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GUYANA No. 104021 MONDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2014

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

President declares open New Amsterdam Citizens Bank

PRICE: $60 Page

INCLUDING VAT

President opens first North Pakaraimas Expo Page 11 Case of threat to GRA Commissioner-General…

Lall summoned to appear at Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court today

… This shows we’re not talking of ‘no confidence’, but of ‘confidence in the economy’, he declares

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Unlicensed driver dies after crashing sister’s car

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President Donald Ramotar, Chairman of Citizens Bank Guyana Clifford Reis and Managing Director of Citizens Bank Guyana, Eton Chester, with the newly appointed staff of the New Amsterdam branch

‘Women are agents of change’

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…Government Chief Whip tells attendees at Kowsilla’s Remembrance Day event

Guyana and Barbados to ink MOU as single tourism destination Page

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 24, 2014

President declares open New Amsterdam Citizens Bank … This shows we’re not talking of ‘no confidence’, but of ‘confidence in the economy’, he declares CITIZENS Bank Guyana officially opened its doors to residents of New Amsterdam in Berbice yesterday, as President Ramotar noted, “This shows that we are not talking about no confidence, but about confidence in our economy.” Eton Chester, Managing Director of Citizens Bank Guyana, speaking at the opening ceremony, said, “Our decision to have a branch in New Amsterdam was one that was strategically planned, keeping in mind our continuing expan-

sources, and as such, have employed eight persons from New Amsterdam to start working at the branch from today. He explained that the bank will be able to offer all the current services to their Berbice customers, with e-banking soon to be launched. Engineering Services Director of Banks DIH Limited, Shabir Hussein, observed that this idea was conceptualised some three years ago, and the building was designed by Guyanese architect, Sheldon Williams.

President Donald Ramotar delivers his address at the opening of the bank

President Donald Ramotar cuts the ribbon to officially declare open the bank, with the assistance of Eton Chester, Managing Director

sion plan so as to serve a wider customer base.” He said also that the company places much emphasis on its human re-

He noted too that the project was not completed without its fair share of ‘ups and downs’; but because of perseverance, today it’s

a reality. Clifford Reis, Chairman of Citzens Bank Guyana; welcomed the new management of the bank and wished them success in fulfilling the tasks that are before them. He explained that some five years ago the question was “put to us at one of our shareholders’ meeting, when will a branch

of Citizens Bank be opened in New Amsterdam.” President Donald Ramotar, in his address, noted that he is proud to share this moment as it’s a personal achievement for the bank, as well as an achievement for the country, to have one of our indigenous banks expand. He empahsised that, “This shows that we are not talking about ‘no confidence’ but of confidence in our economy.” He continued that only recently he commissioned a new distribution centre in Eccles, and another commercial bank in Bartica. This clearly shows that the private sector is optimistic about investing in Guyana’s economy. The President noted too that over the last nine years, Guyana has recorded continued growth at a steady rate. “I am sure we could have grown more, but because of the economic crisis the world was facing, we

could not have grown as fast as we would have liked to,” he said. The Head of State reiterated that the country is in need of new infrastructure “and you all have heard it before, but we need the Amaila Hydro project.” He explained that this project will allow every citizen in Guyana to benefit, where they will see between 20% to 40% reduction in their electricity bill. With the absence of cheap electricity, the business community cannot develop to their full capacity. “Every year we pay $9B in subsides for electricity,” President Ramotar said; with this being saved by a hydro facility, the Government would be able to do much more with roads, health centres and the current garbage problems, among others. President Ramotar said that in the pipeline is a deep water habour in the

Berbice River, which will transform the country’s maritime trade. He explained that with the expansion of the Panama Canal and other countries embarking upon expanding their maritime trade, Guyana too should take advantage of these economic ventures. He restated that Guyana can become a maritime hub for both the Caribbean and South America, “but first we have to have the proper infrastructure in place.” The Head of State, in closing, urged persons to think wisely and start using other means of purchase instead of ‘liquid cash’. “Facilities are now available for us to use more plastic, and this may help to alleviate some of the robberies we are currently facing.” President Ramotar emphasised, “I am proud that the growth in the financial sector is being driven by one of our indigenous banks.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 24, 2014

Case of threat to GRA Commissioner-General…

Lall summoned to appear at Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court today – also due for second court appearance in tax fraud case

PUBLISHER of Kaieteur News, Mohan Lall, commonly called Glen Lall, has been summoned to appear at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court today over an alleged verbal threat he made to the Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Khurshid Sattaur. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) completed its probe into the matter in late October. The file was initially sent to the DPP’s Chambers on October 14 and was returned to the Crime Chief on October 15, who returned it to DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack for her recommendations. The investigation followed a complaint made by the GRA Commissioner-General, who had lodged a formal complaint at the Brickdam Police Station, regarding an alleged threat from Lall. TELEPHONE CALL The alleged threats to the GRA Head were made in late August when two vehicles used by Lall and his wife and alleged to be part of a remigrant duty-free scam were impounded by the Authority. At the time Sattaur had disclosed that he received a telephone call from a person “whose voice I recognised as Mr. Glenn Lall” and was threatened.

Khurshid Sattaur

He said, “Lall called me from an overseas number and threatened to expose me; he threatened to deal with me in a matter, as if I’m a thief and he’s going to do this thing, because I am using my office to deal with the matters I normally deal with. “He threatened to use his newspaper to expose me; I don’t know what wrong I am doing. If I am trying to do the Government’s work…I don’t know why people should be upset, if they are doing wrong things, they should be subject to the laws as well.” According to Sattaur such action, making of threats, are unconscionable. “I am not acting vindictively. I am doing my work. Mr. Lall is not excluded from paying taxes,” the GRA Commissioner-General said.

The two vehicles in question, PRR 8398 and PRR 8399, which were handed over to GRA and impounded at the Authority’s warehouse, followed an hour ’s-long stand-off between GRA officials and Navin Sankar, a high-ranking GRA employee. Six criminal charges altogether have since been filed against Lall, his wife, Bhena and Sankar’s parents, Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan, who have all been implicated in the scam. Lall and his wife have since been arraigned on four of the six charges. The charges followed an investigation, which was launched to ensure that procedures and policy, as well as the provisions of the law were adhered to. SECOND COURT APPEARANCE Lall and his wife have been arraigned and are expected to appear before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, for the second time today also, to answer charges that relate to defrauding the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) of duties. The filing of the charges followed the disclosure of details of an alleged duty-free scam which were made public by the Guyana Chronicle after a close ex-

amination of the Government of Guyana’s review of the Remigrant Scheme. The couple, who reside at Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara, denied the charges that were read to them by Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. The defence was repre-

Glen Lall

sented by high-profile lawyers, some of whom are also prominent politicians. The list of lawyers include, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, Senior Counsel Rex McKay, Nigel Hughes, Christopher Ram, Joseph Harmon, Brendan Glasford, Bettina Glassford and Robin Hunte. In their first appearance in court four charges were read to Lall and his wife. They state that: ● The two parties were knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of import duties of Customs on vehicle

PRR 8398, contrary to Section 218(e) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01. ● The two parties were knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of import duties of Customs on vehicle PRR 8399, contrary to Section 218(e) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01. ● Glen Lall and Bhena Lall knowingly dealt with goods with intent to defraud the revenue of duties thereon to wit one (1) Lexus LX 570 Motor Vehicle, registration number PRR 8398, with engine capacity 5700 cc, Chassis No. JTJHY7AX6 D4094851, contrary to Section 218(d) of the Customs Act Chapter 82:01 ● Glen Lall and Bhena Lall, knowingly dealt with goods with intent to defraud the revenue of duties thereon to wit one (1) Lexus LX 570 motor vehicle, registration number PRR 8399, with engine capacity 5700 cc, Chassis No. JTJHY7AX6 D4094851, contrary to Section 218(d) of the Customs Act Chapter 82:01. Defence counsel, Ramjattan requested that his clients be released on their own recognizance, which is selfbail and this was granted. Representing the prosecution were attorneys-at-law, Mahendra Satram and Sandil Kissoon. Additionally, the other two parties involved in the alleged duty-free scam,

Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan, did not appear to answer the charges against them. The charges against the two remigrants state that: ● The two parties were knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of import duties of Customs on vehicle PRR 8398, contrary to Section 218(e) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01. ● The two parties were knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of import duties of Customs on vehicle PRR 8399, contrary to Section 218(e) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01. ● Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan did make and subscribe to a false declaration in a matter relating to the Customs, contrary to Section 217(1) (a) of the Customs Act Chapter 82:01, involving a vehicle PRR 8398 ● Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan did make and subscribe to a false declaration in a matter relating to the Customs, contrary to Section 217(1)(a) of the Customs Act Chapter 82:01, involving a vehicle PRR 8399. The lawyers representing Glen and Bhena Lall are expected to be the same group of lawyers representing the Brijnanans. Altogether, six criminal charges were filed against Lall and the Brijnanans.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 24, 2014

Guyana and Barbados to ink MOU as single tourism destination

MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Irfaan Ali says that Guyana and Barbados will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the twinning of the two Caribbean countries as a joint tourism destination. The acting Tourism Minister was at the time speaking at the 8th Tourism Awards Ceremony on November 21 at the Guyana International Conference Centre at Liliendaal, ECD. He said that the terms of the MoU are currently being discussed and are expect to be signed sometime in December.

Tourism Minister (ag), Irfaan Ali

JOINT MARKETING The MoU will facilitate a joint marketing strategy for the two countries as a single tourism destination, he said. It is expected to bring benefits to the local tourism sector as well as tourism in Barbados. “This is an excellent move of twinning Guyana and Barbados as a common destination in the Region. You can have tourists who can get the best eco-tourism and still enjoy the sun and the sea in one package,” Minister Ali noted. He pointed out that this is the direction in which tourism is progressing and decisions such as these need to be taken in order to remain competitive and maintain a share in the tourism

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market. The Minister also emphasised that every country in the Region has something unique to offer and when they compete with the world, they should do so as a single destination. “The Region is competing with the world and for us to be successful; we have to pool our talents and resources together. We are too small in the Region to ever believe that we can compete out there alone,” he said. Ali noted that through the Caribbean Tourism Authority (CTO), the Caribbean can create better tourism packages since each country has its own diverse products that they will bring to the table. He also called for collaboration, cooperation and cohesion in the Region since “this is where the Region is heading.” Barbados Tourism Minister Richard Sealy, who is also the Chairman of the CTO, endorsed Ali’s call for more countries to collaborate while noting that this venture the two countries are about to embark on will see much economic benefits. He lauded the efforts of the Guyana Government in promoting its tourism sector even though “your country is so diverse that tourism is only one aspect of your economy.” Sealy, also speaking at the awards ceremony, explained that with increased annual tourism figures

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Barbados Tourism Minister Richard Sealy worldwide, this provides an abundance of opportunities to diversify the Region’s tourism products. He noted that recently the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) reported that in 2013, the Asian Pacific Region recorded its strongest growth with six percent increase in arrivals with the European and African Region following with a five per cent increase. But the North, South and Central Americas and the Caribbean recorded a three percent increase in arrivals which clearly reflects the importance of collabo-

