2015 4 2

GUYANA

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

No. 104147 THURSDAY APRIL 2, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PRICE: $80

INCLUDING VAT

IN DARING HEIST AT BOURDA POST OFFICE…

Gunmen grab

$90M

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A G-3 rifle similar to this one was snatched from the police constable One of the suspects in custody

– hijack bus with driver, police escort

US$30M Power Company comes online in Berbice

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…as GuySuCo gets US$30M to pay off NIS, owed creditors

NCN forced TUF to go it alone Kaieteur News caught lying again to cancel at May 11 polls – hits ‘new low’

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– U.S. Embassy demands newspaper apologise for fabrication of article 8 Page

debates

– after non-confirmation from APNU+AFC Page 10

First Lady plugs early detection, public 5 awareness of Autism Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2015

Gunmen grab $90M – hijack bus with driver, police escort IN DARING HEIST AT BOURDA POST OFFICE…

AS at late yesterday afternoon, the Police had in custody a minibus belonging to the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), a serial robber, his girlfriend, a driver, and more importantly, two police constables.

The five persons were taken into custody as investigations got underway with regard to a daring early morning robbery on Regent Street, when several bandits disarmed one of two police ranks of a G-3 rifle before forcing both ranks into the GPOC vehicle while ordering the driver to drive.

The vehicle was transporting approximately G$90M in seventeen bags which were destined for seventeen post offices to effect payment of old age pension and other forms of public assistance.

Reports are that as the vehicle pulled up at the Bourda Post Office around 08:15 hrs and one of two police ranks escorted an employee of the Central

The suspect who was picked up from the Magistrates' Court

Post Office into that facility, the other police rank positioned himself outside the white Toyota ‘Pit-bull’ minibus, PSS 6641, standing guard.

But the bandits, reportedly gathered at the other side of the road observing the operation, waited until the rank escorted the GPOC employee into the Bourda Post Office before approaching his companion, whom they disarmed and forced into the vehicle, while placing a gun to the head of the driver and ordering him to drive, an order to which he complied.

When the other rank exited the post office he discovered that the vehicle with the cash and his colleague had disappeared, and an alarm was immediately raised.

The bandits first dumped the driver and the abducted policeman -- minus his weapon -- out of the vehicle along the Le Repentir Cemetery Road; then they later abandoned the bus as they joined an-

The minibus the bandits hijacked

other vehicle and made good their escape with the cash and the high-powered G-3 weapon.

A G-3 rifle similar to this one was snatched from the police constable

Heavy police presence outside the Bourda Post Office yesterday after the heist

Minutes after the ordeal, the police took their colleagues into custody and the search for the bandits was immediately launched.

The serial robber was picked up from the compound of the magistrates’ court, where he was schedule to appear in relation to another matter concerning robbery-under-arms. He had also been fingered in the discovery of a gun inside a fridge some time ago.

Police investigators gave his name as Lloyd Sadloo of Albouystown, but also resident at addresses in East Ruimveldt, Georgetown and in Beterverwagting, ECD. Asked about the rationale behind picking up that man, one police source said it was mainly for questioning, even as other sources close to the investigation say that the man may have information on the robbery but thought that he would go undetected since he was at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Courts at the time the incident unfolded – a fact he could easily use as an alibi.

Sadloo’s girlfriend and one of her sisters were also arrested by the police for questioning in relation to the matter.

The Chronicle has learnt that the GPOC driver in-

volved in yesterday’s brazen incident is the same driver who had been driving the same vehicle to deliver cash at the Beterverwagting Post Office last year when the cash was snatched from that facility.

Investigators decided to place their colleagues under close arrest after listening to the divergent accounts they promulgated with regard to the incident. One police source has said that the ranks being under close arrest does not necessarily mean that they had participated in the heist; but because of the nature of the ordeal, the missing weapon and the amount of money involved, it was necessary to place the ranks under close arrest to facilitate the investigation.

When the Chronicle visited the area yesterday, persons there were not willing to give any account of what had transpired.

At one point, a woman, whose name was given as Kim Walker, even became physically and verbally abusive to the Chronicle reporter as he attempted to question someone else about the incident. A report in this regard has been lodged at the Alberttown Police Station, and the matter is currently under investigation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 2, 2015

US$30M Power Company comes online in Berbice

…as GuySuCo gets US$30M to pay off NIS, owed creditors CABINET, Government’s Counsel of Ministers, have approved the creation a new power company, Skeldon Energy Inc (SEI), which, using the generation facilities previously owned by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), will be servicing primarily the Berbice area under the management of Wartsila.

GuySuCo, in turn, will be paid US$30M which will immediately be used to settle a number of owed creditors including the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

Wartsila in the Management Agreement has also committed to investing an additional US$3M in rehabilitation works on the generation end.

EFFECTIVELY IMMEDIATELY The announcement was made by Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Winston Brassington, who along with Raj Singh, GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), during a live press conference aired on State television yesterday announced that the agreements are effective immediately (April 1, 2015).

GuySuCo staff previously attached to the generation facilities it once owned, have since been seconded to SEI, to work along with the Wartsila management team.

Brassington, in making the ‘Live’ announcement, pointed to inherent benefits as a result of the agreements/transactions and includes the enhancement of the generation capacity of the Skeldon Wartsila and Bagasse Co-Generation plant.

T h e t h r e e Wa r t s i l l a plants in the equation have an installed generating ca-

From left, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GPL, Aeshwar Deonarine; GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer, Raj Singh; and Chairman of GPL Board of Directors, Winston Brassington at yesterday’s media briefing

pacity of 10MW, in addition to the 30MW installed capacity of the Co-Generation plant.

It was explained that total generation from the Skeldon facilities - expected to be phased upward in the coming years - “by 2016 will be over 20 per cent of the generating capacity of the entire Demerara/Berbice system.”

According to Brassington, in addition to the US$30M in capital resources that will be going directly to GuySuCo, the new arrangements will lend to a more stable and reliable source of power while at the same time relieving the sugar company of the responsibility to manage the power plant.

GPL/NICIL OWNED SEI, according to Brassington, is jointly owned by GPL and the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

The financing, he explained, will be in the form of debt and equity and comes from GPL and NICIL in addition to local and international financial institutions.

Brassington said Skeldon Energy Inc., will be

funded using equity financing of US$9M and debt financing to the tune of US$21M which has been secured from the local and international financial institutions.

He explained that on the equity side, US$5M will be coming directly from NICIL with an additional US$4M coming from GPL. Repayment for the US$21M debt financing will be made using earnings from the sale of power to GPL and GuySuCo. POWER PURCHASE Brassington explained that Skeldon Energy Inc, will operate with two Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) for the provision of electricity to GPL and GuySuCo. According to Brassington, “in addition to the existing PPA between GuySuCo and GPL which is being transferred to Skeldon Energy Inc., a similar one will be entered into between SEI and GuySuCo.” Pressed to expand on the US$21M being sourced as part of the debt financing, Brassington told media operatives that GPL has agreed to loan SEI, US$11M but declined he could not at this time name the institutions

supplying the additional US$10M. “The remaining US$10M will come from local and international institutions. At this time I can’t speak to the names but in due course we will,” the GPL Chairman assured.

Brassington also explained where GPL managed to find the US$15M to put into SEI as debt and equity.

He told media operatives, “the drop in fuel prices has had a positive impact on GPL and so we’re doing this out of available cashflows.”

According to Brassington, had the Skeldon facilities not been available, the power company would have had to be looking at installing additional generational capacity in Berbice to keep up with increasing demands.

“What we are doing here is seeking to not only maintain but to expand the power generation facilities at Skeldon,” according to Brassington.

The Chairman of the GPL Board of Directors explained to media operatives that “by next year we expect the total power generated out of that plant to increase by 50 per cent, by 2019 the

total power should double… this is relative to what we have gotten from that plant.”

He said it is an investment the power company would have had to make sooner or later, “to meet the demands we are expecting.”

MORE THAN ENOUGH Meanwhile, GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Raj Singh, who was also on hand for the historic announcement immediately sought to allay fears in relation to the supply of bagasse for the co-generation plant.

“For 2015, we are projecting to crush at Skeldon Estate, about 650,000 tonnes of cane and out of that we are projecting that we will generate about 275,000 tonnes of bagasse,” according to Singh.

He explained too that, “outside of Skeldon, we have an excess of bagasse.”

Singh pointed to the operations at Albion Estate as an example and pointed out that this facility is also used to supply bagasse for the cogeneration plant at Skeldon.

“We will have more than enough bagasse to run the co-gen(eration).”

He added also that GuySuCo is in the process of procuring a briquetting ma-

chine.

This, he said, would briquette bagasse from other estates so that it can be stockpiled for use in out of crop periods.

“So we are projecting we will have more than sufficient bagasse to run the co-gen(eneration) plant.”

NIS As it relates to the US$30M secured for its power generation facilities, Singh told reporters bluntly, “clearly, this is clearly going to our creditors, our suppliers, our contractors, companies and entities that we owe monies to and we have begun payment already to those creditors.”

He listed among those owed, NIS, “the credit unions, we have a list of contractors and suppliers both internationally and locally.”

Singh explained that what GuySuCo is also looking to do with the US$30M, “is to rebuild confidence with our creditors so that we can continue to have business relationships with them that would serve both of us well…we are working hard to do that.” (Gary Eleazar)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2015

TUF to go it alone at May 11 polls – eyes two parliamentary seats for ‘Voice of Youth’

By Gary Eleazar

‘Our target is two seats. While we know we would not win (Executive Power), we know we are the younger ones, and the change that Guyana really needs lies with us’ –Marissa Nadir

TARGETING primarily the youth support base in Regions One, Eight and Nine, The United Force (TUF) is preparing to launch its 2015 Elections Campaign with Party Leader, Marissa Nadir at the helm as Presidential Candidate.

In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle Tuesday, Nadir, who had contested the 2011 General and Regional Elections as Prime Ministerial Candidate of the party, said she is not naïve to think that the TUF at this election could win and is instead aiming at a minimum of two seats.

YOUTH The young politician and practicing attorney-at-law, told the Guyana Chronicle that come May 11, the TUF is looking to secure a voice for the Guyanese youth in the National Assembly.

The time, Nadir said, has come for the youth to become more involved in the decision-making affairs of the country and as such TUF will primarily focus its campaign among the youth of the nation.

The TUF suffered a major setback in 2011 after the party’s then leader, Manzoor Nadir, left to throw his weight behind the incumbent

TUF Presidential Candidate, Marissa Nadir

administration.

This led to an internal leadership fight that eventually saw the TUF securing its lowest votes at the polls in its recent political history.

The TUF had secured one seat in the ninth Parliament which had been held by Manzoor Nadir, but this was lost at the 2011 polls.

Following the fiasco ahead of the last election, Nadir told the Guyana Chronicle she was asked to spearhead the party but opted to firstly take some time off, in order to complete her law studies.

This, she said, was in order for her to position herself to be able to more competently lead the TUF. INDEPENDENTLY An unperturbed younger Nadir, during her interview with this publication Tuesday, declared also that TUF will not, ahead of Nomination Day, enter into any coalition with any of the other major political forces contesting the May 11 polls.

She was making direct reference to the recently coalesced A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance for Change (AFC) and the incumbent People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C).

Instead, Nadir said she is looking to begin a wave of

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transition, where youth can begin to take part more in the decision-making process of the country.

According to Nadir, her party has always had the vision, principles and plans, many of which were copied and poorly implemented over the years.

The young politician told the Guyana Chronicle that following the 2011 General and Regional Elections, the Executive of the TUF took a conscious decision, “to see the younger persons take a stand and wanted to start encouraging the younger persons to be more active in leadership positions.”

TWO SEATS With her eventually securing the party’s top post ahead of the 2015 General and Regional Elections, to be held on May 11, Nadir bluntly told this publication, “our target is two seats, while we know we would not win (Executive Power), we know we are the younger ones and the change that Guyana really needs lies with us.”

According to Nadir, “having our minimum of two seats in Parliament, we will remain committed and we will be the change.”

Reacting to the numerous negative perceptions that have overshadowed the party

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since the previous election, Nadir said she is cognisant of those intent on continuing to “spew rumours about us.”

She was adamant, however, that the party is no faction of another, nor is it looking to coalesce with anyone to aid any other party in securing any kind of majority in the House.

“We’ve discussed this already extensively at the Executive level…We are not joining even after,” said Nadir.

She explained, making it clear, that even after securing at least its initially desired seats in Parliament, the TUF would not be automatically throwing its weight behind any of the other political parties that would make up the National Assembly.

GUYANESE PEOPLE The parliamentary seats, according to Nadir, “would give the young leadership of the United Force the opportunity to prove to the Guyanese people what we are capable of doing.”

According to Nadir, whatever is proposed by whoever forms the next government of the day will only find support with TUF if their proposals are in the best interest of the Guyanese people.

Her advice to any of the lobbyists that would be looking to prey ahead of Nomination Day, “we are staying alone, we are going into this independently, we are contesting independently, we have no affiliations of no sorts or connections to any

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of the other parties and we wish to keep it that way.”

Contesting her first election as the TUF’s Presidential Candidate, Nadir is firm in her conviction that the party will face the polls independently and use its voting strength, as would be determined by the electorate at the May 11 polls. “The United Force will cooperate in the best interest of the people and only them.”

BETTERMENT OVER BITTERNESS She was adamant that the young people of the TUF are in no way bitter with the traditional establishment in the vanguards: PNC/APNU/AFC and PPP. In fact, she told the Guyana Chronicle, “We are not bitter; it is more betterment over bitterness for us.”

According to Nadir, the party has already completed its Manifesto and will in the coming weeks be sharing in detail, aspects of the party’s plans, policies and other proposals.

The Guyana Chronicle was told that TUF will be looking to lower taxes, provide for more effective and efficient government services, place citizen security as a priority and create a highly educated, highly trained and properly rewarded workforce powered by cutting-edge information and communication technology, so as to realise the highest standard of living for all Guyanese.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 2, 2015

First Lady plugs early detection, public awareness

– as Guyana observes Autism Awareness Day FIRST Lady Madame Deolatchmee Ramotar is of the opinion that because of its complexity, focussing attention on autism is not only important, but also critical, in that it allows for early diagnosis and appropriate interventions. The following is the full text of her message to mark the occasion: “Today, April 2, 2015, the World is observing the Eighth Annual Autism Awareness Day. Promoting awareness of this complex and often misunderstood disorder is very important. Persons living with autism are forced to cope with the negative attitudes of society, inadequate support for their needs and, in some cases, blatant discrimination.

“Many times these treatments are as a result of obliviousness and wrong perception of the behaviours of autistic people. It is for these reasons that public attention is necessary to address the lack of awareness and accompanying stigma.

EARLY DETECTION “Spreading awareness also allows for early diagnosis and appropriate interventions. And research has shown that early detection and interventions can help persons with autistic conditions realize their full potential.

“Autism is a spectrum of disorders that ranges from mild to severe. It is a mental condition that can be detected from early childhood, usually during the first three years of life. “Signs of autism can be identified by children’s inability to communicate, poor social skills and/ or repetitive behaviour. Autistic children tend to have difficulties in making eye contact and in engaging people.

They have no physical incapacitation, they frequently look ‘normal’ and so it is common for their challenges to be misunderstood.

“While detection occurs during the primitive years, autism persists throughout a person’s life. Therefore, our work with and for people with autism should not only be limited to early identification and treatment but should also include therapies, educational plans and other steps that lead towards sustained lifelong engagements.

“This year, the United Nations is

Kaieteur News’ Leonard Gildarie stage bizarre walkout ahead of ‘Live’ event

…takes umbrage at informal quip over surreptitious recordings

By Gary Eleazar

First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar

A BIZARRE few minutes preceded a ‘Live’ Press Conference held in the Studios of the National Communications Network (NCN) yesterday at 15:30 hrs, when Kaieteur News Senior Reporter, Leonard Gildarie, following a disjointed tirade against moderator Kit Nascimento, led a walkout with four bewildered looking colleagues from that publication, in-tow.

Nascimento, Chairman of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Winston Brassington, GPL Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ash Deonarine and Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Raj Singh, had by the time of the incident already taken their places awaiting the signal from the NCN technical operators to begin the ‘live televised’ event.

observing autism awareness under the theme, Employment: The Autism Advantage. According to Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki- Moon, the unemployment rate of adults with autism is above 80%. The Secretary General noted that one way to reduce that unemployment rate would be to invest in appropriate vocational training that would allow autistic persons to apply their special skills and realize their full potential.

“In Guyana, we are happy to note that significant efforts have been made to invest in vocational education. Over the years we have seen the establishment of vocational educational training centres across the country. These include Corriverton, New Amsterdam, Linden, Anna Regina, Leonora, Mahaicony and Georgetown.

“Today, the world is observing World Autism Awareness Day. We have to support persons with autism, we have to support their families, their teachers, and their schools. Let us create a chorus of voices calling for greater support, greater resources and greater understanding for the brave people who face the challenge of autism!

“We can do even more by challenging the prejudices within ourselves.

Let us removed the scourge of discrimination against persons with disabilities. Together with our advocacy we can create a caring and nurturing society that is fair and dignified to all people!”

PHONES AND RECORDINGS Gildarie was recently in the limelight after a recording surfaced between himself and a Government Official discussing a number of sordid affairs including the solicitation of sex with one of his colleague for a relative of the official.

