2014 12 15

GUYANA No. 104042 MONDAY DECEMBER 15, 2014

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PRICE: $60

Granger’s challenge of Gov’t spending for hearing today Page

Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall

Fun Galore at ‘Fun City’

Miss World competition…

Guyana’s Rafieya Husain places Page 2 in top 10

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(See story on Page 9) (

Haitian Prime Minister resigns Page

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Onesha Hutson alsoPage 2 does Guyana proud

INCLUDING VAT

Opposition Leader David Granger

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

Miss World competition…

Guyana’s Rafieya Husain places in top 10 ––and second in Multimedia section

Guyana’s ambassador to the 2014 Miss World Pageant, Rafieya Husain

MISS Guyana World, Rafieya Husain continues to do well at the Miss World Pageant, the grand finale of which took place last night in London.

Husain has been named in the top five of the Multimedia Award contest, with Miss Netherlands, Tatjana Maul, Miss India Koyal Rana, Miss United States Elizabeth Safrit, and Miss England Carina Tyrrell.

Up to press time, the Miss World Organisation had announced the top five delegates in each of the contests, except the Beauty with Purpose Award for which Miss Guyana is in the top 10.

Rafieya Husain has placed second in the Multimedia section of the Miss World competition.

For the Miss World Top Model competition, the top five were Miss China, Du Yang; Miss South Sudan, Awien Kuanyin-Agoth; Miss Bosnia and Herzegovina, Isidora Borovcanin; Miss Hungary, Edina Kulcsár; and Miss Australia, Courtney Thorpe.

In the Beach Fashion contest, in the top five

positions were Miss Mexico, Daniela Álvarez Reyes; Miss Kenya, Idah Nguma; Miss Sweden, Olivia Asplund; Miss South Africa, Rolene Strauss; and Miss India, Koyal Rana.

Miss Finland, Krista Haapalainen was adjudged the winner of the Sports segment, with Miss Hungary, Edina Kulcsár in second position, and Miss South Africa, Rolene Strauss in the third spot. Miss Serbia, Milica Vuklis and Miss Wales, Alice Ford came in fourth and fifth respectively.

Meanwhile, according to Global Beauties.com, Miss South Africa has been the absolute favourite for the crown. If Miss South Africa wins, it will be the third Miss World crown for the African nation, and the first since 1974, when the original winner from the UK gave up the crown and the South African runner-up took her place.

The Miss World Final was broadcast LIVE across the world from 14:30 to 17:00 GMT (18:30h-21:00h local time).

Onesha Hutson also does Guyana proud ONESHA Hutson represented Guyana well at the Miss Global International Pageant, held last weekend in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Although that dream did not become a reality for the beauty ambassador, Hutson placed in the top 10, and was again selected in the top six of the talent competition. She was awarded a special prize for Best Smile.

During the competition, which saw at least 30 other delegates competing, Hutson created quite a stir as she sought to impress Jamaica and the other delegates with her grace and elegance, as she glided across the stage wearing a Myrna Patterson gown.

She then sported a Neilson Nurse gown for the orientation dinner and again managed to turn heads.

After creating a fashion statement, she continued to look fabulous in gowns and designs by Andy Cummings, Tracey Greene Douglas, Nachle Designs and Channey Wong.

Being a favourite in the swimsuit segment, Hutson wore a stunning swimsuit, depicting the colours of the national flag. The design which was produced by Guyanese designer Jason Shurland, incorporated handcrafted ribbons and rice beads.

Hutson also rose to the occasion and preformed a cultural extravaganza as her talent piece, where she played the African and Tassa drums, and also danced to Guyanese artiste Melissa “Vanilla” Robert’s “Rage” and “Arrowhead” by Courtney Noel. The dance was choreographed by Hashim Alli.

Taking a bit of Guyanese heritage for the charity auction, Hutson was among the favourite countries

––at Miss Global International Pageant

Guyana’s Onesha Hutson during her various competitive segments at the Miss Global International Pageant whose gift was sold. It was a Guyana’s ‘Ultimate Pack’

by Tracey Greene Douglas and her brand Pandama Wines, which included the award winning wine, clay earrings, tie-dye dress and souvenirs from Guyana.

In addition, her national costume sported a repli-

ca of Guyana’s Court of Arms which was made by Guyanese designer Jason Shurland. The evening gown was the highlight of the evening as she wore a Hibiscus flower inspired gown by new and rising designer Quinton Pearson.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

Granger’s challenge of Gov’t spending for hearing today ––AG says charges are ‘without merit’

A LEGAL challenge advanced by Opposition Leader, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger, is expected to come up today before Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang.

Through the challenge, made via an affidavit filed last Thursday, Granger is calling

Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall for a Conservatory Order to stay all spending or any further spending by Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, or any other Government ministers on programmes disapproved or not authorised by the National Assembly until the hearing and determination of the matter.

WITHOUT MERIT However, Attorney-Gen-

eral (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, who is listed as a defendant in the matter, contends that the case filed by the main Opposition leader is without merit.

“It is without merit. I am not clear why the action was filed in the first place,” he told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, during a telephone interview.

The Attorney-General also questioned the timing of the action, surmising that it may be that Granger is pandering to his supporters.

He explained that the Government’s use of public funds is in accordance with constitutional provisions, pointing out that the constitution spells out clearly the requirements that have to be met for public funds to be used.

Nandlall said, “If the Minister of Finance takes monies in these circumstances from the Consolidated Fund and expends it, he is required to lay in the National Assembly a Statement of Excess showing for what purpose these monies have been expended.”

He added that the Granger’s contentions have been addressed in a ruling by the Acting Chief Justice and the Opposition leader’s most recent application to the courts is essentially requesting a “re-litigation” of the matter.

“The issues raised by Mr. Granger have already been determined by the High Court and are the subject of review by an Appellate Tribunal,” the Attorney-General said.

Nandlall also rejected the argument that the Government, given the fact that Parlia-

ments is currently prorogued, is avoiding scrutiny of spending.

“The constitution makes adequate provisions for monies to be spent,” he stressed.

He was emphatic that the Government stands ready to respond to Granger’s challenge.

Additionally, the Finance Minister and Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman are also listed as defendants in the matter.

ADDITIONAL CALLS Also, according to Granger’s application, in which he is listed as the plaintiff, there is also a call for the courts to pronounce on the constitutionality of the combined Opposition’s disapproval of sums in the 2014 Budget, as well as a declaration that the restoration of those monies by the Finance Minister.

Budget 2014 saw the slashing of $37.5B from the allocations of $220B by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC).

The Finance Minister at the time, noted that the Government would rely on the final ruling of Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang regarding budget cuts.

Opposition Leader David Granger In January this year, Chang ruled that the National Assembly has no right to cut the national budget. The Chief Justice handed down his decision in the High Court on January 29.

In the Preliminary Ruling given in June See page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

U.N. talks agree building blocks for new-style climate deal in 2015

By Alister Doyle and Valerie Volcovici LIMA,(Reuters) - About 190 nations agreed yesterday the building blocks of a new-style global deal due in 2015 to combat climate change amid warnings that far tougher action will be needed to limit increases in global temperatures.

Under the deal reached in Lima, governments will submit national plans for reining in greenhouse gas emissions by an informal deadline of March 31, 2015 to form the basis of a global agreement due at a summit in Paris in a year’s time.

Most of the tough decisions about how to slow climate change were postponed until then. “Much remains to be done in Paris next year,” French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said.

The texts, agreed two days into overtime after two weeks of talks came close to collapsing, appeased emerging economies led by China and India, concerned that previous drafts

Delegates listen as COP 20 President and Peru’s Environment Minister Manuel Pulgar Vidal makes an announcement during a plenary session of the U.N. Climate Change Conference COP 20 in Lima .Credit: REUTERS/Enrique Castro-Mendivil imposed too heavy a burden on emerging economies compared to the rich.

“We’ve got what we wanted,” said Indian Environment Minister Prakash Javedekar, who said the text preserved a notion enshrined in a 1992 climate convention that the rich have to lead the way in making cuts in greenhouse gas

emissions.

It also satisfied rich nations led by the United States who say it is time for fastgrowing emerging economies to rein in fast-rising emissions. China is now the biggest greenhouse gas emitter ahead of the United States, the EU and India.

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Change Envoy Todd Stern said that a joint U.S.-China deal last month to curb emissions had helped show new ways to bridge a standoff between rich and poor. “The announcement of a few weeks ago came in handy here,” he said.

“This is a good document to pave the way to Paris,” EU Climate Action and Energy

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Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete told Reuters at the end of the talks about limiting more floods, desertification, heat waves and rising sea levels.

Some environmental groups, however, said the deal, reached at a tent city on a military base in the Peruvian capital, was far too weak.

“We went from weak to weaker to weakest,” Samantha Smith of the WWF conservation group said of successive drafts at the Lima talks.

NEW STYLE The idea of a U.N. deal with obligations for all nations marks a shift from the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which obliges only the rich to cut emissions.

Christiana Figueres, the U.N.’s climate chief, said Lima found a new ways to define the obligations of rich and poor. “That is a very important breakthrough,” she said.

“What we are seeing is a new form of international

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cooperation on climate change where all countries participate with a new set of rules,” said Jennifer Morgan of the World Resources Institute think-tank.

The U.N. Climate Change Secretariat says that the combined pledges by all nations likely in Paris will be too weak to achieve a goal of limiting warming to an agreed goal of 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial times.

Under the Lima deal, national pledges will be added up in a report by Nov. 1, 2015, to assess their aggregate effect in slowing rising temperatures.

But, after opposition led

by China, there will not be a full-blown review to compare each nation’s level of ambition.

And the text lays out a vast range of options for the Paris accord, including the possibility of aiming for zero net global emissions by 2100 or earlier in a drastic shift from fossil fuels towards renewable energies such as wind and solar power.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

PM Skerrit names 16-member Cabinet following general election victory ROSEAU, Dominica, (CMC) – Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit Saturday named a 16-member cabinet following his Dominica Labour Party (DLP) fourth consecutive victory in general elections last Monday.

Skerrit on Tuesday was sworn in as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

The ministers took the oath of office at a public ceremony before President Charles Savarin held at the Windsor Park Stadium in the capital and attended by St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony, members of the diplomatic corps as well as supporters of the ruling party.

Prime Minister Skerrit named five women and several new comers to politics to his Cabinet and re-aligned many of the ministerial portfolios from the last administration. He named Francine Baron to the post of Foreign Affairs and CARICOM Affairs and Miriam Blanchard as the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Project Planning and Implementation.

The new cabinet includes a number of candidates who contested the election for the first time, including

Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit.

Dr. Cassius Darroux, who was named Minister of Kalingo Affairs (Caribs) and Catherine Daniel, who was named Minister of Social Services, Family and Gender Affairs.

The former operations manager at the Waitukubuli National Trail Management Unit, Roselyn Paul has been named Minister of Commerce, Enterprise and Small Business Development Businessman Robert Tonge, who has been named a Senator, was sworn in as the new Minister of Tourism and Urban Renewal, while another new comer Kelver Darroux was named Minister of Information, Science, Telecommunications and Technology.

Justina Charles, the wife of the late former prime minister Pierre Charles, returned to the new Cabinet, being named as Minister of Youth, Sports, Culture and Constituency Empowerment, while Ian Pinnard, who gave up active politics in 2009 for health reasons is the new Minister of Public Works and Ports.

In his address to the ceremony, Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism, Economic Development Investment and Energy Minister Michael Asot said that when Caribbean people want to solve a problem, they turn to Labour parties that “bring institutional knowledge, a cadre of effective leaders, a love for freedom and justice, and jobs jobs jobs”.

