2015 5 15

GUYANA

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

PPP/C claims elections ‘rigged’

No. 104190 FRIDAY MAY 15, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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Pages

2&3

President Donald Ramotar

– calls for total recount of ballots

– numerous reports of irregularities sent to GECOM, observers

APNU+AFC begins countrywide victory celebration Centre page

– supporters already anoint Granger de facto ‘President elect’

The celebrations begin (Photo by Delano Williams)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

APNU+AFC leads in latest preliminary election results – numerous reports of irregularities sent to GECOM, observers

– PPP/C leads with highest support in six regions

GECOM’s CEO, Keith Lowenfield, left, and GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, in a brief exchange during yesterday’s news conference

By Vanessa Narine WITH a lead of over 5,000 votes, the political opposition, A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), is leading in the 2015 General and Regional elections race.

However, the lead is shadowed by numerous reports of irregularities in the electoral process, voting and counting, all of which have been forwarded to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the observers.

GECOM’s numbers indicate that APNU+AFC secured some 206, 817 votes in the General elections, while the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) received

the support of 201,457 voters in the May 11 national polls.

In the regional elections, the PPP/C gained some 198,148 votes, while APNU+AFC leads with 201,324.

If the preliminary results are upheld, APNU+AFC is expected to secure 33 seats in the National Assembly, while the PPP/C will have 32.

Notably, at both the General and Regional Elections, the PPP/C secured the greatest level of support in six electoral districts: Regions 1 (Barima/ Waini), 2 (Pomeroon/ Supenaam), 3 (Essequibo/ Islands), 5 (Mahaica/ Berbice), 6 (East Berbice/ Corentyne) and Nine (Upper Takutu/ Upper Essequibo).

Out of a total of 570,787 registered voters, there was an average 71 per cent voter

turnout, with 410,391 valid votes cast at the general elections and 402,145 valid votes cast at the regional elections.

Also, The United Force (TUF) is leading the five other political parties, contesting the General and Regional Tunr to page 6 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

PPP/C claims elections ‘rigged’ – calls for total recount of ballots

By Vanessa Narine REACTING to the release of the third round of preliminary results of the General and Regional election results, President Donald Ramotar was emphatic in stating that the process was “rigged” in favour of the political opposition.

“We are convinced that these elections were rigged,” he said at a news conference, held yesterday at Freedom House, Robb Street.

He also made no bones about calling out the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on the question of collusion with the political Opposition, even as he acknowledged that not all of the polling- day staff acted in a manner that undermined the democratic process of May 11.

“We think that these are serious issues that deserve to be investigated and done before a final pronouncement on these elections is made,” Mr Ramotar said.

According to GECOM’s preliminary numbers, A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC)is leading at the polls with some 206, 817 votes in the General elections, while the Peo-

ple’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) received the support of 201,457 voters in the May 11 national polls. At the regional elections, the PPP/C gained some 198,148 votes, while APNU+AFC leads with 201,324. Over 400,000 eligible Guyanese went to the polls on Monday.

The Head of State is calling for a total recount of the May 11 votes.

“We should have a total recount of votes; it won’t take a long time…to recount the whole election process to give this election credibility and integrity, we think that it is essential to have a total recount of the votes.”

MANY DISCREPANCIES According to him, there are many glaring discrepancies. “We have evidence,” he stressed.

One major issue Mr Ramotar highlighted is the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield’s, admission that falsified Statements of Polls (SoPs), which details the outcomes of votes cast, were submitted to GECOM. Lowenfield on Wednesday night held back results for 490 polling stations out of the total 2,299 stations for this reason

It was disclosed that these faked SOPs had layouts and formats that were different from the authentic one earlier distributed by GECOM intended for use by Polling Agents.Additionally, these faked SoPs did not carry the GECOM endorsement which had been applied to all the SoPs purchased from Canada.

It was also observed that SoPs submitted to GECOM from the Electoral Districts had aggregate numbers of voters exceeding the voting population allocated to the polling stations.

President Ramotar stated too that GECOM will be asked to investigate the discrepancies, disclose the findings and implement the necessary remedies.

He also called on GECOM to establish the genuine nature of each Statement of Polls submitted to the Commission from the Electoral Districts.

These three requests – a total recount, investigation of discrepancies and implementation of remedies – are expected to be communicated to GECOM today.

NO BOGUS GOVT Mr Ramotar made it clear

President Donald Ramotar declares: ‘We are convinced that these elections were rigged’ (Photo by Adrian Narine)

that the PPP/C does not want a “bogus government” in power.

Another problem he pointed to was the fact that the number of votes cast at certain polling stations exceeded the number of persons who were listed to vote.

On Tuesday, other problems according to the PPP/C were documented and forwarded to GECOM. These include: misdirection by some GECOM staffers who advised voters, damaged stamps that saw some ballots

not being properly stamped, the fact that persons without identification cards were allowed to vote even though their images did not match those in the files of GECOM staff and the denial of proxy holders to use their proxies, among others.

CONCEDE Asked if he would concede defeat if a recount resulted in a loss for the PPP/C, Mr Ramotar stressed that his party does not want to be in power, against of the will of

the people.

The current fight, however he said, is in the interest of preserving the democratic gains made and in the interest of ensuring that the majority of the will of the Guyanese people is respected.

Once Returning Officers (ROs) in all 10 regions file their declarations of the final results in the May 11 General and Regional elections, the PPP/C is expected to file a formal request of a countrywide recount of all ballots cast on Monday.

St. Kitts and Nevis to host CDB 45th annual meet ST. KITTS and Nevis is set to host the 45th meeting of the Board of Governors of the Caribbean Development Bank on May 20 and 21 at the Marriott Resort in Basseterre.

The Opening Ceremony will start at 10am on Wednesday, May 20, and CDB Governors and President are slated to deliver key statements during this forum.

The Meeting brings together leaders from the Bank’s 27 member countries to discuss development needs of the Caribbean and CDB’s role of assisting the region to address such challenges. More than 200 representatives of governments, regional academic and multilateral institutions are expected to attend. Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr the Hon. Timothy Sylvester Harris is the Chair of the CDB’s Board of Governors.

CDB will release its Annual Report, Development Effectiveness Review and Special Development Fund Report which provide a comprehensive look at the Bank’s performance in 2014.

CDB President, Dr William Warren Smith

Chairman of the Board of Directors, and President of the CDB, William Warren Smith said the meeting allows critical discussions on the future of the Region.

“In 2014, we, at the CDB continued our efforts to help borrowing member countries to keep growing their economies. Economic recovery, although still at a modest pace, continued for the fourth consecutive year in the Caribbean. Two years of focused policy changes; capacity building; and intensified policy discussions with

borrowing member countries began to yield the desired results. The Caribbean is on the cusp of some very important game-changing events and the annual meeting is a unique space for the region’s leaders to reflect on the relevance and effectiveness of the institution and to approve key strategies for the way forward,” Dr Smith said.

Two major studies will be released entitled: ‘Making Air Transport Work Better for the Caribbean’ and ‘Youth are the Future: The Imperative of Youth Employment for Sustainable Development in the Caribbean.’ Seminars exploring the findings will be staged with panelists drawn from civil society, academia and the public and private sector.

St. Kitts and Nevis, is a founding member of the CDB and has worked closely with the institution over the years. It is currently in its penultimate year of a development strategy designed by CDB on the basis of stated Government objectives. The strategy’s two core objectives are: establishing an enabling environment for

sustained, inclusive growth and poverty reduction; and, strengthening resilience by securing social stability and improving environmental sustainability.

Over the period 19702 0 11 , C D B a p p r o v e d USD217 million in loans, contingent loans, equity and grants for St Kitts and Nevis targeted mainly at transportation, education and power and energy sectors. Multi-sectoral assistance was provided through policy-based interventions (loan and guarantee); reconstruction loans following natural disasters; lines of credit; and projects under the Basic Needs Trust Fund.

CDB’s 2014 economic review reported that the country grew by four per cent, buoyed by expansion in construction activity related to tourism and other commercial development as well as mainly driven by foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, influenced by the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme.

Now in its 45th year, the CDB is one of the region’s enduring institutions and works successfully with the Governments to confront

the critical development challenges. This year also marks the centenary of

the birth of CDB founding president, noted economist, Sir Arthur Lewis.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

‘Ten deaths’ on stranded Myanmar migrant boat M YA N M A R m i g r a n t s on a boat stranded for a week in the Andaman Sea with no food or water say 10 people have died, while some are resorting to drinking urine.

The fishing boat, carrying about 350 people of the Muslim Rohingya minority, has been refused entry to Thailand.

Those on board told the BBC the crew abandoned them and disabled the engine. They said the bodies of those who had died were thrown overboard.

Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand have been turning away migrant boats.

‘Desperate sight’ Several thousand people are still believed to be stuck in boats off the coasts of Thailand and Malaysia.

Most are Rohingya Muslims who cannot go back to Myanmar, also known as

The desperate cries across the sea Burma, where they are not recognised as citizens of the country and are regularly persecuted.

Some of those who are adrift in the Andaman Sea have been provided with food, water and medicine by

sel with a lot of women and children on board, our correspondent saw people drinking their own urine from bottles.

The migrants - including 50 women and 84 children said they had been at sea for three months.

Their situation became critical when their crew abandoned them without a working engine six days ago anchored near the Thai-Malaysian border.

Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watch’s Asia division told the BBC: “They’re [Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia] playing a game of marine ping-pong not wanting to take in the Rohingyas.

He said it was necessary for the three countries to work together in rescuing them before they decide who is going to take responsibility for them.

“This is an urgent hu-

of the migrants can be heard resounding the Thai navy. taken back into Thai waters.

