2015 3 20

GUYANA

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No. 104134 FRIDAY MARCH 20, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PRESIDENT ASSURES…

Mega developments on stream for Region 3

– as US$46.8M Vreed-en-Hoop to Parika road project launched Page

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INCLUDING VAT

Dr Ashni Singh

Finance Minister

15 unhurt following vehicular accident Page

‘CARICOM INSURANCE’ BREAK-IN...

Bandits cart off seven weapons, $10M cash 8 Page

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Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

PRESIDENTIAL HUG: President Donald Ramotar holding this beautiful little girl at Vreed-en-Hoop yesterday (Delano Williams photos)

TUF member recalls...

HORRORS of elections

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rigging under PNC

Trending: Jagdeo’s soundbites More jobs to be created 15 for Lindeners

Murtland ‘Slugger’ Williams

Granger’s statement a blatant eye passPage to Region 9 residents 10

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President assures …

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

Mega developments on stream for Region 3 - as US$46.8M Vreed-en-Hoop to Parika road project launched

THERE have been numerous developments already in Region 3, and there is much more to come for the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, including a Call Centre, opening up of agriculture lands, a new bridge across the Demerara River, and major road upgrades, among others.

At the launch of the US$46.8M, Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Government of Guyana-funded West Coast (Vreeden-Hoop to Parika) Road Project yesterday, President Donald Ramotar underscored the importance of this huge venture which will not only boost the Region’s development, but that of the country which has been propelled by the performance of the economy over the last several years. Guyana has experienced nine consecutive years of economic growth, in face of international and domestic challenges.

A Call Center is scheduled to be opened at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo and with another at Enmore, East Coast Demerara.

Together, they are expected to provide employment for 900 people.

The launch of the Road Project was

State gave his reaction to a statement made

by Opposition Leader David Granger recently, in which he indicated his support for the construction of the Amaila Hydro Power Project. This change in position is a demonstration of Granger’s character, the President said. He also described as “gungho”, the move by the Opposition alliance (APNU+AFC) to allocate various ministerial positions such as “vice-presidencies” to members of the joint coalition despite not yet winning the upcoming elections.

This evoked loud applause from the large gathering.

contracts, penalty clauses, if these things don’t come in on time and on budget. It is time that we look for quality in every area, not only in the physical infrastructure, but in the manner in which we do things as well.”

WEST COAST ROAD PROJECT Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn said the project was conceptualised

the contract only after intense scrutiny by the Ministry of Public Works and the Caribbean Development Bank. The company also boasts an ISO 9000 certification for quality. Both parties expressed delight with the association.

Speaking briefly with the Guyana Chronicle, Shane Garvin, Project Manager of Surrey Paving & Aggregate Company Limited, explained that by contract they were given

AGRICULTURE LANDS Region 3 is primarily agriculture in nature, and according to the President, in addition to rice, the expansion of coconut and soya production would be among crops which could be grown with the opening of the Del Conte Road.

This roadway will result in the opening of thousands of acres of agricultural lands, in the Region. All of these are part of Government’s efforts to broaden and diversify President Ramotar addressing officials of the project and Vreed-en-Hoop residents

Chairman of BK International, Mr Brian Tiwarie, President Donald Ramotar, and Public Works Minister, Mr Robeson Benn during a walk around at Vreed-enHoop yesterday held at the Vreed-en-Hoop stelling and witnessed by a large gathering.

ROADS There are also plans in train, the President revealed, for road expansion works on the West Bank Demerara Highway, the Canal Number One and Two roads and several others in the Region.

All of these projects, he said, will better the lives of the Region’s residents and ultimately their communities which are becoming more organised.

President Ramotar also spoke of Government’s proposals which will see a new bridge being built within the next five years over the Demerara River. This, he said, could even result in Georgetown being expanded to encompass Vreed-en-Hoop.

Mention was also made of the Amaila Falls Project which the President indicated was close to being finalised and construction expected to begin before the end of 2015.

As an aside, the Guyanese Head of

agricultural production, President Ramotar explained.

He also reiterated statements expressed

by Public Works Minister Robeson Benn, and called on residents and other stakeholders to care the infrastructural works being undertaken at great expense. He also called on them to be understanding with regards to any inconvenience that may be caused by the road project, as it was “for the greater good” of the Region and country as a whole.

STERN WARNING The President further issued a stern warning to the Public Works Ministry to ensure that the contractors complete their jobs within the scheduled time frame, and on budget.

“I’m tired of many of the projects not coming in on time and on budget and this is one of the focus we will need to have.

We can have consultants justifying all kinds of delays. We must put in all of their

in February of 2013 and pushed through at the insistence of the President and Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, and his Planning Unit which finalised the funding agreement with the CDB. There were several factors such as the volume of vehicular traffic, accidents and communities, which were taken into consideration, Minister Benn said.

Describing the stretch of road as the “most critical segment of the national network,” Minister Benn encouraged those responsible to ensure that those who use the thoroughfare “understand what it should be used for and how to use it.” He said he expects that “significant attention” will also be paid to enforcement with regards to usage.

According to Minister Benn, this project is a major step forward with regard to the development of public infrastructure in Guyana. He noted that the constant improvement of the road infrastructure has been a primary focus of this Government. “The Government of Guyana, during the time of the PPP/C has been constantly working to improve our public road network and infrastructure,” he said.

He commented on the project management and the delivery time of the completed road, and noted that his expectations are that “we do not have too many delays and we can have this delivered on time.” The minister also gave details on some of the projects that his ministry and the Government have in the pipeline, with one of the major projects being to bridge the Kurupukari crossing so as to reduce a significant amount of travel time to Lethem.

A 36-month long Road Works component will be carried out through a collaborative effort between Surrey Paving & Aggregate Company Ltd., and BK International Inc. Surrey Paving & Aggregate Company Ltd is a Jamaican company, and was awarded

36 months to complete the project and the company is hoping to deliver this in 30 months. He noted too that delays will occur and presently they are having a problem with the utility companies and that is their present hold-up. According to Garvin, even though the company is Jamaican, they will be utilising Guyanese professionals instead of importing Jamaicans.

Meanwhile, remarks were also given at yesterday’s launching ceremony by Region 3 Chairman Julius Faerber who thanked the Government for the “long awaited project”, and Surrey Paving and Aggregate Company Ltd Executive Michael Archer who revealed that due diligence studies and initial works were started some three months ago. Archer added that his company was proud to partner with a local company such as BK Inc., on the project, expressing confidence since similar jobs have been successfully completed in several other Caribbean nations.

On November 22, 2014, Government formally signed a US$46.8 million contract with several contractors for varying aspects of the road project. The road network upgrade will see the rehabilitation of the 30.7 kilometre road from Vreed-en-Hoop to Hydronie, catering for widening, separation lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, traffic signs, replacement of the Groenveldt Bridge, relocation of utilities and other ancillary works.

One component comprises a School Road Safety Awareness Programme to be undertaken by TRL Limited at a cost of 252,107 (pounds sterling).

Another component will be carried out

by Geo Tech Vision Guyana Inc., at a cost of US$86,500 over a two-year period. This part will see road safety and drivers’ education sessions being given to residents of communities served by the network.

TUF member recalls horrors of elections rigging under PNC

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

‘OLD habits die hard’ is an adage that TUF (United Force) member Murtland ‘Slugger’ Williams wishes Guyanese to be very wary of as they cast their ballots on May 11.

He further urges that as they exercise their franchise come polling day, they be very vigilant so as to safeguard the transparency and accountability of the elections process.

Williams, now 74, has lived through and directly witnessed what he terms “The PNC’s repeated rigging of elections in the 1960s.”

He recalled a horrid experience one Elections Day at a polling station when ballot papers were forged and stuffed into ballot boxes.

POLLING DAY 1960 “In the 1960s, I was a TUF Polling Agent at the Campbellville Government School, working along with agents from the PPP and the PNC; and at around 5:30 on the afternoon of the elections, several bus-loads of people came into the building and the Returning Officer gave them pencils and they started to go around the table signing papers. I was there; I saw it,” Williams said.

“There were about 30 to 40 people just going around in circles and signing papers. I turned to the PNC guy [polling agent] and say, ‘What you gon do about this?’ We [PPP and TUF

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‘Sir Donald Jackson and Sir Harold Bollers, who were in charge of the elections, came; soldiers also came, and they held us up and took away the ballot boxes. Sir Donald Jackson and Sir Harold Bollers left around 7pm; and at around 8, the PPP guy got into contact with his Party, and somebody from his Party came and got us out’ --Murtland ‘Slugger’ Williams Dr Odeen Ishmael

‘Hundreds of PPP supporters who waited hours in queues to vote were turned away by the Presiding Officers who told them that they had already voted by post or proxy. These persons protested that they never applied to vote by proxy or post, and that they did not receive any postal ballots’ – Dr Odeen Ishmael polling agents] started to object, but when they finished, they just threw it [the signed paper] in the ballot boxes.”

He said persons in charge of the elections process subsequently visited the Polling Station and they were instructed to stay there.

Williams recalled: “Sir Donald Jackson and Sir Harold Bollers, who were in charge of the elections, came; soldiers also came, and they held us up and took away the ballot boxes. Sir Donald Jackson and Sir Harold Bollers left around 7pm;

and at around 8, the PPP guy got into contact with his Party, and somebody from his Party came and got us out.”

According to Williams, the ballot boxes the soldiers took away were destined for Queen’s College, where the ballots were to be counted, but he and his fellow Polling Agents never had the chance to witness that exercise.

“We [the Polling Agents] were supposed to go with those boxes, but they came with the soldiers, held us up there, and took the boxes,” Williams said, adding: “In

Murtland ‘Slugger’ Williams

those days, you had to be on the street corners [campaigning]; and if you talk wrong, an egg, a bottle, or a brick coming at you. You weren’t protected by any television screen; if you wrong-talk, you had it coming to you.”

ODEEN’S EXPERIENCE Williams’ account of the elections process back in the 60s is akin to that of Dr. Odeen Ishmael, as was published in the Guyana Journal of May 2006, which details the tragedy of the 1973 rigged elections.

According to Dr Ishmael, “Hundreds of PPP supporters who waited hours in queues to vote were turned away by the Presiding Officers who told them that they had already voted by post or proxy. These persons protest-

ed that they never applied to vote by proxy or post, and that they did not receive any postal ballots.

“Then, late in the afternoon, many young PNC supporters without identification cards, and whose names were not on the list as voters, were permitted to vote, despite objections from the PPP Polling Agents. As a result, more votes were cast in some Polling Centres than by electors on the list.”

Dr Ishmael also recounted the role of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in the proceedings, saying: “But despite all of this, the unpopular PNC realised by mid-afternoon that even the massive use of the proxy, overseas, and postal voting was no guarantee for its return to power. It then in-

stituted its back-up plan; to deploy the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers to take control of the ballot boxes to ensure a PNC two-thirds majority.”

At the close of polls, he said, “The majority of the PPP Polling Agents were not permitted to affix their seals on the ballot boxes by the Presiding Officers. And almost immediately, many of the Polling Agents of the Opposition Parties were forced out of the Polling Stations at gun-point by the policemen and the GDF soldiers, while others were not allowed to observe the sealing of the ballot boxes by the Presiding Officers.

“In addition, the GDF soldiers and armed police forcibly prevented Opposition Polling Agents to follow behind the vehicles transporting the ballot boxes.”

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GECOM commences distribution of National ID Cards THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is advising the public that the distribution of National Identification Cards, for persons registered during the recent Claims and Objections exercise, has commenced nationwide.

GECOM is asking those persons who would have conducted registration transactions during this

exercise to visit the Registration Office responsible for their areas of residence to collect their ID cards, a press release stated.

GECOM is also urging persons who were registered during previous registration exercises, but have not uplifted their National ID cards, to make a very special effort to do so from the GECOM Registration Office

or Sub-Office responsible for their area of residence.

All of GECOM’s Registration Offices and Sub-Offices will be opened Monday to Thursday from 8:00 hrs -16:30 hrs, Fridays from 8:00 hrs -15:30 hrs, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 hrs - 14:00 hrs.

Every registered Guyanese aged 14 years or over should at all times be able to show a valid National ID card if so requested.

The National ID card is a multi-functional document that identifies you by photograph, the release added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

New British High Commissioner pays courtesy call on GECOM Chairman SHORTLY after presenting his credentials and receiving his accreditation, the new British High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr. Greg Quinn, last Friday made a courtesy call on the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Dr. Steve Surujbally.

Among the pertinent issues discussed were GECOM’s state of preparedness for the efficient and effective conduct of the upcoming General and Regional Elections, to be held on May 11, 2015, a press release stated.

Dr. Surujbally took the opportunity to apprise High Commissioner Quinn about certain significant preparatory works already com-

GECOM Chariman, Dr Steve Surujbally, in talks with British High Commissioner Greg Quinn

pleted by GECOM, as well as those activities currently engaging the attention of the Commission, as it readies itself for the efficient and transparent execution of Elections 2015.

Important areas highlighted by the GECOM Chairman were the recent successful completion of the Claims and Objections phase, the commencement of GECOM’s Civic and Voter Education Programme, the imminent finalisation of the training of Polling Day Staff, the appointment of Returning Officers for all of GECOM’s ten Divisions, and the soon to be completed list of Polling Places to be used on Elections Day. REVISED LIST OF ELECTORS Further, High Commissioner Quinn was informed

by Dr. Surujbally that the Commission has already compiled the Revised List of Electors, and will have it posted on Monday March 23, 2015, for 21 days, at two prominent places in all of the Electoral Divisions/ Sub-Divisions. Moreover, he was told that the Revised List of Electors will be available on GECOM’s Website at www.gecom.org. gy and will be circulated to all political parties, which have indicated their interest to contest the May 11, 2015 elections.

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During his visit to GECOM, High Commissioner Quinn visited the Information Technology and Data Entry Sections of the GECOM Secretariat and briefly met with the European Union funded Joint Technical Assessors, Mr. Daniel Piret and Dr. Alexander Gray. Mr. Quinn later met the Chief Election Officer, Mr. Keith Lowenfield, Deputy Chief Election Officer, Mr. Vishnu Persaud as well as the recently appointed Returning Officers and the Registration Officers from all of GECOM's Divisions and Sub-Divisions.

Mr. Quinn was able to witness at first hand the interaction between the GECOM Senior Staff and the Returning Officers and their Deputies/Clerks as together they assiduously identified proposed Polling Places which need to have credibility and functionality acceptable to all stakeholders.

The British High Commissioner expressed his satisfaction with the works being carried out

by GECOM and welcomed the obvious dedication of the GECOM staff. He promised to give any possible support within the capability of Her Majesty’s Government, relative to the 2015 General and Regional Elections, the release concluded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

David do de about-turn, mekkin ‘Suddenly’ he campaign song!

POTSALT did talk about some people who suddenly doing abrupt about-turns. Sometime back, de Alliance man who own de PegaSUCKS mek plenty noise and condemn de Marriott. He even get he boys, RumJ and Nagga, fuh mek more noise fuh stop de project. Dem seh de country ain’t ready fuh a Marriott. Imagine dem who telling people that de country ain’t gat enough development trying fuh stop a world-class-brand hotel from here!

De reason wasn’t that de coun-

try ain’t ready; is that dem worry that de Marriott gon mek de PegaSUCKS look like a bare Mother Hubbard cupboard!

Also, both Nagga and RumJ had fuh mek de noise because de PegaSUCKS owner woulda suddenly stop he support fuh de ‘Key Party’. De funding was key to de Party survival. De two didn’t had a choice! Potsalt know that is call “paying de piper”; and everybody know how good pipers RumJ and Nagga is!

