2015 1 16

GUYANA No. 104071 FRIDAY JANUARY 16, 2015

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PRICE: $80

INCLUDING VAT

All eyes on Region’s billion-dollar food import bill Page

3

– as Guyana/Suriname talk business at Trade Summit Cabinet commends President for forging even closer ties with India 11 Page

Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar and head of the Surinamese delegation to the Summit, Trade Minister, Mr Don Tosendjojo, engage each other at last evening’s reception at the Princess Hotel (Photo by Adrian Narine)

‘Fly AllWays’...

Another Surinamese airline sets eyes on Guyana’s skiesPage 22

Private Sector decries Breaking ‘obstructionist politics’ new of past year ground …calls premature Election a dis-incentive to Business Community Page

9

First Lady, Madame Deolatchmee Ramotar lends a hand with the consecration of the site for the Akshaar Dhaam Ashram at Onderneeming on the West Bank Demerara (Photo by Cullen Bess-Nelson)

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 16, 2015

Scenes from last night’s reception at the Princess Hotel...

As is the norm on such an august occasion, a cultural presentation is a must

Representatives of Guyana’s Beharry Group of Companies displaying some of their products

Guyana’s Foreign Minister, Ms Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett having a brief word with Suriname Trade Minister, Mr Don Tosendjojo

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 16, 2015

All eyes on Region’s multi-billion-dollar food import bill

– as Guyana/Suriname talk business at Trade Summit

Members of the Surinamese delegtation respond to a query from a potential customer President Donald Ramotar addressing guests at last night’s welcoming reception at the Princess Hotel (Photos by Adrian Narine)

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar last evening hosted a 40-strong Surinamese business delegation here in Guyana for the first ever ‘Trade Mission’ meant to bolster ties between the two countries.

And seizing the moment, he made the point that while Caribbean integration is not necessarily the success story it ought to be as yet, the situation can be changed

through greater links between CARICOM countries.

The President also used the opportunity to stress that greater government-to-government relations makes for better private sector relations.

“We are leaders,” he said. “And not only do we belong to CARICOM, but we are neighbours; and the development of our countries is extremely important

to give a higher quality of life to our people.”

Warming to the topic, President Ramotar said: “We can use the synergies of the private sector, but if countries are to create partnerships, we need to create new links and expand where we are limited in expanding business in making them much bigger and stronger.”

The two countries, he said, have a lot to contrib-

ute in terms of their contributions to the rest of the region. He also used the opportunity to speak to the opportunities that exist within the current threat of food security.

According to the President, a four-billion-dollar opportunity presents itself each year when CARICOM decides to import its produce. “US$4B is not small money,” President Ramotar

said, adding that the issue of the regions enormous import bill was raised as recent as the Fifth CARICOM/Cuba Summit in early December in Havana.

“I mentioned that if you add Cuba, it would be US$5 billion. And President Raul Castro said, ‘No! Put two!’

Making it US$6 billion that we import in food.”

The President hosted last evening’s reception at the Princess Hotel, which saw in attendance Housing Minister, Irfaan Ali; Surinamese Trade Minister, Don

Tosendjojo, as well as Guyanese Foreign Trade Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.

President Ramotar was adamant that there needs to be some form of commonality between the two countries in order to cut down on the cross-border smuggling.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 16, 2015

Surinamese authorities impose requirements for Guyanese minibus operators --Foreign Affairs Minister to arrange meeting to discuss issue

AN imposition was made on December 19, 2014 by Surinamese authorities with regards to Guyanese minibus operators plying the Guyana-Suriname route.

According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry here, the Embassy of Guyana in Paramaribo was informed by four minibus operators that the Surinamese authorities had instituted new requirements for buses plying the route from Guyana to Paramaribo.

These new requirements imposed on the minibus operators, a duty to transport the identical passengers they would have brought from Guyana on their return from Suriname.

According to the For-

eign Affairs Ministry, this requirement is “impractical” given that persons have varying lengths of stay and passengers might also be traveling one way only. As a result, the Guyanese Embassy immediately contacted the Surinamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs which promised to speak with their customs authorities pertaining to the issue.

The Ministry added that having received no information, on the 24th December 2014, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett corresponded with her Surinamese counterpart Winston Lackin, discussing the new requirement which she deemed as having “serious implications for free move-

ment between the two countries, especially since tourism and general movement between Guyana and Suriname have been growing.”

The Surinamese official promised to get more information on the matter and gave the assurance that he will do his best to have it resolved.

With this development, the Guyanese Embassy continued in their efforts to follow up with the Foreign Ministry in Suriname, but no

formal transmission of the new requirements has been received to date.

Following this, the Ministry was then made aware that another imposition had been instituted. This time, the Surinamese authorities were requiring that Guyanese operators need to apply for a license to operate from Guyana to Paramaribo.

However, Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry was quick to rebut, stressing that these requirements were in-

consistent with the Cross Border Protocol of October 22, 1998.

As a result, the Guyanese Foreign Affairs Minister yesterday again pressed her Surinamese counterpart through dialogue to recognise the good neighbourly relations that exist between Guyana and Suriname. The sentiment was also shared by the Surinamese Minister.

MEETING ON FRONT BURNER

These relations, they agreed, facilitate an increase in movement of people between the two countries, and as such, the two agreed that a resolution to the matter should be placed on the front burner and that a meeting between the two must be convened as soon as possible. As such, the necessary arrangements are being made for the meeting to take place, the Foreign Affairs Ministry disclosed.

Hearings in Rodney COI to resume Jan 26 --HPS scotches ‘funds drying up’ rumour ANOTHER week of hearings in the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (COI), set up to investigate the death of former histo-

DATE: 14/01/2015 G 16 07 06 09 28 13 18

15/01/2015

15

6

16

rian/politician Dr. Walter Rodney, will commence on January 26.

The Commission’s Lead Counsel, Glen Ha-

20

24

15/01/2015

9

noman told the Chronicle that another week will be facilitated towards the end of February.

Meanwhile, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon said yesterday that Cabinet was, earlier this week, informed about the 2015 planned programme of activities of the commission.

“Noteworthy, the imminent presence of the Commission and the recommencement of public hearings in the Law Library was a feature of the programme,” Dr

5

3

15/01/2015

Luncheon said at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President, here in Georgetown.

According to him, apart from the January hearings, additional hearings are planned for February and March.

As for rumour going the rounds that funds to facilitate the inquiry are “drying up”, Dr Luncheon said such talk cannot be sustained. “They are idle talks, and not worthy of any serious consideration,” he said.

12 03 14 16 04 01 06

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 16 , 2015

Father of four shot in ‘hustle’ competition EUSTACE Thomas, a father of four of 596 East Ruimveldt was on Wednesday evening shot twice about his body after he allegedly spat on a man during an argument.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed that Thomas and the man earlier in the evening had an argument over some “hustle” which they both are engaged in, but for different persons and somewhere along the line the two had a disagreement over the competition associated with the “hustle” During the argument, Eustace allegedly spat on the man with whom he was having an argument and that man later used his phone to inform someone that he was having problem

with his competition. Shortly after two men arrived on the scene and opened fire on the father of four while he was standing on the corner.

The man attempted to run from his assailants even after being shot and attempted to make it to his home, which is located a few houses away but the two pursued him and began beating him on the road.

Speaking with this newspaper, his reputed wife Adonia Paul said that she was inside her home when she heard the shots and rushed upstairs to look through the window to see what was happening. The woman said that when she looked through the window she noticed two men beating up on someone but she was not immediately

sure if it was her reputed husband, although she was getting the feeling that it was him.

She said that as she saw the men beating away on the person, she remembered that her reputed husband told her that he had an issue with someone earlier in the night and that he spat on him.

She recalled that she later saw the two men leave the injured man and dashed back to the vehicle in which they had come, as Eustace got up and began stumbling home.

Paul explained that she rushed down to the man and began asking him if he was shot but it was only after her mother shone a flashlight on him that they realised that he was

Couple arrested as…

Detectives find gun, ammunition in wardrobe ––eight others arrested for marijuana, robbery

AFTER gathering intelligence for some time, sleuths from the Criminal Investigation Department in Georgetown organised a number of coordinated searches and swooped on areas along the West Bank Demerara, Kitty, Lamaha Street and Ruimveldt early on Thursday morning between 03:00hrs and 06:00hrs.

During the search, a couple Rovindranauth Rampersaud and Savitri Ramnarine of Schoonord, West Bank Demerara, were taken into custody after the police found an unlicensed .30 Taurus pistol with 33 matching rounds in their wardrobe.

When the two were questioned, the man reportedly

admitted that the weapon was his and that he was keeping it for his own protection. He was told of the offence and will be charged with being an unlicensed firearm holder. In addition, the police will be doing their checks on the weapon to see if it was used in any crime.

Meanwhile, eight other persons were arrested after the police continued their searches in the Georgetown locations where they found marijuana in the possession of some persons, while others were arrested for robberies.

Some of those who were arrested for robberies were being sought by the police for some time.

The police will process them for court after laying charges against them. (Leroy Smith)

injured to the leg and shoulder. He began washing off the blood from his face and other parts of his body and was then rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was immediately taken into surgery.

The men who showed up and discharged the rounds are known to the injured man, according his reputed wife. She said that the names were given to the police and the police have since launched an investigation into the matter.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed yesterday that two persons have been arrested by the police for questioning in the matter, including the young man who made the call after he was spat on. (Leroy Smith)

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 16, 2015

Editorial

Guyana

THE PLOT TO POWER

- Deceive, Distort and Destroy HYPOCRISY has been fine-tuned into a political art form with the intention of drawing a veil over unwanted realities from which political actors in the PNC’s APNU and AFC desperately attempt to distance themselves.

The political ‘fakers’ of today would like to invite Guyanese to conspire against themselves by becoming part of their fantasy world.

Just listen to what comes out of the mouths of Carl Greenidge, Joe Harmon, Winston Felix, David Granger, Rupert Roopnarine, Moses Nagamootoo, Khemraj Ramjattan and the rest who seem to be living in ‘la-la-land’ quite divorced from today’s realities.

There is a method to their madness. And it points to one thing!

Power at all cost. But to get there, they must deceive, distort and destroy. Deceive the people by attempting to distort the reality of a progressing Guyana and so hope to destroy their trust.

To achieve this, they of necessity must divert attention from their own sordid anti-Guyanese actions and nasty past. But you know what?

Guyanese may be everything under the sun, excepting being fools. They know and understand that each attempt at hoodwinking them is curled round like an in-growing toenail, hard, ugly, and pointing only to its owner in the PNC’s APNU and AFC. Truth for these people is a negotiable thing. If their ‘truth’ is useful in achieving their aims, then they summarily and blindly dismiss all alternatives.

When we diagnose their ‘truth’ however, we not only see where they are coming from, but also the emotional, moral and political attitudes that underlie them. What we see is an unfolding drama studded with dishonest, greedy, power drunk, unprofessional, self-serving, almost narcissistic characters. Just imagine these political actors are not in power and this is their political resume! Tell me for heaven’s sake what will happen if by some stretch of imagination they achieve

power?

Illegal dispatching of evidence in a brutal murder/crime scene for ‘safe keeping,’ lying and withholding information at Parliamentary levels, conflict of interests on the behest of cold hard cash and greed, using of parliamentary position pursuant to political backers and client’s financial interests, planting ‘evidence’ to incriminate innocent citizens, diverting security forces away from terroristic and politically aligned criminal groups while sworn to uphold Law and Order and to protect the citizens of this country, using their profession to defraud gullible and innocent citizens who solicit their services, working hand in gloves with criminals and drug barons for personal gains and sexual favours, accusation of ‘improper or indecorous act’ as in male to male anal sex (buggery) with a minor (an act not only abhorred and criminalised by society, but one also specifically decried by the Holy Books) physical and psychological battering of wife and traumatic violence to children - all of these are kept silent, hidden or barefacedly rationalized away in the larger fabric of misconception aimed at justifying their truths, actions and mistakes.

These people are creatures of habit. Rational human beings, we suppose, just don’t get up and say, ‘let me sodomize a little boy today!’

They don’t wake up and say, ‘a gun let dem boys put some drugs on she’ or let me divert the police from a criminal who just slaughtered innocent people.

A lawyer who aspire for silk don’t just wake up one morning and say today I’ll illegally tamper with evidence on a murder/crime scene or deny knowledge of the foreman of a jury - in a massacre of innocent children, men, women and grand-mothers, all East Indians - whom he represented for seven years in the High Court!

I was there. I saw innocent little human beings with their intestines hanging out as they sleep in peaceful repose – dead - murdered by politically aligned criminals! How

can we forget the grandmother riddled with 7.62 x 39 caliber bullets with blood pouring from her lifeless remains like a strainer?

Persons wept bitterly in agony and rage. Leaders just don’t get up one morning, engage and agree with the President to incrementally increase electricity charges in Linden and the very next day deny doing so because another political grouping used the agreement as a political weapon to undermine their support.

Leaders don’t vote in Parliament for a specific issue and then lie, deny they voted for it until exposed!

It’s tantamount to denying “Ma’ and “Pa.” Some people will sell their mother and father for less than sixty pieces of copper! But what do you do?

As creatures of habit, this is who they really are! All these acts had to be deliberate, well thought out, preconceived and intentional. These are the curled round in-grown toenails, hard, ugly that are pointing to the PNC’s APNU and AFC. But, do you know why they are still on the political platform?

Because they know the fractured national psyche would allow them to get away with these abominable, immoral, ‘flagrantly wicked or impious’ and despicable acts.

These are some of the character types who offer themselves for leadership. By sleigh-of-hand techniques to which we are particularly gullible they present their failures as success and they weave an ever larger and firmer fabric of misconception to justify their initial failures or actions. Being intelligent or having a plethora of degrees do not make anyone immune from making mistakes.

Most intelligent people are the ones who are extremely skillful at rationalising their erroneous mistakes, beliefs and the resulting behavioural outcomes.

These are the kind of people who attempt to influence public opinion through legally constituted governmental mechanisms even though their impeccability and public decorum is as sullied as the King who

strode naked in the streets believing he was fully clothed.

On these ‘elevated’ assumptions tailored for you and me, those who would aspire for kingship ‘wash’ themselves pristine clean of the blood on their hands and souls, and the sacrifice, trauma and loss we have incurred in pursuit of their aspirations and on their behalf. They wash themselves of the ugly and sordid episodes to which they were not only the architects, but also the initiators and the manipulators.

Hoping that because of short memories we will forget, they present themselves as paragon of virtues in shining raiment, my saviour and your saviour. Messiahs from up high, perfect in all ways and gifted with genius, oratory and intellect; statesman like, with visions of Gods, hearts of gold and Midas touch. Yet, in their blind belief of entitlement and arrogance of assumption, they proceed to turn the clock of development backwards.

Drop all the emotive responses.

Drop all the grandiose and deceptive rhetoric and lies which they would like us to believe. And most of all let us drop the irrational fears that exist as a result of our social conditioning.

We’ll see behind all the rhetoric are cool, calculating individuals who are obsessed with power. Behind the public face of the façade they erect, they scheme and they plot. They labour deep into the darkness of the nights behind closed doors and in secret talks, consumed, nay obsessed with POWER and SELF-ENRICHMENT. Social statue, wealth, authority, certification does not automatically translate to morality and respectability. Look at the PNC’s APNU and the AFC and you will know this is the truth! Like modern day wizards and witches clad in suits and ties and draped with the dreaded black hood of bitterness, revenge, acrimony, arrogance and glib tongues, they brew their poisonous portions which portends of nothing good to come, at least not for me and you!

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 16 , 2015

No manipulation, no misrepresentation, no discrimination - in reporting electricity losses in various areas

I NEED to clarify some evident misunderstandings and consequential misguided charges appearing in the Wednesday, January 14, 2015, edition of Kaieteur News, in the article entitled, “Where is IDB $$M given for line losses? - APNU’s Greenidge asks.”

The $$M have gone into a series of studies of electricity losses - technical and non-technical - in various geographic areas, in various improved and more costly metering, in reducing tampering and information-loss, in various ways/degrees of hardening of distribution lines, so as to make it more difficult to obtain electricity, except through the meter, and so on.

It was out of one of these studies that the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc.’s Loss Profile for the first quarter of 2013 was prepared, showing the losses and separating technical and non-technical losses, in the geographical areas served by various feeders. The networks’ average total losses of about 31% in the first quarter of 2013 was not the highest recorded, as the article stated. Indeed, total losses were estimated to be over 40% unto about 2009, and have been falling as GPL Inc. worked to reduce same. In 2012, 2013, the fall seemed to have stalled, prompting deeper studies and contemplation of costly systems which would be alerted on the withdrawal of electricity, except the withdrawal is being done through a meter.

This information was not sprung on anyone. Recall that for this first quarter of 2013, electricity losses were disclosed to Sector Committees in the National Assembly, and more recently, presented in their entirety to the public at large, by paid advertisements in our national daily newspapers. It was intended that everyone should see the losses in his area - wherever he/she lives; in Wakenaam, East Coast Demerara, sections of Georgetown or its environs, West Coast Demerara, Bartica, Berbice, wherever. It discloses a range of total losses from 9.8% to 60%, and non-technical losses from 0.2% to 42%.

