GUYANA
The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com
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No. 104140 THURSDAY MARCH 26, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER
PRESIDENT SAYS…
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PPP/C Gov’t will ensure sugar industry’s survival – as 102nd anniversary of Rose Hall Martyrs commemorated
INCLUDING VAT
AS PART OF ELECTORAL ASSISTANCE…
UNDP recommends extended presence in Guyana 3 Page
Two accused in Mash Day murder jailed for 150 years – 17-yr-old Devon Thomas and 21-year-old Randy Isaacs to serve 75 years each
ACCUSED: Devon Thomas
ACCUSED: Randy Isaacs Page
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Nude body of teenage girl found on seawall 15 Page
President Donald Ramotar congratulating 95-year-old Harold Bissoo, the oldest pensioner of Rose Hall estate
President Ramotar lays a wreath at the Rose Hall Martyrs' monument (Adrian Narine photos)
Greenidge ‘barking up the wrong tree’ – Dr Luncheon
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
10th EDF capacity building
project in CARIFORUM launched
IN the presence of diplomats from the Forum of the Caribbean Group of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States (CARIFORUM) and relevant stakeholders, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, yesterday officially launched the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Capacity building project. This propitious event took place at the historic Duke Lodge in Kingston, Georgetown. Mr. Eugene Petty, Director of Development Cooperation, CARIFORUM Directorate, pointed out that the three-day regional sensitisation workshop, which
commenced yesterday, is designed to contribute to the effective overall implementation of the EU-CARIFORUM Cooperation, including the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), with particular reference to obligations relating to Competition, Public Procurement and Customs and Trade Facilitation. The objective of this project is to provide EPA-support training programmes in the area of Competition, Public Procurement and Customs and Trade Facilitation. At the end of the workshop, participants will be expected to acquire skills in EPA support training
Mr. Eugene Petty, Director of Development Cooperation, CARIFORUM Directorate delivering his remarks at the launch of the 10th EDF capacity building project
programmes, in the above named areas. The workshop targets
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, sharing a light moment with her colleagues of CARIFORUM states at Duke Lodge, yesterday
private sector stakeholders and staff of CARIFORUM regional institutions, and is being implemented by Equinoccio. The project is a sub-component of the Institutional and Implementation Capacity component of the 10th CARIFORUM EDF, which saw €10,800,000 being invested in capacity building. According to Mr. Percival Marie, Director General, CARIFORUM, this workshop will aid in the sustenance of economic development among the participating countries. He said it is a very timely project, which will help to build capacity in key areas of trade. He also underlined the importance of efficiency in the area targeted by the workshop in the trade and customs industry. Marie added that this training will not only benefit the CARIFORUM States, but also improve quality in other areas of services, such as the CARICOM Single Market
and Economy (CSME). He further added that this is the first phase of the continuation of such training under the 11th EDF regional indicative programme, for which negotiations recently concluded in Barbados. Meanwhile, Ambassador Robert Kopecky, who is Head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and the Dutch OCTs, pleaded for the EU’s continued support towards this programme. Also, Minister Birkett, who is the current Chair of CARIFORUM, urged the participants to fully engage in the sessions because “there can never be too much training.” She added that the sessions will allow the participants to share knowledge and experience, even as she expresses pleasure to be a part of this ceremony because it is her view that trade policy is now, by far, more complicated having evolved in many places of public policy,
dealing with the movement of frontiers of goods and capital. She said the EPA was signed by member states in October of 2008, with the guarantee that the agreement will be subjected to periodic reviews and the first five-year review is currently ongoing. In addition, she noted that the actions taken thus far by the body have proven that the Region is serious about sustaining its efforts to form and improve its trade regime at the institutional and sector levels. The EU-CARIFORUM agreement is an economic partnership agreement (EPA) concluded between the EU, and the 15 Caribbean States - Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, and Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o . (GINA)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
AS PART OF ELECTORAL ASSISTANCE…
UNDP recommends extended presence in Guyana
By Vanessa Narine
A TWO-page report from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), following the end of its five-day needs assessment mission, has recommended United Nations (UN) support for Guyana’s National and Regional Elections until August 31. The recommendation, contained in the document seen exclusively by the Guyana Chronicle, is that the support will be managed under a UNDP programme. “Given the shortness of the period between now and the election it is recommended that any United Nations support be focused on specific areas that can add value in time for the May 2015 elections…it is important to look beyond the May polls,” the report said. The report’s completion comes after a small dele-
gation of electoral experts from UNDP discussed a number of pertinent issues pertaining to the effective and efficient management of the May 11 elections in early February. During the meeting, the team discussed the upcoming elections and the challenges the Commission may face in the successful delivery of the polling in May. Some of the points discussed included results management, electoral disputes, party financing, gender, voter information, and campaign access to media, as well as the role of international and national observer groups. GECOM also reportedly took the opportunity to highlight the Commission’s current state of preparation for the conduct of elections, and further highlighted several areas, including the provision of consultancies,
UNDP representatives meeting with the Chairman of GECOM Dr Steve Surujbally
advisors, and experts - particularly in the area of Civic and Voter Education - in which there can be greater collaboration between the Commission and the UNDP. All considered, the UNDP has recommended
that the primary focus of its technical support should be to assist GECOM in areas that include voter education, particularly outreaches to voters in the interior, as well as gender-targeted materials, and to establish a media
centre. Support for the resuscitated Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) was also recommended. “If requested, the United Nations may also consider technical support for the
drafting of a political party code of conduct,” the report said. Noteworthy too is that a draft code of conduct for political parties has been completed by GECOM, although it is yet to be circulated among the political parties. The UNDP made it clear that, as with all United Nations support to member states, all technical assistance and advocacy should be based on United Nations principles including respect for national sovereignty, promotion and protection of human rights and strict impartiality. “United Nations support to any local-level election processes (should they be called in 2016 or beyond) would need to be the subject of further assessment,” the report added. The UNDP was in Guyana from February 9th to 13th this year.
AHEAD OF MAY 11 POLLS…
Commonwealth team in Guyana undertaking election needs assessment A TEAM from the Commonwealth is currently in Guyana undertaking a needs assessment, ahead of the May 11 General and Regional Elections. This is according to Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Dr. Steve Surujbally, who told the Chronicle that the Commonwealth team, led by Ms. Clara Cole, met with the Commission on Tuesday. “The Commonwealth team has met with the Commission to address the state of readiness and preparations,” he said, adding that their findings could possibly assist in the determination
of the size of their elections observer mission. The needs assessment mission of the Commonwealth team follows a similar undertaking by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon, at his weekly post-Cabinet press conference yesterday, disclosed that the Organisation of American States (OAS) is also expected to field a needs assessment mission to Guyana soon. Dr. Surujbally told this newspaper that GECOM has not yet heard from the OAS. Invitations have also been sent to the Govern-
ments of South Africa and India, as well as the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Carter Centre to field observer missions to Guyana for an extended period, starting from as early as April 7, Nomination Day. According to Dr. Luncheon, there has not been a response from the foreign observers to date. However, he expressed confidence that the OAS, the Commonwealth, UNASUR, Carter Centre and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are expected to have a presence in Guyana. Notifications were made to the international commu-
nity and bodies that traditionally field observer missions to Guyana when the date for the upcoming General and Regional Elections was announced. Invitations were subsequently dispatched. LOCAL OBSERVERS Locally, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has approached GECOM for accreditation as a local election observer. The Electoral Assistance Bureau (EAB) is also expected to revamp its operations and act as another local observer. All observers, local and foreign, will be required to sign onto certain protocols before they are accredited as
observers. Relative to foreign observers, the missions will be expected to adhere to more than 35 guidelines, according to the protocol seen by the Guyana Chronicle. In addition to the guidelines, the rights and privileges of accredited election observer groups were also outlined in the protocol. Similar rights and guidelines apply to local observer groups, which were detailed in a separate document. Also under the Election Law (Amendment), Act No. 15 of 2000, Section 20 states that: “The Commission may approve of local organisations observing the demo-
cratic process involved in any election provided such organisations fulfill such conditions as may be stipulated by the Commission.” Both protocols, for foreign and local observer groups, stated clearly that if GECOM considers that an observer group “willfully, without restraint, overtly and/or with malice aforethought breached the modus operandi and protocols” outlined by the Commission, GECOM has the authority to and may rescind/withdraw its accreditation from the individual errant observer or even from the entire Observer Mission. (Vanessa Narine)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
Sinaporeans turn up past midnight to pay last respects to Mr Lee Kuan Yew
Mourners paying their last respects at Parliament House at 2:00 am on March 26, 2015 (Photo: Desmond Foo) understanding of members of public who want to pay their the public to remain orderly see him again if I miss this respects to the late Mr Lee and be patient, and to follow opportunity,” he said. A gun carriage carrying the body of Mr Lee Kuan Yew heads towards will start at the Padang. the directions of the marshals The estimated waiting Parliament House on March 25, 2015 (Photo: Wang Hui Fen) There will also be a spe- on the ground,” the organtime as at 12:30 am was cial lane at the Padang for isers said in a statement. about three hours. ency’s MP Grace Fu. SINGAPORE: - IT was way The snarls from earlier the elderly, pregnant women, At its peak yesterday, Mr Lee will lie in state at Mr Veerakan Aran, 45, past midnight Wednesday on Wednesday seemed to schoolchildren, families with the waiting time for those in Parliament House, where the who works in estate manageand Singaporeans were have been ironed out, as children under six years old the queue was at least eight public can view his casket, ment, chose to forego sleep still streaming in to pay traffic marshals purposefuland those with special needs. hours. until 8:00 pm on Saturday. and pay his respects at night their last respects to Mr Lee ly waved people forward at Still, they expect that The statement said that as he was unable to get time His funeral will be on Sunday. Kuan Yew at Parliament traffic junctions and the line there will be a wait for those water will be distributed to On Wednesday night, off from work in the day. House, with a steady num- moved along quickly. in the queue. those waiting in line and the organisers of the State “For Mr Lee, going a day ber of people joining the At its peak on Wednes“In view of the large updates on the queue waitFuneral said that starting without sleep should be fine. queue early on Thursday day, the waiting time for crowd, a long waiting time ing time will also continue at 7am on Thursday, the He was a great leader and morning where the line be- those in the queue was at can be expected. We seek the to be provided hourly. queue for members of the I’m not going to be able to gan at Hong Lim Park. least eight hours. The long The crowd there shortly wait and size of the crowd before 1:00 am on Thursday prompted the authorities to was predominantly younger announce that the public will people who said they were be able to pay their respects there after work - although to Mr Lee around the clock senior citizens also gamely till Saturday at 8:00 pm. waited in line to see the counVolunteers from Yuhua try’s founding prime minister, constituency were present at who died on Monday aged Hong Lim Park distributing 91, lying in state at the Par- free buns to the crowd. They liament. were joined by the constitu-
People streaming in to join the line at Hong Lim Park at 12:30am this morning (Thursday) in Singapore (Photo: Charissa Ong)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
President Ramotar sends condolence message to President of Singapore - on passing of the country’s first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar has written to the President of Singapore, Tony Tan Keng Yam, expressing Guyana’s “profound sadness” and “sincere condolences” on the passing of Singapore’s First Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew. Following is the text of President Ramotar’s message:
Donald Ramotar, President of the Republic of Guyana
Excellency, It is with profound sadness that I extend on behalf of the nation of Guyana our sincere condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of Singapore for its great loss on the passing of the First Prime Minister of Singapore, H.E. Lee Kuan Yew. H.E. Lee Kuan Yew has served his native land with distinction, dedication and commitment. The impact of his sterling contribution to the national development of Singapore is renowned. He will be remembered for his several accomplishments including his acclaimed transformative model for development which is highly recognised both nationally and internationally. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the people of the Republic of Singapore during this period of national mourning.
CARICOM saddened by former Singapore Prime Minister’s passing THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expressed sadness at the news of the death of Singapore’s founding father and first Prime Minister Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. The ninety-one-year-old former Prime Minister, who led his country for 31 years before stepping down, died on Monday. CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, in a message of condolence to the People and Government of Singapore, noted the global reputation that Mr. Lee earned as a visionary and a strategic thinker. The former Prime Minister, through a unique mix of principles, transformed an under-developed Singapore into one of the wealthiest, best managed, most modern, socially cohesive and least corrupt states in the world, the message stated. In the process, he earned a global reputation as a visionary and a strategic thinker. CARICOM said the achievements of Singapore serve as a model for economic development particularly for Small Island Developing States. The achievements of Singapore serve as a model for economic development particularly for Small Island Developing States. Its experience will continue to be an inspiration to leaders everywhere and stands as a legacy of Mr. Lee’s leadership. “On behalf of the Caribbean Community and on my own behalf, I extend heartfelt condolences to the People and Government of Singapore and to the family and loved ones of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew at this time of mourning,” Ambassador LaRocque stated.
CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque
Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first Prime Minister
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
EDITORIAL
GUYANA
Gregory Smith and sibling love OF course Ms. Ann Wagner, as the sister of main suspect in the bomb-blast assassination of Dr. Walter Rodney, would refute everyone else’s account of the events prior to, and the actual occurrence of Walter Rodney’s assassination, which she did as she took to the witness stand in the inquiry commission’s endeavour to exorcise, once and for all, the tragedy of Walter Rodney’s death and to give his family and the nation a semblance of closure of that tragic event.
In her attempts to clear her brother’s name in a book and at the Commission, she refuted the account of Donald Rodney about the events of Friday June 13, 1980, that simultaneously killed what Burnham perceived as a threat to his seat of power – Walter Rodney, and the relationship between Dr. Cheddi Jagan and the young and charismatic pan-Africanist, both of whom were militating for a restoration of a democratic culture in the nation after decades under an oppressive, suppressive dictatorial regime.
Dr. Rodney’s brother, Donald Rodney, was the only eyewitness to Walter’s murder by bomb blast, and he related, as he concluded his testimony as star witness at the Commission on Monday, that he had to flee Guyana after he escaped the assassination, because he “feared death by the dictatorship”. Certainly he and his famous brother were not the only victim of the PNC’s atrocities, as has been documented in this nation’s history; and it was only his good fortune that saved his life that fateful June
morning. He listened stoically as Wagner ’s testimony sought to establish her brother as a victim of the Rodneys and circumstances rather than the infamous assassin of the budding hope of a beleaguered and oppressed nation, but cross-examination and prior testimonies of credible witnesses gainsay her second-hand account of Gregory Smith’s involvement in Rodney’s death and lay the blame squarely at his feet; or rather, in his allegedly blood-stained hands.