Suddenly, some time after, PegaSUCKS Rabert want fuh buy

shares in de Marriott! People ask he how come suddenly so he realise de potential in de hotel! He was willing fuh send over de US$8M cheque right away! People ask how come he had all that money ready. But that is a different story!

Dem want fuh know how come all de bad things he, Nagga and RumJ talk about de Marriot suddenly turn good! That was one of de biggest about-turn fuh de year! David from de Palm Tree Party following Rabert too. David now seh-in that he gon build de hydro if he alliance win. He also

seh-in that he wouldn’t close de sugar industry if he get de majority. Now Potsalt hear all kinds ah sudden-change statements, but David own gat to be best of de worst! People who hear what he seh, hollering that is hypocrisy in a shameless way! Dem know how he, Carl, Nagga, RumJ and de others find all kinda fault pun de Amaila Hydro.

Dem mek it look like de Bubonic Plague, which must be avoided at all cost. Dem seh it too bad fuh Guyana, and chase away de investors. Is de same way

dem pledge fuh close de sugar industry and cut out money from de Budget fuh it. Dem seh sugar wasting money, and it must close! De workers fight back, but David and he team didn’t budge.

Now, suddenly after getting invite to a fancy lunch, David hollering that he wouldn’t close sugar if he get a pass fuh rule. De hypocrisy more shameful than what Judas did bring pun heself!

Potsalt wouldn’t be surprise if de alliance campaign song is Billy Ocean’s “Suddenly!”. Potsalt gone! Fuh now!

Police need assistance to bring perpetrators to justice CRUM-EWING EXECUTION...

SINCE the execution-style killing of Courtney CrumEwing, who was laid to rest on Wednesday following a well attended funeral, Crime Chief Leslie James told this publication that for those responsible for the murder to be brought to justice, the police need the assistance of all Guyanese.

He however asked that persons who may have information to come forward, call in or even send an anonymous note.

He explained that for the police to solve this case it requires the help of all citizens and encouraged persons to volunteer the relevant infor-

mation which will aid in their current probe.

After Crum- Ewing’s execution, there was a public outcry for justice,so much so that in a section of the print media, the telephone numbers of that media house were listed along with the telephone numbers of the police seeking the public’s assistance in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Since the murder two suspects were held and later released, after the police failed to come up with evidence to link them to the crime.

Even President Donald Ramotar, who was speaking at the opening of the Guyana Police Force Annual Officers’

Conference last week, charged the hierarchy of the Force to go wherever the case takes them The police have also detained a car that was suspected to have been used in transporting the men who gunned down the father of three with a volley of bullets that left him lying in a pool of blood on the roadway with three gunshot wounds.

The police last week were reviewing video footage from which they were able to pick up the registration plate of a vehicle.

However, it is not clear whether they were able to ascertain the documents of

registration of that vehicle the police impounded when they arrested the two persons for questioning in relation to the murder.

Crum-Ewing, a former student of Queen’s College who excelled in sports, and a former soldier, was killed on the evening of March 10 in the New Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.

At the time he was using a bullhorn to encourage residents to vote come Elections day.

He was fatally shot three times to the head and left lying in Third Avenue in a pool of blood with his bullhorn a short distance away.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Electioneering gimmicks and verbal gymnastics THE promises to the electorate, from Forbes Burnham right down to Moses Nagamootoo and David Granger, have been numerous and impactful to the gullible. But gauge the rhetoric from the delivery and then one could comprehend the contention of President Donald Ramotar, who responded to Granger’s claims at the Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA) dinner last Tuesday with disdain and rank disbelief.

“The promises of Mr David Granger on the sugar sector and the Amaila Falls Hydropower project represent a transparent electioneering gimmick that I am confident (they) will not fool the Guyanese people,” President Ramotar said dismissively of Granger’s tall claims on reforming the energy and consequently the manufacturing sectors.

As a member of the leadership of the original PPP, Burnham was privy to all Dr Cheddi Jagan’s visions for the future of Guyana and how his visions could be nurtured and fructify in a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Guyana: But implementation proved another matter.

So after Burnham conspired with his collaborators in the UK and the USA to

wrest the reins of power from Dr. Jagan and put him in then British Guiana’s driving seat in government, they could not infuse the cranial wherewithal to effectively implement those plans Dr. Jagan had drafted for national development.

Added to that was the absolute lack of a moral compass and the greed and egoism of Burnham and successive PNC leaders and the country, instead of developing its immense potential for the benefit of the citizens, plunged this nation into a subterranean socio-economic abyss.

Betrayal of Dr. Jagan and the nation by political opportunists whose only agendas are self-aggrandisement and self-enrichment has been a recurring theme throughout our history; and what is a worse betrayal of the people than stagnating and inhibiting their socio-economic wellbeing by stymieing – with their unpatriotic and destructive actions and utterances in and out of Parliament?

For nearly three decades Guyana had been plunged into the depths of apathy, despair and hopelessness until this nation was rescued by a restoration of democracy following the October 1992 free and fair election.

Then it was that all that

Dr. Jagan had envisioned for this nation had a hope of bearing fruit, but the task was more daunting than cleaning the Augean stables.

Slowly but surely Dr. Cheddi Jagan, as explained at the PYO forum by former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, led his team toward fructification of his dreams for a united and prosperous Guyana. And even when he bowed to his mortality, he left a structure in place that sustained and propelled his dreams and visions into concrete realities.

This is the Jagan legacy: Great developmental ideas carved from the dungeons of adversity, crafted in the landscape of an unrestrained mind, honed in the soul of a peace-loving and compassionate leader, and implemented with a human face through a heart of a nation’s patriarch.

And that legacy is a vital force guiding the current PPP/C leadership that has catalysed a transformation in this nation, to the extent where Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, described Guyana as “… the only shining star of the Caribbean.”

This runaway development was stymied in various ways by the unpatriotic, anti-people, anti-development

Opposition cabal, including the hostile media. Yet, against this background, Guyana’s development continues to be a work in progress instead of retrogression, with record and sustained economic growth despite global socio-economic depression.

The PPP/C’s plans are well-documented in its development strategy programmes and its successive manifestos, which do not digress from Cheddi’s vision, which Dr. Jagdeo said encapsulates every existential dynamic and transcends every human parameter and limitation because age was never a factor for the Father of the Nation.

According to the former President it was the nimbleness of his mind, and it is that brilliant mind that created the pathway on which the PPP/C is treading; thus President Ramotar’s promise of continuity after Dr. Jagdeo demitted office in 2011.

Moses Nagamootoo’s promises fooled the people in 2011 and they gave him their votes, but his pull factor was the Jagan legacy, which they thought he was nurturing, and history has proven their expectations hollow.

Granger, the presidential candidate of the A Partnership for National Unity

(APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) alliance, in his address to GMSA stakeholders said, “We will also develop hydroelectric power within a project which we have identified as the Potaro Basin Development Authority, which could embody the present Amaila Falls.”

On the question of the sugar sector, he added, “We are not going to throw the sugar industry through the window…there is no quick fix, but we are not going to dissolve the sugar industry… it is too big to fail.”

But, like Burnham and Nagamootoo, Granger is riding on the back of the Jagan legacy, because these concepts are fully documented in PPP/C developmental strategy documents. His promise of “cheaper energy” and the assurance of support for an industry that is “too big to fail” are not new ideas, according to President Ramotar.

Dr. Jagan’s disciple said, “These are initiatives, assurances and deliverables that this administration (the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic administration) brought to the table.”

All that the Opposition leaders do is borrow ideas from the visionary developmental concepts of the PPP/C founding father. However, mouthing the words crafted in Dr. Jagan’s brains is one thing; but one needs

PPP by far outweighs the PNC/AFC IN the closing rounds of a well regulated boxing match, a losing pugilist who is outwitted and outfoxed by a better opponent, is left with little or no choice but to throw in everything he has to salvage his credibility as a worthy opponent. This is exactly where the PNC/ AFC finds itself as we ap-

proach the May elections.

Politically concussed, historically discredited, elusive, duplicitous, dysfunctional and vacuous, the PNC/ AFC cannot win a fair contest with the PPP. So what do they? That is when the dirty tricks campaign come in. They and their acolytes have to minimise and degrade the achievements

of the PPP by increasing the fears of Guyanese and spewing the language of foment.

David Granger recently said that he was convinced that the Crum-Ewing’s death was the result of the actions of the “rulers of darkness”.

Guyanese, however, are astute enough to see through the ‘hocus pocus’ of their arguments. They are also well

aware of the machinations by the PNC and its drone, the AFC, to belittle the PPP ad infinitum for restoring and sustaining the country’s democratic credentials including freedom of the press and for commissioning the International Commission of Inquiry into the death of Walter Rodney which is revealing the dark elements

within the PNC’s DNA; for its economic and social regeneration of the country and empowerment of its people; for making Guyana rightfully regain its proper place from the pariah status it found itself during the doldrums of the PNC paramountcy and quasi-military years and for giving it the right to punch its weight re-

matching brains to convert those ideas into concrete realities. Guyana was not transformed from the dungeons into a middle-class economy through verbal gymnastics, but by the requisite combination of many factors, not least is the guidance of Dr. Cheddi Jagan – the visionary PPP/C leader who formulated those concepts.

However, President Ramotar needs to recognise the fact that Guyanese have, time and again, been fooled by the electioneering gimmicks and slyly-crafted rhetoric of the political opportunists and he needs to guard against this eventuality during the 2015 elections.

His assertions that “the comments we have seen from the leadership of APNU+AFC represent a lack of integrity, a lack of commitment to the people and a lack of positive characteristics…it is all a warning to the Guyanese people,” are based on decades of experience of political tricksters and their electioneering gimmickery.

And that is why he needs to recognise the need for extra caution that this would not be repeated come the General and Regional elections on May 11 this year.

gionally and internationally.

The list goes on.

That is why in the upcoming May elections, Guyanese will have the choice whether they wish to vote for the party that continues to offer them the freedom, economic, social and political gains they have made since 1992 or to vote for a party that obfuscates the real issues and will return Guyana to the days of uncertainty and political instability.

DEO SINGH

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

Is this Jagan’s legacy?

THE Alliance For Change (AFC) leaders such as Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan and political commentator Ralph Ramkarran are most vociferous in concluding that the present coalition between the AFC and APNU is what the late Dr Cheddi Jagan would have wanted and it represents Jagan’s vision of a National Patriotic Front Government.

The most important person who can shed light on this vital issue is the man himself, Cheddi Jagan, and since he is not around anymore we have to consult his writings, namely ‘The West On Trial’.

From 1964 to 1992, the late Dr Jagan spoke of a coalition with the PNC and the forming of a National Patriotic Front Government on many different occasions to suit the diverse political and economic climate existing at the time.

For instance, on June 6th, 1964 Dr Jagan wrote to Mr Burnham saying that since the split of the PPP in 1955 it has been his desire that a coalition be formed between the PNC and the PPP and moreover, since the situation has deteriorated to such an extent that, “something dramatic must be done to prevent further racial strife between the two major ethnic groups”.

This was the 1961-64 period which saw severe strikes, beatings, burning, looting, murder and rape which culminated with the Wismar massacre. This is the situation which propelled Dr Jagan to invite Burnham to form a coalition. Burnham bluntly refused this invitation since the machinery was in place to install him as the next Prime Minister. This scenario does not exist today.

Then the ‘critical support’ in 1975 came at a time when Guyana’s territorial integrity was threatened by Venezuela.

Dr Jagan then offered critical support but Mr Burnham later said this support was “more critical than supportive”. Dr Jagan had made it clear that he was willing to support issues which are socially and economically beneficial to the country and its people. This is a lot different from what APNU and the AFC did since the 2011 elections.

They have stymied social and economic development to the extent that they have cut many projects which they themselves have in their manifestos. Would Jagan have done this?

Then in 1976, when Burnham started to play the Socialist game, Dr Jagan again made a proposal for a National Patriotic Front Government which “will be based on a democratic, anti-imperialist and socialist-orientated programme”.

Jagan’s main focus was an uncompromising struggle against imperialist exploitation and the achieving of that ‘revolution’ from imperialism to socialism. This again was rejected

by Burnham. Note that at this time the coalition’s objective would have been to bring imperialism to an end and foster a socialist revolution. This was again rejected and Burnham accused Jagan of using the coalition as a means of ‘sharing power’.

Then later on Dr Jagan again made a proposal for a National Patriotic Front Government but this time he did not ‘demand ideological conformity’.

He made it clear that, “in the National Patriotic Front, there is place for Communists and non-Communists…but no room for anti-Communists”.

This was again rejected by Burnham who repeated his conclusion that Jagan is only interested in power sharing.

It can be deduced that these later attempts to form a National Patriotic Front

by Jagan was in the national interest and his belief that the

Communist or Socialist was the best for Guyana. It must be noted that the late Dr Jagan always put his country first.

However, Burnham was never interested in power sharing since his well-oiled, rigging machinery will ensure that he remained in power and although there were further talks between Jagan and Burnham until his death in 1985, Burnham was only using Jagan to get whatever economic assistance he could get from the Socialist and Communist countries since the country was already bankrupt. Burnham was the ‘master chameleon’.

After Burnham’s death Hoyte refused Jagan’s idea of a National Patriotic Front Government and massively rigged the 1985 elections.

Jagan then pursued a national front government with other parties, groups, organisations which gave birth to the ‘Civic’ component of the PPP. This was the closest that Jagan came to realising his vision of a national front Government. That component still exists today.

Therefore, to say that this present coalition is the vision of Dr Jagan is to insult what he stood for. Jagan had envisioned a National Patriotic Government where ‘winner does not take all’ and that means the inclusion of the major ethnic groups. Can we say that the present coalition is configured along that line?

Absolutely not! Until now civil society, the religious communities and the trade unions have been disregarded. Moreover, this can never happen without the inclusion of the PPP. Therefore the true intention of the coalition is to exclude the PPP and to depose of the PPP in order to get power. It is not about putting Guyana first. Putting Guyana first is Cheddi Jagan’s legacy and vision, not this power play which is so blatantly being propagated by the AFC and APNU! The game plan of

AFC and APNU was revealed on a piece-meal basis since 2011 and culminated with the no-confidence motion.

Lastly, Dr Joey Jagan should not be talking about Jagan’s legacy since he spurned that legacy many times and openly challenged that legacy many times and deviated from that legacy many times.

He resigned his seat in Parliament in 1997, he resigned from the PPP at that time, and he founded the United Party of Guyana - a pro-capitalist party. This is the complete opposite of the ideology which his father believed in. Then in 2006 he joined with others to form the Third Force but returned to the PPP in 2011 and claimed that he will dispel the “dispersions and outright fabrications of Moses Nagamootoo”. He further claimed that Moses was abandoning the “very nature and good of the Cheddi Jagan legacy”.

Today, he is once again on the opposite side, this time he is supporting a coalition which is directly aimed at power grabbing and power sharing.

Not once did the Opposition support the developmental plans of the Government.

They deliberately cut the budget over the last three years to show that the country is not progressing under the PPP/C and that they can do better.

Cheddi had said that, ‘we are prepared to sit together with all truly democratic, progressive and left forces to hammer out a common minimum programme for the attainment of our national goals and our people’s aspirations’.

But sadly the coalition comprising APNU and AFC have sat together to hammer out their personal goals and aspirations, namely, who must get what! Is this Jagan’s legacy?

It is people like Moses an Ramjattan who should be ashamed to invoke the legacy of Dr Jagan!

HASEEF YUSUF

Is there, currently, an Opposition Leader?

PRESIDENTIAL candidate David Granger plans to go to court to nullify the appointment of Seelall Persaud as Commissioner of Police? Good for him. The appointment is unconstitutional, because he was not consulted as Leader of the Opposition in terms of Article 211 of the Guyana

Constitution. According to Granger himself, he was invited by President Ramotar to the consultation but he declined on the ground that he wanted Seelall Persaud to address his role in the recent promotion of two policemen (See Stabroek News, page 10 of the 11th May, 2015).