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ration among countries in the Region to find solutions to sustain the sector, he explained. The Barbadian Tourism Minister said also that the UNWTO reported in 2014 that between January and August, international tourism arrivals were recorded at 781 million, 36 million more than the same period in 2013. The Americas on the other hand are in the lead with an eight percent growth during those first eight months of this year. “The Region is facing serious competition. Every part of the planet is into tourism and everyone is into tourism… places you associate with civil war and strife is there wooing tourism business and attracting investments,” he observed. He added that the Caribbean saw a 4% increase in arrivals between January and September this year, while Guyana alone increased by 7.4% which is more than the growth rate of the Caribbean.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 24, 2014

Petrotrin claims sabotage, calls in cops after oil leak (Trinidad Guardian) A DAY after Petrotrin beefed up security following an internet threat, saboteurs have struck at a Petrotrin installation in Grand Ravine, Palo Seco, unscrewing a plug from an oil tank. However, Petrotrin was able to avert a catastrophe as only five barrels of oil leaked into the environment before it was contained. Petrotrin President Khalid Hassanali said the removal of the bull plug at the base of the oil tank was the work of saboteurs who used a wrench to unfasten the plug. “We have taken note of this and reported it to the police,” Hassanali said. While he admitted that it was extremely difficult to man all Petrotrin installations in the refinery, marine and field operations, Hassanali said hiring additional manpower was not an option at this time. Instead, he said Petrotrin would invest in technology that would better

assist in keeping surveillance on all of Petrotrin’s installations. “You have to remember that we have installations in the forests, so it would be impossible to hire watchmen to guard every installation. We are looking at investing in technology to assist in this regard,” Hassanali said. He admitted that no discussions have yet been held with the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) about the sabotage. Police officers from the Santa Flora Police Station visited the site and took statements. It is uncertain who was in charge of the installation at the time of the incident, but Hassanali said an investigation has been launched. On Friday night, Petrotrin raised its threat alert after a cryptic warning was issued in a video posted on Youtube from the group Anonymous T&T. Describing itself as a “loosely associated international network of human/civil/animal

activist,” the group called on Petrotrin to come “clean” on the Marabella oil spill and its impact on residents. Filmed as a news bulletin and featuring an individual dressed in black and wearing a Guy Fawkes mask, the narrator accused Petrotrin of not being open with the nation on the impact the July oil spill. That spill which cost Petrotrin over $5 million resulted in 8,000 barrels of oil leaking into the Guaracara River. Dozens of residents were affected by the fumes and last week they staged a protest in Port-of-Spain calling on Petrotrin to compensate and relocate them. The OWTU has distanced itself from allegation of sabotage, saying recent spills occurred because of Petrotrin’s failure to maintain ageing infrastructure. OWTU President Ancel Roget was not available for comment up to late yesterday, as calls to his cellular phone went unanswered.

German couple hacked to death in Tobago (Trinidad Guardian) A GERMAN couple has been hacked to death in Tobago. They have been identified as Hubertus Keil, 74, and Birgid Keil, 71. The bodies were discovered shortly after 11 am Saturday by a passerby who called the police. The bodies were found approximately one mile east of the beach, near the mouth of the river at Bacolet Bay. There were multiple chop wounds about the necks, hands and bodies of the couple. They were identified by property manager Brian Abraham. The couple was last seen on Thursday, but investigators believe that the incident may have occurred shortly before the bodies were found. The T&T Guardian was told that the Keil’s lived alone and have been visiting Tobago annually for the past 20 years during the winter months, arriving on the island in the month of October and leaving in March. Police are yet to ascertain a motive for the killing, since the couples’ villa was locked and was in a pristine condition. Their personal items including laptops and cellular phones were also intact. A resident of the area where

Police officers and undertakers remove the body of a German national who was murdered in Tobago. Hubertus Keil and his wife Brigid were chopped to death at Bacelot Beach, Tobago, Saturday . Photo: CASANDRA THOMPSON-FORBES

the couple lived, and who did not want to be named, said they were very quiet people. The resident could not understand the reason for the attack. “They were such nice people, they never trouble nobody. They were so frail that if they see you fall down, they would want to help but can’t because they are so weak. They didn’t deserve that,” the resident said. Another resident told the T&T Guardian that while the incident came as a shocker, there were many instances of intrusion in the area, but they would hardly get assistance from the police “This is a big estate and we have many problems with people coming and doing what they

want. People coming picking hundreds of coconuts to sell, catching crab at their will, but this is private land and when you tell them about it, they always threaten to kill and chop up. Many reports were made to the Scarborough Police Station and sometimes they come, sometimes they don’t, but look at what happen now, people would be afraid to walk on their own property,” the resident said. Up to late Saturday night, police had no suspects in custody. District Medical Officer Dr Lesley Gabba ordered the body removed to the Scarborough Mortuary. This brings the murder toll in Tobago to seven for 2014. Tobago Homicide Bureau is continuing investigations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 24, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Liberating our minds from mental shackles YESTERDAY the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) celebrated the life of one of the most courageous women of this country – a woman who, albeit posthumously, should be bestowed a national award. Rakesh Rampertab writes the following of her: “An extraordinary sacrifice by an ordinary woman: Kowsilla, aka ‘Alice’, of Leonora, who was killed on March 6, 1964 when her body was severed in two by an estate (PNC) scab, Felix Ross, who drove a tractor through her and who was later acquitted. A mother of four at the time, and the sole breadwinner of her family, Kowsilla was an executive of the Leonora branch of the WPO and, as a leader, she paid the ultimate price by displaying the highest order

of defiance for her belief in adequate wage for adequate work.” In February of 1939, a weeder named Sumintra and two other sugar estate workers were shot dead at the Leonora Estate by the Colonial police when they resisted working for the plantocracy for starvation wages. This precipitated a movement that led to the establishment and recognition of the Man Power Citizens Association (MPCA) which was supposed to be a representative body negotiating for rights of the sugar workers. H o w e v e r, a s t i m e evolved, the MPCA became more of a pet poodle of the sugar barons and a supporter of the PNC and the rights of the workers were still being flagrantly abused, which

gave rise to the Guyana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) and a struggle for recognition for a trade union that really represented workers. The WPO had become a vibrant force that motivated women, long subjugated under the yoke of traditional mores and a work regime that wrested long hours of unremitting labour from them with little pay and no benefits to agitate for their rights and to dream of a better life that offered a promise of a bright future for their children. They were forced to live in sqalour and acute poverty in a cycle so vicious that their children were offered no hope of escaping a similar fate. And then emerged Dr. Cheddi Jagan and his wife Janet, who began a mass movement that

eventually led to a national landscape that transformed the socio-political dynamics whereby the working class were presented with a vista offering limitless opportunities based on the premise of a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work; until Burnham, once Dr. Jagan’s trusted ally in the freedom struggle, joined forces with the colonials and split the base of the struggle. Divide and conquer was the strategy that the colonials used to subjugate nations under their oppressive yoke, whereby they identified those willing to trade their souls for power and riches in return for their harnessing the working class citizens into subjection and submission to fill their coffers. Until today the conse-

quences are peoples divided unto themselves; and it is the sole factor that has poisoned the national psyche into a ‘them’ and ‘us’ syndrome and created an inhibiting agent to national unity and optimal exploitation of Guyana’s potential for growth and development. A quarter of a century after the murder of Sumintra and her colleagues another woman paid the ultimate price in the struggle for freedom, justice and equity. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Kowsilla’s death at the brutal hands of a PNC scab; and the observance of this landmark in Guyana’s history should make us pause and reflect on the way life in then Brit-

ish Guiana was; the way it evolved into brutal domination and oppression under an L.F.S. Burnham dictatorship, and the freedoms that we enjoy today as a nation. How much more could we achieve if we strive as a united people reaching for a common goal of peace, progress and prosperity instead of fighting among ourselves; if only to honour the martyrs and national heroes and heroes who spilt their blood on this country’s soil so that we, their descendants could walk in freedom. This, however, can only be achieved if we liberate our minds from the hatred infused into our psyche – first by the colonials, then by the dictatorial forces.

Raising the age of retirement for public servants ONE of the ways we can improve our country’s economic standing is by raising the age of retirement in the public service. Let those workers stay a little while longer on the job to make that worthwhile and valuable contribution to the life of the country. It will also mean a few more years of giving back by way of National Insurance Scheme contributions before retirement. These are important aspects of any country working its way along the developmental path. President Ramotar alluded to this thought when he made mention of Guyana becoming a developed country in a recent address to the nation. He was in effect saying that we in the

Third World, by adopting and adapting to those modalities of those of the First World nations, can attain developed status. Certainly, it is not an elusive dream, it is attainable, and in our lifetime, so says the President. I wholeheartedly believe it and here is my reason for saying this. If you take a closer look at the developed world – England, for example, you see the retirement age at 70 years, with the English looking to raise this to 75 years. What the British are saying is do not allow age and experience to go to waste; keep the worker gainfully employed doing what he/she does best. There is a whole lot of wealth and stability for the nation in allowing persons to work on

to their full capacity. Guyana’s retirement age is 55 , a time when most workers are young, strong and brimful with experience. Such early retirement means that those workers become dependent on the state by way of pensions, gratuities and NIS refunds soon after. It means that there is an awful lot of money going out of the national treasury when that could have been delayed for another five years. Guyana’s dilemma is further exacerbated when these same workers are re-hired - a situation that is prevalent in Guyana, when they have to be additionally paid a pension, plus that of their monthto- month contract. Won’t it have been easier for them to

stay on until age 60, where none of the above paying out of monies would have been necessary? It may seem a trivial matter, but let us picture the scenario of 100 persons retired in the coming calendar year - 2015. This means that 100 persons have to come under the umbrella of the state in the paying out of various pensions and benefits. If the retirement age was raised to 60 this means that (100x5= 500) 500 more collective years could have been gainfully utilized in useful service as well as NIS contributions. Let me make mention of what obtains here in St Lucia; and I must say in most CARICOM States: The

retirement age is 60 years before one can become eligible for a pension. Well, that was up until 2003, when, upon reaching the age of retirement, you would be given a monthly NIS stipend, minus a pension. In 2003, by an act of parliament, all public servants would only be eligible for a refund of their NIS contributions and not a pension from the government’s coffers. Government has absolved itself from the task of having to deplete its resources while siphoning off the public servant to subsist on a robust NIS. On the other hand, neither Guyana’s treasury nor its NIS is so robust, yet they are paying out much more to the worker. Not patterning

itself exactly as the St Lucian model, however, we here in Guyana can learn a useful lesson. We can, by easing the heavy duty off the state somewhat in the raising of the retirement age, especially in the light of a higher life expectancy, where many of those retirees would have to be remunerated by the state. Those of our retirees would have been subsisting on monies way past the time that they have worked. It is time the Finance Minister explore the possibility of raising the retirement age in Guyana. It is a forward and developmental approach to the state attaining developed status. NEIL ADAMS

