2015 3 23

GUYANA No. 104137 MONDAY MARCH 23, 2015

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

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President commissions pioneer gasification plant in Essequibo ––deems initiative a welcome development

‘Chilly’ reception awaits APNU+AFC ––on arrival in New York

APNU+AFC ties 3 to embattled New York Senator worrisome

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State Senator John Sampson

PM Hinds dismisses Granger’s Amaila promises as ‘opportunistic’ Page 4 THE Alliance of A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) has taken its campaign and fundraising activities to the Diaspora in the

United States of America (USA).

But alas! It got a little more than it bargained for, as the reception was, let’s say, as chilly as the New York weather.

Both presidential and

prime ministerial candidates, Brigadier (Rt’d) David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo, were met by screaming placards that called attention to Granger’s questionable military past, and

the fact that Nagamootoo has jumped shipped in his never-ending quest for power.

As is the old saying, a picture is worth a thousand words. You be the judge.

‘Theocracy Party’ ready to back APNU+AFC ––in return for regional or parliamentary seat

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

Political pundits say...

APNU+AFC ties to embattled New York Senator worrisome ––particularly his recent ‘boots-on-the-ground’ advice EMBATTLED New York Senator John Sampson seemingly has the answer the coalesced A Partnership For National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) seeks to en-

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CRIMINAL CHARGES In May 2013, Sampson’s legal troubles were detailed in a New York Times article, which was headlined ‘Senator in Corruption Case Spoke

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‘In order to do that you cannot do it in a traditional media. Everybody talks about Social Media and everything else but it’s about boots on the ground, getting back to the way politics is and politics is a retail business and all politics is local’ -- New York Senator, John Sampson

sure victory is theirs at the upcoming May 11 polls.

He reportedly told a recent campaign event of theirs in the ‘Big Apple’ that the only way to convince those opposed to change is to put “boots on the ground”.

“In order to do that, you cannot do it in a traditional media. Everybody talks about Social Media and everything else, but it’s about boots on the ground; getting back to the way politics is. And politics is a retail business and all politics is local,” Sampson was quoted as saying by an local Online media entity.

Sampson, of Guyanese parentage, described the May 11, 2015 polls as a “life-and-death elections” for current and future generations.

Needless to say, local politicos are concerned about the threatening undertones of a man who is advising the APNU+AFC leadership, given Guyana’s political history, as well as the fact that Sampson himself is facing criminal charges in a matter where he allegedly made moves to “take out” witnesses.

The undertones of his comments, according to observers, are even more worrisome considering the history of the People’s National Congress (PNC), which is the majority partner of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and considering that the APNU leaders are the same activists of the widely detailed ‘troubling’ PNC days.

Turn over the names of all of the cooperating witnesses who could make a case against him, Mr. Sampson asked, so he could arrange to “take them out.”

The New York Times has also reported that Sampson is accused of embezzling about US$440,000 in funds pertaining to the sale of foreclosed properties that he kept for himself instead of returning to court officials in Brooklyn. Sampson, the NYT said, was serving as a referee in the sale of the properties.

The report said that Sampson, who

State Senator John L. Sampson, centre, leaving the federal courthouse in Brooklyn after he was arraigned on charges including embezzlement in May 2013 (Photo courtesy of New York Times) of Silencing Witnesses, Prosecutors Say’.

The article stated that accusations of wrongdoing have swirled around State Senator John L. Sampson for years. But when he became concerned that his actions were under scrutiny by federal prosecutors, he allegedly took a step that stands out even in the growing annals of wrongdoing by New York lawmakers.

Mr. Sampson, prosecutors said, approached a friend in the office of the United States attorney for the Eastern District for help.

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also signal a widening of a probe that has already snared Shirley L. Huntley, a former state senator from Queens who has pleaded guilty to stealing taxpayer money through a nonprofit organisation she was running.

The New York Time said that the charges against Sampson appear to pertain to conversations he had last year with Huntley where he is said to have sought help for a businessman who was offering bribes in return for help to expand his business at Kennedy International Airport. The airport is in Huntley’s district.

The United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Loretta E. Lynch, called the case “one of the most extreme examples of political hubris we have yet seen.”

Mr. Sampson, 47, surrendered to federal agents in the morning and was arraigned in Federal District Court in Brooklyn in the afternoon.

He pleaded not guilty to charges that included two counts of embezzlement, five counts of obstruction of justice and two counts of making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

During the hearing, a prosecutor said he had offered Mr. Sampson a plea agreement, which he has until the end of the month to accept. Under the agreement, Mr. Sampson would plead

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‘Local politicos are concerned over the threating undertones of a man who is advising the APNU+AFC leadership, given Guyana’s political history, as well as the fact that Sampson himself is facing criminal charges in a matter that he threatened to ‘take out’ witnesses’

represents Brooklyn, becomes the latest lawmaker to be accused of abusing his office for personal gain. The charges facing him include embezzlement, obstruction of justice and witness tampering.

The article added that the charges

guilty to embezzlement and one other charge and accept a sentence of 37 to 46 months. He faces up to 20 years in prison under the most serious charge if he is found guilty at trial.

Sampson was first elected to the Senate in 1996.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

PM Hinds dismisses Granger’s Amaila promises as ‘opportunistic’

THE Government has been keenly pursuing alternative energy possibilities for our country and Mr David Granger’s promise of alternative energy, via the Amaila Falls Hydro-

published in the local press.

He explained that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Administration initially pursued a small hydropower project with the Government of China and about 1995 approved the hydro development at Moco-Moco, including a small network for Lethem, which was then still dependent on fuel being flown in from Georgetown, or coming by road from Venezuela and Brazil.

According to him, on beginning the operation of the Moco-Moco Hydro

Amaila,” he said.

On July 18, 2013, the combined Opposition in Parliament defeated the Hydroelectric Power (Amendment) Bill in the National Assembly, and in August the Government took the legislation back to the House and received the backing of AFC, but APNU voted down the bill and motion.

Despite this, development partners have indicated their continued support based on confidence in the project’s merits.

This expression of support follows

Falls Hydropower Project will commence before the end of 2015.

The hydropower project is touted to be able to provide Guyanese with a cheaper, reliable and sustainable electricity supply. It involves the construction of a hydropower plant in the area of West-Central Guyana, where the Amaila and Kuribrong Rivers meet.

‘If we are to talk about stunting the growth of our economy and of us Guyanese, and of keeping us poor, there is little that can match the delaying of Amaila’––Prime Minsiter Samuel Hinds

PRIME MINISTER SAMUEL HINDS

power Project, to boost the growing manufacturing sector is “opportunistic.”

This point was recently underscored by Prime Minister and Minister Responsible for Energy and Electricity, Samuel Hinds.

“The blocking of Amaila when proposed by this Government, a possible 100 per cent conversion in the source of GPL’s electricity generation from petroleum to a renewable source, makes Mr. Granger’s promises opportunistic,” he said in a recent letter

plant in 1999, it was natural to move from “lights at night” to a 24/7 electric supply.

“Lethem Power Company Inc. was born but Moco-Moco was disrupted by a landslide in 2003. A team from China was quickly brought to review the situation and make recommendations.

The views of experienced local and other persons were also sought.

Hinds noted that several options were on the table, which were considered and decided on, in the interest of the Guyanese people and the existing development dynamic.

“If we are to talk about stunting the growth of our economy and of us Guyanese, and of keeping us poor, there is little that can match the delaying of

last October’s promised transfer of an accumulated US$80M in payments from Norway, US$45M released in 2013 and US$35M released last October, to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which would be used as Guyana’s equity contribution to the project.

IDB STILL ON BOARD The transfer of the monies to the IDB follows a clear indication of support for the project from the Bank last August, where the organisation made it clear that it was “still on board” for the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project.

President Donald Ramotar has also assured that construction of the Amaila

Mr David Granger Electricity produced there would be delivered to Georgetown and Guyana’s second largest town, Linden.

The AFHP is anticipated to result in substantial savings to the nation’s coffers, particularly in terms of foreign exchange and the purchase of heavy fuel oil, as well as create many opportunities for jobs, among other advances. (Vanessa Narine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

Challenges to Development of the Guyana Marriott Project The following is a statement issued by AHI Inc., outlining the major categories of challenges to the Marriott Hotel Project that served to deter, delay, and jeopardise the private financing for the project:

PARLIAMENTARY ATTACKS TO STOP THE PROJECT FOLLOWING a motion submitted to the National Assembly in August 2012

by Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan entitled: “Public monies in the Marriott Hotel be halted until approval by the National Assembly,” the motion was debated on December 17, 2012.

MP Ramjattan sought to attack the hotel project and the role played by NICIL: “NICIL has been, literally a slush fund for deals involving the powers that be and their favourites and friends. This company, headed by those members of the sultanate and controlled there with active encouragement of Government has diverted billions of taxpayers’ dollars away from the Consolidated Fund and therefore away from parliamentary scrutiny.”

“This use of NICIL by Government as an instrument for spending then through a sub-instrument called AHI to do so in that very irregular way is corruption in broad daylight. Taxpayers monies which are in NICIL’s accounts are going to be used to substantially underwrite the financing of this proposed hotel project.”

“The foregoing issues are compounded by a lack of viability as I mentioned.

Many investments in the local hotel industry have gone bust because of low occupancy as well as the perennial issues of crime, unreliable and uncompetitive electricity, a dirty city, poor drainage which would retard any development for local tourism even amongst Guyanese who are longing to come back home, more less than foreign tourist.”

Hon. Minister Irfaan Ali: “…the Hon. Member Mr. Ramjattan's sole intention in bringing this Motion to the National Assembly is to present a blockade on the development of this country; and the private sector has been loud in its endorsement of this project.

For a matter of fact, a group of hoteliers endorse this project but we still see the Hon. Member Mr. Ramjattan and the AFC, especially, on a prolonged campaign to block this development it is not any secret that this prolonged approach by the AFC, in particular, is driven by self-interest, cemented in protectionism and they are doing it the great American tradition way, that is, by lobbying” Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds: “The question comes down to choice of development by the Government, yes, I would agree that maybe APNU would not have invested in the Marriott, the AFC would not have invested in the Marriott,

but that is not the issue here, the issue is the Government has made the judgment that an investment in the Marriott is a key investment for this country ... one hotel alone of the order of the Pegasus is not enough for the tourism sector that is being developed in Guyana Mr. Speaker the two issues on this matter here are procedures and processes of NICIL particularly with the Marriott, I notice that they reserve Clause now Number 1 speaks to NICIL in its entirety, it takes the opportunity to close or wanted to close down NICIL in its entirety, it has deviated from the subject of the debate here, which is about the Marriott Hotel project. The second thing of this debate is on the choice of investment procedure, it is a Government choice and we accept that APNU would have done something else and the AFC would have done something else but we could only honestly do what is our judgment. We cannot do APNU’s judgment or we cannot do AFC’s judgment.”

It is noteworthy to review the Hansard transcript of the debate that spans over 50 pages for the full debate. Suffice to say that the resolution resulting from the motion by the Opposition is not legally binding on the Government, however, as would be expected, the motion and related actions of the Opposition on the matter would give any serious investor reason to pause.

A PLETHORA OF OPPOSITION CRITICISM The Opposition criticism of the Marriott project, particularly post 2011, has served to strongly discourage and then delay, private investment in the project. It is likely that in the recent history of Guyana, no project has ever been subjected to such a sustained and targeted attack by both the leaders of AFC and APNU and their various members. This criticism has been despite substantial information being laid before the Parliament on the project, invitations to the Opposition for briefings on the project similar to what was done for the Amaila Falls project, debates organised by Government on alleged corruption and inviting the Opposition to participate, debates in Parliament, and numerous Press Releases and press conferences by Government officials on the project.

The overall theme of the Opposition has been largely targeted at scaring away potential investors and raising the risk profile of the project. A number of these statements have been directly targeted at threatening investors, to the point, that the Private Sector Commission had to step in

and condemn the Opposition statements on private investment.

At times, the nature of the attacks as reported, have been scandalous and outrageous. Warnings to investors, suggestions of money laundering, fraud and corruption, illegalities, project will be halted, project not being financially feasible, have all been levelled against the project and potential investors.

It is therefore not surprising that the time taken to conclude the investment is a lot longer than planned for RBL and the GoG. RBL had early on in the syndication indicated that subscriber interest in the secured fixed rate bonds to be issued for the debt financing exceeded the US$27 M required; however, over time, the roadblocks thrown up by the Opposition and special interest groups caused potential subscribers to withdraw or decline further consideration. This was further compounded by the failure of the Opposition controlled Parliament to pass the AML Bill and the likelihood of Guyana being blacklisted.

LEGAL ACTIONS IN THE GUYANA COURTS At least 3 legal actions have been filed against AHI or the Marriott project, as follows 1. Guyana Pegasus vs AHI (Action #242-W of 2012) filed on 2012-06-20 This matter is still ongoing although an interim solution has been found whereby AHI has built drainage on the Marriott property for the Guyana Pegasus.

2. Desmond Trotman vs AHI, NICIL (Action #137-S/2014) filed on 2013-07-05 Action #137-S/2014 was filed in July 2013. On February 17, 2014, this action was withdrawn following the withdrawal

by NICIL of the lease .

3. D e s m o n d T r o t m a n e t a l vs AHI, Registrar of Deeds [(1) Actions #263w/2014, (2) 518W/2014, (3) 520W/2014, (4) 521W/2014)]. The first action was filed on the 5th of Dec 2014 while the other 3 were filed on the 12 December, 2014).

The four actions filed in December 2014 are on-going and have resulted in a delay to the registration of the mortgage for the property owned and leased to AHI. It should be noted that given that long leases and mortgages and debentures have to be published, that the press and all interested parties can view these notices.

It is clear that the actions of Mr. Trotman over the last two years have been deliberate and calculated to delay, if not derail, any private investment into the

project.

COMPETITOR ATTACKS Although the PSC and other hoteliers have generally supported the Marriott project, Mr. Robert Badal owner of the Guyana Pegasus Hotel has condemned the Marriott project, both in the courts, and in the public media.

PLIANT, OFTEN BIASED AND NEGATIVE SECTIONS OF THE MEDIA There has been a general absence of objectivity, balance, and fairness, on the part of certain media houses.

Investors increased perception of Guyana risks due to failure of the Opposition controlled Parliament to pass the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Legislation.

As a result of the CFATF and FATF review of Guyana and the various statements of blacklisting, both potential lenders and investors have been scared away from Guyana. Specifically, one large regional bank, was prepared to invest a large sum in the fixed rate bonds, and cited the AML issues as the reason it could not proceed.

The private investor, ACE Investments Limited, became extremely concerned about the potential risks of operating a casino in a jurisdiction about to be internationally black-listed and the resulting impact on the reputation on their officers, who are officers of publicly traded companies in Hong Kong. This concern led both ACE and NICIL, to enter into discussions with Marriott about operating the casino and other parts of the Entertainment Complex resulting in an agreement with Marriott, who currently operate 6 casinos worldwide, to agree to operate the Entertainment Complex including the casino on a similar arrangement as the hotel. This action will ensure that Marriott‘s international reputation and experience will be brought to bear to ensure the very highest standards of operation for the casino and Entertainment Complex.