Granger holds himself

out as presidential material which expects nay, demands a modicum of reasoning. Was it not appropriate that he discuss his concern at the consultation with the President? How is he going to get Seelall Persaud to respond?

S e c o n d l y, w h e n t h e House of Assembly was dissolved by the President on

the urging of the Opposition, all members of the House, with the exception of the Ministers, ceased to function as such. So there is no Leader of the Opposition.

But despite this, the President still invited Granger to discussion.

KUAR PAUL SINGH

Who is the WPA fooling?

THE current Opposition keeps speaking of corruption, but is yet to bring forth tangible evidence of their spewing.

Let me refresh the memory of some Guyanese and highlight to the young ones what I found about corruption as written by a famous son of the soil, Eusi Kwayana!

I stumbled on a letter by Kwayana in the Stabroek News (March 5, 1988). Mr Kwayana who was once the co-leader of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) was expressing his concern over corruption in Guyana. He also stated that while talking to the President (Forbes Burnham) he (Burnham) brushed aside reports of corruption. The then Member of Parliament said it appeared to his party that the government was not doing enough to fight corruption and cited the WPA’s exposure of corruption. He said the government had an ample chance to dispel the rumours.

He also expressed his party’s disappointment with what he termed the absence of a clear and direct statement on corruption from the Burnham-led Government.

Now, some of the same WPA members are members of the APNU, the major part of which is the People’s National Congress. The WPA is part of the umbrella APNU+AFC coalition!

Have all these people started to suffer from amnesia?

Forgetting what the PNC did to the Guyanese in the 1980s when they were the ones who protested, spoke against the government over corruption and the crisis the nation faced, and who they are now in bed with?

Why should we give them another chance to take Guyana back to a corrupt country?

MARIA KARIM

Time will tell

SO the writing is on the wall. David Granger claims he was not consulted concerning the appointment of the Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud. It seems clear that he did not intend to support that appointment. You will note also that he does not support the confirmation of the Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh.

His proposed financial expert, Carl Greenidge, plans to dismiss Deodat Sharma, the Auditor General, and Gita Singh from the Audit Department when they ‘win’ the election in May. Which other Singh, Persaud or Khan or Ali may be on the chopping block? Would Prime Minister to be, Nagamootoo, and Vice President elect, Ramjattan, concur?

We also note that when Crum-Ewing was

killed on the roadside it was termed an assassination.

When Indian businessmen and women and householders are slaughtered and raped in their homes why does not the press deem those acts assassinations committed by the regular thugs and criminals who prey on innocent people.

Time will tell.

HARRY DOOBAY

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AT REGION 2 PPP OUTREACH…

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

‘CARICOM INSURANCE’ BREAK-IN...

Riverstown residents Bandits cart off seven told choice between weapons, $10M cash – Police have fair idea who suspects are PNC, PPP clear

By Rajendra Prabhulall THE incumbent Party continued its public meetings yesterday with nine meetings at communities across the Essequibo coast.

And its most recent outreach followed a successful public meeting at Riverstown Village on the Essequibo Coast, Region 2 (Pomeroon/ Supenaam), which saw the attendance of scores of residents.

Senior People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) officials urged the gathering to recognise that they have a clear choice – a choice between the “dark days” of the People’s National Congress (PNC) and sustained peace, progress and prosperity under the ruling Party.

The speakers included Region 2 Vice Chairman, Mr Vishnu Samaroo, former Member of Parliament (MP), Mr Cornel Damon, and the meeting’s organiser, Rabindranauth Mohan.

Mr Samaroo who was the last speaker at the roadside meeting reminded residents of the dark days under the PNC, now “disguised” as APNU. He said the country was brought to its knees and there were severe shortages of food - no roti, bread, split peas, potatoes, sardines, apples or grapes.

According to him, Guyanese suffered even for soap to wash their clothes.

He said young people

going to cast their ballots for the first time should know about the PNC/ APNU past and called on elder persons to educate the young people about those days of suffering.

Mr Samaroo also called on residents to compare the 28-year dictatorship rule of the PNC and the PPP/C’s 22 years and judge for themselves.

DEVELOPMENT AND PROSPERITY He said the PNC brought suffering but the PPP/C has brought development and prosperity to Guyana. He said under the PNC it was contraband goods and contraband gasoline but today under the PPP/C it is supermarkets with all types of food and modern gas stations all across the country with up-to-date supply of gas.

The Vice Chairman urged that people should look at progress in every region - people are now owners of cars, motorcycles, SUVs, Prado, tractors and combines which show development.

He stated that homes are furnished with all the latest models of TVs, DVDs, fridges, washing machines and all types of electronics devices which show that the country is developing.

Former MP Damon reiterated similar sentiments and underscored the fact that APNU/AFC has short changed the Guyanese people by cutting the national budget in Parliament.

He said the Opposition has denied Guyanese jobs and development by blocking several important projects.

REJECT THEM Damon added that the APNU/AFC was a destructive set of people in the last Parliament and called on residents to reject them.

Meanwhile, Mohan, who was the first speaker, called on residents to vote wisely on May 11 and to vote for progress which is the PPP/C. Mr Mohan also reminded residents about the destruction the PNC did to the country and called for the past of the PNC not to be forgotten.

The PPP maintained its presence in Region 2 with another meeting yesterday at Queenstown.

On Wednesday, the ruling party also hosted meetings at Vivia La Force and Best Village in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara); Bagotstown and Sophia in Region 4 (Demerara/ Mahaica); Karamat in Region 5 (Mahaica/ Berbice); and Number 19 Village and Fyrish Village in Region 6 (East Berbice/ Corentyne).

These meetings, commonly referred to as ‘bottom-house’ outreaches, have been the tactic employed by the incumbent PPP for decades as a means of maintaining and nurturing support at the grassroots level.

CRUM- EWING MURDER...

Police dusted suspects’ hands for gunpowder residue CRIME Chief Leslie James yesterday told this publication that after the release of two persons initially held for questioning into the Crum- Ewing murder, there have been no further arrests.

The men are required to report to the police on a weekly basis and the vehicle which was impounded as part of the investigation remains in the custody of the police.

Yesterday, police sources confirmed to this newspaper that the two suspects who were sent on bail had their hands swabbed for gunpowder residue; but thus far those findings have not yet been returned from the analyst department of the force.

Crum- Ewing was laid to rest on Wednesday following a very large funeral

with thousands turning out to either pay their final respects or to get a glimpse of the man who had staged a one- man protest in front of a Government office.

President Donald Ramotar has instructed the Guyana Police Force to get to the bottom of the shooting death of the father of three and to ensure that the killers, as well as the “intellectual authors” are brought to justice.

Last week the police reviewed footage from surveillance cameras and were able to retrieve a vehicle number plate.

However according to information reaching the Guyana Chronicle , the registration plate which the police received was not in keeping the type of vehicle which eyewitnesses reportedly told

investigators that they saw driving away from the scene on the night of the shooting.

In addition, the colour of the vehicle differed, this is although the police were able to trace the number plate given to a Berbice address and which showed that the vehicle was reportedly owned by two persons.

Other information regarding the number plate also sought to offer conflicting reports, that was, that the vehicle which the police are seeking was not owned by two persons and the address given to the police for the vehicle was not the same address that the vehicle was originally registered to, even though both addresses are from the Berbice area. (Leroy Smith)

FOLLOWING the early morning break-in and robbery at Caricom Insurance Company, which also houses the National Credit Union office at Regent and Oronoque Streets, Georgetown, Crime Chief Leslie James said they are looking for a suspect who may be the mastermind.

Police have since reviewed the footage from nearby buildings, because the ones installed at the said building was removed by the robbers, and they have an idea who they are looking for.

James stated that the incident occurred shortly after 2:00am while the lone guard was in the compound.

The bandits used a nipper to cut their way into the building and then they secured

the guard by tying him up.

The robbers also removed the security cameras after which they went to a secured area where the company’s security service weapons were stored and took away those guns with more than $10M in cash and fled the scene.

Meanwhile, the owner of the business, Dr. Joshua Safeek, refused to offer any comment yesterday on the incident and referred this reporter to his security department after which the ‘no comment’ response was echoed.

The bandits had ample time to search the place and access the safe.

Police reported that at about 02:00 hrs on March 19, 2015, three men, one of whom was armed with a firearm, broke into the Na-

tional Credit Union building at Regent and Oronoque Streets, Georgetown, and torched a safe and took away one . 32 pistol, one .32 revolver and five 12-gauge shotguns along with 45 cartridges.

The unarmed watchman on duty at the compound was confronted and tied up by the perpetrators during the incident. Investigations are in progress.

SHOTGUN AT WATERLOO ST. Meanwhile, in a separate incident at about 11:30 hrs on March 19, 2015, the police conducted a search on an unoccupied premises at Waterloo Street, Georgetown, during which a shotgun was found. Investigations are in progress.

Teenager narrowly escapes ‘death by labaria’

– family thanking God for sparing his life A teenager of Westbury Village on the Essequibo Coast is thanking God for his life after he narrowly escaped being bitten by an overgrown labaria at Cozier.

According to reports, the teenager Romel Benn was asked by his father to go to Cozier and feed some pigs that the family is rearing on the farm. Reports said he was also given instructions by his father, Brother Benn, to retrieve a cutlass that was hidden in a clump of grass near the pig pen.

Romel, who always accompanies his father to the farm and helps to feed the pigs was happy to go and do it alone.The teenager said on reaching the farm the first thing he did was to search for the cutlass that his father had hidden. According to Romel, he took a shovel and started to part the long grasses to search for the cutlass. He said he became afraid when he discovered a large snake coiled up in the grass and tried to strike him when he parted the grass.Romel said he ran to the dam and waited for someone to help him.

He said he saw a farmer, Brother Carl, coming along the dam and he told him about the large snake in the grass. Brother Carl who attends the Voice of Faith Miracle Ministries church along with Romel’s father Brother Benn, said he took the shovel and went to see what type of snake it was. According to

Carl, the snake was a dangerous, overgrown labaria and it was coiled up and ready to strike. He said the huge snake was on top the cutlass and was just waiting for someone to put his hand there. According to Carl, had the snake bit the teenager, he would have died within minutes.

Carl said he took the shovel and plunged it through the reptile. He said it was frightening to see the passion the snake displayed as it tried several strikes while in immense pain. It died shortly after.

Carl, who is a cash crop farmer, said he thanked God that Romel did not put his hands in the grass to search for the cutlass. He said it was God who guided him to use the shovel to part the long grass. Romel’s father, Brother Benn, said normally he would rush down to the farm very early to feed his pigs and look after his plants, but that morning a voice spoke to him not to go and he obeyed and sent his son. He said it was the voice of God. Brother Benn said he knew where he had hid the cutlass and he would have pushed his hand in the grass to get it and the snake would have bit him. Brother Benn said God had protected him and his son and he is so thankful to the Lord Jesus. He said the Lord is great, mighty and powerful. (Rajendra Prabhulall in Essequibo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

Copa Airlines ‘Connect Miles’ members to get exclusive benefits

MEMBERS of Copa Airlines new ConnectMiles loyalty programme will be able to earn miles for flights and enjoy travel rewards as of July 2015.

Copa Airlines, the Panamanian flag carrier, explained that ConnectMiles members can earn miles and redeem rewards on travel to more than 1,300 destinations in the Star Alliance global route network.

A press statement from the company said that ConnectMiles offers members exclusive benefits and promotions.

The programme is designed to enhance Copa’s relationship with frequent flyers and provide them with exclusive benefits and follows the same model for earning and redeeming miles as previous Copa loyalty programmes.

ConnectMiles rewards customers for distance flown on Copa Airlines flights, as well as the opportunity to earn additional miles depending on the purchased fare and the passenger ’s status in the programme.

Members of ConnectMiles also will be able to earn miles and redeem rewards on travel to more than 1,300

destinations in the Star Alliance global route network, which includes the world’s major air carriers.

The members can also have access to competitive mileage-redemption fees, adjusted to Copa’s network, and can use miles to upgrade from economy class when travelling with purchased tickets. Qualification requirements for Prefer Programme status will be more flexible; members who attain the status will be eligible for courtesy upgrades and other benefits.

“We are very proud of our new ConnectMiles loyalty programme,” said Pedro Heilbron, Copa Airlines CEO. “ConnectMiles aligns perfectly with our goal of continuing to provide our customers world-class service designed to fit their travel needs, and demonstrates our strength as a company.”

“Copa’s close and successful relationship with United Airlines will continue,” Heilbron added. “Our new loyalty programme includes reciprocal benefits between ConnectMiles and MileagePlus, including better access to available travel reward seats and acceptance

of upgrade certificates between the two programmes.”

Copa Airlines continues to strengthen its contribution to Panama’s economic and social development, airline officials stated, translating directly and indirectly to more than 38,000 jobs and an approximately 4.1 percent share of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to an International Air Transport Association (IATA) study on Economic Benefits of Panama Air Transport.

These new destinations offer flights to 73 destinations in 30 countries in North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean from its Hub of the Americas at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, Panama. The Hub of the Americas continues to offer more international flights to destinations in Latin America than any other airline.

During Copa Airlines’ more than 65 years of uninterrupted operations, it has transformed the Hub of the Americas in Panama into the leading hub on the continent.

For more information about the programme and its benefits, visit ConnectMiles.com.

CHARITY BODY-IN-BUSH FIND...

Post mortem scheduled for today The autopsy on Quineza Benn, 26, of Charity, Essequibo Coast, will be performed today and then the corpse will be handed over to relatives for burial.

Commander of ‘G’ Division, Kevin Adonis, yesterday told this publication that when they are in receipt of the findings of the post-mortem they will know how to proceed with charges as it relates to the suspect in custody, who is the reputed husband.

It was reported that the reputed husband told sleuths that he and Benn had a row over infidelity and he assaulted but did not kill her.

The man admitted that he had rained several blows to her body during the heated argument after accusing her of having another man.

The mutilated body of the mother of two, a domestic worker, was found in a clump of bushes at Forbes Street, Charity. The discovery was made at about 06:15 hrs on March 17, 2015.

It was reported that Benn’s reputed husband was in the habit of physically assaulting her whenever there was a quarrel.

The body bore several marks of violence, including cuts to her mouth.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

Trending: Jagdeo’s soundbites WE so lack constructive discussion across this society that we trend stories and propel news that most times serve little or no purpose. In so doing, we often ignore the real issues that matter to the wellbeing of Guyanese.

For example, we saw national uproar over three comments former President Bharrat Jagdeo is alleged to have made. Even if Jagdeo spoke out of turn, what does it serve this nation to blow these stories way out of proportion to their positive value?

Opposition leaders and a large swathe of the media latched on to Jagdeo’s soundbites, collecting a couple of words out of his comments and proceeding to lambaste the nation with negative complaining and juvenile rants.

Claiming that Jagdeo labelled the ruling party a “Coolie Party” warrants absolutely no response. We should instead analyse exactly what he said, and in what context.

Thus also with his now famous “kick ass” comment, also made within a narrow context, but which we saw got drawn out and given subjective meaning.

But the story that took centrestage, his comment about the relationship between his own lifestyle and that of Dr Cheddi Jagan, particularly their houses, shows how starved we are of constructive discussions, deep analysis and sane conversations.

TABLOID SLEAZE In fact, Opposition Leaders and practitioners of our negative media culture seem obsessed with Jagdeo. Hardly could he say anything. His littlest utterance becomes fodder for screaming headlines full of tabloid sleaze.

The story of his house now stands as a trendy topic of discussion, and it’s a favourite subject for the Opposition on the campaign trail in this elections season.

