2015 1 19

GUYANA No. 104074 MONDAY JANUARY 19, 2015

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PRICE: $80

Guyana set to see ‘significant’ increase in Dutch visitor arrivals Page

– thanks to overwhelming success of Guyana/Suriname Trade Summit

3

INCLUDING VAT

Fire destroys West Bank house, motorbike workshop Page

2

Driver, conductor injured as minibus, car collide Page

7

Search for ASL aircraft continues...

Benn: Reduced Spot Tracker updates now mandatory Page

FLASHBACK: A typical day at Moleson Creek, on Guyana's side of the Guyana-Suriname ferry crossing, during the Christmas holidays

11

Eleven countries ready to land flights in Guyana Page

14

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 19, 2015

Fire destroys West Bank house, motorbike workshop – leaves caretaker homeless

A FIRE of yet unknown origins swept through a flat concrete house at lot 16 Pouderoyen Public Road, West Bank Demerara on Saturday evening, leaving one person homeless and millions in losses, even as nearby houses suffered heat and water damage.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday afternoon, Joseph Gomes, the caretaker of the home who

has been operating a motorcycle repair shop at the location for several years said that he was not at home at the time.

According to the man, the house belongs to his sister and he had been living there for some time. Gomes told this newspaper that he was on the West Bank of Demerara with some friends taking a drink and later moved to another location when someone

came into the nightspot and informed him that the house was on fire and he needed to go there immediately.

He said that when he arrived the house was already engulfed but he claimed that the fire service was slothful in their response to the emergency call.

Asked to estimate his losses, Gomes said that he had three motorcycles inside the house and engines also.

A distraught Joseph Gomes speaking with the Chronicle

operated the mechanic shop.

He said that the house was not receiving electricity from the Guyana Power and Light for some time and the stove had been turned off.

The frustrated man related that his home has a stove, old chairs, an old washing machine and very few household appliances.

The man said further that he believes that someone might have deliberately set the building afire as he pointed to one house in the area where a woman lives whom he described as his enemy.

back of his premises where they smoke and sometimes use it as a getaway in case of a raid by the police.

Joseph said that the workshop is his life and he is calling for some form of assistance to restart his business.

He said too that already he has spoken to two of the persons whose motorcycles were destroyed in the fire and they have come to a compromise.

The houses on both sides of Joseph’s house were damaged by the heat of the fire although firefighters focused their attention on those buildings to prevent

The house that was destroyed by fire Saturday night. At right is a neighbouring house that was damaged by the heat and water (Photos by Leroy Smith)

When this publication visited the motorcycles inside the house had been burnt to scrap iron as well as the ones outside the house where the man

The man also admitted that the property is an open place and persons would usually use his yard to get to the

them from igniting. This publication was not allowed access to the two properties but it is believed that there was some damage to appliances inside both houses. One of the nearby homes that was saved is said to belong to a Guyana Fire Service staffer. (Leroy Smith)

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 19, 2015

Guyana set to see ‘significant’ increase in Dutch visitor arrivals

– thanks to overwhelming success of Guyana/Suriname Trade Summit

By Ravin Singh GUYANA is expected to benefit significantly in the tourism sector through the recently-concluded Surinamese Trade Mission that was aimed at enhancing trade relations between the two neighbouring South American countries.

This is according to Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr Indranauth Haralsingh who on Friday last at the Trade Mission’s press conference assured the media that the 28,000 annual number of Dutch tourists entering Guyana from Suriname and Holland is expected to increase through better trading rela-

tions.

The Trade Mission was embarked upon by the Surinamese delegation with the hope of fostering better economic relations with Guyana, particularly through trade. Against this backdrop, Haralsingh noted that the fruitful manifestation of such initiatives will not only– see Guyana benefitting through trade, but moreso through tourism.

Haralsingh noted the need for continued collaboration and cooperation between the two neighbouring states, which involves “follow-ups” to address pending issues which would hinder any form of integration between the two countries.

Minister Baksh reports...

ventures, new markets and broader development are numerous.

DUTCH MARKET The Dutch market, which remains vitally important to Guyana’s tourism sector, will expand in time as the GTA Head hinted at a Dutch language training initiative, which is expected to be embarked upon by the Tourism Ministry at Moleson Creek.

This, Haralsingh noted, will aid Guyanese and Surinamese in restricting the language barrier to a minimum, and to improve Guyanese customer service towards Dutch nationals. “This will go well for the average Dutch-speaking person com-

ing into Guyana,” he said.

Additionally, he highlighted that, “lots of opportunities for familiarization trips for joint-marketing for the two destinations, multi-destination marketing, joint participation at trade shows, would have all been issues that were discussed,” at the conferences which will aid in an expansion of trade between Guyana and Suriname.

The three-day Trade Mission, which was embarked upon by the 40-member Surinamese delegation, was concluded on Saturday last with a number of visits to business-oriented regions of the country, highlighting the country’s development.

Rice crop not severely affected

– on flood-hit Essequibo Coast MINISTER in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Alli Baksh has said that the rice crop, which is currently blooming on the Essequibo Coast, has not been severely affected by the flood situation.

Minister Baksh, who visited villages between Perth and Affiance, said the residential areas are mostly affected by the high buildup of water that has resulted in flooding.

Baksh said kitchen gardens and poultry have being affected, especially in the low lying areas along the coast.

GTA Director, Mr Indranauth Haralsingh

COMMITMENT Assuring that the Government of Guyana remains committed to improving trade not only with Suriname but with Brazil as well, Haralsingh lauded the initiative, underscoring the commitment also made by the Surinamese Government in sending such a large delegation, including two of the country’s ministers.

“A lot of issues and bottle-necks that are impacting export performance and trade between the two countries have been aired and been discussed,” Haralsingh said, adding that the benefits that each country can gain through investments, joint

The Minister, who met with residents in the affected areas, assured them that the government is working to bring relief. He said some fields with rice were flooded, but sluices and pumps are in operation to drain the flood waters from off the land as quickly as possible.

Heavy and consistent rainfall over the past two days have left the Essequibo Coast flooded in many areas.

Many lower flats of buildings are flooded while kitchen gardens are also under water.

Region Two Chairman

Mr Parmanand Persaud early Saturday morning visited sluices to ensure that they are working at full capacity to discharge flood waters into the Atlantic Ocean.

The Chairman said mobile pumps are in operation at Three Friends, Anna Regina, Lima and Devonshire Castle to drain excess rainfall from the land and bring relief to residents.

He said it is costing the Government millions of dollars to keep the mobile pumps in operation round-the-clock to drain the flooded areas. (Rajendra Prabhulall)

Minister Baksh and Region Two Chairman, Mr Parmanand Persaud inspecting a sluice at Hampton Court

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday January 19, 2015

Obama tax proposals run into Republican criticism

By Kevin Drawbaugh WASHINGTON ,(Reuters) - PRESIDENT Barack Obama’s new tax plan ran into rapid criticism from the Republicans yesterday, underscoring the challenges facing any attempt to overhaul the U.S. tax code.

With the start of a new Congress this month under Republican control, lawmakers have been discussing tax reform. However, with Congress deeply divided on fiscal policy, Obama’s latest tax plan is likely to hit strong opposition.

Unable to compromise over taxes and spending, Washington has not thoroughly revamped the code in 28 years, although it is commonly acknowledged that the tax code is riddled with loopholes and does not raise enough revenue to pay the country’s bills.

The U.S. economy is growing again and last year added jobs at the fastest clip since 1999. While the government still borrows to meet its budget, the deficit has declined sharply.

President Barack Obama Ahead of Obama’s State of the Union address on Tuesday, senior administration officials said on Saturday the Democrat president will call for new taxes on the wealthy and on Wall Street banks, both Republican constituencies.

Obama proposes raising the top tax on capital gains to 28 percent from 23.8 percent, while also shutting down a loophole that lets the heirs of large estates avoid paying the full capital gains tax on assets they inherit.

He also proposes imposing a fee on the liabilities of

the nation’s largest roughly 100 financial firms.

“The president needs to stop listening to his liberal allies who want to raise taxes at all costs and start working with Congress to fix our broken tax code,” said Republican Senator Orrin Hatch, the Senate’s top tax law writer.

O b a m a ’s p r o p o s a l s would slap tax hikes on “small businesses, savers, and investors,” Hatch said in a statement.

Congressional Republicans are circulating plans to cut taxes on businesses by, for instance, repealing a

a statement.

Under Obama, taxes have already been raised on the wealthy and the economy has recovered from the 2008 financial crisis.

Effective in 2013, there was an increase to 20 percent from 15 percent in the capital gains tax for high-earners. Obama’s Affordable Healthcare Act imposed an additional 3.8 percent tax on investment income for households making $250,000 and up.

The ACA law also added a 0.9 percent tax on ordinary income for high earners. In

addition, the top tax bracket for ordinary wage income went up to 39.6 percent, from 35 percent, for individuals making $400,000 and couples earning $450,000.

Republican Representative Jason Chaffetz called Obama’s new plan “a non-starter.”

“Are you going to actually grow the economy and jobs, are entrepreneurs going to be better off, are small businessmen going to be better off, with more taxes and more government? No!” he told CNN’s “State of the Union” show.

Shots fired near Vice President Biden’s Delaware residence WASHINGTON, (Reuters) - GUN shots rang out from a passing vehicle near U.S. Vice President Joe Biden’s residence in Delaware on Saturday night, but the vice president and his wife were not at home, the U.S. Secret Service said yesterday.

The shots were fired on a public road several hundred yards from the house, outside a security perimeter, at about 8:25 p.m. EST. Secret Service personnel at the residence heard the reports and saw the vehicle speeding away.

Biden and his wife, Jill, were in Delaware when the shooting occurred but were out for the evening, the Secret Service said. The home, near Wilmington, is not visible from the road, and it was not clear whether the gunfire was random or aimed in the direction of the residence.

The incident occurred as the Secret Service tries to recover from a series of security lapses, including an incident in September when a knife-carrying man jumped the White House fence and ran into the president’s official residence.

DATE: 10/01/2015 F

tax on medical device manufacturers that was imposed under Obama. Another Republican plan would cut the overall tax rate on businesses.

Obama will also propose a handful of tax measures to help middle-class families with costs for college and child care, as well as new retirement savings options.

“The president’s tax proposals focus right where we need to - creating opportunity for middle class families,” said Sander Levin, the top Democratic tax writer in the House of Representatives, in

01 07 13 20 12 14 17

16/01/2015

05

09

10

Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden smile onstage while speaking about community college education during a visit to Pellissippi State College in Knoxville, Tennessee January 9, 2015.

Credit: Reuters/Kevin Lamarque ter the shooting, local poOfficials declined to disBiden, 72, who served as lice arrested an individual a U.S. senator from Delaware cuss the Bidens’ location on in a vehicle that attempted for more than three decades, Sunday for security reasons. to pass an officer who was Authorities said they has residences in New Castle securing the area. The indiCounty and in Washington, D.C. would search the area to vidual is not currently tied The Bidens, and President determine whether the Biden to the incident but the SeBarack Obama, were briefed home or other nearby resicret Service said the person about the incident on Saturday dences were hit by bullets. would be questioned about About half an hour afnight. the shooting.

13

23

16/01/2015

3

9

9

16/01/2015

07 02 04 14 03 12 16

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday January 19, 2015

US-Cuba thaw:

Congressional delegation arrives in Havana

AN American Congressional delegation has arrived in Havana in the first such visit since the United States and Cuba agreed to restore ties severed in 1961.

The Democrat politicians plan to meet Cuban officials and civilian leaders to discuss practical measures required for the normalisation of relations.

The thaw in relations was announced on 17 December

by President Barack Obama and his Cuban counterpart, Raul Castro.

Earlier this week, Cuba completed the release of 53 political prisoners.

The measure was agreed as part of the agreement.

The Congressional delegation is being led by Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy

“We have all been to Cuba before, and we strongly support the president’s new direction for our policy towards Cuba,” said Senator Patrick Leahy.

Tourism still banned New travel and trade rules between the US and Cuba came into effect on Friday, also as part of the historic deal.

Americans will be able to take home up alcohol and tobacco from Cuba up to the value of $100 (£66) US credit and debit cards can be used there and there will be no more limits on how much money US citizens can spend in Cuba each day.

While ordinary tourism is still banned, the new regulations will allow US citizens to travel to Cuba for any of a dozen specific reasons without first obtaining a special licence from the government.

Although the latest moves put a large dent in the US trade embargo against the island’s communist government, only Congress can lift it completely.

The first high-level talks between Cuba and the US will be held in Havana next Wednesday and Thursday.

The US delegation will be led by Assistant Secretary of State Roberta Jacobson.(BBC)

Expert says falling oil prices buy Caribbean time for green energy transition

By Kenton X. Chance ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, (CMC) -- A renewable energy expert says Caribbean economies should look at falling oil prices as an opportunity to implement their clean energy programmes.

