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GUYANA

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

No. 104148 FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

Court must be defender of the poor – President Ramotar – at commissioning of No 51 Village Magistrate’s Court Page

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PRICE: $80

INCLUDING VAT

GPO says $42M was grabbed on Wednesday

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Education 12 Minister commissions state-of-the-art nursery school in Region 6 Page

President Donald Ramotar cuts the ribbon to commission the new Number 51 Village Magistrate’s Court, Region 6. On his right is Attorney General, Anil Nandlall and on his left are Justice B.S. Roy and Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Carl Singh. Other legal personalities are also in photo

AS NOMINATION DAY APPROACHES…

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Acting Town Clerk says City Hall should be ready by tomorrow

Our next issue on Sunday There will be no issue of the Guyana Chronicle tomorrow, as we will not be working today, Good Friday. But look out for our bumper Easter edition on Sunday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

Court must be defender of the poor - President Ramotar

- at commissioning of No 51 Village Magistrate’s Court JUSTICE must be blind so that people with money must not have more access to justice than the poor.

In other words, the court must be a major defender of the poor. These were President Donald Ramotar’s words to members of the judicary as he commisisoned yet another new court building, this time in Region 6.

The President, accompanied by the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Mr. Carl Singh, Justice B.S. Roy and other members of the judicary, yesterday unveiled the plaque to the $46M No. 51 Village Magistrate’s Court, East Berbice/Corentyne.

The President recounted hearing of untold suffering from people across the country who feel deprived of justice because they lack resources and contacts. Persons, he said, also complain frequently of others being released on bail even though they are charged with committing serious offences or are repeat offenders. The consequence has been that many of those on bail commit similar and even more serious offences or they threaten witnesses who then are fearful to testify

and the cases fall apart.

JUSTICE “In those instances, the complainants claim that they are denied justice. It is difficult to disagree with them...

While I recognise that I cannot interfere with how bail is granted, I feel compelled to draw these matters to the attention of the judiciary.

These are some of the issues that lead to a loss of confidence in the judicial system.

When the public loses confidence in the justice system, we will have major problems in our country,” the President said.

EFFICIENCY Further addressing the issue of efficiency within the judiciary, the President also noted that “billions of dollars of state revenue as taxes are also the subject of pending litigation. The impact of all this is that economic progress and financial activities are severely affected. The judiciary must continue to strive therefore to ensure that there is greater efficiency in the way that the system functions...we invest billions of dollars annually into the judicial sector because we recognise a connection between access to justice and the economic development of our country

and the social progress of our people.”

The President emphasised that investors are more likely to invest in a country when they are assured that the judicial system can guarantee them quick results and justice in accordance with law if litigation arises. These include alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. In this regard, the President said, mediation centres were established in Georgetown and New Amsterdam.

President Ramotar also noted that Government has expended much resources seeking to broaden people’s access to justice. One such area has been developing the infrastructure, he said, and he added that “over the last five years, we have refurbished almost every court building right across the length and breadth of this country.”

A new Magistrate’s Court is also scheduled for opening at Lethem, Region 9, within the next few weeks, while contracts have been awarded for construction of a building in the High Court compound in Georgetown to accomodate two Land Courts and a Registry.

Also on the cards is a new building at Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, to house two Magistrate’s

Courts.

“We have increased the complement of High Court Judges from 12 to 20 and the new court houses which are being constructed in the outlying regions of our country are now equipped with residential accommodation so that magistrates will be able to sit for longer periods in our hinterland,” he said.

These and other improvements are being done even while the Government continues to ensure the judiciary remains independent.

“You will never see the PPP flag flying at any court building or any judicial area.

It will remain independent of any political influence,” he stressed, adding that the judiciary is the place to which citizens can resort if they feel violated by anyone, including those in authority.

CASES BACKLOG The President also urged members of the judicary to work effectively and expeditiously to reduce the backlog of cases. He acknowledged that even though significant strides have been made, “the truth is that where ever I go, I receive complaints of cases pending in the system for years. This is unacceptable... we will continue to encourage the judicary to embark upon new initiatives that

will foster greater speed in the system in order to minimise the delay we often hear about and the reduction of the backlog of cases.”

Attorney General Nandlall also underscored the many developments facilitated for the judiciary to improve its efficiency and remain independent. He too noted that the Courts must provide redress for everyone, especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged.

He said that the history of Guyana and the world is one marred by struggle for freedom and justice, and once these liberties are secured, there is economic and social development and the entire country progresses.

“There is economic and social progress when there is a well-functioning justice system. The thrust of our justice system is accessibility for every citizen to justice.

This Government ensures that resources are there to facilitate access to the justice system”.

He said, “That’s why we invest billions of dollars to ensure people of this country, where ever they are located, can have access.”

Minister Nandlall added that, “This Government assures you in Berbice, and all Guyanese, that the judicial system will forever remain

independent, free of Government dictat. There was once a time when the party flag of the ruling party in Government (the People’s National Congress), flew over the High Court of the land. Never again will that happen,” the Attorney General said.

Both Justice B.S. Roy and Chancellor Singh pointed out that the new building is a much- needed replacement that will not only improve the working conditions of members of the judicary, but the environment of those seeking justice.

The Chancellor also spoke of the judiciary’s independence and noted that magistrates are often encouraged to be effective, fair and efficient.

“In any country where there is a functioning and effective court system, that is perhaps one of, but a good indicator of a strong democratic culture and an adherence to the rule of law and that is what this building we are about to open demonstrates,” he said.

The No. 51 Village Magistrate’s Court was constructed next to the old court building by Ramesh Kissoon Contracting Company between February and August 2014.

(GINA)

The Number 51 Village Magistrate’s Court, Region 6

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

AS NOMINATION DAY APPROACHES…

Acting Town Clerk says City Hall should be ready by tomorrow

By Ravin Singh

WITH repairs still ongoing at City Hall, the traditional venue for Nomination Day, it is expected to be ready by tomorrow, following reports

by Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle that the venue was a ‘fire hazard’.

City Hall has been meeting the full expenses of the repairs to the main corridor leading to the Chambers, and acting Town Clerk, Carol Sooba yesterday disclosed that a decision was made to have the corridors rehabilitated since it will be the rendezvous point for the media.

“Presently 60 per cent of the work on the corridor has been completed,” Sooba said yesterday, adding that it is expected that work will be completed by tomorrow, ahead of nomination day, slated for April 7.

According to Sooba, in an exclusive interview with this publication, traditional prac-

tices will be maintained, with the hosting of the event in the Chambers of City Hall. The entry point into the compound will be through Avenue of the Republic, while the exit point at the close of the day’s event will be Regent Street.

Meanwhile, commenting on the capacity of the combined delegations, the acting Town Clerk revealed that only forty persons will be accommodated in the Chambers during the submission of the parties’ lists to the Chief Elections Officer.

She further noted that the entire delegation of each of the parties will be prohibited from entering City Hall’s compound, and will remain on Regent Street, while the selected representatives of the parties, will proceed into the compound.

The City Constabulary will be supported by the police to oversee the maintenance of orderly conduct in the immediate environment

while the nomination process takes place.

This renovation exercise was taken in response to the declaration made by Gentle who wrote to Sooba, in a letter dated March 20th, 2015 which read: “…It is advised that no mass gathering type of activities be held on the premises until the necessary recommendations submitted are implemented.”

The warning by Gentle was based on a Fire Prevention Inspection which was executed the same day by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS).

Gentle had explained that the inspection had exposed 18 major issues of concern, which included loose and hanging electrical wires in various parts of the building, a southern fire escape staircase that is out of order, and an aging cracked metal staircase leading to the Council Chamber.

The acting Town Clerk had rejected these claims

The newly-renovated corridor at City Hall which will facilitate the media on Nomination Day

by the Chief Fire Officer, contending that, “the report is a general one that would

have been submitted like any other building but it did not have to do with the

preparation or condemning the building for Nomination Day.”

State empowers citizens’ Justice access

By Shaun Michael Samaroo TOP State leaders told Berbicians yesterday Government stands committed to an independent Guyanese justice system, accessible to every citizen, especially the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall said several “changes” are imminent to empower citizens’ access to the justice system.

“Government has invested billions of dollars to ensure the Justice system is accessible to citizens,” President Donald Ramotar told Berbice residents yesterday, as the Head-of-State commissioned an ultra-modern Magistrate’s Court building in Corentyne.

Both President Ramotar and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Nandlall appealed to Berbicians to use this process of accessibility to secure justice and ensure free and fair law and order in their communities.

President Ramotar opened the brand new, ultra-modern Mag-

istrate’s Court at No 51 Village, Corentyne, fully equipped with air-conditioned rooms and comfortable furniture, to enhance law and order access for Berbice residents.

The President listed a number of new Court buildings under construction or for which Government has awarded construction contracts.

“We invest billions of dollars in the judicial sector to ensure access to justice, which impacts our socio-economic development,” President Ramotar said, noting that “this new Court must be a major defender of the poor”.

The Head-of-State said Government is committed to judicial independence. “Government will ensure the Justice system remain independent. You will never see a Party flag of the PPP (People’s Progressive Party) flying on a Court building,” he said. “All must be equal in the face of the law,” the President said.

The President said Government invests heavily in the education system, with the goal of citizen justice in mind. “We must be careful

in our democratic country that the human rights of citizens are never violated”.

He also said that investors are “more likely to invest in our country, if the Justice system offers them recourse to law and order,” the President said, noting that Government has set up “mediation centres” to allow citizens access to Justice.

The event attracted high profile figures of the legal fraternity, including Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Carl Singh, a number of judges and magistrates and lawyers, and President Ramotar and Attorney General Nandlall.

Minister Nandlall, in an eloquent, articulate address, said the occasion provides an “historic moment”, as the justice system “is the most important factor in the development of our country, in ensuring citizens enjoy freedom and justice”.

The Attorney General said that “there is economic and social progress when there is a well-functioning justice system. The trust of our justice system is accessibility

for every citizen to justice. This Government ensures that resources are there to facilitate access to the Justice system”.

The Attorney General, under whose Ministerial portfolio the Magistrate’s Court construction is managed, said “the judicial system is transformed”, although “it’s a work in progress, as it takes time to execute change, and although things might not move as fast as we want, we’re seeing progress”.

“This Government assures you in Berbice, and all Guyanese, that the judicial system will forever remain independent, free of Government dictates. There was once a time when the Party flag of the ruling party in Government (the People’s National Congress), flew over the High Court of the land.

Never again will that happen,” the Attorney General said.

He said the Government “operates under the philosophy of absolute independence of the judiciary”, and revealed that “more powers are coming to ensure citizens have access to challenge abuses of power

in the Government or from State functionaries. New High Court rules are coming. Changes are coming to the Land Registry Court”.

In a brief address, Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh, noted that he worked in the old Magistrate’s Court at No 51 Village Corentyne, and the roof was in severe disrepair, the chair was rickety and “wobbly”, and the place was falling apart, “Now we’ve come a far way,” he said.

The Chancellor “assured” Guyanese that the Judicial Service Commission “would never consider political considerations in its work”, and emphasised the Commission’s independence.

“A functioning Judiciary system shows a democratic society at work, and President Ramotar’s presence here today shows his commitment to the rule of law and the democratic culture of this country”, Justice Singh said, noting that Government instituted major citizen recourse to justice, “including the Caribbean Court of Appeal”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

Selman is ‘a voice of reason’ - puts national interest first – Dr Ramsammy

VOCIFEROUS campaigning by the newest supporter of the governing party, Africo Selman, an ex-member of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), is being defended after her ‘usefulness’ was questioned by a Kaieteur News reporter.

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) member, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, yesterday made it clear that Selman has always been able to rationalise the merits of decisions before her, against the backdrop of national interest.

As such, he added that the ruling party’s leadership and members have always welcomed “with open arms” any individual or group desirous

of supporting the development agenda that is advanced by the PPP/C. Dr Ramsammy said her focus on national interest was evident as early as 2012 – a few months after the 10th Parliament was convened.

Speaking at press conference, held at Freedom House, Robb Street, Dr Ramsammy explained that in addition to controlling the majority in the National Assembly, the political Opposition fought to control the majority on the Parliamentary Management Committee, which has always had equal representation.

“I made a passionate plea,” he said, adding that Selman was the only one

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Africo Selman from the Opposition benches to agree with him.

According to him, Selman was consequently replaced as

sitting member of the Parliamentary Management Committee at its next meeting.

“She was a voice of reason,” Dr Ramsammy said.

Additionally, following her departure from APNU, Selman detailed, in an explosive interview, the deliberate sabotage of Guyana’s development by the political opposition parties, now the Alliance of APNU and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC).

The former APNU MP has since been seen on the campaign trail, advancing the agenda of the PPP/C. Her debut was at a public meeting held at Yarrowkabra.

One of several speakers, Selman was pictured there

in a red shirt (red being the PPP/C signature colour) and received a rousing welcome from PPP/C supporters. Her most recent appearance was at Sunday’s official launch of the PPP/C 2015 election campaign at Kitty, where she also spoke and received welcoming cheers from party supporters.

Photographs of appearances on the PPP/C campaign trail have since been circulated on social media, where she has also been endorsed. Her former colleague party member, James Bond, was one of the many who expressed support for her. “All the best Africo,” he said on the popular social media site, Facebook.

Students entering the NGSA exams

THE Guyana Chronicle yet again visited St. Margaret’s Primary School yesterday where the students were preparing to sit the National Grade Six Assessment exam that commenced Wednesday. Here are some snaps:

Students reviewing their books before entering the examinations room yesterday morning Students waiting to enter the exam room

Students waiting to enter the exam room along with teachers and invigilators. Photos by Delano Williams and Samuel Maughn

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

GRA opens new Tax Centre in G3 Building at Diamond

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Tuesday opened its doors to the strategically located Tax Centre, located in the G3 Building at the entrance of the Diamond Housing Scheme to serve communities along the East Bank Demerara corridor.

The GRA Tax Office will initially be offering a percentage of services on the full scale, but will facilitate the initiation of all tax-related transactions in the interim.

The modest opening was attended by GRA’s Deputy Commissioner, Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID), Karen Chapman, LavinaWalrond, the entity’s Assistant Commissioner Integrated Regional Tax Offices (IRTO), Ingrid Griffith - Head, Operational Support Services and Fabian Clowes, GRA’s Communications Officer.

Offering brief remarks at the public opening, Griffith noted that while focus

over the course of the next month will be placed on the collection of annual Income Tax returns, the facility will become a ‘one stop’ location for GRA services offered to the Diamond and adjoining communities.

The office has been in the making for some time now, according to the senior GRA official, as she explained that it is meant to serve as a portal for GRA services outside of the hustle and bustle of the entity’s main office in Georgetown.

Karen Chapman - Deputy Commissioner, Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) (standing) pays keen attention as one of the employees attend to a tax payer

Tobago school sextape old, says Chief Sec. London THE viral video showing two teenage students from a Tobago secondary school having sex in a classroom is at least four years old.

So says Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Orville London, who added that the video has surfaced online many times, from as far back as 2011.

Speaking with the media after the THA Executive Council Wednesday , London said the video had

already been dealt with by the school.

“I can only give you the information that was given to me by the Secretary of Education, Youth Affairs and Sport. What he has indicated to me is that the video to which the article refers was first posted in 2011, then reposted in 2013 and then reposted again in 2015. He has indicated that his officers did the necessary investigation and they have reported to him that none of these students is at

school as we speak—neither the female nor the two males in question. Based upon what he is telling me, an investigation was launched and things happened,” he said.

London said the circumstance clearly signals how lives can be seriously affected through social media. He urged young people and all social media users to be more responsible.

“Here you have something that is four years

old becoming front page news and in effect that picture be played over and over again and of course obviously I would expect that some of them would have gone past this but the images remain so that I would just want to urge people, not just young people, not to live out their lives on social media, remember they are entitled to their own privacy. Once you share

your privacy with anyone, it no longer belongs to you. In the present circumstances, you lose it almost everlastingly,” he said.