Why is Jagdeo’s house such a big deal? We saw his comment torn to shreds, with comments from folks like Ralph Ramkarran, an elder statesman of Guyanese politics, and the daughter of Dr Cheddi Jagan, Nadira Jagan-Brancier who lives overseas.

While we could sympathise with Dr Jagan’s daughter for taking offense at what she may perceive to be unfair reference to her dad, we as a nation got into the spat, and Jagdeo’s house again became a passionate subject of discussion, with a national newspaper regaling the public with full colour pictures of his house spread across two pages.

Here’s the thing: In the context of modern Guyana, with our fast- rising GDP, our economy booming and our wealth increasing, Jagdeo’s house is not such a lavish mansion, is it? We’re no longer a nation suffering gross poverty.

In the days when Dr Jagan built his home, Guyana’s

socio-economic state was of excruciating poverty, with many of his people living in logies in Port Mourant, with illiteracy and gross poverty rampant in Guyana. We were a poor British colony. Now we’re a thriving 21st Century nation, leading the Caribbean for the past decade in macro-economic indicators.

Jagdeo’s house ranks on the same scale as buildings sprouting up all over Guyana, all across Georgetown and New Amsterdam and Essequibo.

In fact, Alfro Alphonso’s luxury building on the edge of the Pomerron River at Parika has become an icon of aesthetic wonder, with the glass front reflecting the river’s calm brownness.

Criticisms of Jagdeo’s house seem to point a finger at him because he may not be a businessman, but a Public Servant. As former President, Jagdeo is entitled to conduct private business; and if he increases in wealth, once Government is satisfied with his taxes and so on, why would we want him to live as an ordinary citizen?

VISIONARY ROLE Jagdeo has taken on a visionary role in our society; he’s dedicated his life to a very tertiary concern of the Guyanese people.

This is no apologist exercise on behalf of Jagdeo. In fact, this writer has never met him. But it’s unfair to him that

he comes under so much scrutiny and criticism, without an effort to put him into context, or to understand what he says when he comments.

Especially on the campaign trail, one would expect any leader to talk off-the-cuff, making comments by the way, meaning not what we make these out to mean.

We see nasty meaning made out of little things, in the process demoralizing, demotivating and depressing our nation.

Citizens encountering this national uproar over what Jagdeo’s comments mean are frequently not privy to the full context of the comments. They hear the soundbite, and then commentary on the soundbite from commentators who attack Jagdeo, not out of authentic analysis, but out of spite, maliciousness or the seeking of vengeance.

Jagdeo may not be an angel, as he’s mere human. We cannot expect him to be perfect. He would make blunders and mistakes. It’s the nature of each one of us. We’re all prone to mistakes and uttering stuff that others would misinterpret and misapply and misuse for their own ends.

But we must be careful that we do not drag the Guyanese nation down in the process of tearing down one person.

Jagdeo has his supporters, and he has his detractors.

It’s the way of politics and power. But we cannot make his soundbites the subject of

national criticism every time he opens his mouth to say something.

BANISHED AND EXILED Given these stories that trended about Jagdeo, one would think the former President adds nothing of value to this nation; that he should be banished and exiled. But President Donald Ramotar saw it fit to appoint him as Chairman of the National Economic Council. And Jagdeo has a wealth of experience and knowledge to add to President Ramotar’s Government, which is affected by the national brain drain.

Many folks reading this would jump up and scream it’s Jagdeo propaganda, especially because it’s published in the Chronicle. Jagdeo needs no propaganda. He’s contributed enormously to Guyana, having had to battle his way in the rough and tumble and tough playing field of party and national politics. He may have offended people and stepped on toes and left scars on some

people who expected him to deliver their desires.

But that’s no reason to sideline him and belittle his contribution to the development of Guyana, to chastise him every time he opens his mouth to comment, or to apply sinister meaning to everything he says.

His personal life is one thing, for him to choose to live as he pleases, but his national life, and his potential to contribute value to the Guyanese nation, and the possibilities he brings to the national table, make him a citizen we want to see making a defining role for the Guyanese people.

His Presidency is over.

But as past-President, his contribution is now starting.

Let’s give him room to be himself, and to really contribute to our nation, even as he devotes his energies to party politics, the atmosphere where his unique leadership style is so successful.

Granger’s statement a blatant eye pass to Region 9 residents - Lethem resident Alister Charlie wants progress and development to continue

ALISTER Charlie, who hails from Lethem in Region 9, has refuted the misleading statements made

by Leader of the APNU/ AFC alliance, Mr David Granger that “it is a pity that Guyana’s largest region happens to be the poorest”.

Charlie, in a statement to the Chronicle yesterday, said: “I, like other sober-minded Rupununians humbly refute Mr. Granger’s statement which is a blatant eye pass to residents of Region 9.”

Following is the full text of Mr. Charlie’s statement to this newspaper: I have read with disgust of an article published online by the Kaieteur News

on its webpage dated 201503-14 under the caption ‘APNU+AFC crafts plan to improve living conditions in Region 9’.

The newspaper quoted: “The historian said, too, that it is a pity that Guyana’s largest region happens to be the poorest.”

I, like other sober-minded Rupununians humbly refute Mr. Granger’s statement which is a blatant eye pass to residents of Region 9.

Mr. Editor, Region 9, being Guyana’s largest geographical region, is absolutely on the rise and the people of the region have been enjoying a better standard of living today than they did under the PNC regime.

Government’s timely

efforts through the implementation of sound policies and prudential regional management has resulted in the significant progress and development of Region 9 in the areas of Education, Health Care, Housing, Roads, Bridges, Communication, Potable Water Supply, Agricultural Development, Power Generation through the Hinterland Electrification Programme and upgrading of the transportation network through the Hinterland Road Programme under the Ministry of Public Works, thus allowing villages of Region 9 to be closely connected and integrated.

The construction of the Takutu Bridge linking Guyana and Brazil is a sound

driving force behind Lethem’s booming commercial sector. Lethem and other Regional Sub Districts has been transformed tremendously over the years under the PPP administration with a booming Commercial Zone as Guyanese continue to erect huge shopping complexes, restaurants and hotels in the Commercial Zone.

Region 9 is blessed with two booming commercial banks which offer a wide range of financial products and services to the people of Region 9. The financial institutions itself has been contributing significantly to the growth and development in the economy by improving access to financial services. So how can Mr.

Alister Charlie, resident of Lethem (Region 9) Granger refer to Region 9 as the poorest?

The water sector has experienced unprecedented progress and development as focus has been placed on ensuring Residents of Region 9 have access to safe drinking water. Residents of Region 9 are accessing potable water closer to their homes following Government’s investments and methodologies such as solar water systems, drilled wells, trestles and

gravity feed systems.

Under the PNC led administration, Region 9 was blessed with an only dilapidated community high school in St. Ignatius. Since the PPP took office that very dilapidated school was reconstructed and extended and is now a Grade A Secondary School with other secondary schools, dormitories and teachers’ quarters constructed in Sand Creek, Aishalton and Annai.

Mr. Editor, I can go on and on to mention the numerous achievements, progress and developments that have taken place in Region 9 under the PPP administration, which is in stark contrast when compared to the PNC regime.

Let progress and development continue in Region 9. One day the blind shall see and be a witness.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

GRA calls on banks to pay mortgage interest relief SOME taxpayers still face difficulty accessing concessions under the Mortgage Interest Relief (MIR), long after determined efforts have been made by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to iron out problems hindering the process.

The GRA is therefore calling on Banks to ensure that the payments are made in a timely manner – a call that comes after concerns of non-payments were publicised.

The most recent such action was a letter by Mr Ricky Roopchand, who lamented the fact that he is yet to see evidence of the Relief, though he followed the outlined criteria, met all the requirements and was in receipt of his letter of approval.

The GRA, in a statement, said: “In view of his publicly expressed concerns, a call was made to Mr. Roopchand’s banker, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), to discuss the concerns raised. The bank subsequently communicated to the GRA that there were administrative shortcomings

at the institution which resulted in the delay of payments to Mr. Roopchand and that a letter of apology will be dispatched to him.

“The GRA recalls advising Mr. Roopchand during his visit to the MIR Unit on Monday, March 16, 2015, that payments were made to his banker. In fact, information from the Revenue Accounting Unit revealed that the cheque was prepared on February 16, 2015 and was uplifted by the bank on February 26, 2015.”

According to the Authority, taxpayers whose MIR applications have been approved, can access the relief via a refund cheque paid by the GRA to the bank, where the taxpayer has accessed the mortgage and is bound by the contract to repay with interest.

“In events that cheques are ready but have not been uplifted, the lending institution is notified,” the GRA said.

In the initial stages of implementation of the MIR, cooperation with the lending institutions was a problem-

Prosecution closes case in 2013 Mash murder trial – Defence of Number 2 accused begins Monday

By George Barclay PROSECUTRIX Miss Stacy Goodings, prosecuting the 2013 Mashramani murder trial closed the prosecution’s case yesterday after calling nine witnesses, including eye witness Navendra Mohabir.

Eyewitness Navendra Mohabir, brother of the deceased Kumar Mohabir, 25, told Justice Navindra Singh and the mixed jury how his brother Kumar was beaten and stabbed to death, outside a tent on Vlissengen Road on Mashramani evening, 2013.

The witness Mohabir said that he too suffered injury to the face when he went to the rescue of Kumar who was attacked by a gang of young men, after one of them had complained that the young Mohabir had stepped on his foot.

The witness was forced

to retreat,but was able to identify the alleged killers at identification parades.

Accused Thomas was identified at an ID Parade at the Brickdam Police Station, while Randy Isaac was identified at an ID Parade at the Alberttown station.

Mohabir denied defence suggestions that the ID Parade was not convincing on the ground that the witness did not have the opportunity to properly identify his attackers and claimed that both accused had been properly identified.

The accused, represented by Mr. Peter Hugh and Miss Latchmi Rahamat, will decide on Monday what course the defence will take.

Prosecution witnesses, including a family member, police officer and a forensic pathologist have testified as to how the accused met his death.

atic area that had stymied processing of a large number of applications.Consequently, subsequent meetings were held between the GRA and the bankers association to reach a solution. The GRA therefore expresses hope that all stakeholders, including the commercial banks, fulfil their end of the bargain so that no other taxpayer, who has been approved for the MIR, would have to face similar challenges.

The GRA said, “While it is regrettable that Mr. Roopchand had such an unfor-

tunate experience with the MIR, the GRA is of the opinion that editorial discretion should have been exercised with an attempt by Stabroek News to first contact the GRA for a response before publishing the letter. Subsequent to the publication of the letter, the newspaper made contact with the Authority seeking a response on the issue as well as other information relevant to the MIR since its introduction in October, 2013.”

To date, GRA has received 2,185 applications for MIR. Approximately 1,207 of

those applications have been approved. The MIR Unit has also completed processing of 1,617 applications in order to determine those that have been approved. The remaining 568 are at various stages of being completed. Records to date show that about 177 applicants have additional information which is yet to be submitted. Those persons are being urged to submit same in a timely manner.

As part of the criteria for accessing the relief, the applicant must be a first-time homeowner and also provide

relevant information from their respective lending institutions.

The processing of MIR applications, including interviews with the applicants, is ongoing and as the implementing body, the GRA is determined to ensure that the objective of the MIR is met thereby ensuring that aspiring homeowners realise their dreams. The MIR is a 30% reduction on the interest paid on a residential mortgage not exceeding G$30M. MIR disbursements to date have totalled $165.9M.

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Berbice mom granted $100,000 bail, pending appeal

A mother in Berbice who was convicted on an unlawful wounding charge has been temporally spared a jail term after she was granted $100,000 bail pending an appeal.

Baswantie Barrat, called ‘Geeta’, and her son were among three persons who were sentenced to twelve months imprisonment after being convicted for unlawfully wounding Gobin Lall Beharry, called ‘Boy’.

However, following her conviction, a petition was filed for bail pending an appeal hearing. The petition was granted by acting Chief Justice Ian Chang, who allowed her pre-trial liberty considering that the appellant has a twoyear-old child.

--against unlawful-wounding jail term Counsel for the defendants, Attorney-at-law Charrandas Persaud moved to the Berbice High Court in an effort to have the bail petitions for the other defendants, Hemraj Latchman, called ‘Ajay’, and Lakeram Samaroo, known as ‘Narvin’, granted by Justice Brassington Reynolds.

But after perusing the records, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms. Judith Mursaline, who represented the state, objected to bail after noting that the defendants were represented by an attorney during the trial, but the counsel did not cross-examine the virtual

complainant (VC).

“He ought not to rely on the grounds that the VC was not cross-examined as grounds for being granted bail,” she argued.

Subsequently her objection was upheld by the judge.

On February 25 last Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus found Barrat, 38 years, and Latchman, 19 years, of West Canefield, along with Samaroo, 25 years, of Lot 102 East Canefield, East Canje, Berbice, guilty at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court.

The charges stated that on June 26, 2013 at West Canefield the trio unlawfully and maliciously inflicted grievous bodily harm on Beharry.

On that date, there was an earlier misunderstanding between the neighbours and that matter was settled, but the VC was standing on his bridge when the three defendants approached him.

The mother and her son pushed Beharry into a nearby drain, while Samaroo, who was armed with a piece of wood, dealt the victim several lashes to his head and left hand, resulting in injuries.

During his evidence at the New Amsterdam Court, Beharry said that Barrat’s husband, assisted in pulling him out of the drain, but the woman and her son dragged him into their home where the beating by the defendants continued.

However, he managed to flee and reported the incident at the Reliance Police Station.

He was advised to seek medical attention at the New Amsterdam Hospital, where a doctor wrote a certificate which indicated that there was swelling to the temporal region of the head, swelling to the left hand, a bruised right knee and a laceration to the left postauricular region.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

Golden Grove Market shooting...

GPF issues wanted bulletin for ‘Mappy’ THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Wednesday issued a wanted bulletin for Rolston Morrison, called “Mappy”, for questioning in relation to an investigation into the murder of Dwayne Kennedy, which occurred on March 14, 2015, at Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Rolston Morrison called “Mappy” is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 229-2700 to 3, 229-2557, 225-6411 226-9941, 911 or the nearest police station.

All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Name: Rolston Morrison called ‘Mappy’

Age: 29 years

Ethnic Origin: African

Complexion: Dark

Last known addresses: Lot 40 Nabaclis Public Road, ECD Lot 750 Providence, EBD Lot 44 Public Road, Agricola, EBD

Murdered: Dwayne Kennedy Kennedy, 28, of Lot 40 Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara was gunned down during a row with the suspect Morrison at the Golden Grove Market on the evening of March 16.

Reports said Kennedy was with a few friends when the suspect approached him and an argument ensued. During the altercation, Morrison reportedly whipped out a handgun and discharged three rounds at the man who subsequently fell to the ground.

Kennedy was shot to his head, neck and abdomen and he breathed his last at about 05:00 hrs March 16 at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

Student charged over ganja possession at Rose Hall --also has pending armed robbery charge A fifteen-year-old secondary school student in Berbice has been charged with being in possession of two grams of cannabis sativa.

He recently appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus where, in the presence of his mother, he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Form Three stu-

dent told the court that he attends a secondary school on the Corentyne.

He was subsequently released into the custody of his single-parent after $10,000 bail was posted.

Earlier, Police Sergeant Phillip Sherriff, prosecuting, told the court that the defendant is a repeat offender who has a pending robbery-un-

der-arms charge among other cases.

Sherriff said that on March 11 last at about 17:20hrs, the police were on mobile patrol when they saw the defendant sitting on a stall in the Rose Hall township.

He was acting suspiciously so the police stopped and carried out a search on his person.