The price of oil has dropped to US$45 per barrel, down from a little more than US$115 per barrel in June last year, triggering concerns that the price drop could scare off investment in renewable energy.

“I think you can look at it as a windfall that buys you time for the transition,” Dolf Gielen, a renewable energy expert with the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) on Sunday.

Gielen, who is director of IRENA’s Innovation and Technology Centre, spoke to CMC on the sidelines of the IRENA’s fifth assembly, which is seeking to speed up the global renewable energy expansion to address global challenges including climate change, energy access, energy security, and the power sector transformation.

The cost of generating power from renewable energy sources has reached parity or dropped below the cost of fossil fuels for many technologies in many parts of the world, IRENA said in its landmark report, “Renewable

Power Generation Costs in 2014”, which was released on Saturday.

Gielen told CMC that while experts agree that the slump in oil prices is temporary, they are unable to say when prices will begin to rise again.

“You can read in the newspapers that there is already a response on the supply side that the drilling for shale oil and shale gas in the US is significantly reduced.

You see that a number of oil companies have announced that new drilling for more difficult oil plants has been scaled down…

“So, once this production capacity is not developed, older field age and are taken off because they are running out of capacity, then prices will go up again,” he said.

“But I don’t know whether that is going to be in weeks, in months, or whether it is a couple of years. But I think everybody agrees, prices are going to go up again,” he said, adding that falling oil prices will slow down but will not end transition to clean energy.

“Oil prices will somewhat slow the acceleration but you will see a continued transition towards renewables, but now you have a little more time to plan it and to make sure that it functions well.”

Several Caribbean countries buy fuel for electricity

generation through PetroCaribe, the Venezuela oil initiative that sees member states paying for a portion of their oil imports over 25 years at low interest rates.

Some observers in the Caribbean have expressed concern about the continuation of PetroCaribe amidst falling oil prices, although Venezuela says that the pro-

gramme will continue.

“Venezuela has had problems with keeping up its oil production -- which have nothing to do with prices -- which are management and political issues. So, I don’t think that that problem will be resolved by lower oil prices, quite the contrary,” Gielen told CMC. “We’ve in recent years

seen a very strong acceleration of renewables uptake in island states, up to a point where we have a little concern about how to co-ordinate such a rapid transition.

That’s why we put in place the lighthouse programme to assist in making it an orderly transition,” Gielen said.

IRENA’s small island developing states (SIDS)

Lighthouses Initiative, was launched at the Climate Summit in New York last September 2014.

Through partnerships and focused cooperation, the Lighthouse Initiative aims to mobilise funding and political will to advance renewable energy deployment in island settings around the world.

T&T will buffer oil price fall ENERGY Minister Kevin Ramnarine says Trinidad and Tobago will be able to buffer the fall in global oil prices and the outlook from local energy companies is positive.

He was speaking with Sunday Newsday yesterday after the Petroleum Dealers’ Co-operative Society Limited symposium entitled “The Retail Petroleum Industry in Trinidad and Tobago: Forging Ahead” held yesterday at Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain.

He noted the falling oil prices is a situation they monitor on a daily basis.

“As the Prime Minister said so eloquently in her speech (on the state of the economy) there is no need to panic. Of course there is need for concern and there is a need for adjustment and we are concerned and we are

adjusting,” he said.

He continued’: “But the country has sufficient fiscal space in which we can buffer the impact of falling oil prices.”

He explained the foreign exchange reserves are US $11 billion to US$12 billion and the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund is over US$5 billion. He also said all the oil companies have indicated that there would be no cuts in jobs and he personally has not received any report thus far.

“And based on the feedback I have gotten from them and the feedback Newsday has gotten from them (in a recent article) thus far the companies have not indicated that they will cut any jobs,” he said.

He noted it is a situation that evolves daily but for

now “they have indicated that all is well” and have also indicated that they will continue their capital investment programmes for this year plans which would have been made a year or two years ago.

“So the sector continues to be strong and we continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis,” he said.

He noted that they saw “some slight improvement in oil prices last Friday with Brent crude per barrel going back up to US$50 and we continue to monitor the situation over time”.

He reported that for the first quarter of fiscal 2015, October to December 2014, they have realised gas prices slightly above the budgeted price however they do not expect that trend to hold.

“Gas prices follow oil prices globally so we expect

gas prices will come down which is why we have adjusted the budget to (US) $2.25 (per mmbtu gas price) instead of the $2.75 which was the September budget price,” he explained.

“So I mean we are planning for it,” he said.

He also responded to Opposition Senator and economist Dr Lester Henry’s contribution in Parliament last week in which Henry said this country was headed for a “perfect storm” of lower oil prices and lower gas prices and revenue as well as lower production levels.

Ramnarine responded: “I listened to what he said.

And I don’t know what he was talking about. He normally is very confusing to listen to. I don’t know what he was referring to.”

(T&T Newsday.)

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday January 19, 2015

Editorial

Guyana

Protection and care for the nation’s children ACCORDING to its 2014 Report, the Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA) focused primarily on increasing inter-professional collaboration with other agencies for the provision of services for vulnerable children to reduce the number of those in need of alternative care.

The Agency also focused on providing family assistance to achieve their objectives, among which included State care; partnership with other professional childcare groupings, including Child Link and Forward Guyana, as well as other NGOs; response and assistance; and foster care and adoption.

Approximately 520 children became recipients of State care in 2014. Alternative situations to parental care were always a last resort when the separation of children from their biological families was deemed necessary, because of abusive and/or other

situations inimical to the child’s wellbeing.

Partnerships with Child Link and Forward Guyana precipitated the “The OneStop”, which was a child-focused, facility-based programme in which representatives from key child welfare and protection stakeholders, including the police and the NGOs, collaborate to investigate reported child sexual abuse and exploitation cases.

This resulted in care being provided for in the vicinity of 50 child abuses.

The Report stated that 20 children were returned to their biological parents after training for the parents as part of the Parental Skills Development Programme.

The Response and Assistance section of the Agency provides a 24-hour hotline service that, in accordance with its mandate, responds and, if necessary, assists in child abuse cases by placing victims in either alternative care arrangements with

other families, or providing safe places, with recovery of victims being primary focus.

Although its primary focus is to re-integrate families, many times this is not seen as a viable option after several assessments, even after parental training in best practices in child care. Hence the Agency’s resort to its Foster Care and adoption programme, with as many as 203 children being placed in alternative, more desirable home situations for the child victims.

Potential foster care and adoptive parents are screened, then trained, if approved, and children approaching the age to leave the programme, attaining the age of majority without family linkage, were given opportunity to acquire employable skills and other special training for independent living through the Ministry of Culture’s Youth

Entrepreneur Skilled Programme, the Kuru Kuru Training College, and the Guyana Industrial Training Centre.

Apart from their employable skills, CPA’s staff, particularly its frontline workers, engage in a continuum of training programmes for the development of a competent corps of professional workers to optimum capacity.

As the Government implements programmes to develop the country, Guyana’s most vulnerable, its children, are not forgotten; and through the CPA, much has been achieved in protecting and caring for the nation’s children.

CARICOM SG says 2015 can be watershed year POSITIVE energy infused fruitful discussions this week among key implementation partners of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Five-Year Strategic Plan 2015-2019, heralding a productive start to 2015.

These sentiments were expressed by CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, when he addressed the opening ceremony of the 35th Meeting of the Community Council of Ministers of CARICOM, said a press release from the CARICOM Secretariat.

The meeting commenced on Friday morning at the Georgetown, Guyana Headquarters of the CARICOM Secretariat.

The Secretary-General told the Council that following the CARICOM Heads of Government approval of the Strategic Plan last July, work has begun to implement the Plan. He stated that critical steps are being taken to establish the governance and operational structures among all the implementing partners of the Strategic Plan which is a critical element in the reform of the Community.

Preceding the meeting of the Council on Friday, two significant engagements were held on Tuesday and Wednesday among the Member States, the Regional Institutions and the Secretariat, and between CARICOM Ambassadors and Change Drivers to consider the draft Implementation Plan.

The Secretary-General said he was encouraged by the positivity which has been a factor throughout those discussions, adding that it was a spirit important at any time, but more significantly this year being the first of the Strategic Plan.

Those inputs have served to elaborate the relationship between the national and regional agendas, Ambassador LaRocque

said, noting that CARICOM Member States, Institutions, and the Committee of CARICOM Ambassadors have all contributed significantly to various elements of implementation plan.

“There was a full appreciation that each

ing towards achieving common goals. It was a sign of the readiness of the parties to begin their work on fulfilling the objectives of the Strategic Plan to the benefit of the people of the Community, he added.

The Council is now considering the revised Implementation Plan which benefitted from the “rich engagement” among the implementing partners, Secretary-General LaRocque said.

WATERSHED YEAR “This year, 2015, can therefore be a watershed year in the history of our Community. The effectiveness of acting together has proven itself time and again.

Let us continue to use that strength in our ongoing quest to provide a better life for the people of our Caribbean Community,” he encouraged the meeting.

CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque of us had a role to play in the successful implementation of the Plan. The enthusiasm and commitment displayed by all parties involved is testimony to the strong belief in the Strategic Plan’s potential to assist the Member States in meeting and defeating their current challenges,” he stated.

He noted that the collaboration which materialized from the meetings was envisaged in the Strategic Plan and it was fuelling a new mode of operation in the Community, geared towards ensuring cohesion and work-

CONFIDENCE IN CARICOM Meanwhile the Chairman of the Thirty-Fifth Meeting of the Community Council of Ministers of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Hon. Frederick Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration of The Bahamas, has underscored the crucial need for CARICOM. “I was asked the question that is heard too often around the region: what do you think will happen to CARICOM. Being a minimalist, I gave an answer that I always give: ‘if it didn’t exist we would have to invent it; not to expect more than can be delivered; not to put more on it than it can bear.’ There is an intrinsic value in the conversation alone,” he said in opening remarks on Friday.

Expressing The Bahamas’ commitment to CARICOM, Minister Mitchell said that

the Community was a part of its foreign policy, and added that he hoped his country would serve the Community well during its chairmanship.

The Bahamian Foreign Minister was full of optimism about the Region emerging out of its challenges.

“To be sure, one can list the issues, financial being amongst the most vexing. But the story of Joseph interpreting the dream of Pharaoh can best explain that life is cyclical and we have good years and lean years.

Things will turn around,” he predicted.

Looking ahead to the Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in February, in Nassau, The Bahamas, he said, “The conversation on the political economy can find no better forum.”

“It is the hope of our Prime Minister that we will have a detailed discussion on the issue of human development and in particular addressing the question of youth unemployment; their sense of despair and hopelessness. In his statement most recently in China at the CELAC meeting, he opined that if we do not address this issue, we do so at the peril of all of our societies. The Bahamas believes that culture and sports point the way to the future,” Mitchell said.

He told the meeting that he anticipated an assessment with the hope of making recommendations to CARICOM Heads of Governments on the shifting prices of commodities, including petroleum and their effects on Member States.

Calling the meeting’s attention to the crisis in Nigeria wrought by the terrorist group Boko Haram, he stated that CARICOM “can make its voice heard and push above its weight around the globe.”

The Community Council of Ministers is the second highest organ of CARICOM.

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday January 19 , 2015

Driver, conductor injured as minibus, car collide ––at Camp and Robb Streets

The damaged car following the accident

The injured conductor at the GPHC yesterday THE driver of a Route 50 minibus received injuries to his right foot and minor lacerations, while his conductor suffered lacerations and a gaping wound to the head when their minibus and a motorcar collided yesterday afternoon at Camp and Robb Streets.

The minibus toppled and landed on its side after reportedly being slammed by the car, which was proceeding south along Camp Street while the minibus was crossing the Camp and Robb Streets intersection in Georgetown.

Eyewitnesses have all said that the

The minibus after it was put back on its wheels

At the scene of the accident late yesterday driver of the car was speeding at the time of the accident. The conductor and driver of the minibus were the only persons in the vehicle at the time of the accident.

Speaking with Guyana Chronicle at the scene yesterday afternoon, driver of the minibus BNN 3109, Parman Majeed said that the car came with a lot of speed as he was trying to cross at the junction of Robb and Camp streets. Asked if the bus had all its documents up-to-date, the driver responded in the affirmative.

The man, who has steel in his right leg, said that this is the first time that he

has ever been in an accident.

Meanwhile, the driver of the car PRR 949, Cecil Williams, explained that he was proceeding along Camp Street when the driver of the minibus failed to stop at the junction of Camp and Robb Streets.

The man said that he attempted to avoid the bus, but it kept coming in his direction, hence the collision.

Over at the hospital, however, the conductor’s story contradicted that of the car driver. According to the conductor, who was awaiting medical attention for injuries he sustained to the head, they

The minibus driver were proceeding at a very slow rate when the car which was speeding jumped the intersection and struck the bus, causing it to topple on its side and skid.

The impact caused the bus to hit a parked vehicle which is said to belong to a Chinese national who operates a store on Robb Street.