The Rodney Commission of Inquiry is probing the death of the famous, accomplished and charismatic historian and human rights activist, Dr. Walter Rodney, and the revelations emerging as to the events that transpired during the regime of the dictatorship is informing the world of the darkest period in Guyana’s history. Smith never attempted to clear his name through the justice system, except through his sister ’s account of his version of the tragedy in a book she wrote from conversations they had; and it is understandable
that Wagner would today att empt to clear his name to the Commission and the world by relating what her brother told her. The only problem is that Walter Rodney’s brother was there and Gregory Smith’s sister was not there. So Donald Rodney is providing a first-hand account of the event while Wagner is testifying on hearsay from an account given to her by the person with vested interests – the alleged perpetrator of the most famous political assassination in the Caribbean.
Obama to meet CARICOM Heads in Jamaica - trade and security to top agenda
PRESIDENT of the United States of America, Barack Obama, is scheduled to meet with President Donald Ramotar and other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government in Jamaica on April 9. The top issues on the agenda for the Guyanese leader at the meeting will be trade and security, according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon. Dr. Luncheon said the encounter with the US President and CARICOM Heads is intended to further the dialogue between both sides, with particular emphasis on trade, security and respective mutual interest. It is also expected that following the one-day encounter, the CARICOM Heads would collectively participate in the Summit of the Americas in Panama City on April 10 and 11. Speaking at his weekly post Cabinet press conference, held at the Office of the President yesterday, Dr Luncheon said that on the
issue of trade, the focus will be to rekindle Guyana’s image as a “destination” for investors. Dr Luncheon bemoaned the fact that Guyana was “badly hurt” by the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project debacle, where political gridlock resulted in major investors, Blackstone and Sithe Global, pulling out from the project. The last word from the local U.S. Embassy was that investment relationships between Guyana and the United States of America (USA) are growing. According to the former U.S. Ambassador, Brent Hardt, several U.S. companies are interested in doing business here. “We’re each other’s closest trade partners in the sense that I think the trade relations between us is the biggest of any countries,” he said in an interview with the Chronicle, prior to his departure. Noteworthy is the fact
that the Ambassador highlighted Guyana’s potential in the oil and gas field, which he said is increasingly becoming a point of interest for U.S. investors. H a r d t s a i d , “ We ’ v e worked to encourage U.S. investors to come here, and I know as the oil and gas field becomes increasingly of interest here in Guyana, we’ll hopefully see more U.S. companies engaging in that area. There is already interest, and we look forward to seeing more and more companies here.” GREATER SUPPORT Turning his attention to security, the Cabinet Secretary said greater support will be sought from the North American nation. The Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, President Obama’s initiative, which was launched in 2010, has so far provided over US$263M in support to the Caribbean, with Guyana being a major
recipient. The U.S. has also provided metal shark boats to the Guyanese Coast Guard, facilitated training from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and worked on improving security at Guyana’s main entry points. Over the last several decades Guyana and the United States of America have been engaged in mutually beneficial undertakings in several areas. T h e U S P r e s i d e n t ’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is another programme where much work has been done, particularly in ensuring delivery of medications in a timely manner. In the non-traditional agriculture and aquaculture, USAID offers support to continuously advance in this regard, as well as in the area of eco-tourism and in addressing social issues.
US President Barack Obama
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
RODNEY’S DEATH: AN ENIGMA BEING ANSWERED Special Report on the Rodney Commission of Inquiry by Shaun Michael Samaroo
Wagner stuns Commission, twists sinister political plot on WPA
Gregory Smith’s sister Ann Wagner under stiff cross-examination from Counsel Andrew Pilgrim and Christopher Ram yesterday (Adrian Narine photo)
ANN Wagner spent the day in the witness box at the Rodney Commission in Georgetown yesterday, stunning the courtroom with allegations that the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) “tortured” and attempted to assassinate the main suspect in the political assassination of Dr Walter Rodney. Gregory Smith, an exArmy officer in the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) eluded questions surrounding his role in Dr Rodney’s brutal bomb-blast demise on the dark night of Friday, June
Wagner submitted several documents as evidence to the Commission, including a birth certificate issued to Smith in Georgetown, in his new identity as Cyril Johnson, on June 21, 1982. However, before that birth certificate was issued to him in Georgetown, he had mysteriously secured a passport two years earlier, on July 5, 1980. This grave anomaly indicates that Smith’s post-Rodney assassination living arrangements may have been handled at the highest State in Guyana, but no Counsel has as yet raised this point to Wagner.
13, 1980. For the past 34 years, worldwide suspicion shrouded Smith in a political plot of dark intrigue and terrorising brutality. But Wagner, Smith’s sister, shocked the Commission yesterday, twisting the tale and turning the allegations of nefarious and sinister political plotting on the WPA, claiming that the Party and its leader, Dr Rodney, had infiltrated every facet of the dictatorship Government of the People’s National Congress (PNC). Wagner painted Smith as a “quiet”, devout choir boy who never missed Mass at the Catholic Church. This image radically departs from wide-ranging testimony at the Commission over the past year, with several witnesses portraying Smith as an expert electronics bombmaking espionage doubleagent who worked with the PNC Government’s Joint Intelligence Command to cripple the WPA’s popular resistance against the draconian PNC dictatorship. The stunned courtroom sat with trance-like attention as Wagner answered questions from Counsel Andrew Pilgrim of Trinidad and Tobago, who represents Donald Rodney, and from Christopher Ram, Counsel for the WPA. Wagner said her brother, Smith, eluded several execution attempts against him in French Guiana, where he fled after the bomb-blast rocked Georgetown, instantly killing Dr Rodney. “Gregory virtually grew
Dr Walter Rodney
Gregory Smith’s sister Ann Wagner
up in the Catholic Church; he never missed Sunday mass, was an altar server and an exemplary student: caring, loving and trustworthy. Although younger than I, in certain matters he showed a wisdom, understanding, and intelligence for in advance of his years. Because of his stuttering – a speech impediment of which he was extremely conscious, his demeanor was quiet, though he was fun to be around and his ability to listen and to process information was superb,” Wagner wrote in her sworn witness statement to the Commission, providing a picture of Smith diametrically opposed to the image of him the Commission has so far heard from witnesses. Wagner described Smith as thoughtful, loving, loyal, honest, spiritual and full of integrity. Speaking with a strong North American accent, the
New York-based professional told the Commission that Smith “was forced to leave behind” his five children as he fled Guyana after the bomb-blast rocked Georgetown “on that terrible night of June 13, 1980. Though adrift without their father, they were nonetheless tormented by insensitive WPA supporters. For the sake of sheer survival, they were compelled to change their names. In spite of their ordeal, his children became exemplary adults. His oldest daughter is an Orthopedic Surgeon; his second daughter is a Designer; his third daughter is a CFO; and his oldest son is a Computer Specialist,” Wagner told the Commission. Smith passed away from cancer of the lungs in November of 2002 in French Guiana, and Wagner said she “maintained close contact with him throughout his life. He made me aware
of every attempt on his life. We discussed every newspaper article printed on the subject of his involvement with the death of Dr Walter Rodney and we discussed it over and over again. He lived in constant fear for his life and the lives of his family,” Wagner said. She also denied evidence at the Commission from Robert Gates, an ex-Guyana Police Force Intelligence officer, stating that Smith lived in a remote community along the Berbice River. Wagner said Smith suffered as “one of many Guyanese who experienced the hardships of the Burnham regime. Gregory claimed that many people told him that he would have to join the PNC to get a job,” she said. She denied he ever joined the PNC party, which at the time practised as a State policy paramountcy of the Party. In February 1976, Smith was selected for specialised electronics training overseas, and returned to work with the GDF, as a Corporal, Wagner said, claiming that Smith got peeved that he was not being promoted, and when his Commanding Officer told him he had to join the PNC in order to be promoted, he resigned from the GDF. Wagner plays a crucial role in shedding light on the mystery and veil that shrouds Smith in secrecy. She is named as the coauthor of a book, ‘Assas-
Under stiff crossexamination from Counsel Pilgrim and Ram, Wagner said she did not know that Smith was flown aboard a GDF military plane from Timheri airport to Kwakwani the morning of June 14, 1980, right after the deadly bomb-blast. She also said she did not know, “until after”, that Smith had returned to Guyana in 1982. sination: Cry of a Failed Revolution’ with Smith, that appeared published in 2007. Smith was “a friend and confidante of Dr Walter Rodney, the political activist”, she said, noting that the book aims to correct the historical record of Dr Rodney’s death, in revealing the “truth” of what happened, and in clearing the name of Smith, her brother. “In writing the book, I am seeking to exonerate my brother of the accusations levelled against him by members of the WPA and their international allies,” Wagner said in her statement. Wagner’s stunning testimony claimed that the WPA and Dr Rodney were plotting violence against the brutish PNC dictatorship. “Gregory was persuaded by Dr Rodney that (handmade bomb) devices would be used to destroy physical infrastructure such as buildings and electricity generating installations. When my brother refused, Dr Rodney asked him to modify portable walkie-talkies into triggering devices.” “Gregory agreed to help Dr Rodney because he was impressed by him and wanted to help him change the direction of the country,” Wagner said. She told the Commission that Smith called her the night that Dr Rodney was assassinated. “I received a Turn to page 21 ►
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
Legal challenge to presidential two-term limit – arguments to start on May 4 THE legal challenge relating to the constitutionally enshrined presidential twoterm limit was heard in the High Court yesterday before Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang. The matter has been adjourned to May 4th, at which time arguments will commence. Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Raphael Trotman, and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr Anil Nandlall, have been named as respondents in the matter. In an invited comment yesterday, Nandlall disclosed that he filed an affidavit in answer to the challenge, and Trotman’s lawyer is expected to soon file on his behalf. “Mr Trotman’s lawyer, Roysdale Forde, asked for additional time to file an affidavit in response,” the AG said. The legal challenge was initially instituted in early February and subsequently withdrawn. It was then re-
Anil Nandlall, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs
Raphael Trotman, Speaker of the National Assembly
Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Former President
Ian Chang, Chief Justice (ag.)
placed with a new Constitutional Motion in the name of Cedric Richardson, a 56-year-old resident of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown. He is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Emily Dodson, a People’s National Congress (PNC) sym-
pathiser. Attorneys-at-Law Shaun Allicock and Oneidge Waldron Allicock have also signed onto the writ. The Attorney General has said that after the defendants’ affidavits in answer are filed, Richardson’s lawyers have three weeks to re-
spond. “Given the timelines for the filing of the various documents, the court date has been set for May 4, at which time arguments will commence,” the Attorney General said. With regard to the subject of the legal challenge, the
Constitutional provision, Article 90 (2) states: “A person elected as President after 2000 is eligible for re-election only once.” Richardson contends that the constitutional provision “curtails” or “delimits” the electorate’s choice of a pres-
Two accused in Mash Day murder jailed for 150 years – 17-yr-old Devon Thomas and 21-year-old Randy Isaacs to serve 75 years each
By George Barclay THE jury at the Demerara Assizes yesterday unanimously found Devon Thomas, 17, and Randy Isaacs 21, guilty of the brutal murder of Enterprise businessman, Kumar Mohabir, on February 23rd, 2013 (Mash Day). Additionally, the jury also found the accused guilty of attempted murder committed on eye-witness Navendra Mohabir. Mohabir had suffered five serious incised wounds to his right hand. He was at Vlissengen Road that evening when a gang of youths attacked his brother under the pretext that his brother had “mashed” the feet of one of them. Navendra Mohabir had gone to his brother’s rescue when he was viciously attacked. Police investigations that followed led to the two accused being arrested and charged with murder. At their trial, the two
Shopkeeper refused bail for drug-trafficking By Geeta Rampersaud
MURDERED: Kumar Mohabir
ACCUSED: Devon Thomas
ACCUSED: Randy Isaacs
accused who were represented by Attorney-at-law, Mr. Peter Hugh, pleaded not guilty. In his address to the jury, Mr. Hugh told them that his clients had not been properly identified and following their conviction, he said that he would consider the filing of an appeal. After the jury had delivered their verdict, the accused were asked whether
they would like to state any reason why sentence should not be passed on them. Both accused maintained that they were innocent. One female relative of the accused, who was standing in the corridor, was heard to say: “He (the judge) is a mad man - we are going to appeal.” Before imposing sentence, Justice Navindra Singh told the accused that
his base for sentencing will be 60 years. To that 60, he would add 10 years for attempting to murder the eye-witness Mohabir and five years for the other injuries inflicted, resulting in e a c h o f t h e a c c u s e d having to serve 75 years imprisonment. A t t o r n e y s - a t - L a w, Miss Stacy Goodings and Miss Diana Kaulesar prosecuted.
idential candidate, such as Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, by imposing a term limit. “I believe that the illegal effect and consequence of the purported alteration is not only to curtail and restrict the democratic rights of the electorate in choosing a person as President, but to purport to amend the Articles 1 and 9 of the 1980 Constitution, which allowed the electorate to elect as President, a person who had been re-elected,” Richardson has said. His view is that such a change to the Constitution, which impacted on the freedoms of the electorate, should have been done via a referendum. In other words, Richardson contends, the provision of the constitution which imposes a term limit on the presidency is unconstitutional; and the procedure and process by which that provision was placed in the constitution is unlawful. (Vanessa Narine)
A SHOPKEEPER of Lot 489 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was yes terday refused bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a drug-trafficking charge. Melroy Hopkinson pleaded not guilty to the charge that said on March 24 at Lot 489 East Ruimveldt, she had in her possession 64 grammes of cannabis-sativa (marijuana) for the purpose. According to the prosecution, on the day in question ranks from the Police Narcotics Branch acted on information and made a search at Hopkinson’s shop. As a result of the search, the illicit substance was found
in the ceiling of the shop, which is accessible from the inside only. Subsequent to the discovery, the businesswoman who resides with her mother and children denied any knowledge of the illegal substance and she was arrested and charged. Representing the defendant is attorney-at-law Mr. Jad Vasconsellos. He told the court that the prohibited drug was found in the shop which his client operates. He noted that she lives in a range house and the shop is some distance away from her home. The matter was transferred before Magistrate Judy Latchman and the mother of two will make her next court appearance on April 14.