The above is despite an active and serous effort on the part of the Government and major civic organisation to seek to achieve passage of the AML Bill as chronicled below. i. The Original AML/ CFT Act was passed in the National Assembly and subsequently assented to, by then See page 10

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

EDITORIAL Opposition’s electioneering gimmickry THE determination to eject the destructive PNC from the seat of government gave rise to a national avalanche that eventually swept the PNC out of the corridors of power and installed, for the first time in decades, a constitutionally-elected Government in October of 1992.

This was indeed the Dawn of a New Era, and a new broom that gradually and miraculously swept away the malaise and apathy to transform Guyana into an unparalleled dynamic of social development and economic growth, to the extent where this country is now being internationally recognised as a middle-income economy.

However, Guyana’s freedom and its developmental paradigm are under threat once again by the very people who took Guyana and Guyanese to subterranean levels of international growth indices before a PPP/C Government under the guidance of this country’s foremost freedom fighter and the Father of the Nation, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, and successive PPP/C presidents, especially the “Architect of Modern Guyana” and crafter of The Poverty Reduction Strategy, the National Development Strategy, the LCDS, et al, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, created synergies to propel Guyana’s socio-economic dynamics toward fructification of all that PPP/C

founding father, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, had envisioned for this nation.

Governing the nation during the last two decades and creating a growth pattern with a consistent upward trajectory has not been an easy proposition for the PPP/C because the PNC, even in its new avatar of APNU and its ally the AFC has had a continuum of destructive actions that caused much angst and retrogression in the fortunes of this nation, with many major developmental and job and wealth-creational initiatives being stymied and/or stopped cold by the combined Opposition.

But the country de scended into a new low with the new configuration in the National Assembly post elections 2011, which gave the combined Opposition a majority of one seat, acquired with six votes, which allowed the PNC, conjoined with the AFC, to rear its venomous head to strike once again into the heart of the nation.

Their electioneering ploys and gerrymandering are damning them for rank hypocrites, because all they are promising the electorate run counter to their intra/ extra parliamentary utterances and actions during the 10th Parliament, which their no-confidence motion threatened to bring to an immediate halt, thus creating chaos and catalysing anarchy in the country.

There were many instances where they were

directly responsible for anti-developmental, anti-people consequences that negatively impacted the upward trajectory of Guyana’s social development and economic growth – too numerous to detail herein; but we will deal with the AML/CFT bill.

Non-compliance with FATF regulations regarding countering of money laundering and terrorism in the world would visit recalcitrant nation states with such punitive ‘blacklisting’ that would take them into semblances of Guyana under PNC administration.

Unfortunately for Guyana, this nation is being held to ransom by a vengeful combined Opposition, which refused to support the vital passage of the Anti–Money Laundering and Countering the financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill.

Their power-drunk and vengeful grandstanding had reached a level where their conditions for support of this vital bill put this nation between the devil and the deep blue sea – that the Government accepted their recommendations for amendments, which would have reverted Guyana to the days of the Draconian rule of the PNC; or else non-support of the bill with a consequential blacklisting by FATF, which will transpose this nation again to a socio-economic landscape and ethos of want, hunger and hopelessness.

The amendment the Opposition proposed sought to give Police and customs officers the power

GUYANA

to seize currency of over $2M (US$10,000) in cash, cheques or value, such as money orders, jewellery, gold, bills of exchange, negotiable instruments, precious metals and gems, etcetera and arrest persons if it is suspected that it is the proceeds of money laundering.

These officers would also be vested with the powers to invade homes and business places, at any hour, to ransack private spaces for what would then be contraband; as in the good old days of yore under PNC administration, when almost every householder became a criminal under PNC’s Draconian rule. One letter-writer to this newspaper, Roshan Khan recalled those days of horror thus: “This is madness, as prohibition will cause wholesale smuggling of currencies out of Guyana, due to the reality that people will not have faith in the country and economy, and will wonder if next time the APNU might want to seize any money anywhere. The people of Guyana cannot forget the whole banning of food items, particularly flour and the like, which led to an amazing growth of illegal wealth by the smugglers, and the export of cash by every and any means.“I ask the people of this country if they recall the days when Guyanese under the Burnhamite PNC could not pass the airport with anything more than US$25. The time when fingers were prodded into peoples anuses and even female vaginas. Yes, youths

who do not know, under the Burnhamite PNC this happened, and many were imprisoned, as some had to get money out for medicine, a gallon of paint, some building material. “One could not go on a holiday with anything of value, not even a piece of jewellery except the married ring, and that had to be small. Jewels and monies that were seized were used as bribe in order not to be charged. In the search room people will tell the police or customs officials to keep the money and gold…..it was truly a shameful era. “And many were bribed to get money out, and others with tins of smuggled sardines or corn beef, or a pound of flour, onions or garlic for Government officials’ assistance. During this time Guyana broke, fell on its knees as Guyana became a basket case and the mockery state in the Caribbean. It was a time when women had to sell their bodies in Suriname and Trinidad to bring food stuff to sell in Guyana’s market and feed the nation. Guyanese were in shame everywhere we went. Many slept at airports and wharves.”

Then also the question of the integrity of mandated officers is in doubt, and numerous incidents abound - of monies, jewellery and other items, such drugs seized by law enforcement and customs officers with only partial, or in some instances non-delivery of these items to designated authorities; the time-consuming, frustrating, expensive process of recovery, most often through the courts by the legitimate owner and/or legal authority will frustrate the process into extinction. Their demands also did not take into consideration the dangers posed to home owners and private entrepreneurs, and among the plethora of instances when bandits pretending to represent a legal entity forced entry into premises then proceeded to rob, injure

and even kill their victims.

Here one can recall the brutal death of Frank Persaud of Bel Air, who was forced to open his warehouse to bandits posing as Customs officers, only to be killed and robbed. The implications of the Opposition’s demands to the safety and wellbeing of Guyanese citizens are too horrendous to contemplate. Alternatively, Opposition’s non-support of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill would have meant blacklisting by FATF, which consequences, inter alia: developmental and charitable loans and grants drying up; Banking internationally will be impossible; money transfers will freeze; many will lose jobs, as industries will close or minimise operations, among other consequences no less deleterious to the national economy and Guyanese welfare and wellbeing. The combined Parliamentary Opposition’s grandstanding and blackmailing for irrational demands to be met have stymied the passage of the amended Bill which, prior to the prorogation edict, sat unaddressed, because of Opposition filibustering in a Special Parliamentary Select Committee.

Thanks to the trust of international financial institutions in the PPP/C Government and the brilliant advocacy of Anil Nandlall and Dr. Ashni Singh, Guyana has been given a temporary reprieve by FATF; albeit there are still negative fallouts from the non-passage bill.

So the tall claims by the Opposition’s empty promises to the electorate hallmark their propensity for hypocrisy, because these are mere opportunistic ‘electioneering gimmicks’ and must be recognised as such by the people.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

Hindus celebrate year 2072 --Pandit Narine urges peace, togetherness for a brighter Guyana

By Tajeram Mohabir CHRISTIANS the world over and most people around the world celebrated New Year’s Day on January 1, but other major world religions also celebrate the significant occasion, but on different dates.

On the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic New Year for 2015 will fall on October 15. For Hindus, it was Friday. The occasion was called Chaitra or Vasanta Navratri and it marks year 2072 in the Hindu calendar.

It also marks the beginning of the spring season.

Navratri Shakti is a Sanskrit word when translated to English means nine nights and during the festival, Hindus worship the three main manifestations of Goddess Shakti: Durga, Saraswati and Lakshmi, along with her nine forms.

According to Pandit Ubraj Narine of the Guyana Pandit Council, these nine days are divided into three parts of three days each for the three parts of the body - the region below the navel, between navel and shoulders and the upper head region, corresponding to the energies of goddess Sarawati, goddess Lakshmi and goddess Durga respectively.

These three parts are further divided into three parts each, thus the body is divided into nine parts in all, he said.

Her worship is as important in Hinduism as Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Each night of Navratri is devoted to the worship of different deities and the performing of elaborate rituals.

On the first day, homage is paid to the divine mother in the form of Shailputri, the daughter of the Himalayas. She is a form of Shakti (energy), the companion of Lord Shiva; the second day is dedicated to the worship of Brahmacharini, the personification of love, knowledge and wisdom; the third day to the goddess Chandraghanta, the symbolic representation of beauty and bravery; the fourth day to Kushmandas, the creator of the entire Universe; the fifth day to the Goddess Skand Mata, the mother of the chief warrior of the Gods army, the Skanda; the sixth day to Katyayani, the warrior against evil and deceitfulness; the seventh day to Kalratri for bravery; the eight day to Maha Gauri for calmness and wisdom; and the ninth day to Siddhidatri, the treasure house of mystic powers.

Pandit Narine said there are many stories behind the important occasion but told of two of them.

King Dooshibago The first is of King Dooshibago, who was killed by a lion when he went out hunting. Following his death, preparations were made to crown his son, Prince Sudarsana.

But there was objection.

King Yudhajit of Ujjain, the father of Queen Lilavati, and King Virasena of Kalinga, the father of Queen Manorama, each wanted the Kosala throne for their respective grandsons.

Their disagreement led to battle and King Virasena was killed. Manorama, according

Durga, the Devine Mother in her nine forms to legend, fled to the forest with Prince Sudarsana and a eunuch, and while there, they took refuge in the hermitage of Rishi Bharadwaja.

The victorious King Yudhajit crowned his grandson, Satrujit, at Ayodhya, the then capital of Kosala. He then went out in search of Manorama and her son, but the sage advised him not to give up those who had sought his protection.

King Yudhajit became furious and wanted to attack Rishi, but his minister affirmed the truth of the Rishi’s statement and he returned to

his capital.

When he got there, fortune smiled on Prince Sudarsana: a hermit’s son came and called the eunuch by his Sanskrit name Kleeba.

The prince caught the first syllable Kli and began to pronounce it as Kleem.

This syllable happened to be a powerful, sacred Mantra. It is the Bija Akshara (root syllable) of the Divine Mother.

Peace of Mind The Prince obtained peace of mind and the Grace of the Divine Mother by the repeated utterance of this syllable. A

version of the story found on Wikipedia says the Devine Mother Devi appeared to him, blessed him and granted him divine weapons and an inexhaustible quiver.

Prince Sudarsana, with his wife and his father-inlaw, praised the Devine Mother, who in turn ordered them to worship her with havan and other means during the Vasanta Navratri.

Sudarsana’s descendants Sri Rama and Lakshmana also performed worship of Mother Devi during the Sharad Navarathri and were blessed with Her assistance

in the recovery of Sita.

According to the Krittibas Ramayana, Rama invoked the goddess Durga in his epic battle against Ravana. Although Goddess Durga was traditionally worshipped in the late spring, due to contingencies of battle, Lord Rama had to invoke her in the autumn.

The New Year is marked

by Hindus going to temple, participating in the chanting of sacred hymns and performing pujas to the Divine Mother.

Pandit Narine, who is also a member of the Guyana Sanatan Dharmic Maha Sabha, said during the occasion, the Devine Mother is worshipped for both material and spiritual wealth.

H e u rg e d H i n d u s t o embrace each other and all non-Hindus. The occasion, he said, also recognises women and their role in society, pointing out that men would be unable to perform their duties without the help of women.

Women, he said, is the representation of motherhood, and mother is the exemplification of love, kindness and togetherness. As Hindus celebrate the New Year, Pandit Narine urged that they embrace togetherness and the sacred tenets of Hinduism, and work for a brighter future for all Guyanese.

Sharad Navratri, the most important of the Navratris, which is also called Maha Navratri (the Great Navratri), is celebrated at the beginning of winter. It would be celebrated during October 13-22.

A belated happy New Year to the Hindu community!

Granger’s ‘jackass’ comment a turn-off I WA S p re s e n t a t t h e GMSA luncheon on Tuesday March 17, 2015 where David Granger was the featured speaker. His purpose was to address the business community on his plan to develop Guyana. This was my first time listening to David Granger Live and in person. His opening quote to start the presentation was vitriolic and repulsive.

Mr. Granger started off with a military quote. No surprise there and to his critics who frequently charged him as being too militaristic. I was

repulsed by his military quote.

I suspect that if Granger is to become the President, Guyana will be militarised yet again.

Drawing reference to a statement made by a British General during World War I of the British Infantry as being “Lions led by donkeys” Granger stated “Guyana Is Land of Jaguars Being Led

By Jackasses.” According to a News Source article Granger said “Guyana is a land of jaguars but we are led by jackasses. People want development, people want to get out, they want to be rich, they want to

be like other countries but they are led by jackasses.”

I was shocked at his statement. I suspected that he was looking for a good media sound bite and wanted to follow on the heels of Bharrat Jagdeo’s “kick ass” comment.

“Guyana being led by jackasses” became the running theme of Mr. Granger’s speech.

Aside from his banal, no-substance and lack-of-specifics speech, I had to prop myself up before I fell asleep.

When it came to the Q&A segment of the programme, a bold young man from the

Georgetown Chambers of Commerce (GCCI) stood up and voiced his aversion to Granger’s ‘jackass’ comment.

Granger turned full circle and said his quote was taken out of context; that he did not call his adversaries ‘jackasses’; and that he does not engage in that sort of politics.

I nearly fell off my chair, as Granger was attempting to hoodwink the entire gathering of titans of the business community in Guyana.

No one else called him out for his lies. Then again, most of his presentation from Amai-

la and Anti-money laundering was fallacious. To my surprise, Granger said the latter projects would be supported in his administration.

I suspect that when President Ramator addresses this very gathering in April, he would not be treated with the same ease that the business community afforded Mr. Granger. Most in the room sat by and allowed Mr. Granger to perpetuate his lies. I suspect that they were mostly hungry, and had to wait on Granger to finish his presentation and Q&A before they could eat

lunch and hence few pressing issues or calling Granger out on his fallacies.

In closing, Mr. Editor, I would like to reiterate that I am young, well-educated and a first time Guyanese voter. I read a lot and follow the happenings of Guyana’ politics. I will not be fooled

by Mr. Granger and he cannot pull the wool over my eyes. He should be truthful with the nation. His jackass reference was a major turn off.

NAME WITHHELD

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

If given the opportunity...

‘Theocracy Party’ ready to back APNU+AFC ––in return for regional or parliamentary seat

By Tajeram Mohabir MEMBERS of the Healing the Nation Theocracy Party (HNTP) have thrown their unequivocal support behind the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) +Alliance For Change (AFC) alliance at their first General Meeting and Congress held at the F.E. Pollard Primary School yesterday.

HNTP leaders told the gathering of some 40 “brethren” and “sistren” that the APNU+AFC alliance stands a good chance of being victorious at the May 11 polls, with the full support of the Rastafarian community.

HNTP General Secretary Ras Leon Saul IN TALKS The HNTP and the Alliance are in talks about

joining forces, and according to party Chairman, Allred Parks, he is optimistic that the discussion will bear fruit when they meet again with the Alliance leader David Granger and APNU General Secretary Joe Harmon. He did not say when the meeting will be held, but told the Guyana Chronicle that it will be soon.

The small party was previously in talks with the Alliance but it reportedly fell through. However, Parks said the HNTP has not rejected the alliance, and more importantly, the Alliance has not rejected them.

Joey aligns with Alliance

JOEY Jagan, son of People’s Progressive Party (PPP) founder and late former president Dr Cheddi Jagan, has seemingly thrown his support behind the coalesced A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC).