What a wide range!

This was a total disclosure, and not selective, not biased, not politically, or otherwise, inspired, but just factual, seeking what, I have no doubt, my colleague Members of Parliament (MPs), Carl Greenidge and Joseph Harmon, want - Guyana to match, and even ‘better’, Barbados, which has been reporting 6%, 7%, 8% total losses, 2% to 3% non-technical losses, over the years, with traditional, conventional distribution networks and meters. In a number of areas, we are already nearly there, as can be seen in the publication.

I am aware that among the thousands of persons on each feeder, there would be many, many honest customers, and a number of dishonest customers who are doing everything to obtain more electricity than is recorded on their meter. One can imagine that it would be good to determine losses on smaller and smaller areas, with fewer and fewer customers, and this is one direction in which GPL Inc. is heading - to

adopt smart metering systems, with additional meters on the service transformers.

The meters communicate with each other and provide specific intelligence when the electricity flow, totalled from the customer-meters, is much less than what the transformer-meter is recording, i.e. above the level of reasonable technical

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds losses. Of course, such high-tech systems are not cheap. As Minister Responsible, I am concerned about embarking on such sophisticated systems which could entail expenditures of US$100 million and more (inclusive of other “hardening” features on the distribution network). We could spend all the money, but make little headway, without a change in our electricity culture.

For the record, let me say for the benefit of those who may not have been told before, and re-assure those who already have heard it, that: * Every customer is billed according to the published tariff categories - no cheaper, or free, electricity, with no one exempted, certainly not formally and not informally, either. Any, and every, such case, is against our law, and perpetrators are liable to criminal proceedings. * Street-lighting, if it is to be, is the responsibility of the ‘owner’ of the streets – the Ministry of Public Works and Communications for the national roads; the City and Town Councils, and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), for ‘local’ roads. Private citizens have been ‘putting in’ street lights, most of them without any authority and with no contract with GPL Inc. GPL Inc. has been removing and confiscating all ‘un-owned’ street-lamps.

I have been getting calls from so-called ‘PPP/C streets’ and ‘non-PPP/C streets’, complaining about GPL Inc. getting on with this aspect of the job. *With respect to optical cable, it is these days common for electricity utilities, for good communications and control across their network, to have a line with an optical cable incorporated within or attached to the outside of, or alongside.

GPL Inc., for some time, has had a Pow-

er Line Carrier (PLC) system operating between Garden of Eden and Sophia Control Centre, and the recently completed transmission-upgrade incorporates an optical cable across the 69kV transmission network. Optical cables are now essential for modern, computerized systems control (SCADA), and, yes, there is additional capacity which can be leased to others. The existing ESRA and the new, draft Telecommunications Law, speak to utilities working together, providing access, collocating, sharing, but with no discrimination, on an even playing field. Any preferential treatment can be challenged in court. *This Government is against all types of crime, whether petty, serious, violent, ‘white-collar’, or drug-trafficking; and in the case of electricity-theft, we go after all – the many, small illegal connections, the sophisticated by-passes, and the direct connections. One would be aware that different degrees of “knowledge” are involved in stealing electricity from GPL Inc. and contractors, “knowledge” such as would be had by current and past employees of GPL Inc. GPL Inc. stays watchful and alert, and has a high turn-over in areas where knowledge required to provide electricity may be used to provide un-metered electricity. *I want to assure my colleague MPs,

Greenidge and Harmon, that I have no desire to stigmatize anyone. There is no glory, no achievement, in that. What I want is a change in our electricity culture, and the avoidance of huge investments to fight electricity- stealing, which might bring little returns. I am keeping the faith that our people will follow their leaders, once they are given a consistent message – explicitly, implicitly, and ‘body language’.

I beg forgiveness if I am wrong, but the language of my colleagues, Harmon and Greenidge, in my view, provides excuses, if not justification, for electricity-stealing, and is not helpful, most of all to those who look to them for leadership. I call again on my colleagues and, indeed, all leaders, to lead those with whom they have some standing, into right paths which bring sound success and satisfaction.

My colleague MP Greenidge, could put his mind at ease, for the IDB $$M is being well spent, well applied, in increasing our understanding and identification of electricity-losses. As usual, the IDB is keeping a watchful eye on how the money is being used, in keeping with its procedures.

SAMUEL A. A. HINDS, O.E., M.P. Prime Minister

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 16, 2015

Bulkhan delivers Each course a poor case, laced at KKTC has with subjectivity 2 instructors IT is so amusing that those who deliberately attempt to distort the PPP’s record on press freedom and freedom of expression are perhaps the most vocal and outspoken in our society. Everyday these individuals pontificate on radio, television and in the newspapers on subjects ranging from rain to romance without any fear of retribution. It seems to me a contradiction that with this glaring reality, Mr. Arif Bulkhan is desperately trying to convince us there is no freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Guyana.

Mr. Bulkhan’s letter on Monday, January 12, 2015 to the editor cannot be read without taking into consideration the entrenched hatred by the Bulkhan family for the PPP for their own mismanagement of their family business that eventually collapsed. I consider this observation necessary and useful at this point, because it has implications for the measurement of his objectivity.

However, it has long been recognised that these individuals, inclusive of Mr. Bulkhan, mistake challenges to their distortion, misinformation and outright lies for everything else other than the right to reply and in defence of the PPP record and its leaders’ character. It would therefore not surprise most people if he now claims he is under attack for his views.

Apart from the obvious inaccuracies contained in Mr. Bulkhan’s letter, he has executed poor judgment in his arguments since the examples he used can hardly be deemed appropriate indicators in the measurement of freedom of expression and press freedom. The mere fact that Mr. Bulkhan misused his opportunity to be factual, by telling us Freddie Kissoon was fired from the University of Guyana is enough to tell us what we are actually dealing with. The University of Guyana Council did not consider Mr. Kissoon for post retirement employment.

With respect to his reference to the termination of appointments of Mr. Carl Greenidge to CARIFORUM and Mr. David Hinds to Arizona University, Mr. Bulkhan deliberately omitted to say that these appointments had required individuals who were independent, objective and fair, and neither of these gentlemen met this criteria and were therefore considered unsuitable. I can hardly believe that Mr. Bulkhan’s insinuations of ulterior motives by those honourable professionals in these institutions will make it to success.

Worse yet, his position on the tax evasion matter implicating Glenn Lall is unpopular, since the majority of Guyanese recognise the dangers of encouraging and allowing the ‘rich and famous’ to deprive our country of the benefits of revenue generation. An illegality is what it is, and

Mr. Lall is no different from anyone else who is required to pay his or her taxes.

Again, Mr. Bulkhan gave the Opposition a free-pass by exculpating it from blame for the delay in the opening up of frequencies to accommodate additional radio and television stations. There is a history to this matter and the whole truth is nevertheless that the PPP/C Government opened up the airwaves to widen the opportunities for freedom of expression

… and they are running smoothly

THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport welcomes the concerns shared by the concerned parent of children enrolled at the KuruKuru Training Centre (KKTC). However, we would like to inform the parents, and the general public, that all the training courses offered at the KKTC commenced on October 7, 2014, and are going smoothly. This is contrary to the information

behaviour. The management at the KKTC prides itself on instilling the practice of acceptable attitudes and behaviours by all students. This focus on the academics, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, have incurred positive results. To date, over 3000 young men and women have passed through the KKTC and have jobs in the public and private sectors, and have moved on to obtain higher

KWAME McCOY and freedom of the press.

Based on his argument, it appears as though he has resolved himself to embrace illegality by supporting the violation of the law by CNS 6. At least, though Mr. Bulkhan lived up to one of my expectations, the certainty of his mentioning Mr. Gordon Mosely, who was deemed persona non grata for a period at Office of the President. This decision was considered on the basis of his poor mannerism, disrespect and discourtesy, and the privilege of access to the Office of the President is contingent on adherence to the rules and regulations of this high office.

Overall, Mr. Bulkhan has delivered a poor case, his arguments are laced with subjectivity. In a country with a population of over 750,000 people, Mr. Bulkhan can only present us with less than 10 examples in his attempt to nullify the PPP’s good record on freedom of expression and freedom of the press. I could imagine that hatred would drive you to any desperation point.

KWAME McCOY

Students at KuruKuru Training Centre - Refrigeration Class outlined in a letter titled “Problems at KuruKuru Training Centre” published in the January 14, 2015 edition of the Kaieteur News.

The KKTC is one of the residential training facilities under the auspices of the MCYS where youths from all 10 administrative regions can access free education in programmes such as masonry, joinery, business studies, electrical installation, garment construction, motor mechanic, carpentry, plumbing and sheet metal, and welding and fabrication. To date, there are 217 students (the 15th batch) enrolled in the various courses.

The recently introduced drivers’ education programme currently accommodates 117 students. Aside from the academics, students are engaged in sports and cultural activities. Of the 217 students on site, 150 of them have joined the PYARG. Like every educational institution, the KKTC will have challenges, and like the other educational institutions, students are reprimanded for their delinquent

education.

It is important to note that students are required to sit two exams prior to embarking on their studies at the KKTC. With regard to the concern raised in the letter regarding the lack of instructors for two courses, that is not so. In fact, each course has two instructors.

This is to ensure that no class-time is lost and at the same time students are given the maximum attention possible.

TEKIA HANOVER PRO, Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 16, 2015

Private Sector decries ‘obstructionist politics’ of past year …calls premature Election a dis-incentive to Business Community

By Gary Eleazar EXECUTIVE Members of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has condemned the ‘obstructionist politics’ that infused the landscape in the past year forcing early elections and in the process doing a disservice to the business community.

This is the consensus of Executive Members of the

tive to the Private Sector.

Guyanese Head of State, President Donald Ramotar, late last year announced that given the failed attempts to bring the political Opposition to the bargaining table, he was forced to Prorogue Parliament and announced too that he would have to call early General Election.

Dookhoo, told reporters “we have suffered from the

As a Guyanese, as a private citizen, I am ashamed by the fact that our politicians cannot find it in their hearts to work together for you and me to have a better Guyana – Ramesh Dookhoo Private Sector Commission (PSC) - Ramesh Dookhoo, Eddie Boyer and Kit Nascimento, who during a media briefing on Wednesday last, were asked to weigh in on the current political atmosphere and its relationship with the Business Community.

“The Private Sector hates elections,” blurted an animated Dookhoo, who was joined by his colleagues in pointing out that given what obtains in such an environment, the local business community has currently adopted a “wait and see” approach.

According to Dookhoo, the holding of elections before its scheduled five year interval, is a huge disincen-

obstructionist politics,” over the course of the past year.

“As a Guyanese, as a private citizen, I am ashamed by the fact that our politicians cannot find it in their hearts to work together for you and me to have a better Guyana,” said a livid Dookhoo.

Business comes to a lull in the period leading up to, and after an election, according to Dookhoo.

Nascimento in his response to media operatives spoke to the fact that as long as General Election is pending in any country, the commercial sector tends to establish ‘a wait and see’ attitude.

Businesses, he said, like to invest in predictable sit-

PSC Executive Members (from left) are Kit Nascimento, Eddie Boyer and Ramesh Dookhoo (Adrian Narine photo)

uations, where at least 12 month projections can be made.

Boyer’s comments on the matter corresponded with his colleagues who sought to point out that with an election in the air there is always a massive downturn in terms of commodity prices, among other variables.

According to Boyer, “we are in a mode waiting for elections.”

Despite imminent Elections, Government and Private Sector relations are as amiable as ever, as is evident in the hosting of the Guyana/

Suriname Trade Mission, which begins its working sessions today at the Guyana International Conference Centre.

A brainchild of the Ministry with responsibility for Industry and Commerce, the Trade Mission is a direct result of a study that was commissioned to ascertain what needs to be done to improve trade between Brazil, Suriname and Guyana.

The study was recently adopted by the Private Sector bodies in all three countries at a meeting in Suriname and the ‘Trade Mission’ host-

ed in Guyana is the first substantial initiative to be undertaken under the accord to promote trade among the South American Countries.

Dookhoo also told reporters that the confab is meant to foster better trade relations and boost tourism ties, as well as to iron out any difficulties that may be experienced on either side.

Some 40 Surinamese companies and government representatives will be taking part in the confab, in addition to the Surinamese Chamber of Commerce, several local chapters of local chambers of

commerce, the Surinamese Trade Minister, Don Tosendjojo, as well as Guyanese Foreign Trade Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.

As it relates to government participation at the event, representatives from the Customs Departments of both countries are expected to make presentations to the working sessions.

Representatives of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and the Surinamese Business forum are also expected to be a part of the working sessions.

Mahaica farmer murder retrial opens DETECTIVE Corporal Kester Moriah told a Demerara Assize jury on Wednesday that the people who witnessed the killing of Mahaica farmer Lakhram Bishundial in 2010 did not give the police proper information in relation to the perpetrators.

Following the robbery/ murder of Bishundial, persons told the police that “two men on a Black 125 Bike rode up and rob the man and rode towards town”.

Moriah was cross-examined by Mr. Trenton Lake when he made this disclosure.

However, State Counsel Miss Natasha Backer who, along with another prosecutor is prosecuting before Mr. Justice Bovell-Drakes, had usurped re-examination to show that Moriah was not the Chief investigator.

According to reports, on August 20, 2010, Lakhram Bishundial was shot at Hope Turn, East Coast Demerara, as he was on his way to a nearby Ashram to

make preparations for his younger brother’s wedding.

His brother, Totaram had left his home in De Hoop Mahaica for Georgetown earlier that day. He went to do some last minute shopping for his wedding, which was scheduled for the upcoming weekend. He was accompanied by a female relative. Totaram Bishundial withdrew $500,000 from a city bank and was returning home to Mahaica when he met his brother at Hope, East Coast Demerara. The siblings had parked their

vehicles and began to chat, when a gunman approached them and demanded money.

The suspect pointed the gun at the younger Bishundial but his brother interjected and was shot by the robber instead. The assailant and another man escaped on a motorcycle.

Accused of the crime are Shawn Anthony Thom and Orin David called ‘Plait Hair’ ‘Malit’ or ‘Malik’, who are charged with having on the 21st day of August, 2010 in the county of Demerara murdered

Lakhram Bishundial, called Mohan.

Thom was the first to be held. Acting upon information, the Police caught the accused Thom among a crowd at the Victoria Gas Station the said day.

The accused explained that he was a clerk from DIDCO who had gone on the Back Dam on the East Coast to buy some ‘weed’ when his bike ran out of gas and he had to leave it there.

The police escorted him to the Back Dam where the motor cycle was found.

Moriah said that the bike was a black bike but the accused denied this saying that it was black and blue.

The No 2 accused, Orin David called ‘Plait Hair’, was not captured until later resulting in the investigation not being completed until December the same year.

Attorney-at-Law Mr. Trenton Lake is representing accused Thom while lawyer Mr. George Thomas is representing David.

The hearing is continuing. (George Barclay)

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 16, 2015

Stop killing the innocent DR. ALON BEN-MEIR’S excellent letter published in this newspaper yesterday addressing the rising levels of anti-Semitism in Europe is a stark reminder of the historic persecution of the Jewish people and the genesis of modern day Israel.

The stark images of starving, wounded, dead and dying babies should tear at the heartstrings of any humane, merciful person; but even if this happens, policies that dictate programmes and actions create irrelevancies of the doctrines of mercy, tolerance, and compassion.

When the Jews were hounded out of their homes in European countries and they were denied a piece of earth to call homeland they purchased, with whatever wealth remained to them after the depredations of the world - the upliftment to which they had contributed immensely in a myriad ways over the centuries, lands that they believed were promised to them in the book of their faith by the Lord of their faith.

This dispossessed people did not wage war to acquire these lands – mainly swamp and desert lands. They purchased parcels of vast acreages from Arab landowners and issued an open invitation to oppressed members of their community the world over, then ran the British blockades in patched-up vessels that traversed oceans to bring members of their community to the land that they named Israel.

This movement rivalled the Exodus of the Bible. Leon Uris’ moving book of the same name depicts the story of the Jewish people’s Herculean struggles to reconstruct their Biblical homeland from the Negev desert and barren lands.

They piped water into the Negev desert and through clever architectural landscaping they created thriving farms out of the swamp and desert lands that no-one really wanted and established

communes, where everyone worked as a collective for the common good, using their immense expertise and brilliance to rise above their circumstances.

And they co-existed peacefully with neighbouring Arab villages, sharing their water and development procedures to restructure the lives and lifestyles of a people who had long been neglected and exploited by their own leaders.

Palestinians.

Oil-rich Arabian Heads-of-State live in absolute splendour, while most of their people live in squalor. The development dimensions of nation states the world over could be immeasurable if assets and resources are levelled off in equitable distribution to enable citizens to meet their basic needs, which is what the Israelis were doing with their communes.