Like every country in the Caribbean, the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica must create jobs and opportunities in abundance,” said Asot, who is a member of the Antigua Labour Party (ALP) tat won general elections in that country in June.

“The young people who have graduated from High School, the parents who must meet the cost of equipping their children for a better life, the businessper-

sons who need skilled and competent workers, and the managers who wish to ensure profitable enterprises, all turn to government” he added.

Asot also said it was Skerrit, who embraced the vision of the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chanvez, who wanted to lift thousands of people out of poverty.

“In Antigua and Barbuda, here in Dominica and other OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) territories, we therefore see PetroCaribe as a very important instrument for development and we see it as our duty to defend PetroCaribe whenever and wherever it is challenged.

“It was Prime Minister Skerrit who was among one of the leading pioneers in championing this cause for the people of Dominica and the people of the Caribbean.”

PetroCaribe is an oil alliance of many Caribbean countries with Venezuela to purchase oil on conditions of preferential payment.

Asot said that had there been no PetroCaribe, “Antigua and Barbuda and the Commonwealth of Dominica would long ago have been driven over a fiscal cliff, with disastrous consequences for our nations and our people” The following is the full list of Ministers sworn into Office on Saturday.

Justina Charles - Minister of Youth, Sports, Culture and Constituency Empowerment Dr. John Colin Mc. Intyre - Minister of Planning, Economic Development and Investment Reginald Austrie – Minister of Housing, Lands and Water Resource Management Ian Pinnard – Minister of Public Works and Ports.

Johnson Drigo - Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Catherine Daniel – Minister of Social Services, Family and Gender Affairs Ian Douglas – Minister of Trade, Energy and Em-

ployment Rayburn Blackmore – Minister of Justice, Immigration and National Security Petter St. Jean – Minister of Education and Human Resource Development Roselyn Paul– Minister of Commerce, Enterprise and Small Business Development Dr. Kenneth Darroux – Minister of Health and Environment – taking over from Julius Timothy who failed.

Kelver Darroux – Minister of Information, Science, Telecommunications and Technology Dr. Cassius Darroux – Minister Kalingo Affairs (Carib Affairs) Robert Tonge – Minister of Tourism and Urban Renewal Francine Baron – Minister for Foreign Affairs and CARICOM Affairs Miriam Blanchard – Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Project Planning and Implementation

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

EDITORIAL

Country above self

Major General (ret’d) Joseph Singh, in a letter to this newspaper penned on December 10, wrote, inter alia: “In February 2013, a few days after the shooting by ‘youth men’ of Mr Oscar Clarke, General Secretary of the People’s National Congress in his home at Plum Park, Sophia, I wrote two letters to the Editor; and in one of these (February 5, 2013) I stated: “Times have changed. Institutions that were working at the time of Independence were retooled, politicised and centralised, and we the people became alienated from grassroots structures (such as Village Councils) because most were unrepresentative of communities. Citizens then spent more time looking after themselves, and those with resources created their own safe havens, in splendid isolation from the realities of community life -- the infiltration by narco-traffickers, the rise of truancy among youth, the increasing incidence of absentee fathers, the dilemma of mothers who, by default, became the breadwinners of the family, the deteriorating infrastructure because of ‘fly-by-night contractors’, and the rise of subcultures that attracted the youth men and women.

“Almost two years later, the institutions which had become dysfunctional, remain largely so, testimony, in great measure, to the negative consequences of political gridlock and intransigence. The youth men and women have now graduated from being urban ‘Foot Bandits’ who attacked Mr Oscar Clarke in his own home, to ‘young men on bicycles’ -- given the name ‘Bicycle Bandits’ by rural residents of new housing areas at Zeelugt, Tuschen, Diamond, Republic Park and elsewhere -- to the ‘Car Bandits’ who brutally and callously shot to death a Security Guard at Sterling Products Limited, and to the ‘Hinterland Bandits’ operating by boat and off-road vehicles, who killed a shop owner I knew at Mango Landing, Essequibo River.

“The geographical dispersion of these most recent criminal activities is an indication of the increasing intelligence gathering capability, mobility, and bare-faced arro-

gance with which persons bent on criminality seem prepared to counter the deployment of private security guards, law enforcement patrols, road blocks, check points and CCTV cameras. Those of us reading the daily coverage of criminality that reports on the murders of citizens, such as security guard Wilfred Stewart and shop owner Linden McAlmon, and injuries to many others, may have unwittingly developed a fatalistic immunity to these examples of man’s inhumanity to man because of what is being played out in other jurisdictions such as in St Louis and Michigan USA, Mosul in Iraq and Damascus in Syria, and of the death toll from viruses in parts of Africa and from weather related disasters occurring with increasing frequency in many parts of this planet.

“But what of the two daughters and unborn child of Wilfred Stewart and their mother, and Linden McAlmon’s children and his wife Maureen? What if we who now read this piece were the victims, and our children, wives, husbands and partners were faced with the trauma of being bereft of their fathers, husbands, wives and partners in this the season of goodwill?

“If lower crime statistics are a reasonably accurate indicator that the society should feel safer and more secure, the recent incidents are cold comfort to the relatives and friends of the victims whose lives have been viciously terminated by those who are interested in quick returns for least effort or who are being manipulated by behind the scenes puppet masters.

“Political gridlock has had its debilitating impact on a long suffering citizenry, desperately hoping for respite from the endless vilification, the quirks, the angst and the vitriol emanating from all political camps. This is exacerbated by reported acts of irresponsibility in the management of our national assets, of self aggrandisement and cronyism, downright chicanery and political buffoonery which overshadow the good works, largely unheralded and unreported, being done by committed and conscientious

Guyana certainly going places I RECENTLY went on a visit to Lethem and was extremely impressed with developments that have taken place there within recent years.

The once sleepy community of Lethem is now taking shape as a commercial hub, with several new business and enter-

tainment places established, especially in the new area earmarked by the government for commercial and industrial development.

It seems only a matter of time before Lethem is upgraded to township status, especially given the increased flow of

GUYANA

labourers in the public vineyard. The net effect is that the deficit in governance and the acts of criminality are taking their toll on the morale and tolerance level of peace loving Guyanese.”

So far, so good. But the Brigadier went on to contend: “Incidents of violent crime, road kill, domestic violence, white collar crime and corruption, fragmentation of family units and degradation of the cohesiveness of communities, are symptomatic of a more insidious malaise in the national character.

“It is facilitated by the political grandstanding and unwillingness to cede ground in a magnanimous national effort to resolve systemic issues plaguing the society. It contributes to the growing disillusionment among many of our youth and recent graduates from secondary and tertiary institutions, who despair of realising their true potential as individuals and as professionals in the country of their birth.

“If this is truly a season of goodwill and we are sincere in our exchanges of greetings and good wishes, then we should also look forward, expectantly, to some morale-boosting manifestations of the highest levels of statesmanship, political astuteness, receptivity to advocacy and magnanimity, in the cause of national unity and Guyana’s development for all.”

All of these, he posits, “…should be complemented by all faith-based organisations practicing a model of liberation theology – the kind that took root and blossomed in our region during the 1970s and 1980s, that will identify with good governance, and finding creative solutions to the issues that affect the poor, the vulnerable, the homeless, the jobless, the traumatised women and children, and the marginalised in our society.”

Brigadier Joe Singh needs to be reminded, when he is extolling the social dynamics as relates to crime and good governance, that the “liberation theology” that took place in the 1970s and 1980s resulted in the proliferation of ‘choke-and-robbers’, ‘kick-downthe-door bandits’, children out of school to fetch water for long distances because of

traffic as a consequence of the bridge across the Takatu River. This will be given further impetus with the paving of the Linden-Lethem trail, and the proposed construction of the bridge across the Corentyne River, which will link the two neighbouring countries of Guyana and Suriname.

These projects, when completed, will serve to integrate the economies of Guyana, Brazil and Suriname, which will be

lack of potable water in their communities, or to line up for basic foodstuff and essential household commodities, or to sell sweets at streets corners to augment family income, among others.

The Rodney Commission of Inquiry is revealing starkly the kind of governance and “…creative solutions to the issues that affect the poor, the vulnerable, the homeless, the jobless, the traumatised women and children, and the marginalised in our society’ that existed in our society in the 1970s and 1980s, so much-lauded by Singh; and Walter Rodney’s demise by assassination is a living (pun unintended) reminder of the good governance that existed during that period under PNC rule.

Maybe Walter Rodney may have been able to fulfil the promise that he encapsulated; maybe rigging at elections time that saw the murder of the Ballot Box Martyrs would have stopped; maybe the descendants of Indian indentured labourers would still be in possession of heirloom jewellery; maybe the PPP/C would have inherited a thriving country instead of a bankrupted one; maybe the corruption levels in public institutions would not have become endemic as a way of survival that has now transmuted into an ineradicable plague in our society if conscientious objectors, such as Brigadier Joe Singh had had the courage to write (and if the ‘free’ press then existing [sic!] would have allowed him to) “… Now is as good a time as any for us to re-group, re-engage and re-double our efforts at shaping a caring, enlightened and civil Guyanese society that will work in unity and harmony with unselfish and responsible leaders at all levels who can be relied upon to put institution, village, district, region and country, above self.”

Which are admirable sentiments, but not sentiments he should direct – even as subtly as he did, to the PPP/C governmental construct, but to his old associates in the Opposition, whom he never pointed a finger to during the long hard years when Guyana and the survival of Guyanese descended to subterranean levels.

greatly facilitated by a road infrastructure linking these three countries and their respective economies.

Guyana is certainly going places, for which full credit must be given to the PPP/C administration for putting in place the correct policy priscriptions to take this nation forward along the path of sustained economic and social progress.

HYDAR ALLY

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

At BIT graduation in NA ...

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AG underscores competitive edge of education, skills –in today’s global environment Privatization at a loss not an option IN HIS letter, “The de-politicisation if not de-nationalisation of the sugar industry is long overdue”, Mr Nowrang Persaud says that Guyana should privatise its sugar industry (SN, 13/12/2014).

While I agree that there is a need for better management of Guyana’s sugar industry and for private ownership, I would disagree with Mr Nowrang Persaud about the timing for privatisation.

Mr Nowrang Persaud is wrong. To privatise GuySuCo now would lead to a heavy loss in foreign currency earnings. GuySuCo should be resusitated, made profitable, then privatised.

GuySuCo is a drain on the Treasury; but, so is GPL and Linden. It is easy to criticise when things are not going well in an industry. But let us use America as an example. At anyone time, some of American industry fare well and some fail. At the moment, America’s oil corporations are in trouble due to the falling price of oil. This will put pressure on its Banks.

We know America is not faring so well as to end its economic crisis; America’s President Barrack Obama took to quantative easing (PRINTING MONEY) to get America out of crisis.

Guyana should quantitive ease by about GY$30Bn to prop up its industries that are not faring as well at this moment in time. Mr Nowrang Presaud does not go into any detail as to where the problems are in Guyana’s sugar industry. He simply does not know. He believes that because the Guyana State has 100% ownership of GuySuCo that this implies the politicians are in charge of running the business into the ground.

With his limited knowledge of how businesses flourish and flounder, Mr Nowrang Persaud should take a lesson from APPLE. For decades APPLE was languishing at the bottom of the computer industry. Yet, over the last decade APPLE has managed to transform itself into a very profitable company.

The same can happen with GuySuCo. Any government needs to support industries when things are not going well; all it takes is a neccessary capital investment and knowledge.

I suggest GuySuCo looks into diversifying its business into a resource management company, as China and India as well as Brazil will need resources to power their industries.

SEAN McLEAN

THE Board of Industrial Training (BIT) last Friday held its graduation ceremony for its National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) and Single Parent Training in Region 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne).