While there has been no official position statement from Jagan Jr., he has been

recently photographed in New York with the Alliance’s presidential and prime ministerial candidates, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo.

The Alliance is currently in the United States, engaged in a series of meetings and fundraising activities.

The slogan for the APNU+AFC campaign is ‘It Is Time.’

When the talks allegedly failed, the HNTP had said it will be contesting the elections alone, but its recent posture has indicated that it has backtracked from this position.

The party was formed after Ras Leon Saul fell out with United Republican Party (URP) Presidential Candidate Vishnu Bandhu over the legalisation of marijuana.

At the time the HTNT had said that the current crop of politicians has great difficulty in providing practical solutions to the challenges facing Guyanese.

In its “Vision 2020” agenda for change, the party said: “We recognise that we have to put the power back into the hands of the people” and not leave the development of the country to some.

The party said it aims to create wealth by transforming the nature of the economy to achieve growth, accelerate poverty reduction and protection of the vulnerable by providing proper jobs and employment opportunities through the co-operative movement.

GOOD CHANCE Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, Parks said he remains optimistic of an APNU+AFC win at the upcoming polls with Rastafarians support, pointing out that the latter hardly vote in national elections.

However, he said, with the formation of a party representing Rastafarians, there is a strong likelihood that the ‘clan’ will come out in full numbers and vote solidly for the HNTP. He also posited that the HNTP constituency, though informal, accounts for a large per cent of APNU’s support base.

On that note, Parks said the HNTP has no intention of splitting APNU’s base,

thereby jeopardising the Alliance chances of winning the election.

There has been reports that there is no guarantee that the HNTP will be guar-

HNTP Chairman, Alfred Parks anteed a seat in Parliament should the Alliance prevail at the polls, but Saul said this is “no big deal”, but if “we are offered one we would not refuse.”

He said the small party is interested in securing a regional seat in Region Four, pointing out that here is where it will be focusing on widening the APNU+AFC support base.

But the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), which controls the coalition APNU, has always commanded strong support in Region Four. The AFC also has a decent following in that region.

FULL SUPPORT At the meeting, the gathering gave their full support to the party’s manifesto, which among other things supports shared governance, equal distribution of wealth, greater help for the less fortunate and eradication of poverty.

An excerpt of the manifesto said the HNTP seeks “to create our holistic El

Dorado, we will use visionary, creative economic strategies and action, along with social and moral policies with the Co-operative Movement as a main vehicle; while establishing a multicultural society of equal rights and justice spearheaded by the legalisation of marijuana and the rule of law.”

Both the APNU and AFC had indicated that they will consider legalising marijuana if elected to office, and according to one member in the audience yesterday, the substance should be legalised, claiming that it was used by the ‘big ones’ in the ‘olden days’ and ‘many big ones today’, and “we have been using it since 19 O lang.”

According to Saul, visionary leadership is needed to take the nation out of spiritual, social economic and moral poverty. He also said the HNTP manifesto or plan of action is presented at a time when the United Nation has recognised the contributions of Africans worldwide, declaring in 2010 the International Decade of People of African Descent with focus on justice, reparation and development.

CARICOM, through its member states including Guyana, is pushing for reparations from their former colonial masters. In Guyana’s case, it is seeking redress from Great Britain and Holland.

At the General Meeting and Congress, Saul, Parks and Neville Duncan were voted in as General Secretary, Chairman and Treasurer of the HNTP respectively.

The gathering also agreed on the party’s Constitution and manifesto, and stated that they have no reservation in the party supporting David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo of the APNU+AFC alliance in the May 11 elections.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

Paved rural residential roads a graphic visual PEOPLE see paved roads popping up, even in village backstreets, with rural residential dams, narrow loam laneways and decades-old pathways becoming smooth tar-black roadways. But citizens still complain.

This graphic visual of seeing a paved modern road outside our homes lifts our spirits, and causes us to feel motivated, and that we’re playing a role on the 21st Century world stage.

Paved rural residential roadways provide a graphic visual of development of Guyana now decidedly a modern, 21st Century nation.

In Berbice, the Region, under the management of Regional Chairman David Armogan, is directing the surfacing of rural residential streets in the entire Canje community, and along the villages of the Corentyne, and East Bank Berbice.

Although local contractors work with sloth and a lackadaisical attitude, the transformation of villages across Berbice, in this one development of modern roadways, moves with decided progress. And people love it.

What makes this road construction initiative possible is the recent opening up of three bitumen plants in Berbice. These simple heavy-duty plants work to produce bitumen, with trucks and workmen now able to work on roads round-the-clock.

But, there’s a challenge. Berbice, like everywhere in the country, faces a critical shortage of skills and labour. So instead of seeing several crews working the villages to transform all roads in a very short time, the jobs must be split up and worked on by a schedule.

Government has allocated trucks, tractors and road building equipment to different areas of Guyana, including rollers and bitumen dispensing machines.

This road construction initiative of the State not only transforms communities, but showcases a very graphically visual evidence of community, on-the-ground, development happening: people see and feel the new Guyana we’ve become.

While the State spent the last couple decades stabilising our macro-economic socio-economic structure, a lot of it behind the scenes policy and financial legislation stuff, we now see our ability to move out into communities and

transform how people experience their day.

Guyanese see their quality of life raise in leaps and bounds, with the stunning housing development nationwide the driver of the new Guyana. Now, with paved roadways to add to their homes and house lots and new cars, Guyanese have joined the developed world.

Of course we’ve got tremendous problems to overcome, including road construction contractors the State hires who do sloppy work, and cheat on quality.

Berbicians still complain that much of their developmental desires go unfulfilled, including a long-standing appeal for road lights and phone lines along the straight stretch of Corentyne highway from the Berbice Bridge road going east.

We see similar requests across Guyana, where residents want community development speeded up, and blame Government for the bureaucracy and sloth they perceive.

In fairness to Government, the State faces a critical crisis of skills, with expertise, efficient middle managers, and hard-working supervisors hard to come by. In fact, a lot of the problems citizens encounter in dealing with State agencies stem from poor management and lackadaisical supervisory work.

Indeed, one of Guyana’s long-standing problems has been in maintenance of public property.

While Government allocates budgets for much of the work, poor middle management in the Public Service and across municipalities frustrate citizens, as they see things fall apart.

We’ve got to institute new systems to compensate for the Guyanese public service being so insensitive in its inefficient service to citizens.

These things are crucial, for us to know where citizens feel squeezed and uncared for: while Guyanese blame “Government” for all and sundry, much of the problems Guyanese encounter in State service sectors stem from State staff, contractors and a public service that got gutted and became a political animal in the 1970s and 1980s. Recovering from that takes time, and careful strategic leadership.

Even in our Police Force, we’ve got tremendous work to do to professionalise police service to

citizens, and to eradicate bribery and corruption. Thus it is with the Justice system, as well.

We must exercise the courage, foresight, insight, and hindsight, to tackle these issues, as Guyanese face these issues with confusion and consternation, not realising that Government Ministers and the President cannot go personally to clean up the zoo or install a light on a street, or supervise the efficient paving of a residential street at Adelphi, Canje, Berbice.

The State entrusts such tasks to its managers, supervisors and employees. And when they fail, it’s impractical to fire them, because our nation just doesn’t possess the skills pool to replace erring public servants.

In the State health care system, in public education, in development of roadways, for example the four-lane East Bank Demerara highway, we citizens blame Government when delays and bad work show up, not realising that Government itself is often frustrated at sloppy work, poor service and selfish public service in this country.

We see the stalling of development projects both from private contractors, who themselves lack a full complement of skilled and competent managers, and from the Public Service, the State entity on which we all rely.

Government may want to seriously consider developing a national skills strategy for rapid acquisition of necessary expertise. We’ve reached a stage of development where the demand for professional and competent middle managers and supervisors is increasing, fast.

The problem impacts not only Government and the State, but also the Private Sector, with the rich, big firms snapping up the small crop of professional, competent managers and supervisors available in the country.

Like the woman in Gangaram, Canje, complained when she contemplated the newly paved street in front of her house aback the village, and the new paved roadways that transformed her village, “with sloppy work from the contractor, how long this would last?”

Residents complain not only of sloppy work, but poor laws that allow private businesses to use heavy duty trucks on rural residential streets built for light vehicles.

These challenges we must face and tackle not ignore. Citizens across Guyana see Government at fault when they encounter such anomalies as poor public works and inefficient public service.

So, while they see paved roads popping up all around them, Government bringing development right to their doorstep, they reserve their praise because contractors and public service in our nation still generally treat citizens with disrespect, disdain and disregard.

For us to transform the image of Government, for citizens to see that development is lifting their lifestyles, we’ve got to conquer this problem of the acquisition of professional, efficient, competent supervisors and middle managers.

Only then would Guyanese see development like paved rural residential roads popping up and express their appreciation with full confidence.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

Challenges to Development ...

From page 5

President, Bharrat Jagdeo, on August 14, 2009. ii. The Act was fully supported by the PPP, PNC and AFC (no objections or abstentions were made by any of the Parliamentarians in attendance). iii. In 2011 a number of recommendations were made to bring Guyana into compliance with CFATF and presented to Parliament by Government. iv. On May 7, 2013, the Opposition requested the amendments be examined by a Special Select Committee of the National Assembly. v. The Committee held 16 meetings ending on October 22, 2013 which the Opposition boycotted. vi. The Opposition did not submit ANY amendments to the Committee, all amendments to the bill, the core of the committee’s work, were done solely by Government. vii. The Amendments were presented to Parliament on November 7, 2013 and were subsequently voted down by the one seat majority Opposition. This led Guyana to be backlisted by CFATF. viii. Government re-tabled the Bill on Dec 12, 2013. ix. The bill was again sent to the Special Select Committee for review and consideration with the understanding that FATF (the parent body of CFATF) would review and make a decision Guyana would be blacklisted at their plenary meeting held on February 13 and 14, 2014. x. The Committee determined that the amendments to the bill would be ready by Monday February 10. xi. One week before the February 10 deadline the Opposition walked out of the meetings and later, once again boycotted the Committee meeting. xii. AFC representative Kemraj Ramjattan boycotted the Committee meeting altogether.

xiii. Up to that point there were no written submissions of proposed amendments to the Bill by the Opposition. xiv. At 9 PM, the night before the Bill was scheduled to be put before the National Assembly for a final vote, APNU, while still in committee drafted their Amendments. xv. The Amendments by the Opposition do not comply with FATF requirements, are, in some cases, a contradiction to the principle Act of 2009, and in cases where there is no contradiction, only applies to the principal Act and not the Amendment Bill.

The following organisations released statements in favour of passing the AML legislation: i. ABCE Diplomatic Corp. ii. Public Service Commission iii. Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry iv. Guyana Bankers Association v. Guyana Manufacturing Services Association vi. Guyana Insurance Association vii. Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana AHI Press Releases, Press Conferences and Information publication Throughout the process of designing and building the Marriott project, the Government has been open and transparent, recognising at times, that the project was still under development or that certain aspects of it were of commercially sensitive nature.

In June 2010, Marriott publicly announced it would be embarking on a hotel in Guyana. In December 2011, there was a public sod-turning event. In February 2012, Mr. Ramjattan asked a series of questions on the project [(Notice paper #12, (Q9, Opp9) published in Parliament on 15th Feb 2012]. On 15th March of 2012, the Minister of Finance issued a full reply (the facts of which remain ma-

terially accurate to this day) and released a series of project related documents including the construction contract, copies of the tax agreements covering all of the incentives for the project, and copies of the lease agreements for the land.

Additionally, the Government convened a series of debates in 2012 on major issues including the Marriott and invited the Opposition to participate.

Further, on a number of occasions, the Government offered to do a closed door briefing on the Marriott project similar to what was being done on the Marriott over the 2012-2013 period.

The Opposition never took up the Government on this offer.

PROGRESS DESPITE ATTACKS ON THE PROJECT It should be noted that despite all of the attacks on the project, the following have been achieved: a) The Marriott brand has been secured; b) The hotel is being built in line with budget and to Marriott standards and will open in April 2015; c) The hotel is underway in employing approximately 230 Guyanese persons picked from a total of over 3000 applications, in an extremely open and transparent process; d) A private equity investor has been found and an agreement executed with this investor; the investor was cleared by both Marriott and Republic Bank and announced publicly in 2014; e) US$27 debt financing committed and all legal documentation executed to allow disbursement; of this US$15.25 M disbursed by certain of the investors in the debt syndicate; f) Following the fallout from the failure to pass the AML Bill, Marriott has agreed to be the operator of the Entertainment Complex; g) Based on the Feasibility Study and the full compliance of Marriott with applicable tax laws, AHI is poised to be the largest taxpayer in the hotel and hospitality sector.

CONCLUSION: The delay in injection of the debt financing and equity financing can be directly linked to the Opposition

led legal action that has prevented the mortgage security from being registered.

Once these matters are concluded, it is expected that the remainder of the financing will be concluded.

The organised and sustained attack on the Marriott project and the prospective investors have increased the risks for private sector participation. Opposition and media attacks have sought to discourage, delay, obstruct, and prevent, the flow of any private investment into the project.

At the same time, the same parties have attacked the investment NICIL is making into the project, and the interim funding, which was only necessitated by the direct obstruction of Opposition legal actions to prevent the security being put in place.

Given that all of the corporate investors have Boards of Directors that have to operate in a diligence manner when it comes to investment, the legal actions have called for considerable legal reviews and opinions on the project. Some investors have progressed and injected their funds in the interim; other are still reviewing the legal issues.

Suffice to say, the Opposition actions to stop the Marriott project will not prevent the hotel from opening. The hotel will open in April of this year. However, it cannot be lost that the Opposition attacks on all major projects such as the Berbice Bridge, Amaila Falls, Marriott project, etc. will give any private investor, including local financial institutions, reasons for pause, when investing in any project that has Government involvement.

In essence, our investment climate will be scarred for some time as a result of these actions.

[AHI STATEMENT, MARCH 2015: CHALLENGES FACING THE MARRIOTT HOTEL PROJECT]

11

CARICOM stands with Guyana

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

––on Venezuela border issue

SUPPORT for the maintenance of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana and for the unhindered economic and social development of all of Guyana was made clear by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

A statement issued on Friday said, “The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has noted with concern several assertions contained in a Communiqué from the Ministry of the Peoples Power of Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, dated 3 March 2015, which has been published in newspapers of CARICOM Member States.”

The Caribbean Community also acknowledges that Guyana has commenced a review of the options available under Article 33 of the United Nations Charter, as provided by the 1966 Geneva Agreement, including the judicial option, that could serve to bring an end to the controversy and ensure stability in the relations between the two countries, relations that in recent years have seen positive progress through high-level political consultations and mutually beneficial programmes of functional cooperation.

‘The Community, once again, expresses its hope for an early resolution of the controversy which has arisen as a result of Venezuela’s contention that the Arbitral award of 1899, which definitively settled the boundary between the two countries, is null and void’ “The Community, once again, expresses its hope for an early resolution of the controversy which has arisen as a result of Venezuela’s contention that the Arbitral award of 1899, which definitively settled the boundary between the two countries, is null and void,” CARICOM stressed.

STRONG CASE The territorial integrity of the Essequibo region, historically, was pronounced on by the 1966 Geneva Agreement, signed by both countries.

