2014 12 14

SUNDAY No. 104041

SUNDAY DECEMBER 14, 2014

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PRICE: $120

More could have been accomplished Page

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-President Ramotar looking back at his three years in office

Guyana gets its first neurosurgeon

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INCLUDING VAT

President Donald Ramotar

2 First Lady Foundation spreads Christmas cheer at Black Bush Polder Page

Peacemaker 12 stabbed to death, suspect on the run Page

GPF refutes AFC Councillor’s 14 assertion of crime upsurge in EBE communities Page

Dr Amarnauth Dukhi receives his certificate from Head of Neurosurgery in Cuba, Professor Esteban Roig

Opposition members creating mischief among Sophia Community Clean-Up workers Page 12 ––Local Gov’t Ministry

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 14, 2014

First Lady Foundation spreads Christmas cheer at Black Bush Polder

THE First Lady’s Foundation yesterday embarked on a series of Christmas parties, distributing gifts to some 600 children in Black Bush Polder, Region 6 (East Berbice Corentyne).

First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar visited Yakusari Primary, Joanna Primary, Mibikuri Primary and Lesbeholden Primary Schools distributing gifts and snacks to the children.

The children entertained the First Lady with poems and dances and in turn, the elves and helpers of the First Lady sang carols, played games and danced

with the children.

As Santa appeared to assist the First Lady with the distribution of gifts to the 600 boys and girls, she noted that she was “very heartened to see the children having a lovely time at the party.”

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Mrs Ramotar explained that this is her favourite time of the year and feels the best way to celebrate this festive season is to spend it with children.

“It’s a period when you share with children and I always feel fulfilled See page 11

First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar at Yakusari Primary

The First Lady at Joanna Primary

First Lady at Lesbeholden Primary (Adrian Narine photos)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 14, 2014

More could have been accomplished -President Ramotar looking back at his three years in office

THIS month, President Donald Ramotar observed three years in office, after being sworn in to the presidency on December 5, 2011, following the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) win at the general elections in that year. Three years on, the Head of State said he would describe those three years as ‘mixed,’ due in part to a very difficult political situation, locally and a complicated and not so favourable international situation.

The fact however, that Guyana’s economy continued to grow and its social services expanded, is considered monumental given the overall circumstances they were achieved in, President Ramotar told the Director of the Government Information Agency, Neaz Subhan during a recent interview.

Looking back some 20 years from the present, the Head of State said that historians may see his first three years from a better perspective, particularly in light of the challenges faced. While he is happy with what has been achieved, it has also

been very wearisome since he feels that the nation could have progressed much further had there been more cooperation on the political front.

“I am proud of that, our team, what we were able to do, but I must admit that it was very frustrating, because we could have gone much further than we have, if we had a better local political situation…”

The failure to start

He stressed that it is a project that will transform the country and accelerate its growth and development. Cheap electricity is vital to propel Guyana towards the stage of being a developed country, he added, as he described the voting against the project by both parliamentary Opposition political parties as “vindictive.” “…the fact that the Opposition voted against it for no other reason -I

say they delayed it,…

I’m still determined that Amaila Falls (project) will come on stream.”

The need for other infrastructural projects such as an expanded Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the paved road link to Lethem via Linden and a deep water harbour were highlighted by the President as necessary for Guyana’s development.

The main goal however, is the develop-

“I am proud of that, our team, what we were able to do, but I must admit that it was very frustrating, because we could have gone much further than we have, if we had a better local political situation…” construction of the Amalia Falls Hydro Power project is a major regret for the President, “because that project is one that every single Guyanese would benefit from, whether they get electricity from the grid or not.”

don’t know what else to say but being vindictive. Why I say that is that both the Opposition parties have in their manifesto that they were in support of hydro (power) and here we had a fantastic deal and they scuttled it. I would

ment of human capital to ensure that an educated workforce was prepared to take advantage of the many jobs that will be available with advancing economic development.

This was the focus of the PPP/C Govern-

President Donald Ramotar ment since it gained o f f ice in 1 9 9 2 , t h e President explained.

Economic growth is tied to education levels

and history has proven this. “The most important factor for development is our people,” he stressed.(GINA)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 14, 2014

Russia says will Dozens killed in Afghanistan react if U.S. imposes fighting as foreign troops head home new sanctions

Afghan security forces inspect at the site of a suicide attack in Kabul December 13, 2014.

Credit: Reuters/Omar Sobhani sending a column of black two weeks.

In Kabul on Saturday, a smoke over the capital.

(Reuters) - THE Afghan soldiers but also suffered “A suicide bomber on Taliban killed a Supreme heavy losses from intensi- bomb ripped through a bus foot detonated his explosives carrying soldiers in Kabul, fying violence ahead of the Court official, a dozen at the door of a bus carrying killing at least seven of them, withdrawal of most intermine clearers and severarmy soldiers,” said Hashmangling the vehicle and al national and foreign national troops in the next mat Stanekzai, a spokesman for Kabul police chief.

Earlier gunmen shot dead senior Supreme Court official Atiqullah Raoufi as he left his home in the city.

The Taliban, ousted from power by U.S.-backed Afghan forces in 2001, claimed responsibility, but did not say why it had killed him. The hardline Islamist insurgents run their own courts in parts of the country and consider the official judiciary to be corrupt.

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Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov looks on at the start of two days of closed-door nuclear talks at the United Nations offices in Geneva October 15, 2013.

Credit: Reuters/Fabrice Coffrini/Pool

(Reuters) - RUSSIA will take counter measures if Washington imposes new sanctions on Moscow over the Ukraine crisis, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Saturday.

The U.S. Congress has readied new sanctions on Russian weapons companies and investors in the country’s high-tech oil projects, but U.S. President Barack Obama has yet to sign a corresponding

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bill into law.

“We will not be able to leave that without an answer,” Russia’s Interfax news agency quoted Ryabkov as saying. He did not say what form of counter-measure Moscow might take.

Relations between Russia and the United States are at their lowest since the Cold War because of Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in March and its support for pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine.

The West says it has firm evidence that Russia has armed the rebels - an accusation that Moscow rejects - and has, together with the European Union, imposed several rounds of economic sanctions on Russian individuals and large companies.

Russia retaliated to the earlier sanctions by restricting food imports from a range of Western countries.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 14, 2014

Pope marks LatAm feast with Argentine folk hymns VATICAN CITY (AP) — POPE Francis is calling for Latin America to care for its poorest and most marginalised, those who have been “enslaved” and exploited by an economic system that he said treats

them as useless.

Francis deviated from his homily on an important Latin American feast day Friday to hammer home a point he made for years as archbishop of Buenos Aires and now as pope.

The Argentine Jesuit said he prayed that the continent would be shaped in the future by attention to the poor and persecuted, “by those for whom today the idolatry of a culture of waste relegates them to a category

of slaves, objects of exploitation or simply wasted.”

He said he hoped the continent’s future would balance justice with reconciliation, scientific development with human wisdom and suffering with hope.

Latin America only region set to meet hunger reduction goals: U.N

By Chris Arsenault

Pope Francis caresses a child as he celebrates a Mass on the occasion of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Latin American nations struggle to reconcile growth, climate action

By Santiago Ortega LIMA (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - AT the U.N. climate talks this week, a group of Latin American and Caribbean countries are pushing a bold goal: A world with zero net emissions by 2050.

But achieving that even within their own borders will be a challenge as the region struggles to harmonise often competing ambitions for economic growth and climate action, Peruvian and Colombian experts said.

At Lima, the Association of Independent Latin America and Caribbean states, or AILAC, has called for a legally binding new climate agreement in which every country in the world has emissions reduction goals.

The group, which includes Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Chile, Guatemala and Peru, also wants strong action to help countries adapt to inevitable climate change impact.

But the countries may find it difficult to comply at home with what they are asking abroad as a result of policies that put the need for poverty alleviation and economic growth ahead of environmental goals, the experts said.

ROME (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Latin America and the Caribbean is the only region on track to meet the 2009 World Food Summit goal of halving the number of people suffering from hunger by 2015, the United Nations reported.

The number of hungry people in the region has fallen to 37 million from 68.5 million in just over 20 years, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said in its “Panorama of Food and Nutritional Security 2014” report on Wednesday.

The region must feed an additional 2.75 million people by the end of 2015 to meet the goal, a “final push” that would require a faster pace of reduction that the average of 1.4 million people a year over the past two decades, the FAO said.

FAO Director General Jose Graziano da Silva wrote that the region had already met a similar target set as one of the Millennium Development Goals.

“Latin America and the Caribbean… is the only region of the world that has

achieved the hunger target of the Millennium Devel-

opment Goals, reducing to less than half its proportion

of undernourished people since 1990,” he wrote.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 14, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

A T&T AND GUYANA ‘TANGO’ FOR BETTER COOPERATION IT is good to know that the recent memorandum of understanding signed between the Agriculture Minister of Guyana (Dr Leslie Ramsammy) and his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart (Devant Maharaj), is already bearing fruit in terms of expanding arrangements for citrus and vegetable production within the context of widening trade relations between these CARICOM partner

states that have much in common.

That such a development is occurring simultaneously with increasing investments in Guyana by some leading corporate entities and well known entrepreneurs, is further proof-if indeed any is needed-of the deepening development partnership between our nation and that twin-island state, less than an hour’s flying time away

by Caribbean Airlines from their respective international

airports.

At the same time, it is quite relevant to observe that there needs to be more urgent and serious attention between these CARICOM partners in vital areas to curb spreading criminality, involving narco-trafficking, gun smuggling as well as the resolution of recurring immigration problems that’s inconsistent with the letter and spirit of the Community Treaty pertaining to

been Guyanese nationals.

While Minister Griffith’s Guyanese counterpart, Home Affairs Minister unimpeded intra-regional Clement Rohee, addresses movement and citizens’ this particular disturbing right to work. issue, it is also quite relJust recently Trinidad evant that both ministers and Tobago’s Minister of give urgent consideration to National Security, Gary Grif- a meeting between them to fith, in rejecting claims by deal with increasing threats his government’s opponents being posed to life and propthat the deportation of a erty by armed criminals of group of Nigerians smacked varying CARICOM nationof “racism” against “Afri- alities. Among them are recans,” also pointed out that ported to be undocumented contrary to other misinfor- Community nationals and mation, the single largest foreigners involved in narnumber of deportees of ille- co-trafficking. gal immigrants in T&T have Ministers Rohee and

Griffith need to give priority attention to the evolving of a policy framework for practical, hands-on cooperation with a view to dealing with gun-related and narco-trafficking criminality.

Also, to ensure immigration authorities are NOT abusing their powers in their treatment of CARICOM nationals. Or, for that matter, nationals of ALL states who turn up at established ports of entry.

We await to learn of the required initiatives to be pursued by Ministers Griffith and Rohee as raised in this Editorial.

Crimes being fuelled by instability formulated by a sympathetic Opposition Mr. WILFRED Stewart was shot dead by armed bandits who had gone to Sterling Products to get the contents of the safe. They went there to empty the safe of that company and the one whom they think posed the threat between them achieving that goal was the security guard so at point blank range they snuffed out his life. This was a properly planned attack and would have been another equally successful heist by criminals who are well versed in the business of armed robbery. The only problem this time is that the commotion created by the alarm system threw them off balance.

That incident is just another one of those armed robbery cases that is characteristic of Region 4. We wake up to another one of those days with murder mayhem

marring the headlines and when will it all end? Region 4, Georgetown in particular, is the thieving and murder capital of the Caribbean, if not the world. It is a sad, sick, pathetic, situation in Guyana today.

Now, this situation will not change seeing the criminals are taking good advantage of the prevailing circumstances, that is, the instability formulated by a sympathetic Opposition.

Armed robbers and cold blooded murderers are one of the fancied instruments of destabilisation used by the opposition. And they do this in either of two ways, remain silent, or at the least make asinine excuses for this sort of barbarity. Our country is in the throes of dark and gloomy days, as the murderous horde go on a rampage.

I have come to the con-

clusion that the only solution to this problem is for the formulation of and careful sleuth-like execution of a crime fighting strategy. Here are some of the areas we can explore: 1. There must be, I repeat must be mandatory stop and search programme put in place. This is a sure way of netting criminals of the sort that abound in Guyana today.

There would be great success when this is done seeing the preferred mode of robbery is CG motor cycles and cars.

As we speak, criminals have been nabbed by an alert police patrol on the Corentyne, who opted for the proven method of “stop and search.”

Three bandits and their firearms are now out of commission. This means that law enforcement officers have to get up off their haunches and do more patrols.

2. Secondly, police officers must make raids of known criminals and their hideouts; go search for them and root them out. They are not going to come to you so go to them and find them!

This means that you have to go there well prepared for the inevitable.

3. Act on every phone call, follow every lead you might be on to a big find of arms and ammunition as well as the perpetrators of these heinous crimes. Like the situation on the Corentyne you may well have thwarted another murderous robbery bid.