And the “premium value” of education and skills in a competitive global environment was underscored by the Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, during his address to over 240 graduating students, a press release stated.

“In this competitive world, education and skills are of premium value and if you do not possess an education or some technical skill then you will not be able to compete fairly and adequately in that job market place,” Nandlall said.

The ceremony which was held in the New Amsterdam Town Hall was filled to capacity with the 240 plus graduating students in attendance, as well as their respective lecturers, guardians and friends.

Nandlall, who had spoken at other BIT graduations in different regions, said he is pleased with the large number

of young people who are graduating, and this augurs well for the future of Berbice and indeed the country.

BREAKING STEREOTYPE A pertinent observation which the Attorney-General cited and commended was the large number of young women who are graduating.

“It has been historically felt that the woman’s place is at home, in the kitchen, in a domesticated environment, and women should not enter into the field of education and aspire to professional or technical pursuits. That unfortunately, has been the history bequeathed to us by those who preceded us… the stereotyping of women was particularly entrenched and pronounced in the rural communities such as Berbice,” he said.

Nandlall added that, “Over the years we have been able to free ourselves from the mentality of that time and every year we have made accomplishments in the areas of gender equality. It has

‘In this competitive world education and skills are of premium value and if you do not possess an education or some technical skill then you will not be able to compete fairly and adequately in that job market place’ ––AG and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall

See page 8

Granger’s challenge of Gov’t spending ...

From page 3

2012, the CJ had ruled that the National Assembly had a role to either approve or disapprove of the National Estimate, not to cut them.

An appeal of Chang’s controversial 2012 Budget cut ruling has since been filed in the name of the Speaker of the House Raphael Trotman. The Notice of Appeal of Chang’s decision was filed in February by lawyer and Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC) Khemraj Ramjattan, on behalf of the Speaker of the National Assembly.

The ruling followed a move by the Government of Guyana, which had taken the Opposition to court following the slashing of the 2012 National Budget by $20.8B, claiming it was unconstitutional.

Subsequently, Dr. Singh move to restore the sums cut from the 2014 Budget, via a financial paper.

Included in the $4.6B Paper is the full return of $6.1B to the Office of the President. The allocation, for current expenditures, included monies for the Government Information Agency (GINA) and the National Communications Network (NCN).

Also, the sum of $450M has been returned to the President’s Office for capital expenditures under the Administrative Services category.

A portion of the capital expenditures under the Ministry of Finance’s policy and administration has also been returned, and includes $424M for the Low Carbon

Development Strategy (LCDS) programmes; $225M for the University of Guyana’s student loan funds; and $67M for the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The Amerindian Development Fund’s $303M allocation has been returned to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, as has the $359.8M for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project.

The $4.6B Statement of Excess is the fourth since the start of the 10th Parliament, Financial Paper 1/2014, tabled in the National Assembly on June 19, is yet to be considered by the National Assembly. It reflects spending from January 1, 2014 to June 16, 2014.

To date, in the 10th Parliament, of the four Statements of Excess have been tabled, 58 per cent of what was considered has been approved by the combined Opposition.

Despite the Government’s repeatedly expressed contentions that the restoration of the 2014 Budget cuts were constitutional, Granger in his application is seeking a declaration that the expenditures were “unconstitutional, ultra vires, null and void, unreasonable and in breach of the doctrine of the separation of powers.”

Granger’s application is set to be defended by Senior Counsel Rex McKay and Attorneys-At-Law Basil Williams, Hewley Griffith, Lawrence Harris, Michael Somersaul, Joseph Harmon, James Bond, Lewellyn John and Bettina Glasford.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

AG underscores competitive edge of education ...

From page 7

been a long and hard process, but at the legislative level in our country we have passed a menu of legislations that makes discrimination unlawful in every sphere of life, in particular at the workplace on the ground of gender and sex.

“We have ensured, for example, at the level of our Parliament that there is representation by women of a particular number, so we have a numerical requirement in terms of the number of women who go on the list of a political party and the number of women who represent the people of this country in our National Assembly. We have also ensured that there are statutory, as well as constitutional

that has been demonstrably acknowledged by the current administration.

“We in the government recognise that if we are to develop our country and its people to their full potential, then we need each and everyone of them to be educated either academically or technically so that they are equipped to discharge the responsibility and the duties that would devolve upon them as nation- building unfolds, because nation-building is a task from which no one is exempt and we need the contribution of all of our people,” the Attorney-General said.

He stated that the government is also

Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall hands a certificate to one of the graduates bodies to ensure that there is gender equality in our country at every level.”

He made mention also of the education system, stressing that there is no discrimination against students on the grounds of gender, and that at every level and in every region, children are accorded equal treatment and equal facilities are expended on them.

Drawing parallels from the other ceremonies, he also observed that “every ethnic grouping in Guyana is adequately and fairly represented at these ceremonies. What that means, is that … I can see Guyana in front of me and that is a remarkable accomplishment of this initiative.”

EMPHASIS ON HUMAN CAPITAL According to Nandlall, the importance of investing in human development in one

concerned about human development in the factors of production.

Nandlall said, “In the developmental equation, the most fundamental factor from the perspective of the government is the human capital. The human capital is our greatest asset and therefore we see it as our primary responsibility in government to develop, to hone, to educate, to nurture the human capital among us, and that is why these programmes are being conducted right across the length and breadth of our country. Whatever project we initiate we do not discriminate in any form or fashion, either on the ground of ethnicity, race, class, colour or geographic location.

That is also extant in every one of our policies at a governmental level.”

According to the AG, emphasis is placed on human capital because of how competitive

and smaller the world is becoming.

“We do not want you to merely graduate today, we want you to see this graduation as a stepping stone and for you to continue to build upon what you have learnt today… you need in the technical world to continue to equip yourselves because we have a plan for this country… that is, to take this country to a different level industrially and at the level of the manufacturing sector,” he said.

The Attorney-General spoke about further developing the manufacturing and industrial potential of Guyana and said, “This is why we need you to be here because we need you to work with us - soon we will be announcing a plan for a deep water harbour at the mouth of the Berbice River and that will complement a road to Brazil. You will have hundreds of containers that will come here to be transshipped to Brazil, which is the fifth largest economy in the world. A bridge that will be constructed across the Corentyne River, which will connect Nickerie to Crabwood Creek, bridging Guyana to Suriname.

There are investors from India who are looking at the Canje Basin to do large-scale farming, and of course we are working very hard to bring hydroelectricity to our country because we see that as extraordinarily important for the development of the manufacturing and industrial sector of country.”

HYDRO-POWER Nandlall also addressed the commitment of government in nearly delivering hydro-power to Guyana via the Amaila Falls Hydro project which unfortunately, was halted because the combined Opposition rejected it in Parliament.

He said, “We cannot develop this country without hydro-power. We have to find a cheap source of electricity. Guyana generates electricity at a cost that is four times the cost in New York, five times the cost in Trinidad.

“There is no incentive for an investor who will come to Guyana to open a factory or build an industry when he can do so in Trinidad where the cost of electricity is five times lower than in Guyana… cost of electricity and that is what is crippling the capabilities of this country from achieving its full economic and financial potential.

“We have the natural resources, but we need the cheap energy to develop those resources, to build the factories, to process the food and meat that we are capable of producing, in the volume that we are capable

of producing it, so that we can export it to the outside world.”

Speaking specifically to the graduating students, he said, “It is the factories that will give you the jobs, it is the industries that will provide you with the opportunities to achieve the financial reward that you are entitled to and that you deserve, but we cannot do that unless we get hydro-power.

“That is why I am pleased to inform you that the President and government are currently negotiating with a different set of investors under a different arrangement in order to ensure that we bring hydro- power to our country, so that we don’t have to spend the billions upon billions of dollars to purchase fuel to run a system that is inefficient and not cost effective. That is why hydro-power is so important.”

“We are living at a time where our country is about to unleash its potential and we need all of our people to put their shoulders to the wheel. As you graduate today, remember that you have a far greater role to play than what the certificates say you are graduating to be,” Nandlall concluded.

He told the graduating students that in achieving their goals and objectives, obstacles will come their way which will test them.

However, “there is no problem; there is no hurdle that you will face that you do not have the ability to overcome. At the end you will triumph.”

He also congratulated the graduates and their parents, families, friends and lecturers who made the necessary sacrifices and gave the support needed for the students to be successful in their endeavours.

Meanwhile, BIT’s Chairman Clinton Williams highlighted that the board’s programmes were being conducted in all 10 regions and for this year alone 2,700 students have acquired skills in different disciplines and will be graduating in their respective fields.

He stressed that a lot more work is needed to address the increasing demand for certain types of skills and called on the private sector to contribute more in the training, financing and identification of those skills in tandem with BIT. The BIT programme was designed by Government to specifically target persons who for whatever reason did not get the opportunity to participate in the formal educational system of Guyana and for those who may not have excelled academically through the system, the release concluded.

Our sincerest apology OUR sincerest apology for unwittingly referring to the children residing at the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) on the Essequibo Coast as ‘inmates’ in an article carried on Page 13 of yesterday’s edition of the Chronicle, titled ‘Anyone who wants to do better, we are here

for you...’

As was so aptly pointed out by the person who brought the slight to our attention, “words can be deflating when used inappropriately.”

We regret the error, and promise to be more selective in our choice of words in future when addressing sensitive issues.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

Over 300 children feted at Princess Hotel’s ‘Fun City’ ––compliments of Comfort Sleep

By Shirley Thomas IT was fun galore for more than 300 children at the Princess Hotel’s ‘Fun City’ last Saturday, where they had a near ‘Disneyland experience’, compliments of Comfort Sleep, Guyana’s leading manufacturer of foam mattresses and pillows.

The occasion was Comfort Sleep’s annual Christmas party for children who are beneficiaries of the company’s School Feeding Programmes executed at six schools in West Demerara and New Amsterdam.

For the first time in eight years, the kids were brought together under one roof for a joint Christmas celebration which turned out to be the experience of a lifetime, leaving with them cherished memories.

The investment was worthwhile since, not only did it provide fun and excitement for the kids, but for the less fortunate children, it was an experience that undoubtedly made them feel special and “good about themselves,” a good way of building their self-esteem.

It was a day of great fun and excitement for the kids - bubbling and brimming with energy, as they made good of the facilities placed at their disposal.

Each child was given a ticket which entitled him/her to a sumptuous lunch, snacks, a gift from Santa Claus as well as a photograph receiving their gift from Santa.

They were also given an electronic card which allowed each of them to view movies; play 15 Nintendo games and/or

enjoy rides on any of the scores of colourful and electrically-powered motorcars, trains, space craft, horses or pony rides, among other forms of kids entertainment.

The party started at 10:00 hrs and for the next five hours, it was fun non-stop with gay chatter. They showed that they are abreast with technology as each child managed the most sophisticated and exotic games and machines placed in their hands.

Among the games were Sonic Sega All Star Racing; Super Bikes; Dirty Driving Raging Storm; Sky Trooper; Fire Fighters; Water Park; Ducky Splash; Hummer; Over drive and Bed Monsters, to name a few.

The children were all very appreciative and thanked their sponsors, Managing Director, Mr. Dennis Charran, his wife Mrs. Sabita Charran and Administrative Manager, Amanda Chung for personally being with them from the beginning to the end of the party.

Teachers from the respective schools also accompanied the children to and from the party. The six groups were transported from their homes to the party and back by special buses provided by Comfort Sleep.

Meanwhile, asked for a comment on how he felt after undertaking such a herculean task, Mr. Charran, in his usual nonchalant style asserted: “All we wanted was to make the children happy for the Christmas, and that has been accomplished. We are now in the process of having them safely returned to their families.”

He extended best wishes for the

Christmas holidays to the children and their families and also expressed appreciation to the shopping public.