The agreement took note of the fact that Venezuela was disputing the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award.

While it did not take any position about Venezuela’s claim to Essequibo, it committed the country, as well as Britain and Guyana, to ensure that “any outstanding controversy…should (be) amicably resolved in a manner acceptable to both parties.”

Asked about a resolution that moves from this base, the President expressed confidence that Guyana will be able to make a good case.

“We feel that we have a strong case, a very good case,” he said.

Additionally, under the leadership of Venezuela’s late former president, Hugo Chavez, and Guyana’s former president, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, bilateral relations have advanced on the basis that specific mechanisms are in place to ensure that the controversy does not impact unnecessarily on fruitful bilateral relations.

DIPLOMACY The exchanges between the Foreign Ministries of Guyana and Venezuela, relative to the latter’s claim to the Essequibo region, have continued with the latest statement coming from Guyana on Friday.

All considered, President Donald Ramotar has reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to the use of diplomacy to address any threats to relations between the two countries.

“Our diplomacy has been delivering for us over the years…diplomacy remains our best defence,” he said, in a recent interview aired on the National Communications Network (NCN).

The latest bone of contention is the current Administration’s decision to give the USA-based Exxon Mobil a concession to drill an exploratory well for oil in Essequibo coastal waters.

The standing contention of Guyana is that a deepening

of ties will be affected by Venezuela’s “threats and actions against local investors wishing to operate and those already operating” in Guyana.

According to the President, these are sensitive issues that will hopefully be resolved over the table.

“We still believe that our first level of engagement must be done at the level of diplomacy and we have been working hard at this level to address the issues….these are sensitive issues….we hope that the issues with Venezuela will be resolved over the table,” he said.

Mr Ramotar also made it clear that, in addition to ensuring

the bilateral relations are not affected, Guyana will ensure that its development and progress are not stymied.

“We cannot allow our country to be stymied by issues of this nature. We have to continuously work towards resolving issues that have cropped up recently, given the historical premise,” he said.

The Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana, Reina Margarita Arratia Diaz, is still to respond to this newspaper’s query on Venezuela’s current position, as well as the country’s commitment to diplomacy as a means to address recent issues.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

Dr. Jagan’s Legacy on Elections

By Methu and Ruben

THE selection of a civic Prime Ministerial candidate for the upcoming general elections in Guyana has placed the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in a good position in the campaign and is a fitting tribute to Dr. Jagan, its founder leader.

Carefully chosen candidates are vote-getters. It broadens the appeal and furbishes the image of the party. Dr. Jagan and his party, the PPP, were unbeatable at the polls, yet he embraced the concept of a civic component on the Party’s candidates’ list for election, in order to deepen democracy and create an opportunity for other interest groups outside of the Party to be represented in Government The incorporation of Dr Jagan’s inclusiveness concept in the PPP strategy for the upcoming May 11th election augurs well for its campaign and is an endorsement of his legacy. It’s a reminder of the importance of Dr Jagan’s life and work in today’s politics.

Important as it is, Dr Jagan’s legacy of victory at the polls goes beyond inclusiveness. The PPP won every free and fair election in the country since 1953 when, for the first time, one-man one-vote became a reality as a result of the struggle of the masses, which was led by the PPP, and because its leader was able to motivate voters to see elections as a part of the bigger struggle for the betterment of all.

Dr. Jagan’s inspiration of voters was legendary. He was able to convince

people to turn out and vote even when everyone knew that the elections would be rigged by the PNC. He was able to convince people to vote fearlessly, regardless of personal consequences, and there were many. His supporters voted solidly and stood firmly against all the reactionary Opposition forces at home and abroad.

The Opposition forces against the PPP in-

than the fear of severe personal consequence, which was meted out against them because of their vote. Dr. Jagan’s campaign infused supporters with the ‘election fever’. Supporters took the campaign personally. They, with leadership from the party groups and activists, mobilised the grassroots into an organisation strong enough to get-out the vote. This

cluded the churches, the press, British and American imperialists, and a reactionary Trade Union Movement that was aligned to the AFI/CIO. Dr. Jagan’s vision inspired supporters with a commitment to the polls far greater

grassroots machinery was a key factor in the victory strategy.

With this blueprint, inclusiveness, inspiration and a grassroots organisation, the PPP can win the upcoming election.

The challenge is to convince voters that

voting is not only a right and duty but also an investment in their personal wellbeing – a necessary task for the greater good – and that the vote will make a difference between prosperity and poverty.

There is no reason why the Party cannot effectively communicate its vision and motivate voters to believe and act in their best interest. The PPP has the capacity to infuse supporters with the spirit of the campaign: the election fever.

This is no easy task but it is not impossible. The sustained improvements in the living conditions in the last decade, that have taken place among Guyanese of all classes can easily lead some voters to conclude that progress is automatic.

They should be reminded of history and the contributions and sacrifices of past generations toward conditions that they now enjoy.

The large voting-youth population must be made to understand that progress is a partnership between the people and the Government and the vote is a powerful weapon that should not be neglected or used in a reckless manner. Therefore, they must be educated about the past so that on May 11th they will cast their votes wisely.

With the Jagan strategy, the PPP can win despite the challenges. It is still the best organised party. It has the largest mass support in the country.

Its supporters are more motivated now than ever before by recent political manoeuvres. And the Opposition is fractious and scrambling.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

Rice harvesting underway, all farmers paid in full

By Vanessa Narine

HARVESTING of the spring crop, the first rice crop of 2015, is progressing apace, with some 10 per cent of the 240,000 acres under cultivation already completed.

Deputy General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Ricky Ramraj, in a telephone interview yesterday told the Guyana Chronicle that the yield is approximately six tonnes of rice per hectare.

“The weather has been favourable, so harvesting is going well,” he said.

Asked about prices being offered to rice farmers, he noted that the average stands at $3,000 per bag of paddy.

“This is around the same average we had for the last crop in 2014,” Ramraj said.

The GRDB Deputy General Manager also assured that all the outstanding payments for last crop sales have been settled.

“One of the internal mechanisms we used to ensure that full payments were completed was to insist that all payments were made before rice millers could qualify as suppliers for the Venezuelan market,” he said.

Ramraj noted that this approach met with success and no farmers are owed.

SHIPMENTS THIS WEEK On the issue of the Venezuela market, GRDB Deputy General Manager disclosed that shipments are expected to begin this week.

“We have an agreement for 120,000 tonnes of paddy and 74,000 tonnes of rice,” he said.

Having signed contracts with Venezuelan authorities, the Ministry of Agriculture and the GRDB completed arrangements with Venezuelan authorities relating to shipping schedules, earlier this month. However, shipping is to start soon depending on availability of ships.

Guyana and Venezuela have also agreed for the procurement of 14,000 tons of fertiliser for 2015.

“This year we increased the procurement of fertiliser from Venezuela.

We used to have 7,000 tonnes, but the new arrangement will see that number doubling to 14,000 tonnes, with 7,000 tonnes per crop,” Ramraj said.

CONTRACTS WITH PANAMA Also, arrangements are being concluded for the 2015 contracts with Panama. The two countries recently concluded arrangements to fast track payments. The financial accountability process of Panama involved Guyana making changes in sales were invoiced and after negotiations this issue was reconciled with that of Guyana’s to facilitate faster payments.

On the issue of other new markets, Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, has met with Ministers of Agriculture from several African countries to negotiate sales of rice amounting to more than 200,000 tonnes.

The arrangements for 2015 shipments to these new markets, as well as for Panama, are expected to be concluded.

“In the meantime, our regular markets are supplied,” he said.

The export target for 2015 has been set at 521,000 tonnes. Guyana currently has export agreements with several countries in the Caribbean. Also, given the continuous success of the rice industry, efforts are being made to secure a greater foothold in Nicaragua and other Central American countries, including Belize.

BROUGHT FORWARD STOCK In order for this to happen, 150,000 tonnes of rice from the last crop in 2014 was brought forward to 2015 to service existing markets.

“This has been exhausted,” Ramraj

said.

According to him, the brought forward stocks – a routine practice – allows Guyana to be able to make exports from January to March, while rice is being planted.

“The stock we bring forward is for the export market and for local consumption,” he said.

The target for rice production is 618,000 tonnes. Last year was another record-breaking year for the rice indus-

try. Production was recorded at 635,238 tonnes, of which 501,208 tonnes were exported. Production in the final crop of 2014 surpassed that of the first crop, which recorded just over 300,000 tonnes.

The rice and sugar sectors remain important to Guyana’s economy, considering its contribution as it relates to employment of locals and contributions to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

Cheddi Jagan on race, politics and ideology

By Hydar Ally THE month of March is significant in the political calandar of this country but more so for the People’s Progressive Party. It is in the month of March that Cheddi Jagan and his wife Janet Jagan passed away, two political icons who, together, influenced and shaped the nature and course of our politics for over six decades. Between the two of them, they gave to the Guyanese people over a century of dedicated and meritorious service, a remarkable feat by any standard. Incidentally, it was also in the month of March that Dr. Cheddi Jagan was born which gave added significance to the month I propose, especially for the sake of our younger readers, to reproduce excerpts of Dr. Jagan’s writings, especially during his early entry into the politics of this country. These writings bring out the depth and profound nature of his ideas and thoughts and the passion and dedication with which he carried out his political work. He undertook his political tasks with a sense of mission, to change not only the condition of life for the poor and oppressed in Guyana but for the downtrodden in the world at large.

RACIALISM Who can deny that if slums and ranges have been cleared and workers today live in decent housing settlements in sugar estates, in New Amsterdam and Greater Georgetown it is due principally to the PPP. Who can deny that the racialism of 1947-50 was equally as strong as it is today. Did I not destroy racialism in 1953 which was fostered by the reactionary political influences of the East Indian Assocciation and the League of Coloured people.

Let those who attack me today remember my stand yesterday. I have not changed. What I believe in 1945/46 still hold dear today.

Today my beliefs are being questioned and blamed. Were the beliefs of Critchlow, Woolford, Eleazer, Dargan, Cannon, Thorne to name a few, not questioned and blamed also?

With these leaders of the past I share an intense nationalism and patriotism and a deep sense of duty to uproot the Guianese from the status as a people with a low economic and social level.

Incidentally, in 1932, one of our dailies wrote of Mr. Critchlow on his return from Russia: “ We are very interested in the account Mr. Critchlow had brought back to the West Indies of his activities in the Soviet Union. We believe all he

HYDAR ALLY

said of his experiences and wish to assure him that if and when it suits him, we will accommodate him in a cell.”

But I also subscribe to, and believe in, the theory of Marxism. Marxism is a body of scientific principles formulated by Marx and Engels. It was Karl Marx who discovered the laws of social change, fathomed the mysteries of the capitalist economic system and showed how to unlock the vast pent -up energies that can provide abundance for all.

Just as Darwin discovered how evolution works in nature, so Marx discovered how it works in history. In the words of the famous biologist JSB Haldane “Marxism is simply scientific method applied to human history.”

It was Marx who first laid bare the mainspring of capitalist production surplus, surplus value. He not only, like the ‘utopian’ Socialists and Communists Robert Owen, Saint Simon and Fourier, talked about exploitation and the vision of a new ideal society.

He showed how the working class was exploited, how surplus value- profits, rent and interest-was extracted by the capitalists , landlords and bankers, and how the new socialist society was to be organised –public ownership of the means of production.

My opponents have led the Guianese people to feel that Marxism means violence, slave camps, denial of civil and human rights and the seizure of property. This is not what it means to me. They argue by simple historical analogy –what happened in the USSR and Cuba would happen here; methods applied there would happen here.

Our doctrine is not a dogma, but a guide to action, said Marx and Engels, who always scorned the mere acquisition and repetition of “formulae’.

There are various roads to Socialism.

What road is followed will depend upon the peculiar feature of each country, its economics, politics, culture and tradition, national composition, religious background and so on.

Today, as a nationalist and anti-colonialist I struggle for the political independence of my country; as an anti-imperialist for ending of foreign domination and subjection of my country; as a democratic for the rights and liberties which yesterday were trampled underfoot and today, in many instances are being denied by vested capitalists, for the creation of a new society.

I am interested in creating a free Guyana and a new society - a society free from exploitation, a society of equality and brotherhood where truly human relations will prevail.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

President commissions pioneer gasification plant in Essequibo ––deems initiative a welcome development

By Rebecca Ganesh

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar on Saturday officiated at the launch of what is likely to be Guyana’s first ever gasification plant, and a first for the County of Essequibo as well.

The facility at reference is located at the Ramlakhan Rice Mill at Ex-Mouth, on the Essequibo Coast, where the Head of State spent some quality time having a firsthand look at how the gasification process works, using rice husk to produce energy to power the mill.

There, President Ramotar, in brief remarks, made it known that the Government is sparing no effort to improve production and boost the rice industry under the umbrella of the Low-Carbon Development Strategy. “We have taken this approach not only from a cost perspective and the instability of fossil fuel prices, but also as a programme to reduce carbon emission,” he told invitees to the commissioning.

The Head of State also stressed that the Government is always looking for ways to diversify the rice industry, and that with reducing the cost of the production of rice through this new plant “we can add more value to our product.”

The President lauded the Ramlakhan Rice Mill for being one of the first mills to come on board with this programme. He noted that the mill is presently using 70% of the energy from the gasification plant and 30% of diesel.

“Ramlakhan and Sons Rice Mill at Ex-mouth,

Essequibo Coast was the first to take the initiative and purchase a gasification plant,” President Ramotar proudly noted. The plant arrived late last year and the installation and successful testing have recently been completed.

HOW PROCESS WORKS Guyana Chronicle spoke with Dr Garnarsian from the Office of Climate Change that is based at the Rice Mill. He explained how the gasification plant works, noting that the rice mill produces about three

tonnes of rice per hour.

The rice husk will fuel the gasifier and the gases emitted are cleaned of solid particles, tar/carbon and water/ moisture, and directed into the combustion chambers of a 250 kw powergen set, replacing 70 % of the diesel required to run the genset.

“We need 600 kg of husks to power the mill to full capacity,” he explained, adding that only recently, on Phagwah day, “we did a full capacity test again to make sure that during harvest we have no hiccups.”

He explained that the

rice mill, prior to the acquisition of the new plant, utilised 100% diesel to power the mill. “But now we use 70% of the power from the gasification plant, and 30% diesel,” Dr Garnarsian said.

The implementation of the plant, he stressed, will save the mill owners revenue on production cost making their produce more marketable.

Some rice mills are using wood as fuel to meet thermal energy demand, but minimal use is made of rice husk. Residents have made numerous complaints about the health risks associated with rice husk, because if the rice husk

is not used, it becomes an environmental problem of enormous proportions.

MOU The Guyana Government and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on May 25, 2011, to provide support as Guyana implements its climate initiatives and Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

TERI identified that the energy cost component in direct expenses is over 35% in rice mills. The cost of energy accounts close to US $15.50

per metric tonne of paddy processed. It is mainly due to the use of diesel for power generation.

Energy management and conservation is an important tool to help the rice industry to meet its critical objectives for short-term and long-term goals. Enhanced energy efficient technologies for design and retrofits of rice mills have been identified to improve energy efficiency, lower the industry’s dependence on fossil fuel, reduce the environmental impact, and reduce carbon emission and lower cost of production.

