2015 3 30

GUYANA No. 104144

MONDAY MARCH 30, 2015

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

Ramotar to Granger:

centre

‘GAME OVER’ on May 11

The massive gathering of PPP/C supporters stretching along Alexander Street Kitty, at the official 2015 campaign launch (Photos by Adrian Narine)

PRICE: $80

INCLUDING VAT

Granger touts revamping of sugar industry at Whim rally Page

15

APNU+AFC presidential candidate, David Granger, addressing supporters at the Whim Rally

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

Thousands welcome Elisabeth Harper at Kitty PPP/C rally - plugs empowerment of women

By Rebecca Ganesh AS thousands of Guyanese turned out at Kitty Market Square to show their support towards the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) with chants “long live the PPP/C” and chants of “Harper for PM”, they welcomed Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper.

“Thank you, you have energised me with those kind words and awesome show of love,” said Elisabeth Harper as she took the podium explaining that this area is close to her heart, “this is my area I was born of this area.”

As the Prime Ministerial Candidate delivered her remarks she first reiterated the achievements and developments the country has seen under the PPP/C Government. “I am here today to tell you about my vision for this country, a vision that will build a strong and stable Guyana and it is also the vision of the PPP/C and President Donald Ramotar,” she said.

Harper alluded to many facts of the manifesto of the PPP/C for the upcoming

May 11 General and Regional elections, explaining that one of the major components she will be looking at is the empowerment of women. She explained that the PPP/C builds national pride and has an unwavering commitment to build Guyana, through the development of the different sectors that would have already seen national development such as housing and water, while health and education are always priority.

She noted that Guyana has always been a hospitable nation and has always welcomed international investments and “we will continue to welcome international developments and as such further develop different sectors of our economy and country.”

JOB CREATION INITIATIVES Harper noted that presently more attention needs to be given to job creation for our young people and in the PPP/C manifesto “we will make sure jobs are created and more development and a number of new initiatives for job creation opportunities will be embarked upon.”

“With these new initiatives many more people will be able to enjoy a higher standard of living in this country”, she said.

Harper moved on to salute the armed forces, “we salute the police and army who go beyond the call of duty every day to service their country.”

The President, she noted, only at the recent Annual Police Conference laid out a 15-point programme to assist in the upgrade of the force.

On this note she related that the welfare of these officers remains top priority for the PPP/C. “Our manifesto will talk about housing for young people, a vision that is geared to creating a Guyana with a great future, with more interacting and dialogue and facilitate our decision making with in this sector,” Harper stated.

Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper Empowering women is vital, Harper noted, “We will review all the laws that will encourage and promote women’s rights and equality. We must exercise zero tolerance on domestic violence.” She explained that domestic violence destroys who we are and everything we stand for and we as a community should not encourage it and “I encourage our men to participate in this fight also.”

Harper further explained that teenage pregnancy is also a big problem and our manifesto will be addressing these issues also. “If you had to leave school early, you have another chance to continue your education and provide for your family, opportunities will be available to

support you.”

SINGLE PARENTS “Single parents will be able to also further their education, training and day care services will be provided, child support will be mandatory by the court” are some of the opportunities that will be available to the single parents, Harper noted.

“I am asking you to support the PPP/C if you want progress to continue, we can do this together we will do this together, vote for the PPP/C and let the progress continue” was the Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper’s parting word to the massive crowd that gathered at Kitty Market Square.

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

Granger put a Prime Ministerial ‘comforter’ in Nagamootoo’s mouth —Jagdeo ––warns electorate to beware of the ‘dictators in disguise’

By Tajeram Mohabir AMID a rousing reception from thousands a s s e m b l e d a t K i t t y, Georgetown, former President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo issued a stirring appeal to the electorate to beware of the ‘dictators in disguise’ in the Opposition camp, who come to them as ‘angels of development’, pleading for their votes.

Speaking at the launch of the party’s campaign yesterday, and more directly to the youths who were in the vast majority at the crowd, Dr Jagdeo warned that the combined Opposition must not be trusted, while contending A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Leader David Granger has put a Prime Minister comforter in Moses Nagamootoo’s mouth.

He pointed out that even with insurmountable evidence, Granger still vehemently denies that the People’s National Congress (PNC) rigged elections to stay in office, and Nagamootoo, a former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Executive, has chosen to forget what happened.

The former President told the massive gathering that Granger’s denial is indicative of the - of the PNC, and how they regard freedom of the people and what they will do if entrusted with power.

“If a man who seeks that high office in 2015 can say elections were never rigged in , then three things we can discern about him: he lacks the decency to admit the truth; he is unrepentant about the past or he is

delusional,” Dr Jagdeo said, emphasising that this is not the kind of material to ensure the continued growth of development of Guyana, to deafening cheers and applause.

NATURE OF THE BEAST He said when the rights of Guyanese were trampled upon, Granger denied it, and will do so again if elected.

This, he said, is not what the country wants, as it will do no good for the future of young people and of the country.

They are people who find comfort in putting the people at discomfort, the former President said.

Dr Jagdeo, expounding on the nature of Granger and the PNC, said since three years ago, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has been preparing a new voters list, which entails several cycles of registration, claims and objections.

But the combined Opposition, the APNU and the AFC, bellowed that the ruling party is scared of election, claiming that this is the reason they are raising concerns about the list.

The former President said, like all the other falsehoods peddled against the PPP, the party stayed calm and worked through it.

But he pointed out that about a week ago, Granger, for the first time after three years, is now saying that the list is flawed.

“And you know why he is saying this, because he has seen the PPP juggernaut being mobilised, he has seen us marching now, for three years we

have taken their abuse and we have stayed quiet and they think we are cowardly because we have stayed quiet. For three years, they have harassed our Government, they have done everything to sabotage progress and we have stayed quiet.

Well, we shall be quiet no longer! We shall be quiet no longer!” an emotional Jagdeo said.

They shivering He said they have seen the might of the PPP family, focused and mobilised, and it rent their hearts and sent shivers up their spines.

“All the big talk that they had, telling their base that they gonna win the elections outright, suddenly they have doubts, and because they have doubts, they are preparing, they are talking about the list again, because three elections in the past, they have used the list to create violence in this country,” Dr Jagdeo said.

He told the colourful but sober gathering that “we have to guard again this”, saying that these are not the days of the past “when we take violence sitting down”.

He said the Government has seen what the Opposition can do, recalling that AFC Executive, now Granger ’s deputy in the APNU+AFC Alliance Moses Nagamootoo, and AFC Chairman Nigel Hughes at one time gave President Donald Ramotar, an elected President, an ultimatum to remove Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee or face the consequences.

But Ramotar ignored them, and they wasted no time to show their true colours.

Former President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo addressing the gathering “By the next afternoon, thugs were mobilised and we had Agricola, they break the roads, beat up people, women couldn’t pass there who live on the East Bank, people couldn’t go back home… women were pulled out of vehicles and harassed, and guess what? They have the capacity to do this. Nagamootoo does not speak about that because his and Nigel Hughes’ ultimatum had triggered what happened in Agricola and they are counting on us having short memories,” Dr Jagdeo said.

He pointed out that since 1992, all elections violence has been triggered by the Opposition, contending that it is the nature of the PNC and it has not changed.

CRIMINAL IN PURPOSE He said the PNC has always been highly militaristic, criminal in purpose and sees nothing

wrong in using violence to achieve its objectives.

The former President told the gathering See page 17

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

Fighting and air strikes across Yemen; dialogue remains distant (Reuters) - YEMENI fighters loyal to the Saudi-backed President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi clashed with Iranian-allied Houthi fighters on Sunday in Aden, the absent leader’s last major foothold in the country.

Hadi loyalists in the southern port city reported a gunbattle in the central Crater district in which three people were killed, and said they recaptured the airport, which has changed hands several times in recent days.

The Health Ministry, loyal to the Houthi fighters who control the capital, said Saudi-led air strikes had killed 35 people and wounded 88 overnight. The figures could not be independently confirmed.

The Houthi fighters, representing a Shi’ite minority that makes up around a third of Yemen’s population, emerged as the most powerful force in the Arabian Peninsula’s poorest country last year when they captured

fronts -- in Aden’s northern suburbs, in Dhalea province north of the city and in the eastern province of Shabwa.

A Saudi military spokesman said the coalition it leads would step up pressure on the Houthis and their allies in the next few days. “There will be no safe place for the Houthi militia groups,” Brigadier General Ahmed Asseri told reporters.

Coalition warplanes struck military targets at airports in the capital Sanaa and in Hodeida, the main Red Sea port. However, Asseri said operations over Hodeida were halted for two hours to allow the evacuation of 500 Pakistani nationals.

In the northern city of Saada, a Houthi stronghold near the Saudi border, strikes

People stand on a tank that was burnt during clashes on a street in Yemen’s southern port city of Aden March 29, 2015.

Reuters/Stringer While the Houthi fightthe capital Sanaa. ers and their army allies Saudi Arabia has rallied continued to make gains Sunni Muslim Arab coun- after the air strikes were first tries in an air campaign to launched early on Thursday, support Hadi, who moved they appeared to suffer reto Aden in February and is versals on Sunday on three now in Riyadh after leaving Yemen in the past week.

The fighting has brought civil war to a country that was already sliding into chaos and which had been a battlefield for the secret U.S. drone war against al Qaeda.

hit bases belonging to the militia and their ally, former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who still controls most army units.

Asseri said strikes on Saturday night had targeted former Yemeni air force planes which the Houthis had moved from Sanaa to another air base. Very few jets remained in Houthi hands and they too would be destroyed, he said.

Saleh stood down after a 2011 uprising but still wields wide influence in Yemen.

He appealed on Saturday to Arab leaders meeting in Egypt to halt their four-day offensive and resume talks on political transition in Yemen, promising that neither he nor his relatives would seek the presidency.

Hadi’s Foreign Minister Riyadh Yaseen dismissed his comments as “the talk of losers”.

Saudi Arabia’s military intervention is the latest front in its widening contest with Iran for power in the region, a proxy struggle also playing out in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon.

Iran denies accusations from Sunni Gulf rulers that it has armed the Houthis, who follow the Zaidi branch of Shi’ite Islam.

Zaidi Shi’ites led a thousand-year kingdom in Yemen until 1962. Former leader Saleh himself is a member of the sect, although he tried to crush the Houthis while in office, only allying with them after his downfall.

Nigeria vote runs into second day after glitches, killings

(Reuters) - VOTING in Nigeria’s tensest election since the end of military rule in 1999 spilled into a second day on Sunday after technical glitches hit voter ID machines and Islamist Boko Haram militants killed more than a dozen people in drive-by shootings.

The race pits President Goodluck Jonathan against former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari for the favor of an electorate divided along a complex mix of ethnic, regional and in some cases religious lines.

The poll is seen as the first election in Africa’s most populous nation in which an opposition candidate has a serious chance of unseating the incumbent, and widespread fears it could trigger

DATE: 25/03/2015 C

12 25 01 03 26 13 06

26/03/2015

14

12

20

violence are already becoming reality.

Islamist insurgents launched several attacks on voters in the northeast on election day, killing three in Yobe state and 11 in neighboring Gombe, including an opposition parliamentary candidate.

The militants, who are trying to establish an Islamic caliphate in religiously mixed Nigeria, reject democracy and their leader Abubakar Shekau has threatened to kill those who go to vote.

A string of military victories by troops from Nigeria and neighboring Chad, Cameroon and Niger has reclaimed much of the territory the Islamists controlled earlier this year, but they retain the ability to mount deadly attacks on civilians.

22

07

26/03/2015

1

Voting at the 120,000 stations nationwide was beset with problems from the start as officials turned up late and biometric card readers, introduced to prevent the vote-rigging that has marred previous polls, failed to work.

Even President Jonathan suffered a 40-minute delay as officials vainly tried to get four different machines to recognize his fingerprint.

“I’m very hopeful,” he said of his chances after voting.

With up to 56.7 million voters to process, the election commission extended voting into Sunday in districts that had suffered technical problems. It was not clear what impact this would have on the timing of the result.

A credible and relatively calm poll would open a new

3

5

26/03/2015

chapter in the checkered history of Africa’s biggest economy and top oil producer, whose five decades of independence have been tarnished by military coups and secessionist unrest.

Buhari and Jonathan have appealed for calm and signed a ‘peace accord’ on the eve of the vote, but many Nigerians still fear a repeat of the post-election violence that erupted in 2011, when 800 people died in the mainly Muslim north after a Buhari defeat, also to Jonathan.

“The danger is post-election,” former Malawian President Bakili Muluzi, who is leading a Commonwealth observer mission, told Reuters. “We’ve been assured by the peace accord between the leaders but how that trickles down is the danger.”

06 16 01 17 03 08 21

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

EU and Cuba push for closer ties as thaw develops (BBC News) THE European Union and Cuba will intensify negotiations aimed at normalising ties, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini says.

Ms Mogherini hoped the two sides could sign an agreement by the end of 2015.

She was speaking after meeting President Raul Castro and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez on Tuesday in the Cuban capital, Havana.

Ms Mogherini is the highest-ranking EU official to visit communist Cuba for several years.

Her visit is seen as another sign that the island is strengthening its ties with the West, after decades of Cold War tensions.

In December, Cuba and the United States announced they would be improving

until reforms were made in areas such as democracy, a multi-party system, human rights and fundamental freedoms.

In February 2014, the EU announced it would enter into negotiations with Cuba to restore full bilateral relations.

However, the two sides only held three meetings in 2014, prompting Ms Mogherini to call the pace “slow”.

A third of the tourists who visit Cuba each European Union thaw in Cuba-US ties. Cuba their ties, which have been was allied to Moscow during the Cold War. frozen since 1961.

While EU-Cuban relaRussian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also met tions never reached the levCuban leaders in Havana els of animosity of those on Tuesday and praised the between Cuba and the US,

year come from the the EU did have economic sanctions in place against the island until 2008.

Under its 1996 Common Position, the EU had moreover restricted its ties with the Cuban government

WE WILL SURVIVE

Vasant: Vernella will not be fired; it’s no scandal (Trinidad Express) RAPE statements under the protection of parliamentary privilege and the public outcry which followed it are not enough to remove Minister of State in the Ministry of the People and Social Development Vernella Alleyne-Toppin from her post.

For now, Communications Minister Vasant Bharath says Alleyne-Toppin will retain her portfolio despite a call from former independent senator Martin Daly SC, Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner and the Women’s League of the People’s National Movement (PNM) and others that she be fired.

Bharath told the Sunday Express Saturday the only person who can fire Alleyne-Toppin is Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Persad-Bissessar Saturday did not respond to texts from the Sunday Express on whether she would accede to the public outcry and fire Alleyne-Toppin.

O n We d n e s d a y, A l leyne-Toppin, in her contribution to the no-confidence motion against Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley in the Parliament, claimed Rowley was a child of rape and a rapist himself.

O n T h u r s d a y, A l -

leyne-Toppin, the Member of Parliament for Tobago East, apologised for her comments about Rowley being a child of rape but called on him to answer questions about a teacher who fathered a child with a pupil in Tobago.

In an exclusive interview with the Express the next day, Roselyn Alleyne, the woman Alleyne-Toppin referred to but did not name in Parliament, said the Tobago East MP’s statements were all lies.

Roselyn Alleyne, the mother of Rowley’s son Garth, further claimed she was offered a bribe to sign an affidavit stating Rowley had

raped her.

Bharath denied the claim of bribery.

Questioned whether he thought the Government could survive the fallout from the statements so close to a general election, Bharath answered: “We can survive this. I don’t think it’s a scandal. The remarks are regrettable and many people are appalled. But I am sure we will be judged on our track record of performance in office,” he said.

On Friday, Persad-Bissessar said while she condemned the statements made, she had also accepted Alleyne-Toppin’s apology.

Cyber crime lab on the cards (Barbados Advocate) AS technological crimes become more advanced, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, Erwin Boyce, has revealed that a cyber crime lab is to be set up in this country.

He made the disclosure as he joined Internet security personnel on a panel to discuss ‘The Internet, the Law and the Public: How Cyber Secure Are We?’ at the Grande Salle of

the Central Bank on Thursday afternoon.

While not giving any indication as to how soon this may happen, he noted that the lab, which is to be set up with the support of international security agencies, will aid in the training of law enforcement personnel in how to effectively investigate these reported matters.

“We are currently working

with an international agency to establish a cyber lab and training centre where we train and perhaps expand our current crime unit,” he stated, pointing out that the existing unit was small and in need of resources.

Adding to the challenges being faced by the unit was the fact that cyber criminals were constantly updating their game, Boyce stressed therefore that law enforcement

agencies had no choice but to try to stay ahead.