As officials at the head table, along with journalists from other media houses awaited the allotted time for the televised event, Gildarie engaged in a bout of verbal jousting/banter, at times sarcastic in nature from both ends - a feature among reporters and officials at almost any such event.

Gildarie, however, seemingly took offence to a quip by Nascimento, who in speaking to one of his own colleagues cautioned about ‘phones and recordings’ while around the Kaieteur News Senior Reporter.

Gildarie had allegedly recorded the Government official surreptitiously, before leaking it to the press.

The Kaieteur News Reporter in response to Nascimento’s quip related to recordings, immediately, in a raised voiced, demanded an explanation as to what the

Kaieteur News Senior Reporter, Leonard Gildarie

Veteran Public Relations Consultant, Kit Nascimento

moderator meant.

A dumbfounded looking Nascimento attempted to proffer a semblance of an explanation, since by this time all had been taken aback by the reporter’s retort.

Not satisfied with the explanation offered, Gildarie again, in a raised voiced demanded a befitting explanation, this time explaining that he was in the company of his ‘Junior’ colleagues from Kaieteur News and such disrespectful connotations by Nascimento would not be tolerated.

He then informed the gathering that Kaieteur News could not be a part of the proceedings in light of the presumed affront directed at him and proceeded to leave, calling his bewildered looking colleagues, in-tow.

that remains unpublished.

The moderator further advised that on March 24 last, the Kaieteur News splashed on its front page an extensive report, republishing remarks made by blogger Christopher Ram. This article centered on a feasibility study and the Marriott Hotel under construction in Kingston and according to Nascimento, following the publication of that article, Atlantic Hotel Inc (AHI) issued a response.

“The AHI response is yet to be published,” according to Nascimento.

LIVE As the cameras finally came on and the event was televised ‘live to the world,’ Nascimento opened the Press Conference by firstly berating the actions of the reporter and recent reportage by the Kaieteur News.

Nascimento used as reference, cases involving his direct knowledge, since he is the Public Relations Consultant for the companies involved.

Nascimento opened the televised Press Conference by firstly placing on record his ‘concern’ and that of the companies represented.

According to Nascimento “we are concerned” by fact that on March 26 last, Kaieteur News carried an extensive report on GuySuCo and the sugar industry but ever since the following day when an extensive rebuttal was issued,

GLENN LALL’S INTENT It is against this backdrop, the veteran Public Relations Consultant told the televised event: “I have reason to believe, and good reason to believe that the publisher of Kaieteur News (Glenn Lall) has directed his staff not to publish responses that are coming from AHI and from GuySuCo and from NICIL.” Nascimento told the televised audience and reporters present from other media houses, “we have to wonder why Kaieteur News sent four reporters to attend this press conference, all of whom have now left, because they did not like remarks that I made informally…while they sent them to the press conference they will not publish anything we say.”

According to Nascimento: “I thought it would be useful in this context to point out that this and every press conference which is held from now on during the campaign, election campaign, need to be regarded in that environment.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2015

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

PLAYING TO THE GALLERY GRANGER, Nagamootoo, Ramjattan, Greenidge and others in the Opposition collective have launched an incessant campaign against Government for its support to the sugar and rice industries, especially the sugar sector.

However, at that coalition’s Whim rally last Sunday, those who have heard them in and out of Parliament denounce Guyana’s sugar industry as a costly white elephant that should not be supported with funds from the treasury, even though the monies were special grants from the EU for bolstering the industry, were shocked at David Granger’s volte-face when he declared that the coalition would ‘save’ the sugar industry.

And this hypocrisy threaded through their positions on every issue – education, when they cut the bud-

get for student loans. Cheap energy when they drove away the investors of the Amaila Falls hydro project, even while their candidates Nigel and Cathy Hughes were benefiting financially from them.

And when they were not changing their positions like shape-shifters, they were stealing the PPP/C’s developmental concepts and projections and presenting them as their own. It is as if the Opposition has no visionary capacity to create developmental strategies and programmes of its own.

Their ‘rent-a-crowd’, bused in from Opposition strongholds, who ironically could have made it only because of the much-maligned Berbice bridge, cheered at all the promises being lavishly made without wondering how these promises would be fulfilled. They did

not consider that requisite income has to be garnered from some source before monies could be spent to fructify those fanciful but obviously empty promises.

Granger’s contradictory positions on every issue he addressed belie the coalition’s sincerity and credibility and underscores their desperation to win votes at all costs. All the speakers were obviously playing to the gallery because they were fully supportive of advice by executive member of APNU, and self-proclaimed sugar expert, Anthony Vieira, who had touted the replacement of sugar production with alcohol-ethanol as a more viable option.

In an amazing aboutturn on former positions, Granger said: “We need you, Corentyne; Guyana needs you…We need your sugar and we are going to save

sugar; we need your rice and we need your fish.”

Prior to this declaration, every pronouncement he made on the sugar sector was negative.

Similarly, Ramjattan’s shocking lies disgusted those who have heard him support Vieira. He averred at Whim: “We are not in any way going to close the sugar industry…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”. This has perennially been the PPP/C’s mantra, but it was unashamedly stolen by Opposition leaders last Sunday.

According to a report in this newspaper, “On March 12, 2014, in an invited comment, Ramjattan had told the online ‘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.”

Moses Nagamootoo, who was like a dog wagging its tail every time Granger barked, expounded on the same issue, with similar doublespeak as he stated, “only a real government will fix the sugar industry.”

Well, the PPP/C is a real Government which has been saving the sugar industry from the Opposition’s threat of closure of that sector; and playing to the gallery is not the way they have been accomplishing this.

Nagamootoo preaching ‘latrine politics’ – Is he pimping his Indianness?

I WAS hoping that at the APNU-AFC rally at Whim in Berbice, the AFC prime ministerial candidate, Moses Nagamootoo, would have laid out his 40-yearold plan to balance the ethnic makeup of Guyana’s Armed Forces.

Moses, as a PPP member, laid the blame of the rigging of elections and the massacre of Indians at the doors of the armed forces and the X-13 plan. The armed forces are recipients of tax payers’ money.

Have these two become rear view mirror issues, subservient to your quest to become the prime minister? Moses seems to enter into this “reality distortion field” and think Indians are transactions for him to profit from. Or have you become an Africanised Indian

and will come out after the election and spearhead a march to terrorise Indians and PPP/C supporters?

There is nothing radical about the AFC collating with the PNC. Ask Dr. Rupert Roopnarine; he too was supposed to deliver Indians to the PNC. The PNC/APNU is a repository where failed parties go to live out their nightmares. It is called the Kabaka/Burnham curse, as Dr. Walter Rodney said.

No one should thrust anyone who denies his ethnicity, because who knows what else he is ashamed of or hiding.

Furthermore, Moses should not have accepted the GOPIO award and he should be brave enough to return the award to the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin.

When Mr. Sam Hinds was selected to become the PPP/C prime ministerial candidate, Mr. Moses threw a tantrum complaining that he was entitled to at least that position. Prime Minister Sam Hinds has not only brought change to the PPP/C, but has brought class and integrity to the Office of the Prime Minister. He is a giant of a statesman and has never used any ‘cuss down’ language as Mr. Moses is using on the campaign trail.

Prime Minister Sam Hinds should put his hands on Mr. Nagamootoo’s shoulders and blow some breeze on him.

My African friend from New Amsterdam e-mailed me and expressed her disappointment at the language MP Nagamootoo was using.

She and her small child went to the Whim meeting with

the bus right after church.

The child wanted to know why the old man was speaking so much about toilet paper.

At Whim, Moses criticised the PPP/C plan to modernise the sugar industry but failed to disclose that he voted to have the funds invested in GuySuCo. He has on occasion called for the sugar industry to be closed down. What becomes of the sugar workers, Grand Pa Moses? Even Moses cannot have two sweets from one joint of sugar cane. You can have only one sweet from one joint, but you can have rotten joints with worms in between.

He is also calling on Indians in the rice industry to vote for a Guyanese and not the Indian PPP/C government. His theme song of

‘this time na lang time, dis na dey before time’ is relevant because the rice industry is prospering without the PNC. My father, a rice farmer from Black Bush Polder, had his paddy seized by the PNC thugs while the paddy was in transit. Indians do not want their paddy seized again by PNC/APNU-AFC. The rice farmers and millers have blown away the weevil infested PNC and will not vote for the PNC/ APNU-AFC to re-infect their crops.

Moses dedicated the majority of his time on the lectern ‘cussing down’ the ex-president, asking him to use toilet paper on his mouth. Moses an ex-teacher, current MP and aspirant to the prime ministership should not sink to that kind of language. Grand Pa Moses should know better than using such nasty language.

Grand Pa Moses is frothing

from both sides of his mouth with hate. We will be forced to rate his meetings as PG-13 gatherings. Some of the people at the meeting were taken by church busses to Whim and should have called on the elder Moses to be more decent in his language. This is latrine politics the old man is preaching. Shame on you Moses! Is this the kind of change we should expect from you?

Guyanese, Moses Nagamootoo has no legitimacy calling on Indians at Whim to vote for him. Zero percent of Indians should cast their votes for PNC/APNU-AFC. My friends in Corentyne always warned me not to trust “Nagga”, as we called Nagamootoo at New Amsterdam Freedom House.

Leave no stone unturned. Let the cup run over.

LATCHMAN MOHABIR

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 2, 2015

Ramjattan lies yet again KHEMRAJ Ramjattan’s defence that he personally saw “massive numbers of Indo Guyanese” at the Whim rally is maybe “delusional”, but this man has a natural knack for lying.

The propensity to lie is one of Ramjattan’s special characteristics. If one could only recall his claims about the PPP bribing three APNU MPs with $30 million each, his claims that audited financial statements of the AFC were provided at the last AFC’s Conference, his claims that the AFC does not want to close down the sugar industry, and the list goes on.

In the first instance, not only did APNU reject that claim of bribery, but they

deflected the allegation right back into the face of Ramjattan. Then in the second case, no AFC member who was present at the Conference had seen a single copy of those statements. Thirdly, Ramjattan had a GAWU Representative who is also an AFC member, on DTV Channel 8, a man named ‘Austin’, who made a pronouncement on the closure of GuySuCo to which Ramjattan agreed.

Austin even had a redundancy plan for GuySuCo. He outlined his plan by saying that GuySuCo should pay each worker $5 million.

And then close down the industry. Ramjattan then complimented this ‘young

man’ and claimed that this ‘young man’ is very knowledgeable about GuySuCo and sugar. These are only three instances and now there is the fourth.

Ramjattan claimed that he walked through the crowd and saw thousands of Indians. From whatever angle you look at the crowd, there is an extreme scarcity of Indians. Anyone looking at the crowd will conclude that Whim is Linden, because of the overwhelming presence of Afro Guyanese.

Is he then claiming that the Indians present at the Whim Rally deliberately segregated themselves from the Afro Guyanese? If this is so, then it is a poor display of “It’s

time for Unity!”

An AFC Councillor who was there lamented the absence of Indians at the Rally and claimed that Indians are not pleased with the coalition. In addition, another AFC member claimed likewise.

But Ramjattan can be excused for lying on another point. This poor man was sound asleep, probably having imbibed an excessive amount of “Moses’ cure” and maybe that’s the reason for his delusion. Readers should look at page 13 of the Guyana Times to have the proof of Ramjattan’s sleeping by the side of his wife on the platform of the Rally. Too much of “Moses’ cure” can

be counterproductive!

Many eyewitnesses, including me, saw the extreme paucity of Indians at the Rally and this is substantiated by the absence of Indians at AFC+APNU public meetings which took place before.

This was the prelude to that Rally. On 31st March, the AFC had to cancel a meeting at my village, Chesney. The carload of policemen came to the venue but Ramayya and his gang did not. In 2011, the AFC held two meeting in my village prior to Election Day. The reason for this cancellation is quite obvious!

The people of Whim have rejected Nagamootoo and Ramayya. The people of Whim do not even speak

to Ramayya, even his neighbours avoided him. Last Saturday, at the Port Mourant market he tried to be friendly to some people who walked away from him without acknowledging his presence.

I saw this first hand. I go to the market every Saturday to make purchases.

Lastly, Ramjattan can probably be excused also on the grounds of physical incapacity. The man can only see strongly in one direction so most likely he had a problem reconciling what he saw.

The AFC is dead meat and there is nothing that Ramjattan and Nagamootoo can do about it.

HASEEF YUSUF

I hope voters do Carl Greenidge ran Guyana bankrupt the right thing KINDLY permit me space to make a point to the Guyanese people and the political cronies who seek to destroy Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

Dr. Jagdeo has single handedly done more for Guyana than the combined Opposition with all their socalled intellectuals.

A s f o r M r. C a r l Greenidge, how quickly we forgot the wrongs you personally did under the PNC. You spent money that

was not yours to spend. I remember vividly at one time you spoke of a deficit surplus. Lastly but not least, I hope the voting public does the right thing and vote for the PPP because the combined Opposition cannot and will not do any better for Guyana.

As for Mr. Moses Nagamootoo, he is trying to accomplish a position by any means necessary.

J. SUTHERLAND

CARL Greenidge is not a financial expert, he is not a money manager, and he is not a world class economist.

If he is so much of an expert, how was he capable of taking Guyana to bankruptcy? Why is he beating around the bush? Guyana ran bankrupt when he was Finance Minister. Guyana was hopeless under his financial guidance.

For example, what kind of ‘national econ-

omy manager ’ would oversee a country being plunged to a halt, that caused long queues for basic food items, and essentials such as gasoline and cooking gas; shops with empty shelves; businesses having to close their doors because of foreign exchange and cash flow challenges, and many other indignities too numerous to mention.

It was a period, under Greenidge’s stewardship, that witnessed

many children being forced to leave school so as to augment the family budget, because their parents suffered re-deployment, an euphemism for being laid off from their jobs. This could be said to be one of the main contributors to the decline in literacy which became a fact in this nation.

Guyana under Carl Greenidge was classed as the second poorest country in the western hemi-

sphere and was ranked below Haiti because of its financial crisis, and it was Mr. Greenidge himself who declared that Guyana was bankrupt.

Does Carl Greenidge deserve to be the Minister of Finance if the A Partnership for National Unity has a shot at winning the May 11th 2015 elections? I think the answer is clear for all to see!

MARIA KARIM

Many thanks GPHC for a ‘Royal medical care!’

ON the 30th April, 2014, I was exiting the Guyana port of entry/exit at Moleson Creek, on the Corentyne River via Suriname, in my attempt to return home to the Netherlands.

I felt ill, fainted and was unconscious for a period of time. After I regained consciousness, I found myself sitting in a private taxi travelling to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Having a very good friend at my side in the speeding car, I question my situation and was told that I became very ill and was unconscious.

From the time I arrived at the GPHC’s Emergency entrance on New Market

Street in Georgetown, the attendants wasted no time and promptly approached my taxi. They ran towards me, not knowing whether the situation was life threatening or not. Before assisting me, I could hear them asking where I was experiencing pains, or trying to find out where my injuries were.

Of course, I was not in a condition to respond and the attendants, instead of using the wheelchair they had brought to use, they decided to use a stretcher. I also recalled an Afro-Guyanese woman, a chief security guard, who I knew later as “short lady”, was combing my hair with her fingers and

massaging my forehead.

While waiting at the Emergency area, around 3:00 pm, the place was visibly clean; a sweet aroma surrounded the area and confirmed that it was recently cleaned. I had to be admitted and was placed in the men’s surgical ward.

I had expected this, but I was grieved tremendously at the thought of having no family or relatives at a strange hospital in a foreign country. I was worried about the treatment that I would receive from the staff at the hospital, because of all the negative things I usually read in the newspapers. My finances were not strong enough to be placed in a

private hospital. However, what I have experienced, indeed immensely amazed me to this day.

In the following weeks while I was an in-patient, without having any visitor, I felt I was at home with the royal cares and medical services rendered to me.

The attendants, security personnel, matrons, cleaners, PRO’s, supervisors, nurses and doctors were really courteous to me and were always there when calls were made. They were always there when I needed them, especially at the times when I needed them most they were around to tend to my every need. They helped me to the rest room,

and helped me to take my medication on time. Furthermore, the doctors were always checking on me to make sure my ‘pressure and sugar’ were not on the rise, and other things that were outside their duties. They went the extra mile.

The cleaners really did a superb job, I take my hat off to them. These individuals really kept on top of their jobs. As soon as any spill or accidents occurred, these persons wasted no time in ensuring that it was cleaned and disinfected immediately. On a daily basis, I would see them cleaning and disinfecting the areas, in addition to tackling the spills and other accidents occurring

spontaneously.

When these cleaners were done cleaning, the place is always left smelling really good and feeling light as though a Christmas general-cleaning had just been conducted.

Fortunately, I was discharged on the 22nd May, 2014, exactly 3-weeks of sublime gratitude, thank-fullness and profound gratitude. I wholeheartedly thank all of them, and I would like to encourage all of them to continue displaying such behaviours and medical services to humanity.

REV. SURUJLALL MOTILALL

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2015

Kaieteur News caught lying again

– must hold record of being caught lying more times than any printed media in the world

By Dr Leslie Ramsammy KAIETEUR News now must hold a world record - the Guinness Book World Record of being caught lying more times than any printed media in the world.

Today (yesterday) they boldly printed a story that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the fearsome, police agency of the USA, is in Guyana questioning a number of senior Government officials and that the US Embassy has withdrawn the visas of four of these senior Government officials.