4. In the Sterling Products murder and attempted robbery matter we are told that two men are in custody with lawmen seeking a third man, possibly the mastermind. This tells me that those in custody should have been fingerprinted and their hands

swabbed and tested for gunpowder residue. The reason for me saying this is that the police have to go about this crime fighting business in a modern and professional manner, not the age old Burnhamite tactic of forcing a confession statement out of them. The age of brute force where you beat a confession out of a criminal and taking that to court will not work.

We have seen countless cases of this where known criminals simply cough up a confession statement, then hire one of these crime loving politically motivated lawyers such as Nigel Hughes and the case goes down the chute. in this case getting irrefutable evidence will do it in a court of law.

5 This brings us to the fifth and most crucial point, the matter of trying the matter in court. In

the first place, sentencing for gun related crimes is a big joke. In the present dispensation sentencing for the possession of a firearm and carrying out a crime with it is simply innocuous.

Sentencing a criminal for two, sometimes three years for the possession of weapon of mass destruction is simply asking for trouble.

It is simply a “slap on the wrist” and a tacit carry on smartly boy. My take on this is sentencing for arms possession should carry a minimum of 10 years incarceration and in the event the firearm is not found or there is a refusal to divulge information of it another 10 years should be added to it. If this route is taken many a criminal would volunteer valuable

See Page 7

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 14, 2014

Recapping Some Social Issues

By Keith Burrowes FROM time to time in this column I’ve touched upon what I believe to be social issues, offering at the same time what I believe to be the solutions to some of them. This week, I’m going to offer an extremely condensed view of some of these issues.

To start off, I’d like to acknowledge the passing of the distinguished Guyanese consumer advocate Eileen Cox. Cox who died at 96 spent decades fearlessly speaking up on behalf of consumer rights, a concept that often still feels alien to Guyana today. One of the things she often revisited was that of expired consumer goods. I’ve written time and again for a more comprehensive approach

to consumer protection from expired goods and a recent incident involving a friend who fell really ill from consuming an expired product brought this issue back to the fore with me. Perhaps in honour of the tremendous work Ms. Cox has done, perhaps the government can create and name a consumer affairs institute after her.

Another thing that I want to look at is garbage disposal. It is clear by now that our problems with garbage disposal don’t simply extend to the clear infrastructural issues but happen to extend to the cultural as well. And as with all things that require cultural change, I believe that the solution has to come from focus on our children.

One thing that I am suggesting is that we look

at putting garbage in different coloured bags. Kids would get involved because of the education and excitement potential of instilling in kids the positives of solid waste management. We haven’t reached the recycling sophistication of Europe for example, but we can eventually get there. In the first year you can have the government financing the procurement of these bags.

On the enforcement side, I believe that companies or residents should get a ticket for improper disposal garbage disposal.

The ticket, issued on the amount of garbage illegally disposed of would be paid at a central area, perhaps a specific night court to deal with misdemeanours.

Another area that I believe that focus needs to be

Fibre optic cable project delay disappointing IT is both disturbing and disappointing to read that the fibre-optic cable component of the E-Government Project has been suspended since November 2013 (GT 12/12/2014) due to faulty instillation that now requires remedial works. Why only now are we made aware of this? And who would be held accountable for the flop?

This revelation by the Project Manager, Mr. Alexi Ramotar, also comes as a huge surprise to those keenly following the progress of the project.

In January 2014, Ramotar assured that the project was experiencing minor challenges and that “we have pushed it back, the handing over to August 2014. However, we expect all the parts to be finished by April 2014, we are on track for that and the April to August period is where we will be doing a lot of testing, and optimisation of the network and so forth. These are very standard things that happen in telecoms.” (GT 20/01/2014).

Correspondingly, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds reassured in February of this year that the “E-Government Project unit aimed for an April 2014 completion date. However, this has been extended for August 2014,” and “additional delays stemmed from difficulty of procuring piles, adverse weather conditions and the provision of electrical access to the sites. By no stretch of the imagination can these delays be considered extensive.” GT 12/02/2014).

Now we are being told that the complications surrounding the project aren’t so subtle.

That aside, this represents a severe blow to our private sector and Guyana’s global competitiveness profile. Projects and initiatives like these should ideally be left to the private sector to undertake. Digicel has for years expressed an interest in a fibre optic cable and it was only until October this year that the company was informed that its application for a submarine cable was approved.

Government should only intervene if a gap or vacuum exists. And if the government does commit to such projects, hire professionals with the requisite competence and experience to successfully execute the job.

CLINTON URLING

placed on the young is of course that of sexual and reproductive health. As someone who has spent a considerable time in the health sector, I was proud when I read recently that Guyana is on the point of eradicating mother to child transmission. That however is just a first step.

In order to consolidate and further our gains in this area, I want to recommend that there be a programme in which sexual and reproductive health is fully integrated into our high school curriculum, one that covers a range of issues from condom use to human sexuality.

On the other side of the spectrum, I’d like to once again reiterate my call for one stop care and service agencies dedicated to the elderly and strategically placed in various regions. I

Keith Burrowes

envision a place where our senior citizens can go and have their pension, minor medical check-ups and other services in one place. As I suggested before, this sort

of service can be augmented or supported by a public/ private sector partnership.

Next week, I’ll focus on, some other similar issues.

Crimes being ...

From Page 6

information to secure a lesser sentence. Believe it or not the criminal wants to get out there to continue his crime and one sure way in doing this is keeping his firearm intact. By getting the firearm out of circulation would do the trick, he is handicapped without the firearm hence, will pose no threat to society.

If you take the recent attack at Sterling Products you get the real picture. Three gunmen were present at the scene they shot the security guard and took away his gun, this means that there are now four guns out there waiting to carry out another murderous attack. The point I am making is you recover the firearms and put the perpetrators away which means that we can go to our workplaces as well as sleep at ease. In related news, one or all of the suspects in this matter are past offenders of similar crimes who have just been released from prison.

This is the true picture of the situation we are faced with.

5. There should be major overhauls in the justice sys-

tem as well when it comes to gun crimes. The present scenario makes pathetic reading when you see a man going to jail for 5 hard years for a “spliff” or what we would say “a joint of marijuana” than a criminal trafficking in over 100 lbs of cocaine going scotch free. And I say this not because of the Alex Moore matter in letting the criminal drug trafficker off but against the backdrop of countless other cases. When justice can be so draconian in what I call petty matters It shows you how much of an incentive these sentences are for those bent on real hardcore matters as in gun crimes. The point I am making is that the structure of the present justice system condones crime by deliberately focusing on the non -essentials when the real issues are overlooked.

Finally, a network must be set up where these criminals are concern, business places and other commercial outlets should pass on information to the police of commercial activities such as purchases made by “known characters” and their associates. I make this statement

on the backdrop of what dominates the Guyana crime scene. These criminals do their dastardly deeds then buy expensive vehicles, the preferred type being cars.

Now, these are guys who never worked or at least have any intentions to work but to engage in, a term loosely used in Guyana today, “business.” That kind of business is killing people and something drastic has to be done to rid society of them. Businesses do pass on information to the relevant authorities so that we can bring a halt to these crimes.

Again I make mention of the Sterling Products case of a motor car used as a getaway vehicle. Now i guarantee you that car is owned by one of the criminals. Where did he “work” to acquire such luxury? The point I am making is criminals should always be under the radar.

Surveillance is important in getting these guys in the place where they belong.

Guyana must move forward and we can do this minus the crime.

NEIL ADAMS

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GUYANA’S ‘ONE-LOVE’ OPPOSITION POLITICS IN TROUBLE AHEAD OF COMING 2015 POLL… -the political tango of APNU and AFC

Analysis by Rickey Singh

PARTY politics can be filled with surprises, some quite amusing and distressing. And Guyana’s minority Opposition Alliance for Change (AFC) seems anxious to demonstrate its leadership capacity to deliver a surprising quota of such surprises ahead of a snap general election by mid-2015, if not earlier.

But where, within CARICOM, other than Guyana, would a nine-year-old party like the AFC, whose leadership comprises largely of defectors from the country’s two historic electoral thoroughbreds—People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)-and with seven seats in the 65-member parliament secured at the November 2011-want to lead a coalition of combined Opposition parties at the coming snap general election in 2015?

Well, that was the expressed ambition of the AFC’s current leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, lawyer and ex-PPP parliamentarian, who made the surprising announcement of his ambition last weekend, when addressing his party’s biennial convention in Georgetown.

For starters, Ramjattan, whose penchant for Opposition politics via press releases against PPP administrations since 1992 is well known-had led the AFC into a post-2011 election parliamentary coalition arrangement with the PNCR-dominated APNU (A Partnership for National Unity). The small, minority Working People’s Alliance (WPA) is also part of APNU. FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEM A fundamental problem is that Ramjattan did not bother to even engage in prior consultation with APNU at leadership, or any level, about his ambition for the AFC to LEAD a united coalition front against the incumbent PPP at the coming snap general election.

On the basis of the November 2011 national poll, the PPP had secured 32 of the 65 seats to the 33 votes for the PNCR-dominated opposition coalition of parties under the umbrella of APNU. The PPP had earlier secured the post of Executive President.

It was against the background of a litany of misuse of their combined one-seat majority in parliament, and including recurring injudicious budget cuts of capital and recurrent expenditures that finally resulted in President Donald Ramotar’s decision to prorogue Parliament in the face of a pending no-confidence motion against the Government.

Further surprises included Ramjattan’s decision to have fellow PPP parliamentary defector, Moses Nagamootoo, to be the AFC’s presidential candidate at the 2015 general election with the party’s chairman, Nigel Hughes, as his prime ministerial running mate, while he (Ramjattan) strategises to lead from behind!

NOT SO FAST Not so fast, according to a quick response from APNU’s General Secretary, Joseph Harmon. He made clear in media reports that there has been NO prior consultation on the issue of the AFC “leading” a pre-election coalition. Indeed, such a development, it seems, has never been on the agenda of any meetings/discussions involving the APNU and AFC. Given traditional mixing of race and ideDAVID GRANGER ology in Guyana’s electioneering politics-similarities also reflected in Trinidad and Tobago’s party politics—the basis for the AFC’s ambitious “leadership” quest of a combined Opposition coalition election battle against the PPP is the assumption of the latter’s capacity to appeal more successfully to the Indo-Guyanese voters than APNU. This process of reasoning may have had some

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 14, 2014

validity for the 2011 general election when the AFC increased its parliamentary representation by two from that of 2006.

But by combining votes in parliament they managed to secure a single-seat majority against the PPP in parliament which, nevertheless, managed to steer itself through some stormy sessions and benefited from the constitutional powers of an Executive President.

That political scenario is quite a contrast to the minority AFC being given—as it seeks-the leadership role in an APNU-dominated alliance for the coming 2015 snap general election. Currently, APNU under the chairmanship of the PNC’s leader, David Granger-an ex-Brigadier of the Guyana Defence Force appears to be in no mood for such an accommodation with the AFC. *(Rickey Singh is a noted Caribbean jour- KHEMRAJ RAMJATTAN nalist based in Barbados)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 14, 2014

Partner Notification as a Prevention Strategy: A Social System Perspective Part 3

By PREM MISIR Ph.D THIS paper was published: Misir, P., 1999. AIDS PATIENT CARE and STDs, 13(6), pp.327-334.

Stigmatisation and discrimination continue to negatively affect the victims of AIDS. Stigma is a mark of social disgrace that places the infected person apart from those who see themselves as “normal.” Goffman14 perceives the stigmatised individual as having a “spoiled identity” due to negative evaluations by others. Persons consumed by AIDS are seen as having a spoiled identity by some sections of the population considered to be normal. Legislation on its own will not reduce the stigma experienced by people with AIDS. The AIDS stigmatised image is reinforced by incorrect information. This misrepresentation and mythology of the disease need disclosure discussion, and clarification; they should not be incorporated as the basis for social policies.

Stigma can be reduced by “normalising” the illness. Attempts can also be made to show that not only “deviants” contact HIV. Conrad15 points out that “we need to develop policies that focus on changing the image of AIDS and confront directly the stigma, resistance to information, and the unnecessary fears of the disease. Given the social meaning of AIDS, this will not be easy.” One needs to believe, however it can be done. Partner notification programs will be much more successful if the stigmatised images of AIDS are reduced or eliminated.

PROVIDER REFERRAL VERSUS PATIENT REFERRAL Partner notification programmes, rooted in voluntarisitic choice, have become integral to HIV prevention strategies in most states. These programmes are manifested in terms of either provider referral (third party referral) and/or patient (client) referral. Provider referral refers to a situation in which the patient requests assistance from the public health department to help locate his/her sexual/ needle-sharing contacts/partners. Patient referral has to do with a situation in which the patient notifies his/her own sexual/needle-sharing contacts/partners.

Partner notification facilitates primary and secondary prevention of HIV infection, as shown by the following data from a study by the New York City Department of Health.16 In 1996, 572 HIV-positive patients were interviewed in the partner notification programme.