Boyce pointed out that another issue was that while local law enforcement officials had worked with international agencies in seeking to solve cyber crimes, the latter did not always consider these to be of great importance, which meant that these cases often took longer to be resolved.

The Cuban foreign minister and Ms Mogherini are due to meet again at the Summit of the Americas in two weeks time and on 22 April in Brussels.

The EU is Cuba’s second-biggest trading partner after Venezuela and also represents a major source of investment.

One-third of tourists to the island every year come from the EU.

Brazil’s economy grew 0.1% in 2014

(BBC News) BRAZIL, the world’s seventh largest economy, narrowly avoided contracting in 2014 with a growth rate of just 0.1% for the year.

The economy had been growing at a fast pace for the past decade but has slowed considerably in the past four years.

The slowdown is a result of low commodity prices, sluggish global growth and low investor confidence.

Under new Finance Minister Joaquim Levy, the country has moved from stimulus to austerity.

From 2011 until last year, Brazil’s government had been trying to stimulate the economy by offering labour tax breaks, subsidising petrol and lowering the price of electricity.

Mr Levy has reined in government spending and raised taxes in order to balance government finances.

As a result, analysts predict 2015 is likely to be a difficult year for the country.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Liberalisation of the economy has powered rice sector OF recent times, and intermittently, because of political agendas and opposition elements, political aspirants to high office, Granger, Nagamootoo et al have been critical of Government’s treatment of the rice sector, stating that the industry is in decline, even when rice production is poised to reach an all-time high of one million tonnes.

However, RPA head Dharmkumar Seeraj is refuting this contention. He says that the liberalisation and free-trade policies initiated by the current administration has re-energised the rice sector; and the support of the Government – directly and through the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), has been intensive, extensive, and impactful, albeit many of the enabling synergies had to be strenuously fought for by the RPA. Farmers have gradually returned to the fields because the causes for concern that had driven them away from the industry were being addressed.

Although climate change and other external factors have proven somewhat deleterious to the industry, by and large the rice sector is nowhere near the straits it was in 1990, when cargo rice export fell to an all-time low of 93,444 tonnes under the PNC regime, from the over 350,000 tonnes Guyana had been exporting in the early sixties during the reign of the first PPP Government, with Brindley Benn as Minister of Agriculture.

The Government, recognizing the vital importance of sustaining the viability of the rice industry, has initiated several capacity-building and facilitating programmes to ensure that rice farmers can continue to till their land and optimize their profitability, although this is at times derailed by uncontrollable factors, such as the weather; or maverick rice-millers who are often recalcitrant in paying the farmers in a timely way.

Among the interventions made by the Government to alleviate the extant and emerging problems within the sector are: * The removal of Value-Added Tax (VAT) on all basic food items: fertilisers, pesticides, spares for tractors,

combines, as well as equipment that utilises the by-products of agriculture for power-generation; * The removal of all taxes and duties on diesel; * Reduction of excise tax on gasoline; * Enhanced incentives for agriculture and food-production activities for farmers; * A countrywide consultation on escalating food prices and the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Food Prices to monitor the situation; * The national “Grow More Food” campaign; * Expansion of the Extension Services provided by the RPA in collaboration with the GRDB; * Introduction of Farmers’ Field Schools; * Increased and diversified research programmes

by NARI. Then President Jagdeo had made available to the sector $400M to mitigate the problems caused by factors affecting the productivity and the profitability of the rice industry; and subsequently other interventions as the needs arose were also made by the Donald Ramotar Administration.

Generally, world food production has entered an uncertain and politically risky period, which is threatening world prosperity and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) aimed at reducing global poverty and hunger.

But all indications are that Guyana’s rice production would not become a statistic of this global phenomenon, largely because Government continues to infuse assistance wherever the need arises.

The high prices for inputs have daunted some farmers, but most are resilient and, with the Government’s continued and sustained assistance, and the support of the RPA, many are prepared to stay the course.

Drainage and Irrigation is always under the Government’s microscope, and the continuum of interventions includes:

* Significant improvement in the operation and implementation of the flood control structures; * Construction of additional drainage outlets countrywide;

* Major rehabilitation of approximately 600 miles of canals and drains, as well as the Dawa Pump Station; * Rehabilitation of pump stations, structures and drainage outlets; * Negotiations for financing to optimize efficiency and capacity of the conservancies, especially with the objective to maximize the availability of arable lands for farming activities; * Installation of the Doppler Weather Radar; * The Cunha and Hope canals; as well as an alternative and adjunctive drainage system for the West Berbice communities * Expansion of the hydro-meteorological monitoring network; among others.

The rice sector is the second most important agricultural industry in Guyana, contributing about 40% of the agri sector GNP, or 12% of GDP. Through CIDA, support from BCCP concretised an RPA dream, of accessing to farmers top-quality seed paddy at competitive prices. Seeraj said that the Association is also working toward establishing fuel depots and importing fertilizer in an effort to reduce and stabilize, as much as possible within the constraints of world market prices and other factors, the price of inputs in agricultural production.

Guyana has, since the days of our ancestors, been producing enough food to feed ourselves. However, with the Jagdeo Initiative on Agriculture and Guyana’s “Grow More Food” campaign, Guyana entered a new dimension in food production and has broken ground in vital markets, including the new Venezuelan, Panamanian and hopefully, in the near future, African markets. Having lost some of our niche markets in Europe, our Government is not prepared to buckle under. As in the case with sugar, when the EU tried to cut the ground under our feet with its restructured import policies and prices, Guyana’s policy-makers rose to the challenge and strategised to ensure that our rice sector emerges from every setback stronger and more competitive in the global arena. The ground-breaking marketing strategies to breach and reach new markets is a case in point; and this is just the beginning of Guyana’s climb into a world player in agricultural products.

Thus the dire prognostications of Doerga, Rahman, Granger, Nagamootoo, and all the doomsayers and naysayers can find no traction, especially not in their criticisms of the rice sector, which has consistently been breaking its own production records for recent consecutive years.

Who can deny that life in Guyana is qualitatively better THERE is a saying that none so blind as those who would not see. This saying has much relevance in the context of a deliberate attempt to deny the role played by the PPP in the transformation of Guyana from a poor and backward country to one in which there is economic and so-

cial progress.

Who can deny that life in Guyana is qualitatively better than before, which came about mainly because of the visionary leadership provided by the PPP/C Administration?

Vision is the ability to see things not as they are but as they will be in time.

It is that ability to see ahead and, on the basis of a correct definition of the situation, to plan and strategize on the way forward.

But vision is not enough to transform a nation. Good leadership is what is required to translate vision into reality and it is the ability to provide visionary and strategic

leadership over the decades that has been the defining characteristic of the PPP and the PPP/C Administration.

There is a tendency by the political Opposition, aided and abetted by some sections of civil society, to project a view that the PPP is found wanting when it comes to transformational

leadership. Some even go to absurd levels by suggesting that the PPP lacks the intellectual capability to develop the country and all manner of derogatory remarks are being made against some party members.

The facts however will reveal that whatever progress was made took place

largely under the stewardship of the PPP, both during the 1957-64 and the post-1992 period. Under the PNC regime, Guyana was reduced to a highly indebted poor country status. The country borrowed huge sums of money, not

See page 7

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

The PPP/C Government delivers on its commitments to Guyana’s continuous development THERE is a specific and qualitative difference between a government that promises and one that delivers.

And that is – while one is conjuring up what to promise, the other is delivering in all practicality! It is no secret that the latter administration will always find favour with its citizens, redounding to its favour at any national elections.

Apply the above to the Guyana socio-economic scenario and the results-oriented People’s Progressive Party /Civic (PPP/C) Government immediately towers for

its overwhelming record of national development achievements that have reconstructed Guyana from its abject state of total socio-economic collapse, to a position where it is in transformation mode towards the pathway of modernisation. Undoubtedly, such a metamorphosis has changed tens of thousands of lives for the better. Never before have so many been able to acquire so much!

As poignant examples of this material advancement, OBSERVER points to the exponential phenomenon of housing and vehicular ownership.

While the former has been as a direct result of government’s grand national housing programme, heavily subsidised, that facilitated home ownership to thousands of low income Guyanese, the latter has occurred because of a myriad of instances, including more disposable income available to Guyanese workers through interventions such as several adjustments of the income tax, that has given more disposable income. But there are also the spin-offs from a growing economy that has been availed to thousands of Guyanese, opportunities

Rent-a-Crowd?

Supporters of the Opposition Alliance converge on the Square of the Revolution to be whisked away in a convoy of buses to their party meeting at Whim on the East Berbice. The long line of vehicles stretches along Vlissengen Road and into Hadfield Street.

for business and commerce investment, and business ownership.

But, back to the mainstream point of the P P P / C G o v e r n m e n t ’s record of delivering to the nation.

Not even the imminent staging of national and regional elections has removed the focus of the Government from its programme of bringing more development to Guyana.

Just look at the recent groundbreaking commissioning of the QUALFON Call Centre at Providence that will provide employment opportunities for a reported 6,000 Guyanese.

What a timely and welcome announcement, especially for many young job seekers!

This particular initiative, facilitated by Government, is a telling answer to the many political

Opposition critics who have perennially been criticising the Executive for not creating job opportunities for the youths of Guyana. OBSERVER is of the opinion that such an event has created mass hysteria within the camp of the Alliance that had been boasting about the surety of votes from the young electorate, come May 11.

It has been sometime since Government has been mulling the intention of a deep water harbour in the Corentyne River; finally, this process has started with a feasibility study recently signed by Government. The wholesale transformation that this will bring to Regions 6 and 5 is voluminous, not leaving out Guyana in its entirety. This is what is described as big time

economic development that will catapult Guyana onto the beginning of the pathway to modernisation.

Just imagine the improved linkage with Guyana and neighbouring states such as Brazil, and the reduction in time for shipping exports from this country!

These two projects, one fully completed, and the other now in its early preliminary stage, speaks of a PPP/C Government agenda that is continuous and unswerving in its mission of bringing further economic benefits to country and people.

Of course, a deep water harbour is indeed about taking Guyana to another level of national development, for which future generations will applaud.

From page 7

to a point where there was no longer a dependence on IMF money. This was a very significant development and a re-affirmation of the country’s economic sovereignty in terms of our ability to chart our own developmental path, without external dictation.

These are some aspects of our developmental history which sometimes go unnoticed, but which speaks to our capacity as a nation to assert our national independence, not hitherto possible under the previous PNC regime.

Guyana is no longer a pariah nation which at one time was the laughing stock of the Caribbe-

an and the world, but a country that has become a respected member of the international community of nations. This came about largely because of the efforts of the PPP and the PPP/C Administration to create a new society where there is full respect for the norms of democracy and the rule of law.

The PPP’s record of progress is unmatched when it comes to taking this nation along the path of sustainable development. This is why it is so important that the PPP/C is returned to power in the elections of May 11.

only from multilateral financial institutions such as the IDB, IMF and the World Bank, but also from several other countries.

At one time the country was deemed ‘uncreditworthy’ by the IMF after the PNC regime failed to repay loans and the high interest repayments which accumulated over the years.

The PPP/C Administration not only succeeded in writing off a significant proportion of the debt burden under the Highly Indebted Poor Country Initiative (HIPIC), but it was able to exit the IMF programme after the economy developed

HYDAR ALLY

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

Cultivating our creative souls

By Shaun Michael Samaroo

IN our vision to construct a Guyanese social space that hums with aesthetic soundness, we look to the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Culture, and the Ministry of Education to provide the kind of national platform for artists, writers, sports talents, talented performers, dramatists, for these creative souls to cultivate their passion.

In our ongoing national recovery process, from the days of debilitating socio-economic and cultural collapse, when citizens could not access books, when the dictatorship discouraged free thought and harassed and tormented thought leaders like Martin Carter, for example, in this ongoing recovery, we’ve come a far way. Today, we no longer worry about primary concerns like basic survival.

We’ve moved on to secondary concerns, like acquiring our homes and owning a car and building a respectable career.

In fact, we’ve moved even higher.

We’re essaying into the admirable space where Guyanese live for tertiary concerns, looking to travel on vacation to the Caribbean and North America, instead of what we did for decades, escaping there for basic survival.

Within just the last year, Guyanese transformed our goals in life, and in the process, stifled such illegal trades as the back-track organized criminal network, although pockets of the enterprise may still exist to smuggle non-Guyanese through Guyana. Our goals now incorporate international vacation, even for the average citizen.

That’s an astounding transformation, which happened as recent as within the last year.

The Unites States Embassy in Georgetown issued 51,000 US visitor’s visa to Guyanese last year, and 49,000 travelled to and from America for vacation.

So we face a new landscape today.

Our people aspire for things of the soul, for a propelling forward of the humanities, for a cohesive, organized expression of our creativity and our passion as a people.

We live in a transformed world today, in this 21st century Knowledge

Age. The theory of the noble English economist, Adam Smith, propagated in his book, The Wealth of Nations over 250 years ago, set the thought pattern for the 200-year old Industrial Age. That age saw socio-economic realities like Specialisation transform the living standards of global humanity, fuelling, for example, the global auto and oil industries.

Smith based his theory on the concept that the human being lives to satisfy his or her needs and wants, needs being basic survival stuff, and wants the higher pursuit of life.

However, as Mankind’s thinking advanced, we saw the 20th century management guru, Peter Drucker, introduce the idea that we don’t only live for need and wants, but that we actually live for aspirations, aspiring for the higher, nobler, greater things of the soul. In fact, in the Pursuit of Happiness goal of the American Constitution, or the inalienable rights of Man as enshrined in global human rights through the French Revolution, we see this idea of Mankind’s higher aspirations at work. This forms the foundation idea of the Knowledge Age we’re now constructing in the global village.

Now, as we approach our 50th year as a politically independent nation, Guyanese stand at that place where those higher aspirations matter more to us than anything else.

The responsibility lies with Education Minister Priya Manickchand and Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Dr Frank Anthony, to take leadership in constructing this national space for our creative souls to flourish and bear soul-feeding fruit.

Dr Anthony has done an admirable job at the Ministry, and his leadership and determination to make the Caribbean Press the national success story it is today should generate our applause and praise. Minister Anthony transformed our athletic, swimming and cricket landscape. He’s working hard to build a youth culture that escapes the divides of our historical political playfield.

And Minister Manickchand is open, authentic and visionary in leading the Education sector, fuelling a thriving private education sector, and develop-

ing universal primary and secondary education for Guyanese children.

As we move from here, we must generate an exciting, inspiring national arena where classical music, literature, ballet and musicals, theatre become the choice of entertainment of our people, even in rural Berbice or Essequibo: we want to construct a national appreciation for the fine arts, for the cultivation of original ideas, for the expression of creative passions, for our people to love cultivating their comprehension and composition of noble ideas and thoughts.

To counter the misguided belief in some national writers that pop-culture and Creolese, which appeal to our base instincts, constitute the Guyanese culture, where cussing and crass Creolese could be incorporated into Guyanese literature for it to be uniquely ours, we must set out with a determined vision to construct a Guyanese social space rooted in developing higher ideals, greater truisms and soundly ethical creative pursuits.

Truth is not at all what we reflect, but what we create, and creativity in the heart and soul of our musical talents, our sports stars, our literature buffs, our dancers and writers and poets, we must cultivate and hone and shape into a workable, inspiring, motivating national social landscape.

This calls for training our nation in language and words, which happens to be English.

Ms Manickchand and Dr Anthony would want to design a collaborative working relationship to enhance our literary systems, whereby the University of Guyana becomes an

institution holding evening classes in school buildings across the country’s local communities, for adults and young people. These two visionary, open-minded leaders, as head of the Education and Culture Ministries, would want to enhance the training of individual Guyanese in the crucial life-skill of comprehension and composition.

It is in fact in our ability to understand our context, and to express ourselves with powerful personal performance in how we live out our lives as Guyanese, that we each one of us, each individual Guyanese, would contribute to the evolution of a knowledge-based Guyanese 21st century society.

The task to foster such a national platform rests on the fine shoulders of Dr Anthony and Minister Manickchand, or whoever holds these ministerial portfolios after the May 11 elections.

Our most pressing aspiration today is to construct our national social space so that we understand who we are as a Guyanese people, and know the blessedness of our pastoral landscape, and to be able to express our heart and soul with aesthetic appeal and impact.

In that, the Guyanese nation’s latent creative potential would become a showcase on the world stage.