“To our loyal customers, we wish to thank you for your patronage throughout the year, since each time you make a purchase, you are helping to feed some less

fortunate child and bringing ultimate joy into their hearts and lives.”

Comfort Sleep has been feeding less fortunate children for the last eight years and hosting annual Christmas parties – all from the proceeds of the sales of its foam products.

The Comfort Sleep family takes time out for a photo ‘op’ with Santa and a kid receiving his gift

Haitian Prime Minister resigns PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, (CMC) – Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe has resigned, less than a week after President Michel Martelly had received a report from an 11-member presidential commission established to help deal with Haiti’s worsening political crisis.

The Commission had also recommended the resignation of the members of the Electoral Council.

Haiti has seen several violent street demonstrations led by opposition figures in recent weeks and in a nationwide radio and television broadcast early Sunday morning, Lamothe said “I am leaving the post of prime minister this evening with a feeling of accomplishment”.

The protestors have been calling for the resignation of both Martelly and Lamothe after the country failed to hold elections in October.

Late November, Martelly announced

the establishment of the commission as opposition demonstrators planned to continue their streets protests to force him out of office.

Martelly has been holding talks with several social and political groups in a bid to pave the way for the holding of the long-delayed election to renew two thirds of the 30-member Senate, the entire Lower Chamber and hundreds of local government bodies.

Out of the 30 senate members, only 20 remain in office, and amendments to an existing electoral law are required to facilitate the vote.

But six opposition legislators have consistently refused to attend the meetings of the Senate preventing the body from getting the required 16-member quorum needed to hold a session.

Political observers note that by January 12, next year, the Haitian parliament will become dysfunctional with only 10 senators left, while 16 is required to

hold a session Lamothe should resign, along with the head of the Supreme Court and the country’s election commission.

Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe

Martelly said earlier that he had accepted the commission’s findings, and would meet government officials on Monday to discuss them.

In addition, the commission also wants several people detained arbitrarily to be released. In the report, the Commission is also calling for a truce by the opposition, noting that the truce is necessary to achieve a political agreement for the country’s long-delayed local and legislative elections to occur.

“The deterioration of the political and social environment requires several calming measures and recovery before Christmas. It is therefore imperative to find a political compromise before January, 12,” the report stated, calling on the public and opposition parties to do their part, including ending calls for Martelly’s resignation.

“Respect the constitutional legitimacy of the President of the Republic,” it added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

GT&T takes ‘Joy of Christmas’ to 17 organisations

THE Alpha Children’s Home in New Amsterdam, Berbice and the Save R Kids Children’s Home at Cornelia Ida on the West Coast of Demerara were among seventeen organisations which received, on Friday evening from the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited, early Christmas presents for the children

within their care.

The phone company scaled down its lavish Christmas season Night of Caroling to a more formal event, which saw the new approach directly benefiting nearly fifteen hundred children from the combined organisations as the company hosted the GT&T Joy of Christmas 2014 Concert and Gift Presentation,

A Section of the gathering at the Theatre Guild on Friday night

which was held at the Theatre Guild Playhouse in Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana.

The other organisations which received gifts from the phone company for their children were the St. John’s Bosco Boys Orphanage, St. Ann’s Girls Orphanage, Radio’s Needy Children Fund, St. Francis Developers in Berbice, St. Francis in Essequibo, Linden Care Foundation, Joshua Children’s Home, Bright Horizon Family, Red Cross Convalescent Home, Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, Mahaica Children’s Home, Sophia Drop-in Centre, Hadfield Street Drop-in Centre, Hurunui Children’s Home, Iwokrama, Amerindian Peoples Association, and the Ruimveldt Children’s Home.

In the case of Iwokrama and the Amerindian Peoples Association, the phone company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr R.K Sharma, said that those entities are going to be tasked with distributing the presents to children in Regions 8, 9 and 1, and along the coast respectively.

The Company CEO, in his brief remarks, said the company’s initiative this year around was to ensure that it adopts a more national approach to the giving and spreading of the joys of Christmas to the less fortunate. The company would, in the past, usually facilitate a Night of Caroling which would cul-

minate with gifts being distributed to children who were drawn from mostly communities within Georgetown, even though some persons from outlying areas would make appearances at the event due to the wide publicity it enjoyed back then.

Sharma told the gathering of business executives and other special invitees that the company hopes it can make the presentation even bigger in 2015, servicing more organisations and reaching to many more children as its hopes to continue promoting its nationalistic approach to the season of giving.

Following Sharma’s presentation to the homes and organisations, Michelle Campbell of Save R Kids Children’s Home used her initiative to congratulate the company for its generous move and expressed gratitude on behalf of the organisations which had benefited.

The phone company did not reveal the price tag for the presentations, but this publication has received word that that figure is in the millions.

Also, on Friday, the phone company, as part of the concert, brought out its own artistes (former GT&T Jingle and Song participants) who performed for the audience. There were also dances which were performed

by GT&T’s partner, Cassique Dance Company. (Leroy Smith)

Young vocalists of the Marigold Choir serenading the gathering

Representatives of the 17 organisations pose with GT&T’s Mr RK Sharma

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GPF hosts another children’s party

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

AS Christmas Day approaches, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) throughout its various divisions continues to host parties for children.

Yesterday ‘A’ Division again hosted another party, this time in the community of Leopold Street at the Central High School where it has a youth group.

The party was also held in collaboration with the Station Management Committee of the Brickdam Police Station, which represents the No 1 Sub Division.

There were close to 100 children, who were part of a youth group which was formed just about three months ago and which caters for children from Leopold Street and other areas .

In addition, they were joined by other children from the community and surrounding areas as the police held the social in their honour for the hard work they have been doing over the past 12 weeks.

The programmes will continue in the new year, according to ‘A’ Division Commander Clifton Hicken.

The event was also attended by other senior and junior ranks of the division, who assisted in the distribution of meals and gifts to the children who were present at the day’s event.

Police ranks pose with the children after the party (Photo By Sonell Nelson)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

National Youth Policy to be completed in three months

By Navendra Seoraj

MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCY&S), Dr. Frank Anthony has stated that preparation of the National Youth Policy (NYP) is expected to be finalised within three months.

Dr Anthony made this disclosure during a press conference on Thursday the ministry’s conference room, Main Street, Georgetown.

Minister Anthony noted that there have been increased discussions about implementing a NYP. As such, much work has been has been done on its preparation.

Dr Anthony revealed that a youth group/steering committee has been working with representatives from different youth organisations in order to give feedback pertaining to what they are designing in the policy document.

Minister Anthony added that earlier this year, the ministry had acquired a consultant whose services were funded by the Commonwealth Youth Programme, but unfortunately the document did not meet the ministry’s expectations.

He went on to say that the MCY&S is recruiting another consultant to complete the National Youth Policy.

He noted that for this venture of recruiting a new consultant, the ministry will work along with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) because they have the terms of reference, so they will hire the consultant for the ministry.

Apart from the assistance of UNICEF, the ministry has also acquired the assistance of Cuso International, and has since seen the benefits of a number of volunteers who have been working along with the ministry to ensure the completion of preparation for the National Youth Policy.

Minister Anthony added that they are hoping that within the next three months the final document will be ready so as to finalise a date for the implementation of the long- awaited document.

In closing, Dr. Anthony noted that “We are hoping that within the next three months the final document will be ready.”

BENEFITS OF THE POLICY Youths these days want to re-define

Minister Anthony addressing members of the media yesterday. the role they play in the world through Information and Communication Technology (ICT), science and research, and sport.

A National Youth Policy, which could be revised every two years, could provide youths with the opportunity to grow and advance in this regard.

Also other problems such as juvenile delinquency and the arrival of a new force of youth criminals could be effectively tackled through sensible planning at the community level.

Issues related to domestic abuse, rape, incest and teenage pregnancy are also matters which should be adequately dealt with in this document.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

Sport facilities significantly boosted in 2014 – Dr Anthony

RECOGNISING the benefits that are derived from sports, Government, through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, has been spending billions of dollars to provide the necessary infrastructure, thereby providing the base for better sport preparation and performance of athletes.

The synthetic athletics track located at Leonora in Region Three, and the warm-up pool at the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal, ECD are just two of the many sports infrastructure projects that the Sports Ministry focused upon during 2014.

In relation to the synthetic track, the surface and marking of lanes were done in keeping with international standards, and Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, along with representatives of Musco Lights and local contractors, is in the process of installing flood lights at this venue. This, he said, is expected to be completed by year-end.

The track has been certified by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) as part of the Government’s quest to boost Guyana’s capacity to host international sporting activities. It will be opened to facilitate athletes in the first half of next year. “…we have our certification as a Class

Two track, which is a really big advancement for us in Guyana, because it’s the first (time) in our history that we are having a certified track; so, records being broken here can be accepted internationally,” the Sport Minister disclosed.

The warm-up pool, which will eventually allow for more international swimming competitions, has also been completed, and the contractor is in process of finishing the decking. The pool, which is 25 metres long and 21 metres wide and has a varying depth of 1.175 metres and 1.82 metres, has already been tested by Myrtha Pool.

“In the new year we will officially commission the pool. All the works are completed and the pool is functional….” Minister Dr Anthony said.

The $300 Million that were provided to the Sports Ministry for the community enhancement programme saw 544 communities throughout the regions benefiting. This community project was established three years ago while the ministry continued works on community grounds in all the regions. These regions were also given grants for each of the grounds.

The warm-up pool

“These were major advancements. We have done additional works on the grounds, but this has really shown the works that we have done on community grounds,” the Sports Minister has said.

The Ministry has also continued maintenance works on other existing facilities, including the Gymnasium, the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, the Racquet Centre, Colgrain

Pool, the National Resource Centre, and the Guyana National Stadium.

“We are very proud to note that, at the National Resource Centre, several training programmes were done; and we want to continue (them) at this phase, where we are offering sports training to the different bodies…” Minister Dr Anthony noted.

(GINA)

The National Resource Centre

A section of the synthetic track at Leonora

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

Argentine Embassy edifying locals on importance of classic wines

A MAJORITY of the Guyanese population is not yet fully acquainted with the importance of some of the world’s most sophisticated and classic wines, or are not yet familiar with the heady flavours of those wines; thus the Embassy of the Argentine Republic has certainly set about to change that.

At a simple but classic ceremony just recently held at the Cara Lodge on Quamina Street, Georgetown, the Embassy of the Republic of Argentina hosted its first ever wine-tasting event.

This auspicious event showcased some of the most sophisticated and assorted wines from Argentina, especially brewed from Argentine grapes and berries.

While patrons at this event were certainly blown away by the exotic flavours up for tasting, the wines served up were a true affirmation that the wines of Argentina were indeed impeccably perfumed with fruity aromas and toasty backgrounds.

For those who were lucky to sample the wines, the sensation was lush and rich, with outstanding purity to the lusty black fruit flavours.

Over the past decade, Argentina has evolved from being a country not well known on the global wine scene to the New World’s fastest growing exporter of wines.

The leading grape in Argentina in terms of reputation and quality is Malbec, a Bordeaux variety imported to Argentina from France in the mid-17th Century. Other red varieties produced in Argentina include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bonarda (known as Charbono in its native Italy), Syrah, Tempranillo and Pinot Noir.

Among white wines, the Argentine wine region’s signature grape is Torrontes, which yields a floral, tropical tasting wine. The country also produces Chardonnay,

Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio.

Argentina continues to grow in its wine production year after year, resulting in that country achieving the highest growth rate (8%) of the top five wine producers in the world. The Argentine economy relies on wine exports, and its major grapes are Malbec and Chardonnay.