However, this harmonious co-existence was not acceptable to the warmongers, who instigated members of Palestinian villages to initiate murderous sorties into the Israeli communes. This led to the six-day war and the consequential dislocations of Palestinians from their own homes. It was also the genesis of the present-day hatred and distrust between Palestinians and Israelis, and the homelessness of Palestinians. Palestinians who live within Israel’s borders are said to enjoy the same quality of life as the Israelis, but this is not acceptable to the warmongers, so they continue to foster hatred and distrust between Israelis and

This has led Israel to become a world power and a force to reckon with in the fiscal dynamics of the world; but what have the Arab leaders, with all their oil wealth, provided to their people? There have been instances of genocide even against their own people, whom they should have protected instead: Witness Saddam Hussein and his murderous rampages against the citizens over whom he ruled and other rulers of his ilk.

Dr. Cheddi Jagan propounded the concept of the human family living in a global village. Life is a journey from birth to death. Within the timeframe and parameters of that journey where

is the satisfaction of oppressing another member of this human family instead of contributing to their welfare and development?

An angry nation of Israel, the citizens of which live in constant fear of being targeted by Arab extremists, has retaliated with a vengeance that is witnessing the destruction of property and innocent lives of the hapless Palestinians.

But within that nation reside many in whom the qualities of mercy, compassion, and charity supersede the vengefulness of their leaders, who have convinced themselves that they have no recourse to protect their citizens than to resort to constant warfare and oppression of innocent Palestinian civilians, which is causing so much suffering on the innocent more than the guilty – and it is up to the ordinary people of Israel and of Palestine – the mothers and fathers, to say stop the carnage – enough is enough.

Some other strategy is needed – where the ordinary Palestinian people, and the ordinary Israeli people, can force their leaders to some kind of armistice, where some configuration is devised for each to have a homeland of their own – and where they can negotiate terms for peaceful co-existence.

Peaceful resolution of this unceasing conflict is an imperative, and it is up to the peoples within both communities to force their leaders to accept the reality that each nation needs a homeland, otherwise the situation could very well precipitate Armageddon.

Would a father, moreso, a father who was the staunchest adherent to the Father most high, ever have denied any of his children a home? For those who are fostering hatred and perpetuating conflict between the children of Abraham they will certainly face the dire wrath of both fathers.

Headless body at Cummings Lodge...

DNA samples received from Brazil - Crime Chief CRIME Chief Leslie James yesterday disclosed that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, has received DNA samples

from Brazil.

Samples were taken from a headless body which was in an advanced state of decomposition and which was discovered on September 23, 2014, aback Cummings

Lodge, East Coast Demerara. The body is believed to be that of former MFK Trading boss Mohamed F. Khan, but it is yet to be confirmed.

The remains were found a month after he

disappeared while on a visit to Guyana from Venezuela to conduct business.

The samples were sent to Brazil for DNA testing to determine whether the body was that of Khan.

Mohamed F. Khan

Khan, 54, had fled Guyana and sold his Hadfield Street business after his life was threatened and during a visit to Guyana in July 9, 2014, he was shot and injured by a lone gunman at La Grange, West Bank Demerara.

He was last heard from on August 21, 2014, after he left his wife and children for Guyana and is still missing.

The skull which was wrapped in a plastic bag was found several feet from the skeletal remains of the unidentified man.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 16, 2015

Cabinet commends President for forging even closer ties with India CABINET Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon yesterday reported that Cabinet this week commended President Donald Ramotar on the developments that arose during and subsequent to his visit to India from January 5 to 13.

The President had been invited to deliver the feature address at the annual Indian Diaspora event which was held this year in Gujarat.

Speaking at his weekly post-Cabinet press conference at the Office of the President, in Georgetown, Dr Luncheon said President Ramotar met the Prime Minister and other high-ranking members of the Indian Government, and both sides recognised the continued emphasis that was being placed on the development of ties

between the two countries.

The visit did concentrate on economic and developmental ties, and to that extent, Cabinet noted the support that the Indian Government continued to offer Guyana. “In Gujarat and in Mumbai, the President and the delegation met segments of the Indian private sector, and indeed were able to obtain from the Indian Government and those engagements, commitments on the establishment, the construction of an IT (Information Technology) Centre of Excellence; a commitment made for its soon establishment; the recognition of Guyana and its agricultural potential; and the use of gasification of rice husk as a provision of renewable energy,� Dr Lun-

President Ramotar being accorded a traditional welcome while in Gujarat

cheon said.

The Guyana delegation, which included members of the Guyana private sector, also held their own consul-

tations, their own meetings, with their Indian colleagues as they sought to foster economic ties between the two countries.

Cabinet has since recognised the need to follow up on these developments, and accorded the responsibilities to the various sec-

tors to ensure that those developments were brought to bear and the intent fulfilled in the shortest possible time,� said Luncheon.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 16, 2015

NAACIE gives support as GGMC wages strike continues – GPSU to respond to CLO on legality issue

By Raymon Cummings THE Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) is still to respond to a letter from Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle, addressed to the acting

General Secretary of the union Deborah Murphy, in which he deemed the strike action taken by the workers of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) as illegal.

On Monday January 12, 2015, Ogle wrote to the acting General Secretary of the union stating, among other things, that after reviewing correspondence between the union and the GGMC: “I wish to reiterate that an examination of all the facts and details known to this Ministry, suggest that your union’s decision to take strike action effective 6th January, 2015 may be in breach of the extant Collective Labour Agreement and would therefore be illegal. In the circumstances, you are hereby requested to take the necessary steps to ensure that the strike is called off with immediate effect, thereby paving the way for a return of normalcy in negotiations.”

The union has since ignored the call by the Chief Labour Officer to have the workers return to work and has continued their strike action.

Senior Industrial Relations Officer of the union, Denis English yesterday assured that the union is steadfast in its actions and a comprehensive reply to Ogle’s letter is being prepared and is expected to be delivered today.

Meanwhile, yesterday National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) General Secretary Kenneth Joseph issued a press release supporting the workers and the actions taken by the GPSU, as they “are still in struggle for a better life for workers.”

Joseph, referring to Ogle’s letter to the GPSU said: “It is very serious when the trade unions of this country observe the denial of important workers’ rights in silence. I say this to advise the Chief Labour Officer, Mr. Charles Ogle that there are legal and illegal strikes according to legal luminaries. This strike, however, is not defined as illegal because it is one of the attempts to pressure the employers of the GGMC to concede to the demand for improvement in wages

benefit and work rules.”

The Management of the GGMC in a press release issued on January 6 had said that the strike was called at a time when negotiations were in progress to resolve the wages issue.

The release stated: “The Commission has reiterated the need to abide by the standing agreement between the Guyana Public Service Union and the Commission for the Recognition and Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes, which clearly identifies the steps to be taken to resolve the current issues. Deviations from these enshrined protocols can be construed as acts of bad faith, more so given that discussions and engagements were on-going between the union and the commission.”

The union on the other hand has insisted that the Terms of Resumption signed between the two parties after the strike in November has given them the option to renew their industrial action if their issues were not addressed by the end of December.

The Chief Labour Officer, however, has pointed out that the Collective Labour Agreement between the two parties’ states that after a joint meeting/conference, an unresolved dispute may be referred to conciliation and then arbitration if necessary.

“I must say that as far as I am aware, this Ministry is not in receipt of any such application, which for all intent and purpose, must preface any contemplated industrial action.

As a matter of fact, I do believe that Clause 12 of the aforementioned extant Collective Labour Agreement prohibits withdrawal of labour during the negotiation process, which prohibition was disregarded,” Ogle had said.

Efforts to get a comment from the Chief Labour Officer on the way forward, given that the workers have not resumed duties following his letter to the union, has proved futile as he has said that he will not be speaking to the media.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 16, 2015

Top UG law graduates guaranteed automatic entry to Hugh Wooding – says AG Nandlall THE concerns of the current batch of law students, part of the University of Guyana Law Society (UGLS), relative to their admission to the Hugh Wo o d i n g L a w S c h o o l (HWLS) were voiced during a meeting with the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, on Tuesday.

Minister Nandlall assured the students that the top 25 graduating students will continue to be given automatic entry, reminding them of the decision taken at the level of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government.

Last June, the decision not to automatically place the 25 students at the Trinidad-based school had left students apprehensive about their future.

The automatic admission was an arrangement that existed under a collaborative agreement among the University of the West Indies (UWI), the Council of Legal Education (CLE) and UG. The agreement had expired, and had not been renewed for the year 2014, hence the controversial decision.

Those difficulties were however resolved through the intervention of the Guyana Government.

EXISTING IMPASSE

According to Nandlall, there is currently an impasse between the UWI and UG in relation to a continuation of a collaborative arrangement which has been in place for the last two decades.

He said UG has put forward some proposals, which are being considered by UWI and it is expected that the two universities will arrive at a solution that is mutually acceptable.

That collaborative arrangement, the AG said, will hopefully crystalise into an agreement that would be brought to the CLE for its approval. “We are hoping that, that would be done within the shortest possible time,” he said.

The AG noted that as a representative of Guyana on the CLE, his preference is and has always been a continuation of an arrangement that will continue to associate the UG LLB programme with that of the UWI. “I believe that it is important for the integrity of the degree programme and it is important for the quality-control mechanism to continue to be in place to ensure that there is no dilution of standards at the University of Guyana,” he said.

ISSUE OF SPACE Nandlall pointed out that there continues to be space

problems at the current configuration of the CLE, because of the proliferation of new institutions that are doing LLB programmes within the Region.

“Those new facilities coupled with the existing institutions that are providing those programmes are producing many law students who are expected to be accommodated at the Hugh Wooding Law School.

It simply cannot continue like that,” he said.

Nandlall also mentioned that there is a Law School in The Bahamas that has the space to offset the growing number of graduates wanting to acquire their LLB and practise at the Bar, but the cost of travel, living, and the tuition fees at the institution are very high, which is a significant deterrent to persons wanting to go there.

He highlighted that an offer was extended some time ago from the Attorney General of The Bahamas for students to go there, should the need arise.

Nandlall explained that there was an indication that an arrangement could be worked out, which would result in a reduction of the tuition fees, dependent however on the number of students who would have indicated a willingness to attend that law school.

COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW In the meantime, Nandlall gave the assurance

that, as per the CARICOM Heads’ decision, there will also be a comprehensive review of legal education in the Region with specific emphasis on: ● Revising the syllabus and revising the role the Council is playing ● Whether the Council should continue to be the provider of legal education in the Region; or if it should reassess its role as simply administering a system that will deliver legal education in the Region; and ● Ascertaining whether there is adequate accommodation at the law schools in the Region to house the continuous increase in the numbers of students showing an inclination to pursue studies in the area of law.

The next decision to be made, the AG admitted, pertains to funding to undertake these endeavours, making clear that Guyana has already signalled its commitment to contribute fairly and equitably to meeting this expenditure.

“A common cost would

Minister Anil Nandlall meeting with law students on Tuesday at the Ministry of Legal Affairs boardroom

be borne by the entire Region….to undertake what the Heads of Government were recommending, which is a review of the system, is a very costly exercise and an estimation of the cost was submitted to the Heads of Government with discussions on raising the money,” he said.

The AG admitted that the review process would be a long and protracted one, which is more suited as a long- term goal to rectifying the issue at hand.

However, he indicated that from a short- term

perspective, the 25 law students will continue to gain entry at the Hugh Wooding Law School, while those outside of the 25 limit will continue to have to write the entrance examinations if they want to attend the same institution.

Nandlall noted too that at the level of the CLE, of which he is an executive member, the concerns of Guyana’s law students are being addressed as a “fundamental” matter.

A meeting of the CLE is scheduled for February 6 in Grenada.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 16, 2015

GT&T to submit quota of income findings to PUC – after request for higher landline rates THE Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GT&T) is expected to comply with a directive from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) today,

with respect to its appeal for an increase in landline rates in the last of a series of presentations before a ruling is made.

The representatives

during the last hearing appeared hesitant in providing direct responses when questioned by members of the PUC. Thereafter, there were burning discussions on their

Members of the PUC and GT&T at the previous hearing

effectiveness if approval was granted which dragged the

PUC to an ultimatum.

GT&T has therefore

Turn to page 22 â–ş

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 16, 2015

The present political environment

By Mohamed Irfaan Ali, MP, Minister of Housing and Water OVER the last few days, there has been a lot of noise in the public domain surrounding the present political environment of our country, with some of the commentators alluding to the lack of clarity in the existing political circumstances.

I wish to dispel these fears, and to remind all Guyanese that President Ramotar outlined a very clear and comprehensive strategy in his address to the nation. This strategy was based on: (1) Consensus building; (2) creating an enabling environment for dialogue; (3) advancing Guyana’s development priorities; and (4) giving space and time to resolve the numerous parliamentary issues.

Some key questions that I wish to address are: Firstly: Did the President act democratically and in the interest of Guyana in proroguing Parliament? This question was answered previously by many commentators, and it was clear that the President acted within the confines of the Constitution, and within the ambits of democracy.

As a matter of fact, the single reason of wanting to consult with the Opposition and find consensus on the way forward on the numerous parliamentary issues that will affect Guyana’s economy is most laudable. Can the desire to build consensus be not in the interest of Guyana? Can the desire to find consensus for the passage of important legislations, such as the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, the Education Bill, and the Telecommunications Amendment Bill be considered not in the interest of Guyana? Can the consideration of important supplementary papers to ignite spending within the economy, and advance the numerous social programmes be considered not in the interest of Guyana? It is clear that the President acted both democratically, and in the interest of Guyana.

Secondly: What was the alternative to prorogation? The alternative was to have the Opposition shut the country down without addressing any of the above parliamentary issues in their sole effort to bring the Government down. This would have led to immediate National and Regional Elections.

This action would have immediately removed any chances of having these important Legislations approved, which cannot be considered to be in the interest of the people of Guyana.

The net effect of this would have been no opportunity for dialogue. Let us recall that during that period, most commentators were calling for dialogue.

Thirdly: The question of clarity. Many commentators are asking, and legitimately so: Where do we go from here? Some Opposition operatives are trying to make out a case that the Government is seeking to maintain its position through the constitutional mechanism of prorogation, and that somehow, President Ramotar is aiming to extend the prorogation.

This proposition is geared solely to create political mischief, and is divorced from the facts and clarity outlined in the President’s

address to the nation.

Let us recall that the President made it clear, on numerous occasions, that he has no interest in prolonging or extending the prorogation. His only interest in prorogation was to seek consensus, and move the nation’s business forward.

Now that it is clear that the Opposition is least concerned about consensus building and moving important legislations required to advance our country and our economy, the President would make his call. It is obvious that President Ramotar has been consistent in his approach to secure good governance, and build political consensus.

However, this seems not to be priority for the Opposition.

Let us be clear on one thing: The PPP, along with the people of Guyana, has always championed the cause of democracy. It is this PPP/C Government that opened the wings of parliamentary democracy, and we did this whilst we had the majority in the National Assembly. We were never forced into expanding our democratic landscape; we did so willingly, and in the interest of Guyana. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was established under a PPP/C parliamentary majority government. The decision to have the Opposition chair this committee was made under a PPP/C parliamentary majority government. The appointment of an Opposition Deputy Speaker of Parliament was done by a PPP/C parliamentary majority government. The establishment of several sectoral committees with rotating chairmanship (rotating between the Government and the Opposition) was done under a PPP/C parliamentary majority government.

These are just a few examples where the PPP/C Government has demonstrated its commitment to democracy and inclusionary politics. It is, therefore, interesting to note some attempts by the Opposition to discredit this history.

15

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 16, 2015

Ram, AG agree on constitutionality of gov’t spending for 2015

By Raymon Cummings ATTORNEY-GENERAL and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall on

Wednesday gave assurance that all spending being undertaken by the Government of Guyana in 2015 is in keeping with the constitu-

tional provisions of Article 219 (1) and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act of Guyana.

This position seems to

be supported by noted attorney-at-law and chartered accountant Christopher Ram in an article posted on his blog site last weekend.

Minister Anil Nandlall

Christopher Ram

Ram, in his article while discussing the spending

by Government for 2015, pointed to Article 219 (1) where he stated: “The Constitution grants the Parliament the power to make provision for the Minister of Finance to authorise the withdrawal of moneys from the Consolidated Fund to “meet expenditure necessary to carry on the services of the Government of Guyana.”

Responding to questions posed by the Guyana Chronicle following the concerns raised about contracts being undertaken and approved, Minister Nandlall said: “The Constitution permits spending. Once it is necessary to carry out the services of the Government of Guyana, whether it be for the provision of security, water … or the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, all the facilities which forms part of this amalgam called services of the Government of Guyana.

“It is incapable of any precise definition. The laws of Guyana contain a compendium of statutory responsibilities which devolve upon the Government of Guyana that is so numerous that it is incapable of any precise definition.”

Expanding on his statement, the Minister explained that if “the Government of Guyana has been providing X number of services for the last 20 years, on what basis will you say now that is not a normal service of the Government of Guyana.”

Pointing to the constitution, Minister Nandlall said he is unprepared to read into the words of the document any undue restrictions. It reads: “For the purpose of meeting expenditure neces-

sary to carry on the normal services of Guyana: I don’t read into that any undue restriction in relation to capital and non-capital. If it is part of the normal services of the Government of Guyana the constitution authorises expenditure but you cannot exceed 1/12 of the previous year,” he said.

Referring to the FMAA passed by the National Assembly in 2003, Ram in his article noted that the Act gives the Minister the power to issue month-to-month drawing rights sufficient to fund the ongoing delivery of normal services of Government in accordance with Article 219(1) of the Constitution.