We’ve arrived at the place today to design and construct the story and image of the Guyanese nation where we really showcase to the world our innate beauty, our creative passion, our latent potential to contribute original ideas and thoughts and concepts to the creative knowledge vat of humanity.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

Sugar industry’s challenges more complex than Skeldon

By Vanessa Narine

CHALLENGES in the sugar industry are complex and extend

{

other initiatives that will aid the industry’s recovery.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Executive member, during his

{

‘Sugar is about the economy.

It is still a big foreign currency earner, still a big source for jobs; it is not something you dissolve in teacups.’ – Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

part of the industry’s recovery effort and there are specific issues that need to be and will be addressed.

“Clearly, we still have to fix some of them because the factory is not running the way it should run and it has potential to do much more,” he said.

Dr Jagdeo noted that when the US$185M factory was commissioned, Tate and Lyle had been hired as Project Manager for the construction of the factory.

“Tate and Lyle was the project

beyond the Skeldon sugar factory, according to former president, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.

“Sugar’s problem is much more complex (than the challenges of Skeldon),” he said on Saturday, when asked about the state of the industry during a news conference held at Freedom House, Robb Street.

Dr Jagdeo pointed to the fact that sugar across the Caribbean region, as well as in other territories, is facing significant problems.

“Belize went out of sugar. Jamaica scaled back. Barbados went out of sugar. Trinidad and Tobago went out of sugar. St. Kitts went out of production. Our cost of production is still high and we still have the challenge in the cut in the prices in the EU (European Union) market, which led to a loss of US$40M per annum,” he explained.

MAKE SUGAR WORK Moving forward, the former president stressed that the focus remains on “making sugar work” for the people who depend on the industry.

“Do we say let’s get out of sugar? If we get of our sugar, the entire Berbice region, not just the sugar workers, the shopkeepers, the taxi drivers, almost everyone – because it is a big thing in the economy – will be affected. We have to find a way to make sugar work,” he said.

RECOVERY STEPS Dr Jagdeo listed mechanisation, new varieties of sugar cane to increase productivity in the field, investments at the other seven Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) estates and diversification of the revenue base in the industry via a distillery and refinery, among

{

Skeldon sugar factory tenure in public office, had committed to intervening to ensure that the reforms necessary for the industry’s turnaround were advanced.

“Maybe I should have intervened a bit more, but sugar is a challenge. Clearly Skeldon has problems and Skeldon needs to be fixed…we are prepared to work to fix sugar because sugar is not just about Berbice. It’s about the economy,” he noted.

SPECIFIC ISSUES The wide base of challenges for the sugar industry considered, Dr Jagdeo maintains that the Skeldon factory remains a crucial

Co reported to the National Assembly, last year, that it was pursing legal action against Tate and Lyle.

Over the weekend, numbers released by GuySuCo indicated that in 2014 the production at the Skeldon factory totalled 590,018 tons of cane, a production of 56.23 tons of cane per hectare (TCH).

Since its commissioning, this is the highest production Skeldon has recorded. For 2015, GuySuCo estimates that the factory will produce 657,372 tons of cane at 59.62 tons of cane per hectare – an 11 per cent increase in cane production and a six per cent increase in productivity.

COMMITTED Meanwhile, Dr Jagdeo reiterated that efforts will continue to be made to ‘fix’ the sugar industry.

“We are prepared to work on these challenges and to support the industry like we did in the bauxite community. Up to now we are still supporting the bauxite community with billions in electricity subsidies, billions of dollars in subsidies every year. We don’t hear much about that,” he said.

The former president underscored the importance the sector plays relative to its contribution to the economy.

“Sugar is about the economy. It is still a big foreign currency earner, still a big source for jobs, it is not something you dissolve in teacups,” he observed.

Also, harvesting of the first crop is ongoing at all eight estates, with a production of approximately 40,000 tonnes of sugar.

In 2014, GuySuCo recorded a production of 216,147 tonnes -– the first crop having surpassed the

“We are prepared to work to fix sugar because sugar is not just about Berbice. It’s about the economy.”

– Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

manager throughout. We have had issues throughout…there are specific issues that need fixing….I did try as president to fix these things, but clearly there is more to do,” he said.

The company’s services were terminated soon after the factory was commissioned in 2009 and GuySu-

{

75,000-tonne target, bringing in about 80,000 tonnes.

GuySuCo is targeting a 2015 production of some 240,000 tonnes. There is also a projection that the sector would reach a 400,000-tonne goal by 2020.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

From murders to missing weapons…

Jagdeo proposes ‘mother of all inquiries’ SELECTIVE calls by the political Opposition for probes into various incidents were countered by former president, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who proposed the “mother of all inquiries” into everything from murders to missing weapons.

He said, “Some people want to pick and choose, a little bit here and a little bit there. Let us do one thing. We can propose that to President Ramotar too when he gets re-elected. “…I would say to people that anytime we want a comprehensive inquiry into what happened, we should do it, once and for all…we should have an inquiry into everything, maybe the mother of all inquiries.”

To start the ball rolling, the former president suggested that questions be asked about the 155 missing Guyana Defence Force (GDF) weapons.

Last August, Lieutenant Colonel Sydney James, who spent three days at the CoI on the witness stand, testified and submitted documentation that the GDF loaned high-powered military weapons to the PNC’s Ministry of National Development. The records that Lieutenant Colonel James tendered as evidence to the Commission show that the GDF loaned 200odd weapons to the Ministry, as well as paramilitary organisations and other agencies. Of those 200-odd weapons, 155

are still missing today. Even as calls have been made for answers to be given regarding missing weapons the current Administration insists that the Army is actively engaged in trying to locate them.

“Let’s start with how the guns were given to the PNC and how they ended up in the hands of criminals in 2004.

Granger (Brigadier (ret’d) David Granger) still doesn’t want to help us get back those guns,” Dr Jagdeo charged.

He added that the smugDr Bharrat Jagdeo gling of guns from Suriname to Buxton during the 20022008 crime wave, the murders of police officers, the massacres in Lusignan and Bartica in January and February 2008 and “every single” charge of extra-judicial killings by the ‘phantom’ squads, among other issues are areas that need to be looked into.

The murder of his colleague, former Agriculture Minister Satyadeow ‘Sash’ Sawh was another area of inquiry that Dr Jagdeo highlighted.

“Let’s look at any case of violence in an inquiry, let’s bring in some foreigners…let us do everything,” the former president stressed. (Vanessa Narine)

Police record 1% increase in serious crimes

By Michel Outridge

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) disclosed that their statistics up to March 23, 2015, reveal that a 1% increase in serious crimes has been recorded for this year, in comparison to the same period in 2014.

There were 38 murders for this year unto March 23, 2015, in comparison to 33 for the similar period last year; an increase of 15%.

Police said robbery under arms where firearms were used has decreased by 28%; and robbery under arms where other instruments were used by the perpetrators has decreased by 6%.

Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing into the murder of Courtney Crum-Ewing which occurred on March 10, 2015, at Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

Eight persons have been arrested and questioned and subsequently released. The police are actively questioning persons from the community and scrutinizing video footage as the investigation continues.

In relation to the murder of 14-year-old Alicia Ali, whose body was found on the seawall at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, on March 25, 2015, the parents and close relatives are assisting with the investigations, while a male friend from the community is being questioned as the investigations progress.

The body of the dismembered female that was found on the Annandale Foreshore, East Coast Demerara, on March 26, 2015, has not yet been identified. No arrest has been made in this matter so far.

The police are questioning persons from the surrounding communities and checking recent missing person reports in efforts to identify the deceased.

ADVISORY Members of the public are advised to record and store the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of their cell phones for future reference. The production of this number in instances where instruments have been stolen can greatly assist investigators in apprehending suspects or questioning persons.

11

Catholics usher in Holy Week

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

- with Palm Sunday procession and Mass

By Rebecca Ganesh CATHOLICS from across Georgetown and as far as Diamond on the East Bank Demerara took to the roads for the procession yesterday to join their Christian brothers and sisters around the world in observance of Palm Sunday as they ushered in the Holy Week celebrations that will culminate in Easter.

Yesterday’s event marked the seventh year for a joint Palm Sunday Mass held at the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground (GCC), Bourda, for Catholics in commemoration of the occasion.

Processions from various parishes culminated at the GCC with singing of hymns and bearing of palms.

This year, the symbolic blessing of the palms was done at the respective churches before the beginning of the procession, which saw parishioners from St Teresa’s (Campbellville), Our Lady of the Mount (Meadow Bank), Sacred Heart (Main Street), Our Lady of Fatima (Bourda), St Pius X (East LaPenitence), Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Brickdam), Holy Spirit (North Ruimveldt)and Our Lady of the Rosary (Kitty) walked from their place of worship to the GCC. As a symbol of their faith and devotion, many Christians keep the palm crosses,

which are distributed during Palm Sunday services, and hang them in their homes throughout the year.

The day marked the end of the Lenten fast for Catholics and Anglicans alike, and the beginning of the most solemn and important week in their calendar, Holy Week.

The week commences on what is traditionally called Palm Sunday, which is one of the most important days in the Christian calendar. This final Sunday before Easter, Christians remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, cheered on by palm-waving crowds, in church services around the country.

On Thursday of the Holy week in the Roman Catholic Church, the ritual washing of feet is now associated with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, which celebrates in a special way the Last Supper of Jesus, before which he washed the feet of his twelve apostles. Evidence for the practice on this day goes back at least to the latter half of the twelfth century, when the Pope washed the feet of twelve sub-deacons after his Mass and of thirteen poor men after his dinner.

Good commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. The holiday is observed during Holy Week

Part of the procession to Bourda Ground. as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday proceeding Easter Sunday, and may coincide with the Jewish observance of ‘The Passover’.

Common Palm Sunday observances include processions with palm branches, the blessing of the palms (which will be burned and used next Ash Wednesday), and the construction of small palm crosses.

A section of the parishioners.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

After ‘dirty list’ comment…

‘Ulterior motives’ touted as Granger’s rationale

By Vanessa Narine

“DANGEROUS” paths are being approached – a one-line summation from former president Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, following Brigadier (ret’d) David Granger’s characterisation of the Revised List of Electors as a “dirty” list.

“If we allow this to thrive, these are dangerous grounds and my fear is that

{

the only reason it is raised now is that this is a preemptive strike…this is very dangerous,” he stressed on Saturday at a news conference held at Freedom House.

The presidential candidate of the Alliance of A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) made the comment at a fund-raising event in South Ozone Park, Queens, New York, last week.

{

‘Clearly every right thinking Guyanese is wondering what is wrong with Granger…why is he doing it now at this stage? There must be an ulterior motive.’ – Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

He said, “That is a dirty list… the list has suddenly gone up by a hundred thousand to 567,000. Keep your eyes open. We do not believe in that. How in three years in a country in which the population is falling, the voters list has gone up by a hundred thousand?”

QUESTIONABLE TIMING Dr Jagdeo questioned Granger’s timing, explaining that he had many opportunities to raise concerns, including the series of continuous registration cycles and the Claims and Objections periods, as well as through the APNU-represented officials who are commissioners with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

“Clearly every right thinking Guyanese is wondering what is wrong with Granger…why is he doing it now at this

pects of the electors list, its leadership was criticised for wanting to delay the electoral process.

“GECOM defended the list then and I hope GECOM will defend the list as vigorously as when we raised concerns,” he said.

DANGEROUS MINDSET Dr Jagdeo also questioned Granger’s mindset relating to the changes in the electoral list.

“What is even more dangerous is Granger’s mindset. He said when we win the elections we will sit down, the AFC and APNU, and decide what to do about the list. That is how it was in the past; the Government decided what to do about the list. That is no longer the case.

GECOM, an independent organisation, they decide on the list,” he stressed.

The former president underscored

From left, PPP Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha with former president Dr Bharrat Jagdeo addressing several issues with members of the local media corps (Adrian Narine photo) stage? There must be an ulterior motive,” he said.

According to the former president, Granger is seemingly laying the foundation to explain an APNU+AFC loss at the upcoming May 11 General and Regional elections.

“My feeling is that his motive is fear; fear of losing and trying, as we know PNC has done in the past, trying to make excuses for that failure. I cannot think of any other rational reason why he did not raise this issue over the past three years,” Dr Jagdeo said.

He recalled that when the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) made use of the opportunities to question as-

the creativity of the People’s National Congress (PNC) in rigging elections and having their Ministry of Home Affairs prepare an Official List of Electors (OLE).

“The PNC at that time was very creative…they had a fake name, Harry Potter, on the list. This was in the 60’s.

Maybe Rowling (the author J.K Rowling) must have been thinking about the PNC’s creativity,” he quipped.

On a more serious note, Dr Jagdeo made it clear that Granger seems divorced from reality.

“He is very far from reality…this is See page 13

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

Guyana must resolve to have a viable source of renewable energy by 2020 …Minister Persaud, as Guyana observes Earth Hour

‘Ulterior motives’ touted ...

From page 12

serious business,” the former president stressed.

GECOM’S POSITION Additionally, GECOM’s Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally, in a prior comment, expressed concern over the types of words used to describe the list.

“They should not be using words like padded or bloated, because the connotation is that we are not purposely increasing the list. We are working on reducing the number of people on the list, but taking people off the list is not easy,” he said.

Dr. Surujbally acknowledged that the names of persons who have migrated from Guyana, as well as persons who have died, are still included on the list.

“We would be first to say the list has people dead or people not in Guyana and this is something that Mr. Granger is aware of,” he said.

However, the GECOM Chairman pointed out that there is a legal procedure to removing the names of dead persons on the list and stressed that GECOM cannot unilaterally undertake this task.

On the issue of persons who have left Guyana, Dr. Surujbally explained that if their names are on the list then it means these persons registered, their residency was verified and the relevant procedures were followed to have them placed on the voters’ list.

“We do not know how many people registered and, having their residency, subsequently left the country. You cannot take them off the list. Suppose you take the name off and the individual comes home and the situation that arises is that they are not eligible to vote. What happens then?” he questioned.

According to him, these explanations have been made to Mr. Granger, as well as other stakeholders in the electoral process.

“They all know the reasons for the increased number of the list….this is not something unique to Guyana. This is a global phenomenon,” he said.

The GECOM Chairman was emphatic in making clear that all the challenges considered, all stakeholders are well aware of the measures in place to ensure that no person votes twice or votes in the place of another person.

“The important thing with these numbers is that there cannot be one person voting twice,” he posited.

He declined to comment on Mr. Granger’s reason for raising this concern abroad, as opposed to voicing them locally, and more importantly communicating these concerns to GECOM. Numbers from the GECOM indicated that the RLE includes the names of 570,786 eligible voters. The number of eligible voters in the November 2011 General and Regional Elections was 492,193.

NATURAL Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud is hopeful that Guyana’s economy will become green, as more alternative energy sources are utilised in the future.

The Minister was at the time addressing the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and other partners’ ‘Light-Out Concert’ at the National Park to mark Earth Hour 2015 on Saturday evening.

The event, held under the national theme, “Put Your Best Carbon Footprint Forward”, with songs, poetry, dances and the symbolic Lights-Off (from 8:30 to 9:30pm,) symbolised Guyana’s continued commitment to reducing climate change effects and its dedication to reducing its own carbon footprint.

Minister Persaud noted that Guyana has already been demonstrating a high level of consciousness and awareness in terms of what needs to be done to manage the environment. As Minister Persaud pointed out, at the national level, the country has its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which sets out the road map for ensuring its development is done in a low emission and low carbon pathway.

Guyana is one of a few countries that have adopted a low carbon strategy

as a national development model. “This indicates political commitment and buy-in by the population that we will proceed in this direction,” Minister Persaud said.

He said that the country is also an example because it continues to demonstrate to the international community and the many skeptics, who believe that once ‘you talk environment and you do the things to protect

development, that you can do the things that are climate friendly and at the same time you can grow the economy and create opportunities for our people,” he said.

Minister Persaud also pointed out that Guyana is the only one of two countries around the world that is receiving payment for eco-services.

“We have been able to put dollar figures on those concepts that many

ant to lift awareness and consciousness, and reaffirm a commitment that in moving forward, more is done locally that will have an international impact.

To this end, he challenged that the country resolve to end its dependency on fossil fuel for energy, and in so doing, become one of a few countries to have done so. “Before 2020, Guyana should be proud to stand

As the National Park is plunged into darkness for an hour to mark Earth Hour 2015, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud and others gathered at the observance to enjoy light from an alternative source the environment, that you will not have economic opportunities and jobs’.

“We have proven you can pursue sustainable

people doubted and have been skeptical about,” he said.

He said that the Earth Hour initiative is import-

A dance performance during the Earth Hour 2015 observance at the National Park

up and say to all that our energy source comes from renewable sources and particularly hydro,” he said.