Original grapes are used in brewing wines that were displayed, and Argentina boasts a great diversity of some 504,485 acres of cultivated area designated to the cultivation of grapes for wine making.

Argentina is also the fifth largest state in world class wine production, and the eighth largest wine exporter in the world. This country has been labelled as the eleventh largest wine consumer in the world, with some 1,301 wineries and 504,485 acres of land designated for cultivation of grapes and berries for wine production.

Among the wines displayed at the recent wine-tasting event were the Beviam-Sauvignonasse (sweet), Beviam-Cabernet Sauvignon (2007), Beviam-Malbec (2007), Grand Beviam-Special Reserve-Malbec (2008), and the Beviam-Malbec (2013).

Up for tasting also were the Beviam-Malbec-Rose (2013), Imperio De Sentidos-Malbec (2013), and the Imperio De Sentidos- Torrentes’ 2013 (White) There were also the Trapiche- Pinot Grigio 2011 (white), Trapiche-Malbec, 2010; Trapiche- Merlot, 2012; and the Trapiche- Torrentes’ 2012 (white).

Rounding off the order of the evening were the Trivento-TRIBU-Malbec 2012, Mixtus-Merlot-Malbec 2012, and the Mixtus-Cabernet-Merlot, 2012.

We will bring you tidbits on the Wines of Argentina in our weekly ‘Entertainment Bombshell’ supplement. (Alex Wayne)

Patrons sampling the exotic wines of Argentina

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

Salvation Army to distribute over 1200 Christmas hampers to needy

By Shirley Thomas THE Salvation Army will today hold its annual Christmas Hampers Distribution programme at Citadel Headquarters, South Road and Alexander Street, Georgetown.

Distribution starts at 10:00 hrs and special guest will be the Hon. Justice Roxanne George.

On this occasion, more than 1200 needy persons will receive hampers, according to Divisional Commander, Major Emmerson Cumberbatch. This is based on the number of persons who have registered from within Georgetown and its environs, the divisional commander said.

The divisional office wishes to advise that only persons who have registered will receive hampers.

Persons receiving hampers are asked to be seated by 09:45 hrs Corps Officers at Mahaicony and New Amsterdam will subsequently hold distribution in their areas. The Bartica corps is expected to have a dinner for senior citizens,but there will be no distribution of hampers there, since that corps does not do kittling. Kittling is a major source of income needed to put together the hampers.

Meanwhile, Major Cumberbatch has announced that due to unforeseen circumstances, the Linden Corps will not be having a distribution programme this year.

The divisional commander regrets any inconvenience this may cause.

FLASHBACK! Special Guest, Hon. Caroline Rodrigues-Birkett, Minister of Foreign Affairs, assists in distributing hampers at the 2013 programme

Palms residents cheered by NCN ‘Christmas Cheer’

Minister Webster addressing the gathering

By Shirley Thomas RESIDENTS of the Palms Geriatric Home, Brickdam, were on Friday treated to a splendid evening of elegance, with choice musical entertainment, compliments of the National Communications Network (NCN).

The event which was expertly delivered, was well received by the scores of beaming and keenly enthusiastic seniors who converged in the Chapel, in the Palms compound to zero in on “NCN’s Christmas Cheer,”

which was broadcast live on radio and national television.

Seniors were drawn from The Archer ’s Home; St. Thomas Moore Homestead, Kitty; the Legion of Mary; the Gentle Women’s Home; Holy Family; the Dharm Shala and the Palms.

Emcee and veteran broadcaster, Ron Robinson, who had for years been conducting NCN’s “Breakfast Show,” aptly introduced the twilight entertainment as “a kind of dinner show,” welcoming on stage leading Guyanese artistes in the

NCN CEO, Ms. Molly Hassan delivers brief remarks

likes of Denecia De Freitas; popular Gospel Singer Kester ‘D’ and ‘Sister Shauana’; Seon Sobers; Calvin Burnett; and Choral speakers, Sarah Chappelle and Raymond Azeez, among others.

The icing on the cake however, was the rather timely opening piece - “Gee Whizz, It’s Christmas,” delectably rendered by Denecia De Freitas and setting the tone for a wonderful evening of Christmas entertainment.

Then there was an uproar as “Kester D” and “Shauna” took to the stage to deliver in up- beat Socca Style , “Give Love Away.” It was hot, hot, hot and the seniors exuded body language which seemed to suggest: “Too good for an annual show. Why not let’s have it more regularly?”

Among the distinguished invitees were: Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Ms. Jennifer Webster; Chief Executive Officer of NCN, Ms. Molly Hassan; Administrator of the Palms, Ms. Samantha Douglas; and Welfare Counsellor, Mr. Deigo Alphonso.

Minister Webster, in her brief remarks to the gathering extended Christmas greetings to the seniors, on behalf of President Donald Ramotar and on her own behalf.

She congratulated the initiative birthed by NCN, with the blessings of the administration of the Palms, and alluded to NCN as a good corporate citizen for its showing of love and compas-

Seated from left (Front): Administrator of the Palms, Ms. Samantha Douglas; Raymond Azeez; Minister Jennifer Webster and Deigo Alphonso sion for the seniors.

Minister Webster pointed to tangibles of government’s concern for senior citizens, such as the annual increase in old age pensions and said that her ministry will continue to ensure that the needs of senior citizens are taken care of.

She envisioned what a wonderful place Guyana would be if more people were like NCN, pushing their hands deep into their pockets to share what they have with seniors.

M e a n w h i l e , N C N ’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Molly Hassan expressed pleasure at being a part of the celebrations.

She outlined that NCN had taken the decision to host the Christmas Concert for the residents of the Palms and other Senior Citizens Homes, in the place of its annual Christmas Tree lightup and ‘Bash’ in the compound of NCN. She said it was felt that the spread-

ing of cheer and goodwill among the seniors would have a greater impact on the vulnerable and elderly in society.

“It’s our corporate social responsibility, in this season, to reflect and share with them” Ms. Hassan said, noting that NCN has had a good financial year.

Likening them as unto the NCN’s family, she said

that Christmas is a time when families get together, and promised that NCN will be back with them next year again.

And as if in answer to the seniors’ silent wish, Ms. Hassan added, to cheers and assenting nods, “We will come more often and spend more time with you.

Have a Merry Christmas and a bright new year.

Kester ‘D’ and Shauna: Give Love Away

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

‘Sweet Kendingo’ adding spice to the lives of the elderly ––for the festive season

RUDOLPH “Sweet Kendingo” Kendall is on a mission for the festive season, as he has embarked on a countrywide campaign to spread cheer to the geriatric homes.

Armed with his acoustic guitar, Kendall has already been at several geriatric homes, and on Thursday he was at the Dharm Shala at King Edward Street in Albouystown, Georgetown.

There, he belted out several songs that were in keeping with the spirit of Christmas at the annual children’s party.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Kendall said he journeys to his home place in Berbice and would return even if it is the very next day he has to perform in the city.

His hype is all about his new song titled “We couldn’t spend Christmas together”, which would be launched in time for the holidays.

The idea of the song, he said, was born when he was

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ARIES The expansive feeling you might be experiencing is apt to be squelched today as you get the feeling that you’ve lost touch with reality. Make sure you connect with real life, and do a bit of planning to balance your whimsical nature.

Things that you haven’t accounted for might crop up and hit you, serving as a reminder that you need to deal with the here and now.

TAURUS Walk to the beat of your own drum. If you try to latch on to the glib, fastpaced information of the day, you might lose your voice in the crowd. On the other hand, if you plant your feet firmly and try to plan in too much detail, you might deprive yourself of spontaneous events that prove fulfilling. Chart your own course, and don’t be afraid if no one else comes along.

GEMINI Connect with the person sitting next to you on the bus, or the one behind you in line at the store. He or she may have a piece of wisdom to share that will change your life forever. Know that you, too, could be that person who changes someone else’s life with a single thought or piece of wisdom. Communication is the key to expanding your world in many ways.

CANCER Your self-esteem may be challenged by a fast-paced talker or unpleasant situation. Don’t accept things as they appear at first glance. There’s a much deeper meaning brewing below the surface, and you’d be foolish not to recognise this when it comes around. Stick to your guns and stay grounded.

Newfangled devices and big promises may not be all they’re advertised to be.

“Sweet Kendingo” with his guitar (Photo by Sonell Nelson) at a concert for the elderly, where he received word that the woman who had arranged the event was killed in an accident. Kendall said he wrote that song after consulting with family members of the former Chief Librarian Gillian Thompson, who was

Monday, December 15, 2014 – 12:00hrs Tuesday, December 16, 2014 – 13:00hrs Wednesday, December 17, 2014 – 14:00hrs

killed in an accident at the corner of New Garden and North Road on December 24, 2013.

The musician added that the song is especially dedicated to the late Ms. Thompson since she had been a very kind person to all. He said that after meeting her last year, he knew he had to do something in her memory.

Kendall said he would be launching two new songs next year. They are titled “We just got married”, which has already been recorded, and “Guyana”.

He has been beating drums and singing for as long as he can remember, and he said it is a gift that has enriched his life as he seeks to bring joy to people through songs.

In October, which is deemed the Month of the Elderly, Kendall made his way around the various geriatric homes to entertain the aged folks.

The three-time Calypso Monarch has planned on providing performances to all the homes as the season progresses, and has been doing so for the past few weeks.

‘Sweet Kendingo’ was a winner in the Guyana Soca Monarch competition in 2000, and he has even taken his talents to the international stage, as he is the only Guyanese to have competed in both the World Calypso Monarch and World Soca Monarch competitions.

(Michel Outridge)

LEO Jump on board the fast train and see how far it takes you. You will be surprised how far you can go with minimal effort. Your grace and polite manners will help you navigate to where you need to be. You’re your own ship and there is a large gust of wind filling your sails. Make the most of this energy by shooting for the top and not resting until you get there.

VIRGO Flexibility is important today. Take the relaxed, laid-back approach. Trying to ram your ideas through isn’t the best tactic. Having tunnel vision will restrict you in many ways. Keep an open mind and be receptive to other people’s ideas and opinions. You have a great deal of power at your fingertips. It would be a shame to waste it by not having the breadth of vision to see all your options.

LIBRA Things coming at you from all sides are forcing you to make a move. Try not to feel pressured into something you don’t want to do. A nervous restlessness is apt to take over your being and urge you to act. Don’t let other people’s energies dictate your actions. Secure your position and be strong. Don’t be lured into situations you know are bad for you.

SCORPIO Lock into the practical, grounding force that is not only realistic but also flexible. Attend to details and organise yourself. Be aware that you may need to alter your course in order to fit with the group energy. Try to work together with those around you to achieve a common goal. Initiating the help of others is easier than you think as long as you stay focused and motivated.

SAGITTARIUS Today is one of those days in which prosperity is much closer than you think.

You will find what you seek, but it’s up to you to take the first step to going after it. More than likely, you’re looking for solid answers to your deep and probing questions. Don’t let your inquisitive mind rest until you find the answers that ring true for you.

CAPRICORN Indecision may leave you helpless at a crossroads today. Others around you could be just as undecided regarding their direction. At the same time, you may feel pressured to take immediate action and you’re tired of waiting for others to make the first move. Find answers in simple solutions. There’s more than one correct way to go. Your choice is the right one if you believe it.

AQUARIUS Latch on to the expansiveness that comes when you connect with others in the social arena. Communication is a key part of the day. You will find that if you go with the flow, you will land exactly where you need to be. Take the adventurous route and feel free to skip around from one thing to another.

There’s no need to pin yourself down to only one way of doing something.

PISCES Connect with the stable, grounding energy of the day, but beware that tension may come in the form of fast talk and misguided information. People might be fickle and frantic. Wait for the dust to settle before you pick which road to take. Impulsive decisions are apt to lead you down paths that might not be the best choice for you now. Try not to think too much!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

Doping claims as ...