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 24, 2014

Stop the hypocrisy now! IF there is any CARICOM state in which constituents who support their political Opposition are sorely disappointed, then it is Guyana. And if there is any country, in which constituents would have regretted their vote for the political Opposition, again, it has to be Guyana. OBSERVER is of the firm view that what would have been experienced with the political Opposition parties of the A Partnership for National Unity(APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) parties, is a national tragedy of epic proportions, taking into consideration what both these parties respective leaders would have promised their many followers during the hustings of the last election campaign. As a reminder – constituents support political parties and leaders on what the latter promise they will do for their wellbeing. In so doing, they expect hard work in securing those promises. It is a fair and legitimate expectation.

obstructionist legislative behaviour of both parties, refusing to support Bills that are so critical to their country’s socio-economic wellbeing and development? This is a vexed issue, and OB-

Instead of rising to the national clarion, especially against the background of a differently configured parliament – the two Opposition parties have been fulfilling an agenda that is so different to what their constituents would have been promised and expected. How does one explain the constant, obstructionist legislative behaviour of both parties, refusing to support Bills that are so critical to their country’s socio-economic wellbeing and development? stituents would have been promised and expected. How does one explain the constant,

Are Guyanese aware of the difference between power and groovy soca tunes/music? GUYANA needs to join the bandwagon with Trinidad & Tobago and categorise soca music for its 2015 Carib Soca Monarch Competition (Mashramani) as either ‘Power Soca Category’ or ‘Groovy Soca Category.’ It also does not limit any artiste from entering both categories. Failing to do so, it is my opinion that Guyana will once again have a messed up decision by judges as it did in 2014. As I can vividly remember, Jumo sang a Power Soca tune and Kwesi sang a Groovy Soca tune. Kwesi was awarded the winner and I just never endorsed such a decision by the judges. Again, I am not certain whether most Guyanese are aware of the difference between Power and Groovy Soca Tunes/ Music. I hope they do research and understand the difference. Enough time is available and perhaps Ansa Mcal Marketing Division can address this situation. The press report stated that ‘Kwesi’ is coming with something different for the 2015 Competition and if it is that he is belting out a Power Soca Tune vs Jumo with a Power Soca, then I will endorse the judges’ decision between the two artistes. Quite frankly, I cannot think of anyone else at the moment who can seriously challenge Jumo when it comes to power soca, but perhaps Kwesi might be the one to change everything from a power soca level. T. PEMBERTON

SERVER discerns no credible reason except political recklessness on their part. It boggles the mind that an Oppo-

sition party would not want to support a hydro project Bill that will bring clean and renewable energy to their country, in this age of climate threat. It is even further mystifying that they will refuse to have a compliant Anti-Money Laundering Bill, fully aware of the serious consequences that will befall Guyana, and its citizens in the process. These are issues that concern all of us, and not confined to any singular or particular section. Therefore, it is only reasonable that these two parties be labeled as hypocritical for promising their constituents to promote and advance their wellbeing, for their actual agenda has been altogether anti-people. Guyana is about ‘all of us; everybody’. It is also ‘bigger than all of us’. This means that both Opposition parties have a sacred obligation to the motherland, to work assiduously for its continued advancement, and not to undermine its greatness. So stop the hypocrisy now!

Wildlife conservation critical to local tourism industry – Annette Arjoon-Martins

GUYANA’s healthy wildlife population is a major tourist attraction and many a happy tourist has returned from the Iwokrama Reserve boasting of sighting a jaguar, our national animal. The relative inaccessibility to the natural habitat of our wildlife populations offered much protection in the past and their populations thrived. However, this is slowly changing as Guyana pursues its economic development with mining and forestry, both of which require access to such resources often located deep in our interior playing a significant role. These roadways also enable easy access for community hunters, some of whom are employed fulltime to supply the mining and forestry camps with a regular supply of fresh meat, as well as recreational hunters with custom-designed vehicles and sophisticated hunting equipment. Guyana’s commitment to sustainable development through our Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) includes setting aside areas for biodiversity conservation and the protected-areas system comprising Kaieteur, Iwokrama, Kanuku Mountains

and Shell Beach offer some protection to our wildlife populations. Connectivity of these sites in the future can significantly enhance such protection. The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) has also conformed to the LCDS condition of limited deforestation by enabling regulations for sustainable harvesting, which also offers protection to wildlife habitats. Most encouraging is the recent passage of Guyana’s Wildlife Conservation and Management Regulations, which will be implemented through a new Wildlife Management Department in the Environmental Protection Agency with support as necessary from other regulatory agencies. The protocols governing conservation and management of our wildlife are clearly laid out as are the protected species, which should not be harvested or hunted. As most wildlife can be found in the backyards of hinterland communities where local wildlife rangers already possess the capacity for monitoring, it is hoped that they can be empowered to enforce our wildlife regulations on the ground. Our wildlife populations depend on us for their survival, so let us all get onboard to ensure they are around for generations to come.

Unlicensed driver dies after crashing sister’s car By Michel Outridge

AUTO electrician, Kevin Sackichand, 21 years, of Lot 214 De Willem, West Coast Demerara, who succumbed following an accident at Zeeburg Public Road, also on the West Coast Demerara, on Friday night will be laid to rest next week Sunday following a post-mortem. Father of the deceased, Rampersaud Sackichand, called “Papso”, told the Guyana Chronicle that on Friday afternoon his son returned home from work at about 18:30hrs and had dinner. The grieving man explained that prior to his eldest son’s arrival at home his daughter, Melissa had also returned home in her seven-month old Toyota Honda Fit and parked it outside their residence.

Dead: Kevin Sackichand

She had left the key in the house and unknowingly Kevin took the key and left in the vehicle for an unknown destination with a cousin, Udesh Kissoon, 24 years, who is hospitalised

nursing severe injuries to his head and body. The elder Sackichand said he was on his way home at about 22:30hrs when he received at call informing him that his son was involved in an accident and was at Leonora Cottage Hospital. When he went there he saw his son being treated while being in an unconscious condition. Kevin was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he succumbed at about 04:00hrs Saturday morning without regaining consciousness. He reported that his son had slammed head-on into a parked vehicle and then crashed into a tree at Zeeburg Public Road. Kevin was an unlicensed driver and the vehicle was totalled in the crash.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 24, 2014

Remand prisoner hospitalised after attack by high profile inmates - report CHARLES Stoby, 26 years, of Kashpa, Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, who was on remand at the Camp Street prison is now warded at the Georgetown Public Hospital suffering a broken right hand, multiple chops to the head and left shoulder as well as both legs. Stoby suffered the injuries when he was allegedly attacked by a group of about five high profile prisoners at the Camp Street prison last Thursday evening, according to reports. Stoby claims that he was remanded to prison two Fridays ago after a court appearance in which he denied robbing the virtual complainant of $25,000. However, he said that strangely he was thrown into a cell that is intended for high profile prisoners on capital charges only. He said they probably beat him because they had objections to him being among them, and felt that the authorities would then remove him. The man related that around 22:00hrs on Thursday he was sitting on a bed when

Wounded Charles Stoby

someone lashed him to his head from behind with what he perceived to be a piece of greenheart wood. He said he fell to the ground and then about five prisoners overpowered him and started beating him mercilessly. He said they beat him with blades made from metal broken off their bed heads and sharpened. With these, he claimed they dealt him chops on the shoulder and both legs, in addition to breaking a fluorescent tube on his right arm. Stoby recalled that when he could no longer stand up to the beating he cried out and a prison officer under a window in the yard, accompanied by another, managed to open the

door, but as they entered the dorm the prisoners repeatedly spat on them. The two prison officers were forced to retreat and seek backup. However, even after two more ranks arrived at the scene, the men could not be apprehended since they had already scampered and nobody in the dorm would volunteer information. The injured man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted. Stoby said that he was scheduled to appear in court on Friday, but on account of his injuries and subsequent hospitalisation he was unable to.

Windsor Forest pump station nearly completed – Wordsworth THE Windsor Forest pump station, which will house one of the eight fixed site Surendra pumps, will be completed in a matter of weeks, according to the Head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Word-

Other on-site works ongoing

sworth. He told the Guyana Chronicle that once completed the pump station will support drainage from La Jalousie to Vreed-en-Hoop, several communities along the West Coast Demerara corridor. The work at Windsor

Forest is being done by Samaroo Construction. In 2012 the contract was signed for 14 pumps to be supplied by Surendra Engineering Company; six mobile and eight fixed site pumps, but initially the programme consisted of 39 pumps which will be placed

across the coastland of Guyana. However, only 14 are to be supplied by Surendra. The other seven fixed sites, Surendra pumps will be placed at are Canal Number One, Rose Hall, Gangaram, Eversham, Number 43 Village, Lima and Paradise.

COMMISSIONING NEW PUMPS Several of the new pumps are expected to be commissioned over the next few weeks. The US$4M award was given to Surendra Engineering Company after competitive bidding and

approval by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board in 2012. The company was not contracted to build the machines, but rather to supply them, fabricate or procure them from another firm, for drainage purposes.

Works progressing on the Windsor Forest pump station (Photos by Vanessa Narine)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 24, 2014

Two GDF ranks under close arrest after shooting of friend in Kitty house By Michel Outridge TWO members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) are under close arrest following last Friday’s shooting incident in which their friend Devon Howell was shot and injured and is now hospitalised in an unconscious condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation up to press time. Following the shooting

incident, the friends at the house when Howell was shot and injured at D’Andrade Street, Kitty, not far from his residence, dropped him off at the hospital and they reportedly packed a bag and fled to Linden where they were found and are now in GDF custody. Relatives of Howell learnt of their movements and informed GDF authorities, who acted promptly and were successful in find-

ing them at a location in Region 10. They were then transported to GDF Base Camp Ayanganna. The GDF will, however, hand the soldiers over to the Guyana Police Force pending investigations into the shooting incident which occurred on Friday night at the home of one of the soldiers. Howell, 20, of Lot 87 Da Silva Street, Kitty, Georgetown, who was shot and

injured remains hospitalised in an unconscious condition nursing a single gunshot wound to the neck where his condition is being monitored in the High Dependency Unit at the GPHC. The incident occurred at about 17:30 hrs on November 21, 2014, at D’Andrade Street, Kitty, when Howell was shot and injured. Relatives told this publication yesterday that Howell usually frequents the home

of the soldiers since they are friends and while there it was reported that they were playing with a gun when it went off hitting him. Based on reports, the group was taking turns to play around with the weapon when it accidentally went off discharging a round which struck Howell in the neck. Allison Howell said the bullet exited her electrician son’s neck but not before it

caused major damage which has left him in an unresponsive state and hooked up to oxygen and other medical equipment. Up to press time yesterday afternoon during visiting hours relatives said Howell’s condition improved a little and he was opening his eyes just a bit when spoken to and they are hoping he pulls through and regains consciousness.