The impact caused the windows of the bus to be shattered and blood was evident on the walls of the bus and the road.

The police arrived on the scene shortly after the crash and took the two drivers into custody. (Leroy Smith)

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 19, 2015

Four ex-employees of Canadian mining company claim outstanding salaries FORMER employees of the Canadian mining company, Mahdia Gold, are alleging that they have worked several months for the company without pay and were then subsequently dismissed without receiving their accrued payments.

The four - namely Stephen Heyliger, Rhonda Charles, Celestine Hinds and Alexander Heywood - said that Mahdia Gold owed them sums of money ranging from $1M to $289,000 since last year and has not made any attempt to pay them to date.

The four were last week picketing the Kingston office of the company in the hope of getting officials to fulfil their obligations to them, while also raising public awareness on their predicament.

The quartet are also hoping that the Ministry of Labour, to whom they have appealed for help, will expedite investigations so that they can get some measure of justice and relief.

Investigators find...

Engine failure caused fatal crash of Cessna last January CAPTAIN Blake Slater and loader Dwayne Jacobs, victims of the fatal aircraft crash near Olive Creek Region 7 (Cuyuni/ Mazaruni) last year January, lost their lives due to engine failure of the ill-fated Cessna 208B Grand Caravan.

Minister of Public Works Mr. Robeson Benn said that this was a critical finding of the investigations into the crash.

He said that a report on the tragedy will be released to the public shortly.

Mr. Zulfikar Mohamed, Director of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, disclosed that the fact of engine failure was determined by a team of investigators in Canada who had done an analysis of components of the aircraft sent to them by the GCAA. Mohamed said that the National Transport Safety Board (NTSB) of the USA, the Caribbean Aviation and Safety Oversight System (CASSOS), the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Suriname (CASAS), Cessna, the aircraft manufacturer and the engine manufacturer Pratt and Whitney had all been integrally involved in the investigations into the fatal crash.

He said that the engine

manufacturer, Canadian Pratt and Whitney, had since issued an airworthiness directive which is intended to eliminate the possibilities of the type of engine failure which caused the crash and the death of the two men.

The Cessna Caravan 8R-GHS Flight 700 operated by Trans-Guyana Airways was at the time on a shuttle operation carrying fuel between Olive Creek and Imbaimadai, also in Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) with Canadian-born Slater as pilot and loader Dwayne Jacobs on board.

The aircraft departed Olive Creek on January 18 at 10.54 hrs..

Captain Slater made the emergency Mayday Mayday call two minutes later at 10.56hrs, then his radio went dead.

The crash site was located by Guyana Defence Force Special Forces officers on January 20.

They found that the aircraft had impacted wooded terrain in the vicinity of Olive Creek. It was damaged beyond repair and both Slater and Jacobs had suffered fatal injuries.

The bodies were extricated and flown to Georgetown the following day January 21, 2014.

Protest for outstanding salaries: The four former Mahdia Gold employees outside Mahdia Gold office on Friday last

Final leg of Clean-Up My Country campaign nearing completion

Works being done in Brickdam, Georgetown

THE Clean-up my Country Programme implemented by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (MLGRD), which commenced in July of last year, is nearing completion.

Unforeseen circumstances had caused the December 31, 2014 deadline for completion of the project not to materialise. However, that was the peak period in the activity, when a number of community clean-up exercises were still ongoing and late submissions of proposals for communities to be cleaned were still being received.

The MLGRD has said that the clean-up campaign is currently being executed in four communities in Georgetown, while a general community clean-up is expected to commence in Region 10 by the end of January.

To date, 63 communities in and around Georgetown have benefitted from the

clean-up exercise, and works are still ongoing in Alexander Village, Charlestown, Campbellville (east) and Kingston.

A total of 75 groups signed on to the Clean Up My Country project, and 2,239 Community Enhancement Workers were employed for the massive programme.

The Georgetown aspect of the Programme saw 63 communities from Agricola to Atlantic Ville being engaged in community clean-up activities.

It was, however, noted by Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Ministry, Collin Croal, that, “due to the size of communities such as Albouystown, Meadow Brook Gardens, Alberttown, North East La Penitence, Kitty, Tucville, (Phases 1 & 2), South and North Cummingsburg, those areas were divided into phases which resulted in multiple contracts being signed for community clean-up”. He added that, on

the other hand, the majority of the communities which submitted proposals for community clean-up signed one contract each.

Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 have already benefited from the Regional CleanUp Programme, which gave residents the opportunity to get rid of their bulk waste.

Community Clean-up activities for Region. No 1 (Mabaruma Port Kaituma, Mathews Ridge) and 8 (Mahdia) are also being finalised.

The MLGRD also revealed that, “to wrap up the Clean-Up My Country Programme (in) communities in Georgetown where there are critical issues of residents dumping garbage in public spaces and in water, residential garbage receptacles and bags will be provided with the aim of encouraging persons to dispose of their garbage in a more responsible manner.”

In addition, skips (huge metal receptacles) will be distributed to the Georgetown Municipal Markets to assist with the maintenance of healthy sanitation and to encourage proper garbage disposal.

Regions 1, 5, & 6 benefited from construction of access roads which will aim to assist the Mlgrd’s Regional Solid Waste Programme, while Region 9 will benefit from construction of a fence around the landfill site, tender for which is now awarded through the Regional Tender

Board.

Moreover, 45 tractors and trailers will be handed over to various NDCs to aid in community maintenance work and in maintaining the aesthetics of public spaces across the regions; while mini-excavators will be handed over to the RDCs of Regions 1, 7, 8, 9, and 10 with the expectation that those pieces of equipment would be deployed within the regions wherever the need arises, “with a priority being their respective NDCs”, the MLGRD added.

It was disclosed that, in 2014, 11 standard fogging machines were handed over to each Regional Democratic Council, along with the Georgetown Municipality, to aid in their Fogging programme to help eradicate mosquito-borne diseases.

It was also noted that metal bins will be distributed to specific locations within the NDCs, in an effort to address the issue of indiscriminate dumping of waste.

CEMETERY CLEAN-UP Following a complete de-bushing of the Le Repentir Cemetery, spraying of the site is currently ongoing, the MLGRD has said.

The cemetery at Bourda has also been completely de-bushed, and the Municipality is expected to install a gate at the Regent Street entrance in an attempt to deter persons from dumping waste there.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 19, 2015

UG/Industry minibus operators – mull free travel for host ‘get-together’ the elderly IN an effort to foster camaraderie, the Minibus Operators Union yesterday held a day of activities at the Ogle Community Centre ground, East Coast Demerara, with indoor games, food and drinks.

The day of social interaction went rather well, as scores of minibus operators plying the UG/Industry route took time off to get together with their colleagues in an informal setting.

Frankie Mohan, a bus driver for more than 40 years, said that during the Christmas season, they were unable to hold a party; and since they saw it fitting to socialise, they prepared snacks, meals and drinks to observe the occasion.

He added that the UG/ Industry group has about 44 registered members, and they have recognised the need to socialise in order to build on their friendship and unity through a sit down and lime.

Mohan stated that they have bona fide members but they want to set an example and encourage others to form their own association.

The group is governed by a Code of Conduct which was vetted by the Minibus Operators Union under the leadership of Eon Andrews.

There is a system in place in which minibus operators in default would have to pay a fine as much as $5,000, according to the Chairman of the group, Mark DeLima.

He stated that the funds garnered are put away for events such as the ‘get-together’, but the union provided the beverages. De Lima noted that they have a vibrant group and they get along well through cooperation.

The UG/Industry group was formed in April 2014 and came into effect in May that year. Since then they have seen positive developments such as the agreement in which uniforms/caps and stickers marked UG/Industry were introduced.

Since then bus operators on that route have been better uniformed and disciplined and their attitude has changed for the better. This is so because they now realise they are providing a service for members of the public, explained Tulsie Ramkissoon, a member of the group.

Meanwhile Anand Persaud, who is a newspaper vendor as well as a minibus operator for more than 30 years, spoke about his experience yesterday among a group of members who were preparing sumptuous snacks

Part of the group of UG/Industry minibus operators (Photo by Michel Outridge)

and meals for the get together.

Persaud said, “We have a turn system, no touts, and we are organised with cooperation and no confrontation.”

FREE TRAVEL FOR ELDERLY He said that they are in

discussion with the Minibus Operators Union as they want to implement a system which caters for the elderly, thereby allowing persons 65 years and over to travel free on that route as their way of giving back to the communi-

ty. The group at present has a shift system in place which caters for UG students who attend late classes.

Persaud pointed out that they are also in talks with the union to erect a monument at UG and these are

only some of the things they want to do as an organised body with the relevant approval.

Members pay union fees of $500 per month and UG fees of $3,000 monthly.

(Michel Outridge)

18 footpath bridges constructed in communities in Regions 3, 4, 5 and 6 THE Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP) has invested over $4.6M recently to rehabilitate and construct 18 footpath bridges in several communities in Regions 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Approximately 1,800 residents are direct beneficiaries of the bridges, which replaced derelict structures encompassing broken rails, loose planks, missing planks and rotten beams, all of which made the structures unsafe for users.

The Ministry of Housing and Water through this component of CIIP helped to provide improved access within the following Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs): Seafield/ Tempie; Rosignol/Zeelust;

Profit/Rising Sun; Unity/ Vereeniging; Golden Grove/ Diamond Place; Gibraltar/ Fyrish; Lancaster/Hogstye; Hague/ Blankenburg; Best Klien/Pouderoyen; Greenwich Park/Vergenoegen; Hydronie/Good Hope; and Stewartville/Cornelia Ida. The targeted areas were identified by the NDCs and communities and works were undertaken where bridges were non-existent, deplorable or unusable.

According to Bibi Ameena Bacchuss, Overseer of Unity/Vereeniging NDC, the link between the communities of Good Hope and Hand-en-Veldt, East Coast Demerara is now strengthened, thanks to the construction of the bridge, which is used mainly by residents who take their

children to the private daycare, nursery and primary school.

She emphasised that this small project undertaken by the Ministry has great importance to the two communities. For many years the NDC was unable to repair the previous structure owing to financial limitations.

“The bridge was in a terrible condition…It was unsafe to cross with some planks missing and some rotten…residents avoided using the bridge and were using a private entrance…I am really glad it was repaired,” Bacchuss lamented.

Another area where access to a school was made a priority is Tempie at Quarter Walk, Region 5. The main users of this bridge are students attending No.29

Happy users of the recently constructed timber bridge linking the communities of Good Hope and Hand-en-Veldt, Region 4

Primary School and residents. It also provides direct access to the public road saving residents time and energy.

According to a resident, the previous bridge was abandoned for some time because of its deplorable condition. “The bridge

was shaky and had missing planks and so crossing was impossible and so we had to use the dam and of course that was not good during the rainy weather,” the resident said.

A new access was created at Greenwich Burial Ground, Region 3. The bridge was built at the back of the cemetery’s compound to provide access to unused plots. There is a bridge at the front of the cemetery, where most of the land space has been utilised and this had made accessing the cemetery difficult.

CIIP aims at improving access and aesthetics in targeted areas through initiatives which create local employment and fosters community cohesion.

(Ministry of Housing and Water)

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 19, 2015

CJIA rakes in over $1B in revenue – for third year running

By Clifford Stanley THE Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) collected in excess of a billion dollars last year in revenue, for the third year in a row.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramesh Ghir said that this consistently good financial performance has

been achieved because of classic market stimulation caused by the commencement of additional flights to and from CJIA during the course of the year.

During a media briefing on the performance of the CJIA for 2014, at the Ministry of Public Works last Friday, Ghir disclosed that income collected by CJIA

during 2014 amounted to $1,017B against expenses amounting to $678M. Owing to this surplus of income over expenditure, the CJIA managed to transfer the sum of $394M to the Consolidated Fund.

MORE LANDINGS Contributing to the g o o d f i n a n c i a l p e r f o rmance was the fact that jet aircraft landings at CJIA

increased from 2,523 in 2013 to 2,933 in 2014, mainly due to the introduction of additional flights from COPA, CONVIASA, FLY Jamaica, INSEL AIR and DYNAMIC Airways with total passengers flown totaling 478,092.

Imported cargo through CJIA for 2014 amounted to 3,296,000kg, representing a 44% increase over the previous year.

Exports amounted to 2,852,000kg or a 16% increase on that of the corresponding period in 2013.

Ghir reported that generally overall income received by the CJIA has almost doubled in the past six years and has increased five-fold from what it was in 2001.

Income collected over the past six years, he disclosed, comprised $599M in 2009, $633M in 2010, $748M in 2011, $1.2B in 2012, $1.07B in 2013 and $1.017B in 2014.

MARKET STIMULATION He attributed the growth and consistency in income to what he called the impacts of market stim-

ulation.

He noted for example that traffic to Venezuela increased dramatically upon Conviasa’s introduction of service from Guyana to Venezuela in February.