The Attorney-General has insisted that he is unprepared to read anything else into the words of the constitution.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon in his post-Cabinet press briefing last week announced that Cabinet had issued its no-objection to a number of contracts at its meetings on December 23 and 30, 2014 which, because there was no press briefings following those meetings, the media, inter alia, the nation was not informed.

He therefore used the opportunity of the first press briefing for the year to so inform the nation.

These contracts included US$169,000 and GYD$20M for the purchase of sensitive material and Duracell batteries for GECOM for election purposes, US$270,000 for the relocation of the Instrument Landing System/Distance Measuring Equipment for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, among others.

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 16, 2015

‘Demerara Gold’ and ‘Pandora’s Box’ billed for grand performances

– in schools, at NCC, Lichas Hall and Theatre Guild THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) in collaboration with the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama and Gem Theatre Production yesterday announced at the National Cultural Centre that they will bring to the general public, a play called “Demerara Gold”, featuring overseas-based actress and playwright Ingrid Griffith in the role of 18 characters.

Present at the press briefing yesterday were director of Gem Theatre Production, Gem Madhoo Nascimento; Director of Studies at the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama, Al Creighton; and actress Griffith who is originally from Guyana; along with other officials and representatives of the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama.

Nascimento stated that they first had an interest in bringing this show to Guyana in November last year, when

she came across a video of the play being performed by Griffith.

She added that after some research, she approached the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama to seek their interest, which of course ended positively.

The approval from the MCYS for the show to be performed in Guyana came promptly, she added.

Nascimento noted that in addition to the play being performed for the general public, there will also be school shows so as to boost drama and theatre arts in schools.

The show will be aimed at students from the Third, Fourth and Fifth Forms of various schools across the country, if not all.

Also in brief remarks, Creighton stated that the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama is doing several education outreaches, which

will include the plays to be performed.

PANDORA’S BOX Apart from the play ‘Demerara Gold’, another play called ‘Pandora’s Box’, which was organised by the 2014 graduates of the National School of Theatre and Arts, will also be brought to the public when the string of events kicks off this Saturday.

Speaking a bit about ‘Demerara Gold’ was the writer/ actor herself, Ingrid Griffith, who stated that the play will be about “a girl from Guyana who taps into her wild spirit to break away and reunite with her parents in America, only to find her battle has just begun.”

Griffith stated that while studying theatre arts and drama in America, she noticed how her colleagues would not just act in plays but also write them, so this is what inspired her along with her passion

for drama and acting, to write this play.

ROLE OF 18 CHARACTERS When asked whether she finds it difficult to play the role of 18 characters in the skit, she disclosed that “it was a bit difficult at the starting, especially the transitioning from one character to next,” but after continuous practice she learned to cope with it and later perfect the skill of acting different roles.

In closing she stated that she is proud to be performing in her homeland and the Guyanese public should look out for a great and enjoyable show.

PERFORMANCES The shows are set to be performed as follows: ‘Demerara Gold’ and ‘Pandora’s Box’ at the National Cultural Centre on January 17 at

Sowing of first rice crop to be completed by month-end RICE farmers in Regions 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) and 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne) will complete sowing of the first rice crop of 2015 by the end of the month.

This is according to Head of the Guyana Rice Producers’ Association ( R PA ) , D h a r a m k u m a r Seeraj, who added that irrigation challenges, due to expanded cultivation, in Region 6 extended the sowing period in that area.

He noted too that farmers in the three other rice producing regions have completed sowing. “We are done sowing in Regions 2 (Pomeroon/ Supenaam), 3 (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) and in 4 (Demerara/Mahaica),” Seeraj said.

The RPA Head stressed that all farmers have been advised not extend sowing

Dharamkumar Seeraj

beyond January.

When asked, he indicated that some 233,000 acres of land is under cultivation for the first 2015 rice crop, with an expectation of about seven million bags

of paddy.

RECORD-BREAKING 2014 Last year was another record breaking one for the rice industry which record-

ed a production of 635,238 tonnes, of which 501,208 tonnes was exported. The production in the final crop this year surpassed the first crop, which recorded just over 300,000 tonnes. The production for 2013 was 535,212 tonnes, which was far above the original target of 413,000 tonnes, and reflected a 27 per cent increase over the production in 2012.

The average production per hectare was some five tonnes.

A BETTER 2015 The successes of the rice industry, Seeraj acknowledged, have created some challenges for the industry, particularly in the area of timely payments to rice farmers.

However, he declared that 2015 will be a better year on all fronts.

Ms. Ingrid Griffith speaking to members of the media on Wednesday (Photo by Adrtian Narine)

20:00hrs. Tickets are $1,000 each.

‘Demerara Gold’ will be performed also at Theatre Guild on January 18 at 18:30hrs. Tickets are $2,500 each.

Meanwhile, the perfor-

mance of ‘Demerara Gold’ for schools is set for today at the New Amsterdam Multilateral School; January 16 at Lichas Hall, Linden; and January 19 at the National Cultural Centre. Tickets for all schools are $500 each.

“For the last crop of 2014, the value of sales was $23B, of which a total of $22.2B was paid out to date,” the RPA Head said.

He added that the remaining sum is expected to be paid off by the end of January.

“We know the crop has doubled, so traditional levels of financing have doubled and millers are hard pressed, but we expect this crop to be better in all respects,” Seeraj assured.

In addition to increased production and sales, Guyana is seeking to expand its export market. The country currently has export agreements with several countries in the Caribbean, as well as with Venezuela and Panama, among others. Also, arrangements for rice shipments to countries in West Africa are still being finalised. It is expected that someday Guyana will overcome the existing challenges to bring it in line with the world’s largest producers of rice. As such, focus is being placed on

exploring new and emerging global markets, tackling the crucial and critical issues to facilitate increasing production.

Rice production was at its lowest in Guyana in the late 1980s, due to neglect of the industry which saw a lack of sound agricultural policies and programmes, and little or no investment in agricultural infrastructure and research and training.

Today, there are greater investments in agriculture infrastructure, education and training of farmers, research, and more guaranteed markets as well.

Secure drainage, new and improved farming technologies and new rice varieties are among some of the interventions over the years, on the part of Government, that have been fuelling the rice industry’s growth.

Government, cognisant of maintaining the strong performance of the rice industry has offered the relevant support. (Vanessa Narine)

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 16, 2015

Africanised bees curtail classes at Stella Maris

STUDENTS attending Stella Maris Primary and Nursery were yesterday forced to discontinue classes due to an invasion by Africanised bees in a section of the school.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Headmistress Marna Kendal explained that on her arrival at the school, she could not have entered her office because of the presence of the bees.

“The bees were all over in the office; we could not have entered the room,” she said. Kendal related that the security guard pointed out that some of the bees came from the empty field across from the school.

Concerned parents were seen hustling and bustling to pick up their children. One parent noted that a teacher

called him and he subsequently informed a few more parents. Some parents were observed standing outside the school chatting and lauded the teachers and headmistress for their concern and speedy notice to parents on the matter.

According to the headmistress, two classrooms at the back of the school were also infested with bees. “We had to evacuate those students first before we raised an alarm,”she said, adding: “One student was stung, and was taken to the hospital. It was reported that the child is doing fine.” Kendal said that no nests for the bees were located within the compound of the school. “We keep the surroundings very clean, and nothing of the sort is within the compound.”

Headmistress Ms Marna Kendal shows the reporter her office where the bees were before they migrated

Pointing to the trees in the alleyway behind the school, the headmistress said that it is believed that some of the bees came from that area.

The trees from which the bees were presumed to have originated

The school has since made contact with the Ministry of Education and the ministry has notified the headmistress that they will be

sending a private company to look into the matter.

The Education Ministry said in a press statement yesterday: “It was brought to

the Ministry of Education’s attention that sessions were disrupted at the Stella Maris Nursery and Primary Schools earlier today (January 15) after a swarm of bees from a nest outside the schools’ compound entered the buildings.”

The Ministry said further that it would like to assure the parents and guardians that all necessary precautions have been taken and the bees’ nest has been removed. The area has also been cleared.

Further checks will be conducted today to ensure the health and safety of the children and staff of the schools.

Meanwhile, the Education Ministry advised that Stella Maris Nursery and Primary will re-open on Monday, January 19. (Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)

Parents picking up their children from school in light of the threat by Africanised bees (Photos by Cullen Bess-Nelson)

UNDP hands over three ATVs to GECOM THE United Nations Development Programme ( U N D P ) o n Tu e s d a y handed over three Honda All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to assist the Secretariat with its work at its various interior locations in Guyana.

UNDP representative, Trevor Benn, handed over the keys for the ATVs to G E C O M ’s C h i e f E l e c tion Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, a press release stated.

Speaking at the simple

handing over ceremony in GECOM’S compound, he expressed the UNDP’s commitment to supporting a transparent electoral process.

Benn also urged GECOM to utilise the ATVs to better serve the needs of the Guyanese people as preparations are being made continuously

by GECOM for imminent elections in 2015.

Meanwhile, GECOM’s CEO expressed the Commission’s gratitude to the UNDP for this timely gesture of support and promised to utilise these vehicles for the purpose for which they were

intended.

Lowenfield further emphasised that with the help of these ATVs, GECOM will be greatly assisted with its ability to move a little more freely within its interior locations.

As GECOM continues to prepare assiduously for forthcoming elections, a number of strategic measures are currently being put in place to ensure the efficient, effective and transparent management of general and regional elections, the release added.

GECOM’s Keith Lowenfield, left, receiving keys from UNDP’s Trevor Benn. At centre is GECOM Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 16, 2015

19

Test results of Sheema Mangar’s DNA samples expected shortly from Brazil FINALLY!

– more than four years since her brutal death IT has been more than four years since the brutal slaying of Sheema Mangar, and to date the law enforcement agency seems to be clueless as to who might be responsible for the death of the promising young professional.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF), on Wednesday, said samples taken from Mangar had to be re-sent to Brazil for DNA testing and they “expect that result shortly” after “some mix-up” which delayed the process, yet again.

Similar samples were sent to Trinidad and Tobago after samples which were sent to Jamaica after Mangar, a former Demerara Bank employee, was brutally killed on September 11, 2010.

Mangar was run over by a car on North Road, close to Camp Street after she struggled with the driver to recover a cell phone which had been taken from her. At the time, she was at North Road and Camp Street, in Georgetown, awaiting transportation when her Blackberry cell phone was snatched from her. The 21-year-old woman gave chase after the snatcher who entered a motor car that drove off and she placed herself in front of the vehicle in an effort to stop it but was run over and dragged several feet before the vehicle sped away.

Public-spirited citizens rushed her to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), from where she was transferred to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and died there the next day.

Initially, two suspects had been held but were later released.

However, investigators took parts of the retrieved fabric she was wearing from under the getaway car for examination.

Since then, the Police Force has come in for frequent criticisms by Mangar’s family and others over the sloth in the probe and the failure to produce DNA results from what was thought to be critical evidence.

In fact, there have been glaring issues with the inefficient handling of Mangar’s DNA samples, so much so that even President Donald Ramotar and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee were forced, in the past, to express their frustrations with the seemingly deliberate sloth in the probe.

After Mangar ’s death which spawned nationwide

mourning, potential evidence was dispatched overseas to be tested.

CLOSE INTEREST On May 23, 2013, the Ministry of Home Affairs, in a press release, promised to maintain a close interest in the matter, adding that it shares the sentiments of the grieving parents and relatives and wished to see it brought to a closure to the satisfaction of the Mangar family.

The ministry, at the time, said it was of the view that, “by now, more progress should have been made in this matter and maintains that this crime would be, ultimately, solved by the Guyana Police Force as has been done with so many other serious crimes.”

The ministry said it reconfirmed that two submissions were made to the Barbados Forensic Laboratory, on November 5, 2010 and August 30, 2011, respectively.

A report on the first submission was received in August 2011 when a GPF representative travelled to Barbados to make a second submission.

According to the ministry, it was later revealed that the Barbados Forensic Laboratory recommenced operations in late 2011, having been closed for repairs from 2009. But it continued to accept submissions.

We must note that in all murder cases, the police would identify the ‘year and day rule.’

He explained that whoever might have committed those crimes/murders, the day on which they are arrested and the date on which the offence was allegedly committed, arriving at ‘the year and day.’

He stated that like every murder investigation sometimes the trail goes cold for sometime but that doesn’t mean it is closed, recognising that the family needs closure.

Former Crime Chief, Seelall Persaud, who is now Acting Commissioner of Police, had reported to this publication that nothing new has surfaced, to date, since the November 26, 2013 disclosure, when the Police Force was in receipt of the results of a DNA sample, sent to Barbados for testing earlier in that year, to aid in Mangar’s murder probe.

He had stated that following the negative match, they do not have any suspect but, once new information is received, the investigations will continue. (Michel Outridge)

20

AHI issues cautionary warning …

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 16, 2015

Pegasus’s Robert Badal not to be taken seriously

… says not a single local investor ever made a proposal for Marriott

A worker skillfully marks this tile before cutting it to be laid

DESPITE repeated claims of an interest in acquiring the 67 per cent equity in the Georgetown Marriott Hotel, Robert Badal, owner of the nearby Pegasus Hotel, never submitted a single proposal and as such his recent ramblings should not be taken seriously.

This was the cautionary warning issued by Atlantic Hotel Inc. (AHI), which earlier this week responded to Badal who is reported in sections of the media as being ready

to invest US$8M in the Marriott Hotel development in order to become a majority shareholder.

“AHI wishes to make it clear that it has not, at any time prior to or since Mr. Badal’s alleged statement, received any expression of interest from Mr. Badal or any of his representatives in investing in AHI’s Marriott Hotel Project private equity,”

ROBERT BADAL the statement said.

In fact, AHI, in its public missive, recalled that advertisements inviting investor(s) expressions of interest to participate in the Marriott Hotel Project’s private equity were widely published since 2009, both locally and internationally, and were placed in all of Guyana’s Embassies and Consulates

abroad.

Despite the widespread publication, not a single local investor, including Badal, expressed an interest in investing in the Marriott Project, according to AHI. In fact, AHI noted that on the contrary, Badal has vehemently opposed the project.

According to the AHI missive, it is worth pointing out that both the Stabroek News and Kaieteur News, in October 2013, reported extensively on a statement issued by Badal attacking the Feasibility Study as ‘unrealistic assumptions’.

“In his statement, Mr. Badal predicted crippling operating losses for the hotel, with no cash flow being available to cover interest rate payments as this outfit would not even realise 15 per cent occupancy.” AHI recalled too that Badal had also asserted that the hotel “would rapidly lead to bankruptcy.”

He suggested too that “it is no surprise that no credible investor showed any interest in this project,” but according to AHI, “in 2013, AHI announced it had secured an investor, however, it was not until May last year (2014) that AHI and Republic Bank were able to release the name of the investor.”

The Pegasus Hotel owner was reported in the media recently as saying, “now that details of the many incentives and

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 16 , 2015

SCG workers applying some finishing touches at the Hotel recently tax breaks granted for the project are coming to light, he is more than willing to invest the US$8M that offers 67 per cent ownership of the hotel.”

The publication also quoted Badal saying, “once there is a guarantee that all these incentives, including the exemptions on the Withholding Tax, Property Tax and Corporation Tax, will come as the conditions under the current arrangements, I will be more than willing to come on board as the equity investor for US$8M.” AHI has again reminded that the terms and conditions for the investment and the incentives offered, including those which Badal is now reported to be finding so attractive, were a matter of public records since 2012 and have not changed from the inception of the project up to the time of the closing date of the publicly adver-

tised Expressions of Interest for private investors for the US$8M on 12th March, 2012.

“In fact all of the tax agreements were made public and widely covered in the media,” the AHI missive declared.

In March, 2012, Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, laid the agreements before Parliament, copies of which are in the Parliamentary Library.

AHI has since advised that Badal cannot, therefore, credibly claim ignorance of these conditions and incentives when, in October 2013, he described the Marriott investment as “an indecent assault on the private sector and fraud on the taxpayer.”

AHI surmises too that “clearly, Mr. Badal’s reported sudden about face and declaration of interest in becoming a major investor is not to be taken

seriously.”

The Georgetown Marriott Hotel Project entails the construction of 197-rooms that will meet the Marriott International Standard for a five star hotel. The hotel will be managed and operated by the Marriott Worldwide chain of affiliates. A second component of the project entails the construction of a-29,000 square feet entertainment complex that will house a casino, restaurant and nightclub all of which will be privately operated, separate and distinct from the hotel and its operator.

All Marriott Agreements have been executed and the Marriott team continues to intermittently visit Guyana during the building’s construction.

The General Manager has also been appointed and is resident in Guyana.

(Gary Eleazar)

22

‘Fly AllWays’...

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 16, 2015

Another Surinamese airline sets eyes on Guyana’s skies ––as two countries plot joint tourism course

By Gary Eleazar ANOTHER Surinamese airline has set its sights on Guyana’s skies, according to Private Sector Commission (PSC) Executive Member, Ramesh Dookhoo, who yesterday announced that ‘Fly All Ways’ out of Suriname has made an application to add Guyana to its routes.