Dr Luncheon, in service to the nation
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
By Shaun Michael Samaroo
HE serves this nation with such passion and resolve and humility that he’s not only become a household name and an icon of Government, but also a classic role model of what Public Service should look like. And despite Dr Roger Luncheon’s diagnosed illness and his decades of work within Government, battling all manner of challenges and difficulties and setbacks and personal health issues, he never gave up, always finding the strength, resolve and stamina to show up for work. Without Dr Luncheon, our nation would be so much poorer. Men like him and Clement Rohee and all the stalwarts who put their head down to serve the Guyanese people, selflessly giving of themselves in the rough and tumble of the political arena to the cause and vision of Dr Cheddi Jagan for the Guyanese nation, we must applaud, making sure their story finds a secured place in the unfolding history of the Guyanese people. Despite facing severe criticisms and misunderstandings, the Luncheons among us make us who we are as a 21st century nation. Dr Luncheon seeks no self-glorification, or praise, or material gain from his work. He simply lives to contribute with his last energy to his nation. In the 1990’s he threw his hat in the ring in the leadership race of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), seeking to serve as Head of State. It wasn’t to be. But he never walked away from Public Service, or Government. He stayed the course, put his head down, and worked hard, gaining the tremendous respect and admiration of Government members, and the wider society. Today, Dr Luncheon has become a living legend among us, with his loquacious style at press conferences making him a unique and endearing character on the Guyanese national stage. He’s known as an astute academic, not a quintessential politician. And he’s accepted his role in Government with a profound
‘Today, Dr Luncheon has become a living legend among us, with his loquacious style at press conferences making him a unique and endearing character on the Guyanese national stage. He’s known as an astute academic, not a quintessential politician. And he’s accepted his role in Government with a profound sense of service, of giving back to his nation…’
Dr Roger Luncheon
sense of service, of giving back to his nation, of seeing new generations of our people benefit from a developing, thriving Guyana. When leaders of lesser caliber quit the Government or Public Service because they face challenges, and embarked on crusades of negativity and demoralising of the Guyanese public space, Dr Luncheon tackles the menial task of being secretary for the Cabinet and Head of the Presidential Secretariat, tasks that are foundational pillars for the smooth running of the State machinery. These leaders among us, like President Donald Ramotar and Dr Luncheon and the many humble servants of the State whose contributions we take for granted and hardly ever acknowledge or applaud, do the hard work behind the scenes to organise governance, in the face of continuing challenges as we work to repair our Governmental and Public Service systems that collapsed
under the stifling weight of the 1964 -1992 dictatorship. We want to see Guyana carve out a special place for leaders like Dr Luncheon, and President Ramotar. Any citizen sitting for a gaff with Dr Luncheon, as with President Ramotar, would marvel at the simplicity and humility of these souls, these iconic sons of the soil, these leaders who battled decades, wearing their white beards as badge of honour for experienced wisdom. Dr Luncheon’s intelligence, his eloquence, his clarity of thinking in formulating large compound sentences that lift one’s mind to engage him word for word, or miss his meaning, make him an exotic treasure of our Public Service. Whilst his work may seem bureaucratic and weighty, he performs it with a love and a passion that few could rival. The man is a walking State institution today.
He has served the PPP for decades and decades, standing up as a frontline leader of the ruling party, showcasing the future of Guyana as we work together as one people, of all background, of all intellectual levels, of all ages. The ruling party stands stronger, more resilient, sturdier and on a surer footing with leaders like Dr Luncheon taking on the mantle of mentorship for the future. We would entreat folks like Brigadier David Granger and Carl Greenidge and Dr Rupert Roopnarine to take a leaf out of Dr Luncheon’s book, to serve our nation as elder statesmen with the singular goal of serving the Guyanese people, whatever the position and whatever the sacrifice, only dedicating themselves with a heart of care to the cause of national development. Dr Luncheon looks out from behind his iconic glasses at the Guyanese society, and sees with deep hindsight and insight what many of us cannot comprehend. He’s gone through so much of our history. He’s walked the long hard road with Dr Jagan fighting for our nation’s democratic soul to be awakened. He’s seen victory. He’s spent decades in the trenches, belying the theory that political parties in this country pamper to ethnic and racial enclaves: Dr Luncheon is popular across the country, loved and admired and adored across Berbice, Essequi-
bo, Demerara and the hinterland. He’s shown what it takes to break the stereotypes and the deadened molds of expectations, to quietly create a new paradigm. The Guyanese people would forever be grateful to this iconic leadership figure of the ruling party. Now, he commands the respect of even Opposition members, and even those crass semi-literate reporters who find jobs in mediocre media outfits refrain from conveying bad stuff about him. Such has been his service to us, that quietly, with no fanfare, no drum beating, no chest-thumping, we see Dr Luncheon as a national icon, a gracious presence within the Government. How much would we shine on the global stage were our Public Service to follow the exemplary service of Dr Luncheon, working not for what he could gain from his position, but for what he could give to his nation. We owe leaders like Dr Luncheon a rousing national applause, this astonishing icon of the 21st century Guyanese Public Service. He’s set the bar high; he’s established the standard; he’s written the code of service to the people: he’s showcased, with his own personal exemplary leadership, what it takes to reform and build an efficient, professional, service-oriented Public Service.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
DECONSTRUCTING THE OPPOSITION’S AGENDA By Teayken A. Dhigg
An imposition of convenient amnesia – death in the quest for water THE economic ruin that the PNC and Carl Greenidge bequeathed Guyana, not only stagnated a nation with many potential and brought indescribable embarrassment to its people, but plummeted whatever standing the country might have had with regards to its international image. To say that Guyana was the laughing stock in this part of the world at that time, would be a gross understatement; a position which was precipitated by Greenidge’s incessant mismanagement. What was even more burdensome to an already despondent populace, was the uncaring attitude demonstrated by Greenidge and the PNC. It would not be challenging to conclude that the PNC’s agenda at that time was to wallow in ex-
travagance and be oblivious to the suffering of the masses; and the masses did suffer. Not only did they suffer from personal economic hardships imposed by the regime, but from the ruins resulted from the collapsed social and physical infrastructure. This was not only glaring from potholeriddled passageways that were deemed roads, but through the poor excuses for what was considered as the provision of essential services. Mind you, as at 1992, Essequibo lacked a paved thoroughfare from Supenaam to Charity. While there are numerous examples in this regard, the images of a sunken part of the Demerara Harbour Bridge on one occasion, and that of a motor vehicle stranded on a section that floated away on another, served to epitomise the
destruction the country was experiencing. That was only the tip of the iceberg. There is the horrific story then of a baby being bitten by a rat in what should have been the safe environment of the Georgetown Public Hospital. It was one thing to be exposed to woeful health facilities, but another to be bitten by a disease carrying animal while in the sanctuary of one. Once again, I would like to pose a similar question like I did before; can you image what would be the outcry today if a section of the Harbour Bridge were to float away with a vehicle and passengers on it and if a baby were to be bitten by a rodent in any government health institution? The Grangers, the Greenidges, the Ramjattans, the Nagamootoos, the Rams, the Kissoons and the Kaieteur and Stabroek News, would unabatedly rain ridicule and accusations at the adminis-
tration. This would remain unrelenting for the rest of the government’s tenure. The difference is that, t o d a y, t h e y c a n f r e e l y launch into such tirades and remain unremitting in their denigration. But you may ask, what does a past sunken bridge, a baby’s rodent bitten toe and the freedom today for persons to openly criticise the government, have to do with the current Opposition’s agenda? The answer is that it fits perfectly within the Opposition’s present obsession to impose convenient amnesia. This related imposition is being manifested in every facet of the Opposition’s output in an attempt to erase their sordid and shameful past. It was a past during which water (trickles that is) had to be trapped from broken asbestos mains situated in filthy clogged drains. For thousands across the country, this was the only means of getting
some form of potable water. Unfortunately, the overarching concern seemed only about having access to water and not so much about the contaminated liquid which was consumed. It would be unfair to say that the safety of water was not a concern. Clearly it was, but many lacked the means to engage in any form of sanitisation. During that time, Guyanese were forced to be subjected to the rituals of “water fetching” from long distances away from their homes. It became part of the culture. There are a host of images in this regard reminding of those harsh days when thousands, including children, engaged in the back-breaking task of carrying containers of what was considered as water on makeshift carts. These journeys were sometimes traversed along public roads thereby exposing them to the dangers of coming
Part 3
into contact with a vehicle. Some, unfortunately, lost their lives in that manner; death in the quest for water, or what was. Today, it therefore becomes almost shameless for those Opposition members who imposed those hardships on the nation, to even contemplate complaining now about the pressure being unable to push water to their third floor Jacuzzi even for five minutes! This, once again, demonstrates an agenda by the Opposition to force a literate nation into becoming oblivious of what that Party did in bringing this country to its knees. Fortunately, amnesia, conveniently or not, cannot be imposed despite that being the agenda. More so, Greenidge’s attempt to hide his failures would be futile for there are many who still bear the scars.
Nagga always trying fuh deliver something fuh heself!
POTSALT did hear de plenty times that de PNC/Alliance people holler and seh that dem want peace and unity and a clean campaign. That is what everybody always want but de problem is, de people who does call fuh it, don’t really want it! De first thing was when Nagga open he mouth and seh he delivering to de PNC/ Alliance eleven per cent of one ethnic group of votes. That can’t be clean campaign when yuh
meking that kinda statement! Everybody know that Nagga like fuh play delivery boy just fuh try and deliver something fuh heself. That is why he deliver de big lie when he seh Uncle Cheddi seh he must tek over! Potsalt want fuh know if Nagga mark de eleven per cent so that he can just go and deliver it! People know that Nagga gon end with a delivery problem just like de West Indies fast bowlers against Martin Guptill de other
day! That aside, Potsalt did mention what David seh at de fancy lunch de other day when he holler he only talking fuh de Palm Tree Party and not fuh Nagga Key one. If that is a show of unity then all o’ we went to school August month! Not fuh be left out, Potsalt hear how de Kissoon girl try fuh bruk up a Cup meeting in de town that name after Forbes and de Police had fuh arrest she. Before that she try fuh do de same thing to de One
Bishop in de same town. De Police move in and halt she parade. She is a MP fuh de PNC Palm Tree Party which is de same Party that holler weeks ago that it want a peaceful campaign! People now sehin that she is a MP just like de other Kissoon; Freddie; Mischievous People! One man seh de call fuh peace and unity and a clean campaign was a hypocritical one. People know just like how Midwife does deliver baby, hypocritical
calls does be delivered by hypocrites. Dem see how Nagga delivering now! But before all of that though, Potsalt remember when Kathy holler and seh de campaign mustn’t seh nothing about de past. People seh that is another delivery like Nagga. Potsalt also hearing people sehin that if de PNC/Alliance fuh win, it gon be MP pun MP all over; More Pain pun More Pain! Dem seh that is de thing it deliver in de past! Potsalt gone! Fuh now!
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
PPP, GECOM maintain positions on public vetting of E-Day staffers ONE emphatic stance has been met by another in the continuing exchange between the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on the issue of public vetting of E-Day staffers. “The PPP is wary of GECOM’s defensive statements in response to issues and concerns raised by political parties, especially towards the recruitment and training of polling day staff, moreso the downright refusal to public scrutiny of these persons. This should be no secret nor kept as a surprise to the nation, every voter deserves to know the person or persons sitting in the polling station, where they have to cast their ballot,” said PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee. At the Party’s weekly press conference, held at Freedom House on Monday, he noted that the “unwillingness” of GECOM to facilitate
public vetting of E-Day staffers is a perturbing trend. “The party views this move as a very sinister and undemocratic act against the Guyanese people. The PPP has been the lone advocate in its calls for vetting of potential polling day staff. Contrary to what is being perceived, the Party supports vetting of these individuals by all major political stakeholders and the electorate,” he said. Rohee cited history and noted that polling day staff has a significant impact on the transparency and integrity of the electoral process, hence, much emphasis must be placed on recruiting experienced, qualified and neutral persons to fill these positions through a transparent process, a process that involves the electorate, and public vetting will only serve to boost confidence in the system. “We have seen in 2011 the unprofessional and biased acts by a few presiding and
PPP General Secretary Mr Clement Rohee
GECOM Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally
assistant presiding officers towards PPP supporters, polling agents and candidates, especially in Georgetown,” he said. Meanwhile, GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, told the Guyana Chronicle that the Commission’s position on the matter has been articulated repeatedly in a “definitive” manner. The Commission, from all indications, seems un-
willing to entertain the PPP General Secretary’s repeated calls. P r i o r t o y e s t e r d a y ’s debate on the matter, Dr. Surujbally had assured that GECOM will not be hiring persons who do not satisfy the required qualification criteria. The GECOM Chairman assured that GECOM’s employment process will be guided by established em-
ployment best practices towards ensuring that the best candidates with the requisite knowledge, skills and experience are appointed to the various positions that are relevant to elections management. Additionally, the Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Vishnu Persaud, had also reiterated similar sentiments before. The DCEO added that employees engaged by GECOM are already vetted. He said, “We have vetted our polling day staff. We sent out applications, people responded, we shortlisted them on the basis of the criteria we set out. We have trained them. We went through evaluations and on this basis, the levels of achievement, we will be selecting people to work in polling stations.” Persaud added that the persons hired are also dispatched within their areas, where they are known to the voters in that particular area.
