2015 2 14

GUYANA

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No. 104100 SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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PRESIDENT SAYS...

Opposition hell-bent – reminds of the on blocking criminalisation of basic food development items APNU is the same pre-1992 PNC

President Donald Ramotar

…threats will dismantle progress made - Teixeira 9

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A ‘MARRIAGE’ OF CONVENIENCE…

Granger gets rose from Ramjattan for Valentine’s Day Page

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Gail Teixeira

3 APNU, AFC ‘coalition talks intense’ – Granger Page

Mid-morning fire 12 leaves 6 homeless

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at South Ruimveldt Shopping Plaza

CJ denies Granger’s request to stop Gov’t spending 4

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David Granger

Khemraj Ramjattan

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 14, 2015

A ‘MARRIAGE’ OF CONVENIENCE…

Granger gets rose from Ramjattan for Valentine’s Day

BY STAFF WRITER AGES ago, ever since the goodly Saint from the mighty Roman Empire named Valentine laid down his life in support of marriage, naturally genuine ones, love became more than a big thing.

It was the denial of this natural human habit that gave popularity to the story which has survived until now, albeit with many versions, and in the foreseeable future is unlikely to get stale.

Today, the tale of Saint Valentine enjoys legendary status as there is a day dedicated in remembrance of him, Valentine’s Day. In countries where the occasion is not a holiday, it is still celebrated with great flair and enthusiasm, and in essence, it is a celebration of courtship.

Today, as in February 14, many young and not so young couples will make

and renew their vows, pledging to stay with each other forever, together, singing to each other, dancing, exchanging gifts and having long conversations.

A long and good conversation is healthy for the ‘soul’; it helps in understanding each other and for those searching for love, it can be useful in finding a soul mate.

And this is exactly what the two parliamentary political parties in Opposition, the APNU and AFC, would be hoping for during their timeframe of four weeks of romancing or courtship, with the hope of forging a marriage without honeymoon and divorcing the PPP from the electorate.

What this writer finds a bit strange is the parties involved in the courtship.

One cannot help but wonder whether they are serious in the first place.

We all know that the

David Granger

AFC is headed by Khemraj Ramjattan and APNU by David Granger. One is a Lawyer and the other is an old Soldier man, none of them cut no quarters but both want a union to teach the PPP a lesson.

And they are both opti-

Khemraj Ramjattan

mistic, but according to AFC talkman, Moses Nagamotoo, this is an understatement as the courtship has been off the hook and he is “super optimistic” that the marriage of the AFC and APNU will fructify.

Knowing the man and given all that was said before on who wants to lead who, one cannot help but be more spellbound than decisive in believing the utterances by the sleek AFC Executive.

What most people know is that during the flirting which led to the courting, Granger wanted to widen his coalition and was singing to Khemraj Ramjattan and his merry band ‘Backstreet Boys’, “I don’t care who you are, where you’re from, what you do, as long as you love me.”

And of course, Ramjattan and company were singing back but to understand what they were singing, you had to listen to Nagamootoo, as you know the courtship between the AFC and APNU is a tight secret.

But this guy Nagamootoo, since he was a journalist and later Information Minister, he never really learn to shout his mouth.

He claimed that the AFC met with several supporters and all of them give their thumbs up for the AFC to wine and dine with APNU as they believe that they can together remove the PPP from power. And he is ‘super happy’ with the response he reportedly got.

From what was said by Nagamootoo, observers can reasonably conclude that one

of the songs that Ramjattan and company were singing back to Granger includes this Savage Garden’s line, “I will take you to the moon and back, if you be, if you be, my babe!”

Since this courtship is such a guarded secret, even continuing late into last night behind closed doors, this writer will put some trust in Nagamootoo even though he once claimed that Dr Jagan confided in him alone during a blackout that he should replace him as President when he dies.

At least Nagamootoo is not as outlandish as the Macgyver, who came from America to replace Dr Jagan because he thought the President was too old.

The man really believed that he could have jump-started a truck with cactus.

He formulated something he called ‘Ethnic Security Dilemma’ to draw Indian support and somehow managed to outsmart a handful. That wasn’t enough for the ‘Roarer’, who was horse, but thirsty in pursuing a pipe dream. It was when he jumped on the PNC platform, he disappeared in oblivion.

Today, the man who named himself Roar, after recognising that he was engaging in nothing else but silly shouting, is now apologetic to the PPP which he had once bad-mouthed.

But Nagamootoo seems unapologetic and unworried about the lesson of Roar’s empty uproar. It seems true that a man who is hell bent will do anything to achieve his objectives.

His pronouncements are not too surprising. If one is to take Nagamotoo seriously, it can only be reasonable to assume that Ramjattan is preparing to give Granger a rose today since, according to him, the APNU-AFC courtship thus far has been ‘super fabulous’ and ‘super great’ even though many think it is really supercilious.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 14, 2015

PRESIDENT SAYS...

Opposition hell-bent on blocking development – reminds of the criminalisation of basic food items PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar has said that the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the political coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have no ground calling for the jailing of Government Ministers. Nevertheless, the ministers are ready at any time to face the consequences of improving the lives of the citizenry and country as a whole.

At the recent commissioning of the Vreed-enHoop Power Station, the President told the gathering, which included residents, that there are many who do nothing but criticise.

He reminded that it was under the People’s National Congress (PNC) Govern-

ment that it became a criminal act to be in possession of a loaf of bread. The PNC, which has since changed its name to the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), is now the de facto controller of the APNU coalition.

The penalty of having the ancient means of survival back in the ‘dark days’ of the PNC, the President said, was “jail”.

Some concerns were recently raised over Government’s spending under a prorogued Parliament, but those were answered with an emphatic one-line defence

by Public Works Minister Robeson Benn.

Addressing the fifth annual Engineering Confer-

ence held recently, Benn, under whose purview investments into several major infrastructural undertakings were made, said: “I am prepared to go to jail for any reason related to Guyana’s proper development; for any reason.” He declared emphatically that he stands with his colleague, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh.

“I stand in support of Minister Ashni Singh, who has found the way to allow the expenditure to be made, so that our country’s development does not falter, and so that our economy does not go into recession,” Benn had said.

The Public Works Minister reasoned that Government spending constitutes

the largest sum of expenditure into the national economy.

“The payment of wages and salaries, the purchase of fuel and other things in relation to our development efforts have a lot to do with the work of the Government,” he said.

Government has since disclosed that it will be dissolving Parliament within the three-month constitutional timeframe before the holding of Regional and General Elections on May 11.

President Ramotar, taking a jab at the Opposition, said: “There are some who do nothing but criticise.

There is a lot of criticism about jailing Ministers. Minister Benn has responded to

‘Coalition talks intense’ – Granger – says chances of becoming presidential candidate lies now.” fashion, as to whether he bewith APNU negotiators He further noted that lieves he could sell the idea WHAT was birthed as an idea to remove the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) from power has now reached an “intense” stage, as the pre-elections coalition talks between the main Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) continue.

At his weekly press conference at the office of the Leader of the Opposition, APNU leader, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger yesterday assured the media that both the APNU and AFC are of the firm belief that a “pre-elections coalition” is the “best way to remove the PPP” from power.

“We believe that combined action in the form of a pre-elections coalition is the best way to remove the PPP,” the Opposition Leader reiterated yesterday.

However, against the backdrop of the AFC expressing intent to “lead”

what they described as a “pro-democracy alliance,” Granger noted that his fate of gaining the presidency if the “pre-elections coalition” is to be formed, is in the hands of APNU negotiators.

The Opposition Leader continued: “APNU’s negotiating team is aware of my commitment towards establishing a pre-elections coalition in the national interest,” while adding that as far as his personal involvement is concerned, his gaining the presidential candidacy is “not a matter of interest right

the national interest is the people’s concern and that is what the coalition talks are aiming at. “Guyana must have a good government and a government that enjoys the confidence of a majority of the people,” he said.

When questioned on whether he believes he could “sell” the idea of giving up the presidential candidacy to his constituency, Granger was quick to disclose that as of yesterday, the matter had not arisen.

Pressed with the same question but in a different

if the issue arises out of the coalition talks, the Opposition Leader said that he will not “speculate.”

“As of today, the matter has not arisen, the teams are in discussions and the matter of surrendering any position has not arisen.

As I said, we’re aiming at forming a pre-elections coalition,” he concluded.

President Donald Ramotar

them... These were the same people (PNCR, now APNU) who were criminalising our whole country, when you could have gone to jail for having a loaf of bread in your possession.”

He added: “So if they want to criminalise us for generating power for our people, we are ready to face that as well. We will continue to work in the interest of the people.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 14, 2015

CJ denies Granger’s request to stop Gov’t spending -says use of Statement of Excess a matter for National Assembly CITING precedent in other cases and quoting extensively from Guyana’s Constitution, the Chief Justice (ag), Ian Chang, in 36 page, detailed his refusal of Brigadier (rt’d) David Granger’s application for a Conservatory Order to stay further Government spending during 2015.

His decision was delivered yesterday in the High Court after several hearings, since the action was filed on December 11, 2014.

Chang ruled that Granger’s application to stop Government spending had no grounds.

NO GROUNDS The legal challenge advanced by the main Opposition Leader called for a Conservatory Order to stay all spending or any further spending

by Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, or any other Government minister, on programmes not authorised by the National Assembly until the hearing and determination of the matter.

According to Chang, the Constitution provides for spending in the first four months of the year, until a Budget is passed, specifically spending of one twelfth of the approved sum in the previous year’s

budget.

Chang said, “A conservatory order must now (in 2015) relate strictly to future constitutional or statutory spending excesses and not past excesses of the Appropriation Act 2014. If granted in the form as prayed for, it would in effect be an injunction against governmental spending (though limited) permitted by the Constitutionand the Financial Management and Accountability Act rather than a conservatory order against non-approved spending for the past financial year 2014.”

He added that the court has no jurisdiction to prohibit or restrict the exercise of any authority conferred by the Constitution or an Act of Parliament, since to do so would be to violate the doctrine of separation of powers which indubitably inheres in the Constitution of Guyana.

Acting under Article 219 (1) of the Constitution (mentioned in Article 217 [1] (c) of the Constitution), Parliament enacted the Financial Management and Accountability Act 2003 which empowered the Minister of Finance to authorise the limited withdrawal of moneys from the Consolidated Fund for the sole purpose of meeting expenditure necessary to carry on the services of the Government until the expiration

of four months from the commencement of that financial year or the coming into operation of the Act, whichever is earlier.

The Chief Justice also said, “That the Defendants were in breach of the prohibition contained in Article 217 (1) (b) by the expenditure of money unauthorised by the spent Appropriation Act of 2014 is not a proper basis for fear that they will exceed the limits of their authority to spend money conferred by Article 219 (3) of the Constitution or the provisions of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 2013.”

Section 217 of the Constitution provides: “(1) No money shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund except - (a)To meet the expenditure that is charged upon the Fund by this Constitution or by an Act of Parliament; or (b) Where the issue of those moneys has been authorised by an Appropriation Act; or18(c)Where the issue of those moneys has been authorised under article 219.”

Chang reiterated that the call for Government spending relates to 2015 and, as such, deemed Granger’s application as “misconceived” and as one that must be dismissed.

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC).

The Finance Minister subsequently restored partial sums slashed, via a financial paper – a statement of excess – valued $4.6B. The Chief Justice agreed that Section 217 of the Constitution was breached, since it makes clear that there shall be no expenditure without Parliamentary approval.

However, he acknowledged that Section 218 (3) provides an opportunity for a breach of Section 217. “The Statement of Excess may have a place as a curative means in the parliamentary practice and procedure ,” Chang said.

On that note, he added that the use of the Statement of Excess is a matter for the National Assembly.

“Being out with the Constitution and a matter of the internal affairs of the National Assembly, the curative solution is not a matter for judicial interference if the excess expenditure was advertent (willful),” the Chief Justice concluded.

SECOND CALL The Opposition Leader also called for the courts to pronounce on the constitutionality of the combined Opposition’s disapproval of sums in the 2014 Budget, as well as a declaration on the restoration of those monies by the Finance Minister.

Budget 2014 saw the slashing of $37.5B from the allocations of $220B by

DATE: 12/02/2015 C

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, right, with APNU’s Basil Williams and Carl Greenidge (Photo

by Vishwanauth Narine)

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AGREED Senior Counsel Rex Mc Kay, Attorneys-at-Law Hewley Griffith, Lawrence Harris, Michael Somersaul, Joseph Harmon, James Bond, Llewlyn John and Bettina Glasford and Basil Williams represented Granger.

Williams, after Chang’s ruling was delivered, agreed that the Chief Justice could not order spending in 2015 to be stopped.

Speaking to the media, he said, “In terms of the Conservatory Order, he is saying that to apply it in 2015, he could not do it because the constitutional provision allows for expenditure for the first four months, so he could not give a order to stop the spending. “…as we enter 2015, they (the Government) could spend, but only one twelfth of the amount. It is a good decision for us because he tells us that the Minister of Finance cannot spend above.”

He stressed that the law is clear on the use of public funds.

The primary defendant in the matter was Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh,

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who was represented by Senior Counsel Ashton Chase represented and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall.

Nandlall also commented on the ruling after it was handed down.

He stated that the two important aspects of the ruling were that Granger’s application had no grounds and while there was a breach of Section 217 of the Constitution, Section 218 (3) provides a curative mechanism to address the violation.

The Attorney General stressed that Government is not in doubt over its limitations on spending.

“We agreed that there is a prescribed formula for spending and that we have faithfully complied with that formula. Government is not in doubt on limitations…we have never contended that we have a power to spend at large,” he said.