The interview yielded 485 contacts with a contact index of 0.9. Of these 485 contacts, 82 previously tested positive; approximately 218 contacts were given pretest counseling and tested for the HIV infection; 185 partners were not tested; 12.2% of the partners tested positive. The contact index in 1995 was 0.8, and 12.5% of the partners contacted were tested and

found to be HIV-positive. These data are elicited from third party referrals, which seem to have a fair measure of success.

SWEDISH APPROACH TO PARTNER NOTIFICATION Strategies for implementing partner notification were applied at a Gothenberg Clinic in Sweden. General characteristics of the Swedish approach included the following9: • Partner notification effected shortly after diagnosis

are also better effected by a specially trained counselor than by the physician.

The New York State law to amend public health relating to HIV infection, Chapter 163, makes no clear provisions for guaranteeing good medical care, psychosocial care, or support for HIV-infected patients. These criteria have been associated with supportable partner notification programmes. The legal situation in New York relies heavily on public health personnel to make provider referral happen outside of the clinic

“Partner notification programmes, rooted in voluntarisitic choice, have become integral to HIV prevention strategies in most states. These programmes are manifested in terms of either provider referral (third party referral) and/or patient (client) referral. Provider referral refers to a situation in which the patient requests assistance from the public health department to help locate his/her sexual/needle-sharing contacts/partners. Patient referral has to do with a situation in which the patient notifies his/her own sexual/needle-sharing contacts/partners.”

• Sexual history traced to 3-4 years or more • Concern for civil rights manifested by truly enabling patients to participate • Patients encouraged to reveal information on contacts, any medical examination done, sex techniques utilised, and condom usage • Method of referral made via letter to the partner, without disclosing reason for the meeting This partner notification scheme was successful, and was based on a system of third party referral.

In a follow-up evaluative study9 of the Gothenberg Clinic, it became clear that a partner notification programme is supportable if the following criteria are met: • Guarantee of good medical care • Guarantee of good psychosocial care • Support of diagnosed patients These criteria will not be met in the foreseeable future in the United States.

Indeed, President Clinton admitted that because of a misjudgment relating to probable need, antiretrovirals will not be covered for HIV-infected Medicaid patients until the onset of AIDS. The follow-up evaluative study in Sweden recommends less as opposed to more involvement by the public health department in contact tracing. The results support the position that a system in which the client is dealt with by clinically active health care providers, where names of patients and partners never get out of the clinic, is better for the person with HIV infection than a system using the public health department resources.

Partner notification tasks in this process

setting. Applying this strategy could not only make confidentiality of information violable, but could result in failure of partner notification programmes. The major objection to partner notification is HIV name reporting.

The lack of anonymity may prevent many people from being tested. This is a very important issue to the HIV-infected community and should be addressed.

Various coding systems have been suggested to retain anonymity in the face of name reporting, which should also be mentioned, but these code systems are apparently very costly to develop and implement and imprecise as well.

Further, index patients and partners were linked by internal code numbers at each clinic. The index patients’ name and their partner’s test results are not disclosed in medical communications. The HIV test results of notified partners are never revealed to the index patient. Between 1985 and 1991, there was an 18.4% increase in reported cases.

SWEDISH AND AMERICAN VIEWPOINTS While these principles of partner notification may work well in Sweden, they can present serious problems within the U.S. health care setting.

Value differences exist between the two countries: Americans are more likely to view poverty as an individual problem, whereas in Sweden, poverty is seen as the product of the economic system. In effect, in the United States, emphasis is on “equality of opportunity,” whereas in Sweden focus is on “equality of result.” In Sweden, considerable au-

thority is vested in government, while “less government”, at least regarding this issue in the United States seems to be the case.

Klass17 indicated that U.S. individualism and social and ethnic heterogeneity have produced “fractionalised understandings of citizenship.” In Sweden, citizenship is rooted in solidarity and universal entitlement. This approach is evidenced by two-thirds of Sweden’s $190 billion budget being allocated for healthcare, with everyone being covered through the state. This is not so in the United States. Rodwin18 argues that the United States has a small public hospital policy, and with no national health insurance, a multipayer system exists.

Those patients with more resources can afford the best health care. Therefore, for the aforementioned reasons, the principles for an effective partner notification programme as described in the Swedish research, may not have direct applicability in the United States. This point becomes clear when one keeps in mind that many AIDS patients are either uninsured or underserved in the United States. On a more specific note, the New York City Planning Prevention Group (PPG) has had discussions about partner notification. However, so far the PPG has not accorded a precise priority status to partner notification. The research literature19-21 is quite clear about the significance of partner notification in secondary prevention.

References 14. Goffman E. Stigma. Englewood Cliff, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1963:30-31.

15. Conrad P. The social meaning of AIDS. In: Conrad P, Kern R, eds. The Sociology of Health and Illness: Critical Perspectives, 3rd ed. New York: St. Martin’s, 1990:285-292.

16. Annual Report 1996. New York City Department of Health, Commission of Disease Intervention, Bureau of STD Control.

17. Klass, G. Explaining America and the welfare state: an alternative theory. Br J Polit Sei 1985;15:427.

18. Rodwin VG. Comparative health systems: a policy perspective.

In: Kovner AR, ed. Health Care Delivery in the United States. New York: Springer, 1990.

19. West GR, Stark KA. Partner notification for HIV prevention: a critical reexamination. AIDS Educ Prev 1997;9(Suppl B):68-78.

20. Pattman RS, Gould EM. Partner notification for HIV infection in the United Kingdom: a look back on seven years experience in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Genitourin Med 1993;69:94-97.

21. Pavia AT, Benyo M, Niler L. Partner notification for control of HIV: results after 2 years of a statewide program in Utah. Am J Public Health 1993;83:1418-1424.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 14, 2014

Chronicle Weekend Roundup with Telesha Ramnarine

December 8-13, 2014 Monday 8 Bandits rob Presidential Guard at gunpoint – just outside his home JASPER Carter, a presidential guard of Lot 103 Middle Road, La Penitence, is grateful to be alive after he was robbed at gunpoint just in front his home. Twenty-eightyear-old Carter, originally from Leguan, in the Essequibo River, was exiting his yard around 07:00 hours when two men on bicycles rode up to him and began using a series of expletives, and demanding whatever he had. Carter told the Chronicle that one of the men pulled out a .38 revolver and pointed it at him; and that while one stripped him of his gold chain and ring, the other was saying, “Shoot him! Shoot him!” This is the third time that Carter has been robbed in the same area.

ELECTIONS EARLY NEXT YEAR THE wait has ended and the much anticipated announcement on the way forward to bring an end to the current political impasse came yesterday when President Donald Ramotar announced that Guyana will go to general and regional elections early next year. “I have considered and I have consulted and this is my resolve. We will go to elections. I have also since written to the international community alerting them to the possibility of early elections and the desire for them to field observer missions,” he said.

Mr. Ramotar reasoned that this way Guyanese people’s Christmas holidays, less than three weeks away, will not be disrupted.

Guyana still in top 20 as… Miss World 2014 intensifies IT certainly seems like Guyana will make a name for itself at this year’s Miss World Pageant, as our delegate, the delightful Rafieya Aasieya Husain, secures a spot in the Top 20 as the preliminary competitions continue. In less than 10 days, a new Miss World will be crowned when the pageant finale is held in London, England. The 120 delegates hoping to wear the crown arrived in London for two weeks of activities leading up to the grand finale set for December 14, 2014.

Tuesday 9 Businessman murdered by bandits in daring interior robbery POLICE in the interior were hunting for three men whom they said had murdered 50-year-old businessman Linden Mc Almont of 72 Robindra Street, Annandale, East Coast Demerara and stripped his wife Maureen Mc Almont of her jewellery during a robbery at Mango Landing. The dead man’s step-daughter Abiola Fraser said her mother and step-father would have celebrated their third wedding anniversary last Wednesday.

One dead, another injured as masked men invade Sterling Products A LATE afternoon robbery attempt on Sterling Products on the East Bank of Demerara has left a security guard dead and another man nursing a gunshot wound to the leg. Dead is father of two, Wilfred Steven Stewart of Graham’s Hall East Coast Demerara, who was attached to the Edward B. Beharry Security Company for more than 15 years.

Approximately five heavily armed men who were masked showed up at the facility and marched straight through the gate and into the guard hut. They opened fire on Stewart, while another worker who was sitting outside the guard hut was chased by one of the gunman but managed to escape.

The gunmen, who were carrying riffles, were reportedly transported to the location in a white car which was heavily tinted.

Training mounted at Kaieteur National Park for tour guides and park wardens FRANKFURT Zoological Society in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) began a training programme at the Kaieteur National Park for tour guides and park wardens. Facilitator for the programme, Thadaigh Baggallay disclosed that “the objective of the programme is to train local villagers from around Kaieteur National Park and to pass on the skills needed to be either a tour guide or a park warden.” Baggallay noted that the training which is scheduled from December 3-11 is for current staff and also potential new recruits.

GUYOIL launches US$3.5M fuel handling facility at CJIA CONSIDERING the increase in inflow of flights through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), the Guyana Oil Company Limited (GUYOIL) commissioned an Aviation Services Fuel Handling facility at the airport at Timehri. President Donald Ramotar, who officially commissioned the facility, said that it will see a drastic increase in terms of the flow of traffic at CJIA, contributing significantly to the growing tourism sector. This US$3.5 million project is phase one of an overall venture which comprises the construction of the terminal at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Wednesday 10 Sterling Products shooting…

Police take three into custody POLICE were questioning three men whom they picked up after five gunmen stormed Sterling Products Limited at Providence, East Bank Demerara. The arrests were made after the police conducted searches at the home of the three men; a Toyota 212 motorcar was also impounded by the police as part of the investigation.

DNA results confirm body to be missing St Stanislaus teacher DNA tests conducted by the Forensic Science Centre of Trinidad on the samples taken from the body that was recovered aback of Pattensen, East Coast Demerara, on July 24, 2014, are back and Crime Chief, Leslie James confirmed the body to be missing St Stanislaus school teacher, Nyozi Goodman. Goodman, 34, of William Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was reported as missing on July 06, 2014 following a basketball game.

Angoy’s Avenue homes to be electrified very soon AS it transforms itself from a farming area to the largest soon-to-be- regularised squatting community locally, Mount Sinai, commonly referred to as Angoy’s Avenue, is now electrified. However, power is yet to be accessed in homes. The power supply, via lines on utility poles was switched on even as 102 residents seek the intervention of the Regional Chairman, David Armogan to furnish them with letters to be taken to the local office of the Guyana Power and Light, where the utility company will commence processing their applications for power in their homes.

Thursday 11 Demerara Bank launches VISA Credit Card DEMERARA Bank Limited recently observed its 20th anniversary and in observance of the occasion, launched its VISA Credit Card at Pegasus, Georgetown. The card was endorsed by President Donald Ramotar and Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh. Demerara Bank Limited is a Guyanese bank that credits customers as its greatest asset, says Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Yesu Persaud.

Guyana Launches MDG Maternal Health Framework IN an effort to fulfill its international obligations to Millennium Development Goal 5- Improve Maternal Health, Guyana, with help from UN agencies, launched its MDG Acceleration Framework (MAF) at the Herdmanston Lodge, Queenstown.“The framework is a synthesising of a policy approach to an extremely important issue. The MAF represents the latest manifestation of our Government’s strong and unswerving commitment to the achievement of the MDGs,” Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh said as he spoke on the need for key investments to be made for achieving MDGs. New coconut association formed in Pomeroon PPP/C Regional Democratic Councillor (RDC), Mrs. Vilma Da Silva has said a new coconut association has been formed in the Region Two area of the Pomeroon to take advantage of the high demand for water and dried coconuts on the international market. Mrs. Da Silva said she had recently attended a seminar in Trinidad and Tobago on the “Development of the Coconut Industry in the Caribbean” and she has learnt about the great demand for water and dried coconuts on the international market.

Mrs. Da Silva, who has responsibility for the Pomeroon area of Region 2, has a great passion to see the development of the coconut industry in the Pomeroon move upwards.

Four men fined for driving under the influence THE Guyana Police Force said the following persons have been charged and found guilty by the courts for driving under the influence of alcohol: Hafeez Persaud, 28, of Sheet Anchor, East Canje, Berbice; Ruel Jagroo, 25, of Rose Hall Town, Corentyne; Kennard Basdeo, 20, of Anna Catherina, WCD; and Jaipersaud Lallbeharry, 34, of Adelphi, East Canje, Berbice.