Water levels in Weather forecast for next three days conservancies ‘manageable and safe’ NEW information, according to the Ministry of Agriculture’s hydro-met office, show improving weather conditions for the coastal areas. However, the rapidly changing conditions will continue to be monitored. The weather outlook for the next few days is as follows: Monday: Partly cloudy to cloudy skies can be expected with brief passing showers. Rainfall is expected between 0.0 mm to 10.0 mm.

– NDIA Head DAYS after torrential rains hit the capital and Guyana’s coastland and caused flooding, concerns about repeat incidents of flooding have been raised. However, National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) head, Lionel Wordsworth has assured that all efforts are being made to ensure that drainage systems are fully functioning to avoid this. In an invited comment yesterday, he also disclosed that the water levels in the major conservancies are being monitored. “The levels are being monitored and so far the report is that the levels are all manageable and safe,” Wordsworth said. EDWC STABLE According to him, the major conversancy, the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) is currently stable at 57.05 Georgetown Datum (GD) over its full supply level of 58GD. The other conservancies are the Ituribisi Water and Tapacuma Conservancies in Region 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam), the latter having a capacity of 57.5GD; Boerasirie Conservancy in Region 3

Tuesday: Cloudy to overcast skies can be expected over coastal and near inland areas with occasional showers and scattered thunder showers. Rainfall is expected between 0.0 mm to 50.0 mm in these areas. Other locations across Guyana can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with brief passing showers. Rainfall is expected between 0.0 mm to 5.0 mm We d n e s d a y : P a r t l y cloudy and sunny skies can be expected through-

out Guyana for most of the day, becoming increasingly cloudy to overcast with scattered showers. Rainfall is expected between 0.0 mm to 15.0 mm. Thursday: Mainly cloudy skies can be expected with scattered to occasional showers over all regions. Rainfall is expected between 0.0 mm to 30.0 mm. Additionally, above normal high tides are expected to continue until Thursday, November 27, 2014.

Chikungunya-like symptoms force nearly 4,000 students to miss school to date A section of the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) being dredged recently

(Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), which has a capacity of 61.3GD; and Mahaica/Mahaicony/ Abary (MMA), in Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) which has a full supply level of 64 GD. SILTATION Additionally, teams of engineers and officials, since the flooding, have visited all kokers and sluices in Regions 2, 3 and 4 to ensure they are functional. It was found that while most of the pumps and sluices are working, there is the issue of siltation in some areas. Workers have also been engaged to a greater degree in the clearing of

garbage across city areas to ensure the smooth drain off of water. Based on an assessment done by engineers following the heavy rainfall last Thursday, it is the highest recorded in Georgetown with 186 millimeters, (7.25 inches) of rain in a 24-hour period. Wordsworth, in highlighting this, noted that the drainage systems located on the Coast are designed to take off 1.5 inches of rainfall in any 24-hour period. Government is expected to continue to invest more resources in drainage infrastructure in the City and along the Coast.

(Jamaica Gleaner) THE Ministry of Education says near 4,000 students and just under 600 teachers have missed school due to chikungunya-like symptoms. According to the Ministry, up to yesterday, suspected cases of the chikungunya virus had resulted in up to 30 per cent absenteeism of staff and students in schools across the six regions. A survey by the Ministry revealed that 3,911 students

and 591 teachers were absent from schools. The most affected parishes, with 2,487 suspected cases, were Kingston and St Andrew, which comprise region one. This is followed by 945 suspected cases in region two, which includes St Thomas, Portland and St Mary. The least affected parishes, with 23 suspected cases, were Manchester and St Elizabeth which are located

in region five. Education Minister Ronald Thwaites has commended the management and staff of the affected schools for their efforts in keeping the institutions open as well as for providing as much health care as possible to students. Minister Thwaites has appealed to parents to be on the alert for symptoms of chic-V and other illnesses and to get medical attention for their children immediately.

New trafficking in persons curriculum for secondary school students (Jamaica Gleaner) JAMAICAN students in grades 7-9 of secondary schools are to be introduced to a new Trafficking in Persons curriculum. The curriculum was developed by the National Task Force against Trafficking in Persons and seeks to promote greater awareness among students and teachers about human trafficking.

Speaking at the official handing over of the curriculum to the Ministry of Education, Justice Minister Mark Golding pointed to statistics from the International Labour Organization, which show that nearly half of the 1.2 million children trafficked each year are from Latin America and the Caribbean. Golding says this is an indication that the Caribbean

is particularly vulnerable to the scourge of human trafficking. As a result, he says the infusion of human trafficking into the curriculum for secondary schools will ensure that over the next few years, every child who comes through the formal education system will be aware of the issue. The justice minister says this will substantially decrease their vulnerability.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 24, 2014

Citizens must adopt simple security measures - to thwart opportunistic criminals - Crime Chief

IN wake of last Thursday’s armed robbery in the city when a taxi driver was shot and robbed of $13M by three men, Crime Chief Leslie James again called on

citizens to adopt simple security measures to safeguard themselves from opportunistic criminal elements. He told this publication yesterday that as a

reminder, having rolled out their Christmas policing plan, they had warned citizens to be aware in a general way and to take the necessary precautions in securing their valu-

times persons become complacent and it is then that criminal elements seize the opportunity. He also urged the business community to make use of reputable security services when making deposits of cash and other transactions that involve huge sums of money. The Crime Chief also advised that instead of keeping money at home, persons should make deposits to the relevant commercial banks and refrain from withdrawing large sums. Crime Chief Leslie James ables, including cash and jewels. SECURITY SERVICES James said that some-

DO IT QUIETLY He added that persons should also desist from discussing their monetary transactions and do their ‘money business’ as quietly as possible and be careful generally when dealing with cash in moving it

Monday, November 24, 2014 - 05:00 Tuesday, November 25, 2014 - 05:00 Wednesday, November 26, 2014 - 05:00

from one point to another. James told this newspaper that persons should also be on the lookout and become aware of their movements and surroundings. DO SECURITY CHECKS He also encouraged citizens to do a security check when arriving home, when leaving home, on their way home and to change their routes if possible to ensure everything is well in terms of ensuring they are not being followed, etc. The Crime Chief said if applicable, it is wise not to talk about your money or monetary business with anyone in an effort to minimise the possibly of an orchestrated armed robbery. James explained that the latest $13M armed robbery is a typical example since the taxi driver had uplifted the money from someone and was waiting to hand it over to another person when he was attacked, shot and robbed. Police reported that at about 08:20 hrs on November 20, 2014, taxi-driver Fazil Ali, 46, of Triumph, East Coast Demerara, was attacked and robbed by three men, one of whom was armed with a firearm, outside a hotel on Brickdam, Georgetown. Investigations revealed that Fazil Ali was waiting in his motor vehicle outside of the establishment when he was confronted by the three men and held up. The armed man shot Fazil Ali to his left shoulder and the perpetrators took away a bag with $13M and escaped in a waiting motor vehicle. Fazil Ali is the procurement officer employed at CB&R Mining Inc. at Bartica and was waiting on a colleague to go shopping for supplies when he was attacked, shot and robbed of the large sum of cash.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 24, 2014

President opens first North Pakaraimas Expo

– assures residents of gov’t support for their advancement

RESIDENTS from communities in the North Pakaraimas were Saturday reminded of the importance of keeping their culture alive as President Donald Ramotar declared the first ever North Pakaraimas Festival expo opened. The two-day event is being hosted by the residents of Kurukubaru, Region 8, and will feature booths from the various communities in the North Pakaraimas, showcasing their produce. The communities will also be competing in football, archery and cricket. President Ramotar, who delivered the feature address, noted his Government’s commitment towards improving the lives of residents in hinterland communities, while simultaneously promoting sustainable livelihood. The Head of State told the gathering that it is always heartwarming for him to visit Amerindian communities, having come from Amerindian ancestry himself. The PPP/C Administration over the years has done a lot in preserving Amerindian culture, while striking the balance in developing the communities and its people by bringing them on par with the rest of the country. “When the PPP was in government first in 1950, we introduced the Hinterland Scholarship Programme and since we came back to government in 1992 we started to expand on that, and we have been building schools in the interior.” Mention was made of the Kato Secondary

which is under construction that will house over 400 students and which carries dormitories, and a new primary school recently commissioned in Paramakatoi. The Head of State noted that owing to the many interventions by the Government, a significant number of hinterland children now have access to both primary and secondary education. He added that in an effort to afford hinterland students the opportunity to gain a University of Guyana degree, the Government is working collaboratively with the university to develop online courses. While this initiative is in the making, the President said the administration is putting in the necessary framework to facilitate it. Already the Administration has begun construction of computer hubs in hinterland communities as efforts are being made to source solar panels to power them. It is also with this in mind that the One Laptop Per Family initiative is being extended to hinterland communities. President Ramotar said that the Government has also been placing emphasis on capacity building in hinterland communities, as through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) programme many communities have benefitted from initiatives that will boost economic activities. As the second phase of the LCDS programme rolls out, more than 150 communities stand to benefit.

Meanwhile, the President also used the opportunity to bring residents who came out in their numbers, up to date on the current parliamentary situation which is facing Guyana, and his decision to prorogue the Parliament. The President explained that this was done after the Opposition was bent on moving ahead with a no-confidence motion against the Government. He spoke of the combined Opposition’s constant effort to derail the progress that has been made under the PPP/C Administration, as he cited the President Donald Ramotar greets a North Pakaraima cuts to the national budget over resident the past three years, which the High Court ruled was unconstitutional. He residents. “Very often we have heard about similar noted that from the actions of the Opposition it seemed bent on stymieing development, more national events taking place in other regions. I am very proud today to say expo 2014 is the so in hinterland communities. The residents were reminded of the cuts first of its kind here, it’s an attempt to bridge to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs’ capital the existing gap with other communities and regions.” budget. He added that the event is also a vision He assured the gathering that despite the that has become a reality, and called on Opposition’s efforts to thwart development, the Administration will continue to work his fellow residents to use the event for social coalition, nation building, and most towards the advancement of all its citizens. Meanwhile Toshao of Kurukubaru, Leo- importantly, as a forum to boost economic nis Peters, who also addressed the gathering, development and give recognition to the described the event as a historical one for the North Pakaraimas. (GINA)

President Donald Ramotar being escorted into Kurukubaru in the North Pakaraimas by a resident and the village’s Toshao

President Donald Ramotar cuts the ribbon to declare open the inaugural North Pakaraimas Festival Expo

President Donald Ramotar among a section of the gathering which turned out for the North Pakaraimas Festival Expo

President Donald Ramotar visiting one of the many booths at the North Pakaraimas Festival Expo in Kurukubaru, Region 8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 24, 2014

‘Women are agents of cha …Government Chief Whip tells attendees at Kowsilla’s Remembrance