Secretary for Education, Youth Affairs and Sport, Huey Cadette, confirmed that he was aware of the video and that it was circulated before. He described the most recent reposting as regrettable.

GPHC holds vaccine campaign for staff

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) recently conducted a vaccine campaign for the hospital’s staff through their Nursing Services Department in collaboration with the Campbellville Health Center.

The campaign, from March 23-27 was welcomed by the hospital’s employees and over 300 persons were in attendance, a press release said.

A total of 300 doses of tetanus were administered to persons while 310 doses of hepatitis B, 260 doses of measles, mumps and rubella and 230 doses of yellow fever were also provided, the release added.

Magistrate orders counselling for son Police find unlicensed pistol who abused mother while drunk in vehicle at accident scene

By Michel Outridge POLICE yesterday, during a report of a serious accident on the East Coast Demerara, found an unlicensed handgun with a quantity of am-

munition.

At about 04:45 hrs on April 02, 2015, at Strathspey, ECD, the police recovered an unlicensed .32 Taurus pistol with 11 rounds in the motor vehicle.

Tw o m e n a n d o n e woman, who were in the vehicle at the time of the accident, received injuries and have been admitted to hospital.

The investigations are continuing.

ADRIAN Chester appeared yesterday before City Magistrate Alex Moore to answer a charge of verbally abusing Mavis Watson on March 31, whereby a breach of the peace was occasioned.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, particulars of which dictat-

ed that as a son of Mavis Watson, the defendant, on the day in question, went home under the influence of alcohol and started using expletives to his mother.

In his defence, Chester told the court that he was drinking at his friend’s home on the whole day in question, and had come home drunk

and had passed out. He accordingly claimed to have no recollection of the incident.

The magistrate ordered Chester to attend counselling, failing which he would be made to serve four months’ imprisonment.

Chester will return to court on April 7. (Clestine Juan)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Showing ‘who is boss’ in the Tenth Parliament FOR approximately two decades, the PPP/C has worked unremittingly to reverse the destruction and devastation visited upon Guyana and Guyanese by the former PNC regime, with magnificent success.

When former President Dr, Bharrat Jagdeo demitted office, socio-economic development in this country was poised to catalyse dramatically within the immediate future, from a base laid by the unrelenting efforts of the former president. It is for this reason that Dr. Jagdeo is now aptly referred to as ‘The architect of modern Guyana’.

However, the gains in the

nation seem today to instead be on the brink of a downward trend, as the Government of the Donald Ramotar Administration found itself in a quandary when the PPP/C lost its parliamentary majority to a vengeful joint Opposition in the November 2011 elections.

The ludicrous irony of persons who had no input into Guyana’s wealth creation, even those who destroyed Guyana and left it a deeply indebted country, arrogating to themselves the right to abrogate that wealth disposition to the nation and drive the workers of the country into joblessness,

has sent shockwaves rippling throughout the country as the implications of the vengeful budgetary cuts slowly sank into the unbelieving minds of the nation.

Even the private sector is , because, apart from other constraining factors, disposable income has consequently become severely reduced in many families and government-run institutions, thus hampering purchasing power, with severe, deleterious ripple effects on the business community.

There was no logic to the madness as the Opposition wielded its Sword of Damocles

is boss”.

As the nation heads to the polls on May 11, the electorate needs to take a long, hard look at the dismal performance of the joint Opposition while they held sway with their minute majority in the Tenth Parliament.

No credible or caring leader would stymie development of a country merely to demonstrate the fallacy that they are the boss, because, ultimately, everybody loses.

on the painstaking work of the Finance Minister, his supporting aides, and the various stakeholders in the nation’s economy.

The stunned disbelief of Government MPs was replicated in the faces of even Opposition media operatives who could not believe the socio-economic dislocations the Opposition collective was prepared to visit upon the nation, merely for vindictive spite, and for showing the Government, in Granger’s own words, “who

Bouquets to Nigeria NIGERIA, the most populous country in Africa recently held national elections. This is the first election in the history of that country where an Opposition party managed to unseat the incumbent ruling party in what is broadly believed to be free and fair elections.

President Goodluck Jonathan should be commended for so gra-

ciously accepting defeat at the polls.

This speaks well for democracy in Africa where tribal and religious differences were exploited for political ends. In the case of Nigeria, tension between Muslims and Christians and the murderous and destructive role played by Boko Haram no doubt influenced voting behaviour and voter turnout.

One philanthropist has set up a fund to reward those African leaders who practice democracy and show respect for the rule of law in an effort to encourage African leaders to play by the rules of democracy.

Democracy is about respecting the will of the majority in certified free and fair elections, and any departure from this time- honoured

tradition is fraught with dangers.

This is why it is so important for all political parties to accept the verdict of the majority and to avoid that tendency to lull party supporters into a false sense of victory even before the elections are held.

The elections are only over when the last vote is counted and the results declared by the compe-

tent authority, in our case the Guyana Elections Commission.

Casting doubts over the integrity of the elections and the electoral processes when there is no credible basis for so doing is counterproductive and could only do harm to our image as a fledgling democracy.

HYDAR ALLY

Star Boys Moses and Ramjattan HERE”S a bedtime story: there were two boys, Moses and Ramjattan, who were star-boys in their day. They joined a team to play a game where the trophy was the biggest you had ever seen – the right to lead Guyana. They played happily as a member of the team for a few years after dem team won the prize. Then like any other game, the team needed a new captain. Moses exclaimed “I want to be captain –pick me pick me!” Another man said I

want to be captain and another man said I want to be captain!

So the owners of the team came together and selected the next captain and Moses and the other man get bowl out. But the story didn’t end there - Moses was mad and get vex bad bad. Ramjattan, who didn’t want to be captain, just wanted to play on the team, but when the new captain took charge, Ramjattan get vex because he didn’t like that the new captain didn’t listen to his advice.

So one day, Moses and Ramjattan gaffing about how the team abandon them and they didn’t want to play anymore. But they heard the cheers in the field and coming from the stands and they start to feel a way. They wanted to play again, but wanted to join back the team in the best positions. But the new captain said no you walk out of the game you just can’t walk back in and play first.

So Moses and Ramjattan get vex and said we will start we own team and they manage to bore into the game.

But the playground was not big enough for three teams and being afraid that they will disappear completely, the two stars went to the next team and ask for a chance to play.

Dem boys tell the next side that if they were allowed to play with this side, they will bring more people to the game and they will sell more tickets than they ever sell in their entire life.

So the captain of the next team said, ok you can join we team but you have to deliver 11% more than you had and if you do we

promise that we will give a chance to be in the top-line up. So our players put on their new team jerseys and hit the field working to deliver more people. The spectators now watch to see the ending of the game. But like every spectator watching in – a word of caution to Moses and Ramjattan.

Biblically, Moses never saw the promise land even though he delivered the people.

TONY W. ATCHIN.

Corruption is Opposition’s whipping horse 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

- ‘In vacuum of ideas, wild ideas of corruption fill a void’ - Attorney General

MINISTER of Legal Affairs and Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall has explained that while there are levels of corruption and that “no level of corruption is acceptable,” he contends that the topic has become a political weapon, exploited by the Opposition.

During an interview conducted with journalist Shaun Samaroo on ‘Political Scope’ on the National Communications Network, he detailed that the Opposition “cannot speak to the Guyanese people on issues of development, they cannot advocate and indeed they do not have a plan to adumbrate, to illustrate to the people, what their developmental agenda is for Guyana.” He added that they have not been able to inform the populace on “how they will build our economy, how they will provide jobs for our people, how they will alleviate poverty, how they will attract investment. In that vacuum of ideas, wild ideas of corruption fill a void.”

Measures implemented by PPP/C Minister Nandlall pointed out that people must examine what the PPP/C Government has done to ensure that corruption is kept at a minimum and to bring in transparency and accountability to governance.

He recalled that before 1992 “there was absolutely no policy on how procurement of goods and services was being done at the level of government indeed, it was done in an ad hoc way without any transparency whatsoever, no one knew who used to get what contract, by what principles, and by what criteria contractors were selected.”

He explained that against this dubious bequeath from the PNC, one of the very first things that this current ruling administration did was to, in 1993, present in the Parliament, a White paper for discussion on the procurement of goods and services at the level of the government and for government agencies, as well as agencies of the state. He reminded that the document was thoroughly discussed by the National Assembly and was unanimously approved. This, he emphatically said, was a turning point in how things were done in Guyana.

According to the AG, herein began a process whereby “We, the PPP/C, fixed terms, process and procedures outlining how every single contract for the procurement of goods and services must be done and determined that these must be done by way of a public, transparent process.”

He noted that this position obtained until 2003, when there was the enactment of a comprehensive Procurement Act which established a National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), insulated from government/political interference, and manned by public servants at every level.

“There is absolutely no political contamination of the operation of the Board, in terms of its functioning or in terms of who comprise that board.”

The AG detailed that with this new background, every single tender is done publicly, an advertisement is placed in the newspaper, inviting persons to apply for whatever the project is, there is an engineer’s estimate, giving an estimate of the project.

He declared that all the bids are received and opened at a date, which is advertised, and then the bids are publicly opened, and the press is invited, members of the public are invited, the contractors who have an interest

are obviously invited. Following this stage, the AG pointed out that the bids are opened and read out aloud and then sent to be evaluated by an evaluation committee.

Here too lies another anti-corruption measure, the minister explained, as “the evaluation committee is comprised of persons randomly chosen from the various ministries and are public servants.” This group will then evaluate those bids, and the minutes of those evaluation meetings are recorded and posted on the Procurement and Tender Board website.

When that process is finished, a recommendation emanates from the evaluation committee, in relation to which contractor is suitably considered for the award, and the reasons. This, for him, clearly eliminates any kind of collusion. At this point, all the documents, along with the report, are sent to Cabinet for a “no objection as per the legislation”.

Then when that ‘no objection’ is obtained, it is sent back to NPTAB, where the award is made, based upon the recommendations of the evaluation committee.

In a succinct manner, the AG clearly stated that “this is how procurement is done in Guyana; there is legislation in place that outlines in great details how goods and services are procured for government or state agencies, and including many semi-autonomous agencies like the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).”

TRANSPARENT PROCESS The all-important point for the minister is that “every cent of public money is spent only after utilising that transparent process. If a contractor feels aggrieved by a decision taken at the evaluation committee, or by any aspect of the procurement process, he has a legal right to challenge the process right there at the NPTB. He also has a right to resort to a special court, the Constitutional and Administrative Law Court, which is a court that is established to specifically hear and determine constitutional law and public administration matters. This is a specialised court, which only hears those types of matters, where you get a quick and speedy hearing. These matters include allegations of constitutional violations by the State or officers of the State including Ministers of Government and more importantly it hears cases concerning allegations of abuse of power and authority by any Government Minister or public officer.

This court has been established nearly a decade now.”

PERCEPTION VERSUS REALITY Minister Nandlall explained that the Opposition and their followers have managed to find a ‘whipping horse’ and that is corruption and “it is what the people like, people buy scandals they like scandals and corruption smacks of scandals. Unfortunately these allegations are never supported by any evidence of worth. After all, the intent is to create sensational news.”

AG Nandlall revisited a case of hardcore evidence where corruption does exist… “five rice milling complexes were sold sometime around 1990, along with thousands of acres of rice land …to a Surinamese company, registered in Guyana to do business, because there was no policy in relation to how you do public procurement and how you dispose

of state assets… the agreement of sales for those rice milling complexes which were then owned by the government, …the agreements of sale were signed by the Confidential Secretary to President Desmond Hoyte.”

Another instance recalled was that Mr. Carl Greenidge’s contretemps were exposed, as he was forced to defend the sale of a house to him. This house was sold to him by Guyana Stores, at the time he was the Finance Minister, and this for the minister was an egregious anomaly, as “I never knew that they sold houses.” However, AG Nandlall declared that “Mr. Greenidge must be the only person in Guyana, who was able to buy a house from Guyana Stores.”

The transport, which is dated 1993, lists Mr. Greenidge’s occupation as Minister of Finance although he left government since October 1992.

There was absolutely no transparency in relation to these transactions.

SORDID PRACTICES and HISTORY Minister Nandlall explained that these kinds of stories people will not read in the newspapers, “but that is scandalous- Guyana Stores selling a house, Office of the President selling rice mills.”

The minister explained that the prevailing systems of working were so corrupt, that the PPP/C started to put mechanisms in place, one of which is the aforementioned Procurement Legislation.

Significantly government’s role in procurement in the Caribbean is now under review. Guyana is the only country in the entire Caribbean where the government plays such a minimal role in the public procurement process. “We (Guyana) have one of the more advanced procurement process in the English-speaking Caribbean.”

He pointed out that at the level of CARICOM; governments of the Caribbean are trying to come up with a common Procurement Legislation, which they want to implement in all the countries. “Guyana’s legislation has been reviewed, the Caribbean governments ironically, have rejected Guyana’s legislation, on the grounds, that the government plays too insignificant a role in the procurement process, and that they are not prepared to play that minimal a role that the Government of Guyana plays in the procurement process.”

AUDITOR GENERAL AG Nandlall spoke on the matter of the Auditor General’s report. He went back to the time when the PNC was in government, from 1980 to 1992, and the entire tenure of the Minister of Finance in that government, Carl Greenidge during which he never produced an Auditor General’s report to the National Assembly. According to the AG, “that is an indictment of such colossal proportion that this man, by that fact alone, should never be permitted publicly to speak about corruption, because he simply has no moral authority to do so.”

Proffering irrefutable logics and evidence, AG Nandlall detailed that the then Auditor General, Mr. Anand Goolsarran, publicly asserted, on more than one occasion, that he received instructions in writing, from the then Minister of Finance, the said Mr. Carl Greenidge that he (the then Auditor General) must not audit certain government

agencies. What is very ‘unchallengeable’ is the fact that this was in writing, and “we have it archived at the Ministry of Finance. At that time, the Auditor General’s Office was a department of the Ministry of Finance, that is, it was a government department.”

In contrast, for the AG the PPP/C has injected great transparency and accountability, “from 1992, every single year 1993 onward to 2015, we have produced an Auditor General’s report, which is not handed to the government, but is sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly, for onward transmission to a Public Accounts Committee, which is chaired by the Opposition by the rules of the Parliament.”

He also pointed to the fact that this committee has now been empowered by this PPP/C Administration “to summon before that committee, any minister of government, any official of state, any public officer, to answer any question, and to produce any document, in relation to matters contained in that Auditor General’s report, and this committee has the power to call in the police too, if it finds evidence of misappropriation of funds.”

For the AG, the PPP/C has great transparency and accountability, as it has removed the Auditor General’s jurisdiction from the supervision and scrutiny of the Minister of Finance and “we have created an independent office, insulating the functioning of that office, from any form of political or governmental interference.”

Again, the AG lamented, “These things are never highlighted, these were never in this country before, we put them, but the Opposition would not highlight those things, because that defeats their arguments, they have found a very effective political weapon which is corruption, and they have a fertile place in some sections of the press, that give them this massive publicity.

DEBUNKING APPARENT FAVOURITISM In debunking the allegation of cronyism, Mr. Nandlall explained that the PPP/C is a huge party, with hundreds of thousands of supporters, well-wishers, and therefore it is impossible and wrong for members of the party or for relatives of those in the party’s hierarchy, not to benefit from that which is available to every Guyanese.

“So if a relative of a PPP/C person bids for a contract, and he wins that contract, are you telling me that it is fair, constitutional and lawful, to deny him that ‘lawful entitlement’ because he is a relative of or a friend of a PPP/C member? It is not fair, it is not right, it is not lawful. They are citizens of this country, their support for our party is a constitutional right, a fundamental freedom, which they enjoy, and amongst the fundamental freedom which they enjoy is also protection against discrimination for their political views and or political associations.”