It is not clear how many No-one wants them, the other boats are in a similar BBC’s Jonathan Head says, predicament. and seeing them off the Some boats containing southern coast of Thailand, migrants have been towed near Koh Lipe, that it is a over to the Malaysian side of “desperate sight” as they beg the border - where most mi- for food and water. grants want to go - only to be On one crowded ves-

manitarian crisis and the Thais and others seem to be taking a gentle stroll. As many as 8,000 migrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar are believed by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to be stranded at sea.

People smugglers are reportedly refusing to land their boats because their usual route through Thailand has been disrupted by a government crackdown. It was launched after the discovery of dozens of bodies in abandoned camps along the land route.

A senior Thai official reiterated on Wednesday that Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia would all continue to turn the boats away.

On Sunday and Monday more than 2,000 migrants arrived in Malaysia or Indonesia after being rescued or swimming ashore.

Philippine factory fire: Death toll rises to 72 (BBC News) THE death toll in a fire that destroyed a shoe factory in the Philippine capital has risen to 72, officials say.

Police have vowed to take swift action against those responsible, amid workers’ claims of poor health and safety standards.

“Definitely there will be

charges here, because people died,” acting national police chief Leonardo Espina said.

Police say the fire started when sparks from welding work ignited flammable chemicals near the building’s entrance.

The Philippines has lax safety standards and large fires are relatively common, particularly in slum areas.

Charges to follow Wednesday’s fire spread quickly and a few people escaped. Many more were trapped on the second floor of the building, where, according to survivors, iron grills on windows prevented their escape.

Most of the victims are thought to have suffocated in thick black smoke from burning rubber and chemicals.

“Regardless of whether it was an accident or arson, people died. We are just determining what exactly happened so that we can clearly define what charges to file,” Mr Espina told reporters on Thursday.

The owner of the factory, which is operated by Kentex Manufacturing and produces rubber flip flops and sandals,

DATE: 13/05/2015 M

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Friends and relatives face an agonising wait said about 200 to 300 people did not expect the death toll were inside the building at to rise much further, as the the time of the fire. number of bodies retrieved The mayor of the Valenzumatched the number of peoela district, Rexlon Gatchalian, ple missing. told the AFP news agency he Survivors and relatives

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identifying the bodies of the victims told the news agency that factory employees worked for below minimum wage, surrounded by chemicals, and unaware of fire safety standards.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

Panday back in the fray?

(Trinidad Express) FORMER prime minister Basdeo Panday is contemplating re-entering the electoral race.

The founding father of the United National Congress (UNC) says he is being “inundated with requests from the grassroots” to contest a parliamentary seat for the party in the 2015 general election, and is “looking at” a few constituencies, including the one represented by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Panday said so, even though he told the media yesterday he “will try to assist” the National Solidarity Assembly (NSA), which comprises mainly sugar-based trade unions, “with the problems that they have”.

That party intends to contest constituencies that once fell within the sugar belt.

Panday spoke to the media at his office—the Basdeo Panday Foundation Office— which is on the same floor as the UNC’s headquarters at

Contemplating contesting election: Basdeo Panday Rienzi Complex, Couva—here those interested in becoming general election candidates for the party have been collecting nomination forms.

“There are a few constituencies I am looking at; for example, Siparia,” Panday said.

TV6 News noted, “The seat of the Prime Minister.”

Panday responded, “Well

if that’s what you call her, yes.”

He also said he was looking at Couva North—the seat he represented in the House of Representatives, according to the Parliament’s records, from September 24, 1976, to April 8, 2010.

“I am being inundated with requests from the grassroots to

Negligent parents of abused children being targeted (Jamaica Gleaner) NEGLIGENT parents of abused children are being targeted in a new-look legislation that proposes to put more bite in the battle against cruelty to the young and vulnerable.

While dire warnings have come from the Government that errant parents will not be spared, Information Minister Sandrea Falconer served notice that the wrath of the justice system is to be visited more ferociously on perpetrators of aggravated assault on children.

“Of deep concern (to the Cabinet) are the instances of parental neglect, which expose many of our children to violence and sexual abuse,” said Falconer.

She added: “Cabinet has approved proposals to amend the Child Care and Protection Act and the Criminal Justice Administration Act. Falconer told journalists yesterday that the Cabinet has approved amendments to the Child Care and Protection Act, to tighten the grip on rampant brutality to youngsters, with special features being, mandatory training and counselling of parents.

As such, Falconer dis-

closed that the Child Care and Protection Act will be amended to insert new offences of parental neglect and failure of an adult to report suspected exposure of a child to sexual or other abuse.

Falconer’s announcement which coincides with Child Month celebrations, serves as the fulfilment of a vow by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller that her administrations would spare no effort in bringing down the legal axe on sexual predators and child murderers.

“Since the start of this year, we have seen the abuse and murder of a number of children in Jamaica,” said Falconer. “The circumstances under which these children have been killed are disturbing,” she added.

Stiffer penalties Addressing journalists at this week’s post-Cabinet press briefing, Falconer noted that the public had raised concerns and the matter had occupied the attention of the Cabinet.

“Cabinet has also asked that the necessary administrative steps be taken to institute stiffer penalties for persons who murder, rape or commit other serious violent

offences against children,” she said.

Said Falconer: “The victim’s status, as a child, will be targeted as an aggravating feature, resulting in a substantial uplift in the sentence on conviction.”

In keeping with the new strictures, efforts are being made to ensure that cases related to violence against children will be given priority attention, scheduling and disposal in the courts.

Maurice Bailey, director of Legal Reforms in the justice ministry, stressed that prioritising cases related to children will be emphasised.

“Discussions are being held with the Chief Justice to see how this can be effectively done,” said Bailey.

He said the laws will be amended to facilitate reporting of offences against children directly to the Office of the Children’s Advocate, to the Child Development Agency (CDA) and the Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA).

“There will be a wider spread in all of the communities of Jamaica in terms of having access to points where suspected abuse of children can be reported,” said Bailey.

contest, so I am considering it,” Panday said.

Asked if he had collected a UNC nomination form to begin the process, Panday said: “It has been collected on my behalf.”

Bridgelal Sadambarram collected a UNC nomination form yesterday with the intention of contesting the Couva North seat.

Asked about the legacy of Panday in that constituency, he said: “Although Mr Panday was the founder of the party, Ms (Kamla) Persad-Bissessar took over and she is doing a wonderful job, and I think we need to support her,” Sadambarram said.

TV6 News asked Panday what he thought his chances would be before the UNC’s screening committee if he decided to contest either Couva North or Siparia.

“I’ll win,” Panday said.

Asked if he thinks he will be selected by the UNC’s screening committee, which is led by the party’s political leader, Persad-Bissessar, Panday said, “No I won’t be selected.”

TV6 News then asked Panday whether if he decided to file a nomination and was not selected by the UNC’s screening committee he still intended to contest a parliamentary seat.

“I am not very interested

in this election because, as I tell you, it will be of very little benefit for Trinidad and Tobago, whichever party wins.

“I am more interested in the struggle for constitutional reform because I believe that is where we have to go as a people,” Panday said.

Pressed for an answer as to whether he would contest a Parliament seat either as an independent, or one on another party’s ticket if he decided to file a nomination and was not selected by the UNC’s screening committee, he said: “I haven’t decided on that yet. That is in the future and I won’t speculate.”

Colombian miners trapped in flooded mine (BBC News) RESCUE workers are trying to reach at least 15 miners trapped in a flooded gold mine in north-western Colombia.

The mine collapsed apparently due to flooding caused by drilling holes to extract the mineral.

Officials said some of the miners were trapped at a depth of around 17 metres (55 feet).

They said it may take three days to pump out enough water to reach the men, but the owner of the mine said they may already be dead.

Leonardo Mejia, the mine owner, told reporters that several miners had managed

Rescuers tried to use sandbags to prevent the mine from flooding completely after it collapsed. to escape when they realised something was wrong.

He said he feared the 15 missing miners were all dead.

The National Mining

Agency (ANM) said local firefighters reported that gases in the deep, vertical tunnels had contributed to the cave-in.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

Guyana Editorial

Resilience of the human spirit THE equations and definitions constraining human and humane conduct have largely become statistics by a society saturated in the sensual and the sensational.

Value systems relate to the dynamics of materialistic configurations instead of the applicability of good conduct, consideration for others, respect for authority and even parents.

The resilience of the human spirit may endure, as it has in centuries of natural and man-made catastrophes, and evolved over time to predominate over individual and societal anomalies, but to what extent has the human collective transmigrated into the quintessential replica of that divine lifeforce most of us pray to for charting the course of our lives?

How many of us see ourselves as our brother’s – and sister’s keepers? And how many of us can see a suffering child and feel constrained to intercede on its behalf,

even if it creates problems for us in our personal lives?

The quality of mercy is largely constrained within the parameters of our individual comfort zones – and this also applies to leaders of nations.

To be a real leader, and a good human being, one has to adopt and maintain principled positions, even when the world turns against you for refusing to compromise integrity for the convenience of popularity.

It is a rare human being, and one whose self-respect and moral code are unshakeable, who can withstand against the buffeting of a societal, national, regional, and global tsunami and emerge with moral pristinity.

Too many persons are like chaff blowing hither-thither in the wind of public opinion, without consideration for truths and the greater good.

But the Lord adjured us to build our

houses upon the rock of truth so that it can withstand against the elements and endure – and all our religions teach us that good triumphs against evil, light over darkness.

It is extremely difficult to refuse our peers in the pursuit of wrongdoing, especially when ostracism from their society would ensue as a consequence, unless one has a strong and in-built moral code that transposes one above the norm to rise unsullied by the machinations of those who take joy in marginalizing the existence of others – or policy-makers who gain satisfaction in strategizing the dislocation of the socio-economic contours of vulnerable societies.