Friday 12 GLGOU threatens M&CC with shutdown of Municipal buildings THE Guyana Local Government Officers Union (GLGOU) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) over its failure to approve wages and salary increases for Local Government officers for 2013. In a statement, GLGOU informed City Mayor Hamilton Green that the action will be taken subject to his previous indication that he will “revisit the issue and have the matter of approval for wages and salaries for members of GLGO.” BIT puts over 300 more skilled youngsters on ever-growing job market THE Board of Industrial Training (BIT) saw over 300 persons in Region Four graduate following training in several areas. The graduation ceremony, which was held at the Regency Hotel on Hadfield Street, here in Georgetown saw 16 officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) graduating as Heavy-Duty Equipment Operators, along with three other batches in this skill area, while 31 persons graduated in block making, catering and cosmetology through collaboration with the GPF. Through continuous operation of the Eccles Skills Training Centre, 71 persons gained qualification in the areas of catering and Information Technology, and 42 in Welding and Fabrication through the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC), along with 77 women in the areas of Information Technology, Sewing, Catering and Cosmetology through collaboration with the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute.

Corentyne man ran over by police motorcycle A 54-YEAR-OLD security guard of Hampshire, Corentyne Coast, is warded at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), suffering multiple injuries after being struck down by a police patrol motor cycle on the Hampshire public road. Rajendranauth Gopaul said he was crossing the road a short distance away from his home when the police rank driving his motorcycle failed to stop at a major road and ploughed into him. He suffered a fractured left leg; injuries to his neck; a blow to his head and jaw; cuts to his forehead and nose, among other things. Gopaul is unable to see out of his left eye. Saturday, December 13 Decomposed male corpse found at Windsor Forest THE decomposed remains of a male of African descent were discovered at the Windsor Forest Foreshore, WCD. Sources report that the body, clad in short black jeans and bearing several tattoos imprinted on the chest and arms, was in an advanced state of decomposition when it was spotted trapped between some rocks by persons traversing the area. The body bore no marks of violence, according to police sources, who said they were still trying to ascertain its identity.

T&T investors poised for agricultural ventures here FURTHER to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2013 between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) concerning cooperation in the area of food security, the respective Ministers of Agriculture met to discuss the approach to this venture. Dr Leslie Ramsammy noted that following the meeting, a team of 15 potential Trinidadian investors engaged with local colleagues and technical staffers of the Ministry of Agriculture have been visiting some of the potential sites for farming, particularly the Intermediate Savannahs and the Canje Basin (Berbice).

Demerara Bank launches Signature Credit Card WHILE launching the Demerara Bank Limited Visa Credit Card for their 20th anniversary celebration on Wednesday night at the Pegasus, Jerrett Morgan, Investment Supervisor, said the Signature Credit Card is the first of its kind to be launched here and it is a high-end card with a concierge service and an exclusive website which caters for all the travelling and other needs of customers.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 14, 2014

First Lady Foundation spreads ...

From page 2 when I do this,� she said. She deemed the first of the four distributions a complete success, as they were able to present each child with a Christmas gift.

Mrs. Ramotar and members of the foundation are travelling countrywide to spread Christmas cheer to children.

According to the First Lady, her next stop will be Linden, Region 10 (Upper

Demerara/Upper Berbice) on December 16, when the group will serve some 400 children; then on to Bartica, Region 7 on December 18, where some 600 children will be served. The grand finale will be at State House in Georgetown on December 21, when the group will cater to 600 children. (Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)

Mrs. Ramotar assisting Santa with the distribution of gifts at Mibikuri Primary.

Mrs. Ramotar spreading the Christmas cheer at Mibikuri Primary

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 14, 2014

Opposition members creating mischief among Sophia Community Clean-Up workers––Local Gov’t Ministry

THE Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (MLG&RD) is concerned over several reports by workers employed under the Georgetown zone of the “Clean Up My Country” programme in Sophia.

In a recent press release, the ministry said that it was reported that members of an Opposition political party who are employed as community enhancement workers under the Sophia Clean-Up Project are inciting anger among the other workers by saying that they are being robbed of what they rightfully should be earning.

The release further stated that in an interview, the community coordinator said, “Work-

ers who are affiliates of a main Opposition party have been injecting negative thoughts into the minds of the other workers with the intention of creating confusion and conflict between him and the workers, and among the workers themselves.” The community coordinator said that in E-Field, the Opposition affiliates tried to make mischief by telling the other workers that the MLG&RD had given him money to cook for the teams and this has raised concern among the workers. The coordinator said it seems as though the plot by the Opposition members is to arouse anger among the team members.

The release indicated that the ministry is very concerned that this political gimmick is

designed to arouse anger and disrupt the work flow of the Community Enhancement Project.

Further, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development condemns this act of provocation, mischief and claims made by the recalcitrants and mischief-makers.

The ministry would also like to inform the public that the Government of Guyana Clean-Up My Country Programme which aims to improve the aesthetics and sanitation of communities, does not provide allowances for meals to workers. Workers from communities are contracted and are remunerated for their labour input. In addition, as part of the contractual arrangement between the community representatives and the MLG&RD, tools

and safety gear are provided to each group.

The MLG&RD would also like to inform the Clean-Up My Country teams operating in excess of 40 communities across Georgetown to beware of these elements that are politicising the national programme and trying to deprive them of incomes.

The Sophia Clean-Up Project is thus far the largest community clean-up project under the Georgetown zone of the Clean-Up My Country Programme. Two hundred and twenty-five residents have been employed to clean their communities, along with nine field supervisors who have been employed to supervise the clean-up activities across 76 blocks.

Extensive cleanup initiative that was executed in Sophia

Peacemaker stabbed to death, suspect on the run UP to late yesterday the police were hunting for a man accused of stabbing to death another in West Bank Berbice.

Information reaching the media from the police disclosed that at approximately 00.01 hours on Saturday morning Surujpaul Ramnarine, 51, of Blairmont, West Bank Berbice attempted to act as a peacemaker in an argument between two other men when he was stabbed to the chest.

He was quickly picked up and rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital where he was pronounced dead, as the police and residents launched a manhunt for the suspect.

Contacted yesterday afternoon, a niece of the deceased was reluctant to speak with this newspaper about the incident; she would only say that she believes that her uncle has six children and would not say where the man had worked, nor was she willing to give any other information.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 14, 2014

Anyone who wants to do better, we are here for you –Dr Anthony tells NOC inmates at Annual Christmas Luncheon

THE New Opportunity Corps (NOC) has, over the years, received negative criticism in the press and from the public. However, there is need for the good stories to be told. This was the premise on which Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS), Dr. Frank Anthony, and special guest Hugh Ross based their remarks at the annual luncheon held at the NOC. Held yesterday, the luncheon was attend-

Anthony also indicated his satisfaction with the students who performed at the recent Drama Festival, where they raked in a number of individual accolades, including Best Actor and Best Actress. The Minister expressed appreciation to the mentors who worked with the students, and indicated his expectation of another outstanding performance by the students at the next Drama Festival.

tough enough to shoulder the criticism… that must not kill the spirit of what you do,” Anthony exhorted.

He also recognised that many members of staff were there because of their passion to help the youths.

While interacting with the students, Ross shared his upbringing and his career, which started with him first being a teacher, a nurse, a bank teller, and then a member of

resentation. In light of his achievements, he told the students that there is no reason why they cannot achieve similar accolades and exceed those he has.

Ross emphasised that the students should not be depressed about being at the NOC, but should see it as an opportunity for them to empower themselves.

Region 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam)Chairman Parmanand Persaud, in his remarks,

The gathering at the annual Christmas Luncheon for inmates of the New Opportunity Corps

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, Mr Alfred King, picks up vegetables cultivated at the New Opportunity Corps while Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, looks on appreciatively

ed by senior managers of the MCYS and representatives from the Region 2 Administration and from UNICEF and CUSO. At the start of his address, the Minister stated that the Ministry is keen on ensuring that the stay of inmates at the NOC is fulfilling. “While here, we want to empower you so that when you leave you are better than when you came,” he said.

The minister highlighted that there are many successful people who have passed through the NOC. He recalled meeting some of those persons. In this regard he emphasised the need for the positives of the NOC to be highlighted.

the Guyana Defence Force. He noted that he was very interested in being a part of the military, and he held several posts, including Commander of Camp Tacama, Commanding Officer of Recruitment and Special Forces, and a paratrooper in the Air Corps.

Mr. Ross is now serving in the law enforcement department in New York.

Hugh Ross is popular for his body building skills, which he views as a hobby. He has never used any performance enhancement products.

He has represented Guyana and the USA at international body building competitions, and has won high acclaim at each such rep-

The minister told the students that, regardless of their past, they are in control of their future. He challenged them to think about what they would like to do in the future, and to work towards achieving it.

“If you don’t have an objective you can’t achieve, but having an objective will see you making a difference in yourself,” he said. The MCYS is willing to offer whatever assistance is needed. “So it’s not beyond you…anyone who wants to do better, we are here for you, and that’s why the institution was set up,” Minister Anthony declared.

While speaking to the staff, the Minister encouraged them not to give up. “We are

noted that the Region is committed to offering support to the NOC. He added that the students of the NOC have been a big support at the national celebrations held in the Region.

Persaud encouraged the students to learn as much as they could while at the institution, so that in the future they could be self-employed.

He noted that the RDC is looking at engaging the students at the NOC in farming and cattle rearing. In this regard, a bulldozer would be made available to clear the land at the back of the institution. (GINA)

Linden duo remanded for break and enter, robbery under arms charges ROBERT Beckles, 23, of Lot 114 Victory Valley, Wismar and Kestor Gilkes, 20, of Lot 227 Blueberry Hill, Wismar, both in Linden, Region 10, pleaded not guilty to robbery under arms when they appeared on Friday before City Magistrate Ann McLennan.

They are alleged to have committed the offence on December 8 at 1597 Central

Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie Linden when, being together and armed with a knife, they robbed Alexander Hernandez of one cellular phone and a driver’s licence, together valued at $9,500.

They also allegedly stole one microwave, stove, washing machine, clothes dryer, blender, food processor, music amplifier, Onkyo equaliser, camera monitor, Novex camera,

dustbin, water dispenser, plastic table and chair set, three flat screen television sets and two rocking chairs among other items together valued at more than $2.1M, the property of Chetram Ramlochan.

Attorney-at-law Mr. Clyde Forde represented Gilkes. He requested bail for his client, stating that his client is not a flight risk and is willing to accept any condition stipulated

by the court.

Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones objected to bail on grounds of the gravity of the charge and the fact that personal violence had been used in the commission of the offence.

The accused were both remanded to prison and the matter transferred to the Linden Court for December 17.(Geeta Rampersaud)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 14, 2014

APNU concerned about GECOM personnel and polling places shortages -rejects use of private property as polling stations

OPPOSITION Chief Whip Ms. Amna Ally has revealed that the main opposition coalition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has concerns in regard to significant shortages of Guy-

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee ana Elections Commission (GECOM) personnel who are needed to be trained to aid in conducting General Elections slated for early next year.

An APNU press conference held at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition on Hadfield Street last Friday saw Brigadier (rtd) David Granger explain that, on Thursday last, an APNU team comprising six

Members of Parliament (MPs) met with GECOM’s “full commission” to discuss issues related to the upcoming General Elections.

Among the issues discussed were GECOM’s readiness; Code of conduct; GECOM’s seventh cycle of registration; GECOM’s notification and location of polling stations; and GECOM’s conduct of elections.

Further elaborating on GECOM’s readiness, the Opposition Chief Whip noted: “Indeed, we are concerned about the shortage of personnel who have applied to work on elections day.”

Ally also sought to urge members of the public who are qualified enough to “feel free to apply” to work with GECOM on elections day, so as to aid in a smoother and more professionally executed electoral process.

Prior to this, however, the PPP also made a call on GECOM last Monday to ensure that measures are being put in place to ensure a select group of competent and suitable persons is recruited for polling day.

General Secretary of the PPP, Mr Clement Rohee, made the call at the party’s weekly press conference. He noted that following President Donald Ramotar’s announcement last week, that he will call General and Regional Elections in early 2015, “the process of GECOM recruiting persons for polling day is expected to take precedence and gain momentum.”

Rohee also stated that the PPP would like to stress the importance of the quality of training of polling day staffers

to avoid a repeat of the problems which occurred during the 2011 elections.

PRIVATE PROPERTY The Opposition Chief Whip, commenting on the location of polling stations, told reporters, “We [the Opposition] vehemently reject the use of private residences” for polling stations. Later expounding on this, she noted that in 2011 there was an incident wherein a person would have had a concern at a polling station and, instead of the Presiding Officer offering a response, the landlord answered.

Situations like those, she contended, compromise the venues, and her party accordingly rejects the use of private property as polling stations. “We advocate the use of Government buildings, and where it is not possible, we (should) use venues that are not compromised,” Ally said.

Acknowledging that, in some cases, use of private property is unavoidable, the Opposition Chief Whip stressed, “The onus is on GECOM to look at alternatives of erecting polling stations” in cases where the use of private property is unavoidable.

Earlier in the week, PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee had also urged that “polling stations must not be placed as a political weapon”, meaning that they should not be placed close to any of the “parties’ strongholds.”