REMEMBERING a fallen heroine and patriot, Kowsilla, who fought to death for the rights of sugar workers and women of the working class, Presidential Adviser and Government’s Chief Whip, Ms. Gail Texeira yesterday reminded women that they are “agents of change.” The remembrance day activity which reflected on the 50th death anniversary of Kowsilla, was held yesterday at the Leonora Secondary School, where hundreds of persons gathered to pay tribute to one of Guyana’s fallen hero, and icon. In her remarks, Ms. Texeira emphasised

class was the death of Kowsilla, she said, struggle for a better Guyana. noting that this, to some extent, also paved “I think more needs to be done for people the way for women’s rights and equality to to understand what Kowsilla was all about. evolve. She was not an ordinary person. She stood “Domestic violence is one out in the sense that she challenged of the main issues which conthe people who held political powfronted women in the past er. She challenged the ‘white-man’ and even still does today. The and the British plantocracy. It was difference though is that, years not an ordinary thing for an Indian ago, violence against women woman or any person to stand up to was secretive. Women were the British,” Rohee said. afraid to speak out against it. “It was as a result of the strugToday, that is different. It is a gle and contributions of Kowsilla criminal offence and that has that we are enjoying what we are showed where we have moved today,” the General Secretary said, from, to where we are presentnoting that the conditions of workly,” Ms. Texeira. ing women today compared to the She explained that women working conditions of women in are so empowered today that the days of Kowsilla have vastly it is recorded that more womchanged for the better. en own house lots than men Working women today, he said, in Guyana. This, she said, is have better conditions. “One woma marked improvement from an told me today that they don’t when women have struggled have reasons to do what Kowsilla for equality. She continued did, because their conditions are Guyana’s that years ago she remembered good enough,” Rohee disclosed. heroine, Kowsilla seeing women and children Like the Chief Whip, the Generfetching water for miles, to wash their cloth- al Secretary also hinted at the fact that many ing and to cook. This, she said, is not a real- like Kowsilla who had gone before, after and

Chief Whip, Gail Texeira, as she encourages women through her speech on the reflection of Kowsilla that women have always contributed significantly to society, whether in Government or through civil society. Kowsilla’s death, she said, stands testimony to this fact. As such, she noted that women are “agents of change,” through every role they play in society. This change, she said, came about through Guyana’s struggle for independence from British colonisers, through the struggle for democracy after independence, up until 1992, and even today as the struggle continues. Reflecting on the past, the Chief Whip explained the limitations of being a woman in the days of Kowsilla, adding that labour laws and women’s rights were not known in that era, which put the working class, and women particularly, at a disadvantage. However, this did not limit women in their involvement in social and political life, Texeira said, noting that women were always present to lend support in marches and peaceful protests for better working conditions and standards for average citizens. To this extent, she once again hinted at Kowsilla’s role in the fight for sugar workers, which led to her demise. Many women who lived between the 1960’s and 1980’s period were so limited, to the extent that they could not read or write their names, the Chief Whip said. Their interests were not represented and emphasis was not placed on their role in society. The avenue which paved the way for the Guyana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) to become the representative body for the working

and singing of fo for entertainment casing Guyana’s which all should b Born in 192 hard-working par woman, Kowsilla worked as a hucks tation Leonora on Being an execu en’s Progressive was actively inv liberation from c imposition of a co workers by the ex An activist for

General Secretary Party (PPP), Clem sentation yesterd

The young group sings ‘Hear Auntie Bess’ and ‘Small Days’ ity which faces us today, due to the positive changes and development in Guyana. To this extent, the Chief Whip sought to remind women of their role in society and preserving the culture of being empowered through these roles they play. “Guyana is ranked 24th in the world when it comes to having women as Members of Parliament, and 29th when it comes to having female Ministers,” Ms. Texeira boasted. Making a resounding presentation at the event was General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee, who described Kowsilla as an extraordinary individual who made a “supreme sacrifice”, when she laid down her life for justice. The General Secretary pointed to the fact that between 1964 and 1992, women could not challenge the Government and those who were in authority. The struggle in the days of Kowsilla, he said, was against oppression. Rohee however lamented the need for more emphasis to be placed on this national hero, who not only made a sacrifice for the working class in Leonora, but fought in the

during her time, in their struggle for a better Guyana, have paved the way for the comfort in which we live today. “It was a result of their struggles and contributions that we are enjoying what we are today,” he said, making reference to the ballot box martyrs and many others, slain during the struggle for justice and equality. As the attendees were educated on the political climate of Guyana at the time of Kowsilla’s death, they were reminded to reflect on the present political climate and the significance of their roles, in their homes, and communities, which aid in the development of the country. Echoing the sentiments of these two speakers were also General Secretary of GAWU, Seepaul Narine, and representative of the Guyana Rice Producers Association, Jean Sahadeo, who both reflected on the life, work and invaluable contribution Kowsilla made to the society. Cultural presentations were also offered by children from the Leonora, which was the birth place of Kowsilla. The cultural dance

Kowsilla was cru ership and particip sugar worker strug The incident o tractor under an was driven into a cade’ gathered on sugar factory. Kow Georgetown Publ were injured. The incident try-wide citizen 1964, to protest D of Proportional R Following the returned to assum the field and the were not offered worked were not Twelve years a on February 27, was forced to sign with the Guyana A (GAWU), after a industry on Decem percent of the wo The ultimate p believed in did n ouring her mem bers of GAWU, ered at the Leon they remembere contribution to t

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 24, 2014

ange’ Day event

olksongs, though performed t purposes, aided in shows rich cultural heritage, of be proud of. 20 of humble, poor and rentage, this strong-willed a, from Seafield, Leonora, ster on what was then Plann the West Demerara. utive member of the WomOrganisation (WPO), she volved in the struggle for colonial oppression and the ompany union on the sugar xpatriate company, Bookers. r the rights of a free people,

y of the People’s Progressive ment Rohee, during his preday

ushed while providing leadpating in one of the historic ggles at Plantation Leonora. occurred when a scab driven expatriate Estate Manager a crowd. ‘A Human Barrin the bridge to the Leonora wsilla died on the way to the lic Hospital, while 14 others

was sparked by a counns’ march on January 31, Duncan Sandy’s imposition Representation. e march, when the workers me their respective duties in factory, about half of them d any work and those who paid the correct rates. after one woman’s sacrifice, 1976, the Sugar Company n a Recognition Agreement Agricultural Workers’ Union poll was held in the sugar mber 31, 1975. Ninety-eight orkers voted for GAWU. price for what one woman not go in vain and in honmory, 50 years later, memWPO and the PPP gathnora Secondary School, as ed Kowsilla’s sacrifice and the country.

7th Medical Scientific Conference highlights post-graduate research by local doctors - aims at guiding strategic planning By Shirley Thomas THE Institute of Health Sciences Education (IHSE) yesterday held its Seventh Annual Medical Scientific Conference, the objective of which is to promote research by doctors at the post-graduate level, and give them an opportunity to present their research findings to the Ministry of Health and IHSE, so as to guide and influence strategic planning. The programme, held at the International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, attracted more than 300 local medical practitioners and overseas partners supporting the GPHC’s Residency Education Post Graduate programmes. According to Director of the Institute of Health Sciences, Dr. Madan Rambarran, the conference is used as a mechanism through which the institution promotes research, while affording the opportunity for doctors to present their research and communicate it to the administration and those responsible for guiding changes in tactics. VISITING PARTNERS Some of the visiting partners supporting the Residency Education Programme are from universities in Canada and the United States, among other countries. These include teams from Canada, having to do with the local Pediatric Post-Graduate Programme; a team from Toronto, including Dr. Narsingh and others; Dr. Debra Isaacs and others from the University of Calgary, having to do with the Eco-Cardiography programme; another from the US Case Western University, Ohio, comprising Dr. Margaret Larkens and others, involved with the training for the Obstetrics and Gynecology Programme; and others from the University of Vanderbilt in Emergency Medicine and the University of Guyana. What is critical about this conference, Dr. Rambaran said, is that the research is all around local issues. “It’s not a research where somebody comes from another country and presents to us. It’s our own research by our local doctors, mostly in collaboration with our partners. Those partners have been engaged with the post-graduate residency education programames and the other nursing education programmes. They collaborate and do these researches.” The expected outcome of the conference is that it would be able to encourage and equip the doc-

tors to present research, thereby empowering them to have influence in future practice or drive additional research. “This will be one of the big things and we have already seen that things presented last year have been taken a step further, in terms of looking at them closer,” Dr. Rambaran proudly announced. The research, he said, will be shared through the IHSE’s supplement, with the administration of the Ministry of Health, Georgetown Public Hospital. “The result is that what’s coming out of this research, can guide and influence their strategic planning,” Dr. Rambaran said. The Annual Scientific Conference is the main event for the

Laws of Guyana require that each practitioner adds to his/ her name annually, 12 Continuing Medical Education (CME) Credits in the current year, so that they could register in the following year. “The credits they get up to the end of 2014, for example, could be used next year, so they can get their licences in 2015. Doctors are required to have those credits completed before the end of December. Licensing takes place during January, hence they (the doctors) should present themselves by January 31 for the annual licenses that will allow them to practice in the upcoming year,” the CMO explained.

The conference is accredited and each doctor will get four credits for participating in the day’s activity. The laws of Guyana require that each practitioner adds to his/her name annually, 12 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits in the current year, so that they could register in the following year. IHSE, which is the body that implements the institution’s advanced training in health care–not only for doctors, but also nurses and other health professionals.

RESEARCH PAPERS At the conference some of the topics dealt with by the post-graduate students, as well as interns, addressed some of

prevention and early detection of prostate cancer’, by Ms. Theona Green, GPHC. LECTURES Feature lectures included: ‘Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns in the Pediatric Emergency Department at GPHC. Implications for Rational Prescribing Policy in Guyana by Ms. Suparna Sharma, University of Toronto’; Infection in the Burn Care Unit, GPHC by Dr. Shilindra Rajkumar, GPHC; ‘Epidemiological Profile of Prostate Cancer in Guyana from 2010 – 2013 by Dr. Chris Prashad, GPHC; and Neonatal Jaundice at the GPHC’ by Dr. Winsome Scott, GPHC. Meanwhile, feature presentations from overseas partners included: ‘Sudden Cardiac Death/ Sudden Cardiac Arrest’ by Dr. Mahendra Carpen, MBBS, DM, FACP, Medical Director, Consultant Cardiologist, Caribbean Heart Institute; ‘Optimising Asthma Management at GPHC; Development of an Interdisciplinary Spirometery and Asthma Education Programme,’ by Dr. Robert Levy, University of British Colombia; and ‘Teaching Professionalism to Medical Students using Reflective

Director of Institute of Health Sciences Education, Dr. Madan Rambaran, at left, with other doctors at the conference, at centre is Dr. Alexandra Harry and at right is Dr. Rabindra Nauth Rambaran Commenting on the conference, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud said: “In effect, the organisers, the IHSE is a key partner of the Ministry of Health, so we collaborate with them, since the products of the programmes are all public health workers and contribute greatly to quality care in Guyana.” CME CREDITS He added that the conference is accredited and each doctor will get four credits for participating in the day’s activity. Dr. Persaud outlined that the

the challenges currently facing the nation, such as diarrheal diseases and a range of other infections, all very critical to Guyana. Research papers presented included: ‘Management of Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) in pediatric patients in GPHC, Guyana,’ done by Dr. Bibi Alladin-Karan, GPHC; ‘A Review of Electrophoresis Testing at the GPHC Medical Laboratory (June 20113 to June 2014), by Dr. Pheona Mohamed Rambaran, GPHC; and ‘To Assess the Knowledge, Attitudes and Screening Practices of men in relation to