President Donald Ramotar, Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali and Labour Minister Dr Nanda Gopaul taking part in the opening of the new gasification plant

Parts of the paddy processing plant

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

Roraima takes ‘Wedding Expo’ to city streets

AS the highly anticipated Roraima Group of Companies Wedding Expo approaches, the company on Saturday sought to extend the event to the streets of Georgetown by engaging members of the public in prize-winning activities.

According to Gerry Gouveia Jr., son of the Managing Director of Roraima Group of Companies, Saturday’s activities were an attempt at making the public aware of what they could expect at the Wedding Expo which is slated for March 27 to 29.

During the course of the day, he said, distributions of four types of raffles were made which allowed persons who collected all four, a chance to win a Honeymoon in Curacao, or local prizes.

Gouveia added that the company also sought to seize the opportunity to market the products which would be available at the expo. These included: shoes, dresses, suits, decorations, bouquets, photographers and food among other things.

The highlight of the day, however, was the traditional tossing of the bouquet, which allowed one member of the public who caught the bouquet to win a free entry into the Expo. This event, Gouveia said, would be repeated throughout the day’s activities at different locations.

Another event which is coupled with the Expo, is the Race to the Altar competition, which allows the winning couple to have their wedding completely sponsored and hosted at the expo. For this event, the suit for the groom will be sponsored by Exclusive Styles while the bride’s dress will be sponsored by Shasha designs.

Wedding Expo 2015 was launched on February 4, at the Roraima Duke Lodge.

The two brides who provided glimpses of what to expect at the upcoming Wedding Expo

A scuffle for the bouquet after it was tossed by the bride Saturday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

Granger tells overseas supporters ‘Guyana open for business’ ––Nagamootoo predicts APNU+AFC victory

THE campaign of the coalesced A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) made its way to New Jersey, in the United States of America (USA) on Saturday where fundraisers, private meetings and townhall-style events were the order of the day.

Presidential candidate for APNU+AFC, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger has stressed at previous meet-

ings that Guyana is open for business. Speaking to a sizeable gathering of Guyanese on Friday night at the Woodbine Ballroom in Brooklyn, New York, he said: “I am here (in New York) to ask you to invest in change... Guyana is open for business.”

Granger said that, under an APNU+AFC administration, Guyanese living in the diaspora would be encouraged to participate in the development of

Guyana. “We need you; we need your skills and your expertise…. We need teachers, technicians, engineers,” he said.

Calling attention to Guyana’s outward migration, Granger said: “We have lost a lot of our educated professionals through migration, and we believe that one of the most important elements of our (APNU+AFC) new policy would be to strengthen education.

“Guyana will be an education nation. We will place great emphasis on training scientists, technicians, engineers and mathematicians……. Education is the key to our development.”

The APNU+AFC DAVID GRANGER prime ministerial candidate, attorney-at-law Mr Moses Nagamootoo, also addressed the gathering.

He underscored the merits of the alliance, and stressed: “It is time for change” –- an opportunity that will not be squandered to ensure that the Guyanese people see progress and the country moves forward.

“On May 11th , the APNU+AFC will win; and MOSES we will unite Guyana,” NAGAMOOTOO Nagamootoo predicted.

The APNU+AFC alliance was created by the inking of the Cummingsburg Accord in mid-February.

Passport office to close half-day Wednesday THE Guyana Police Force is informing members of the public that the Central Immigration and Passport Office at Camp Road, Georgetown, will be closed from 07:00 hrs to 13:00 hrs on Wednesday in order to facilitate work on new equipment relative to the passport-issuing system.

Any inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

CCTV tracking traffic violators ––defaulters to be ticketed, charged soon TRAFFIC Chief Ian Amsterdam yesterday reminded members of the public, especially motorists, that the Closed-Circuit Television cameras (CCTV) that are strategically placed on the roadways to observe traffic are being monitored and soon defaulters will be issued tickets or charged accordingly.

He added that the number of offences observed via CCTV for the period mentioned are as follows: Between March 11th and March 17th a total of 165 persons will be issued tickets or charged.

For breaches of the condition of road service licences- 44 Careless driving- 25 Breach of traffic light signal - 31 Failing to conform to signs - 45 Crossing double solid yellow line -17 Failing to ensure safety of passengers - 2 Stopping within 30 feet of a corner- 1 Amsterdam said they are going after defaulters and will prosecute them. He therefore reminded members of the public that the cameras are being monitored and there will be no letting up.

The Traffic Chief told this publication that the CCTV recordings will be sent to ‘A’ Divison and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will assist in identifying the owners of the vehicles after which they will be contacted and asked to visit the Brickdam Police Station.

If there are any doubts on the minds of defaulters, the police will show the actual footage to the motorists after which they will be issued a ticket or the necessary charges will be prepared, Amsterdam said.

In addition, they will be continuing traffic enforcement countrywide which is unrelated to CCTV offences in which traffic ranks will police the roads and pinpoint defaulters who will face the consequences.

The Guyana Police Force long ago had announced that it was seeking to have a direct link with the State’s CCTV network. The police said then that the footage of the CCTV had assisted them in solving some crimes and it has proven to be useful.

Meanwhile, the GPF is going through a modernisation process with heavy emphasis on its five-year Strategic Plan (2013-2017), with a focus on operational priorities, developing ranks, partnership, performance, and infrastructure.

The strategic management team, which comprises a number of qualified civilians, is already in place and has commenced work with baseline surveys at all levels, along with a SWOT (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats) analysis.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

There will be no excesses, Hicken tells new RCs

By Leroy Smith

MORE than fifty persons were on Friday sworn in as Rural Constables by ‘A’Division Commander Clifton Hicken at the Brickdam Police Station.

They are expected to undergo rapid training, especially in lead-up to Elections Day, when they are expected to assist the police in supervising activities and maintaining law and order.

In addressing the Rural Constables after they had been sworn in, Commander Hicken said they now need to be very security conscious while at the same time supporting the work of the Guyana Police Force.

He urged them to also ensure that they develop a relationship in the communities they live; establish contacts, and share their numbers with villagers so that they can receive information and intelligence.

Hicken said that once the idea of Rural Constables is bought into by residents within communities and there are large numbers of RCs in each community in the various divisions and across the country, it would have the significant impact in lowering the instances of crime and criminal activities within those areas.

Those present on Friday were urged to bring other persons within two weeks’ time to also serve in the Guyana Police Force at the level of Rural Constables.

They were, however, urged and warned against bringing individuals who are shady characters, as the presence of those persons would not augur well for the organisation and its image.

In addressing the need of the Guyana Police Force

Monday March 23, 2015 ––– 05:00 hrs Tuesday March 24, 2015 ––– 05:00 hrs Wednesday March 25, 2015 ––– 08:30 hrs

-- and more particularly “A” Division -- for persons to be trained as Rural Constables, Commander Hicken told the gathering, which also included women and business persons, that his division intends to have seven hundred active persons working along on Elections Day, while another six hundred could also be facilitated as backup and ready to move “on call”.

Training for the RCs is usually done on Saturdays at the various police stations within the sub-divisions from which the persons are drawn.

Issues of domestic violence, sexual offences and other breaches of the law ought to be immediately dealt with and/or be reported so that action can be taken.

No RC should try to conceal those activities whenev-

Commander Hicken addressing some of the sworn officers The newly sworn in RCs were encouraged to employ the use of their vehicular assets in support of the police and work which they would be jointly doing.

Commander Hicken cautioned the new RCs to ensure they adhere to the guidelines and policies of the Guyana Police Force.

“Do not come into this thing (policing) to settle scores that you have with people, because when we find you, or it comes to our attention, we will address it professionally according to the laws and standards of the Force”, Hicken cautioned.

He also warned against excesses, as he told the RCs that their code of conduct ought to be emulated by those who observe them.

er they become aware of them, since those are not values of the Force, Commander Hicken cautioned.

The Rural Constables will be voting early on Elections Day, and then outfitted with their uniforms to add to the strength of the Guyana Police Force on Elections Day. Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud had told reporters immediately after his confirmation that the Force is adequately equipped and stands ready to deal with eventualities before, during and after elections.

The Top Cop had also stated that the Force would be ready to deal with a worst-case scenario. Asked what he considered a scenario, he said a total breakdown of law and order.

Body of Sandy Babb St man found at seawall –with suspected marks of violence

THE body of a man found at the Kitty seawall early yesterday morning has been positively identified as Ramesh Katarhnauth of Sandy Babb Street, Kitty.

As police continue their investigations into the gruesome discovery, the Public Relations Department has confirmed that the man’s body, when found around 07:30 hrs, bore suspected marks of violence.

Sleuths were summoned to the Kitty seawall early yesterday morning when the lifeless body of the then unidentified man was spotted lying face up on large boulders with several bruises

about the body.

He was clad only in a three-quarter black pants over the sea defence in an area that has large boulders but the area was without water at the time.

The discovery was made by persons who had visited the seawall yesterday morning.

Persons around said they did not know the bearded man as the police processed the scene after which the body was taken away to the Lyken Funeral Parlour awaiting identification.

The police are awaiting the results of a post- mortem.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

United’s Mata sinks Liverpool as Chelsea go clear

By Michael Hann LONDON ,(Reuters) - Juan Mata’s marvellous volley helped Manchester United beat Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification while his former club Chelsea nervously regained their six-point lead in the Premier League yesterday.

At the end of a week where English clubs have failed to reach the last eight of the Champions League for the second time in three years, attention has quickly turned to next term’s competition with United now handily placed for a return.

Their Mata-inspired 2-1 win at Anfield left them five points clear of their old rivals in fourth, the Champions League playoff spot, as United seek a return to Europe’s top table after this season’s glaring absence.

They were aided by pumped-up Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard being brainlessly sent off for stamping on Ander Herrera 38 seconds after coming on as a halftime substitute.

By that time Liverpool trailed 1-0 through Mata’s neat first-half finish and the Spaniard added his second after Gerrard’s dismissal with a stunning left-foot

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match per week, except our game in hand. I believe we can finish the season very strong,” said Mourinho.

Juan Mata celebrates scoring the second goal for Manchester United. Action Images via Reuters / Carl RecineLivepic acrobatic volley.

Daniel Sturridge pulled a goal back before Wayne Rooney missed the chance to add a third when Simon Mignolet saved his injury-time penalty.

“I think it’s my best game in a United shirt,” Mata, a bit-part player under Louis van Gaal until recently, told Sky Sports.

“The second goal has to be up there with my best. After Steven Gerrard was sent off we needed a second goal because they pushed us to

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the end.

“It was important for me.

The last few months I’ve not had the best moment. It is the manager who decides but I’m happy today.”

LACKLUSTRE CHELSEA Chelsea remain well on course for the title despite a lacklustre performance in a 3-2 win at Hull City.

They now boast 67 points with nine matches left and have a game in hand on second-placed Manchester City.

Eden Hazard’s thumping strike gave Chelsea the advantage inside the first two minutes and Diego Costa added a second to put Jose Mourinho’s side seemingly in control.

But Hull responded in blistering fashion to score twice in 74 seconds.

Ahmed Elmohamady first turned in Andrew Robertson’s precision cross before Abel Hernandez capitalised on a defensive mix-up between Branislav Ivanovic and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to level the scores just before the half hour.

Courtois atoned for his error by producing a stunning treble-save to deny Hull going in front and Chelsea substitute Loic Remy made sure the West Londoners went six points clear when his 77th-minute shot squirmed under Allan McGregor.

“After the international break we will go back to one

MAGICAL MATA United, with testing games to come against Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal, needed to build on last weekend’s impressive 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur to keep themselves in the ascendancy for a Champions League place and eye third.

Liverpool, unbeaten in the league since their 3-0 defeat

by United at Old Trafford in mid-December, fell behind when Herrera’s defence-splitting pass was collected by Mata who slid the ball past Mignolet.

Substitute Gerrard was dismissed at the start of the second period and United made the extra man count after 59 minutes when Mata met Angel Di Maria’s lobbed pass first time and scissor-kicked the ball home.

Sturridge ignited Liverpool’s hopes when he pulled a goal back 10 minutes later but United stood firm before Rooney’s injury-time penalty was denied by Mignolet.

“We were still in the game until the end and take great pride in that. The first half cost us more than the second,” said Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, who thanked the soon-departing Gerrard for apologising for his moment of madness.

Arthur wins Cheddi ...

From Backpage and Arthur crossed the finish line unchallenged, in a time of two hours, seven minutes, nine seconds, bettering the time recorded last year by Godfrey Pollydore by three minutes.

There was a bunch sprint for the other top five positions and Eastman held his nerve to edge Alonzo Greaves to take second place.

Veteran rider Robin Persaud who competes in the senior category placed fourth, while Horrace Burrowes and Paul Cho-WeNam occupied the fifth and sixth positions respectively.

Junior Niles won three of the eight prime prizes that were on offer, while Paul DeNobrega won two.

Arthur, Jaikaran Sukhai and Silvio Inniss won one prime each.

Eastman was however declared overall champion since he won the first stage (10 points), placed fifth in the second stage (two points) and was second in yesterday’s stage (eight points).

Andrew Hicks who hails from Berbice won the junior category ahead of Jamal John and Raphael Leung respectively.

Marica Dick was first among the ladies. Second was Toshwana Doris.

Ralph Williams won the veterans’ over 50 years category ahead of Niles and Jaikaran Sukhai respectively.

The veterans’ over 60 years of age category was won by Walter `Buck Man’ Issacs.

Junior Melville was first among the mountain bikers.

S. Garbarran was second,

and third was Michael Holder.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Director of Sport Neil Kumar congratulated all the participants and noted that the event was a significant one since it coincided with the birth of former president of Guyana, Dr. Cheddi Jagan who would have been 97 years old yesterday if he were alive.

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture Ali Baksh in brief remarks, like Kumar, congratulated all the participants and also noted the significance of the event in memory of the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

He praised Kumar for doing a wonderful job as Director of Sport, working overtime to ensure all things were in place for the staging of such events.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

World Cup: Semi-finals promise much - Agnew

By Jonathan Agnew IT’s taken a little while, but the World Cup has reached a semi-final stage that promises to serve up two very good matches.

If the quarter-finals were disappointing in the sense that they did not produce any close contests, they at least ensured that the best quartet of teams in the tournament have reached the last four.

The draw has also paired New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and India in the most intriguing way.

New Zealand and South Africa are already reasonably well matched, while conditions in Sydney give India much more of a chance against Australia.

The semis and the teams involved throw a spotlight on the four captains, who have their own separate stories in addition to the mission of trying to win the World Cup. New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum is the personification of his nation’s hopes, while AB de Villiers is looking to finally shake off South Africa’s ‘choker’ reputation in a year in which he has already done some extraordinary things with the bat.

No matter what state India are in, MS Dhoni seems to have the magic touch when it comes to 50-over tournaments. Going back through the last World Cup and Champions Trophy, Dhoni’s men have won 16 successive matches.

And just imagine how emotional it would be for Michael Clarke to lift the World Cup in Melbourne next Sunday. Not only has

The captains from left:. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (India), Michael Clarke (Australia), Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) and AB deVilliers (South Africa) He has a dilemma in this match. Does he continue to he had to deal with the death Pakistan The other factor in play play in the same way against of Phillip Hughes, but also his own injury problems and with the smaller ground is a very good trio of pacers, suggestions that he could the fifth bowler’s slot that or does he see them off and South Africa have struggled wait for that weak-link fifth lose the Australia captaincy.