MAY BE COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE He expressed the view that public vetting of the Commission’s employees may be a counter-productive engagement. “We have received calls from potential employees that say, you publish our names we will not work,” the DCEO stated, adding that in this regard GECOM may find itself unable to fill the staff quota needed for the hosting of the May 11 General and Regional Elections. “We are confident that the people we have appointed and will appoint are persons who are adequately trained and would have demonstrated competence,” Persaud said. G E C O M ’s s e n i o r officials have expressed confidence in the electoral process and in the Commission’s ability to conduct free and fair elections. (Vanessa Narine)
Greenidge ‘barking up the wrong tree’ – Dr Luncheon By Vanessa Narine THE legal challenge regarding a loan agreement inked between the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Government of Guyana, which was advanced by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) executive, Carl Greenidge was considered by Cabinet at its weekly meeting on Tuesday. And Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon, contends that “Greenidge is barking up the wrong tree” in his attempt to prevent Government from accessing the funds available under the loan. The IDB, in the latter
part of February, approved two loan agreements for Guyana valued at US$32.16 (G$4.4B), one aimed at supporting Government’s security and the other aimed at supporting the country’s environmental initiatives. The challenge seeks to have proceeds of the sums of money under the loan agreement between the Government of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank be paid into the Consolidated Fund and for those moneys not to be withdrawn without the authority of an Appropriation Act. It further seeks a Conservatory Order restraining the Minister of Finance from spending the proceeds of the said loan until the substantive matter is heard and determined.
Dr Roger Luncheon
Carl Greenidge
The attempt to block the continuation of the current Administration’s developmental agenda, in the months before the May 11 Regional and General Elections, will not stymie the Government’s efforts, according to the Cabinet Secretary.
“He may be in the court a lot,” Dr Luncheon said. He stressed the fact that the Constitution and other legislative provisions pertaining to government spending in the months where there is no Appropriation Act (no budget) are clear.
The Cabinet Secretary added that these statutory provisions have not been breached. Luncheon told reporters that Guyana as a developing country that depends on external financing from domestic and foreign partners – the more common partners being the International Development Bank (IDB), World Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and others. He also pointed to the bilateral relations Guyana has with countries, including India and China, which support the nation’s development. “Mr. Greenidge himself was involved with the donor community for the same purpose he is now taking the Government to court,” Dr
Luncheon said. Greenidge, represented by Attorney-at-Law Roysdale Forde, maintains, however, the existence of constitutional grounds for his challenge. The writ, detailing the challenge, cites Articles 1, 8, 50, 51, 56, 65, 103, 106, 110, 112, 112A, 216, 217 and 219 of Guyana’s Constitution. It also refers to Sections 16, 36 and 61 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, Chap. 73:02. Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall is the second defendant named in the matter. April 1 has been the date scheduled for a hearing of the matter.
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Female cricketer fined $25,000 for assaulting team-mate A TWENTY- three-year-old female national cricketer was yesterday fined $25,000 by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for assaulting another cricketer. Akaze Thompson pleaded guilty to the charge that said on March 20, at Regent Street, Georgetown, she unlawfully assaulted Joanna Van Sertima so as to cause her actual bodily harm. The prosecution revealed that both parties are known to each other and that on the day in question around 19:10 hrs, Thompson accused Van Sertima of “talking her name.” After a confrontation, Thompson dealt Van Sertima several cuffs about her body. According to Thompson, it reached a point where she cannot deal with the situation anymore. She admitted that she cuffed Van Sertima, who also returned a cuff before the fight started. A failure to pay the fine will result in three weeks imprisonment.
Mabaruma man gets 21 days for beating his ‘baby mother’ By Clestine Juan A MAN who was accused of beating the mother of his nine-month-old baby was sentenced to prison for 21 days after he pleaded guilty yesterday when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. Rawl Willis, 21 years, on March 21 at Mabaruma, in the North West District, unlawfully assaulted Odella Ross, so as to cause her actual bodily harm. According to Police Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru, on the day in question at about 1:00 pm, Ross was at home when the defendant arrived under the influence of alcohol and an argument ensued. Ross became annoyed and dealt the woman several cuffs and stomps about her body. The matter was then reported. Ross, standing in the prisoner’s dock, told the court that he was sorry about his action. He explained that he was angry with his ‘child mother’ over her neglect of the baby who was sick, stating that she had refused to take the child to the doctor, and he was not thinking at the time.
Man remanded over marijuana trafficking in Cuyuni By Clestine Juan AN interior jet man is now a remanded prisoner after police said he was caught with four grams of cannabis during a search at a mining area in the hinterland. The charge against Charles Gill, 32 years, stated that on March 21, at Malonge Landing, Cuyuni River, he had in his possession cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. Gill of lot 1763 Great Diamond, Block ‘X’, East Bank Demerara, denied the charge when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Monday. Police Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru told the court that on the day in question, police saw the defendant who was on a tractor behaving in a suspicious manner and requested to conduct a search. The marijuana was found concealed in Gill’s haversack and he was arrested and charged. Gill’s lawyer, Mr. Paul Fung-a-Fat, told the court that the cannabis was not found in Gill’s possession and requested reasonable bail for his client. Mangru objected on the grounds that no special reason was raised by the attorney for bail to be granted. Bail was refused and the matter was transferred to Bartica Magistrate’s Court for April 9.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
Ex -prison officer gets Mason denies ganja smoking charge four years for narco-trafficking in prison By Geeta Rampersaud CEON Paul, who has been a prison officer for over a year, was yesterday sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for trafficking narcotics in the Georgetown Prison. Paul appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan and the ex-officer was found guilty as charged. Particulars of the charge said that on January 12 at Camp Street, Georgetown, he was caught with 30 grammes of cannabis-sativa (marijuana) in the prison. The convict of Lot 1 Bent Street, Werk-en-Rust, was slapped with two charges when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on January 15 last to answer the two charges. After denying the drug charge, Paul was remanded to prison and the matter was transferred to Magistrate McLennan for report and fixture of trial. On January 15 last, he admitted before the chief magistrate that he smuggled packets of cigarettes into the Georgetown Prisons for inmates. On that occasion he was sentenced to six months after he was caught “red-handed” with the contraband. The court heard that on the day in question, the prison officer conveyed eight packs of cigarettes and a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, both prohibited articles, into the Camp Street facility. While Paul denied the drug- trafficking charge, he claimed that he took two packs of cigarettes into prison, not eight. He also said that he has three daughters and a sister to take care of. Presenting the facts to the court, Police Prosecutor Corporal Bharat Mangru explained that on the day in question, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Cameron searched Paul and found one pack of Bristol cigarettes in his right-side pants pocket and another in his right-side shirt pocket, while six packs were concealed in his crotch. Mangru said that the ASP also observed a transparent bag under Paul’s left arm which when checked, contained a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be marijuana. The prison officer was therefore arrested and subsequently charged.
Vendor remanded over “lil old weed I forget up deh”
A VENDOR accused of marijuana trafficking was remanded to prison yesterday when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Sheldon Brown, 39, of Lot 65 Cross Street, Werk-en-Rust, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on Tuesday in Georgetown, he had in his possession 54 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. According to the man’s lawyer, Paul Fung-a-Fat, his client had no connection to the drug and it was found in the passageway of the tenant housing that Brown rents. However, Police Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru told the court that police narcotics ranks, acting on information, went to the defendant’s home where he operates a wash-bay in front of the yard, and requested to conduct a search. The court heard that the illicit substance was found concealed in front of the passageway leading to Brown’s place, and when he reportedly confessed to the ranks under caution, Brown said: “It’s lil old weed I forget up deh.” He was told of the offence and was charged. The prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that no special reason was given by the defence and the fact that the defendant admitted to the offence. Bail was refused and the matter was adjourned until April 20 when it will be called before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.
A MASON accused of smoking marijuana was yesterday granted $50,000 bail after he denied the allegation when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. It is alleged that on Tuesday at Georgetown, Troy Smith smoked cannabis. Police Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru did not relate the facts to the court nor objected to bail. The matter was transferred to city magistrate Faith McGusty for March 30.
Man on wounding charge following argument CALVIN Stacy was on Monday remanded to prison on a wounding charge after the court heard that he has no fixed place of abode. It is alleged that Stacy, on Tuesday March 10, 2015 at Water Street, Georgetown, unlawfully and maliciously wounded Trenton Benn to cause him grievous bodily harm. Stacy, however, denied the charge which was read by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. According to the prosecution, the altercation which culminated in Benn being wounded resulted from an argument the two men had earlier that day. Benn was walking south along Water Street when it is alleged that Stacy approached him, dealt him several stab wounds to his belly, and made good his escape as Benn lay unconscious. Benn was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by public-spirited citizens and was admitted. Police Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru told the court that the defendant has no fixed address and Stacy was on remand since March 13th because Benn was still hospitalised. Bail was refused and statements were ordered for April 11 before City Magistrate Annette Singh.
CJ grants ten petitioners bail totalling $5.0M ACTING Chief Justice, Mr Ian Chang, SC, on Friday last, granted 10 persons bail totaling $5,080,000, pending the hearing of their cases. Following is a list of the offences, the petitioners, and the bail granted each of them: Possession of narcotics: Terry Defreitas - $1,500,000; Farood Hamid - $1,500,000; Nigel Gordon - $225,000; Kein Troupous - $500,000; Nichole Johnson - $600,000; and Ashley Sookhoo - $250, 000; Sexual activity with a child family member: Dennis Norton - $250,000; Unlawful wounding: Kevin Smith - $30,000; Shawn Richards - $75, 000; and Inflicting grievous bodily harm: Hemraj Latchman - $150,000. (George Barclay)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
President says…
PPP/C Gov’t will ensure sugar industry’s survival – as 102nd anniversary of Rose Hall Martyrs commemorated
PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar reiterated, last evening, that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government will work indefatigably to ensure that sugar not only endures, but the industry continues to make the great contribution that it has been making throughout its history to develop Guyana. He said the sugar industry’s best days are ahead, for not only the people of Guyana, but in particular for the workers. Addressing attendees at the 102nd anniversary commemoration ceremony of the Rose Hall Martyrs, at the monument site in Canje, the Guyanese Head of State highlighted the challenges faced in the sugar industry since the European Union (EU) price cut. In 2005, the EU Agriculture ministers had agreed to cut the price of sugar by 36 percent leading to outrage by the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states which urged that the cut be 19 percent. With no remorse from the EU,
This elderly woman reciting a dramatic poem on stage, and capturing the undivided attention of President Donald Ramotar, Prime Minister Sam Hinds, Region Six Chairman David Armogan, Minister Dr Frank Anthony, BHRA Head Dr Vishwa Mahadeo and Mr Deobajan. (Adrian Narine photos) the next five years to ensure several Caribbean countries closed their sugar industries, but Guyana’s persisted. The President told the attendees at the ceremony held to remember the 15 sugar workers
who lost their lives and 56 others injured when colonial police opened fire, that the PPP/C Government will continue its support for the industry as it plans to spend $20 billion over
vagaries of world prices. President Ramotar said India has promised assistance in producing specialty sugars and extensive discussions were had with Indian officials in this regard. In January, the President during a state visit to India toured the Valsad sugar factory in the State of Gujarat and was briefed on the plant’s operations. Government has worked tirelessly to develop all the sectors and sugar workers have seen the quality of their lives improve, he said. Additional benefits they have been receiving include for their children, free text books, hot meals, snacks, uniforms and the $10,000 cash grant, as well and free health care. He pointed out the benefits of having a Specialty hospital, the Amaila Falls Hydro power project and the investments made in technical education in anticipation of developments to come. Those two aforementioned projects have been stalled due to the Opposition’s non- support and the President described them as wanting to ‘lord ‘ it over citizens even as he pointed to this flip-flopping attitude towards the hydropower project and the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill. “Previously they vehemently opposed the AML/CFT Bill. Guyana has until, September to pass this bill. Now with elections around the corner, they have a change of heart saying they will support hydropower and the AML Bill,” the President chided. Meanwhile, Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony said Guyanese have a proud history, and their ancestors did them proud and therefore their memory must be honoured, and “one way of honouring that memory is that we must instill that history in our generation and in the next because what they stood for, what they did for us, because of that, we are here today.” He warned against the ‘false prophets’ who will want Guyanese to forget history. “We must not be fooled. They are telling us we must forget our history. They are telling us we must not go back to 28 years because if we go back there, then they would
be unveiled. They want us to forget; but when they were in charge, what did they do for the people of this country? And in particular what did they do for the sugar industry of this country? They broke it up, they ruined it. And we had to take it and build it back. Yes we have challenges, and yes every time there is a challenge in whatever sector of this country, we always work to make it better,” Dr Anthony stated. “So comrades, while we honour our 15 ancestors who lost their lives, what they stood for, what they fought for, we must never lose sight of that,” Minister Anthony urged. Meanwhile, 95-year-old Harold Bissoo, the oldest pensioner of Rose Hall estate was presented with a certificate of appreciation. Following the ceremony, wreaths were laid by relatives of the deceased, as well as President Ramotar, Minister Anthony, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and regional officials. On March 15, 2014, a 9ft tall memorial, which rests on a reinforced concrete base, inset with a 2x2ft porcelain plaque, inscribed with the names of those killed and rests on the mass grave containing their bodies, was unveiled by the Head of State. The massacre resulted after workers decided to protest the retraction of a fourday holiday given to them for good production. The workers took strike action on the days scheduled as break, in protest. It was decided that in order for charges of failing to report for work to be dropped, the workers would pay legal costs. They refused and the matter was taken to court, after being found guilty of “instigating resistance to work”, the workers protested and management threatened to transfer protesting families to other plantations. More protests occurred and warrants were issued for the protests’ leaders. Workers resisted this move and colonial police ranks opened fire, killing 15 and injuring 56 others, on that fateful day. (GINA)
President Ramotar mingles with attendees at the Rose Hall Martyrs Commemoration Ceremony
its survival. He blasted the Opposition for not supporting the industry, noting its call for its closure. Only this week, former PNC parliamentarian Stanley Ming said sugar was dead and that Government was pumping money into an industry which is being eliminated in other countries. President Ramotar said labour competition with other industries will see more mechanisation in the industry, and workers will not be fired, but retrained. He said alternative sources of fuel such as ethanol, as produced by the Albion estate in Region Six, will see new revenue streams for the industry, and electricity will be produced using bagasse to insulate the industry from the
President Donald Ramotar was greeted with a ‘high five’ by a young boy during his visit to East Canje
President Ramotar greets worshippers at Canefield Mandir in Berbice last night
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
AHI rubbishes Ram’s ‘spurious’ – says two Feasibility claims on Marriott Studies were done in 2010
The Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, Guyana
NICIL Chairman Winston Brassington
Atlantic Hotel Inc. (AHI) has chided the Kaieteur News for being irresponsible as it rubbished claims made by Chartered Accountant, Mr. Christopher Ram regarding the signing of contracts for the Marriott Hotel. Kaieteur News on Tuesday, March 24 published a statement attributed to Mr Ram, in which he claims that NICIL Chairman Mr Winston Brassington “signed contracts for the (Marriott) hotel since in October 2011 but only had the critical feasibility study done by a Miami-based consulting firm in September 2012”. “Mr. Ram’s statement is entirely false and the Kaieteur News publication of it is completely irresponsible,” the AHI said, adding: “It has now become the habit of Mr. Ram to publish inaccurate, tasteless and often defamatory statements on his blog site with regard to Brassington and the Marriott Hotel without any reference to the facts or the truth. Ram’s statements are then readily published in the Kaieteur News regardless of their factual inaccuracy or departure from the truth.” According to the all-purpose company in the handling of Marriott, had Ram been less intent on character assassination and less given to propaganda, instead of professional analysis and research, he would have discovered that the first market Feasibility Study undertaken with regard to the building of the Hotel was conducted by the Marriott Hotel Group in 2010. Ram, the AHI said in a
statement, would have also discovered that a further independent study by a highly reputed international Miami-based firm, HVS Consulting, was also conducted in 2010. “Both of these Feasibility Studies were, therefore, presented well before Mr. Brassington on behalf of AHI, signed the construction contracts with Shanghai Construction Group (SCG) in October 2011 for the building of the Marriott Hotel. The HVS Study was subsequently updated and presented in October 2012,” the company said. Kaieteur News itself, on May 13, 2012, in an article headlined ‘Marriott Feasibility’, quotes Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, in reporting to Parliament. The Minister told the House that: “There was market feasibility study conducted by the Marriott Hotel Group and one conducted in 2010 by an independent American firm which is being updated in 2012.” The Kaieteur News article went on to report Minister Singh as being “willing to have a closed door presentation” of the Feasibility Study “made available under the condition of the utmost confidentiality and discussed with key Opposition members”. But the Opposition showed no interest in the offer. “In what appears to be an orchestrated attack, we now see shadow Minister of Finance in the AFC/APNU Alliance, Mr. Carl Greenidge, rather than properly informing himself, is reported in the Kaieteur News, of Wednes-
Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram
day, 25th March, 2015, as stating ‘Signing of Marriott contract before Feasibility Study done - This outrageous act of disrespect must be dealt with condignly.’ WORKING CLOSELY According to the AHI, Ram and Greenidge seem to be working closely. “Just a few days ago, Mr. Ram went to great lengths to compare the performance of Mr. Greenidge tenure as Minister of Finance against that of Minister Singh, going to great lengths to avoid the economic depression that marked most of Mr. Greenidge’s tenure. In fact, Mr. Greenidge seems to be unacquainted with many of the facts, many of which he should be very familiar given his position as a Parliamentarian,” the company said. 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, AFC Leader Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan asked a series of questions on the project [(Notice paper #12, (Q9, Opp9) published in Parliament on February 15, 2012]. On March 15, 2012, the Minister of Finance issued a full reply (the facts of which remain materially 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. QUESTION & ANSWER More specifically, as part of the questions and answers, the Minister of Finance response of March 15, 2012
(Part 111 of the said question) was as follows: Question: Were any feasibility study and any environmental impact study done prior to agreement(s) being signed? If so, can the Minister provide a copy of each? Answer: Yes, there was market feasibility study conducted by the Marriott Hotel Group and one conducted in 2010 by an independent American firm which is being updated for 2012. There is also a draft ESIA report which is awaiting final issuance by the EPA pending the receipt of building permission. These documents are confidential at this time; however, the Government is willing to have a closed door presentation that will allow certain details of these documents to be made available under the condition of utmost confidentiality and discussed with key opposition members without these documents being made public. The AHI said it is not the first occasion that Christopher Ram has seriously undermined his own credibility by indulging himself in misinformed and misguided comments on his blog in reference to the Marriott Hotel and to Brassington.
