for decades; but what did they do for their people? They disempowered their own supporters the most. They gave their own people the status of beggars by freezing the Public Servants’ wages at G$2,000 and destroying the bauxite industry, jailing, beating, and tear-gassing bauxite workers when they protested.

It was Dr. Cheddi Jagan who defied the IDB to unfreeze the wage lock and restore bargaining powers to the Public Servants, and it is the PPP/Civic administration which is seeking to restore some measure of viability to the bauxite industry, all the while subsidising the Region l0 community so that they can survive, and even triumph over crisis situations.

The PPP is not an Indian Party. No-one can call Jennifer Westford, Roger Luncheon, Jennifer Webster, Sam Hinds, Caroline Rodrigues-Birkett, Odinga Lumumba, Robeson Benn, Pauline Sukhai, et al, Indians; but the persons calling for power sharing because they say (sic!) that they want to look after their supporters earn hundreds of thousands of dollars and live in absolute luxury. How much of this bounty do they share with their supporters? And why do they have to be President before they can address the needs of their people when they can call on so much

GUYANA

international support, which they utilise for themselves?

They are putting their supporters in the line of fire so that they can attain even more power for themselves, and maybe their people are aware of this, but to whom can they turn for help?

Because if anyone within the community reaches out to administrative systems other than the parliamentary terrorists they most likely will be identified as turncoats, as others have been, and be put at risk, along with their families.

When the Government was attempting to empower Buxtonians by encouraging and facilitating agricultural enterprises in that community, it was heartbreaking to see the faces of the people who had genuine concerns, who most likely wanted to engage with the Minister of Agriculture on a one-on-one basis so that their concerns will be met, but who were most likely forced to follow the architects of death and destruction in their orchestrated walkout during the Minister’s meeting with the farmers.

The Government owes Buxtonians and other communities that support the Opposition, who want to live normal lives once more, who want their children to live normal lives once more, who want to go to bed and wake up without fear, as do the residents of Lusignan, and every Guyanese community.

Buxtonian mothers need to take their children to and from school without fearing that a bullet from a police/ bandit encounter will not snuff out their lives in an instant. The primary statistics and real victims of the bandits who proliferate in certain communities are the children because, while bullets may not take a child’s life in most instances, the traumas and resultant negative lifestyle changes from being orphaned as either a direct or indirect consequence of the depredations of the bestial gangs will definitely impact their lives in a myriad negative ways.

Most members of the Joint Services probably find it distasteful to invade homes and privacy, even while they recognise the stark necessity for so doing; and most probably regret the necessity for these very essential exercises, because not everyone is the enemy; but how could they protect and serve the nation if, because they allow their human and social instincts to prevail, they fail in their mandated duty and even more lives are lost as a result.

The dichotomy needs to be recognised - all the tangibles and intangibles, and addressed by all stakeholders

so that the peaceful members of every community can begin to identify the members of the Joint Services as the nation’s protectors. The traumas are real because the experiences are devastating, but Buxton, Agricola, Linden and others are Guyanese communities and should not be isolated and left anymore to the mercies of the predators – those who hide in the backlands and those who walk the halls of the Parliament Building.

Government has instituted many laudable community-development initiatives in Opposition enclaves, but these are a mere drop in the ocean of caring and attention that these communities need in order to restore the self-respect of the citizens, and consequently the respect of others for the communities because, while other communities may have concerns of equal import, they have not been held to ransom by beasts, nor have they been inflicted with the enforced association with robber gangs as an unending sore in their socio-psychological identities; and they have not become the bane and perceived enemies of the nation’s protective forces.

Kaieteur News publication of information is contemptuous GRA says…

– clearly an attempt to pervert the course of justice THE Attorneys-at-Law for Glenn Lall and Kaieteur News ought to be aware of the principle of sub judice and the concept of contempt of court.

For their edification, the sub judice rule regulates the publication of matters which are under consideration of the court and matters are considered and remain sub judice

once proceedings are active.

In the case of criminal charges the proceedings are deemed active when a person is arrested, a warrant for arrest has been issued, a summons has been issued or a person has been charged and remains so active until conviction.

Prejudicial publication of material which is sub judice comprises contempt of court,

a crime under the Laws of Guyana. In light of the foregoing, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) wishes to advise that statements purportedly attributed to Mr. Robin Hunte, Attorney-at-Law for Glenn Lall, Bhena Lall and Kaieteur News are evidently contemptuous, since statements published are likely to create, and were calculated to

create a substantial risk of prejudicing the course of justice in the proceedings against Glenn Lall, Bhena lall, Garbassi Brijnan and Narootandeo Brijnan.

These statements are intended to interfere with the administration of justice in pending proceedings.

The GRA said it is of the view that the statements attributed to Hunte are as errone-

ous as they are contemptuous.

The defendants were charged with various offences against the Customs Laws including dealing with goods with intent to defraud the Revenue Authority of duties, fraudulent evasion of Customs duties, making and subscribing a false declaration, etc. The Revenue Authority maintains that these charges were properly laid and contends that Mr. Hunte misapprehended the Laws perhaps to the detriment of his clients, or with intent to pervert the

course of justice in this matter.

It is apparent that the Kaieteur News and Mr. Hunte intend to engage in trial by newspaper rather than trial by Judicial process.

The Revenue Authority calls upon the Guyana Bar Association to condemn this attempt by one of its members to pervert the course of justice and on the Honourable Chancellor of the Judiciary to protect the administration of Justice and the integrity of the Judicial process.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 1, 2014

Region 10 residents urged to see laptop distribution as chance to build capacity

– more than 400 devices distributed on first day THE Government’s One Lap Top Per Family (OLPF) initiative was moved to Region 10 on Saturday, and more than 400 persons from central Linden received their devices, while close to 300 new applications have been made.

Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, urged recipients to use their device as a stimulant for job creation and capacity building.

“In this Government, there is a policy framework, a background and a reason why this is being done. When this initiative was announced for 90,000, we recognised that Guyana needed to move into a new wave of information communication technology,” Minister Edghill said.

He disclosed that the initiative was also factored in as part of diversifying the economy, and pointed out that, currently, over 3,000 young Guyanese work in a hi-tech environment known as call

Some residents of Linden participating in training on how to use their devices during the OLPF distribution exercise in Region 10

centres, which never existed years ago.

Minister Edghill said call centres give persons the opportunity to earn as they work for companies in foreign countries, while being in the comfort of their own countries.

“In Guyana, we have embraced that as a new and emerging information and communication technology sector, so when we sought to bring to the people of Guy-

ana the OLPF programme, it was factored to prepare all of Guyana, so that no one would be left behind,” he declared.

Minister Edghill added that, through this initiative, every family is being afforded the opportunity to become computer literate, whereas only certain families had this opportunity a few years ago.

“This is development with dignity that the Government has brought to the people of Guyana. From to-

day, you will have the same opportunity as those who are considered the rich,” he promised.

Speaking of the possibilities which this initiative now opens for beneficiaries, Minister Edghill pointed to the persons being able to acquire a degree from the University of Guyana in the comfort of their homes.

Single-parent mothers can as well now work from the comfort of their homes

with this new era of information and communication technology.

“For single moms, it is designed as a stimulant for job creation training. You have to know how to equip yourself for job creation, and (access) opportunity for employment,” he said.

Minister Edghill also spoke of universal access, as being the beneficiary of a computer now puts people in touch with family members and friends all over the world.

“Guyana must have equal access. We are committed to providing equal access and equal opportunity to all Guyanese. We want to assure you that you are not forgotten, and you are a part of the scheme of things -- all policies and programmes.

You are included so that you can be beneficiaries of development,” he said.

He urged the residents of Linden and surrounding communities to raise com-

munity awareness, as they, too, have a role to play in further development of their respective areas.

“We hope to bring about community awareness…let the country be developed, and all we are asking in return is for you to be a community-minded and developmental-oriented citizen,” the Minister declared.

The OLPF team would be in Linden over the next few days to conduct their distribution exercise from which close to 4,000 residents would benefit.

The recipients were very pleased at having received their devices, and expressed their gratitude to the administration. One pensioner, Cedric Smith, said, “I’m happy to be here today to collect this computer which was given to us. I must congratulate the Government, for they have seen it fit to connect Guyanese with the rest of the world in an efficient manner.”

Guyana pursuing alternative mechanisms to satisfy technical requirements of AML/CFT regime – AG Nandlall describes the process as a ‘work in progress’ GUYANA is in the process of putting in place alternatives to address the technical deficiencies in its existing legal and financial legislative architecture for the assessment of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

This position was made clear during the face-toface interaction with the Americas Regional Review Group (ARRG) in Miami on September 29.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Mr. Anil Nandlall, who led the Guyanese delegation to the interaction, said that all of this is as a consequence of the non-passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill.

“Were we able to pass the Bill then we would not have had to go through this process, but because we did not pass that Bill we now have to look at alternative mechanisms to satisfy the technical requirements,” he explained.

FATF has appointed a spe-

cial body comprising representatives from the Americas to work with Guyana for the purpose of making a presentation of Guyana’s case to that body’s plenary meeting on October 18-24 in Paris.

This high-level team will send its work plan to Guyana along with other issues that they may identify for addressing for consideration by FATF. During the meeting with the AARG, some of the proposals put forward by Guyana as part of the work plan, were also discussed.

Essentially, the final report that will be prepared by Guyana under the supervision of the AARG will be Guyana’s case to FATF at its October plenary.

Minister Nandlall described the process as a “work in progress”, but noted that the engagement with the AARG was fruitful and constructive.

Within the next two-three days, Guyana will receive a comprehensive response from the AARG which would document the details of the discussions with recommen-

dations of what they would like to see done in preparing the final report which will be taken to Paris.

Prior to that meeting however, Guyana is expected to give an undertaking in writing either from the Attorney General or President Donald Ramotar himself as to when the country will complete the third round of reviews.

As it stands, Guyana is the only country that is so technically deficient in terms of its financial crimes legislative framework in the Western Hemisphere. All of the other FATF member-countries are now concluding their fourth round of examinations.

Minister Nandlall explained that, “we are still to graduate from the third round because of the non-passage of that Anti-Money Laundering Bill.”

Pursuant to the provisions of the extant AML/CFT Act of 2009, the AG said that he had promulgated regulations, guidelines and ministerial directives; however, the issue remains as to whether or not

they have the force of law and are effective in addressing the identified technical deficiencies.

Meanwhile, in a previous interview the AG described the parliamentary Opposition’s unrelenting objection to the passage of the Bill as “obstinate” and “obstructionist”. He said that he is not the least bit optimistic that the Opposition will see reason and support the Bill.

The AML/CFT Bill was tabled in the National Assembly since early last year and despite the pressures mounted

by Guyanese and foreigners alike; the Bill that will bring Guyana into compliance with international requirements, has been voted down, re-tabled in Parliament, crucial deadlines were missed and to date, it is still languishing at a select committee whose deliberations have and continue to be marred by delaying tactics.