The benefits in Guyana, Minister Nandlall highlighted, are for all as “…we want a level playing field…all are entitled to everything that a citizen is guaranteed by the State. This applies to persons who support the Opposition political parties as well. If a person gets a contract because of his political connections, that is wrong.

This government has always protected that right, and will always continue to protect that right as we work to mould a system that creates fair opportunities for all.”

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PUC denies GT&T’s request for rates increases

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 3, 2015

Alberttown man remanded over larceny of $120,000 cell phone A RESIDENT of Fourth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, was yesterday remanded to prison on a larceny from the person charge.

Anthony Charles, 24, pleaded not guilty to the charge that said on February 6 at Georgetown, he stole from Paramdai Sukhoo one Samsung cellular phone valued $120,000.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru told the court that on the day, Sukhoo and her mother were in a bus when Charles pushed his hand inside the vehicle and snatched the said phone. He made good his escape and the matter was reported.

Subsequently, he was arrested and placed on station bail.

According to the pros-

ecutor, Charles never appeared in court and was later arrested.

The police prosecutor successfully opposed bail on the grounds of the seriousness and prevalence of the offence. He added that if bail was granted, Charles would not return for trial.

The objections were upheld and the matter was adjourned to April 24.

Taxi driver denies armed robbery of $100,000 cell phone Representatives of the PUC (at left) and GT&T are seen in the conference room of the PUC at a previous hearing of the GT&T’s request for an increase in landline rates

THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) has failed to justify any increase or variation in fees charged for its services, and has accordingly had its application for rates increases denied by the national regulatory body, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

The PUC, in its decision, pointed to numerous failures on the part of the telephone company to make good on corporate commitments.

GT&T had initially requested an increase in rates for some of the services it provides, along with a net reduction in outbound rates, the setting of a tariff for certain services provided for which no tariff has been approved, and a change in the methodology by which some services are billed.

GT&T had consistently argued at hearings that its proposed new rates would not exceed 15%; but the PUC, on the other hand, outlined that the company had been receiving more than its allocated 15% return on capital dedicated to public use.

The regulatory body, calculating the GT&T revenue on the basis of the sum total of all its properties, plants and equipment, said the company’s quota of income findings had not been properly organised in order to meet its requirements.

“All the revenues and expenses are merged, so we do not get a true picture of what its costs, say, for the regulated sector to function.

We do not have an idea what machinery and plant, and what percentage of them is

used for the non-regulated sectors. The GT&T has the overall figures, and must know what their expenses are,” the PUC has decided.

In relation to “spectrum,” the telegraph company‘s current Frequency Allocation lies at 3.5 GHz. However, GT&T’s complaint is that the 3.5GHz spectrum is not efficient, has limitations, and that the amount is insufficient for the new technologies which have been proposed at hearings.

Additionally, because of constant rainfall and overall climate issues, there has been an obvious degradation of the services provided by the spectrum.

As such, the GT&T is asking for a higher spectrum allocation.

The PUC then queried that if a higher spectrum allocation were allowed, why would the company need to spend more money when the same problems would befall the new network, as the propagation characteristics would remain the same irrespective of technology used.

GT&T had, in its application, sought to reduce the rates for the outbound traffic, which competes with the other provider; and had also sought increases in several aspects of the landline service.

In the PUC’s perception, the company had wished to get the landline to pay increases, if ordered by the Commission, to offset the loss by the reduction of the outbound traffic, to compete with the other provider; which also offers the outbound service.

“If this is so, and the Commission acquiesces, then the interests of the consumers will fade into insignificance. This ought not to be, and the Commission must be alert to ensure that the scale is evenly balanced,” the PUC statement underscored.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Consumers Association (GCA), in its scrutiny, noted that it was improper for the GT&T to attempt to obtain rate increases comparable to those already granted to the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) and the Guyana Power & Light Inc. (GPL).

The association then expounded on both companies, saying: GWI and GPL depend on the Government subsidies, and they offer rate reliefs to many aged consumers and pensioners.

The PUC then boldly highlighted: “GT&T, which has always been a profit (making) entity, ought to consider doing likewise!”

On the other hand, the PUC concluded that: “In view of all we have set out, we have difficulty in arriving at a decision favourable to GT&T or to any of the orders it now seeks; and in the circumstances, we dismiss the application. The Commission also wishes to inform that in view of doubts relating to the true value of GT&T’s asset base, it may consider having an investigation carried out in this regard”.

GT&T has, however, promised to provide a public response to the PUC’s denial of its rates increases application as soon as possible. (Shivanie Sugrim)

TAXI driver Hosea King (no address given) was yesterday refused bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a charge of robbery under arms.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge that said on March 15 at High and Barrack Street, Kingston, Georgetown, in company of another person who was armed with a knife,

he robbed Isaac DaSilva of a cellular phone valued $100,000.

The prosecution’s facts alleged that on the day in question at around 21:30 hrs, DaSilva was walking along High and Barrack Street, when two men approached him. Subsequently, they took away the cellular phone and made good their escape in a waiting car, HC 6168, which was driven

by King.

The matter was reported and the car was stopped and the said cellular phone was found on King.

Police prosecutor Bharat Mangru objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness and prevalence the offence.

The unrepresented man was remanded to prison and the matter was postponed to April 24.

Bus conductor remanded over larceny of $186,000 ‘cricket band’ A bus conductor of Lot 43 Princes Street, Georgetown, was yesterday refused bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a larceny from the person charge.

K e v i n Wa s h i n g t o n pleaded not guilty to the charge that said on March 13 at Regent and Alexander Streets, Georgetown, he stole one ‘cricket band’ (an

exclusive gold bracelet) valued at $186,000, property of Portia Jacobs.

According to the prosecution, on the day in question at around 11:00 hrs Jacobs was in a taxi when the accused walked up and snatched the said band. He was later pointed out by a taxi driver with whom Jacobs was travelling with on that day.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru successfully opposed bail on the grounds that Washington had been convicted for a similar matter before Magistrate Judy Latchman.

He further objected to bail citing the penalty and seriousness of the offence.

He was remanded to prison and the matter was put off to April 24.

Mechanic facing wounding charge A 31-year-old mechanic was yesterday ordered to post $100,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a wounding charge.

Royston Hope (no address given) pleaded not guilty to the charge that said on March 13

at Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously inflicted grievous bodily harm to Indranie John.

The prosecution revealed that on the day in question John went t o H o p e ’s w o r k p l a c e and asked for his cellular phone. The court

heard that John reached for his pocket and after Hope swayed his hand, she received injures to her nose.

Police prosecutor Bharat Mangru did not object to bail and the matter was out off to April 24.

We’re a functioning democratic society 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

By Shaun Michael Samaroo OUR society today works according to democratic principles. Our history reflects a time when democracy did not exist, when freedom of the press, paramountcy of the ruling party, and denial of basic human rights formed the relationship between Government and Guyanese.

Today, there’s so much freedom of the press and electronic media that gross irresponsibility and wanton disregard for the role of public ethical behaviour underline quite a few influential national media outfits.

Today, the ruling party dare not practice any form of paramountcy, and in fact distances itself from the decades when the flag of the People’s National Congress (PNC) hung over the High Court building in Georgetown.

Today, the citizens of our nation enjoy recourse to a series of mechanisms to deal with abuse of their rights, and we even take for granted the socio-economic function that guarantees food, housing and freedom of movement and so on.

Such human rights now stand entrenched as daily rights of the people.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall this week told the nation on national TV that citizens could challenge Government even on matters of Constitutional or Administrative matters.

That’s a huge plus for the democratic structure of the Guyanese society.

The national media play a poor role in refusing to educate citizens on their rights, powers and privileges. Instead of Reporters and Editors gleefully jumping on frenzied soundbites and irrational rants of discontents who spew nasty allegations and baseless accusations against Government and persons

they don’t like, they would better serve this nation were they to educate the Guyanese population on our democratic privileges.

After nearly three decades of a dictatorship administration, that destroyed the socio-economic and political structure of the Guyanese society, the national mentality of the body politic suffered tremendous damage: we became victims of a victim-mentality; we suffered a dependency syndrome; and, crucially, we developed a rampant distrust for Government and authority.

The corruption that ran riot in the dictatorship period became our entrenched institutional culture, and now we don’t intuitively realise that Guyana is an entirely different social landscape.

We still seem unable to fully comprehend that democracy is now the underlying basis for our relationship with Government, and that we elect such a Government in free and fair elections, and the power of the Government lies in the hands of the people.

We owe it to citizens to launch a comprehensive education campaign across the country, involving the national media, the State, and civic organisations to provide thorough information and user-friendly brochures and bulletins and videos and online material that guide citizens through the mechanisms Government has already set in place to shore up our democratic culture.

After the restoration of democracy in 1992, the Government deliberately worked to transform the institutional framework of Government to allow for citizen participation, the empowering of Guyanese, and the systematic role of voters in the governing of the country.

However, this action remained largely academic,

with citizens not knowledgeable about their new powers and rights and privileges.

We saw the Opposition use this lack of engagement from citizens to stir up mass hysteria over allegations and accusations that lacked substance, and could not hold up to investigation and scrutiny.

No one says Government is perfect, or that the governing systems are without flaws and imperfections. Entrenching democratic ideals in any society takes time and is always a work in progress. The systems must evolve as the economy and the social landscape develop and advance.

So it’s inevitable there would arise complaints and misconceptions and misunderstandings.

But the Government of Guyana has now entrenched so much systemic structure in the democratic process that Guyanese live in a new land: only, we don’t know it fully as yet.

Now that much of the structure is in place for Guyana’s smooth democratic functioning, the next big step is a massive, comprehensive citizen education programme so that Guyanese act on their rights, privileges and powers.

Such an exercise would nullify the sort of dysfunction we saw in the 10th Parliament, where the Opposition used several high profile national projects to generate stories of sleaze and slander.

If citizens know that they themselves could challenge problems they encounter in public works and Government’s functions, it would cripple the Opposition’s modus operandi, and we may very well see the country develop a social space where Parliamentarians talk of vision, developmental strategy, and projects for enhancing our socio-economic performance as an emerging,

thriving 21st century society.

We’ve got to start this national conversation around our democracy, generating in citizens the idea that now the Guyanese people stand empowered, enjoying all the basic human rights of a modern society, and, once fully knowledgeable of the noble privileges we’ve got at our fingertips, we play a role in Government.

We tend to stop the democracy talk at free and fair elections, and myopic discontents and disgruntled folks invade the vacuum of the lack of this discussion

with talk that we’re an undemocratic society. Such dishonesty disempowers citizens, making them feel helpless and powerless.

Were we to embark on a national education campaign to inform citizens of their rights, powers and privileges in our democracy, we would see vibrant, motivated, inspired communities tackling the task of engaging positively with Government. Such a citizen-State culture of collaboration would see that development projects and Government functions benefit citizens to the full

possibilities.

As Guyana moves forward, as we advance in developing the structures and systems so necessary for us to rise to our potential, now that we’ve achieved socio-economic stability and secured our democratic foundation, it’s necessary to provide citizens with a full complement of information and knowledge for us to know and be active in our democratic culture.

This role the Opposition must see as of utmost importance, even as Government is starting to lead the way in the process.

Cartoon printed in this week’s edition of the Weekend Mirror captures the thoughts exactly….

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 3, 2015

Copa Airlines GPO says $42M spreads Easter cheer was grabbed on at Paediatric Ward Wednesday

IN addition to the man who was arrested while at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday in connection with the daring Regent Street hijacking of a minibus,the heisting of $42M (not $90M as was previously reported) and escaping with a police high-powered rifle, another man has been taken into custody.

Also, the police are still looking for several persons whose names were mentioned as possible players in the execution of the robbery.

The men are mainly from Georgetown and the police up to late last evening were very hot on their trail.

Meanwhile, the two police ranks who were tasked with providing escort service for the cash on Wednesday are still under close arrest as the investigations into the robbery continue.

In a press statement yesterday, the Guyana Post Office Corporation said that the amount of cash robbed from the company minibus when it was hijacked was only $42M. The Post Office said that it was sad to report that the robbery took place even as the company contracted full security personnel and a menu of infrastructural and external security reinforcement complementing the Corporation’s internal agents.

The company said that it implemented the new measures earlier this year and the loss comes at a considerable cost to the Corporation. The robbery was the first of its kind for the year regarding the theft of post office funds.

The Corporation apologised to the pensioners for the inconvenience in the non-payment of their funds at some of the payment offices on Wednesday, even as they assured that the payments at other locations were going smoothly.

The full recommencement of payment of funds will be from the April 07, 2015.

COPA Airlines staff visited the Paediatric Ward of he Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) yesterday to spread Easter cheer.

During the visit the airline’s staff donated a basket of fresh local fruits, spent some quality time with about 30 children, read stories and distributed small Easter eggs, a press release stated.

In addition, one Copa staff member entertained the

children and their parents by playing live pan music.

Copa’s Airlines Country Sales Manager, Nadine Oudkerk said, “Easter is a time of great joy and cheer for so many children, with the flying of kites, enjoyment of chocolates and other goodies. We wanted to have the chance to share with the little ones, who unfortunately have to be in the hospital, that same kind of happiness and delight.”

She thanked GPHC’s

Chief Executive Officer, Michael Khan for affording Copa staff the opportunity to contribute to the wellbeing of the children. Oudkerk also wished the children a full and speedy recovery and good health so that they can rejoin their families at home as soon as possible.

Meanwhile on behalf of the hospital Sister at the Paediatric Ward, Marissa Singh thanked Copa Airlines for the kind gesture, the release concluded.

Welder accused of serial scams over purchase of vehicles WELDER Zamalodeen Khan, 43, was Wednesday placed on $125,000 bail on a false pretence charge before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

The defendant (no address given) pleaded not guilty to the charge that said on March 16 at Camp Street, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he obtained from Bibi Shaw the sum of $600,000 by falsely pretending that he was in a position to sell one Canter vehicle, knowing same to be false.

According to the prosecution’s facts, Khan is known to Shaw and on March 14 last, Shaw gave him $150,000 cash, after he told her that he was in a position to sell her the motor vehicle. It is alleged that on March 16 at Republic Bank, Camp Street, the woman gave him an additional $600,000 for payments towards the Canter.

Shaw then asked Khan to see the Canter and to date he never showed her the vehicle. Subsequently, the matter was reported and he was arrested and charged.

The matter was then transferred before City Magistrate Annette Singh for report and fixtures of trial.

Shaw was represented by attorney-at-law Mr. Motie Singh. He informed the court that his client will not proceed with the matter if she is compensated.

H o w e v e r, w h e n t h e magistrate inquired whether Khan was willing to compensate the complainant, he responded that he did not borrow any money.

The matter was adjourned for three weeks for statements to be served, and the prosecution will indicate on that occasion whether they will proceed in the matter against Khan. He was ordered to post bail and make his next court appearance on April 22.

According to reports, Khan was charged for obtaining $150,000, which he received from Shaw at Ogle, East Coast Demerara and was placed on bail for that charge.

In addition to that, Khan also made an ap-

The fruit basket donated to the paediatric ward

Zamalodeen Khan

pearance at Leonora Magistrate’s Court to answer a similar offence. It is alleged that on September 15, 2013 at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, being solely entrusted by Sugrim Chandat with the sum of $250,000 in order that he purchase one 35X motor tractor and deliver same to Chandat, he failed to deliver same and converted the cash to his own use and benefits.

(Geeta Rampersaud)

Staff from GPHC and Copa along with a patient at the paediatric ward during the Easter cheer event

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

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12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 3, 2015

Education Minister commissions state-of-the-art nursery school in Region 6

A state-of-the-art nursery school, built to CARICOM standards at a cost of $82.3M with funding from the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), and equipped with

ramps at the entrances and exits to cater for disabled children, was Wednesday commissioned at No.77 Village, East Berbice Corentyne by Education Minister

Priya Manickchand.