The story was a blatant lie. It was made up and it was libelous to the Government of Guyana. It was also a lie against the US Government and the FBI. The US Embassy has denied the presence of FBI in Guyana and has denied that they withdrew the visas of any senior Government officials.

Now the Kaieteur News

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

has responded that it was an April’s Fool Day story. This is a thief caught with his hands in the jar. The confession that this is a story that was an April Fool’s Day prank cannot now exonerate the Kaieteur News because the story fits a sick obsession and a strategy by the newspaper of misrepresenting facts and of telling stories that are not true with the clear intent to create a negative image of the Government. The fact is that

in many places in Guyana and around the world, this story will remain with people who will continuously tell it as a fact.

Recently, Freddie Kissoon told a story of a private businessman and then after the fact stated that the story was one he heard, but had no evidence for.

These are just two recent examples that expose Kaieteur News and their public agenda to discredit the Government and its leaders without any shred of evidence.

Sometimes they apologise and sometimes they merely ignore any concern expressed by citizens.

The truth is nothing in Kaieteur News can be believed. They have discredited themselves by being blinded by bitterness and hate. Bitterness and hate have clouded their judgment and have rendered the Kaieteur News from abandoning any semblance being a serious newspaper to

becoming a rag to be ignored.

The people of Guyana cannot excuse Kaieteur News for a travesty that was never meant to be a joke. Having been caught they now defend themselves by saying that they were just joking. But they do this every day. They use various columns in their publication to spread rumours which become stories people spread as facts.

We do not lack a sense of humour in the Government and as Guyanese we are a people that have grown thick skinned. But there has to be a limit to people using public media to disguise a serious effort to libel people and then defend it as a joke. This is about media freedom. It is about the wicked misuse of media freedom. In other countries, Kaieteur News would have been resoundingly condemned and would have to face serious legal consequences. Yet in Guyana any effort to ensure Kaieteur News meet

minimum standards of telling the truth would be regarded as restricting media freedom.

But enough is enough and we should all, whether we like this Government or not, rebuke the Kaieteur News for using April Fool as another of the various means to discredit Government officials.

This is the same publication that sees nothing wrong with a miller who sold rejected rice to Chile and left our market in Chile at jeopardy. Not a single line about a story that affects all rice farmers and the rice industry.

But it is a genuine story of fact, a newsworthy story, yet because it linked to a Government critic; it is deemed as not newsworthy by Kaieteur News.

This is a publication that will find any court case in America to report, only as long as it relates to people they can link in one way or another, even if they need to make up something to (frame)

Government officials. Yet when one of the officials who advises the APNU +AFC on rice has a judgment against him for US$20M and a warrant for his arrest, they ignore the story totally and treat it as not newsworthy.

This is a publication that blazed its headlines with stories of David Granger and others in the APNU+AFC brazenly accusing the Government of killing a citizen and then admitted they have no evidence, presented the story as fact. Yet without evidence, this publication highlights attack on Bharrat Jagdeo for raising the possibility that the Opposition has everything to gain from the killing of this citizen.

The Kaieteur News cannot escape condemnation.

They should not escape condemnation. What does the APNU+AFC team say of this?

This is not an April Fool Day story.

Kaieteur News hits ‘new low’

– U.S. Embassy demands newspaper apologise for fabrication of article THE United States (US) Embassy in Georgetown has taken strong objection to the Kaieteur News for publishing a fictitious story which gave the impression that the Embassy has a vendetta against the Government.

The Kaieteur News, dubbed by ‘WikiLeaks’ as a ‘muck-raking newspaper’ that thrives on slander and sensationalism, represents a degeneration of the newspaper to a new low in the business of fabrication.

The ‘false news’ in question was published yesterday (April 1) under the headlined, “US revokes Gov’t officials’ visas… in major money laundering, bribery probe”.

The report, among other things, said: “In shocking developments, the US this week cancelled visas for four high-ranking Government officials amidst a four-year investigation into bribery and money laundering.”

The newspaper known for also publishing fabricated stories about former President Bharrat Jagdeo and other Government officials, added in the report: “A team of investigators from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is in the country and has been questioning several persons”.

It went on: “According to officials close to the probe, the US has been monitoring the questionable transfer of large sums of cash to several banks

eral Bureau of Investigation in the country questioning individuals as the article

Kaieteur News’ Publisher Glenn Lall

Kaieteur News Editor Adam Harris

within its territories. This actually began after a number of high profile criminals were arrested and transferred to the United States for drug trafficking. One of the persons who had his visa revoked is reportedly a top official who has been questioned about his wealth.”

It should be noted that the US Embassy in 2011, in a leaked WikiLeaks cable, hinted at the acquisition of wealth and character of Kaieteur News’ Publisher Glenn Lall.

“He translated a shoe trading business and rumoured involvement with alien smuggling into a muckraking independent newspaper. He has also been accused of having his finger on the pulse of Guyana’s underworld, which serves his media enterprise well,” the cable quoted US embassy official Benjamin Canavan as saying.

The malicious report by Kaieteur News added: “FBI was called in after reports were made to the US Government that a number of officials were approached to take bribes.”

When confronted, Editor of the newspaper Adam Harris admitted that the article was an invention, but termed it an “All Fools Day Joke”.

However, the US Embassy in Georgetown Embassy did not take the explanation lightly, and has demanded a full retraction of the controversial article.

“Kaieteur News exercised poor judgment in printing this article under the auspices of an April Fools joke,” a statement from the Embassy said.

It added: “To be clear, the US Embassy has not cancelled any visas of high-ranking Government officials nor is the US Fed-

states. The US Embassy calls for an immediate retraction of the article by Kaieteur

News in both their online and print versions of their newspaper.”

The hypocrisy that exists in Guyana I READ with interest the news that the two men who impersonated the police, and attacked and robbed innocent and hard-working Guyanese were arrested.

It is interesting to note who the victims were. When one speaks about the injustices that Indians have to suffer on a daily basis in Guyana he/she is called an Indian supremist or racist. When the former President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Ravi Dev, Vishnu Bisram and others speak out against these injustices, they are attacked by every Tom, Dick and Harry.

The lives of Indians seem to be of a lower value than others. There was a plethora of condemnation at the death of Crum-Ewing, yet not a voice is raised at the daily robberies and other injustices meted out to Indians. No one spoke about Sheema Mangar, and the GuySuCo workers who went missing when they were working in the cane-fields aback of Buxton, and hundreds of others.

Freddie Kissoon, David Hinds, The Guyana Human Rights Association, Asquith Rose and his cronies and other so-

called human rights fighters are silent on the daily abuse that Indians suffer.

When elections are over, Indians can’t walk in Georgetown for fear of being robbed, beaten and raped. The Opposition peddles the malicious lies the PPP orchestrates these attacks. What nonsense! The PPP has never engaged in this practice.

These hypocrites are working on the assumption that the more you tell a lie it will be believed. But people are not so gullible!

The truth is known.

Imagine Nagamootoo says that he is not an Indian, yet he wants to give over 11% of the Indian votes to APNU. What hypocrisy! Like Freddie Kissoon, he must think that Indians are gullible and stupid. We are not for sale! We are not Nagamootoo’s dowry! Nagamootoo and the AFC think so little of Indians now (as pawns for their own power grab), imagine what will happen if they get power!

I, like all of my comrades, will not take that chance. Our votes are not so cheap!

RAKESH SINGH

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 2, 2015

State wants citizens’ participation in projects

By Shaun Michael Samaroo

GOVERNMENT wants citizens to participate in the process of governance, in ensuring that community projects and development initiatives of the State provide maximum benefit to Guyanese.

Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, said on a national TV programme on State channel, NCN, that Government operates a number of social justice mechanisms to provide citizens with the platform to play a role in monitoring projects, lodging complaints, and even demanding answers from Ministers for their concerns and questions.

Corruption forms one of the most pervasive topic of conversation across this society. Opposition leaders jump on the corruption bandwagon, lambasting Government and State agencies for alleged corruption, and the word now forms the household lexicon of our nation.

In fact, the Opposition claims its main contention against Government centers around corruption. We see a national newspaper

do a good job” in negating the propaganda on corruption that the Opposition has been pushing.

The Minster said that since 1992, Government has enacted several measures to operate a transparent, open and clean accountability system, which allows any citizen recourse to lodge complaints, or even to summon Ministers to answer concerns or questions from the public.

A special court functions whereby citizens could challenge State agencies and officials on matters relating to the Constitution, and on how Government spends State finances.

Also, President Ramotar and Minister Nandlall appointed an Ombudsman, whose office provides an investigative and reportorial role for citizens to vent their grievances.

Guyanese citizens who see poor execution of local community projects like roads, drainage and irrigation works and bridges and State buildings have access to these national bodies that Government operates to lodge complaints, initiate action or cause investigations.

The onus is on Guyanese to

As Minister Nandlall notes, in the functioning democracy of Guyana today, citizens not only vote freely and fairly for the Government of their choice, but also are fully empowered to participate in Government through making sure that State projects benefit their communities, with resort to the systems in place to deal with irregularities and inefficiencies.

Minister Nandlall noted that once Government is re-elected to

After two decades in office, the PPP/C Government has cleaned up much of the mess, though crucial work still remains. But significantly, most importantly, Government has empowered the average Guyanese citizen to the point where anybody could challenge Government on State contracts, and even demand answers from Ministers for their actions. providing space for political commentators to regale the country with constant allegations and suspicions of State corruption.

Minister Nandlall took to the national television station to tackle this perception that corruption handicaps Guyana’s progress.

In fact, President Donald Ramotar’s Government shows openness and a firm willingness to engage the nation on these issues, and Minister Nandlall’s appearance on the TV programme emphasises Government’s commitment to open discussion and free engagement across the nation.

Minister Nandlall made the point that the State’s communications machinery “doesn’t

exercise our civic duty to aid Government in the task of rebuilding the Guyanese society, after decades of socio-economic crisis and collapse.

We need to see such openness as emanating from President Ramotar and Minister Nandlall ripple across the society, to educate citizens, to motivate Guyanese to play their role in providing feedback and in keeping a watch, making sure that Government’s work benefits communities to the full potential and possibilities.

We want to see Opposition leaders and civic organisations take on this role of letting citizens know how empowered is each Guyanese citizen in our democracy.

office, President Ramotar would seek to engage international experts to clean up lingering malfunctions within the State financial system that allows leaks and breakdowns.

We must consider the context of why Guyana suffers from a persistent perception as a corrupt society, with the Private Sector particularly vulnerable, and the Public Sector, including the Justice system, a victim of decades of State corruption under the 1964 -1992 dictatorship, starting with 28 years of rigged elections, and absolute State regulation of every aspect and facet of Guyanese life, including food rationing and banning of freedom

of the press.

After two decades in office, the Government of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has cleaned up much of the mess, though crucial work still remains.

But, significantly, most importantly, Government has empowered the average Guyanese citizen to the point where anybody could challenge Government on State contracts, and even demand answers from Ministers for their actions.

Clearly, what we need is a national information and communications programme to educate citizens on this watchdog role, so by engaging in the mechanisms now in place, anybody could participate in seeing development reach communities.

We see such civic engagement with the national effort, involving Government, a wide range of citizen groups, including youth organisations, and even the Diplomatic Corps, joining hands to clean up our communities, especially Georgetown.

This same opportunity, Minister Nandlall says, is in place for citizens to police State projects.

Nandlall debunks wild allegations and gross generalisations of Opposition leaders claiming that the State’s tendering and procurement process is flawed, and detailed the independent and advanced State accountability system in place, on the TV programme.

He also referred to the role of the Auditor General in reporting

annually to Parliament, working from an autonomous, independent agency outside Cabinet or Ministerial interference.

Opposition leaders would serve the Guyanese nation with sound, professional and ethical leadership were they to work hard to educate and motivate citizens of our civic duties in this free, open and fair democratic nation. Guyana is open to citizen engagement.

Minister Nandlall noted the lack of efficiently skilled State-employed middle managers and supervisors to manage project execution, and so the role of citizens in our skills-drained society to provide vital feedback and checks becomes crucial.

Opposition leaders would play a defining role were they to work with citizens to get Guyanese to engage in government’s developmental work, rather than sit at desks complaining and throwing about wild accusations, allegations and suspicions, in the process demoralising citizens and demotivating the nation.

As Minister Nandlall demonstrates with the TV appearance, Government is open and willing to engage on this pervasive perception that Guyana is caught in the throes of corruption.

In such engagement, we see that a lot of the perception is unfounded and that Government actually operates mechanisms to allow citizens to play a real role in making sure Government initiatives benefit Guyanese.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2015

Concerns being NCN forced to raised over access cancel debates – after non-confirmation to State media from APNU+AFC – but GECOM maintains it has no say in media control

CONCERNS over the Political Opposition’s access to the media, in particular the State media, have been raised over the last week, the most recent comments coming from the Private Sector Commission (PSC).

The PSC, in a statement last week, said: “The Private Sector Commission shared its conviction that all political parties contesting the upcoming elections should be allowed fair and equitable access to all media entities for paid political advertisements and party elections broadcasts.

“In this regard, the Commission calls for transparency by the media entities of the spots and spaces that will be made available for political advertisements and for transparency in the pricing of such allocations.”

In response to questions on the matter, Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon, has stated that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is empowered via legislation to enforce equality of State and private media access for both the political Opposition and the governing party.

“In the context of elections, there is, and as far as I know it has never been revoked, a GECOM statutory responsibility of assigning and enforcing equal access…I think there is such a law that imposes on GECOM that responsibility to ensure equal access to state and private media, I think there

is such a law,” he said.

NO LAW Meanwhile, a senior GECOM official, when asked by the Guyana Chronicle, disputed Dr Luncheon’s ‘thinking’ – opinion – on the matter.

According to the official, “GECOM has no control over any media house; there is no law that enables GECOM to put restrictions on any media house relative to air time or space for any political party.

We do media monitoring, not media control.”

The media monitoring reference relates to the work of GECOM’s Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) and the media Code of Conduct which several media houses signed onto in mid-February.

“Even with the media Code of Conduct, it is a basically a ‘name and shame’ undertaking. There are no sanctions that GECOM can enforce. The code is a self-regulatory one that the local media houses have signed onto,” the official said.

The 2015 MCC is an amended version of the one used during the 2011 election campaign season and reflects the changing environment and lessons learnt from previous years. The 2015 MCC was agreed to following a two-day media forum organised by GECOM to review the 2011 document and to improve on it.

The code calls on media

practitioners to, among other things, hold themselves free of any or all political control and direction, inducement, promises or threats. It also urges that every effort be made to provide factual, comprehensive, accurate, balanced and fair accounts of events in a context which give them meaning.

With regard to political activities of media functionaries, the code recognises the likelihood of charges of bias, therefore it requires these functionaries to refrain from using their programmes for promoting their political objectives.

The code further deals with the need for management support for the independence of journalists and the need for civic education in reporting. It also addressed the issue of equitable share, access and coverage of election campaigning, the use of official events for electioneering and the reporting on opinion polls.

As the 2015 MCC will be enforced after the results have been declared, it addresses the expected behaviour of the media on polling day and its relations with GECOM with regard to the announcement of the results.

The code also outlines the procedure for dealing with complaints and commits the media houses to respond promptly and responsibly to complaints of errors in reports. (Vanessa Narine)

Golden Fleece man breaks leg in horseback tumble DENNIS Wilson, 38, of Golden Fleece, West Coast Berbice was earlier this week admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital nursing three fractures to his right leg.

Tragedy struck last Wednesday when he was on horseback rounding up his cattle and one of the horse’s legs slipped into a hole, throwing both

animal and rider to the ground.

Wilson was having a heck of a time rounding the cattle up, but for an instant focused his attention on a calf he wanted to get out of the way. In typical Texan style, he swirled his rope through the air, bouncing with excitement.

Momentarily, he lost control of the horse and its leg

ended up in a hole.

As Wilson landed on the ground, the horse fell on top of his leg, and he sustained the injuries.

His cousin who was nearby helped him up and he was taken to hospital. But because the leg was badly swollen it could not immediately be placed in cast.

His condition is considered as being stable.

Clement Rohee

THREE rounds of town hall-style debates proposed by the National Communications Network (NCN) have been cancelled after non-confirmation from A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition.

A statement from the Network yesterday said, “The National Communications Network Incorporated has been forced to abandon its series of debates, which was scheduled to commence today Wednesday, April 1, 2015, after exhaustive efforts failed to get all stakeholders on board.”

It added that the debate series is aimed at allowing the two main contesting political parties in the general and regional elections and other stakeholders to ventilate their positions on several national issues, including the sugar and bauxite industries and crime and security.

NCN, through its Chief Executive Officer Mrs Molly Hassan, dispatched letters of invitation to the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee; APNU+AFC presidential candidate, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger, and other stakeholders to participate in the debate.

The Network said in its statement: “While the PPP General Secretary and other stakeholders have indicated their interest to participate, the political Opposition did not respond to the invitation.

Molly Hassan

David Granger

‘We are extremely disappointed that the political Opposition has not responded to our invitation to participate in this debate series, as the intention was to create an open forum for the examination of the issues on the basis of facts, opinions and perceptions’ -- NCN “We are extremely disappointed that the political Opposition has not responded to our invitation to participate in this debate series, as the intention was to create an open forum for the examination of the issues on the basis of facts, opinions and perceptions.

“Participants including the Executive, the Opposition and civil society would have been able to debate the issues and present ideas and plans for the health and wellbeing of the sectors, as well as the improvement of the state of security of the Guyanese society.”