The sad reality that has hallmarked the evolutionary processes of societies is that moral integrity has majorly been relegated to a dimension of alienation within the mainstream norm, and the acquisition of power and wealth have taken precedence

over the adjurations of all our holy texts.

The hypocrisy of many elders who attend mosques, mandirs, temples, churches, and other places of worship, whose lifestyles cannot bear scrutiny, have created agnostics and cynics out of the younger generation, so authority figures – and consequentially the supreme being they purport to worship, have become suspect and unworthy of respect.

This phenomenon has fractured societies, because the various religions of the world have historically and traditionally been the grounding force melding families and societies into a cohesive unit, mainly harmonizing within the philosophies of their doctrines to create communities and countries with soul.

The churches may today be full, but the mechanical, materialistic applications have, except for exceptional instances, created poverty of the soul of humankind.

APNU+AFC leads in latest ...

From page 2 elections, with the largest support.

SUBJECT TO CHANGE The Commission’s Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, at a news conference held yesterday at GECOM’s Command Centre, Kingston, stated that the preliminary results will be subject to the reconciliations and verifications being done by Returning Officers (ROs).

“I need to remind that this information is preliminary and subsets to follow will include in every district a reconciliation of the Statements of Polls by the Returning Officers and party agents,” he said.

According to Lowenfield, once the reconciliation is concluded and all are satisfied, the ROs will declare the final results and submit their declarations to the CEO, who will then make a final declaration of the results.

Noting that the process in most of the regions was not largely time-consuming, he stated that Region 4 (Demerara/ Mahaica) is expected to take some time, given the size of the electoral district.

The CEO made clear, however, that he does not expect the final declaration to result in significant changes to alter the outcome of the elections, a point of contention among stakeholders in the electoral process.

“All things being equal, we are supposed to be singing from the same hymn book; any variance, if there is any, will not be significant. That variance will not be significant to alter the outcome of the elections,” Lowenfield said.

SUSPICIOUS SoPs Of concern was Lowenfield’s admission that false SoPs were submitted to GECOM, and that as many as 50 were detected.

According to him, these false documents were found “across the spectrum,” and not in any particular district.

The CEO added that special security features allowed GECOM to identify the documents as falsified.

The matter is reportedly being deliberated on at the level

of the full Commission and Lowenfield assured the media that these did not form part of the recent preliminary numbers.

GECOM is expected to meet to review the final numbers before Lowenfield is authorised to release the final results.

Representatives of the ABC countries to Guyana at yesterday’s news conference. From left are, Canadian High Commissioner, Nicole Giles, US Chargé d’Affaires Bryan Hunt and British High Commissioner James Quinn (Photos by Adrian Narine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

Jagdeo says...

PPP/C ‘will fight tooth and nail’ --to ensure they’re not cheated

By Rebecca Ganesh F O R M E R P re s i d e n t Bharrat Jagdeo has emphasised and reassured supporters of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) that, “we are not going to abandon our base in the struggle; we will fight tooth and nail to ensure that we are not cheated.”

Speaking at a press conference at the Party’s headquarters, Freedom House, last night, former President Jagdeo said that he understands how the PPP/C supporters are feeling at this time, and assured them that the party will do everything in their pow-

er to fight the current situation.

tive,” Jagdeo said.

He urged PPP/C sup-

“In spite of these provocations with people driv-

‘We are not going to abandon our base in the struggle, regardless of what happens; we are going to protect the interest of our people, because we know that the APNU+AFC (A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change) will be vindictive’ – Former President Bharrat Jagdeo “We are not going to abandon our base in the struggle, regardless of what happens; we are going to protect the interest of our people because we know that the APNU+AFC (A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change) will be vindic-

porters to be calm and act in a dignified manner and not be provoked. “They will try to humiliate people; they will try to do all sorts of things, but we are not abandoning our base; we will continue to struggle to make sure our rights are protected,” he said, adding:

ing around taunting people, and showing up to their homes and threatening them; the shooting off guns in celebration... because it is happening, and we have received numerous reports of this happening.”

Continuing on the same note, the former

President stated that, “our people need to act in a calm manner and a dignified manner - do not be provoked by these people.”

And giving some insight into incidents that took place he noted that guns were being used in celebration outside Stabroek Market. He noted this is not the Middle East.

“We are a civilized country; and this should not be.”

DISCREPANCIES According to Jagdeo, “There are too many things that are happening that are not coincidental, patterns are emerging and if now and in the future once we find that there

are irregularities surrounding the outcome of these elections are correct we will expose it here and internationally and everywhere that it matters because we are gathering enough evidence now to prove that there are discrepancies surrounding GECOM’s (Guyana Elections Commission) pronouncement.”

Concluding his remarks, Jagdeo assured the supporters of the PPP/C that, “I know many are disappointed but they must understand that the leadership of the PPP/C will not abandon them, we will fight tooth and nail to ensure that we are not cheated.”

Land Registry opens for business in New Amsterdam --after lengthy delay

THE Land Registry in Berbice opened its doors for business a week ago, after a lengthy delay. The customary pomp and ceremony did not attend this event.

The two-storeyed edifice situated at the corner of Main and King Streets in New Amsterdam is expected to also house the regional offices of the Director of Public Prosecution, but has since opened its doors for business within the Land Registry.

Rehabilitated at a cost of twenty million, four hundred and fifty thousand and fifty dollars, the building was expected to be handed over to the Director of Public Prosecution since November 2013, but some delays had prevented this.

Berbicians are, however, yet to see the opening of the DPP Office, which would greatly benefit the administration of the justice system.

In an invited comment on October 18, 2013, Legal Affairs Minister Mr. Anil Nandalall had told this reporter that the Ministry of Legal Affairs was in process of acquiring furniture and furnishings for the building, which is expected to accommodate several offices of the DPP,

The newly-opened Land Registry at New Amsterdam of Georgetown, the police including living quarters. i n B e r b i c e w o u l d h a v e Berbicians are, nevertheless, easy access to the DPP, pleased to have the building and can be advised in a completed, and they are pa- timely manner in respect to tiently awaiting its opening. investigations. In addition, Police officers continue police investigations must to travel to Georgetown to be done in accordance with seek advice in criminal cas- the law, while respecting es, which results in constant the fundamental rights of adjournments of hearings in all persons, including those the Magistrates Courts. The who are suspected to be almost daily travelling to the involved in crimes being capital city places addition- investigated. al financial burdens on the The DPP office would alState, which would signifi- low Berbicians who are of the cantly be reduced if there opinion that they are detained is a functional office in the unlawfully opportunity to file Ancient County.

Habeas Corpus proceeding According to Minister in the Berbice High Court, Nandlall, with opening of and serve same right here on the first DPP office outside the DPP. Before, they had to

go to Georgetown to serve the matter, and that used to defeat the whole purpose, because Habeas Corpus proceeding are predicated upon an alleged unlawful imprisonment, and if a person does

not get redress in time, that person might have unlawfully been incarcerated for two to three days. Also, Bail petitions can be filed and responses can be given here in Berbice; and during the

criminal trials, the lawyers have living quarters as well as office facilities to which they can retire during the course of the respective trials, the Minister had emphasized.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

Jagdeo warns...

PPP/C ‘will not roll over’ and accept ‘fraudulent’ results

By Vanessa Narine

THERE will be no giving up of supporters of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), nor will there be any giving up of the fight to protect the democratic gains secured under Guyana’s oldest political party.

“The PPP is not going to just roll over because APNU is threatening violence if the election is not declared in their favour, because it means that this country will not have had a change in government because of free and fair elections because of fear of the threat of violence,” said former president, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, at a news conference last evening.

Held at Freedom House, he used the media engagement to

Dr Bharrat Jagdeo knowledged by the Commission itself – were not counted in the tabulation of the election results, the PPP has evidence to prove otherwise.

He stressed that the controversial SoPs favoured the political opposition by delivering hundreds of votes to A Partnership for National

NU+AFC, as well as by GECOM’s counting agent.

“How did they (SoPs) get into GECOM? How many were used in the tabulation?” Jagdeo queried, adding that these questions must be answered by the leadership of the Commission.

He contends that if such irregularities are uncovered in the verification process alone, how many others will be discovered if there is a recount.

“There must be a fullfledged investigation,” the former president said.

SYSTEMATIC PLOT He lamented the fact that the SoPs are only one of several concerns of the PPP/C, which have been raised over the last three days.

“The credibility of GECOM is at stake,” Dr

‘Finding the truth is simple; we will pursue all of the remedies that are available to us at this point in time to ensure that we are not cheated’ -- Dr Bharrat Jagdeo disclose that the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) Returning Officers (ROs) are currently engaged in verification of the Statements of Polls

Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC).

The former president explained that on the lower East Coast it was discovered

Jagdeo said.

The other major concern, the former president said, is the refusal of GECOM to have public vetting of

‘It means there has been a systematic plot to change results in GECOM itself and to tabulate those results in favour of APNU…the results were delivered by fraud’ --Dr Bharrat Jagdeo (SoPs), in the company of party agents, and a number of additional irregularities have surfaced.

FALSE SoPs COUNTED According to him, while the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield gave the assurance that falsified SoPs – discovered and ac-

that, relative to one ballot box, the SoP in the PPP/C’s possession and the SoP in the RO’s possession saw a difference of 120 votes, which were given to APNU+AFC. He highlighted that the SoP in the PPP/C’s possession was signed by several persons, including the party agents for PPP/C and AP-

polling day staffers, many of whom were discovered to be activists of the political Opposition.