The AG said that the AFC and APNU are bent on rejecting it and thereby demonstrating their blatant refusal to implement the

recommendations of the Caribbean Financial Ac-

tion Task Force (CFATF).

(GINA)

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 1, 2014

2015 Tourism Budget Consultations underway – ‘Exciting time for tourism’ says THAG President

By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally THE Ministry of Tourism on Monday started discussions with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) on preparations and plans for Budget 2015 in order to present it to the Minister of Finance

by Friday.

At a press briefing held at the Housing Ministry’s Boardroom, acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali said this is the first official meeting that the Ministry of Tourism, GTA and THAG will conduct to address concerns the associations might have, issues they would like to see addressed and some of the positive outcomes from over the years that the three entities would like to see expanded.

MARKETING AND COMPLIANCE Ali noted that one of the major plans for 2015 is the focus on marketing and compliance for the tourism sector.

“Marketing as we know is for the entire section, and we would like to see 2015 as the year for marketing and compliance,” he said.

He said that compliance is a major concern by the

From left to right are Tourism Minister (ag) Irfaan Ali and THAG President Shaun McGrath

section and the aim is to have all entities within the sector adhere to rules, regulations and procedures.

“Tourism for Guyana is very expensive because of the type of tourism and the placement of our tourism product that Guyana possesses,” Ali observed, so with this in mind the entities will be discussing added incentives and taxation.

“Incentives to be given to promote easier mode of travel and to acquire assets to benefit the sector will be looked at,” Ali said.

The Tourism Minister indicated that the Government as well as the private sector would like to see a bigger

participation by Guyana in the world travel market.

ARRIVALS HIGHEST EVER “On the positive side our arrivals in July and August were recorded at the highest ever and this is for the period between 1995 to 2014.”

The Minister said also that the sector will be discussing the expansion of airstrips in interior locations, especially Lethem. “We now have to look at Lethem as a major hub.”

MARINA Meanwhile, he disclosed that a private company has shown interest in building a

modern boatyard and marina.

The Ministry of Tourism in November of this year will be launching a new logo and tag line, Ali said. “It will be the official brand and must be carried on all tourism brochures and anything related to the sector; all operators will have to use the new logo.”

FILMING Currently the Tourism Ministry has a number of ongoing discussions and projects, the Minister added. “We have in the country presently the ‘Naked and Afraid’ production team, where three episodes will be filmed here in Guyana.” An application

was received from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for filming in Guyana that will be focusing on the history of the slave trade and the budget for this production is estimated at US$14.5B where one part will be filmed in Guyana.

The country, he noted, was also recently featured in the Washington Times.

The Minister emphasised that he would like to see “that all of Guyana adopt 2015 as a year for tourism, as a year for marketing of Guyana.”

And speaking on behalf of THAG, new president Shaun McGrath supported the Tourism Minister’s position that tourism takes a collaborative effort from both the private and public sectors “as in terms of the budget we have been lobbying for the tourism sector to get its due recognition as a contributor to Guyana’s economy.”

He pointed out also that the incentives and taxation are much needed so as to make the sector more viable.

“We do a lot of things in the interior and transportation to this location is very expensive, therefore making our product very expensive,” McGrath said.

EXPORT INDUSTRY “Tourism is an export industry, just because nothing

leaves the country does not mean we are not an export industry” McGrath emphasised.

He explained that “this is very unique to our product because we earn hard currency but our product does not leave the country.”

However, the Value Added Tax (VAT), McGrath contended, is posing a problem since for other tourism countries the tourism sector is treated differently but in Guyana it is treated the same way across the broad. This, he explained, makes our product very expensive and uncompetitive.

McGrath said that THAG will be launching an online booking engine for THAG members in November. Places that were not available for booking before will now be as they have signed a contract with a company that has provided the same service for numerous countries within the region.

“Nearly every property will be available for online booking by November.”

In conclusion, the THAG president said, “this is an exciting time for tourism in Guyana,” adding that a comprehensive marketing plan needs to be addressed “with every US$1 we spend we can earn US$11.”

Kaieteur News front page picture is a ‘blatant lie’ – Dr. Ramsammy KAIETEUR News has again come in for criticism for its content. This time Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, took the local daily newspaper to task for its front page picture, which was published in yesterday’s edition.

The photo of a sluice in Diamond/Grove was captioned: “$50M later – more than three years after this National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) contract was awarded, this Diamond/ Grove, EBE, sluice is not operational.”

A peeved subject minister told the Guyana Chronicle that the Kaieteur News has once again lied to the Guyanese people.

“This is a blatant lie. The sluice is working. The first sluice, to the left, is the one we built. The one to the right was an old GuySuCo (Guy-

ana Sugar Corporation) sluice that we rehabilitated,” he said.

According to him, both sluices now provide increased drainage and irrigation capacity to the areas they serve.

“What’s more is that a senior reporter at Kaieteur News knows that this is a lie. It is not a matter of being misinformed. That reporter is well aware that both sluices are functioning,” Dr. Ramsammy said.

The Agriculture Minister bemoaned the misinformation and misleading information carried in the Kaieteur News, which is most often the subject of massive controversy.

Additionally, last night, a statement from the NDIA, responded to the erroneous publication, pointing out several facts which include: ● There was no follow-up

justification of the comments in the KN articles, and as such the Authority fails to comprehend the thrust of the newspaper; other than to be mischievous, to misrepresent and to mislead the public. ● The Grove/Diamond area was formerly under agriculture production and the Government, through the NDIA, recognised that, with the setting up of this expansive new housing scheme by the Housing Ministry, and would require drainage discharge to meet the drainage requirements of the scheme. ● The delay in the completion of the project was a result of the slow pace of the contractor, and the NDIA was forced to terminate the contract. The project was re-tendered in accordance with NPTAB’s strict procurement rules and regulations. ● The project was recently

The working sluices on the front page of yesterday’s edition of the Kaieteur News, that were depicted as non-operational

completed and has been in operation for more than two (2) months. This can be corroborated by residents and the sluice operators which will denounce the lies peddled by the Kaieteur newspaper.

“We are left with no op-

tion except to say that your newspaper is lying,” the NDIA asserted.

According to the NDIA, even the total cost of $50M is incorrect, since the total cost is $43M and covers the consultancy cost of $10M, the actual construction cost

of $33M – costs that cover more than the one structure depicted.

“It will be appreciated if Kaieteur News would, in future, seek the comments of NDIA before publishing issues relative to the agency,” the Authority said.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 1, 2014

CARIBBEAN PERSPECTIVES An in-depth focus on Caribbean issues Sandra Ann Baptiste

Tourism officials urged to address Taxation and Bureaucracy INTERNATIONAL tourism and aviation industry leaders have urged Caribbean tourism policy makers and finance officials to re-examine taxation policies and remove bureaucracy, which is harming the industry’s growth and competitiveness and turning off investors.

Peter Cerda, Regional Vice President of the Americas for the International Air Transport Association (IATA), told participants at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) that aviation taxes increase the cost of travelling to the Caribbean and make the islands less competitive relative to other destinations.

His message to the recently concluded forum was clear: “The simple truth is that this Region is a very expensive place for airlines to do business.”

It’s a message the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has been trying to get across to finance and tourism decision makers in the Region for some time.

The Chairman of the C TO ’s Av i a t i o n Ta s k Force (ATF), Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador Brian Challenger, in an invited comment on these observations, told me that there is a need for “intensified dialogue” between governments, tourism operators and airlines to review creative responses to this problem, including possibly trial periods during which time taxes are lowered.

C h a l l e n g e r, i n a c knowledging the continued concerns about the level of taxes and charges

Peter Cerda

on the industry highlighted at the CTO Conference in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), noted that the current level of taxes are, among other things, a major contributor to high inter-regional air fares.

In his presentation to the Aviation Day forum, which preceded the State of The Industry Conference, the IATA official chided the management of two Jamaican airports - Montego Bay and Kingston - for proposing airport tariff increases of over 100 percent, to attain a return of capital of around 20 percent a year.

Cerda believes that measures such as these do not encourage or support the development of the industry in the region.

He urged regulators to act strongly and swiftly against such “big increases.”

He also recommended that Caribbean Governments foster positive business environments through consultation with the industry and transparency “to ensure win-win situations for all.”

Noting that fuel typically represents about a third of an airline’s operating costs, Cerda also observed that fuel expense across the Caribbean is around 14 percent higher

than the world average.

For the Caribbean as whole, he calculated that each $1 of ticket tax could lead to over 40,000 fewer foreign passengers, US$20 million of reduced tourist expenditure and 1,200 fewer jobs.

The IATA Executive argued that for the region’s tourism industry to deliver the most benefits to Caribbean citizens and spur additional tourism and trade “we need to be able to compete on a level playing field and have the infrastructure capacity needed to grow.”

He also pressed for the use of technology to address bottlenecks at peak

Brian Challenger

operational times at airports in the Region.

The keynote speaker at SOTIC, Apple Leisure Group’s CEO Alex Zozaya, cautioned that the region cannot afford the levels of bureaucracy that now exist. “The Caribbean needs to step out of its comfort zone, be pragmatic and run tourism like a business. Put the political agendas aside, and you will move faster.”

Pennsylvania-based Apple Leisure Group is the worldwide leader in travel to the Caribbean, sending

more visitors to the Region than any other company.

According to Zozaya, fragmented regulations and lack of continuity in policies scare investors and taxation and investment barriers create uncertainty.

He also pointed to the need for detailed and up to date statistics and identified the lack of a comprehensive energy plan as another contributor to the high cost of doing business in the Region.

Zozaya issued a reminder that in the Caribbean, tourism and the aviation sector facilitate and support 140,000 jobs and contribute US$3.12 billion, roughly 7.2% of the Caribbean’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

With stiff competition from other warm-weather destinations such as the Seychelles, Thailand, and Croatia, Zozaya also said the Region had to stop competing against itself.

He lauded Jamaica for doing a “much better job than other places” and observed that `Brand Jamaica’ has great positioning in the US, which he cited as the Caribbean’s major competitor.

Zozaya pointed out that the Caribbean region has proximity to the most important tourism market in the world, the U.S. “I don’t see why the U.S. alone cannot provide the 30 million visitors a year that the Region has set as its goal by 2017.”

Following the annual CTO Forum, the CTO Secretary General and CEO Hugh Riley told me that a renewed effort will be made to find the right mechanism for funding and sustaining the marketing of the Caribbean. “This

will require the CTO to look for answers within its own organisation but also to work closely with regional partners. There is also an expectation that there will be increased partnerships with media outlets that might be willing to support regional marketing by apportioning advertising funds toward a budget to be managed by the Caribbean Tourism Development Company.”

An example of CTO’s

Alex Zozaya

collaboration with the media is the current campaign with Caribbean Journal.

Ten percent of the advertising revenue from all qualified business placed with this media outlet will go into a Caribbean marketing fund.