SIMILAR INVITATIONS NCN, like other sections of the State media, has borne the brunt of criticisms from the political Opposition regarding opportunities to be featured.

However, NCN has over the years extended similar invitations to the major political parties and other stakeholders in Guyana.

“The Opposition continually eludes these invitations and on many occasions, provides little or no explanation.

As a matter of fact, during our 2012 debate series, the Opposition began participating, but subsequently pulled out without providing a rea-

son for abandoning the greater part of the debate series,” the NCN statement said.

The first debate was slated to be held at the University of Guyana, Tain Campus, yesterday, April 1.

It was meant to deal with the future of the Sugar Industry. The second debate in ‘Round One’ was scheduled for April 8, where political representatives were expected to debate national security at the Theatre Guild in Georgetown. The last debate in Round One was set for the Linden Concert Hall, on April 15, where issues pertinent to the bauxite industry would have been addressed.

Relative to the issues up for debate in Round Two, Granger was being invited to make recommendations, while the logistics of Round Three were to be fine-tuned.

In the initial plan, invited panelists would have also been given equal time to present arguments before a live audience comprising members of the public, some of whom would have had the opportunity to pose questions through a live and transparent lottery selection process.

Political observers contend that the forced cancellation of the debates, leading up to the May 11 polls, is unfortunate.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 2, 2015

Involvement of ex-military officials in political fray worrying – Dr Luncheon

By Vanessa Narine GUYANA’s military is a professional body that has endeared itself to the Guyanese people after the pre-1992 “indecencies and excesses” under the People’s National Congress (PNC) administration.

But, Dr Roger Luncheon contends that this is under threat given rising “suspicions” that are influenced by the increasing involvement of ex-military officials in the political maneuverings of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

“I do not believe that our memory is so short that when we see these two bodies getting back together again, it doesn’t reasonably raise our suspicions and causes us to wonder ‘what if’,” he said during a press conference held yesterday at Office of the President.

Brigadier (rtd) David Granger heads the coalition of parties that is APNU, whose majority partner is the PNC, and is also the presidential candidate for the newer Alliance of AP-

Dr Roger Luncheon

NU+AFC. There are also several other ex-military officials who are part of APNU’s leadership.

Asked to detail his concern on this issue, Dr Luncheon said, “Guyana went down a road under the ‘Burnhamite’ People’s National Congress, a road that was facilitated by the concept of party paramountcy that brought the disciplined forces, particularly the military, to be a part of the enforcement arm of the then government.

“I suppose one may want to argue that point, but I don’t believe an argument can be sustained that the military was not an active participant into the repres-

Brigadier (rtd) David Granger

sion that took place under the PNC in this country. I don’t think we can argue about that.”

REHABILITATED IMAGE He explained that post1992, much work was done to rehabilitate the image of the disciplined forces by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration.

Dr Luncheon, who is also Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) said, “The concern I have dates back to 1992, when my president, Dr Jagan (the late Dr Cheddi Jagan) says to me ‘Luncheon,

you and (the then Minister of Home Affairs) Feroz Mohammed, you are tasked with rehabilitating the image of the military in the minds of the Guyanese people.

“This is a national institution and the specter of it being the handmaiden of the Burnhamite PNC and it perpetrating all of the indecencies and the excesses on the Guyanese people, we cannot allow it to cloud our image and our judgment…y’all got a job, clean up and mek sure that this image is corrected’.”

Dr Luncheon said the confidence reposed in the military evidences the success of this undertaking.

“I want to believe we have done a good job. I want to believe that a professional military exists and that after its post-1992 actions, it has endeared itself to the Guyanese people,” Dr Luncheon said.

WORRYING All considered, the HPS contends that damage has been done to a rehabilitated

image and there is much more at stake.

“Much of what APNU has done is run-of-the-mill politicking, but this (militarisation) of APNU has undone 23 years of patient cultivation by this Administration; that is what Granger has done…whether it is the retired military that has been encouraged to flock and positioned in the APNU leadership, one can only imagine the impact on the serving military.”

He was emphatic in stressing that there is no question as to the “militarisation” of the main political Opposition, hence the “depth” of consequent concerns.

Dr Luncheon said, “Suppose, God forbid, APNU were to succeed in the 2015 elections, obviously they would have a debt to pay back to the military officers who supported them…there has never been any question whatsoever about appropriations and resourcing or denial of resourcing for the military. APNU has always seen it fit to join with the Government on this issue.

“One can only wonder were this opportunity to be provided again, how could I be certain that we will not have the same outcome; that indeed in the face of an opposition in the PPP, that the same military from the Burnhamite era, that supported the PNC’s illegal and undemocratic actions, might not be coerced into doing the same under a possible APNU administration.”

He reiterated that the worry is a real one that could have lasting impacts.

“It will re-awake, it will re-arouse fears that have been dormant, that we have succeeded in allaying over the last 23 years,” the HPS said.

Dr Luncheon stressed that a military-political alliance, in Guyana’s context, fueled by the “influx of military, again retired military officers, into Guyana at this time to support APNU in its campaign” has not gone unnoticed.

“Who got ears to hear let them hear,” Dr Luncheon concluded.

Luncheon says delivering on promised scholarship a matter of funding C A B I N E T S e c re t a r y Dr Roger Luncheon has put to rest concerns expressed by Guyana’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) top student, Elisa Hamilton. Those concerns have to do with her inability to access a scholarship promised her by the Government.

Dr Luncheon, during a news conference yesterday, explained that “2015 is a different kettle of fish” with elections in the air, the dissolution of Parliament, and the consequent absence of an Appropriation Act (a budget).

According to him, expenditures by budget agencies in the absence of an Appropriation Act are limited to one-twelfth of the

- after top-student expresses disappointment Budget of the preceding year – a legislative provision that ensured the continued provision of the normal services of the Government of Guyana.

He noted that Ms Hamilton’s case, while unfortunate, comes down to a matter of access to funding, which is routinely catered and approved under the Appropriation Act. Dr Luncheon pointed out that the CSEC top student is not the only student who has faced difficulties, adding that he has a stack of letters requesting his intervention.

However, he clarified

Elisa Hamilton

that in the absence of a budget, with elections only weeks away, there is not much assistance he can offer, within the legal framework that guides public expenditure.

The Cabinet Secretary

reported too that the Public Service Ministry has reported that some students on scholarships have not been able to receive their stipends from the Government, given the limitations of spending in the absence of a budget.

The Dissolution Proclamation has activated the provisions of Article 219 (1) and combined with the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, it provides that in any financial year the Government is empowered to spend one-twelfth of the Budget of the preceding year in continuing to provide the normal services of the

Government of Guyana, until an Appropriation Act is passed. After Elections, Article 219, paragraph 3 of the Constitution, will be activated to regulate expenditure, until a first budget is passed for the 11th Parliament of Guyana.

All considered, he assured that once the 11th Parliament is convened and an Appropriation Act is passed, these matters will be addressed.

In 2012, President Donald Ramotar announced that the two top performers at CSEC and CAPE would be given automatic scholarships

to study in any field of their choice in Guyana or abroad. At the time he was addressing a gathering at the Education Ministry’s National Award ceremony for outstanding performance at the regional examinations.

H a m i l t o n ’s d i s a p pointment was detailed in a Stabroek News article yesterday, headlined ‘CSEC top student disappointed over promised gov’t scholarship’.

In addition to President Ramotar’s promise, Guyana has engagements with several countries, including India and Cuba, which facilitate scholarships for Guyanese.

(Vanessa Narine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2015

APNU member makes big promises

– but declares ‘a promise is a comfort to a fool’ FASHIONED in a contradictory manner last evening was the speech of A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APN U + A F C ) m e m b e r, Mandy Sukdeo, who, moments after declaring “a promise is a comfort to a fool”, unreeled a list

of promises by the coalition, should they win at the upcoming General and Regional elections.

Sukdeo was at the time addressing a very small gathering at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, where the APNU+AFC’s public meeting was being held.

APNU+AFC Member, Mandy Sukdeo

Despite a poor turnout of residents and intermittent showers, the meeting progressed with several speakers making their appearance, urging the gathering, most of whom had travelled to

the assembly point, to vote against the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) at the upcoming polls.

One such person was Sukdeo who identified herself twice as an “Indian woman” and

whose speech magnified the intentions of the APNU+AFC coalition, should they win the elections.

“We want changes” Sukdeo, who is also a young dentist told the scattered audience, while adding that while policies are being made everyday, the PPP have been making “empty promises.”

She continued however, reminding those in attendance that, “A good philosopher once said that a promise is a comfort to a fool; so we are no fools.”

But as her speech progressed, the young professional then unveiled a list of promises her party had proposed.

According to her, “The APNU+AFC will put in place policies to ensure our mothers are being protected under law. So

that when their babies are born, they can have a future. We’re gonna support our working mothers; our single mothers.”

As it relates to rape victims, Sukdeo promised that the APNU+AFC will ensure that victims who are “being raped everyday” have counsellors.

“We’re gonna have counsellors that will help them cope with the trauma” she pledged, adding that a Special Victim Unit attached to the Guyana Police Force will be established to ensure that victims are treated as victims.

Furthermore, an appeal was made to public servants on the basis of these same promises that should the APNU+AFC win the elections, they will have a “10 per cent across the board increase.”

A section of the small gathering at the APNU+AFC Cornelia Ida meeting last evening

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 2, 2015

NGSA results expected on or before June 4

By Navendra Seoraj RESULTS for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examination are expected on or before June 4, and Education Minister Priya Manickchand anticipates excellent results from students who are sitting the examination.

The Education Minister made this disclosure yesterday during her visit to bid good luck to the students of the Lachmansingh Primary School who are currently sitting the NGSA exams.

As a result of the improvements in the education sector, the Minister noted, “more of our children are expected to well at this year’s NGSA exams.”

She further stated that “over the years children have been doing better and better, as we are at the best place that we’ve ever been in the history of Guyana where more of our children are passing 50% and more in every subject area.”

The Minister, recalling the performances of the students last year, stated that students received top marks from all across Guyana and that was most definitely a symbol of improvement.

EXCITING TIME Minister Manickchand in high spirits declared that this is an exciting time in the country, where more parents can expect that their children

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand offers warm words of encouragement to pupils of the Latchmansingh Primary School in Region 5 who are sitting the 2015 NGSA will do well, because Guyanese have access to education in a way that they never had before.

“Everywhere in the country, everyone of primary age can access a primary school, hence allowing Guyana to achieve the milestone of universal primary education,” she said.

She noted that Guyana has the highest number of trained teachers, which now stands at

more than 72% - meaning that children are more likely to get a solid education.

Apart from that she disclosed that learning aids, teaching aids, textbooks, exercise books, and in general Guyana’s educational resources have improved tremendously- in the sense that they are now more equitably distributed across the country, allowing every student in every region to have access

to them.

EARLY ANNOUNCEMENT Minister Manickchand also emphasized that bringing the results in on or before June 4 is another improvement, because this was something they weren’t able to say in previous years.

Apart from that she also indicated that there has been no increase in the

number of children writing, noting that last year it was around 17,000 students, compared to the present n u m b e r wh i c h st a n d s a t 15,200 students. This, she stated, is evidence of a reducing population and nothing else.

However, she stated that there have been reports of very smooth implementation of the exams across the country, and no reports of any mishaps.

The exams are expected to go

smoothly, she added.

Meanwhile during her visit to the school, as the anxious students were awaiting their exam paper, Minister Manickchand took some time to issue words of encouragement to them, and also gave a word of prayer for the students.

The Minister also lauded the teachers and parents for their hard work which will in turn contribute to the success of the students.

GTT upgrades Internet speeds countrywide GUYANA Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GT&T), as promised, yesterday announced their countrywide rollout of upgraded Internet speeds, delivering new plans with speeds up to 10Mbps, the fastest ever in Guyana.

Current GT&T Internet subscribers will automatically experience new speeds of up to five times what they had been getting, and at reduced prices. The services will be offered to both residential and business customers, and will be sold in packages of Bronze, Silver and Gold, within the range of 1Mbps to 10 Mbps.

Speaking at the announcement ceremony at the Cara Lodge, GT&T’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) RK Sharma said that at the beginning of the year, “we did promise to continue to revolutionise our services and our customers’ experiences with the best broadband service ever experienced in Guyana.

“I am proud to say that

pay a reduced price.

Presiding over the announcement ceremony yesterday are, from left, GT&T’s Public Relations Officer, Allison Parker; CEO, RK Sharma; and Engineer, Russel Davis fastest and most affordable customers have begun to express their satisfaction with the service, and it is our hope and vision that most of Guyana will enjoy this great service by the end of 2015.”

The Diamond/Grove, Nandy Park, Providence, and Houston communities on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and Enterprise on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) had their Internet speeds increased during March. The exercise is

ongoing, and will continue in other communities each month throughout the year.

By the end of May, it is expected that the service will be available in Houston (EBD), Central Georgetown, Sophia, South Ruimveldt and Beterverwagting (BV) West.

“Through this project and investment our residential and business, customers can now receive enhanced Internet speeds of up to 10Mbps, the

Internet in Guyana,” the CEO noted. This service will be available to approximately 70 -74 per cent of GT&T’s data customers across the country.

According to Sharma, there are some network constraints that prohibit the company from delivering the enhanced speeds in some areas, such as Kwakwani and Bartica. These areas were never migrated to the emagine service, therefore these customers will

BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE Broadband infrastructure is key to development not only at the national level but also the global level. The world has begun to experience the pervasive and transformative effect of a data driven society.

“In Guyana we have begun to experience a substantial concentration on ICTs for the development of almost every sector: trade and commerce, economic, educational, cultural, social and even political,” Sharma said.

The CEO noted that GT&T first introduced internet in Guyana in the early 1990s. Since its entrance to the Guyana market, GT&T has invested in excess of $58B in the development, modernisation and expansion of networks and systems. This investment has to be recognised for the transformative effect it has had on the country’s national development, the CEO added.

“When we landed our second fibre optic cable, the Suriname-Guyana submarine cable to the value of US$30M here in 2010, it was because we saw the development prospects of the country and we understand the global impact,” he said.

“GT&T is committed to being the best provider of information and communications services in Guyana. As we have seen around the world, access to high speed internet and advanced mobile communications is a substantial driver in the development of economies, improvement in the earning power of workers, advancement in education, and personal fulfillment of individuals through improved access to information, entertainment and social interaction with friends and family,” the CEO said as he concluded his remarks.

For more information on GT&T’s investments and detailed information on the enhanced rollout, please visit gtt.co.gy. (Rebecca Ganesh)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 2, 2015

Rohee tells it like it is at Uitvlugt meet...

‘This election is about winning the majority’ --and doing so convincingly

GENERAL Secretary Clement Rohee spoke with confidence when he said, “We have never betrayed the people of Guyana; all the policies of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) have been for the people of this country.”

The occasion was the PPP/C public meeting last evening at Uitvlugt, on the West Coast of Demerara.

First up at the podium and setting the pace was PPP/C Region 3 representative, Bibi Shadick, who gave numerous accounts of acts of aggression and otherwise under the People’s National Congress (PNC) administration, and the terrible treatment meted out to Guyanese people during their tenure.

She noted that one of the major hindrances to development was the destruction of the rice industry. “The rice fields became pastures under the PNC government. Today, under the PPP/C, the rice industry has been revitalised, and that is what a caring government does,” Shadick said, adding: “We have sugar and rice; we don’t need that. We need to add value, and that is what the

PPP/C manifesto talks about: Adding value to our products.”

Turning her attention to even more pressing matters, this being the upcoming elections, Shadick said: “The race is between two persons at elections: The PPP/C and the PNC.” She then went on to explain to the large gathering from Uitvlugt and contiguous communities that April 7 is Nomination Day, and that judging from rumour going the rounds, the Opposition is yet to chose a head of the list.

“We have heard a few names... Christopher Ram said he has a British passport, and they continued to discuss in secret about nomination. We heard Ralph Ramkarran was approached, as well as Yesu Persaud,” Shadick said cryptically, leaving her audience to draw their own conclusion.

POWER STRUGGLE As to the power struggle presently taking place within the collated Opposition, she said: “They can’t even trust themselves, and they are asking Guyanese people to trust them. How can we trust them?”

‘Jumbie’ lash update...

Mahdia man still warded, but much better RODERICK Stevens of Mahdia, Region 8, remains warded at the Georgetown Public Hospital after being operated on for hemorrhaging and internal injuries to the left ear and eye after being dealt a severe ‘jumbie’ lash (an ambush) to the back of his head with a bottle on February 12.

Fifty-one-year-old Stevens was struck from behind on a dark night, soon after leaving the popular ‘Cevon’s Shop’ in the area. However, he recalls that on the evening of February 12, he and his wife, Madrina Thomas, had gone to meet with his uncle at the shop.

While there, he recalled seeing a ‘douglah’ (mixed race) young man whom he had never seen in the area before, looking at him. According to Stevens, the man was ‘high’, (intoxicated). But he said he paid the man no mind, since he was just there to collect some money from his uncle on whose mining claim he had worked earlier.

Around midnight, he said,

The injured he and his wife left the shop and set out for home. But on the roadway he encountered a cousin who said she would accompany them, but had to go back to the shop to collect her torchlight. It was while he and his wife were waiting out in the dark for her, that someone crept up and lashed him on the left side of his head.