On December 16 last year, Kaieteur News reported Ram wrongfully alleging on his blog that the Shanghai Construction company had benefitted from a “cut price” contract, compromising supervision over the quality of the construction of the hotel, when nothing could be further from the truth. On that occasion, had Ram bothered to consult the contract made public since March 2012 and inform himself on the bidding process for the contract, he would have known that the contract terms provided for completely independent supervision of the construction by an international company, M. A. Angeliades based in New York, and that the contract obligates the contractor to deliver to the design and construction requirements of the Marriott Hotel Group. Mr. Roberto Grisi, General Manager of the Guyana Marriott, who has been with the Marriott for over 25 years, following Ram’s ill-informed comments, had reason to publicly state that the construction of the Hotel, in many cases, exceeded the standards required by the Marriott. Grisi pointed out that “our brand is very important, we have over four thousand five hundred hotels with different brands in Marriott… and the presence of Marriott in this country is very important to us”. “AHI is proud of the fact that in spite of the typically irresponsible attempts made by Mr. Ram and his colleagues in the Opposition, the Marriott Hotel is being completed in line with budget, to the satisfaction of Marriott standards, will open to the public on 16th April, will employ some 230 Guyanese and will be a success,” the statement concluded.
Guyana deepens ties with Vietnam
– Ambassador to Guyana appointed HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon yesterday announced a new Diplomat for Guyana, His Excellency Julien Van Kien. Dr Luncheon told reporters that Cabinet approved the appointment of Mr Van Kien as the non-resident ambassador of the Republic of Vietnam to the Republic of Guyana. Ambassador Van Kien would be resident in Brazil.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
Nude body of teenage girl found on seawall THE nude body of a teenage girl was found yesterday morning at the Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara seashore in the vicinity of the University of Guyana access road. The Chronicle has been informed that the body of the fourteen-year-old schoolgirl, up to the time that it was discovered, was relatively fresh and had several lacerations. It was noted that when the body was discovered, the girl was not frothing,
which suggested that she had not been dead for too long. Investigators are working on the theory that she might have been killed and dumped at the location. In addition, they are also looking at the possibility that the schoolgirl may have been in the company of someone inside a vehicle close to the area before she was killed. Investigators could not say if the lacerations found on the girl’s remains resulted from her being battered or from waves lashing her
body against the rocks at the seashore. Sources close to the investigation said they were alerted to the presence of the body by an anonymous caller, who telephoned the police station at Sparendaam. When the Chronicle visited the scene, the girl’s body – with two tattoos visible on her arms - was wrapped in a sheet and was under police guard as they awaited the arrival of detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department. (Leroy Smith)
A sheet covers part of the schoolgirl’s body, as detectives examine the body for distinctive marks
Police ranks at the scene
Some of the persons who converged on the scene to get a glimpse of the remains
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
Guyana will forge ahead with noble intention of Iwokrama
- President Ramotar says
President Donald Ramotar The Iwokrama Canopy Walkway is one of the best ways to explore Guyana’s rainforests. According to the website, gotoguyana.org, a normal stroll through any rainforest is an enlightening experience – the dense moisture, the trickles of sunlight, the towering trees, the sounds of the Screaming Piha – but to go from walking along the forest floor to being suspended amongst the canopy provides an unmatched vantage point. At the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, visitors can have the full experience: jungle trails, overnight rainforest accommodations and an easily accessible walkway through the trees that provides excellent birdwatching. The Iwokrama Canopy Walkway is a series of connected suspension bridges and viewing decks that reach nearly 30 metres in height and 155 metres in length, all in the mid and upper canopy of the Iwokrama Forest (Photo courtesy gotoguyana.org) G U YA N A w i l l f o r g e ahead with the noble intention of the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development, despite global community’s falling off of support for the project. This assurance was given earlier this week by President Donald Ramotar, who noted that the intent of the project was (and still is) that the Iwokrama forest would serve as a research and development centre which would also test models of sustainable forest use and local community partnerships. Guyana, in 1989, pioneered the establishment of the Iwokrama Conservation Concession, the first in the world, with a donation to the international community of approximately 360,000 hectares of prime virgin state forest land in
the Iwokrama area in Region 8 (Potaro/Siparuni). The Mission of the project was to promote conservation, sustainable and equitable use of tropical rainforests in a manner that would lead to lasting ecological and social benefits to the people of Guyana, and to the world in general. The method by which this end was to be achieved was by undertaking research, training, and the development and dissemination of technologies. Seven years after its formal establishment in 1996, the Centre has sought to advance best practices in the sustainable management of the rainforest. President Ramotar said the partnerships with local communities represent some of the most transparent and benefit-sharing models in the world. Unfortunately, after some
years, the holders of the Conservation concession indicated that they were no longer in a position to pay the required fees. “They took this decision even though the monies paid were a small fraction of the opportunity costs foregone by Guyana, compared to traditional sustainable forest activities.” President Ramotar said that, despite these disappointments, Guyana continues and will continue to show its unwavering commitment to good forest governance and sustainable multiple use forest activities with the perpetuation of this project. Last month, Cabinet approved a financial tranche of US$100,000 to the Centre in a continuing programme of support to ensure its viability for the rest of 2015. (Clifford Stanley)
Earth Hour 2015:
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
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Why is the world turning off its lights? By Lydia Smith THE world will switch its lights off this weekend in a global movement to unite people to protect the planet and promote sustainability. Now in its ninth year, Earth hour has grown to encourage more than 2.2 million individuals and 2,000 businesses across 7,000 cities worldwide to turn their lights out, as a symbol of their commitment to the cause.
It began as a lights-off event in Sydney in 2007, but a record 162 countries took part in 2014, with support from Britain to Australia, Uruguay and Russia. Earth Hour is a charitable organisation based out of Singapore and an open source movement organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and volunteer organisations around the world. When is Earth Hour? Earth Hour 2015 will
be held on Saturday 28 March, between 8.30 pm and 9.30 pm in your local time zone. It is held at the end of March around the time of the Spring and Autumn equinoxes in the northern and southern hemispheres respectively, which allows for near coincidental sunset times in both hemispheres and therefore ensuring the greatest visible impact for the “lights out”. It is not a blackout, but a voluntary action by its
The National Cathedral dimmed its lights for Earth Hour in Washington, DC (Getty image)
participants to show their commitment to an act of change that benefits the planet. For many businesses in city skyscrapers or in government buildings, the lights are turned off at the end of the business day on the Friday before Earth Hour – meaning it is more of a fade-out than a blackout. There may well be a dramatic view at iconic landmarks, such as Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, Table Mountain, The Eiffel Tower, Buckingham Palace, Times Square and even the International Space Station.
Marine Protected Area in the country. Thousands of wood-saving stoves were distributed to families in Madagascar and in India, solar-powered lights were installed in three villages without electricity. And the effects of Earth Hour have gone even further: in Paraguay, WWF used the Earth Hour platform to build public support to gain an extension of the logging moratorium to help reduce deforestation, while education programmes for schools were launched in Taiwan and Thailand. (International Business Times)
The lights of the Petronas towers in Kuala Lumpur were switched off for Earth Hour in 2014 (Getty image)
Guyanese urged to put their best carbon footprint forward - as Earth Hour 2015 is observed “PUT Your Best Carbon Footprint Forward”, the Organising Committee for Earth Hour 2015 is urging Guyanese this year. Earth Hour is an initiative of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to raise awareness about climate change, and will be observed by the global community with a symbolic hourlong ‘lights off’ event on Saturday, March 28, from 8:30 to 9:30 pm. All Guyanese are urged to join the entire global community in turning off all electricity to their homes for one hour on Saturday night at the hitherto mentioned time, to demonstrate their commitment to take action beyond the hour for a sustainable future. In keeping with the national theme, the Guyana Organising Committee disclosed this week that it is encouraging practical measures to reduce the carbon footprint of Guyanese by focusing on energy and water usage, and on improved management of solid wastes in our urban and rural spaces. There have been educational activities in and around Georgetown. Highlight of the educational programme is,
What is Earth Hour Blue? A digital crowdfunding and crowdsourcing platform for the planet launched last year, it is designed to engage more people beyond the lights out event. The crowdfunding section of the platform allows participants to financially support and deliver positive changes to the environment and communities worldwide. So far, Earth Hour and Earth Hour Blue have changed the world is several ways. In 2013, Argentina used the campaign to help pass a Senate bill for a 3.4 million hectare
however, a ‘lights out’ Concert to be held on March 28th at the National Park. Organisers of the concert, the WWF and its Earth Hour Partners, are asking all and sundry to visit the National Park from 7:00 pm to symbolise their commitment to halting climate change, and to display their dedication to reducing their own carbon footprint. The evening will feature song, poetry, dance and the symbolic lights-off event from 8:30 to 9:30 pm. Acoustic guitar and steel pan rhythms, free face and body painting activity, and a mini upcycling exhibition about some novel ways of turning trash into treasure are also some of the added attractions. The Earth Hour 2015 organising committee urges those who remain at home to symbolise their commitment to fighting climate change by switching their lights off between 8:30 and 9:30 pm on March 28. All Guyanese are also urged to take action beyond Earth Hour for a sustainable future.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
UN ask for US$30m to help cyclone-ravaged Vanuatu – 75,000 urgently need shelter; estimated 110,000 have no access to safe drinking water THE United Nations on Tuesday launched an urgent appeal for nearly US$30 million to provide
life-saving assistance in Vanuatu after the island nation was ravaged by cyclone Pam.
The UN’s humanitarian organisation said it had launched a flash appeal for US$29.9 million to help 166,000 people in the Pacific archipelago after it was hit by the cyclone on March 13. “That is more than half of the population of this island nation,” OCHA spokesman Jens Laerke told reporters in Geneva. Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam, a maximum category five storm, destroyed homes and crops and contaminated water supplies in Vanuatu, increasing the risk of the spread of infectious and water-borne diseases. An estimated 110,000 people have no access to safe drinking water, while some 75,000 urgently need shelter, according to OCHA. DIGICEL ALSO LAUNCHES APPEAL Digicel has also offi-
A woman sits outside her damaged home in Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila following the devastating Cyclone (Photo courtesy: thestar.com)
cially launched an appeal for donations to collect much-needed funds to assist with relief efforts in cyclone-ravaged Vanuatu, a cluster of islands in the Pacific Ocean. Digicel is partnering with ‘Save the Children Australia’ in collecting funds via SMS and online in an initiative that start-
ed on Tuesday. The nation of Vanuatu was hit by a category 5 cyclone in the early hours of Saturday, March 13. Packing winds of up to 340 kilometres per hour, the cyclone caused mass destruction and devastation across much of Vanuatu, especially in the outlying islands.