From Page 23

lieved to have provided suspicious blood samples in the period 2006-2009.

“I don’t know about the existence of this list, it only got mentioned on German television. The IAAF does not know what this list contains and whether it is a list that has any veracity at all,” Coe said.

“If there is more information out there, please let us know what it is. We need to bring this to a close as quickly as possible.

“That can be done by the IAAF’s ethics committee; it can be done by WADA (World Anti Doping Agency). We would go to Berlin and look at what he’s (ARD journalist Hajo Seppelt) got but we have to get as much information as we can on this.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

De Gea stars in United’s sixth successive win

By Steve Tongue (REUTERS) - THE difference in fortunes since Liverpool won 3-0 away to Manchester United in March was illustrated when Louis van Gaal’s team reversed that scoreline yesterday.

Nine months ago the Merseysiders were challenging strongly for the Premier League title and United, having their worst season for many years, would shortly sack manager David Moyes.

After a slow start to the campaign United appear to have been revitalised by van Gaal, and goals from Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Robin van Persie sealed a sixth consecutive league win to keep them in third place.

Liverpool are languish-

Juan Mata ing in mid-table, dropping to 10th after Tottenham Hotspur climbed above them with a 2-1 victory at Swansea City in the day’s other fixture.

That said, it was a flattering margin for United, with many observers making United’s keeper David De Gea man-of-the-match.

The Spaniard pulled off a succession of important saves, mainly from Raheem Sterling in the first half and

substitute Mario Balotelli in the second.

It was a typically feisty contest between the old rivals, ending with seven yellow cards, four to United before halftime.

Other statistics showed Liverpool had more shots and corners as well as plenty of possession but crucially they could not convert their chances, and made mistakes in conceding each goal.

Liverpool could claim luck was against them, with the second goal clearly offside but as manager Brendan Rodgers admitted they contributed to their own downfall.

“We created enough chances to win but we made defensive mistakes, which cost us,” he told Sky Sports.

“I thought we did enough to win the game. But you

can’t concede the goals we did.”

For the first one in the 13th minute, Joe Allen allowed Antonio Valencia to push the ball through his legs and had no cover behind him as the Ecuadorean played a square pass for Rooney to beat goalkeeper Brad Jones with ease.

Australian Jones was brought in as replacement for Simon Mignolet to start his first Premier League game since March 2013, but he was beaten again five minutes before halftime.

As Ashley Young cut back to cross, Mata was not offside but he was by the time van Persie flicked the ball on.

Rodgers sent on Balotelli for Adam Lallana at the interval and Liverpool continued to see plenty of the ball.

Sterling should have scored five minutes into the second half after latching onto Jonny Evans’s weak back pass but, one-on-one with De Gea, he allowed the keeper to deny him.

The young England international did better midway the second half in setting up Balotelli, but De Gea pushed the Italian’s shot onto the crossbar.

BAD DEFENDING U n i t e d ’s t h i r d g o a l stemmed from a classic counter-attack but was still helped by bad defending.

Mata sent Rooney away and Dejan Lovren should have cleared his cross.

Off-balance, he skewed it straight to Mata, whose perfect pass was drilled in by van Persie for a seventh league goal of the season.

There was still time for De Gea to make two more quality saves from Balotelli. van Gaal said that his goalkeeper “had a big influence” but was also critical of United for the number of chances they allowed the opposition. “We have to improve that,” he told reporters.

“We are winning now - six matches in a row is fantastic - but we still have to improve our playing style.”

Tottenham’s 2-1 away to Swansea moved them into seventh position, two places above the Welsh club.

Harry Kane headed Spurs in front in the fourth minute, Wilfried Bony equalised early in the second half with his eighth goal in the last 10 games but Christian Eriksen scored the winner just before the end.

Doping claims as damaging as Johnson and Jones cases - Coe LONDON, England (Reuters) - Allegations of widespread doping and cover-ups in athletics are as damaging as the cases involving Ben Johnson and Marion Jones, according to International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) vice-president Sebastian Coe. This month German broadcaster ARD made claims of systematic doping in Russia and also alleged that the IAAF covered up

or did not investigate a number of positive blood tests or blood-level anomalies from athletes from various nations.

The allegations have not been verified by Reuters and Russian Athletics Federation chief Valentin Balakhnichev has denounced the claims as “a pack of lies”.

“How do I benchmark this? In the 40 or so years in athletics, there have been big moments. Ben Johnson in 1988, Marion Jones, this is up there and nobody is remotely suggesting these

Sebastian Coe, chairman of the organising committee for the London Olympics. (Credit: Reuters/Toby Melville)

Lloyd laments lack of preparation games, congested itineraries CENTURION, South Africa (CMC) – West Indies chief selector Clive Lloyd has criticised the shortage of warm-up games on the current tour of South Africa, and says modernday itineraries left little room for player development.

Lloyd, the outstanding former captain of the 1970s and 80s, was speaking ahead of Wednesday’s start of the opening Test, following the only warmup match of the three-Test series.

“I’ve always wanted two four-day games in the tour. I’ve said that to the West Indies Board and the ICC. I think one game is not enough,” Lloyd told reporters here.

West Indies last week faced a South Africa Invitational XI in a three-day game, their only chance at match preparation for the series. Even then, rain washed out Friday’s final day, leaving the tourists with just two days of cricket.

In the time allowed, Marlon Samuels slammed an up-tempo double-hundred and opener Devon Smith, 174, as West Indies piled up 508 all out.

Left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell picked up a five-wicket haul as the hosts were shot out for 125.

But with the last-day washout, several Windies batsmen and bowlers will now enter the first Test short

of work.

“I think we should’ve had at least three games surrounding this Test match,” said Lloyd, credited for moulding the Windies side of the 70s and 80s into a winning unit.

“That way if someone is out of form they can go into a four-day game and get back into it. You can’t tell if a player is doing well in the nets.”

Lloyd, who has served as chairman of ICC’s cricket committee, was appointed chief selector in August, in a shake-up of the selection committee.

An experienced administrator, Lloyd said the way current tours were consti-

tuted left no room for focus on player development.

“Most of the tours are crammed. You’re playing 50-over games, T20s, it’s a lot of cricket and your body can only take so much. That’s why we’re seeing so many injuries.

Nicely spaced-out tours would be best for me,” he pointed out.

“It’s also about young players, because you want them to have a game and see what they have. We just jump into a country and then we’re gone.

“You can’t groom players anymore. You want to try out a few youngsters.

I’m not saying you have to have 10 games, but just enough that young players will get a chance.”

allegations are not serious,” Coe, a prominent campaigner against doping, told the BBC Radio’s Sportsweek yesterday.

“If this is provable, of course it is (as big as the cases involving Johnson and Jones).”

Johnson failed a drugs test after winning 100m gold at the 1988 Seoul Olympics while fellow American Jones was stripped of three Olympic gold medals for doping violations at the 2000 Sydney

Games.

“It’s been described as a bad week for athletics - I would go further, it’s been a ghastly week,” Coe added.

“None of us should hide or shy away from that. We have to bring this tawdry, sorry episode and any of those allegations to a close as quickly as we can.”

Central to ARD’s claims is a list detailing the names of up to 150 athletes be-

See Page 22

Stella Maris, St Stephen’s meet in ...

From Back Page

DIH ground.

West Ruimveldt controlled the run of play throughout the contest, but failed to convert their goal-scoring opportunities that were presented to them throughout, as the game ended nil-all, before Stella Maris won it 2-0 on penalty kicks.

Earlier in the day, East La Penitence gained a walkover from Smith Memorial, who earlier in the tournament was a no-show for their contest against Enterprise, handing them a lifeline when they were on their way out of the competition.

Britney Sampson found the back of the net in the 3rd minute to hand St Pius a 1-0 victory over St Margaret’s. Angel Denny and Kierra Phillips both scored in their 5th minute for North Georgetown and South Ruimveldt, who chalked up respective victories over F.E Pollard and Tucville.

The action will culminate on Thursday at the same venue with the playing of several Plate matches, followed by the third place clash between Enterprise and West Ruimveldt before Stella Maris look to add this title to their Boys’ title, when they go up against St Stephen’s in the final.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

Smith named Australia’s stand-in captain

By Brydon Coverdale STEVEN Smith will become Australia’s 45th Test captain after being confirmed to replace Michael Clarke as leader for the remainder of the series against India.

Smith has officially taken over the Test vice-captaincy from Brad Haddin as Australia’s selectors sought a more long-term solution than temporarily handing control to the 37-year-old Haddin.

Smith, 25, had widely been tipped as the next fulltime captain after Clarke but had not previously been groomed in an official capacity in the same way Clarke had been as vice-captain under Ricky Ponting.

H o w e v e r, t h e u n certainty surrounding Clarke’s fitness given his ongoing hamstring and back problems prompted a rethink from the selectors.

“These are difficult circumstances given Michael’s

injury and the fact that we don’t know how long he will be out of the game,” national selector Rod Marsh said. “What we do know is that it won’t be an overnight fix so after a lot of thought we have taken the opportunity to appoint an emerging young leader as captain until such time as Michael regains fitness and returns to the side. “ We c o n g r a t u l a t e Steve on the wonderful honour of leading his country. On Wednesday he will become Australia’s 45th Test captain and at the age of 25 will become one of our youngest leaders. He is an exceptional young man who is highly regarded by the National Selection Panel not only for his fine performances with the bat but also his maturity and clear leadership potential.

“Brad Haddin has done an exceptional job as vice-captain since assum-

ing the role last year and will provide strong support to Steve just as he has done for Michael. There was a strong argument for Brad to assume the captaincy until Michael returns, but given we don’t know how long that will be, we felt the time was right to take a longer-term view and give a young player this chance.”

Haddin, who led the side on the final day of the Adelaide Test while Clarke was off the field due to his injured right hamstring, will serve as Smith’s deputy for the Brisbane Test, which starts on Wednesday.

The changes were recommended by the selectors and endorsed by Cricket Australia’s board on Sunday night.

“The board fully endorsed the recommendation put forward by the selectors,” Wally Edwards, the CA chairman, said.

“Steve is an impressive young leader who deserves high praise for his temper-

ament and on-field performances to date. We believe he will do an excellent job when given the chance to captain his country against India.”

Smith will become the third-youngest man to captain Australia in Test cricket, behind Ian Craig and Kim Hughes.

Clarke has already said that he will need to consider his future given the recurring nature of his hamstring and back injuries, and it raises the possibility that Smith could effectively be stepping into the role on a full-time basis.

Although he has not been groomed in the way Clarke was, he has captained Australia A and New South Wales in recent years and captained the Sydney Sixers for the first time at the age of 22. Smith is regarded as having a natural cricket brain and during the recent series against Pakistan in the

Steve Smith will become Australia’s 45th Test captain. the easy part. It’s making UAE, he told ESPNcricin- sure all your players are on fo that managing players the same page with what and gaining their respect your plans are and what you was the hardest part of want from your players and captaincy. the team.

“The toughest part of T h a t ’s t h e b i g g e s t the job is managing all the challenge and what you players around you,” Smith really need to get right said in October. “The on- if you want your team field stuff, setting fields, to be successful.” (ESPN changing bowlers, that’s Cricinfo)

PSP U-17 SCHOOLS Pakistan blast 364 in big FOOTBALL C’SHIPS win over New Zealand Action continues

(REUTERS) - Pakistan smashed their third highest one-day total of 364 in a crushing 147-run win over New Zealand to move 2-1 up in the five-match series yesterday.