Narrative and Facilitated Small Group Discussion’ by Dr. Brian Cameron, Mc Master University. AWARDS PRESENTED At the conclusion of the conference, two awards were presented: One for the ‘Best Researcher and the other for the ‘Best Research Presentation. The Best Research Presentation Award is the ‘Chetram Singh’s Award’, while the other is the ‘Institute of Health Sciences Education Award for the Best Researcher’, which Dr. Rambaran said was an added incentive for those who will want to present and do research.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 24, 2014

Fly Jamaica increases passenger and cargo capacity – Director Reece FLY Jamaica landed its newly-acquired Boeing 767 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport last Friday as the Guyanese-owned company continues its expansion within the aviation sector. Roxanne Reece, Fly Jamaica’s Director explained at a press briefing at her office at the Ogle International Airport on Saturday that the

wide-bodied aircraft will transport comfortably 246 passengers, while the 757 only has the capacity for 19 but both aircraft has 12 first class seats. She said “for the market, this means we have 245 extra seats because the 767 has 245 seats and it is a wide-bodied aircraft.” She noted that this means also more space for cargo and with the upcoming Christmas

season, “we can afford passengers additional ‘pounds’. It was explained that passengers are already allowed two check-in pieces. Reece emphasised that the aircraft are owned by the company and not leases and the company has designated the Boeing 767 and 757 to work along the Guyana route since this route has received much interest. CREATING JOBS Reece also noted that she understands that persons prefer a non-stop flight but she said “if you fly with American Airlines or any other airline that is not local, they are not creating the jobs, while our company is.” Fly Jamaica, she added, operates a direct flight which simply means it has one stop in Jamaica because for the aircraft to land in New York “we have to perform a final TSA (Transportation Security Administration) check.” CARGO SERVICE The Director disclosed that the company will soon be launching their cargo service, utilising the services of an existing cargo handler, Amerijet, in Guyana. Additionally the carrier is also eyeing the Bridgetown, Barbados and Montego Bay, Jamaica markets for the New Year. Speaking on the investments that the company has

embarked on, Reece noted that in the aviation sector the company has to train and retrain staff. Only recently it trained their flight attendants in security and “this in itself is an investment.” She noted too that at present the company directly employs 40 staff but that does not include the other arms of the business. SECURITY Reece noted that security remains paramount at the company. Therefore, the airline has its own security team that is being trained on an ongoing basis to detect endangered goods. With the new cargo service that is soon to be implemented, the airline will continue to keep its excellent track record, she said. Fly Jamaica has embarked on their own ambassadorial project by reaching out to a number of Guyanese singers and performers, Reece noted. In addition, the company is also lending support to several local charities.

GNRSC B-B-Q fundraiser slated for Sunday THE Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) in an effort to raise funds for the work of the organisation is hosting a Bar-B-Que and Karaoke on November 30, 2014 at Transport Sports Club, Thomas Lands. The GNRSC had rolled out their list of activities to observe National Road Safety month on October 31, 2014 during a press conference at the Red Cross Secretariat, Barrack Street, Kingston. The council at the time called for stiffer penalties for drunk drivers in cases of road fatalities as they observed the month under the theme: “The time is now, don’t drink and drive. Drive defensive.”

GNRSC Chairman, Dennis Pompey said that the National Road Safety Association has its presence in all the divisions countrywide and would be hosting activities to commemorate road safety month. Meanwhile, GNSRC is calling on the general public to support their upcoming B-B-Q activity since reducing deaths and injuries on the roadways is everybody’s business. All funds will go to supporting all road safety activities and education awareness programmes. Tickets cost $1,000 and are available at the Red Cross building, GNRSC Coordinator Ramona Doorgen said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 24, 2014

Dynamic returns with direct flight from JFK DYNAMIC Airways returned to the Guyana market last Saturday with a direct flight from JFK Airport in New York. The Guyana Chronicle spoke briefly with Managing Director of Roraima Group of Companies, Captain Gerald Gouveia who said that the flight touched down some three hours after its expected arrival time but the late arrival was blamed on a late departure from JFK which was not explained. The U.S.-based airline according to the document received from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) will be plying the Guyana route on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays where the air-

line will be operating nonstop, non-scheduled flights. One of the airlineâ€™s Boeing 767 aircraft will be based in Guyana to fly between Guyana and New York and Toronto. Recently the GCAA granted the carrier full permission to begin its service. At a recent press briefing Captain Gouveia explained that GCAA wanted to ensure that the carrier was granted full U.S. permission before they gave clearance. The U.S. Department of Transportation granted the carrier approval for its service to Guyana in October. The airline had suspended all flights on July 8, approximately two weeks after it commenced opera-

tions. The airline had explained that the suspension was due to operational difficulties it had encountered while trying to secure time slots at the JFK Airport for the month of July. The company was forced to cease all flights and had given a date of return, but the airline failed to honour its August 8 target date to return direct flights between CJIA and JFK. The airlineâ€™s ground handling will be handled by Roraima Airways while Travelspan Trave l a g e n c y h a s e n t e re d an arrangement to buy bulk seats on each flight. The airline is currently offering fares between New York and Guyana at US$499.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 24, 2014

Deonarine grabs five for 24 as Guyana Jaguars lead by 240 runs By Calvin Roberts

HAVING scored 139 the previous day, Narsingh Deonarine returned with the ball to claim remarkable figures of 5 for 24, as Guyana Jaguars caged the Windward Islands Volcanoes at the end of the third day of their West Indies Cricket Board/ Professional Cricket League Regional four day matchup at the Guyana National Stadium yesterday. Scores to date: Guyana Jaguars 291 and 133 for 5, Windward Islands Volcanoes 184. Resuming on their overnight score of 63 for 2 with Andre Fletcher on 9 and Kenroy Peters 2, needing another 228 to overhaul the Jaguars’ 291, the Volcanoes were in a spot of within the first hour of play, when they lost three quick wickets to

be 79 for 5, before being dismissed for 184. Deonarine got support from spin twins Veerasammy Permaul who took 3 for 40 and Devendra Bishoo 2 for 66 for the Jaguars. Batting a second time after leading by 107 runs, the Jaguars were 133 for 5 at the close of play. Andre Fletcher was the first to go, caught by Leon Johnson at slip off Bishoo for 10, followed by Sunil Ambris, who having made a debut ton against Guyana earlier in the year, failed to score when he was caught by Ronsford Beaton at midon off Permaul, while Peters was smartly stumped by Anthony Bramble off Bishoo for 11 at 79 for 5. Romel Currency and Sebastien carried the score to 128, before Currency who struck two fours in his 21, was bowled by Deonarine, who

also removed Lyndon James 29, at 166 for 7, 10 minutes before the lunch break, which the Volcanoes took at 176 for 7 with Sebastien on 48 and Alston Bobb yet to score. After lunch, Sebastien got his 50 off 103 balls and 128 minutes of batting with six fours, pushing Windward Islands Volcanoes to 178 for 7, but Deonarine removed him to a catch at the wicket and later wrapped up the innings handing the Jaguars a comfortable 107 runs lead. Despite such a cushion, they lost Rajendra Chandrika early, bowled for the second time in the match by Mervin Matthews for 9 at 17 for 1, while Assad Fudadin was lbw to Matthews for 19 at 40 for 2, in the penultimate over before the tea break which was taken at 41 for 2, with Deonarine on 1 and Johnson 10. After the break, the pair

Vintage Federer seals first Davis Cup for Switzerland By Julien Pretot LILLE, France, (Reuters) - Roger Federer produced a vintage performance to crush Richard Gasquet 6-4 6-2 6-2 and seal Switzerland’s maiden Davis Cup title with a 3-1 win over hosts France yesterday. The 17-times grand slam champion shook off back problems during the weekend and recovered from Friday’s defeat by Gael Monfils to hand France a third defeat in their last three finals. With Federer imperious on serve, there was a sense of inevitability in the air at the Pierre Mauroy stadium despite the support of a record 27,448 raucous crowd and Gasquet’s decent level of play. He made more unforced errors than the gifted Frenchman -- 24 to 21 -- but hit an astonishing 62 winners, kneeling down before lying on his chest after wrapping up the match with a cunning

Roger Federer drop shot. “We fought hard for it. I’ve been playing this game for almost 15 years and clearly I had never come as close than this past weekend,” said world number two Federer, for whom the only major title missing from his collection is now an Olympic singles gold medal. “I’m happy I stayed calm and played a good match when I had to. I’m really happy for all the guys in the team.” Gasquet said he was “very disappointed” to lose in straight sets. “It’s the first time Roger plays at this level against me,” he said. French captain Arnaud Clement had no complaints about the result. “Right now I think we

did everything right, me and the players. But Switzerland were better than us,” he said. Federer dropped only four points on serve in the opening set, which he sealed with a whipping forehand winner after breaking Gasquet, the world number 26, in the third game. Varying his shots to devastating effect, Federer toyed with his opponent, who dropped serve in the first and seventh games as the Swiss bagged the second set with a drop shot having not conceded a single break point. Gasquet, sent to the clay court by captain Arnaud Clement in place of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who sustained an arm injury on Friday, looked slightly better at the beginning of the third set as Federer became careless. But the Swiss, who withdrew from last Sunday’s ATP World Tour final with a back injury, was still the sharper player and broke on his first opportunity in the fifth game when Gasquet sent a backhand wide.

when he was bowled by Matthews for 6, 10 minutes before the close of play at 125 for 5, while they ended the day on 133 for 5, with Chanderpaul on 31 and Reifer 4. Matthews has so far taken 3 for 24 and Bobb 2 for 30 for the Volcanoes, who will be looking to cage the Jaguars whose lead has reached 240 at the close of play yesterday, with the aim of preventing them from scoring quickly in order to press for an outright victory.

pushed the score to 77 before Johnson who made 25, turned one from Bobb into the waiting hands of Ambris at forward short leg, followed by the wicket of Deonarine for 33 at 110 for 4, a lead of 217 with Shivnarine Chanderpaul at the other end. The Jaguars saw Christopher Barnwell, who is expected to take over the captaincy for this weekend’s game against Barbados Pride, walking back to their den

Scorecard

Bowling: Beaton 3-1-16-0 Reifer

Guyana Jaguars 1st innings 291

3-1-12-0

Deonarine

19-11-24-5

Windward Islands Volcanoes 1st Permaul 29-14-40-3 Bishoo 25-7innings (O/night 63 for 2)