Dr Jagdeo stressed that this is the first time that GECOM did not give a list of names of the polling day staff to the PPP/C, adding that it was only on Sunday, hours before the May 11

A copy of the SoP for ballot box number 4643 and the accompanying tallies of the discrepancies uncovered to ensure that the will of polls, that the PPP/C was in available to us at this point the Guyanese people and receipt of the list of names. in time to ensure that we are their support for the PPP/C “It means there has been a not cheated,” he said. demonstrated through the systematic plot to change results According to him, the ballot is protected. in GECOM itself and to tabu- PPP/C “has enough evidence” “We will fight tooth and late those results in favour of and will continue to compile nail,” he stressed.

APNU…the results were deliv- additional details that will be Once ROs in all 10 reered by fraud,” Dr Jagdeo said. gions file their declarations of sent to GECOM, as well as to the final results in the May 11 international groups.

PPP/C CHEATED General and Regional elec“Everyone should want Jagdeo stressed that the to know the truth,” he said. tions, the PPP/C is expected PPP will not be “cheated Dr Jagdeo bemoaned the to file a formal request of a out of office” and called fact that “real concerns” and countrywide recount of all for GECOM to launch a evidence are being dismissed ballots cast on Monday – in full investigation into the “flippantly” by GECOM, the interest of ensuring the many irregularities uncov- among other entities. integrity of the process, as ered. “Finding the truth is The former president well as to ensure that the simple…we will pursue gave the assurance that “ev- polls were indeed free and all of the remedies that are ery avenue” will be pursued fair and free from fear.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

Joint Services among those celebrating coalition victory FOLLOWING the announcement yesterday of the preliminary results of the national and regional elections 2015 which revealed that the APNU+AFC coalition was in the lead.

NEWS yesterday that the Coalition was in the lead in the just-concluded national and regional elections saw members of the Joint Services erupt into loud screams and begin celebrating just as thousands of civilians did countrywide.

The catalyst was the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)’s announcment around midday of the preliminary results of the May 11 polls.

Almost all Guyanese were glued to their television sets wherever they were, and were observed jumping for joy, while others began a street procession and some took their celebration a step further by imbibing openly at the nearest watering hole (shop).

May expressed their profound appreciation by taking to social media facebook and wrote how they felt and endorsed their support for the

new government.

Meanwhile, members of the Joint Services comprising the Police, Army, Fire and Prison Services, all of whom are inlying and working round-the-clock, engaged in joint patrols in the maintenance of law and order; if not,they were seen or heard yesterday as they broke out in screams of victory.

They are based in the 10 administrative regions of Guyana and are hoping that with a change in government they will be better paid.

Many said they did not vote race, but instead cast their ballots for change, since Guyana was ripe for it, and one which is welcome at this juncture. They also noted that with the Coalition’s win, Guyana has won, because the people spoke through their votes.

Even though President Donald Ramotar had appealed to members of the Joint Services through a published letter in the print media prior to the elections, they however went out and exercised their franchise for the party of their choice.

The atmosphere in all

Police arrest T’dad double-homicide suspect THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) yesterday said that as a result of cooperation with INTERPOL and through crime intelligence garnered, they have arrested Trinidad national Ralph Ramdhan, known as Vernon Rampersaud, 50, who is wanted at home for a double homicide committed during 2014.

He was found in a city hotel, and is in the country illegally.

Ramdhan is in custody awaiting deportation and escort back to Trinidad.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, three more men were charged yesterday following investigations into looting that took place in ‘C’ Field, Sophia, during protests on Monday last.

Clive Baird, 27, of ‘C’ Field, Sophia has been charged with two counts of simple larceny. He appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrates Court, and was remanded to prison until June 5, 2015.

In custody awaiting deportation to Trinidad, Ralph Ramdhan

A d d i t i o n a l l y, a 16-year-old of ‘C’ Field, Sophia, and Melroy Weekes, 19, of ‘D’ Field, Sophia were jointly charged with simple larceny. They also appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrates Court yesterday; were placed on $30,000.00 bail each, and will re-appear in court on June 8, 2015.

the policing divisions was one of jubilation also, as ranks voiced their approval after the preliminary results were revealed via a televised press briefing live yesterday afternoon, after days of high tension and waiting.

During this period, many could not sleep, and spoke of restless nights and long hours “on the grind”, hoping that a winner would be declared by GECOM so their lives could return to normalcy.

Even in the city and its environs, it was quite evident that people were happy and showed it; some at the corner of Smyth and Leopold Streets placed three teddy bears inside an old refrigerator as though it was a coffin, and proceeded to hold a mock funeral service for three members of the PPP/C regime whom they named.

They also had placards, and were dancing as they voiced their new-found happiness at the Coalition’s win at the peaceful gathering yesterday afternoon.

On the East Coast of Demerara, people took to the streets, honking their horns and blasting loud music to

The mock funeral service for the three named members of the government held yesterday at the corner of Smyth and Leopold Streets (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

register their support of the announcement of the winner, while others discharged several gunshots in the air to express their approval in some areas.

There were celebrations far and wide across the country as Guyanese of all ethnicities came together and many headed to the APNU+AFC headquarters

at the corner of Queenstown/Alberttown, donned in fitting party colours and flags as they blocked the streets and mingled peacefully with each other.

House of Jaipur presents Suhani Raat (TRINIDAD Guardian) In recognition of 170 years of Indian Arrival, House of Jaipur is once again proud to present its 2015 collection, Suhani Raat: The Evolution of Style.

A night of fashion which unveils the integration of our ethnic heritage into the glamour and style of the Caribbean Woman.

The cosmopolitan nature of our twin island republic allows for the fusion of all nationalities to celebrate each other ’s culture and sense of style, a release said.

Fashion out of India has made great strides in T&T since the ?rst Indian indentured labourers settled here in the 1845.

The popularity of Bollywood ?lms has greatly in?uenced the Indian fashion scene resulting in the Caribbean woman dressing with a higher level of sophistication. House of Jaipur endorses the diversity of our unique

island and in celebration of our multi ethnic heritage, we present Suhani Raat: The evolution of style.

This year House of Jaipur’s 2015 collection mirrors India’s rich vibrant and colourful fabrics, hand beaded and embroidered in different techniques to compliment the chosen design. Although overwhelming at times to the non-Indian population, ethnic wear has transcended boundaries here in the Caribbean and the appreciation of these fabrics and embroideries has been the game changer for all of our designs.

Although traditional Indian wear like the Sari will never go out of style for the Indian woman, the focus is now on creating that eastern touch for western designs.

The added value of embroideries and beading to these designs has altered the mind-set of the West Indian woman and allows now for the glitz and glamour of the

Indian subcontinent to be embraced here in the Caribbean.

This year, House of Jaipur is taking it a step further and has partnered with the NGO, The Children’s Ark. All proceeds from Suhani Raat will assist in improving the lives and living conditions of our nation’s marginalised children, whether underprivileged, abused, abandoned, addicted or otherwise challenged.”

Together with the support of Balroops Ltd, Caribbean Lifestyle Communications Network, Macfarlane Design Studios and Mercedes Benz, House of Jaipur ’s 2015 Collection Suhani Raat: The Evolution of Style will be held at the MovieTowne Banquet and Conference Centre on May 20.

The evening’s festivities will start at 6 pm with cocktails and the show starts at 8 pm.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

BioTrackTHC collaborates with Jamaican Universities --on medical ganja tracking technology

BIOTrackTHC™, the leading provider of seed-to-sale software tracking solutions for ganja businesses and government regulators, yesterday announced partnerships that provide the company’s seed-to-sale medical ganja tracking technology and training to the University of Technology, Jamaica and the University of the West Indies at Mona, Jamaica.

According to a release from Cannabis Global Initiative (CGI), the two universities are growing medical ganja for research purposes, and are the only entities legally allowed to grow ganja in the country until business licenses are approved.

“We are proud to be working with both of Jamaica’s institutions of higher learning to help bolster knowledge and infrastructure for the legal medical ganja industry in Jamaica,” said Patrick Vo, co-CEO, BioTrackTHC. “It’s a mutual education process, whereby our company is learning about the needs of Jamaica while sharing our technology and

expertise that is leading the way in the rapidly expanding U.S. market.”

“Our goal,” he said, “is to provide a solution that is tailored to meet the specific needs and priorities of the Jamaican people and their new medical ganja industry. We look forward to the results of their research.”

Both universities have already begun implement-

ing and training on BioTrackTHC’s system so they can begin documenting and tracking the medical ganja throughout its lifecycle within the programme: Plant growth, harvesting and drying, laboratory testing, and patient trials.

The chain-of-custody system will ensure that every plant and every gram of medical ganja material

is properly accounted for and may provide a model for the administration and oversight of Jamaica’s responsible commercial ganja industry.

Finally, the students at the universities, armed with their training and experience on the BioTrackTHC system, may provide the foundation for the technical support and operational jobs that will

be newly created by and critical to a comprehensive infrastructure for the island’s medical ganja economy.

“Indeed, we at UTech are pleased to be working with BioTrackTHC on this important medical ganja tracking initiative,” said Professor Colin Gyles, Deputy President, University of Technology. “It’s the start of a new era for Jamaica that will set the stage for responsible use and accountable monitoring from seed-to-sale of ganja and its medical products within a well-regulated research and development framework.”

BioTrackTHC’s seedto-sale tracking system has helped facilitate a reliable, compliant ganja industry in a growing number of U.S. states. This includes a version of the system implemented by state regulators and a separate system for business customers. BioTrackTHC’s government-managed tracking system is currently being contracted by regulators in the states of Washington

and New Mexico, and its commercial system is used by business customers in more than 1,100 locations in 18 U.S. states, Canada and South America. The company is donating the technology and training to the two universities.

Cannabis Business Executive magazine named BioTrackTHC’s CEO, Steven Siegel, as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the industry.

BIOTRACKTHC BioTrackTHC employs custom-made tracking software to ensure the most rigorous standards are met for the ever-evolving ganja industry.