He was rushed to the Mahdia Hospital and a few days later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted, bleeding profusely from the inner ear. He was operated on and his condition has improved considerably.

At that, she implored her by now riveted audience: “Please, don’t be misled by these people; we should be proud of who we are and what we are.

“Let us don’t repeat 2011; come out and vote; we need every single person to come out. This election is very important; we have to better the things we have done. “Within another five years, so much can be done; we have plans for this country in the next five years.”

TICK-TOCK Next up was Rohee, who started off by saying, “We are 39 days away from Elections Day, and the clock is ticking... to make up our minds whether we go forward or we go backwards.”

And, without missing a beat, he went on to other matters of importance. “Many of us, our ancestors and parents would have contributed towards the development of Guyana, and we, the current generation, are taking the country forward now. Look at the people today! They can have their own houses and cars! They have enjoyed what we couldn’t do before,” the GS said as he related that these developments of which

General Secretary Clement Rohee addressing the Uitvlugt meet, while Bibi Shadick interacts with a resident he spoke can be credited to the vision and strategic planning of the PPP/C government.

As for the opposition they’re up against, Rohee said in obvious reference to the many manifestations of their nemesis: “Granger carried the PNC in a beauty parlour, but when they come out and they started to ‘chamkay’, is the same person.”

He then turned his attention to what obtained during elections past before the ‘dawn of a new era’ with a return to democracy on October 5, 1992, and of more recent vintage the many challenges that assailed the PPP/C administration during the just-concluded Tenth Parliament, what

with the Combined Opposition creating havoc with their ‘one-seat majority’. “They blocked almost every development project; and now they are claiming that some of these are good for the country,” he said, adding: “The reason for this sort of behaviour was because of the hatred they have for the PPP/C.” But, he said, with some measure of pride at what the PPP/C has been able to achieve over the years: “Change takes time; progress takes time. And in 22 years, look at what we have done for the development of Guyana.

As the economy improves, we can place more emphasis on education, health, housing,

security among others.”

The one catch, however, he said, was that in order to do this; to make it a reality, was to ensure the return of the PPP/C government to a majority power.

In closing, he said: “The PPP/C will once again enjoy the confidence of this country which we have never let down.

We can only succeed with the support and the active involvement of the people to make Guyana a land of progress and prosperity.

“This election is about winning the majority of seats in Parliament, because it is here that all our initiatives were blocked; this is why we need to win by a convincing majority.”

Issano miner warded after cutlass attack

--suspect gone into hiding

A miner/farmer of Issano Landing in Region 7 was last Sunday severely chopped on the left arm by a cutlass- wielding man who has since gone into hiding.

Morris Douglas, 39, who is at present a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital recalls that around 15:00 hrs he was standing in a M o r r i s D o u g l a s , playfield when an intoxicat- c h o p p e d t o t h e ed ‘douglah’ (mixed race) shoulder

man, whom he identified as Telsin Austin, walked up to him and dealt him two cuffs.

Douglas said he was shocked and annoyed and retaliated by giving him two punches. The man then left the playfield, armed himself with a cutlass and returned but Douglas did not notice him as he approached from behind. He dealt Douglas a deep chop to the left shoulder and ran away into the bushes.

The injured man collapsed on the ground where he lay bleeding until his wife came a l o n g a n d d i s c o v e re d him. She alerted his brothers who picked him up and rushed him to the Issano Hospital. The following day he was transferred to the Bartica Hospital and subsequently to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he is currently warded.

Golden Fleece man breaks leg in horseback tumble DENNIS Wilson, 38, of Golden Fleece, West Coast Berbice was earlier this week admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital nursing three fractures to his right leg. struck last Wednesday when he was on horseback rounding up his cattle

and one of the horse’s legs slipped into a hole, throwing both animal and rider to the ground. was having a heck of a time rounding the cattle up, but for an instant focused his attention on a calf he wanted to get out of the way. In typical Texan

style, he swirled his rope through the air, bouncing with excitement. Momentarily, he lost control of the horse and its leg ended up in a hole.

Wilson landed on the ground, the horse fell on top of his leg, and he sustained the injuries. His

cousin who was nearby helped him up and he was taken to hospital.

But because the leg was badly swollen it could not immediately be placed in cast.

His condition is considered as being stable.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 2, 2015

Finance Minister assures of NIS’ long-term viability, success

–at commissioning of $37M multi-purpose complex

By Tajeram Mohabir THE National Insurance Scheme (NIS) yesterday commissioned a spanking new $37M multi-purpose complex at Carifesta Avenue, here in the city, with Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh expressing Government’s commitment to the long-term viability and success of the scheme.

“I wish to say unequivocally, the Government to which I am privileged to be a part of, your Government, is firmly and unwaveringly committed to the long-term viability and success of the National Insurance Scheme.

I wish to say that very emphatically.

“I want that to be crystal clear… we will do all that it takes to ensure that the National Insurance Scheme rides through whatever challenges it might be facing, traverses them and emerges from them as an even stronger institution. We will take all the decisions that should be taken to ensure that this is done,” he told a gathering of NIS staff at the commissioning of the facility.

Minister Singh pointed out that the scheme in its 45 years of existence has matured, experienced significant growth and faced many challenges, but it continues to weather the storm, serving the people of Guyana.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh speaking yesterday at the commissioning ceremony of the NIS $37M multipurpose complex

Dr Singh said the task of ensuring a stronger NIS is not only the work of Government, noting that those who benefit and are expected to benefit have a key role to play.

On that note, he commended employers who remit deductions of their employees to the scheme, and urged those delinquent ones to change their bad habit.

DELINQUENTS The Minister explained that delinquents do not only break the law, but they deny their employees valuable contributions in the event they are met with an unfortunate incident.

NIS General Manager Doreen Nelson thanked Dr Singh and NIS Chairman, Dr Roger Luncheon for enabling the realisation of the project,

telling the gathering on the lawns of the facility that the completion of the complex was eagerly awaited.

“Six hundred and ten members of staff of the National Insurance Scheme have eagerly and even impatiently awaited this day when the reconstruction of the National Insurance Scheme’s Sports Complex building would be declared completed and ready for use.”

She said the building is of key importance, pointing out that even though staff members work in locations spread across the country, they have always looked forward to activities that would bring them closer together.

“I am sure that they are also eager to return here for continued serious deliberations and decision-making on organisational matters. I express sincere gratitude to the management and staff for their patience and understanding as we shuffled them from one location to another for training programmes.”

MARTINBOROUGH COMPLEX The building, formerly named the Guyana National Trading Corporation Sports Complex, was renamed the Patrick Martinborough Multi-Purpose Complex, in honour of former NIS General Manager Patrick Martinborough, who served the

The newly-commissioned Patrick Martinborough Multi-Purpose Complex

scheme for 35 years. Nineteen of those years, he served in the capacity of General Manager.

On July 30, 2011, sections of the former Guyana National Trading Corporation Sport Complex, bought and renamed by NIS over 20 years before, collapsed.

The building was used for sporting and cultural activities as well as for training purposes and board meetings. Its loss greatly inconvenienced many, adding to the administrative costs since other venues had to be rented.

In the compound of the new building, the driveway and parking area have been resurfaced. There is also a new bridge, gate and a signboard.

President of the Patrick Martainborough Multi-Purpose Complex, Daniel Thomas praised NIS’ senior man-

agement for approving and building the facility, pointing out that aside from board meetings and conferences, it will help to change the perception of “sport”.

The word, he said, is often associated with alcohol, but the facility will also be home to games like dominoes, scrabble and other socially mild activities.

In the scheme of benefits, Guyana compared to other countries globally, is a bit unique, in that a person can benefit from three pensions.

These are: pension from an employer if the organisation has a pension scheme; Retirement Pension, which is paid primarily to employees who attain age 55; and Old Age Pension, a compulsory benefit paid to anyone who reaches age 65.

NIS was established in September 1969 as one of

the precursor institutions for political Independence from Great Britain.

The packages paid by the scheme are sickness, maternity, invalidity, old age, survivor’s and funeral benefits.

For the purposes of paying the above benefits, contributions were payable by employers and employees at the rate of 7.5 per cent of insurable wages against five groups or bands of wages into which the wages of an insured person fall.

The scheme is actuarially assessed on a five-year basis. The growth or expansion of the National Insurance Scheme depends on the findings of the actuary at the end of each period of assessment. Actuarial findings are mostly derived from the records and statistics that are made available for this purpose.

Entertainer robbed at traffic light stop – after exiting city bank

By Tajeram Mohabir A PROMINENT member of the entertainment industry was on Monday robbed by a bandit in “broad daylight” while heading home after doing a transaction at a city bank.

She has reportedly lost two cellphones, a BlackBerry and Samsung Note 4; her Bank and identification cards, and a Prada bag.

The victim has declined to reveal her identity, but has told the Guyana Chronicle that the incident occurred at the junction of Lamaha and Albert Streets in Georgetown.

She said she was in her vehicle,

which was in ‘park’ as the traffic light had indicated stop, when a man exited a yellow car which was two vehicles behind her, and snatched her bag through the front seat passenger’s window of her car.

The young lady said she was stunned by the man’s audacity and by his seeming to appear from nowhere. Much to her surprise, she said, after snatching her bag, the man ran a short distance away before turning back to collect her BlackBerry phone, which was also on the car seat.

All of this, she said happened during the time the traffic light had detained her; and after no one

came to her rescue, she raised an alarm by “blowing her horn” and “screaming”.

The young lady said that on recognising her cry for help, the robber ran to and boarded the yellow car behind her, but the traffic light was still on red.

After a few seconds, he again exited the car and ran to a motorcyclist who was at the corner of the road, apparently waiting for him.

On mounting the motorcycle, she said, the bike disappeared in the direction of Camp Street.

While this was happening, the entertainer said, the yellow car behind her came out of its lane and darted up Lamaha Street; but minutes later, on seeing nothing was being done, a passenger disembarked a minibus behind her

and offered to help.

The man, she said, drove her vehicle to Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, where several finger prints were taken, and thereafter they were sent to the Alberttown

Police Station to make a report.

The Guyana Chronicle was told that the Police are reviewing footage from surveillance cameras in the vicinity where the robbery took place.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2015

SASOD not open to being courted by political parties

– fears a 'split down the middle'

By Tajeram Mohabir THE Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) has declared itself not open to courting from any political party.

Expressing fear of being “split down the middle”, SASOD executive member Roland Beckles-Lamazon told the Guyana Chronicle that the group, representing certain human rights issues, would not want its principles to be contaminated by politics.

He said SASOD is dedicated to the eradication of homophobia in Guyana and the Caribbean, and is working tirelessly to repeal local discriminatory laws and change local attitudes towards the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

The group is also seeking to end discrimination in the Government, workplace, and community.

Contrary to what some might believe, Beckles-Lamazon said, SASOD has no immediate intention of forming a political party to contest either the Local

Government or Regional and General Elections, or to support any political party.

But, he said, the group will not rule out forming a party in the future, not to win Government, but to gain enough support to represent its interests in Parliament.

If that happens, it would represent quite a unique situation in Guyana, but it would not be a first in the world of

political oddities.

Hungarian-born porn star Ilona Staller was elected to the Italian Parliament in 1985, after campaigning on human rights and against nuclear energy. But while in office, she was somewhat outrageously ridiculous. Before outset of the Gulf War, she offered to have sex with Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein in return for peace in the

region.

Staller was not re-elected at the end of her term in 1991.

For now, Beckles-Lamazon said, SASOD will support any political party that represents its interests; which, among other things, include decriminalising same-sex relationships but not same-sex marriage. He said the group is pleased that

Government has at least listened to its concerns.

CONSULTATION The Government has said that SASOD’s demands would not be approved by a unilateral decision, and that decision would be influenced by feedback following consultation with the masses.

The SASOD executive also said Opposition leaders of the stature of Brigadier (ret’d) David Granger and attorneys-at-law Khemraj Ramjattan and Moses Nagamootoo should stand up in defence of SASOD. But he was quick to point out that the issue of being gay is still a taboo subject, and he would understand why these leaders are reluctant to “pick up the (proverbial) baton and run with it”. Nevertheless, he said, the issue should be addressed in some form or the other by the political leaders.

Some politicians have, however, not taken kindly to the issues that SASOD champion. Leader of the National Independence Party (NIP), constitutional lawyer Mr. Saphier Hussain, has told this publication that, as a Christian, he holds strongly to the belief that homosexuality is against God’s Will. He said that while he

is uncertain about the homo erectus, the practice should not be normalised among homo sapiens.

Beckles-Lamazon, notwithstanding this position, has said that both the Government and the Opposition have shown some positive changes in their human rights policies in the past few years, and SASOD’s concerns are still on the table.

Bishop Juan Edghill has been vocal in his call not to decriminalise same-sex relationships. “Do we want people in our school system telling young boys and girls that it’s ok to have same sex?

In our military barrack room two men having sex? At our border locations homosexuality…? Do we want at the police college two men having sex; or do we want, in the parks, when I take children for a walk, two people of the same sex embracing each other?” he asked one section of the media.

Bishop Edghill has also said that he offers no apology for his views. “It (homosexuality) is an attack on the family, to discolour, disfigure, and rearrange the Order of God… I will not apologise for believing in what the scripture says,” he declared.

Rohee to Granger: ‘Come clean’ on what is ‘dirty’ about voters’ list

By Vanessa Narine PRESIDENTIAL candidate of A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), Brigadier (ret’d) David Granger, has been called on to “come clean” on his “true intentions” in questioning the credibility of the Revised List of Electors.

The call came from General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee yesterday during the party’s weekly press briefing held at Freedom House, Robb Street.

“The PPP calls on Granger to come clean on his true intentions and desist from making statements that could do harm to the integrity of the elections processes,” he said.

Granger, at a fundraising event in South Ozone Park, Queens, New York last week 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?”

GROUNDS FOR REJECTION Rohee reasoned that casting aspersions on the integrity of the electoral process could translate into grounds to reject an unfavourable outcome at the May 11 General and Regional elections.

“Could it be that Granger in anticipation of an impending defeat at the upcoming

poll is already preparing the ground for a rejection of the poll outcome as the PNC had been notorious for doing in past elections, despite the fact that all those elections were declared free and fair and free from fear by local and international observers?” he questioned.

Rohee added, “They sprung up and have reverted to the old tactics of creating doubt in their supporters’ minds as to the integrity of the electoral process thereby creating an avenue for mischief and controversy over the election results when it is declared.”

EXPLAIN CONCERNS The PPP General Secretary added that Granger should make his concerns known

Clement Rohee

publicly regarding the voters’ list to solidify their legitimacy.

He said, “Rather than hiding under the fig leaf of broad statements and hasty generalisations, Granger ought to come clean and be specific as to exactly what his concerns

are regarding the authenticity of the list. “…Making such remarks at a time when the Claims and Objections period has come to an end raises serious questions as to the true motives behind such a declaration.”

Rohee underscored the fact that prior to Granger’s “dirty list” comments, APNU+AFC had expressed confidence in the work of GECOM. “A few months back the very Opposition expressed complete satisfaction with GECOM’s work and confidence in the state of preparedness,” he said.

Rohee stated that in an “about turn” Granger is now sending a different message.

“Recent public statements made by the Opposition leader

now send a different message, a message of panic, a SOS (Save Our Souls)…this about turn by Granger is therefore not only disingenuous but a slap in the face of GECOM and the entire staff which does not speak well for the integrity of the electoral processes,” he said.

All considered, the PPP General Secretary expressed the view that APNU+AFC’s confidence, weeks into the May 11 polls, seem diminished somewhat.

“This shows clearly that the confidence they once harboured of winning the 2015 election has severely diminished as a result of the rousing support the PPP is currently receiving from the Guyanese people,” Rohee posited.

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‘Dream For Today’ NGO provides lunch for the less fortunate

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-has driving passion to alleviate poverty in Guyana

WITH a driving passion to alleviate poverty in Guyana, the ‘Dream For Today’ foundation (DFT) again provided lunch for the less fortunate, last Sunday whilst scouring the streets of Georgetown.

This non-governmental charitable organisation has been formed with the aim of reducing poverty and making a valuable contribution to communities.

Its feeding activities commenced around the Guyana Stores Ltd and then proceeded to the Parade Ground prior to going to Regent Street and Orange Walk, Robb Street and the Bourda Market, before concluding at North Road.

This marks the fifth feeding activity the group has undertaken since its formation. The organisation held fundraisers to facilitate its intended feeding activity.

Members of the NGO offered approximately 80 recipients from all the mentioned areas an ideal one-course meal in an initiative that was part of the group’s set objective -- feeding the less fortunate as its prime

mission.

Many less fortunate persons who received a box of chowmein expressed their appreciation for the organisation’s generosity. The group has also donated clothes to orphanages and other institutions.

It is now nearing two years in existence, and is contemplating different measures to approach poverty-stricken communities in Guyana.

President of the organisation, Mario Glasgow, told the Guyana Chronicle in an invited comment that it is with much hope that the organisation stages this function, and it plans to take its activities internationally.

Members of this NGO take seriously this admonition from the venerable Mahatma Gandhi: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”. (Shivanie Sugrim) Members of the DFT group after a full day of feeding the homeless

(Photos courtesy of DFT members)

NIP leader files Constitutional Motion against AG & GECOM

By George Barclay LAWYER Saphier Husain, who changed his name

by Deed Poll from Saphier Husain to Saphier Husain Subedar, yesterday filed a Constitutional Motion against the Attorney General and the Elections Commission.