Save the Children Australia is working around the clock to provide food, water, shelter and other basic necessities to the most vulnerable communities; and all monies donated will go towards those efforts. Promoted primarily on social media, the telecommunications provider i s u rg i n g c u s t o m e r s t o stand #TogetherForVanuatu and to donate to Save the Children’s Cyclone Pam appeal by either texting to donate or donating online. Digicel customers can instantly donate $1 by texting into the short c o d e 9 2 2 2 i n F i j i , S amoa, Tonga and Nauru. Non-Digicel customers can also help by donating online at:https:// donate.savethechildren. org.au/digicel.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
IN LIGHT OF ‘BOGUS COPS’ ROADBLOCKS, TOP COP ADVISES...
Roadblocks will be near police station – with police vehicle parked nearby By Michel Outridge TRAFFIC Chief Ian Amsterdam yesterday said that on the issue of police road blocks, from a Traffic point of view, it is always advisable for ranks to be outfitted with the reflective vest and traffic wardens to have the reflective wand so that they are visible to motorists from a distance. He added that it was announced by the Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud that after several incidents of persons impersonating police officers and committing robberies at roadblocks at night had been publicised, police roadblocks should be within the vicinity of a police station with a marked police vehicle
parked there. Amsterdam noted that traffic ranks should accompany members of the patrol, be it detectives or anti-crime ranks at roadblocks, to indicate to motorists that they are out there conducting a legitimate exercise, especially in big roadblocks called “deliberate roadblocks.” He explained that roadblocks should have all the features while “snap roadblocks” are set up on the basis of information received by the police to do stop-andsearch exercises on motorists at any given point on the roadways. The senior officer stated that in this type of roadblock, a traffic rank may be unavailable if the in-line traffic rank
is out on other duties, but it is advisable they be a part of that roadblock because they can focus on documentation while the detectives and members of the anti-crime patrol can profile motorists in the stop- and-search exercise. Amsterdam said that perpetrators impersonating police officers and setting up roadblocks may be persons with military training, and may have even absconded from active duty and deemed A b s e n t Wi t h o u t L e a v e (AWOL). He pointed out that the “cop bandits” may very well be people with some form of military training that are doing these crimes and they are trying to ascertain how many police kits are unaccounted
Traffic Chief Ian Amsterdam
Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud
for by ranks who were interdicted and sent off duty or discharged. Amsterdam told this publication that police roadblocks should also have the presence of a detective and,
if possible, they should wear their name tags so motorists can identify them by their badges of rank as well. He advised that motorists in doubt should always look for a parked police vehicle
when approaching a police road block and ask questions and if necessary ask to see identification cards of ranks manning that road block. Last week, a group of workers were returning to their East Bank location after conducting business in Berbice when they were stopped at what appeared to be a police roadblock by several men dressed in police uniforms. After stopping, they were taken to a desolate dam at Grove, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara and robbed. There were two separate incidents on the East Bank corridor where persons travelling to and from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) were stopped at roadblocks by men posing as cops, who relieved them of money and valuables amounting to millions.
Thousands of families benefit from housing regularisation process – says Minister Irfaan Ali MORE than 21,000 families could now access loans because they have built equity
Minister Irfaan Ali
in land titles, which would never have been possible prior to 1992. Expounding on the importance of the regularisation programme, Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali explained that the Government of Guyana remains concerned about the well-being of all Guyanese, including those who are occupying lands in informal settlements and are under the regularisation programme. Since 1992, when the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) was elected to Government, the problem of squatting was one of the major
issues the Ministry of Housing and Water has had to address. Regularisation of squatters in areas suitable for housing settlements was one of the pillars around which the new Government sought to address the problem of housing. This project sought to embrace the overall policy of land divestment, wherein the Government adopted the sites-and-services approach in establishing new housing areas, along with providing and upgrading infrastructure in regularised squatting areas. The Ministry of Housing and Water, through the Central Housing and Planning Au-
A section of one of the several new housing schemes in Guyana
thority (CH&PA) has, to date, regularised approximately 85% of squatting communities countrywide, and an ongoing plan is in place to continue regularisation; that plan is so designed as to continue until all the areas have been completed.
Minister Ali, alluding to some of the benefits of regularisation, noted that those included ownership of land by way of title; access to infrastructure such as roads, electricity and water; empowerment of communities by way of participatory planning for
community improvements; and improvement in the quality of life. The CH&PA will continue to regularise into housing areas the squatting areas which are compatible with the standards for development, in order to provide security of tenure and improved living conditions for this segment of the population. The MHW has also announced that relocation plans for squatters who occupy areas that cannot be regularised will be activated to offer improved quality of life for current occupants. (Rebecca Ganesh)
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Wagner stuns Commission, twists sinister... From page 7
phone call from my brother who was in tears and in shock from Dr Rodney’s death”, she said, claiming that “Gregory’s shock turned to horror as he was soon labelled as the bomber by the media and sympathisers and supporters of the WPA and as an agent of the Burnham Government who was on a mission to kill Dr Rodney.” Smith fled into hiding in
French Guiana, and changed his identity to Cyril Johnson, although Commission testimonies state that the State machinery of the PNC Government devised an elaborate clandestine undercover secretive scheme to smuggle Smith through Kwakwani to French Guiana, where he worked the rest of his life, though he visited New York briefly when his mother was ill and passed away.
Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 09:00 hrs Friday, March 27, 2015 - 05:00 hrs Saturday, March 28, 2015 - 08:30 hrs
Under stiff cross-examination from Counsel Pilgrim and Ram, Wagner said she did not know that Smith was flown aboard a GDF military plane from Timheri airport to Kwakwani the morning of June 14, 1980, right after the deadly bomb-blast. She also said she did not know, “until after”, that Smith had returned to Guyana in 1982. Wagner submitted several documents as evidence to the Commission, including a birth certificate issued to Smith in Georgetown, in his new identity as Cyril Johnson, on June 21, 1982. However, before that birth certificate was issued to him in Georgetown, he had mysteriously secured a passport two years earlier, on July 5, 1980. This grave anomaly indicates that Smith’s postRodney assassination living arrangements may have been handled at the highest State in Guyana, but no Counsel has as yet raised this point to Wagner. Counsel for Donald Rodney and the WPA, Pilgrim, Ram and Keith Scotland of Trinidad and Tobago, are questioning Wagner about these inconsistencies seeking to establish that her stunning claim that the WPA had set up and tormented Smith after Dr Rodney’s death may be inconsistent with several facts she may not have been aware of, as the only source of information for her version of events came from Smith himself. This sitting of the international Presidential Commission runs until Friday at the High Court building in Georgetown.
Aries You're apt to feel stronger within, helping you to connect the inner and outer sides of your personality. You may feel like you have all your troops united on a common front and are making tremendous progress toward reaching your goals. Don't stop. Your momentum is strong. Things you set in motion now will have a tremendous effect that will continue to increase over time. Taurus There's an explosive quality about the day. You may walk along, minding your own business, when someone accidentally bumps into you. Your first reaction may be to push that person back. Carelessness on the part of others may cause you to get worked up into fits of rage. Do your best to keep these tendencies under control, especially when driving. Gemini You have a tremendous amount of drive and enthusiasm to help you move forward in your projects. Be careful that you don't act hastily or impulsively. Be careful of starting out on a new path without having a good idea about where it's going. Rash decisions may lead to dangerous situations, so know what direction to go in before you start the car. Be safe. Cancer A relationship with a close partner may get a bit confused. You could react quickly to a situation without really thinking before speaking. There may be some confusion in your mind about whether to stay silent or take a more aggressive route and blurt out everything you feel. It's important that you find an equal balance of both. Leo You may run into a great deal of opposition from just about every quarter. The most frustrating part about this is that even the people you turn to for help will transform the situation into an even bigger mess. Instead of finding relief, you may find more complications and misunderstandings. Perhaps you need to take the situation into your own hands and deal with it yourself. Virgo You're becoming much more perceptive. At the same time, your psyche and unconscious knowing are also more acute. You may find that you know more about the way someone feels than that person does. More than likely, this sort of perspective is causing you to want to take aggressive action in order to shake people up and help them open their own eyes to the situation at hand. Libra You're likely to act with great immediacy. You will instantly know what to do in a situation, especially a crisis. You're likely to be thinking at top speed and moving with efficiency and courage. You should feel strong knowing that there's a terrific support system surrounding you in case things go awry. Go out on a limb and take a chance that you might not have considered before. Scorpio If someone tries to criticise you, don't be afraid to defend yourself. Other people aren't going to be afraid to speak their minds, and you shouldn't either. You may feel like someone is prodding you with a stick. They probably just want to get some sort of reaction out of you. Be honest about how you feel and explain your statements instead of just being curt. Sagittarius Be a friend to someone new and lend a hand to a greater cause than just your own advancement. Ally with people by offering your support instead of asking for it. Give more of yourself and you will find that in the long run you will receive a great deal more than you ever would have asked for. Be generous to the people around you and form collective goals that will benefit everyone. Capricorn The gas is on. One spark can cause an explosive fireball. There's a tremendous amount of potential energy to the day just waiting to be unleashed. Know what you're getting into before you light that match. The effects of your actions will ripple for some time. That said, go ahead and set the situation on fire. Perhaps there's an issue brewing that can no longer be ignored. Aquarius This is truly a day of new beginnings. You can start a fresh cycle of emotions and understanding that can help you develop the quality and depth of your relationships. Note that all levels of your relationships will be affected in some way. Take time to consider the fact that you're at the starting line. Focus and align yourself with your goals and the people who can help you meet them. Pisces Stop dwelling on old projects and routines based on situations that have long since expired. Note the changes that have occurred around you and adjust your plans. This is a good time to honestly examine your situation. Being aggressive in your approach toward improvement and change means letting go of what no longer serves you. Move forward with courage instead of hesitation.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
Total team effort brought us the title – skipper Johnson … Victorious Guyana Jaguars return home
LEON Johnson, captain of the victorious Guyana Jaguars team who win West Indies Cricket Board Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day Tournament, believes that while history would show that he was the one at the helm of the team that won their first title in 17 years, it was a complete effort that brought home the trophy to the ‘Land of Many Waters’. Guyana Jaguars completed eight emphatic victories to end with 148 points, 31 points clear of secondplaced Barbados. Narsingh Deonarine, Vishaul Singh, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Christopher Barnwell hit match-winning centuries, while Veerasammy Permaul (67 wickets) and Devendra Bishoo (61 wickets) each broke the record for most wickets in a season, which was held by Ryan Austin with 60. “It was a total team effort from the guys and we have been good in all departments of the game and obviously the contribution of
Permaul and Bishoo throughout the tournament … having snatched 128 wickets between them. Johnson said the Jaguars bowled out every single team in the competition and also three batsmen totalled over 500 runs and four were close to 500. We have been positive throughout,” Johnson told reporters upon the team’s return, at the Ogle International Airport. The team was received by president of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Drubahadur and secretary Anand Sanasie who had called on the team to finish with victory prior to their departure for Dominica. Lauding the players for fighting through the initial tough periods in the match and completing a thumping victory, Sanasie went on to express his satisfaction about the team’s dominant and consistent performance throughout the tournament. He also congratulated Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Leon Johnson for being called
ICC Annual Conference ... Bassarath formed an alliance with fast bowling legend and Barbados Cricket Association president, Joel Garner, in an attempt to unseat Cameron and vicepresident Emmanuel Nanthan at elections held earlier this month in Jamaica. Bassarath lost the vice-
presidential race, 8-4, with Garner going down to Cameron on a similar count. However, Bassarath said elections were now over and the WICB would move forward as a united body, in order to improve West Indies cricket. “The TTCB (Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board) made a choice at the last election and it was great to see that we were able
up in the West Indies 20-man camp for the England Test tour to the West Indies. He further urged those who were not selected to continue training hard and their time will come as their on-field performances cannot be ignored forever. Drubahadur congratulated the team for bringing the title back to Guyana after 17 years, noting that they have set the bar extremely high for competitions to come. The GCB president pointed out that the GCB has excelled this year, starting from the Under-15 right up to the senior teams. He thanked the Executives of the GCB for their commitment and the management of the Guyana Jaguars, being an extension of the Board. Team management and staff expressed their gratitude to the GCB and Cricket Guy Inc. for the support given and pledged to continue to work hard for future success regionally. The team will take a one-week break before joining the Academy Jaguars for training. From back page
to democratically host an election. Everyone is free to support whoever they want but having said that, Dave is the president and we are going to give him full support in moving forward,” the administrator said. “He is the man at the helm and we are all there to improve everything about our cricket and he
knows that we will support the movement forward. We might not agree on all things but it is great to see that we can put things aside and work for the betterment of cricket in the Caribbean.” He continued: “When the ICC comes to Barbados, they must feel satisfied that their choice was a great one and we at the WICB will be making sure that it is a success.”
Racing Tips South Africa Racing Tips
Newbury
12:05 hrs One Cool Princess
Vaal
10:30 hrs Might Bite
12:35 hrs Colms Dream
08:25 hrs Like A Boss
11:05 hrs Chosen Well
13:10 hrs Railway Tommy
09:00 hrs Epsom Downs
11:40 hrs Morning Reggie
13:40 hrs Clara More
09:35 hrs Captain’s Diva
12:10 hrs Remiluc
14:10 hrs Mall Dini
10:10 hrs Plunk Rocker
12:45 hrs Champagne Rian
American Racing Tips
10:45 hrs Dangerous Diva
13:20 hrs Queen Spud
Gulfstream Park
English Racing Tips
Ffos Las
Race 1 When We Act
Wolverhampton
10:40 hrs Belmount
Race 2 Duval St.