The minister described the impressive edifice as the most beautiful and modern nursery school in that part of the country; and in highlighting

the importance of early childhood education, she noted that the early childhood years are recognised by psychologists, teachers and policy makers as being very important years in children’s lives.

Minister Manickchand said the Government makes no bones about prioritising education. She highlighted that the Number 77 Nursery School is the 57th such school in Region Six, and noted that the education sector budget has moved from 5 percent to 15 percent of the national budget, and this is spent across the sector.

The minister explained that the administration has undertaken a programme which has a vision to ensure that all students are able to read and understand what they are reading by Grade Four. This project is expected to see results by 2020.

HIGHEST ENROLMENT The Minister pointed out that 85% of nursery schoolaged children in Guyana are enrolled in schools. This, she noted, is the highest enrolment figure in the entire Common-

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

wealth Caribbean, and has been made possible only because the administration has created the facilities that are needed.

The Education Minister urged that parents give their children the jump start; and do so early, so that they can do better than their parents.

She said building schools is one thing, but having the trained teachers to teach the children is another. Accordingly, she highlighted that Government has also invest-

Friday, April 3, 2015 - 05:00 hrs Saturday, April 4, 2015 - 05:00 hrs Sunday, April 5, 2015 - 05:30 hrs

ed heavily in the training of teachers. She said that 80% of the nursery school teachers in Berbice are trained.

She related that many were applying to be trained at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), but they didn’t qualify in one of the core subjects. Today, she said, the situation is different as, consciously, the PPPC Administration has been providing for teacher training.

She cited as an example that Region Six has about 12 nursery age children to a teacher. “We have now brought the number down… so much so (that) a teacher can spend time with the children. So when you know a child is really good, you can give them extra work; and when the child is slow, you can bring them up; and that is what having smaller classrooms do….

“It didn’t happen simply because we desired it or we wanted it to happen. It happened because we had a vision that we want to see smaller classrooms, with trained teachers, with children who were graduating with skill; and we pursued that vision, we funded that vision that your children are benefitting from.”

Explaining how the Ministry was able to attract more teachers, Minister Manickchand said the education system is doing well, and more children are passing Maths and English and can go on and become teachers.

In 1992, just 8 percent of students passed English, and 18 percent passed Maths; whereas in 2014, 46 percent Turn to page 13 ►

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

Police roadblock at Cove and John was – GPF not 'improper' states

– issue of ranks not wearing name tags being followed-up THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) yesterday responded to an article published in the Kaieteur News yesterday (April 02, 2015) under the caption “Do the officers respect the Commissioner of Police?” in the Freddie Kissoon column, in which they made several points.

A press release stated that the Commissioner of Police had stated that police roadblocks should be conducted in front of Police Stations and should be done by ranks in uniform that include name tags.

He went on to say that in cases where a police roadblock has to be held away from a Police Station, then it must be done by uniformed ranks using a clearly marked

police vehicle, Police said.

The GPF states that the police roadblock held at Cove and John last Tuesday was not “improper” nor was it being conducted “in violation of police procedures” as stated in the article.

The police added that the roadblock was being held on the Cove and John Public Road at the entrance to the Cove and John Police Station and the Police Divisional Headquarters by ranks in police uniform; there was therefore no need for any marked police vehicle at that point.

It should be noted also that at the entrance to the Cove and John Police Station Compound there is an illuminated sign clearly indicating the location of the station,

Police stated.

The GPF further noted that the police roadblock was not withdrawn following the intervention of Mr. Freddie Kissoon and then later replaced as is implied in the article.

The roadblock continued in progress until it was assessed to be tactically appropriate to conclude the activity, the release said.

The concern expressed

by Mr. Freddie Kissoon to the effect that the ranks at the police roadblock at Cove and John, ECD, on Tuesday were not wearing name tags has been noted and that issue is now engaging the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), police noted.

Education Minister commissions...

From page 12

passed English and 36 percent passed Maths, which is similar to what obtains in the Caribbean.

Also, to allow a greater intake of students, children were entered into the formal education system in September at three years three months old, six months earlier than previously obtained. This, however, was done after an assessment and the children were taught basic things at home before starting school, Minister Manickchand explained.

She said that such a policy will not be reversed, unless the parents call for its turnaround.

Further, with the administration being keen to support groups and parents, it has ensured that programmes are put in place to do so; hence there are projects covering fortified snacks, hot meals, uniform assistance, free exercise and text books, along with the

new cash grant programme launched in 2014.

The contract for construction of the Number 77 Nursery School was signed in April 2014, and was completed approximately seven months later.

The school was welcomed by the staff of the facility, especially the head teacher, and by the residents.

Meanwhile, BNTF representative Michael Singh said the school is equipped with sick bay, kitchen, administrative department, and washroom facilities among other departments; and has the capacity to house 120 students, or 20 per classroom.

BNTF is a Government of Guyana programme, and is responsible for implementing projects and providing infrastructure for capacity building through funding from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

The project undertaken falls into the 7th and 8th BNTF cycle, which deals with education and human development.

Under this aspect, US$2.7M were expended on the construction of the Diamond; Ithaca; Tuschen; and the latest, No.77 Village Nursery schools among others, along with the refurbishing of others.

The 8th cycle, which is currently ongoing, will see the injection of US$804M into the education sector.

Meanwhile, Region Six Chairman Mr. Permaul Armogan lauded the education sector and the importance that Government has given to nursery education, which is the backbone to more intellectual development.

He recognised that the Government is not only pushing nursery, but all forms of education, with a special focus on technical and vocational areas.

Three drivers pay $7,500 fines on DUI charges 1. Bessham Persaud of Lot 34 Helena, Mahaica, ECD, was stopped and tested with a breathalyser on 2015-03-08 while driving motor vehicle PNN 5642 on the Madewini Public Road, EBD. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol. He was charged and appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on 2015-03-12 where he pleaded guilty and was fined $7,500.

2. Shawn Griffith of Lot 33 Westbury, Essequibo Coast, was stopped and tested with a breathalyser on 2015-02-15 while driving motorcycle CH 1609 on the Suddie Public Road, Essequibo Coast. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol. He was charged and appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on 2015-02-16 where he pleaded guilty and was fined $7,500.

3. Indarpaul Deowattie of Jib Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, was stopped and tested with a breathalyser on 201502-15 while driving motor vehicle PRR 6940 on Cotton Field Public Road, Essequibo Coast. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol. He was charged and appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on 201502-17 where he pleaded guilty and was fined $7,500. (Michel Outridge)

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Ongoing feud ends in stabbing fatality CARLOS Solomon, 21, of Princes Street, Georgetown, was fatally stabbed during an argument with a male relative in the y a r d w h e re t h e y b o t h reside.

He was pronounced dead at GPHC on Wednesday night after he was rushed there following the knife attack.

The suspect was ar-

rested when he went to the Alberttown Police Station to file a report of the incident. After he learnt that Solomon had succumbed to a single stab wound he ran out of the station but was pursued and caught.

Relatives reported that the duo had an ongoing feud and yesterday it turned physical and violent in which Solomon died but

they had been arguing for some time.

Solomon and his relative lived in the same two-storey house but one occupied the top flat while, the other lived downstairs and they were always in a feud over something or the other and had issued threats to each other on a number of occasions.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 3, 2015

APNU+AFC peddling misinformation to influence electorate

– Luncheon charges REPEATED explanations by several Government functionaries of the relevant constitutional provisions and legislations that guide public expenditure have been seemingly ignored by the political Opposition.

And Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon, yesterday concluded that the Political Opposition’s continued harping of ‘concerns’ over expenditure on the provision of Government services belie an attempt to keep the specter of alleged misconduct before the Guyanese electorate.

“I believe I have cited issues like getting vaccines and paying salaries that could not conceivably be withheld because of the absence of an Appropriation Act (a budget),” Dr Luncheon said when asked about the matter at his weekly press confer-

ence held at Office of the President.

“The comments being made,” he said, “are intended for the electorate to keep before it the specter of ‘alleged’ unconstitutional spending of public funds.”

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 onetwelfth 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 Parlia-

Dr Roger Luncheon

ment of Guyana.

Dr Luncheon added that at Cabinet’s weekly meeting on Tuesday it gave its no-objection to two other contracts, one being two awards valued at $1.2B for the civil works to be done at several faculties at the University of Guyana.

No contracts are awarded by Cabinet; rather contracts above the $15M mark are taken to Cabinet for its no-objection. (Vanessa Narine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

Enhancing Agri Development …looking at cassava and small ruminants production in Guyana

By Clifford Stanley THE local office of the Inter American Office for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) has reported that it has completed value chain analyses of cassava and small ruminants production in Guyana.

The understanding gained will enable the Institute to make firm recommendations to the European Union (EU) funded Agriculture Policy Program (APP) for follow-up actions which will help locals make significant improvements to the productivity and profitability of these farming activities, IICA’s National Value Chain Facilitator (NVCF) Selwyn Anthony disclosed earlier this week..

Anthony disclosed that the work done was part of a series of value chain analyses of agricultural produce which has been on-going from late last year in fourteen other CARIFORUM member states , the aim being to help small farmers throughout the Region to develop viable agricultural systems and to enhance the regional and interregional capabilities of the agricultural sectors in eradicating poverty.

The APP programme is being executed by the IICA with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Develop-

ment Institute (CARDI) and the CARICOM Secretariat as partners.

The value chain analysis of cassava and small ruminants production in Guyana had been requested by the Government of Guyana under the auspices of the APP programme which is being funded under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF).

The IICA was specifically responsible locally and regionally for improving market linkages of producers .

Anthony said the value chain analyses involved extensive field work in all ten Administrative Regions in Guyana with himself and team exploring and examining all the issues and challenges faced by farmers in cassava and small ruminants production in getting their products from farm to markets and utilisation by consumers.

“In our analyses, we had to understand all the production issues , all the technology transfer issues, all the marketing issues, the consumer reaction to what they were being offered , the opportunities and the threats. ” The study had been done in close collaboration with local agencies such as the New Guyana Marketing Corporation, the National Agricultural Extension Institute (NARI) the Guyana Livestock Devel-

opment Authority (GLDA) and other value chain actors such as producer groups and individual cassava and small ruminants farmers , hotels restaurants and supermarkets owners and even land, water and air transport providers of agricultural produce.

The team interviewed agro processors and representatives of capacity building institutions such as the University of Guyana and the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA).

The analyses also looked at ways in which funding can be obtained for the targeted cassava and small ruminant farmers to meet their needs for finance to secure sales, to buy inputs or produce, or to improve efficiency.

Anthony said that the “chain actors” supplied information willingly since they were all convinced that the analysis would lead to some desirable changes in the production and productivity and overall profitability of the two agricultural activities.

The value chain analyses being completed, he said, the penultimate stage is to present the findings to all the stakeholders who were involved.

The related event, a National Validation and Pre Capacity Building Workshop, is scheduled for the next ten days at a venue to be announced.

The final stage of the work done is for the validated report and its recommendations to be passed on by the IICA, to CARDI for the provision of appropriate technology transfer inputs and to the CARICOM Secretariat which will work on the provision of an enabling policy environment for the cassava and small ru-

minant farmers.

Anthony said that the full impact of the studies on the targeted farmers will be felt in another year or two from now.

“We will see some changes because this information is going to be fed into CARDI who will be willing to make some of the varietal

changes and technology transfer activities that we will be recommending, and then we see CARICOM doing work on some of the policies in order to make the improved status of these activities happen for the benefits of small farmers here, particularly women and youths.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 3, 2015

Luncheon rubbishes grounds for Greenidge’s challenge IBD LOAN BROUHAHA…

– says move intended for electorate

By Vanessa Narine

GROUNDS for the legal challenge advanced by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Executive, Mr Carl Greenidge, were rubbished by Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon.

The HPS is the most re-

cent official to comment on the action and contends that it is a “wholly unnecessary” move and dubbed it a “smokescreen.”

The challenges is related to a loan agreement inked between the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Government of Guyana (GoG).

‘A challenge to an event that did not take place, in terms of withdrawal, and a challenge in terms of what did take place, the deposition of the funds into the Consolidated Fund is clearly aimed at a Court hearing, but intended for the public.’ – Dr Roger Luncheon In the latter part of February, the IDB approved two loan applications for Guyana to the total value

of US$32.16M (Gy$4.4B).

One of those loans is aimed at supporting Government’s security programme, and the other is aimed at supporting the country’s environmental initiatives.

Greenidge seeks to have proceeds under the loan agreement between the GoG and the IDB paid into the Consolidated Fund, and that those moneys may not be withdrawn without the authority of an Appropriations Act. The challenge further seeks a Conservatory Order restraining the Minister of Finance from spending the proceeds of the said loan until the substantive matter is heard and determined.

During a news conference on Wednesday at the Office of the President, he said, “A challenge to an event that did not take place, in terms of withdrawal, and a challenge in terms of what did take place, the deposition of the funds into the Consolidated Fund is clearly aimed at a Court hearing, but intended for the public.”

Dr Luncheon further addressed the two primary contentions of Greenidge to highlight their “unnecessary”

nature.

First, the HPS said the challenge seeks to have the proceeds of the loan agreement paid into the Consolidated Fund.

“This is an unnecessary foray into the courts because the policy based loan, the proceeds of the loan went into the Consolidated Fund and there is ample evidence to show that no withdrawals were made from the Consolidated Fund because an Appropriation Act was not in place,” Dr Luncheon said.

Secondly, the challenge insists that proceeds of the loan not be withdrawn without the authority of an Appropriations Act. “The issue appears to be whether the proceeds of the loan were to be disbursed by the Government in the absence of an Appropriation Act (a budget)…disbursements from the Consolidated Fund, indeed, require statutory an Appropriation Act,” he said.

The HPS added that, “It is wholly unnecessary and it is aimed to convey more negativity about Government spending…the move to litigation is a smokescreen,

Dr Roger Luncheon

another opportunity to harp, to continue bringing to the public’s attention issues of public expenditure management.”

Additionally, five days’ leave was granted by Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang to Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Mr Anil Nandlall, and Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh for the filing of an affidavit in response to a legal challenged advanced by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Mr Carl Greenidge.

The matter, which names Nandlall and Singh as the defendants, had its first hearing on Wednesday, after being filed on March 20.

The Government functionaries have maintained from the start that the challenge is without merit. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for April 8.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

AFTER CHILE DEBACLE…

Alesie rice exports to be subjected to 100 per cent inspections A mandate held by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) to undertake random spot checks, as well as 100 per cent inspections, of rice exports by local millers will be enforced after Chile rejected a rice shipment from Guyana last month.

Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy made the disclosure yesterday when asked during a press conference held yesterday at Freedom House, Robb Street.

Embattled Turhane Doerga’s ‘Alesie’ rice, some 71,000 tonnes, was sent to the Chilean company, CABAGAN, Sociedad Distribuidora de Produtos, but was rejected after “pests, wood chippings and stones” were discovered in the shipment.

The South American country also lodged an official complaint with the GRDB. According to the Agriculture Minster, the debacle had jeopardised the Chilean market and brings into question Guyana’s reliability as an exporter of high-quality rice.

He stated that Doerga has since been offered options to dispose of the contaminated rice shipment by Chilean rice authorities.

“Rice markets are frag-

Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy, right, and the GRDB General Manager, Jagnarine Singh, inspecting a rice shipment at the John Fernandes Wharf in Georgetown

ile,” Dr Ramsammy stressed, underscoring the Doerga’s double standard in using the political Opposition’s platform to argue that enough is not being done to secure new rice markets on the one hand and jeopardising the markets that have been secured on the other.

The Agriculture Minister committed to ensuring that efforts are made to repair trade relations with Chile.