Additionally, House Speaker Raphael Trotman was also named as a defendant in the matter and was represented

by AFC leader and Attorney-at-Law, Khemraj Ramjattan.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 14, 2015

Power challenge South African Christian businessman introducing ethical behaviour campaign to Jamaica

South African Christian businessman Graham Power (centre) addressing yesterday’s Jamaica Observer Press Club. Flanking him are (from left) John Roomes, executive director, Wycliffe Bible Translators Caribbean; Oral McCook, chairman, Wycliffe Bible Translators Caribbean; Robert Levy, chairman Jamaica Broilers; and Michael Jones, a vice-president at Scotiabank and pastor at Christian Life Fellowship (Jamaica Observer) SOUTH assisted in his financial suc- promoting ethical behaviour.

African Christian business- cess, and encouraging the “This issue of corruption, I man Graham Power is now island’s business, church believe it is the biggest cancer in Jamaica sharing how his and political leaders to join rolling out across the world use of biblical principles has his international campaign right now,” Graham told the

Colombian Farc: No recruitment of soldiers under 17 (BBC News) THE left wing Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) guerrillas say they will no longer recruit young people below the age of 17.

A Farc spokesman said that the new policy increased the group’s recruitment age by two years.

He denied that they had a policy of forced recruitment, and said many young people came of their own free will.

However, the Colombian government says it has rescued almost 6,000 former child soldiers in the last 15 years.

The defence ministry said most of the children they had rescued had been between 16 and 17 years old, but 30% of the rescued children were boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 15.

Meanwhile, Farc accuses the Colombian military of using forced recruitment and says children are used by the military to infiltrate

Thousands of young former Farc guerrilla soldiers are trying to make a new life in safe houses and in neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Colombia’s cities and towns Farc positions.

In a statement, Farc said: “We want to take steps that will ensure that fewer generations and fewer young people will be involved in military confrontations which put their lives at risk.”

Farc’s announcement came on the UN’s International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers.

According to a report by Colombia’s National Centre

for Historical Memory (in Spanish), more than 220,000 people have been killed in the armed conflict between Farc rebels and the Colombian government.

Peace talks in the Cuban capital Havana have been taking place for more than two years. The two sides have reached partial deals on several issues but have not yet reached a definitive peace accord.

Jamaica Observer Press Club yesterday at the newspaper’s head office in Kingston.

“Corruption is something that not only affects third world countries, it doesn’t affect only the poorer countries, it affects every single country,” he said.

“I remember the first time I touched on this issue with some people in the U.S., they said ‘oh no, no we don’t have that problem’, then two/three years later all of the Enrons and these other things started to come to the surface,” Power added.

He noted that of the 175 countries monitored by Transparency International his own South Africa was measured 67th, dropping from 45th about six years ago.

According to Power, South Africa slid from 45th to 54th, to 59th, then to 64th after which it went as low as 73rd before climbing back up the index to 67th.

It’s a small improvement,

he admitted, but “thankfully, it was an improvement”.

Naming his multi-denominational effort the ‘Unashamedly Ethical Campaign’, Power explained that the idea is to have leaders in all disciplines sign pledge forms committing themselves to a range of ethical principles and clean living.

Among the pledges are honesty; faithfulness to family; selflessness; refusing to elicit, accept or pay bribes and to encourage others to do the same; caring for the poor, widows, orphans and strangers; and to pay reasonable salaries to staff.

“The challenge that we have put out there comes through a clear vision from God, and that was to challenge people to sign a pledge form, to be part of an international data base and then to have an ombudsperson, who would be like a retired judge, somebody of good standing, in each of the different re-

gions, who would monitor [and] if there are disputes between people... instead of going to the courts and taking years... the ombudsperson would try and bring a resolution to the dispute.”

Explaining that the system is already working in South Africa with two ombudsmen, Power said that basically, when people sign the pledge forms they are automatically added to the data base, which lists their business.

“So imagine if you were looking for an electrician or a plumber to come and work in your home, instead of consulting the phone book, if a company had committed themselves to be unashamedly ethical and had signed off on these points, the chances are they’re going to give you a decent quote; if they come and work there and you’re away at work they’re not going to steal from you; and if there’s a latent defect they will come back and sort it out,” he said.

Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner may face Argentina bomb probe (BBC News) AN Argentine prosecutor has asked a federal judge to investigate President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner over allegations she helped cover up Iranian links to a deadly 1994 bombing.

Prosecutor Gerardo Pollicita inherited the case from Alberto Nisman, who was found dead in mysterious circumstances.

The president denies the allegations, with the government calling the probe an “anti-democratic attack”.

The attack on a Jewish centre killed 85 people. Iran also denies involvement.

The latest prosecutor’s move means the judge will have to decide whether to authorise new investigations to prove the president’s alleged involvement.

If the prosecutor and the judge agree that there are enough elements to prove Ms Fernandez committed a crime, she could face prosecution and be charged.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 14, 2015

Guyana Editorial

Celebrating love LIKE most celebratory occasions, Valentine’s Day has become a highly commercialised affair; but in actuality, it is a special day recognised worldwide for the celebration of love – in that emotion’s multi-faceted permutations and combinations.

According to Wikepedia, Saint Valentine’s Day, also known as Valentine’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is a holiday observed on February 14 each year. It is celebrated in many countries around the world, although it is not a holiday in most of them.

St. Valentine’s Day began as a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus. Several martyrdom stories were invented for the various Valentines that belonged to February 14, and added to later martyrologies.

A popular hagiographical account of Saint Valentine of Rome states that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians who were persecuted under the Roman Empire. According to legend, during his imprisonment, he healed the daughter of his jailer, Asterius. An embellishment to this story states that before his execution he wrote her a letter signed “Your Valentine” as a farewell. Today, Saint Valentine’s Day is an official feast day in the Anglican Communion, as well as in the Lutheran Church. The Eastern Orthodox Church also celebrates Saint Valentine’s Day, albeit on July 6 and July 30, the former date in honor of the Roman presbyter Saint Valentine, and the latter date in honor of Hieromartyr Valentine, the Bishop of Interamna

To describe PNC’s party paramountcy as a ‘horrible wound’ panders to impressions of denial I CURRENTLY hold the PPP/C sole appointment since 1992 of Secretary to the Defence Board of Guyana.

I have served under five Executive Presidents/ Commanders-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and five Chiefs of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force since October 1992.

I disclose these credentials to support my unique perspective into Guyana’s CivilianMilitary relationships and its development.

Yo u r w r i t e r, M r.

Branch, like so many others, is selective as a historian and sadly lack-

ing in his appreciation of sociological norms.

To merely describe the years of the PNC’s party paramountcy as a “horrible wound” panders to impressions of denial.

Sociologically, to expect the history of that era to be easily vitiated by current interventions is without foundation and precedence.

What the goodly writer has missed is the PPP/C’s careful cultivation of civilian military relationships over the past 23 years, promoting the very healing to which he apparently

(modern Terni). In Brazil, the Dia de São Valentim is recognised on June 12.

The day was first associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as “valentines”). In Europe, Saint Valentine’s Keys are given to lovers “as a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver’s heart”, as well as to children, in order to ward off Saint Valentine’s Malady. Valentine’s Day symbols

that are used today include the heartshaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.

Valentine’s Day is meant for the expression of love in its varied forms, also for healing breaches in human relationships; so everyone who has a mangled relationship with someone of importance in his or her life should use this special occasion to fix it.

Is Nagamootoo prostituting himself?

Dr. ROGER LUNCHEON

subscribes.

I contend that a regime that was committed to divisiveness and entrenching ethnic insecurity would have kept the military bogey man alive, quite the opposite to what the PPP/C Administration had done and is doing.

I defy any reasonable Guyanese knowledgeable in matters concerning the military and the PPP/C civilian-military relationship to establish PPP/C policies and practices that diminish the status of the GDF. As an amateur so-

ciologist, I lament and repeat the disappointment I personally felt by my friend, Brigadier ret’d David Granger’s design to lead a political party that is attracting openly managerial support from other retired military servicemen and women and assumedly from active ones too.

He too disregarded sound sociological principles that, I fear, has the potential of negatively impacting on citizens’ confidence in their military.

ROGER LUNCHEON

WITH reference to a headline in (yesterday’s edition) of Kaieteur News (AFC courts top PPP members…but the likes of Ashni Singh will be refused – Nagamootoo”, one cannot help suspecting that the “likes of Ashni Singh” would have no interest in being courted politically by the “likes of Moses Nagamootoo.”

The latter has demonstrated an eager proclivity to sell himself to any bidder willing to offer a presidential nomination.

The oldest of professional endeavours has taught us since time immemorial that courtship is generally not the most efficient means by which to acquire suitors of that sort.

ASHWAR SEELOCHAN

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 14, 2015

‘Real’ empowerment THE recent promise of the 10 percent reduction in electricity rates (as issued

by President Donald Ramotar and a few others) is a very refreshing piece of news for all Guyana. I really started thinking about some things when I learned about this drop, which has already started to have positive trickle-down effects on all of Guyana.

Already I am hearing of the ease of private vehicle owners (when they go to fuel up) and I am very puzzled why taxi drivers and minibus drivers are still not lowering their fares. I am anticipating even more ease, when my electricity bill will be lowered, and I cannot help but be grateful for the general boost to the entire public.

We must remember that electricity is a contentious issue in Guyana, and it was addressed at the macro level, time and time again. I note that the president spoke of empowerment, referencing this lowering of fuel price with a simple fact that “a penny saved is a penny earned.” Very simply put, and in my case, I am saving two thousand per tank (small one too) at all of the GuyOil gas stations. It means that I have more disposable income, and this, in a very basic way, is one facet of empowerment.

I now go to the big picture and I think of the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project (AFHEP) and its huge potential for Guyana.

This project will generate electricity for the national grid (Guyana Power & Light) with future expansion capacity to power major industrial growth projects within the country. Current power demands also exist in the bauxite and gold mining industries.

In fact, at the production level, every aspect stands to benefit.

As of now, the fuel price is down, but this may not be sustained. This makes mandatory this AFHEP. Guyana is spending about quarter of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to purchase fuel, and most of this (anyway) is going to fossil-fuelled electrical generation equipment. Outside of the economic advantages where hydropower is concerned, we are all aware of the fact that there is no air nor water pollutants to worry over. We can quit worrying too about greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, and be happy that the natural balance in an ecosystem is not disturbed.

To make matters very clear, where this AFHEP is concerned, all of Guyana will benefit in a massive way; people will have more to spend and the government

AFC says backers ‘OK’ coalition with APNU THE Alliance For Change (AFC) on Thursday said its supporters were in agreement with it forming an alliance with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to contest the May 11 elections, Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo has said.

Nagamootoo has also dismissed reports that the AFC’s main constituency in Berbice was not too in favour of the “marriage” between the two parties.

Speaking at the party’s weekly press conference at the Georgetown Club on Thursday, Nagamootoo stated that the AFC has been engaging its party members and members of the public on the coalition talks, and so far, all

stakeholders were supporting the possibility of a coalition between the party and APNU. Nagamoottoo also said, “I was at a meeting at Best Village, West Coast Demerara and after we had spoken to the people, I put to them very specifically, ‘Do you support the idea going forward with an alliance?’ and I asked them to raise their hands. One hundred per cent of those who attended support the idea of the alliance,” he related.

He related that while he cannot, at this point in time, state much on the matter, he was satisfied with the way things were progressing.

If Nagamootoo already polled the

AFC using marijuana crusade in latest cry for votes MOSES Nagamootoo, in his intended c a p a c i t y o f A F C ’s p re s i d e n t i a l candidate, has strongly advocated the fact that his party would legalise marijuana use. He was making a passionate appeal to the mainly youthful section of the population as well as to other ardent users and abusers of the drug to vote for them.

The campaign slogan is, ‘you put us in office and we will legalise it’. This

impassioned plea that we are going to decriminalise, legalise, or what have you, ganja, is the latest cry for votes. The AFC and Nagamootoo is on the campaign trail wooing voters with this call.

How successful this solicitation campaign will be is anybody’s guess.

However, let’s just pause for a moment to analyse how we’ve arrived at this juncture.

In the first place, the people of Guyana have seen a dramatic turn of events on

will have more to invest. I add the great environmental benefits to accrue, and I say that this is what ‘empowerment’ is really all about. Yet, the Opposition parties are adamantly blocking this most pivotal project.

I mean that almost everybody, if he/she is in the right frame of mind, agrees that Guyana is in great need of hydropower.

This project is the most viable solution for Guyana’s electricity needs. I was reliably informed that if AFHEP should come on stream, then the cost for electricity for consumers for the first seven years of the operation of the project would be down by 40%; “not ten and not temporary.” I add to this that after the next 13 years, the cost will be down by a massive 70%.

I point out that the Government subsidises GPL every year, but if AFHEP is here, then this hefty sum can be put to other use. GPL will by then be quite viable, as the money earned from selling electricity will pay the loans. What a bigger relief when all debts incurred will have been serviced. It means even more money in Guyana.

I remind readers that the few people from the Opposition who are condemning the project, were at one time in full support of it. They know the value of this project and to find that they cannot relent and allow it to go forward is a clear indication that their politics is about personal grudges, vendetta and a lust for power. There is no

rationale for thwarting this plan of action.

Even now as the electorate all across Guyana are enjoying the benefits of this lowering in their expenditures, they need to realise what great benefits are in store for them and their country, that is, if the PPP/C is allowed the chance to pull it off - the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Power Project.