Such a move makes sense, not only in terms of having an impact on climate change and reducing emissions, but is one that makes strong economic sense, the Minister noted. He pointed to the fact that the country will save the US$200M it currently spends on fuel importation. It will also gain because it will create a green economy that will lead to new industries and green jobs.

C i t i e s a c ro s s t h e world were plunged into darkness for an hour to mark Earth Hour 2015.

The initiative was established in 2007 in Australia by WWF, and is now celebrated in over 1,000 countries.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

Africo Selman joins PPP at Kitty rally

By Rebecca Ganesh

“NEVER allow yourself to be deceived by the APNU +AFC, stay f a r a w a y, ” w a s t h e warning given by Africo Selman as she spoke at the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Rally at the Kitty Market Square last evening.

Speaking to the large crowd that gathered in support of the PPP/C, she recalled the abuse she faced at the hands of members of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

She emphasized that the PPP/C has a place for everyone and expressed her sincerest gratitude to the members of the ruling Party. “I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to the PPP/C for accepting me, with his Excellency Donald Ramotar and Elisabeth Harper we will win the upcoming May 11 elections.”

“This party is for unity, not for racial division, this party if for progress and this is the party you should all vote for,” she stressed. She continued to express her dissatisfaction with her treatment from the APNU

and urged the youths to get themselves educated about what the PPP/C has to offer and has been doing for the development of the country.

She elaborated on achievements in the education sector, noting that it is free of cost and is of the highest quality. She reiterated the achievement of universal primary education.

She took some time to explain further the achievements of the PPP/C government - “this party has improved life for all Guyana, let us applaud the works and developments of the Donald Ramotar Administration where priority is given to empowering women and young people, developments in the health and housing sector and Amerindian developments.”

Selman noted the distasteful comment by the members of the APNU when she questioned them why not assist in the recent issues the University of Guyana was experiencing and their words to her was “they are collateral damage.”

The coalition, she noted, claimed to be democratic but “they are not

Africo Selman addresses the crowd at Kitty Market Square - the PPP/C has shown their democracy and the APNU doesn’t value your contributions; I believe if I didn’t leave when I did I might have been physically abused.”

“I do not enjoy re-

Police recapture Popeye robbery suspect POLICE last Friday night at about 18:30hrs recaptured escaped prisoner Rayon Paddy and arrested another man who was wanted pending investigations into several armed robberies.

During the operation, the police recovered a .32 semi-automatic pistol with 12 rounds along with seventeen (17) rounds 5.56 calibre ammunition and a quantity of cocaine and marijuana.

Paddy, 26, of South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown, was shot and injured by an off duty policeman during an armed robbery at Popeye’s Fast Food Outlet on Vlissengen Road, on January 25, 2015.

He subsequently escaped from the GPHC where he was under guard and receiving medical treatment.

Both men are in police custody assisting with the investigations.

On January 25, 2015 employees and customers of the Popeye’s on Vlissengen Road took cover when four gun-toting bandits who were about to rob the restaurant came face

to face with an off-duty cop who was making a purchase.

The incident took place just after 19:00hrs and eyewitness and reports said the policeman was getting ready to leave the restaurant when he encountered the group with one of the gunmen who had just entered the business place with his gun in the air.

The cop reportedly tussled with him and wrestled him to the ground.

At least five gunshots were fired, hitting the glass wall of the restaurant.

The other three bandits who were on the outside ran away from the scene while discharging rounds also.

The gunman who was wrestled to the ground by the policeman was reportedly shot and taken into custody.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident, at about 13:30 hrs on March 27, 2015, police ranks conducted a search on a motor car at the checkpoint at Lethem, during which three kilograms, 300 grams of marijuana were found.

Three men have been arrested and are in police custody assisting with the investigations.

counting those incidents but I advise you, my fellow Guyanese, do not allow yourselves to be deceived by the APNU+AFC, stay as far away as possible”, she noted. “We in the

PPP/C are a competent and independent party, we will not be abused or ill-treated by anyone that is handpicked by David Granger,” Selman stressed.

“My friends don’t be

fooled; look at what the PPP/C and the PPP/C Government has done for you, come May 11 – let’s go out early and vote PPP/C”, she urged those gathered at Kitty Market Square.

Duo arrested over Mahaicony roadblock robbery POLICE reported that they have arrested two men on March 27, 2015, in a house at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, in which a firearm and ammunition and narcotics were found.

The men have been identified as being two of the men, who posed as police and conducted an illegal roadblock at Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, on March 18, 2015, and committed an armed robbery on some salesmen.

The investigations are continuing.

At Grove, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, three men dressed in police regulation colours of blue shirts and black trousers flagged down a Canter truck with three employees of Royal Chicken of Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara and relieved of cash.

The armed robbery took place at a very dismal area at about 21:00 hrs on March 19, 2015 At the time, the workers were heading to their place of work when they encountered the men dressed in police clothes after which they were taken to a dam where the robbers tied them up and broke into a canister and took the day’s sales.

The employees, including the driver

and two porters, were left tied up in the locked tray of the truck and after sometime they managed to free themselves and reported the crime to the police.

It is believed that the two men, who are in police custody pending a probe, also posed as cops on August 2, 2014.

They allegedly stopped a husband and a wife along with a taxi driver on their way to the CJIA and identified themselves as policemen claiming they were investigating an accident and took them to a dismal area at Soesdyke where they were tied up and robbed of cash and jewellery amounting to millions.

The victims, a private school teacher, Latchmin Gopaul, her husband, Lekraj Gopaul of Hague, West Coast Demerara, and taxi driver, Parmanand Teekaram of Cornelia Ida, were travelling on their way to the airport to go on vacation overseas about 11:00 hrs when they were stopped at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara.

A week before, Pastor Sewnauth Poonalall of the Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church was gun-butted and robbed shortly after returning from the airport with some overseas guests.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

Granger touts revamping of sugar industry at Whim rally -contradicts APNU’s call for closure to sugar industry

EXPRESSING concerns last year about the viability of the sugar Industry in Guyana, Presidential candidate of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, David Granger, last evening proffered the idea of a revamping of the sugar industry should his party be elected to the government at the May 11 General and Regional elections.

But this new position is one which contradicts that of his party following calls made last year by Executive member of APNU, and sugar expert, Anthony Vieira, who posited that the production of alcohol-ethanol as a replacement to sugar is a more “viable” option.

Facing a crowd of thousands last evening at their Unity Rally held at Whim, Berbice, Granger insisted on the importance of sugar to the economy of Guyana, adding that Berbice is the cutting edge of Guyana’s economy since it is perfectly positioned to aid in economic growth through the maneuverings of different sectors of production.

“We need you, Corentyne; Guyana needs you”, Granger told his audience, adding that, “We need your sugar and we are going to save sugar; we need your rice and we need your fish.”

He said that bauxite’s point of entry is through the Berbice River, while timber also comes through the Berbice River.“The Corentyne is the cutting edge of Guyana’s economy, when the Corentyne prospers, Guyana progresses,” Granger said.

With the sugar industry’s current employment of over 20,000 workers, the majority of whom are Berbicians, proposed Executive member of the APNU+AFC coalition, Khemraj Ramjattan treaded similar ground as Granger, emphasizing the importance of the revival of the sugar industry.

According to Ramjattan, the “propaganda” which was being peddled that the APNU+AFC coalition was intending to “ground” both the rice and sugar industries, were “lies”.

“We are not in any way going to close the sugar industry” Ramjattan said, while noting that the coalition intends to make the industries profitable

APNU+AFC presidential candidate, David Granger, embraces his running mate, Moses Nagamotooo once more to the economy.

“We have to make it profitable because it is that which creates so much employment, not just directly, but also indirectly, for so many people across this country”.

But Ramjattan’s call last evening had defeated an earlier position by himself only last year, following his support for the Opposition’s call for a shift in production from sugar to ethanol.

The crowd at the APNU+AFC Whim Rally

On March 12, 2014, in an invited comment, Ramjattan had told INews, “We have called ever since for the Government to make that investment in ethanol production the order of the day, and we have Brazil and other firms from India that can help in that regard, and also help Guyana in the long run to save billions in foreign currency and fuel”.

Taking a jab at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), the AFC Executive at that time insisted that, “We cannot allow GuySuCo to keep eating up $200B when its factories (Skeldon, Berbice) aren’t working satisfactorily.”

He opined at the same time that the Government had been fighting to keep the industry alive because they felt that they needed to provide employment for its supporters who are largely cane-cutters.

To this end, he remarked, “They want to keep them in that morass forever so as to garner votes so they are trying to paint the Opposition as if they do not care for the people; but if the government cared, they would have transformed the sector ever since.”

Having a small input on the same topic, Prime Ministerial candidate of the coalition, Moses Nagamootoo, sought to advertise the idea that, “only a real government will fix the sugar industry”, hinting that the coalition was capable of doing this.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

13th Pakaraima Mt. Safari underway with record number of participants … additional destinations are under consideration as interest in the annual Pakaraima Mountain Safari expands

DIRECTOR of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh has disclosed that plans are afoot for the development of other safaris, exploring other areas of Guyana.

The GTA Director was at the time speaking to the Government Information Agency (GINA) at the Guyoil gas station at Regent Street, where he, along with Prime Minister Samuels Hinds, was sending off participants of the 13th Annual Pakaraima Mountain Safari.

A convoy of 26 vehicles and eight motorcycles about 1:00 a.m. yesterday embarked on the 529- mile journey from Georgetown to Orinduik Falls and back.

“It is the most adventurous trip in Guyana,” Haralsingh said. He pointed out that the journey is one that takes participants through one of the most ‘pristine and beautiful parts of Guyana.’

The safari will travel through Karasabai,

Tiperu, Rukomoto, Morabaiko, Yurong Paru, Monkey Mountain, Paramakatoi, Kato, Kurukubaru, and Itabac, culminating at the base of the Pakaraima Mountain Range, where the Orinduik Falls are located.

This year there is the largest number of participants, in terms of vehicles. There are also participants from countries such as Jamaica, Germany and Holland.

Haralsingh said that it’s the continued buzz and excitement for this safari and the other. exploring the South Pakaraimas, that are encouraging the exploration of other routes for safaris.

He also highlighted treks to Mahdia as among other parts of Guyana that are being explored as well for short safaris.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds noted that the safari would not have been as successful today had in not been for the work put in at the beginning by Former Minister of Local Government and Regional Develop-

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds greets a group of international participants

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Director, Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Indranauth Haralsingh in conversation prior to the send-off of the safari participants

ment, Harripersaud Nokta.

“It was Harripersaud, working with the villages, working with the people along the way and getting them in the first years to manually improve the walking trails so that the vehicles could come by,” he noted.

Prime Minister Hinds, who has been a constant participant of the safari, described the journey as ‘interesting and challenging’, more so in the very beginning, “when you were not sure you would make it and when for the first time, vehicles were driving through places such as Rukomoto, Tiperu…,” he explained.

That the journey today is much smoother “is an indication of how the country is being opened up,” the Prime Minister said.

The annual Pakaraima Mountain Safari is one of Guyana’s best tourism products, offering local and international participants a 10day trek into the beautiful scenic interior, and with it, the experience of magnificent sunrises and breathtaking sunsets. The team travels for

most of the day, navigating the rough terrain, crossing rivers and creeks, sometimes (though now less often, with the improvement in road network) and becoming stuck in ruts along the trails.

At nightfall, the team sets up tents or hammocks, and starts cooking in the open. As part of the experience, the team also interacts with the different villages, conducting outreaches, and making donations, more so to the schools.

The safari is a collaboration of the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce, GTA and Rainforest Tours.

Guyoil/Castrol and Mekdeci Mining remain the major sponsors of this annual event; however, the GTA has managed to attract a number of other entities, including: Marketing and Distribution, Rover World and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company. The administration of Regions 8 and 9 also plays an important role in making the event a success. (GINA)

A participant of the 13th Pakaraima Mountain Safari

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds shares safari experiences with a group of participants who will undertake the journey on motorcycle. Also in photo is Coordinator, Pakaraima Mountain Safari, Frank Singh and Director, Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Indranauth Haralsingh

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

Granger put a Prime Ministerial ‘comforter’...

From page 3

that when they vote on May 11, they must think about the future, underscoring that their support for the PPP is a support for the fight to prevent the dark past from coming to life again, one where people use power at will and with impunity.

He said he is for the cause of the PPP, which is a cause for a brighter future for all Guyanese, and will not give a hoot to AFC Leader Raphael Trotman, who advised him to stay out of the elections race.

They will not be allowed to perpetuate their falsehoods and distortions, Dr Jagdeo said, to resounding applause.

“Let me tell Trotman something, I will be part of the race, I am supporting the People’s Progressive Party, I will put every bit of energy and strength that I have in my body to make sure that Ramotar remains the President of our country and Elisabeth Harper becomes the Prime Minister,” he said, but made it clear that he does not want a position in the Government, since with the two at the helm, the future of the country will be safe and secure.

NAGAMOOTOO But he warned them about Nagamootoo.

“Let me tell you what Granger has done with Nagamootoo; he has put a Prime Ministerial comforter in his mouth, and so while he is sucking on this potential Prime Ministerial comforter, he has forgotten the violence of the PNC elections, he has forgotten that the elections were rigged,” the former President said.

He said Nagamootoo is so far gone that he has even denied that he is an Indian, but yet he is promising to give Granger 11 per cent of Indian votes for Granger’s PNC to win the elections.

“This is not about being Indian, it’s not about being Afro Guyanese, it’s not about being Amerindian or any other race, it is about the future of Guyana,” he stressed, urging the electorate to make sure that Nagamootoo does gain from his narrow political advocacy.

Dr Jagdeo said too that in spite of the Opposition’s vicious charges of corruption, the PPP stands with its head held high because it can compete on its history and its record. The Opposition, he said, would never recognise this, so too some media houses.

He also said that the PPP has always fought for national unity, noting that national unity cannot be achieved through vindictiveness and parochial politics.

“National unity doesn’t come about because you take two rejects from the PPP and put them on a platform; national unity can’t come about if you cut $80 billion from the budget; national unity can’t come about if you sabotage the Amaila Falls which will bring cheaper electricity to the people; national unity cannot come about if you cut funding for University of Guyana students when you promise free education; national unity can’t come about if you do not want to support the sugar industry when it is in crisis…national unity can’t come about if you do not want to support the rice industry; national unity can’t come about if you use every opportunity to see race in everything… national unity can only come about if you respect people, people of all races, you respect their religion and I dare say only one party can do that, that is the People’s Progressive Party,” he said to rousing cheers, adding: “Not Nagamootoo or any of the others.”

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

Ramotar to Granger:

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

‘GAME OVER’ on May 11

By Vanessa Narine

AS much as an hour before the scheduled start time for the official launch of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) 2015 elections campaign, large groups of supporters trailed all along Alexander Street, Kitty.

Jamming to what has become a traditional feature at PPP/C events, Bob Marley tunes, the energy in the air was tangible. Tassa drumming added pep to the steps of the many groups that marched along the Kitty Market square inching their way closer to the campaign platform. Among the groups were PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee, other party officials and government ministers.

The enthusiasm from the Shakti Strings Band and their performers was tangible but was topped by the Party’s presidential candidate, Donald Ramotar, when he took the stage.

with me, stand with Elisabeth Harper and let us take our country forward,” he stressed.

TRYING YEARS Mr Ramotar noted that the three years of his term as Head of State were not easy years.

“They were trying years…we do not want to be in power and not deliver to the Guyanese people. Power is a means to an end and the end is to ensure that every Guyanese has a comfortable life,” he said.

He added that his hope is that development will not be stalled because the political Opposition held the majority proved futile, hence the move to early elections.

The President pointed to incidents of power grabs for the post of Speaker and Deputy Speaker, bargaining where negotiations were not held up, refusals to come to a middle ground on important issues, such as the national budget,

student in the public schools, successes in education and housing, among others.

“We will continue to take these programmes to all parts of our country…the quality of life is definitely improving in every area of our country and the PPP/C

{

and ‘questionable’ records during their years in public service and high-ranking positions.

“These are the people who want to run our country, we cannot afford it because elections are about the future…we want

{

‘When this scorpion (the PPP/C) stings the APNU+AFC, it means that on May 11, we will nail the final nail in the coffin.’ – PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee

did that with no cooperation from the Opposition; in fact with terrible opposition from them,” he said.

The incumbent Head of State described the posture of the APNU+AFC as “diabolical.”

“Who changes their name, only scamps and criminals change their names…we have a record, but it is the same old PNC (People’s National Congress) that we are dealing with,” he quipped.