In doing so, a white pa-

per parcel containing leaves, seeds and stems of the marijuana plant was found inside the defendant’s right front side pocket.

He was taken to the Rose Hall Police Outpost, where the illegal drug was weighed, and it amounted to two grams. The matter has been transferred to Albion Court for hearing on April 14.

Canje man on $50,000 bail over sexual assault of teen neighbour JAMAL Pilgrim, 20, of King Street, Cumberland, East Canje Berbice, who is alleged to have touched his neighbour inappropriately, was granted $50,000 bail on a charge of sexual assault.

He appeared Wednesday before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus at the Reliance Court where he pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged that he touched the thirteen-year-old in a sexual way without her consent.

Prior to ordering his pre-trial liberty, the magistrate stipulated that the defendant must not go within twenty feet of the virtual complainant’s home or place of education.

Police Sergeant Phillip Sherriff, prosecuting, said that on February 10, the defendant went to the home of the alleged victim in order to answer a telephone call.

The defendant then allegedly went into the bedroom, where he was conversing on the landline phone. During that period, the complainant went into the room, and was seated on the bed, when the defendant is alleged to have seductively rubbed his hands on her thighs.

The schoolgirl became annoyed and reported the incident to her parent, who took her to the Reliance Police Station, where an official complaint was lodged and the charge instituted.

The matter is fixed for trial on April 1.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

Cops halt UG to Liliendaal Pump Station drag racing Traffic Chief reports...

– warns against wanton use of HD lights

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) Traffic Department has managed to dismantle the group of drag racers that would race each other in fast and expensive vehicles during the early hours of the morning from University of Guyana Road to Liliendaal Pump Station Road, East Coast Demerara highway.

Traffic Chief Ian Amsterdam told this publication on Wednesday that they had received many complaints of the 3:00am activity and they did some surveillance work and so the group has disappeared.

He stated that they have not had any reports of such drag racing in weeks but he does not know whether they have moved to a new location. However, he is urging persons with

information to report it to any police station or to him directly.

It was reported that during the wee hours of the morning around 2:00am and 3:00am a group of young men in fast and expensive vehicles would conduct drag races.

Those in the group were said to be children of upper class folks who own businesses and they would engage in that activity for sheer fun and sport.

EXTRA ‘HD’ LIGHTS Meanwhile, Amsterdam related that the Traffic Department is very concerned about the wanton use of extra high definition (HD) lights being outfitted on the front of vehicles, including cars.

He said that it is not safe, especially at nights, when HD

lights are turned on as they can affect drivers of oncoming vehicles, temporarily blinding them and that can result in an accident.

The Senior Superintendent added that drivers with those extra HD lights need to dip it at nights and advised drivers to pull over and stop if they are affected with the extra bright lights since it is not suitable for regular roads.

Amsterdam noted that extra HD lights are usually outfitted on vehicles that traverse trails but they are too bright for regular roads.

REPORT HD LIGHTS ABUSERS He advised that persons who are affected can make a report once they note the

license number of the vehicle that is outfitted with those extra HD lights.

The Traffic Chief said while some vehicles are manufactured with the HD lights, others take it on themselves to install the extra HD lights on their vehicles for reasons unknown.

USING FOUR-LANE HIGHWAY Amsterdam also noted that the use of the four-lane highway is not being understood by some drivers since they drive at an extra slow rate of speed in any lane.

He advised that once persons are driving very slowly, they should use the left side lane since they should not drive slowly in any lane to hinder the

free flow of traffic.

Amsterdam stated that he does not condone speeding but once it is within the speed limit, one can drive at that rate on the four-lane highway.

However, motorists need to reduce speed in school zones.

The Traffic Chief explained that some motorists do not exercise caution when approaching school zones but there are visible road signs which indicate it is a school area and children are expected on the road.

He pointed out that motorists are asked to reduce speed and look out for children on the roads as well as school safety patrols and cooperate with them to cross the roads at the pedestrian crossings.

‘The Traffic Department is very concerned about the wanton use of extra high definition (HD) lights that are being outfitted on the front of vehicles, including cars.

“It is not safe, especially at nights, when HD lights are turned on as they can affect drivers of oncoming vehicles, temporarily blinding them and that can result in an accident’ – Traffic Chief

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

MUSTAPHA TELLS ‘BANGLADESHIS’...

Ramayya in contempt of Court

– could be jailed for not apologising “THEY talking so much about corruption, so much so they cannot prove the corruption. You cannot make allegation or talk about corruption; you have to prove the corruption…” he said.

“They made a lot of allegations, calling people names and saying people corrupt. So we decided to let them prove it: We went to the Courts, and you know what? A man crying now; he is in contempt of court, anytime he can go to jail. The bush doctor...”

The foregoing annecdote was told to scores of Port Mourant Corentyne residents

by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Executive Member, Zulfikar Mustapha, during a meeting at Third Street, Bangladesh, where the ruling party continued its political campaign, leading up to the May 11 General and Regional elections.

Lapsing into the vernacular to better engage his audience, Mustapha said: “The judge ordered the Clerk of Court to go through the words of the apology many times; the man say that he will remember the words, and he still go on television and seh wrang t’ing. Imagine dem people dah want run country and dem can’t read wan li’l thing likka tha.

“I was going through ‘The Times’, and I was laughing just now, because dem seh dat de Court went through the t’ing wid de man like a school child in a primary school, and still he go on television and talk garbage.

“So he in contempt of court. He will be jailed; they cannot prove it. And he will now have to pay for his mouth. He also got to pay money, which we will use for charity; give to Children’s Homes.”

The former Regional Chairman’s remarks was as a result of a Court order made by Justice Nareshwar

Zulfikar Mustapha

Verasammy Ramayya

Haranand, at the Berbice High Court on March 3.

However, legal sources close to Mustapha are expected to file a contempt proceedings next week, after Alliance for Change activist, Veersammy Ramayya failed to accede to an order issued by the judge.

Ramayya was given seven days to publically apologise to Mustapha, following the filing of a libel lawsuit back in 2011.

According to Court documents seen by this reporter, Ramayya was expected to say on a television programme aired on November 19, 2011: “I, Verasammy Ramayya, Executive Member of the AFC (Alliance For Change) alleged that Zulfikar Mustapha, who was Regional Chairman for Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) at the time, and a prominent member of the PPP/C, was corrupt and dishonest.

“I, Verasammy Ramayya, unreservedly hereby withdraw all implications made by me on the character, conduct and good name of Mr Zulfikar Mustapha. I acknowledge that the statements made were wholly unfounded.

“I wish to express my deepest regret to Mr Zulfikar Mustapha, and wish to apologize to him and family, friends, the Regional Administration of Region Six and the RDC (Regional Democratic Council), and for any embarrassment which this

may have caused him.”

However, instead of adhering to the Court’s order by repeating the prepared apology, Ramayya, on March 7, 2015 on a televised live broadcast during the ‘Alliance on the Move’ programme, said: “I was ordered by the Court, and I am not very comfortable with what I have to do or say. On behalf of myself and DTV-8, we want to apologise to Zulfikar Mustapha for the allegation that was made on this television programme. So, that ends the episode with a very big full stop.”

Meanwhile, in the Tuesday March 10, 2015 edition of the Kaieteur News, 10, 2015, in an article captioned ‘AFC Ramayya publicly apologises to PPP executive’, the author noted that Ramayya had fulfilled his legal obligation as ordered by the Court.

But Mustapha’s legal team, in an invited comment on the issue, said in response: “What was said was not what was ordered. He was given a printed copy of what he had to say, but he deviated.”

In addition to the apology, Ramayya was ordered to pay $250,000 which, when paid, will be given to charity.

Mustapha was represented by Attorney- at-Law Adrian Anamaya, while Veersammy’s counsel was Alliance For Change Leader and Attorney, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan.

Finance Minister unhurt following vehicular accident – driver hospitalised AT approximately 14:30 hrs yesterday, the driver of the Minister of Finance was involved in a vehicular accident on the public road at Buxton, East Coast Demerara.

The Minister of Finance and his security detail were also in the vehicle at the time of the accident.

Only the driver of the Minister’s vehicle was injured and he is currently receiving medical treatment at a city hospital.

The occupant of the other vehicle involved in the accident is also unhurt. All parties are cooperating with the investigation.

The Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh would like to express his gratitude to the many public spirited individuals who rendered assistance immediately at the scene of the accident and who transported him and his driver to the hospital. The Minister would also like to thank the management and staff of the hospital for their immediate and professional response.

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh

2.5 kilos marijuana found

– at Police roadblock at Fort Wellington AT about 18:30 hrs yesterday, police ranks conducted a search on a motor vehicle at a road block at Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice, during which 2.5 kilograms of compressed marijuana were found.

A man has been arrested and is in police custody assisting with the investigations.

More jobs to be created for Lindeners – with upcoming projects LINDEN and indeed Region 10 have had their fair share of development, under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), whose aim is to ensure that citizens receive the needed services to improve their lives.

The PPP/C Administration promised Lindeners that it will deliver jobs, and according to Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, the Government has been so doing.

While highlighting some of the factors that have contributed to this development, Minister Edghill emphasised that the recently commissioned Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI) Kurubuka mine, located immediately adjoining to the Berbice River, will see several hundreds of direct jobs being created.

BCGI, a subsidiary of the Russian company, RUSAL has invested over $4.6 billion on the mine. Surrounding communities stand to benefit as hundreds of Guyanese are currently employed by the company.

“BCGI will be providing 506 direct jobs, plus hundreds of other jobs, because people have to supply food,

cleaning and other auxiliary services to the BCGI. From 2009 to 2014, BGCI invested close to US$98 million into the investment in Aroaima area,” Minister Edghill pointed out.

He further stated that while bauxite has been a major contributor of job creation, the forestry sector has also played its part. To this end, the Government has created the environment for foreign investors to inject money in this area, so much so that even the Government’s worst critic, the Kaieteur News, has highlighted the magnitude of what is taking place in the sector.

“Logs don’t fall by themselves; trucks don’t just drive by themselves, tractors and skidders and the boats don’t operate by themselves, all of those are jobs, and so when you think about foreign investments and joint venture arrangements between locals and these partners who have provided financing and machinery, they have made significant investments in Region 10,” Minister Edghill explained.

However, he said more jobs could have been created had other projects been

on stream, for example, the wood processing facility at Conception that was to be created by Bai Shan Lin, but a number of factors have contributed to its non-completion.

“When we looked at the investment agreement of BCGI, Bai Shan Lin, the deep water harbour and the paving of the Linden/Lethem road and how they will open up opportunities...once that road is open and there is a deep water harbour, there have to be hotels, restaurants, service stations, personal care, and food supplies,” Minister Edghill stressed.

The minister emphasised that Government is working to ensure that there is cooperation from all stakeholders to engender confidence, so that the necessary investments in Linden and Region 10 can be made.

While these projects have sought to create jobs for residents in the region, the communities themselves have also benefited, and are almost sharing the profits.

At Aroaima and Hururu, the bauxite company maintains the schools. In the case of Hururu, electricity is supplied to the residents and the community provides certain services in a trade of manner. (GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

Mahaicony fire may have been electrical, or accidental FOLLOWING the fire which destroyed a dwelling house at Lot 18 Catherine, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara on Monday, Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle said so far it is suspected to be electrical in nature, but could very well have been accidental.

He said that residents reported that the 72-yearold pensioner lived alone and was observed burning some marabunta nests at his property on the same day of the blaze.

Gentle said a probe has been launched, and once completed, the findings will be made known.

He said the closest fire station is at Onverwagt, which is about 18 miles from the fire scene and it took the fire tender a while to get to the location but by then the building was totally engulfed.

Gentle added that when firemen arrived they resorted to using water from the nearby canal and contained the blaze to the two-storey house.

On Tuesday at about 17:30 hrs the home of Rajnarine Persaud was devoured by flames and he was

rescued from the building by neighbours.

The elderly man was the lone occupant and was inside the house when the conflagration started.

Meanwhile, in a separate fire at Retrieve, Linden, 11 persons were left homeless when a two-storey house was completely gutted by fire of an unknown origin on March 4, 2015. Gentle said the probe is underway.

He said that the fire may have been electrical or one which was started by children who reside in the lower flat of the house.

Gentle said the blaze reportedly started at about 22:00 hrs and the fire tender from Mackenzie, Linden responded and contained the conflagration.

One of the fire victims, Rhonda Morrison told the Guyana Chronicle that she was not at home when the fire occurred since she was at church but noted that within minutes the entire structure was no more.

She said the two-storey house was occupied by three families and now a total of 11 persons, including children, are homeless.

She and her family oc-

cupied the upper flat while the lower flat was divided into two apartments which housed two families, all of whom were asleep when the blaze started last Wednesday night.

Morrison and her family are staying by relatives in the same street, while the others sought alternative arrangements elsewhere.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

Barge crossin Two of Amaila R --installation held up by low

By Tajeram Mohabir THE $120 million roll on/roll off barge with propulsion units and controls to be connected at the end of the access road of Section Two of the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project to facilitate crossing of the Essequibo River has

One of the population units to be fitted to the barge

been completed.

But its installation has been held up due to the low water level in the river. Public Works Minister Robeson Benn on a visit to the site on Wednesday said the low water level has prevented the contractor Infab to fit the propulsion units to the barge.

The Ministry of Public

Works and Infab are deciding whether to wait until the water rises or dredge the river. The latter option would cost some $11 million. “By the time the water comes, we will want the thing to be in operation so we will have to decide whether we will put it on now or wait later.

We have to find a simple solution or we wait,� Minister Benn said.

Ready for installation: The barge built by Infab but cannot be installed due to the current water level in the Essequibo River

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

ng for Section Road complete

g s -

, . r

d

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water level in Essequibo River But he noted that the ministry wants the barge to be installed before the May/June rains. Currently, a makeshift barge is being used to facilitate crossing of the Essequibo Riverat the end of Section Two of the Amaila Falls Road.

The minister said the barge will be the prototype for the Kuribrong River, noting that the design adopted will save quite a sum of money with respect to the Kuribrong crossing.

The barge crossing is built to withstand weight of up to 120 tonnes Ministry of Public Works Engineer Walter Willis said the roll on/roll off feature was not originally planned for the barge, but was added after some investigation, to enable easy manoeuvring.

Crossing at the barge will lead to the Butakari Landing, Section Three of the Amaila Falls Access Road. At the end of Section Six is the meandering Kuribrong River and the end of Section Seven is another section of the Kuribrong River, leading to Amaila Falls.

OPTIMISM President Donald Ramotar in early February last year said the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project remains the number one priority of his administration, and he remains hopeful that the mega-project would become a reality The President who was at the time speaking at the commissioning of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) power station at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, said efforts are being made to restart work on the transformative project before year-end.

A lot of work has already been done on the project, and President Ramotar pointed out that Norway had already transferred US$80 million to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to get the project back on stream.

“We have already identified another company to step into the shoes of Black Stone and Sithe Global. We are working feverishly to conclude this arrange-

ment, so that, hopefully, we can start construction very soon,” President Ramotar had said.

He pointed out that through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) agreement with Norway, some US$150 million of the US$250 million has already been disbursed to Guyana, contending that “We have the resources to go in that direction [restarting work on the Amaila Project].”

VOTED DOWN The Amaila Falls Hydropower Project was voted down by the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) during the 10th Parliament.

It is one of the flagship projects of the LCDS. Once completed, it is expected to remove 92 per cent of Guyana’s energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, deliver energy security for Guyana, provide cheaper energy for citizens and businesses, and promote the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in Guyana.

The project that was voted down was the largest foreign investment and infrastructural project in the history of Guyana. It was aimed at providing a stable and dependable source of energy that will bolster Guyana’s overall economic growth while reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuel.

The project was geared to reduce Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL) cost of electricity generation, saving an estimated US$3.5 billion for consumers over contract term.