I, therefore, join President Ramotar in reminding all Guyana that the drastic fall in fuel prices on the world market will not remain in the current state forever, and therefore Guyana should be looking ahead for ways and means of generating electricity at a lower cost. The funny thing is that the AFHEP is all about our own permanent good; it is empowerment at every level, and yet A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) are seeking to derail it.

I am glad that President Ramotar himself said that the Government is looking to restart work on the Amaila Falls Project.

I recall that both the AFC and APNU had promised the electorate in their respective manifestos in 2011 to bring hydro-power on stream, in recognition of the need to provide energy at a cheap cost. They know the truth, but their evil politics is taking precedence. So all I can say is that the population must be wiser this time around, May 11, 2015.

crowds by asking them to put their hands up and 100% did, then why is there any talking going on between AFC and PNC? Nagamoottoo should immediately jump on it and give the people what they want since their hands were 100% up in the air.

Nagamoottoo went on to say “We are confident that we can win. We have never had a multi-party, multirace, multi-class party in the history of Guyana. It is a tragedy that we never had such a coalition, especially one that can form the new government. As to whether or not there will be definitive results in this talk, we are satisfied at this point of time that we have re-introduced into the national agenda, the question of unity, of healing, the question of reconciliation, the question of moving this country forward, not as a part, but as a whole,” he said.

If Nagamoottoo is confident of winning, then why is he still talking about “as to whether or not there will be definitive results in this talk”?

Based on the alleged ‘reaction’ of the crowd to Nagamoottoo’s question, he should be jumping for joy and jump in bed immediately with the PNC. So what talks Nagamoottoo and AFC waiting for?

Oh Oh, now I get it, the talk with AFC and PNC is to see who will head the coalition.

PNC’s Granger will never allow Nagamoottoo to be head master of him and PNC. Remember PNC Desmond Hoyte said as long as he lived, Cheddie Jagan will never be president of Guyana?

I have very bad and very sad news for both Nagamoottoo and Granger.

Granger nor Nagamoottoo will ever be president of Guyana, once elections are free, fair, transparent and credible.

What Nagamoottoo should have asked the crowd is if they trust PNC Granger since PNC Granger said openly he does not trust Nagamoottoo.

the political landscape. Persons who were once enemies are now close friends and associates, ‘comrades’ once again. I speak of bitter enemies, persons who were accused of crimes such as torture and murder, yet these individuals and groups are in one combined whole, moving around in apparent unity. It is a marriage of convenience that is very obvious for all to see. Politics do make strange bedfellows!

So, the next convenient strategy is to appeal to drug users out there. From marriage of convenience to mass appeal to decriminalise ganja, where will it end?

And who said that smoking weed is good for your health? The mere fact that these people want to “smoke” ganja is indicative of fostering poor

health. Smoking is dangerous to one’s health; so why push for something that is injurious to health? My understanding of going easy on ganja is that it is an ethno-medicine, if imbibed as a warm beverage, and is a cure for asthma and heart ailments. It is not for smoking... period. But it comes back to the point, say anything for the vote.

How the latest marijuana crusade will translate into actual votes is minimum at best. With that glaring deception fostered by the combined Opposition ever before the people, I do not think the marijuana madness will make any headway.

RAGHUNANDAN SINGH

T. KING

NEIL ADAMS

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 14, 2015

Amaila Falls Hydro Project is about national prosperity, changed lives NAME a country that would refuse hydro power as part of its socioeconomic development, and the automatic answer is that it cannot be located geographically – it does not exist! For there is no developing country which government’s goal is

why, in the 1970s, the then Forbes Burnham People’s National Congress (PNC) regime attempted to have such an initiative on its national development list, but it is now history that this was not realised, for reasons that ought not to detain us.

to create a modern state, in which its citizens are able to live peaceful and comfortable lives, will ever refuse such a project.

In fact, it is to be described as perhaps a national development coup for any State which government is able to secure such a project as part of its development priorities. This explains

B u t O B S E RV E R r e c a l l s t h e groundless reasons consistently offered by the parliamentary Opposition parties, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) party, as the Peoples Progressive Party /Civic(PPP/C) sought to have the Amaila Falls Hydro Project legislatively approved. Of all the anti-national crimes

Thousands of transactions done in first week of Claims and Objections THE first week of the Claims and Objections period has been met with strong response from the voting Guyanese public.

“People have responded very favourably in the first week,” said Mr Richard François, Public Relations O ff i c e r ( P R O ) o f t h e G u y a n a Elections Commission, in an invited comment yesterday.

Disclosing approximate figures as of yesterday, he said there have been 1,369 new registrations, 550 changes and corrections to existing registration information, and 1,399 transfers due to issues related to change of address, etc.

François said there have been 477 replacements of identification cards requested, 139 retakes of

photographs, and 25 objections.

“The Claims and Objections period has been very useful in the first week,” the GECOM PRO said.

The Claims and Objections period is the next step after a continuous cycle of registration, the last one being the Seventh Cycle of Continuous Registration.

Some 6,003 persons took advantage of the Seventh Cycle of Registration, which ended on December 31, 2014. There were also 1,163 changes and corrections to existing registration information which were done during the Seventh Cycle of Continuous Registration, as well as 1,248 transfers.

The Seventh Cycle of Continuous Registration commenced on

committed by both opposition parties in the life of the soon-to-be dissolved Tenth Parliament, this has been the most painful, particularly from the standpoint of the PNC cum APNU that ought to have known better. Burnham must have turned in his grave!

What is quite significant is that all of the foreign diplomatic missions supported the vital importance of such a groundbreaking project. And even though Sithe Global has withdrawn its funding, compliments of the opposition parties’ inexplicable uncooperativeness – Amaila will live, because another sponsor has been found, as announced by President Ramotar.

So, even if President Donald Ramotar may sound triumphant in tone, he has every right to be, since he has been unswerving in leading the efforts toward advancing the AFHP. He never wavered in his belief that such a project is an absolute for Guyana.

Let it be emphasised, that Amaila is our Crown Jewel for comprehensive change socio-economically, and every Guyanese ought to rally to its support for final legislative approval in the next parliament.

Hydro electricity has the capacity to deepen and widen Guyana’s development, where every facet of national life would change.

Beginning with the national energy sector that has been burdened with astronomical fuel bills, for generating power, thereby resulting in significant budgetary subsidies. Not only will the

November 30, 2014, and allowed persons the opportunity to register for the first time; conduct transfers; and make changes to their registration details.

Prior to the start of the Claims and Objections period, the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) was published to allow for review by eligible voters.

T h e P L E ’s p u b l i c a t i o n , a s well as several other operational undertakings, had to be completed before a date for the Claims and Objections period was named.

The Claims and Objections period is necessary to finalise the Official List of Electors (OLE), which will facilitate voting on Elections Day, and is expected to end at the end of February.

DATE SET President Donald Ramotar last month ended the wait by Guyanese people with the much-anticipated announcement on the way forward to bring an end to the current political impasse: A move to early general and regional elections on May 11.

realisation of hydroelectricity greatly reduce the latter financial requirement, but the savings can be converted for on-going modernisation of the national grid.

Which manufacturing sector would not welcome very low energy charges, that would allow for advancing its range of finished goods to value-added products? It is no secret that this sector has for years complained about the prohibitive energy charges that are a specific constraint on its efforts at expansion. Cheaper energy will allow for job creation. No less too will be the benefits for domestic consumers, who for years have been paying very high energy bills. The realisation of hydro power will therefore redound to more disposable income for this category.

It is no coincidence that this column is being written against the background of President Ramotar’s announcement that energy charges will be reduced by ten percent. Of course, this is welcome news to all, especially the private sector and domestic consumers, since such reduction will accrue to over $3B in disposable savings.

Even though this fortuitous windfall has occurred because of a continued slide in international oil prices, it should excite Guyanese as to the greater exciting, future economic possibilities which the final realisation of the AMFHP holds for Guyana.

To think of hydro power is to think of heightened national prosperity.

The move by the President to set a date will have a bearing on several processes. Once a date is set, it will translate into the dissolution of Parliament, which currently still stands suspended under the November prorogation proclamation; political parties will then kick into campaign mode.

A l s o , w i t h t h e P r e s i d e n t ’s announcement of a date set for elections, GECOM now has its timelines with which to work.

The GECOM PRO, in a prior statement, had disclosed that logistical and administrative preparations have long begun in “earnest” for the professional and transparent management of the impending general and regional elections.

“The Commission now awaits the announcement by His Excellency the President of the date for general and regional elections, after meaningful collaboration with GECOM,” Richard François had stated.

The last General and Regional Elections were held in November 2011. (Vanessa Narine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 14, 2015

APNU is the same pre-1992 PNC

…threats will dismantle progress made - Teixeira

By Gary Eleazar A PARTNERSHIP for National Unity (APNU) is no different from the People’s National Congress (PNC) of the pre-1992 period, which had ran Guyana for 28 years and the 10th Parliament has been characterised by myopia and vindictiveness.

This is the conclusion of Presidential Advisor on Governance, Ms Gail Teixeira, who during a recent interview, weighed in on the current political environment in Guyana given the impending election. She said that as much as APNU attempts to sell itself as a different political force, it is nothing more than a rebranded PNC. Teixeira’s remark came as she suggested that the combined Opposition, of which the Alliance For Change (AFC) is also a part has as its intent, “the dismantling of what is the progress Guyana has made.”

She was at the time expounding on the Opposition threats against “devel-

opmental projects” being pursued by the incumbent People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), such as the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the Marriott Hotel, the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Plant and the Specialty Hospital, among others.

The threat to review every project, according to Teixeira, will not only hold back progress in Guyana but also impact adversely on the investors.

“This country only has a population of 747,000…we are not a country that has ten million people and as long as you have a small population you have also a very fragile economy,” she declared.

This, she said, is complicated by public threats on the part of the Opposition such as statements like: “We are going to review all of the transformative projects…the other party saying we gonna lock them up.”

The fall out, she explained, comes when the investors or potential investors say, “leh we wait…leh we sit

back.”

The AFC, according to Teixeira, has been talking about retribution.

She responded to the AFC’s Cathy Hughes, who was quoted as calling for a campaign free of vindictiveness.

But Teixeira questioned: “What can be more vindictive and threatening and intimidating than the threat to lock up people and that you gonna have retribution when you come in?”

As a result, the Presidential Advisor concluded that the postulations on the part of the Opposition have clearly been having an adverse impact even before the imminent General and Regional election.

“These pronouncements by the Opposition must not be taken lightly…I don’t need to go back to the PNC’s track record or pre-92, but I will say this, the behaviour of APNU is no different from what I experienced and from what the PPP experienced when we were in Opposition in pre-92…It is still the same

thing, they just got a new name called APNU,” Teixeira said.

The political advisor to the President also questioned what change the Opposition is proposing and wondered whether the PPP/C, as party in government, “is expected to just roll over because APNU and AFC decide that they don’t want this or don’t want that.”

An adamant Teixeira answered by reminding, “we have been elected by the people, we are the single largest block of votes, we are the legitimate government of the people and it is our responsibility and our obligation by the constitution and morally and ethically to do what is best for all Guyanese whether they voted for us or not.”

This, she said, seems not to be the same position adopted by the political Opposition.

“Clearly the Opposition seems to think that those who voted for the PPP don’t count in their books and therefore they are only deal-

ing with what they think are their constituencies…these are issues that have to be given much thought by the electorate as we come to the elections,” said Teixeira.

She reminded too that when the political Opposition secured the one seat majority there was a promise of change with the new dispensation but this did not live up to any of the expectations.

Teixeira drew reference to the fact that during the course of the ninth Parliament, a number of Motions and Bills were approved many of which were piloted by the Opposition during a government-controlled House.

“In contrast, the 10th Parliament has an abysmal record and if this is the example of change they are calling on, if this is the voice of change that was not listened to by the government then they are being extremely dishonest,” said Teixeira.

She used the opportunity also to lament the US$450M ($36.7B) which was slashed from the 2014 Budget by the political Opposition “and so is this the change that they say we didn’t listen to.”

Gail Teixeira

According to Teixeira, the change offered by the Opposition in the 10th Parliament and again now that election is imminent, is that of “myopia.”

The political advisor said that “there is no way that any self-respecting political party would cut a number of major projects…it moves from myopia to vindictiveness and clearly the 10th Parliament, when its legacy is written, when its history is written, it is going to be about vindictiveness.”

PYO condemns xenophobia, shooting death of Muslim students THE Progressive Youth Organisation of Guyana (PYO) wishes to strongly condemn the shooting to death of three university students in North Carolina, United States of America and the growing xenophobic sentiments there.

The PYO also wishes to express its concern over the circumstances which led to the deaths of Deah Shaddy Barakat, a 23-year-old University of North Carolina dental student; his 21-yearold wife, Yusor Mohammad; and her 19-year-old sister, Razan Mohammad

Abu-Salha.

Additionally, the PYO expresses condolences to the family and friends of those who lost their lives on Tuesday, Feb 11, 2015.

The PYO firmly believes that the heinous crimes committed against these students were a result of

extreme sentiments of sharp intolerance.

Our youth body recognises that we live in a world with growing extremism from different quarters and we therefore urge our world leaders to take decisive action that would see higher levels of tolerance

existing in our multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious societies.

The PYO therefore calls on all Guyanese, youths in particular, to equally condemn this most recent hate crime as we call for the perpetrator(s) responsible to be brought to justice.

Our society must practise the principles of peaceful co-existence, tolerance, love and unity.

The PYO is appreciative that in Guyana, such extreme cases of intolerance do not exist, but will continue the struggle against them.

MMU media monitors to be shortlisted – Dr Surujbally SEVERAL applications to fill the position of media monitors within the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) have been received.