66-2 (nb-3) Barnwell 4-0-22-0

D Smith lbw b Deonarine

29 Guyana Jaguars 2nd innings

T Theophile b Permaul

21 R Chandrika b Matthews

A Fletcher c Johnson b Bishoo 10

A Fudadin lbw b Matthews

K Peters stp Bramble b Bishoo 11

L Johnson c Ambris b Bobb

S Ambris c Beaton b Permaul

00 N Deonarine c Smith b Bobb

R Currency b Deonarine

21 S Chanderpaul not out

L Sebastien c wkpr Bramble

C Barnwell b Matthews

b Deonarine

R Reifer not out

L James lbw b Deonarine

Extras (nb-2, b-2, lb-1)

A Bobb c Bishoo b Deonarine

00 Total: (for 5 wickets off

M Matthews not out

N Pascal lbw b Permaul

00 Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Chandrika,

Extras (nb-3, lb-4) 07 of

wickets:

1-29

133

4.0), 2-40 (Fudadin, 13.2), 3-77

Total (all out off 83 overs) 184 Fall

45 overs)

(Johnson, 25.2), 4-110 (Deonarine

(Smith, 35.3), 5-125 (Barnwell, 40.3),

7.4), 2-60 (Theophile, 24.0), 3-66 To bat: A. Bramble V Permaul D (Fletcher,

36),

4-72

(Ambris, Bishoo R Beaton

36.4), 5-79 (Peters, 36.5), 6-128 Bowling: Pascal 6-0-24-0 (nb-3) (Currency 55.4), 7-166 (James, Matthews 12-2-24-3 Bobb 10-0-3068.0), 8-176 (Bobb 79.4) 9-183 2 Sebastien 10-1-36-0 Peters 5-1(Sebastien), 10-184 (Pascal, 83.0)

13-0, Theophile 2-0-3-0

French Racing Tips Argentan 08:30 hrs Dragona 09:05 hrs Kenbest 09:35 hrs Mesha Dream 10:05 hrs Ice Cool 10:40 hrs Altair De Sivola 11:10 hrs Bambouzle South Africa Racing Tips Flamingo Park 08:20 hrs Fit To Fight 08:50 hrs Random Al 09:20 hrs Jewel Of The Stage 09:50 hrs Moi Isth 10:20 hrs Prince Fireball English Racing Tips Kempton 08:35 hrs West Wizard 09:05 hrs Tango

De Juilley 09:35 hrs Letemgo 10:10 hrs Polly Peachum 10:45 hrs Real Milan 11:15 hrs Brother Ted 11:45 hrs Azabitmour Ludlow 08:50 hrs Jack Frost 09:20 hrs Hold Court 09:50 hrs Chicoria 10:20 hrs Le Bacardy 10:55 hrs Buddy Love 11:25 hrs Toot Sweet 11:55 hrs Bengali Wolverhampton 10:00 hrs Danzoe 10:35 hrs Razor Wind 11:05 hrs Greatest Journey 11;35 hrs Rutherglen 12:05 hrs Space Sheriff 12:35 hrs Sewn Up 13:05 hrs Queen Aggie 13:35 hrs Mississippi Queen

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 24, 2014

Pacquiao scores six knockdowns in title defence

Chris Algieri of the U.S. falls as he takes a punch from Manny Pacquiao (L) of the Philippines during their World Boxing Organisation (WBO) 12-round welterweight title fight at the Venetian Macao hotel in Macau. Credit: REUTERS/Tyrone Siu By Kieran Mulvaney MACAU, (Reuters) - Manny Pacquiao knocked down American challenger Chris Algieri six times to retain his WBO welterweight championship in Macau yesterday morning. The first knockdown, in the second round, was a combination of a Pacquiao punch and Algieri slipping on the canvas but in the sixth round Algieri tumbled head over heels after a Pacquiao barrage and went down again in the same round from a right hook. A fierce left cross in the ninth sent Algieri to his back. He beat the count, but dropped to his knees from a follow-up flurry and seemed on the verge of being stopped as Pacquiao unleashed a fusillade of punches against the ropes. Somehow the American survived that round and despite being knocked down by another left hand in the tenth, made it to the final bell. Algieri (20-1, 9 KOs), who suffered his first defeat, had earned the shot against Pacquiao by overcoming a

swollen right eye and two knockdowns against Russia’s Ruslan Provodnikov in his previous outing but he was never remotely in this contest. Although he circled constantly to his left and attempted to keep Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs) at a distance with his superior reach, he rarely landed any consequential punches. “It’s not just his hand speed,” said Algieri afterward of Pacquaio. “He’s a great fighter. He does everything well. I was never hurt, but he did catch me with a big shot.” Although Pacquiao sometimes struggled to hit Algieri cleanly because of his opponent’s backward motion, the punches he did land took their toll. “I did my best,” reflected Pacquaio. “Algieri was fastmoving. I’m not surprised that he kept getting up, because that’s what he did against Ruslan Provodnikov.” The win raised once more the prospect of a longanticipated clash with undefeated American Floyd Mayweather, a fight that Pacquiao said he welcomed.

Bangladesh move two clear BANGLADESH went 2-0 up in their five match oneday international series against Zimbabwe after a 68-run victory at Chittagong The home side registered 251 for seven in their 50 overs with openers Tamim Iqbal (76) and Anamul Haque (80) leading the way, while Arafat Sunny took four wickets to help bowl the visitors out for 183 with over five overs remaining. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Tamim and Anamul gave Bangladesh a solid foundation as they put on 158 for the first wicket. Tamim, not usually one to die wondering, built his innings conservatively, taking 72 deliveries to reach his half century, although he did so with a booming six back over the bowler’s head.

With both batsman settled and looking to move up the gears Tamim fell on 76, run out by Elton Chigumbura. Shakib Al Hasan lasted just one ball before he was bowled by Vusi Sibanda before Anamul fell for 80 and Sabbir Rahman two balls later leaving Bangladesh 173 for four. Mushfiqur Rahim (27) and a late burst from Mominul Haque, who made 33 from 23 balls saw the Tigers close their innings on 251 for seven. In reply, Zimbabwe made a dreadful start as Hamilton Masakadza went for a duck and the visitors struggled to build partnerships as Sikandar Raza (16), Sibanda (21) and Brendan Taylor (eight) came and went to leave the visitors 50 for four.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 24, 2014

Coaches, Officials ‘flesh out’ matters at AAG Retreat By Leeron Bumell On a bright Sunday morning, Council Members, Coaches and Officials met at Splashmins Resort to put their heads together to ‘find a new way forward’ for Athletics. It was a retreat organised by the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) and sponsored by Digicel. Coaches and officials were split into two groups, to put on paper ways to improve their areas and athletes. Among the areas put forward were training and re-training of officials, the need for equipment, setting up of an Officials’ body or identification of Representatives from the various regions to manage and communicate with officials, and remuneration for travel for meets and road races. Notably, officiating within the athletics fraternity is on a volunteer basis. The coaches identified two broad areas –Competition and Development of Athletics. Among the sub-areas – a review of the coaching programmes and better implementation of the said programme, improvement of training grounds, and the setting up of a High Performance Centre. There was also the call for better networking with various stakeholders –media, sponsors, the ministries of Sport and Education and incentives for coaches and athletes. Before the coaches and officials were split into respective groups, President of AAG Aubrey Huston had some strong words for them.

IN SESSION – Coaches and officials during the presentation session of the Athletics Association’s One-Day Retreat. He said the retreat was needed and set the tone for discussions. ‘I know it may be lingering in some of your minds as to why are we here, or people may come here with different objectives, different purposes so I think the first question before we get into our retreat is to address that first question - why are we here? Unless you can answer in the affirmative that you’re here for the development of the athletes and athletics I think you’re at the wrong place.’ He spoke of the development of coaches and investing in their advancement. ‘Let me make it a little simple, it makes no sense that you sit with a Level 5 Certificate on the wall of your office or your home while you’re walking around with your chest up in the air saying I’m a Level 5 Coach, when over the years when you’re a Level 1 Coach, athletes in your fold were doing 11 flat and you’re a Level 5 Coach and they’re doing 11.2; I think the IAAF and by extension the AAG would have wasted their time

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday November 24, 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) Curtly Ambrose (98); Sir Gary Sobers (93); RamnareshSarwan (87); Malcolm Marshall (81) (2) Pakistan (Barbados, 1977) Today’s Quiz: (1)Who were the first two WI to score centuries in the same ODI innings? (2) Who is the first player to be dismissed ‘obstructing the field’ in an ODI game? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

on you.’ Mr. Huston said it was not about re-inventing the wheel. ‘Since becoming president – I’ve worked tirelessly with my council to ensure that the new national approach to

athletes take form - a new dispensation. It is not to do away with what happened prior to us taking office, it’s to enhance what was done before and take it to the next level.’ To the officials he noted that timing of athletes and the

organisation and execution of meets should be ‘spot on’. ‘We’ve heard reports of athletes coming back from overseas at a total loss when they get out there because the standards that they’re accustomed to here are not comparative with what happens there; the way you approach the call room, your behaviour, what is expected, what kind of equipment you can have in the call room, how many calls you get before your event, those things we need to address.’ And on the athletes, he told the gathering that the focus should also be paid to the social aspects of the lives of athletes. The primary focus he, however, noted should be on getting them to run faster times, and drug-free.

“Whatever the system is, whatever the means are, we must find one and we must stick with it and we must set in those documents that we’re going to produce various test periods, testing where we are, what we want to achieve by 2015, 2016, 2017. And if we surpass our targets fine, and if we don’t we need to answer the question what next we need to do in order to get there.” Huston continued, “My family members, don’t make money the issue, please do this in the absence of thinking how much this will cost, don’t be blinded by high figures that you think it may cost. We as administrators will so cut our suit according to our cloth.”

Captain Clarke named in first Test team versus India MELBOURNE,(Reuters) - Australia have named injured captain Michael Clarke in a 12-man squad for the first test against India in Brisbane next month, while also bringing in uncapped paceman Josh Hazlewood. Clarke was named pending his recovery from a hamstring injury which he aggravated during the one-day international series against South Africa, Cricket Australia said in a release on Monday. If unable to recover in time, he will be replaced by another batsman, the governing body said. “The plan is for Clarke to resume running over the coming days,” the release said. “If successful he will play for the CA XI in its

two-day tour match against the touring Indian side at the Adelaide Oval on Friday. “Should Clarke play that match and recover well he will take his place in the Test side.” Hazlewood has been included after showing impressive form in the ODI series against South Africa and joins a pace battery including Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle. “Josh is a young player of great talent and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity,” selectors chief Rod Marsh said in the statement of the 23-year-old Hazlewood, who took nine wickets against the Proteas. “He has impressed in the recent one-day series and we are excited to see what he can produce if given the

Michael Clarke opportunity in Brisbane.” Vice-captain and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has also been named in the squad after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained against Pakistan in the UAE, while Harris makes his return after a long recovery following knee surgery. “We know what a quality player he is,” Marsh said of

Harris. “He will play in this upcoming round of Sheffield Shield to get more bowling under his belt but we are all hopeful he will be ready for a big summer of cricket.” Spinner Nathan Lyon has retained his place, despite being taken to the cleaners by Pakistan’s batsmen during the recent 2-0 Test series defeat in the United Arab Emirates. Squad: Michael Clarke (captain), Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, David Warner, Shane Watson

Notable Dates

Wet outfield rules out play for third straight day

NICKNAMED `Hurricane’, super featherweight Hugo Lewis went full blast on Wayne Coates on November 24, 2001. Coates could put up no defence when Lewis released an onslaught which forced the referee to call a halt to the fight in round one. Six fights later the undefeated Lewis would win the World Boxing Council (WBC) Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) super featherweight title with a first round knockout of John Trotman in Barbados. He would have two more fights before, without explanation, walking away from the ring in 2004 at age 31. At that time, the crowd-pleasing boxer had chalked up 18 fights without a single defeat and to this day remains the only Guyanese fighter to leave the ring with such a record. Lewis was given the pseudonym after the powerful Cape Verde-type Hurricane Hugo that caused widespread damage and loss of life in the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Southeast United States in September 1989.