In financial terms, the project would have allowed Guyana to avoid importing approximately US$200 million in fuel per annum, while costing GPL approximately US$100 million per annum on average.

Based on estimates, the project would have allowed GPL to reduce its generation cost from close to US 20 cents per kwh, to approximately US 11 cents per kwh.

The project was developed as a Public-Private Partnership, with the private sector leading in

Butakari Landing, Section Three of the Amaila Falls Access Road

its development. Government was a minority investor, with the goal of seeking to lower the cost of electricity.

The life of the 165 MW hydro project was estimated to be over 100 years and would have been fully financed and paid off over a 20-year period.

Public Works Minister Robeson Benn gives a briefing, standing on the makeshift barge at the Essequibo River-end, Section Two of the Amaila Falls Access Road

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

Tel # 616-0301/ 699-6156

Mr. Guyana International set to compete at Mr. Caribbean in Dominica

Paul Charles, Mr. Guyana International 2014

MISTER Guyana International 2015 winner, Paul Charles, will be heading off to the beautiful island of Dominica to represent Guyana at the prestigious Mister Caribbean pageant, to be held on May 30th 2015.

No stranger to the world of fashion, Paul Charles is presently in a full mode preparation routine, inclusive of gym work, with personal trainer Jewan Persaud and folks from the Buddy’s Gym. He is also being trained extensively in the area of public speaking, amongst other related aspects.

This is Guyana’s first official representative to this pageant, and according to Franchise Holder of Mr. Guyana International, Paul Burnette: “This is the year when Guy-

Parika 6th Annual Car & Bike Show slated for April 11 IT’S back again, and fans are clamouring about the entertainment sizzle and fun that will be generated by the 6th Annual Parika Car and Bike Show!

Billed for April 11 at the Parika Centre Ground, this event will see steamy clashes as some of the biggest names in ‘flashy automobiles’ and bikes blaze a scorching trail at the venue.

With pride, the T-To Gas Station Crew presents this event; and this time around, patrons will enjoy fantastic giveaways all night, besides special gate prizes.

Fans are urged to get there early, since Slingerz Family and 71 Sounds, along DJ Magnum, will be creating musical shockwaves from quite early in the day.

Then as things heat up, the popular Super Ray One Man Band will ‘take things to high degrees of excitement’ as he dishes out some of the hottest dancehall and soca

selections.

Facing off at the event will be some of the biggest names, inclusive of Trans Pacific Crew, Red Jet, Ramchand Body Works, Junior Sheriff, Matrix, Dark Car, Batman, and many others. Constants are required to deposit a $3000 entrance fee before entering the competition.

This event is sponsored by TO-To Gas Station, Supermarket, Sand and Stone Depot, Parboo General Store, Ruben Sawmill, Parika Travelers Lodge Hotel and Bar, Sonny’s Sawmill, Chico Cargo Boat Service, A& S Lumber Yard, Prakash & Sons General Store (Bartica), Sharmila’s Variety Store, and Big Shawn Cargo Boat Service.

The following businesses are also lending support: A. Forrester Lumber Yard, Big Kiss Gas Station, X-Tra Energy Drink, and Two Brothers Mining.

ana shines at these international pageants.”

Mr. Guyana International 2015 competition is billed for November this year. Mr Guyana International is looking to stretch their arms out to have auditions done in Berbice, Linden, Bartica, and of course Georgetown.

Young men who are interested in participating in this prestigious event can visit our Facebook page: Mr. Guyana International or email us at mrguyanaint@gmail.com for more information as to when auditions will be held.

Mr. Guyana International Mission statement is: Empowering men to empower themselves, their communities and fellow men.

JOKE OF THE DAY!

A young blonde woman is distraught because she fears her husband is having an affair, so she goes to a gun shop and buys a handgun.

T h e n e x t d a y, s h e comes home to find her husband in bed with a beautiful redhead. She grabs the gun and holds it to her own head.

The husband jumps out of bed, begging and pleading with her not to shoot herself. Hysterically, the blonde responds to the husband, “Shut up!!! You’re next!!!”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

Friday, March 20, 2015 - 05:00 hrs Saturday, March 21, 2015 - 05:30 hrs Sunday, March 22, 2015 - 05:30 hrs

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HJ MASH AWARDS…

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

Jumo and ‘Jumpstart’ were big winners!

THE 2nd annual Hits and Jams Mash Awards on Wednesday last became the night of Jumo Primo and Team Jumpstart.

The seasoned Soca veteran took two of the three top awards, Best Power Soca and the coveted ‘Song of the Season’, while the Radio Show ‘Jumpstart’ swept the Radio categories, winning the 94.1 Male Personality of the Year Award, which was given to Gordon Moseley.

The 94.1 Female Personality of the Year Award was given to Nuriyyih Gerrard, with the Radio Show of The Year Award going to ‘Jumpstart’. The coveted DJ of the Year title was won by ‘Selector Carl’.

Other winners included Kwasi Ace, who took home the ‘My Carib Jam Award’ with his song ‘Forking’ Kross Kolor Studios Mellissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts won Best Music Video with ‘Massive’, and ‘Avalanche’ carted off the award for Best Groovy Soca with ‘She

Ready’.

In the other technical categories, Best Producer went to Joel Brown for his production of ‘Forking’, and Best Songwriter title went to Vizion Sound Studios’ Jonathan ‘Lil Red’ King for his selection, ‘Mash Up The Place’.

The night was noted for its red carpet fashion and interesting selections, but most were unanimous that Ceon LaRose, known by his moniker “Gully Ras’, and Kerwin Bollers stole the night for the men in their black and white ensembles.

Leslyn Noble, Macaela “The Remix Chick’ Cameron, and Nuriyyih Gerrard were among the best dressed women.

The show was well hosted by Feliz Robertson and Nuriyyih Gerrard, and saw performances from the National Dance Company, accompanied by the National School of Dance as well. Jumo, Vanilla, the 2015 Chutney King

‘Young Bill Rogers’ and newly crowned Calypso Champion ‘King Perai’ also gave good performances.

Other highlights of the night came from Nurriyih Gerrard, who broke down in tears while accepting her award for Female Personality of the Year, and thanked all the listeners who tuned in every day for the show. She said she felt privileged to be part of a team like Jumpstart and the HJ Family.

Carl Primo, who looked honestly surprised, also got a bit emotional when accepting his DJ of the Year Award, and thanked Hits and Jams for even including him in the category.

The Award show is one of the ways Hits and Jams Entertainment seeks to recognize the talent of our local artistes, and the annual Award Show coincides with the anniversary of Hits and Jams Radio – 94.1 Boom FM.

Some of the excited awardees at last Wednesday’s Hits and Jams Mash Awards ceremony

Big Diamond Entertainment to stage All White Easter Bash BIG Diamond Entertainment has been known for their massive Old Year’s Night parties and many other pulsating entertainment ventures.

They are promoters of the famous ‘All White Yankee Boat Cruise’, and now they are poised to bring you ’Cloud 9’, the official all while Easter Party.

This event will unfurl on April 04, 2015 at 382 Ganges Street, Prashad Nagar (Opposite EPA Building) To take things a notch higher, the promoters have included the likes of the Super Ray One Man Band and the Fusion Boom DJs. Promoters are urging you to deck out in your high-fashion white ensembles for a chance to win tickets to the 9th Annual Yankee All White Boat Cruise.

Admission to the All White Easter Bash (Cloud 9) has been set at $3000, and this includes a succulent buffet. Patrons are

expected to support the beverage bar.

This even comes to

you with the kind compliments of the Artistes In Direct Support (A.I.D.S)

Undercover Production brings ‘The Pool Party of the Year’ to Aracari Resort ALMOST everyone is throwing a party concept of some sort here and there; and ever so often, they are not successful. But with all the careful planning and preparation put into this initiative, the ‘Xpose Pool Party’ is certainly going to be the bomb.

Promoted by Undercover Production, this event will explode at the Aracari Resort (160 Plantation Versailles, West Bank Demerara) on Saturday, March 21, 2015.

Already, the Westside divas are rushing around trying to get the best in swimwear, since those who will win fantastic prizes would be the hotties in the most provocative pieces.

That aside, the male fans are pulsing with anticipation, since the 2015 Miss Bootilicious Lingerie Temptresses will be making guest appearances with their riveting ‘Wet T-Shirt Dance Routine’.

Tickets for this event are priced at $1000, and can be obtained from the resort’s front desk.

Come tomorrow, the Aracari Resort Poolside will be pulsing with rhythms as Big K & Cut Master Barber Shop Crew stages the ‘Westside Flash Back Ole Skool Party’.

Folks there are urging you to visit their booth at the 2015 Wedding Expo at Duke Lodge on March 27, 28 and 29 to soak up some of the best wedding and honeymoon deals ever!

Aracari reminds their fans that every Saturday they can be taken down memory lane by the Kenrek Live Band as it churns up a steam to set patrons in the mood with soca, reggae, chutney, filmie and oldies selections.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

Oooooops... There it is!!!

WHERE IS THE PRIZE MONEY FOR THE BIG TIME PAGEANT CONTENDERS? THIS column seeks to expose and correct the acts of many apparently deviant individuals who seem to think they can rip-off innocent citizens either through their carefree attitudes or, God forbid, through their intentional efforts to mislead.

Whatever you do, be careful that you do not mistreat or abuse your fellow human beings! Because if you do, the Bombshell will be right around the corner, just waiting to carry your story. Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! And it would not be a laughing matter!

This week, we bring you a very juicy story about the ‘missing cash incentives’ for contestants who paraded in the first ever male ethnic pageant hosted here.

From inception, the promoter had indicated in several interviews that he had been encountering severe difficulties in acquiring much-needed sponsorship for the pageant because of the stigma attached to such events here in Guyana. And, of course, I rightfully advised him to drop the thing altogether, but he would not listen to a word I said.

When you see people ears hard, dem does feel de heat in de laang run.

The pageant was staged amidst much controversy, and hardly anyone attended.

You see, this promoter had the gall to stage the pageant on a night when everyone was preparing for a big time show that was being hosted at the National Stadium. How naïve of the poor sod to do such a thing!

Well de show come and done, and everybody went home; but, sadly, without their prizes. If yuh ask me what happened, I would say…, as only that could answer de question. According to the top four finalists, the promoter began to ‘cry out’ that the event ain’t mek money, and dat he would pay dem later.

Sadly, to date, only the winner and the first runner-up have received part payment, according to reports. And from wha Ah hear, de promoter had to borrow de cash to pay dem both.

The winners are very angry, and one has so far posted really nasty stuff on Facebook, giving vent to his anger, frustration and disappointment.

In a prior interview with the promoter, he said that the contestants had failed to sell tickets given to them, and that just a sprinkling of patrons attended the event. He acknowledged that he borrowed two separate sums of cash and paid two of the finalists, and he said he will pay them bit by bit from his salary.

You Shouldn’t Do That!!!

Yes officah, arrest dem hooligans!!!

ALL around in our city today, citizens are in fear of their lives and retention of their valuables, because several unemployed young men pounce on unsuspecting individuals and rob them in broad daylight of very valuable items.

They have become so daring these days that they just do not ‘give a damn’ who is around when they commit their hideous crimes. They are painting a horrible picture of our beautiful Guyana to foreigners and visiting tourists.

A certain group of oper-

ators in the Stabroek Market area got the shock of their lives as they lurked around, their wild, venomous eyes darting here and there as they looked for their fragile and less menacing prey.

Well, they certainly did not bargain for the two police officers who were observing them nearby. As they prepared to pounce on the busy ‘after work’ crowd, the police officers swooped down on them like eagles, and smashed all their dreams of bountiful booty that hovered in their mind’s eye.

Two of them tried to put up a fight with the ‘men of the law’, but these two (police officers) meant business, and just bundled them away unceremoniously to face the wrath of the law.

“Good fuh dem! Arrest dem hooligans, afficah!!”

Run promoter, run! An angry mob is coming after your hide!

HOW SAD AND DISGUSTING! He seems to be angry that the contestants have approached the media, but I want to say to him: Boy, you were warned on several occasions that you were not equipped with either the resources or the experience to host an event of that magnitude, but you would not listen! Yuh ears hard, suh yuh gaffa feel de squeeze!

The pageant was hosted as planned, and some eight dashing males faced off at the venue. A king was crowned and three runner-ups adjudged, but they are all still waiting to be paid. What a shame!

This promoter needs to understand that when people work that hard in a pageant, they expect to be paid. They have neither time nor pity for your

crocodile tears, or to listen to your lamentations. You should have modestly done like the promoters did who were attempting to bring the legendary comedian ‘Mr. Brown’ to Guyana: Drop the whole thing, since there was no corporate sponsorship!!!

NOBODY COULD HAVE KILLED YOU FOR THAT! Today we were told that none of the contestants who had participated in your pageant have ever received so much as 50% of the promised sums.

I hope this promoter takes this as a learning experience, and never attempt such a venture unless it’s properly planned and orchestrated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015 From back page

Shabazz welcomes high ...

“A lot of our time has been spent on trying to move on as a unit in defence and move as a unit in attack, so while the result is crucial, I think it’s also important to display what we’ve been doing in the training ground,” said Shabazz.

Meanwhile, Banks DIH behind its Coca Cola and Banks Beer brands came on board to sponsor the team’s friendly internationals against St Lucia and Grenada which are set for this Sunday and March 29 at the

Guyana National Stadium.

The company said that it feels obligated to support the National team because of its strong ties to the people of Guyana.

An urge was made for the public to come out and support the side by wearing yellow, as the company wishes to see a ‘sea of yellow’ flowing through the stands at the stadium.

Tickets cost $1 000 for general admission and $4 000 for VIP.

WICB president ...

The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua is scheduled to stage the first England Test from April 13, the Grenada National Stadium the second from April 21, while the third starts May 1 at Barbados’ Kensington Oval.

The two-game Australian series, in the meantime, is set to get under way on June 5

From back page

at Windsor Park in Dominica before closing out on June 13 at Sabina Park in Kingston.

Crafton, an internationally renowned pitch and field consultant, has been credited for the improvements in pitch conditions during the staging of last year’s second edition of the Caribbean Premier League Twenty20.

Raiders, Royals look to get past Falcons, Bulls tonight INTENSE rivalry is expected as the 3rd Rock Entertainment Super Eight team knock-out basketball championship quarter-final matches bounce off this evening with two matches at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court.

In the first game at 19:00hrs Retrieve Raiders are down to play Bankers Trust Falcons while at 21:00hrs Victory Valley Royals are set to face Half Mile Bulls.

Raiders who recently placed fourth at the National Club championship will be looking to show what earned them their No. 4 ranking nationally against Falcons who

should be looking to upset their better known opponents.

At the same time the second game should be keenly contested when Royals seek to stop a Bulls side who are looking forward to this game with intentions of reaching the semi-finals.

25th Kashif and Shanghai tournament opens today at DCC ground IT was once considered the ‘Holy Grail’ of Guyana’s football. Thousands would pack venues around the country to support their respective teams but, over time, things changed with the Kashif and Shanghai (K&S) football tournament.

For the first time in its 25 years history, the Kashif and Shanghai Tournament will be played outside of the ‘Christmas season’ as it kicks off tonight at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground with a doubleheader.

Sixteen teams will vie for the winners’ purse of $2M, second place $1M, third $750 000 and fourth place $250 000 along with trophies and other incentives.

Riddim Squad and New Amsterdam United will play the tournament’s first game at 18:30hrs, after which, the planned gala opening ceremony will take place.

Remarks from sponsors and representatives of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Normalisation Committee will be followed by the tournament overview by co-Director Kashif Muhammad and the feature address by Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony.

The evening’s final match will see the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) play Den Amstel.