“The traffic moved from an average 200 per month in 2013 to as much as 1600 a month as at November 2014.”

Citing another example , he said that despite the fact that just 14% of the COPA Airlines traffic is local, the market was stimulated significantly upon introduction of their GEO service in July 14. For the period July-November, the market grew 73% over the same period in 2013.

ATTRACTING NEW AIRLINES He asserted: “In the aviation industry when we talk about attracting new airlines, if you build the infrastructure, if you build the facility and once you provide the incentives you will get the passengers and that has been the case last year.”

He added that infrastructure work in the country is important to attract-

ing airlines and making the destination attractive.

“The Mariott Hotel for example is a big plus for us. Airlines look for brand names because they are looking for business packages. If you have big hotels you will have activities such as business conventions, etc. - that can attract passengers and that is high premium, high yield for the airlines.”

He also said that the main constraint the CJIA is facing with respect to getting a new operator out of Europe is that it does not have the runway length.

He said: ”We cannot accommodate the Boeing 777 aircraft nor the 787 nor the airbus 350. For these flights we need these sorts of facilities for efficiency.”

Ghir projected that 2015 could be an even better year for the CJIA, since the airport is currently engaged in negotiations with eight additional airlines with respect to placing Guyana on their route and will benefit immensely income-wise if these negotiations bear fruit.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 19, 2015

Search for ASL aircraft continues...

Benn: Reduced Spot Tracker updates now mandatory MINISTER Robeson Benn disclosed Friday that his Ministry had directed that Spot Trackers monitoring the movements of aircraft must take updates of the location of their aircraft every two and a half minutes instead of the ten minutes which have been the general practice.

T h e S p o t Tr a c k e r i s a satellite-based device which transmits the position of an aircraft to a receiver usually operated by a Flight Operations Officer at the headquarters of the aviation company.

He said that this position by his Ministry was taken in the wake of the disappearance of the Air Services Limited (ASL) Islander aircraft which went

missing with two persons on board in December last with no trace as yet.` LESS COMPLICATED Benn said that reducing the time for updates by Spot Tracker to two and half minutes will result in a search area of about four miles which will make search and rescue or search and recovery far less complicated than the current system of acquiring updates every ten minutes.

Minister Benn noted that the ten-minute updates had resulted in a large area for search since an aircraft can travel a considerable distance in ten minutes after its position had been taken.

TSU ranks based at Public Buildings get new fans

THE Parliament Office on Friday donated four industrial fans worth over $200,000 to ranks of the Guyana Police Force’s Tactical Services Unit (TSU) based at the Public Buildings.

Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, while handing the fans over, said it has always been a goal of the Parliament Office to ensure that the ranks based at the Public Buildings are as comfortable as possible, so that they could discharge their responsibilities as efficiently as possible.

He added that over the years, the Office has been employing various methods to ensure that this is done, and the donation of the fans was just another addition.

Isaacs noted too that the Office has always enjoyed an excellent working relationship with the ranks tasked with maintaining the security of the Public Buildings, the Members of Parliament and staff, and opined that he is confident this will continue.

Receiving the fans on behalf of the TSU ranks was Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, Officer-in-Charge of the TSU, who expressed gratitude on behalf of the ranks.

He said he was grateful for the continued support of the Parliament Office and noted that the fans will go a far way in creating a comfortable environment for the officers as they perform their duties.

MANDATORY He said that the two and a half minutes update on the position of any domestic aircraft flying in local airspace is now mandatory.

Wi t h r e s p e c t t o t h e search and rescue operations /search and recov-

ery operations ongoing for the past three weeks, he said that aerial search and rescue teams and ground teams have almost exhausted all the possibilities for finding the missing Islander.

The search will however continue for a few more

days in the hope that a crash site can be found and that there can be some degree of closure to the mystery of the missing aircraft.

Islander Registration #8R-GHE was transporting cargo from Mahdia to Karisparu, Region 8 (Potaro/Siparuni) when it

disappeared around noon on December 28th last.

The ASL plane was being piloted by Nicky Persaud, 27, and also onboard was cargo loader David Bisnauth, 51.

Up to yesterday, the crash site had not been located.

12

APNU still undecided on secret talks with AFC THE shadow cabinet of the main opposition coalition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has made no definitive decision on the Alliance For Change’s (AFC) proposal for “confidential” talks, even though the entity had held a meeting on Tuesday last.

The coalition’s General Secretary, Joseph Harmon, told the Guyana Chronicle

in a telephone interview on Wednesday that “the matter is still being considered.”

The AFC recently disclosed that it is prepared to hold talks with APNU on condition that the discussions remain confidential.

“We don’t intend to negotiate an agreement within the public space, and therefore will not be commenting further on this matter until there

is a substantive announcement to be made,” AFC General Secretary David Patterson said in a statement.

Patterson disclosed that during an earlier meeting, the AFC had tabled a non-disclosure agreement for APNU to review. “The AFC tabled a non-disclosure agreement for review and signing by the APNU with the clear understanding that on the return of

the signed document, the AFC would release to APNU (its) draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which would form the template for our negotiations,” Patterson said.

The AFC’s articulated position came on the heels of statements made by APNU Leader Brigadier (Rtd.) David Granger, in which he disclosed that there have to date been no substantial discussions with the AFC. INDICATIONS OF CONFLICT Since news of the AFC proposal went public, much commentary has been bandied around. The most recent came from AFC consultant and member Professor Daizal Samad, who told a local daily that the AFC has no plans for a merger with APNU. “There are no such plans for a coalition…we are trying to attract

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 19, 2015

Joseph Harmon

David Patterson

talent from any corner,” Samad said.

Samad’s comments stand in contradictin with disclosures made by the APNU General Secretary, in which he stated that a merger of the two Opposition parties is a possible outcome of the talks being considered.

“A merger could be determined by the conversation we will have,” Harmon had said. “There is a possibility there. I think the Guyanese people will want to see any arrangement that puts the PPP (People’s Progressive Party) out of office.”

All considered, politicos

have commented that there is a clear conflict between the parties, particularly considering that, according to Harmon himself, APNU has been in possession of the AFC’s proposal since December last.

Asked about the contradiction and possibility of conflict over the proposal, Harmon said: “The parties (APNU and AFC) have agreed that the only authorities to speak on our positions are the General Secretaries, I or Mr. Patterson.”

Meanwhile, questions still persist as to whether APNU will acquiesce to the AFC proposal.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 19, 2015

Culture Ministry well geared for Mashramani activities – Minister Anthony THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has announced that it has a packed calendar of activities to commemorate Guyana’s 45th Republic Anniversary. Mashramani 2015 is being celebrated under the theme: “One People, One Culture, One Celebration”.

The children’s activities are well streamed, through the Ministry of Education, for all schools. This year’s activities will commence on January 19 in schools across the regions.

The final Mashramani competition for children is scheduled for February 1214. The Dance and Masquerade competitions will be held on February 12; Calypso and Dramatic Poetry on February 13; and the Costume Parade is slated for February 14. Rehearsals for the competitions are well underway among the participating schools.

Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony noted that Mash festivities will feature the traditional calypso, soca and chutney competitions.

The Calypso competition comprises two categories, junior and adult competitions.

The junior calypso competition is expecting to field 11 contestants, while the adult competition will feature 20

Flashback of Mashramani 2014

participants. The semi-finals will be held at Bartica, while the final competition is slated for Thirst Park. A band from the National School of Music will perform for the junior calypso contestants, while the Mingles Sound Machine will accompany the adult performers.

In addition, the Mashramani Chutney Competition will feature 19 contestants, who will be guided by the Shakti Strings Orchestra.

The competition is slated for the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground on

January 31.

The Mashramani Soca Monarch competition is expected to highlight the celebrations. The competition comprises two categories and the semi-finals will be held at Berbice, while the final competition is slated for the National Park. The competition will feature performances from the Heat Wave Band.

The minister said that over the years, the ministry has been working to resuscitate steel pan music in schools. This has been

evident through part-time music teachers who were placed at various schools, to teach students to play the steel pan.

The Mashramani 2015 steel band competition has been divided into two categories: school bands, which have been divided into a small and large groups, and the customary category.

These competitions will be held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

In addition, this year’s competition will feature an open contest of solo and

‘Mash’ Steel Pan Competition to commence on February 7 THE Mashramani 2015 Steel Pan Competition kicks off on February 7, and promises a riot of exciting sounds and innovations that signal a renaissance of this once dying art form.

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday last, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister (MCYS) Dr. Frank Anthony disclosed that things were going downhill for steel pan music in Guyana, but many efforts have been made since 2006 to inject new life into this art form.

Minister Anthony noted that, over the years, only a few bands had been participating in the Steel Pan

Competition, but, for this year, a number of bands have come on board to vie for the winning title. He noted that this increase in the number of participating bands came as a result of the number of resuscitative programmes which the MCYS had set up over the past year or so.

“Some of the efforts to resuscitate steel pan in Guyana included hiring teachers to go to schools and train students the art. Also, by donating several steel pans to various schools across the nation, and so forth, (the art form has been revived)”.

Minister Anthony said the Steel Pan Competition

has two categories: the regular category and the schools category.

SCHOOLS CATEGORY He disclosed that the schools category, which would be run off on February 7, would be split into two parts -- the small segment and the large segment.

Additionally, a total of 12 bands would be contesting for the winning title at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

REGULAR CATEGORY The regular category, he said, would be staged on February 8 and would include the solo, duet and

normal segments. A total of six bands and many solo players will be competing at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in this category.

Several steel pan concerts would add to the renaissance of this art form.

One is to be held in Berbice on January 25, and would be followed by ones on February 14 and 15 in Linden and Parika respectively.

Administrator of the National School of Music, Mr Andrew Tyndall, has said that the concerts will be held to raise funds in order to develop new bands and to continue the renaissance programmes of steel pan renditions.

duets, comprising six bands and a number of solo artistes will be performing.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has been working with persons to develop masquerade bands over the years and dance steps recorded on discs and manuals have been procured to educate persons on masquerade dancing.

Further, Minister Anthony said that the ministry will continue to work and encourage masquerade performers, so as to ensure that this art form is preserved.

A masquerade competition will be held in Essequibo, due to the increased number of masquerade bands present there. Bands from Regions 3, 4, 5 and 10 are expected to participate in the masquerade competition.

Meanwhile, a new activity has been added to this year’s calendar of activities: a literary street fair. This fair will feature an exhibition of books on Guyana’s history and the reason for Mashramani celebrations. This event will be held in front of the Ministry of Culture on Main Street on February 20, and it aims to encourage reading among the populace.

A flag-raising ceremony will also be held at Parliament Building, to commemorate Guyana’s Republic

Anniversary.

A national art exhibition will be held at the Castellani House that will depict information on Guyana’s history, as well as Mashramani souvenirs, while the National Museum will also mount an exhibition to showcase Guyana’s history.

Moreover, a lecture will be held on the Republic of Guyana and it will be hosted by prominent professors and writers.

Finally, a concert for senior citizens will be held at the Promenade Gardens, and this will feature a cultural programme.

The annual Mashramani Costume Float parade is slated for February 23, and it promises to be bigger and better. The parade will traverse from Camp and Church Streets to the National Park. A safety committee will be implemented on the day of the Costume Float Parade to ensure the safety of patrons.

In addition, the 10 administrative regions will also be hosting their annual Mashramani activities, parallel to the central Mashramani programmes.

Minister Anthony lauded the private sector for coming onboard to support Mashramani celebrations.

(GINA)

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday January 19, 2015

Eleven countries ready to land flights in Guyana

… awaiting completion of CJIA expansion ––GCAA Director

By Gary Eleazar

GUYANA is actively pursuing international airlines to enter the local market, either as a transit point or a destination, said Civil Aviation Department (GCAA) Director Mr Zulficar Mohamed. But flights coming from Europe and further afield are ‘long-haul flights’, and given the limited length of the runway at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), such ventures are currently not possible.

Mohamed made this disclosure recently whilst giving a performance review of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in the presence of Works Minister Robeson Benn, department heads, and those in attendance at the Ministry’s Kingston Office in Georgetown. He elaborated that while many countries have expressed an interest in operating in Guyana, the existing length of the runway deters such operations.

He said Guyana attended the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Air Services Negotiation event in Bali, Indonesia as recently as November, and met and held talks with representatives from 13 countries across the world. He reported that Guyana entered into agreements with Canada, China, Curaçao (Kingdom of the Netherlands), Ghana, Iceland, Kenya, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Qatar, Singapore and the United Kingdom, 11 of which can be brought into force if a significant bugbear were removed.

Mohamed said also that, while in Indonesia, the Guyanese team “did presentations which highlighted Guyana, and (we) showed them the development that we are about to undertake.”

He cautioned, however, that “when you talk about airlines operating from Europe and further east, you are talking about long-haul aircraft; without the runway capacity to handle those aircraft, it’s going to be a no-no.”