Riley also reported that while the CTO awaits the results of the taxation study currently being conducted by IATA in association with a number of agencies, steady progress is being made in key areas related to the passenger experience.

This includes standardising the Embarkation/Disembarkation cards, which passengers are required to complete and regularising the issues relating to secondary screening of passengers

traversing multiple Caribbean destinations on the same itinerary.

Among the priorities of the CTO’s Aviation Task Force (ATF) are supporting facilitation within the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) as a first step towards hassle free travel and advancing the CARICOM Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA).

Another item that is high on the CTO’s agenda and which received widespread consideration during the USVI Conference is the issue of entry visas.

“There is a growing sentiment that the Caribbean must find a way to return to the domestic space/ common visa arrangements which were instituted seven years ago during Cricket World Cup,” Riley said.

The region’s immigration, home affairs and security officials need to be decisive in this area and take visible action to address this long overdue initiative.

Regional governments, will also, hopefully, take seriously the observations from the IATA and Apple Leisure Executives on the harmful impact the current level of taxes and bureaucracy is having on the major foreign exchanging earning tourism and hospitality industry, which is the lifeblood for many of the Region’s economies.

Barbados Tourism Minister Richard Sealy, the new CTO Chairman, has promised to focus on “some of the vexing problems that we have right now with tourism.”

(Sandra Ann Baptiste is a Business Consultant, Writer and Specialist in Caribbean Affairs)

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 1, 2014

Around the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court with Geeta Rampersaud

Freelance reporter on $50,000 bail over fraudulent conversion charge La Penitence labourer remanded GDF lieutenant granted $200,000 bail on causing death charge A TWENTY-SIX-YEAROLD lieutenant attached to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was on Monday granted $200,000 bail on a causing death charge.

Anthony Eastman of Well Road, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya

FORMER Freelance Sports Reporter at the C h ro n i c l e , M r. M a r k Bradford, was on Monday placed on $50,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on fraudulent conversion charge.

Forty-five-year-old Bradford, of Lot 91 M&TC Housing Scheme, New Amsterdam, Berbice, pleaded not guilty to the charge that said between November 1 and December 24, 2013, at George-

town, with intent to defraud, he converted $525,050 in cash that was solely entrusted to him by Elton Cordis.

The money was intended to pay for the venue, music and police for a foam party, but Bradford fraudulently converted the said cash to his own use and benefits, being the property of Debbie Joseph.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant did not oppose bail and the matter stands adjourned to October 31.

Sewnarine-Beharry and pleaded not guilty to the charge that said on November 1, 2013 at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, he drove motor vehicle PPP 2210 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Ronald Gonsalves.

Representing the defen-

dant was attorney-at-law Mr. Armstrong. He requested bail in a reasonable sum, stating that his client is not a flight risk and has been cooperating with the police during investigations.

Eastman was ordered to post bail and return to court on October 21.

on break and enter charge

Mark Bradford

A LABOURER of Lot 205 Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown, was yesterday remanded to prison

by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a break and enter charge.

Paul Richard pleaded not guilty to the charge that said on Saturday, September 27 at Georgetown, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Julia Maxwell and stole therein one Blackberry cellular phone, one Vaseline

Moisturizer, one computer speaker and one air sandal, together valued $41,500.

The unrepresented man told the court that he took a ‘smoke’ on the day in question and received a beating from some people. He denied entering the house, claiming that he fainted as a result of the thrashing he received.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that the virtual complainant (VC) secured her home around

14:00 hrs and left to conduct business. On her return she observed that her door was open and upon checking she found the defendant with a bag in his hand containing the articles.

The prosecutor opposed bail, citing the nature of the offence and the fact that he has a similar pending matter.

The prosecution’s objection was upheld and the matter was put off to October 8 for statements.

Silver City woman remanded over firearm and ammo at Issano A TWENTY-ONE-YEAROLD woman of Lot 46 Silver City, Linden was on Monday granted bail

by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.

Elizabeth Winter pleaded not guilty to both charges, one of which alleged that on Thursday, September 25 at 14 Miles, Issano, Mazaruni, she had in her possession five live .22 rounds of ammunition when she was not a holder of a firearm license.

Particulars of the other charge said that on the same day at 14 Miles, Issano, Mazaruni, she also had in

her possession one .22 revolver without a firearm licence.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that on the day in question police made contact with the defendant and with her permission a search was carried out at her living quarters. As a result of the search the firearm and ammunition were found under her mattress. She was told of the offence and arrested and charged.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant opposed bail on the grounds of the nature and gravity of the offence and the fact that no special

reason was given to the court for bail to be granted.

The defendant’s attorney-at-law told the court that her client denied any knowledge of possession of the firearm and ammunition.

She argued that the alleged weapon was found in a shop and not a camp and Winter had only started working there for a month now.

Defence counsel requested bail stating that her client is a mother of a four-yearold and has no prior or pending matters.

She was remanded to prison and the case was transferred to Bartica Court for October 9.

Industry businessman refused bail on three fraud charges BUSINESSMAN Besham Ganpat was Monday refused bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on charges of obtaining on a false instrument, uttering a forged cheque and conspiracy to commit a felony.

The defendant of Lot 15 First Street, Industry, East Coast Demerara, plead-

ed not guilty to all three charges, one of which said on August 22 at Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, with intent to defraud he obtained from Dharam Chand a quantity of office stationery valued at $4,400,800.

The second charge alleged that on the same day at Eccles, also on the East Bank

of Demerara, with intent to defraud he uttered to Chand, one Republic Bank cheque to the same amount.

The third allegation is that between August 10 and 22 last, at Georgetown, he conspired with person or persons unknown to commit a felony, that is to say, he forged one Republic Bank Turn to page 11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 1, 2014

Police yet to seek legal No bail for alleged advice in Trotman matter gun-toting robber

– We have to do a proper investigation before we arrest people – Crime Chief Leslie James

By Leroy Smith CRIME Chief Leslie James yesterday told the Guyana Chronicle in an invited comment that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is indeed investigating the rape allegations made against Speaker of the National Assembly Mr Raphael Trotman by Johnny Welshman.

James said the matter is being investigated thoroughly, since the GPF has to ensure that it covers all bases and take all necessary statements in the matter.

However, this newspaper was informed that the police have not yet sought to obtain any statements from the Speaker of the National Assembly, although they were advised by legal representatives of Trotman that statements would be supplied in the matter.

Speaker Trotman is on record as denying the allegations, and according to information reaching this newspaper, during a confrontation with the police

last week in which the allegations were put to him, Trotman again denied any sexual involvement with the young man, and promised the police his full cooperation as they investigate this matter.

Last year, acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, while serving as the country’s Crime Chief, had told reporters that when matters against top ranking officials engage police attention, legal advice is always sought from the Director of Public Prosecution before any consideration is given to charges.

Contacted yesterday by telephone, recently appointed legal adviser to the Guyana Police Force, Justice Claudette Singh, told the Chronicle that the police did not approach her for any advice on the matter relating to Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman.

She said the police would have to seek legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution because the matter is an indictable one.

When the Guyana Chronicle contacted the DPP Chambers yesterday afternoon, we were told that the chambers was not in receipt of any file pertaining to the House Speaker.

A young man has accused Trotman of sexually assaulting him while he was a child. The Speaker has since claimed that his accuser is mentally unstable and his claims are far from the truth.

The allegations have caused much unease within political circles, with persons pointing fingers accusing elements within the ruling party and Government of playing a part in the allegation that the young man is making.

Both the People's Progressive Party/Civic and the Government of Guyana, respectively through General Secretary Clement Rohee and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, have denied any involvement in the claims being made by the young man Welshman.

Industry businessman refused bail on...

From page 10

cheque No. 0895939 in the amount of $4,400,800, knowing same to be false.

He was represented by attorney-at-law Mr. Leslie Sobers who requested bail in a reasonable sum, stating that his client is not a flight risk. He added that his client has substantial investment in this country and wants to come to court to defend himself.

Sobers revealed that his client is a businessman

for over eight years and operates under the name of Global Stars International.

He said his client has a matter in the High Court where he is suing an associate. He explained that on the day in question, his client was on his way to conduct business with one of his clients when the police made contact with him.

However, Police Prosecutor Michael Grant opposed bail on the grounds

of the nature and gravity of the offence and the fact that the defendant was arrested on a sting operation and gave the police contradicting addresses.

Grant also said the defendant poses a flight risk, since investigations are ongoing and there a re l i k e l y t o b e o t h e r charges to be instituted against him. The case will be called again on October 1.

11

disarmed by victim

A CONSTRUCTION worker of Lot 14 Bent Street, Wortmanville, was yesterday refused bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on charges of attempted robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

C a l v i n D o v e r, 2 7 , pleaded not guilty to all three charges, one of which alleged that Friday, September 26 at Stabroek Market, Georgetown, being armed with a gun he attempted to rob Dave Rodrigues.

The second charge said on the same day he also had in his possession 11 live rounds of ammunition when he was not the holder

of a firearm licence.

It is also alleged that on the same day at Stabroek Market, he also had in his possession a revolver when he was not licensed to carry a weapon.

Representing the defendant was attorney-at-law Mr. Adrian Thompson who told the court that his client was at Stabroek Market on that day, where someone attempted to rob him. Counsel said as a result of that incident Dover received injuries to his head and the side of his face.

He added that on Saturday, his client was taken to the hospital by the police where he obtained a medical certificate. He indicated that the defendant

has a pending unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition matter before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

H o w e v e r, t h e c o u r t heard from Police Prosecutor Michael Grant that around 19:00 hrs the virtual complainant (VC) was sitting on the pavement at Stabroek Market when the defendant confronted him.

The prosecutor said after the defendant brandished the weapon, the VC scrambled Dover and they had a scuffle.

The prosecution’s objection to the bail request, on the grounds of the nature and gravity of the offence, was upheld and the matter stands adjourned to October 17.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 1, 2014

Two thousand suspected cases of Chikungunya detected in Guyana

- CMO Dr Shamdeo Persaud advising persons to sleep under bed nets and use repellents frequently

By Navendra Seoraj TWO thousand suspected cases of Chikungunya have been detected since the first case of the virus was detected locally some months ago.

The increasing cases of Chikungunya appearing across the country make it seem practically unpreventable, but persons are still being urged to sleep under a bed net and to use mosquito repellants frequently.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Shamdeo Persaud said on Saturday last that 298 samples of the virus were recently

Chief medical Officer Dr Shamdeo Persaud

sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), and 115 of these have so far been returned, of which 86 are confirmed cases of Chikungunya, while the

rest were proven negative for Chikungunya, but some were confirmed as Dengue.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) is working collaboratively with the Ministry of Local Government in efforts to resist the virus, because the Local Government Ministry (LGRD) has recently acquired a number of fogging machines, and the Ministry of Health is teaching the LGRD staff to operate the machines properly.

Each of the ten regions, so far, has been equipped with one fogging machine, and the LGRD and Health min-

istries are working assiduously to put these machines to use, especially

in more urbanised areas.