ABOUT CGI Cannabis Global Initiative’s mission is to assist with the sustained growth, regulation and development of the cannabis industry for municipalities, policymakers, small businesses, the community and other cannabis-related entities in local, national international markets.

GTA licenses Old Fort Tours and Island Resort THE Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has presented the fourth tour operator’s license to Old Fort Tours and Island Resort.

Recently, the GTA has been ardently working with Tourism Businesses in Guyana to achieve 100% conformity with their respective regulation which they are to comply with.

Accepting this certificate on behalf of the company was Ms. Camille Boodhoo, who is

renowned and reputable in Parika, on the East Bank of Essequibo offering travel and tour operation services.

Ms. Boodhoo was charged by the Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh to continue to maintain the good work and strive for excellence in her operations, urging unregistered tourism businesses to register and become licensed with the GTA, emphasising the countless benefits that can be derived from doing

so.

Old Fort Tours and Island Resort is the fourth Tour Operator to attain this license status after Wilderness Explorers, Roraima Tours and Bushmasters.

The Tourism Regulations serve as a framework which operators should abide by, and has an objective of improving competitiveness thus strengthening Guyana’s Tourism Product.

The Guyana Tourism Authority will continue to

vehemently pursue Tourism Accommodation Establishments, Tour Operators, Tourist Guides and Interior Lodges and Resorts to ensure these businesses offer a tourism product that is safe and of an outstanding quality for both domestic or international visitors.

The Guyana Tourism Authority is a semi-autonomous regulatory agency with a mandate to market and promote the sustainable development of tourism in Guyana.

Old Fort’s Ms. Camille Boodhoo receiving the certification from GTA’s Mr Indranauth Haralsingh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

ROHEE CHARGES...

PPP/C a victim of ‘shamelessly rigged’ elections REMINISCENT of the 1964 elections, the May 11 General and Regional elections suffered the same fate as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) declared that the just-concluded elections have been “shamelessly rigged”.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee maintained: “The PPP/C has been a victim of the shamelessly rigged elections.”

The May 11 elections, he disclosed, is a resurrection of the 1964 elections, where the PPP/C suffered the same fate, which in turn left Guyana to fall drastically under the leadership of the People’s National Congress (PNC).

PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee at yesterday’s press briefing

According to Rohee, “at the conclusion of 1964 elections, having being cheated out of office the party declared that it was cheated but not defeated, as on this occasion we still believe that

we have been cheated but not defeated.”

“The PPP/C has never lost free and fair elections, and we maintain our position on the fact that we can never lose at a free and fair elections,” said Rohee.

He said further that it is quite obvious that the elections were not free and fair although it appeared to be.

GECOM’S INTRANSIGENT POSITION From the very outset, he said, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) adopted an intransigent position in respect to calls by the PPP/C for public vetting of GECOM officials who were

selected to work on Elections Day. The PPP/C wrote GECOM, pointing out a number of cases where either Presiding Officers (PO) or Poll Clerks (PC) worked either as scrutineers or polling agents with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in the 2011 elections, and resurfaced once again this time as POs and PCs for the 2015 elections.

Rohee said that although GECOM assured the PPP/C that the POs and PCs will not be reemployed, they were.

“There is a strong possibility of collusion by PO and Returning Officers (RO) according to the Chief Election Officer (CEO) Keith Lowen-

‘The PPP/C has never lost free and fair elections, and we maintain our position on the fact that we can never lose at a free and fair elections’ –PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee field, as the penetration of false, fictitious Statement of Polls (SOP)s appeared to be widespread on an undetermined scope and scale, therefore, this means that the system has been corrupted and we have expressed our strong view over this to no avail.”

MESSAGE TO SUPPORTERS Meanwhile apart from that, the PPP/C has extended their praise to their supporters who have remained stead-

fast throughout the history of the struggles of the Party at every elections even before 1992, as they (the Party) has been inspired by members and supporters to whom they owe their gratitude for always being victorious.

“We are calling on you all to remain calm and prepare for the new phase of struggles that will open with the new situation that has emerged within the past few hours,” the PPP/C General Secretary said.

(Navendra Seoraj)

ILO/ECLAC PREDICT...

Unemployment rate could rise in LatAm, the Caribbean LIMA (ILO News) - The unencouraging economic outlook for the current year will likely prompt a mild increase in the regional unemployment rate to 6.2% from the 6.0% registered in 2014, according to estimates released yesterday by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

In a new edition of their joint publication, The Employment Situation in Latin America and the Caribbean, both institutions indicate that the 1% average expansion in economic activity forecast for the region will not be enough to reverse the deceleration process that began in 2011.

The stagnation of Gross

Domestic Product (GDP) per capita should weaken labour demand and, therefore, the creation of salaried employment. For that reason, a decline in the region’s urban employment rate—which refers to the relationship between the employed population and the total number of people who are of working age—is forecast for a third consecutive year.

The report says that on a regional level the decline in labour participation—which is to say, the proportion of the working-age population that is active in the workforce, whether employed or unemployed—seen in 2014 is not expected to be repeated with the same intensity in 2015, which, coupled with a decrease in the employment rate, should lead to higher open unemployment, similar

to the levels seen in 2013.

“The labour market situation in 2015 is not expected to be particularly conducive to progress in reducing poverty and inequality,” Alicia Bárcena, ECLAC’s Executive Secretary, and Elizabeth

Tinoco, ILO Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, state in the document’s prologue.

In effect, the report indicates that during most of the last decade and at the beginning of this current de-

cade, Latin America and the Caribbean made important advances in poverty reduction and income distribution, in a global context characterized by growing inequality.

These improvements were due to the labour market’s positive trends, such as the robust creation of salaried employment and the reduction of gaps in labour income. Other contributing factors included public policies on labour matters (minimum wage, formalization, inspection) as well as non-labour matters (expansion of social protection systems and education).

The first part of ECLACILO’s document analyzes the region’s labour performance in 2014 and attributes the decline in the unemployment rate seen last year to the atypical behavior of labour

markets in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, more specifically to the steep fall in their labour participation rates.

In its second section, the report examines the expansion of social protection in the context of high degrees of informality in the region. It contends that, from a rights perspective, the universalization of social protection is essential to helping build societies where equality is the end-goal of development strategies.

The United Nations organizations indicate that to guarantee universal access it is necessary to integrate contributory and non-contributory components in social protection systems, which entails significant challenges, above all in terms of institutional design and financing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

Blues legend BB King dies at 89

THE ‘King of the Blues’ guitarist and singer, BB King, has died aged 89, his lawyer says.

King, known for his hits Lucille, Sweet Black Angel and Rock Me Baby, died in his sleep in Las Vegas.

Born in Mississippi, King began performing in the 1940s.

He went on to influence a generation of musicians, working with Eric Clapton and U2.

Once ranked as the third greatest guitarist of all time, he had been suffering ill health in recent months.

He was recently taken to hospital with a diabetes-related illness.

ADVERTISEMENT A former farmhand, King was awarded his 15th Grammy award in 2009 for his album, One Kind Favor.

He was also inducted into both the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Rolling Stone magazine placed him behind only Jimi Hendrix and Duane Allman in its list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time.

Until recently, King performed in at least 100 concerts a year. (BBC)

Jamaica Makes Progress on Human Rights (Jamaica Gleaner) JAMAICA has been successful in implementing many of the recommendations on human rights, made by the United Nations Human Rights Council, as they relate to groups like prisoners, children and gays, Minister of Justice Mark Golding revealed yesterday.

T h e c o u n t r y ’s h u man-rights records were reviewed by the United Nations Human Rights Council Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, and Golding, presented the national report to the council, in Geneva.

On conditions in prisons and detention facilities, he noted that the number of persons in police custody decreased by 25 per cent in 2014 resulting in a 50 per cent reduction in overcapacity. He also reported that the number of juveniles in correctional facilities have been reduced by 42 per cent and that police fatal shootings are down by 45 per cent, adding that all police recruits now receive human-rights training.

“In April of this year, Cabinet approved a new administration policy for persons deprived of their liberty, this is an internal policy for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the correctional services, in relation to how

they deal with persons in their custody,” he said “The policy is rights-based and addresses issues relating to children, mentally ill persons and the disabled, who are held in custody,” he added.

INDEPENDENT MONITORING He went on to explain that several policy initiatives to improve the independent monitoring of lock-ups have been developed.

According to Golding, “these initiatives include a more structured approach to lock-up visits by justices of the peace and consequent actions to be taken thereafter. These proposals are undergoing detailed analysis and consideration.”

Pointing to the fact that a number of women hold key positions in the public and private sector, Golding said Jamaica continues to make progress on issues of women’s rights.

“Gender-based violence, however, remains a challenge and requires a multi-stakeholder approach in seeking solutions. A national strategic plan to eliminate gender-based violence in Jamaica is being finalised,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

Montano, Rihanna collaboration?

Possible soca, R&B fusion

are still on the road and were doing quite well.

For Montano as he matures and continues to solidify himself in his career; he admits he has learned several life lessons along the way.

He said, “Excellence is definitely a habit and it is a habit that must be acquired and maintained. I have come to understand once you work hard to obtain; you must work even harder to maintain. I R&B diva Rihanna, left, and soca star Machel Montano at right

WILL there be a musical collaboration between Machel Montano and Rihanna in the future?

The “Like A Boss” singer did not confirm nor deny the possibility but preferred to keep the media guessing during the TUCO/Vibe CT 105, National Road March prize presentation at Diamond Motors showroom, Richmond Street, Port of Spain yesterday.

Having worked with American Grammy award winning singer-songwriter, Angela Hunte-Wisner, better known by her stage name, Angela Hunte, Montano said he had spoken to Rihanna on Sunday night. He has also had conversations with American soul/neo soul singer-songwriter, record producer and actress Angela “Angie Stone” Laverne Brown, Trinidadian born American rapper, singer and songwriter Nicki Minaj to name a few.