NEW EXPORT RECORD Guyana currently ex-

ports rice to some 33 countries, including several countries in the Caribbean.

Moreover, given the continuous success of the rice industry, efforts are being made to secure a greater foothold in Nicaragua and other Central American countries, including Belize and Panama. Additionally,

markets in West Africa are being courted, while export agreements with Venezuela were recently renewed for 2015.

According to Dr Ramsammy, 2015 is shaping up to be another record breaking year for the rice industry, given that rice exports for the first quarter have surpassed historical first quarter exports.

To t h i s e n d , h e e x pressed the view that the 2015 export target, which has been set at 514,000 tonnes, is likely to be surpassed.

The target for rice production is 618,000 tonnes.

Last year was another record-breaking year for the rice industry. Production was recorded at 635,238 tonnes, of which 501,208 tonnes were exported.

The rice industry remains important to Guyana’s economy, considering its contribution in terms of employment and contributions to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). (Vanessa Narine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 3, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

First Lady observes candlelight vigil on World Autism Awareness Day

IN observance of World Autism Awareness Day yesterday, First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar and her Foundation held its customary blue candlelight vigil at the Children’s Monument in the National Park to heighten awareness among persons and organisations of the “Autism Advantage”.

She said that employers may be missing out on the special abilities that austistic persons have.

These may include a heightened ability in pattern recognition, logical reasoning and a greater attention to detail.

“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”, the First Lady further noted.

This year, the United Nations is 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.

Minister of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran observed that within Guyana significant efforts have been made to invest in vocational education.

Over the years the establishment of vocational educational training centres across the country in

First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar, in foreground, with supporters at the vigil last evening Corriverton, New Amsterdam, Linden, Georgetown has helped to reduce the opportunities to those suffering from Anna Regina, Leonora, Mahaicony and stigma attached to autism and provide the disorder.

Suspect in dismembering Buxtonian woman names two others - say robbery was motive, hacked woman for easy disposal

By Leroy Smith KEVIN Ramsawck, 22 years, of Berbice who was picked up on Tuesday night from a house at Middle Walk, Buxton, during investigations into the murder of 39-year-old Samantha Benjamin has reportedly admitted to killing her.

The man also indicated to police investigators during interrogation at the Criminal Investigations Department in Georgetown that he was assisted in the murderous act by two other men who are also from Buxton.

Benjamin’s headless and limbless remains were discovered among the boulders at the Annandale foreshore, East Coast Demerara, last week Thursday. When the Atlantic Ocean tide receded the woman’s head, hands and feet were also discovered a short distance away.

The 22-year-old, when further questioned by detectives about why he had committed the act, explained that the woman was killed during a robbery bid. He also said that he decided to chop off her head, hands and feet to make it easier in disposing of her remains in a way that police and family members would be unable to find her.

Yesterday the police were also able to recover some of the valuables which belonged to the woman, including her

laptop and mobile phone. These items were recovered from a house in Bent Street, Werk-en-Rust but the suitcase with the woman’s clothing has not yet been recovered.

‘C’ Division Commander, Christopher Griffith confirmed to this publication yesterday that the items were being kept by a female friend of Ramsawck. He said the police had received information that the items were at the home and their search there proved that their intelligence was accurate.

The Chronicle was told that the young lady who resides at the home told investigators that the man had brought the items to the home sometime last week. It is not clear if the woman was one of the females who assisted in the removal of the now dead woman’s suitcases with her clothing.

It was confirmed that Samantha Benjamin who was married in 2010 moved out from her matrimonial home and was given permission by her niece in the United States to visit the home at Buxton and take up residence there.

Her niece had given the suspect permission to stay at the home when the family had meat birds and he had responsibility to care the poultry. However, after the birds were all sold out the man remained in the house.

Police investigators indicated also that the woman and the man were strangers to each other when she first moved into the home about a month ago. She had been in Guyana since

December 2014.

On Tuesday evening police acting on information swooped down on the house and arrested a Berbician who was taking care of the property after it was realised that he might have had something to do with the murder of the woman.

When the woman’s relatives visited the home after hearing that she may be residing there, they conducted a search of the premises and found extensive bloody trails.

Detectives have concluded that the suspect was assisted by friends in hacking off the woman’s head, hands and feet before dumping her remains at the foreshore.

On Tuesday night when the young man was picked up persons in the area said that he had only moved to the house recently and would be seen playing football, smoking marijuana and riding a motorcycle up and down the street.

They also claimed that on the night before the body was discovered, they heard loud and continuous music emanating from the house amidst the hollering of a female. Sadly, however, no one took the unusual noise seriously nor was there ever a report made to the police concerning the strange occurrence.

Meanwhile, the suspect has not secured the services of a lawyer and he remains in police custody while investigations are ongoing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 3, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

Bulletin!!! Bulletin!!! Bulletin!!!

Tel Contact: 616-0301/ 6996156

Exciting Easter Egg Hunt on at ‘Easter Fete 2’ to enliven Princess Fun City Entertainment Tuschen Ground with Centre on April 5 exciting activities P A RINCESS Fun City Entertainment Centre will host its first Easter Egg Hunt event in a series of activities that would include a Hat Show, Best Easter Hat prizes, plus $50,000 in giveaways, mascot and face painting.

These activities, designed to enhance our young visitors’ experience, attract no charge for attendance, and are open to the public.

They will be held on Sunday, April 5th 2015, starting at noon at the Fun City and Princess Hotel Gazebo Gardens, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

In addition, every child attending the Eas-

ter Hunt will receive a free candies and Cadbury chocolate bars, compliments of Sueria Manufacturing and the Neal & Massy Group.

S the Easter sizzle fortifies its inevitable grip on Guyanese throughout the length and breadth of this country, Tuschen (East Bank Essequibo) is abuzz with news of the much-anticipated ‘Easter Fete 2’ that will be hosted at the Tuschen Ground.

Billed for Monday, April 06, 2015 (Easter Monday), this event will also feature a kite flying contest that will see one lucky patron winning a return ticket to the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Fans are also salivating for the pulsating performances that will be presented by chutney sensations Princess

Halima, Bounty Singh, Prince JP, and Amir Khan.

Patrons can, moreover, enjoy finger-licking bar-bque alongside other treats as they enjoy the musical vibes provided by TRS Sounds.

‘GT Spring Bling’ to

showcase hot local reggae/dancehall acts JOKE OF THE DAY! A DOCTOR wanted to get off work and go hunting, so he approached his assistant.

“Seamus,” he said, “I am going hunting tomorrow. I don’t want to close the clinic; I want you to take care of the clinic and take care of my patients.”

“Yes, sir!” answered Seamus.

The doctor went hunting, returned the following day, and asked: “So, Seamus, how was your day?”

Seamus told him that he had taken care of three patients. “The first one had a headache, so I gave him Tylenol.”

“Bravo! And the second one?” asked the doctor.

“The second one had stomach burning, and I gave him Malox, sir.” said Seamus.

“Bravo! Bravo! You’re good at this. And what about the third one?” the doctor asked.

“Sir, I was sitting here and suddenly the door opened and a woman entered. Like a flame, she began undressing, lamenting she has not been intimate with a male for over five years”…

Thundering, the doctor wailed: “Oh goodness gracious me Seamus, what did you do?”

Seamus replied, “I put drops in her eyes and sent her away.”

The roll has been called, and the hottest of the hottest have answered….

They will all converge for a mind-boggling showdown tomorrow at the Cape Ground in Sophia, as promoters stage the much-talked-about ‘GT Spring Bling’.

The ‘Guyanese Greats’ of dancehall and reggae will create a thunderstorm at the venue as they vie for whopping cash prizes. The winner in this showcase will take home a smashing US$1000, while the ruynner-up will be awarded US$500, and the third place finalist will win US$200.

There is also a special prize (undisclosed) for the fourth place winner.

The show will be further accentuated with performances from several entertainers out of New York, and advance tickets have been tabled at $1000. Showtime is 9pm.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

704 Arm Wrestling Finals promises riveting excitement 6th Annual Car & Bike Show slated for Parika Ground

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ITH every intention of giving patrons their money’s worth, TO-TO Gas Station will be staging the 6th Annual Car & Bike Show on April 11, 2015 at the Parika Centre Ground.

A great influx of steamy newcomers is expected for the event, and fans are accordingly urged to come out to witness clashes involving 2014 Defending Champions ‘Red Jet’ as they strive to cart off top honours again.

In the Open Extreme Category’, the prize up for grabs is $100 000, a trophy, and a bottle of Hennessy.

Folks will battle in the ‘Mini Extreme’ category for the top prize of $50,000, a trophy, and a bottle of Black Label liquor.

In the ‘Mini Extreme Face-In’, first prize is worth $50,000, a trophy, and a bottle of Absolute Vodka.

Music for the event will be supplied by Slingerz Family, 71 Sounds and DJ Magnum, while the ‘Wickeedee Boss’, Malcolm Pereira, while also be showcasing. Gates will be open from 4pm.

This event so far is sponsored by To-To Gas Station & Sand and Stone Depot, Stag Beer, Ruben Sawmill, A Forrester Lumber Yard, Chico Cargo Boat Service, Big Shawn Cargo Boat, and Fazie’s Collection.

On board also are the Trophy Stall, Star Car Auto Sales, Extra Energy Drink, Two Brothers Mining, and Benjie Dock Yard & Tug and Bart Service (Parika)

FIRST round of the 704 Ultimate Arm Wrestling Championship 2015 competition, in the under-200 lbs category, took place on March 28th; and after some very exciting matchups the following competitors advanced through to the finals: Corieus Cipirani, Ian Edwards, Dennis Adams, Shilandra Balkaran and Warren George 704 will host the preliminaries and finals of the Men’s Over-200 lbs and the Women’s Open competition tomorrow. All matches will start at 8:30pm

Big Diamond Entertainment to stage All White Easter Bash

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IG Diamond Entertainment has been known for their massive Old Year’s Night parties and many other pulsating entertainment ventures.

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

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

Admission to the All White Eas- buffet. Patrons are expected to support the beverage bar.

This even comes to you with the kind compliter Bash (Cloud 9) has been set at $3000, and this includes a succulent ments of the Artistes In Direct Support (A.I.D.S)

Grand Easter Fiesta slated for Ruby Centre Ground The Easter Festivity is certainly sweeping the Westside, and joining in on the fun and frolic are promoters ‘Sundar’ and ‘Omesh’, who will be staging a grand Funday and After Party at the Rubbee Centre Ground.

Slated for April 05, 2015 (Easter Sunday) this event will feature a smashing five-over softball cricket competition amongst some of the most talented teams from the Westside. The event will begin at 09:00 hrs, and teams are required to pay a $10,000 entrance fee before competing in the showcases.

The winning team will cart off a whopping $100,000 cash prize, while the runner-up will be awarded $40,000.

Parents are urged to bring

out the kids to this event, since there will be available fun games and other attractions for their amusement.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

Poonam Singh releases stirring single “UNSPOKEN”, and reveals plans for the future

“AS a music enthusiast, writing and vocalizing my thoughts has become a beautiful obligation in which I integrate smoothly into my daily routine. My life is laden with endless possibilities, but it takes every atom in my body to make an inanimate thought become an animate reality.

“I was born in Guyana and raised in Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara. In 2011, while I anxiously awaited my CSEC results, I entered the famous GT&T Jingle and Song Competition, which was an informative, entertaining and amazing experience”.

Those were the words of our budding song diva Poonam Singh, who created shockwaves when she competed at the GT&T Jingle and Song Competition in 2011.

For her second place win, she was awarded a one-year contract with GT&T, but she has also come away with priceless memories at the end of the competition. For three years, she performed at small shows for GT&T and other companies. Countless life changing things happened to her during those years, except the fact that she wasn’t signed with a record label and wasn’t producing any original songs.

After successfully completing her diploma in Communication Studies, she signed a contract with an impeccable record label known as Kindred Republic. At a board meeting in late October 2014, they planned exactly where Poonam’s singing career was headed.

It was in late November that a past part-time lecturer and now a public relations officer of GT&T (Nadia De Abreu) phoned her to request that she performs at a Christmas annual ‘Magical Night’ showcase.

“I was working on my EP (which consists of 7 songs to) however none of these songs was pertaining to Christmas.

The call to perform at Magical Night on December 12, 2014 is really what triggered me to work on my own track, and so I promptly called my producer to enquire if it was possible to compose a Christmas single within a short period of time.

“Fortunately, within two days, a brand new song was produced, mixed and ready to be released.

“I love writing songs as much as I love singing them. If I did not write (a song), I can’t sing it to the fullest of my potential,

cause my every emotion wouldn’t be added to it. I mean, I can certainly try, but it just wouldn’t be the same”, Poonam disclosed.

ABOUT ‘UNSPOKEN’

The ‘Colour Your Life’ frenzy heightens…

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LTHOUGH the entries have tripled, they are still increasing as people rush to enter in the 2nd drawing of the Moussy Malt’s Colour Your Life Promotion 2015.

Winners of the first drawing have already re-entered in hope of winning more prizes plus the grand prize of $1,000,000!

The next drawing will be on Saturday, April 4th at the Bounty Supermarket on Water St. The action starts at 4pm and is slated to end by 5pm. From 3pm to 4pm, there will be a sampling of Southland International Inc products, such as the Moussy Malt; Royce Energy Drink; Blue Waters Cran+ and Somersby Apple Cider -- all before the drawing!

Entry is simple: just place 3 crowns with your name, number and address in an envelope and drop it off at any major supermarket/store where the CYL box is displayed!

Hurry up and enter to win a 40-inch Samsung Smart TV, or $20,000 in groceries, orUS$50 cash in the 2nd drawing of the Moussy Malt’s Colour Your Life Promotion 2015, this Saturday, April 4th 2015, at Bounty Supermarket on Water St. And with the long weekend of Easter festivities brewing, the entity continues with beer specials topped with quality entertainment and quality brew that only Carlsberg beer can offer.

Look out this week for the finals of the Ultimate Arm-Wrestling Competition at the 704 Sports Bar on Saturday, April 4th, from 8:30 pm. Witness the test of strength

and power whilst sipping a cold, crisp European brew at special bucket prices.

Today, several bars will be staging their Carlsberg (3 for $1000) offer, and these include G-Spot Bar (Sandy Babb St. Kitty), Gravity Lounge (Camp Street), the Garage Bar (South Ruimveldt), Tile Bar (Zorg, Essequibo), Aracari Resort (Versailles), and Mary’s Bar (Old Road, Crane) Tomorrow, at the 2015 Ultimate Arm Wrestling at 704 Sports Bar (Albert Street, G/town), folks there would be staging their (3 for $1200 specials) from 8 pm-11 pm; then it’s off to the following locations for similar offers.

Enjoy your beer specials at G-Spot Bar, the Garage Grill and Bar, R&V Sports Bar (Coverden), Crazy Knook (Timehri), Club Harmony (Parfaite Harmony), Mary’s Bar, Buddy’s Pool Hall (Sheriff Street, G/town), Su-

waiya (Anna Regina), Tile Bar, Club Purple Heart (Charity, Essequibo), Vashie’s Place (Bartica).

The Moussy CYL’s 2nd Drawing will be staged at Bounty Supermarket (Water Street, G/town) from 3pm-5pm.

On Sunday, April 5th, the (3 for $1200 specials) continue at 704 Sports Bar 7pm-10pm. Same will be staged at the G-Spot Bar, the Garage Bar, South View Tavern (South Ruimveldt), Vashie’s Place, Golden Fleece Beach, Essequibo, Tile Bar, Club Purple Heart.

Then on Monday, April 6th, the same offer continues at 704 Sports Bar from 7pm-10 pm. The offer can also be enjoyed at the Garage Grill and Bar, Golden Fleece Beach, and at the Tile Bar. Southland International Inc encourages all to have a fantastic Easter, and remember that you must all drink responsibly.