Dr. Persaud also said that the Health Ministry

is shortly expected to carry out the tests for Chikungunya right here in Guyana, because the necessary equipment has been obtained, but there is still need to train persons on how to use this equipment, and there is also need to further develop the epidemiology department and laboratory areas at the Ministry of Health.

There has also been an increase in dengue cases over the past few months.

The CMO has advised that the MoH is exercising care in the way tests are being done because the symptoms of both viruses are quite similar.

He has, however, stated that the MoH can actually make some clinical judgment in determining the cases from the severity of the joint pains.

Dr. Persaud added that in an effort to widen capacity to fight the virus, the MoH is now collaborating with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

The Chikungunya virus has thus far proven to be detrimental only in cases in which infected persons have neglected to be treated.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 1, 2014

Human Services GPL’s transmission line linking Berbice, – resulting in Monday Demerara Systems tripped night’s blackout Ministry departments still in relocation process

MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Ms. Jennifer Webster, Monday told the Guyana Chronicle that minor works are still to be completed, delaying the relocation of the several departments to a new location.

A section of the Ministry will be moving to the unoccupied Lamaha Street building which formerly housed the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Secretariat.

“Staffers, including myself, have already started moving over.

Hopefully we will be completely relocated by the end of the week,” she said.

The Minister added that once the contractors complete their works, the final efforts in making the new location fully operational will be done by the Guyana Telephone and Te l e g r a p h C o m p a n y (GT&T). “GT&T has said that as soon as the contactors are finished working, they will hook

THE Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) reported that, on Monday evening, the transmission line linking the Berbice and Demerara Systems tripped on a three phase fault while 6 MW was being transferred from Berbice to Demerara.

GPL said the sudden loss in capacity resulted in a shutdown of the Demerara System and the Onverwagt substation at 19:48 hrs. While the link was reestablished on Monday night, crews from the power company were yesterday still examining the line to identify the source of

Minister Jennifer Webster

up the phone lines,” she said.

According to her, the new building will house the Minister ’s Secretariat, the Permanent Secretary’s Secretariat, the Administration and Human Resources Departments, the Women’s Affairs Bureau (WAB) the Probation and Social Services Departments, the Difficult Circumstances Unit, The Legal Advisor ’s Office, the Management and Information Systems (MIS) Department and the Accounting Unit.

The move which was scheduled to be done since September 15 was delayed.

the fault.

GPL said repowering efforts commenced at 20:14hrs, with the last affected area being repowered at 22:30hrs.

Meanwhile, replacement of the damaged turbo charger outlet casing on the No. 4 Wartsila DG at GPL’s Garden of Eden Plant was completed and the machine returned to service Monday night.

Unfortunately, the No. 4 Diesel Generator at the Kingston 1 Plant did not return to service yesterday morning as expected due to problems encountered during recommissioning. GPL said

these have been addressed and recommissioning continues with the expectation of it being available by 18:00 hrs last evening.

“As previously indicated, maintenance on the Nos. 1 and 2 turbines at Skeldon is currently underway thus restricting the capacity available to the grid until 18:00 hrs (last night),” GPL said in a statement yesterday.

As a result, the following load shedding guide was in effect yesterday: ► 10:00-14:00 hrs - Lamaha Gardens, part of Prashad Nagar, Campbelville east of

Sheriff and south of Dennis Sts. ► 14:00-18:00 hrs - Environs of ‘A’ to ‘E’ Fields, Sophia and New Amsterdam ► 18:00-22:00 hrs Victoria to Bygeval ECD and Canefield to Auchlyne.

GPL said it will endeavour to provide timely notices to mitigate inconveniences. It advises customers to check the company’s website a t w w w. g p l i n c . c o m o r its Facebook Page (GPL Inc.) for updates as they may arise.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 1, 2014

Biker dies in road accident after Uitvlugt party

By Asif Hakim

THE POLICE are continuing to investigate the matter where twenty - one - year old Rayshan “Cookie” Cook of Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara was on Sunday night killed after his motorcycle CE 4340 reportedly collided with two motorcars on the public road at Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara.

In the accident which occurred at about 20:40 hrs, Cook received several broken bones and his bloodied body was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospi-

The second vehicle that Cook slammed into after hitting the first

tal (WDRH) where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

An eyewitness told the

Chronicle that Cook was at the same party where he was and while everyone

was enjoying themselves, his clique was right next to Cook’s group of friends.

The eyewitness said that he recalled Cook telling his friends that he cannot drink any alcohol because he was riding.

“I don’t think this dude was drunk because he wasn’t drinking at the party, he was sipping on a XL Energy drink - that’s all I could have recalled seeing, even when the accident occurred I was right behind him, he even had on his helmet, I don’t really know how this happened,” the eyewitness said.

Another eyewitness on the scene said that the car that was in front of Cook didn’t signal that it was turning into Anna Catherina.

“The car didn’t have on

Dead 21-year-old Rayshon Cook

its trafficator showing that it was turning and the boy was riding at a reasonable rate before colliding with the car and then slammed into another maybe because of the speed,” the eyewitness said.

His sister who wants to

remain anonymous told the Chronicle that her brother (Cook) left home and was going out. He then told her that he would be back soon.

She said that when she got the call saying that he was dead she could not have believed because he was always a careful and cautious driver.

“I wonder when I see his body in the coffin and going down in the grave; I really want to know where he will be going. Return if possible but I know that will not happen; he will always be in my dreams. You are here today but then tomorrow you gone, he will be missed by everyone for all the good things he did and that smile he always has on his face,” his sister said emotionally.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 1, 2014

CARICOM leading charge against Chikungunya, Ebola threat THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) continues to be at the forefront of efforts to deal with the Chikungunya epidemic and the Ebola threat.

CARICOM Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque held discussions on the weekend with representatives of the governments of B r a z i l a n d A rg e n t i n a on assistance for the Region, particularly in the fight against Chikungunya.

The discussions with the Brazil’s Vice-Minister for Health Mr. Jarbas Barbosa have led to an invitation for a team from the CARICOM Secretariat, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to visit Brazil to further discuss specific areas of

The engagements took place on the sidelines of meetings of

CARICOM Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque

support against Chikungunya in the first instance. Argentina will visit the Region shortly as it builds on ongoing support for the health sector.

The discussions with the Brazilians as well as with the Director of PAHO and the Depu t y D i r e c t o r- G e n e r a l o f t h e Wo r l d H e a l t h

Organization (WHO) also centred on CARICOM Member States complying with International Health Regulations, which help prepare countries for dealing with health crises such as the Ebola threat. It was agreed that capacity-building assistance was required across Member States.

CARICOM Health Ministers and the Pan American Health Or-

ganization in Washington DC on September 28-29, 2014.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 1, 2014

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 1, 2014

National Museum launches ‘Modernisation and Digitisation’ Project – moving to a more virtual museum

By Savitri Laikram THE Guyana National Museum through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Monday launched its “Modernisation and Digitisation Project.”

The project will provide a database of the museum’s artifacts and displays with a website for information and expanded history.

Acting Administrator of the Museum, Ms. Nadia Madho in giving an overview of the project said that it was awarded to contractor Digital Technology and commenced in November 2013.

She said it was an ideal project for the museum as it is expected to provide a better learning experience for visitors using advanced technology.

Madho informed that there are three 21” touch screen and one 84” customised interactive touch screen with wiring and server. Three screens are located on the upper floor of the museum, with another in the giant sloth display on the lower floor.

By accessing these, persons will be provided with the history and data of each historical artifact. A reference library has also been added where persons can also access information on exhibits, the school loan programme, the social and natural collections and the cartographic and other specimens.

Information on other exhibits such as birds, fishes, fruits and rocks will also be made available.

She said also that the museum’s library is being rehabilitated and will be accessible soon.

Digital Technology has also provided training to the staff of the museum and other sister agencies so persons using the new technology will be better able to handle the new equipment installed there.

MORE DATA More data is constantly being added, as the server is managed by the museum so information on the digital displays cannot be edited, deleted or tampered with.

Madho said that the project was completed on August 5, 2014, thanks to the hardworking team from Digital Technology.

She urged that persons share their comments, views and ideas for the museum’s improvement.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony underscored that the museum is in a continu-

From left are Administrator of the Guyana National Museum, Ms. Nadia Madho, Dr. Frank Anthony assisting student of Bishops’ High School, Ms. Rojeria McWatt in cutting the ribbon to formally unveil the new technology installed in the museum

ous process to improve as it is always adding and doing new things.

He pointed out that the museum houses artifacts which can be traced back to several decades, and with the new era of computer and internet technology, “we would like to bring the museum to the 21st century.”

He said that there is a vision to have persons visiting the exhibits and with a simple earphone, can listen to in-depth information for a clearer distinction of what they are seeing.

INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS Dr. Anthony noted that there are plans in the pipeline to make the exhibits more interactive. The process has already begun and this is only the first step in that direction for the future that is envisaged by the Ministry.

He explained that an exhibit should not be a boring object for viewing, but rather persons should be able to just touch a button and learn about the fascinating history of that artifact.

He reiterated that this is all in the pipeline for acquiring a 21st century museum, a more virtual museum.

The Minister further stated that over the years, there have been many more exhibits added to the gallery.

He boasted that the giant sloth is one of the museum’s biggest accomplishments yet. Persons can find a lot more information on other prehistoric animals and learn of their existence and evolution, etc.

Dr. Anthony also spoke about the room of maps

which carries the old maps and the new map of Guyana, showing how the contours of the Guyana border with Brazil and Venezuela have changed overtime, since the surveys in 1844.

He stressed that the aim is to make the gallery a more educational space, where more people can come to learn new things about Guyana’s flora, fauna, climate, and minerals, etc.

He said that the museum’s travelling exhibits have been of great help as schools can now have the exhibits at their location for a better learning experience.

He urged teachers to conduct lessons in the museums as long as it is cleared with the administration.

The amazing history and

the introduction of the new technology will provide a better learning experience, he noted.

He acknowledged the presence of the persons in attendance, the students, museum officials and members of the diplomatic corps.

The Guyana National Museum was established in 1853 and was first officially opened to the public on February 13, 1868 by The Royal Agricultural and Commercial Society by the then British Guiana Government.

It is currently under the umbrella of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport which is the governing body.

The main responsibility of the Department is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the history of the Republic of Guyana.

The mandate of the Guyana National Museum is to preserve and display objects

of natural history, science and technology. “Our mission is to provide learning experiences for every visiting member of the public through the preservation and display of Guyana’s natural history and other specimens.” These are executed via a number of core functions and protection of our national collection.

The core functions of the National Museum of Guyana include serving as the national repository for things of scientific, cultural, technological and human interest, serving as places where research and dissemination of knowledge may be undertaken, identifying, protecting, conserving and transmitting the cultural and natural heritage of Guyana and promoting cultural resources in the context of social and economic development, according to the website mcys.gov.gy

Students learning to use the newly-installed digital system in the National Museum

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 1, 2014

20 Berbicians graduate from workshop on social issues

By Shirley Thomas

TWENTY residents of Black Bush Polder were last week presented with Certificates of Participation, after satisfactorily completing a two-day Training of Trainers Workshop on social issues confronting the community.