“Today (yesterday) is the closing date for applications. We have received those applications and the next step will be to go through them, shortlist persons, and make the choice,” the GECOM Chair, Dr. Steve Surujbal-

ly, said in an invited comment.

He said successful applicants will also be trained.

“The activities of the MMU continue,” Dr Surujbally assured.

An added measure, introduced in the interest of maintaining the laudable electoral processes of the last few elections, is the operations of the MMU. Funding in the sum of US$100,000 has been

secured for the resuscitated MMU, and Dr. Surujbally said this is expected to be released to the Commission shortly.

“The commitments for funding have been made, but that does not stop us from continuing our efforts as it relates to the work of the MMU,” he said.

The primary donors, he added, are the European Union (EU) and Canada, via the Canadian International Development Agen-

Dr Steve Surujbally

cy (CIDA).

Initially established in

2001, the MMU’s operations are expected to span a five-month period, and its activities, according to the project proposal seen exclusively by the Guyana Chronicle, would include the following: Daily monitoring of Guyana’s mainstream print and broadcast media for conformity to best practices associated with professional journalism; Informing media practitioners in a timely manner of instances of breaches; production of periodic reports on the Unit’s findings on media practitioners’ compliance;

Compiling archival information on local media performance for referencing purposes; and providing informational and other support to GECOM’s Public Relations Department.

These are in addition to other undertakings which are outlined in a work plan for the Unit.

The Media Monitoring Unit was revitalised in 2006, and has since come to be “accepted as an objective and credible arbiter of media practices”, as the document highlighted. (Vanessa Narine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 14, 2015

PPP donates computer system to St. Cuthbert’s Secondary -in effort to enhance ICT there

THE People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has once again displayed its kindheartedness by donating a computer system to the St. Cuthbert’s Secondary School with the thought of promoting Information and Communications Technology (ICT) there.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony last Wednesday, PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee disclosed that the school had written to the party requesting a computer system with the intention of creating an information technology lab in the School.

Rohee said, “The PPP/C is in solidarity with the students, teachers and toshao of the village, and will continually lend support in whatever way (it) can.”

The Party’s General Secretary highlighted that this donation was not an elections gimmick but comes from the kindheartedness and generosity of the members of the PPP/C. Both the Headmistress of the School, Ms Hollice Gray, and Toshao of St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Mr

Representatives of the recipients of the donation with PPP members on Wednesday during the handing over ceremony

Luke Simon, expressed their gratitude for the generous donation, and em-

phasised that it would come in handy for the children and teachers.

Gray’s closing remark emphasised that the computer would en-

hance the students’ abilities in that it would give some, if not all of the

students, the chance to be somewhat computer literate.

Mrs Sanasie’s brother flees country after giving police statement VISHNU Persaud, brother of murdered businesswoman Patricia Sanasie, having released a recording of a conversation purportedly held between his now deceased sister and an alleged hitman, has left the country.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed that the man decided to leave the country after he had provided the police with a statement regarding the revelations he made

to media personnel on Wednesday during a press conference.

The statement the young man made to the police also includes how he came to acquire the recording which he shared with reporters.

Police sources have also confirmed being in receipt of the recording with the purported conversation between the alleged hitman and the now dead woman, as provided by

her brother. One source related that the police are investigating the new leads and are presently reviewing the recording to confirm the voices captured on the tape.

This publication was told that the ex-policeman identified in the recording had formerly been arrested, detained and questioned in relation to the same matter after the businesswoman had reported that he had threatened her.

Persaud dropped the bombshell on Wednesday when he called a press conference to report that he was fearful for his life, and that a recording between the dead woman’s husband and another man had made him even more fearful, since it indicated that a hit had also been placed on him.

In the recording, which this newspaper was privileged to listen, a voice purported to be that of the late

businesswoman’s husband was heard saying something (“three of we will go one time”) referring to himself, his wife and her brother.

The husband had, in 2014, reported that he had been given information that his wife had paid someone to carry out a hit on his life. That attempt on the businessman’s life while he was at his business place in Alberttown failed. It was after that

failed execution that the man had broken his silence and had gone to the police. The woman and her brother were questioned by the police, but no charges were laid.

In January of this year, Patricia Sanasie was gunned down in front of her home moments after returning from church and attempting to open her gate, she was killed in the presence of one of her daughters.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 14, 2015

Children’s Calypso and Dramatic Poetry Mash competitions rock!

PERSONS who yesterday attended the National Cultural Centre to witness the calypso and dramatic poetry categories of the Regional Children’s Mashramani Competition were able to witness the dramatic side of our young Guyanese, as the venue came alive once more to host this mega event.

The well choreographed pieces featured topics such as the history of Mashramani, unity among our people, traffic accidents, and the issue of solid waste. The participants captivated the audience with their performances, especially in dramatic poetry.

More than 80 entries were submitted by the 10 administrative regions across Guyana, and Georgetown participated

as a separate entry as students, teachers and parents were treated to spectacular performances.

The Children’s Mashramani Competition is one event that is becoming more competitive in terms of performance, with 2015 seeing more of the regions participating.

The Allied Arts Unit declared that participating in the performing arts helps to foster discipline in pupils, and the Ministry of Education has sought to provide the platform for students to so do since it launched the event in 1992.

Travis Chase, MC for yesterday’s competition, said: “It takes great courage to get up on a stage and do what you have to do without making any mistakes.” It can be noted, too, that participating in

‘Mix up pickney’ depicting the country’s diversity was done by Mortice Primary of Region 5

Region 10 One Mile Primary performed a piece of unity on Mash Day, titled ‘Mashing Down’

these events helps students to develop their self-confidence.

Competitions such as these also educate students on different aspects of Guyana’s rich history and culture through the presentations, and also give them and the audience an opportunity to feel a great sense of national pride.

This annual event creates a platform for students at the nursery, primary and secondary levels to display their talents in dramatic dance, masquerade, physical display, costume competition, dramatic poetry, and calypso; while teachers are also afforded a chance to showcase their creativity.

The Children’s Costume Parade begins at the Parade Ground at 10:00 hrs today.

Drivers ‘Slow Down’ was stressed by this Windsor Forest student

This little lady from FE Pollard Primary School in Georgetown asked: ‘If I told you I was deaf’

‘It nah matta wah we be’ was done by La Retraite Primary from Region 3

This young calypsonian from Annai Primary in Region 10 performed ‘Leh we tek we education’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 14, 2015

Mid-morning fire leaves 6 homeless at South Ruimveldt Shopping Plaza

-prompt GFS response prevents major destruction of building FIRE of unknown origin erupted at about 10:30 hrs yesterday and destroyed a three-bedroom apartment at the South Ruimveldt Shopping Plaza, leaving popular musician Campton Williams (Camo), his wife Ingrid Wilkinson, their daughter and three grandchildren homeless.

Quick response from the Guyana Fire Service saved other apartments in the same building from the ravenous effects of the fire, and prevented the day from truly being a Black Friday for several persons.

When the Guyana Chronicle caught up with Camo Williams, he had this to say: “I left the house just about 5-7 minutes, and not long after, I got a call from my wife saying the house on fire; and by the time I rushed home,

the whole house was on fire.”

Williams said his wife was in the bathroom and the children were downstairs when the fire started, but whether or not it was an electrical problem is still unknown to him and his family.

“When I left, no electric appliance was left on, and my wife said everything was in check, so I don’t know what could have happened. We just have to wait for the firemen to conduct their investigations so we could know what the source was,” he said.

Williams added that neighbours told him the fire started from his daughter’s bedroom, which is located in the middle of the apartment, and began to spread across the apartment.

Fortunately, no one was injured, and the neighbours

were able to save some items from the burning apartment.

Williams and his family have, however, suffered a major loss.

Williams noted that his family has been occupying that apartment since the early 1980s and they have never previously been visited by any tragedy of this magnitude. He deemed the incident really unfortunate, but said they’ll have to pull themselves together and try to rebuild and forget about this incident.

Approached for a comment, Ms Wilkinson was too traumatised to speak.

Meanwhile, speaking with members of the media, GFS Divisional Commander Compton Sparman said that at about 10:23 hrs, yesterday, the GFS received a call from three persons, two from

The apartment after the fire had been extinguished yesterday

Central and one from West, stating that a fire had been spotted in the community.

Compton disclosed that investigations to determine the origin of the fire are still ongoing, but he promised to inform the public when the investigations have been completed.

“The team of firemen should be commended for their quick response, and for preventing the fire from spreading across the entire building,” Mr Sparman said.

A traumatised Ingrid Wilkinson is comforted by one of the neighbours

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 14, 2015

PPP Central Committee Improving the Code a discusses strategies to ‘very likely’ possibility, secure majority at polls says PPP/C’s Rohee CODE OF CONDUCT FOR POLITICAL PARTIES…

THE Central Committee of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) met on Thursday and, among the hot button issues discussed, were the strategies that would be employed to secure a majority win for the Party at the upcoming May 11 General and Regional elections. “(The Committee) made an assessment of the current political situation and came up with ways of positioning the party to win an absolute majority in the upcoming national and regional elections,” a press release from the party said.

The Committee also discussed the state of the Party’s elections machinery in another effort to ensure a “resounding” win at the upcoming polls.

Ground work by party members and activists was another issue that was addressed on Thursday.

“The Central Committee expressed satisfaction with the work done by party structures on the ground to ensure that eligible voters are on the List. Central Committee heard and analysed reports from Party bodies on the ground, and endorsed the strategies and approaches taken to ensure maximum turnout of party members and supporters on polling day,”

the PPP said.

Additionally, the Central Committee addressed strategies to reach out to voters across the political and ethnic spectrum, and expressed full confidence in the Party’s mobilisation capacity to bring home a convincing victory in the upcoming elections.

“The Party is highly encouraged by the political goodwill and expressions and pledges it has been receiving, both nationally and from the diaspora, since the announcement of the date of elections,” the PPP said.

At the meeting, presentations were made by the Party’s General Secretary, Clement Rohee.

Importantly, too, the Central Committee reiterated its endorsement of President Donald Ramotar as the Party’s Presidential Candidate. In turn, the incumbent Head of State and member of the Central Committee thanked the Central Committee for the confidence reposed in him as the Party’s presidential candidate, and pledged his continuing efforts to work relentlessly to ensure an overwhelming victory at the elections.

Lindener facing multiple break-and-enter charges A MASON of Lot 640 South Amelia’s Ward, Linden, was Thursday refused bail after pleading not guilty to eight counts of break and enter and larceny.

Leroy Nedd made his appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrate's Court.

Particulars of the first charge said between August 12 and 14, 2014, at Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Veronica Headley and stole a quantity of articles valued at $290,000.

The second allegation said between January 19 and 30 at Central Amelia’s Ward, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Leslie Bourne and stole a quantity of articles valued at over $1M. Additionally, between January 19 and 30 at Central Amelia’s Ward, he broke and entered the store belonging to the said Bourne and stole a quantity of articles to the

value of $25,500.

The fourth charge stated that between January 10 and 16 at Central Amelia’s Ward, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Joseph Rose and stole a quantity of articles to the value of $640,000.

It is also alleged that between January 29 and 30 at Central Amelia’s Ward, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Nikesha Feidtkou and stole a quantity of articles to the value of $329,000.

Details of another allegation stated that between October 28 and 30, 2014 at Central Amelia’s Ward, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Lennard Jennings and stole a quantity of articles to the value of over $4M. The seventh charge said between January 25 and February 1 at Phase Three, Central Amelia’s Ward, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Royston Leon and stole therein a quantity

of articles to the value of $479,000.

Finally, the last charge said between January 25 and February 1 at South Amelia’s Ward, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Don Phillips and stole therein a quantity of articles to the value of $195,000.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that facts are as charged. He opposed bail on the grounds of the nature, gravity and the penalty attached to the offence. Grant said that the police are presently investigating other matters of similar nature against the defendant.

The police prosecutor noted that over $5M worth of items were recovered.

The unrepresented man told the court that he had been convicted for six months in 2011 on an offence of similar nature.

The prosecution’s objection to bail was upheld, and the matter was transferred to the Linden Magistrate's Court for February 11.

THE code of conduct for political parties –- a guide to expected behaviours in lead-up to the May 11 elections -– is expected, before long, to be made available to contesting parties by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

“It will be done before nomination day,” said GECOM Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally in an invited comment.

Once political parties sign on to the Code of Conduct, they would be expected to abide by its protocols documented in the code, all in the interest of free and fair general and regional elections.

As per norm, copies of the draft code have been dispatched for perusal and comment to the political parties represented in Parliament, as well as to those that have indicated interest in contesting the upcoming elections.

The latter is important, said the GECOM Chairman, who made clear that he favours a move for the Code of Conduct to be updated, particularly considering Guyana’s history.

“Political parties will, I am sure, sign; and as they did the last time, adhere to the tenents within the code of conduct for political parties. They may even improve upon the code of conduct,” Dr Surujbally said.

He said Guyana can ill-afford a backward step at this moment, considering the progress that has been made. “We cannot afford, as a country progressing into the developed world, (to take any backward step at this time), and we have every opportunity (to move forward) because of our natural resources and the ability of our people to rule and manage. “…we cannot do this if there is bloodletting, where there are vexations to the point where it boils over.

We have had this in the past, and it took us decades to get over. I do not want, at least not on my watch, for this to happen.”

Going the route of “bloodletting” will be an unforgivable move, the GECOM Chairman posited.

General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Mr Clement Rohee, stated that the Party

is open to a review and subsequent strengthening of the Code.