He was at the time addressing media operatives on the Guyana/Suriname Trade Mission to be hosted at the Guyana

This company, he said, will assist in alleviating this problem.

Meanwhile, PSC Executive Member, Eddie Boyer, who was also on hand when Dookhoo made the announcement at the entity’s Waterloo Street Head Office, reminded those present that Guyanese are currently living in a day and age where it is possible to travel to their neighbouring country to the east and back in a single day.

CROSS-BORDER COMMUTE According to Boyer, in Europe cross-border commute and trade works to the advantage of those countries, a practice that should be emulated in this Region as it relates to Caribbean countries as well as other South American countries such as Brazil.

“Sometimes it’s quicker to get to Brazil via Suriname,” said Boyer, who added that such linkages will form part of the discussions at the Guyana/Suriname Trade Mission, meant to create more of a business outlook on how, going forward,

such associations can be better utilised.

President of the Tourism Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Shaun McGrath, who was also present at the media update, reported on the initiatives to be pursued by the Association with its Surinamese counterparts aimed at boosting a joint tourism drive.

JOINT PACKAGES He said that meetings are scheduled for today between tour operators in Guyana and Suriname, with a view to developing joint tours.

According to McGrath, Suriname benefits from a significant number of visitors from Europe, which is something that Guyana would like to capitalise on through joint packages that would see the European visitors adding Guyana to their destination.

He said that THAG wants to see more joint packages being offered, whereby visitors can land in Guyana and travel over to Suriname, or vice versa.

President of the Tourism Hospitality Association of Guyana, Shaun McGrath International Conference Centre today and tomorrow.

Asked about possible risks involved in entering the local aviation industry, an optimistic Dookhoo told media operatives: “There is obviously an operator who sees some opportunity in operating in Guyana.”

He expressed hope that news of another airline operating in Guyana will bear fruit in the coming months, and serve to assist in cross-border commute, including from other Caribbean countries.

ACCESS TO GUYANA Dookhoo said that for some Caribbean countries, access to Guyana can prove to be challenging, given the sizing of their aviation assets.

One of the ‘Fly All Ways’ carriers (Photos by Adrian Narine)

GT&T to submit quota of income ...

From page 14

agreed to comply with the ultimatum of compiling a document of their income findings and possible new strategies anticipated to be put in place for the New Year.

This document is slated to be handed over to the members of PUC today for further examination of the GT&T appeal.

PUC Secretary and Attorney-at-law, Vidiahar Persaud told this publication that the answers have to be forthcoming, depending on the information/findings delivered by GT&T. In their written response, Persaud stated that the PUC will be “cross-checking” the information to arrive at a balanced

decision.

PREVIOUS HEARING At the previous hearing, representatives of GT&T, Vice-President of Finance John Audet along with consultant Gene Evelyn together with other representatives of the company, noted that the company’s current quality of service stands at 3.5 gigabytes. Therefore, the company has long argued for a 4.5 gigabytes of spectrum to resolve the problems of the telephone services in rural areas. Moreover, the representa-

tives also highlighted their biggest bugbear in wireless service which is “power” administered by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).

Thereafter, the PUC felt that there is a thin line between the spectrum allocations in frequency together with economic issues hovering around GT&T, and therefore called for the production of a quota of income findings to further support their appeal.

Moreover, the company stated in its application that was produced in early 2014 that it not only wants to increase its landline rates, but also installations, additional jacks, applications, wakeup-calls, voicemails and re-connection fees, among others.

Therefore, the requested increase in rates will then hover around 20-60 percent on current charges. The PUC, however, is still contemplating the company’s request which will depend on their written response delivered today to the PUC.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 16, 2015

News from the mining sector...

Guyana forging ahead to become EIDI-compliant

– with help of consultancy firm, MSI

By Clifford Stanley GUYANA is forging ahead in its bid to become a member of the global coalition of governments, companies and civil societies working together to improve openness and accountable management of revenues from the mining sector.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MNR&E) has disclosed that, following the initial workshop and launch of the scoping study for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) late last year, the second round of fieldwork has commenced for the project with the support of the consultancy firm

Moore Stephens International (MSI).

Additionally, during the last week of January, subject Minister Robert M. Persaud will lead a Guyana delegation to Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) to attend meetings with Ms. Clare Short, Chair of the Board of EITI, to continue to move forward the process towards Guyana’s membership of EITI. The primary focus of the meetings in T&T will be on Guyana’s commitment to, and progress in applying for, EITI candidacy.

With respect to the second round of fieldwork currently ongoing, a team from the international firm MSI is currently in Guyana for two

weeks, to conduct meetings with various stakeholders from public, private and civil society organizations, the MNR&E has disclosed.

Among the key stakeholders are representatives from the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), Guyana Women Miners Organization (GWMO), Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), Ministry of Finance, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Audit Office of Guyana, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) , Guyana Gold Board (GGB), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), among other agencies.

EITI, it was explained,

sits in the centre of the value chain in the extractive sector, focusing on revenue transparency to translate natural resource wealth into better development for the local population.

In EITI-compliant countries, companies in the mining sector are required to publish what they pay to governments, and governments are required to publish what they receive from companies. These figures are then reconciled by an independent administrator. EITI compliance, it is said, builds trust between governments, companies and citizens, and provides a forum for discussion of broader extractive industry governance issues, such as physical and process audits, contracts transparency, and sub-national revenues.

The scoping/feasibility study now underway will help assess challenges and opportunities associated with EITI implementation, and determine the scope of the EITI reporting.

The study will include critical information about the extractive industries in the country, and their importance to the overall economy; the costs and benefits of EITI implementation, and potential sources of funding for EITI implementation, among other things.

The MNRE disclosed that the study is an undertaking of national importance to the mining and minerals component of the economic developmental pillars of Guyana.

Both Moore Stephens International and the MNR&E are working diligently to

ensure that the agreed timelines for the deliverables of this project are reached, the Ministry reported.

As at mid-2014, there were 29 EITI-compliant countries and 17 candidate countries. Thirty-five countries had produced EITI reports.

EITI members include Albania, Azerbaijan, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mongolia, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Republic of Congo, Sao Tome & Principe, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Yemen, and Zambia.

COPA honoured for on-time Clerk attached to Mayor’s office not paid for six months performance, flight completion NEESHA Hinds, a clerk attached to Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green’s office, has not been paid for six months now, due to “internal wrangling” between the Personnel Officer and Acting Town Clerk, Carol Sooba.

Last January 10, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Norman Whittaker had written to the City Council, via email, instructing that Hinds along with two midwives be paid their salaries, and for their employment to be confirmed at the following Statutory Meeting.

The two midwives, attached to the municipality’s Dorothy Bailey Centre on South Road, were paid this week, but Sooba has refused to pay Hinds, Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green told the Chronicle Wednesday, due to some internal wrangling. She pointed out that the Mayor is entitled to a Clerk and a Secretary.

According to her, Hinds has chosen to remain on the job because she has a letter of employment. Furthermore, the Ministry of Labour has advised that she remains, since, if she fails

to show up for work, she can end up forfeiting her employment.

Chase-Green lamented Sooba’s lack of ethics and accused her of operating with no code of conduct.

“To show you the level that Sooba has gone to, she has accused Mayor Green of being a murderer at one of our recent statutory meetings,” Chase-Green said.

Meanwhile, at last Monday’s statutory meeting, outraged by mention of her name in what Green called “criminal matters,” Sooba not only questioned the Mayor’s mental health, but also declared that he “ought to be in jail by now!”

Sooba told this publication that Green is somewhat shady in accusing her of being engaged in “criminal” acts, since she has uncovered acts of corruption that occurred under Green’s mayoralty, including misappropriation of lands, abuse of resources, and breaking laws relating to local government legislation.

The mayor, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, had asked during previous statutory meetings, that four matters be investigated

which he perceived to be the fault of the administration, of which Sooba is head.

Those matters included, but were not limited to, a $2.6M pension cheque signed off to a pensioner who is believed to be dead.

Green, acting on the advice of Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, requested the City Constabulary to investigate the matters.

Sooba was not the only target of the mayor’s request; a similar request was made for an investigation into Sooba’s bodyguard, Shawn Hinds, for what Green said was an “alleged assault” on a reporter.

“It has to be that you are senile, because you can’t be at this public forum to say that the town clerk committed an act and you cannot say that my bodyguard committed a criminal act [and] that he assaulted somebody, too,” Sooba shouted as City Councillors were hushed by the proceedings.

An angry Sooba expressed concern that the mayor was straying from the agenda set before him.

The back-and-forth exchange with Councillors seemed to bear little fruit.

COPA Airlines, a member of the leading global airline network Star Alliance, has been honoured for 11 consecutive months as the top carrier for on-time performance and flight completion in the Latin American aviation industry by FlightStats. This makes Copa Airlines the best choice when it comes to punctually connecting its 70 destinations in 30 countries during the holiday season.

FlightStats is a company recognised globally for its serious data- collecting and thorough validation processes in measuring punctuality among international airlines.

In November 2014, the airline closed its operations with 99.78% completed flights and 89.20% flights arriving on time. These figures make it the top carrier in on-time performance and flight completion for 11 consecutive months in Latin America and also place Copa as one of the best performing airlines worldwide.

This performance has been maintained year round and thanks was awarded to

the hard- working staff, both in the air and on the ground, who have enabled customer service in regional and global levels.

It should also be noted that with its Colombia-based operations, Copa Airlines Colombia ranked first in the month of November, with 99.75 % completed flights and an 89.76 % on-time performance. The airline took the lead against eight of its competitors in the Latin American, local and regional markets.

Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines stressed the importance of producing positive results, especially during the end-of-year holiday season. “This conclusively demonstrates Copa Airlines’ commitment to our passengers and our operating services. We do it better every time to win our customers’ trust when it comes to planning trips,” he said.

As it relates to the importance of being on time to destinations especially at Christmas time, Heilbron adds, “We’re proud to be able to connect all our passengers to their destinations

on time. It is especially important during this time of the year, when most of our passengers want to reach their destinations on time to celebrate the holidays.”

Over the past five years, FlightStats has become, historically, the supplier of data for this service because of its leadership in the collection and distribution of on-time data, facilitating overall complete, accurate, and timely information. The company has the best underlying data of the global airline industry.

Copa Airlines and Copa Airlines Colombia, subsidiaries of Copa Holdings, are leading Latin American providers of passenger and cargo services. The airlines currently offer service to 69 destinations in 30 countries in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. During Copa Airlines’ more than 65 years of uninterrupted operations, it has transformed the Hub of the Americas in Panama into the leading hub on the continent. For more information, visit www.copa.com.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 16, 2015

Injured 16-yr-old determined to pursue dream

- wants to become a paediatrician London said after she completes secondary school she plans to attend the University of Guyana to pursue her medical career.

She recalled that she was on her way home when, by the East La Penitence bridge, she encountered a young man fidgeting with a

flare gun.

He continued fidgeting with the gun as she warned him not to point it at her, and then it went off.

She was shot to the right jaw and was rushed to the hospital by public-spirited citizens. (Michel Outridge)

Cancer This is a great day to start a partnership of any kind, as it will prove cooperative, rewarding, and stable. Any legal papers executed today should definitely work for you. If you’ve been thinking about signing up for a class or workshop, this is the day to do it. You’re more likely to get the results you want. Make plans for travel, too. You’ve got a lot to think about.

Below rates for January 15, 2015

DESPITE being hospitalised for months after she was shot in the face with a flare gun on May 14, 2014, the spritely Brittainy London is enthusiastic about sitting the upcoming Caribbean Examination Council (CSEC) exam this year and she intends to excel.

Her goal is to become a paediatrician and she has set her mind to achieve that through study and hard work.

The road to recovery has been a long and painful one, and the experience she said has opened her eyes to a lot, but she is focused on moving forward, since dwelling in the past will not do her any good.

This teenager was on her way home from classes when she was “accidentally” shot in the face with a flare gun by a young man, who is known to her.

Since the incident, London said that she has encountered the young man who caused her a lot of pain, but she made a personal decision and has forgiven him after he apologised saying it was not intentional.

London said, “I do not take it on even though I will never be normal again in terms of my facial features, but I know I will overcome this feeling in time and as it is I am healing.”

The 16-year-old told this publication that she is a pupil of the North Ruimveldt Secondary School and returned to school only in September, 2014, after being discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on July 4, 2014.

She spent more than two and a half months in the institution, where several corrective surgeries were done to the left side of her face.

The Fifth Form student added that the incident has left her a bit sad whenever she thinks of it, because her face is somewhat disfigured, but is thinking of her future endeavours.

Aries Intuition plays a large part in your work. You’re apt to sense what others want or need and foresee the consequences of one course of action over another. This is definitely going to make a positive difference in what you accomplish. You’re likely to be quite pleased with what you do. Exercise this intuition today so it will stay with you in the future.

Taurus Information that you receive from far away could make doing business with a group you’re affiliated with that much easier. All looks promising for group activities and advancing your education, so these are good focuses for today.

Travel might also be on your mind. Friends could be inclined to consider the idea, so it might be fun to go out on the town with them tonight.

Gemini This could prove to be a gratifying day. Recent success in business might now be making a positive difference in your financial situation. This is apt to boost your mood quite a bit and you’re probably feeling optimistic and enthusiastic about your future. You could lapse into some very pleasant daydreams about the possibilities, but don’t get carried away. Try to remain practical.

Currency G$/US$ G$/GBP G$/CAD$ G$/euro BDOS$ G$/EC$ G$/TT$

Buying 205.98625 313.69265 172.21061 241.02159 101.86969 75.45903 32.00430

Selling 208.43594 317.63553 174.20248 244.09933 102.89094 76.21551 32.32515

Leo Work you do today, whether related to your job or something you do on your own, could lead to a temporary boost in income, which is going to elevate your mood. This could involve a bonus, a project outside work, or your own enterprise. You should be feeling healthy and enthusiastic, ready to tackle just about anything. Finances look stable, and relations with others congenial and supportive.

Virgo You might toy with the idea of getting some kind of project or enterprise going with a close friend or love partner. If you’re serious about it, this is definitely the day to start. Any partnership formed at this time is likely to be successful and beneficial for all involved. This is even a good day to work out the terms of a legal agreement. Go for it.

Libra Work that you’re doing either at home or on your home is likely to go well today and bring you the results you’re hoping for. Members of your household might want to pitch in and help. You will probably spend most of your time inside, but you may also have to spend some time out gathering supplies and materials that you may need.

Scorpio Today you’re likely to feel especially communicative. You might want to get on the phone and run ideas for new projects by colleagues or perhaps make arrangements to complete current projects. Success through creativity is strongly indicated at this time. This is a great day to seek success through writing or speaking. If this has been on your mind, get started.

For Friday January 15th, 2015: 02:00hrs For Saturday January 16th, 2015: 02:30hrs For Sunday January 17th, 2015: 02:30hrs

Sagittarius Business transacted today either in your home or concerning your home is likely to be successful and bring some extra money your way. You probably feel especially optimistic about this. You’re looking forward to new opportunities that may come your way. Your intuition is high, so you’re likely to be able to separate the wheat from the chaff where opportunities are concerned. Go for it.

Capricorn Today your intuition should be sharper than usual. You might get a few calls involving possible business opportunities. You can use this heightened ESP to discern which ones might be successful. You could also hear from friends proposing participation in a group activity of some kind, which you may want to do. Don’t hesitate. Have a great day.

Aquarius Today you should feel especially optimistic and enthusiastic, although you may not know why, at least at first. Later in the day some good news could come your way, possibly involving business and money. This should tell you that you were intuitively picking up on something wonderful. As a matter of fact, your intuition should be high for most of the day. Make it work for you.

Pisces A new sense of closeness to those around you might have you feeling especially happy today. Your business and financial life should be going very well, your future seems bright, and now this puts the icing on the cake. Your mind may turn to projects that you want to try in the future, and this could increase your enthusiasm. Even more ideas could come thick and fast.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 16, 2015

25

26

T

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 16, 2015

his week, folks, we take you down a runway laced with accolades, spicy tidbit, scorching divas and dons of a lifetime. We have magically infused an array of sensual hotties arranged nicely alongside damsels who have impacted positively on society. Then we simmered it all with song birds from the local shores to bring you a Bombshell cauldron of exciting entertainment. Do enjoy, and join us again next Friday...

l Accolade for 2014

Contact #: 699-6156

Bombshell’s fina

Colwyn Abrams is ‘Runway Don of 2014’ ROUNDING off the lot as Bombshell shares out the last of the accolades for 2014 is the arresting and versatile Colwyn Abrams, who has carted off the coveted award of ‘Runway Don of 2014’ People, I will neva undastand why suh much people got tuh spit fyah all ovah de place when dem colleague win in ah certain category! This year, we were looking for a fresh face that stormed the fashion runway like crazy and made competition look like nothing. Quite new to the entertainment arena, Colywn did just that and more when he participated at the first ever Mr. Guyana Pageant hosted on the local shores.

None could match the ‘raunchy sizzle’ he brought to the table for a newcomer. This guy was a natural: Fusing provocative sensuality with a heady fervour of the tropics, he unleashed a presence on the runway that was felt for miles around.