The workshop which began on Tuesday last at the Mibicuri Baptist Church, was organised by the Sug-

ar Industry Labour Welfare Fund Committee in collaboration with the First Lady Foundation and the Ministry of Labour.

Participants were drawn from Mibicuri, Yakusari, Johanna and Lesbeholden – all homesteads in Black Bush Polder and included teachers, youths (including a University of Guyana student), religious and community leaders and self-employed businessmen

and women.

TRAINING OF RESIDENTS The objective of the workshop 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.

The persons selected to pioneer the initiative are all possessed of a

Graduating participants of the Training of Trainers Workshop held at Mibicuri Baptist Church last week. At centre in back row is Deigo Mario Alphonso while Permanent Secretary, Patrick Findlay is at right

passionate commitment to working robustly towards addressing and stemming the tide of known social ills plaguing the community. They will in turn train others so that the training of residents of the community will have a powerful multiplier effect.

Participants were coached in such areas as Conflict Management, Suicide Prevention, Alcoholism/Substance Abuse, Child

Labour, Domestic Violence, School Drop Outs and the Value of Good Parenting.

The team of facilitators, headed by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Patrick Findlay; included Deigo Mario Alphonso, Stephen Singh and Prandatt Basdeo – all officials of the Ministry of Labour. Basdeo is also a representative of the First Lady Foundation.

Seated in front row, from left, are coaches Prandatt Basdeo and Steven Singh along with Sattie Gopal of the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund Committee

At meeting with farmers and millers…

Ramsammy urges millers to reconsider – harvesting of second current price paid to farmers rice crop continues

By Vanessa Narine THE issue of timely payments and the rate of payments to rice farmers topped the agenda at a meeting Monday among rice farmers, millers, Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, and other sector stakeholders.

Dr. Ramsammy disclosed that the millers were asked to reconsider the current prices being paid per bag of paddy, which currently ranges between $2,900 and $3,000.

“There was an exchange of views and we left the meeting asking the millers to pay a better price than is currently being offered,” he said.

The Minister also stated that the rice millers committed to the timely payment to all rice farmers and adherence to the specified timeframe for payments, as set out in the Rice Factories Act. “We have that commitment from the millers,” Dr. Ramsammy assured.

Another sore point that

was touched on was the need for the rice factories to be audited. “We agreed that we have to do audit relative to the grading and weighing. On this note, millers and farmers have agreed to work closer together,” he said.

“We all agreed that we must do what is necessary to keep the industry where it is, and not create an environment where farmers reduce cultivation,” he said.

Also present at the meeting were Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and Guyana Rice Producers Association (RPA) representatives.

PANAMA DEAL The Minister also disclosed that the shipment for Panama, where Guyana recently inked a major rice export deal, is ready.

“We are not shipping. It is a Free On Board (FOB) arrangement, so Panama is sending a ship. The ship was supposed to have arrived on Sunday, but it hasn’t arrived

as yet. As soon as the vessel arrives, we will have the rice shipped,” he said.

This shipment represents the first monthly export of 5,000 tonnes of white rice to Panama.

Panama’s rice imports currently stand at 150,000 tonnes annually, an addition to their own rice production and the rice deal, which was signed by the Panama’s Vice-Minister of Agriculture, Estebana Giron Dias, and the GRDB General Manager, Mr. Jagnarine Singh, will see Guyana exporting 50,000 tonnes, of the 150,000 tonnes, to Panama.

The remaining 100,000 tonnes, according to Dr. Ramsammy, can be supplied by Guyana’s private sector, since the two Governments agreed on levelling the playing field for Guyanese companies to be able to bid to supply the remaining tonnage. At present, Panama’s private sector controls the local food market, making it an open market.

Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

On this note, the Agriculture Minister stated that Guyana’s private sector has been successful in competing with USA suppliers in Panama.

In totality, Guyana will see close to 30,000 tonnes of rice shipped to the Central American country.

WEST AFRICA TALKS Additionally, asked for an update on the announcement

that rice shipments will be made to countries in West Africa, Dr. Ramsammy stated that these arrangements are still being finalised.

“We will be shipping to Ghana and several other countries in West Africa…we are still finalising the shipping routes. What will happen is that we will have to ship through Brazil and there are some trade issues we have to work out there,” he said.

The Agriculture Minister, however, expressed optimism that Guyana will be able to make headway in these markets.

With the new export markets secured in 2014, Guyana is expected to export between 475,000 to 500,000 tons for 2014 and to reach about 550,000 tons in 2015. The actual export target for 2014 was 460,000 tons. The export in 2013 was 394,000 tons, from a production of 535,212 tonnes, which was far above the original target of 413,000 tonnes.

HARVESTING CONTINUES Meanwhile, RPA’s General-Secretary told this newspaper that harvesting of the second crop for 2014 is progressing.

“Harvesting is ongoing and is 30 per cent complete in Region 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam).

It started in Region 3 (West Demerara/ Essequibo Islands) and Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice). As for the other regions, harvesting is going full speed ahead in Region 4 (Demerara/Mahaica) and 6 (East Berbice/ Corentyne),” he said.

Seeraj added that the quality of rice harvested so far is better than that of the early rice harvested in the second crop.

The RPA Head added that the prevailing weather conditions are good and holding to allow the completion of the rice crop.

“If you see, there are long lines at the rice mills already,” he said.

For 2014, production is expected to surpass last year’s 535,212 tonnes.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 1, 2014

Expo walk through…

Exhibition Centre blooming with GuyExpo 2014 hours away

By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally & Raveena Mangal WITH less than 24 hours to go before the grand opening of GuyExpo 2014, the National Exhibition Centre is indeed blooming, as exhibitors make the final adjustments to their booths and put the finishing touches on their exhibits.

Registration for this highly anticipated Trade Fair and Expo has closed, and those fortunate enough to have secured their position are busy making final adjustments in anticipation of welcoming the thousands that will throng the venue from tomorrow and throughout mega event when ends on Sunday.

Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali, speaking with me-

from Pakistan.

Tourism Minister (ag) Irfaan Ali (center) with corporate sponsors of GuyExpo 2014 (Adrian Narine photos)

Star Party Rental and Barama, Minister Ali said.

Newcomer Navin Singh,

Manager Ramesh Rupchand.

He said the company anticipates as usual a great turnout and hinted that the public can expect some surprises and great deals every day of GuyExpo.

WALKABOUT The traditional walkabout was also done yesterday with the media operatives when Events Coordinator of GuyExpo Tameca Sukhdeo-Singh highlighted the various corporate entities preparing for the much-anticipated event.

Gravity Lounge CEO Navin Singh checking out the site

dia operatives during a walkthrough of the exhibition site at Sophia yesterday, thanked all the corporate sponsors, noting that without their continued support events such as this would not be possible. He said that while many sponsors have always seen it fit to take part in GuyExpo, “we have attracted a number of new sponsors as well as first time booth holders” for the event this year.

A HOST OF SPONSORS The Tourism Minister yesterday received, collectively, $16.7M from Digicel, Ansa McAl, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), E-Networks, Global Technology and new comers Corum Distributors and Shangri-la Gardens. Other sponsors for this prestigious event are Banks DIH Limited, Courts Guyana, Golden Brook, Continental Group of Companies, National Communications Network (NCN), Impressions,

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Corum Distributors, told reporters that this is his first year and he anticipates that showcasing his products at the Expo will give him an advantage because he will be able to have a “one-on-one” with his consumers. With Gravity Lounge also under his watch, he said that they will be providing the ‘lounge’ experience, with live DJs, live shows and a well-stocked cocktail bar.

Global Technology’s CEO, George Melville noted that over the five years of the company’s participation at GuyExpo, public response has been tremendous. He said that this year “we are going to demonstrate the satellite technologies we now have, we will now be able to provide services to the interior locations such as Lethem, Madhia and Port Kaituma, among others.”

“Digicel has been onboard from the beginning of things and we continue to take part and reaping the benefits from GuyExpo,” said Marketing

GUYANA BLOOMING The eye-catching centerpiece chosen this year follows a floral-like concept, “Guyana Blooming”, which represents Guyana’s blooming industry sectors. It was done by Impressions. Following the floral concept, large arches serving as pictorial displays of Guyana’s vast attractions, give a captivating welcome to the exposition.

A ‘Historical Walk’ denoting the new paths Guyana continues to blaze while opening up new frontiers of development from the year 19802014 will be portrayed by photographs placed along the

path. The layout represents the ‘Dawning of a New Day’.

Longstanding supporting entities, including Ridley’s, Augman’s, Antonio’s Grill, Banks DIH, Ansa McAl and DDL, can be expected at the International Food Court. The Party Village will showcase Guyana’s expansive line of beverages.

PLAY AREA A Children’s Fun Park, situated at the side of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), was practically finished. The area was ideal for a safe children’s play area as it is located a distance from the Party Village.

Ministries of the Government will be showcased; the Annex will house the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Arts and Craft Association, and the Agricultural Processors Association, among others, while the Ministry of Heath will be well represented with a pavilion to sensitise the public and showcase their work.

The Service Pavilion will feature booths such as GRA, NIS, small businesses and the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force.

A Chinese Village depicting the commitment of stakeholders to ‘Partner for

LOCAL SUPERMARKET Meanwhile, GuyExpo 2014 will be working in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture in light of the observance of Agriculture Month 2014. And a local supermarket stocking only local products is a new concept to look forward to. Local companies such as Edward B. Beharry & Company, Bakewell, Niki’s Juices, Suria Delight along with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Agro-processors Association, and local farmers will be given aisles to showcase their goods. As with any supermarket, deals and bargains are to be expected.

Digicel’s Marketing Manager Ramesh Rupchand discussing the final touches with staff

a better Guyana’ will also feature a building and housing development area, including Sunset Lakes, a housing project launched in 2011.

The Main Auditorium generally highlights the area of manufacturing with established firms such as Guy-America Furniture, AH&L Kissoon’s Furniture Store, COURTS Guyana Inc, ND&S Furniture Store, Melsha’s Furniture, National Hardware Guyana Ltd., Comfort Sleep and Global Connections. The latter will display exhibits of handcrafted furniture, marble and onyx

Preparations for the hosting of GuyExpo 2014 are ongoing

Event coordinator Tameca Sukhdeo-Singh assured that “GuyExpo is 65% completed and as such it will be finished and ready by tomorrow, the opening day. She said while 395 booths were sold, their target of 400 would be achieved as requests for booths were still being received.

GuyExpo 2014 will be opened tomorrow at the Sophia Exhibition Centre by President Donald Ramotar and the acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, and continues until Sunday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 1, 2014

GWI completes first component of – works deemed satisfactory GSIP civil works THE Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) disclosed, last week, that civil works in regard to the first component of the Georgetown Sanitation Improvement Programme (GSIP) have been completed.