09:50 hrs Fleeting Indian
11:15 hrs Paddy For Oscar
Race 3 Valiant Knight
10:20 hrs Excellent George
11:50 hrs Aigle De La See
10:50 hrs Wanting
12:20 hrs Sweet Like You
11:25 hrs Sonnetation
12:55 hrs Midnight Silver
12:00 hrs Rex Whistler
Irish racing Tips
Race 8 Remarkable Teresa
12:30 hrs Ninepointsixthree
Cork
Race 9 Madamoiselle Bond
13:05 hrs Rezwaan
11:00 hrs Crystal Pearl
Race10 Rush Now
Race 4 Caminto Race 5 First Among Equals Race 6 Wilscat Runner Race 7 Prima Storm
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
Kiwis still bubbling over semi-final performance By Greg Stutchbury AUCKLAND, New Zealand (Reuters) - Grant Elliott’s towering six which propelled New Zealand into their first cricket World Cup final was still generating media buzz yesterday. The 36-year-old dispatched Dale Steyn’s delivery over deep midwicket to take New Zealand to 299 for six on Tuesday, giving them a tense four-wicket victory over South Africa in the first semi-final at Eden Park. It ended a run of six defeats in semifinals for New Zealand, who will play either Australia or India in Sunday’s final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Reigning champions India meet fourtime winners Australia in the second semi in Sydney today. New Zealand’s victory dominated local media coverage yesterday with television,
radio and newspapers devoting significant air time and pages to the match, with Elliott’s consolation of a devastated Steyn creating social media buzz. Former Sri Lanka batsman Russel Arnold tweeted the picture of Elliott shaking hands with Steyn as the South African lay on his back, labelling it ‘the spirit of sport’ and asking whether it could be the defining moment of the tournament. Other former players and cricket organisations compared the gesture to that of England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff consoling Australia fast bowler Brett Lee during the 2005 Ashes series. Elliott himself said after the match that he felt it was important he showed Steyn some compassion, reasoning that he could have been the one sitting there and going through the same emotions if he had failed to score the required runs. “I think you have to feel compassion
Grant Elliott is all smiles as he collects the Man-of-the-Match award from former legendary West Indies captain Clive Lloyd in Auckland. and be humble in victory and humble in defeat. It’s just part of who I am,” he said. “I felt sorry for him and I felt sorry for a lot of them.” New Zealand Prime Minister John Key took a moment during a media conference in Tokyo to congratulate the team and said he would attend the final on Sunday.
Airlines have also announced additional flights to get New Zealand fans to Melbourne for Sunday’s final, while the match will be screened on free-to-air television. The tournament has primarily been broadcast on subscription-based television.
UEFA loves FIFA dearly, says re-elected Platini By Mike Collett
Misbah-ul-Haq
Pakistan captain and coach must have more power - Misbah KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters) - Pakistan captain Misbah-ulHaq has urged the cricket board to give the skipper and coach the final say in selection matters. The 40-year-old batsman made his one-day international farewell when the team were knocked out of the World Cup by Australia in last week’s quarterfinals but will continue to lead the side in Tests. “I think the coach and captain should
have the authority to make selections,” Misbah told reporters in Lahore on Tuesday. Under the existing set-up the coach and captain can only give advice to the selection committee. “I am blamed for most of the problems without anyone realising that most of the time I alone am not responsible for the decisions,” said Misbah. “Some players I have played with are very
biased in their comments. Some former players use harsh language and this is not helping Pakistan cricket.” Misbah said the batsmen let Pakistan down at the 50-over World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. “It was mainly due to our bowlers that we made the quarter-finals but we need to look at and resolve our batting woes,” he added. “Our batsmen need to work harder and be more serious about their skills.”
VIENNA, Austria (Reuters) - Michel Platini was re-elected by acclamation as UEFA president for a third term yesterday and immediately told Congress delegates not to believe everything they hear about the confederation’s relationship with FIFA. The former France international, who has been president since 2007, was handed another four-year term by delegates of the 54-member nations after standing unopposed. UEFA and FIFA have been at loggerheads for years and European football’s ruling body is supporting the three candidates standing against incumbent Sepp Blatter in the FIFA presidential elections in May. Platini, whose re-election means he continues as a FIFA vice-president for the next four years, said: “Europe’s entire football community loves FIFA dearly. “It is precisely because we love and respect it that we want it to be perfect,” said the 59-year-old. “We also work together on key issues. We at UEFA will always be there on the front line when it comes to defending national associations’ autonomy in the face of external interference. “Similarly we are always ready and willing to strengthen and coordinate development programmes. It seems we will be working together for another few years so I want to tell you something ... do not believe everything you hear,” added Platini. “We Europeans want a strong FIFA, a FIFA that is respectable and respected, since FIFA is and always will be football’s supreme authority, the sport’s ultimate governing body. “Certain people are perhaps trying to turn us against each other, seeking
Michel Platini elected UEFA president for a third term to divide and rule. They are trying to isolate the supposedly arrogant and selfish Europeans -- again, do not believe everything you hear. “Yes, we know we are in a privileged position. Yes, we know we make mistakes and are not necessarily any better than anyone else.” Looking at Blatter sitting in the front row, Platini said: “However, you should know we are willing to work with you, hand in hand, for the good of world football, for the good of the 209 national associations worldwide and for the good of FIFA.” On the presidential vote to be held at FIFA’s Congress, he added: “Whatever the result of the elections on May 29 we will (still) work together. I am convinced of it.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
Fly Jamaica donates ticket to the USA for fundraising event INTERNATIONAL airline carrier Fly Jamaica last Friday handed over an airline ticket to the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) as part of the club’s Silver Jubilee Anniversary Celebration. The ticket to the United States of America will be used as the first prize in a special raffle to raise funds for the Club’s cricket development programme and massive pro-education and anti-drugs campaign which targets 60 000 youths in the ancient county of Berbice. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, in accepting the ticket from Marketing Manager of the Jamaica-based Guyaneseowned airline, Wesley Tucker, stated that the RHTYSC during the year would be hosting over 200 programmes/activities with emphasis on sports, culture, education, charity, education, anti-drugs and antisuicide programmes. Special emphasis is being placed on
the development of new cricketing talent under a massive and broad-based structured cricket coaching programme which is being coordinated by coach Delbert Hicks. Under this programme, youths from 10 years old are being coached, as the club seeks to unearth new talent for the future. Funds raised from the raffle will be used to purchase more cricket gear for the coaching programme, host intersecondary school volleyball and basketball competitions and also provide schoolbags for less fortunate students attending schools in the Lower Corentyne area. The schoolbags project would be done in conjunction with the Guyana Police Force outreach community programme. The Club Secretary/CEO expressed gratitude to the management of Fly Jamaica especially Captain Reece and Mr Tucker for coming on board with Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation. The longserving club official stated that the RHTYSC
Fly Jamaica’s Wesley Tucker hands over airline ticket to RHTYSC Hilbert Foster. intends to make 2015 a memorable year as the club continues to make a positive impact in the lives of youths, the elderly and less fortunate. Marketing Manager Wesley Tucker stated that Fly Jamaica was pleased to be associated with the RHTYSC as it
Victoria bid Shipperd farewell with Sheffield Shield title VICTORIA have won the 2014-15 Sheffield Shield by staving off Western Australia’s bowlers and securing a draw on the fifth day of the final at Bellerive Oval. As the away team, the Warriors had to win the match in order to claim the title and they set Victoria a chase of 334 on the final day; the Victorians made no attempt to chase down the runs, and finished the day on 4 for 158. Scores: Victoria 381 and 4 for 158 (Quiney 53) drew with Western Australia 421 and 2 for 293 (Harris 158). The triumph is a fitting farewell for coach Greg Shipperd, whose 11year tenure with Victoria is ending, and probably for veteran opener Chris Rogers, who is expected to retire after this year’s Ashes tour of England. It was the state’s first Shield title since 2009-10 and their fourth under the stewardship of Shipperd, who took over after the tragic death of David Hookes in 2004. It was also an especially impressive turnaround after they finished on the bottom of the table last summer in what was Matthew Wade’s first season as captain. Victoria won six matches under Wade this season, despite playing only twice at
Victoria celebrate after winning the Sheffield Shield for 2014-15. the MCG, and by the end of the summer their side was so strong that Wade’s predecessor Cameron White could not even squeeze into the XI. The final day was always going to be a challenge for Western Australia given Victoria needed only a draw, but they perhaps did not help themselves by batting on for six overs in the morning. They declared on 2 for 293 with Marcus Harris on 158 and captain Adam Voges on 36, but the target of 334 was never likely to interest Victoria. Rogers made a determined 17 from 66 deliveries on his way to a second Shield title with Victoria, before he was bowled by Nathan Coulter-Nile, and his opening partner Rob Quiney settled in for a long stay. Marcus Stoinis was caught and bowled for 8 in unusual fashion when his
cut ricocheted off Cameron Bancroft at silly mid-off and back into the hands of the bowler. Victoria were 2 for 70 in the 37th over of the 96 allocated for their innings, and that became 3 for 98 in the 56th over when Quiney was caught behind off Andrew Tye for 53. But the only other breakthrough was when Peter Handscomb was bowled by Coulter-Nile for 13 in the 65th over, which left Victoria at 4 for 123 and gave the Warriors a sniff. However, Wade and veteran David Hussey settled in to steer the Victorians to safety and to the Sheffield Shield title, their unbeaten 35-run partnership coming from 30 overs. At the end, Victoria were 4 for 158 with Hussey on 37 from 169 deliveries and Wade on 9 from 99. (ESPN Cricinfo)
was an organisation of excellence and high standards. Tucker congratulated the RHTYSC on achieving its Silver Jubilee and on its outstanding record of achievements. He wished the fundraising effort success and hoped that all of its objectives will be met.
Pietersen returns to English cricket with Surrey LONDON, England (Reuters) Kevin Pietersen’s desire to play for England again received a boost when he re-joined English county side Surrey for the forthcoming season yesterday. The 34-year-old former England captain and batsman has made no secret of his hopes for an international recall having being sacked by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) last year. Pietersen, who has been partly released from his commitments with Indian Premier League (IPL) outfit Sunrisers Hyderabad, will be available for all forms of cricket, starting with Surrey’s opening county championship fixture on April 19. “I’m absolutely thrilled to be back at Surrey. It’s a club very close to my heart and Alec Stewart, Graham Ford and everyone at the club have been exceptionally supportive,” Pietersen said on Surrey’s website. “There is a fantastic group of lads here and hopefully we can deliver what the great Surrey fans want to see - lots of runs and comprehensive victories.”
Pietersen, who scored 8 181 runs in 104 Tests for England and also won 136 one-day caps, was sacked after England’s 5-0 Ashes whitewash in Australia last year. Incoming ECB chairman Colin Graves hinted this month he could be recalled if he “scores a lot of runs” for a county although national selector James Whittaker said last week the swashbuckling right-hander was not in his plans. South Africa-born Pietersen himself said this month it would be a “privilege and an honour” to play for England again. Playing for Surrey will provide Pietersen with the perfect showcase as the home Ashes series against Australia loom s. Since his last England appearance, in the Sydney Ashes Test in January 2014, he has only played Twenty20 cricket. “A Kevin Pietersen with ambitions to play for England and a real determination to score big runs for Surrey will be a huge asset to us,” Surrey’s director of cricket Stewart said.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
704 Sports Bar Arm Wrestling preparation heightens ... Weigh-in of competitors held
LAST year, hundreds crammed into the 704 Sports Bar for what was the country’s first major Arm Wrestling competition and on Saturday, March 28, it promises to be bigger. With an estimated 60 participants expected to compete in the two categories (over and under 200lb), contestants yesterday converge on Gizmos and Gadgets; one of the sponsors of the event, for the weighin. 704 Sports Bar’s Project manager Dustani Barrow said that the support so far is
overwhelming, especially from the public. In an effort to bring awareness to the sport, the organisers, along with their sponsors (Gizmos and Gadgets, E-Networks and Carlsberg Beer), held several outdoor events and made them interactive as persons were allowed to challenge each other in friendly competition while learning the rules and regulations. The competition will see both male and female participation with the winners pocketing $100 000, second place $75 000 and third place $50 000.
Competitor Ryan Joseph is on the scale at yesterday’s weigh-in of competitors at Gizmos and Gadgets’ Wellington Street location.
OMSCL president upbeat over mini World Cup …Guyana among six teams confirming participation
By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada - President of the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket League (OMSCL) Jai Singh is upbeat that the mini three-day World Cup softball extravaganza, set for the Labour Day September weekend here, will be a resounding success. Speaking at last Sunday’s annual general meeting, held at the Birkdale Community Centre in Scarborough here, an ebullient Singh disclosed that six teams have already indicated an interest in participating and these include two each from Guyana, Florida and New York. According to Singh, the OMSCL is aiming to attract 14 teams to the three-day event and teams are reminded to contact the entity early as it’s likely those numbers will be exceeded. The OMSCL is currently in discussion with the University of Toronto for the use of its facilities for the final of the tournament and these talks have been very favourable. The preliminary games on the opening and second days, will be played at other venues. The tournament will be played along similar lines of the Guyana Softball Cup, featuring Open and Masters categories and according to vice-president Azeem Khan, the established rule/practice used in Guyana and the United States will be followed, whereby the qualifying age for the Masters teams will be 45, allowing for one or two players under the
OMSCL president Jai Singh specified age limit. The OMSCL had earlier disclosed that the tournament will be conducted with the traditional white balls used in Guyana and New York, and towards this end will be introducing the said balls at its annual Inter-county competition. It is also planning an eight-team knockout tournament featuring the top teams in its senior division. Both Singh and Khan pointed out that no criteria have been set to date for the selection of the OMSCL squad. However, players will be called to trials based on their performances from both the senior and junior divisions. Describing the 2014 season
as very successful, Singh opined that he’s confident this year’s would even surpass that. “The support of the board members was incredible and I am looking forward to the same with the new executives. We have more competitions this year and I think it will be very exciting.” Singh also thanked the various sponsors for their generous support and is hoping for their continued assistance more so in the staging of the international tournament. Touching on the sore point of indiscipline among some teams, Khan reminded those present that they are responsible for the behaviour of their players and as such they should address the situation prior to the start of the 2015 season. Also present at Sunday’s meeting was Toronto Parks and Recreation General Supervisor, Parks Operation and Technical Services, Jim McKay, who stressed the importance of safety at the various venues. McKay, whose presence at the meeting was the first by an official of the body for several years, praised the work of the OMSCL and many seemed surprised when he pointed out that “cricket was the least of his worries” at the venues that are being used by the body. McKay, however, cautioned that the OMSCL should ensure that it is in receipt of proper permits for the staging of all of its activities and also promised to provide portable washrooms as this was another sore point that
was brought to his attention. He also called on the players to leave the venues in proper state at the conclusion of games and to be considerate for those who have to use them after. Singh, whose position was not up for grabs, continues as the OMSCL president while Khan who served as vice-president and also acted as secretary following the resignation of the incumbent, was re-elected in the former post. The new secretary is Paul Jaman while ‘Siewnarine ‘Dickie” Singh takes over as treasurer, replacing Ron Singh who did not seek re-election. Singh is, however, the new statistician, replacing Ed Pestano. Suresh Bodhoo remains the Umpires co-ordinator. The disciplinary committee comprises Terry Mathura, Fazal Shakoor, and Sam Chaitram. Meanwhile the OMSCL will be represented at this weekend’s 2015 Florida Mini World Cup softball tournament commencing on Friday at the Brian Picallo Park, Cooper City. Teams are expected from Guyana, New York, Miami, Florida and Orlando. The full squad reads: Shiv Seeram (captain), Terry Mathura, Azeem Khan, Jesh Parasnauth, Patrick Shivrathan, Jaimini Singh, Mohan Harihar, Fazal Shakoor, Ron Singh, Nateram Singh, Nazeer Baksh, Suresh Boodhoo and Ramcharran Singh. Khan will also serve as manager.