A QUESTION OF THE FUTURE Mr Ramotar underscored that there is much at stake, more importantly the future is at stake.

“We have to make our country ready… we have to prepare people for what progress will bring,” he said.

The President named David Granger, Carl Greenidge, Basil Williams and Winston Felix and cited their ‘dismal’

to work to build a modern and prosperous Guyana,” he stressed.

Mr Ramotar also blasted the political Opposition on their “shameless roundabout” in adopting positions on projects and on ‘bread and butter issues’ which are “completely different” to the positions reflected in their voting in the National Assembly.

“Over the last three years, every year we have had good economic growth…we have had many successes, we still achieved quite a lot, if we had the majority in Parliament we would have one much more…. I promise you when we win back the majority in Parliament, you will see how far we will go,” Mr Ramotar stressed.

PPP’S STING “When this scorpion stings the APNU+AFC, it means that on May 11, we will nail the final nail in the cof-

PPP/C launches elections campaign with thousands in attendance …

fin,” Rohee said, expressing optimism of the crushing defeat that awaits the political Opposition.

He called on supporters to continue to walk with the PPP on the “journey of development” and take Guyana even further.

“We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting us…every day unfair, unjustified, malicious, mischievous…every day they batter us and try to make us believe that we have done nothing for this country…but you the people of this country know that we have built Guyana,” Rohee said.

The PPP General Secretary blasted the “power hungry” endeavours of the political Opposition to get the PPP/C out of office.

“These people are so disrespectful of the people who cast their votes for this Party and they behave as though we are not entitled to run a government…so arrogant and so delusional and they have gone down a path that has brought us to where we are today,” he said, lamenting the actions of the combined Opposition in the 10th Parliament.

He also quipped about the ‘hustling’ that happened in the National Assembly and the Valentine’s Day ‘consummation of a marriage between APNU and AFC. “Hell no; we are not going to give up the PPP,” the Party’s General Secretary said, “We voted in 1992 for change and for rebuilding. The change and rebuilding continues.”

Rohee cited the past excesses and past attacks on democracy by the political Opposition in the past – wrongs that were

righted by the PPP/C. “The electorate has confidence in us...they voted to ensure that the PPP/C remains in office…come May 11, make no mistake where you put your ‘X’, we are voting for peace, progress and prosperity…too much is at stake. Our country is at stake…so much we have gained,” he posited.

VOICE OF GRASSROOTS Former president of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Gillian Burton, who threw her weight behind the PPP, was one of the most vociferous grassroots voices that took the campaign platform yesterday and tackled head-on the issue of change.

A Kitty resident herself, Burton stressed that change is an un-doubtable fact evidenced by more businesses thriving, a changing physical landscape, and greater numbers of youths and women, in particular, being empowered, among numerous other successes.

“This is change,” she said.

According to her, the political Opposition, despite their name change, is not hard to recognise. “AFC is Alliance For Confusion…APNU is A Partnership Not United,” she quipped.

On the other hand, she touted the alternatives the PPP – “Peace, Progress and Prosperity” – represents the only real option for the Guyanese people.

“They want to tell us that we have not delivered to Guyana. I stand here as a witness….haven’t they seen the evidence of the work of the PPP/C? What more do they want?” the PPP supporter

Incumbent President, Donald Ramotar, and former president, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, share a light moment during yesterday’s rally(Photos by Adrian Narine) questioned.

Burton also took on the issue of the criticisms that fire tenders were seen washing the streets of Kitty, early yesterday morning. “Burnham did worse,” she said.

The PPP supporter added, “They call me a soup drinker…but if I left to drink soup, it means I was starving in their camp, so I came to the PPP…the cup

don’t only give you soup, you get water, milk, porridge, tea and I could go on and on.”

Burton declared that the only option for continued progress is the PPP/C. Also taking the platform was a young professional, Dr Gregory Adams, who brought the gathering See page 19

President Donald Ramotar greets his running mate, PPP/C prime ministerial candidate, Elisabeth Harper, and her husband, Mark Harper His message to the Alliance of A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) was made clear – come May 11 at the General and Regional elections it is “game over.”

The incumbent President detailed in a meticulous manner the plans, programmes, policies and legislative agenda that form part of the PPP/C vision for Guyana after May 11.

“We have come a far way in Guyana. We have become the envy of many…we have a far way to go…this is why I ask you, collectively and individually, to stand with me. The PPP/C has stood for 65 years with the Guyanese people…I appeal to you to stand

and incidents where the Guyanese people were deliberately misled.

“This is what we had to work with,” he lamented, pointing to the major losses in a neglected Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, among several others of the PPP/C flagship projects, which were aimed at advancing the improvement of the lives of the Guyanese people.

The President added, “These are the same people who are asking for your votes.”

Mr Ramotar also outlined the many social programmes that his Administration has managed to advance, despite the political Opposition, programmes that included cash grants for every single

President Donald Ramotar and PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee, at the Kitty rally yesterday

Women of the PPP/C, from left are Jennifer Webster, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Elisabeth Harper, Africo Selman and party stalwart, Gail Teixeira

PYO Chairman, Irfaan Ali, energies party supporters with an ‘Are You Ready’ call

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

‘I am the product of opportunity provided by the PPP/C’ declares Dr Gregory Adams One of the several placards that took jabs at the political Opposition

‘GAME OVER’

on May ...

From centre

“greetings from the mining town” and underscored the opportunities available for youth under the ruling party.

“They say there are no opportunities for the youth.

I tell you it is a lie,” he said, adding that he is a product of that opportunity.

“There are a thousand others like me,” the doctor, based at the Linden Hospital Complex, said.

Dr Adams was emphatic in stressing that progress has been made under the PPP/C. Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) member, Charles Ramson Jr. was another speaker at yesterday’s rally and brought his youthful spunk to the rally with catchy quips that included

‘Granger is danger’.

“When I say Granger, you say danger,” he shouted, as the voices of the thousands matched his energy.

He made it clear that the PPP/C is the architect of change and progress.

“There is no need to change course…the change we need is to give President Donald Ramotar a real opportunity to lead Guyana into the future,” Ramson Jr said.

By the end of the rally, moderator, PYO Chairman, Irfaan Ali, reiterated another message, “Big rallies do not win elections. Every vote must count. Every Guyanese must understand his responsibility and go out and vote.”

His question of “are you ready” was met with a resounding yes and thunderous cheers.

Other speakers included the PPP/C prime ministerial candidate, Elisabeth Harper and former president, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.

The enthusiastic response of PPP/C supporters, about 3,000-strong, evidenced a successful launch of the ruling Party’s 2015 elections campaign.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

Corriverton man jailed for 13 years over killing of daughter

By Jeune Vankeric CHARLES Albert, armed with a piece of wood, inflicted twenty-one lashes on his daughter’s head until she died under a star apple tree, outside her home at Lot 56 Princetown, Corriverton, Berbice.

The crime was committed following an altercation over an iron, which Albert was using on December 12, 2011.

But after listening to the facts by State Prosecutrix Judith Gildharie-Mursalin, along with the probation report by Senior Probation and Welfare Officer, Voonashewarie Gopal, and a plea in mitigation by Defence Counsel Raymond Ali, presiding Judge Brassington Reynolds imposed a thirteen-year sentence on the father of four, who stood motionless in the Berbice Assizes dock, with his head bowed.

Earlier, the judge told the prisoner, “….I get a sense that you were unable to reason…

I am not a psychiatrist or psychologist... In Guyana terms we refer to people as ‘coming and going’. A trained psychiatrist came here to say that you are fit for trial …Heard your tale of your service in the army… you get no credit for that..I am forced to consider the savage, brutal manner you snuffed out your own daughter’s life…It is sad, savage and senseless. You on your own admission administered twenty-one lashes …what caused you to ‘trip’ cannot be explained.”

“I have considered your age, in that you are a big man,

Charles Albert you got credit for not wasting the court’s time, time deducted for the time spent as a remanded prisoner and I have put back another year for the savage manner you beat your daughter. You are sentenced to thirteen years.”

Earlier, Senior Probation Officer Voonashewarie Gopal said Albert was born on March 3, 1961 at Linden, Upper Demerara River to a legal union between Charles and Utline Albert. He is the fifth of ten children. However, at birth he was placed into the custody of his maternal aunt Caroline Ferdinand and her husband Harry, now deceased.

He grew up and still resides at Lot 56 Princetown Corriverton with his maternal aunt, now eighty-nine years.

According to the report, Albert worked with the Guyana Defence Force but left due to ill health, after which he never sought employment elsewhere.

Albert has fathered four daughters from two visiting relationships.

According to the mother of his three daughters, Ms Doris Garaves, the convict

never contributed financially towards the maintenance of their daughters.

His maternal aunt Caroline Ferdinand claimed that after he returned from the GDF she took him to the National Psychiatric Hospital where he spent approximately three weeks after which he escaped and returned to Princetown.

However, Dr Mayda Grajales, when contacted claimed that Albert was never a patient at the mental health institution.

Meanwhile, presenting the facts Senior State Counsel Judith Gildharie Mursalin said on December 12, 2011, Anwar Hussain, who lived next to Albert, saw him and his daughter under a star apple tree arguing.

He could not say what they were arguing about. Albert had a wood in his hand while his daughter had a cutlass in hers. Hussain shouted out to them, telling them to stop the argument as they were father and daughter.

Greaves then told Hussain that she would not leave her father like that as he had broken her teeth.

Albert and Greaves then went to the front of their yard.

Hussain said he left to go to his step daughter’s house, some three house lots away.

However, when he returned home about half an hour later, he saw people running into Albert’s yard and he went into the said yard and observed Greaves lying motionless in a pool of blood under the verandah.

Police officers went to the scene and escorted her to the hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

The same day, Albert was told of the allegation, cautioned and arrested. He then gave a written caution statement to Sergeant Zoeanne Johnson and this was witnessed by Detective Constable Mark Fraser.

In his statement, he said, “Officer, Onica is me daughter. She does come and cook for me every day. Today about one o’clock, she came over and reach me ironing me clothes, she pull out de iron and me and she start to fight for the iron. She then run downstairs, and me run behind she and pick up a piece of wallaba that we does use to bake in the oven, and me lash she head about 21 times till she dead. She eyes pass me.”

Government Pathologist Dr Vivikenand Brijmohan performed a post-mortem on Greaves on 14 December 2011, and found that she sustained a gaping wound to the left scalp with extensive fractures and copious bleeding in the brain, as well as a lacerated scalp wound to the right temple with underlying fractures to the temporal bone and extrusion of brain substance.

The cause of death was recorded as shock and haemorrhage, lacerations to the brain and fractures of the skull.

Greaves was thirty-three years at the time of her death.

Mursalin, in her submission, asked that the court take into consideration that the life of a young woman was brutally cut short in a brutal, horrific manner at the hands of her own flesh and blood…

‘Mongoose’ confesses to manslaughter over killing of seven-year-old in Berbice FAZAL Mohammed, known as ‘Boy’ and ‘Mongoose’ decided to ‘throw in the towel’ and plead for mercy after he reappeared at the Berbice Assizes before Justice Brassington Reynolds last Thursday.

Represented by Attorney-at-Law Raymond Ali, the prisoner pleaded not guilty to the capital offence of murder, but confessed to the lesser count of manslaughter, in that on August 20, 2012, he unlawfully killed seven-year-old Saheed ‘Buddy’ Muknauth.

A probation report, along

Fazal Mohammed with a mitigation plea, along with the facts are expected to be presented today.

On July 9, 2014, Mohammed had appeared before

Justice Navindra Singh, and following a not guilty plea, a trial had commenced, but at its conclusion the jury failed to return a verdict.

Consequently, a retrial was ordered.

At that hearing, Crime Scene Investigator Detective Corporal Dwayne Harvey, through whom the caution statement was admitted, recalled receiving information, and as a result he went to Number 68 Village, Corentyne where in a clump of bushes he saw the body of a male East Indian of about eight years old lying in a swamp, nude and

facing upwards.

Anita Persaud identified the body as that of her missing son. Thereafter, Dr. Brijmohan visited the scene, where he conducted an autopsy.

According to the pathologist’s report, Shahid Mohammed’s body was found in a spread eagle position.

He was floating in a pool of water surrounding by shrubs and trees. The body was in moderate state of decomposition, with greenish discolouration to the body surface and the cause of death was stated as multiple injuries.

her father.

“A father supposed to protect and cherish his daughter, not run after her and hit her in her head until she is dead as Albert confessed he did to Greaves.

“We may never be able to understand or appreciate what caused the relationship between this accused and his daughter to degenerate to such an extent, that he battered her to death. By his statement to the police he obviously felt she was disrespectful to him but in teaching her a lesson and exacting his punishment on her, he clearly lost sight of his role as a father and all it represents. I am respectfully asking Your Honour to show Charles Albert the same mercy that he showed to his daughter Roletta Onica Greaves.”

Meanwhile, defence lawyer Raymond Ali, conceded that the act of his fifty-fouryear-old client was indeed senseless.

Nevertheless, the lawyer submitted that the father of now three girls has been remorseful and begged for leniency.

Last week, at a special hearing, Government Psychiatrist Dr Maydo Grajales reported that Albert was fit to face a trial.

On February 6, 2014, she had appeared before Justice Diana Inshanally and had related that she had been attending to the prison inmate over the last two to three years.

During that period Albert was deemed unstable.

Then, the doctor was summoned to the court, as a result of a motion by the then State Counsel, Ms Renita Singh, who had submitted that the State was of the opinion that the accused is suffering from some defect of the mind and was unable to understand the nature of the proceedings before him, neither could he

properly take instructions from his counsel Mr Raymond Ali. Singh noted that the perception was drawn based on a previous trial, which was aborted during the October 2013 session, after the prisoner displayed abnormal behaviour.

“As such, in accordance with Section 176 of the Criminal Law Procedural Act, 10:01, the State respectively asks that a jury be empanelled to determine whether Mr Albert is insane or not, and whether he is fit or not to take his trial.

Consequently, the Cuban-trained mental health practitioner, who is commonly referred to as Dr Mayada, had noted that her client would be willing to take his medication, while on other occasions, he is loud. His behaviour is delusional grandeur as he relates how much wealth he possesses.

She opined that he does not comprehend the reason for his incarceration, and as such she did not believe he can understand the concept of the trial but maybe with treatment for the next three months. Albert was then on antipsychotic medication.

Thereafter, Justice Diane Insanally had ordered that the prisoner be returned to the New Amsterdam prison for continuous medical treatment for three months, before being reassessed with respect to his fitness to stand trial.

At this recent hearing, the psychiatrist said following a visit at the New Amsterdam Prison on Wednesday March 18 last, the prisoner, whom she did not see for four months, immediately recognised her from a previous visit.

“He recalled where he lived, why and the cause for his imprisonment. He appeared to be normal.”

For Monday March 30, 2015: 14:00hrs

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

‘Psycho’ gets 12 years for killing fellow prisoner

By Jeune Vankeric JUSTICE Brassington Reynolds imposed a twelve-year sentence on manslaughter convict Jason Orlando Mc Kenzie, who had beaten fellow prison inmate Sebastain Clato, rendering him unconscious at the New Amsterdam Prison.

The prisoner had earlier pleaded not guilty to murder, but pleaded guilty to manslaughter, which was accepted by the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Mrs. Judith Mursaline, who is representing the State.

In his caution statement, which was read to the court

by State Prosecutrix Mrs. Mursalin, Mc Kenzie said, “On April 27th April 2011, I been in the remand center and Sebastain Cleto pull a ‘jucker’ [ an improvised weapon] pon me, and I tek a piece of wood pon de bench and lash he pon he head and he fall down . Them prisoner officer came and carry he

away. Me later hear he dead in hospital.”

Earlier, Mursalin rehashing the evidence, described the case as a tragic one, in which a prisoner killed another.

“Nevertheless, the State is respectfully asking Your Honour to consider that a life has been lost and to impose a sentence that would be just, in all of the circumstances and one that would send a clear, strong message of deterrence to others in society, who may also seek to resolve issues by resorting to the use of violence.”

The accused, Jason Mc Kenzie, was an inmate at the New Amsterdam Prison on a charge of robbery under arms.

He was twenty-fouryears-old at that time, and a labourer of lot 291 Rosignol Village, West Bank Berbice.

The deceased, Sebastian Clato and his friend Andy Adams were in custody on a charge of murder over the unlawful killing of Rosignol

Jason Orlando McKenzie Sawmill watchman, Neezamudeen Khan. Adams has since been acquitted.

Mc Kenzie, and three other inmates, namely Rickford La Fleur, Raymond La Fleur and Kevin James were all engaged in a fight with Clato and Adams on April 27, 2011.