The GCAA Director reported that while many countries across the world have expressed an interested in operating

Guyana Civil Aviation Department Director, Zulficar Mohamed in Guyana, “we have to ensure that we have the facilities to accommodate them when they’re ready to come…. What we are doing here is that we are laying the groundwork for that.”

With the Agreements in place, he said, the way is paved for those countries to begin operating flights into Guyana when the CJIA expansion project is completed.

Substantive Minister Benn, during the course of the performance review, was also asked about the US$150M CJIA Expansion Project and its funding, since there was no Opposition support for the 2014 allocations. He responded by pointing to the Chief Justice’s recent ruling, which he said

Dynamic Airways boarding passengers at the CJIA recently

guides Government.

“As far as I am aware, the Chief Justice pronounced that they (political Opposition) could not cut the money; that is what I recall,” Minister Benn said.

He was making reference to the ‘Budget Cuts’ where, from 2012 to 2014, the political Opposition has denied support for large chunks of the annual estimates that were provided by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh.

Benn said all monies expended on the project during the course of last year will be reflected on the requisite documentation for the National Assembly, namely the Statement of Excesses.

“These are funds which are given to us, and we have to use…it has to be used or you lose it…it absolutely have to be spent for the national good,” Benn said.

CJIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramesh Ghir, in his performance review, lauded the fact that, for the third year, CJIA operations have seen revenue in excess of $1B. Ghir said that the local aviation sector also saw a modest increase in operations, with Caribbean Airlines being responsible for the transit of the bulk of passengers entering and leaving Guyana’s jurisdiction. Caribbean Airlines flew 366,880 passengers in and out of Guyana last year.

Travel Span, which commenced flights out of the CJIA in December, 2013 with a Boeing 767 aircraft, had flown in excess of 32,000 passengers before it suspended operations in September last, citing expenses incurred from the numerous cancelled flights and increased operational costs as the reason for its decision to cease operations.

Fly Jamaica also topped the 30,000 mark in terms of the number of passengers brought in and taken out of Guyana.

That airline commenced operating in August 2013.

Other operators landing flights in and out of Guyana include Insel Air and Dynamic Airways, which commenced operations in June 2014; as well as COPA Airlines, Conviasa and LIAT. Jet aircraft landings in Guyana, according to Ghir, increased from 2,523 to 2,933 last year, due mainly to the introduction of additional flights from COPA, CONVIASA, FLY Jamaica, INSEL AIR And Dynamic Airways.

On the domestic front, it was reported that, during the past year, several local operators were granted permission to expand their capacity with an additional 17 aircraft.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday January 19 , 2015

Housing sector has been transformational, dynamic –Housing Minister

HOUSING has been a transformation by itself, the housing team has been very dynamic and 2014 has been a success, said Housing and Water Minister, Irfaan Ali. During his year-end review, the minister explained that the success of his team at the ministry deserves special congratulations, as they had worked tirelessly over the year to meet all targets placed before them.

According to the minister, in 2014 the ministry’s team decided to place their focus primarily on infrastructural upgrading, advancing the turnkey project and in opening up new opportunities in improving occupancy and building the assets of the Guyanese people.

“We were able to complete a number of pilots in 2014: firstly, the young professional pilot project which today we have a demand that we never expected. We also have the core homes; we have the turnkey homes; the 1000 homes project where we have completed a hundred foundations and we have started another 50 homes,” Minister Ali noted.

Minister Ali, during a press update at Perseverance, East Bank Demerara, sometime in July had related that the 2014 Budget catered for more turnkey homes and the ministry had seen an increase in interest from applicants for the “move- in, ready-made” homes, and as such made provisions for more of these homes. He added that the project was moving apace, though launched only in June 2013.

“This project started construction in May of this year [2014] and is moving at a rapid pace. Even though we would have experienced some amount of rain, because of good drainage, construction can still be carried on.” He said the project is not without problems, but they are min-

The Eccles New Scheme young professionals project imal.The Turn Key initiative saw the ministry construct two-bedroom homes for $4.9M and three-bedroom homes for $9M, and those homes would be sold to qualifying beneficiaries.

The Eccles New Scheme turnkey project saw 60 houses being built and presently all have been allotted to young professionals. “We are in partnership with the private sector and professional groups. The Government would have put in the infrastructure [and] private capital would have assisted in the building of the homes,” Ali noted. He explained that for these projects to materialise, they had used all Guyanese professionals at all levels of

Houses from the 1,000 turnkey project in Perseverance

construction and consultations.

The ministry in 2015 is looking to have another 200 homes constructed at the same value as there continues to be a growing demand. The present bungalow homes were constructed at a cost of $13M with a bank value of $25M. The houses feature three bedrooms; kitchen equipped with counters and cupboards; two and a half baths and room for expansion. The two- storeyed houses feature the same amenities and cost $19.5M. The low to middle- income houses carry two bedrooms and estimated cost of between $4M to $8M. During an interview conducted in November 2014, Taslim Baksh, Director of Finance at the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) said in his overview of the project, presently within the Eccles New Scheme there is almost 80% occupancy . He stressed that $600M was invested by the private sector for this specific project.

In June 2013, the ministry launched the Perseverance 1000 turnkey homes and on May 19, the first batch of 50 houses started to be constructed. The cost for the completed house is $4.9 M with the house costing $4.4M and the land $500,000. Known as the Buttercup Cottages, they are twobedroom flat houses equipped with toilet and bath, kitchen and living area. The ministry as was explained will be providing water and electricity for the homes and have also modernised the houses with sealed rooms and sash-windows.

Minister Ali referred to the fact that in 2014, “We have employed directly to work on these projects some 800 persons this year, we have built the capacity of more than 20 small contractors and we have been able also through the capital investment and improvement to create close to 3000 jobs.” Explaining further, Ali, said that the investment by Government in the housing sector was able to create close to 4000 jobs in 2014.

Police OPR probing allegation of corrupt transaction ––against two ranks at Kurupung

THE Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is investigating an allegation that two po-

lice ranks attached to the Kurupung Station have been involved in a corrupt transaction to release

a dozen men who had been in custody following a shotgun find.

A release said the 12 men had been arrested and detained at Kurupung Police Station on January 12, 2015 in relation to

possession of an unlicensed shotgun and nine cartridges, and that the cops had been involved in a corrupt transaction with a view to having the men released from police custody.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 19, 2015

Java Coffee Bar: Comfort, relaxation in a cozy setting

By Alex Wayne

EVERYONE desires a bar that is ‘comfy’ and definitely oozing that special ambience that is conducive to good relaxation and desired coziness.

Well, my dears, I guess your hunting is over, because the highly creative Evie

Kanhai-Gurchuran and Miguel Gurchuran have sensed your cravings and have just recently opened the ‘Java Coffee Bar’ on the second floor of the Sharon’s Mall, at Charlotte and King Streets in Georgetown.

I must say I was certainly taken aback by the some-

what mystique setting the moment I visited, and this is all accentuated by the excellent style of furniture and décor. As I sat myself down, I was instantly arrested by a rush of moods ranging from cozy to chic, relaxing to exciting; and I was later smothered by lulling, soothing

solitude, all just magically conjured by the mere setting of this new joint.

Of course I had to mind deh business ah little, suh I start firing questions. I soon discovered that the concept of this sleek little coffee bar emanated from the brilliant minds of this couple and was made reality. “Java Coffee Bar is a pet project that my husband (Miguel Gurchuran) had often talked about.

I developed a deep passion for the coffee culture when I volunteered in North Africa and Libya… There is no alcohol in those primarily Muslim countries I visited, so the afternoon ritual was visiting the tea, coffee or hookah shops.

“I also worked in a coffee shop for a while, and I have always wanted to have my own place. My husband loves the coffee shop smells and the food!

“We both agreed that we wanted to do it right or not at all, so, three years ago, we built our dream spot in Duncan Street, (Campbellville) Georgetown and we were set to open in 2013, but had the most wonderful surprise: Our daughter came along, so our plans to open were pushed back a little.

“Our other businesses eventually spilled into the space we had designated for the coffee shop, and it seemed like the opening date would never come. But we continued to prepare…

“I did both the elementary and advanced baking classes at Carnegie School of Home Economics, and Miguel continued to research equipment and suppliers. In the summer of 2014, both of us, along with my youngest sister, attended training

in New York to become Baristas. It was intense. We did coffee culture, different drinks, coffee terminology, pulling espresso, latte art… the whole works!

“It was pure curiosity that caused us to venture into Sharon’s Mall and inquire about renting a space, and the minute I saw the spot I said to Miguel, “Please let’s open here”, and within six weeks we were open!

“We want to be different and still accessible to everyone with any budget.

We want people to have the best experience in service, food and drinks. We have developed our own drinks and sandwiches; they truly are unique, and still we offer what everyone is used to: pastries, cakes, sodas….

Our lunch specials are also different and are a fusion of Italian, Mexican, American and Guyanese cooking. Our breakfasts are pretty good too; you should definitely try our waffles some time”, Mrs Gurcharan said.

The Java Coffee Bar is currently limited by the mall’s opening and closing hours, but the couple hopes to open the Duncan Street location by October, 2015 where a lot more will be done, and there would be consideration for the dinner patrons.

Folks at this bar have a few activities for February, and will be rolling out their new Signature drinks for Valentine’s Day, including their “White Hot (Chocolate) Love” and “Red Velvet Kiss” treats.

My dear readers, do ensure that you stop in at the Java Coffee Bar for a sip and a nibble whenever you are in Georgetown.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 19, 2015

17

CARICOM condemns terrorist acts in Nigeria RECALLING the statement of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) condemning acts of terrorism in Nigeria, the Community Council of Ministers, on Friday, expressed strong condemnation of the continuing brutal massacre of thousands of innocent civilians in Nigeria by the terrorist group Boko Haram.

The Council held its 35th meeting at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, Georgetown, Guyana.

There, the Council appealed to the international community to display greater urgency in addressing the continuing slaughter by these terrorists in Nigeria and nearby countries.

The Council is of the view that acts of terrorism wherever they are perpetrated must be met with the strongest international response and calls for concerted action to bring an end to the horror being experienced in Nigeria in particular.

The Council also called for greater support to the Nigerian Government to combat these acts of terrorism and so enable their citizens to conduct their daily lives without fear.

Monday, January 19, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Tuesday, January 20, 2015 - 05:00 hrs Wednesday, January 21, 2015 - 05:00 hrs

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday January 19, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday January 19 , 2015

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday January 19, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday January 19 , 2015

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday January 19, 2015

AB de Villiers blasts ...

From back page in a 115-ball knock that brought him his maiden one-day century.

Even then, their stand never hinted at a total beyond 400 as South Africa eased to 142 without loss at the half-way point of the innings.

The left-handed Rossouw, 25, was the first to his hundred with a single to deep mid-wicket off the last ball of the 34th over bowled by seamer Andre Russell, also raising the

200-run mark.

Amla followed him three balls later in the next over from Dwayne Smith, carving the slow medium bowler to backward point for four.

Rossouw was really raising the tempo of the innings when he punched a Jerome Taylor half volley to Sulieman Benn at mid-off in the 39th.

Any hopes of a further breakthrough were quickly erased as de Villiers set about the Windies attack with relish, posting 192 for the second wicket with Amla. de Villiers smashed Russell for two fours and two sixes in the 40th over which cost 22 runs and ripped into Holder in the seamer’s eighth, the 42nd of the innings, which cost 24 runs and included three successive sixes and a four.

The over lifted de Villiers to his half-century off 16 balls and pushed South Africa beyond the 300-run mark.

R e m a r k a b l y, h e needed only a mere 15 balls more to complete his hundred, the landmark coming in Holder’s ninth over which cost 23 runs, as the Proteas plundered an incredible 163 runs from the last ten overs.

Smith and Gayle then started brightly, gathering 36 for the first wicket at close to the required run rate. Gayle seemed to be warming up when he lifted Philander for four to long on and then cleared the ropes in the same area off successive deliveries in the fourth over.

However, he holed out in the deep off Morkel in the next over and the Windies were

further set back when left-hander Leon Johnson struggled for 15 balls over one in adding 27 with Smith, before falling lbw to Philander in the tenth over.

We s t I n d i e s t h e n flourished through two half-century stands. Firstly, Smith put on 59 for the third wicket with Samuels who faced 48 balls and struck three fours and a six.

Smith, who consumed 65 balls and hammered nine fours and a six, played freely before finding JP Duminy running around from long off, as he tried to clear the boundary with seamer Farhaan Behardien in the 22nd over.

T h r e e o v e r s l a t e r, Samuels drove Philander for Behardien at cover to take a leaping catch, paving the way for an enterprising 83-run stand between Ramdin and Carter.

Ramdin fashioned only his sixth one-day half-century off 55 balls, cracking four fours and a six while Carter, in only his second ODI, played bravely with three fours and a six in a 39-ball knock.

They were separated when Carter tried to pull one from fast bowler Dale Steyn and was caught at mid-on by substitute Wayne Parnell in the 37th over to leave the Windies on 231 for five.