“Unspoken is my second single, released on about 1st February, 2015. It was a song I wrote in about an hour while I was at a recording session at the studio.

Again, it is written from true events. That’s as much I can say to that.

“Drew Thoven produced my second single. It’s the first song I posted on my Youtube channel, and I’m very satisfied with the reviews (good and bad) so far.

“I was actually given an opportunity to migrate and work on my part-time singing career and reach higher heights, since most people were telling me ‘Guyana doesn’t have a music industry, nobody respects local artistes, you can’t earn money here,’ and innumerable other things. But guess what? I decided to blank out all those negativities and stay in my country to build what we apparently don’t have.

“They say that we don’t have a music industry. Okay, so we don’t, but why run away to another empire (America’s Entertainment Industry) when you can build one of your own? And maybe after that you can spread out to a broader audience.

“For me, it takes 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration to go ahead with the good goals we want in life. It takes a steadfast mind and determined soul to ignore the cons and find the pros in every bad situation.

“I still want to become a lawyer, I still want to perform well in my academic life, but I also want to bring about a change in the minds of ignorant people; I want them to realize the worth of art and what Guyana has to offer. It’s easier said than done, but with a focused mentality, a lot can be accomplished.

“My songs are the trees I’m going to plant in the soil of Guyana, and I’ll water (them) and take good care of (them) until there is something fruitful out of (them), so that our very own Guyanese can rebuke their words.

“Thank you for giving me this opportunity to write down in words how serious I am about this part of my life, and also for featuring me in Bombshell Entertainment”.

Fans can follow this budding song diva on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiqAGBKuv4WkshsZwG9QUqw, or on Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/ipoonamsingh

A SPECIAL IS EXTENDED TO ALL:

Commingle with the stars this Easter at Gravity Lounge

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OLKS at the Gravity Lounge have devised a terrific treat for their fans this Easter weekend: they are bringing to the platter a scorching event, called ‘Mingle with the Stars’, which will see guest appearances by international entertainers ‘Kranium’, ‘Embasc’, and ‘Angela Hunte’.

Additionally, fans will get the opportunity to mingle with these stars, have photo opportunities, and have autographs signed.

Party hoppers will be entertained by music from some of Guyana’s hottest DJs; and everyone in the know would know that this event is powered by Next Level Entertainment!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

Meshack Howard and Aliyan Clarke take top honours at PYARG Mr and Miss West Bank Pageant

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Bombshell’s Hottest Dudes…

GAIRY ST. CLAIR: A down-to-earth dad with a definite raunchy sizzle

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E’s bubbly and cool, jovial and athletic; and possesses that special raunchy sizzle that is associated with just a few of our delectable ‘Caribbean Stallions’.

Coming to the Bombshell platter is the 39-year-old Gairy St. Clair, a former IBF and IBO Junior Lightweight World Boxing Champion who still manages to exude that special virile masculine appeal that always gives the ladies shivers down their spines.

Quite a rootsy, ‘real world’ merry soul, Gairy enjoys boxing of course, as much as he enjoys athletics and spending time with his six adorable children. With his sights set on becoming one of Guyana’s most stimulating boxing and fitness trainers, Gary is already taking great strides in that direction.

Having competed professionally in the boxing arena for over twenty-one years, this dude has a rich and fulfilling reservoir of experience to share. He often reflects dreamily on his ability to be most humble and outgoing, and actually thinks that the universe would be a better place to live in if more of its inhabitants could be humble, kind and considerate.

Though he shyly admits that he just cannot say no to those seeking favours, he however lets on that his unrelenting generosity often sees persons trying to take advantage of the situation.

Taking justifiable pride in his health and good looks, Gary works out regularly to stay in shape. His advice

HE competition was electrifying and riveting was an understatement when the six males and six females battled for the king and queen honours at the 2015 PYARG Mr and Miss West Bank Pageant last Saturday.

Staged at the L’Adventure Secondary School, the contestantss were all intelligent and very talented, but none of the males could match the confidence and fluency exuded by sixteen-year-old Meshack Howard, who rocked the stage from start to finish.

From his introduction to the talented piece, and even in the expedition wear segment, this dude just simply blazed like an inferno. In second place was Dorwayne Paul, while Ezra King placed third.

In fourth position was Mark Williams.

In the female corner, the battle raged in valleys and plains since all the ladies were beautiful, intelligent, and so very creative. The lasses were on fire as they sashayed, pivoted and The very excited King, Meshack Howard (left), and flaunted their stuff, each trying Queen, Aliyan Clarke (right), pose for photo with former to outdo the other.

Mr Guyana Talented Teen winner, Kefa Smith (centre) While she was not a crowd favourite, the beautiful and saucy Aliyan Clarke demolished the field to take the top spot, with Beverly Sills having to settle for second. In third place was Shonelle Souvenir, with Anicia Williams rounding off the party at fourth place.

The contestants competed in Introduction, Expedition Wear and Swimwear segments, as well as the Evening Apparel and Final Question categories.

Similar pageants will be hosted at other locations around Guyana under the PYARG banner, and the winners will battle for the Queen of Queens and King of Kings titles, to be hosted at a date to be announced later. THE 2015 Buxton/Foulis Mash Tramp and Soca Bacchanal Those competing for the Mr and Miss generated the expected vibe and festivity that is a customary PYARG West Bank titles were Meshack feature, as it was expected to do.

Howard, Onassis Blair, Ezra King, Kevin The crowds turned up in brilliant costumes, tramping through Isaacs. Dorwayne Paul, Mark Williams, the streets in wild jubilation. The music boomed from atop several Shonel Souvenir, Aliyah Clarke, Vidasree trucks as the large crowds tramped from the Plasiance Market Persaud, Beverly Sills, Anicia Williams, Square to Melanie Damishana Market, thence to the Buxton Centre and Marona Benjamin.

Ground.

The Award Programme was launched in In a brief interview with Promoter Ean ‘Father Moey’ HaverBritain in 1956 as the Duke of Edinburgh’s cone, this publication was informed that the promoters suffered a Award. It now exists under a series of differ- huge loss because large crowds joined the costumed groups and ent names in various countries. stormed their way into the venue.

Guyana’s National Award Scheme for “It’s a custom each year to allow the costumed revellers to enter Youths was launched by the Patron, Her the venue free of cost. But the problem we are facing is that large Excellency, President Janet Jagan, on crowds wait along the roadside and join the revelers, and would later October, 03, 1998 at State House Annexe force their way into the venue without paying a dime. some two months after Guinea received “Now, with overseas and local artistes, stereo sounds to pay plus an independent operating license from the other promotional expenses, we suffered a great loss. At the moment we are planning to make it a ‘free event’ next year, and modificaInternational Award Association.

Gary St. Clair tops the Bombshell list of ‘Most Desirable Fathers’ to those dudes out there with the ‘beer belly’ and notso-toned torsos is to work out as often as possible, avoid the intake of too much sweet and/or oily foods, and consume lots of fruits. He suggests you have your food steamed or baked instead of fried.

Now ladies, this dude has already been taken; so feast your ‘ogling eyes’ elsewhere…

FLASHBACK!!!

Buxton/Foulis Mash delivered as expected

-but lack of sponsorship marred expected success

tions will probably have to be made to the artiste line-up.

“That aside, we were faced with the issue of many sponsors who backed out at the last moment, even though they had assured they would have supported the event. As a result of this, we were forced to come up with additional financing to make the event possible.

“Sponsorship is vital in the hosting of such mega-events.

Fans were treated to performances by international act ‘Nadia Batson’, famous for her scorching hits like ‘Shiver’, ‘Manager’, and so many more. She was followed by acts like Lead Pipe and Saddis, with their mega hit, ‘Bend Up’.

On the local side of things, fans received a scalding serving of hits from 2015 Carib ‘Buxton’s own ‘Zagga B’, and of course the much celebrated Super Ray and Super Cat One Man Bands.

Sadly, the 2015 Carib Soca Monarch, Jumo Primo, did not get to perform.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

Former managers say reform vital to England’s World Cup hopes LONDON, England (Reuters) - England’s prospects of ever winning another World Cup will suffer unless reforms are introduced to give home-grown players more chances to shine, five former England managers have warned.

Glenn Hoddle, Kevin Keegan, Sven-Goran Eriksson, Graham Taylor and Steve McClaren signed a joint letter to FA chairman Greg Dyke backing his proposals for change, the Daily Telegraph newspaper reported yesterday.

In the letter, they called for swift implementation of measures to ensure English players are given more match exposure at top clubs to boost England’s chances of repeating the country’s lone 1966 World Cup success.

“Failure to do so risks

Former England manager Kevin Keegan England falling further behind the leading football nations and will only make it harder to end the long wait to win the World Cup,” they said.

The letter, which the newspaper said was sent to Dyke on Wednesday, said English players accounted for a mere 32 per cent of playing time in the Premier League last year compared with almost 70 per cent two

decades previously.

“The trend cannot continue,” they said.

“There are many reasons why England has failed to win any major honours since 1966 and each of us bears a portion of that responsibility.

“However ... the pool of English talent playing at the very top level is shrinking and it’s an undeniable fact that this is a clear disadvantage for any England manager,” added the managers.

Dyke has proposed changes to the home grown player rule in English football to help more “top quality” English players break through.

He wants a reduction in the maximum number of non-homegrown players permitted in a club’s first team squad of 25 to be reduced from 17 to 13, phased

over four years from 2016.

“In 2014, just 23 English players were playing Champions League football. That compares with 78 Spanish players, 55 from Germany and even 51 from Brazil -and the numbers will only get worse,” he said in an FA statement last month.

“If we want to maintain a national side capable of competing against the world’s best, we need change.”

Dyke set up the England Commission in 2013 to look at ways of improving the chances of young English talent succeeding at the highest levels of the game.

The Commission specifically identified a lack of quality coaching and opportunities for homegrown players to play competitive first team football between the ages of 18 and 21.

State of the Premier League championship race

By Mike Collett LONDON, England (Reuters) - With no European prizes left to chase this season, England’s top clubs are focused on winning the Premier League title, although that goal looks beyond all but Chelsea.

Arsenal and Liverpool, both in the top five with eight matches left, have the added incentive of trying to win the FA Cup but leaders Chelsea, champions Manchester City and a rejuvenated Manchester United are focused just on the main prize.

Chelsea are strong favourites to finish as champions for the first time since 2010 as they lead with 67 points, six clear of City with a match in hand.

Arsenal are a point further back after winning nine of their last 10, while United, fourth on 59, have also been in excellent form, winning their last four including a 2-1

win at Liverpool.

Chelsea have led the table since the third week of the season and, despite a slight dip in form with two draws in their last four games, appear too far ahead to be caught.

Coach Jose Mourinho is confident of a third title with the club after successes in his first spell in 2005 and 2006.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE The other battleground is the one for next season’s Champions League places and, while Arsenal and Manchester United have forged ahead of them, Liverpool, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur are still hoping for a top-four finish.

EUROPA LEAGUE The consolation for Liverpool, Southampton and Spurs if they miss out on the Champions League could be a Europa League place. With

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho League Cup winners Chelsea set to play in the Champions League, their Europa spot will go to the sixth or seventh-placed team depending on who wins the FA Cup. RELEGATION Six clubs - Hull City (28 points), Aston Villa (28), Sunderland (26), Burnley (25), QPR (22) and Leicester City (19) - are involved in the battle to avoid relegation.

Villa’s form has picked up since Tim Sherwood took over as manager six weeks ago, while Sun-

derland need a quick improvement under their new coach Dick Advocaat to avoid slipping into the bottom three.

Burnley might take heart from their recent 1-0 win over Manchester City, but QPR and Leicester look doomed to an immediate return to the Championship.

Cup holders Arsenal face Reading in one FA Cup semi-final while either Liverpool or Blackburn Rovers, who meet in a quarter-final replay on April 8, face Aston Villa in the other semi.

PROMOTION The tightest league in Europe has seen the Championship lead change hands throughout the season with Bournemouth, who have never played in the top flight, currently top, a point ahead of Watford who occupy the other automatic promotion spot.

Trophy Stall, Slingerz Entertainment on board...

From Backpage joined the promotion in a big way by providing all the trophies for the day’s activity, with special emphasis being placed on the champion rider, runner, champion stable and trainer while Slingerz Entertainment will provide musical accompaniment.

All eyes will be on the feature A1 and Lower event which has a whopping $1.2M first prize and the Banks DIH Trophy up for the taking.

The event is expected to be a whisker.

Undisputed champion and Guyana’s only ‘A’ class horse Score’s Even is expected to start as favourite. However, the distance is 1800m and with the animal expected to fetch a top weight of 136 pounds on its back it could be a tall ask.

With the fight it got from C.P Got Even the last time and that particular animal’s liking for the longer distance, plus the speedy stable mate Curfew Tower, fit and ready and back in the fray the race is expected to be close.

When one adds the newly imported record-breaking Diplomatic Cat, which is looking to start its sojourn in Guyana on a winning note, and the likes of Run Nana Run, Jack in My Style, Lady Budapest, Just Call Me Boss and Red and Lovely, a ding-dong battle is anticipated.

The likes of Spit Fire will be ready to burn up the track, but will first have to get the better of the speedy Tiz a Holiday, Swing Easy, Just Call Me Boss, Unsettled, Big Man Boss in the co-feature D3 and Lower 1600m event for a winning take of $800 000 and trophy.

The other events on the day include the F1 and Lower 1200m event, for classified three-year-old, West Indies and Guyana-bred horses for a total prize of $ 940 000 and trophy.

The G3 and Lower event will also feature West Indies and Guyana-bred and 3-yearold animals over 1200m for a combined purse of $750 000 and trophy.

There is an event for West Indies and Guyana-bred three-year-old horses for a total prize of $940 000 and trophy over 1500m.

The event for Guyana-bred three-year-old ‘I’ class and Lower horses will provide a total prize package of $560 000 and trophy over 1200m on offer and the event for horses classified J2 and Lower over 1200M has a combined purse of $375 000 and trophy.

The event will be held under the Rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. Nazrudeen ‘Jumbo Jet’ Mohammed Jr is the coordinator. Race time is 12:30hrs. mbo Jet’ Mohammed Jr.

Bakewell Slingerz and Alpha United set ...

From Backpage impressive performance as compared to their foes Alpha United who had to scrape past Pele.

Omallo Williams was Pele’s star of the night, breaking down Alpha United’s defence at will but the diminutive forward lacked technicality in finishing.

Alpha United and Golden Jaguars defender Jamaal Smith had his work cut out for him for the entire night.

However, the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Championship-bound team played flatfooted and had Pele finished on all the

chances they created, on Sunday, the finalists would certainly have been different.

Richardson capitalised on Pele’s weak defence and broke down the middle using some fancy footworks, coupled with a sudden burst of speed. He perfectly controlled the ball and beat Pele’s Richard Reynolds, who advanced, but experienced as he is, could not prevent the game’s lone goal in the 30th minute.

The winner of this year’s tournament will pocket $2M, second-placers $1M while third- and fourth-placers get $750 000 and $500 000 respectively.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

Pietersen not in our focus - frustrated Moores LONDON, England (Reuters) - Kevin Pietersen is not on Peter Moores’ radar and the England coach says he is frustrated by the constant debate over the South African-born batsman’s chances of making a Test return.

Sacked after the 5-0 Ashes whitewash in Australia last year, Pietersen rejoined county side Surrey last week to boost his comeback bid.

Incoming England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Colin Graves has hinted at a recall but Moores refused to be distracted by the issue before the squad flew out for the tour of West Indies.

“Kevin is not on this trip so I don’t need to focus on Kevin at all,” he told a news conference

England coach Peter Moores

yesterday. “I understand Kevin’s a huge subject but I don’t think we can be drawn into that.