When he was on the runway, it was as if nothing else mattered…. And, oh my goodness, the competitors were almost ready to dig this young man’s eyeballs out!!! Good grief!!!

Also running for the coveted title were Jason Shurland, Kurt Walcott, Rondell Spears and Ryan Perkins.

Aracari Resort readies for lavish Valentine Dinner and Dance

A The newcomer with the electrifying runway presence

Joke of the Day!

“I asked the Gym instructor: “Can you teach me to do the splits?” He said, “How flexible are you?” I said, “I can’t make Tuesdays!”

-salon specials as Valentine treat

LREADY some sections of Guyana are readying for the upcoming Valentine Season, and the Aracari Resort (160 Versailles, West Bank Demerara) would certainly not be left out of the festivities.

Come February 14, this location will be oozing with romance as folks there host their ‘Couples Valentine Dinner and Dance’.

Now folks, it can never get better than this!!! For a mind boggling $5000 per couple, the resort is offering a succulent Valentine’s Dinner Special that includes Valentine Rice; Pineapple Chicken; Garden, Macaroni, or Potato Salad, plus cake and custard as dessert.

This, of course, will be washed down nicely with red wine.

Setting the mood with soothing music will be DJ Rahaman and Selector Andy of the Undercover Sound System.

And those who are looking to pamper their moms, dads, or lovers for Valentine will have their chance to do so at an affordable cost. The Aracari Salon has created a special package that offers 20% discount on a pamper treat that allows manicure, facial, pedicure and a body massage.

Persons are urged to call phone numbers 264-3310 to access this offer.

Meanwhile, the resort has an explosive entertainment lineup that unfurls at the poolside every weekend, starting on Friday nights. On Fridays, folks can enjoy karaoke and dance party, which goes a notch higher

on Saturdays with the Bollywood Soca Chutney Party. On Sunday, it’s all about family as the resort stages its Poolside Family Lime, which allows for usage of the large pool at a cost. Moreover, those desirous of indulging in sport games can do so on the spacious Aracari Lawns.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 16, 2015

Mash Fevah affecting de air!!!

Honest Illusion presents Evolution of Carnival

MASHRAMANI 2015 is just around the corner, and all around the city, designers are very busy with their festive themes and concepts.

Just recently, designers Preston Paul, Sameer Khan and Zeelma Verwayne launched their aspect of the Mash Band at the Buddy’s ‘Sleep-In’ Hotel at Brickdam, Georgetown, and patrons were totally blown away with their striking costumes.

Under the theme “Honest Illusion presents Evolution of Carnival”, the designers showcased brilliant, magnificent, and colourful costumes, in keeping

with the tropics and the Mash festivities.

Preston Paul and his party have been showcasing in the Mash cerebrations since 1996, and have certainly made a great impact with their creations. Last year, they were quite a catch as they flaunted their ‘Eleysium Garden of Fantasy’ pieces’, and it appears as though they have raised the proverbial bar even further for 2015.

The 2015 pieces are all about cultural diversity, and showcase the frenzy and festivity that surrounds Carnival in the Caribbean. The costumes are styled

! Bulletin!!!

in!!

Bulletin!!! Bullet

Kwasi ‘Ace’ Edmondson weds a dream…

to simultaneously reflect ‘cultural sizzle’ and ‘intense celebration’.

The Sleep-In Hotel is already a major sponsor, but the designers are still soliciting much-needed sponsorship to put final touches to their designs. Interested persons

or corporate entities desirous of supporting their efforts are invited to call phone numbers 660-8583, 674-6620, or 618-8299.

Costumes can be acquired for the affordable price of $5000.

‘Rock Fusion Guyana’ set for January 31

Rock Fusion Guyana is an events promotion company that aims to bring the highest quality of rock-and-roll parties and live concerts to the Guyanese public.

The promoters are pleased to announce their first ever event, ‘Rock Fusion Guyana Concert and After Party’, which will be held on the rooftop of the King’s Plaza Hotel on Main Street in Georgetown on Saturday, January 31, 2015.

Live on stage and performing for the first time in Guyana would be ‘LipsStick’, who hails from Suriname. They will be joined by Guyana’s hottest metal band, ‘Feed the Flames’, and fans will also see the debut performance of local pop rock band ‘Desi’.

After the live performa nces, there will be an after party with music by Guyana’s very own ‘DJ Pharaoh’.

Patrons will have a chance to win the Rock Fusion Guyana VIP experience, inclusive of a complimentary weekend stay at the hotel, signature event t-shirts, a bottle of champagne, and access to all of the weekend’s activities, which includes access to the exclusive ‘Meet and Greet’ event slated for Friday, January 30, 2014, wherein guests will have the opportunity to mingle with the bands, promoters and the saucy ‘Rock Fusion Divas’, and have a ‘behind-the-scenes

look’ at the Rock Fusion experience.

Tickets for the event are already on sale at the unbelievable cost of just Gy$1500 each. Ticket locations are: the popular ‘Jerries All-Night Long’ on Waterloo Street, Georgetown; Howard’s Restaurant in Eccles Old Road; Butcher’s Bar on Middleton Street, Kitty; The Feed Shop at Sandy Babb Street, Kitty; and from all band members of Feed The Flames band.

Fans are urged to look for the Rock Fusion poster at these locations, and pick up their tickets before they are all gone!

Part of the event’s proceeds will be donated to the Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre Charity # 643.

GT&T continues to shine…

Collaboration between Culture Ministry & GT&T launches ‘Panorama’

T

The talented Kwasi ‘Ace’ Edmondson and the one who would readily be accepted as “his better half”

H

EARTIEST congratulations and very best wishes are being extended to Guyana’s 2014 Carib Soca Monarch, Kwasi Ace Edmondson, who has been “trapped by this thing they call love”, and tied the proverbial knot just recently.

Back in the days, while residing at Charlotte Street, Georgetown, Edmondson surprised a whole lot of people in 2014 when he captured the Soca Monarch crown on his very first participation in the competition. Kwasi moved very quickly from being a comedian to being one of the most requested local singers in the country. He intends to defend his monarchy at the upcoming Mash competition, and from the way things sound, Kwasi’s crown might very well be secured.

Entertainment Bombshell congratulates this talented artiste, and wishes him –- and of course the beautiful Mrs Edmondson -- all the best of the best in future endeavours.

Culture Youth and Sports Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, is seen with GT&T representatives at the recent launch of Panorama

HE Culture Ministry has collaborated with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GT&T) to launch the first of a three-part series of coffee table books cataloguing the country’s National Collection of Paintings.

“Panorama: A Portrait of Guyana” features paintings and craft done by local artists. These artworks were taken from the National Collection of Art housed at the National Gallery at Castellani House.

GT&T has committed some 10 million dollars over a three-year period to digitalise the National Collection and publish the resultant catalogue as a series of books, which will foster wider appreciation for local arts.

28

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

S

HE is sleek, she is sexy, and she is downright provocative!

With a voice like a nightingale and curves like a dangerous road, she brings fire and molten volcanic lava to our pages.

This week, Bombshell could not resist presenting the overseas-based songbird Lisa Punch, who packs a walloping punch with sultry good looks, a show-stopper body, and a voice that is worth a thousand diamonds.

Even as the delightful Lisa is causing this corner to ‘tun up’ with sensual fire, you too could rake in a spot here by emailing your photos, name and other relative particulars to email address runwaydiva723@gmail.com, or by calling phone number 699-6156 to have them submitted.

Lisa Punch

Seven ways to return the sizzle to your love life you, look into buying a dance-exercise DVD to practise at home.

2. De-stress and unwind.

Stress lowers your ability to relax and connect with your erotic desires. Try finding ways like yoga or meditation to calm your mind and improve your focus. A clear, calm mind can make all the difference in the bedroom, and can increase the likelihood of your having maximum pleasure.

Take up dancing or Zumba.

Dancing exercises some of the same muscles used during foreplay — hips, abs and thighs. Put your hips into motion to strengthen vital sex muscles over time. It increases pleasure and physical capabilities.

Consider classes like Zumba, Belly Dancing, Salsa or Merengue. If there aren’t appropriate classes near

Simone Dowding’s ‘Purple Hearts Productions’ is the perfect avenue for young theatrical talent

E

Tips from ‘Madame Suave’…

HAS the thrill departed your love life? Put some knack back in the sack with these five easy tips!

Spice up your love life -- and learn how to handle any sensual situation that may arise. You’ll learn how to perform a midnight teaser; do a spontaneous erotic get-up; have hotter connection; improve foreplay; and much, much more.

Here are five tips to keep your love life sizzling:

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 16, 2015

VER SO OFTEN, we wonder about selective and correct avenues by which our kids can be educated and enabled to discover and develop their theatrical skills; and we are at loss as to where to send them.

In many cases, we end up giving up in frustration, and thus allowing excellent young talent to go wasted.

All this can be changed, my good parents, because talented, award-winning local actress Simone Dowding has come to the rescue with an initiative specially designed to unleash the theatrical skills of your young ones, and to certainly take them to the next level in their aspirations.

Each year, Dowding conducts her annual Children’s Drama Workshop for participants aged between six and 19. This initiative is used as a forum to search, discover and develop the natural drama skills of students, and to prepare them for bigger and even international stages.

It also serves as a positive space wherein children can be taught the basic disciplines of drama, which include Acting, Directing, Play writing, Costume and Stage Management, and Choreography Techniques, among other related concepts.

At this venture, students are made to create their own storyline, which is later scripted into a

5. Buy new lingerie.

Slip into sexy lingerie before going to bed, as a little surprise for your partner. A few days a week, try wearing lingerie instead of your go-to oversized tee shirt and boy shirts. You’ll feel empowered and prepared for whatever the night might bring.

play for workshop production.

Dowding’s exploits have seen the making of ‘Emerged 3’, an award-winning children’s’ group that won Best Theatre Production that was featured last year at the Theatre Guild Awards Ceremony.

Students at Dowding’s workshop are also involved in poetry, dance and short plays.

This year, the workshop has created five short plays, with the centrepiece being ‘Sliding Floors’, directed by Dequan Allen (guided by Dowding). The assistant director of this piece is Hannah Walters.

Dowding’s annual workshop has been supported by Guyana’s First Lady, Madamme Deolatchmie Ramotar; by Habitat for Humanity, Car Care Plus, Lambert’s Electrical, Capital News, NALICO/NAFICO, and Guyenterprise.

Dowding would, however, welcome the support of other corporate entities or individuals as she sets about to further enhance the initiative.

Ms Dowding can be contacted on telephone number 685-0743.

Shivanie Sugrim is Bombshell’s ‘Scene Sizzler’ for 2015

3. Go toy shopping.

Personal pleasure toys are known to supercharge women’s libido. It’s important to be in tune with your pleasure zone, as it will enable you to teach your partner what you need.

4. Discuss your needs.

Have a serious discussion with your partner about your desires and any changes in your preferences. By asking your partner to try something different or new, you will be opening a new door in your relationship.

In your approach, be sensitive to his feelings and sexual desires.

Simone Dowding during rehearsals with actor Henry Rodney

Shivanie is quite a ‘cutie’ with endearing mannerisms.

S

HE appears to be soft and cuddly as she purrs so demurely, but she can unleash her feminine fire!

She is as rosy as an apple, with curves that are ample, and she will ignite your macho desires.

Her lips are like cherries, I suspect they taste like ripened berries, so graceful like a proud stately swan.

And her skin is so flawless, teeth white and pearly, and her smile is as bright as the dawn. Ladies and gentlemen, with absolute pleasure, Bombshell presents our own Shivanie Sugrim as this week’s choice for ‘Scene Sizzler’. This ‘hottie’ enjoys travelling, exploring, dancing, and interacting with versatile and creative individuals.

She aspires to become a beautician in the near future, and clings to her favourite quote: ‘Living life to the fullest since none is aware when death comes a-calling’.

Now dudes, dudes… Don’t even start your customary ‘globe-trotting’… This beauty is here to add glitz and glamour to our pages. She is definitely not here for the taking. Better luck next time…

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 16, 2015

Bombshell’s Profile Personality…

ROSHINI BOODHOO:

T

The ‘well-rounded diva’ of our time

HERE are indeed some super-talented ‘sistas’ in our land, and none can know about them until a forum is created to showcase their dynamism and superb talents.

And that’s exactly the Bombshell’s mission:- To search and find the talented in our land, and to make them known to one and all. So, this time around, we bring to the platter the exotically beautiful Roshini Boodhoo, a diva who has blazed quite a trail in many forums, where she has made a lasting impression.

Roshini would like Guyanese to know that she is a well-rounded individual and is a fitting example to the younger generation.

She aims to let the youths become aware that they can enjoy positive extra-curricular activities while focusing on their academic pursuits, and she intends to make parents aware that their input in their children’s learning is of vital importance.

The delightful and captivating Roshini Boodhoo was born on 2nd October, 1987 in a sophisticated family circle.

This fifth generation Punjabi-descent Indian girl grew up in the country area, (Region Three: Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara) raised in an extended family, with her grandparents and parents.

She is the eldest of four children born to Dharmu and Sookrane Boodhoo, and comes from a traditional household where it is very important to give recognition to ancestral roots, values, mores and culture.

Roshini attended kindergarten school in her village, Stewartville, before moving on to the Leonora Primary School. There, she was involved in cultural shows and activities, and Little Roshini’s first stage performance was in a skit in which she played the role of Mother Sita, a Hindu Goddess from the stories of the epic Ramayana, one of the sacred texts of the Hindu Religion. She also danced for school programmes, concerts and awards ceremonies.

She did not complete her primary education at Leonora Primary, but at the School of the Nations in Georgetown. When she entered School of the Nations at Primary Two, she was exposed to a lot of other activities besides dance and drama. Roshini became fond of sports, music, karate, cooking and sewing. She enjoyed playing basketball, volleyball, cricket, table tennis and badminton.

She was also assigned the role of captain of her cricket team. She believes that it was at the School of the Nations that she learned to balance her academics along with her extra-curricular activities.

At the end of her Primary Four levels, after writing Common Entrance, she gained a place at St Roses High School to pursue further education, and upon graduation, she was also awarded the medal for Best Sports Woman for her school that year.

During her academic years at St Roses High School, Roshini formed a Hindu Society in which she conducted classes in Hindu religion and told tales and stories from The Ramayana, as were explained to her by her Grandfather, Papas Boodhoo, when she was a child. Roshini ended up being the first student to have held an Indian cultural programme at her secondary school. Later she had her school mates from different class levels and all ethnic groups involved in cultural shows, Christmas concerts, and even graduation ceremonies.

She was happy to have the youths in-

volved. She managed to juggle the books, school forums, Hindu society and dance classes at the mandir she attended, and was very influential with the youths in her community, Hague, where her family moved shortly after her primary studies began.

She completed her CXC Examinations with nine subjects from the Science stream, and decided to further her studies at School of the Nations Sixth Form, where she did advanced studies in Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Statistics. oshini made sure she had the students involved in dance classes, which resulted in hosting concerts

R

ty, being granted permission to use the Georg Walcott Lecture Theatre (GWLT), which was a big deal. Her shows were later hosted in the ELT. She revived the Hindu Society and took part in Rangoli competitions.

During the last year of her studies at the University, she joined the Guyana Fashion Week hosted by veteran designer Sonia Noel, and was privileged to meet international designers, photographers and the renowned Fashion Guru himself -- Richard Young. She also became an ambassador for the phone company DIGICEL. Soon after becoming a model, she was encouraged by her peers and Sonia Noel to enter a pageant.

Roshini Boodhoo (left) Miss Philippines, in the Philippines, November 2014.

Miss Philippines Won the Miss Earth 2014 pageant for the school. She was also firmly involved in going on Peace drives hosted by School of the Nations weekly. This entailed the students visiting schools, where they would discuss selected topic of interests to bring awareness to the youths. Littering, Teenage Pregnancy, Substance abuse, Domestic Violence and Peer Pressure were some of the topics addressed.

Roshini was recognized as the Most Friendly and Helpful Student, and was so awarded after graduation.

Roshini pursued her studies in Biology at the University of Guyana while still managing her dance classes at the mandir in her community and also being a part of the Indian Cultural Centre and The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Saha’s Dance Group -- Dharmic Nitra Sangh. Through this organization she was selected to be a part of the contingent which participated in Carifesta 2006 in Trinidad; the Carifesta and Rio Summit hosted in Guyana; the popular cultural show Naya Zamana, and other cultural shows countrywide, including the Diwali Motorcade.

She managed to balance her academics while hosting cultural shows at the universi-

She decided to do the Miss India Guyana, as it was something at which she could showcase her Indian Culture. Roshini Boodhoo won the title of Miss India Guyana 2011, and also captured the GT&T People’s Choice Award and the Miss Congeniality Award.

Roshini Boodhoo represented her country as Miss India Guyana on the international scene in Dubai, and was awarded the Miss India Worldwide Miss Congeniality 2011 Award on the international level. DIGICEL then branded her in their advertisements; her face became one of the company’s faces. In that same year she graduated with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, and was awarded the Dennis Irving Award as the student who had contributed most to cultural activities during the academic period.