What binds these four with throughout the tourna- bowler?

In my opinion, he must men is that they are all ment. Yes, JP Duminy took a positive characters whose hat-trick in their quarter-final carry on in the manner he default mode is to attack. win over Sri Lanka, but you has been playing.

Talking from the bowlThat adds another dollop wonder if he will be targeted er’s perspective, you can of anticipation for what are by the Black Caps.

The best way for South say that the Kiwi skipper likely to be two blockbuster semi-finals; none of these Africa to ease that problem is gives you a chance, but you captains will be happy to to take early wickets, some- are also wondering “crikey, thing they are clearly capable where’s he going to hit me sit back.

New Zealand v South of doing through Dale Steyn, next?”

I’m always wary of a Morne Morkel and Kyle Africa (Auckland, Tuesday) With this game being Abbott - an under-the-radar batsman saying “that’s just the way I play”, but, in oneplayed in Auckland, a unique seamer whom I rate highly.

Those pace bowlers day cricket there is room for ground with two very short, straight boundaries, New taking on McCullum at the likes of McCullum to Zealand should be favourites the beginning of the in- blaze away at the top order.

There were questions because they will have great- nings will be fascinating. about how New Zealand McCullum has done nother knowledge of how to use ing but attack during this would cope when both he those conditions.

That is not to say that competition and it’s been and Kane Williamson failed, South Africa will not be suggested that he might questions emphatically andangerous, but their most need to take some respon- swered by Martin Guptill recent memory of playing sibility if New Zealand are against West Indies.

South Africa have their in Auckland is a defeat by to lift the trophy.

own batting lethal weapon in De Villiers, but he will have to deal with Trent Boult and Tim Southee, two of the tournament’s outstanding quick bowlers, not to mention the magical left-arm spin of Daniel Vettori.

Both of these teams are bidding to make their first World Cup final and, rounding everything up, I expect New Zealand to be the team that will play in Melbourne on 29 March.

Australia v India (Sydney, Thursday) Even though Australia are the most likely of the four teams remaining to win the World Cup, playing India in Sydney is about the stiffest challenge they could have been given in the semi-finals.

Indeed, because this match will be played on a pitch that should turn and grip, you feel that India will give Australia a tougher examination than New Zealand or South Africa would have done at this stage.

Not only will Australia have to deal with India’s spinners in conditions that should suit them, they will also have to consider their own options.

Do they continue with the battery of fast bowlers that has served them so well throughout the tournament, or do they include the leftarm spin of Xavier Doherty?

Some can point to the fact that India failed to win any of their 10 matches in all formats on their tour of Australia between November and January, but they have played very good cricket since then to get to this stage

with seven wins from seven matches.

Australia also had some alarms in their quarter-final win against Pakistan, Wahab Riaz roughing up their top order with a spell of very hostile, very pacey fast bowling.

They are unlikely to face anything like that in this match, rather the different challenge of India’s slow bowlers on a pitch that turned during the South Africa-Sri Lanka quarter-final.

Clarke’s men also have to cope with the pressure of a home public that expects them to win this tournament. Yes, they will be buoyed by their good record against India, but Dhoni’s men are used to playing in these high-stakes games.

They are under constant pressure at home, play in front of baying crowds in the Indian Premier League and have that excellent record in knockout matches.

However, India will have to find a way of playing left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc, who, along with Boult and Southee, has been the outstanding bowler of the tournament.

Ideally, they would like to bat first, then put the screws on Australia’s chase.

I’m looking forward to this contest immensely and it is very difficult to choose a winner. If Australia do come through, then it will be a huge tick for their credentials as World Cup winners.

Win in Sydney and you suspect it will be Clarke’s men celebrating in Melbourne. (BBC Sport.

Aussies hoping for fast pitch in semi-final against India SYDNEY,(Reuters) - Australia’s World Cup semi-final against India is still four days away but the mind games are already in full swing. With the stakes so high, neither side is wasting any opportunity to get an edge.

The Australians flew into Sydney yesterday, two days after their emphatic win over Pakistan in Adelaide, and into a debate over the sort of pitch that would best suit each team.

The state of the Sydney Cricket Ground pitch could play a pivotal role in the outcome. It is normally a spinner’s paradise, which would suit the Indians, who are raised on slow, turning wickets.

The Australians would love a fast and bouncy pitch, to get the most out of their fast bowlers, Mitchell Johnston, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, and their explosive batting lineup.

So far during the World Cup, the SCG has been a batting wonderland, with teams racking up massive scores.

Glenn Maxwell, who blasted a century in Australia’s Pool A win over Sri Lanka at the SCG, told reporters he hoped it stayed that way.

“Hopefully we get a fast one. It has been a pretty good wicket this year and hopefully there is a bit of grass there as well,” Maxwell said.

Josh Hazlewood

The Indians haven’t beaten Australia in any form of the game since they arrived in the country in November but have lost none of their confidence.

After a lacklustre start to the tour, the defending World Cup champions have hit their peak at the right time, winning seven matches on the trot to stroll into the semi-finals.

When Australia and India played each other in the final Test match in Jan-

uary, the pitch suited the spinners, and India would love a wicket like that.

It was hard work for the Australian pacemen and Hazlewood was only half joking when he said the ground staff didn’t do the home side any favours that time.

“We’d obviously like some grass on it to suit our quicks,” Hazlewood said.

“It would help us, with them having a couple of spinners and us favouring the quicks.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

Bakewell Renews RHTYSC Cricket Sponsorship for 16th Successive Year BAKERY giant Bakewell of Dr. Mille r S t r e e t , Tr u i m p h , East Coast Demerara l a s t F r i d a y re n e w e d its cricket sponsorship of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club’s Bakewell Under 17 and second division teams.

The sponsorship worth $200,000.00 was handed over by the company’s Managing Director Rajin Ganga to the RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster. He also handed over another sponsorship cheque towards the publication of the club’s anniversary magazine.

Ganga stated that Bakewell would always be supportive of the RHTYSC as it is a role model organisation, which achievements speak for itself.

He also stated that the club and its cricketers had since 2000, rep-

Bakewell General Manager Rajin Ganga hands over sponsorship cheque to RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster. inic Rikki, Shawn Pereira, resented the company’s the RHTYSC and Bakewell Akshay Homraj, Jason Sinbrand with passion and as special and highly suc- clair, Khemraj Mahadeo, dedication. Bakewell, as cessful. He noted that the Kevlon Anderson among a corporate entity was Rose Hall Town Bakewell others.

The teams have also pleased to be associated teams have won a comwith the RHTYSC and its bined six Berbice Chamwork to make a positive pionships and produced players like Assad Fudadin, difference.

Club Secretary/CEO Royston Crandon, Esaun Hilbert Foster hailed the Crandon, Shemaine Campbond since 2000 between belle, Erva Giddings, Dom-

completed over 600 community programmes under the sub-headings of sports, charity, community development, youth development, pro-education, anti-drugs/suicide and religion.

The Bakewell Second Division team in 2015 would be playing two teams as the club tries to expose its younger cricketers along with some female players to a higher standard of cricket as part of their development.

The Bakewell ‘A’ team would be led by Major James Fraser of the Guyana Defence Force while first division player Simon Lawson would be in charge of guiding the younger ‘B’

team. Delbert Hicks would be player/coach of the ‘A’ team while Ronston Lawson would serve as Manager/Mentor of the ‘B’ team.

The long serving Secretary/CEO expressed gratritude to the Management of Bakewell for their support over the years and made special mention of Ganga, whom he described as a true friend of the RHTYSC and also a mentor/advisor to himself. Bakewell, apart from the cricket sponsorship, also supports numerous other programmes of the RHTYSC including their annual magazine, cricket academy, award ceremony, pro-education and anti-drug programmes.

New Zealand coach looking forward to Warner appointed semi-final showdown

Sunrisers captain

AUSTRALIA opener David Warner will lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in the eighth season of the IPL. Warner and Sunrisers tweeted the news from their official accounts, but the management did not elaborate on the reasons.

Warner will be the fifth player to lead Sunrisers and the third Australian to lead a franchise in IPL 2015.

George Bailey is the captain of Kings XI Punjab while Shane Watson will lead Rajasthan Royals for the second season in a row.

Warner, who joined Sunrisers only in 2014, made an instant impact finishing as the tournament’s fourth-highest run-scorer with 528 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 140.80.

Still he could not swing the fortunes of Sunrisers, who finished sixth overall.

It was a tough second season for Sunrisers, who made their IPL debut in 2013 after Deccan Chargers were terminated.

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan was appointed captain in 2014 but failed to provide stability at the

David Warner scored 528 runs for Sunrisers Hyderabad last season top of the order. chise to have a re-think.

Since he was battling Sunrisers had bought for form and consistency, Kevin Pietersen in the aucthe team management de- tion last month for Rs 2 cided to elevate West Indies crore (approx $330,000) but allrounder Darren Sammy with question marks over to take over the captaincy his availability for the upfor the second half of the coming IPL season, the Hytournament. But Sunrisers derabad franchise probably continued to flounder which opted for a more plausible probably prompted the fran- option. (ESPN Cricinfo)

WELLINGTON,(Reuters) - The four best teams have made the semi-finals of the World Cup and New Zealand’s clash with South Africa at Eden Park is going to be ‘one heck of a show’, according to coach Mike Hesson.

Hesson’s side advanced to their third successive semi-final, and seventh overall, with a 143-run victory over West Indies in Wellington on Saturday, courtesy of Martin Guptill’s record 237 not out.

South Africa were also impressive in their nine-wicket destruction of Sri Lanka last Wednesday at the Sydney Cricket Ground after they lost two matches in pool play.

Australia play India in the other semi-final at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.

“I think the best four teams are in the semi-finals and I don’t think many people could disagree with that,” Hesson told reporters in Wellington before they headed to Auckland to prepare for their showdown with the Proteas.

Neither side have made the World Cup final, with South Africa considered the great underachiever in the tournament, though Hesson

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson. dismissed suggestions that would resurrect any underlying psychological barriers for either side.

“I don’t think there is any baggage for anyone. It’s a one off game and we’re all here for the party,” he said.

“I’m sure we’ll both turn up.

“Two sides playing good cricket and that’s going to be a heck of a show.”

South Africa may have a slight advantage in recent head-to-head form, having taken apart New Zealand in two matches in Mt. Maunganui last October, though Hesson felt that had little bearing on what would happen on Tuesday.

“That was the start of a six-month campaign and I think it was fair to say South Africa were better prepared

than us for those fixtures,” he said.

“They hit us pretty hard early and we didn’t respond very well. But we’ve had a few matches since then.”

Hesson, who took over the side in 2012, has overseen a turnaround in New Zealand’s fortunes as they have won both test and one-day series and improved their ranking in all forms of cricket.

The team also has players chipping in with valuable contributions up and down the order and in the bowling unit.

“Something pretty big has happened over the last year or two,” he said.

“We’ve gone from nine in the world to four because we have been playing some pretty good cricket. And you only get there because we have some pretty good players.

“The biggest thing has shown us is that players have been quite selfless and their putting own personal targets or milestones are slightly behind where the team needs to be.

“Not everyone can take wickets or score hundreds every day but there are lots of little cameos along the way that’s what makes this team what they are.”

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

Ramiz calls for Wahab as ODI captain FORMER Pakistan batsman Ramiz Raja has called on the national selectors to appoint fast bowler Wahab Riaz as the country’s next one-day captain.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Ramiz said that after watching Wahab bowl in the quarter-final defeat against Australia, he was convinced Wahab can make it “big as a leader” because of the “aggression, passion and emotion” he showed.

Pakistan will need to find a replacement for Misbah-ul-Haq, who had announced his retirement from ODIs after the World Cup, and Ramiz urged the selectors to groom a youngster for the job.

“It’s a difficult one because Pakistan have not yet trained a youngster,” Ramiz said. “What I saw of him (Wahab) against Australia convinces me that he’s got it in him to make it big as a leader because he showed aggression, passion and emotion and that is what is required right now to put Pakistan cricket back on track.

“The team think tank have not really been able to give Pakistan that aggressive tag that its renowned for and I’ve been very disappointed with the route that we have taken.

Pakistan cricket is about emotion, about showing passion and to a certain degree about being unpredictable in a healthy way, which makes it so romantic.”

Wahab was among the

culture, like for example India.

Ramiz Raja - “What I saw of Wahab Riaz against Australia convinces me that he’s got it in him to make it big as a leader” few standout performers for Pakistan at the World Cup, finishing as one of the tournament’s highest wicket-takers with 16 scalps at an average of 23.00 and an economy rate of 5.56.

His spell to Shane Watson during Australia’s runchase in the quarter-final in Adelaide was an unforgettable passage of play, and Ramiz believed the time was right for Pakistan to pitchfork Wahab at the helm on the back of that performance.

“You can experiment with an out-of-box idea like this in one-day cricket. Australia is a great example,” he said. “George Bailey was plucked out of first class cricket straight into international cricket as a leader when he was made T20 captain.

I’ve seen the ingredients to give Wahab Riaz that pedestal and position.

Let’s see how he operates but what I saw of him against Australia, he can

take Pakistan cricket in the right direction.”

Although Pakistan won’t have the services of Misbah and Shahid Afridi, who too retired after the tournament, Ramiz believes that at least for the short-term, the selectors should consider “looking beyond” players like Ahmed Shehzad, whose best scores came against UAE and Ireland, and Umar Akmal, who produced underwhelming returns at the World Cup. While Shehzad made 227 runs at an average of 32.42 in his seven innings, Akmal could manage just 164 at 27.33.

“I would look beyond these youngsters because you have to get the nucleus right,” he said. “You can carry on for a bit with these guys but they need to learn quickly because people are getting frustrated, they must themselves be getting frustrated because they know that they have the talent and ability. I think Pakistan do not have even at this stage a batting

“When you are in and you have got 20 or 30, those numbers then need to get converted to a 60 or a 70 which they fail consistently, not only the youngsters but also the senior players.

They also disappointed in that area.

“Pakistan’s batting is a throwback to the 1980s. We need to kick on and be a little progressive in our thoughts and a little fearless in our approach, and that seems to be missing. I don’t think they are far behind in the bowling area but batting needs a kick up the backside.

They need to take a fearless approach and a new direction altogether with the bat.”

While Pakistan’s batting was a letdown throughout their campaign, Ramiz was impressed with what he saw from the bowlers.

Wahab stood out, but in Sohail Khan, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Irfan and Junaid Khan, who was ruled out of the squad due to injury, Pakistan have a strong core group of fast bowlers to

call upon.

Ramiz, who played under Imran Khan for a large part of his international career, believes Pakistan need to focus on creating “an aggressive environment” similar to that era for these bowlers to achieve their full potential.

He said the country’s “great bowling culture” meant that these young fast bowlers did not need to be taught “how to bowl.”

All they need, according to him, is the backing of the team’s leadership group and management.

“I think we have been very conservative in our approach about when to introduce and unleash young bowling talent,” Ramiz said.

“Our fast bowlers have been far too reserved and it stems from the fact that we have had a reserved captain. It needs to change completely after this World Cup fall and we need to think differently so that these younger players take Pakistan to a newer high.”

Ramiz was also of the view that Pakistan needed to follow the

example of India who have “moved on” from celebrating past feats, and focus on an “overhaul” of the domestic structure.