Adams, claimed that he, Clato and other prisoners were watching television at

about 1:45pm, when Rickford La Fleur came up with an iron bar and began boring him about his body. Kevin James, Raymond La Fleur and Jason Mc Kenzie, who was armed with a piece of wood, came up and began beating him also as he was lying in a hammock. He was beaten until he became unconscious and did not see what happened to Clato.

Prison Officers who rushed to the remand section after hearing shouts of ‘Oh God’, found Clato and Adams with what appeared to be blood on their bodies.

They were taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital and then Clato was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted a patient, but died on May 1, 2011.

On May 4, 2011, Government Pathologist Dr Vivikenand Brijmohan performed a post- mortem on Clato’s body, and found that he succumbed as a result of cerebral haemorrhage and a fractured skull.

Subsequently, Kevin James, Rickford La Fleur and Raymond La Fleur were all charged with his murder, but at the conclusion of the Preliminary Inquiry, the magistrate found that there was insufficient evidence to commit the others to stand trial.

Earlier Probation Officer Ms Joanne Samuels, in her

maiden presentation, noted that the convict, who would be celebrating his 30th birthday on March 30, was unable to recall important dates and events in his life.

It was during an interview with his mother, who revealed that Mc Kenzie called ‘Psycho’ was 27 years, 11 months old.

It was further revealed that the accused commenced his educational pursuits at Liberty Hall Nursery School in Rosignol, West Bank Berbice, while his primary education was obtained at Rosignol Primary, where he wrote the then Secondary School Entrance Examination, and premised on his performance, he was placed at the secondary level of the said institution.

During her investigation, the officer discovered that the accused parents were separated when he attained the age of ten years. However , he was left in the care of his mother with maximum support from his father.

Thereafter, his mother established another relationship which resulted in marriage, but ,shortly thereafter, the convict and his siblings commenced experiencing abuse, both verbal and physical perpetrated by his foster father.

Consequently, he relocated to Cummingsville, New Amsterdam, where he

lived with his father and his reputed wife.

After attaining the age of 13 years, the convict was expelled from the Rosignol Primary/Secondary Department, due to his involvement in numerous confrontational situations.

Thereafter, Mc Kenzie was enrolled at the Adult Education Association in New Amsterdam. However, due to his delinquent behavioural pattern, he left his father’s home without his permission and returned to Lot 298 Stelling Road, Rosignol, where he lived with his mother and her husband.

But, all did not go well, as his mother observed that he had adopted a disrespectful, dishonest and delinquent behaviour. Nevertheless, he sought and was gainfully employed with Banks DIH Limited, New Amsterdam branch as a porter. He worked for a short period and terminated his services on his own free will. Employment was gained from the Blairmont Estate of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Limited, where he worked for a year as a labourer. Again he left his job, citing insufficient wages. Fortunately, he sought and was hired by a private security service, but his employment lasted twelve months as he failed See Page 23

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

‘Psycho’ gets 12 years for killing ...

From Page 22 to adhere to instructions given by his superiors. Again, he was rehired at Blairmont Estate, where he worked in the spray gang. Unfortunately, it was during this period of employment that he was arrested and charged with robbery under arms. It was while he was a remanded prisoner on that offence, that he became involved in the current matter.

The officer revealed that information retrieved from the West Berbice and the New Amsterdam Magistrate Courts revealed that the robbery under arms matter was subsequently discharged at the Blairmont Magistrate Court. However on September 16, 2014, he was charged with four counts of attempted murder, which are

currently being heard at the New Amsterdam Court.

Further, the report states the convict habitually involved himself in various forms of aggressive behaviour, sometimes resulting in him becoming violent.

He is also described as a bully and one who does not share any good relationship with residents within the neighbourhood and the community.

The Probation Officer opined that the convict has marginal regard for life and the law, and while a custodial sentence may be required, it is felt that Mc Kenzie needs help in the form of interventive counseling which can be found within the confines of the prison.

Responding to questions

by Defence Counsel Raymond Ali, Probation Officer

Samuels said, after interviewing members of the community, prison officials and inmates, she put the allegations of aggression to Mc Kenzie, but he denied being so.

However, she confessed that the court may have left with the belief that his client was a bully, if her statements were not challenged in court.

Meanwhile, in a plea of mitigation, Ali said his client is the father of a four-year-old son, who had admitted very early to the crime as was revealed in his caution statement.

Nevertheless, it must be noted that the act was not premeditated, but a reaction by other inmates.

Addressing the convict, Justice Reynolds said, “Stand,Jason Orlando Mc Kenzie. I have listened to all being urged on your behalf.

Your lawyer, prosecutrix,

and the probation report. ‘…While your lawyer observes that there is no indication of the fact of premeditation…. I do believe the fact of spontaneous combustion … the observation made by the probation officer...I get a sense that it is owed to the environment you are reared.

Your own circumstances. A life is lost as a result of your action. What the probation re-

port discloses is a history of delinquency …Lighting do not strike the same place too often. The probation report gives a poor picture of your capacity to handle situations of conflict. Seems to have a legacy of not being able to control yourself.

“Firstly, I have considered 20 years, but I subtract five years for not wasting the court’s time. Also, I have

deducted four years for your period of incarceration. But, having regard to the brutal manner of your attack on the deceased, who sustained several injuries, I put back a year. The sentence of this court is twelve years imprisonment,” the judge declared.

Jumping to his feet in the dock, the prisoner, with right hand elevated, said, “I am sorry, Sir.”

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

25

Aries Social events or group activities could prove more stimulating than usual.

Discussions of every subject imaginable could take place around you, and you might have trouble deciding which ones you want to join. Your mind may be going the speed of light by the time the gathering ends. Walk home if time and weather permit. That should clear your head enough to let you sleep well.

Taurus Your writing, speaking, and communicating skills are enhanced today. Therefore, you can expect to impress a lot of people around you who will change their opinion about you. People will express their sympathy openly, and you will feel integrated and accepted throughout the day. Tonight, find a bookstore that’s sponsoring a lecture and go.

Gemini Correspondence with someone who lives far away could appear to lead to something more than friendship. This person seems to be in total accord with you about nearly everything, and warm feelings could flow between you. However, if you haven’t met in person, you should, at least before you get your hopes up for a relationship. It may be just what you’ve wanted - or it may not. Be careful Cancer A quick survey of the financial news might reveal that your investments, particularly those involving property, might be worth far more than you thought.

This might make you wonder if you should sit back and let it all mount up or actively put it to work for you. Consult a professional before taking any immediate action. You will want to be sure you’re doing the right thing.

Leo A message could come today from a business or romantic partner that brings some welcome news. Action on an enterprise of some kind, perhaps involving writing or speaking, could put one or both of you in the limelight. Make the most of the opportunity. It could lead to future advancement and exposure, perhaps even more promising than this. You’ve worked hard and now you’re reaping the rewards.

Virgo Today you can expect to have a highly interesting conversation with someone.

The person you will be talking to is going to provide you with a ton of information that will open a whole new world of knowledge. Excitement and happiness will be with you all day. This conversation will have an impact on your future.

Libra Your physical and mental energy are exceptionally strong right now. If you’re creative, you will want to put that energy into a project that means a lot to you.

If you’re athletic, you will probably want to get outside and play a game or go for a jog or cardio class. Bear in mind that much of this energy is nervous energy that burns out quickly. Pace yourself.

Scorpio A delivery could come to your house that you find very emotionally moving.

Perhaps you’ve received a gift that represents a big sacrifice to the giver, and was all the more sincere for that. This could be on your mind for most of the day even though you have a lot to do. When thanking the giver, be warm and sincere but not too effusive. You don’t want to embarrass your friend.

Sagittarius A friend might drop by and want you to keep them company while they run errands. This might be a good idea, not only for the diversion from routine but also because something might happen in the course of these short journeys that points you in a new and very positive direction. Your mind could suddenly be flooded with ideas. Make the most of it.

Capricorn Paperwork regarding money might take up a lot of your time today. This can be tedious, but it’s something that can make a very positive difference to you, and therefore needs to be handled as soon as possible. Try to stay focused, and don’t forget to ask for clarification when you need it. In the evening, celebrate by going out on the town with a group of friends.

Aquarius A subject that fascinates you could occupy much of your time today. Questions may arise about this subject that you want answered now. Therefore, you could get into some in-depth research. This might have you trapped in the library or glued to the Internet until you either find what you want or pick up a few leads to places where you might find it.

Pisces Emotions, impressions, and memories could come up from your subconscious today. This may preoccupy you and keep you from other matters. This is a positive development. Pleasant memories bring joy. Disturbing ones offer a release from past trauma. Write down your thoughts and then distract yourself by doing something you love. The significance of this process should come later.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

27

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

29

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

Australia crush New Zealand to claim fifth World Cup

By John Mehaffey MELBOURNE, Australia

(Reuters) - Australia captain Michael Clarke signed off in style from international one-day cricket yesterday by top-scoring in his country’s crushing seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the World Cup final.

After dismissing New Zealand for 183 in 45 overs before an Australian record crowd of 93 013 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia cruised to their fifth World Cup with Clarke scoring 74 in the home team’s 186 for three from 33.1 overs.

James Faulkner, who took two wickets in the first over of the batting powerplay, was named man-ofthe-match and Mitchell Starc was player-of-the-tournament after taking 22 wickets at 10.18 runs each.

Starc, one of a trio of Australian left-arm fast bowlers along with Faulkner and Mitchell Johnson, struck the decisive blow for the home side when he bowled New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum for a duck with the fifth ball of the opening over.

Clarke, who announced his retirement from oneday cricket on Saturday,

said the Australian team had played really well through the match.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to represent my country in both Test and One-day cricket. The time is right for me to step down from ODI cricket,” he said.

McCullum, whose side were unbeaten in the tournament before yesterday’s match, said: “We played some outstanding cricket but we ran into an outstanding team in Australia.

They continue to set the standard.”

After the early dismissal of the destructive McCullum, a fourth-wicket partnership of 111 between Ross Taylor (40) and Grant Elliott (83) appeared to restore the fortunes of a New Zealand team playing in their first final after six semi-final exits.

New Zealand had reached 150 for three with 15 overs remaining when Faulkner struck twice, dismissing Taylor caught behind by Brad Haddin and bowling the potentially dangerous Corey Anderson for a duck two balls later.

LOWEST SCORE The remaining wickets

fell swiftly and New Zealand were bowled out for the lowest first-innings score in a 50 overs World Cup final since Australia ran through Pakistan for 132 at Lord’s in 1999.

Trent Boult raised New Zealand’s spirits temporarily by holding a simple return catch off bat and pad from Aaron Finch before the Australian opener had scored.

David Warner responded by striking Tim Southee for three consecutive fours and raced to 45 from 46 deliveries when he hooked Matt Henry to Elliott.

Clarke entered the arena to a standing ovation and attacking fields from McCullum who placed six players inside the circle on the off side.

Both Clarke and his heir-apparent Steve Smith played the bowling on its merits as McCullum, whose aggression with the bat and as captain had transformed the national side, switched his bowlers and field plac-

Flamingo Park 08:15 hrs Master Barry 09:45 hrs Jaguar 10:15 hrs D’Vash 10:45 hrs Noah Forever 11:15 hrs Atso Fields English Racing Tips Kempton 09:10 hrs Argot 09:45 hrs Herbert Park 10:50 hrs Under The Phone 11:20 hrs Bertenbar 11:55 hrs Poker School 12:25 hrs Robins Reef Warwick 09:20 hrs Rayak 09:55 hrs Ready Token 10:25 hrs Horizontal Speed 11:00 hrs Saint John Henry 11:30 hrs Hi Vic

12:05 hrs Walking In The Air Chepstow 09:30 hrs The Eaglehaslanded 10:05 hrs Rouquine Sauvage 10:35 hrs Ashes House 11:10 hrs The Darling Boy 11:40 hrs Rock N Rhythm 12:15 hrs Marie Des Anges American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 Fiery Gizzard Race 2 Dr. Drew Race 3 Emily Grace Race 4 Quality Hey Race 5 Andysun Race 6 Rock Me Again Race 7 Big Thief Race 8 Rock Hard Doll Race 9 Luigina

NEW ZEALAND innings M. Guptill b Maxwell 15 B. McCullum b Starc 0 K. Williamson c & b Johnson

12 R. Taylor c Haddin b Faulkner

40 G. Elliott c Haddin b Faulkner 83 C. Anderson b Faulkner 0 L. Ronchi c Clarke b Starc 0 D. Vettori b Johnson 9 T. Southee run-out (Maxwell) 11 M. Henry c Starc b Johnson 0 T. Boult not out 0 Extras: (lb-7, w-6) 13 Total: (all out, 45 overs) 183 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-33, 3-39, 4-150, 5-150, 6-151, 7-167, 8-171, 9-182.

Bowling: M. Starc 8-0-20-2 (w-1), J.

flurry of boundaries he was bowled by Henry, giving Smith (56 not out) time to complete his half-century.

Australia previously won the World Cup in 1987, 1999, 2003 and 2007. No other country has won the tournament, which was first held in 1975, more than twice.

“We’re really proud,” Clarke said. “It’s a wonderful achievement, to win in our own backyard in front of family and friends.”

Hazlewood 8-2-30-0, M. Johnson 9-0-30-3 (w-2), G. Maxwell 7-0-371 (w-1), J. Faulkner 9-1-36-3, S. Watson 4- 0-23-0 (w-2).

AUSTRALIA innings D. Warner c Elliott b Henry 45 A. Finch c & b Boult 0 S. Smith not out 56 M. Clarke b Henry 74 S. Watson not out 2 Extras: (lb-3, w-6) 9 Total: (for 3 wickets, 33.1 overs) 186 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-63, 3-175.

Bowling: T. Southee 8-0-65-0 (w3), T. Boult 10-0-40-1, D. Vettori 5-0-25-0, M. Henry9.1-0-46-2 (w-2), C. Anderson 1-0-7-0 (w-1).

Schultz doubles for Golden Jaguars

By Rawle Toney

South Africa Racing Tips

ings in an effort to conjure a wicket.

Clarke struck Daniel Vettori over the bowler’s head for six and McCullum brought his best bowler Boult back for a final fling. Clarke responded with a perfect off drive to the boundary.

He reached his 50 from 56 balls in exactly an hour and acknowledged another standing ovation from the crowd for his 58th and final one-day fifty. After a final

GUYANA’s Senior National Football team – The Golden Jaguars – roared to an impressive 2 – 0 victory over Grenada behind Pernell Schultz when the two sides met last evening at the Guyana National Stadium.

Playing their second Friendly International in a week, Guyana coming off a 2 – 1 over St Lucia, was boosted by the presence of Bolton Wanderers’ dapper midfield player Neil Danns and former Fulham FC and now Colchester United FC Defender Matthew Briggs.

However Shultz, the Caledonia AIA forward netted for Guyana in the 18th and 32nd minute for the Jaguars in front of thousands of football crazed fans at the country’s premier venue.

Shabazz started with debutant Anthony Whyte in goal, defenders Joshua Brown, Matthew Briggs, Jamaal Smith and Colin Nelson,

in the midfield Walter Moore, Neil Danns, Vurlon Mills, and Captain Chris Nurse while up front, Schultz was joined by Emery Welshman playing in what turned out to be a lethal 4-2-3-1 setup.

For Grenada, Shamari Mark, Aswad Phillip, Shane Rennie, Jake Rennie, Shannon Phillip, Moron Phillip, Irvin Smith, Rohan George, Jason Belfon, Cassim Langaigne and former Alpha United striker Kithson Bain suited up for coach Lester Smith’s side.

It was as if Guyana was playing against themselves for much of the first stanza as the men from the Spice Island couldn’t keep up the Jaguars who preyed on their mistakes; one which resulted to Schultz scoring his first goal.

When Danns who had a superb game in the middle of the pitch, intercepted a pass, he found a breaking Vurlon Mills down the right flank and the Slingerz FC winger crossed the ball into area

that found its way to Shultz blazing down the middle and slotted home easily.

The crowd went wild, as persons waved their Golden Arrow Head in jubilation but for Grenada it was only just the beginning of their miserable night.

Schultz, 14 minutes later, again Danns being involved picked out Welshman who’s shot on goal rebounded and the ‘Cale’ striker did nothing wrong in finishing easy.

Guyana dominated the game and Briggs also got into the mix but his header from a corner was saved by the Grenadian keeper.

Sheldon Holder who came on as a second half substitute for Schultz couldn’t widen the score when he was left only to shoot to an open goal but couldn’t find his footing.