THE National Independence Party Leader (NIP) has chosen as his symbol a tiger, which persons say bears facial resemblance to that candidate. He is asking the court for five declarations and two orders, one of which is that the court declares the Election Law (Amendment) Act unconstitutional.

One of the conservatory orders he seeks, asks the court to stay the operation of Election Laws (Amendment) Act No. 15 of 2000 Sub-Section until the hearing and determination of the matter before the court.

Senior Counsel Mr. Ashton Chase and other officers from the AG’s Chambers were in attendance at Court yesterday, when the Chief Justice granted the respondents leave to file an affidavit in answer.

The matter has been adjourned to April 10th at 14:00 hrs.

Members of the Dream For Today foundation delivering lunch to the homeless/less fortunate on Sunday

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Convicted child rapist to be sentenced on April 13

By Jeune Vankeric

A Berbice Assizes mixed jury returned a majority verdict of guilty in the proportion of eleven to one, convicting 41-yearold child rapist Horold Naurayan for penetrating the vagina of a six-year-old girl between February 1 and April 27, 2013.

Moments after the verdict was delivered on Tuesday, Justice Brassington Reynolds overruled Naurayan’s application for bail made by Defence Counsel Raymond Ali, and remanded the convict until April 13, when a probation report, plea and mitigation would be heard, and a custodial sentence would be imposed.

Assistant Director of Public Prosecution, Mrs. Judith Mursalin, had earlier vigorously objected to Naurayan’s pre-trial liberty on ground that the convict is no longer presumed innocent.

“Your Honour, as soon as he is found guilty he is supposed to be remanded.

He is no longer presumed to be innocent. He is found guilty by the jurors of his peers.

“Mr. Naurayan has been enjoying his liberty for the last two years. During this time, the victim and her

family continued to agonise over the unfortunate incident. He must be made to suffer the penalties provided by the Act [Sexual],” Mrs Mursalin emphasised.

In his bail application, Ali had pleaded for pre-trial liberty on ground that his client had unfinished business regarding the welfare of his children.

Additionally, the lawyer said his client had attended his court proceedings, and would surrender his passport, report to the police station, and would not be in contact with the victim.

However, Justice Reynolds, in refusing the application, noted that Mr. Naurayan was expected to have made arrangements for his personal administration, having anticipated a negative outcome to the case.

Addressing the jury, State Counsel Mursalin noted: “Out of the mouths of babes cometh forth truth.

Her mother must be complemented for ending the relationship after she was confronted with the fact that her six-year-old daughter was violated by someone who should have protected her.”

In a sworn statement from the witness stand, the burly convict recalled that

during the month of February he was at sea, but returned home the following month. He recalled watching television when he heard a three-year-old boy speaking to his mother. The victim was consequently flogged by her mother, who was in tears just before leaving her home. Moments after, he was contacted by the police.

However, he [Naurayan] visited Central Police Station accompanied by a lawyer. He denied committing the offence.

The State’s case was that between February 1 and April 27, 2013, Naurayan was watching television and the child had gone to the home, where she changed her outfit. Whilst there, Naurayan, lifted her on a table in the kitchen, pulled off her underwear, and pushed his penis into her vagina. The victim complained of pain, but Naurayan threatened that if she told her mother, she would be flogged.

Five witnesses testified, including Dr Kester Persaud, who explained the findings of the medical certificate; Constable Dwayne Brathwaite, who investigated the report; and Special Constable Alicia August, who escorted the victim to

the hospital, where she was examined.

Meanwhile, prior to the testimony of the now eightyear-old girl, the judge con-

ducted a voire dire, and thereafter ruled that she was competent to give sworn testimony.

The media was barred

from the earlier hearings, and the victim was screened from the accused in keeping with sections of the Sexual Offences Act.

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Cocaine found among 'coals' for export at city wharf POLICE late yesterday afternoon and Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit officers were still trying to determine the quantity of cocaine which was found stashed in bags of coal in a 40ft container destined for the United States.

The Guyana Chronicle has been informed that a businessman from Linden, Region 10, 56-year-old Colin Clyde Prestod, has since been arrested and was up to last evening assisting the

police in their investigations.

It was disclosed that the coal was being shipped by him after he had supervised its packing into the container at a location at Sliver Hill along the Soesdyke/LindenHighway on Monday. The man is said to be an exporter.

According to information reaching the Guyana Chronicle, the police acted on information received and they informed their counterparts at CANU. As the container was being passed

through the container scanner at a city wharf it was discovered that there were foreign objects inside the bags of charcoal and the container was immediately taken off the scanner, opened and a search of the bags conducted.

It was there that the ranks unearthed the cocaine stashed among the coal.

The container was packed with 1,400 bags of coal.

The discovery was made at approximately 11:30 hrs on

Monday. The bags of coal were the only items in the container.

Sources close to the investigation have stated that the cocaine is said to be worth millions and as soon as the total amount is removed from among the bags of coal it would be weighed, tested and the street value determined.

Over the past years there have been numerous drug busts locally where persons attempted to get the illegal substance out of Guyana via a variety of means, including vegetables, ceramic items and having smugglers ingest the susbstance.

Those efforts have in most cases fallen through largely because of the methods employed by the Ministry of Home Affairs with assistance from the United States and other agencies in the supply of modern equipment and training of ranks. (Leroy Smith)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2015

Police reveal traffic statistics for period March 26, 2014 and 2015 THE police Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Ian Amsterdam, yesterday, disclosed that as at March 26, 2015, the police have recorded 15 road accidents; a 42.3% decrease compared to 2014, when 26 accidents were tallied.

He added that 28 road accidents were recorded by the Traffic Department in 2014, and the 22 recorded this year represent a decrease of 21.4% in the 2014 figure.

Amsterdam pointed out that five children lost their lives in 2014, while, this year, seven children were killed in road accidents, representing an increase of 40% over the 2014 figure.

He added that, for the period March 26 to March 31, 2015, the police recorded six deaths in four separate road accidents.

Amsterdam disclosed that 28 road deaths have so far occurred this year as a result of recklessness, combined with speeding and drunk driving. He said that some of those fatal accidents occurred because of the increase in social activities, including partying, and that persons still drink and drive. He stressed the need for drivers to be more responsible.

Amsterdam advised that drivers who have had more than three drinks should not drive, but should make alternative arrangements to

get home safely, since consuming alcohol has different effects on people, including difficulty driving.

A research has noted that persons between the ages of 15 and 42 years old are most likely to succumb to road accidents. The consequences of someone drinking when he/she has to drive should be taken into consideration, as it can cost the life of that driver and those of innocent others.

As the Police Force continues with its traffic enforcement campaign, statistics reveal that as at March 30, 2015, there has been a total of twenty-seven road fatalities, compared to twenty-eight for the corresponding period last year.

During the period March 22 to 28, 2015, a number of cases have been made against motorists for breaching the traffic laws. These include the following: Speeding–560 cases; Driving under the influence – 22 cases; Breach of condition of road service licence – 57 cases; Careless driving – 15 cases; Dangerous driving – 12 cases; Failing to wear safety helmet – 06 cases; Failure to wear seatbelt – 39 cases; Prohibition of the use of hand held mobile phone – 32 cases; Failure to adhere to a siren – 32 cases.

Twenty-four persons were also charged for soliciting passengers (touting).

(Michel Outridge)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 2, 2015

West Demerara police secure jobs for 18 youths and many of them are either school dropouts or persons who have completed some level of schooling but find it hard to secure jobs.

The initiative is receiving the push directly from Commander Marlon Chapman and his deputy Steven Mansell

Some of the young people pose with Commander and Deputy Commander Marlon Chapman and Steven Mansell respectively

THE police in ‘D’ Division have taken their community policing to another level by engaging businesses in an effort to secure jobs for young people who are unemployed.

Over the past month the division has been able to secure jobs for 23 males, with most of them on attachments from

Monday last with a contractor.

The young people will be afforded stipends from the companies to which they are attached and once vacancies are available and the young men are willing to remain with the companies, they will become permanent employees.

Meanwhile, this coming

Friday the division will be engaging young people in several communities along the West Coast of Demerara in an effort to secure jobs for them. Those communities will be visited by the police where interactions will be held.

In most cases the young men are exposed to new skills

who are supported by the force headquarters in Georgetown and other ranks of the division.

On Friday, the police in that division are expected to engage a total of 75 young people from some eight communities.

These initiatives are all

coming under the division’s C-PETS programme which was launched last year by Commissioner Seelall Persaud and then divisional commander Ian Amsterdam who now serves as the country’s Traffic Chief. (Leroy Smith)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 2, 2015

Minister Alli Baksh inspects construction work on $191.5M Lima pump station --project to be completed MINISTER within the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Alli Baksh accompanied by the CEO of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Mr Lionel Wordsworth recently inspected construction work on the $191.5M Lima pump station on the Essequibo Coast.

According to the Minister, the PPP/C Government is delivering on its promise made to residents and farmers that a huge pump will be set permanently near the sea dam embankment at Lima to improve drainage in residential and farming areas.

The Minister pointed out that the huge project will provide efficient drainage to some 3,000 acres of rice land and other crops between La Belle Alliance and Coffee Grove and residential areas including housing schemes.

Minister Baksh said the

in seven months

Piles tarred and ready to be driven into the earth for the foundation of the pump at Lima new pump station will bring a lot of ease to farmers who in the past complained about drainage problems.

He explained that the pump which has a discharge capacity of 200 cubic feet of water per second or 89,000 gallons per minute will also clear sling mud that causes blockage of the Lima sluice channel by the constant accession problems on the foreshore.

Chief Executive Officer of the NDIA, Mr Lionel

Wordsworth said the project is now in its startup stages and a fulltime engineer from the NDIA is on site monitoring the ongoing excavation work of the area where the foundation for the huge pump will be constructed.

The CEO said the Government is also currently preparing four other sites across the country for the installation of huge pumps like the one that will be installed at Lima.

He said all are at startup

stages. Mr Wordsworth said materials are available for construction of the pump stations locally but some will still have to be imported.

The CEO said the contractor of the Lima project, Mr Doodnauth Samaroo, will have to continue working efficiently to have the project completed within the seven month contracted period.

He said the contractor has already built the coffer dam to facilitate the excavating of earth to the required ground level so piles can be driven.

The test piles were already driven which will be followed by bearing piles to ensure maximum hydraulic performance.

Mr Wordsworth said the pump which will have a discharge of 200 cubic feet per second will be the single largest drainage pump on the

Work in progress to excavate the area for the foundation to be constructed for the huge pump at Lima Essequibo Coast.

He said Region 3 will have two similar pumps, one at Windsor Forest and another at Canal No 1. Berbice will also benefit from similar pump stations.

The CEO said the huge pumps were acquired from India under a line of credit.

He said while sluices are operated by gravity it is much cheaper and so two sluices

will be constructed at La Grange on the West Coast of Demerara and Bagostown on the East Bank Demerara to increase the efficiency of drainage by gravity flow.

Some $1.5B is currently being spent for the pumps and sluices to improve drainage across the country, but that does not include the regional budgets, the CEO added.

(Rajendra Prabhulall)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 2, 2015

Voice of Faith to hold healing and deliverance crusade for Easter

THE Voice of Faith Miracle Ministries church at Devonshire Castle on the Essequibo Coast will hold four nights of healing and deliverance crusade starting from Holy Thursday leading into the Easter weekend.

According to a release from the church, the meetings will focus directly on the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and special prayers will be said for those who are sick and demon possessed.

The release said the general public is invited to attend the meetings which will begin on Holy Thursday night from 18:30 hrs.

The Voice of Faith Miracle Ministries church which believes in the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit will be holding a special service on Good Friday morning from 09:00 hrs at Devonshire Castle.

The service is expected to have tremendous worship and healing sessions and communion.

A release from the church said the Good Friday special service will focus on the power of the cross and how to live the cross to know the true power of it.

Pastor of the church Rocky Prabhulall said the cross is a place of blood, pain, agony and death. If everyone can understand what the cross really means to them, if they know to live it, this world would be a different place.

The pastor said the cross is death for everyone and if a person can really understand how to die at the cross it is easy to cross over to the place of healing and miracle at the other side of the cross.

According to the pastor, the meetings during the four nights will feature special songs, testimonies about the power of God and dynamic preaching. According to the pastor the meeting will end on Sunday, Resurrection Day with a great service during the night.

On Easter Monday church

members are expected to meet at Westbury, near the concrete bridge for a get-together to have a picnic and fly kites to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The services will also have special prayers for our country for peace, love, joy and togetherness during the period leading up to elections and after. Children of the church are also praying for all the leaders and people to work together to build and develop the country with love and peace. (Rajendra Prabhulall)

Aries This is one of those days in which you may ask for five minutes to complete a certain task and an hour later finally finish whatever you set out to do. Keep in mind that this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Things are taking you longer than expected not because you’re inefficient but because you’re more passionate than usual about what you’re doing.

Taurus Don’t be afraid of the fire today. Instead, embrace it and incorporate more of it into your life. Certain people may intimidate you at first, but that doesn’t mean you should run away from the scene. More than likely this feeling of intimidation is a signal that there’s something you need to learn from that person or situation. Stick around and pay attention.

Gemini Tackle things that require high energy today. This is your day to make short work of chores, errands, or any sort of physical activity. Patience is the thing that you will lack, if anything, but don’t worry, because your strengths lie elsewhere now. Your heart is apt to sing once you get going on a personal project about which you feel passionate.

Cancer Even though you feel most comfortable when things are organised and meticulous, you’re going to need to be flexible. Allow room for surprise and adventure. Bask in the adventurous spirit that must be adopted when you walk out the door with no idea where you will end up. People and situations that come around today are likely to be foreign but friendly.

For Thursday April 2, 2015: 14:30hrs For Friday April 3, 2015: 05:00hrs

Leo Finding balance in your world will be no sweat once you get into the groove.

Waking up is likely to be the most difficult part of the day, but once you conquer that incredible feat, you should be fine. Try taking a cold shower instead of a warm one this morning. This will serve to open up your mind and get your blood pumping when you need it most.

Virgo You may feel like the smallest issue is suddenly a life or death situation.

Depending on your mood, you may think you’re on the brink of complete disaster, but the next minute be soaring high in the clouds. The drama that surrounds you is more a product of your reaction to your environment rather than the environment itself.

Libra Things may come to you more easily than usual today. This is a sign that you’re on the right path and doing things correctly. Life shouldn’t have to be full of stress and heartache. If something isn’t flowing smoothly, you should consider taking a new approach toward it. Keep a smile on your face and be respectful of the people around you.

Scorpio Check your messages often. Someone is trying to contact you and you may keep missing each other by minutes. It’s important to connect with this person to take care of some matters. If your objectives are clear, things should work out fine. Two people working toward the same goal make the power of the joint effort extremely potent. Don’t underestimate this incredible influence.

Sagittarius You will get much farther than you think today, even with minimal effort.

There are plenty of avenues to take now, so even if one is jammed, there’s always another that you can reach easily. Soon you will arrive at your destination with time to spare. The trick is to keep moving. Don’t get stuck in one place with your engine running.

Capricorn Don’t get too caught up in the emotional side of life today. Keep things light and keep them moving. A rolling stone gathers no moss. Unfortunately, you may have quite a bit of that green stuff growing on you now. Get up and get moving. One little bit of effort will send you off and running. Don’t hesitate.

You’re ready to take the plunge.

Aquarius Try not to be overwhelmed by the frenzied activity around you. Unexpected variables are popping up everywhere, and your first reaction may be to flip out. This is the opposite reaction that you need to have now. Calm yourself down and take small bites. Don’t try to eat the whole eight-course meal in one five-minute sitting.

Pisces It’s time to bring more fire into your life. Consider calling up an old flame or friend from the past who stirs the passion within you. Inspire your inner yearning for excitement and adventure. Eat spicy foods and adorn yourself in bright colours. Even the smallest actions will help bring more of this dynamic, activating energy to your life.

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Vettori takes up Heat coaching role deal to take charge of the Big Bash League side he had represented as a player since 2011.

The 36-year-old replaces Stuart Law, who resigned from the T20 franchise at the end of the most recent campaign after Brisbane finished last of the eight teams.

Vettori, who also coaches Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League, said on the Heat’s official website: “It is a big job but one that I am excited about tackling.

“I found my initial experience as the coach of Bangalore in the IPL to be very rewarding last year and so I am grateful to

DANIEL VETTORI has been appointed the first stand-alone coach of Brisbane Heat just days after announcing his retirement from playing international cricket.

Vettori brought the curtain down on his glittering career with New Zealand this week, having played a starring role in helping the Black Caps to the World Cup final and he has wasted no time in deciding his next career move, penning a three-year

Daniel Vettori

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them for allowing me this additional opportunity to develop my coaching skills and background.

“It has been a few big months for everyone with the World Cup but I am pleased to begin getting myself ready for what comes next.

“The Heat is well advanced with preparations and I thank the off-field team for their efficiency and effectiveness in moving things along. I’m look forward to getting to work with the Heat in a month or so and building towards the next season and beyond.”

Vettori, who played 112 Tests, 295 one-day internationals and 34 Twenty20

internationals, will be having nothing to do with state side Queensland Bulls in the Sheffield Shield or One-Day Cup. Queensland Cricket High-Performance manager Brett Jones said: “We’re delighted to have Dan back with us, considering it is a relationship that goes back more than five years ago to the original Big Bash when he played for Queensland.