Moreover, the ruling PPP sought to call on GECOM to involve all major political stakeholders in reviewing polling places used in the 2011 elections. “With the establishment of the many new hous-

ing schemes and the movement of people into existing schemes, a total review is needed,” Rohee had said.

He pointed out that the PPP has made representation to GECOM, time and again, in regard to persons being asked to

Opposition Chief Whip, Amna Ally travel long distances to polling stations, especially in the hinterland and riverine communities.

Rohee reiterated that the PPP would continue to make representation on behalf of the Guyanese people, to ensure that the 2015 general and regional elections are free and fair. (Ravin Singh)

GPF refutes AFC Councillor’s assertion of crime upsurge in EBE communities THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) responded on Friday to an article published in a section of the media and attributed to comments made by Alliance For Change (AFC) Councillor Mr. Harry Narine Deokinanan to the effect that there is “rampant criminal activity” in the communities of Tuschen Housing Scheme and Zeelugt Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, in the Police ‘D’ Division.

The GPF said it wishes to state that available statistics do not support assertions contained in the article.

The comments by Mr. Harry Narine Deokinanan were published in an article in the Kaieteur News of Tuesday December 9, 2104, under the heading “Crime forces family to flee home.”

The Police have said their records indicate that, unto December 09, 2014, there has been an overall 30% decrease in serious crime in that policing division. Specifically, there has been a 33% decrease in serious crime in the communities of Zeelugt Housing Scheme and Tuschen Housing Scheme, along with Zeelugt North and Tuschen North.

In terms of policing the area, in addition to routine mobile police patrols in the communities, the members of active community policing groups in the Tuschen Housing Scheme and Zeelugt North assist the police in their crime-fighting efforts.

The ‘D’ Division Administration has reopened the community policing patrol base in the Tuschen Housing

Scheme area during August of this year, following the launching of the Safe Neighbourhood Project: C-PETS, Creating Positive Environments through Safer Communities and Partnerships, in the community of Tuschen on July 10, 2014.

The patrol base is operationalised through police ranks and members of the community policing group, who are available on a 24-hour basis and do patrols in the community.

In addition to its law enforcement activities in the Tuschen/Zeeburg communities, through its social intervention project, C-PETS, the Division has managed to build community partnership and improve police/community relations.

C-PETS has seen the building of partnerships with stakeholders, community involvement, and significant collaboration with the faith-based organisations, which has the overall objective of reducing crime and the fear of crime in the communities, and enhancing community safety and security while empowering youths and reducing incidents of domestic violence.

The GPF reiterates that there is no upsurge of crime in the communities of Tuschen and Zeeburg, EBE. On the contrary, the occurrence of serious crime has been significantly minimised through the policing strategies employed together with social intervention projects that have been established.(Michel Outridge)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 14, 2014

GoG, THAG meet CAL’s executive team to discuss improvement and expansion A TEAM of Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) executive officials from Trinidad & Tobago met yesterday with Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Mohamed Irfaan Ali; THAG President Mr. Shaun McGrath; CJIA CEO, Mr. Ramesh Ghir, and representatives from the GTA and the Ministry of Tourism to address key and critical issues, including Caribbean Airlines’ customer service, its in-transit process and security checks of Guyanese passengers at Piarco International Airport, Caribbean Airlines’ capacity, airfare, and the issue of strengthening collaboration between Caribbean Airlines and Guyana.

The Caribbean Airlines team included its CEO, Mr. Michael DiLollo; vice- president of Commer-

of accomplishing a strengthened partnership was to establish a formal communication structure through which important concerns could be addressed and critical information shared.

He said that despite existing constraints, Caribbean Airlines would continue to improve its partnership with the Guyanese travellers.

Mr. Ramesh Ghir pointed to the opportunities that exist for the expansion of CAL’s services, given that the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion Project would result in improved infrastructure. He also pointed to impact of the recent modernisation of the Control Tower, and new avenues to expand CAL’s services.

And THAG President Shaun McGrath iterated that

Caribbean Airlines executives during the meeting at the Ministry of Housing cial Operations and Customer Service, Mr. George Reeleder; and Sales Executive for Guyana and Suriname, Mr. Dion Innis.

Minister Ali said the engagement was critical to strengthening the relationship between the Government of Guyana (GoG) and the airline, and to improving the role that CAL continues to play in regard to meeting the needs of the Guyana market.

Ali emphasised the need for both Caribbean Airlines (CAL) and the Government of Guyana to improve the partnership, and to formulate a strategy that would define the way forward in the best interest of all stakeholders involved.

Mr. Di Lollo concurred with Minister Ali’s remarks, and emphasised that steps have already been taken to ensure that connectivity improves, communication is enhanced, and services to the various destinations are expanded.

Di Lollo also said that one of the critical means

there are significant opportunities to expand the tourism sector further, even as he expressed the hope that Caribbean Airlines would join in the amplified thrust and partner with all stakeholders to accomplish this.

A team from CAL and the GoG will meet early next year to discuss the way forward.

Twenty-year-old jailed for break and enter, remanded for similar offence JULIAN Robinson, 20, of Port Kaituma, North West Region appeared on Friday before City Magistrate Annette Singh to answer two charges of break and enter.

He pleaded guilty to the first charge, which said that on November 11, at Water Front, Port Kaituma, NWR, he broke and entered Room #18 of the Karen Mustapha Hotel and stole therefrom one ¾ pants, one denture, and $80,000 cash, together value at $150,000, property of Yoland Gomes.

Robinson, however, denied the second allegation, which said that between November 24 and 25 at McDoom, Port Kaituma, NWR, he broke and entered the house of Elroy Adam and stole therefrom one electric fan, one pair of earrings, one pair of Nike slippers, one after-shave, a quantity of undergarments valued at $25,000 and $15,000 cash, together valued at $95,000.

The prosecution’s facts are that on the day in question, at about 04:25 hrs, Gomes was asleep when Robinson broke and entered his room and stole the articles mentioned in the charge.

The court heard that none of the stolen articles was recovered, but Robinson was seen on CCTV surveillance camera and was later arrested. Robinson allegedly admitted to the offence in a caution statement.

The unrepresented man refused to say in court anything in relation to the offence.

Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones objected to bail being granted Robinson on grounds that he committed other similar offences and is expected to present himself at the Matthew’s Ridge Court to answer those charges.

The prosecutor further opposed bail on the nature and gravity of the charge, and the penalty it attracts.

For the first offence, to which he pleaded guilty, Robinson was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment. However, for the second offence, to which he pleaded not guilty, Robinson was refused bail and the matter was transferred to the Matthew’s Ridge court for February 2 hearing.

(Geeta Rampersaud)

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Growth of Demerara Bank reflects ‘growth evolution, changing face of country’-Finance Minister

DEMERARA Bank Limited on Wednesday night celebrated its 20th anniversary and to mark the occasion hosted a ceremony at The Pegasus during which several personages including President Donald Ramotar, and Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, spoke.

Chairman of the bank, Dr. Yesu Persaud, highlighted the growth of the bank since it started 20 years ago and pointed out that its customers have been its greatest assets.

The bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Pravinchandra Dave, also talked about his vision for the bank’s development and continued success and expressed his gratitude to all who supported the bank throughout the years.

Dr. Singh told the gathering that the growth of Demerara Bank is a reflection of the “growth evolution and changing face of the country as a whole,” as he spoke of the modernisation of the banking sector.

He pointed out that the local financial system was not as integrated with the international system as it is today; as such, many of the advances that are taken for granted today such as the Automated Teller Machine (ATM)card which Demerara Bank pioneered locally, E-Commerce and on-line shopping, were non-existent.

Dr. Singh also reflected on the days when bank books were “the thing,” but now we have seen many other services which are in keeping with technology.

He said: “The economic augmentation of the country was also noted with the exponential growth in GDP. That is an economy from US$529M to US$3.2B in terms of GDP. If you look at how the financial sector has grown, total deposits at commercial banks have grown from $40.3B in 1994 to $340.2B in 2014.”

Demerara Bank also honoured 13 long-serving employees who were recognised for their years of service

and were awarded for their sterling efforts as they were presented with plaques of honour and gifts.

The Signature Credit Card (SCC) launching was the highlight of the evening and its benefits were explained by Investment Supervisor Jerrett Morgan, and the first batch of

SCCs were presented to a selected handful of persons present, who are customers of the bank.

Dr. Singh was the first to be presented with the Signature Credit Card on Wednesday night before the names of the others were called.

(Michel Outridge)

Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh as he was presented with the first Signature Credit Card by Chairman of the Bank, Dr. Yesu Persaud as the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Pravinchandra Dave, looks on.

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Guyana gets its first neurosurgeon A GINA Feature

FIRST ‘time’ and first ‘person’ are always of note, and it is appropriate, even though redundant, to say that ‘first time’ means history.

This is really the scenario with Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi, Guyana’s first neurosurgeon.

He is young, brilliant, well trained and aptly qualified to live up to his well garnered credentials and his unwavering desire to boost Guyana’s medicare.

Dr. Dukhi is Guyana’s first neurosurgeon and is proud of the fact. “It’s something that I have always wanted to do,” he told the Government Information Agency, in an exclusive interview. Dr. Dukhi will be stationed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), from January 2015.

Guyana’s situation is one that it evolving; its incipient groundwork augurs well too, as “Because of the patients’ needs (distance of abode and unique medical condition), the neurological department at the GPHC will be ever ready to receive the patients, after stabilising is first effected. So the hope is that something will be worked out, to facilitate ‘ease’ and ‘speed’ of movement, from that point of encountering the ailment to the GPHC,” he said The youthful and ‘rearing to go doctor’ opined that this kind of ‘rapid response’ culture must now be a priority for the regional health system, so that the entire

process becomes even more effective, that is, from learning about a situation, stabilising a far-off patient (no matter where), and then actually having that patient at the best place possible-the department at the GPHC. THE JOURNEY-BECOMING A SPECIALIST Dr. Dukhi’s journey began in Skeldon, Corriverton, where he was born. Attending the Skeldon Line Path Secondary School, he wrote the Caribbean Examinations Council exams in 1995 and was adjudged the third best graduating student. He then immediately entered the University of Guyana, and soon after completed a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology and Bio Chemistry in 1999. After this, he worked for a short while, before he got his scholarship through the Government of Guyana’s “Cuban Scholarship Programme.”

This he gladly took up, and thus acquired a Bachelor’s of Medicine in 2006; being quite a prodigy, he copped the Best Graduating Student. He then returned to Guyana, fulfilling necessary contract commitments in serving fellow Guyanese and the Government for three years. His major stints were at the GPHC and the New Amsterdam Hospital.

What should be known too is that Dr. Dukhi is really multifarious. He was actually quite set in the surgical field of orthopaedics and most would have comfortably

remained there. However, he was not sated scholastically nor professionally, and so felt the need to expand and diversify. The end result of this burning passion in him is that Guyana’s own Dr. Dukhi, grabbing the proffered ‘field of neurosurgery’ made it his own; he is now bonafide neurosurgeon, a sub-facet in the health sector that constantly suffers from a noticeable paucity of specialists.

FURTHER ZEAL “In that area (Orthopaedics), I was already in the surgical field…now having a surgical background already, and this being something that I always love doing, (I thought to myself that when I went back to study (with the fresh opportunity I got), I knew that I had to do neurosurgery, because we were in a severe shortage, and then our country was always looking for ways to send our people overseas to get these done.”

I asked myself (at the time) “…why can’t a Guyanese become a neurosurgeon?” “It was a big sacrifice of five years of residency, but then I decided that I had the opportunity and there was no way that I would leave it. So I picked it up and here I am five years later.”

Before completing the neurosurgical programme, Dr. Dukhi actually further fortified himself in the medical arena; he Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi

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completed a ‘double master’s programme, specialising in comprehensive general and family medicine. The neurosurgical programme was then conducted by Havana’s principal neurosurgeons.

Tracing his academic history, Dr. Dukhi recalled that when he first received the opportunity to specialise in this (second) field, it was natural for him to take it. This, he said was primarily because there was no such expert here locally.

He also was moved by the fact that it was too costly to send patients overseas for treatment, and this was extra-arduous for even some of the rich folks.

Today, he states that he is not only proud of himself, but also ‘feels good’ that he is able to help fellow Guyanese, of every ilk, to alleviate the ‘pain in the nervous system’ at any given time.

Training for this scholar was within the principal neurosurgery programme, conducted at the University of Havana, at the Calixto Garcia Medical University Hospital in Cuba.

This began in early January 2010. “It was a great experience.

That was the centre of neuro trauma, and it was also the principal programme, where the Cuban government trains neuro surgeons for the world at large-the country, South America, Latin America and the entire world,” Dr. Dukhi stated.