Montano did not want to reveal too much but did say there are possible collaborations with everybody in order for soca music to get worldwide recognition.

Montano noted that collaborating with some of the biggest names in the music was integral for soca music to move from something seasonal to global mainstream.

He said, “Sometimes we focus a lot more on street music, jump-up music and Carnival music, and for me, I am saying that next year, my music could change every year. I grow by recreating myself and recreating my focus and my goals. One of my main goals is to make a soca music that is really more acceptable to the rest of the world.”

Earlier this year, Montano revealed that he would be opting out of the Carnival competition area however he plans to take soca music around the world.

Montano, who also goes by the name Monk Monte, says this is the next chapter

in his musical career.

He said, “A lot of what we produce is seasonal and it solely base on Carnival day or the Carnival season but we trying to create soca music outside of that while still creating music in the season and we have been doing that for the past few years.

“I just have been focusing a lot more my attention on that kind of music. Sometimes the Carnival songs that win Soca Monarchs and Road Marches tend to focus on the feting, jumping, waving and what we do at Carnival time but I think now is the time for us to write songs that will bring people together; showing them the way of love and unity and peace. I hope I can achieve these things by killing two birds with one stone.”

Dressed all in black, Montano held up the keys to his brand new 1.6 GLX Mitsubishi Lancer, valued at $164,000.

Grateful for the award, Montano said he could not have achieved it without God, and the support of family, friends and fans.

He said, “When I first set my eyes on the Road March in 1997, I wanted to write the biggest song for Carnival and somehow “The Truck” (Big Truck) came to mind. In the years following, it was not about the biggest song for Road March but what I can produce that will make people happy.”

Montano had a big smile on his face during the presentation and said that it was indeed an honour to win Road March since it is judged by the people and not by a panel of judges.

“This award is judged by the will of the people,” he said.

Noting that history has a tendency to repeat itself, Montano said, “I remember last year, I said, I will see you all again this year.”

Having already won several cars, he assured the small gathering that three of which

have worked very hard at achieving excellence and not just to win the Road March title but with an aim in mind.

Sometimes people’s reason becomes a consequence of their aim. I always aim to provide the best to people; to provide the best for myself and of myself to people. I have seen great results of that and it is not necessarily me by myself I always have to give thanks to Almighty God that gives me the understanding that you do your best; when you are blessed. He has given

each and everyone of us a talent and a purpose.”

Montano took a moment to acknowledge artistes like London, Future, Deputy, Casey Phillips and Full Blown Entertainment.

Kevon and Kory Hart are the people behind Full Blown Entertainment, a local music production and songwriting company responsible for the songwriting/production of songs for a variety of artistes including Boyz II Men, Kes The Band, Kerwin Dubois and Machel Montano.

Montano said, “These men were responsible for Vibes Cyah Done, Mr Fete, Fog and Like A Boss.”

“I always believe in cooperation over competition.

I cooperate every year and I work with young talent and I always listen to the young voice which I believe is the future,” he added.

Montano said, “What we put out is what we going to get and we put out is our heart and soul. It is not just for Road March but for the rest of the world.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

Bomb scare at GRA Habitual fraudster gets 14 months jail building in NA A BOMB scare shut down the Guyana Revenue Office in New Amsterdam during the midday hours yesterday, after a telephone call was received by a tax inspector.

The staff were evacuated around 11.35hrs as the bomb squad searched the building at the corner of the New Amsterdam Stelling Road.

Police have since given the all clear and deemed the building safe.

Thirty-six-year-old Nicola Luther, reported that on answering a telephone call from landline number 3332948, the male caller was heard saying, a bomb was in the building.

The police were summoned and a team from the Criminal Investigations

The GRA building in New Amsterdam

Department,led by Sergeant Curtis Cort conducted “precautionary safety checks” on the building.

Consequently, the staff were allowed to re-enter

the building at 1330hrs,but shortly after closed its doors for business. The nearby Guyana Power and Light corporation followed suit.

Ti-Jean and His Brothers kicks off Walcott season

Ruby Parris as Firefly and Jesus Patterson as Cricket

(TRINIDAD Guardian) - Monkey Mountain celebrates the 85th birthday of Caribbean playwright and Nobel laureate Derek Walcott this year with Playing Walcott, a season of three of his plays, starting with his beloved Ti-Jean and His Brothers directed by Christine Johnston at the Little Carib Theatre May 28 to 31, a release said.

Set in a rain forest, the play is ostensibly a Caribbean fairy tale. The animals of the forest, through dialogue, dance and song, tell the story of the devil and his minion, the Bolom, who challenge three brothers, Gros Jean, Mi-Jean and Ti-Jean, through various demanding tasks and provocations, to make the devil acquire human sentiment

(compassion/sympathy).

The brothers must accept and execute the challenges without losing their temper.

If any of them loses his temper he will be destroyed. If the devil is unable to anger the brothers, he will become human(e).

But Ti Jean is more than just a fairy tale. According to Theodore Colson, as cited

by Antoni in his book report on allfreepapers.com, the play is “a parable of man’s confrontations with the devil and more particularly of black man’s confrontations with the white devil.”

Antoni continues: “Walcott’s use of poetry, imagery and allegory epitomises the conflict of the plot efficiently and effectively.

More specifically, the anger, comedy, sacrifice, greed

and darkness drawn by the peasantry of Walcott’s characters and the complexity of the issues that they face represent and address more than the surface of the play, providing the audience with not only a greater grasp of the struggles faced by the Afro-Caribbean identity but also a platform for the analysis and examination of the effects of colonisation on a nation of people.

Within the play, Walcott utilises various characters and techniques so as to effectively communicate his point such as the animals, the mother, the devil, the planter and Gros-Jean.”

The play, infused with music composed by Andre Tanker, superbly blends comedy and tragedy, and explores the power of good versus evil.

Director Christine Johnston says “it’s an honour and a privilege to be asked to direct Walcott . . .and one of my very favourite plays too. I intend to make this Ti Jean and His Brothers the very best Caribbean fairy tale ever staged.”

In addition to Ti-Jean and His Brothers, Playing Walcott will feature his other gems, Beef, No Chicken, in July and O Babylon, in November, both at the Little Carib Theatre.

AN habitual fraudster was yesterday sentenced to 14 months in jail at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court,after she was found guilty of larceny by clerk or servant.

Jasodra Bahadur, 35, a sales representative of Lot 18 Block ‘CC’ Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, was slapped with seven charges; however, the magistrate dismissed six of the charges for the lack of evidence.

Bahadur however was found guilty of the charge which read that on February 13, 2013 at Georgetown,she stole $597,659, property of Mohamed R.D. Khan.

The case which started in 2013 and was presided

over by Magistrate Judy Latchman, ended when the magistrate stated that the prosecution had satisfied her in their presentations that the accused had stolen the money while being employed as a sales representative of New Horizon Food and Manufacturing Distribution Company and betrayed the trust of the businessman .

The matter was prosecuted by Police Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt, while Bahadur was represented by attorney-at-law Latchmie Rahamat.

The prosecution alleged that Mohamed RD Khan is a customer and usually signs blank cheques and the accused, who was as-

signed to deal with Khan, is responsible for inserting the amount and name of her employer. However, the accused would instead insert her name on the cheque, along with a large amount of money, change the cheque and give her employer their money and then keep the rest for herself.

The magistrate in her ruling impressed upon the defendant, the commandment “thou shall not steal.” Bahadur currently still has several forgery and embezzlement charges by her employer before the court ,while other matters similar in nature are currently being investigated by the police.

Confessed murderer ‘Bizen Bull’ jailed for 40 years

By George Barclay CONFESSED murderer Gilbert Gill, called “Bizen Bull”, who was charged with the brutal murder of Khemraj Dass,47, was yesterday jailed for 40 years.

Justice George had started the sentence with 50 years, but subsequently deducted 10.

Gill,who was said to be the product of a dysfunctional family,had struck Dass twice on the head with a piece of wood,then slashed him across the throat with a knife before throwing him overboard.

Before the trial, Justice Madame Roxanne George had caused the prisoner to be assessed by Government psychiatrist Dr.Bhiro Harry at a psychiatric clinic of the Georgetown Hospital Corporation from the 28th April, 2015.

The doctor said that he had the opportunity to interview the prisoner’s parents on the 4th May at the Hospital Clinic, where his mother is a patient.

In a report to the judge on Gill’s history, Dr. Harry said: “He was born from a difficult delivery and had to be given oxygen and put into the incubator, both mother and baby had to spend many days in hospital. “Ás a baby growing up he became delirious with high fever and subsequently experienced seizures. He is usually impulsive and experiences frequent, intense headaches without apparent reason.

“His parents described a psychotic episode a few years before the incident and similar behaviour just around the time of the incident.

“He understands the nature and purpose of the legal proceedings against him and recalled and explained in coherent language the facts of the incident. He understands the charges against him and the penalties if convicted.

He is not likely to be disruptive in the court room.

“On the day of assessment, he was quiet and cooperative, well oriented as to time, place and person, and responded appropriately to questions.

“DIAGNOSTIC CONCLUSION ► Mental Retardation, degree not specified. ► Organic Brain Syndrome (chronic). ► Subclinical Seizures “He should be treated with Carbamazepine for the rest of his life.

“This prisoner is considered fit to stand trial.”

BHIRO HARRY MD P.S. If the prisoner had been brought earlier, then we would have been able to do a more in-depth and comprehensive report.

The accused,who was represented by Mr. M. Kissoon, pleaded guilty and urged the judge to inflict the type of punishment that would provide for the requisite medical attention.