“We have welcomed his input on and off the field in those ensuing years and look forward to his taking the Heat forward, and continuing to create great experiences for our fans at our matches.” (PA SPORT)

Spurned Burns to plot Australia comeback in India

(REUTERS) - Queensland batsman Joe Burns is determined to avoid membership of the burgeoning club of Australian batsmen who have made brief cameos in the Test team before permanently falling into obscurity.

The 25-year-old was the only member of the team that defeated India 2-0 in the 2014-15 series not to be picked for the 17-man tour squad for the Caribbean and England in June and July.

The highly-rated righthander’s spot was usurped by 35-year-old Western Australian Adam Voges, who amassed more than 1 300 runs in Australia’s domestic Sheffield Shield to lead the run-scorers in a stand-out season.

Though Voges dazzled selectors, Burns also had a decent Shield and might feel unlucky after scoring consecutive half-centuries in his second and last Test against India in January.

“Sometimes tough calls are made and 50-50 calls can go against you but you can’t get too down about it,” two-Test Burns told the Brisbane Times.

“You have to focus on what’s important and the things that you need to con-

Joe Burns tinually keep doing to keep performing.

“I think I’m not going to get too caught up in getting down in the dumps about it.

I think it’s natural to be disappointed when you get left out of the Australian cricket team. It’s a great team to be a part of and I guess that’s why it hurts not to get the chance to play.”

Australia’s recent history is littered with batsmen who have been thrown into the spotlight after years of toiling in the fringes, then promptly banished after a handful of games.

Tasmania batsman Alex Doolan had a brief flirtation with Australia’s number three

spot in the batting order last year but was dumped after his fourth Test produced consecutive failures.

Erstwhile one-day captain George Bailey failed to perform in the 2013-14 Ashes and has not had a look-in since.

Three-Test all-rounder Moises Henriques enjoyed a promising debut in India with two half-centuries but was discarded before the end of the ill-fated 2013 tour that saw Australia whitewashed 4-0.

On his 2012 debut against South Africa in Brisbane, Victoria left-hander Rob Quiney scored nine, which was memorably described as “the best nine” then-coach Mickey Arthur had seen.

He was dropped one Test later after two consecutive ducks and Arthur was sacked the following year.

Burns will head to India with Australia A and other Test discards including Bailey, Usman Khawaja and spinner Ashton Agar.

“I want to play for the next decade for Australia and I think being able to perform on the sub-continent is going to play a big part in that,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 2, 2015

Berbice U-15s humiliate USACA U-15s WITH OPENERS Junior Sinclair and Brandon Mangal laying the foundation for a huge total, a Berbice Under-15 lineup defeated their counterparts from the United States of America Cricket Academy (USACA) by 56 runs on the Duckworth/Lewis Method at the Everest Cricket Club ground yesterday.

Winning the toss and opting to bat first on a straw-coloured track at the Camp Road-based venue, Berbice Under-15 posted 185 for 9 from their 50 overs, with Garfield Benjamin 43 (3x4), Sinclair 30 (4x4), Mangar 24 (2x4) and Haifa Walters

Junior Sinclair an unbeaten 21 (2x4, 1x6) leading their batting.

Sinclair and Mangar posted 62 for the first wicket before they were separated, following which the Berbicians, who slipped to 92 for 5 following the demise of

Kevlon Anderson (4), Alex Algoo (1) and Seon Glasgow (6), were revived by a 43run, sixth-wicket partnership between Benjamin and Andre Bissoondial (5).

When Bissoondial was caught by a leaping Praneel Jadhav at wide mid-on off Aman Patel (2 for 39), Berbice were 135 for 6 in the 39th over, but Walters, who struck the first delivery of the final over from Michael Katwaroo for six, ensured his side posted a match-winning total on a

track that is conducive to spin.

Sanjay Jonathan ended with 3 for 18 from 9.4 overs, after Santosh Reddy was disqualified from the attack, after he sent down two above-the-waist deliveries, even as Aman Patel and Katwaroo, whose final delivery of the Berbice innings was struck for four by the pint-sized Nivendra Persaud, finished with 2 for 39 each.

In their turn to bat, the Americans struggled to

come to grips to the guile of Kelvin Omrao and Persaud and folded for 110 in 33.2 overs, after being set a revised target of 166 in 42, when rain stopped play for 35 minutes.

They were coasting along at 24 for 1 off six overs, losing Jadhav, who was bowled by Walters for 3, when rain stopped play and on the resumption they lost wickets regularly despite wicketkeeper/ batsman Nand Kishan Das shouldering the respon-

sibility with a mature 44 (5x4).

Omrao finished with 4 for 17 from 7.2 overs and Persaud 2 for 16 from 8, as only Jonathan (11) and Katwaroo 10 reached double figures. Extras contributed a healthy 34 to the visitors’ total with wides making up 19.

The visitors will take on a Demerara Under-15 lineup at the Demerara Cricket Club ground from 11:00hrs, with this game being a 40 overs-a-side contest.

Hamilton agrees new All eyes on returning England mega deal with Mercedes

hopeful Kevin Pietersen ahead of new county season T H E N E W LV = C o u n t y Championship season will be a searching test for all involved - including Kevin Pietersen when he returns for Surrey this month.

One of Pietersen’s immediate opponents, in his first championship foray since 2013, will be Dean Cosker as the superstar batsman’s bid to reclaim his England place takes him to Wales on April 19 to face Glamorgan.

Veteran left-arm spinner Cosker will be relishing the opportunity too, to try to put one over on the 34-year-old - as he has already done twice.

Cosker, speaking at the England and Wales Cricket Board’s media launch of the new championship season, was one of several representatives from counties in both divisions to extol the enduring virtues of the four-day domestic format.

He belongs to a breed who have famously had considerable success against the South African-born record-breaker, and Cosker will naturally be intent on a little more when Pietersen arrives in Cardiff on his mission to attract the attention of England’s selectors again.

“Luckily enough, we’ve got a left-arm spinner that might be able to get him out,” Cosker said, with a grin. “That’s the plan.”

Some of Cosker ’s colleagues could be forgiven for extra motivation against Pietersen, not just because he is such a high-profile victim for a burgeoning CV but perhaps also after some of his comments in recent weeks.

The main narrative of the winter months, as England fell badly short at the World Cup,

has been Pietersen’s renewed hope of a Test recall - despite his sacking after the 2013/14 Ashes whitewash - thanks to apparent encouragement from new ECB chairman Colin Graves.

In and among, however, Pietersen also referred to some who ply their trade in county cricket as “muppets” who might be better employed elsewhere.

Cosker has not taken offence, but will be determined nonetheless to provide a searching examination of Pietersen’s England credentials.

“I don’t think professional players really take that on board,” the 37-year-old said.

“Every professional cricketer has that professional pride, so I don’t think it needs anyone to rile them in that way. I’ve always been taught to respect the game in any way you can. As soon as you start disrespecting the sport, then it gets a little bit awkward.

“It’s respecting your opposition, whoever they are, and I’m sure Kevin has played against worse, and better, players than myself. So it’s all about humility and respect.”

There will be plenty of that from Cosker at Sophia Gardens, in what will be Glamorgan’s second fixture of the summer in Division Two. “It’s great to see Kevin playing in championship cricket - we want to be bowling against those kind of players,” he added.

“It’s great for all of us playing against him. I’ve played against him quite a few times, and managed to get him out a couple of times. That’s not to say he hasn’t smashed me out of the park as well. It’s always a good challenge bowling spin against Kevin.

LEWIS HAMILTON has confirmed he will sign a huge new Mercedes contract this week – a deal that looks set to be worth more than £27 million a year.

The 30-year-old reigning world champion says his talks with the team are now complete, and the deal is merely being finalised by lawyers prior to signatures.

Hamilton has been handling negotiations with team bosses himself, an unusual situation in modern-day sport, but he and appears very content with how the process has developed.

The Brit, who won the opening race of the season in Melbourne but could not match Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari in the second in Malaysia, has been poised to sign the new deal for a long time.

But finally it appears that the contract is to be secured with Hamilton committing his future to the team, who dominated the sport last season.

“It should be done this week,” he said. “There is no reason it shouldn’t. Honestly, it’s 99.6% done. There’s no negotiating left, it’s just legal stuff.”

Hamilton, who joined Mercedes in 2013 after six years with McLaren, will earn $31m (£20.9m) plus extensive bonuses, according to the BBC. What will dictate exactly how much Hamilton earns from the deal will be dependent on how many races he wins and whether he becomes world champion again.

If Hamilton meets his bonus targets per season, his annual earnings should be comfortably over $40m

(£27m).

If, as is being reported, Hamilton picks up £27m-a-year with Mercedes, his earnings will equate to a staggering £1.5m a race - and considering that each race lasts around 90 minutes, that’s an effective pay rate of £1m per hour.

Even taking into consideration the time spent testing, practice and qualifying - 19 race weeks, plus a month or so for testing, assuming 35 hours a week - his pay comes out at £33,540 an hour.

The new deal, if confirmed this week, would be a timely boost for Hamilton after he felt that poor balance and strategy were partly to blame for Ferrari and Vettel outdoing Mercedes in Malaysia.

“I don’t know whether or not if I stayed out with (Vettel) if that would have made much of a difference,” said world champion Hamilton who started on pole.

“They were probably just as good if not a little better in terms of tyre degradation, so it would have been very close,” he told reporters. “Naturally, after the first stop, I just had so much ground to catch up, it was pretty much impossible,” he added.

“All day I was struggling with the balance, I had a lot of under steer so I couldn’t really look after tyres. I was doing everything with the controls but couldn’t find a good balance.”

Team boss Toto Wolff described the race as the “wake-up call” that the team needed. “It is going to make us work harder and

concentrate even more,” he said.

OUR VIEW £27m-a-year is far from extraordinary in the world of F1 - indeed, Ferrari star Sebastian Vettel is rumoured to be on almost double that with a reported £50m-a-year pay deal.

And it’s hard to argue that Hamilton isn’t pro-

viding decent value. Not only are his driving credentials unimpeachable, he is also for most casual fans the face of F1 - an extraordinary achievement given Vettel’s four crowns to Hamilton’s two. In a sport where PR profile is critically important, Hamilton delivers both on and off the track. (EUROSPORT)

GAPLF AGM set for April 19 at NRC

THE WOOLFORD Avenue-based National Resource Centre is the venue chosen by the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) to host its upcoming Annual General Meeting on Sunday, April 19 from 11:00hrs.

According to the body, annual reports for the year 2014, along with the election of new office-bearers for 2015, will be the main features of the agenda.

Menwhile, local competitions continue with the holding of the inaugural invitational three-lift equipped Clash of Champions tournament on May 1, featuring the current top-three ranked lifters in each weight class for both Male and Female in the Open Category.

There will also be a fourth lifter in reserve who will also be vying to make the qualifying marks for selection to the Pan American, as well as the South American Championships in Brazil in September.

The GAPLF further announced, “There will also be incentives for setting national records in those age categories listed apart from the Open. Current local and international records are being updated and will be made available at the AGM. Entry to this tournament is by invitation only.”

The lifters, listed in order of highest totals officially achieved to date, along with the best recorded fourth-place lifters in reserve, are therefore requested to confirm participation by the date or at the AGM in order for a smooth registration and completion of the championships.

“Failure to confirm participation will see wildcards being drawn at the AGM to replace any of the topranked lifters. Attractive prizes (including monetary stipends) await the victorious lifters,” the GAPLF said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 2, 2015

New Zealand’s Kyle Mills follows Daniel Vettori into retirement (REUTERS) - Pace bowler Kyle Mills has followed team mate Daniel Vettori into retirement from international cricket after New Zealand’s loss to Australia in last Sunday’s World Cup final.

While Vettori, who announced his international retirement when the team returned to Auckland last Tuesday, has kept open the possibility of playing lucrative Twenty20 tournaments Mills said he had retired completely from all forms of cricket.

“It’s been an honour and

Kyle privilege to play cricket for my country over the past 14 years and I will miss it

Mills greatly,” the 36-year-old said in a New Zealand Cricket statement yesterday.

“However, the time is right for me to step away from playing this great game and devote more time to my family, who have sacrificed so much for me to keep playing the game I love.”

A fast-medium swing bowler, Mills made his international debut in a one-day match against Pakistan in 2001 before making his Test bow in 2004 against England.

Mills played 19 Tests with the last of those coming six years ago in Hamilton against India. However, he became a

limited-overs specialist and played 170 matches, finishing with 240 wickets, second only to Vettori among New Zealand bowlers.

He was part of three World Cup squads but did not play a game in the 2015 campaign in which New Zealand made their first final before losing to Australia by seven wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

“It’s sometimes forgotten that over the course of his career Kyle has consistently been ranked in the top-10

ODI bowlers in the world and for a long time held the top spot,” New Zealand coach Mike Hesson added.

“To have the longevity that Kyle’s had takes an incredible work ethic and desire to represent your country. On top of what he’s achieved on the field, he’s also a fantastic bloke and a great team man.

“He’s a natural leader who did a superb job of captaining the side in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka last year and has brought a lot of passion to the group.”

Snubbed Kamal quits as ICC Raptors beat Rockets, Lakers president and blasts ‘ugly people’ (REUTERS) - Mustafa Kamal has resigned as president of the International Cricket Council (ICC), claiming he was denied the right to award the World Cup trophy.

Instead, ICC Chairman Narayanaswami Srinivasan handed over the trophy to the victorious hosts Australia, prompting Kamal to launch a scathing attack on the Indian and the ICC top brass whom he termed “ugly people”.

“I’m again requesting these type of people should be away from cricket, otherwise cricket will be spoilt, cricket will not move forward,” Kamal told reporters in Dhaka.

“My earnest request to

Mustafa Kamal ICC is to revisit those things.

I’m sure people will find out why I have resigned and they will unearth the truth - who are these people, what are they doing and how they are running ICC?” The governing body said it was not aware of Kamal’s resignation.

“We have no information about Mr Kamal’s resignation,” an ICC spokesperson told Reuters.

The ICC had criticised Kamal for his outburst last month against a controversial decision in the World Cup quarter-final match between India and Bangladesh.

India opener Rohit Sharma was caught in the deep and umpire Aleem Dar deemed it was an above waist-height no-ball even if replays contradicted his opinion.

After India won the match, Kamal demanded the governing body looked into the dismissal while ICC termed his outburst as “very unfortunate”.

win overtime tussle

(REUTERS)-There was a close win for the Raptors, while the Lakers came out on top of a thriller. Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan had a career-high 42 points to lead the Raptors to a 99-96 win over the Houston Rockets.

DeRozan went 14 for 27 from the field and 12 of 17 from the foul line to go along with 11 rebounds.

Guard James Harden had a team-high 31 points, five rebounds and five assists for Houston, who had their five-game win streak snapped.

-Trail Blazers 109, Suns 86 Guard Damian Lillard scored 19 points as the Portland Trail Blazers clinched a playoff berth in the NBA’s Western Confernence with a 109-86 victory over the Phoenix Suns.

Forward LaMarcus Aldridge added 17 points and seven rebounds for the Trail Blazers (48-25), who won their fourth successive game.

Guard Gerald Green came off the bench to score 13 points for the Suns.

Hawks 101, Bucks 88 Forward DeMarre Carroll paced a typical balanced attack for Atlanta, lifting the Hawks to a 101-88 win over the Bucks.

Carroll finished with 23 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Milwaukee forward Giannis Antetokounmpo had 18 points to lead the Bucks (36-38) who are trying to hold off the Miami Heat for the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference with nine games remaining.

Celtics 116, Hornets 104 Guard Avery Bradley scored 30 points as the Boston Celtics beat the Charlotte Hornets 116-104 in an important battle for the Eastern Conference’s final playoff spot.

The Celtics raced to a 14-point halftime lead, led by as many as 22 in the third quarter, then held off a late Charlotte comeback that got as close as six in the final minute.

The win allowed the Celtics (33-41) to move back into a tie with Brooklyn for eighth in the Eastern Conference standings.

Grizzlies 97, Kings 83 Point guard Mike Conley scored 18 points as the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Sacramento Kings 97-83 to snap a three-game losing streak.

Memphis led 75-64 going into the fourth quarter and maintained a double-digit lead most of the way.

Lakers 113, 76ers 111 (OT) Jordan Clarkson dropped in a layup with 0.7 seconds left in overtime as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Philadelphia 76ers 113-111.

Clarkson led all scorers with 26 points while Jabari Brown scored 22 points and Wayne Ellington had 20 for Los Angeles, which has the league’s fourth-worst record at 20-53.

Nerlens Noel finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds for the Sixers.

Jazz 104, Timberwolves 84 The Utah Jazz outscored the Minnesota Timberwolves by 14 points in the third quarter en route to a lopsided 104-84 victory.

Utah forward Gordon Hayward led all scorers with 22 points and second-year guard Trey Burke chipped in 19 points off the bench.

Utah (33-41) started the second half on a 14-0 run to build a 24-point lead as Minnesota shot just 36.8 percent.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 2, 2015

RHTYSC to host Ansa McAl May Day Challenge Cup Tournament

TWELVE second division teams in the Ancient County of Berbice will on Friday May 1 2015 clash in the first-ever Ansa McAl’s May Day Challenge Cup 5-overs cricket tournament, which is being organised and coordinated by the Silver Jubilee Anniversary and Cricket Development Committees of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, and is being solely sponsored by Ansa McAl. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated at a simple presentation ceremony that the Challenge Cup is the first of four major tournaments that would be

Ansa McAl Berbice Manager Mark Bhikhai hands over sponsorship cheque to RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster.

promoted by the RHTYSC as part of its ‘Say No to Drugs/Suicide and Yes to Education’ sports campaign for this year.