Muhammad said that his organisation is anticipating an exciting and successful tournament and one that will have lasting memory on not only the players, but the scores of fans expected nightly.

Apart from the opening ceremony today, the DCC ground will host matches on March 25, 27 and 28.

The likes of George Yarde, George Hyles, Clive ‘Woolley’ Forde, Orin Cumberbatch and Colin Beveney, all of whom were standout players for Guyana in the early 1970s, are just some of the big names who thrilled the masses that would have converged on the DCC ground when football used to be played at the venue.

Racing Tips South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:25 hrs Dinesen 09:00 hrs Red Barrel 09:35 hrs Lielums 10:10 hrs Copper Parade 10:45 hrs Crown Of Gold 11:20 hrs Starspangledemblem Arab Emirates Racing Tips Jebel Ali 08:35 hrs Sholaan 09:05 hrs Banaadeer English Racing Tips Lingfield 09:50 hrs Tarooq 10:20 hrs Soft Love 10:50 hrs Perfect Mission 11:25 hrs Muhdiq 11:55 hrs Apache Storm 12:30 hrs Katie Gale 13:05 hrs Librisa Breeze Sedgefield 10:00 hrs Separate Shadows 10:30 hrs Light The City 11:00 hrs Storm Of Swords 11:35 hrs Red Danaher 12:05 hrs Venue 12:40 hrs Debt To Society 13:15 hrs Sherry Newbury 10:10 hrs Champagne Express 10:40 hrs Phone Home 11:10 hrs Oh So Fruity 11:45 hrs Desert Joe 12:20 hrs Gassin Golf 12:55 hrs Twirling Magnet 13:25 hrs Border Breaker Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 14:05 hrs Period Piece 14:35 hrs An Saighdiur 15:05 hrs The Dancing Lord 15:35 hrs Coach Bombay 16:05 hrs Lily’s Rainbow 16:35 hrs Asian Wings American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Luckydream Race 2 Larry Boy Race 3 Culminating Race 4 Partytime Chill Race 5 Rich Dalone Race 6 Prize Taker Race 7 Wonder Gal Race 8 Dulce de Leche

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

Colin Graves has spoken to sacked player … Kevin Pietersen not in our plans - selector James Whittaker INCOMING England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Colin Graves has spoken to batsman Kevin Pietersen about a return to the England side.

Pietersen wants a meeting when he completes World Cup radio duties, reports BBC Sport’s Pat Murphy.

It comes a day after selector James Whitaker said the 34-year-old was “not part” of the team’s plans.

Pietersen was sacked in February 2014 in the fallout of the 5-0 Ashes whitewash by Australia.

Graves, who takes over as ECB chairman on May 15, has not yet agreed to the meeting and says he will try to accommodate Pietersen

Kevin Pietersen but told the BBC he has made no promises to him.

However, he did vow it will be a different ECB under his leadership Former England captain Michael Vaughan has called England’s current situation a “soap opera”, and says the team need to beat West Indies 3-0 to stop talk of

a Pietersen comeback.

“All Colin Graves said is he is going to meet Kevin Pietersen. He will have a chat and is not promising anything,” Vaughan said on Test Match Special.

“It is clear that for Kevin to have any hope of playing for England, and it is only a small hope, he has got to play county cricket and we will see what happens.

“The game needs a change; it needs someone to come in and say the past is the past and to start afresh. Graves is clearly going to do that - obviously it’s going to ruffle a few feathers but maybe that’s what they need.

“Change is sometimes difficult for people but English cricket needs

it. You have to look at the way England have played for a period which has not been great. Just maybe this is a fantastic motivational tool.

“If the team don’t want Pietersen in the side then go to the West Indies and win 3-0. Play better, score more runs and win more games and Pietersen will never play again.” (BBC Sport)

Cheddi Jagan ...

The seven cyclists have all recorded victories since the 2015 cycle season began in January of this year.

Last year, Anthony won the junior category, while Ian `Dumb Boy’ Jackson won the veterans’ category.

Ozia McAulay who has been dominating the mountain bike category for some time and who won that category last year is tipped to make a successful defence of his title.

Naomi Singh won the ladies’ category last year but will not be defending it this year, as she is overseas so the way is

From page 35

open to Tashawna Doris or Marica Dick to be crowned champion.

The event will get under way at 09:00hrs from Supenaam, Essequibo Coast, and proceed to Charity before returning to finish at Anna Regina.

The top six finishers along with the top three juniors, top three veterans, top three mountain bikers and top three ladies will receive cash prizes and trophies.

The first stage of the event this year was won

by Eastman, while Hinds took top honours in stage two.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

India beat Bangladesh to reach World Cup semi-finals

By Julian Linden

MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - India, growing in confidence with every match, thrashed Bangladesh by 109 runs yesterday in the quarterfinals of the World Cup. The defending world champions made light work of their clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, outclassing their Asian neighbours to stretch their unbeaten run at the tournament to seven games.

India will now play either Australia or Pakistan in the semi-finals in Sydney next week and on current form, they will be hard to beat.

Batting first, India compiled a daunting total of 302 for six, built on the back of a magnificent century from Rohit Sharma, who completed his first World Cup hundred with a slice of luck.

One of the most dangerous batsmen in the world, his return to form could not have come at

India’s batsman Rohit Sharma reacts after reaching his century during his Cricket World Cup quarter-final match against Bangladesh in Melbourne, yesterday. (Credit: REUTERS/Hamish Blair) a better time for an Indian team that struggled in the lead-up to the World Cup but are rapidly gaining momentum.

Rohit was caught in the deep when he was on 90 but was given a second life when the umpires ruled that Rubel Hossain’s delivery was above waist-height and therefore a no-ball, although television replays suggested otherwise.

Rohit went on to make 137 off 126 balls, highlighted by 14 boundaries and three sixes, while

the left-handed Suresh Raina chipped in a with a quick-fire 65 after India had waddled along to 115-3 and needed a lift.

Bangladesh, appearing in their first World Cup quarter-final, kept the Indian batsmen in check through the first 35 overs, stalling their runrate with their spin bowlers.

But they dropped their heads after Rohit was given his reprieve and gave up 147 runs off the last 15 overs, leaving themselves a near impossible run-chase at

India’s wicketkeeper MS Dhoni (C) celebrates with team mates after catching Bangladesh batsman Soumya Sarkar (Credit: REUTERS/Brandon Malone) one of cricket’s biggest and most intimidating cauldrons.

Bangladesh are one of the most improved sides in cricket. They beat England to make the quarterfinals but found India too hot to handle.

Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes came out all guns blazing, smacking 31 off the first six overs but when they fell in successive balls in the next over the run-chase was doomed.

Their frustrations were compounded by India’s excellent fielding, once one of their weakest points but now one of their strongest.

India have bowled out their opponents in all seven matches they have played at the World Cup, another ominous warning for their remaining challengers.

Shikhar Dhawan took a juggled catch on the fine leg boundary rope to send Mahmudullah, who had scored two consecutive hundreds in the Pool stage, on his way for 21.

Then the Indian captain and wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni took a diving catch to remove Soumya Sarkar for 29 to effectively end any hopes of a Bangladesh upset.

England’s four Champions League Clarke plans to places look safe - for now continue ODI career after World Cup

By Mike Collett

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Despite the absence of any Premier League clubs in the last eight of the Champions League for the second time in three years it is likely to be at least three seasons before England could lose any berths in the competition.

England has been able to enter four clubs -- currently three directly into the group phase and one into the playoff round -- since 2001-02 and there seems little realistic danger of that situation changing until the 2017-18 season at the earliest.

Even then it would need comparable failures in both the Champions League and Europa League over the next two seasons - and a big improvement

by Italian clubs - to significantly impact on the UEFA coefficient system that ranks clubs and countries and determines their allocation of Champions League and Europa League places.

However, English teams cannot rest on their laurels because Italy is set to close the coefficient points gap by the end

England manager Roy Hodgson of this season.

Currently the top three countries – Spain (94.713 points), England (80.105) and Germany (77.986) have four Champions League places, while Italy (66.010), Portugal (60.882) and France (51.916) get three.

The system allocates points to countries on the performances of their clubs in both competitions over the previous five seasons.

But at the end of this season England will lose the bonus points they accumulated in

2010-11 when Manchester United reached the Champions League final.

The exits of Liverpool, in the group stage, and Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea in the last 16 in the Champions League and the early departures of Tottenham Hotspur, Hull City and Liverpool in the Europa League will mean a lower overall figure for England because this season’s tally will be lower than those gained in 201011.

England manager Roy Hodgson, asked about this season’s European disappointments yesterday when he named his England squad for the upcoming internationals against Lithuania and Italy, said: “No doubt the Premier League and the top clubs won’t want to lose the fourth Champions League place.

“No English team in the last eight is endemic -- that this time we have teams going out is just one of those things.

“The Premier League is a great league and we have great players but that doesn’t give you the right to win matches against teams from other countries.”

MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Australia captain Michael Clarke has declared he has no intention of retiring from one-day cricket after the World Cup. Clarke has long suffered a back condition and in recent months battled a succession of hamstring injuries that have prompted calls for the 33-yearold to retire from the shorter format to prolong his career in Test cricket.

Clarke poured cold water on the idea on the eve of Australia’s quarter-final against Pakistan in Adelaide.

“I have had injury concerns since I was 17 years of age,” he told reporters yesterday.

“And I have managed to play over 200 one-dayers and over 100 Test matches so it hasn’t stopped me to date. And I don’t think it will do after this series either.”

Clarke has battled back into the team after a long lay-off from hamstring surgery that saw him miss Australia’s opening pool win against England.

Off-field, Clarke’s relationship with selectors and coach Darren Lehmann was questioned after he was set a deadline to be fit by the second pool match against Bangladesh or risk

Michael Clarke missing out on the tournament on home soil altogether.

It seemed a harsh ultimatum for a player that has scored over 16 000 runs for Australia in one-day and Test cricket.

“A lot of players have had injuries throughout their career and worked their backsides off to get back out on the park,” Clarke said.

“Walking back out on the field to represent your country is a very special feeling.

“But if you don’t perform you don’t get that opportunity.

I’m fortunate to be back out on the park and I need to make sure I’m performing and leading the way as captain of this team.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

Golden Jaguars widen pool with more overseas players AS PREPARATIONS wind down ahead of Sunday’s friendly international between Guyana and St Lucia at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, the Golden Jaguars continues to widen its pool of players.

Two more overseas players have been added to the squad, 29-year-old Michael Ten-Pow who is Guyanese-born but migrated to the USA when he was a few months old.

The qualified computer engineer disclosed that he lived in Chile for five years before returning to the USA. His dad’s name is Rudolph Ten-Pow and his mother’s is Bonita Ten-Pow. Ten-Pow disclosed that he has played at the national pool youth level in the United States and was contacted around the year 2000 by someone from the GFF but he didn’t take the opportunity then since he was at the height of his Computer Engineering studies.

“I’ve been an engineer for the last decade and have decided now to

get back active in the game so I written us off given the kind of said it was always his dream to made contact with the play for his dad’s GFF and told them that I country and he need the opportunity to intends to make this get involved. I still have opportunity count. skills; still have a good “The Golden body on me and a desire Jaguars are really to represent my country, welcoming, it’s like a so it’s an opportunity family right now, and I’m happy and lucky to they are kind to me and have.” respectful and they treat Ten-Pow disclosed me as one of them.” that he plays in the White plies his National Premier Soccer trade in Canada at League (NPSL) in San an Academy called Francisco with the San Sigma FC which Francisco Stompers plays in League Football Club as a left One which is a very winger. competitive league “I am aiming and and is of the view expecting to become a that the level of Michael Ten-Pow (USA) Daniel White (Canada) permanent fixture with competition there has the Golden Jaguars played a great part in with good performances. I would turmoil that has happened but I preparing him for this challenge. like to see Guyana get back to would like to see that change.”

“I’m in my third year at prominence. I know we had a good Twenty year-old Daniel university studying to become a run a few years back, and I would White is based in Canada and physiotherapist or to get into sports like to see us do it again. his dad, James White, is from medicine.”

“I know some people have Campbellville, Georgetown. He The 18-man squad to face St

Pierre, Eastman, Griffith for Barbados LIGHT heavyweight boxer Markember `Violence’ Pierre is scheduled to lead a team of Guyanese boxers to the Horace Phillips Memorial competition to be staged in Barbados tomorrow.

Pierre and flyweights Jamaal Eastman and Ceon Griffith will depart tomorrow afternoon accompanied by manager/coach Wincell Thomas and referee/ judge Keith Norville.

Eastman will compete in the elite flyweight while Griffith is down to do battle in the youth flyweight. President of the Guyana Boxing Association, Steve Ninvalle, disclosed that Barbados had originally asked for five boxers but recently had reduced the number to three.

He noted that all three boxers have a wealth of talent and singled out Eastman as a ‘diamond in the rough’. The boxers have been encamped for two weeks at the Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis gym and is scheduled to return home on Sunday.

The Barbados competition comes one week after a team of 14 boxers and officials returned from a tournament held in French Guiana, and represents a hike in international competition for local fighters, compared to the same time last year.

The Horace Phillips Memorial is an annual competition held in Barbados and Guyana have dominated in recent time. Last year a team of five boxers returned with three gold and two silver medals.

Ninvalle thanked COURTS, Monty Profitt of Trustee’s Pawn Shop in Robb Street, National Sports Commission, Dave’s Pharmacy, LIAT and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for making participation possible.

Lucia would be selected tomorrow morning ahead of Sunday’s game.

National captain Christopher Nurse has also joined the squad. Nurse, a defensive midfielder, was recently re-signed by the RailHawks ahead of the 2015 NASL Season.

Nurse, a key player on the 2011 RailHawks roster that won the regular season championship, will return to the RailHawks one more time. In 2012, Nurse returned for his second season with the RailHawks, making 10 appearances while registering 6 starts and 1 assist.

A release from the club said that Nurse has developed vast experience at different levels of the game throughout his extensive professional career.

He has played for several Conference North and Southern Football League clubs in England, such as Tamworth Football Club, Moor Green and Hinckley United, as well as NASL sides Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Puerto Rico Islanders and FC Edmonton.

Alpha to battle Dutch club in CFU championship opener

ALPHA United Football Club will commence quest for honours in this year’s Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Championship with a game against Suriname’s Inter Moengotapoe on April 17 at the Guyana National Stadium.

Alpha president Odinga Lumumba said his club has successfully negotiated the hosting of Group One matches in Guyana and is eager to lock horns with the Dutch team who have remained a thorn in Alpha’s side.

Inter Moengotapoe have upstaged Guyana’s number one club in their last five meetings.

The Dutch team play Central Football Club of Trinidad and Tobago the other team in Group One - on April 19 at the same venue while Group matches come to an end on April 21 when Alpha return for a match against the Trinidadians.

The hosting of the three matches is expected to cost $10M and Lumumba is optimistic that it will be a smooth run.

Odinga Lumumba “We were granted permission to host these matches because of our track record. CFU and CONCACAF know that we have the ability to manage such activity. We have done it before and are up to the task,” Lumumba declared.

“There is a $10M price tag for hosting. However, CFU would be contributing $3M (US$15 000). We are left to come up with the remaining $7M,” the club president added.

The Guyana Defence Force will join Alpha as

the teams from Guyana participating in the prestigious CFU tournament.

Both teams have side-stepped major local competitions in order to properly prepare for the competition.

Alpha opted out of the Mayor’s Cup while GDF pulled out of the 25th edition of the Kashif and Shanghai competition, set to commence today.

Alpha United’s participation in the CFU contest took priority over involvement in any local tournament hence the withdrawal from the Mayor’s Cup, Lumumba had declared.

The CFU Club Championship is an annual competition involving top clubs from member countries.