He adde:, “It was a great advantage to study at the Galixto Garcia Medical University Hospital, knowing the history and all the good doctors and specialists coming out of there. That was an opportunity I used over the last five years, to become who I am today, and it is something that I plan to use in the near future, so that I can serve Guyana and its people.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 14, 2014

IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING NEUROSURGERY Dr. Dukhi pointed out that “… most of the scholarships offered through the Jagdeo/Castro initiative in 2001, were for undergraduate studies in human medicine, along with undergraduate specialties -agronomy, engineering and so on…. and in medicine, we had quite a few scholarships, but they were all undergraduates, not speciality ones. So when I went back in 2009/2010, I was the only person going back then to specialise. That was given to me prior to coming back to Guyana … I was also the top medical student graduate in the year 2006 in my medical school, so I was offered that, but I chose to come back and (first) serve in 2006.”

So it was after serving his time with Government, that he took up the scholarship (which was still open). Dr. Dukhi explained that the field of neurosurgery was chosen because of its necessity in Guyana at that time.

“One of the things we always wanted was someone in the neurosurgical field. We had to send our people overseas, we had people who were here at the hospital waiting for people to come in and see them, people who come once per month and so on,” Dr. Dukhi stated. He added that whilst acknowledging that it would be a very hectic programme, he willingly gave the five years needed to bring this specialty to Guyana-some-

Dr Amarnauth Dukhi (right) and two other specialists performing a surgery thing worth it all.

“Neurosurgery is vital in the medical field, because of the importance of the time factor- it gives good results … so instead of waiting to go overseas, we have someone here, who could assist urgently …appropriately, and then we will add to good results in terms of medical/health care in our country.”

Dr. Dukhi explained that he was placed at the GPHC, as part of the public health care system, where health care is given to all Guyanese, free of cost. Guyanese learning that a neurosurgeon is now available will be secure in the knowledge that everyone will be able to benefit.

HEALTH SECTOR ONE FOOT HIGHER Dr. Dukhi’s accomplishment which moves Guyana forward in the Health Sector has evoked pride in Minister of Public Service, Dr. Jennifer Westford. “It was hard studying for a specialty and there are very few persons who can do it in the Caribbean formally.”

With Dr Dukhi’s achievement, the Ministry of Health now has a neurosurgeon thanks to the partial scholarship from the Government of Cuba. “Thanks to Dr. Dukhi, who studied conscientiously… we now have our own neurologist, so Guyanese patients can feel a little more comfortable when they suffer from these injuries.”

She added that there is the expectation that next year another person would be sent, along with another specialist to be trained in neurosurgery. Minister Westford pointed out ruefully that Dr. Dukhi cannot work continuously 24/7 even though he is a workaholic.

He will be heading the Neurosurgery Department and Guyanese patients will get the possible treatment. “We are one foot higher in the medical field and I am proud of our achievement,” Minister Westford proudly said

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 14, 2014

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CHILDREN AND CLIMATE CHANGE AS this week’s article is presented to you, I can’t help but feel forlorn with thoughts of the impacts that this phenomenon will have on the younger generation, situations that were not their creation but will be their legacy.

Climate change as we know it is a devastating reality

and one that our children will come to know and bear the brunt of its consequences.

Children are not responsible for climate change. But they may ultimately be the ones suffering the most and in risk of not surviving.

Ulla Tørnæs, Minister for Development Cooperation, Government of Denmark

According to the World Health Organization,children are a vulnerable group and climate change poses one of the biggest health threats to children in the 21st century.

No one is immune to the effects of climate change, but one of the largest groups to be affected will be children under the age of five.

By altering weather patterns and disturbing ecosystems, climate change will have significant implications for human health, especially children, since many of the global killers of children are sensitive to climatic changes such as flooding and drought.

Currently it is reported that children are dying from a small number of preventable and treatable disease and conditions, including diarrhea, malaria and malnutrition due

to climate related changes.

The need for action against climate change has been recognised, and in his State of the Union Address in February, the President of the United States of America, one of the most influential world leaders of our time, urged congress to institute changes to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and encourage renewable energy, saying: For the sake of our chil-

dren and our future, we must do more to combat climate change.

Changing weather patterns affect agriculture. As the world warms, people could suffer hunger, water shortage and coastal flooding. As the rains fail to come, crops will wither and livestock will die, exposing children to starvation and diminishing wa-

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CHILDREN AND ...

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ter supplies for drinking and hygiene.

Evidence suggests that developing countries like Guyana which are located in warmer Regions and which rely greatly on agriculture will be worst affected by changes in rainfall patterns; this is a fact that we can already attest to, as we are experiencing greater weather extremes and increasing droughts and floods. Changes in precipitation patterns are also likely to affect the quality and quantity of water supplies, thus compounding the impact of poor water and sanitation, as well as malnutrition. Hungry families may not be able to send their children to school or afford health care. Moreover, hunger creates an environment that fosters crime.

The world we are living in is changing. Never before has it been so important to educate the next generation about climate change. Our children have the right to know the impacts these major challenges facing humanity might have on them. But more importantly, they also need to be taught how they and every-

one else can become part of the solution by living sustainable lives. We only have one earth, so we need to look after it well. The reality is we can’t just jump into a spaceship and go somewhere else if things don’t work out here – at least not in the near future.

The environment is everybody’s business let us take action to safeguard our children!!

Share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit. epaguyana@gmail.com http://www.globalwarmingforyoungminds.com/_documents/extract.pdf http://www.unicef.org/ publications/files/Climate_ Change_and_Children.pdf http://www.childreninachangingclimate.org/library http://www.theguardian. com/environment/2013/sep/23/ children-bear-brunt-climatechange-new-study http://ecowatch. com/2013/07/31/climate-change-impacts-children

“The environment is precious, and we should protect it like a mother hen protects its chicks. We should prevent deforestation, find solutions/actions that will prevent air pollution and promote awareness to the people, particularly young people, who are tomorrow’s future.”

— Sarah Baikame, age 17, Cameroon

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Sangakkara ton lifts Sri Lanka to win over England (REUTERS) - SRI LANKA beat England by 90 runs in the sixth one-day international at Pallekele yesterday to take an unbeatable 4-2 lead in their seven-match series.

Kumar Sangakkara completed his 20th one-day international century to help the home team post a healthy total of 292 for seven.

England could only muster 202 in reply, bowled out in less than 42 overs despite a resilient 55 from Joe Root.

The evergreen Sangakkara blazed 112 off as many balls, highlighted by 12 fours and two sixes, after the 37-year-old was dropped on 41 by England captain Alastair Cook.

The Sri Lankans made a slow start, scoring just 27 runs off the first 10 overs, before Sangakkara opened up, putting on 153 with Tillakaratne Dilshan for the second wicket.

Dilshan made a patient 68 before Dinesh Chandimal pushed the total towards 300 with a brisk 35 in the closing overs.

Chris Woakes, Steven Finn and Chris Jordan captured two wickets each for England, who needed to win

Kumar Sangakkara salutes the crowd as he walks off for 112-his 20th in ODI cricket. the game to square the series heading into Tuesday’s final match in Colombo.

“It was a challenging wicket to bat on,” Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said.

“I thought Sangakkara was amazing and set the tone for the batsman to play at the end.

“He and Dilshan set the tone. We still want to win the next game as well and win the series 5-2.”

England could hardly had made a worse start to their innings when Cook was dismissed lbw for one in the first over.

By the 18th over, England were in deep trouble at 84 for five and although Root completed a half-century and Woakes chipped in with 41, the tourists never came close to challenging Sri Lanka’s total as Suranga Lakmal mopped up the tail to finish with 4 for 30.

“For the first 20-odd overs we bowled really well, but it didn’t help me dropping Sangakkara,” said Cook.

“It was a real big catch to drop because we’d built up some good pressure, but credit to Kumar, he made us pay today.”

DDL / Pepsi Under-16 competition on today THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will this afternoon bring down the curtain on activity for 2014 when the DDL/Pepsi Under-16 competition is staged at the Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis gym in Albouystown. It is expected to attract boxers from around the country and will punch off from 13:00hrs.

At a launching held on Friday at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, GBA Technical and Tournament Director Terrence Poole said that over 30 fight-

ers would be participating with James Walcott’s Harpy Eagles Gym set to have the largest contingent.

Poole noted that the Under-16 tournaments have already started to bear fruits as several boxers have graduated to representing Guyana at overseas events. He noted that the importance of having a solid nursery cannot be over emphasised and thanked DDL for its unwavering support.

DDL has been sponsoring the tournament for the third consecutive year

and Pepsi Brand Executive Larry Wills assured that his company will continue to support. According to Wills, his company has noted the continuous improvement in the organization of the event.

“DDL loves to give back to the community and this is one way of doing such,” Willis said.

Meanwhile, GBA President Steve Ninvalle announced that the Champion of Champions competition scheduled for December 20 and 21 has been postponed to next month.

Windies turn ...

From Back Page be put through a full session at 12:30 pm (6:30 am Eastern Caribbean time) at Supersport Park, the venue for the first Test.

West Indies are coming off an impressive outing in the three-day warm-up match which finished on Friday, where their batsmen excelled against an Invitational XI in Benoni.

To p o r d e r b a t s m a n Marlon Samuels smashed a more-than-run-a-ball double century while opener Devon Smith, a late callup as a replacement for the injured Chris Gayle, stroked 174, as West Indies piled up 508 in their first innings.

Rookie left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell, who arrived here a week after the squad and just a few days before the tour match, grabbed five wickets to blow away the hosts for

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Rain washed out Friday’s final day, robbing the Windies of valuable match practice in what is the only tour match of the series.

West Indies have never beaten South Africa at home and have won just one of their last 14 Tests against the Proteas, losing nine.

Pundits are expecting a one-side series with West Indies ranked number eight in the ICC Test rankings and South Africa dominating the top spot.

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Brilliant Lyon bowls Australia to epic victory .. Kohli scores magnificent century in defeat; Clarke injured again, set to miss rest of series (REUTERS) - AUSTRALIA beat India by 48 runs in a thrilling end to the first Test at Adelaide Oval yesterday, with Nathan Lyon picking up seven wickets after Virat Kohli scored an inspired century for the visitors.

A match that had begun in high emotion after the death last month of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes ended in high drama after an absorbing final day in South Australia.

Set 364 to win after Australia declared on their overnight score of 290-5, India seemed to be on their way to an unlikely victory after a brilliant 141 from Kohli and a gritty 99 from opener Murali Vijay.

But Lyon, a former groundsman at Adelaide Oval, turned the match the home team’s way with his offspinners, as India’s tail collapsed and the tourists were bowled out for 315.

“This first Test is one we will remember and cherish for the rest of our careers,” Australia captain Michael Clarke said of the first match since the death of his good friend.

hampered the Australian skipper.

The 33-year-old hopes he can recover in time to play in the World Cup, which Australia is co-hosting early next year, but his recurring problems have caused him, to ponder his future.

“There’s a chance I may never play again,” Clarke said.

“I hope that’s not the case and I’ll be doing everything in my power to get back out on the park, but I have to be realistic as well.”

India had gone to tea with eight wickets in hand and a win a distinct possibility, but once he got the opening with Vijay’s wicket, there was no stopping Lyon. He finished with a seven-for to seal an incredible 48-run victory for Australia ©Getty Images “He’s in our minds, he always will be. He will be for the rest of my life.

“Every Test match you play for Australia you have a lot to play for but obviously this series is even closer to our hearts.”

Ly o n f i n i s h e d w i t h 7-152, giving him 12 wick-

ets for the match, a career-best, and handing the Australians the early advantage in the fourmatch series which resumes in Brisbane next week.

Clarke will miss the rest of the series after injuring a hamstring while fielding yesterday, the latest in a series of back and leg problems that have

UDFA/ GT BEER SUPA 16 KNOCK OUT….

TOPP XX to face Amelia’s Ward in opener, East meets West -minister Westford to kick off tour By Joe Chapman LATE ENTRANTS in former Upper Demerara and national club champions Bakewell Top XX will face off against Amelia’s Ward Panthers tonight from 21:00hrs in the lone official game of this year’s Upper Demerara Football Association’s /GT Beer Supa 16 Christmas knockout football championship at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

The opening game of this year’s championship which

is sponsored exclusively by beverage giants Banks DIH, will be preceded by the march past of the participating clubs at 18:00hrs, to be followed by opening remarks from a representative of sponsors Banks DIH, UDFA president Collis Gift and the feature speaker Minister of Public Service Ms. Jennifer Webster.

The first game of the night, however, will be a veterans clash between East and West of Linden at 19:00hrs, followed by the Topp XX versus Amelia’s

Ward Panthers affair.

Topp XX, the seven times Kashif and Shanghai Christmas extravaganza champions were initially not included due to administrative issues, but were drafted in to replace Mahdia, while the defending champions are Winners Connection.

These two sides along with Milerock, Net Rockers, Eagles United, Botofago, Peace Makers, Kwakwani Strikers, Vasco, Silver Shattas, Hi Stars, Block 22 Goal Getters, Snatchers and Blueberry Hill are the contesting clubs for the top prize.