He explained that once the draft of the Code is given to the Party, it will review it and make the consequent recommendations. “It is a very likely possibility,” he said.

The General Secretary of the political coalition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Mr Joseph Harmon, and the General Secretary of the Alliance For Change, Mr David Patterson were unavailable for comment when contacted by this newspaper.

The advantage of having such an agreement in place, according to GECOM, is that it provides enablement to guard against confrontational and vitriolic election campaign meetings/rallies and statements.

Contesting parties view signing the code as a demonstration of their willingness to implement their respective election campaign strategies in ways that contribute to the maintenance of peace and tranquility throughout and beyond the elections. (Vanessa Narine)

GECOM hosts one-day workshop for journalists today THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will today host a one-day training exercise for the local media corps, ahead of the May 11 General and Regional elections.

The Commission says the undertaking is a “deliber-

ate strategy” to promote comprehensive understanding about elections management procedures among media practitioners. “(The) one-day training exercise especially targets journalists who would be responsible for covering election-related issues, as well as the respective editors from all media houses/agencies.

The primary (objectives) of

this training exercise (are) to improve understanding among media practitioners relative to pertinent electoral issues, as well as to promote accurate reporting,” GECOM said in a recent statement.

The exercise is, moreover, aimed at enhancing GECOM’s media relations by establishing direct points of liaison in all of the media houses/agencies.

Father of three on $100,000 bail for wounding A FATHER of three was Thursday granted $100,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a charge of wounding.

Thirty-one-year-old Mark Anthony Marks also known as ”Country,” pleaded not guilty to the offence when it was read to him.

Details of the allegation stated that on January 20 at Rupunnuni, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded

Dexter Mentore with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause harm.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant did not oppose bail for the defendant.

Representing Marks was attorney-at-law Mr. Jerome Khan. He told the court that his client has been in custody since February 8, 2015. He requested bail for Marks, stating that he has been cooperating with the police and was no-

where next to the crime scene on the day in question.

Defence counsel informed the court that his client intends to stoutly defend himself against the allegation.

The defendant was ordered to report every fortnight to the subordinate officer at the Lethem Police Station. The matter was transferred to the Lethem Magistrate's Court for March 9.

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AFC striving to create history

By Raymon Cummings THE Alliance For Change (AFC) seems obsessed with creating history by scoring political points.

Addressing the issue of the coalition talks between the two Opposition parties, Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo Thursday at the party’s weekly press conference pointed to the ability of the party to engage the larger A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in coalition talks, and to be the first party to table a no-confidence motion as some successes of the party that will be recorded in history.

He was at the time responding to a question posed by the media on the coalition talks between the two Opposition parties which are taking place behind closed doors. He

said that even if the talks do not succeed, the party has already created history through the engagement.

Elaborating on other history making initiatives, he pointed to the no-confidence motion tabled by the party. He said, “The talks have come upon us as a historical imperative …we have never had a multiparty, multiclass, multiethnic coalition in Guyana in a country as diverse as Guyana in which there is ethnic polarisation and insecurity - it is a tragedy that we have never had such an alliance or coalition so it is by discharging that moment in history that the AFC would have already gone down in the records as it has gone down in so many other records as being the only party to table a motion of no-confidence on a sitting government and in

fact forced the government to buckle under pressure to prorogue the parliament.”

He also acknowledged that the actions of the party have created some instability in the country by stating that the no-confidence motion was an effort to cope with the responsibility of history. He said, “Having placed a sitting government in confusion, this is one more effort of the Alliance For Change to cope with the responsibility of history to initiate dialogue with all sections of society.”

Nagamootoo’s recollection of history, however, is erroneous as it is common knowledge that there were coalition talks between the People’s Progressive Party and the People’s National Congress prior to the death of former president Forbes Burnham.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 14, 2015

Police record 12% drop in serious crimes for January, 55% decrease in fatalities THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) Thursday reported that at the end of January 2015, they recorded a 12% drop in serious crimes in comparison to January, 2014.

A total of 12 murders were recorded at the end of January 2015 in comparison to 17 murders for January 2014, a decrease of 29%, according to a police press release.

At the end of January 2015, robbery under arms overall had decreased by 28% in comparison to January 2014. The statistics indicate a decrease of 28% in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms, and a 27% decrease in armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators.

There has also been substantial decreases in the occurrences of burglary and break and enter and larceny with 15% and 18% respectively.

Among the serious crimes policed by the Force are murder, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, larceny from the person, break and enter and larceny, burglary, rape, and kidnapping.

TRAFFIC In relation to traffic, five road fatalities from five accidents have been recorded at the end of January 2015, in comparison to 11 fatalities from 10 accidents for the same period in 2014; a 55% decrease in fatalities.

Pedestrians have been the main road users affected with

three such persons having lost their lives at the end of January 2015. In addition, one pedal cyclist and one person travelling in a motor vehicle also lost their lives.

Inattentiveness has been the major contributory factor to fatal accidents so far, having been the cause of three of the five fatal accidents for January 2015.

Traffic enforcement by the police has resulted in a total of 5,022 cases being made against errant motorists at the end of January 2015; of this total 43 cases were for using cell phones while driving, 82 for driving under the influence of alcohol and 1,234 cases were for speeding.

Six persons lost their lives in five fatal accidents during January,2015.

BV taxi driver facing fraudulent conversion charge A TAXI driver of Republic Drive, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, was yesterday ordered to post $100,000 bail on a fraudulent conversion charge.

Paul Marshal appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and denied the allegation .

Particulars of the charge said that on October 17,

2013 at Georgetown, being solely entrusted by Nicola Clarke with the sum of $500,000 to purchase building materials, he fraudulently converted same to his own use and benefit.

The unrepresented man told the court that he had no pending matters.

However, Police Prosecutor Michael Grant noted

that the defendant has a pending domestic violence matter before Magistrate Annette Singh.

The matter was adjourned to March 13 and statements were ordered to be filed. Marshal was also ordered to report to the Brickdam Police Station every Friday at 09:00 hrs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 14, 2015

NFMU holds first meet to craft action plan for 2015 Valmikki Singh (dressed in orange shirt) at the NFMU meeting with members of the NFMU Committee yesterday

THE National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) Committee members yesterday held their first meeting of the year to plan a calendar of activities for the observance of Girls in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Day 2015, which will be celebrated on April 24.

The meeting was held in the NFMU Boardroom at Lot 190 Charlotte Street, Bourda, Georgetown, and Assistant Engineer 3 Mellsa Layne said that Girls in ICT Day is an initiative by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to create a global environment to empower and encourage young girls to consider careers in ICT. The idea is to cre-

ate awareness in ICT, to demonstrate how it can develop in society. About 30% of 70M people in ICT are women, and they hold representative positions at all levels in the ICT sector, especially in decision making.

In Guyana, there are more girls doing ICT in secondary schools than girls pursuing ICT at university level. Over the past three years, the country has observed and celebrated girls in ICT, she added.

Layne stated that activities that encourage the study of ICT include radio and television programmes and symposiums, open-day activities and technology camps at schools featuring ICT women.

At the meeting yes-

terday representatives from OLPF, GT&T, Globa l Te c h n o l o g y, E - G o v ernment and GNBA were present to discuss matters of interest and activities for the year.

That gathering observed that girls in ICT are unrepresented worldwide, as in Guyana; as such, NFMU will be hosting activities such as essay competitions targeting young girls at both secondary school age and university level to get them interested in taking up careers in ICT. Prizes will be up for grabs.

Present at the meeting was Managing Director of NFMU, Mr Valmikki Singh, who chaired the meeting and shared his insights in ironing out plans for the celebration of this

year’s Girls in ICT Day. He said that the technology industry is recruiting and needs more women! ‘Girls in ICT Day’ is their opportunity to show girls what they are missing, and introduce them to ICT as an exciting career option.

However, with the number of school girls opting to study technology-related

disciplines on the decline in most countries worldwide, ITU is committed to championing the catalytic role a tech career can play in creating exciting, far-reaching opportunities for women and girls.

To help inspire girls to consider a future in technology, ITU established ‘Girls in ICT Day’ back in 2010, and supports the

global organisation of activities every year on the fourth Thursday in April.

Currently in its 4th year, global momentum around Girls in ICT Day continues to grow, with over 100 countries expected to hold events hosted by governments, private sector and NGOs in 2014 worldwide.

Even higher levels of rice production expected – as 238,698 acres of land under cultivation for 2015 spring crop SOME 238, 698 acres of rice lands are under cultivation for the 2015 spring crop to be harvested within the next two months.

This figure is slightly above the acreage cultivated for spring crop 2014 and is indicative of possibly equal or even higher levels of production this year over last year, Deputy General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development (GRDB), Mr Madanlall Ramraj, disclosed Wednesday.

Some 237,000 acres had been cultivated in the spring crop of 2014.

Ramraj added that sowing for this spring crop has been completed and the crop was generally benefiting from very favourable weather conditions.

He said that the GRDB saw no need at the moment for advisories with respect to pests and diseases but was closely monitoring the situation.

He disclosed too that some farmers in Region 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam) who planted early are already preparing to commence harvesting by this month -end.

Acreages on the ground

are as follows : Region 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam) 37710 acres; Region 3 (Essequibo/West Demerara) -22047 acres; Region 4 (Demerara/Mahaica) 8757 acres; Region 5 (Mahaica/ Berbice) 107,224 acres; Region 6 (East Berbice/ Corentyne) 62159 acres and Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) 800 acres.

He said that the high-yielding variety GRDB 10 introduced in 2008 is the variety comprising most of the crop currently under cultivation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 14, 2015

Reduction of electricity tariffs a direct benefit for Guyanese people – Rohee SUCCESSIVE People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Administrations have never lost an opportunity to pass on savings to the Guyanese people and to ensure that direct benefits of resources go to the people.

These were the sentiments of the PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee, who acknowledged the labelling of the 10 per cent reduction of electricity tariffs as an election gimmick.

“Our detractors will claim that this is an election gimmick…citizens from all walks of life have welcomed the announcement for its timeliness, particularly as it relates to lowering the cost of fuel and electricity.

The ordinary domestic user welcomed the reduction in their bills which will ease the pressure on the family finances and allow them more disposable incomes,” he said, Thursday, at the party’s weekly press conference held at Freedom House.

The 10 per cent reduction was announced by President Donald Ramotar on Monday at the commissioning of the Vreed-en-Hoop, 26-megawatt power plant in Region 3, (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), the largest power station in the country.

The Head of State had indicated a move in this direction, given the falling world prices for fuel, which propelled the reduction of local fuel prices. Gas price was reduced from $995per gallon to $695, representing a 30 per cent reduction; the price of diesel was reduced by 30 per cent, from $985 to $694; and kerosene saw a reduction of 42 per cent, from $850 to $496.

All considered, the PPP General Secretary added that the benefits of the reduction have already been welcomed by sections of society.

He said, “Manufacturers and distributors who spend tens of millions of dollars on electricity costs have said

that these reductions will allow them breathing room to retool and expand, creating jobs and opportunities for other investments. They will now be able to pay their creditors with some ease and enjoy some relief. Hoteliers have said that this reduction in electricity constitutes an enormous boon for them, since electricity costs take a huge chunk of their financial resources.”

As such, the PPP welcomed the announcement, hailing it as a much needed boost in all sections of society.

“It will complement government’s efforts to transform our country into a modern and developed one,” Rohee concluded.

The 10 percent reduction in electricity charges by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) company is expected to result in customers being able to hold on to an additional $3B annually, in disposable incomes.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 14, 2015

GPL lowers technical, commercial losses in past decade

– but laments continuous stealing of electricity

By Tajeram Mohabir DESPITE being quite a challenge, Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has been able to cut technical and commercial losses from 38.8 per cent in 2005 to 28.7 per cent in 2014, according to Chairman Winston Brassington.

Brassington said further that GPL is highly encouraged by the reduction and believes that the company is headed in the right direction.

Last year, GPL announced a new Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-European Union (EU) funded project totalling US$65 million, a large part of which was geared towards reducing technical and commercial losses.

Under the project, the power company is using an integrated approach to reducing losses, where it will be building an entire distribution system, installing Smart Meters.

“With this new integrated approach, the engineers have calculated, that for the area we complete, we can reduce the losses measured between the transformer measuring the

GPL Chairman Winston Brassington

power going into the area and all of the power being sold, we can reduce the losses all the way down to eight per cent,” the GPL Chairman disclosed.

With this new approach, he said, the new technologies GPL is looking to use will allow it to monitor electricity consumption remotely, both per area and by customer.

SMART METERS “These Smart Meters offer the opportunity for us to use new computer technology to monitor consumption in real time. It is no doubt that GPL is facing increased customer demand even as we expand capacity - our revenue also

reflects this. In 2005, our total annual revenue totalled $16.4 billion, at the end of last year this figure was up to $33.1 billion, almost 90 per cent more,” Brassington said.

He said GPL’s revenue can be broken down into a number of areas. First and foremost, he pointed out, is the expansion of demand both in terms of customers and the average consumption per customer, and second, the reduction in technical and commercial losses which have translated into more sales and reduced generating costs.

On this note, Brassington said that the bulk of the movement of revenue in the last decade has been driven by goods in demand and improving efficiency.

“More of our activities will be focusing on the customers, not only to minimise blackouts or to respond to emergency calls or respond to customer request in a timely and courteous manner, but also to be more efficient, to deliver a cost effective service that all of us can be proud of.”

REPORT THIEVES “But our customers, we

need your continuous support and encouragement, we need you to keep providing feedback when there is a problem, we need you to report those stealing electricity, we also need you to look at conserving electricity and with your support, we believe with what we are doing at GPL, we can try to provide an even better service to you,” the GPL Chairman said.