LUCAS STREET, Barbados, (CMC) – A wet outfield on Sunday forced the abandonment of the third day’s play in the third round match in the WICB Professional Cricket League between Barbados Pride and Jamaica. A trough system dumped heavy rains across the island from Thursday through Saturday, and even though good weather returned on Sunday, the Windward Sports Club remained unfit for play. Ground-staff at the eastern Barbados venue worked tirelessly in mopping up operations but with significant water still on the outfield, umpires called off the game at 2:45 pm. It was the third straight day play was abandoned without a ball bowled. The development is a major blow for Barbados who are defending champions. They were also hampered by rain last weekend as they chased victory against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in their opening round encounter at Queen’s Park Oval.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 24, 2014

Hamilton takes second F1 title in style By Alan Baldwin ABU DHABI, (Reuters) A tearful Lewis Hamilton joined the elite ranks of double Formula One world champions yesterday after a nerve-racking drive to victory in the floodlit season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. In a race overshadowed by the ever-present spectre of mechanical failure after the Briton’s Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg suffered an early loss of power, Hamilton powered to his 11th win in 19 races. The 29-year-old, who took his first title with McLaren in 2008, became Britain’s first multiple champion since Jackie Stewart in 1971 and only the country’s fourth. “Lewis, thank you very much for not letting the British public down,” Britain’s Prince Harry told him over the radio from the pit wall as the chequered flag came down. “You are an absolute legend.” Hamilton, crying on the podium as the anthem sounded and with his voice cracking in later interviews, performed a slowing down lap with the British flag flut-

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - NOVEMBER 23: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates with his team after winning the World Championship after the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit, yesterday. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Image after starting on pole positering from the cockpit and the words ‘Hammer Time’ written on it. “World champion. Oh my God, I can’t believe it, thanks everyone,” he had shouted over the radio before parking up and embracing his father, pop star girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger and family. The victory was a record 16th of the season for Mercedes, who had already collected the constructors’ crown, and for the first time the winner took 50 points

in an unprecedented and controversial double points finale. “This has been just an incredible year. I can’t believe how amazing,” said Hamilton. “This is the greatest moment in my life. It feels very surreal. “(Winning in) 2008 was special but the feeling I have now is above and beyond. It’s the greatest feeling I’ve ever had. Thanks so much everyone.” Rosberg finished 14th

tion and 17 points adrift, the much-vaunted ‘duel in the desert’ becoming a nightmare after dark for the German son of Finland’s 1982 champion Keke. LOSING BRAKES He had suffered problems from the 25th of 55 laps, then complained about losing brakes as he fell down the order, still hoping against hope that a similar misfortune might befall Hamilton and revive his chances. When the team asked

Eastman closes 2014 cycling season with victory

HAMZAH Eastman closed the Hassan Mohamed’s 2014 cycling season with a victory in the 15th annual Diamond Mineral Waters sponsored 15th Annual 50-mile cycle road race yesterday. The event which was organised by National cycling coach Mohamed and which commenced from outside the Wales Police Station, West Bank Demerara, saw Eastman returning a time of one hour, 59 minutes 42.80 seconds in recording the victory, He also won three of the eight prime prizes that were up for grabs. Orville Hinds of Linden finished a close second and won three prime prizes also, while Berbician Romelo Crawford placed third, Jamal John fourth, Alonzo Ambrose fifth and Mark Harris sixth. Ambrose also claimed two of the eight prime prizes that were up for grabs during the event. The defending champion of the event, Warren McKay, did not take part in yesterday’s activity nor did the consistent Robin Persaud, Marlon `Fishy’ Williams, Alonzo Greaves and

Hamzah Eastman (extreme left) races past Orville Hinds (second left) and others to win the 15th Annual Diamond Mineral Water 50-Mile cycle road race yesterday (Sonell Nelson photo). Paul DeNobrega. After the bikers were sent on their way from outside the Wales Police Station, the starters stuck together for most of the upward journey until Hinds attacked the pack but he was joined in the lead by Eastman, Crawford ,Ambrose and John and the quintet dominated the proceedings to the turn back point at Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo, to the finish line at the Demerara Harbour Bridge. Approaching the finish line, the five leaders were together, but with approxi-

mately 100 metres remaining for the finish, Eastman who was placed fifth at the time came from the inside and sailed past Hinds who was leading at the time to win by approximately one and one half bicycle lengths. Hinds settled for second, Crawford third, John fourth, Ambrose fifth and Harris sixth. It was quite some time after the first five cyclists crossed the finish line that the sixth placed finisher (Harris) out-sprinted Andre Green to finish sixth. The junior category was won by Crawford while John placed

second and Ambrose third. Talim Shaw won the veterans category ahead of Shameer Baksh and Kennard respectively, while Ozia McAullay won the Mountain Bike category ahead of Julio Melville and Seon Budhan respectively. The ladies event was won by Ronella Samuels, while Walter `Buck Man’ Issacs made a successful defence of the veterans’ over 60 years title. The Veterans, ladies and mountain bikers all turned back from outside the Uitvlugt Community Centre and finished at the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

him to pit and retire with only a handful of laps to go, Rosberg asked to stay out so he could at least end the season on track. “Sorry it didn’t work out but you drove like a champion,” said Mercedes technical head Paddy Lowe. “We come back next year to have another go.” Rosberg, who gallantly shook Hamilton’s hand afterwards, did not need to tell anyone that he was disappointed but he said it anyway. “All in all, Lewis deserved to win the championship. What happened to me had no impact, it did not change anything so there is no point focusing on that,” he said. “He did just a little bit better than me. The positive is I’ve been the better qualifier over the last two years and that gives me a good base. I came very close and it is a pity it did not work out.” Brazilian Felipe Massa

finished second for Williams in the race, after looking like he could win it, with Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas third. “Not bad for an old man,” said a delighted Massa after his best result since 2012, when he was at Ferrari. Behind them, Australian Daniel Ricciardo finished fourth for Red Bull with Hamilton’s former McLaren team mate Jenson Button fifth in what may have been his last race in Formula One. Force India duo Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez were sixth and seventh while outgoing four-times champion Sebastian Vettel was eighth in his last race for Red Bull before moving to Ferrari. The man he will replace at the Italian team, double world champion Fernando Alonso, was ninth and ahead of Finnish team mate Kimi Raikkonen.

T&T close in on victory after Leewards stumble

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago turned the tables on troubled Leeward Islands, and were closing in on a come-from-behind victory on the penultimate day of their second round clash in the WICB Professional Cricket League here yesterday. After trailing on first innings, Red Force hit back strongly to bundle out the hosts for 130 in their second innings, and set themselves an uncomplicated victory target of 203 at Warner Park. At the close, they had reached 95 for two, and were requiring a further 108 to win the contest. Yannick Ottley was unbeaten on 40 at the close and was partnered by Jason Mohammed on 17. The Leewards were right in it when they claimed openers Lendl Simmons (13) and Imran Khan (21) cheaply but Ottley and Mohammed steadied the innings in an unbroken 53-run, third wicket stand. Ottley, a 23-year-old right-hander, has hit four fours and a six off 199 balls. Earlier, leg-spinner Imran Khan snatched six for 13 as the Leewards, resuming on 17 without loss, were sent crashing for a modest total. They were 62 without loss but collapsed to lose ten wickets for 68 runs in a nightmare period on either side of lunch. They lost four wickets in the morning to be 109 for four at the break and the remaining six wickets then tumbled after lunch for the addition of only 21 runs. Opener Austin Richards top-scored with 42 off 61 deliveries while Jahmar Hamilton contributed 31. It was Hamilton who tried to rally the innings in a knock that came from 67 balls in 76 minutes, with four fours. He put on 34 for the fifth wicket with captain Devon Thomas who scored 19. The pair had pushed Leewards up to 121 for four but once Thomas was caught at mid-wicket by captain Rayad Emrit off fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, the last six wickets perished for nine runs. Seamer Émrit took two for 13.

Sport CHRONICLE

Hamilton takes second F1 title in style See Story on Page 23

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

Director of Sport hails 5 ‘Big Ride’ a success th

Director of Sport Neil Kumar along with other members of the organising committee and some of the participants from yesterday’s ‘BIG RIDE’.

SCORES of persons took to the streets yesterday on their bicycles to partner with the Ministry of Health, National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, to host the 5th ‘Big Ride’. The event which was birthed in 2010 is now placed on the calendar of events by the aforementioned entities, since it plays a part in promoting healthy lifestyle and exercise through sports, more so cycling. Starting at the University of Guyana access road on the Rupert Craig Highway, the cyclists ranging from as old as 72 years old, to three years of age, pedalled to the finish line at the Ministry of Sports ground on Carifesta Avenue where a welcoming party, headed by Director of Sport Neil Kumar and other officials from the Ministry of Health and the

Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) greeted them with cheers. “This is an important event for us and we had to make sure that we pulled it off this year because a lot of people look forward to it,” Kumar said during his remarks. The recent inclement weather experienced across Guyana had forced the organisers to shift from the originally planned date and had even threatened the hosting of yesterday’s event, but, according to Kumar, he’s thankful for those who came out and supported. “If it wasn’t done today (yesterday), I doubt if we would’ve been able to host it this year, but I’m glad we had great weather and people came out and supported and to help make the ‘BIG RIDE’ a success” Kumar noted. President of the GCF Cheryl Thompson pointed

out that once again, her organisation is pleased to be associated with the event and most importantly, that the sport of cycling is used to promote a healthy lifestyle. Three year old Tyler Geoding was named the

youngest rider (male) while four year-old Jessica Mohabir picked up the trophy for the females. Seventy-two year-old Navo Persaud was the event’s oldest participant while Sam Tracy was presented with a trophy for

his innovation and creativity with his bicycle. The event also pushes communities to support by offering several prizes in various categories and as such, the community of Industry won the hog of the accolades – Village with

the Most Participation, Village with the largest youth support and largest female group. For the first time, a cycling club participated in the ‘BIG RIDE’; Team CoCo was named the best uniformed group.

Deonarine grabs five for 24 as Guyana Jaguars lead by 240 runs See Story on Page 20

Off-spinner Narsingh Deonarine returned excellent figures of 19-11-24-5.

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MONDAY, NOVEMVER 24, 2014