She continued to pursue her career in modelling and advertising, and was encouraged by Sonia Noel to do a clothing line for Guyana Fashion Week, as she had designed all the costumes for the dance group in her community. Roshini has been a showcased designer since 2011, and was also signed up with 592 designing brand.

In 2011, she assigned a name to her dance group, which she had managed to hold together since she was sixteen years old, despite the other activities in which she had been involved. Roshini Boodhoo’s Jewan Ka Nritya (JKN) Dance Group comprises forty students, who receive training in kathak and Indian folk dance. They would also explore tribal, Africa, hip-hop and contemporary styles. JKN has performed for events hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Housing, and the recent Guyana Festival held at the National Stadium. Her dance group has also been taking part in several competitions hosted by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, and has placed first, second and third throughout the period 2003/2014.

Jewan Ka Nritya most recently placed first in the Phagwah Folk Dance Competition held on March 2014 at the Conference Centre at Liliendaal, ECD. This lass recently choreographed Ram Leela, a depiction from the Ramayana; she was honoured to relive her childhood memory by playing the role of Mother Sita once again.

She is happy to say that all her school activities have contributed positively to her lifestyle today, and have assisted her to be the holder of thirteen trophies for dancing, pageantry and sports.

Roshini has been a Grade Four teacher at the Academy of Excellence, West Coast Demerara for the period 2012 to 2014. She taught the National Grade Four Assessment Examination class. Her student topped the Region for the recent 2014 examination.

During that time, she has also added radio broadcasting to her list of activities. Roshini is also a cook with a great passion for culinary excellence. She writes recipes and posts them to her Roshini Boodhoo Recipes Facebook page. She encourages fun, simple, healthy cooking and eating for everyone, and for the kids especially.

In between, she also finds time to do inspirational talks to women and children in her community or at various events, if she’s called upon. or a 27-year-old, Roshini Boodhoo is an extraordinarily empowered woman who manages her personal life while finding time for her supporters, fans and for the children, her number one priority. She is currently involved in a project in which she has the children participating. Roshini is also an advocate for spreading culture. She adamantly believes she can make a difference.

Her desire is to work with the children and groom their young minds, since it is at this tender age that they are willing to learn and explore knowledge from a positive prospective.

Roshini Boodhoo wears many hats: radio announcer, teacher, dance choreographer, dancer, model, fashion designer, chef, and culture ambassador for her country.

She encourages young women to empower themselves by becoming educated. She would like the parents of children under her tutelage to work along with her to help create a balance in their children’s lives by having them do extracurricular activities.

Roshini also hosts dance classes at the Blankenburg Mandir, West Coast Demerara every Saturday from 12:30 pm to 2 pm. This programme allows participation of children from the tender age of six.

For more information, folks can contact Roshini Boodhoo via Facebook on the Jewan Ka Nritya Facebook Page.

F

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 16, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 16, 2015

31

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 16, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 16, 2015

33

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 16, 2015

Australia’s Brett Lee announces retirement AUSTRALIA great Brett Lee has announced his retirement and named the 2005 Ashes series as his favourite memory in a 20year career.

Lee, 38, will send down his final ball in the Big Bash League this month, either in Sydney Sixers’ final group game on Thursday or later if they reach the knockouts.

Lee, one of the fastest bowlers of the modern era, is Australia’s joint highest wicket-taker in one-day internationals, joining Glenn McGrath on 380 scalps and he also picked up 310 wickets in 76 Tests.

“I’m not Benjamin Button ... I’m finally calling stumps on my career,” he joked. “I’m excited and emotional, certainly happy that I’ve made the right decision. I knew

before this season it was going to be my last season and I think I’ve had more fun in the last six weeks than I have in the rest of my career.

“I didn’t bother doing the maths but 20 years is a lot of ice baths, a lot of training sessions, a lot of balls bowled and a lot of flights.

But it’s given me so many great memories.”

Asked for his favourite moment, Lee was quick to recall the unforgettable series against England 10 years ago. Australia may have lost the contest, an unusual event at the time, but it remains the peak of his time in a Baggy Green.

“My favourite Test series has got to be the Ashes ‘05,” he said. “What that did for cricket and for the people involved was incredible. Bat

sales were up 68 per cent after that series I’ve been told.

Even though we lost, the spirit in which it was played ... I never played another series that tough.

“I had Flintoff running in at 95mph and two minutes later, after they won we had a cold beer, a chat and a laugh. That’s what sport is about.”

Although the Big Bash and Indian Premier League offer veteran cricketers the chance to extend their career well past their prime - with Lee himself having been tempted out of an earlier retirement by the Twenty20 riches - he insists he is now finished for good.

“Yeah, I’ve had more comebacks than Rambo ... but there won’t be any comebacks after this.”

World Cup Vignettes Winston’s day out

By Dileep Premachandran WHEN Winston Davis stepped into the World Cup limelight in 1983, he was the one anonymous link in an otherwise legendary bowling line-up.

West Indies had been shocked in their opening encounter by India, and Davis was one of the new faces to come in for the next game, against an Australian side that had suffered similar embarrassment against the new boys from Zimbabwe.

In his only previous oneday appearance, Davis had taken 1 for 40 in a losing cause in Berbice, as Kapil Dev’s Indians hinted at what was to come in the month of June.

But given his chance on a tricky Headingley pitch, he came up with the sort of performance that most tyros can only dream about. West Indies had posted a competitive 252 in a match that crossed over into a second day because of inclement weather, and Australia’s response started badly when Graeme Wood went to hospital with concussion due to a Michael Holding bouncer.

Andy Roberts cleaned up Kepler Wessels soon after, but Australia had started to fight back by the time Davis was introduced.

His first wicket was a prized one, Kim Hughes, and

though David Hookes and Graham Yallop added a brisk 59, it was Davis who had the last word.

He dismissed both in quick succession, and added four more to end the innings as Australia finished 101 short. Coming from a backup bowler, it was a quite astonishing spell.

Ultimately, though, it was to be a lone swallow of sum-

mer in a career that never again scaled such heights.

In four further outings in the group stages, Davis had 1 for 155 from 44 overs, tidy but hardly enough to keep out the likes of Malcolm Marshall.

An accident in 1998 left him paralysed, but along with the likes of Gary Gilmour and John Davison he has a corner all to himself in the World Cup Hall of Fame.

American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Tizthefastlaine Race 2 Qui C’est Moi Race 3 Theresas Candyrose Race 4 Charming Eyes Race 5 All is Number Race 6 Love to Run Race 7 Village Warrior Race 8 Overprepared Race 9 Swakopmund

11:20 hrs Full Jack 11:50 hrs Catchjing Shadows

South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:10 hrs Cheeky Question 08:45 hrs Zoo Biscuit 09:25 hrs Glittering Jet 10:00 hrs Goldandsilver 10:45 hrs Five Moons 11:10 hrs Scuzami

Wolverhampton 12:15 hrs Little Choosey 12:45 hrs Steve Rogers 13:15 hrs Solar Deity 13:45 hrs Spirit Of Gondree 14:15 hrs Kaufmann 14:45 hrs Symbolic Star

English Racing Tips Musselburgh 12:40 hrs Trouble In Paris 09:10 hrs Aristo Du Plessis 09:40 hrs Thankyou Very Much 10:10 hrs Teo Vivo 10:45 hrs Quito Du Tresor

Lingfield 08:50 hrs Tavener 09:20 hrs Sabre Rock 09:50 hrs Precision Five 10:25 hrs Pearl Ransom 11:30 hrs Pearl Blue 12:00 hrs Mighty Mambo

Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 14:05 hrs Your Pal Tal 14:35 hrs Arterial 15:05 hrs Elusive In Paris 15:35 hrs Arif 16:05 hrs Basilica 16:35 hrs House Limit 17:05 hrs Viaduct Joey

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 16, 2015

Dilshan inspires Sri Lanka victory SRI LANKA yesterday claimed their first win of their tour of New Zealand to level the seven-match one-day international series at 1-1.

Tillakaratne Dilshan’s century set up a six-wicket win with 14 balls to spare as captain Angelo Mathews added the finishing touches.

Kiwi skipper Brendon McCullum had also reached three figures in his side’s total of 248 but, having won both Tests and the opening ODI, a repeat always looked unlikely once Dilshan got into his stride.

McCullum got off the mark with a leg-side four and dominated partnerships of 35 with opening partner Martin Guptill (10), 38 with Tom Latham (five) and 85 with Ross Taylor, who provided the main support with 34.

The captain hit two more

13 before being brilliantly runout by Mahela Jayawardene, Adam Milne added 19 and Matt Henry (20 not out) and Trent Boult (13) took 26 from the last three overs. Number 11 Boult hit two sixes in the six balls he faced.

In reply, Dilshan shared an opening stand of 64 with Dimuth Karunaratne (21) and added 52 with Kumar Sang-

Tillakaratne Dilshan’s hundred leads Sri Lanka to an overdue win. of his 12 fours to move to 50 from 39 balls and 100 from 88, and also crashed five sixes in his eventual 117 from 99 deliveries, but a lack of top-

order support saw the hosts slip to 185 for seven and a tailend wag was needed to build a competitive score.

Nathan McCullum made

Eoin Morgan: No England recall for Kevin Pietersen EOIN MORGAN has quashed Kevin Pietersen’s fanciful hopes of an England recall, insisting his promotion as one-day captain does not change a thing.

It is more than a year since Pietersen last wore the Three Lions, having been controversially sacked after England’s ill-fated Ashes tour, but his star status and provocative public comments mean his name is never far away.

He caused a new stir earlier this week during a commentating stint in the Big Bash by suggesting that Morgan wanted him back in England’s one-day squad.

The Irishman has a more cordial relationship with Pietersen than many of his former team-mates, but made it clear on arriving in Australia that he was happy with the 15-man party.

Pietersen’s intervention

ensured the situation was revisited on the eve of the Carlton Mid Tri-Series but Morgan was keen to remove any doubt this time.

“I think this is a good opportunity to clear things up, given that Kevin has a lot of opportunity to talk in the media and get his point of view out there,” said Morgan. “I’m very happy with the group of players I have.

I think this is the best group of players we have to drive the England team forward over the next two months in particular.

“Kevin’s situation hasn’t changed over the last year. It’s been reiterated over months and days. It was reiterated before Christmas by the chairman of selectors (James Whitaker) and I’m reiterating it again just to clear it up.”

Morgan’s frustration at the Pietersen issue overshadowing the squad’s first

Rain snags Barbados Pride bid to defend title

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Wet conditions forced the abandonment of play in the opening match of the NAGICO Super50 between defending champions Barbados Pride and Combined Campuses and Colleges here yesterday.

Following inspections, umpires Nigel Duguid and Gregory Brathwaite determined that the outfield at the National Cricket Centre was too impaired for the game to proceed.

week Down Under became obvious when he was asked directly if the 34-yearold would make the team stronger.

“I think that’s a terrible question,” he said, stonyfaced. “Kevin is not in the side, he won’t be in the side for the foreseeable future, so there’s no point in answering that question.”

In truth, England face a more pressing problem than Pietersen ahead of today’s clash with Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

James Anderson is still struggling with a knee injury that kept him out of the recent tour of Sri Lanka. He sat out England’s second warmup match against a Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra in the hope of featuring at the SCG but that is still not guaranteed.

“Probably the only concern at the moment is Jimmy.

He will go through a full practice (on Thursday) and see how he pulls up in the morning,” said Morgan.

“It (resting Anderson) was more managing his workload coming back from his injury.

We decided he wouldn’t be able to play three games in a week and obviously the most important game is Friday (today).

“For him to be fit for selection he needed to up his workload in the nets and if he’d have played he wouldn’t have pulled up that well. I obviously want a full squad of players to pick from. Hopefully he’ll be fit for selection and if not he will be in time for Brisbane.”

akkara, who made 38 before he was well caught by Latham at deep square leg off Henry (two for 34).

The Sri Lanka opener could afford to be slightly more patient than McCullum, reaching 50 from 58 deliveries and 100 from 116, though he produced some flashing pulls and cover drives among his 17 fours.

Jayawardene made 27 and there were only 12 needed when Dilshan finally submitted, late on Henry’s leg-side bouncer and offering a simple catch to keeper Luke Ronchi off his glove or the shoulder of his bat.

But Mathews finished unbeaten on 39 and hooked the winning boundary off Henry with the scores level.

36

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 16, 2015

Sides seek World Cup momentum There is a new captain in place and a significant senior core missing but for an outfit used to operating on the fringes of crisis that may not be so bad after all.

By Firdose Moonda (CRICINFO) - Play time is over and it’s down to business as both teams begin their final journey on the road to the World Cup. For South Africa, it is the culmination of something which began six months ago when they started intense preparation for the tournament. They hoped by the time this series came around, they would be able to field their full World Cup squad to give them a dummy run - or five - ahead of the event.

But one of the most important members of that outfit is unavailable so the perfect practice will not happen.

Quinton de Kock, al-

West Indies claimed the T20 series but will have a new captain and changed XI for the ODIs.

though recovering well from an ankle ligament tear, will not feature in the series, which leaves South Africa with a stand-in opening batsman and gloveman. They are likely to be Rilee Rossouw and AB de Villiers, although Morne van Wyk could fill both roles if required.

In all other departments South Africa are at full strength but not fully settled.

JP Duminy’s return will require some rejigging in the line-up while they still need to consider the composition of the lower order. The time for experimentation is not completely over for the hosts, but this is their last chance to come up with a formula that works.

South Africa may not be comfortable with that level of uncertainty but West Indies will be envious of it, especially as for them, this series is about starting over.

Their most recent ODI outing was the abandoned tour of India and the aftermath of that walkout is being strongly felt.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT JP Duminy spent more than two months out of cricket rehabilitating from a chronic knee condition but if you saw the first ball he faced on his return, you would never have guessed it.

He hit Dwayne Bravo high over his head for six and that kind of shot is what South Africa’s middle order was missing for the time Duminy was out of action, when they lost 4-1 to Australia. His bowling will also come in handy, especially if South Africa are looking for variety.

A month before the World Cup may not be the ideal time to begin your captaincy career but that is what Jason Holder has to do as he takes over from Bravo at a difficult, but crucial, time for West Indies cricket.

The isolation of some of their highest-profile players means the team will have to rely on more than just big reputations but it also affords them the opportunity to band together before a major tournament and how Holder, who is just 23, oversees that process will be closely watched as West Indies plan for the future.

TEAM NEWS South Africa will look for a makeshift opener to fill in for the still-recovering de Kock, with Rossouw the likeliest candidate. That will also ensure there is space for both Farhaan Behardien and David Miler, despite Duminy’s return. de Villiers confirmed he

will take the gloves for now but may not want to do it in all five games. The first-choice attack should be fired up and ready to go after a break from the T20s.

Chris Gayle took part in training and should return to the top of the order after being rested from Wednesday’s T20 with a long-standing back issue.

If he is unable to play, Lendl Simmons will have to fill in and without Darren or Dwayne Bravo, an extra batsman may have to be found in Leon Johnson but West Indies should have a decent pack available to them with Jerome Taylor and Sulieman Benn both back.

On the evidence of the T20, this surface is not for the fast or furious.

Slower balls and cutters proved the most effective weapon while run-scoring required more discipline than flashiness and similar can be expected for the ODI, especially with some thundershowers forecast in the morning but they should clear to allow for a full game South Africa: (possible) Hashim Amla, Rilee Rossouw, Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers (capt, wkp.), JP Duminy Farhaan Behardien, David Miller, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Imran Tahir West Indies: (possible) Chris Gayle/Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Marlon Samuels, Leon Johnson, Andre Russell, Denesh Ramdin (wkp.), Darren Sammy, Jason Holder (capt.), Jerome Taylor, Sulieman Benn, Sheldon Cottrell.

Notable Dates

FEATHERWEIGHT Cliff Anderson out- pointed Englishman Gus Foran for the second time on January 15, 1946. The fight was the 17th for Anderson who knocked down his opponent in the first round of the 10-rounder. The event was staged at the Seymour Hall in London.

One month earlier, Anderson won an eight-round contest against Foran. 1946 was a busy year for the Guyanese. He engaged in 13 battles, losing twice. In 1947 Anderson mad two unsuccessful bids for the Commonwealth featherweight title.

Both times he fought Al Phillips. On March 18, he lost by points to the Englishman.

In the rematch four months later, the Guyanese was disqualified in round eight by referee Andrew Smith for illegal blows. Born on October 1921, Anderson died in December 1998.

The Government renamed the National Sports Hall, Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in his honour. He boxed a total of 603 rounds and secured 48 victories, 28 defeats and 11 draws in a career that spanned 13 years.

37

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 16, 2015

Confusion or dictatorship in our cricket?

Asks Calvin Roberts

IT SEEMS as though the confusion snake has raised its ugly head at Guyana’s leading youth and sports club, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC), whose Chief Executive Officer/Secretary Hilbert Foster refuses to release a player for reasons unknown.

Last October, as I lay in my bed relaxing on my day off, I got a call from Foster who sounded out of breath as he sought my intervention in getting Rajiv Ivan to attend a training session for an important Berbice Cricket Board-organised tournament final against arch-rivals Albion Community Centre Cricket Club.

Having calmed down the burly Foster and listened to his pleas, I made it my duty to call the player in question and enquire from him, his reason for not attending the sessions, outlining certain things that were of importance and his career to him as well.