NERVOUS NINETIES Kohli, filling in for Mahendra Singh Dhoni as India’s captain, almost won the match single-handedly for his country. He scored centuries in both innings and dominated Australia’s bowlers on a pitch favouring spin.

His career-best 141 came off just 175 deliveries and featured 16 fours and one six. He also shared a third wicket partnership of 185 with Vjay, who made half-

Virat Kohli became only the second player in Test history to score twin centuries on debut as captain. centuries in each innings but fell agonisingly short of a deserved hundred.

With India seemingly in control at 242-2 after tea, Vijay suddenly had an attack of nerves and threw his wicket away with a rash attempt to reach triple figures, trapped lbw

by Lyon after swiping at the ball.

His departure triggered a catastrophic batting collapse as India lost their last eight wickets for just 73 runs with Lyon the chief destroyer.

Kohli continued to play a lone hand but once he mistimed a pull shot and was caught in the deep, the end came quickly for the visitors.

“I’m really proud of the way the boys played,” Kohli said.

“At no point did we back off. And we are not going to back off either. If at any stage that we had in mind that we might play for a draw, we would have lost by 150 runs, to be honest.”

Australia 1st innings 517 for 7 decl. (S. Smith 162 n.o, D. Warner 145, M. Clarke 128) India1st innings 444, V.Kohli 115, N. Lyon5-134, Australia 2nd innings 290 for 5 dec’l ,D. Warner 102

India 2nd innings (target: 364 runs)

M Vijay lbw b Lyon 99 S Dhawan c †Haddin b Johnson 9 C Pujara c †Haddin b Lyon 21 V Kohli* c Marsh b Lyon 141 A Rahane c Rogers b Lyon 0 RSharma c Warner b Lyon 6 W Saha† b Lyon 13 KSharma not out 4 Mohammed Shami c Johnson b Harris 5 VR Aaron lbw b Johnson 1 I Sharma st †Haddin b Lyon 1 Extras (b 5, lb 8, w 2) 15 Total(all out; 87.1 overs) 315 (3.61 runs per over) Fall of wickets 1-16, 2-57 3-242 , 4-242, 5-277, 6-299, 7-304, 8-309 9-314, 10-315.

Bowling: M.Johnson 16-2-45-2, R.Harris 19-6-49-1, N.Lyon 34.1 -5-152-7, P.Siddle 9-3-21-0,S. Watson 2-0-6-0 , S.Smith 3-0-180, M.Marsh 4-1-11-0

Cook’s World Cup captaincy in doubt LONDON, (Reuters) Alastair Cook’s role as England captain for next year’s World Cup was cast into doubt when head coach Peter Moores said his position would be reviewed after the team’s current one-day series in Sri Lanka.

Cook was last week named as skipper of a provisional 30-man squad for next year’s tournament in Australia and New Zealand but has continued to cut a beleaguered figure at the helm of the one-day side.

The 29-year-old has averaged under 18 with the bat as the tourists slipped to a 4-2 series defeat in Sri Lanka with one game remaining.

“We review everything at the end of every series, we’ve always said that,”

Moores told Sky Sports when asked if Cook would be captain at the World Cup. “We make no bones that we’re passionate to try and get our best side to go out and win a World Cup. Cook needs runs but he’s also had some great times as an England player. He’s in a tough patch at the moment but that’s something he’s working hard to get out of.”

Cook’s performance during England’s 90-run defeat in the sixth onedayer yesterday typified the form that has led to a growing number of critics question his captaincy and his place in the team.

He dropped a routine catch off Kumar Sangakkara, on 41 at the time, and the left-hander went on to make a game-changing 112. The

England captain scored just one run before succumbing to the second ball he faced.

Cook still believes he is the man to lead the side for the Tri-Series against Australia and India in January and the World Cup. “We came into today with some high hopes so it’s been a frustrating day all round, and days like these don’t make the job any easier,” Cook said.

“Not scoring the runs I’d like is not a great place to be as a captain. You want to lead from the front and when it’s not happening for you it’s incredibly frustrating. I’m a better player than I’ve shown at the moment and I’ve just got to keep going.” (Reporting by Sam Holden, editing by Ed Osmond)

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Pollard all-round blitz helps Cape Cobras lift title CAPE TOWN, South Africa, (CMC) – West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard produced a typical cameo and returned with the ball to grab three wickets, as Cape Cobras breezed past Knights by 33 runs to lift the Ram Slam Twenty20 title here Friday night.

Opting to bat first at Newlands, Cape Cobras rattled up a competitive 158 for four and then bowled well to restrict Knights to a disappointing 125 for nine.

The victory broke Cape Cobras’ championship game curse, having lost in the final for the last two seasons.

With the innings meandering at 72 for three in the 13th over, Pollard entered to change the course of the game with an unbeaten 43 from just 23 balls.

He struck six fours and added a crucial 68 for the fourth wicket with Omphile Ramela whose top score of

Kieron Pollard ... slammed an unbeaten 43 for Cape Cobras. chipped in with a run-a-ball 54 came from 34 balls and 29 batting at number three included five fours and two while opener, Test captain sixes.

Hashim Amla, got 26 from Wicketkeeper Dane Vilas 27 deliveries.

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell went wicketless from his four overs which cost 40 runs.

In reply, Knights were well poised at 70 for one after opener Reeza Hendricks, who top-scored with 41 from 35 balls, put on 38 for the first wicket with Gerhardt Abrahams (9) and a further 32 for the second wicket with Rilee Roussouw.

Hendricks struck four fours before falling in the 12th over but Roussouw, with 33 from 23 balls carried the fight to set Knights up at 91 for two.

However, fast bowler Dane Paterson grabbed four for 33 and Pollard chipped in with three for 23 from three overs, as Knights lost the last seven wickets for 26 runs.

Russell was among the carnage, perishing in the 16th over for just five.

ECCB / H. NAUTH & SONS T20 …

Lusignan and Golden Grove clash in final today THE LUSIGNAN Sports Club on the East Coast of Demerara will come alive from 13:00hrs today, when the home team take on Golden Grove Cricket Club (GGCC) in the final of East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) / H. Nauth and Sons Contracting Engineers and Petrol Station Trophy T20 final.

The winner will be taking home the trophy and $150,000 and while it has been 21 years since Golden Grove Cricket Club has reached an ECCB final, the home team is no stranger to such territory and will be heavily favoured to cart off the top prize.

Tw e n t y - e i g h t ( 2 8 ) teams participated in this tournament with both finalists playing unbeaten and will be fielding talented players for today’s encounter, with LSC having an established batting line-up consisting of Brian Sattaur, Krishna Deosarran, Vishnu Ram-

-winner receives $150,000

Brian Sattaur

Sherfane Rutherford

jeet, Somnauth Bharrat and Kumar Bishundyal, which will definitely pose a threat to GGCC bowlers.

However, with players like national youth player Sherfane Rutherford, Captain Richard Woolford and Terrence King, GGCC will not be expected to roll over and die without putting up a fight, hence this match is expected to be an exciting encounter since underdogs

GGCC had emerged with the highest run-rate in the competition.

The Golden Grove Cricket Club squad is Owin Blair, John McDonald (Wicketkeeper), Richard Woolford (Captain), Delon Skeete, Kishawnt DaSilva, Shawn Thomas, Terrence King, Cordell Mars, Sherfin Rutherford (Vice Captain), Inshan Gardener, Dexter George, Karamo Holder, Shavis

Rutherford, Terry Gardener, Orin Gardener, Alatyne Haywood is the coach, Akeem Bowen is the manager.

The Lusignan Sports Club team will be chosen from Vishnu Ramjeet, Brian Sattaur, Somnauth Bharrat, Krishna Deosarran, Narvan Singh, Ferron Kadir, Kumar Bishundyal, Rajendra Naikbarran, Leon Morgan, Stephen Ramdass, Steve Alick, Imran Khan, Shazam Ali Chetram Gangadin, the manager is Chatterpaul Balkishan and the coach is Gewan Persaud.

The umpires are Ava Baker and Charles Gibbons with the Match Referee being Judister Rampersaud and for further information, contact can be made to Raymond Barton – Chairman of the Competitions Committee on telephone numbers 220-1636 or 626-0223.

Associations Executives looking forward to exciting duals THE RESPECTIVE executive committees of the Berbice Football Association (BFA), East Bank Football Association (EBFA) and East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) have collectively said they are looking forward to some exciting matches in the inaugural three-way competition dubbed the Stag Super XV1 Football tournament which is set to kick off tomorrow at the Number 5 ground, West Coast Berbice.

Sixteen of the top teams drawn from these associations will be battling for supremacy and bragging rights in a knock-out setting knowing that there is no room for mistakes and all three associations are expressing gratitude to Ms. Beverly Harper, Managing Director of Ansa McAl and its Marketing Director, Troy Cadogan for partnering with them to make this competition a reality.

Apart from the $1.5m top prize which will be awarded to the lone team left standing when the dust is settled on January 1, 2015 at the Blairmont Community Centre ground, each team will start off with a plus in their bank account as they will receive a $50,000 cheque that will go towards their preparation for the competition.

A colorful march past of the participating clubs is set for 17:00hrs before the opening match, with the feature

address being delivered by Ansa McAl’s Public Relations Officer Ms. Darshanie Yusuf.

Based on reports emanating from the Ancient County, the fans in the area are eager to welcome teams and other fans to the picturesque venue.

Giving the task of setting the tone for the remainder of the competition is Cougars Football Club of Berbice who will throw down the gauntlet to Soesdyke Falcons of the East Bank Association in what is anticipated to be a keen tussle.

Neither team knows much about each other but one thing is certain, only one will earn the right to earn the first quarter final berth.

The day’s feature game will be a Berbice/East Coast shindig and since these two associations recently competed against each other, it will be the renewing of rivalry when one time knock-out giants Monnederlust comes up against Golden Stars.

Some mouth watering action is anticipated so fans are urged to come out in their numbers to support what is expected to be a pleasurable evening of action.

Notable Dates

GUYANESE lightweight Cleveland Denny made his professional debut on December 14, 1976 in his adopted homeland of Canada.

A slick Denny would win by a second round TKO against Ronald Beausoleil at the Paul Sauve Arena in Montreal. Born in 1956, Denny would have a relatively short career in the ring and in his ninth bout was crowned Canadian lightweight champion on November 1, 1977 following a points decision victory over Jean Lapointe.

Denny would have three fights against Gaetan Hart.

In the first staged in September 1977 the Guyanese won on points.

Hart would snatch Denny’s Canadian title on April 5 of the following year via a split decision victory. But it was the third encounter between the two which shook the heart of the boxing world.

On June 20, 1980 at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal, Hart would win by TKO at two minutes and 48 seconds of the 10th round.

Denny died 16 days later of injuries sustained in the fight and ended with a record of 10 victories, two defeats and two draws. He was most busy in the year 1977 having fought eight times.

34

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 14, 2014

Edwards in provisional Barbados squad for Super50 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Recuperating Test batsman Kirk Edwards is among 35 players named in a provisional Barbados Pride squad to prepare for next month’s WICB Super50 Championship.

The right-hander, who has played 17 Tests, is yet to suit up for a game in the Professional Cricket League first class tournament, as he recovers from injury.

A former Barbados captain, Edwards has been one of Barbados’ more successful batsmen in recent years, and averages

Kirk Edwards

nearly 38 in 69 first class matches.

However, he recently fell out of favour with West Indies selectors after poor returns in the Test and oneday series against the touring Bangladeshis.

He, however, managed a top score of 77 in three innings on the West Indies A tour of Sri Lanka in October.

Edwards will be joined by namesake, fast bowler Fidel Edwards who has been overlooked for the first class championship.

Dwayne Smith, who this week announced his retirement from first

class cricket, has not been named in the provisional squad.

Training sessions will begin tomorrow will run weekly from Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Four trial matches have already been scheduled for December 23rd, 27th, 30th and January 3rd.

The Super50 will run from January 13-26 in Trinidad and Tobago.

SQUAD – Miguel Cummins, Marlon Welcome-Goodman, Antonio Greenidge, Mario Rampersaud, Kyle May-

ers, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Ryan Hinds, Jerome Jones, Kevin Stoute, Jomel Warrican, Ashley Nurse, Nekoli Parris, Javon Searles, Jamar Griffith, Renaldo Parris, Shane Parris, Tino Best, Kyle Hope, Shai Hope, Kenroy Williams, Marrodon Bend, Rashid i B o u c h e r, S h a m a r h Brooks, Chaim Holder, Carlos Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter, Kyle Corbin, Dawayne Sealy, Nikolai Charles, Kirk Edwards, Kevin McClean, Shane Dowrich, Fidel Edwards, Ravendra Persaud.

Little man takes apart big man West Indies v Australia at The Oval in the 1975 World Cup was the most anticipated match of the group stages, pitting the Australia pace attack that had destroyed England the previous winter against some of the game’s great strokemakers.

And while the match itself was disappointing - West Indies romped to a seven-wicket win with 14 overs to spare - the clash between Dennis Lillee and Alvin Kallicharran was riveting.