Ahmed Shehzad notched an intelligent 113 for his sixth one-day ton and stand-in captain Shahid Afridi bludgeoned a trademark 55 off 26 balls to propel Pakistan to the best ODI score seen in Sharjah in 218 matches, and with three wickets to

Ahmed Shehzad

spare.

Afridi was back in charge with Misbah-ul-Haq out injured and although his innings was full of his usual

array of crunching shots, Pakistan also showed a rare ability to nurdle singles at almost every opportunity and cut out the silly strokes.

Only Nathan McCullum went for less than six an over for New Zealand, although Matt Henry took three wickets, and their reply of 217 all out with the bat was equally ineffective as they lost wickets at regular intervals.

They were never in

the running to match Pakistan’s mammoth total although in-form captain Kane Williamson, who starred in the Black Caps’ win in Friday’s second ODI, again put up a fight with a brisk 46 before being caught and bowled by Haris Sohail.

The fourth and fifth matches take place in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday and Friday as the sides continue their build-up for February and March’s World Cup in Australia.

NOTABLE DATES

`VICIOUS’ Vivian Harris remained undefeated in 11 fights after he left Shawn Brown black and blue on December 12, 1998 at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The young and energetic Harris needed only six rounds of the scheduled eight-round fight, to seal Brown’s fate.

Referee Brian O’Melia had seen the Guyanese dish out enough punishment and called an end to the contest at one minute 32 seconds of the round. The fight turned out to be Brown’s last.

Another Guyanese appeared on the same card at Trump Taj Mahal with Harris but was not as successful.

Andrew Murray, a former Commonwealth welterweight champion dropped a points decision after six rounds to American Dereck Graham.

Murray made a bid for a world title on August 23, 1995 but was stopped by WBA champion Ike Quartey in round four.

Murray died at on January 26, 2002 after being involved in an accident on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

today with final round matches

FOOTBALL action in the Premiership Sports Promotions (PSP) Georgetown Inter-Secondary School Under-17 competition will continue today at the Ministry of Education ground, with the final two first-round fixtures.

St Mary’s will oppose Christ Church in the first fixture that kicks off at 13:00hrs, followed by the final preliminary round matchup between Queenstown and St John’s College set to start at 15:00hrs.

The quarterfinals will get under way tomorrow, with St George’s, who got a first round walkover victory from Dolphin, opposing Bishops’ at 13:00hrs followed

by St Stanislaus College, who also got a walkover victory from Charlestown in the first round, challenging North Ruimveldt Multilateral in the feature game from 15:00hrs.

On Wednesday, the quarterfinals will continue, this time with Tutorial High who defeated East Ruimveldt in their first-round matchup, going up against the winners of today’s first encounter from 13:00hrs.

The second game on Wednesday pits Lodge playing the winners of today’s clash between Queenstown and St John’s College, from 15:00hrs, while the semifinals will kick off on Friday with a double-header at the same venue.

The final will be held this Sunday along with the third-place playoff at the same venue, with the winners of the tournament set to pocket $200 000, while the team placing second are guaranteed $150 000 with third- and fourth-place finishers receiving $100 000 and $75 000 respectively.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

Adelaide Test the greatest: Kohli

INDIA’S stand-in skipper Virat Kohli says the just concluded first Test is the greatest game he’s played in. But he’s more than happy to hand the captaincy back to MS Dhoni for the next Test.

Kohli led a bold run chase on Saturday’s gripping final day of the first Commonwealth Bank Test in Adelaide, but India ultimately fell 48 runs short.

Kohli’s highest Test score, a sublime 141, raised hopes of an incredible Indian win, becoming just the fourth Indian to score centuries in each innings of

Michael Clarke and Virat Kohli shake hands.

Stand-in skipper Kohli lauds both sides for an amazing Test match.

a Test.

“If we were able to pull this off, today would have been one of the most special moments in my life,” Kohli said.

“But I’m really proud of the way the boys played.”

Kohli wasn’t disappointed, just “a little bit hurt because of the fact that we couldn’t cross the line when it looked pretty bright for us”.

At no stage did the tourists consider batting for a draw, despite being set a daunting 364 runs to win on the last day on a wearing pitch.

“At no point did we back off. And we are not going to

back off either,” Kohli said.

“If you see cricket like this for the rest of the series, it’s in the balance. The guys are believing that.

“And unless you believe in something, there’s no chance of achieving it.

“If at any stage we had in mind that we might play for a draw, we would have lost by 150 runs, to be honest.

“So we went for it. That is what I am happy about.”

Dhoni, who missed the series opener because of a fractured thumb, will return to the captaincy for the second Test in Brisbane starting

Wednesday.

“I would be very happy that he is going to be fit and available for the second Test,” Kohli said.

“It doesn’t matter if I have the ‘c’ in front of my name or not. That doesn’t change anything as far as my mindset is concerned.

“I have enough friendship and enough respect among the team that I can go and speak to them every now and then and keep them on the same page.

“That is my responsibility; that is something I will look to do even if I’m not captain. (AFP)

Williamson beats Puri, Razick take top Allicock to become new honours in Trophy Stall super bantamweight Doubles tennis tournament R I C H A R D Wi l l i a m son defeated Dillon Allicock to become the new super bantamweight boxing champion of Guyana, Saturday night, when Mark Thom Promotions staged its first professional boxing card.

The contest which took place at the Rose Hall ground was the feature one of a three-fight card that attracted a reasonable crowd, according to a source close to the card.

The source, who has lots of knowledge of the

sport told Chronicle Sport that Allicock did most of the attacking during the 12-round bout but became tired after the 9th round and Williamson took advantage of this and went ahead on the judges’ score cards.

According to the source, Williamson won 117-112, 117-111 and 117-111 on the three judges’ score cards.

In the main supporting bout, Derrick Richmond defeated James Walcott on points in a six-round super middleweight contest.

Walcott was a replacement for Romeo Norville

who was deemed unfit to contest the bout since at the medical check-up, the doctor indicated that his blood pressure was too high and Walcott was asked to replace him.

In the other bout, Revlon Lake defeated Kishawn Simon by a unanimous decision in a six-round lightweight contest.

The card which is the first professional card to be staged in Berbice was promoted by Mark Thom, a Berbician who resides in Berbice and was an amateur boxer.

ATP prize money to reach $100 million in 2015 (REUTERS) - Prize money on the men’s tennis tour will reach $100 million (63.67 million pounds) for the first time in 2015, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) said on Friday.

ATP World Tour purses will then climb even higher, to $135 million by 2018, the ATP added in a news release.

The figures do not include grand slam events, which are not run by the ATP.

Novak Djokovic

The biggest increases will be in the ATP Masters events, a series of nine tournaments which are next in terms of prestige to the four grand slams, with prize money rising 14 percent annually through 2018.

“The increases at ATP events are a testament to the sustained success of men’s professional tennis, as well as demonstrating the ATP’s confidence in the strength of its product and projected growth,” the ATP added.

SACHIN Puri and Daniel Razick took top honours over the weekend when the Guyana Tennis Association staged its Trophy Stall-sponsored Doubles tournament.

Despite the slow start due to rainy conditions on the opening weekend, the weather became beautiful for tennis in the capital city.

The Novice players wrapped up their final round-robin matches with first-timers Puri and Razick being crowned the winners, while Philbert Clarke and Diana Bharat took runners-up position.

The crowd witnessed the upset of veteran Godfrey Squires and Jason Andrews at the hands of Khalif Gobin and William Spangler at 6-4, 6-3. Both double partnerships were newly formed for the tournament but with powerful serves by Gobin and technical volleying by Spangler the team clinched victory at 6-4, 6-3.

They advanced to face the Glasgow brothers in the semi-finals yesterday. However, the team forfeited the match after being up 6-4, 5-3 (40/40) at match point.

Spangler could not contest the final due to personal commitments.

In the same category of the Men’s Open Doubles, Leyland Leacock and Nicolas Fenty got a 6-3, 6-1 win over Daniel Lopes and Phillip Squires. The final for the Men’s Doubles was to have seen Nicolas Glasgow and Ja-

son Glasgow take on Leyland Leacock and Nicolas Fenty.

Mother-daughter combination, Shelly Daly Ramdyhan and Nicola Ramdyhan, captured the win against Denise Barrington and Kizzy Richmond at 6-3, 6-2.

Barrington and Richmond were former runners-up and winners in the Novice category who have made a commendable transition into the Ladies’ Open.

The Ramdyhan team later

South Africa racing Tips Flamingo Park 08:15 hrs Hermanus 08:50 hrs Royal Duo 09:25 hrs Jet For Joy 10:05 hrs Kings Rose 10:35 hrs King Olaf English Racing Tips Plumpton 08:10 hrs Midnight Spin 08:40 hrs Chris Pea Green 09:15 hrs King Edmund 09:45 hrs Ballyvoneen 10:20 hrs Brunette’sonly 10:55 hrs Alright Benny 11:25 hrs Golden Games Ffos Las 08:25 hrs Cape Caster 08:55 hrs Globalisation 09:30 hrs Tresor De La Vie 10:05 hrs Volt Face 10:40 hrs Goodtoknow

went on to beat Aretta Dey and Afruica Gentle 6-3, 6-4 to win this year’s title. Dey and Gentle took second place. In the Men’s Over-35 category, Godfrey Lowden and Omar Persaud defeated Bo Arbogast and Albert Razick at 7-6, 6-4. Friday evening the Mixed doubles will conclude at Le Resouvenir starting at 18:30hrs.

Aretta Dey and Orande Dainty will be teaming up to challenge Leyland Leacock and Afruica Gentle.

11:15 hrs Rock On Rocky 11:45 hrs The Gipper Wolverhampton 09:55 hrs Pivotman 10:30 hrs Fujin Dancer 11:05 hrs La Estrella 11:40 hrs Front Run 12:10 hrs Missandei 12:40 hrs Sweet Selection 13:10 hrs New Year’s Night 13:40 hrs Reggie Bond American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Aleander Race 2 Here’s Zealicious Race 3 Regulus Race 4 Full of Mine Race 5 South Sound Race 6 Court Dancer Race 7 Adams Note Race 8 Monster Mash Race 9 Really B Cat

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

WDFA/Vitamalt/Aqua Mist Knockout Cup

Abrams treble fires Slingerz FC to 5-0 win over Beavers

FORMER national striker Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams was in ripping form for Slingerz Football Club last Friday night, when he found the back of the net three times, guiding his team to an impressive 5-0 victory over Beavers Football Club, when the two sides met in the Vitamalt/Aqua Mist-sponsored West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) Knockout Cup at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground.

Abrams, who now plies his trade on the West Side after moving from the dominant City side and local club champions Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United, proved that he still is a top marksman in the world’s largest sport, locally, cutting the Beavers defence to shreds with his speed, skill and impeccable ball control.

Despite the win, the West Demerara champions were made to work hard for the victory as Beavers, who were upset winners over Young Achievers in their opening game showed some early tenacity and managed to repel some initial invasions by their more illustrious op-

Part of last Friday night’s action between Slingerz Football Club (orange) and Beavers in this year’s Vitamalt/Aqua Mist WDFA Knockout Championships. ponents.

Abrams opened the scoring in the 20th minute, after he was left unmarked by the Beavers defender and latched on to a well weighted pass from the left and beat Beavers’ custodian in the 20th minute to open the score sheets for his team.

Three minutes later Tichard Joseph found the back of the net in the 23rd minute to double the lead for Slingerz, doing so from outside the penalty area, slip-

ping the ball past a haplesslooking Beavers custodian.

Buoyed by their quick success, Slingerz added another through Abrams, who showed his class as he ran on to a bouncing offer from midfield, dinked it over the rushing defender, swivelled and fired a one-time shot into he roof of the net in the 26th minute for 3-0 to Slingerz, - a scoreline they maintained up to lemon time.