Following several minutes of conversation, Ivan consented but later told me that once he has played the final, he will no longer seek to represent the RHT Gizmos and Gadgets first division club in any form of cricket, as he is interested in a transfer from the Area ‘H’-based club.

Assuming all went well, I relayed such message back to Foster who had empowered me as mediator, based on his initial phone call, and true to his word, at the completion of the game, which RHT Gizmos and Gadgets lost, Ivan sought his release from the club.

A copy of the letter demanding his release was sent to Competitions Committee Chairman of the BCB, Carl Moore, who in a telephone conversation with this newspaper last Tuesday night, admitted having the letter but did not act upon it, since he felt all was done and dusted.

This assumption by Moore followed Ivan’s departure overseas for a holiday, during which time he took a break from

Hilbert Foster the gentleman’s game and was not named or listed in any squad submitted by RHT Gizmos and Gadgets, for any first division tournament in Berbice, after the match last October.

The left-handed batsman who was overlooked by the BCB Selection panel for the Guyana Cricket Board four-team tournament, recently returned to Guyana and enquired about his release from RHTYSC as a player, only to be told he will not be granted same.

Frustrated and confused, he asked why, since he made his intentions known over two months ago prior to his departure from Guyana, but did not get a favourable answer on the matter.

Having acted as the mediator in the first instance, Ivan called me and explained that his release was not granted

by Foster.

Asked to comment on reasons which could prevent a player from being released by a club, Moore told this publication that there are three rules used by the BCB which govern the non-issue of a release to a player from any specific club.

These are; moneys owed, clothes (coloured clothing) owed or indiscipline on the part of the player, who is seeking to avoid punishment.

While some may say it is not safe to judge, I know for sure Ivan was not undisciplined and he has no financial obligation to RHTYSC, even though he has admitted that he has within his possession, their limited overs playing uni-

form which he intends to return soon.

I called Foster, seeing that we have a great working relationship and enquired of him, his reason for not authorising the release to which he said, “Ivan was disrespectful to me and I will teach him a lesson … furthermore I am not discussing the Rajiv Ivan request for release from RHTYSC, I will not be granting Ivan any release even if he goes to the Pope and make a plea.”

Those words came as a shock to me, since I know Foster to be a man who always chides persons in their fight for power and I never expected him to make such a statement, which he reiterated even when I tried to make it clear what were my intentions.

Strangely, the BCB held their Annual General Meeting and Election of Office-Bearers a few Sundays ago and it was puzzling that Mr Moore in his Competitions Committee Report or even during the Any Other Business part, did not mention Ivan’s request for a release or enquire on the state of affairs of such matter.

That should have been the ideal thing to do, since Foster would have been asked by the hierarchy of the BCB to further explain his reason/s for not granting the player’s request.

If Foster is looking at investment being made in Ivan’s career, there are many instances where coaches and other administrators of sports in Guyana, not only cricket, have invested in players from an early age and they decided to move on and go elsewhere.

Even businessmen invest thousands and at times millions of dollars into their businesses and would lose it either through theft/burglary, fire, default on insurance or court matter with a spouse or other business partner.

Yes, we all know many players are migrating to greener pastures, whether overseas or elsewhere,

with some even club-hopping for reasons unknown, but that does not mean a request for transfer should not be granted, even when the player is not happy where he is.

The relevant authorities especially the newly elected executive body of

the BCB needs to investigate the reason(s) why Foster is refusing to grant the release of Rajiv Ivan from the Club, especially since the player has complained repeatedly to me, his discomfort competing for the RHTGG first division team.

Rajiv Ivan

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 16, 2015

GSSF pays courtesy visit to NSC REPRESENTATIVES of the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) yesterday paid a courtesy visit to the National Sports Commission and Director of Sport Neil Kumar, at their headquarters on Homestretch Avenue.

The GSSF Inc. was sanctioned in August 2014 by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport (MCY&S) and the NSC, in keeping with recent policy requirements set out for sporting organisations locally.

The Directors of the GSSF’s Board committed the Federation to seek to always maintain records and follow all requirements set out by the MCY&S and the NSC, so as to upkeep its recognition as a Sporting body while continuing to promote sport, specifically in the field of sport shooting locally, regionally and internationally.

Since its incorporation, Kumar was lauded by GSSF president Ms Vidushi Persaud as the most supportive Director of Sport a country

GSSF Director Dr Bhiro Harry (left) smiles appreciatively as Director of Sport, Neil Kumar, accepts his Certificate of Appreciation from GSSF president Ms Vidushi Persaud. can hope for, mentioning assistance whenever possi- ly constructed National tion learn the basics on his un-hesitating support for ble and facilitated several Sports Resource Centre Firearm Safety and Range courses that were hosted and these courses saw the Discipline. sport shooting in Guyana.

The GSSF, in fulfilling The NSC has rendered by the GSSF at the recent- members of the Federa-

its mandate to pioneer new forms of sport shooting, indicated that they will be starting regulated Amateur Trap Shooting shortly and in addition, the Federation looks forward to introducing Archery as a sport to Guyana with a focus on both indoor and outdoor Archery.

In this regard, the NSC has once again committed itself to making this venture a success with Kumar committing to making the National Gymnasium available to GSSF members for indoor archery events.

Currently, the special pieces of equipment needed to facilitate this are being sourced and initial communication with the relevant authorities for regulation of same has begun so as to commence this form of sport shooting on a formal basis.

Persaud took the opportunity to present a Certificate of Appreciation to Kumar in recognition of the invaluable and un-hesitating support given to the GSSF for the promotion of sport shooting in Guyana.

Britton is SVT Challenge champion NATIONAL tennis player Shemar Britton was last Tuesday night, crowned the inaugural champion of the South View Tavern (SVT) Knockout Tennis Challenge which was hosted at the entity’s location at Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt.

The 16-year-old Britton, who recently won the

Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) season opener, was outstanding throughout the night, winning five games on his way to the summit where he defeated his national counterpart Stefan Corlette 3-0, with the scoreline reading 11-6, 11-5, 11-8.

Earlier in the semifi-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

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) 24 Tests (2) Carl Hooper & Stuart Williams Today’s Quiz: (1)Who is the first player to pass the 500-run mark in a three-Test series?

(2) How many West Indians made their Test debut against South Africa?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Inaugural champion Shemar Britton (L) receives his reward from SVT proprietor Dillon Griffith.

nals the eventual champion defeated another national player, Nigel Bryan, three games to one (3-1), with his earlier victories being recorded against two more seasoned players in Joel Allen and Jody-Ann Blake while the third was against a wildcard.

Britton won against Allen and Blake, 2-1 and 2-0 respectively, as the preliminaries were played on the best-inthree scale.

Meanwhile in the other semifinals, Corlette demolished former national player Dwayne Gibson 3-0 to enter the final.

After claiming the title, Britton said he is elated at his achievement, noting it was gained through his mental strength. “It’s a sense of relief but of course I’m happy that I’ve won.

The win was a test of my concentration more than

my natural skill to play,” he explained.

Proprietor of SVT, Dillon Griffith, said it was nice to have an abundance of Guyana’s top talent on show at such a short notice adding that the competition is a monthly one and interested individuals can get involved in the activities.

In addition he said as the competition evolves, his entity will sponsor one of the talented players, who possesses the skill to reach the top, before handing Britton his top prize of $20 000 and a case of drinks of his choice, compliments of August Beverages.

According to Griffith the competition has been shifted to the final Tuesday in each month, but invited tennis players to play a part in SVT’s weekly games which are scheduled to be held every Tuesday night.

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 16, 2015

Banks DIH commits to continuity of GFA Banks Beer Cup ... Top teams rewarded

Representatives of the top finishers and sponsors at yesterday’s GFA Banks Beer Cup presentation of prizes.

Having been the tour- United, second-place Guynament’s title and platinum ana Defence Force (GDF),

By Rawle Toney yesterday confirmed that his company is more than sponsor for the past four along with Pele and Western BEVERAGE manufac- committed to the conti- years, Choo-Hen made the Tigers, all received their turing giant Banks DIH nuity of the Georgetown announcement at a sim- spoils from the 2014/2015 Limited Banks Beer Brand Football Association (GFA) ple presentation ceremony tournament.

Behind Gregory ‘Jackie where the winners Alpha Manager Brian Choo-Hen Banks Beer Cup.

Chan’ Richardson’s brilliance, Alpha United hammered GDF 3-1 to lift the title for the second time while Pele were 1-0 winners over Western Tigers to clinch the third place trophy at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, on January 1 when the tournament culminated.

Yesterday, Alpha United received $3M, whilst GDF collected $1.5M, Pele $1M and Western Tigers $500 000 for their respective placings in the tournament.

Speaking to the press in the sponsor’s boardroom, Choo-Hen pointed out that not only the brand, but the company is “committed to development of sports on the whole and yes, especially this tournament and football, we look forward to supporting it

for years to come”.

Sixteen (16) teams, all affiliates of the GFA, participated in this year’s tournament, as compared to 32 teams last year, nonetheless, the event had the same excitement as the previous year and with that, Choo-Hen said that he and the company were contented.

“We’re satisfied with the support given, because of the fact it was a Georgetown tournament, the fan base was that of mainly Georgetown people, so, we have several other tournaments that were running simultaneously with this tournament, including our own on the West Side and Linden, so definitely it was a good tournament and we look forward to the fan base growing.”

A. Ally and Sons sponsors BCB Under-17 Schools competition AS PROMISED in their presentation remarks following their elections late last year, the newly elected executives of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) have secured sponsorship for a Secondary Schools Under-17 Cricket Competition in Berbice.

The long-awaited competition will be sponsored by business giant A Ally and Sons of New Amsterdam (two branches) and Sheet Anchor, East Canje Berbice and is part of the Company’s 30th Anniversary celebrations.

Blessings were recently given by Miss Volaika Jaikishun, Regional Education Officer for the hosting of the tournament by the BCB, with the round robin format bowling off next Friday from 11:00hrs. The tournament will be played on a two-innings basis.

This tournament is for players born on or before September 1, 1998 and to date, 21 teams have been registered to do battle for supremacy, with teams coming from East and West Berbice,

while the five teams from the Upper Central/Upper Corentyne area will come under the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association with the winners participating in the playoffs of this competition.

At a simple ceremony held at the main office of the company last Wednesday, Mr Faizal Ally, Managing Director, said that he is always willing to assist with school cricket and sports in general as is evident over the years.

He added that the development of young people is pivotal in the progress of any community and country as a whole and as such, his company is committed to play its part.

Chairman of the BCB’s Competition Committee, Carl Moore, was elated and high in praise for the sponsor for coming on board and filling this gap in Berbice cricket and advised cricket clubs to feed from this tournament.

BCB secretary Angela Haniff echoed Moore’s

Managing Director of A. Ally and Sons Limited Faizal Ally makes the presentation of the cheque to secretary of the BCB Angela Haniff, while Leslie Solomon (left) and Carl Moore look on appreciatively. gotiation with Dalchand families.

sentiments and thanked the Regional Education Officer for making things so easy for them, while she called on the teachers, parents and students

to make full use of this opportunity, adding that cricket is a perfect alternative to drugs and provides huge financial benefits to cricketers and their

The board selectors will witness the matches to spot talent for the youth inter-county teams, even as the BCB is presently in ne-

Rambharose of the USA for sponsorship of an Under-15 tournament which will commence just after the Under-17 is completed.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Confusion or dictatorship in our See Story cricket? on Page 37

Permaul spins Jaguars to NAGICO Super 50 victory over Volcanoes

Veerasammy Permaul

By BRIJ PARASNATH In Trinidad & Tobago SUPERB spin bowling from Veerasammy Permaul coupled with solid batting contributions from Rajendra Chandrika, Vishaul Singh, Christopher Barnwell, Raymon Reifer and Anthony Bramble allowed the Guyana Jaguars to celebrate an impressive 142-runs first round victory over Windwards Volcanoes in the opening round of their Zone A match of the WICB/ NAGICO Super50 tournament at the Queen’s Park Oval last evening.

Sent in to bat by Volcanoes’ skipper Liam Sebastien after he won the toss for the first day/night fixture; Guyana rattled up

227 for 6 off their allotted 50 overs.

Permaul bowled brilliantly and with clever variations aided by brilliant fielding finished with superlative figures of 4 for 12 from his 10 overs including five maidens, taking the “Man of the Match” in the process after Windwards were demolished for a paltry 85 all out off 33.4 overs.

Julian Charles contributed 21 while Sunil Ambris was undefeated on 26 as wickets tumbled like nine pins through the magnificent efforts of Permaul who was admirably supported

by Devendra Bishoo (2 for 11) and Barnwell (2 for 23), with Steven Jacobs (1-20) taking the other wicket to fall.

It was the Guyana Jag-

uars who erupted in joy and happiness and smiling broadly at the end after Windwards were blown away in ruthless fashion and lost all ten wickets for just 51 runs after West Indies opener Devon Smith departed for 13 with the score at 34 for 1 after 7.2 overs.

Earlier, the Guyana Jaguars made a horrific start losing two early wickets and were bogged down with pedestrian batting by debutant Vishaul Singh, when they lost attacking opener Trevon Griffith (05) caught at the wicket by Sunil Ambris off the final ball of Mervyn Matthew first over and second of the innings.

And to instill uncertainty and nervous tension among the ranks, the experienced Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who batted at number three, was adjudged LBW to left arm seamer Delorn Johnson for a solitary run and Guyana’s overall total at 15 for 2 after 4.1 overs.

Chandrika, who opened the batting alongside Griffith was joined by Singh and together they gradually restored sanity and laid the foundation for a late charge by the other middle and lower order batsmen, adding 60 for the third wicket until Chandrika gifted his wicket away by attempting a suicidal non-existent single to Devon Smith who was stationed at wide mid-off position.

Chandrika stroked six fours in his topscore of 52 that was scored off 65 balls, and later Singh gifted his wicket to Shane Shillingford when he was one short of the half century mark, lobbing a catch to Miles Bascombe at midwicket.

The pedestrian Singh had shared an important 75-run fourth wicket partnership

with Barnwell who also contributed three powerful boundaries in his 34 that was scored off 55 balls, before he too was caught inside the boundary by Bascombe off Shillingford, leaving the Jaguars on 150 for 5 after 40.1 overs.

Steven Jacobs (2) was unfortunately run out at the non-strikers end, backing up too far and allowing Johnson in his follow-through to guide the firm straight drive unto the stumps to leave the total at 156 for 6 after 42.3 overs.

Windwards were happy to have removed all the top-order batsmen when the Jaguars were struggling at 156 for 6 after 42.3 overs, but they got a rude awakening and faced the full brunt of Bramble who in tandem with Raymon Reifer featured in an enterprising unbroken 77-run seventh wicket partnership that swung the pendulum back in favour of the Guyana Jaguars who finished on 227 for 6 off 50 overs.

Bramble was the chief aggressor and he smashed three mighty sixes and three fours during his 36-minute of authoritative display of power hitting to remain unbeaten on 43 while Reifer, who played the perfect supporting role; was also unbeaten on 23 that contained one four off 34 balls.

Shillingford was Windwards most successful bowler, claiming 2 for 34, but what Permaul had in store for the Islanders in their reply, left them shell shocked, as the Jaguars caged their first opponents, collecting a bonus batting point to add to their victory points, giving them a group leading 5 points.

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

Anthony Bramble

Guyana Jaguars Innings T. Griffith c Ambris b Matthews 05 R Chandrika run out (D. Smith) 52 S. Chanderpaul lbw b D. Johnson 01 V Singh c Bascombe b Shillingford 49 C Barnwell c Bascombe b Shillingford 34 R Reifer not out 23 S Jacobs run out (D. Johnson) 02 A Bramble not out 43 Extras (2b, 7lb, 8w, 1nb) 18 Total (for 6 wkts off 50 overs) 227 Did not bat: V Permaul, D Bishoo, R. Beaton Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-15, 3-75, 4-150, 5-150, 6-156 Bowling: Johnson 10-1-42-1 (1w), Matthews 10-1-52-1 (2w), Emmanuel 4-0-28-0 (1w), Sebastien 10-0-35-0 (3w, 1nb), Bobb 6-0-290, Shillingford 1-034-2 (1w)

Windward Islands Volcanoes Innings J Charles lbw b Permaul 21 D Smith stp Bramble b Jacobs 13 M Bascombe lbw b Permaul 05 K Lesporis b Permaul 00 S Ambris not out 23 C Emmanuel c Jacobs b Permaul 03 L Sebastien run out (Singh) 02 A Bobb lbw b Barnwell 00 S Shillingford c Griffith b Barnwell 02 M Matthews c Bramble b Bishoo 05 D Johnson c Jacobs b Bishoo 03 Extras (1lb, 4w) 05 Total (all out off 33.4 overs) 85 Fall of wickets: 1-34, 2-34, 3-34, 4-41, 5-49, 6-60, 7-60, 8-67, 9-77, 10-85.

Bowling: Beaton 2-0-18-0, Jacobs 10-1-20-1 Barnwell 6-0-23-2 (1w), Permaul 10-5-12-4, Bishoo 5.4-011-2 (3w)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014