In the end, Grenada, though playing better in the second half, could not have conquered the Golden Jaguars and had to settle for an uninspiring 2 – 0 loss.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

Ferrari’s Vettel storms to Malaysia win in the standings last year after four successive titles, has now won races for three separate teams -- Toro Rosso, Red Bull and Ferrari.

McLaren put a positive spin on a poor day as both Fernando Alonso, back in action after missing the

By John O’Brien SEPANG, Malaysia - (Reuters) - Sebastian Vettel showed again that form is temporary and class permanent when the four-time world champion put in a faultless display to record his first victory for Ferrari at the Malaysian Grand Prix yesterday.

The triumph ended a long drought for Formula One’s most successful team, whose last win was at the Spanish Grand Prix in 2013, and was the 40th of the German’s career.

Starting from second place on the grid behind Lewis Hamilton’s seemingly unbeatable Mercedes, Vettel and Ferrari produced a tactical masterclass to overhaul the Briton and cross the line 8.5 seconds ahead of the double world champion.

“Numero uno is back, Ferrari is back,” Vettel was told over the team radio as he took the chequered flag.

“Grazie, grazie. Forza Ferrari” he shouted in reply as he celebrated his fourth win at Sepang, a circuit that has favoured the Italian team over the years with seven victories in 17 editions since 1999.

Hamilton’s team mate Nico Rosberg finished a distant third while 17-year-

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel celebrates winning the Malaysian Grand Prix on the podium. (Reuters/Olivia Harris) to bring out the safety car. o l d M a x Ve r s t a p p e n placing Spin’s double world While Mercedes pulled claimed seventh place for champion Fernando Alon- both their cars into the pits Toro Rosso to become the so, and the union appears to put on hard tyres, Vettel youngest ever points scorer to have revitalised both of stayed out on the medium in Formula One history. compound and made the them.

After Mercedes dominatThird in Australia but lead stick until the end of the ed last season and looked fur- some way behind Mercedes, race as Mercedes scrambled ther ahead of the pack when Vettel and Ferrari showed around trying to outsmart Hamilton led a one-two in their real potential in prac- the leader but unable to rein Australia two weeks ago, the tice and qualifying and were him in. rest of the field appeared to able to carry that momentum Ferrari’s Kimi Raikbe even further behind in the forward into the race. konen overcame a tough second year of the V6 hybrid When the lights went qualifying session and an engines. out at the start, Hamilton early puncture to finish Vettel had cut a forlorn pulled away from Vettel fourth, well clear of Valtfigure in his last season at but the race turned in Fer- teri Bottas in a Williams Red Bull in 2014, unable to rari’s favour when Saub- and Brazilian team mate record a victory and way er’s Marcus Ericsson spun Felipe Massa. off the pace of the front off at the start of lap four Vettel, who finished fifth runners.

He agreed to join a stuttering Ferrari last year, re-

NOTABLE DATES

TERRENCE Alli earned a tough draw with Cornelius Boza-Edwards on March 30, 1986, at the Showboat Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

At the end of the 10-round contest judge Davey Pearl scored it 96-95 in favour of the Guyanese. Bill Graham saw it 97-93 in favour of Edwards who was born in Kampala, Uganda but lived in Las Vegas.

Judge Lou Talbot scored the fight 95-95. In the post-fight interview Alli reasoned that a draw against Edwards in Las Vegas is equal to a victory anywhere else. Alli was born Terrence Halley in Victory Valley in Region Ten on June 26, 1960.

The lightning quick boxer must be considered one of the top five boxers produced by Guyana. He commenced fighting as a professional in December 1979 and had his first two bouts on home soil and the following nine in Trinidad and Tobago.

Alli made three unsuccessful challenges for world titles, once as a junior welterweight and twice as a lightweight. Based in the USA, he returned to Guyana in September 1996 to battle rising star Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis.

The fight was held at the world-famous GCC ground.

The much younger Lewis took just two rounds to finish the ageing warrior.

Alli had three more fights before permanently hanging up his gloves. His career spanned 18 years and he boxed a total of 549 rounds for an average of 30 rounds per year.

NOTABLE DATES

ONE of Guyana’s most celebrated boxing sons Patrick Ford made light work of Canadian Jean LaPointe on March 30, 1979.

A gangly featherweight Ford knocked out the LaPointe in round four in Port of Spain, Trinidad in his first professional contest outside of Guyana.

The win improved Ford’s record to 10-0 with six knockouts. LaPointe was a former Canadian lightweight champion and earlier in his career was defeated by Cleveland Denny, another Guyanese.

Ford had acquired an appetite for betting up heavier opponents. Six months before he met LaPointe, Ford secured the biggest victory of a relatively short career.

The national featherweight champion was hauled in as a late substitute to fight super featherweight Diego Alcala of Panama. The Guyanese provided a resting place for Alcala in the ninth round. A fearless tactically sound featherweight Ford earned many distinctions during a professional career that lasted 11 years, one of them being the first Guyanese to fight for a world title.

He made his pro debut in April 1976 and on January 23, 1978 proved that he had power in both hands when he knocked out Trinidadian Clyde Wilson in the fourth round.

The following month the hard-hitting featherweight was crowned Guyana’s champion.

In December 1979 Ford knocked out Cecil Hernandez in the 10th round. Hernandez would later die of injuries sustained in the fight that was held in Guyana.

On May 31, 1987, Ford ended a career that produced 19 victories (12 KOs) and four defeats, with a points-victory over Albert Brown. He died in the USA on November 13, 2011 at age 55.

season-opener following a pre-season crash, and Jenson Button pulled out of the race.

After two races, Hamilton leads the driver’s standings on 43 points, Vettel sits second on 40, with Rosberg on 33 and Massa on 20.

Brazil sink feisty Chile to continue winning run

By Tom Hayward (REUTERS) - ROBERTO Firmino’s goal gave Brazil a 1-0 victory over Chile in a feisty friendly at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium yesterday, their eighth successive win since last year’s disappointing World Cup campaign.

Firmino, a 61st-minute substitute, burst clear after 73 minutes and expertly rounded Chile keeper Claudio Bravo before dispatching a simple finish into the empty goal.

Brazil forward Neymar and Chile’s Alexis Sanchez were the standout players for their sides but were often wasteful after dazzling build-up play in a full-blooded game, punctuated by a host of fouls and heavy challenges.

Brazil, who beat France 3-1 last week, have won all eight matches under coach Dunga since finishing fourth in last year’s World Cup on home soil and they have now lost just seven times in 70 games against South American rivals Chile.

Brazil dumped Chile out of the World Cup’s last-16 with a 3-2 victory on penalties in their last meeting and horns, flags, balloons and a fervent carnival atmosphere greeted kick-off in north London.

The mercurial Neymar - long burdened with the hopes of a nation - cut a frustrated figure in the opening stages as he was hounded by Chile’s rugged defence.

At the other end Arse-

Roberto Firmino

nal’s effervescent talisman Sanchez, a former team mate of Neymar’s at Barcelona, flicked, tricked and turned his way through Brazil’s midfield but rarely had a clear sight of goal.

Neymar was left writhing on the floor midway the half after an apparent stamp

by Gary Medel in an incident which encapsulated a fractious opening that had simmered rather than sparkled.

Neymar’s teasing free kick evaded desperate lunges from Souza and Miranda before Douglas Costa blazed over.

In a more open start to the second half Sanchez twice went close with speculative free kicks as Chile began to assert their authority on proceedings.

But largely against the run of play Firmino was released to nervelessly score the game’s solitary goal.

Hoffenheim forward Firmino snatched at a chance for his second and Brazil goalkeeper Jefferson had to be alert to parry Matias Fernandez’s free kick for Chile who are hosting this year’s COPA America.

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

Clarke bows out of one-day cricket with all guns blazing

By Ian Ransom MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Australia captain Michael Clarke had hoped his retirement from one-day international cricket would be a footnote to Australia’s successful bid for a fifth World Cup. But having top-scored for Australia with a 74 to push his team to victory over New Zealand, the 33-year-old bowed out with guns blazing in a fairytale farewell at a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday.

James Faulkner won the man-of-the-match award for his three-wicket haul that sent New Zealand crashing to 183, but the night belonged to Clarke who saved his best for last.

“I said yesterday that I thought it was the right time.

Now I know it’s the right time,” Clarke told reporters after his 245th ODI match

That it was Clarke’s farewell ODI game wasn’t forgotten amid the frenzy, and Australia’s leader was given an emotional guard of honour. left him with a total of 7 981 runs at an impressive average of 44.58.

“There are no such things as fairytales in sport but that’s as close as it gets.”

In front of a roaring crowd of 93 000, Clarke had the golden touch from the start,

his first left-field bowling change bringing an immediate wicket.

Bringing in Glenn Maxwell in the 12th over, the part-time spinner bowled New Zealand opener Martin Guptill for 15, leaving New Zealand rocking at 33-2.

Clarke would later position himself at slip, and took a sharp catch to dismiss Luke Ronchi for a duck off the bowling of player-of-the-tournament Mitchell Starc.

Though Australia were set a modest chase of 184 for victory, Clarke came

to the crease with his team wobbling at 63-2.

Watchful at first, he dominated his partnership with captain-in-waiting Steven Smith, crunching 10 fours and a six in a 72-ball knock, his most fluent of a mostly scratchy World Cup campaign.

He seemed destined to push Australia to victory, so his dismissal, bowled by paceman Matt Henry, drew groans from the crowd then a standing ovation as he left the MCG for the last time in a gold outfit.

At times, a polarising figure in cricket-mad Australia, Clarke finishes his one-day career with a second World Cup win after the 2007 triumph, and with legacy intact after a tumultuous few months in which he struggled with the death of his “little brother” Phillip Hughes.

Clarke’s role in leading the mourning for his team

mate, who was killed by a short ball during a domestic match in November, endeared him to the Australian public.

His stirring Test century against India when battling injury in the tribute match to Hughes in Adelaide will remain a part of Australian sporting folklore for decades to come.

Clarke wore an armband throughout the tournament for his team mate who died at the age of 25, and said Hughes was the 16th member of Australia’s World Cup squad.

“It makes it more special, there’s no doubt about it,” Clarke said. “We are still thinking about him. We are still talking about him, and we always will.

“I won’t play another game, I certainly won’t play a Test match without his Test number on my hat, and I’ll wear this black armband for the rest of my career.”

New Zealand’s ride of a lifetime ends in defeat

By Nick Mulvenney MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - The 2015 World Cup was, skipper Brendon McCullum said, the ride of a lifetime for New Zealand and even if Australia brought it to a shuddering halt in yesterday’s final, their brilliant campaign

will not quickly fade from the memory.

For six weeks, the Black Caps rode to the pinnacle of international cricket on the back of an aggressive brand of the game which earned them eight successive victories and the admiration of millions.

There have been good,

some might say great, New Zealand cricket sides in the past but none had captured the imagination of a small but proud sporting nation in the way McCullum’s band of brothers did.

With another win yesterday, they might even have challenged the grip the All Blacks have on the nation’s

affections - at least until the most successful international team in sport defend their rugby world title later this year.

As it was, New Zealand’s first cricket World Cup final ended in anti-climax with a crushing seven-wicket defeat at the hands of their neighbours

Clarke dedicates World Cup win to Phillip Hughes CAPTAIN Michael Clarke dedicated Australia’s fifth World Cup title to his former team-mate Phillip Hughes.

Batsman Hughes died at the age of 25 after being struck on the neck by a bouncer in Sydney, in November.

“I’m sure everybody on this stage will say we played this World Cup with 16 players,” said Clarke after his team’s seven-wicket win over New Zealand.

“Hughesy used to party as good as any of them so I guarantee we’ll celebrate hard tonight.”

After Australia bowled out New Zealand for 183, Clarke led from the front

Australia captain Michael Clarke looks to the sky as he walks off the field following his dismissal against New Zealand in the final match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) yesterday. (Reuters/Hamish Blair)

with 74 as the hosts knocked off the runs in 33.1 overs at a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Clarke, who read a moving eulogy at Hughes’ funeral, batted with a black armband carrying the player’s initials in his final one-day international.

“As you can see it’s got PH on it. I’ll wear it every game I play for Australia,” added Clarke.

“I think for everybody in Australian cricket it’s been really tough few months. Tonight is certainly dedicated to our little brother and our team-mate Phillip Hughes.” (BBC Sport)

from across the Tasman Sea. Stunned by the loss of McCullum to a third-ball duck in the opening over, New Zealand never really got back on the front foot and 183 was not the sort of tally their bowlers were hoping to defend.

They battled, of course, but standout pacemen Trent Boult and Tim Southee were unable to find the potency with the new ball they had displayed in their previous matches, while the guile of Daniel Vettori’s spin could only slow the flow of runs.

After a national record 10 straight one-day international victories in front of packed houses at home, they came a cropper in their first match overseas this year forcing Australia to bat for less than 34 overs to claim their fifth title.

It was scant consolation yesterday to McCullum’s men that their brand of the game had played an integral role in making the 11th one of the most attractive of World Cups and will probably redefine the tactics of 50-overs cricket.

They have also transformed the world’s view of the game as played by New Zealand, deemed unworthy

of matches against a full Australia side until as recently as the early 1970s.

Martin Crowe’s batting and innovative tactics took New Zealand to the brink of a World Cup final in 1992 but neither he nor any other previous captain had led a team to a final in six attempts.

McCullum was always aware, however, that rejuvenating the reputation of New Zealand cricket was a longterm project, win or lose at the MCG yesterday.

“We’ve got a great group of guys from one through 25 on the squad and the guys with whom it’s been a pleasure to be able to share this experience,” McCullum said on the eve of the final.

“It won’t stop at the end of the World Cup. We’ve still got a lot of hard work to do to achieve what we want in this game, and where we want to stand in international cricket, but we’ve made a good start.”

And while the underarm bowling scandal of 1981 will always remain the defining moment in New Zealand cricket for some, a younger generation will never forget the six weeks when the national sporting mantra was “Attack! Attack! Attack!”

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

New Zealand aggression goes missing

By Brydon Coverdale at the MCG THROUGHOUT the tournament, they have captured the imagination of the world with an attacking style of cricket. But against an inform Australia in the final, they were found wanting for a lack of plan B. Whether setting a fiveslip cordon or smashing an 18-ball fifty, Brendon McCullum has flown through this World Cup at breakneck speed - almost literally, in the case of his reckless diving attempt to prevent a boundary against Bangladesh.

The aggressive style has swept the nation up along the way, and raised hopes of beating Australia at their own approach in the final.

That is why Sunday’s defeat was a letdown. That New Zealand lost in front of a record cricket crowd of 93 013 at the MCG was maybe not surprising.

That they did so by scoring just over four an over, by reducing the cordon to one slip in the fifth over of Australia’s chase, when David Warner’s edge flew safely to where a second would have been these were the disappointments.

After ten overs of New Zealand’s innings, they had scored 31 for 1, the slowest New Zealand run since Mark Richardson raced Darren Lehmann in a beige bodysuit. It was less than half of the 77 that has been New Zealand’s average ten-over score throughout the whole tournament. At one point, they crawled along for 57 balls without a boundary, and they struggled to 66 for 3 after 20 overs.

On the eve of this World Cup final, McCullum was asked about New Zealand’s incessant attacking approach.

Is there such a thing as too much aggression, someone enquired of him?

“I don’t think so,” McCullum replied. “For us, we need to play like that, that’s how we’re going to beat teams on regular occasions. We’re not afraid of losing. For us we think about what we can achieve.

That’s not always going to work and there are going to be times when we come out on the wrong side of it. But that gives us our greatest chance of success against big opposition teams on a regular basis.”

You have to wonder, therefore, if New Zealand really gave themselves their greatest chance of lifting the World Cup. To some degree, Australia just didn’t let New Zealand play that way. Mitchell Starc’s swing up front required serious negotiation. At no stage in this tournament had New Zealand batted first against an in-form attack.

Only twice had they set a target, against an insipid West Indies who served up half-volleys that allowed Martin Guptill to reach a double-century, and in the tournament opener against Sri Lanka, when Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Kulasekara struggled to find their rhythm, and catches were put down that helped New Zealand’s cause greatly.

In some ways, New Zealand would have been better off losing the toss. They have chased so well through this campaign and seem to prefer knowing their goal

chance of bowling Australia out.

Four slips for Trent Boult to Warner was a good start, but by the fifth over, McCullum had uncharacteristically slashed the cordon to one, and Warner’s edge off Tim Southee flew agonisingly wide of a diving Taylor, the sole slip.

On Friday night, McCullum enjoyed a night of horse-racing at Moonee Valley. He is a man who doesn’t mind employing the occasional racing metaphor.