The second half saw an early attempt by Beavers to

make it a game, but Slingerz who were well drilled by head coach Joseph ‘Bill’ Wilson proved too strong and disciplined to be breached as they controlled the run of play.

A free kick won in the 83rd minute, nestled in the back of the net by a thunderous right-footer from Colin Nelson which eluded the grasp of the custodian and two minutes later, Abrams completed his hattrick, with a right footer that had goal written all over it

CCC invites 34 ahead of Super 50 tournament THIRTY-four players have been invited by Combined Campuses & Colleges (CCC) for a camp and trial matches at the 3Ws Oval in preparation for the 2015

WICB Nagico Super50 Championship in Trinidad & Tobago.

The CCC have never won the tournament but are hopeful to create some

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday December 15, 2014) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Colin Croft & Joel Garner (WI vs PAK, Barbados, 1977) (2) Jimmy Adams & Alvin Kallicharran Today’s Quiz: (1) Who was the WI captain when Malcolm Marshall made his Test debut?

(2) Which WI made his ODI debut in the 2007 World Cup? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Steven Jacobs surprises this year.

In the 2014 edition, they were eliminated from the group stages, however in 2013, they made it to the final, losing to the Windward Islands.

The squad, which nurtured the likes of Jason Holder and Shacaya Thomas, will be hoping to continue its showcase of some of the best young talent in the region.

Trial matches are to be played from December 16 to 22 and from December 28 to January 12.

Invitees Barbados: Anthony Alleyne, Ryan Austin, Justin Brathwaite, Chaim Holder, Kyle Hope, Kyle Mayers, Mario Rampersaud, Dawayne Sealy, Jamal Smith, Collis Worrell.

Trinidad and Tobago: Jovan Ali, Nicholas Alexis, Sachin Chulan, Addrien Daniel, Takeem Lowe, Kristopher Ramsaran, Al Small, Reinzo Trotman.

Jamaica: Cassius Burton, Akeem Dewar, Jermaine Levy, James McDonald, Paul Palmer, Christopher Powell, Roverman Powell, Chdwick Walton.

S t Vi n c e n t & T h e Grenadines: Keron Cottoy, Girdon Pope, Kesrick Williams.

Guyana: Nino Henry, Steven Jacobs.

Dominica: Kavem Hodge, Jerlani Robinson.

St Kitts: Cameron Pennyfeather.

from the time it left his boot.

The scoreline remained that way until the final whistle sounded, as Slingerz underlined their supremacy as the number one team on the West Side with the greatest of ease.

Earlier, Pouderoyen cruised to a comfortable 2-0

triumph over Stewartville with Tenie Lopes (74th) and Adrian Giddings (85th) being the players on target for the winners while the competition continued yesterday with a double-header at the same venue.

In the opening clash, Eagles with Kerron Schmidt, Anton Nicholson, Jalen Williams and Stephon Griffith took on Uitvlugt who have in their lineup the likes of Seon Bobb, Jermaine Accra and Robert Christiani while the feature game showcased Den Amstel hosting Wales in what is anticipated to be a keen matchup.

Delon Lanferman, Morris Charles, Marvin Henry and Ryan Hunte were leading Den Amstel’s charge while Wales will look to Kenton Boyce, Mark Mohamed and Kelvin Roberts to charter their course to victory.

Veteran Glen Johnson beaten VETERAN Jamaican light heavyweight Glen Johnson lost a controversial points decision to Erik Skoglund Saturday night in Albertslund, Denmark.

Skoglund, meanwhile, pressed on towards a possible world title shot in 2015 with the ten-round decision win over the 45-year-old ‘Road Warrior’, a former light heavyweight world champion and veteran of 75 fights.

T h e 2 3 - y e a r- o l d S w e d e , r e p o r t e d l y, t o o k charge of what was a closely-fought contest at times, but ultimately came out on top as his youth and movement proved decisive factors.

Judges at ringside carded scores of 98-92 and 97-93 (twice) in favour of the Swede who improved his record to 22-0 and in the process, inflicted the 20th loss of Johnson’s long and storied career.

Glen Johnson

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 15, 2014

Braithwaite secures major prizes at GNRA’ Awards ceremony GUYANA and West Indies individual fullbore shooting champion Lennox Braithwaite secured the major prizes when the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) held its 2014 Presentation ceremony Saturday at Olympic House on Main Street.

Ryan McKinnon, National smallbore captain Dale Hing, and Peter Persaud were also among the leading awardees.

Braithwaite captured the National senior championship trophy, the Sigmund Douglas trophy for winning the grand aggregate, the Neville Denny Club Championship trophy as well as the prestigious Wood Davis Cup, the Lushington trophy among others.

Ransford Goodluck who was dethroned by Braithwaite was also among the

GNRA 2014 awardees pose with their trophies and medals. Seated from right: Ryan McKinnon, Lennox Braithwaite, Dale Hing and Joshua Ramlakhan.

top awardees.

Peter Persaud was named top Junior shooter following his success at the National Championships while Leo Romalho

was voted most improved shooter for 2014.

There were also prizes for National fullbore captain Mahendra Persaud, Dylan Fields, Terrance Stuart and

Dane Blair.

In the smallbore section, McKinnon was in top form winning the senior division of the .22 Pistol shoot as well as the Standard Divi-

sion in the Practical Pistol championships.

Hing won the Production division at the championships and finished second to McKinnon in the .22

shoot while Ray Beharry was third.

In junior category of the .22 match, Ray Amjad was first, followed by Surujbali Persaud and Ray Amjad second and third respectively.

Hand Qualification Certificates were presented to the following (Expert Rating) Colin Merriman, Shawn Smith and Compton Serabo, (Sharp Shooter Rating) – Annbelle Sharma and Ray Beharry, (Marksman First Class) Totaram Bisundat, Azaad Hassan, Surujabali Persaud, Randy Sarjoo, Joshua Ramlakhan, Rajiv Lashana and Sekani Fredericks.

There were also Appreciation awards for sports journalists Franklin Wilson of Kaieteur News, Stefan Sookram of NCN and Troy Peters, Public Relations Officer of the GNRA.

Guyana Jaguars commence NAGICO Super50 preparations today

By Calvin Roberts EXCEPT for the now infamous final morning episode that resulted in the shocking two-run defeat to Barbados Pride, Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Chairman of Selectors Rayon Griffith is pleased with the performances of the Guyana Jaguars, prior to the festive season break in the West Indies Cricket Board/Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional four-day tournament.

The table-topping Jaguars took the break with three wins from their four matches which they totally dominated to finish with 57 points, seven clear of the second-placed Jamaica franchise, but with the WICB/ NAGICO Super50 tournament set to bowl off shortly, Griffith is not resting on his laurels.

When Guyana compet-

… Griffith pleased with PCL results to date

Narsingh Deonarine

ed in the limited overs version this year, they lost to eventual champions Barbados in their semi-final encounter at the Queen’s Park Oval and according to Griffith, who is also the assistant coach/manager of the Jaguars, he doesn’t wish his charges to be ‘cricket sleeping’.

“Looking back at our performance in the first four matches, with the exception of that final morning episode in the third round against Barbados, I think we

have been playing excellent cricket and the players are beginning to think more and study the opposition as well.

That in itself is a plus for the management team, who totally agrees that the performances from the players before the break were excellent, as we played some good cricket, got things in our favour and the results flowed to further underlined such,” said Griffith.

He added, “We are looking to focus on the Super50 early as we did last year, as we don’t wish for them to be ‘cricket-sleeping’, so we will be taking things one step further as it relates to our training, with the aim of first repeating the feats of making the final four and then going one step further, which is to bring home the

bacon.

“I think the present form the players are showing is impeccable and while there is room for improvement, they all believe in themselves, gelling together and bringing the chemistry we were looking for and that is another plus for us.”

Griffith opined that several players were lacking self-confidence prior to the commencement of the Regional four-day tournament, but sessions done with those players renewed their hopes and confidence.

“When you look at these guys, you see a bunch of players who were good enough to represent the West Indies at various levels, so why were they not bringing such attitude to the table?

Self-confidence was lacking, but we worked on it and now they are producing and producing healthily too” said Griffith.

Leading up to the break, Jaguars’ Narsingh Deonarine who got back-to-back centuries against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes and Windward Islands Volcanoes in the first two rounds, trails Volcanoes’ Devon Smith by 25 runs (309 to 334) in the batsman column for most runs.

Former skipper and left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul is the leading wicket-taker, having lured back 32 victims to the Jaguars’ den for dinner at an average of 10:00, inclusive of backto-back 10-wicket hauls in the second and third rounds.

With spinners again dominating the competition, Permaul’s teammate legspinner Devendra Bishoo has taken 21 wickets while Trinidad and Tobago Red Force’s Imran Khan, also a leg-spinner, has 21 scalps to his name.

The Jaguars will commence their preparation for the NAGICO Super50 tournament today at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground from 10:00hrs. They take on the Windward Islands Volcanoes in the first match on January 15, 2015, at the Queen’s Park Oval.

This will be followed by clashes against defending champions Barbados Pride on January 17 and their final clash with Combined Campuses and Colleges on January 19, also at the Queen’s Park Oval.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Smith named Australia’s Story stand-in See on Page captain 24

Ansa McAl Smalta Girls Under-11 Pee Wee football

Stella Maris, St Stephen’s meet in Thursday’s final

By Calvin Roberts

… upset Enterprise and West Ruimveldt in semis

ONCE again and for the second successive day, St Stephen’s Primary custodian Kezia Parkinson (and not Naomi Kezia, as was mistakenly reported yesterday), turned out to be the saviour for her team, this time in their hard-fought semifinal victory over pre-tournament favourites Enterprise Primary.

Playing in the Ministry of Health/Health (Guyana) 2000 Inc./Ansa McAl Smalta Girls Under-11 Pee Wee football tournament at the Ministry of Education ground, St Stephen’s came back from a goal down to defeat Enterprise 10-9 on sudden death penalty kicks, following a 1-1 scoreline at the end of regulation time.

This was after witnessing Stella Maris record an upset victory over a game and purposeful-looking West Ruimveldt lineup, who have only themselves to blame for the defeat.

Akeisha Glasgow opened the scoring for Enterprise in the 3rd minute from a goal-mouth scrimmage - a lead they manage to keep to the end of the first half and midway the second, until Glasgow handled the ball in the box, forcing the referee to point to the spot, awarding St Stephen’s a penalty.

A calm and composed Odelle Straughn stepped up to the plate and placed her shot in the left-hand corner to level the Part of the action between Enterprise game and whilst both teams fought for the go-ahead goal, it St Stephen’s Primary (yellow). was not to be at the end of regulation time.

After the first three penalty kicks were taken by both sides, the 10th kick from Enterprise, then watched as her teammate the scores read 3-3, hence a sudden death shootout took place. buried hers to claim the win.

In the first semifinal, West Ruimveldt have only themselves Both sides scoring all their kicks, until Parkinson held on to

Young boxers on show at `Six Head’ gym

THE Guyana Amateur Boxing Association yesterday afternoon brought the curtain down on activity for 2014 with the DDL/Pepsi Under-16 competition at the Andrew `Six Head’ gym in Albouystown. In photo an eager group of young boxers pose with their medals.. At extreme left is Larry Wills, DDL/Pepsi Brand executive and extreme right is GBA president Steve Ninvalle.

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Primary (blue) and eventual victors to blame for their penalty kicks loss to Stella Maris, who earlier in the year had won the male version of this competition known as See Page 23 the COURTS Pee Wee, at the Banks

Lloyd laments lack of preparation games, congested itineraries See Story on Page 23

West Indies chief selector Clive Lloyd MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2014