Recently, President Donald Ramotar had said greater attention needs to be paid on education, contending that little do stealers of electricity know that apart from undermining the development of the country, they are undermining their own development.

The power company has

been making commendable strides over the years. At the beginning of 2005, GPL had some 127,000 customers, but this figure increased to 177,000 at the end of 2014, some 50,000 customers or 40 per cent more compared to 2005.

“This is an astounding increase; a good part of this was funded by the Government and some of it through funding from the Inter-American Development Bank. All of these new customers have increased the demand for power. In the last 10 years, residential sales have increased 65 per cent more than where it was in 2004. So this is not just a 40 per cent increase in volume but is an increase in the volume of consumption

for the average household,” Brassington said.

In fact, he said, an examination of the entire GPL system (residential, commercial and industrial customers), has indicated that the level of sales, measured in kilowatt hours has increased over six per cent per annum in the last 10 years.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT Government as a shareholder continues to give substantial financial support to GPL. In the last decade, it has provided well in excess of US$100 million to GPL, and according to Brassington, if all the small loans are taken into consideration, the figure will be probably close to US$200 million.

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Inquest into death of Bermine female bartender begins A THREE-member jury has been appointed to determine how bartender Roxanne Brewster met her death, and whether anyone is criminally responsible for her drowning which occurred on August 22, 2012, at Bermine, East Bank Berbice.

Coroner Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus has commenced hearing evidence at the New Amsterdam Court, where Detective Sergeant Lawrence Thomas recalled that acting on a report from Shane De Jesus, captain of the MV Alexander -- a registered Santo Domingo motor vessel used to transport cement -- he, accompanied by other ranks, went to the location.

He observed that there was a metal gangway in the centre of the boat that runs to the wharf, and which measured approximately 11 metres.

Additionally, the sleuth observed that the gangway had a hook supported by a canvas rope. Further, he noticed that there was an opening between the wharf and the boat.

Subsequently, the plainclothes cop said De Jesus told him that he had earlier gone to the Rainbow disco, where he (De Jesus) and one Eon Howard had consumed a bottle of rum. It was during this period that Roxanne Brewster joined them and thereafter consumed seven bottles of beer.

At approximately 02:00 hrs, they left the disco, at

Charles Place, New Amsterdam, and motored to the MV Alexander. However, on arrival, Howard went away.

De Jesus had reported that whilst he was walking on the gangway with Roxanne Brewster, she fell into the river.

The following date, Thomas recounted that he went to the New Amsterdam Ferry Stelling where the body of a female Negro was brought to shore by fishermen. The body, which was clad in a blue strapped top and blue jeans, was identified

by Joseph Brewster as that of his daughter.

It was observed that there was a wound to the left side of the face, prior to the remains being transported to the New Amsterdam Hospital where Dr Marina, pronounced her dead.

Subsequently, Dr Vivikanand Brijmohan conducted a post-mortem and reported that the cause of death was due to asphyxia and drowning. Afterwards, the body of Roxanne Brewster was handed over to relatives for burial which occurred at the Stanleytown cemetery.

In response to questions by the jury, Thomas said he has been a detective for 14 years. Further, he noted that a mesh-like banner had extended along the length of the gangway. The gangway he said extended on both sides and that there were no holes.

The Inquiry will continue on February 16.

Saturday, February 14, 2015 - 13:00 hrs Sunday, February 15, 2015 - 14:00 hrs Monday, February 16, 2015 - 14:30 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 14, 2015

Fly Jamaica, GTM, ...

GTM Assistant Manager for Brokerages, Oceola Van-Doimen in response said her company is very heartened to be on board and it is just one way of giving back to society.

Also representing GTM yesterday was Aniauradha Singh, the company’s Marketing Officer.

According to Abdool, Fly Jamaica has been supporting the GBBC since the airline first started operations in Guyana. Abdool said Fly Jamaica has been very supportive and he is very happy to have them on board.

Abdool noted that once there is a card which includes Jamaican fighters, Fly Jamaica assists with airline tickets.

Abdool, who announced that Fly Jamaica will be

giving a return ticket to a lucky ticket holder, was more than surprised when he heard the company’s Senior Marketing Officer Wesley Tucker announce that the gate prize would not be just one return ticket to any destination the airline services, but two, so that the winner of the gate prize can travel with his/ her companion to one of the destinations including New York and Canada.

Today is two years since Fly Jamaica started its operations in Guyana.

GUYOIL’s representatives were Darenand Mangal (Customer Sales Representative) and Castrol Brands Manager Nadia Sugrim who stated that her company is always pleased to support boxing in Guyana and is very happy to be on board once more.

Abdool stated that since the GBBC started the Guyana Fight Nights, GUYOIL has been on board.

Apart from the two airline tickets, compliments of Fly Jamaica, there will also be a gate prize of one cricket band, compliments of

From back page

King’s Jewellery.

Meanwhile, the Atwell versus Mullings fight on the five-bout card has been brought forward and will now be the third fight on the night.

Abdool explained that Mullings and his entourage have to be at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport by midnight on Saturday to catch the return flight back to Jamaica, so the GBBC had to amend the card to facilitate this.

The opening fight of the night will be a four-round junior middleweight affair between debutants Travis Fraser and Charwin Estwick, while bout number two is a four-round lightweight contest between Keeve Allicock and Quincy Gomes.

This will be followed by the WBC CABOFE title fight.

Fight number four will see Edmond DeClou tackle Derick Richmond in an eight-round middleweight contest and the final fight pits together Mark Austin and Dexter Gonsalves in an eight-round junior welterweight bout.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 14, 2015

Ten out of the 14 team captains line up after the opening ceremony in Melbourne on Thursday.,

World Cup excitement builds on eve of tournament MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - For the first time in almost a quarter of a century, the Cricket World Cup is back Down Under.

For the traditionalists and newcomers alike, it is a long overdue return to one of the sport’s spiritual homes.

The sense of anticipation in Australia and New Zealand is building and the mood is infectious with millions of cricket fans around the world eagerly awaiting today’s opening matches.

The first weekend has all the makings for a blockbuster.

Today, New Zealand host Sri Lanka in Christchurch, marking the city’s first major international sporting event since the devastating 2011 earthquake.

A few hours later, across the Tasman Sea, Australia face England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the same sprawling venue where the two great rivals staged the first ever One-Day International, in 1971.

Then tomorrow, South Africa meet neighbours Zimbabwe in Hamilton and India clash with their fiercest foes Pakistan in Adelaide.

“This could very well be

the most watched game of cricket in that point of time in the history of cricket,” the tournament’s chief executive John Harnden said.

Fourteen teams have been divided into two groups for the sixweek tournament, with the top four from each pool advancing to the quarterfinals.

In Group A, Australia, New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka are the favourites to advance, ahead of Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Scotland.

Group B is slightly more open. South Africa, India and Pakistan should all progress safely but West Indies, a fading giant in the 50-over game, are no sure bet to advance ahead of rank outsiders United Arab Emirates and the improving Zimbabwe and Ireland teams.

For some of the teams, just making it to the World Cup is a dream come true.

Afghanistan are competing for the first time. The seeds of their elevation in the sport were sown in 1992, the last time when the World Cup was held in Australia and New Zealand.

Thousands of Afghans who had learnt the game

while living in refugee camps in Pakistan were inspired to take up the sport after watching Pakistan win. And now they have a team in the finals, albeit one of the underdogs.

Bookmakers have installed Australia as the early favourites, although host nations have a poor record in the tournament. In the previous 10 World Cups, only India (2011) have won the final on home soil.

The Australians have all the ingredients for a winning team to emulate India.

They have an explosive batting lineup, with opener David Warner and the in-form Steve Smith both capable of turning matches around and a lethal bowling attack led

by Mitchell Johnson.

Shane Warne, a World Cup winner with Australia in 1999, is tipping his country to win again but concedes the title is wide open.

“We’ve been favourites a few times,” Warne said yesterday. “But I don’t think I’ve seen Australia go into any World Cup with so many match-winners.

“A lot of teams can win this ... Australia’s biggest threat is there are just so many good teams.”

NOTABLE DATES WAYNE Harris came from a family of boxers. His younger brother Vivian remains the youngest Guyanese male to have won a world title. The elder Harris started fighting in the professional ranks in December 1984 and his career ended 22 years later.

On February 14, 1988 Harris, then a junior middleweight, took care of fellow Guyanese Ray Alberts in a ten-round match held in Georgetown. Harris was ahead on all the judges’ card when the bell rang for the last time.

The Pisces-born fighter won the World Boxing Council (WBC) FECARBOX middleweight title on December 15, 1990 with a points-decision victory over Trinidadian Anthony Brown. Harris challenged WBA middleweight champion American Reggie Johnson on May 4, 1993 but gave a lacklustre performance and was defeated via unanimous decision.

Judge Harmodio Cedeno scored it 120-109, Oscar Perez Carbonell (120-108) and Marco Antonio Rodriguez (120-110). Harris thereafter slumped into defeat mode and had only one victory in his next 17 fights. He permanently left the ring in 2006.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 14, 2015

Irish irritated by English exits (REUTERS) - Seeing Dubliner Eoin Morgan become England’s World Cup skipper was a “wee bit irritating” for Ireland’s chief cricket selector Alan Lewis, who has been left to rue how strong his side might have been in Australia and New Zealand.

Morgan made his Ireland debut as a 16-year-old but, like seamer Boyd Rankin and batsman Ed Joyce, switched allegiance to play for England and chase a Test career that has so far failed to flourish.

The 28-year-old Morgan, though, has fared far better in limited overs cricket and succeeded Alastair Cook as skipper of England’s 50-over side in December, hitting a century against Australia in Sydney last month as the team showed signs of life after stagnation under his predecessor.

Lewis, a former Irish captain and international rugby referee, told Irish podcast ‘The Slog Sweep’ he had mixed feelings.

“I look at the England setup and over the last 10 years, three people from this little island where cricket is the fourth or fifth sport are playing for a country whose national sport is cricket,” Lewis said.

“It is a wee bit irritating to think where we could be, if Eoin and Boyd were available; obviously we’ve got Ed back now.

“I wouldn’t want to deprive Eoin Morgan the opportunity with the ability he has, I’d want him to play at the top level, and in honesty every Irish supporter would wish him well, it’s a great story, but it’s a great frustration. To get our players back, that’s part of the next step.”

While Ireland were able to regain the services of Joyce, Lewis said they failed to lure back lanky Northern Irishman Rankin, who is touring South Africa with England’s second tier side.

“We looked at it but certain doors got closed,”

(Letter to the Sports Editor)

Ireland’s chief cricket selector Alan Lewis Lewis said. win over Pakistan on “We watched Boyd’s their World Cup debut form but with possibly in 2007, with the Irish Ireland sniffing around seeking more scalps on again, the England Lions their third appearance as were going to come they continue their push for watching and that’s exactly greater recognition from what happened.” the International Cricket Ireland famously beat Council.

England in the last World Ireland have been Cup, with Kevin O’Brien drawn in Pool B alongside smacking the quickest South Africa, India, century in the tournament’s Pakistan, West Indies, history as the associate Zimbabwe and United members successfully Arab Emirates. They open chased down a record 327 to their campaign on Monday win in Bangalore. against the West Indies in That followed a shock Nelson.

Afghanistan fend off dogged UAE in last World Cup warm-up

By Ian Ransom MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Afghanistan will head into the cricket World Cup with momentum after downing a spirited United Arab Emirates by 14 runs in the teams’ last warmup match in Melbourne yesterday.

A match that had meandered for much of a steamy day at Melbourne’s Junction Oval sprang to life late in the afternoon as the dogged Emiratis scrambled hard to reel in their opponents’ 308-9.

All-rounders Rohan Mustafa (24) and Amjad Javed (18) mounted a lusty eighth-wicket stand to push UAE within 20 runs of victory, but paceman Dawlat Zadran intervened to bowl Javed and the Middle Eastern minnows succumbed quickly thereafter.

Paceman Aftab Alam took 3-43 from his 6.2 overs to be the pick of the Afghanistan bowlers,

Cameron must go

take on Zimbabwe in Nelson, New Zealand the day after.

Paceman Aftab Alam takes three for 43 for Afghanistan including the match-winning and slumped to 50-3 when wicket of tail-ender Saqlain Javed removed number three Haider for one. batsman Nawroz Mangal All-rounder Javed, one for 16 after also capturing of the few home-grown opener Javed Ahmadi for 12.

Emirati players in the Samiullah Shenwari side and an airline cargo steadied the innings with supervisor away from the a controlled 58, allowing game, took 4-39 to lead the fellow middle order batsman UAE bowling.

Najibullah Zadran (46) and Left-handed batsman all-rounder Mirwais Ashraf Khurram Khan, the team’s (34 not out) to set up an 43-year-old talisman, imposing total. sparkled with 86 before Afghanistan will head being trapped lbw by Alam. to Canberra seeking to Afghanistan were on the upset Bangladesh in their back foot early on a steamy World Cup opener on day at the Junction Oval February 18, while UAE

MUCH has been said since the selection of the “rebuilding” West Indies team and their expected performances so far in the warm-up matches in Australia.

And I don’t suppose it will end, even though I pray daily that I do not have to endure the agony and embarrassment of what may aptly describe the expected West Indies performance during this World Cup. I pray for divine intervention that somehow the players will find the courage, pride and form and prove my predictions wrong. I pray and pray, that’s all the hope I have.

But having said that, I am dumbfounded at the gumption of the incumbent president of the West Indies Cricket Board to run for re-election. Please! Is this guy for real?