And any hopes of a miracle disappeared two balls later in the next over when Russell found the lap of deep midwicket with leg-spinner Imran Tahir’s long hop, to depart without scoring of the first ball he faced.

SCOREBOARD SOUTH AFRICA innings

H. Amla not out 153 R. Rossouw c Benn b Taylor 128 AB de Villiers Carter b Russell 149 D. Miller not out 0 Extras: (lb-4, w-4, nb-1) 9 Total: (2 wkts, 50 overs) 439 Fall of wickets: 1-247, 2-439.

Bowling: Taylor 10-0-95-1 (w-1), Holder 9-0-91-0, Benn 10-0-49-0, Russell 10-0-78-1 (w-2), Sammy 4-0-26-0, Samuels 3-0-28-0, Smith 4-0-68-0.

WEST INDIES innings D. Smith c Duminy b Behardien 64 C. Gayle c Behardien b Morkel 19 L. Johnson lbw b Philander 1 M. Samuels c Behardien

b Philander 40 D. Ramdin c du Plessis b Morkel 57 J. Carter c sub. b Steyn 40 A. Russell c du Plessis b Tahir 0 D. Sammy not out 25 J. Holder not out 21 Extras: (b-4, lb-8, w-10, nb-2) 24 Total: (7 wkts, 50 overs) 291 Fall of wickets: 1-36, 2-63, 3-122, 4-148, 5-231, 6-232, 7-253.

Bowling: Morkel 10-0-43-2 (w2, nb-2), Philander 10-0-69-2 (w-5), Steyn 10-0-29-1 (w-2), Duminy 4-0-39-0, Imran Tahir 10-0-60-1 (w-1), Behardien 6-0-39-1.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday January 19, 2015

Australia beat India to signal World Cup ambitions (REUTERS) - Australia beat world champions India by four wickets in a thrilling One Day International at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday, overcoming a late mini-collapse to win with just six balls remaining.

India’s world record holder Rohit Sharma (138) smashed his sixth ODI International century to contribute more than half of his team’s total but Mitchell Starc’s career-best 6-43 restricted the visitors to 267-8.

When the hosts replied, swashbuckling opener Aaron Finch proved he is not just a reckless slogger, compiling a composed 96 as Australia overwhelmed the target with one over

Rohit Sharma’s sixth ton powers India to 267-8

to spare.

Finch hit five fours and two sixes in his 127-ball knock but missed out on his seventh ODI century as Australia chalked up their second win in the tri-series, which also involves England.

Australia’s chase got off to a strong start with the openers putting on 51 runs before the dangerous David Warner (24) spooned a simple catch to Suresh Raina at extra cover.

Shane Watson (41) also began aggressively but looked desperate when

… Australia overcome mid-innings collapse year but the Indian opener gave Australian bowlers an insight into his intentions ahead of next month’s World Cup with an almost a run-aball knock.

Opting to bat first, India slumped to 59-3 inside the first 13 overs before Sharma and Raina (51) set about rebuilding the innings adding 126 for the fourth wicket.

Sharma’s 138 came off 139 deliveries and was highlighted by nine boundaries and four sixes at the MCG, which will host the World

India’s Rohit Sharma celebrates reaching his century during their one day international tri-series cricket match agianst Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, yesterday.

(Credit: REUTERS/David Gray)

Mitchell Starc reined India in with late wickets to finish with six for 43.

boundaries stopped flowing and lost his off-stump to left-arm spinner Akshar Patel going for a slog-sweep.

Steve Smith (47), who punished India in the preceding four-Test series, continued to trouble them, once again exposing the visitors’ bowling limitations with his century-stand with Finch.

From 216-2, Australia lost four quick wickets to inject fresh excitement in the contest but eventually prevailed when James Faulkner hit the winning boundary off Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Earlier, Sharma did not threaten the record 264 he blasted against Sri Lanka last

INDIA innings Ro. Sharma c Maxwell b Starc 138 S. Dhawan c Finch b Starc 2 A. Rahane c Haddin b Sandhu 12 V. Kohli c Bailey b Faulkner 9 S. Raina c Maxwell b Starc 51 M. Dhoni b Starc 19 A. Patel lbw b Starc 0 R. Ashwin not out 14 B. Kumar b Starc 0 M. Shami not out 2 Extras: (b-1, lb-3, nb-1, w-15) 20 Total: (for 8 wickets, 50 overs) 267 Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-33, 3-59, 4-185, 5-237, 6-237, 7-262, 8-262.

Bowling: M. Starc 10-2-43-6 (w-4), P. Cummins 10-0-52-0 (w-2), G. Sandhu 10-0-58-1 (w-3), J. Faulkner 10-0-63-1 (nb-1, w-2), S. Watson

Cup final.

The elegant right-hander departed in the penultimate over when he mistimed a full toss from Starc and holed out to Glenn Maxwell at midwicket.

Starc, who claimed four wickets in Friday’s tournament opener against England, missed out on a hat-trick but walked away with backto-back man-of-the-match awards.

India meet England in the third match of the series tomorrow.

8-0-33-0 (w-2), G. Maxwell 2-0-14–0.

AUSTRALIA innings A. Finch c Dhoni b U. Yadav 96 D. Warner c Raina b U. Yadav 24 S. Watson b A. Patel 41 S. Smith c Ashwin b Shami 47 G. Maxwell c & b B. Kumar 20 G. Bailey stp. Dhoni b Ashwin

5 B. Haddin not out 13 J. Faulkner not out 9 Extras: (lb-3, w-11) 14 Total: (for 6 wickets, 49 overs) 269 Fall of wickets: 1-51, 2-115, 3-216, 4-219, 5-230, 6-248.

Bowling: B. Kumar 9.5-0-44-1 (w3), U. Yadav 10-1-55-2 (w-4), M. Shami8.1-0-44-1 (w-1), A. Patel 100-45-1 (w-1), R. Ashwin 9-0-54-1, S. Raina 2-0-24-0 (w-2).

Cazorla shines as Arsenal hit Man City’s title bid

By Tom Hayward LONDON, England (Reuters) - Arsenal ended their away hoodoo against Premier League title challengers with a 2-0 victory at Manchester City yesterday that left Chelsea five points clear at the top.

Santi Cazorla gave Arsenal the lead from the penalty spot in the 24th minute, after returning City skipper Vincent Kompany felled Nacho Monreal, and Olivier Giroud doubled the lead in the 67th minute with a deft header from Cazorla’s free kick.

City included fit-again Sergio Aguero in their starting lineup for the first time since early December but the Argentine was largely anonymous against a vastly-improved Arsenal defence.

The result lifted Arsenal to fifth on 39 points and one behind Manchester United in fourth.

Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud celebrates his goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Manchester City at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, northern England yesterday. (Credit: REUTERS/Phil Noble) The end of second-placed City’s 12-match unbeaten run left them on 47 points to Chelsea’s 52 with their next league outing a daunting trip to Stamford Bridge on January 31.

E u ro p e a n h o p e f u l s West Ham United earlier revived their push for a top-four finish with a 3-0 victory over relegation-threatened Hull City at Upton Park.

The result sent the Hammers up to seventh with 36 points from 22 games, just four behind Manchester United. Struggling Hull are 18th, level with Queens Park Rangers and two points above bottom-of-the-table Leicester City.

Arsenal were a far tougher nut to crack than the one that lost 6-3 at City last season and Cazorla epitomised a team performance full of hard work and endeavour.

“It’s not an easy place to come, and Manchester City have made this a bit of a fortress, but we’ve done well and got the win. Santi Cazorla was a different class,” Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey told Sky Sports.

Arsenal were compact, disciplined and resolute as City dominated possession in the opening exchanges.

In the 22nd minute Monreal was blocked by Kom-

pany as he raced onto a one-two with Giroud and referee Mike Dean pointed to the spot. Cazorla nervelessly dispatched the penalty past a despairing Joe Hart. The ease with which Arsenal dealt with City’s attacking raid’s prompted the introduction of Stevan Jovetic at halftime.

With his arrival, City reverted to 4-4-2 and twice went close after the resumption when Aguero curled an effort wide before Jesus Navas’ rasping shot was parried by David Ospina.

Navas’ teasing cross was then diverted for a corner as City players queued up at the back post.

Just when City’s pressure threatened to reach breaking point Arsenal doubled their lead through Giroud who met Cazorla’s accurate free kick with a delicate header.

City laid siege to the visitors’ goal but Arsenal held firm for their first win away at either of the two Manchester

clubs since 2010 when they beat City 3-0.

HAPPY HAMMERS With Sone Aluko leading Hull’s attack in the absence of a host of firstchoice forwards including Nikica Jelavic, the visitors were the better team in the first half at Upton Park but were hindered by poor decision-making at crucial times.

Hull’s already injury-ravaged squad received another blow when defender James Chester was helped off with a dislocated shoulder.

The second half saw West Ham reassert themselves, with Enner Valencia’s speculative shot parried by goalkeeper Allan McGregor and in-form Andy Carroll bundling home the loose ball.

Substitute Morgan Amalfitano then doubled the lead with a delightful chip after 69 minutes.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday January 19, 2015

Natural talent de Villiers thrills on record day

By Nick Said

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Reuters) - AB de Villiers may not be considered one of the genuine power-hitters of the game, but his record-breaking innings in yesterday’s second one-day international against West Indies at The Wanderers showed he is arguably the most skilled.

The South African captain belted a century off 31 balls, five deliveries quicker than previous record-holder Corey Anderson against the same wilting West Indian attack last year.

But there was not a slog to be seen as he manoeuvred himself around the crease to create the right angles to score, and used his incredible eye and quick hands to loft the ball through the thin Highveld air and over the

AB de Villiers raises his arms after a stunning 31-ball hundred against West Indies in Johannesburg, yesterday. boundary.

Having sat through almost 39 overs as South Africa piled on 247 runs for the opening stand de Villiers promoted himself up the

order.

When he joined Hashim Amla in the middle, he told his fellow batsman that he was “going to have a look for one over.”

That theory lasted only seconds as he slapped his first ball down the ground for four.

When he took 20 runs from four balls in Andre Russell’s next over, he set himself up for a shot at the record for the quickest half-century and got there with two more sixes off opposing captain Jason Holder.

Not content to take a breather, he struck the next ball for six too, as a Wanderers crowd that have seen many special knocks from de Villiers before began to sense they were in for another treat.

And he just kept going.

West Indies tried varying the length, the line and the pace of their deliveries but it made no difference.

As he neared the record for the fastest century, he used the same method to get

Malinga slings four in four …South Africa needed four runs to win against Sri Lanka, with five wickets in hand, when Lasith Malinga ripped them apart THE game seemed dead and buried; South Africa were chasing 210 and Jacques Kallis held one end up as they moved slowly towards the target.

Kallis and Shaun Pollock were batting when Mahela Jayawardene threw the ball to Lasith Malinga in the 45th over. South Africa needed four to win with five wickets in hand.

After attempting four yorkers, Malinga surprised Pollock with a slower one that went past the waft to hit leg stump.

But even when Andrew Hall scooped the next delivery, a yorker, straight to cover, there was no real sense of a collapse in the air.

However, the situation dramatically altered in Malinga’s next over. Kallis edged an intended square drive to the wicketkeeper the hat-trick - and Makhaya Ntini couldn’t put any wood behind a screaming yorker.

All of a sudden, Malinga had four in four and ten deliveries left.

It was nearly over the very next ball as a thunderbolt yorker curved past Charl Langeveldt’s bat and shaved the off stump. The camera panned to the South African dressing room: they looked shell-shocked. Langeveldt survived nine tense deliveries that included a maiden from Chaminda Vaas, and Robin Peterson faced up to Malinga in the 49th over. The first ball flew past the outside edge but the second cleared the slip fielder and ran away to the third-man boundary.

MISSED OPPORTUNITY If there could ever be a disappointment to come from such a brilliant innings, it is that de Villiers fell one run short of shattering another record.

When he was caught by Russell, he was out for 149 from 44 deliveries. It meant he had missed out on also notching up the fastest 150 in ODI cricket - that record held by Australia’s Shane Watson off a relatively se-

date 83 deliveries.

But de Villiers does not care about that, if he did he would have taken an easy single. Instead he was caught on the cover boundary going for another six.

When he first came on the international scene as a raw but talented 21-year-old in 2004, he brashly stated his ambition was to be the best batsman in the world.

There were more than a few raised eyebrows at the time, but yesterday former England bowler Bob Willis summed up de Villiers’ standing in the sport.

“I’ve been saying for the last 30 years that Viv Richards has to be the best batsman of all-time, even better than Sir Don Bradman in my book,” he said.

“But I’m going to have to reassess because this guy is something extraordinary.”

ers, but they were within a hair’s breadth, on that day, of doing what even they have never done before.”

Sri Lanka may have lost that game but Malinga’s performance brought their campaign alive.