Senior Project Engineer Arshad Yacoub told this publication that the priority works, which included reconstruction of force main pipelines, delivery main

lines, rehabilitation of 24 sewer stations, and cleaning of gravity sewers, have been completed.

He pointed out that all 24 sewer stations are up and running smoothly, and are equipped with two pumps, one of which is on standby. And with completion of these sewers, the GWI has noted significant improvement in the Georgetown Sanitation System.

Yacoub said there is presently no backup of sewer, nor is there any blocking up of mains, as obtained previously; and the civil works were completed two months after the stipulated time of 18 months.

He said all roads have since been fixed to their original state, and even those roads which were not within the scope of the civil works would be reinstated to

their original condition.

Yacoub, however, urged city customers to desist from abusing the sanitation system. He strongly advised against throwing garbage and other materials in the sewer system, since customers would ultimately be affected when GWI’s normal operations are affected.

GWI was the executing agency for the GSIP, and an

agreement was signed on December 8, 2010 between the Government of Guyana (GoG) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the sum of US$10M for improvement of the Georgetown Sewerage System’s operational performance.

The contract was based on the agreement that the GoG and the IDB had crafted in execution of the programme.

Components of the programme included complete replacement of the 5.5 km Sewerage Ring Main in Georgetown; replacement of all delivery mains; purchase and installation of additional pumps for 24 pumping stations, to ensure adequate pressure; and operational reliability and improvement of electrical connections. The programme also included an assessment of, and emergency rehabilitation to, street sewers in selected areas, besides purchase of maintenance and operating equipment.

Also included in the agreement was strengthening of GWI’s wastewater management and energy efficiency, which involves management implementation strategy and staff training programmes on wastewater operation, maintenance practices, and energy use.

The contract, moreover, in-

cluded public awareness campaigns that targeted schools and business owners. This component was significant in light of the continued abuse of the system by customers, who continue to dump solid waste, thereby affecting the efficiency of the system, and resulting in overflows.

It was imperative that these structural improvements provided by the programme be complemented by customers’ proper use of the system, in order to achieve maximum efficiency, GWI concluded.

The Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) has said that, after 18 months of decommissioning works done on the old sewer mains, the new system is fully operational.

The city’s new system, spanning from Albouystown to Seawall Road and from Vlissengen Road to Wellington Street, is working very well.

Activation of the new sewerage system, recently rehabilitated by local contractors S. Jagmohan and Nabi Consortium under the Guyana Government/Inter-American Development Bank US$10M loan, was done in reasonable time, and the works have been deemed satisfactory. (Michel Outridge)

Wednesday, Ocotober 1, 2014 - 09:30 hrs Thursday, October 2, 2014 - 11:00 hrs Friday, October 3, 2014 - 12:30 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 1, 2014

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday OCTOBER 1, 2014

Bramble, Crandon ...

From back page Things started brightly for Berbice, when Seon Hetmyer 40 (7x4) struck Chandrapaul Hemraj for two fours in the second over, after seeing his opening partner Kandasammy Surujnarine 31 (5x4) being given a life in the first over when he was caught by Steven Jacobs at slip, off the lively Kemo Paul, only to see the outstretched arm of the umpire indicating a no-ball.

That was the lone moment for the Developmental XI lineup within the first 90 minutes of the contest, until Shiraz Ramcharran (4 for 126) got Surujnarine to pop up one to Shivnarine Chanderpaul at extra cover at 70 for 1.

From that position, Berbice slipped to 89 for 5, losing Hetmyer, Devon Clements (1)< skipper Narsingh Deonarine (2) and Jonathan Foo whose struggle with the bat in this format of the game continues, as he managed 1, before he was lbw to Steven Sankar (3 for 92) who, in tandem with Ramcharran, ripped through the Ancient County’s top order.

At lunch, Berbice were 106 for 5 with Crandon on 7 which included a six that was struck back over the head of Sankar, and Bramble 8, inclusive of two fours struck off Ramcharran, his Albion Cricket Club teammate.

After the break, Bramble took a liking to Ramcharran, hitting him twice for a hattrick of fours, posting his first 50 from 45 balls with nine fours while batting for 49 minutes, then watched as Crandon got to his 50 one over later off 56 balls, counting four fours and one six during his 64-minute stay at the wicket.

Crandon then went into over-drive, rattling off boundaries at will, hitting Sankar for another six, his third to move into the 90s, while Bramble got there shortly after with two fours in the following over bowled

by Yatesh Dhanpaul.

Crandon was the first to post his century, doing so off 113 balls with six fours and three sixes while batting for 130 minutes and celebrated with his fourth six off

Dhanpaul, followed by an authoritative drive through the covers, as Berbice took the tea break on 292 for 5 off 69 overs.

At tea, Crandon was on 112 and Bramble 98, the duo adding 186 runs for the sixth wicket without much trouble from the Developmental XI’s bowling line, while Bramble got his century in the second over after tea, following a halt in play as the scorers objected to executing their work after not being given a meal.

Bramble’s century was scored off 103 balls and included 16 fours while he batted for 136 minutes, before he lost Crandon, shortly after, caught by Tagenarine Chanderpaul off Ramcharran for 121, as he batted for 151 minutes, faced 128 balls and struck eight fours and four sixes in the process.

Bramble was on 102 when Crandon departed and together with Veerasammy Permaul 24 (4x4) pushed the score to 350 and later 407 with Keon Joseph 30 (6x4), reaching his 150 while batting with Joseph, who was run-out going for a second run.

The Developmental XI, through Jacobs, disposed of both Bramble and Raun Johnson (00) to wrap up the innings 11 minutes before the scheduled 17:00hrs close, with Jacobs claiming both wickets in the second over of the second new ball to finish with 2 for 57, in support to Ramcharran and Sankar.

At the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Essequibo, who won the toss and batted first against points leaders Demerara, were bowled out for 263 off 67.1 overs, with only Ricardo Adams 54 (61 bals, 10x4), Tulsiram Premnauth 44 (29 balls, 5x4; 3x6) and 40 each from Royan Fredericks and Brian Herbert leading their batting.

Fredericks struck eight fours and Herbert six as leg-spinner Amir Khan took 4 for 54 and Christopher Barnwell 3 for 27 for Demerara, who at the close of play were 60 for 2, having lost the wickets of Trevon Griffith 32 (5x4) and Shemroy Barrington 20, with Khan their not-out batsman on 3.

When the action resumes for the second day today at 09:30hrs, the Developmental XI will commence their reply to Berbice mammoth first-innings score, while Demerara will look to score the remaining 203 runs to overhaul Essequibo’s total.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday OCTOBER 1, 2014

Flex Night International 2014 officially launched … set for December 7 at National Cultural Centre FLEX Night Incorporated, headed by Donald Sinclair, yesterday launched the ‘2014 Flex Night International’ at the Herdmanston Lodge in Georgetown.

The event, set for Sunday,

Racing Tips

December 7 at the National Cultural Centre, will feature muscle men and women from the Dutch Island of Aruba, Suriname, Barbados and Brazil, clashing on stage with some of Guyana’s finest.

Also, for the first time, inmates from the Camp Street prison and representatives from the Guyana Prison Service will be participating in a Bodybuilding competition.

“Having Guyana Prison

Race 3 Cara Marie

12:00 hrs Panther Patrol

09:40 hrs Chapel Choir

South Africa Racing Tips

Race 4 Southern Sunshine

12:30 hrs Air Squadron

10:10 hrs Hillgrove Angel

Durbanville

Race 5 Ready’s Legend

Newcastle

11:20 hrs Faure Island

08:35 hrs Kirumbo

Race 6 Bobby Jo

09:00 hrs Ali Bin Nayef

11:50 hrs Triple Chocolate

09:10 hrs Ace Antonius

Race 7 Blue Pigeon

09:50 hrs House Of Lorraine 10:25 hrs Freezing Point 11:00 hrs Shakara 11:35 hrs Global Destiny American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Star Magnolia Race 2 Jimmy Fillpot

Race 8 Three Alarm Fire

09:30 hrs Alnashama 10:00 hrs Bleu Astral

12:20 hrs Dusty Storm Irish racing Tips

Race 9 Classic Aussie

10:35 hrs Baileys Partytime

English Racing Tips

11:10 hrs Blue Maisey

09:45 hrs She’s A Leader

Salisbury

11:40 hrs Moscato

08:45 hrs Kisumu

12:10 hrs Venutius

10:15 hrs Illtakeitfromhere

09:20 hrs Voice Control

12:40 hrs Captain Scooby

10:20 hrs Tobacco Road

Nottingham

10:55 hrs Basem

09:10 hrs Just Us Two

Sligo

10:50 hrs Tulsa Jack 11:25 hrs Cavite Beta 11:55 hrs Take A Shot 12:55 hrs Time Please

Service part of Flex Night is part of an effort to integrate the inmates into society upon their release, so they can have something to do when they get out even if it’s in sports,” Sinclair told the gathering of media and other officials of the sport at the launching.

According to Sinclair, Flex Night International which was inaugurated in 2012 will be the event that climaxes the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) calendar and already, the response from gyms across Guyana is overwhelming.

Reigning Mr Flex Night International, Koese Soepe of Suriname, is expected to return to Guyana to defend

his title while, Sinclair noted that two females are expected from Brazil; one based in the South American country and the other from the northeastern state of Amapa.

Meanwhile, for the first time in Guyana, Flex Night will have a Men’s Physique competition, which Sinclair said involves men who are not too inclined to be bodybuilders but will show off their body only wearing beach shorts and will only be subjected to a front and rear view for judges.

Flex Night Inc., with the motto ‘Raising the Bar’ was legally incorporated in January 2012 and has committed itself to the highest standards in the

planning and staging of bodybuilding and fitness events in Guyana.

The mission of Flex Night Inc. is to propagate, through the planning and execution of appropriate bodybuilding, fitness and related promotional events, the attractiveness of the health, fitness and bodybuilding lifestyle.

The company pledges its full support and cooperation to the GABBFF, the Ministry of Sport and the Ministry of Health, as those entities pursue strategies aimed at raising awareness of the contribution of Sport, especially bodybuilding and fitness, to the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday OCTOBER 1, 2014

Matic silences boo boys as Chelsea win in Lisbon LISBON, Portugal (Reuters) Nemanja Matic’s header ended Sporting’s four-year unbeaten home run in Europe as Chelsea seized control of Champions League Group G with a 1-0 victory in Lisbon yesterday.

Booed by the home fans throughout, Matic who used to play for Sporting’s bitter rivals Benfica nodded in Cesc Fabregas’s inswinging free kick at the back post after 34 minutes.

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho, returning to Sporting two decades after starting his coaching career there as an interpreter, could have enjoyed a more comfortable night if not for an impressive display from home keeper Rui Patricio.