This gentleman, with his superb demonstration of arrogance of no mean order and whose organisation was apportioned major blame by his own appointed task force for the debacle in India that has attracted the wrath of the Indian board and is likely to cost us a small matter of US$47M, still believes that he should be running the WICB? That there are regional boards who believe he did a good job and should be re-elected is mind-boggling. After all, his own country board is supporting his opponent Mr Joel Garner. Does not this speak volumes?

We, as West Indians, want to rally behind a team that is professional, showing improvement with talent, skills, fight and pride to be winners. That can be achieved with a Board that has ex-players administering our cricket and with individuals who have the know-how to set up proper cricket structures across the Caribbean to develop young players; not arrogant leaders who behave like colonial masters.

It is time our ex-players take over and run things.

Enough is enough!

Eric Whaul

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 14, 2015

Seth, Arjoon and Fernandes confirmed for 2015 Pan American Games Alex Arjoon

By Michael DaSilva SUNIL Seth, Alex Arjoon and Nicolette Fernandes are all confirmed to represent the Golden Arrowhead at the 2015 Toronto Pan American Games and there is still one place open on the men’s team.

In an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport, Guyana Squash Association president David Fernandes disclosed that the three abovenamed players have been confirmed to represent Guyana at the Toronto, Canada Games in July and there is still one place open for another male player to complete the team.

According to Fernandes, Canadabased player Richard Chin, who was mainly responsible for Guyana qualifying for the Games, is out

… Place open for another male player due to an Achilles tendon injury he sustained recently and is now recovering.

Fernandes, however, said the door is wide open for another budding player to take Chin’s place on the team.

Asked if he has any player in mind, Fernandes, a former national hockey player, answered in the negative, but was quick to say the GSA’s selection committee will decide on that.

He nevertheless said Nyron Joseph, Jason Ray Khalil, Kristian Jeffrey or Regan Pollard can fill the void created by Chin.

Seth is Guyana’s number one men’s player who defeated Colombia’s Andres Herra 3-1 at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Vera Cruz, Mexico last November.

In the doubles event at that Games, Seth teamed up with Khalil in the Men’s doubles, where they had to play the team of Julian Jervis and Alex Frazer of the Cayman Islands but unfortunately they were beaten in straight games.

Meanwhile, the annual Bounty Farm-sponsored Mash Handicap tournament will serve off on March 2 at the Georgetown Club courts and Fernandes stated that the GSA will stage at least six local tournaments this year and will be sending representative teams to several regional and international tournaments.

Among them are the junior and senior Caribbean Area Squash Association, the World Junior Championships in Egypt and the Canadian and U.S. Junior Open tournaments.

Nicolette Fernandes Fernandes disclosed that the GSA has already selected its Girls team for the Junior World Championships in Egypt during the month of July.

The team comprises Akeila and Laressa Wiltshire, Gabby Fraser and Taylor Fernandes.

USACA elections scheduled for March 21 THE USA Cricket Association has announced that elections for 2015 will take place at a Special General Meeting in Dallas, Texas on March 21.

Nominations for candidates to the executive board are open until February 18 with the election set to occur under the current constitution after a proposal to ratify a revised constitution failed at the 2014 USACA Annual General Meeting in New York last November.

USACA has published a list of 39 voting

are also registered as member leagues of the rival American Cricket Federation.

Separately, there are seven leagues on the voting list that have not previously been USACA members prior to the 2012 USACA election and do not appear to have gone through the membership ratification process outlined in the USACA Constitution.

The process includes submitting an application before going through a provisional membership period of at least one year followed by a referral to the

Rana Persaud, manager of the New Building Society Limited Rose Hall Branch hands over sponsorship cheque to Angela Haniff, BCB secretary in the presence of other board members and NBS staff.

NBS renews sponsorship for second division cricket competition in Berbice MORTGAGE giant, the New Building Society Limited, renews sponsorship of the Berbice Cricket Board 40-Over Second Division Cricket Competition for teams in Berbice.

The tournament is expected to commence soon and close to 100 teams will participate.

It is the single largest cricket competition in the Caribbean. Teams are drawn from all geographic areas in the Ancient County.

At the presentation ceremony, held recently at the New Amsterdam Branch of the largest mortgage institution in the country, Carl Moore, the BCB competitions committee chairman said that he was delighted that the Society is once again on board and emphasised the importance of this competition in Berbice.

He said that in his opinion this is one of the most important cricket competitions in the county and many young cricketers are born out of this championship.

It brings the entire family out on Sundays in a picnic atmosphere. He added that it helps to keep the village cricket alive and the grounds in good condition so that people of all ages can use the facilities to play and exercise, creating healthy lifestyles.

Angela Haniff, the secretary of the board also spoke and echoed the sentiments of Moore. Speaking on behalf of the Society, Rana Persaud, manager of the Rose Hall Branch said that his company is always aware of its social responsibilities and role in the development of the communities and sponsoring this ever-important competition is an ideal way of giving back to the county.

He said that at the conclusion of the 2014 tournament, we promised renewal of sponsorship and today we have fulfilled that promise. He reminded the gathering that the Building Society has four branches in Berbice out of the seven in the country.

USA cricket is searching for sunnier days after much infighting. members eligible to take part in this election, up from the 15 that were allowed to take part in the controversial 2012 USACA general election.

A total of 32 of the-then 47 USACA member leagues were barred from voting after being declared “not in good standing” due to the results from a USACA compliance audit but USACA has now moved to make most of those leagues eligible to vote again, regardless of whether or not they meet the criteria established in 2012 to become members in good standing.

Of the 39 member leagues, five of them

USACA board for review and approval to full membership by a majority vote of the board. None of the eight leagues is mentioned anywhere in USACA Meeting Minutes since the 2012 USACA AGM. USACA had appointed a committee of six league presidents to form a set of revisions to the proposed constitution after it had fallen short of approval at the November AGM. But sources have indicated that the USACA board rejected the proposals that were submitted at a board meeting in January. USACA made no announcement as to the eventual status of the findings of the six-man committee. (ESPN Cricinfo)

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 14, 2015

Windies, WC matches bring big buzz to Nelson NELSON, Australia (CMC) – For a city best known for year-round sunshine, pristine beaches and spectacular scenery, the ICC Cricket World Cup has brought a bigger than normal buzz to Nelson ahead of Monday’s opening game between West Indies and Ireland.

Located on the north end of South Island and overlooking the picturesque Tasman Bay, Nelson has come to represent an idyllic mixture of tranquillity and adventure for visitors.

Its array of music and art festivals provide the perfect setting for the easygoing while the three iconic national parks serve up the thrills of hiking and kayaking for the more daring.

The arrival of the World Cup will introduce a new dynamic to the fun-loving city, however. Following on from the West Indies fixture, the United Arab Emirates play Zimbabwe next Thursday while Bangladesh face Scotland on March 5.

Invariably, police have stepped up security, in keeping with International Cricket Council requirements for hosting World Cup games.

The numbers of security personnel have been increased substantially, with reinforcements being added from Marlborough in the south-east and West Coast, to cope with the anticipated high influx of visitors throughout the World Cup

NOTABLE DATES

WORLD Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion Eusebio Pedroza may have come from a place where Valentine’s Day is not celebrated.

That may explain his actions on February 14, 1981. On that Valentine’s Day, the Panamanian showed no love for his Guyanese opponent Patrick Ford.

Pedroza, known as `The Scorpion’, roughed up Ford for the entire fight that was staged in Panama City, Panama, and ended the contest with a knockout in round 13.

It was the second loss in succession for the Guyanese who was attempting to win his country’s first world title.

Five months earlier, Ford stumbled at the finish line and was defeated by WBC featherweight champion Salvador Sanchez of Mexico.

The loss to Sanchez signalled a dark period for the previously undefeated Ford as three other defeats followed.

He returned to winning ways in April of 1985 with a fourthround TKO of Alejandro Garcia of the Dominican Republic. Ford died in the USA on November 13, 2011.

He was 55 years old.

period.

Saxton Oval will have 20 officers for each match, with additional resources deployed on the major highways in and out of the city.

Officers will also man traffic checkpoints,

have gone to the cricket because they enjoy watching the cricket for a day out. We see it no different for Cricket World Cup.” “Add the flavour of having some international teams in town and some

Saxton Oval monitor for drunk-driving.

Crime prevention units have been established in the city, with an investigative unit on call to deal with major incidents.

Inspector Tim Crawford, the operation commander for the Cricket World Cup in Nelson, said planning for the event had been ongoing for months.

“We’ve got a full operation for the three Cricket World Cup games,” Crawford said.

“Based on the previous games, people

overseas visitors, and it should be really good for the region.”

The city council, which has shelled out nearly US$776 000 to host the three World Cup games, will usher in Monday’s first game with a street party and a market day today.

And while the city is hoping to see the economic spin-offs from the influx of visitors, they are also keen on ensuring the local population gets a taste of the festivities.

Pakistani players fined for breaking curfew … Controversy hits camp ahead of first World Cup match

“One of the key benefits of this (hosting World Cup matches) is that we are able to offer the opportunity for our residents to attend an international event,” communications manager Paul Shattock said.

“It will also allow us to showcase the city to the world, due to the massive audience that watches the matches played at Saxton Oval.”

The ground is one of the newest on the ICC grid. It hosted its first-ever one-day international when West Indies toured New Zealand last year and also played host to the fourth ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka last month.

With the pending slate of World Cup matches, hoteliers have reported increased bookings and have also warned that latecomers face the risk of being without accommodation.

“February is always full and always busy; this year it is exceedingly full largely due to the number of events that are happening,” said John Gilbertson, administration officer for the Motel Association of New Zealand Nelson branch.

“If you are coming to the Nelson from outside the area, be sure to book. There is room, but you have to book.”

The Cricket World Cup is being jointly hosted by New Zealand and Australia. It bowls off today with New Zealand playing Sri Lanka in Christchurch and Australia clashing with England in Melbourne.

NOTABLE DATES JUNIOR welterweight Derek `Teacher’ McKenzie had a rare victory on February 14, 1983. McKenzie won a points decision over Englishman Delroy Pearce at the Concert Hall in London, England. The victory was the third in 11 fights for the Guyanese who had taken up residence in Fulham, England.

He drew against Winfield Braithwaite on his professional debut in 1979. His second time in the ring ended in a defeat at the hands of Trinidadian Michael Parsons in the Twinisland Republic. McKenzie claimed his first professional scalp in the third fight.

On May 20, 1980 the `Teacher’ schooled Clifford `Piggy’ Griffith to win the 10-rounder on points. He then lost the next five successive fights, one being to Lloyd Honeyghan. The Teacher returned to Guyana in June 1986 for his last contest.

An unbeaten Marcelle Daniels made sure McKenzie’s career ended on a losing note after winning by TKO in the eighth round.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Shahid Afridi poses with fans in Sydney EIGHT Pakistan players, including maverick former captain Shahid Afridi, have reportedly been fined for breaching a team curfew ahead of their crucial World Cup game against India.

They have also been warned that a repeat offence will see them kicked out of the tournament which starts today.

“Eight of the Pakistan players, which also included former captain Shahid Afridi and opener Ahmed Shehzad, were fined 300 Australian dollars after they came late to their Sydney hotel on Sunday,” sources in the Pakistan team told AFP on Thursday on condition of anonymity.

The team management, headed by manager Naveed Cheema, a former military

man, claimed the players arrived 45 minutes late after a night out.

“These players went with their friends for dinner but came back late,” said a team source.

The players are understood to have apologised and have promised not to repeat the offence.

Team management told the players that if such a breach was repeated they will be sent home on the first available flight.

Pakistan are placed in Group B of the 14team World Cup which starts in New Zealand and Australia today.

Pakistan play their first group game against arch-rivals and title-holders India in Adelaide tomorrow. (AFP)

(Saturday February 14, 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 yesterday’s quiz: (1) 2 times (1975 & 1979) (2) 3 times Today’s Quiz: (1)How many times Australia have won the World Cup? (2) How many times Australia have reached the final of the World Cup? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

34

WICB Professional Cricket League

Scoreboard

Barbados Pride

*T Lambert c (sub) b Bobb 10

*K Brathwaite c wkp Katwaroo b Gabriel

40

K Corbin b Imran Khan

22

K Edwards c Lewis b Imran Khan 0 S Hope b Hosein

13

R Chase not out

85

+S Dowrich not out

83

Extras (b2, nb1)

3

TOTAL (4 wkts, 90 overs) 246 To bat: C Brathwaite, A Nurse, M Cummins, J Warrican, T Best.

Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-29, 3-58, 4-93.

Bowling: Gabriel 14-7-33-1, Richards 15-2-48-0, Imran Khan 24-5-65-2, Hosein 19-1-54-1, Davis 6-1-16-0, Mohammed 1-0-3-0, Cariah 11-4-25-0.

RED FORCE – J Mohammed (captain), E Lewis, J Solozano, Y Ottley, Y Cariah, S Katwaroo, Imran Khan, A Hosein, M Richards, D Davis, S Gabriel.

Jmaica vs Windwards

+C Baugh Jr c Charles b Johnson 33 H Miller c and b Sebastian

2

D Bernard Jr c Smith b Bobb 18 D Jacobs lbw b Bobb

0

J Dawes lbw b Bobb

7

M Mindley not out

5

O Brown b Bobb

0

Extras (b1, lb3, nb1)

5

TOTAL (all out, 87.1 overs) 204 Fall of wickets: 1-30, 2-41, 3-61, 4-128, 5-133, 6-192, 7-192, 8-192, 9-200, 10-204.