In narrating the facts of the case, Prosecutrix Miss Shawnette Austin disclosed that the accused was only 19 years old when the offence was committed on Khemraj Dass, called “Lakeram.”

According to her , it appears that the deceased and the defendant were in a fight; the defendant took away a piece of wood from the deceased and lashed him twice on the head, then

took a knife from his own pocket, “pulled” it across the deceased’s throat,then threw him overboard . He then threw away the knife and wood and washed the blood off the boat that they were on.

The deceased’s body was soon after fished out from the koker at Wales by the police.

“Clearly, the acts of killing, and after the killing , were devoid of emotions; they are consistent with careful, but violent thoughts, and ease, with which the acts were carried out, almost of an inhuman kind.

“The evidence against the accused reveals a confession tendered as freely and voluntarily.

The probation officer in the Social Enquiry Report disclosed that the prisoner, who is now 22 years old is the product of a dysfunctional family; born to a mother who is mentally ill, an alcoholic father and has siblings who suffer mental illness.

He was raised in an abusive home and experienced the brutal attacks of his father towards his mother .

Coupled with his inability to perform academically, those experiences may have affected him mentally.

The probation officer however declared that under the circumstances therefore, society cannot condone the settling of disputes through violence that result in death and citizens must respect the sanctity of life, hence, to take another person’s life which occurred in this instance, must be met with consequences so that brutality will not thrive, and law and order will prevail.

A Call for Peace 15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

God is involved. It seems the universal god, with his spirits of holiness, and the universe wish for the parties to be one patriotic national front government. For all to work together. The political animosities must end; the hostilities must end now!

And no one must abandon their country.

If this or that party wins, and have faith in your country, I do, regardless of who wins, and if the APNU wins, then so be it, God Bless them

Roshan Khan

By Haji Roshan Khan Dear People of Guyana, This is Roshan Khan advising: We need the philosophy of love and that of peace and calm.

I have seen many who appear to be supporting the APNU making certain comments not very nice, and then I see people of the PPP being depressed and also not saying pleasant things. Look, listen and read well. While I believe a recount must be done if requested to end all complaints, the reality is this: Regardless of who wins, the truth is: Life continues.

If PPP wins, there will be no “witch hunt”; and if APNU wins, it will be same. This is time for healing, and calling on the Universe of God to pour down its healing, fertilizing winds and energies.

The nation needs healing,

not suspicion, pain and hate, distrust and confusion.

MEDITATION TIME Close your eyes all centre your concentration at the middle of your forehead between the eyebrows: Breathe calmly three times, slowly in and very slowly out. Then say: I am a peaceful soul; I am a loving soul; I am a progressive soul, and breathe and think that from the heart, slowly, and eliminate as you exhale the negatives, the confusion, the annoyance, and think as you inhale: I am a calming soul; I am a child of God; I am a peaceful soul; I am a loving soul, I am one with God; I am one with God. Breathe slowly a bit more, and the tension will disappear.

The message I get from deep thought and mediation it all is that the Hand of

APNU+AFC calls on all Guyanese to remain calm, respectful A PA RT N E R S H I P f o r National Unity and Alliance for Change Coalition (APNU+AFC) calls on all Guyanese to remain calm and respectful even as we await the official declaration of results of the 2015 elections and the swearing in of David Granger as the next President of Guyana.

The preliminary results, as announced by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), demonstrates that we have come together as Guyanese to elect a

Unity Government that will represent the rights of all.

We call on Guyanese who are celebrating this victory to do so respectfully and within the ambits of the laws of the land.

These elections results reflect the spirit of National Unity, which inspired the APNU+AFC campaign. We call on all Guyanese to ensure that their conduct, in the days ahead, reflects our motto, ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’.

an God Bless Guyana, the fight is done, those who have lost may have gained more than they realize, they need to reflect, and recharge, and all should end the hostility and combativeness, and think of togetherness: One people; One nation; One destiny.

Change is good it is said. Let us see!!!! The winner knows they will be on test and will do the best they can. If PPP loses, they can look with victory of all their accomplishments and achievements for

Guyana, as one can look and see, we have emerged from the dark ages. They have placed Guyana on the high road to success.

Politicians need to see the writings on the wall of life; god’s signposts........the hearts and the universe, and read it with the heart and soul and comprehend the message for oneness. This is what I read friends and families. If APNU wins there will be no confrontations from them, they will wish to win hearts

and souls, this is the reality, and prove that they are better. Therefore if your party, the PPP loses, there must no annoyances, no quarrels, no misbehavior, no tears, for you had done what you could, as at times there are things you and I have no control over, so just acceptance from the Universal Conscience; work and bless your country and go about your business.

GOD BLESS YOU. GOD BLESS GUYANA.

APNU+AFC begins country

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

––supporters already anoint Gr

By Gary Eleazar “FREEDOM!” It was the first word shouted; and it was loud, jubilant, triumphant and impassioned. It was in reaction to GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Mr Keith Lowenfield announcing, albeit preliminarily, that Brigadier (Rt’d) David Granger has more or less been elected the next Head of State of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

He is, for the moment, the de facto ‘President Elect.’

72 HOURS LATER

A true APNU+AFC 2015 campaign hero is brought to tears at the announcement At noon yesterday, May 16, 2015, 72 hours after the Monday, May 11 18:00hrs close of poll, Lowenfield was about to announce to the nation GECOM’s preliminary results following the long-awaited tabulation, verification, cross referencing and processing.

Chairman of the Elections Commission, the normally verbose Dr. Steve Surujbally was brief as he introduced Lowenfield to reveal the results.

I was assigned to cover the Campaign Headquarters of the coalesced A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) party on the border of Queenstown and Alberttown in Georgetown.

Aided by public broadcast, word had already spread of GECOM’s imminent press conference to be delivered ‘live’ to the nation, and scores of persons had already descended on the premises, and begun to assemble in front of the largescreen television that had become a feature of the location.

Twenty/20 cricket action was in full swing, but few, if any, paid attention

to the game that was being broadcast, the attention of the assembly being absorbed in the heated debate among those present, tempers flaring and emotions running high as the minutes ticked closer to noon.

ANXIETY OVERDRIVE The mature kept the anxious calm, and when Dr. Surujbally appeared on screen to speak, a deadly silence so hijacked the atmosphere that if a nail had been dropped (I wouldn’t stretch it to a pin), its fall would have evoked a deafening noise. And as Mr Lowenfield pre-ambled, it was as if time had stopped as faces spelled anxiety in overdrive; but all remained as silent as a sentry on the graveyard shift.

The bar graphs were displayed on screen as Lowenfield’s voice translated the illegible, out-of-focus, all-important data the nation had waited so anxiously for, and disclosed the results, region by region.

The incumbent Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) secured the first three regions: Barima/Waini; Pomeroon/ Supenaam, and Essequibo Islands/West Demerara, with commanding votes over the opposition. Exactly 93,931 cumulative votes were cast in these three regions, according to GECOM’s preliminary figures.

The APNU+AFC team, having campaigned long and hard in the three regions, earned for themselves the confidence of a cumulative 30,489 electors of the three regions, whilst the incumbent party commanded a massive 62,384 votes, more than double that of the opposition.

Force (TUF) and the United Republican Party (URP).

HUSHED The APNU+AFC campaign headquarters remained hushed as more supporters made their way in, and were quickly brought to silence if not paying attention to the keen ears and eyes trained on the television ahead.

The results of Region Four were next read. APNU+AFC, Lowenfield said, obtained 113,534 votes; the

GREEN/YELLOW GARB The gathering kept growing by the minute. Many were decked out in green and yellow garb (no need to explain why), and were quickly hushed as Lowenfield prepared to announce the results for those that voted in Region Five, in the Mahaica-Berbice district.

APNU+AFC supporters paying keen attention to the GECOM announcement IP 200; NIP 217; and word of the PPP/C securing only 69,914 votes instantly brought a sense of relief to those around me. Lowenfield had announced that APNU+AFC had secured a commanding lead over the

It’s Official! At least according to these supporters as they react to the GECOM CEO announcing the APNU+AFC ahead of the PPP/C by more than 5000 votes at the General Election THOSE OTHERS The other parties contesting the 2015 elections were as follows: the Independent Party (IP), the National Independent Party (NIP), The United

hear about the 50 votes the TUF had garnered, nor the 34 that the URP had acquired.

incumbent PPP/C when the votes were counted for Region Four, Demerara/ Mahaica. A total of 183,949 votes had been cast in this Region, but with word of the APNU+AFC’s performance in the region, none cared to

This region has, over the years, been recognised as a stronghold of the ruling PPP/C, but during the 2011 elections, the opposition had make significant inroads there.

At the 2011 elections, APNU and AFC contested as separate parties, but collectively, as an opposition, they had secured 11,987 votes, while the had PPP/C secured 13,558.

This time around, Lowenfield announced that 13,416 votes had been counted for the Coalition, while 16,644 votes had been tallied for the incumbent party. None of the other parties secured more than double digits when the tabulations were completed.

Those glaring at the television screen, sometimes sneeringly, as GECOM’s CEO made the announcement, maintained restraint as the votes for Region Six were announced. The PPP/C was again in electoral control of East Berbice/Corentyne.

The coalition did continue to make impressive showing in the Region at the polls, securing, according to Lowenfield, 22,112 of the total 61,927 votes that had been cast.

The PPP/C, however, remained in commanding control with 39,536 of the votes for that region.

HEADQUARTERS SILENT The TUF was the only one of the smaller parties to secure more than

ywide victory celebration GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

17

ranger de facto ‘President elect’ PRESIDENT ELECT All of the Statements of Poll had been submitted, according to the GECOM Chairman; and as Lowenfield prepared to announce the Region 10 results, the crowd shifted yet closer, somewhat unconsciously, I presume, towards the television.