The Sporting captain denied prolific Chelsea striker Diego Costa, Andre Schuerrle and Oscar with a string of important saves but his heroics were in vain.

Victory took Chelsea to the top of the table on four points after Schalke 04 were held to a surprise 1-1 draw at home to Slovenian side Maribor.

After the disappointing home draw against Schalke 04 two weeks ago, Mourinho said he would “risk” playing striker Costa, who has been suffering with hamstring problems, in the hope that

his side could secure a muchneeded win.

The gamble nearly offered an instant pay-off when Costa beat the offside trap to run clear on Sporting’s goal but Patricio blocked well with an outstretched leg.

Patrico came to his side’s rescue again after 15 minutes when Schuerrle tried to dribble round him.

Schuerrle passed up an even better chance when he ran on to an Eden Hazard’s pull back but placed his shot wide.

Chelsea, captained by John Terry who was making his 100th appearance in competition, finally found a way past the inspired keeper shortly afterwards when Matic’s looping header back across goal nestled in the net.

Sporting enjoyed more possession in the second half with winger Nani, on loan from Manchester United, seeing plenty of the ball in dangerous areas.

However, it was Chelsea who threatened on the counter-attack with Oscar running clear but Patricio

again blocked.

Buoyed by that reprieve, the home side nearly equalised as Nani got on the end of a flowing move but he could only hit his shot into the side netting.

A frenetic end to the match saw Patricio block more one-on-one chances from Costa and substitute Mohamed Salah but Fredy Montero nearly snatched a draw for the hosts in the last minute but planted his header wide as Sporting’s 16-match unbeaten run in Europe came to an end.

Vernon Philander

South Africa name Philander in ODI tour squad Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic (R) celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal against Sporting Lisbon during their Champions League Group G soccer match at the Estadio Jose Alvade in Lisbon, yesterday. (Credit: Reuters/Hugo Correia)

Marsh, Hogg knock Lahore Lions out

Mitchel Marsh A MUST-WIN pressure-cooker contest for a team, an improbable equation from the outset, then a lost toss, a batting collapse, a seriously underwhelming total of 124, followed by an even more challenging task - to hold the opposition to 78. For most, it would have been a lost cause. But when it’s a team from Pakistan, one almost expects a miracle every single time.

Scores: Perth Scorchers 130 for 7 (Marsh 63*: Hafeez 2-8, Iqbal 2-20) beat Lahore Lions 124 for 6 (Nasim 69*:, Paris 3-22) by three wickets.

Lahore Lions employed Test-match fields from the first over, their spinners created panic in the Perth Scorchers ranks, their fielders gobbled away all the chances, the wicketkeeper affected a stumping, there were appeals that were given, there were ones that were not given too.

For 13 overs, the hopes of Lions’ progression to semis remained strong as Scorchers were reduced to 64 for 7, until Brad Hogg drove, cut and hoicked 15 runs in the 14th over, bowled by Adnan Rasool, to shut the doors on Lions and let Chennai Super Kings through to the knockouts.

The result - Scorchers winning by three wickets - was only of academic interest.

Lions had been in such a situation in the qualification

stage of the tournament too.

Faced with a must-win task, they bowled out Southern Express for 109 to register a heavy 55-run win. But their batting last evening, and the Robert Frylinck assault in their previous game that ate away on their net run rate, left them too big a task at hand.

Still, Mohammed Hafeez shrugged away the shadow of suspect-action sleuths and provided the ideal start, nipping out the wicket of opener Craig Simmons in the first over, getting him caught bat-pad at short leg. Replays showed the ball had missed the edge though. There was an inside edge off the very next ball, and the catch was taken at short leg, but unfortunately for Hafeez, the umpire Rod Tucker missed it completely.

The first over set the tone for Lions’ fightback as their spinners made regular strikes, with Mustafa Iqbal picking up two wickets in the fifth over.

By the ninth over,

Scorchers were reduced to 40 for 6 but Mitchell Marsh, the stand-in skipper, maintained an aggressive stance against the spinners and fast bowlers alike. Once Scorchers crossed the figure of 78, the 125-run target was achieved with relative ease.

Even that target had appeared improbable after the start Lions had to their innings. Joel Paris removed Nasir Jamshed and Umar Siddiq in the first over then Marsh picked up the big wicket of Hafeez in the second. Wahab Riaz, promoted up the order, did not make a dent to the score, departing in the fourth over for a duck.

From 11 for 4, Lions were revived by two stands of 43 and 48, with Saad Nasim, unbeaten on 69, playing a part in both.

However, the hopes of a strong total had ended with Umar Akmal’s departure with the score on 54. (ESPN Cricinfo)

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) - Vernon Philander is the only addition to the one-day squad that won the recent triangular tournament in Zimbabwe as Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced their selection to tour New Zealand and Australia starting next month.

All-rounder Philander replaces seamer Mthokozisi Shezi in the 15-man touring party as selectors assess their options ahead of the 50-over World Cup to be co-hosted by those two countries early next year.

Fast bowler Kyle Abbott retains his place as Beuran Hendricks, the man he replaced, remains on the sidelines with a long-term injury.

The Proteas defeated Australia and Zimbabwe in the one-day international (ODI) triangular event - a boost for their confidence ahead of the World Cup. “We are very happy with the progress and momentum the team have established over the last couple of months, first in Sri Lanka and then in Zimbabwe,” CSA selection convener Andrew Hudson said in a statement yesterday.

“We have another 13 ODIs before we head to the World Cup to round off our

preparation.”

South Africa will play three one-dayers in New Zealand starting on October 21, before they head to Australia for three Twenty20 internationals from November 5 and another five 50-over matches that begin on November 14.

The squad for the T20 games was also announced yesterday with three new caps added to the mix - batsmen Reeza Hendricks and Rilee Rossouw, and emerging fast bowler Kagiso Rabada.

The side will be captained by JP Duminy for the first time, with regular skipper Faf du Plessis rested.

South Africa ODI squad: AB de Villiers (captain), Hashim Amla, Kyle Abbott, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, Ryan McLaren, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn.

T20 squad: JP Duminy (captain), Kyle Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, Marchant de Lange, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Ryan McLaren, David Miller, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, David Wiese.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday OCTOBER 1, 2014

HACC cart off fifth consecutive SCA title … as East West stage another unruly protest

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – The Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) 2014 cricket season ended on a sour note here on Sunday, compliments of East West Cricket Club.

Seemingly staring certain defeat at the hands of eventual Premier League winners Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC), the unruly players staged an unbelievable display in full view of the hundreds of spectators who had flocked the Ashtonbee ground to witness what promised to be a keenly contested final between the two top teams.

Irked by a decision which saw the umpire rule not out to a vociferous caught-behind appeal off number three batsman Reyaz Prahalad, the East West players proceeded to display unsportsmanlike behaviour, storming and pleading with the umpire to change his original decision.

When this was not accomplished the players turned their attention to the stumps at the batsman’s end, uprooting them in the

process.

The behavioural eruption forced the umpires to award the game to HACC with the score on 27 for one in pursuit of the paltry 127 all out in 42.1 overs made by East West. Former Guyana and West Indies ‘A’ team opener Krishna Arjune was undefeated on 14 when the game was aborted.

The victory catapulted HACC to an unprecedented fifth consecutive title while soaring to 17 wins in a row this season.

East West had earlier won the toss and opted to take first knock on a splendid day, looking more like Summer despite it being Fall. They huffed and puffed their way to an inadequate score and signs of what was to come were apparent, when they felt that one of their top batsmen was wrongly given out lbw. The tension was obviously brewing and came to a crescendo when the appeal for caught-behind was disallowed.

Several of the East West batsmen had starts but failed to capitalise with Younus Motara (27), Junaid

Motara (20 not out), Shakir Mohammed (22) being their best performers.

The batting was undermined by a combination of team effort, led by off-spinner Harrinarine Chattergoon

game had been reduced to 45 overs.

While this writer was not present at the 2011 final, which featured the same two teams, a very reliable source indicated that a similar occurrence took place and the

Veteran players Krishna Arjune and Azib Ali Hanif in celebratory mood after the victory. who finished with the impressive figures of four for 25 from nine overs. He received valuable support from medium pacer Chidanand Shiwram two for 19, left-arm spinner Mahadeo Moonsar two for 23 and seamer Zaheer Allard two for 30 after the

league apparently failed to act.

According to the source, East West vehemently protested a run-out decision which went against them and again uprooted the stumps and even went further by allegedly making contact with one of the umpires. The

source further pointed out that after intervention from the police, HACC agreed to continue the game although it was awarded to them and went on to win quite easily.

The source disclosed that the league failed to take any decisive action and this may have given East West licence to continue their unsportsmanlike attitude.

The victory was followed by wild celebrations from the players, officials and supporters of HACC with an obviously emotional HACC president Archie Mohan expressing dismay at what transpired from the predominantly Indo/Pakistani side. Mohan stressed that his players had done so much to achieve their success over the past five seasons and he was extremely disappointed how the game ended.

Mohan, however, reserved special accolades for his players, officials and supporters who have played major and active roles in HACC over the years..

Apart from Mohan, who hails from Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice, other key officials

include vice-president Iqbal Rehaman from Dundee, East Coast Demerara, Eon Gunraj secretary/treasurer from Wales, West Bank Demerara, Doodnauth Singh from Wakeanaam, Essequibo and Rishi Samuel also from Wakeanaam.

The main sponsors were also highlighted, among them being IR Construction, Hawaiian Arctic Inc. and R&R Auto Repairs.

During the 2014 season, the club also had the services of overseas-based Guyanese players Chidanandan Shiwram and Krishna Arjune while Trevon Garraway also participated in two games and they too were recognised for their contribution.

During the presentation, Harrinarine Chattergoon was named MVP of the final while all-rounder Zaheer Allard was voted the MVP of the season. Chattergoon was awarded Cdn$300 by Munaf Khan, Sales representative of Axion Millwright while Vishal Ramsuchit, former owner of Trappers Restaurant handed over $200 to the former Guyana youth opener.

CHAMPAGNE time! HACC players and officials celebrate their unprecedented fifth consecutive success.

Mashrafe named ODI captain, Mushfiqur stays as Test captain MASHRAFE MORTAZA will lead the Bangladesh ODI side in the five-match series against Zimbabwe from November 21.

Mushfiqur Rahim remains the Test captain but only for the upcoming series, which effectively means his reign as captain has been terminated by the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

Mushfiqur’s term was to go

on until the 2015 World Cup when he was retained as captain in November 2013.

Shakib Al Hasan has been named Mashrafe’s deputy, while Tamim Iqbal will be vice-captain in Tests. Bangladesh will have split captaincy for the first time and the three new appointments create a larger leadership group, with the team’s four most experienced

cricketers involved.

“The board has decided to appoint Mashrafe Mortaza as ODI captain for the Zimbabwe series,” BCB president Nazmul Hassan said. “His deputy will be Shakib Al Hasan.