South Africa sank in the semi-final while Sri Lanka marched on to the final, where they were taken down by a brutal knock from Adam Gilchrist.

(ESPN Cricinfo0

Lasith Malinga South Africa managed to “South Africa tried to win a game that they had laugh off the tag of chokno business losing anyway, but Malinga had so nearly pulled a Houdini on them.

“Before Malinga’s feat, LONDON, England (Reuters) - Statbox on the fastest no bowler in one-day hiscenturies in one-day international cricket after South tory had managed four African AB de Villiers smashed the record against the in four... and in so doing West Indies at The Wanderers yesterday. threatened to produce the greatest one-day turnTOP TEN; around,” Tony Greig said.

1) AB de Villiers (South Africa) - 31 balls against West Indies in Johannesburg on January.18, 2015.

2) Corey Anderson (New Zealand) - 36 balls against West Indies in Queenstown on January1, 2014.

3) Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) - 37 balls against Sri Lanka in Nairobi on October4, 1996.

4) Mark Boucher (South Africa) - 44 balls against Zimbabwe in Potchefstroom on September 20, 2006. *Took 19 minutes to score 50 and 40 minutes to reach 5) Brian Lara (West Indies) - 45 balls against Bangladesh his century in Dhaka on October 9, 1999. *Already the only batsman ever to score an ODI century 6) Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) - 45 balls against India in after coming in to bat after the 30th over, he has now achieved Kanpur on April.15, 2005. the feat twice.

7) Jesse Ryder (New Zealand) - 46 balls against West His sequence of runs was: Indies in Queenstown on January 1, 2014.

4-2-1-1-4-6-4-6-6-0-2-2-leg bye-1-6-6 (brings up 50) 8) Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) - 48 balls against Paki6-4-6-1-4-1-1-0-4-4-0-6-4-6-6 (brings up 100) 6-leg bye-6stan in Singapore on April 2, 1996.

1-6-6-4-6-6-2-2-0-OUT 9) Kevin O’Brien (Ireland) - 50 balls against England in There was one record, however, that got away.

Bangalore on March 2, 2011. de Villiers fell one run short of scoring the fastest-ever 10) Virat Kohli (India) - 52 balls against Australia ODI 150 when he was dismissed for 149 off 44 deliveries. in Jaipur on October 16, 2013. (Compiled by Sam Australian Shane Watson holds the record but it took Holden, editing by Pritha Sarkar) him 83 balls to reach the landmark. Positively sloth-like!

The AB de Villiers monument in numbers

(REUTERS) - South Africa’s AB de Villiers set a number of records as he smashed the fastest ever ODI century against West Indies yesterday. *Fastest 50 in ODIs in 16 balls (breaking Sanath Jayasuriya’s previous record by one ball) *Fastest 100 in ODIs in 31 balls (breaking New Zealander Corey Anderson’s previous record by five balls) *Equalled Rohit Sharma’s record for most sixes (16) in an ODI innings *Helped South Africa to reach their highest ODI total of 439 *Recorded a strike rate of 339 during his knock -- the first time a batsman has made a 100-plus score at a 300-plus strike rate.

past that milestone off the same unfortunate bowler.

He hit two sixes to pass the record and the next ball over the boundary too as if to emphasise his dominance.

There was little fuss at reaching the milestone either: a smile, a casual raise of the bat and hug for batting partner Amla.

Fastest ODI centuries

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday January 19, 2015

Wilder beats Stiverne to win WBC heavyweight title DEONTAY Wilder became the first American heavyweight world champion since 2006 after taking the WBC title off Bermane Stiverne on points.

Wilder, 29, dominated against his 36-year-old Canadian rival, with the three judges scoring the bout 118-109, 119-108, 120-107 in his favour.

The win was the first time Wilder had not won by knockout as he extended his unbeaten record to 33-0.

“I answered a lot of questions tonight,” said Wilder.

“I already knew I could go 12 hard rounds and take a punch. I am just excited,” he added.

Ukraine’s Wladimir Klitschko holds the WBA, IBF and WBO titles.

Wilder had not gone

past the fourth round in any of his previous fights, but he constantly outpunched a lack-lustre Stiverne in Las Vegas on Saturday.

“I want to bring excitement back to the heavyweight division,” said the American, who won an Olympic bronze at the Beijing Olympics and knocked out Britain’s Audley Harri-

briefly held the WBO title.

Stiverne suffered his second defeat from 26 pro fights.

“It just feels like I was flat in the ring,” he said. “I didn’t do what I know I can do. I need to go back and work on the mistakes.

“I couldn’t cut the ring.

I couldn’t move my head like normal.” (BBC Sport)

Tactical change reaps reward for new-look, solid Arsenal

Deontay Wilder is the first American since 2006 to win a heavyweight title.

African Cup of Nations ...

Bolasie scores as honours even between DR Congo and Zambia

CRYSTAL Palace’s Yannick Bolasie scored the equaliser for Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) in an entertaining Group B encounter with Zambia, yesterday.

Zambia were ahead just 62 seconds in through Given Singuluma but Crystal Palace forward Bolasie fired home the equaliser midway the second half.

The two teams therefore started with a point apiece in a Group B table that also includes Tunisia and Cape Verde.

The early opener came when Rainford Kalaba’s cross from the left, aimed at Ronald Kampamba, was only parried to the edge of the box by DR Congo keeper Robert Kidiaba.

Chisamba Lungu controlled but Singuluma took charge and curled a first-time finish into the bottom corner.

Dieumerci Mbokani blazed over from six yards at the other end after Kennedy Mweene fumbled away Mpeko Issama’s low cross, by far DR Congo’s best chance of the first half .

Kidiaba punched away Kalaba’s 30-yard free-kick,

son in one round in 2013.

After Boston’s John L Sullivan became the first gloved champion in 1885, the heavyweight division was dominated by American fighters for more than 100 years.

However, the last American to own a portion of the world heavyweight crown was Shannon Briggs, who

DR Congo’s Yannick Bolasie (R) vies with Zambia’s Nathan Sinkala (L) during the 2015 African Cup of Nations. which he could easily have held, and Singuluma shot wide.

Mbokani flashed a longrange effort wide and Chancel Mbemba headed Ndombe Mubele’s free-kick over the bar.

Kalaba worked space for a cross which troubled Mbemba, who was rescued by his keeper Kidiaba.

Mweene made a good save with his right foot after Bolasie failed to connect

cleanly with a 15-yard effort and Emmanuel Mbola made an important clearance as Zambia preserved their lead to the interval.

Mbokani stretched to reach Ndombe Mubele’s cross early in the second half but could not steer the ball goalwards.

He sent another shot wide before Bolasie’s poor free-kick was easily taken

by Mweene in a quiet start to the second half.

LONDON, England (Reuters) - A change of tactics reaped rewards as a new, more subdued but more solid Arsenal arrived at Manchester City yesterday, saw less of the ball than usual yet masterfully outplayed the champions.

Arsenal registered just 35 percent possession their lowest total since these statistics were first compiled 11 years ago yet produced perhaps their finest performance in recent seasons to end their away-day woes against the Premier League elite with a 2-0 win.

At the same Etihad venue last season, Arsenal commanded 48 percent of the ball but in attempting to go toe-to-toe with City were thumped 6-3.

They were similarly humbled 6-0 and 5-1 at Chelsea and Liverpool respectively, with continued criticism of manager Arsene Wenger suggesting he was stubbornly refusing to learn lessons or demonstrate tactical progression.

Against City, though, after Arsenal had taken only seven points out of the last possible 48 against Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, it seemed the penny had finally dropped.

Wenger’s masterclass was reminiscent of his old foe Jose Mourinho’s recent raids with Chelsea on for-

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini (R) and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger speak during their English Premier League soccer match at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, northern England , yesterday.

(Credit: Reuters/Phil Noble) tress Etihad where resolute, disciplined defence is routinely combined with ruthless, swift counter-attacking.

“It is important to get that (away win) out of the way, to show we can win away in the Premier League, and that will make us stronger,” Wenger told the BBC. “I think we carried that a while, everybody questioning our defensive solidity, and to get that today is very important.”

Except for a 15-minute period at the start of the second half when Arsenal reverted to a bolder attacking style, Wenger’s men looked secure and untroubled.

Wenger deployed Francis Coquelin and Aaron Ramsey as a defensive shield in front of their back four and it took

City 36 minutes to eke out their first shot.

Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain curbed their attacking instincts to defend with energy and protect the full backs as Santi Cazorla, scorer of the first goal and maker of the second for Olivier Giroud, proved the game’s pivotal figure.

Wenger made it sound like a turning point. “We looked in control away from home and finally got a big win in a big game away,” he said.

“What is pleasing is that reinforces the belief of the team. To feel that you can do well is very important.

“Sometimes, the fact that you have to find solutions internally is a blessing.”

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday January 19, 2015

GTTA to commence training for C/bean tourney THE Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) has planned tournaments for Cadets and Juniors which will commence next month.

GTTA secretary Linden Johnson yesterday said that the tournaments would be used to shortlist players for the Caribbean Cadet/ Junior Table Tennis tournament scheduled for April in the Dominican Republic.

Persons interested in participating in the upcoming tournaments must register with the association no later than January 30.

Johnson said that at present the GTTA has not scheduled tournaments for the Pre Cadets as a response from the Barbados association is being awaited.

“Barbados would be hosting the Caribbean Pre Cadets tournament but no word on

MICHAEL SINGH

the date has been received as yet. We are expecting a word soon and once that is received our Pre Cadet preparation plans would be drafted,” Johnson said.

The Cadets and Juniors local tournaments will serve off on February 1 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The GTTA will require players to submit to fitness checks on February 8, as part of the selection criteria for the team to Dominican Republic, Meanwhile, the annual National Sports Commission Mashramani tournament is scheduled to commence on February 13.

The competition is open to Mini Cadets (nine years and under), Pre Cadets, Cadets, Juniors, Under-21 and senior players. Registration for this tournament closes on February 11.

GTTA secretary Linden Johnson

GABA elections set for January 25 THE Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) will hold their Annual General Meeting and Elections on Sunday January 25, at the Roraima Duke Lodge at 12:00hrs.

According to president Michael Singh, the positions to be contested are for president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and assistant secretary/ treasurer.

Teams and affiliates are asked to have two senior members present for voting and interested candidates are asked to contact Singh via Facebook or email:mk-

singh2@networksgy.com.

“Dynas Ravens, TGH Pacesetters, Colts, Pepsi Sonics, Republic Bank Nets, Eagles, UG Trojans, Plaisance Guardians, Knights, Melanie Patriots are the affiliated clubs while other teams who can observe are Buxton Heat and West Side Jammers,” said Singh.

The GABA president, in other sections of the media, said that he’s not seeking re-election and is willing to work with whomever the clubs feel is competent to lead the association through the constituted period.

RACING TIPS SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Flamingo Park 08:20 hrs King Olaf 08:50 hrs Secret Delight 09:20 hrs Caribbean Bay 09:50 hrs Jewel Of The Stage 10:20 hrs Vestal Virgin AMERICAN RACING TIPS Philadelphia Park Race 1 Harbor Fox Race 2 Pesci to De Niro Race 3 No Its Not Race 4 Risque’s Venom

Race 5 Its Time to Reign Race 6 Money Only Race 7 Dan’s Gold Race 8 Kiss Me Forever Race 9 Maybe Tonight FRENCH RACING TIPS Cagnes-Sur-Mer 08:50 hrs Elusive Kay 09:20 hrs Djoko 09:50 hrs Charly Chop 10:20 hrs Zack Hall 10:55 hrs Mokka 11:25 hrs Etoile Esina 11:55 hrs Teodash

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Wolverhampton 09:10 hrs Your Gifted 09:40 hrs Urban Castle 10:10 hrs What Usain 10:40 hrs Lions Charge 11:10 hrs Gabrial The Thug 11:40 hrs Persona Grata 12:10 hrs Whitchurch 12:40 hrs Breakheart EXETER 09:20 hrs Herbert Park 09:50 hrs Risk A Fine 10:20 hrs Winged

Crusader 10:50 hrs Queen Of The Stage 11;20 hrs Somchine 11:50 hrs Magical Man 12:20 hrs Nitrogen BANGOR 09:25 hrs Mantou 10:00 hrs Kaki De La Pree 10:30 hrs Wyck Hill 11:00 hrs Nafaath 11:30 hrs Itstimeforapint 12:00 hrs Mahler Lad

NOTABLE DATES DENNIS Andries was into his 13th year as a professional boxer when he tackled Guy Waters on January 19, 1991.

The fight was refereed by Richard Steele and held at the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre in Adelaide, Australia. The Guyanese light heavyweight retained his World Boxing Council title via a unanimous decision.

Judge Chuck Williams scored it 115-114 while Sheila Harmon and Davey Pearl saw it 116-112 and 117-113 respectively. Although born in Guyana, Andries never had a professional bout in his homeland and fought under the British flag.