“My focus is to support Alastair (Cook). I always support the captain and work with those 16 players to try and make sure we put

the best 11 out.

“The frustration for me is that people whose dreams are being made by going on this tour aren’t being mentioned,” added Moores who is in his second spell as coach and fell out with Pietersen

during his first tenure.

“They are not getting any air time and it’s frustrating. We’ve got some very, very good players. That’s very exciting.”

Opening batsman Cook said Pietersen’s fate was in the hands of the ECB. “Contrary to what a lot of you guys read in the media, I am a long way away from that decision-making,” said the England Test skipper.

“It is not down to us.

We’ve got 16 guys going to West Indies who are desperate to start turning around English cricket from what’s happened over the last three months.”

Under new one-day skipper Eoin Morgan, England were woeful in the recent 50-over World Cup in

Floodlights & Trophy Stall Angels head to Crabwood Creek this Sunday THIS Sunday April 5, softball fans on the Upper Corentyne area will witness three Male/Female matches at the Crabwood Creek Cricket ground.

Guyana Softball Cup Masters champions, ‘Floodlights’ will play Corriverton Market Vendors in a T20 affair. Match starts at 09:00hrs and the Mohan & Meena memorial trophy will be at stake.

Floodlights will be skippered by Ricky Deonarain while The Market Vendors will be led by James Hart.

The next match will be the Patrick Khan-led Floodlights All Stars versus Crabwood Creek/Scottsburg combined who will be captained by Popo Chalitar. They will play for the Bier & Prakash Singh memorial trophy, in a 15/15 contest. In the third match the country’s champion female team, Trophy Stall Angels, will take on Karibee Girls in a 15/15 contest for the Nand Persaud memorial trophy.

Trophy Stall Angels will be captained by West Indies player June Ogle while Karibee Girls will be led by another West Indian player, Shemaine Campbelle. Admission to the venue is $200 and all proceeds of these matches will go to the Crabwood Creek Baba Grant Mandir. There will be many giveaways e.g: Laptop, DVD, Hampers, T-Shirts, trophies, pharmaceuticals, Karibee rice etc.

Spectators will stand a chance to win by simply keeping the half-tickets from the gate, and listening for their numbers to be called. This day’s events is organised by the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association.

The three matches are sponsored by 4R, Nand Persaud & Co. Ltd, and Ganesh Singh & Brothers Sawmill. Giveaways will be donated by Ago Gopaul and family, Survival

Australia and New Zealand and were knocked out in the first round.

“We need to get back to winning ways,” said Cook.

“In terms of a brand of cricket it’s about trying to win this series and that’s all these 16 guys and the

support staff can focus on.

“Everything else, the ECB, the hierarchy, have to deal with that.”

After two practice games in St Kitts, England take on West Indies in the first Test in Antigua starting on April 13.

NOTABLE DATES GUYANA’S second world champion Wayne `Big Truck’ Braithwaite was cruising along victory street when he collided with a tank called Jean Marc Mormeck.

Braithwaite was undefeated in 21 fights and the holder of the World Boxing Council cruiserweight title when he met Mormeck at the DCU Centre in Massachusetts, USA on April 2, 2005.

It has been said that the `Big Truck’ ran into mechanical problems that night as he was out-hustled by the Frenchman, who was the World Boxing Association champion, and lost via a unanimous decision. Judge Peter Trematerra scored the fight 116-110, Chuck Hassett 114112 and Glenn Fledman 115-111.

While Mormeck lost his next fight to O’Neil Bell, Braithwaite’s career went into a tailspin and he lost five of the following eight bouts. One was an embarrassing knockout at the hands of Barbadian Shawn Cox, fighting at home.

Supermarket, Trophy Stall, 4R and Mike’s Pharmacy.

Cricket fans are urged to turn out in their numbers and enjoy the day’s entertainment, win a prize and at the same time support a worthy cause.

NOTABLE DATES

ANTHONY ‘The Pearl’ Andrews was two months short of turning 22 when he met American Darryl `Fast Fist’ Fuller on April 3, 1986 at the Felt Forum in New York. Andrews was coming off an eighth- round split decision loss to George Leach, and was adamant that the judges would not have a say in his next fight.

Fuller was caught with several vicious punches that forced referee Al Lobianco to halt the contest at two minutes 28 seconds of the first round. It was the first fight that ended in the opening stanza for the Guyanese who improved to 10-2 with the victory.

Andrews had to endure an eleven-year wait before he pulled off another first round TKO. In June 1997 he ended the hopes of Teofilo Fedrico in the first round.

He would add one other victory to his record. This was followed by losses to Silvio Bronco (1998), Scott Pemberton (1999) and Thomas Tate (2000). The once slick Andrews gave up boxing after battling Tate.

In a career that spanned 18 years, Andrews was crowned Guyana bantamweight, welterweight and middleweight champion. His attempt at the World Boxing Association middleweight title in May 1995 was unsuccessful as Argentine Jorge Castro won by TKO in the 12th round. `The Pearl’ currently resides in the USA.

Wayne `Big Truck’ Braithwaite

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

Narine’s IPL hinges on Chennai retest

WEST Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine will have to get his bowling action cleared at the ICC-accredited centre in Chennai in order for him to play for Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming IPL. BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya informed Knight Riders chief executive Venky Mysore yesterday after Mysore dashed to Kolkata for a meeting.

The franchise had lodged an official protest with Dalmiya last week after Narine was asked by the BCCI to travel to Chennai despite submitting a clearance report issued by the testing centre at University of Loughborough, another ICC-accredited centre, in early March.

Narine was called twice in successive matches during last year’s Champions League Twenty20 in September, and had to get a clearance from one of the ICC-accredited centres, according to tournament rules.

He subsequently went to Loughborough in early March to undergo various tests, and got a positive nod from the experts.

But once the report from the Loughborough centre was submitted for review and clearance from the sub-committee dealing with corrective actions, the BCCI wrote back to Knight Riders saying Na-

rine would have to undergo another round of tests at the Sri Ramachandra University centre, the first ICC-accredited centre in the subcontinent, which opened last October. It meant the BCCI was effectively cancelling the Loughborough report.

Knight Riders questioned why the BCCI would not accept the report from the Loughborough centre if the ICC-accredited centres all over the world followed the same apparatus, procedures and tests, and asked why a second report was required. When they received no specific reason, the team’s management sought the intervention of Dalmiya.

However, Dalmiya said that the BCCI was only going by the rule book. “I cannot do anything out of fear or favour.

I cannot change a set of rules already in place for one person. What I can do is assure justice is done. That is what I told them (KKR),” Dalmiya told ESPNCricinfo.

One BCCI insider said the board was not discrediting the Loughborough report, but merely making their own assessment to be entirely convinced. “It is just a safeguard,” he said. “And that is only good for a high-profile player like him. In case he gets called in the first match he plays, then it

Berbice cyclists battle in a 50-mile road race on Sunday CYCLISTS from the Ancient County of Berbice will battle for honours in a 40-mile road race that is being organised by the Flying Ace Cycle Club on Sunday.

According to the club’s coach Randolph Roberts, the race is open to cyclists from Regions Five and Six only and the top six finishers overall will be rewarded. Six prime prizes are also up for grabs.

The first two veterans as well as the first three beginners will also be rewarded.

Female cyclists can also expect incentives and Marica Dick, Berbice’s most outstanding female rider, is expected to dominate the ladies’ category.

The event, which has as its main sponsors Hand-inHand Insurance Company and Benjamin Sports Store of Fyrish, Corentyne, Berbice, will wheel off at 09:00hrs from outside Benjamin’s Sports Store, from where the participants will journey to No 43 bridge before returning to finish at the place of origin.

BMX riders will also be a part of the event and they will move off from the Albion bridge and finish at Benjamin’s Sports Store.

Among the cyclists expected to participate are: Andrea Green, Ray Millington, Romalho and Juban Crawford, Andrew Hicks, Wasim Hassnu, Audrel Ross, Edmond Francis, Keith Griffith, Gary Benjamin, Turhan Harris and Syborne Fernandes among others.

Other sponsors on board are Berbice River Bridge, Vishaul and Sons Enterprise, Mara and Sons of New Amsterdam, Feroze Grocery and Tahal and Sons Construction.

is not good for him. Not good for the team. Not good for the tournament.”

He also stressed that being tested in Chennai did not mean Narine’s action would continue to be clean. “The umpires could still call him, but we just want to be doubly sure. Will we deprive our own tournament of (missing out on) star value?”

The official insisted the BCCI was only following the stated policy which indicated that a bowler once called, would need to report to the Chennai centre. He said he could not understand why Knight Riders were so “apprehensive” about sending Narine to Chennai.

It is reliably understood that a few months ago, the BCCI wrote to Knight Riders that Narine could go to any ICC-accredited centre with a caveat saying that in the unlikely event and for valid rea-

sons, if the committee required him to come to Chennai, he should be ready.

So the BCCI gave their approval, but it was conditional. Having followed the BCCI rules, Mysore asked Dalmiya what exactly those “valid reasons” were, and questioned the concerns of the committee.

The other argument was that the BCCI had never made it mandatory for Narine to only report to the Chennai centre and nowhere else.

Dalmiya did not have any explanation, and said that going forward any bowler found with a suspect action will have to report only to the Chennai centre.

Knight Riders’ anguish is understandable considering Narine remains their most coveted player, having been their Player-of-the-Tournament in the two years they won the title, in 2012 and

2014. The franchise failed to understand how Narine, at the time the No.2 bowler in the ICC’s Test and ODI rankings, was called despite having bowled with the same action throughout his career.

The BCCI, though, insisted they were not targeting any particular player.

“If someone appears once, that does not mean he is immune from being called in future. What we have told them is there will no harassment of any kind,” Dalmiya said.

When the umpires called Narine for the first time during the Champions League last year, three deliveries were reported suspect - all three were the quicker balls - in Knight Riders’ final group match against Dolphins. But in the semi-finals, against Hobart Hurricanes, all 24 deliveries of Narine’s spell were called suspect by the on-field umpires.

Consequently, Narine missed out of being part of the India tour and informed the WICB about handling the rehabilitation process on his own. Having played no competitive cricket since then, it came as a surprise when Narine was picked by Clive Lloyd’s selection panel in West Indies’ World Cup squad on January 11.

Two weeks later, on January 25, Narine clocked his best bowling performance in List-A cricket, picking 6 for 9 to help Trinidad & Tobago to the NAGICO 50-over title with a victory against Guyana.

However, two days later, Narine withdrew from the World Cup squad. He did not want to rush back, and instead focused on remodelling his action, working with a very small group of coaches including former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq. (ESPN Cricinfo)

GCA Brainstreet U-15 Cricket competition

DCC, TSC, GYO and GNIC victorious THE Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Brainstreet Under-15 competition continued last weekend with the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), Transport Sports Club (TSC), Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) and GNIC all coming out victorious in their respective matches.

Playing at the Everest Cricket Club ground, DCC batting first rattled up an imposing 328 runs for two wickets, thanks to centurions Alphius Bookie and Sachin Singh who made 131 and 107 respectively and a well-played 55 from Ashmead Nedd.

In reply, the home side Everest managed to hang on for a draw at 68 runs for 9 wickets. Bowling for DCC; Ashmead Nedd took four wickets for four runs.

Alphius Bookie

Joel Spooner

O v e r a t G e o rg e t o w n Cricket Club (GCC) ground, the hosts went down to Transport Sports Club by ten wickets.

GCC, batting first, were dismissed for a paltry 41 runs with Transport’s Akeem Maloney taking six wickets for six runs and Joel Spooner who scalped three wickets for just four runs.

Transport got to the target (42 runs) without losing a wicket.

Gandhi Youth Organisation Sports Club, playing hosts to Bel Air RUBiS Sports Club, defeated the visitors by three wickets to pick up a much-needed win.

Batting first, Bel Air were dismissed for 90 runs and in reply GYO managed 93 runs

for the loss of 7 wickets.

It was a miserable weekend for GCC, who picked up their second loss of the tournament against GNIC, who won by nine wickets.

GCC, batting first, were dismissed for 96 runs while GNIC scored 97 runs for the loss of one wicket.

Transport Sports Club rounded off their weekend in the competition with a two-wicket win over GNIC. The visiting Transport Sports Club sent GNIC to bat first. The home side managed just 110 runs for the loss of eight wickets with Dwayne Dick being the top run-scorer with 35 runs.

For the visitors, Joel Spooner picked up five wickets for eight runs and in reply Transport were 111-8.

IPL on SportsMax for three more years KINGSTON, Jamaica – Cricket lovers across the Caribbean will continue to enjoy the world’s most prestigious T20 tournament, the Indian Premier League (IPL) as Digicel SportsMax has retained the broadcast rights for the next three seasons.

Digicel SportsMax, the Caribbean’s premier sports broadcaster, has held the rights to the IPL

cricket competition since its debut in 2008 and will continue through 2017.

Matches will be aired April 8 to May 24.

Coverage bowls off with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders, featuring Andre Russell & Sunil Narine, up against 2013 champions Mumbai Indians featuring Lendl Simmons and Kieron Pollard on April 8 at 9:30 hrs.

Cricket fans can look out for a number of other Caribbean players on the pitch including Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Darren Sammy, Dwayne Smith, Samuel Badree and Kevon Cooper, all ticketed for India.

Digicel SportsMax Caribbean marketing manager Tanya Lee believes cricket fans look forward to the IPL more than any other

T20 competition because of the great entertainment mix.

“The IPL is a great mix of the world’s best T20 cricketers, the most cricket crazy spectators from India, and a carnival atmosphere complete with cheerleaders and live music which makes it a riveting three hours that we are happy to continue showing to fans around the Caribbean.”)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

Cook eyeing return to form as England depart for Caribbean LONDON, England (CMC) – An upbeat England left here yesterday for their three-Test tour of the Caribbean, with captain Alistair Cook confident of making a huge impact against opponents struggling in the game’s longer form.

England exited the recent ICC World Cup without reaching the second round and are now focused on regaining some lost pride in the series which bowls off in Antigua on April 13.

“We’ve got to focus on the exciting thing which is the next five weeks and the guys who are lucky enough to pull on that shirt, to represent our country and be

England skipper Alistair Cook committed to playing for England,” says Cook prior to his departure from Gatwick Airport.

England, ranked number three in the Test rankings, will be expected to roll over West

Indies, ranked number eight in the world.

However, much of the focus will be on Cook who has struggled in recent times with the bat, and who missed out on selection for the World Cup after also being dropped as captain.

The 30-year-old said the time away from the game had left him refreshed and he was hoping to now return to his prolific self.

“Every cloud has a huge silver lining and spending three months at home has been fantastic if I’m being honest with you,” the left-hander explained.

“It’s been living a normal life again which I hav-

en’t had for quite a long time and it’s been great spending time with family and friends and being at home.

“On that side of it, it has been really refreshing and actually really enjoyable but obviously a lot’s gone on since that last win at the Oval against India where we played three outstanding Test matches to come back from 1-0 down in that Test series.”

He added: “To say we can get back there straightaway is going to be a challenge for the players, for the leadership, and obviously me and Mooresy (head coach Peter Moores) to try and do that because the last three Test matches we’ve

played, we played some good cricket.”

Moores has come under fire following England’s poor run in the World Cup, and many believe the Windies tour will be a trial for the experienced coach.

However, he said he was clear on what England’s objectives would be for this tour.

‘For me and Alastair it’s pretty clear. We’ve got some new players coming in and we’ve got Jonathan Trott coming back,” he said.

“We’ve got to make sure that the side moulds quickly.

We’ve got a couple of practice games and we go straight into the Test series and we don’t need to go any further than

that.”

England play two warmup games in St Kitts starting next week before heading into the first Test at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in St John’s.