“We still rejoice the 1992 World Cup whereas for example, India, our neighbour, has moved on,” he said. “They’ve produced new superstars and Pakistan have lagged behind in that area. They (Pakistan’s batsmen) don’t seem to read the situation and that stems from the fact that Pakistan domestic cricket needs an overhaul.

“You have to go through such situations at domestic level to make you a success story at international level. Then it doesn’t appear to be an alien art for you because I feel some of these younger guys just do not know how to operate in or react to a tense, crunch situation.”

Pakistan’s next international assignment is a tour of Bangladesh involving two Tests, three ODIs and a T20I from the middle of April. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Sheffield Shield final

Victoria fight through record-breaking Ahmed FAWAD Ahmed claimed 8 for 89, the best figures for a Sheffield Shield spinner in more than 20 years, as Victoria fought back strongly on the second day of the final in Hobart.

At stumps Victoria were 0 for 135 with Chris Rogers on 79 and Rob Quiney on 48, and they trailed Western Australia by 286 runs after dismissing the Warriors for 421 earlier in the day.

It was a fine comeback from Victoria after Western Australia began the day at 4 for 310. Adam Voges added only seven to his overnight score before he was bowled by Peter Siddle for 107, and Sam Whiteman was bowled by Ahmed’s quicker legspinner for 72.

The only other score of note for the Warriors was the 44 not out scored by Fawad Ahmed’s figures were the best ever Ashton Agar while Ahmed ran through the tail. claimed in a Sheffield Shield final.

Ahmed picked up 5 for 24 on the second day and his final tally was the best ever recorded by a bowler in a Sheffield Shield final, beating the 8 for 101 claimed by Chris Matthews in 1988.

It was the best for a Shield spinner in any match since Greg Matthews took 8 for 52 at the SCG in 1993, and he was the first legspinner to take eight in a Shield innings since Bob Holland in 1984.

It also took Ahmed’s season tally to 48 victims at 23.79, comfortably the most of any player in this Shield summer, and will make him hard to overlook when the Test selectors pick squads for the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England.

Most importantly he prevented Western Australia making the best of the solid start they had enjoyed on day one. (ESPN Cricinfo)

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

Nine swimmers to attend CARIFTA Championships

By Tamica Garnett THE Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) has officially named its team, which includes nine swimmers, for next month’s CARIFTA Swimming Championships in Barbados.

The swimmers are: Boys - Omar Adams, Phillip DeNobrega, Antonio Hussein, Daneil Scott, and Sekhel Tzedeq and Girls - Accalia Khan, Onika George, Jamila Sanmoogan and Kenita Mahaica. Team Officials are Shyka Gonsalves as the team coach, Shefetah Tzedeq, as team manager and Loren Mahaica as female chaperone.

Noticeably missing from the list is Hannibal Gaskin who qualified for a number of events in the Boys 15-17 category.

However, a recent car accident left the Goodwill Swimming Championships gold medallist with a bro-

From left: Janmila Sanmoogan, Accalia Khan and Onika George ken ankle, forcing him to withdraw from representing Guyana at the event.

Had he attended this would have been Gaskin’s first time attending the agegroup category event.

Gaskin would not have

been alone as a newcomer to the event had he attended.

This year’s team is principally made up of first-timers, with George being the only athlete on the team with previous CARIFTA experience under her belt. George was

Guyana’s lone representative at the event back in 2013 when the event was held in Jamaica.

At 11 years old Sekhel is the youngest member on the team, swimming in the Boys 11-12 category.

Bahamas hit back to beat Bermuda 21-15 NASSAU, Bahamas, (CMC )– Bahamas bounced back from a 10-point deficit to edge Bermuda 21-15 in a North America Caribbean Rugby Association championship match at Winton Rugby Field on Saturday.

Victory for the Bahamians, which was wrapped up two minutes from time, avenged a 16-8 defeat when the two sides last met in Nassau three years ago.

Bermuda went into the game on the back of a recent 55-3 thrashing of Turks and Caicos and dominated most The ruggers in action during Saturday’s of the first half, taking an early match. three-point lead through a Patrick Calow penalty.

The visitors stretched their advantage to 10 points in 26 minutes when Calow’s line break caught Bahamas (Monday March 23, 2015) napping and the ball reached Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Paull Davis, who touched Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & down for a try, with Calow CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 adding the conversion.

Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) But two minutes before the interval Bermuda were Answers to yesterday’s quiz: reduced rot 14 men when Bermuda/East Africa/Namibia/Scotland Davis was sin-binned for Pakistan’s Ramiz Raja (700 runs: 16 matches, 1987-1996) killing the ball and the Bahamas took full advantage, Today’s Quiz: Giovanni Rolle scything Name the current Test-playing nations that did not through the visitors’ defence win their first ever WC match. to score under the posts.

When did India first play a semi-final game in a Scrum-half Kevin SalWC tournament? abie added the conversion and the home side went Answers in tomorrow’s issue

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

into the break only three points down.

But as the teams were walking off Bahamas saw their hooker, Armond Carlos, sin-binned for pushing and shoving.

The setback did not appear to hinder the home side and they took the lead for the first time five minutes after the restart when winger Michael Watkins burst through to touch down near the posts, Salabie adding the extra two points with an easy conversion.

The 14-10 lead lasted only five minutes, however, as player-coach Roedolf van der Westhuizen put the visitors a point up with a 50th minute unconverted try.

But just when the visitors seemed set to hold on to their narrow advantage after squandering a host of chances, Bahamas made them pay for their profligacy, moving the ball wide to Watkins, who was hauled down close to the line.

Bahamas recycled the ball and Charles Smith, the captain, went over next to the upright to secure the match-winning try, Salabie adding the extra points with his third conversion.

Tzedeq is set to participate in the 50m and 100m backstroke and 50m freestyle.

Hussein and Scott, participating in the Boys 13-14, will compete in six events apiece - the only participants on the team to take part in so many events.

Both boys will be in the 50m, 100m and 200m freestyle events of their category, as well as the 50m breaststroke, and 50m butterfly. Additionally, Hussein will be in the 50m backstroke, while Scott will be in the 50m butterfly.

Adams and DeNobrega will contest in the Boys 1517 category, each entering in four events apiece. The pair will come up against some of the Caribbean’s best, as well as against each other in the 50m freestyle. Adams will also be in the 50m and 100m butterfly, whereas DeNobrega will be in the 50m and 100m backstroke, and 100m freestyle.

On the distaff end, Kenita Mahaica will contend in the Girls 13-14, while George, Khan and Sanmoogan will take on the Girls 15-17 category. Mahaica, Khan and Sanmoogan will participate in three events

while George will be in four.

The nine-member team marks one of the largest that Guyana has fielded to the event in the past five years.

The swimmers have been training assiduously under the watchful eyes of Gonsalves and Cuban coach Isabella Couso Fals.

Training two sessions per day, they hit the pool early from 05:45hrs to 07:30hrs then again from 17:00hrs for another session ending at 20:00hrs.

While expectations are high for the team’s performances, team manager Tzedeq said aspirations are more aimed at ensuring that the team make full use of the exposure afforded to them as opposed to idealistic medal expectations. Tzedeq said medal hopes are there but they are not as high on the agenda, given the inexperience of the team.

“The expectation is first for them to get exposure, and we’re hoping everybody is going to at least beat their personal best time.” Tzedeq said.

The team is set to leave Guyana on April 3 and return on April 8.

Defending champions unbeaten after night two of Guinness football

MELANIE ‘A’, the defending champions of the Guinness Greatest of the Streets ‘East Coast’ edition defeated Beterverwagting (BV) ‘B’ 1–0 to remain unbeaten when the tournament continued at the Haslington Market Square on Friday night.

Dwight Peters scored in the 22nd minute for the defending champions who played the final game in front of a decent crowd at the venue.

Buxton also kept their record in the tournament intact following their penalty shootout win over Haslington Boss.

Victoria Eagles handed Mahaicony their second loss of the tournament, defeating them 2–1 thanks to a double from Kirt Warren (9th and 19 minutes). David Belgrave scored his side’s lone goal which came in the 7th minute.

Plaisance ‘A’ defeated Nabaclis 2–0 with goals from Kester Green and Warren Gilkes in the 6th and 7th minutes respectively and Carlos Adams 14th minute strike was enough for Paradise who defeated Golden Grove 1–0.

Delroy Dean netted a double for BV ‘B’ who earned a well- deserved 2–0 win over Plaisance ‘B’. Victoria Church Yard bounced back from their opening night loss to hang on to a 4–3 Penalty kick win over Melanie ‘B’.

The tournament continues today at the same venue.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

Chanderpaul, Barnwell, Permaul combine to leave Volcanoes facing defeat ROSEAU, Dominica, (CMC) – Veteran Test lefthander Shiv Chanderpaul stroked his 71st first class hundred and left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul grabbed three wickets to leave Windward Islands Volcanoes in danger of los-

ing their final round WICB PCL contest here yesterday.

Unbeaten on 83 overnight with Guyana Jaguars on 289 for five, Chanderpaul went on to hit 118 as the visitors amassed 427 all out, to take a lead of 144 runs on first innings on the third day at

WICB PCL Guyana vs Windwards WINDWARDS 1st Innings 283 GUYANA 1st Innings (overnight 289 for five) R Chandrika c Robinson b Shillingford 35 A Fudadin lbw b Johnson 4 *L Johnson c Peters b Matthew 3 N Deonarine c Matthew b Shillingford 15 S Chanderpaul c Smith b Shillingford 118 Vishal Singh c Lesporis b Johnson 22 C Barnwell c Theophile b Shillingford 148 +A Bramble + b Sebastien 11 V Permaul c Robinson b Peters 29 D Bishoo c Johnson b Shillingford 8 R Beaton not out 0 Extras (b23, w5, nb6) 34 TOTAL (all out, 149.2 overs) 427 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-37, 3-69, 4-70, 5-111, 6-362, 7-377, 8-388, 9-419, 10-427.

Bowling: Johnson 22-2-86-2, Matthew 20-8-65-1, Shillingford 52-13-118-5, Sebastien 27-7-59-1, Theophile 3-0-9-0, Peters 25.26-67-1.

WINDWARDS 2nd Innings D Smith c Johnson b Beaton 20 T Theophile not out 45 K Lesporis lbw b Permaul 15 J Robinson lbw b Permaul 0 R Currency c Johnson b Bishoo 12 *L Sebastien lbw b Permaul 0 +Denis Smith c and b Deonarine 9 S Shillingford not out 1 Extras (b7, w2, nb3) 12 TOTAL (6 wkts, 32 overs) 113 Fall of wickets: 1-28, 2-59, 3-59, 4-85, 5-86, 6-106.

Bowling: Beaton 5-1-26-1, Deonarine 6-0-21-1, Permaul 103-20-3, Barnwell 4-0-12-0, Bishoo 7-0-27-1.

Position: Windwards require 31 runs to avoid innings defeat.

T&T vs Leewards T&T RED FORCE 1st Innings 291 Leewards 1st Innings (overnight 245 for nine) L Richardson c wkp Katwaroo b Gabriel 6 S Peters c wkp Katwaroo b Richards 13 M Hodge c Hosein b Imran Khan 3 *D Thomas c Imran Khan b Richards 29 J Hamilton c wkp Katwaroo b Richards 0 S Liburd b Mohammed 93 R Cornwall lbw b Imran Khan 0 J Louis c Deyal b Imran Khan 9 G Tonge run out 24 Q Boatswain not out 30 A Martin lbw b Imran Khan 18 Extras (b14, nb3) 17 TOTAL (all out, 86 overs) 277 Fall of wickets: 1-24, 2-24, 3-59, 4-59, 5-145, 6-145, 7-163, 8-196, 9-245, 10-277.

Bowling: Gabriel 14-2-66-1, Hosein 12-4-21-0, Richards 11-3-34-3, Emrit 15-3-65-0, Imran Khan 295-70-4, Deyal 1-0-1-0, Mohammed 4-2-6-1.

T&T RED FORCE 2nd Innings

M Deyal c Martin b Louis 2 Imran Khan c Cornwall b Louis 4 J Solozano lbw b Cornwall 6 K Ottley c Thomas b Peters 80 J Mohammed lbw b Tonge 32 Y Ottley b Cornwall 10 +S Katwaroo b Boatswain 15 A Hosein c Thomas b Cornwall 31 *R Emrit c and b Martin 25 M Richards c M Hodge b Martin 3 S Gabriel not out 4 Extras (b11, lb1, nb2) 14 TOTAL (all out, 70.4 overs) 226 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-7, 3-17, 4-67, 5-98, 6-135, 7-157, 8-199, 9-217, 10-226.

Bowling: Louis 8-1-22-2, Tonge 8-1-28-1, Cornwall 24-7-77-3, Boatswain 11-3-36-1, Martin 14.11-47-2, Peters 5-2-4-1.

LEEWARDS 2nd Innings (target: 241 runs) L Richardson lbw b Gabriel 0 S Peters c wkp Katwaroo b Richards 0 M Hodge not out 23 *D Thomas not out 9 Extras (nb2) 2 TOTAL (2 wkts, 12 overs) 34 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-1.

Bowling: Gabriel 2-0-10-1, Richards 3-0-8-1, Emrit 2-0-80, Imran Khan 3-1-5-0, Hosein 2-0-3-0.

Position: Leewards require a further 207 runs for victory.

Barbados vs Jamaica BARBADOS PRIDE 1st Innings 310 Jamaica 1st Innings (overnight 222 for nine) JR Campbell st Dowrich b Warrican 36 J Campbell c Hope b Warrican 35 J Blackwood c K. Brathwaite b Warrican 33 *T Lambert lbw b Warrican 18 +C Walton c Brooks b Warrican 12 B King lbw b Warrican 17 D Bernard Jr lbw b Nurse 9 D Jacobs c Hope b Nurse 12 R Lewis c Hope b Warrican 5 J Dawes not out 20 M Mindley b Warrican 10 Extras (b6, lb6, nb9) 21 TOTAL (all out, 94.1 overs) 228 Fall of wickets: 1-69, 2-85, 3-118, 4-147, 5-148, 6-168, 7-184, 8-190, 9-201, 10-228.

Bowling: Cummins 9-2-17-0, Brathwaite 4-0-19-0, Stoute 4-111-0, Warrican 41.1-21-72-8, Nurse 36-9-97-2.

BARBADOS 2nd Innings *K Brathwaite not out 78 O Phillips c Bernard b Dawes 59 S Hope c wkp Walton b Dawes 4 S Brooks not out 21 Extras (lb1, nb5) 6 TOTAL (2 wkts, 81 overs) 168 Fall of wickets: 1-131, 2-135.

Bowling: Mindley 14-3-35-0, Dawes 15-6-28-2, Bernard 113-21-0, Lewis 9-0-33-0, Jacobs 10-2-22-0, Lambert 21-6-26-0, Blackwood 1-0-2-0.

Position: Barbados Pride lead by 250 runs.

Windsor Park here.

Christopher Barnwell, resuming the day on 104, made a career-best 148, stretching his sixth wicket stand with Chanderpaul to 251.

In their second turn at the crease, the Windwards collapsed from 59 for one to stumble to the close on 113 for six, still requiring 31 runs to avoid an innings defeat.

Permaul has so far claimed three for 20 to cripple the Windwards innings which saw the last five wickets tumble for 47 runs.