Bowling: Johnson 9-1-38-1, Peters 8-1-21-0, Charles 7-314-2, Shillingford 17-5-68-1, Bobb 22.1-8-38-5, Sebastien 14-5-21-1.

Windwards 1st Innings D Smith not out

17

T Theophile not out

23

Extras (nb1)

1

TOTAL (without loss, 9 overs) 41

Jamaica 1st Innings N Bonner lbw b Charles

20

J Campbell lbw b Charles

8

JBlackwoodcLesporisbShillingford 96

Bowling: Mindley 2-0-15-0, Dawes 4-1-11-0, Jacobs 3-015-0.

Position: Windwards trail by 163 runs with all ten wickets intact.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 14, 2015

Leaders Jaguars in charge against Hurricanes NORTH SOUND, Antigua, (CMC) – Guyana Jaguars put themselves in position to continue their winning run in the WICB Professional Cricket League when they manhandled Leeward Islands Hurricanes on the first day of their sixth round contest here yesterday..

Opting to bowl first, Jaguars bundled out the hosts for 139 and had reached 14 without loss in reply, at the close at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.

In a game pitting the tournament leaders against the bottom dwellers, Jaguars were quick to press home their authority.

Fast bowler Ronsford Beaton led the onslaught with four for 40 while seamer Chris Barn-

well (2-17) and left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul (2-32) picked up two wickets apiece.

For the Leewards, only tailender Jeremiah Louis with an unbeaten 27 showed any resistance while Akeem Saunders got 21 and Austin Richards, 20.

The rut for Hurricanes began when Beaton removed Sherwin Peters for five with the score on 19 for one and continued when Beaton trapped Montcin Hodge lbw for three at 27 for two.

Off-spinner Narsingh Deonarine then bowled Richards at 39 for three and wickets continued to tumble as the Leewards reached 71 for six at lunch.

There was no recovery as Jaguars kept the pressure on Pacer Ronsford Beaton led Jaguars charge with afterwards. four for 40.

Blackwood misses ton as Jamaica collapse

Windies arrive in Nelson for opener NELSON, New Zealand, (CMC) – West Indies touched down here on Friday afternoon (Thursday night, Eastern Caribbean time) to begin final preparations for their opening 2015 World Cup clash against minnows Ireland on Monday.

Despite their rocky build-up to the tournament, the squad was in good spirits as they trained their sights on their opening fixture at the picturesque Saxton Oval, located in the small city on the north coast of South Island.

The Caribbean side spent the last 11 days in Sydney preparing for the tournament while also playing their two official warmup matches.

They are set to train this morning and tomorrow

afternoon, their last sessions before beginning their Group B campaign.

West Indies also face reigning World champions India, South Africa, Pakistan, Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates.

Champions of the first two World Cups staged in England in 1975 and 1979, the Windies have been given little chance of winning the World Cup and their recent unconvincing performances have given pundits little reason to dispel this notion.

They were thrashed 4-1 by South Africa in their five-match ODI series last month and then crashed to an embarrassing nine-wicket defeat to England in their first warm-up match in Sydney last Monday, when they were bowled out for 122.

Jermaine Blackwood JERMAINE Blackwood narrowly missed a century as his Jamaica Franchise team continued to battle with Windward Islands Volcanoes in a sixth-round WICB Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day match at Arnos Vale Sports Complex in St Vincent.

Blackwood, who went to tea on 95, fell shortly after the resumption, caught

by Keddy Lesporis off Shane Shillingford for 96.

Blackwood’s innings, which was put together in 231 minutes off 204 deliveries with 10 fours and a six, helped add respectability to Jamaica’s total.

He added 60 for the fifth wicket with David Bernard Jr who chipped in with 18.

However, shortly after the two were dismissed, Jamaica lost their last five wickets for 18 runs to be all out for 204..

Alston Bobb was the main destroyer for Windwards with 5 for 38 and was well supported by Johnson Charles, 2 for 14.

Carlton Baugh Jr, the only man to be dismissed in the post-lunch session for 33, along with first-session victims Nkrumah Bonner, 20, and captain Tamar Lambert, 10, were the other double-figure scorers.

In their turn to bat, the Volcanoes closed on 41 without loss. Devon Smith, the leading run-scorer in regional cricket, is on 17 and Tyrone Theophile on 23.

Jamaica, with 53 points, are just seven points ahead of fourth-place Volcanoes on 46.

Barbados end day one in strong position

Shane Dowrich ROSTON Chase and Shane Dowrich are closing in on centuries for Barbados Pride in their sixth-round WICB Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day match against Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Chase is on 83 and Dowrich has joined him on the same score, as Barbados Pride closed day one on 246 for four.

Chase, who brought up his half-century in 172 minutes off 140 deliveries (7x4s), and Dowrich whose first milestone came in 102 minutes off 140 deliveries (5x4), have so far put on 85 for the fifth wicket.

Kraigg Brathwaite, one of the most consistent batsmen in regional cricket, was the only man to be dismissed in the post-lunch session for 40.

Earlier in the opening session, Kyle Corbin, fell for 22, which included three fours and a six.

Imran Khan is so far the leading wicket-taker with 2 for 65. Akeal Hosein and Shannan Gabriel took the other wickets.

The Barbados Pride on 60 points are trying to close in on leaders Guyana Jaguars 75 with three outstanding rounds of matches to play.

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 14, 2015

University of Guyana, QC and Tutorial High to participate in Barbados Relay Fair today

By Tamica Garnett (in Barbados) A TEAM of fifteen athletes, who departed Guyana on Thursday, will represent the University of Guyana today at the Barbados Relay Fair. Teams from Queen’s College and Tutorial High are also scheduled to participate.

The UG team comprises five girls and 10 boys. The girls are Kezia Bess, Feona Jones, Fiona Mentis, Anrika February and Tamica Garnett, and the boys are Carlwyn Collins, Arinze Chance, Kadeem Peters, Owen Adonis, Dane Johnson, Salim Yussuf, Ameer Yussuf, Floyd Phillips, Emauel Archibald and Kleon Spellen.

This is the third time that the University will be represented in the Clubs and Institutions category at the annual event.

The University fielded a team at the event for the first time back in 2012, then again last year. In both years the team comprised 15 athletes, with Kenneth Semple as coach for the 2012 team.

This year the team is being coached

by IAAF Level 4 coach Mark Scott, who also coached the team last year. Speaking with Chronicle Sport prior to the team’s departure, Scott had high hopes for the

The University of Guyana 2015 Barbados Relay team after arriving in Barbados on Thursday, flanked by team coach Mark Scott (left) and team manager Lavern Fraser-Thomas. team which has been under his training for the past month.

“We are well prepared; we’ve had one month of training, working Saturdays and sometimes even Sundays, so I think we stand a good chance this year to medal in all of our events. Last year we did not medal in the 4x100, that’s the men’s (4x100) we’re talking about, but this year I’m positive we stand a chance. I’m expecting both teams

Alpha seeks bye into round two of CFU Club Championships GUYANA’S leading football club Alpha United has written to the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) requesting that the team be given a bye into the second round of the CFU Club Championship set to kick off next month.

Club president Odinga Lumumba reasoned that since Alpha qualified for the last CONCACAF Club Championship, the local team should be exempted from the CFU first round.

“We have written asking that Alpha United be given a bye into the second round.

Our decision was based on the fact that we qualified for the last CONCACAF Club Championship. It is our belief that we should be given automatic bye,” Lumumba said The Caribbean Championship is an annual competition hosted

by CFU involving top clubs from member countries. Leading teams from the CFU competition qualify for the CONCACAF tournament Last year, Alpha United topped Group Three which included Trinidad Defence Force, Sporting Notch of Suriname and Harbour View of Jamaica. All Group matches were played in Jamaica and Alpha’s performance earned

Alpha United president Odinga Lumumba them a place in the CONCACAF Championships.

In addition, Lumumba revealed that his club indicated its willingness to host a round of the CFU competition in Guyana.

“We have written asking to host a leg of the CFU championships here and I am quite optimistic that we will have a favourable response.”

Meanwhile, the team commenced training for the regional tournament on Tuesday.

to medal in all the events they are a part of because of their preparations.” Scott said.

The men’s team will participate in the 4x100m, 4x400m, 4x800m, and medley relays, as well as an exhibition 4x200m relay, while for the females Scott revealed that the priority races will be the 4x100m and medley relays.

Hopefully the team will participate in the 4x400m and 4x800m relays.

Little Divas Flames intensify training for friendly against Foxy Ladies THE Little Divas Flames female football team have intensified training as they prepare for a friendly game against Foxy Ladies of West Demerara, scheduled for February 21 at the Georgetown Football Club ground from 15:30hrs.

According to a release from the club, the game is part of the Pele FC-organised Frank Watson Memorial Football Tournament.

The Little Divas’ training session is being held at the Girl Guides ground, Brickdam, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays commencing at 16:30hrs each day. The coach is Colin McNichols. All members are asked to take note.

The new training facility for the club was acquired by Lawrence Griffith, president of the Club who approached the management of Girl Guides to use the facility after the club had to find another training venue having been removed from the GFC facility.

Additionally, Garnett is expected to be in the female long jump while Spellen will take on the men’s javelin, discus and shot put, in the field segment of the event.

Manager for the team, UG Sports Organiser Lavern Fraser-Thomas is also optimistic about her athletes’ chances at the event.

“I am really anticipating that we will be able to defend our position in the men’s medley relay, I’m also expecting that we will be able to medal in at least one other of the men’s relay, (I’m) really looking forward to the performance in the 4x100m. I do also expect that the females too can mirror their performance from last year and possibly improve as well.” Fraser ssid.

In their last year’s performance the team ended with seven medals and a record-breaking performance in the men’s distance medley, which comprises a 200m, 400m, 800m and 1200m legs. That performance was spearheaded by national distance athlete Cleveland Forde, who is, unfortunately, absent from the team this year.

Endorsing Fraser-Thomas’ sentiments Scott also voiced his high hopes in the men’s medley relay,

Fraser-Pryce aims to lower PB this season KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) - Jamaica’s history-making sprint sensation Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has declared that she wants to lower her personal best (PB) and national record of 10.70 seconds this year.

Fraser-Pryce announced her intentions after winning the 60m in 7.11 seconds at the recent Queen’s/ Grace Jackson meet.

“Last year or the year before, I didn’t have a personal best, so I want to do that this year. My personal best is 10.70, so as you can imagine, I want to go faster than that,” said Fraser-Pryce who, in 2013, became the first female sprinter to win gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay in a single World Championships in Moscow, Russia.

“This year I want to run well.

I am training well and I want to be stronger this year. That’s the emphasis Stephen (Francis, coach) and I have talked about ... me getting stronger. So I am working towards it, especially in the gym and hopefully it will bear fruits.”

Fraser-Pryce, who burst onto the international scene as a 21-year-old seven years ago, has since reaped 11 global medals, but is still hungry for more success.

Known for her explosive

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce starts, the Jamaican sprinter has dominated the 100m for the last six years, winning back-to-back Olympic 100m titles in 2008 and 2012.

“I have won back-to-back Olympic titles, but I have never won a back-to-back World Championships title,” noted Fraser-Pryce.

“So, of course, there is still something that I am hungry for and something I am looking forward to. I am looking forward to hopefully making the Olympic team in Rio. I am still young, I think, at 28, so I am just looking forward to the rest of the year.”

Sport CHRONICLE

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

University of Guyana, QC and Tutorial High to participate in Barbados Relay Fair today See story on page 35

Fly Jamaica, GTM, GUYOIL, King’s Jewellery join sponsors for fight card

By Michael DaSilva FLY Jamaica, Guyana and Trinidad Mutual Insurance (GTM) GUYOIL and King’s Jewellery have all joined the list of sponsors supporting the Guyana Boxing Board of Control’s (GBBC) Caribbean Collision fivebout card set for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on February 21.

Yesterday, the above-mentioned agencies handed over cheques and airline tickets to representatives of the GBBC at president Peter Abdool’s office.

Speaking at the handing-over ceremony, Abdool thanked all the entities for coming on board to support the card which will feature Guyana’s Clive `The Punisher’ Atwell against Jamaica’s Sakima Mullings in a World Boxing Council CABOFE junior welterweight 12-round title fight.

Abdool was very heartened by the fact that GTM has come on board in support of the card.

He explained that this is the first time that the insurance company is supporting the sport and said that the company has done a great deal for the development of local cricket over the years and it is his hope that they will do the same for boxing.

Turn to page 29

GBBC president Peter Abdool (extreme left) strikes a pose with representatives of the various sponsors yesterday in his boardroom. Second left is the board’s Marketing manager Mike Fung. (Adrian Narine photo)

Anderson, McCullum carry NZ to 331 New Zealand plundered 77 in their first 10 overs and 102 in their last 10 as they opened their World Cup campaign with a powerful batting performance at the Hagley Oval . It left Sri Lanka chasing 332, but they may have had to crane their necks at an even more imposing target had their bowlers not managed to exert some sort of control during the middle 30 overs, during which they picked up four wickets and conceded only 5.07 runs per over.

But the damage done by Brendon McCullum at the start of the innings and by Corey Anderson at the end left the biggest impact upon the scorecard . Lasith Malinga, returning to ODI cricket for the first time since undergoing ankle surgery in September, showed the effects of his layoff in spraying the ball around and conceding 84 from his 10 overs, and his new-ball and death-overs partner Nuwan Kulasekara took even more punishment, leaking 78 in eight.

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Jeevan Mendis takes a sharp catch in the deep to dismiss New Zealand opener Brendon McCullum for 65, as the first match in the 2015 World Cup got underway in Christchurch today.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015