The second Test is scheduled for the Grenada National Stadium, April 21-25 with the final Test set for May 1-5 at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

SQUAD – Alastair Cook (captain), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Chris Jordan, Adam Lyth, Liam Plunkett, Joe Root, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes, James Tredwell, Jonathan Trott, Mark Wood.

Sunday’s 50-mile cycle race promises to be a scorcher

SUNDAY’S 50-mile cycle road race which is being sponsored by beverage giant Banks DIH Limited, under its PowerAde brand, promises to be a scorcher as most of the country’s top cyclists are currently firing on all cylinders and predicting a winner is a very tough task.

Since the 2015 cycling season started in January of this year, several cyclists have chalked up victories both on the road and in the National Park. Among them are Marlon `Fishy’ Williams, Orville Hinds, Hamzah Eastman, Michael Anthony, Akeem Arthur and Paul DeNobrega.

Williams, who opened the 2015 season on a winning note, failed to make a podium spot in four other starts, but last Saturday in a National Park’s 35-lap race he showed that he is coming back to form and is definitely one to watch.

His Team Evolution teammates Hinds and Anthony shared the spoils in about four other races on the road and should they ride as a unit,

together with other team members Raul Leal and Akeem Wilkinson, there is no reason why the team cannot come out on top, but who will be the main man or the domestic will only be known on Sunday.

Then there are Team Coco’s with Raynauth Jeffrey, Junior Niles and DeNobrega among others who are a formidable unit and will be hard to beat once they ride as a team.

The surprise, however, might just come from Team Roraima’s Alanzo Greaves who has been coming into his own over the past two months.

The event, which is the fourth annual one will be staged in the West Demerara area and is being organised by national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed, will wheel off from outside the Wales Police Station at 08:00hrs, from where the senior and junior cyclists will journey to Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo before returning to finish at Schoon Ord, near the Demerara Harbour Bridge for the finish.

The veterans, ladies

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday April 03, 2015) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: Clifford Roach-122 (WI vs ENG, Barbados, 1930) Roy Fredericks-105 (WI vs ENG, The Oval, 1973) Today’s Quiz: When and where the WI first won a Test?

When and where did the WI first gain victory in an ODI match?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

and mountain bikers will turn back at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara and finish at Schoon Ord also.

The top six finishers overall, as well as the first three veterans, the first three moun-

tain bikers and the first three ladies will receive trophies and cash prizes.

Eight prime prizes will also be up for grabs during the event.

Hinds is the defending

champion in the Open category. Last year, he returned one hour 56 minutes 55 seconds to win the race. Michael Anthony won the junior category last year, while Talim Shaw and Oziah McAully won the

veterans and mountain bikers’ categories respectively.

Banks DIH’s Brand and Outdoor Manager Gavin Jodhan will assist with the presentation of prizes to the respective winners.

Webb’s leadership marks new era for CONCACAF THE Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association of Football (CONCACAF) has undergone a period of dramatic transformation and reform over the past three years.

Under president Jeffrey Webb’s leadership, CONCACAF has successfully implemented initiatives that provide credibility, accountability and transparency to the organisation. That focus on improvements off the field has also led to impressive performance on the field, giving CONCACAF a renewed outlook and strong, united perspective in the global football arena.

CONCACAF had arguably the confederation’s best ever showing at the last year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil, with USA, Mexico and Costa Rica exceeding their own expectations.

Shaka Hislop, a former professional player, who supports the recent initiatives said, “In the last three years, CONCACAF has risen to heights previously unattainable. By garnering a confederation-first approach, the traditional powerhouses have helped to raise the level of all within the region. Webb has been a dynamic presence.”

Webb, who is running unopposed for re-election in the Bahamas during the organisation’s congress later this month, implemented new leadership, instituted fiscal controls, intro-

duced committees to improve transparency, committed to more inclusive governance to empower its member organisations, built promising partnerships and promoted the values of equality, respect and integrity.

CONCACAF’s reform efforts have yielded many positive results. In 2014, CONCACAF unveiled its first-ever official partner – Scotiabank – as well as new partnerships with the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), the European Sports Security Association (ESSA) and the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES). CONCACAF also reached an historic agreement with CONMEBOL to host the 2016 Centennial Cup America - the first time the event will be played outside of South Africa.

“Football is bigger than any of us,” Webb said. “It can provide unprecedented opportunities for our youth and create avenues for our children to express themselves through focus, discipline and determination. Our main mission at CONCACAF is to Educate, Develop and Win, which we have been working tirelessly to achieve since 2012. Three years later, collectively we have made significant progress in the region.”

To that end, CONCACAF has championed the collective

interests of members on a regional and global scale. Since 2012 CONCACAF has increased investment in its members by creating more standing committees that make decisions on all aspects of the game.

This new era for the Confederation has given local players and regional teams promising new opportunities.

Many countries have hosted CONCACAF World Cup qualifying championships, providing them positive exposure to build the country’s football base, attract thousands of fans and inspire youth players.

Webb’s vision is that every man, woman and child passionate about football has the opportunity to access the beautiful game and develop their talent, so that the region can benefit from great football.

Before 2012, there were no development initiatives, programmes or youth tournaments.

Since then, CONCACAF has increased investment in development by 20 percent and hopes to inject up to 70 percent more over the next four years.

Ricardo Gardener, a former professional player, believes that these investments are paying off. He said, “I commend CONCACAF on the youth development programmes and the various initiatives that they have been undertaking to improve the standard of football and increase interest in the game, regionally.

Development and training are two key elements in ensuring that there is a continuous pool of talent from which regional stars can emerge. Football is one of the greatest games in the world and must hold this status for generations to come, but this is only possible with the support and investment similar to what CONCACAF is undertaking.”

To date, CONCACAF has established and implemented more than 80 development courses across the region, as well as creating the first official licensing programme for coaches. Women’s football has also taken a foothold in the Confederation, with new initiatives designed to educate, promote and inspire improvements to the women’s game.

The most recent enterprise is the establishment of the Caribbean Professional League Task Force, which has been examining the feasibility of a professional league in the Caribbean. The goal is to improve the standard of football played and ultimately the quality of the game in the CONCACAF region.

“The continued focus on regional grassroots development, coach licensing, youth football for both sexes at all levels, and a professional league to help further raise the level of the CFU nations … the future of CONCACAF looks even brighter,” Hislop said.

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 3, 2015

Melanie ‘B’ and Beterverwagting ‘A’ to contest Guinness final

By Rawle Toney

MELANIE ‘B’ and Beterverwagting (BV) ‘A’ will contest the final of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Street’ East Coast Edition tomorrow with the winners set to pocket $300 000.

The two sides reached the final following wins over Plaisance ‘A’ and Nabaclis respectively when the semi-finals were contested last Wednesday at the Haslington Market Square.

The crowd favourites, Melanie ‘B’, came from behind to win 3-2 against Nabaclis, while BV ‘A’ needed a lone goal to get past Plaisance.

Plaisance and Nabaclis

Part of the action between BV ‘A’ and Plaisance in their semi-final of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ East Coast Edition.

will play in the third-place game where the winners will take home $100 000 and the losers $75 000.

Playing in the opening encounter, Melanie ‘B’ vs Nabaclis, the former got the

go-ahead goal in the sixth minute from Amoniki Rogers who, after some fancy moves, got past his man to score in an empty goal.

Rickford Morrison equalised for Nabaclis in the 18th

minute then took the lead four minutes later through Nicosi McCloud.

However, Rogers scored his second goal of the game; a back heel in the 23rd minute much to the delight of

CARIFTA Games

Jamaica favourites again, as St Kitts gets set for showpiece

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Organisers are putting the finishing touches on preparations as St Kitts readies itself to host the 44th edition of the CARIFTA Games which gets under way at the Silver Jubilee Stadium tomorrow.

The leading athletes from 26 countries across the region will do battle in the Under-18 and Under-20 categories through the weekend, as they contest for honours in what is the Caribbean’s premier junior track and field championship.

Teams have started arriving for the showpiece which organisers expect to attract large crowds, with the island hosting the Games for the second time in seven years.

“The interest for the Games in St Kitts and Nevis is definitely there. People understand what CARIFTA is and are excited it’s back in St Kitts,” said Lester Hanley, Director of Marketing for CARIFTA 2015. “We are expecting a bumper crowd.”

He also assured that work on the venue would have been finalised by yesterday, paving the way for a smooth start to the championship.

World junior champion Jaheel Hyde Hosts St Kitts will field a 37-member contingent and will be hoping to increase their haul this year, after picking up three medals last year when the meet was staged in the French Caribbean island of Martinique.

As usual, powerhouses Jamaica will be expected to dominate the Games, with their 78-member strong contingent tipped to be the ones to beat yet again.

Their squad will be headlined by the outstanding Jaheel Hyde, the World Junior 400 metres and Youth Olympic Games 110m hurdles

champion.

Jamaica won 89 medals last year – 42 gold, 34 silver and 13 bronze – and will be going all out to better that haul. The powerful Jamaicans have won all but five of the meets over the CARIFTA Games history.

Trinidad and Tobago, also a major force in regional athletics, were scheduled to leave today for St Kitts where their 68-member team will be expected to make their mark.

The squad includes sprinter Kayelle Clarke who won the 200 metres and

Chelsea James, who has dominated the shot put for the last three years with gold medals.

T&T finished second to Jamaica last year with 25 medals.

Barbados, meanwhile, who did well to pick up 16 medals in Martinique, will send a 26-member squad to the Games.

Included are Sada Williams, the reigning Girls U n d e r- 1 8 4 0 0 m e t re s champion, Rivaldo Leacock, who took silver in the Boys Under-18 400m hurdles and Hayley Matthews, who also claimed silver in the Girls Under-18 javelin.

Doubts, though, remained over Guyana’s involvement, with reports yesterday saying they would be forced to withdraw from the Games because of the unavailability of flights.

The highlight of the Games will come tomorrow night when the marquee 100 metres for both boys and girls are contested.

Sunday will be headlined by the sprint relays across all categories, with the 200m finals climaxing the championship on Easter Monday.

the massive Melanie crowd at the venue.

Anil Hernandez scored from the penalty spot for Melanie following a foul that was drawn by Rogers with Nabaclis being in the penalty.

Given a chance to equalise again and force the game into penalty kicks, Nabaclis’ penalty kick was taken by Akamo Jack following a foul on Melanie ‘B’, going wide of the goal.

In the second semi-final, Akin Curry’s lone goal in the 18th minute for BV ‘A’

was more than enough to see them through to face Melanie ‘B’ in the final.

The top two teams from the tournament will go on to represent the East Coast in the National Championship later on in the year, with a chance of representing Guyana at the Regional tournament.

Upon the completion of the event, the top two teams in the tourney will represent the Region at the national tournament scheduled to be hosted later in the year.

Rodgers says Liverpool won’t be selling Sterling

LONDON, (Reuters) - England forward Raheem Sterling is not for sale and will not be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season despite media speculation over his future, manager Brendan Rodgers said yesterday.

“I’m quite relaxed about it.

It’s part of the modern game.

He has got two and a half years left on his contract and is going nowhere this summer,” Rodgers told reporters ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match with Arsenal.

Sterling, in a non-permissioned interview with the BBC, denied on Wednesday he was a “money-grabbing 20-year-old” but said he was in no rush to sign a new contract.

The forward has been offered an eye-watering 100,000 pounds ($148,300) a week to sign a fresh deal, according to media reports.

Rodgers, who has had to deal with rumours about Sterling for most of the season, said Liverpool did not need to let the player go.

“If the club isn’t going to sell, it won’t sell -- it’s as simple as that,” he added.

“For us it’s about continuing the nurturing and developing of a young player who has made huge strides in the last couple of years and for me that is the only thing to concentrate on over the remaining games until the end of the season.”

Raheem Sterling Rodgers confirmed a point made by Sterling in the BBC interview that a new contract would not be discussed until the end of the season at the earliest.

The manager also said the reported interest shown in the player by Arsenal did not detract from Liverpool’s aspirations.

“His ambition is to win trophies and be successful and that’s perfectly aligned with what we are trying to do,” explained Rodgers.

“Arsenal are a fantastic football club but this is Liverpool, one of the great clubs of the footballing world and it is an honour for Raheem to be playing here in front of our great supporters.

“But he understands that. He has developments to make on and off the field and this is a great place for him to be.”

It will be interesting to see what kind of reception he gets from Liverpool and Arsenal fans tomorrow.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Melanie ‘B’ and Beterverwagting ‘A’ to contest Guinness final See Story on Page 35

Bakewell Slingerz and Alpha United set up ‘dream K&S final’

By Rawle Toney FROM the time the fixtures were released, football-loving fanatics have been dreaming of a Bakewell Slingerz FC versus Alpha United final in the Kashif and Shanghai football tournament and this Sunday at the Guyana National Stadium, their dreams will come true.

When the semi-finals of the 25th edition of the tournament were held at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, Bakewell Slingerz dismantled Riddim Squad 4-0 while Alpha United had to work hard for their 1-0 win over Pele.

A double by Devon Millington (36th and 64th) and a goal each from Julian Wade (65th) and Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams (89th) ensured that the Vergenoegen-based club will meet their rivals for the fourth time in two years. Alpha had got their winning goal from ace striker Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson in the first half.

Slingerz goalscorers (L-R) Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams, Julian Wade and Devon Millington it hard to keep up with the en Jaguars’ – Guyana’s senior It’s fair to say that the star-studded cast of the ‘West National Football – proved to Slingerz/Riddim Squad was Side’ champs. be a mismatch and produced a one-sided contest with the A line-up featuring most a brand of football that was Mocha Arcadia club finding of the players from the ‘Gold- above Riddim Squad.

Boosted by the return of their Dominican International striker Julian Wade who was on duty for his country in the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers and the inclusion of Suriname’s top forward Wensley Christoph, Bakewell Slingerz looked different from against Victoria Kings and Fruta Conquerors.

Having had several chances to score in the initial stage of the game, Millington teamed up with Christoph, playing on the wing to score the game’s opening goal in the 36th minute.

The ‘Dutchman’ playing down the left wing, getting around two Riddim Squad defenders, slipped the ball through to a lurking Millington who had made the right run on goal and gave Slingerz a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Twenty minutes into the second half, after failing to connect on goal on at least five occasions, Christoph again picked out Millington, this time scoring the ‘goal of the game’ when he volleyed a one-time pass from the Su-

rinamese International that left the crowd at the DCC ground in ‘awe’, including the Riddim Squad keeper.

Christoph again left his mark on the game when he replicated his first assist to Millington, this time finding Wade flashing down the middle and his one-touch effort was put out of reach of the advancing keeper.

Riddim Squad really had no chance getting past Slingerz’s rock-solid defence led by Colin Nelson, King Solomon Austin and Joshua Brown.

Dwayne Lawrence and Abrams came in as substitutes replacing Vurlon Mills and Wade respectively and the two teamed up to score the game’s fourth goal.

Lawrence attacked his defenders, sending a ‘through-ball’ that was beautifully taken by Abrams that saw him go one-on-one with the gaolie. The veteran dapper striker then used his experience to guide the ball safely into the net.

It was the team’s most See Page 31

Trophy Stall, Slingerz Entertainment on board with ‘Guyana Cup Fever’ horse race meet

WITH just a few days to go before race day everything is set and ready for what is being called the biggest Easter weekend activity in Guyana. The ‘Guyana Cup Fever’ horse race meet is scheduled for this Sunday - Easter Sunday - at the Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC), Port Mourant, Corentyne Berbice.

The PMTC is expected

to come alive when the Jumbo Jet business conglomerate cum racing stable, in collaboration with the PMTC, stages the riches horse race meet on the calendar so far.

Seven races are listed for the day with over $10M in cash, trophies and other incentives up for grabs.

Top trophy provider Trophy Stall on Thursday

See Page 31

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Managing Director of Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich, presents one of the trophies to be competed for at the Guyana Cup Fever horse race meet to organiser Nazrudeen ‘Ju FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015