Opener Tyrone Theophile was carrying the fight for the hosts with an unbeaten 45 while partner

Shivnarine Chanderpaul stroked his 71st first-class century.

Devon Smith hit a breezy 20 off 19 balls with three fours.

The right-handed Theophile has so far struck three fours and two sixes in an innings spanning 79 balls and 143 minutes.

There was no sign of the collapse to come, even though Smith fell with the score on 28, as Keddy Lesporis joined Theophile to add 31 for the second wicket.

However, Permaul intervened to snatch two wickets in one over, claiming Lesporis lbw for 15 and three balls later, also removed debutant Jerlani Robinson without scoring.

Wickets continued to fall

around Theophile has Guyana took a stranglehold on the contest.

Earlier, Chanderpaul stole the headlines, facing 285 balls in almost seven hours at the crease, and counting nine fours and a six.

Barnwell, meanwhile, who started the day on 104, looked set to reach 150 before giving off-spinner Shane Shillingford one of his five wickets, when he was seventh out with the score on 377.

Overall, Barnwell faced 179 deliveries in 5-3/4 hours at the crease, and hit 14 fours and five sixes.

Brathwaite, Phillips put Barbados in control KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Captain Kraigg Brathwaite was closing in on his 13th first class hundred as Barbados Pride took command of their final round WICB PCL contest against Jamaica Franchise at Sabina Park here yesterday.

At the close of the third day, the visitors were 168 for two in their second innings – a lead of 250 runs heading into Monday’s final day.

At the core of their enterprise was the right-handed Brathwaite who was unbeaten on 78, an innings that has lasted 236 deliveries, 5-1/2 hours and included seven fours.

He put on 135 for the first wicket with the

left-handed Omar Phillips whose 59 contained eight fours off 171 balls in 3-1/2 hours at the crease.

Earlier, Jamaica were bowled out for 228 to concede a first innings lead of 72. Resuming on 222 for nine, Jamaica lost Marquino Mindley for ten bowled

by Jomel Warrican, to give the left-arm spinner figures of eight for 72.

Jason Dawes, unbeaten on 16 overnight, finished 20 not out.

With a healthy lead, Barbados pressed home their advantage to reach lunch on 47 without loss, with Brathwaite on 27 not out and Phillips, 19.

Brathwaite eased to his half-century in 140

Kraigg Brathwaite ... unbeaten on 78.

minutes off 105 balls with five boundaries and Phillips followed soon after, to carry Barbados to the tea interval at 130 without loss.

However, the visitors suffered two setbacks in the second over after tea when fast bowler Jason Dawes, who has taken two for 28, struck twice.

He knocked over Phillips with the first ball of the over and with the fifth, had Shai Hope caught at the wicket for four.

However, first innings century-maker Shamarh Brooks joined Brathwaite to help add 33 for the third wicket, and see Barbados safely to the close.

The right-handed Brooks was unbeaten on 21.

Leewards wobbling after Ottley half-century COUVA, Trinidad, (CMC) – Leeward Islands Hurricanes were facing an uphill battle to win their final round WICB PCL game against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force here yesterday.

Set 241 for victory at the National Cricket Centre, the Leewards were reeling on 34 for two at the close, still 207 runs adrift of their target heading into Monday’s final day.

At one stage, they were two wickets down with just

one run on the board off the first seven deliveries of the innings, before Montcin Hodge and Devon Thomas steered the innings to the safety of the close.

Hodge was unbeaten on 23 off 40 balls with five fours while Thomas was on nine.

Earlier, the Leewards were bowled out for 277 after resuming the day on 245 for nine, with Quinton Boatswain finishing on 30 not out, batting 1-1/2 hours to get the Leewards within

14 runs of the Red Force’s first innings total.

In their second turn at the crease, the hosts slumped to 17 for three before Kjorn Ottley top scored with a crucial 80 to rescue the innings.

Jason Mohammed chipped in with 32, Akeal Hosein got 31 and captain Rayad Emrit hit 25.

Ottley struck 12 fours off 156 balls in 3-1/2 hours and put on 50 with Mohammed for the fourth wicket, 31 for

the fifth wicket with Yannick Ottley (10) and 37 for the sixth wicket with Stephen Katwaroo (15).

When Ottley was seventh out with the score on 157, Hosein and Emrit added a further 42 precious runs for the eighth wicket.

Off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall claimed three for 77 while seamer Jeremiah Louis (2-22) and leg-spinner Anthony Martin (2-47) supported with two wickets apiece.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

Milo Under-20 semi-finalists known after impressive quarter-finals display

By Calvin Roberts AFTER 90 minutes of intense action, wherein both teams squandered goal scoring opportunities, defending champions Lodge Secondary edged a stubborn St. Mary’s line-up 1-0 to advance to the semifinals of this year’s Petra Organisation/Nestle Milo Under-20 Schools Football Championships.

The two sides were meeting in a marquee matchup in the third quarterfinal of the day last Saturday at the Ministry of Education, Carifesta Avenue based ground, after seeing Morgan Learning Centre and Dolphin Secondary booking their semifinal spots earlier in the day.

Playing as the underdogs, St. Mary’s pushed the defending champions to the limit throughout regulation time and were it not for excellent custodial work from Lodge’s goalkeeper and captain Hakeem Roach which made a difference between the two sides, the defending champions would have been singing a different song at the end of the contest.

Lodge signaled their intentions as early as the fifth minute of the game when Shemar Smith stood over a free kick from just inside St. Mary’s half and sent a long winding shot at his opponent’s goal, but their custodian Saul Benjamin was equal to the task.

It was one of several first-half actions that thrilled the fair-sized crowd on hand that included Petra Organisation director Marlon Cole and front office staff Angeline Dyer.

The second half was no

-defending champions among final four

Chronicle Sport Delano Williams was on hand to capture this player from Dolphin Secondary (green bib) evading a tackle from an opposing player of North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary, when the two sides met in a quarter-final encounter. different from the first, just that it failed to produce any goals, forcing referee Keith Roberts and his support staff to turn to extra time to arrive at a winner and it certainly paid dividends in favor of Lodge.

Known for his explosive foot works with his left foot, Ryan Hackett pounced on a well weighted pass from Jarell Grannum from just inside St. Mary’s half and made a spirited run to their goal area, with the defence pushing him wide.

However, with the ball on his favorite foot (left), Hackett, just as he did for Lodge in last year’s final to hand them the title over St. Georg’s Secondary, un-

leashed a powerful left foot screamer to the far corner, leaving Benjamin stranded on his first post in the first minute of extra time.

The celebrations that followed certainly signified the pressure and relieve Hackett’s goal brought to his teammates and supporters, while Roach came up trumps in the second half of extra time, when he was faced with a two-on-one situation and came out the victor.

In the first match of the day, St. Joseph’s High who had defeated former champions St. George’s in round 16 of the contest the previous week, were no match for Morgan’s Learning Centre who

came away with a 5-1 victory, thanks to a double from Wayne Murray.

Ronaldo Dover found the back of the net in the 16th minute before Travis Biardis made it 2-0 with his 21st minute goal, one that was later nullified by Dwight Ferguson’s 24th minute strike for St. Joseph’s, who despite the superiority of their opponents, hung in to make the contest a competitive one.

Toquan Matthews made it 3-1 for Morgan’s, before Murray added his name to the scorer’s column with his first of two goals in the 68th minute to make it 4-1 and 10 minutes later handed the eventual victors a four goal cushion

as he completed his double in the 78th minute.

There is a local proverb which says ‘Do not judge the book by the cover,’ but the display that came from Dolphin Secondary in their 2-0 win over North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary School, leaves one to wonder if they have what it takes to get past Lodge Secondary, when the two sides meet in the semi-finals.

Leon Richardson (24th) and Joshua Browne (70th) were the two men on target for Dolphin, who squandered several goal scoring chances and had to say thanks to their custodian Dante Forde, who helped them keep their side of the scoresheet clean.

The final quarter-final matchup brought together an over-confident Chase Academy lineup who faced a determined Queenstown Secondary School, with the former coming out victorious with a 4-2 margin, only because the latter did not have within their ranks, a goalkeeper in the mould of Roach or Forde.

Marlon Nedd opened the scoring for Chase in the 7th minute, when he outran two defenders and calmly placed the ball past the pint-size custodian who was in between the uprights for Queenstown; after Shemar Barrow muffed an easy goal scoring opportunity from a Job Caesar pass two minutes before.

Jeremy Garret made it 2-0 in favor of Chase in

the 12th minute, with a well directed free kick before the hard working Kelsey Benjamin pulled one back for Queenstown when he beat Chase’s custodian with a long range shot from the top of the box in the 24th minute to make the scoreline 2-1 in favor of Chase.

Barrow made up for his first-half blunder, when he beat Queenstown’s custodian with a long range shot in the 44th minute, similar to the one scored by Paul Caligiuri of the United States of America in their 1990 World Cup qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago Soca Warriors.

Simeon Moore, who was given a stern lecture by Chase’s coach Vurlon Mills at lemon time, used those words as inspiration to head home a well placed corner in the 66th minute to give his side a 4-1 lead, before Benjamin made it 4-2, when he scored from a free kick in the 67th minute.

The semi-finals will be held at the same venue this Thursday, with Morgan’s Learning Centre and Chase Academy meeting in the first matchup from 14:00 hrs, followed by Lodge putting their title on the line, when they go up against Dolphin from 16:00 hrs.

The finals will be held on Saturday 4th April at the same venue, with the winning team carting off $500,000 that will go towards a project of their choice, while the runners-up will receive $300,000, third place-$200,000 and fourth place $100,000, all of which will go towards a project of their choice, within the respective schools.

`Hurry up’ Moore title clash postponed GUYANESE super bantamweight king Leon `Hurry Up’ Moore would have to wait a bit longer to get his hands on the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) title. Moore was scheduled to tackle Frenchman Karim Guerfi on April 4 in St Maarten but according to manager Seon Bristol, the fight has been shifted to May 30. The venue remains the same.

“There have been some administrative issues which forced the postponement of

Leon `Hurry Up’ Moore

this fight. The good thing is that both camps are happy with the new date and Leon is back to being focused and winning this event,” Bristol said in a telephone interview yesterday.

“The shift in date has done us a whole lot of good as we are now able to concentrate on specifics and not have to prepare in a hurried way. Leon is now settled and doing very well in his training at Gleason’s Gym,” Bristol declared.

Moore fought three

times in 2013 but only once last year. He has racked up a record of 31 victories and three defeats and over the past three years has been campaigning in the USA. Bristol sees the upcoming encounter as a bright spot in 36-year-old fighter ’s career and a chance for him to return to the world rankings.

“We are making sure that we put all ingredients in. This is an opportunity that we are grabbing with both hands since Leon’s career has been stag-

nant for some time. A win against Guerfi would put us back in the big league.

Guerfi is a bantamweight and would be moving up to take on Leon who is a natural super bantamweight.

“I see all of this working in our favour. We have enough skills and natural ability to take this belt,” Bristol assured.

At 27, Guerfi is nine years younger than Moore.

He has been defeated three times in 25 fights and was the former European ban-

tamweight champion and the flyweight champion of France. Meanwhile, Bristol disclosed that Guyana’s first female world champion Gwendolyn `The Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil would be appearing on the same card.

O’Neil has signed to fight Sonya Lamonakis who is known in boxing circles as `The Scholar’. O’Neil will turn 46 in August and she last fought in October 2011 when she defeated Pauline London.

32

Sport CHRONICLE

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

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 23, 2015

Chanderpaul, Barnwell, Permaul combine to leave Volcanoes facing defeat See Story on Page 30

Arthur wins Cheddi Jagan final stage, but Eastman cops overall title

By Michael DaSilva LINDEN cyclist Akeem Arthur won the third and final stage of the Annual Dr. Cheddi Jagan Memorial Three-Stage Cycle Road Race yesterday on the Essequibo Coast, but Team COCO’s Hamzah Eastman won the overall title for the event.

The event which was sponsored by several businesses saw the largest turnout of cyclists this year unlike the past 18 years when it got underway as a one-stage event in Berbice.

Over 45 cyclists faced the starter yesterday morning at Supenaam, Essequibo Coast and were sent on their way by Regional Chairman Region 2, Parmanand Persaud at 09:00 hrs.

Before giving the cyclists the green flag to wheel off, Persaud welcomed them to the region and expressed the hope that the youths of

Akeem Arthur (extreme right) accepts his prize for winning the third stage of the Cheddi Jagan Memorial Cycle Race yesterday in Essequibo from stage sponsor Suresh Jagmohan while at centre is Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture Ali Baksh. Looking also is Dirretor of Sport Neil Kumar and National cycling coach Hassan Mohamed. the region will take to the sport which, according to him is dormant in that part of Guyana.

Persaud said that unlike

the past seven years that Region Two was given the privilege to host the third stage of the event, no remedial works had to be done

this year to make the course a smooth one, as all the bridges had been repaired and the roadway is very smooth.

On being given the green flag, the junior and senior cyclists went off at a very fast rate, but two minutes into the race, stage favourite

Orville Hinds suffered a puncture and had to pull out of the race as he did not have a spare wheel.

Fifteen minutes into the race, the pace of the race slowed down and five Team Coco’s riders took up the lead position.

The pack stuck together on the upward journey but were joined by the veterans, mountain bikers and ladies at Anna Regina and they all were together at the turn back point at Charity.

They remained one bunch as well on the downward journey with each cyclist eying the other waiting for someone to make an attack, but it was only with approximately 400 metres to the line that Arthur made his move and no one responded as the more seasoned riders were playing the cat and mouse game

See Page 25

Pele and Fruta Conquerors through to K&S quarter-finals THE Kashif and Shanghai football tournament will head back to Linden tonight, the place where it all started 25 years ago, with a double-header.

Western Tigers will play Hi-Stars in the opening match from 18:30 hrs, then Winners Connection Linden’s number one ranked team, will collide with Ann’s Grove in the second game.

When the tournament continued on Saturday night at the Victoria Community Centre Ground Pele came out 1–0 winners over Grove Hi-Tech, and Fruta Conquerors stopped Mahaica Determinators 3–1.

Playing in the opening game of the two matches watched by an enthused crowd Konata Manning scored Pele’s lone goal in the 45th minute, just on the stroke of half time.

The game was one which

...double-header tonight in Linden

saw tempers flaring at regular intervals and in the second half, it forced the referee to issue three red cards, two of which went to Pele.

Konata Manning

Fruta Conquerors goal scorers Quincy Holder (left) and Jermine Junor

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Apart from Manning’s strike which came off a free kick, both teams failed to make any serious threats on goal.

In the game’s second game, Mahaica Determinators in the 37th minute got the go-ahead goal from Quincy Holder but

just before half time, Odell Williams found his way in the penalty area and slotted home the equaliser and his first goal of the contest.

In the second stanza, it was all about Fruta Conquerors. Mahaica had no attempts, owing such to the Tucville based club’s stifling defence.

Frustrated and outplayed, Mahaica would give up one of two penalties, both of which were converted. The first in the 88th minute saw Jermine Junor taking the kick and saving it but Holder followed through and hammered home the rebound at point-blank range.

However, two minutes later, Junor was fouled in the penalty area and went to the mark; this time he made no mistakes in converting from the charity spot. (Rawle Toney) MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015