His team had to set the pace here. Had they gone out hard and run out of energy, so be it.

That has been the New Zealand way. Instead, they sat one out and one back, waiting for the Australians to flag.

They never did.

A u s t r a l i a w e re t o o strong in too many areas.

New Zealand can be proud to have reached their first World Cup final. But they will fly home wondering what might have been, and what they might have done differently. (ESPN Cricinfo)

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum is bowled for a duck by Australia’s Mitchell Starc during their Cricket World Cup final match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), yesterday. (Reuters/Jason Reed) from the outset. McCullum that has been conspicuous- ca; here his 83 from 82 balls had to bat first when he ly absent from their play was not enough in setting up called correctly, had to back crept in. Wickets were lost a target that would challenge his men to set the game up to wishy-washy shots, Gup- Australia. from the front. It was at till’s missed prod at Glenn Defending 183, everyonce the right call and the Maxwell, Kane William- thing had to go right for New wrong result. son’s checked shot that sent Zealand; they had to give The loss of McCullum a return catch to Mitchell themselves every possible himself in the first over of Johnson. the match was pivotal. In Australia’s sharp work every innings so far in this in the field gave them no World Cup, McCullum has leeway. Nothing was misscored at better than a run a fielded, no catches were ball, even if he only stayed dropped, no easy singles out there a couple of overs conceded. Grant Elliott he got the innings away and Ross Taylor recovered quickly. somewhat, Elliott especialHere, Starc’s inswing ly taking a leaf out of the prevented McCullum so Australian batting manual, much as laying bat on ball moving the score along at a from his three deliveries, run a ball without looking HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) – Bermuda beat the and he was bowled for a like it.

Bahamas 3-0 in the second leg of their 2018 World duck.

Taylor never seemed Cup first-round qualifier at the National Sports CenWithout their talisman quite in, though, and when tre yesterday, with England-based striker Nakhi Wells at least getting a couple of he was out, New Zealand grabbing a brace. boundaries away, New Zea- collapsed. Elliott had delivBermuda won the tie 8-0 on aggregate after claiming a land seemed lost in a limbo ered New Zealand into this 5-0 victory in the first leg in Nassau last Wednesday. between attack and consol- final with an unbeaten 84 in The scores were locked nil-all at the break but frontidation. The tentativeness the chase against South Afriman Wells, who missed a 44th minute penalty when his shot hit the crossbar, scored twice after the break – in the 78th and 88th minutes.

Tyrell Burgess was also on target after 80 minutes, as the hosts ran out comfortable winners.

Bermuda now face Guatemala in the second round in June.

Wells hits brace as Bermuda trounce Bahamas

List of World Cup winners Aussie fast bowler Starc named

(REUTERS) - Following is a list of winners of the 50-overs cricket World Cup after Australia beat New Zealand by seven wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday.

1975 - WEST INDIES beat Australia by 17 runs.

1979 - WEST INDIES beat England by 92 runs.

1983 - INDIA beat West Indies by 43 runs.

1987 - AUSTRALIA beat England by seven runs.

1992 - PAKISTAN beat England by 22 runs.

1996 - SRI LANKA beat Australia by seven wickets.

1999 - AUSTRALIA beat Pakistan by eight wickets.

2003 - AUSTRALIA beat India by 125 runs.

2007 - AUSTRALIA beat Sri Lanka by 53 Runs (D/L).

2011 - INDIA beat Sri Lanka by six wickets.

2015 - AUSTRALIA beat New Zealand by seven wickets.

player-of-the-tournament

MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc was named the player-of-the-tournament after his team beat New Zealand by seven wickets to win the World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday.

The 25-year-old left-arm quick finished with 22 wickets in the tournament, tied with New Zealand left-arm seamer Trent Boult though having played a match less than his Tasmanian rival.

Starc bowled fast and swung the ball both ways during the tournament and his wickets came at an average of just over 10.

His best bowling display came in Australia’s pool stage loss against New Zealand in Auckland when he almost won his team the match with figures of 6-28.

Nakhi Wells

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

McCalman elected for second Cricket World term as GTA president Cup 2015 breaking records

LONG-SERVING secretary of the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) Grace McCalman was last Friday re-elected president of the association for a second term when elections of office-bearers for the 2015 term were held at the Georgetown Cricket Club pavilion on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Bourda.

McCalman, who served as president last year af-

ter being the association’s secretary for more than a decade, will have as her first and second vice-presidents Samuel Barakat and Ramesh Seebarran respectively.

Fritz McLean was given life member status for his service to the association over the many years.

Elizabeth Persaud was elected secretary, while Il-

leana Boodhoo was elected treasurer.

The assistant secretary/ treasurer is Oswin Coggins.

There are four committee members in Tandy Primo, Scheherazaade Khan, William Spangler and Charles Adams.

Jamal Goodluck was elected Public Relations Officer.

The Returning Officer

was president of the Guyana Volleyball Federation.

Seven tennis clubs who are financially affiliated to the GLTA attended the Annual General Meeting Georgetown Cricket Club, Roraima Tennis Club, Diamond Tennis Club, Le Resouvenir Tennis Club, Non Pareil Tennis Club, Park Players Tennis Club and the recently established Rebel Tennis Club.

The GTA executive.

Nadal crashes out in Miami, Murray wins

By Simon Evans

MIAMI, Florida (Reuters) - A struggling Rafael Nadal crashed out of the Miami Open in the third round yesterday, losing 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 to fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco.

Nadal had only lost once

Rafael Nadal

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday March 30, 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: Mitchell Starc (Australia) James Faulkner (Australia) Today’s Quiz: Where was the first Test match played?

Where was the first ODI game contested?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

in 14 previous meetings with the 31-year-old Verdasco, who is ranked 34th in the world.

Nadal struggled throughout the match which turned decisively in Verdasco’s direction when he broke to go 3-1 up in the third set.

In another upset, seventh seed Stan Wawrinka lost 7-6(4), 7-6(5) to 28th seeded Frenchman Adrian Mannarino.

Britain’s Andy Murray moved into the last 16 at the Miami Open after beating Colombia’s Santiago Giraldo 6-3, 6-4 to move him within one win of 500 victories on the ATP Tour.

Murray would become just the ninth active player and only the 46th man in the open era to achieve the milestone should he defeat South African Kevin Anderson in the next round at Key Biscayne.

The Scot would also be the first British player to reach 500 wins in the open era.

“It’s nice, because when you see, the list of the players that have won that many matches, there aren’t loads,” said Murray.

“I obviously want to try and win more, and hopefully still have quite a few years ahead of me left to add to that number. But it’s a lot of wins. It’s not easy these days to win that many matches, so that’s a good sign.”

Murray’s latest win, in bright sunshine on stadium court, was a relatively straightforward matter although Giraldo’s free swinging approach in the second set brought the contest alive a bit.

Giraldo battled back from 5-1 down before Murray wrapped up the win in 84 minutes.

SYDNEY, Australia - David Richardson: “This Cricket World Cup has been the most followed and best attended cricket event in history.”

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 has been a record-breaking tournament and has cemented the event’s position as one of the most popular sporting spectacles in the world, according to statistics released today.

With two double-centuries, seven scores in excess of 150 and 38 centuries, there has been no shortage of batting prowess on display in Australia and New Zealand over the past seven weeks and 28 four-wicket hauls, including two hat-tricks, mean the bowlers have played their part, too.

On the field, players and team officials have reported being delighted with the quality of pitches, outfields and training facilities.

The pick of the group stage matches from an attendance point of view was the India versus South Africa game on February 22 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground at which there were more than 86 000 people cheering on their respective teams, a phenomenal result given that neither of the host teams was involved.

The good news doesn’t stop there as people have been tuning in to ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 in greater numbers than ever before. Broadcast by 44 licensees, in seven languages across 220 territories, the India versus Pakistan group match drew an approximate television audience of more than 288 million in India alone, while the Australia versus England match was watched by 2.1 million people in Australia.

There are 10 radio licensees broadcasting the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 matches live into 80 territories and for those following the tournament

David Richardson on new media, the website has attracted 26.25 million unique visitors accumulating an incredible 227 million page views, which is a significant increase on any previous ICC event. And the tournament app has so far been downloaded 3.6 million times and has been the number-one sports app in no fewer than 48 countries.

ICC chief executive David Richardson said: “These numbers provide a tangible measure of the success of the event – this Cricket World Cup has been the most followed and best attended cricket event in history.

All over the world, hundreds of millions of fans have been enthralled by the quality of cricket on show, the exploits of the world’s top players and the colour of the festival across both host nations.

“We are delighted with how the tournament has gone so far. It is a tribute to the hard work of many people and, of course, the way the teams have delivered on the field of play. It has been great to see so many travelling fans from all competing teams but the way the people of Australia and New Zealand have embraced the event so wholeheartedly has been extremely gratifying and enhances their countries’ reputations as great sporting nations.

“With nearly 1 400 members of the media attending the event, it’s fair to say that, all in all, the cricket-loving public around the world have been very well served.”

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 30, 2015

Dainty wins re-election as USACA president

By Peter Della Penna GLADSTONE Dainty has won re-election as USACA president for a fourth term at the USACA general elections held in Texas.

Dainty tallied 22 votes to defeat challenger Surendranath Gandavaram, a former Atlanta league administrator who fell short with 16 votes.

Dainty’s win comes in the wake of USACA being sent a letter by the ICC in January warning the national governing body that it is in danger of a third administrative suspension by the ICC since 2005.

The ICC informed USACA that it was cutting off quarterly grant payments to USACA, worth approximately $300 000 per year, until it gets its affairs in order. The withholding of funds could be debilitating since USACA’s debt grew from $3M to more than $4.1M in its latest tax filings from 2013.

The USACA elections, held last weekend, were once again subject to controversy as at least seven of the 39 voting leagues were made eligible for the first time despite having not gone through the proper USACA membership ratification process laid out in the USACA constitution.

Regional elections have also

Gladstone Dainty will serve a fourth term as USACA president.

Qureshi in the vote for second vice-president. Janjua been problematic, with the tallied 16 votes while Jeddy Atlantic Region and North was the closest challenger West Regions engaged in inwith 11 followed by Syed ternal disputes as to the legitwith seven, Adams three and imacy of their representation.

Qureshi’s one vote.

Incumbent Southeast ReMichigan administrator gional Director Owen Grey Sankar Renganathan defeatclaimed 23 votes to replace ed former USACA AtlanMichael Gale as USACA first tic Region Director Shelton vice-president. Grey defeated Glasgow and Shuja Khan in New York Regional Director the vote for executive secreKrish Prasad, who finished tary. Renganathan claimed with 14 votes, and former US21 votes to 15 for Glasgow ACA board member Ahmed and two for Khan. Incumbent Jeddy, who claimed just one.

Mascelles Bailey did not seek Gale did not seek re-elecre-election. tion for another term as first In the closest vote, Shavice-president having served keel Yusuf narrowly edged since 2011.

Atul Deshmukh by 19 votes Seattle area administrato 17 to replace John Thickett tor Faizan Janjua defeatas USACA treasurer. Former ed incumbent Rafey Syed, USACA secretary Kenwyn as well as Jeddy, Vincent Williams received one vote as Adams and Mahammad

did Khurram Syed, a league administrator and former chairman of the Central East Region board.

Thickett did not seek re-election because according to sources he is in line to be chosen as the next USACA chief executive, filling a post that has been vacant since the resignation of Darren Beazley in April 2014.

Following the elections, USACA announced that Adams has been appointed to lead an ICC Liaison Committee in an effort to rectify the issues laid out in the ICC’s letter to USACA from January, which threatened suspension. Adams’ appointment is noteworthy because he is also currently a member of the honorary advisory board to USACA’s rival, the American Cricket Federation.

Adams works for the U.S. Department of Energy out of Portsmouth, Ohio.

Along with Adams, the other members of the committee are USA coach Robin Singh, WICB vice-president Emmanual Nanthan, Northern California Cricket Association president Sunil Kumar, Washington Cricket League president Shoaib Ahmed and North Texas Cricket Association president Syed Shahanawaz.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

Bolt confirms Adidas Grand Prix outing

Usain Bolt

NEW YORK, NY (CMC) – Jamaican superstar sprinter Usain Bolt will make his first appearance in seven years at the Adidas Grand Prix here in June, when he headlines the event at the Icahn Stadium.

The 28-year-old multiple Olympic and World sprint champion set his first World record in the 100 metres at the venue back in May 2008 when he clocked 9.72 seconds.

Since then, he has run just once in the U.S. – at the Penn Relays – and has gone on to win six Olympic Gold medals, eight World titles and broken seven World records.

Recalling his memories of New York, Bolt said he was anxiously looking forward to the meet.

“No one could ever forget their first world record, and I will never forget the crowd in New York that night,” Bolt said.

“They had to wait for an hour during a thunderstorm delay before our race, and I don’t think a single person left the stadium. They deserved a great performance, and I’m glad I was able to give it to them. I’m looking forward to running in New York again.”

Organisers did not specify what event Bolt would contest.

The Adidas Grand Prix is the third meet for which Bolt has been confirmed, in the upcoming international season. He had earlier signed off on the Athletissima Golden League meeting in Lausanne and the Areva meeting in Paris, both in July.

New York represents the seventh meet of the Diamond League.

Last year, Bolt was forced to cancel most of his engagements on the international circuit because of injury.

Paul DeNobrega carts off hog’s share in `Dash for Cash’ cycle race

By Michael DaSilva TEAM Alanis’ Paul DeNobrega yesterday carted off the hog’s share when the United Bikers’ Cycle Club staged its `Dash for Cash’ 40-lap cycle race, around the inner circuit of the National Park.

DeNobrega, apart from winning the first prize $20 000, captured $31 000 in prime prizes, while second-place finisher Akeem Wilkinson received $12 000 but he padded his wallet with a further $20 000 in prime prizes.

Third in the senior category was Jamal John who

Paul DeNobrega received $8 000 for his position and a further $24 000 in prime prizes.

DeNobrega, Wilkinson and John made a break after

three laps from the other 34 cyclists who faced the starter and were never seriously challenged thereafter.

Together, the trio interchanged the lead and shared the prime prizes which for some laps was $5 000 and for others $4 000 and $1 000.

The three of them shared $75 000 in prime prizes and $40 000 for the first three places.

After breaking away from the pack, the trio opened a sizeable lead until the 20th lap when a threeman bunch, comprising Raynauth Jeffrey, Orville Hinds and Marlon `Fishy’ Williams, started to close in, but

their efforts were short-lived as the leading bunch once again extended the lead and were unstoppable.

Godfrey Pollydore took the first prime, Jeffrey the second and Wilkinson the third.

After 16 of the 40 laps were completed, Mario King, Williams, Robin Persaud, Orville Hinds and Hamzah Eastman broke from the main chasing pack but were unable to connect to the leading trio who were interchanging the lead.

With 15 laps still to go, Persaud, along with Eastman, was sucked into the third pack and remained

there for the remainder of the race.

With 10 laps remaining, Hinds developed cramp and opted out of the race.

When the bell was sounded for the final lap, the three leaders were still together, but with 300 metres remaining, Wilkinson led the others two riders with DeNobrega at third, rounding the homestretch. With approximately 70 metres left, Wilkinson still led, but DeNobrega sailed from the rear and flew past Wilkinson just before the line to win by half a length.

The event, which was originally open to senior

riders only, took a change yesterday as the sponsor Horrace Burrowes who resides in the United States of America decided to add the veterans and junior categories to the day’s activity.

Junior Niles out-sprinted his rivals to win the veterans’ category ahead of Eion `Dumb Boy’ Jackson and Wvron Mundy respectively.

Niles walked away with $7 000, while Jackson and Mundy took home $5 000 and $2 000 respectively.

John who placed third overall won the junior category ahead of Andrew Hicks. John collected $5 000 and Hicks $3000.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Clarke dedicates World Cup win to Phillip Hughes See Story on Page 32

Australia crush New Zealand to claim fifth World Cup

See Story on Page 30

Michael Clarke guarantees they would “celebrate hard tonight,” and suitably enough liquid is sprayed around with gusto, the preferred targets being coach Darren Lehmann and the captain.

Schultz doubles for Golden Jaguars Guyana stops Grenada 2 – 0 See Story on Page 30

Guyana’s Pernell Schultz (on the ground) is swarmed by Walter Moore (right), (L-R) Joshua Brown, Neil Danns and Matthew Briggs after scoring his second goal of the game.

(Delano Williams photos) Photo Name: Jaguars

Beaten! Grenada’s goalkeeper could only watch as Pernell Schultz’s strike finds its way to the goal.

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015