The teams that would be part of the tournament are Rose Hall Bakewell ‘A’, Rose Hall Bakewell ‘B’, Young Warriors, Albion, Chesney, Fyrish, Courtland, Block ‘4’, Yakasari, Mibicuri, Jai Hind and Tamarind Root.

The teams would first play six matches of four overs each followed by the second round, one semifinal and the final of five overs’ duration.

The long-serving Secretary/CEO stated that two matches would be played

MILO U-20 CHAMPIONSHIPS

8-man Chase Academy claim maiden title … Lodge take third place

By Calvin Roberts EVEN though they were re d u c e d t o e i g h t m e n , pre-tournament favourites Chase Academy overcame a spirited attack from giant killers Dolphin Secondary to come away with a 2-1 win and with it the second annual Petra Organisation/Nestle Milo Under-20 Schools Football Championships last Tuesday night.

Playing in front of a huge partisan crowd at the Ministry of Education ground after witnessing ousted champions Lodge Secondary edge Morgan’s Learning Centre 2-1 to take third place, both finalists took the field of play, with Dolphin doing so amidst loud cheers from their cheerleaders who waved pom-poms and shouted out their school’s name with pride and gusto.

When referee Colin McPherson sounded the whistle to signal the start of play, a see-saw battle for supremacy ensued within the first 14 minutes, before Chase’s top marksman Isaiah Reddy, who was later named Most Valuable Player-of-the-tournament, separated the two sides in the 15th minute.

He pounced on a poor goal kick from Dolphin custodian Dante Forde midway inside their own half, weaved his way around the defence before beating Forde to his

left, much to the delight of his teammates, coaching staff that included national midfielder Vurlon Mills and head teacher Henry Chase.

Dolphin had the distinct opportunity to nullify Reddy’s goal a mere five minutes after, when one of their top marksman, Leon Richardson, was gifted with a well-weighted pass from the right side of the field, but instead of controlling the ball and taking the shot, he opted for a volley which sailed over the crossbar.

Five minutes later and Richardson muffed another opportunity to level the score, this time heading the ball wide of the uprights when he challenged Chase custodian, Amanacke Forde, in the air, following another well-weighted pass, this time from Emil Cosbert.

The score line remained 1-0 in favour of Chase at lemon-time and on the resumption of play, the pattern that occurred before the game’s lone goal was scored in the first half, continued for approximately three minutes in the second, before Chase lost their first player in Jeremy Garnett who was issued marching orders from the game for violent conduct in the 49th minute.

Former national Under-17 player Shamar Barrow, who last year represented New Campbellville Secondary in this tournament, had a spirit-

ed run at Dolphin’s goal but the safe hands of Forde were difficult to penetrate and after one such effort later in the contest, he was substituted for Josiah Charles.

However, when Mills and company thought that Charles would have made a difference at the top, he too muffed several goal-scoring chances for Chase, who got their second goal when Cosbert, in his attempt to block a pass that was intended for Reddy from Charles, steered the ball into his own goal with Forde left stranded on the first post in the 70th minute.

Both Ozeal Small of Chase Academy and Joseph McKenzie from Dolphin were issued marching orders for abusive language to each other. Aleim Murray brought the game down to a one-goal difference for Dolphin, with five minutes to go.

Murray’s goal brought some amount of life back to Dolphin who went on an out-and-out attack in search of the equaliser, forcing the nine-man Chase Academy lineup to be on the defensive.

Matters got further out of hand for Chase, who lost the services of Job Caesar, a former student of Dolphin in the dying seconds of the game for using excessive force on an opposing player.

It was the last dramatic piece that occurred in the night’s action, as McPher-

son’s whistle ended the contest and the celebrations for Chase Academy commenced.

Chase Acadeny took home the winners trophy and $500 000 which will go towards a project in their school.

While Reddy was named MVP, Forde was also named Best Goalkeeper and Mills Best Coach, enabling Chase Academy to take home the hog of the individual awards, as Dolphin copped the second-place prize of $300 000.

Kelsey Benjamin of Queenstown Secondary received accolades for Most Goals while his school was named Best Disciplined School on display.

In the third place playoff, Lodge, who had lost to Dolphin in their semifinal matchup, came back from a goal down to defeat Morgan’s Learning Centre 2-1, with Kevin Boters (15th) and Ryan Hackett (57th) providing the goals for the former champions’ victory, after Vermont Munroe had given Morgan’s the lead with his 8th minute goal. Lodge took home $200 000 and Morgan’s $100 000.

At the presentation ceremony that followed, Guyana Football Federation Technical Director Claude Bolton, Nestle Brand Manager Renita Sital and Petra Organisation’s Troy Mendonca all made brief remarks, congratulating the finalists for a good show.

simultaneously, along the lines of the highly successful Mash Cup organised by its sister club, Young Warriors Cricket Club, and funds raised would be used to assist less fortunate families and to publish more information on anti-drugs and suicide posters.

The winning team would take home $70 000 and a trophy, the runners-up $30 000 and trophy and the losing semifinalists $20 000, while the Man-of-theFinals would carry home $10 000 and a trophy.

There would also be prizes for the Best Batsman, Best Bowler, Best Catch and Biggest Six and Foster expressed gratitude to the

management of Ansa McAl especially its Managing Director Ms Beverly Harper and Marketing Director Troy Cadogan for their continued support to the club.

Ansa McAl’s Regional Manager for Berbice, Mark Bhikhai, said the RHTYSC and his company has over the years enjoyed a close and highly successful relationship and expressed confidence that the tournament would not only be successful but would achieve all of its objectives.

He congratulated the RHTYSC on its Silver Jubilee Anniversary and said Ansa McAl was proud to be associated with the RHTYSC.

Night games a natural fit for CPL, says Stewart GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – Caribbean Premier League commercial director Jamie Stewart says the decision to return to primarily night fixtures for this year’s edition of the CPL was as a result of the unsuccessful trial of day games in last year’s tournament.

Organisers last Tuesday released the schedule for the June 20 to July 26 tournament, with just three of the 33 games being played during the day.

Last year, organisers experimented with several morning, midday and mid-afternoon games but had only lukewarm responses from spectators.

“I think it’s fair to say that we learnt that having too many day games is not the best idea and return to night cricket allows us from a position that it’s the biggest party in sport and it allows for everyone to be in the party at nights,” Stewart said here.

“CPL is really suited to night cricket where people can knock off work and get together with their friends and go to the grounds and even watch it at home too.”

This year’s fixture features two midday games at Warner Park and another at Queen’s Park Oval, with the bulk of matches been carded for 18:00hrs, with ten games scheduled for 16:00hrs but finishing under lights and another six games will be played from 20:00hrs.

Jamie Stewart

In addition to the return to night games which was a feature of the inaugural year in 2013, Stewart believes the tournament could be the best one staged yet, especially with the players who would be available.

“If you look at the player pool, we have the strongest that we’ve had so far in the CPL, the likes of (Lasith) Malinga and (Tillakaratne) Dilshan playing for the (Guyana Amazon) Warriors even Brad Hodge, the Big Bash player-of-the-year twice,” Stewart pointed out.

“People like (Shahid) Afridi in St Kitts, Mahela Jayawardene with Jamaica, Jacques Kallis playing in Trinidad, Kevin Pietersen this time playing the whole season with St Lucia, (this) will elevate the event.”

Defending champions Barbados Tridents will open the tournament with a clash against Guyana Amazon Warriors at Kensington Oval, in a repeat of last year’s final in St Kitts.

34

Thompson set to be only athlete on CARIFTA Games team PRESIDENT of the Athletics Association of (AAG) Guyana yesterday declared that from all indications Guyana is set to be represented solely by U.S.-based athlete Brenessa Thompson, due to the inability to secure sufficient flight for the athletes from Guyana to the April 4-6 event.

“Right now as it is the team will not be going; we will only be represented

by Brenessa Thompson at CARIFTA this year. I am totally disappointed; I don’t think words can explain.

The sponsorship was not even an issue, but too many things were not correct and in place,” Hutson said yesterday afternoon.

Guyana was originally set to take a team including 12 athletes to represent Guyana and of the 12 athletes, 11 were set to travel from Guyana, while Thompson would travel from the US. The other athletes who were selected were Michelle Powley (U-20, 100m and 200m), Avon Samuels (U18, 200m and 400m), Kenisha Phillips (U-18, 200m), CARIFTA Girls’ Under-18, 1500m defending champion Cassie George (U-18, 1500m), Clauderice McKenzie (U-18, 3000m), Chantoba Bright (U-18, long and triple jump), and Natricia Hooper (triple jump) on the Girls’ side.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 2, 2015

Sri Lanka minister urges Kumar Sangakkara to continue for another year

(REUTERS) - Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara should reconsider his decision to retire from limited overs cricket and continue for another year, the country’s sports minister has said.

Sangakkara bid farewell to the one-day game on March 18, disappointed with a World Cup quarter-final defeat and saying that he was happy Sri Lanka were in a better place than when he came into the side in 2000.

“At this moment as the sports minister, I humbly request Kumar Sangakkara to render his service to the country for another one year period,” Navin Dissanayake told reporters after appointing a new interim body to run the sport headed by former Test cricketer Sidath Wettimuny.

“I spoke to him when I was in New Zealand. He was very disappointed about what was happening here. But now I think he might change his mind if Sidath talks to him.”

Sangakkara, the elegant left-hander scored 45 runs against South Africa to take his last World Cup tournament tally to 541, including a record four successive centuries.

The 37-year-old, who will continue playing Tests, has accumulated 14 234 one-day runs - second only to Indian great Sachin Tendulkar - and the greatest number of dismissals by a wicketkeeper.

Kumar Sangakkara

Brenessa Thompson On the Boys’ side were Compton Caesar (U-18, 100m and 200m), Matthew McKenzie (1500m

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

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: Australia’s Charles Bannerman-165 (AUST vs ENG, Melbourne, 1876-77) England’s Dennis Amiss-102 (ENG vs AUST, Manchester, 1972) Today’s Quiz: Who is the first WI to register a Test match hundred?

Who scored the first ODI century made by a West Indian?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

and 3000m), Linton Mentis (U-20 100m and 200m) and Ernesto Thomas (800m and 1500m).

BCB/NBS 2ND DIVISION

RHT Bakewell crush PMCC in opening fixture INDEBTED to a hostile spell of fast bowling by veteran pacer Sherain Murray, backed by an explosive unbeaten half-century from Khemraj Mahadeo, hosts Rose Hall Town Bakewell ‘A’ inflicted a crushing 10-wicket defeat on Port Mourant Cricket Club, when the two sides met in this year’s Berbice Cricket Board/New Building Society second division tournament.

The opening round action took place at the Area ‘H’-based home ground of RHT Bakewell, who saw Murray claim 5 for 27 to dismiss PMCC for 102 off 25.2 overs, before Mahadeo struck five fours and four sixes in his unbeaten 62 that steered the hosts to 105 without loss.

Port Mourant were asked to bat first after RHT Bakewell skipper Major James Fraser won the toss but soon found themselves in trouble at 22 for 4 by the 7th over,

as Murray, in a high-class display of pace and swing,, dismissed Nicholas Cameron 0, Andy Mohan 1, Davendra Thakurdeen 10 and D. Seenarine 0.

Yogindra Seenarine and Samuel Kisnasammy added 45 for the 5th wicket in 15 overs before West Indies female pacer Erva Giddings trapped Kisnasammy lbw for 13, following which no one else offered resistance to the experienced RHT Bakewell’s

bowling attack.

Harrinarine top-scored with a composed 44 which included five boundaries and a six before being the last man out, as Port Mourant were dismissed cheaply, with Giddings supporting Murray with 3 for 30, even as Extras contributed 23 to the visitors’ total.

Needing to score 103 from 40 overs, RHT Bakewell coasted home easily, thanks to Mahadeo who received support from the usually dominant Berbice Under-19 player Vidal Crandon, who also tore into the attack to hit two fours and two sixes in his unbeaten 34.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 2, 2015

Board hoping on cricket, not cash, to solve India impasse ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – The West Indies Cricket Board is hoping to negotiate a deal with the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) to have the controversial US$42M claim repaid in matches and not cash.

WICB chief executive Michael Muirhead said last Tuesday the board would send a delegation to India with the main objective of negotiating a settlement which would be amicable, and would satisfy all parties.

“It could be that they could ask that instead of playing the Test matches that they play some more ODIs … it’s a matter of negotiations,” the Antigua Observer

WICB chief executive Michael Muirhead newspaper quoted Muirhead as telling the Observer Radio’s Good Morning Jojo

Sports Show.

“We have not gotten to sit down with them but we

are planning for a delegation to go … and not just be high-handed and go in saying this is who we are bringing, sort of amenable to sitting down and letting us have reasonable negotiations.”

Muirhead said no talks had yet been initiated largely because of the BCCI’s recent elections which left the body without major positions, such as CEO and secretary, in place.

However, with that now sorted, the Jamaican said the WICB would be looking to set up a meeting to discuss the issue of settlement.

“They (new BCCI board) had their first meeting last weekend and I think this

would have been an agenda item, and out of that, we are going to the next stage where they have promised that we are going to have a meeting,” Muirhead noted.

“The resolution is simple that we will have the payoff repaid in matches, cricket – not the numbers I hear being bandied about.”

Only in January, WICB president Dave Cameron wrote to the BCCI insisting on a “cricketing solution” to the impasse. He said the regional board was open to “bi-lateral or multi-lateral discussions” and also proposed mediation or some “other suitable form of (alternative dispute resolution)

as may be appropriate.”

The BCCI is seeking US$42M in damages to compensate for the cancelled one-day and Test tour last October, after West Indies one-day players pulled out of the planned five-match series following the fourth game in Dharamsala.

The move forced the WICB to also pull the plug on the three-match Test series that was supposed to follow and an infuriated BCCI subsequently blamed the WICB for the fracas and demanded the multi-million dollar compensation, threatening legal action if the payout was not forthcoming.

Golden Jaguars to face Suriname in International Friendly on April 30 AFTER SUCCESSFULLY hosting St Lucia and Grenada last month, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) yesterday announced that the country’s senior national team, known as the Golden Jaguars, will now travel to neighbouring Suriname where they will play in an international friendly on April 30.

The game is set for the Andre Kamperveen Stadium in Paramaribo and Jamaal Shabazz, the Golden Jaguars’ head coach, said the match which starts at 20:00hrs is a challenge he looks forward to, adding “Suriname are a formidable opponent and we have had joyous moments and heart-breaking moments

against them.

According to Shabazz, “Matches against the ‘Dutch’ means more than football to Guyana, it’s a huge rivalry that goes way back to both our colonial pasts.”

The composition of the team was not made known by the GFF in their release but Shabazz pointed out:

“Against Grenada, we used only five players who started against St Lucia and now we have a great opportunity to widen the pool.”

“When one considers that in the three friendly matches we have played so far this year, seven Under-23s have featured prominently, which shows that we are starting to see

depth in the squad. Additionally, games outside of the FIFA match window allow us a great opportunity to keep bodies on the pitch and our eyes on the prize.” Shabazz said.

Chairman of the GFF Normalisation Committee, Clinton Urling, noted that the committee members are pleased with the progress

of the senior men’s squad since they assumed the leadership of the GFF and this represents another tangible example of the Federation putting football first and above all.

“It also gives the team adequate practice for our first World Cup Qualifier in June,” Urling added.

(Rawle Toney)

GSCL Inc. Independence Cup set for May 1

FLASHBACK! Guyana’s Emery Welshman goes airborne to attempt his header on goal against Grenada at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, last Sunday night. The Golden Jaguars won the contest against the team from the Spice Island, 2-0. (Delano Williams Photo)

THE GEORGETOWN Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL INC.) will be hosting its second annual Independence Softball tournament commencing May 1 and concluding two days later, with matches being played on both May 2 and 3, 2015.

Grounds to be used are Everest Cricket Club, Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) and Ogle, with the tournament be played in the Open and Over-40 categories. There is an entrance fee of $30 000 for both divisions.

The winning team in both segments will receive a trophy and $200 000 while the runners-up will be presented with a trophy and $100 000. Teams are asked to note that only players who participate in this competition will be eligible to represent Demerara in the upcoming Inter-county tournament.

The launching and draw will take place on April 28 at GNIC pavilion at 17:00hrs and those desirous of having more information can contact the GSCL Inc. Tournament Coordinator Samuel Kingston on 614-9536.

Sport CHRONICLE

Board hoping on cricket, not cash, to solve India impasse See Story on Page 35

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

MILO U-20 CHAMPIONSHIPS

8-man Chase Academy claim maiden title … Lodge take third place

See Story on Page 33

Here you go, sir! With his students surrounding him, Principal of Chase Academy, Henry Chase (white cap), proudly accepts the Petra Organisation/Nestle Milo Under-20 championship trophy from Brand Manager Renita Sital.

Golden Jaguars to face Suriname in International Friendly on April 30 See Story on Page 35

Sri Lanka minister urges Kumar Sangakkara to See Story on Page 34 continue for another year 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

This year’s tournament Most Valuable Player Isaiah Reddy of Chase Academy accepts his accolades from this Ministry of Education official.

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015