The Oval was overcast and sticky, and the packed terraces and impromptu steel bands made it seem more Kensington Oval than Kennington. There were also far more inside than the official 25,000 capacity, as walls were scaled and turnstiles stormed. Australia batted first and were bowled out for 192, which they got thanks largely to a sixth-wicket stand of 99 between Ross Edwards and Rod Marsh.

In reply, Gordon Greenidge fell early and that brought Flashback: Alvin Kallicharran in full flow Kallicharran to the middle. The pitch was hardly conducive WHEN Alvin Kallicharran, only 5’4”, bareheaded, and to fast bowling but Lillee, steaming in from the Vauxhall with his shirt unbuttoned halfway down, decided to meet End, was fired up. Kallicharran, only 5’4”, bareheaded, fire with fire against Dennis Lillee

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Sunday December 14, 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: WI vs AUST, Brisbane, 1960/61 England, Pakistan, Australia, India Today’s Quiz: Which two made their debut in the same Test?

Colin Croft, Michael Holding, Wayne Daniel, Andy Roberts, Joel Garner Which two never made an ODI hundred?

Larry Gomes, Devon Smith, Jimmy Adams, Alvin Kallicharran, Phil Simmons Answers in tomorrow’s issue

and with his shirt unbuttoned halfway down, decided to meet fire with fire.

He had a score to settle. When the two sides had met in the Caribbean in 1972-73, he had been singled out for attention by the Australians and been given a verbal going-over.

He went after the bowlers from the off, but it was when Lillee, glowering and hostile, came back for his second spell that the fireworks started. Anything short was savagely hooked, and the faster and shorter Lillee bowled, the further the ball travelled. If he opted for an off-stump line, he was crashed through the covers off the back foot, and even when he found the edge, the ball fizzed to the boundary.

In ten balls from one to the other, the sequence went 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 1, 4, 6, 0, 4 - 35 runs. The crowd went delirious, and Lillee’s scowling only egged them on.

He finally had Kallicharran for 78, skying an attempted pull to midwicket, but by that time the proverbial horse had bolted. Seven days later, the two sides met again in the final. (ESPN Cricinfo).

Notable Dates WAYNE `Big Truck’ Braithwaite, the second Guyanese to win a world title, made his second defence of the World Boxing Council (WBC) cruiserweight crown on December 13, 2003.

The fight was held at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The `Big Truck needed only one minute and 27 seconds of the first round to run over the Panamanian, forcing referee Eddie Cotton to call a halt to the carnage.

It was the 20th victory (17th by KO) for the undefeated Braithwaite who would have one more successful defence before surrendering the title to Frenchman Jean Marc Mormeck on April 2, 2005.

Braithwaite had won the vacant WBC crown on October 11, 2002 after he TKOed Vincenzo Cantatore in round 10.

Eight days after, compatriot `Vicious’ Vivian Harris made October 2002 Guyana’s most successful month in boxing.

Harris secured the country’s second world title that month with a second round TKO of Cuban-American Diosbelys Hurtado to earn the title of WBA junior welterweight king.

Wayne `Big Truck’ Braithwaite

35

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 14, 2014

Who will be made of more tonight in Guinness Finals?

-North Ruimveldt battles Festival City Warriors

Flashback! Part of the preliminary round action in this year’s sixth annual Georgetown ‘Guinness Greatest of De Streets’ Competition.

By Calvin Roberts REVELATION 2:7 says, “To him that overcometh, to him will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.” Certainly, the title of Guinness ‘Greatest of De Streets’ Futsal Football champions, can be likened as paradise in local football paradigms, as it brings with it a place in the national playoffs, $500,000, and a year’s bragging rights as champions.

Festival City Warriors were asked to contest a

pre-qualifying tournament two nights before the actual tournament kicked off, from which they came out on top with several other teams to compete for supremacy in the sixth annual Banks DIH sponsored tournament in Georgetown.

Then to make things better, they were faced with Leopold Street in a semifinal encounter that was fiercely contested, but they held their nerves and waltzed away with a 1-0 victory via penalty kicks, to become the first team to enter next year’s

national playoffs.

Tonight, we will see who is made of more, when Festival City Warriors prove they deserve to be playing in the competition as they go up against a strong North Ruimveldt unit in the final, with a lineup of players that is hungrier for success than fame.

The dreadlocked Daniel, a favourite, knows what it is like to be in the spotlight, as he was a member of the Back Circle unit that competed in the first ever Caribbean Guinness ‘Greatest of De

Daniel Favourite Streets’ tournament in 2012 right here at the National Park.

Therefore, the players will look to him for guidance and calmness, with amicable support coming from Solomon Austin, Dwayne Lawrence, Andrew Gad and top marksman Eon Alleyne for support and victory.

North Ruimveldt, one of the pre-tournament favourites, sent home crowd favourites and the seemingly unbeatable Sparta Boss in their semifinal fixture, becoming the first team not to

concede a goal in regulation time in the process.

Tonight, one would look to see the likes of Gerald Gritten, who played defence for all 38 minutes against Sparta Boss to shut out the likes of Devon ‘Don Don’ Millington and Sheldon Shepherd, returning to his role at the top to get goals.

With players such as Colin Daniels, Nichosie Barker, Joshua Browne and the ever-green and hardworking Travis ‘Zorro’ Grant in the support staff, the crowd can very well be chanting North Ruimveldt on numerous occasions, when the curtains come down on this year’s edition tonight.

Millington and Shepherd, along with Eusi ‘Boneyman’ Phillips, Jerome Richardson and Jermaine Weekes, will lead Sparta Boss in their

third place fixture against Leopold Street, who will be looking to Okenny Fraser, Mark Lawrence, Hugh Argyle and Anthony Charles, to take them to the third place spot and a place in the national playoffs.

The runners-up will pocket $300 000, a trophy and medallions and a place in the national playoffs, while the winner of the third/ fourth place playoff, will receive $200 000 and a spot in the National playoffs, leaving the fourth-placed team with $100 000.

The Skills Challenge category of the tournament will be contested tonight as well, with players and non-players being given the privilege to compete for the top prize of $20 000, while the sponsor has introduced a Fair Play Award of $50 000 as well as for this year’s edition.

National U-19s for hockey tour to Trinidad and Tobago

By LeeronBrumell GUYANA’S National U-19 boys team depart these shores tomorrow for Trinidad and Tobago; their first overseas tour since being brought together just over three months ago.

They are to play three games against T&T’s National U-19 squad between Tuesday and Thursday.Tomorrow afternoon they play against Paragon Hockey Club in a warmup match. They’ll train on the artificial turf in Tacarigua, during the morning period.

The Guyana Hockey Board’s focus is on the Pan American Junior Cham-

Coach Robert Fernandes (L) explains to the National U-19s on the GCC ground, Bourda. At right is Dwayne Alleyne. pionships in 2016. This is perhaps the first time that a developmental programme has been put in place by the GHB to prepare more than two years in advance for the

championship.

In the past, national teams came together just months ahead of major events.

An initial squad of 35 players was selected. Not all

those players will make this tour however and only one making this trip is over the age of 19 – Jamarj Assanah; touted as the best player inside our borders.

Ross pays courtesy call on three schools in Berbice GUYANA’S renowned bodybuilder Hugh Ross in his capacity as Banks DIH’s Malta Supreme Brand Ambassador has continued his campaign to promote healthy living among children following visits to three schools in Berbice and Georgetown.

Ross, a former Mr. Universe and NABBA Masters Champion visited Berbice High and New Amsterdam Multilateral schools in New Amsterdam and the Marian Academy in Georgetown where he interacted with stu-

Hugh Ross during one of his motivational speeches to students and teachers in Berbice. dents and teachers and encouraged them to adopt healthy lifestyles.

The United States-based Ross, Guyana’s most accomplished bodybuilder and fitness expert said he was

extremely excited to be home and will take this opportunity to engage his compatriots as he continues his crusade to promote fitness and good health.

Ross, who was born at

Eversham Village on the Corentyne, also attended the Berbice High School and the students were excited to see Ross and some engaged the bodybuilding icon in a pose off at the schools.

Ross was accompanied by Malta Supreme Brand Manager Clayton Mc Kenzie who said the sessions at the schools were well received.

Malta Supreme produced by beverage manufacturing giants Banks DIH Limited is a non-alcoholic drink ideal for children and athletes.

Head Coach Robert Fernandes is using Assanah as his measuring stick. In fact he just missed the cut off age to play as an Under-19.

‘We need to walk with him because he’s one of the best players in the country and we don’t know where the opposition is so we don’t want to go over there and be under-strength.’

This tour is being used to gauge the level of play of the locals; pitting them against the best hockey playing nation in the Caribbean. T&T is also ranked among the best in the Pan American bloc.

The Juniors have had three competitive outings together – The Banks Outdoor and GT&T and Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey tournaments within the past few months.

Fernandes is pleased with their intensity and focus, though they are not where he wants them to be at this stage. One of the positives is that they’re beginning to play as a unit.

‘You’re seeing it slowly.

It’s still not where I want them to be mainly because I think there is a difference in the level of capabilities.

The better players are playing at a certain level and the younger players are not quite there as yet so the trust of passing the ball to the younger players is not there

as yet but I think once they come off this tour everybody will be able to develop that trust and improve a lot.’

The youngest player is 14 years and according to Fernandes, the players have not all found their ‘adult bodies.’

‘Some are 14 years, some are 16 so they are at different stages of their development so it’s hard to hold everyone to the same standard,’ said he.

Regardless, Fernandes said he has high hopes for the team.

Mark Sergeant has been named captain of the team to T&T. It includes Medroy Scotland, Kareem McKenzie, Keon McKenzie, Daniel Hooper & Shaquille Leung from team GCC, Rosario Ramsammy (Marian Academy), Aroydy Branford, Andrew Stewart, Leon Bacchus &JamarjAssanah (Hikers), Stephon Sprosta, Deheron Wilkinson and Omar Hopkinson (Old Fort), Hilton Chester, Paramanand Dindial, Ato Greene & Shemar Boston (Saints).

Dwayne Alleyne will assist Fernandes with coaching duties while the Manager will be Hubert Forrester.

Only 19 of the 35 originally selected will make this tour. Players will have to fight to keep their spot on the team to the Pan Am Championships in 2016 in Toronto Canada.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Who will be made of more tonight in Guinness Finals?

See Story on Page 35

MoH/Health 2000 Inc./Ansa McAl Girls U-11

Final four battles on today at MoE ground

Part of the enthralling action in the day’s final contest between Enterprise Primary (blue) and Tucville Primary which the former won 3-0. tled, three of the matches

By Calvin Roberts

DESPITE the soggy conditions underfoot in some places at the Ministry of Education ground yesterday, the eight quarterfinalists of the Ministry of Health/Health 2000 (Guyana) Inc./ Ansa McAl Smalta Girls Under-11 Pee-Wee football competition churned out enthralling performances for their respective teams.

When the dust was set-

were decided on penalty kicks, even as Enterprise Primary scored thrice to stop Tucville Primary in what was described as a derby affair in the final matchup of the day’s four quarterfinal encounters.

Earlier in the day, St. Margaret’s gained a walk over from Smith’s Memorial who were a no-show for their Plate contest, while St. Pius defeated East LaPenitence 2-0 in another Plate encounter, with Brit-

DDL / Pepsi Under-16 competition on today See Story on Page 31

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ney Sampson scoring a double in the 2nd and 19th minute for St. Pius.

In the first quarterfinal, Stella Maris and North Georgetown Primary played to a nil all draw before Stella Maris came out on top 5-4 via Sudden Death penalty kicks shoot out, while F. E Pollard also lost 4-3 on Sudden Death penalties, following their 1-1 scoreline result with West Ruimveldt Primary.

Nikita Prince scored first for West Ruimveldt in the 19th minute, but two minutes later saw her goal being nullified by the efforts of Omifia Langellier for F.E Pollard, whose players became emotional at the loss.

Great custodial work from Naomi Kezia, guided St. Stephen’s Primary to their 2-1 Sudden Death penalty kicks win over a determined South Ruim-

Naomi Kezia veldt unit, after a 0-0 scoreline at the end of regulation time, with Kezia saving three of the five penalty kicks that came her way witH her foot.

The final quarterfinal encounter resulted in a win for Enterprise, whose players were by far the better organised team on the field of play, with an own goal (3rd) coupled with solitary strikes from Alliana George (5th) and Aliyah Alleyne (19th) handing the eventual victors, victory by a 3-0 scoreline.

Today’s activity will conclude with the two semi-finals, but prior to that, the other eight remaining schools will do battle to fill positions 5-12, while the final is billed for Wednesday.

Windies turn attention to Centurion Test JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, (CMC) – West Indies will hold their first training session in Centurion today, as they beef up preparations for the first Test against South Africa starting Wednesday.

The Caribbean side will

See Page 31

Marlon Samuels

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2014