He turned pro in 1978 and won the WBC title eight years later following a split decision victory over J. B. Williamson on April 30, 1986.

He made one successful defence before clashing with Thomas `Hitman’ Hearns in March 1987.

Hearns snatched the crown when referee Isaac Herrera stopped the contest at one minute 26 seconds of the 10th round to prevent further punishment to the Guyanese. However, Andries bounced back and was again named WBC champion when he TKOed Tony Willis on February 21, 1989 to take the vacant title Andries had his last fight on December 14, 1996 and left with a record of 49 victories (30 kos), 14 defeats and two draws. He will turn 62 in November.

NOTABLE DATES KNOWN as the `Buxton Bully’, junior welterweight Troy Hill defeated Gary Richardson via points decision on January 19, 1992.

The six-rounder was the second fight of Hill’s career which lasted seven years. The `Buxton Bully’ opened his professional account on May 27, 1991 and earned a third-round TKO over Lancelot Cyrus.

He was undefeated in five bouts when he met Keith `Crusher’ Thomas in July 1992. Thomas won by a knockout in the third round. Hill took a two-year hiatus and returned in 1994. His lone fight that year ended in a technical draw.

Hill again took a break from the sport; only this time he extended it to four years. He made a comeback on October 25, 1998 but was defeated by `Deadly’ Denny Dalton.

Hill’s career produced four victories, two defeats and one draw. He fought a total of 33 rounds.

CRICKETQUIZ CORNER (Monday January 19, 2015) 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 Saturday’s quiz:

(1) Larry Gomes & Michael Holding (60 Tests each) (2)Sir Frank Worrell (51 Tests)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who was SA first captain when they returned to the international scene in 1991/92?

(2)How many ODIs were played before the first T20 International was contested?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday January 19, 2015

Reifer just want to play cricket no matter who selects him … after match-winning innings against home team

By Calvin Roberts YEARS ago when the cinemas were in operation here in Guyana, we would watch kung-fu movies and always here the phrase in some of them that says, “Only a ninja can kill a ninja”, at some point in time of the movie, especially in the depth.

Last Saturday night at the Queen’s Park Oval, one could say without hesitation and in slight comparison, ‘Only a Bajan can kill a Bajan,’ after Barbadian all-rounder Raymon Reifer piloted his adopted team the Guyana Jaguars to a sensational and breathtaking two-wicket victory over defending champions Barbados Pride.

Guyana Jaguars, who had defeated Windward Islands Volcanoes by 142 runs in their first round match, lost the toss and saw the Barbadians on the back of Kraigg Brathwaite’s 73 and an unbeaten 37 from the veteran Ryan Hinds, post 168 for 4 off their 36 overs.

In their turn at the wicket, the Jaguars, who with the eventual win have booked a place in the semifinals, were coasting at 73 for 3, when disaster struck and they lost four quick wickets to be 77 for 7, before Reifer and Veerasammy Permaul

Barbados-born Guyana Jaguars all-rounder Raymon Reifer exults, following his matchwinning performance against Barbados Pride at the Queen’s Park Oval last Saturday night. (Photo by WICB Media/Ashley Allen) added 51 for the eighth wicket, followed by Reifer and Devendra Bishoo’s unbroken 41-run ninth-wicket stand that steered the Jaguars to victory.

No doubt, the victory would have been a sweet revenge for the Jaguars, who in last year’s tournament suffered a humiliating seven-wicket loss to

Barbados in the semifinals after being flu-stricken, followed by a demoralising two-run loss in their third round WICB Regional four-day encounter last November at the Guyana National Stadium, when chasing a paltry 69 to register an outright win.

In an invited comment with West Indies media after

the game, which is being contested as part of the West Indies Cricket Board/NAGICO Super50 tournament, Reifer said it was a bit of hard work to steer the team home after the dramatic collapse, but he stuck to the task well and got the win.

“It was a bit of hard work, but I put my head down and backed myself to bring home the game and that is what happened in the end.

Knowing the Barbadian players and what they can do motivated me a lot, but at the end of the day, this is franchise cricket and whichever team I am chosen to play for whether it is Barbados, Guyana, Windward Islands or even Jamaica, I will come out and put my best foot forward.”

The 23-year-old Reifer is no stranger to franchise cricket so to speak, for even though he was born into a Barbadian family that is rich in cricket with such names as his uncle Leslie Reifer and cousin in former West Indies skipper Floyd Reifer in its history, he has never played for the Land of the Flying Fish.

His stint in regional cricket prior to last November when he made his debut for the Guyana

Jaguars, was done with the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC), who strangely enough are the Jaguars third and final preliminary-round opponents in today’s Group ‘A’ action of the tournament.

“I never had a chance to play for Barbados as yet, but at least I got a chance to play first class cricket and I am looking to take things from here gradually, one day at a time, grabbing all the opportunities I get to play for the West Indies one day.

“It was a bit hard at first going to Guyana in comparison to Barbados, the wickets are a lot different with a lot more spin and stuff, but it challenged me to get better and I am happy for the experience and I will continue to work hard and be more mature,” said Reifer.

He intends to cherish his performance in that encounter, not because he got his highest score in this format, but due to the fact that he won the game for his team, saying: “If you wish to play at the highest level, you need to start doing things like these at this level from now and the transition will be easy at the top when you get there.

“You cannot go up there

not performing at this level, so you have to practise it from this level and like I said when you get up there the transition will be easy to make.”

Reflecting on the mixup that ended in his skipper Christopher Barnwell being run-out, Reifer said neither batsman should take the blame but rather urged the team to go back to the drawing board and work on the running in-between the wickets, since it plagued the team in the first game as well.

“We need to sort out the running between the wickets and judging the singles more. Other than that, the guys are gelling together well, we are enjoying every single moment with each other, believing in ourselves and backing ourselves to come out on top in good and bad times,” stated Reifer.

With two wins from two matches, including taking a bonus point from their encounter against the Volcanoes, the Jaguars are topping the points chart in Group ‘A’ with 9 points and are virtually into the semifinals, irrespective of the outcome of their game against CCC this afternoon.

Cornwall century helps Hurricanes blow away Under-19s

COUVA, Trinidad, (CMC) – Rahkeem Cornwall’s maiden regional one-day hundred was enough for Leeward Islands Hurricanes to earn their first win of the NAGICO Super50, with a 48-run verdict over West Indies Under-19s here yesterday.

The burly 21-year-old clobbered an unbeaten 113 from a mere 70 deliveries, an innings that powered the Leewards to a decent 231 for eight after they were sent in at the National Cricket Centre.

Opener Austin Richards chipped in with 36 and captain Devon Thomas, 30, but no other batsman made it past 15 as the Leewards lost wickets in clusters.

Seamer Odean Smith was the best bowler with three for 37 while off-spin-

ner Ramaal Lewis picked up two for 34.

In reply, West Indies Under-19s then squandered a healthy start of 63 by openers Tagenarine Chanderpaul (26) and Shimron Hetmyer (24), to slide to 183 for nine off their 50 allotted overs.

Roland Cato top scored with 46 while Kacey Karty got 26.

Off-spinner Hayden

Rahkeem Cornwall ... top scored with an unbeaten 113.

Walsh Jr (2-24) and seamers Jeremiah Louis (2-29) and Gavin Tonge (2-38), all finished with two wickets apiece.

Entering Sunday’s contest in search of points after losing their opener to Jamaica Franchise by nine wickets on Friday, the Leewards made a dodgy start when they lost Montcin Hodge (1) and Steve Liburd (1) cheaply inside the first seven overs to plunge to 16 for two.

However, Richards hit five fours in a 50-ball knock and Thomas, three fours off 59 deliveries, to repair the innings with a third wicket stand of 60.

Once Richards was lbw to Lewis in the 22 nd over, four wickets tumbled for 39 runs to leave the Leewards tottering on 115 for six in the 35th.

Cornwall then came to their rescue with a typically aggressive innings, hammering 12 fours and seven sixes to wrench the advantage away from the Under-19s.

He dominated an 82run, seventh wicket stand with Walsh who scored only six, as the Leewards rallied to make a strong finish.

Chanderpaul and Hetmyer then gave the Under-19 a cautious start before the innings fell apart in the space of 18 balls. Hetmyer was bowled by Lewis in the 18th over and off the very next ball, new batsman Amir Jangoo was lbw without scoring.

And the Leewards were on top when seamer Orlando Peters trapped Chanderpaul in front in the 21st over, to leave the Under-19s stumbling on 69 for three.

Cato, who faced 71 balls and struck four fours, then anchored three small stands to keep the innings afloat. He put on 38 for the fourth wicket with Carty, another 35 for the

LEEWARD ISLAND HURRICANES M Hodge c wkp Jangoo b Smith 1 A Richards lbw b Lewis 36 S Liburd lbw b Seetal 1 *D Thomas c wkp Jangoo b Williams 30 O Peters b Williams 15 +J Hamilton lbw b Lewis 11 R Cornwall not out 113 H Walsh Jr c wkp Jangoo b Smith 6 G Tonge c Williams b Smith 2 J Louis not out 1 Extras (b1, lb4, w9, nb1) 15 TOTAL (8 wkts, 50 overs) 231 Did not bat: A Martin.

Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-16, 3-76, 4-76, 5-95, 6-115, 7-197, 8-220.

Bowling: Seetal 6-0-30-1 (w4), Smith 8-2-37-3, Springer 8-0-45-0, Paul 7-0-53-0, Lewis 10-1-34-2, Williams 10-1-23-2, Chanderpaul 1-0-4-0.

fifth with Keemo Paul (13) before adding 27 for the sixth wicket with Shamar Springer (11).

Cato was seventh out, perishing via the run out route.

WEST INDIES UNDER-19s S Hetmyer b Walsh Jr 24 T Chanderpaul lbw b Peters 26 +A Jangoo lbw b Walsh Jr 0 K Carty run out 26 R Cato run out 46 K Paul b Tonge 13 S Springer c wkp Hamilton b Tonge 11 O Smith c Walsh Jr b J Louis 3 *R Lewis c Thomas b Louis 0 C Williams not out 7 A Seetal not out 4 Extras (b6, lb8, w7, nb2) 23 TOTAL (9 wkts, 50 overs) 183 Fall of wickets: 1-63, 2-63, 3-69, 4-107, 5-142, 6-169, 7-170, 8-172, 9-177.

Bowling: Tonge 10-0-38-2 (w3), Louis 7-1-29-2 (w2), Cornwall 9-130-0, Martin 10-2-33-0, Walsh 10-124-2, Peters 4-0-15-1.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Reifer just want to play cricket no matter who selects him See story on page 27

AB de Villiers blasts fastest-ever ODI ton ... West Indies crushed by 148 runs in second match

AB de Villiers blasts away the record for the fastest ODI century, getting there in only 31 balls, in the 2nd ODI in Johannesburg, yesterday.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (CMC) – AB de Villiers struck the fastest-ever one-day hundred and led three other batsmen in triple figures as South Africa inflicted a severe 148run drubbing on West Indies in the second One-Day International here yesterday.

Opting to bat first, the Proteas ruthlessly pounded the Windies bowling to amass 439 for two off their 50 overs, with opener Hashim Amla (153 not out), captain AB de Villiers (149) and Rilee Roussouw (128) all compiling centuries.

The total was a record for South Africa, narrowly surpassing their 438 against Australia in 2006, and was just four short of the world record of 443 set by Sri Lanka against Holland also nine years ago. de Villiers grabbed the opportunity to also rewrite the record books, racing to a phenomenal hundred off a mere 31 deliveries to eclipse the old mark set by New Zealander Corey Anderson who reached his landmark off 36 balls, also against West Indies last year.

Requiring to score at nearly nine and over,

Celebration Time!

BARBADIAN Raymon Reifer is surrounded by his Guyana Jaguars teammates after he slammed a brilliant half-century to rekindle his team’s run chase to pull off a sensational come-from-behind win over Barbados Pride in the NAGICO Super50, Saturday night, at Queen’s Park Oval. See other story on Page 27. (Photo by WICB Media/Ashley Allen) 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

West Indies were never really in contention when they chased, especially after big-hitting talisman Chris Gayle fell cheaply for 19 with the score on 36 for one in the fifth over of the innings.

His partner Dwayne Smith top-scored with 64, wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin hit 57 while Marlon Samuels and Jonathan Carter both struck 40.

Darren Sammy chipped in with an unbeaten 25 down the order and captain Jason Holder, 21 not out, with the match long gone.

Seamers Morne Morkel, with two for 43, and Vernon Philander, two for 69, finished with two wickets apiece.

Amla and Rossouw took command of the game for South Africa with a record opening stand of 247, as West Indies leaked runs at five an over through the first 20 overs.

The right-handed Amla faced 142 balls and hit 14 fours in compiling his 18th ODI hundred while Rossouw counted 11 fours and two sixes See page 22

South African opener Rilee Rossouw went through to a maiden ODI century in the second ODI yesterday in Johannesburg.

MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2014