The top three teams from the CFU will qualify to the CONCACAF Champions League. Last year, Alpha United topped Group Three in the CFU tournament.

The group included Trinidad Defence Force, Sporting Notch of Suriname and Harbour View of Jamaica. All Group matches were played in Jamaica.

Alloy Lequay

WIPA hails late Lequay’s contribution KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – The West Indies Players Association has praised the late Alloy Lequay for his “valuable contribution” to West Indies cricket.

In paying condolences on behalf of the players union, president and chief executive Wavell Hinds said the cricket fraternity had lost an asset.

“We recognise and appreciate the valuable contribution by Dr Alloy Lequay to West Indies cricket,” said Hinds, a former Test player.

“The world of cricket will be poorer for his passing and we at the West Indies Players Association are saddened and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

Lequay was a noted regional cricket administrator, who served as Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board president and also as chief executive.

He was also chairman of the West Indies Cricket Board’s cricket development committee.

Lequay died last Sunday at age 90.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

WICB/PCL Cricket League

New champions Jaguars hoping to stop Volcanoes from crashing their party ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) - Guyana Jaguars, the newly-minted R4-Day champions, will attempt to underline their status as the season’s best side when they take on Windward Islands Volcanoes, bringing the curtain down on the WICB Professional Cricket League this weekend.

The Volcanoes were one of two sides with an outside hope of grabbing the title from the Jaguars before their draw with the Pride in Bridgetown put them both out of contention.

Windwards will be aiming to crash the visitors’ coronation party at Windsor Park in Dominica starting today.

The Leon Johnson led Jaguars landed their first victory in 12 years over the Volcanoes when the two sides met in the second round of this season at the Guyana National Stadium.

Prior to that second round defeat, the Volcanoes had won five of the previous seven matches against the Jaguars.

Injury has forced the Volcanoes to bring

uncapped batsman Jerlonie Robinson into their squad for Miles Bascombe, but the visitors travelled with an unchanged unit.

Meantime Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, a side that promised much prior to the season, and Leeward Islands Hurricanes, a side aiming to end a forgettable season strongly, will meet at the National Cricket Centre.

The Red Force gave a redeeming performance against the Jaguars to earn a draw, and the Hurricanes blew away the Jamaica Franchise to post their first win of this season and end a string of nine straight defeats in the R4-Day stretching back to last season.

The home team will be highly favoured, considering they have won six of their last seven matches against the Hurricanes, including a six-wicket victory in the second round this season at Warner Park in St Kitts.

Injury too, has prompted the Red Force to make two changes with Akeal

Guyana Jaguars captain Leon Johnson Hosein and fellow left-arm spinner Ricky Jaipaul replacing Yannic Cariah and Derone Davis – but the Hurricanes are unchanged.

At the historic Sabina Park in Jamaica, the Franchise face long-time rivals Barbados Pride.

The match between the two sides earlier this season was badly affected by the weather, but recent history gives the hosts the edge.

Holder has the skills to lead, says NZ fast bowling legend WELLINGTON, New Zealand (CMC) – Fast bowling great Sir Richard Hadlee has given Jason Holder a ringing endorsement, saying he is impressed with the cricketing skills and leadership of the young West Indies captain.

The former New Zealand fast bowler was speaking to a packed media conference at the Basin Reserve yesterday afternoon.

Together with West Indies bowling great, Sir Curtly Ambrose, he was previewing the all-important World Cup quarter-final between the New Zealanders and the Windies scheduled for the Wellington Regional Stadium tomorrow.

“I like the look of the captain Jason Holder; he seems very calm for someone so young and someone carrying so much responsibility,” said Sir Richard.

“He has formed a good newball partnership with Jerome Taylor and I also like the look of him as well. They give the West Indies attack something to work with at the top.”

He added: “It is good when you have someone (Holder) so young who can take the team forward. He is handling himself quite well.”

Sir Curtly also lauded the work of Holder and Taylor with the new ball, and backed

He has an impressive ODI record with 120 wickets in 78 matches at an average of 27 runs per wicket, an economy rate of under five runs per over and a strike rate of 32.

H o l d e r , meanwhile, was a surprise choice when he was named to take over from Dwayne Bravo West Indies bowling coach Sir Curtly Ambrose as the 50-overs (left) and Sir Richard Hadlee, pose with the captain.

World Cup trophy. (Photo courtesy WICB The decision to Media) turn to the 23-yearold was taken last the Windies to turn the tables on the unbeaten Black Caps December ahead of the OneDay International series in tomorrow.

“The combination of Taylor South Africa and Clive Lloyd, and Holder is working pretty chairman of selectors, tipped well for us at the moment,” said Holder “as a young man with Sir Curtly, the Windies bowling a good cricket brain”.

So far in the World Cup coach.

“We all know how talented Holder has impressed with his captain Holder is. Taylor is a calm authority as well as his wonderful bowler, swings the classy batting and wicket-taking ball as well and they’re going ability with the new ball. He to be key, I believe, to start the made 56 against South Africa and top-scored against India innings.”

Taylor has taken 14 wickets with a career-best 57.

In last Sunday’s must-win at the World Cup at 18.35 apiece to be the West Indies leading game against the United Arab Emirates he took four wickets bowler.

He was out of the game to earn the man-of-the-match for several years but made a award, as West Indies clinched a successful comeback last year. quarter-final spot.

The Franchisers have brought in JonRoss Campbell and former West Indies Under-19 captain Ramaal Lewis to replace Shacaya Thomas and veteran leg-spinner Odean Brown.

The Pride have similarly made two changes with all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite and opener Omar Phillips, recovered from injury lay-offs, to replace the now injured duo of Tino Best and Kyle Corbin.

England wrong to axe me as one-day captain, says Cook LONDON, England on Wednesday for the (Reuters) - Alastair Cook three-Test tour of West believes England were Indies which starts next wrong to sack him as their month and that will one-day captain less than be followed by home two months before the start series against New of the World Cup. Zealand and Australia.

Eoin Morgan took over “We have a as skipper and presided over repairing job to do England’s worst-ever 50and the only way over World Cup campaign of doing that is by Alastair Cook in which they won only two playing some good it’s easy to say that.” matches and failed to reach Cook was named cricket and to start the quarter-finals.

“I think you saw in as England captain winning,” Cook said.

Australia at the World Cup the dangers of making such a big decision so close to the tournament,” Cook told a (Friday March 20, 2015) Dubai radio station.

“I don’t know what’s Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda gone on on that tour, but it Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & did look like the lads were shell-shocked from the first CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette two games. That’s when you Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) need real leadership to help steer you through that.

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: “I would have loved to have had the opportunity that (1) WI vs PAK, Edgbaston, 1975 (Sarfraz was taken away from me.”

Nawaz) Cook was axed as captain due to his poor form with (2) 8 times; WI 3 the bat and a lack of tactical acumen which was exposed Today’s Quiz: again in the 5-2 one-day series defeat in Sri Lanka late (1) Who were the three new-comers to WC last year. cricket in 1996?

“The selectors made that decision because they (2) Who is the last man to make a ‘golden thought it was the best for duck’ in a WC final?

English cricket,” Cook said “Hindsight has probably Answers in tomorrow’s issue proved them wrong, but now

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2015

Defending champs off to perfect start in Guinness football

By Rawle Toney THE Guinness Greatest of the Streets’ East Coast edition football tournament kicked off on Wednesday night at the Haslington Market tarmac as defending champions Melanie ‘A’ saw a perfect start to their title defence.

Also picking up wins on opening night were Plaisance ‘A’, Paradise, Buxton, Nabaclis, Melanie ‘B’ along with both teams representing Beterverwagting (BV).

Jamal George put the champs in the lead, just two minutes into the contest, but Eon Abel eight minutes later equalised for Mahaica.

However, not to be outdone, William Europe scored what turned out to be the winning goal as Melanie ‘A’ held on to win 2-1.

Paradise came out 4-1 winners over Church Yard United, thanks to a double from Jamal Garnett (17th, 18th) and a goal each from Christopher Adams (20th) and Jermaine Clarke (23rd). Rolex Gouveia was the lone scorer for Church Yard, doing so from the penalty spot in the 24th minute.

Warren Gilkes, Teyon Lowe and Carlos Matthews were all on target for Plaisance ‘A’ as they defeated Mahaicony United 3-0.

Buxton had to look to penalty kicks to defeat Plaisance ‘B’ 2-1 after the two sides ended

their regulation and extra time goalless.

Nabaclis won 2-1 against Victoria Eagles, with goals from Allamo Jack and Seretse Huntley while Kishawn Alfred scored Victoria’s lone goal in the 19th minute.

Both teams representing ‘BV’ triumphed with convincing wins. BV ‘B’ defeated Ann’s Grove Punters 2-0 (Threon Petri and Erin Hunter) and BV ‘A’ with a fourthminute goal from Quacey Price bettered the home side (Haslington).

With strikes from Akeem Bacchus and Amoniki Rodgers, Melanie ‘B’ outclassed Golden Grove Superstars 2-0.

The tournament continues tonight with eight more matches at the same venue, starting at 19:00 hrs.

Game 1 – Melanie ‘B’ vs BV ‘A’ Game 2 – Ann’s Grove Punters vs Mahaica Game 3 – Golden Grove Superstars vs Paradise Game 4 – Nabaclis vs Plaisance ‘A’ Game 5 – Mahaicony United vs Victoria Eagles Game 6 – Buxton vs Haslington Game 7 – Melanie ‘A’ vs BV ‘B’ $300 000 is up for grabs for the tournament winners while second-placers will pocket $150 000 and third- and fourth-place finishers will collect $100 000 and $75 000 respectively.

Part of the action on Wednesday night at the Haslington Market tarmac in the Guinness Greatest of the Streets ‘East Coast’ edition

Cricket World Cup quarter-final clash

Ambrose confident Gayle will play against New Zealand WELLINGTON, New Zealand (CMC) - West Indies bowling coach Curtly Ambrose says he is confident flamboyant opener Chris Gayle will turn out for the regional side when they face off with New Zealand in the fourth and final quarter-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington tomorrow.

For the second day running, yesterday, Chris Gayle did not train with West Indies as he continued to receive treatment on his back following a cortisone injection on Wednesday.

However Ambrose believes Gayle will be among the eleven West Indians on the field, given his personality and the importance of the game.

“We expect him to play tomorrow. It’s a big game and we know what kind of player he is and as long as he can go out there and start and bat for us which is the most important thing and get us a good start,” said Ambrose.

“But we just have to wait tomorrow to see how he feels but I know the kind of player that he is and the kind of man

that he is and knowing the importance of this game I believe he is going to play”.

West Indies qualified for the quarter-finals after a strong display against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the final Pool B encounter, winning the crunch game by six wickets.

They have had a disappointing journey in the tournament so far though, suffering a massive 257-run defeat at the hands of South Africa, aside from four-wicket defeats to India and Ireland.

“We have completed our first goal and that was to make the knock-out stages even though a lot of people didn’t expect us to reach this far .Preparation has been going very well at the moment,” said Ambrose.

“It’s pretty cold here in Wellington but we are ready for tomorrow .We are full of confidence. We believe we can win this game and we are going to do our utmost to win this game “.

New Zealand are the favourites on paper ahead of the clash, having won all of their matches in the group stage.

Chris Gayle However opponents continue Southee, Adam Milne and to be wary of unpredictable Mitchell McClenaghan.

West Indies, known for However the West Indies possessing a batting line-up coach believes his bowling with players capable of turning attack needs to improve. matches around.

“I am a bit of a realist and we “When you think they’re are still a little inconsistent down, one of their players with our bowling. I am not one comes out and plays an of those guys who are going to explosive innings or bowls a say we are bowling well when spell that can take you out of we are not,” he said. the game,” said Mike Hesson “We are still a bit the New Zealand coach. inconsistent and we are “Sometimes it’s easier to working hard to get it right play a side that’s a bit more because this is it. This is not predictable whereas the like the preliminary once West Indies on their day are you win or you lose you have exceptional.” another chance. This is it”.

New Zealand boast an The match starts Friday impressive bowling line-up in (tonight 21:00hrs Eastern the form of Trent Boult, Tim Caribbean time).

Cheddi Jagan Memorial cycle road race moves to Essequibo on Sunday THE third and final stage of the annual Cheddi Jagan Memorial cycle road race will be staged on the Essequibo Coast on Sunday and is being sponsored by S. Jagmohan Hardware Supply and Construction Service of Essequibo and is being organised by national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed.

The annual event which started 18 years ago with a one-stage event in Berbice, blossomed into a three-stage race nine years after with the second stage being held in the West Demerara area and the final stage in Essequibo.

This will be the eighth year that the third stage will be held on the Essequibo Coast and sponsored by the Jagmohan family.

As is the case over the past years, Sunday’s third stage promises much excitement as Guyana’s top racers will be in action and at the moment it is impossible to predict a winner since several top cyclists have been showing good form.

Godfrey Pollydore who won the event last year with a time of two hours 10 minutes

Orville Hinds won the second stage 24.41 seconds might not be facing the starter on Sunday morning due to an injury he sustained last Saturday in the National Park.

Despite this, however, the cyclists to watch are: Orville Hinds, Hamzah Eastman, Michael Anthony, Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams, Paul De Nobrega, Romelo Crawford and Alanzo Greaves.

Turn to page 31

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Ambrose confident Gayle will play against New Zealand See story on page 35

Shabazz welcomes high expectations and pressure from fans

... Banks DIH on board with St Lucia and Grenada international friendlies

By Rawle Toney

AS GUYANA prepare to face St Lucia on Sunday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, head coach Jamaal Shabazz says he’s looking forward to the challenge both on and off the field.

The International Friendly will be the Golden Jaguars’ first at home after a break of over two years, dating back to their 2014 World Cup Qualifiers.

On the field, Shabazz calls St Lucia a formidable opponent who will give his side the test they need heading into the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers against St Vincent and the Grenadines and off the pitch, the pressure of pleasing the Guyanese fans will present an equal challenge.

“I don’t mind how people judge us” Shabazz told Chronicle Sport in an exclusive interview yesterday, adding, “We’re happy to be back playing home and we’re happy that football will be played in Guyana once again because it’s so important to play home, to integrate with the fans and get back that feeling of playing for a people”.

“So we will no way feel pressured by expectation;

Officials of both Banks DIH and the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) are joined by some of the members of the ‘Golden Jaguars’ at Thirst Park yesterday. in fact we welcome the feeling of expectation because we’re working hard to achieve our goal,” Shabazz said.

Despite pointing out that’s the best way to please the home crowd and those who were longing to see the Jaguars play. It’s also

important that they (the coaching staff) try to find the right formula and combination ahead of the qualifiers and the Friendly Internationals which will give them the perfect chance to fit the right piece of the puzzle together.

“First it’s important to come out with a

good result and added to that, we’re trying to be compact; we’re trying to work on our compact approach because this is how it is at CONCACAF and World level now.

Turn to page 30

WICB president 25th Kashif and Shanghai tournament opens today at DCC ground promises ... Riddim Squad play N/A United, Den Amstel face GFC better pitches See story on page 30 KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) - Re-elected president of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Dave Cameron says the West Indies’ upcoming Test series against England and Australia in the Caribbean will be played on better pitches.

The matches, to be played in Antigua, Grenada, Barbados, Dominica and Jamaica, will bowl off in less than a month, starting with the Windies in a threematch series against England.

“We (WICB) are promising better-looking pitches for the next five games,” said Cameron.

“Our regional curator, Ken Crafton, has been visiting some venues and pitches, which have been a point of constant discussion around the region.

“He has gone to at least seven venues, and since then, we have been focusing on the five venues that will be hosting Test matches this year.”

Turn to page 30

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FRIDAY MARCH 20, 2015