NOTABLE DATES
ON March 26, 1994, Rockford Abrams became the fourth knockout victim for welterweight Andrew `Sixhead’ Lewis. Abrams was unable to withstand the whirlwind caused by the `Albouystown Cyclone’ and was knocked out in the first round. Lewis represented Guyana at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and had his first pro fight in February of 1993 when he made light work of Fitzroy Davidson, who was stopped in the second round. Patrick Farley and Calvin John followed in Davidson’s footsteps and were knocked out in fourth and second rounds respectively. The southpaw from Albouystown was undefeated in 20 fights when he challenged James Page for the vacant WBA welterweight title in February 2001. Page was dropped twice in the fight and Lewis went on to claim victory by TKO in round seven. The win earned Guyana its first world title and Lewis instantly became the sweetheart of local sport. His feat urged then President Bharrat Jagdeo, who watched the fight in Albouystown, to declare a national holiday and shower the local hero with gifts. Lewis relinquished the title to Ricardo Mayorga in March 2002 and later had three battles with compatriot `Deadly’ Denny Dalton. The first, held in October 2005, ended in a technical draw while the second had a bizarre finish. He was leading on all three judges card in the fight held at the National Park on April 22, 2006. However, Lewis retired in the seventh round claiming a need to use the toilet. He blamed his urgent need to use the washroom on stomach discomfort brought on by a pre-fight milkshake he claimed was given to him by trainer Maurice `Bizzy’ Boyce. The former WBA king was crowned the national super welterweight (junior middleweight) champion after a unanimous points-decision over Dalton in April 2007.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
Beharry on board with RHTY&SC’s ‘YES and NO’ campaign
By Rawle Toney
THE Rose Town Hall Youth and Sports Club’s (RHTY&SC) ‘Say YES to Sports/Education and NO to Drugs/Suicide’, campaign received financial support from the Beharry Group of Companies. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster made the trip from the Ancient County to the company’s Georgetown Charlotte Street headquarters to collect the sponsorship cheque for an undisclosed amount from Beharry’s Marketing Director Anjuli BeharryStrand. According to Foster, the campaign, which targets over 25 000 schoolchildren in Berbice through various forms of media and posters, along with the distribution
of pamphlets, is one which the Club takes seriously since it addresses areas that are being taken for granted. Meanwhile, BeharryStrand, said that “it was an easy decision for me and my company because we firmly believe in giving back.” “One of the things we value is that we invest in Guyanese. It’s extremely important because without the support of these youths we wouldn’t have a future in Guyana. If we invest in our children here and now, we have a wonderful opportunity to build something great in Guyana because they will stay, they will invest their time, their money and their lives in their country if they feel
they will get something back,” the always joyful
Beharry-Strand said. The Company’s
RHTY&SC CEO Hilbert Foster (right) collects the sponsor’s cheque from Beharry’s Marketing Director Anjuli BeharryStrand yesterday. (Delano Williams photo)
Marketing Director also suggested that such an initiative should reach Georgetown, citing that “a lot of children, some go to school, some don’t, and after they will take to the streets, they buy drugs, they drink alcohol and then they are not children anymore. “These programmes allow children to do something, turn to sport to showcase their talent, to invest their energies, to have a different outlook on life, to have hope.” Foster, while thanking Beharry for the support, believes that the use of drugs and other substance abuse leads youths down destructive paths, but pointed out “we (RHTY&SC) are
the only ones that tend to do off-the-field activities and it doesn’t make sense where youths are just playing the game of cricket. “I have many incidents where some of them don’t even know the president of the Guyana Cricket Board or the West Indies Cricket Board. They don’t know the danger of drugs.” The club’s long-serving administrator made an appeal to the federations and associations of other sport disciplines to get involved in saving the lives of the country’s most valuable assets - the youths. Thousands of fliers, posters and other items will be distributed and posted in schools, including tertiary institutions as the RHTY&SC plays its part in the fight to save the country’s future generation.
TTCB hails new Windies Logie rues inconsistency after coach Simmons poor Red Force campaign
Phil Simmons PORT-of Spain, Trinidad - The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (T&TCB) has welcomed the appointment of Phil Simmons as the new coach of the West Indies cricket team. In a media release on Tuesday, the T&TCB said that it was fortuitious that the former hard-hitting West Indies and T&T allrounder has been recruited to revive the flagging fortunes of the regional team at this time. And the T&TCB is optimistic that Simmons, who also played English Country Cricket for Leicestershire, among other teams will have an immediate impact as he steps into the portfolio following the disappointing performance of the regional team at the current ICC World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Cricket Operations Officer of the T&TCB Dudnath Ramkessoon said on Tuesday that despite the fact that Simmons takes up his appointment at a challenging time, he would be fully aware of the importance of the game to the Caribbean people. He said the cricket community was happy that Simmons has decided to return to his home to make a contribution after doing so very well with Ireland especially in the 2015 ICC World Cup when he showed the tremendous impact he has made on their cricket landscape. “It is clear that he has done his work in helping the overall improvement of Ireland, an associate team, and
we are counting on his wide experience as a Test player and coach to instill the same level of discipline and commitment, and motivate the players as he has done in his assignments with foreign teams ,” said Ramkessoon. The former national captain and batsman said that Simmons will have a clear advantage as a respected former player who is homegrown which will likely play a great part in his relationship with the present crop of cricketers who comprise the Test, One-Day International and T20 squads. He said that he expects Simmons to have the unqualified support of the players, especially the T&T picks on the regional side, which he said will give the new coach additional comfort as he seeks to mould an outfit worthy of inheriting the legacy of the world champion West Indies team of decades ago. “The T&T Cricket Board wishes him the best in his future endeavours and look on with the expectation that Simmons will be able to fulfill his own personal objectives with the team and lift the overall performance of the regional cricketers on the international stage,” Ramkessoon said. Simmons, 51, who also coached Trinidad and Tobago for a short time has also enjoyed a coaching stint with the Zimbabwe national team in 20042005 but is best known for his stewardship of the Ireland team for the past eight years. The right-hander was also outstanding in the field and gained valuable experience plying his skill for Border, and Easterns in South Africa; Durham in the English County Championship and Wales Minor Counties. Simmons represented the Caribbean in 26 Test matches scoring more than a thousand runs while he was capped 143 times by the ODI team with 3,675 runs and 83 wickets in the bag.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Head coach Gus Logie has lamented Trinidad and Tobago Red Force’s inconsistency which saw them finish down the standings in the WICB Professional Cricket League which wrapped up Monday. Red Force, a usual powerhouse in regional cricket, could only manage fifth spot of the six teams this year, as Guyana Jaguars topped the standings to claim the title. Logie said while they were impressive performances from individuals, the team as a whole lacked the consistency to mount a serious challenge. “We congratulated people like Jason Mohammed who scored nearly 600 runs for the season. Imran Khan took 56 wickets for a Trinidad and Tobago record for a season,” Logie told the Trinidad Express newspaper. “Young (Marlon) Richards took 27 wickets so it has been a good season for him as well but not many players stepped up to the plate and in a team environment you need more players consistently contributing scores and taking wickets.” Red Force, led by all-rounder Rayad Emrit, won just two of their ten outings, in an extremely disappointing season by their standards. They suffered six losses – including in the last round to bottom-of-the-table Leeward Islands Hurricanes – along with two draws. Logie, a former West Indies player and coach, said getting players to assume responsibility would be an issue that would require attention in future preparation of teams. “It is a sort of discipline we have been asking from our players all season and we had it in spurts but not consistently and not all the players putting it together at one time and I think we paid the price for that,” he explained. “It is something we have to look at carefully. The way we prepare; how we
prepare and making sure that players take more responsibility when they get out there in the middle.” Without the likes of the more experienced players like the Bravo brothers, Dwayne and Darren, Kieron Pollard, Ravi Rampaul, Kevon Cooper and Denesh Ramdin for most of the season, T&T looked to several young players. And despite the disappointing run, Logie believes youth is where the future lies. “I think you need a consistent group of players. You need to play with the same group a number of times. If we want to invest in the youngsters, we’ve got to
back the players and stay with them,” he said. “If you look at the season, we had to change quite a few players because of injury or unavailability of players. We need to settle down and realise that if we are having a one-day team, it is a one-day team and if we having a four-day team it is a four-day team. He continued: “These are the guys we have identified and these are the guys we’ve got to stick with and give them a run and see how it goes. It is about consistency of selection as well and at the end of the day if we can do that, get the players comfortable, I have no doubt that we will see better results in the not-toodistant future.”
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday March 26, 2015) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)
Bernard Julien/Alvin Kallicharran/Clive Lloyd
(2)
1992 (vs SA)
Today’s Quiz: (1) Name the WC teams the WI have never played against to date. (2) Put these in order beginning with the team that won the WC the earliest: Pakistan; Sri Lanka; India; Australia Answers in tomorrow’s issue
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2015
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GOA/AAG secretary Shanomae Blackmore laid to rest “SHE had a smile that was wider than Association of Athletics Federation president of the IAAF to the athletes the Atlantic Ocean,” was how Guyana (IAAF) have really felt this loss. Shanomae Olympic Association (GOA) and ”As president I never hoped that truly touched everyone’s lives.” Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) this would be one of the duties I would Offering condolences on behalf of secretary Shanomae Nichola Blackmore have to perform. Myself and the rest the GOA was Honorary Life Member, was remembered yesterday, during her of the athletics community, from the Ivor O’Brien, who also noted the funeral ceremony at the St Jamesthe-Less Anglican Church, David Street, Kitty. Blackmore, who died at home on March 18, was interred at the cemetery of the church yard, following a moving ceremony before a packed church. With over 10 years as a sports administrator, Blackmore, the daughter of former AAG president Claude Blackmore, was an admired official. In her job as the GOA secretary, Shanomae interacted with many sports stakeholders from the various sporting disciplines, many of whom were present yesterday to pay their final respects to the ever-jovial Blackmore. Her death has truly had an impact on us. I can only hope that we can find someone who can fit her shoes to replace her,” Aubrey Hutson, AAG president said yesterday as he paid tribute to Blackmore. He recounted receiving condolences from several international officials including condolences from the world Pall bearers carry Shanomae to her final resting place yesterday. At left is GOA member Charles governing body, the International followed by AAG president Aubrey Hutson and on the right is GOA member Garfield Wiltshire.
shock and surprise that came with Blackmore’s passing. I received the message of Shanomae’s death via a telephone call. It was indeed a shocker.” O’Brien expressed. O’Brien recalled the dedicated individual that Shanomae Blackmore was, speaking of how well thought of she was by all who knew her. “Despite her youth, history will know her as a true disciple of the Olympic faith. As I followed the emails of condolences that flooded the system, Shanomae was described as friendly, helpful, pleasant, full of life, amazing, compassionate, asset to the sports fraternity and hard-working, among others. To those, I will add ambitious and efficient. Shanomae was at all times an effervescent and intelligent person. She applied herself assiduously to her duties, and was always willing to work long and punishing hours without supervision or complaint. Fortitude and determination were essential ingredients of her character.” O’Brien said. Eulogy for Shanomae was done by her brother Anthony Blackmore and her God sister Kriz Glasgow, Corbin, while the Homily was done by Rev. Canon Evan Semple.
Sport CHRONICLE
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The victorious Guyana Jaguars team upon their arrival at the Ogle International Airport, yesterday. Greeting them were GCB president Drubahadur and Secreatry Anand Senassie. (Delano Williams photo)
GOA/AAG secretary Shanomae Blackmore laid to rest See story on page 31
Total team effort brought us the title – skipper Johnson
… Victorious Guyana Jaguars return home (See story on page 26)
ICC Annual Conference a vote of confidence in WICB, says Bassarath PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) director Azim Bassarath believes the International Cricket Council’s decision to host their Annual Conference in the Caribbean is a sign the sport’s world governing body still retains confidence in the WICB. Bassarath’s comments come in the wake of the controversial abandoned tour of India where the Indian Cricket Board placed full blame on the regional board for the upheaval. “This decision to come to the Caribbean for the annual meeting
was taken after the issues we had with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI),” the Trinidadian told the Trinidad Guardian newspaper. “It represented to me that the ICC still had faith in us as a major cricketing nation and they wanted to show that by coming here.” The ICC announced recently that the Annual Conference would be staged in Barbados, June 2226, with over 50 delegates from cricket-playing nations expected to attend. Bassarath said the successful move to have the Annual Conference
staged in the Caribbean had come as a result of positive discussions initiated by WICB president Dave Cameron. “These meetings shape the future of the game and we will be having it here for the first time which speaks volumes,” said Bassarath. “Our president Dave Cameron went across to Dubai for the last meeting and was able to make a successful approach to have the meeting here, as well as the Under-19 World Cup which will also come to the Caribbean.” Turn to page 26
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West Indies Cricket Board director Azim Bassarath. THURSDAY MARCH 26, 2015