Mushfiqur Rahim will remain as Test captain, with Tamim Iqbal as his vice-captain. Before we announced the new

captain, the board had spoken to Mushfiqur, who was not negative about any of this.

“What we decide for the future will depend on what happens in the Zimbabwe series. This (split captaincy) is an experiment before we take a final decision on the World Cup. Prior to their departure for the Asian Games, I spoke

to Mashrafe, Shakib and Tamim. They know of their responsibilities, but I reminded them that they are senior cricketers and our best players. Everything that they do - their attitude and behaviour - is linked to the team spirit.”

Shakib assumes a position of greater responsibility for the first time since being sacked as

captain in 2011. Tamim was made vice-captain for the Sri Lanka tour at the start of 2014, but it was Mashrafe who was made stop-gap T20 captain when Mushfiqur got injured in the Test series.

There had been tension in the Bangladesh camp, after which Tamim stepped down from the vice-captain’s role. (ESPN Cricinfo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday OCTOBER 1, 2014

Olympic swimming champ Phelps arrested on drunken driving charge

By Steve Ginsburg WASHINGTON, (Reuters) - American swimmer Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all-time, was arrested for drunken driving early yesterday after speeding then crossing the doublelane lines inside a Baltimore tunnel, police said.

The 18-time Olympic gold medallist later apologised for the incident, saying he was “deeply sorry to everyone I have let down.”

Police said Phelps, 29, was clocked by radar around 01:40hrs travelling 84 miles per hour (135 kph) in a 45-mph (72-kph) zone. He was booked and released.

Phelps, who has won 22 Olympic medals and

appears to be eyeing a spot on the U.S. team for the 2016 Olympics, was “unable to perform satisfactorily a series of standard field sobriety tests,” authorities said, adding he failed a Breathalyzer test.

Police said an officer followed Phelps’s 2014 Land Rover onto northbound Interstate 95, through the Fort McHenry Tunnel under Baltimore Harbor, and pulled him over just beyond the tunnel’s toll plaza. Authorities said the Baltimore-area native was cooperative.

“Earlier this morning, I was arrested and charged with DUI (driving under the influence), excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines,” Phelps

his life working feverishly in the pool but admits he likes to have a good time outside of practice and competition.

Emerging recently from a two-year retirement, Phelps first tested the comeback waters in April at a low-key meet in Phoenix and his progress has been steady rather than his usual impressive.

Michael Phelps reacts after placing second in the 200m individual medley in 1:56.55 in the 2014 USA National Championships at William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Complex. said in a statement.

“I understand the severity of my actions and take full responsibility,” he added. “I know these words may not mean much

right now but I am deeply sorry to everyone I have let down.”

The drunken-driving arrest was the second for Phelps, who has spent most

Sunil Narine likely for CLT20 semi-final KOLKATA Knight Riders have accepted the decision taken by the match officials against Sunil Narine, their premier off-spinner, whose quicker ball was reported as suspect by the onfield umpires during the match against Dolphins in Hyderabad and are likely to field him in their XI for the semi-final against Hobart Hurricanes tomorrow.

Narine has been put on the warning list, but is allowed to play on in the tournament.

However, any subsequent offence will disqualify him from bowling in any BCCIconducted tournament.

Narine had finished with figures of 3 for 33 on the day to script a 36-run victory for Knight Riders and is the highest wicket-taker in the tournament.

His consistency has been key to Knight Riders qualifying for the semifinals with a clean slate in the group stage.

E S P N c r i c i n f o understands that on-field umpires Anil Chaudhary and Chettihody Shamshuddin specifically picked the fourth and fifth deliveries of the 15th over and the fourth ball of the penultimate over of Dolphins’ innings as suspect.

All were quicker deliveries.

On Monday, Narine’s first over had gone for 12 runs including three fours and he was held in reserve for the

Three balls bowled by Sunil Narine in the Dolphins innings are understood to be under scrutiny. later overs.

Dolphins were recovering from a poor start with the middle-order pair of Khaya Zondo and Andile Phehlukwayo adding 44 runs when Narine returned.

The equation read 77 runs to win from the last six

overs.

Phehlukwayo, the 18-year-old left-hander from KwaZulu Natal, punished Narine for bowling short with consecutive boundaries off his second and third deliveries, including a reverse pull. Narine hit back, bowling a straighter delivery that pegged back Phehlukwayo’s off stump and sent the bails flying. The delivery speed was 98 kph. Narine bowled a carrom ball next, clocked at 99 kph, and deceived new batsman Robbie Frylinck and the edge flew towards third man.

Narine was on a hat-trick after he grabbed two wickets off the last two deliveries of his third over. Then, two balls before ending his spell, Narine pitched a length delivery that missed Kyle Abbott’s stumps by a few inches. That ball was measured at 100 kph.

Narine was told about the complaint after the game by match referee Andy Pycroft in the presence of the on-field umpires. It is understood that Pycroft told Narine specifically of the three deliveries being under the scanner and nothing else. Pycroft also spoke with Knight Riders coach Trevor Bayliss later. Incidentally Kumar Dharmasena, the ICC Elite Panel umpire, was the TV official for last night’s match and has now been involved in official

complaints for all the four bowlers reported for suspect actions so far in the tournament.

Considering the sensitive nature of the issue, officials from various teams have remained tight-lipped on the incident. But one official from a team whose bowler was reported admitted that the exercise seemed to be part of the “same thread” of enforcement by the ICC on suspect actions. He said that the clause on illegal bowling actions had been part of the IPL and CLT20 for a while, but it was only recently that “the decision that we are going to enforce the clause” was taken. “It is not that they are after us specifically,” the official said.

This is the second time Narine’s action has come under the scanner. In 2011, after Trinidad & Tobago won the Caribbean T20 championship, Narine was one of the nine players match officials had listed to have had a suspect action. Narine underwent rigorous tests before he announced himself to the world in the 2011 edition of the Champions League Twenty20.

After Knight Riders bought him for US$700 000 in the IPL auction in 2012, Narine played a big hand in the franchise winning their maiden crown. (ESPN Cricinfo)

‘UNQUESTIONABLY SERIOUS’ USA Swimming, the national team’s governing body, said: “The news regarding Michael Phelps and his actions are disappointing and unquestionably serious.

“We expect our athletes to conduct themselves responsibly in and out of the pool,” it said in a statement.

“I was shocked at the news, to say the least,” Dara Torres, a 12-time Olympic medallist who has been on several Olympic and national swim teams with Phelps, told Reuters in a telephone interview.

“He was very fortunate that no one was hurt. He’s a good guy. He does work for kids. He does charity work.

“He could have given the keys to someone. He could have called Uber, a taxi. He has the means to do stuff like

that. I just don’t understand it,” she said.

The U.S. Olympic Committee said it was “surprised by today’s news.”

“We are disappointed on a number of fronts, but want to give Michael Phelps and USA Swimming an opportunity to comment before saying anything more,” the USOC said in a statement.

Phelps was charged in Maryland in 2004 for drunken driving when he was 19. He pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of driving while impaired in exchange for 18 months’ probation.

Phelps was contrite following his first drunken driving arrest a decade ago.

“I recognise the seriousness of the mistake I made,” he told the judge in 2004. “It is wrong to drink when you’re under age. It’s wrong to drive when you’ve had anything to drink, no matter how old you are.”

In 2009, British tabloids published a photo of Phelps smoking from a marijuana pipe while at a party at the University of South Carolina.

“I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again,” Phelps said at the time.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday October 01, 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 yesterday’s quiz: (1)Sir Gary Sobers-365* (WI vs PAK, Jamaica, 1958) (2) WI vs ENG, Scarborough, 1976 Today’s Quiz: (1)

Which two made a hundred on Test debut?

Viv Richards; Carl Hooper; Basil Williams; Len Baichan; Chris Gayle (2) Which two made their ODI debut against England?

Courtney Walsh; Carl Hooper; Carlisle Best; David Williams; Ian Bishop Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday OCTOBER 1, 2014

Barbados Tridents secure first CLT20 win

Ravi Rampaul picks up three wickets in Barbados Tridents victory.

BANGALORE, India (CMC) – Prolific Jonathan Carter and pacer Ravi Rampaul stared with bat and ball respectively as Barbados Tridents defeated Northern Districts by six wicket to conjure up their lone victory in the Champions League T20 here yesterday.

Carter posted a steady 30 while Rampaul snatched three wickets as Tridents, playing their final match of the tournament, won with two balls and six wickets to spare at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

But it was James Franklin, unbeaten on 33, who guided Tridents to victory in the inconsequential final group match of the Champions League T20 after hitting fellow New Zealander Tim Southee’s full tosses for a six and a four.

Zimbabwe’s limitedovers captain Elton Chigumbura also contributed to the win by hitting Trent Boult for

a couple of fours in the penultimate over when 23 were needed off 12 balls.

Carter, the leading rungetter of the main round of the tournament, struck two fours and a six in his steady knock of 30 before he was caught.

He and Franklin stabilised the innings with a stand of 56 for the fourth-wicket when Dilshan Munaweera fell to a spectacular diving catch after launching the chase with a quick 20.

Franklin and Chigumbura shared an unbeaten stand of 33 off 20.

Earlier Northern Districts stumbled to 135 for 8 in 19 overs after the match was shortened following a onehour rain delay.

Rampaul played a key role in containing Districts’ run flow by grabbing early wickets as they slumped to 76 for four.

Rampaul finished with top figures of three for 34.

35

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Barbados Tridents secure first CLT20 win See story on page 35

Bramble, Crandon hit tons for Berbice … Demerara, Essequibo locked in battle

FOLLOWING centuries from national wicketkeeper/ batsman Anthony Bramble and middle-order batsman Royston Crandon, Berbice were rescued from a perilous position to a formidable one at the end of the first day’s play in their final round Guyana Cricket Board senior Inter-county four-day matchup against the GCB Developmental XI at the Wales Community Centre ground.

Winning the toss and opting to bat first in brilliant sunshine in the contest which began 30 minutes late due to the late preparation of the pitch, Berbice slipped from 70 without loss to 89 for 5, before Crandon and Bramble joined forces and rescued their team.

The duo batted for the entire pre-tea session and 20 minutes after, during which time they added 216 for the sixth wicket, with both batsmen mixing sound aggression with the same level of defence, while posting their individual centuries in the process before being separated, with Crandon making 121 and Bramble 160 to rescue Berbice.

Turn to page 30

As fast bowler Kemo Paul makes his way back to his mark and with wicketkeeper Kemol Savory (left) and his teammate Gudakesh MotieKanhai looking on admirably, Anthony Bramble (right) salutes the crowd after reaching 150.

Royston Crandon of Berbice acknowledges the applause of his teammates, after posting his century against the GCB Developmental XI at Wales yesterday. Partly hidden is Anthony Bramble.

Flex Night International 2014 officially launched … set for December 7 at National Cultural Centre FLEX Night Inc. at yesterday’s launching of Flex Night International 2014.

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

See story on page 31 WEDNESDAY, October 1, 2014