Lowenfield said 16,791 persons in Region 10 had cast valid votes for the coalition, and news of the PPP/C only receiving 2,785 votes unleashed yet another short-lived but gleeful outburst.

seen quickly trying to calculate, ahead of the announcement.

With each listener hanging on to Lowenfield’s every word, the GECOM CEO said APNU+AFC had secured 206, 817 votes; the IP 338 votes; NIP 516; and the PPP/C, 201... That was as far as he got! APNU+AFC supporters had heard enough to know that their Presidential Candidate, Brigadier (rtd) David Arthur Granger, was thousands of votes ahead, however preliminary the announcement; and this was enough to

A priceless reaction 100 votes in that region.

The APNU+AFC campaign headquarters maintained silence; the television could be heard from a usually long distance away, given the size of the crowd that had converged listening to what has since proved to be a most historic occasion.

The GECOM CEO then announced the preliminary results for Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni). There were only 7,481 votes cast in this region, of which the ruling party secured 2,673. Word of APNU+AFC winning the region with 4,596 votes saw a short-lived outburst quickly tempered, as there were still the results for three key regions to be announced.

A total of 3,628 votes were cast in the Potaro/Siparuni Region Eight con-

stituency, and the coalition won this region too; but barely. The coalesced APNU+AFC secured 1,837 of the votes, with the PPP/C closely behind with 1,727 of the votes. The smaller parties collectively earned less than 100 votes from this region.

Both of the main contenders had campaigned hard in Region Nine, Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo, and there was a total of 9,546 valid votes cast.

The coalition did not win this region, but supporters did not seem to lose hope, as Region 10 was a known stronghold for the opposition, and the results for that region were still to be announced.

The coalition garnered 3,592 votes in Region Nine, whilst the incumbent had a commanding lead of 5,794.

A notation on history The figures for all 10 regions had been announced, but they had still not yet been consolidated, as Lowenfield somewhat gloatingly built the tension.

Seconds ticked away. Many could be

The celebrations begin (Photos by Delano Willams)

ignite wild celebrations!

The PPP/C in fact secured 201,457 votes, more than 5,300 votes less See page 19

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

29 graduate from Board of Industrial Training in Essequibo TWENTY-nine students have graduated after completing a one-year training programme through the Board of Industrial Training, Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security.

Students at the graduation ceremony at Anna Regina

A student receiving her certificate from senior personnel officer, Ms Gaitree of the Region Two Administration

 According to reports, the training programme prepared students to work in such fields as clerical office practice, community health practice, mechanic, medical laboratory assistant, medical records, nurse aide, pharmacist, videography, welding and fabrication.

The training was done under the theme: National Training Project for Youth Empowerment. Coordinator of the training programme on the Essequibo Coast, Mr Mohamed Shaheed said students were accommodated in the various departments of the Regional Administration where they were trained during the one-year period. Mr Shaheed thanked the graduands for taking up the challenge to be trained so as to enter the world of work.

Senior personnel officer in the Region Two Administration, Ms Gaitree said youths are playing a major role in society and training to enter the world of work is very important. She said the Administration is willing to accommodate persons in all departments to undergo training.

Regional Executive Officer Mr Sunil Singh in his address said graduation is not the end of life because persons will have to move on from being trainees to higher positions. He said a job comes with responsibility because whatever the worker does will have an impact on the next worker in line.

The students were awarded certificates for successfully completing their training. (Rajendra Prabhulall)

REO Sunil Singh hands over a certificate to a student

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

APNU+AFC begins countrywide ...

From centre

than the coalition; the TUF’s 880; and the URP’s 338 votes; but this didn’t matter to the APNU+AFC supporters as the celebrations began.

UNSHACKLED & FREE “We are free! Freedom! We have finally been delivered! Jesus, Lord, You are mighty!

The shackles have been broken!” were but some of the exclamations of praise emanating from the lips of young and old, male and female; not to mention that there were Guyanese of each ethnic variation, including the never mentioned ‘dougla.’

Tears of joy could be seen streaming down the faces of those who had gathered. Friends embraced each other, and strangers turned to strangers with hugs, smiles, kisses, and all forms of triumphant embraces and gestures.

It mattered not who was embraced. There was a common bond of camaraderie among those that celebrated, in that they had, in some way or another, played a role in removing the PPP/C from Office, a feat that took 23 long years to accomplish.

Curious passers-by in vehicles were quickly alerted to the reason behind the celebrations, and they reacted in kind. Car horns began to blare in a cacophony of jubilation as supporters of the coalition learnt of what was, for them, a valid enough announcement as a final declaration.

THE jubilation briefly subsided outside of the coalition’s headquarters for a word of prayer in recognition of divine intervention sought in achieving the feat. After a few hymns, the jubilation was too much to contain, and people descended on the premises by the hundreds within minutes, literally screaming, seemingly feeling vindicated at having cast their ballots in support of the coalition on Monday last.

ELECTIONS RIGGED Head of State, Donald Ramotar, has however not taken the news

lightly. He has since lashed out at the international observers, all of whom had declared that the elections process had been free and fair. President Ramotar has charged that there was rigging in the process, and he has since demanded a recount of every single ballot cast across the country.

Word of this threat did little to subdue the elation which was spreading like wildfire. The coalition’s flags were by this time draped across vehicles, as horns blared ever more frequently. Ever so often, an impromptu motorcade criss-crossed the streets of Georgetown with the common chant: “Granger! Granger! Granger!

Granger!”

ACCEPT RESULTS/MOVE ON The diplomatic community and other stakeholders quickly issued statements, urging all parties to accept the results and move forward with a peaceful transition.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC), in its missive to the media, said it welcomed the release of the results of the General and Regional Elections of 2015 by GECOM. According to the Private Sector umbrella body, “We urge all parties to accept these results…

We have every reason to believe that the results

reflect the will of the people of Guyana… We urge the leaders to move forward in a spirit of unity, trust and reconciliation, as we continue to build our beloved Guyana.”

Meanwhile, the Commonwealth of Nations’ Observer Group, headed by former New Zealand Minister of Government Kate Wilkinson, in reaction to the GECOM announcement, said: “We congratulate the Guyana Elections Commission for releasing the preliminary results of voting as soon as they could….

We encourage the people of Guyana to continue to display patience and restraint whilst awaiting the final declaration of election results.”

In face of the countrywide celebrations following the GECOM announcement, APNU+AFC did issue a formal statement, wherein it called on all Guyanese to remain calm and respectful, “even as we await the official declaration of results of the 2015 elections and the swearing in of David Granger as the next President of Guyana.”

According to the coalition, the preliminary results, as announced by GECOM, “demonstrate that we have come together as Guyanese to elect a Unity Government that will represent the rights of all…We call on Guyanese who are celebrating this victory to do so respectfully and within the ambit of the laws of the land.”

19

ARIES - You’re unstoppable today. It seems you can do anything.

Your confidence and energy are high. There’s no question that you’re ready to take the world by storm. Is the world ready for you? Think carefully as you formulate plans for your new project. Whatever you do will succeed, but be sure you’re doing what you really want to do rather than what others expect of you.

TAURUS - It’s likely that you’re being held back by certain traumatic past events. Before you can make further progress in your life, you must address these painful memories for the last time. If it feels too frightening to do alone, seek professional help. You will find that mustering the courage to do this difficult, emotional housecleaning is more than half the battle.

GEMINI - You could receive some sort of windfall today. Use it wisely. Consider buying some time to figure out what you want to do with your life. It’s likely that your career isn’t exactly ringing your bells these days. You’re ready for new challenges and opportunities.

Meditate on what would make you happy and then take a systematic approach to achieving it.

CANCER- It’s likely that you will succeed at whatever you set out to accomplish today. If you’ve been held back by worries over the integrity of a relationship or the long-term prospects of a partnership, you can dispel concerns by confronting the person directly. You may find he or she has the same feelings about you! Honesty is important today.

LEO - Your energy may flag a bit today. There’s nothing to worry about, though you could take better care of your health. What happened to that exercise regimen you vowed to start? It’s never too late to improve your eating habits and begin working out. Even if you only walk three times a week, you will notice a dramatic difference in your appearance and outlook.

VIRGO - Today is meant for socialising and connecting. Your creativity is at an all-time high, so also try to work in some quiet time where you can do some writing or painting. If friends invite you out in the evening, by all means, take them up on the offer. You may meet someone who could be pivotal to your career. Be open to all possibilities.

LIBRA - You can’t help but notice that your home looks a bit drab.

Today you could plan to do something about it. It won’t take much money, just time and a little creativity. Paint some samples on the walls. Your spirits will improve. You can make big changes to the mood of the place simply by introducing more colour.

SCORPIO -You have a to-do list a mile long today. You may spend a lot of your day running errands. It certainly takes a lot to run a household, as you no doubt realise. Try not to get overwhelmed with all that you feel needs to be done. Most of the deadlines are self-imposed.

No one will know if you don’t meet them.

SAGITTARIUS - You’re ready for a career change, or at least a change of venue. Have you considered telecommuting one day per week? That might give you the variety you seek without needing to find a new job. You may meet someone today or in the near future who will have a dramatic influence on your career decisions. Listen carefully.

CAPRICORN -What is your dream? Answer that question as specifically as possible today, then set about attaining that goal. All signs indicate that whatever you begin today will pay off big time. Even though you may feel that your dreams are too ambitious, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. Vow to take things one step at a time.

Keep in mind the old adage, “Once begun is half done.”

Friday, May 15, 2015 - 14:30hrs Saturday, May 16, 2015 - 14:30hrs Sunday, May 17, 2015 - 14:30hrs

AQUARIUS - This may seem odd, but you may not be the person you think you are. There are indications that you have hidden talents.

If they come out today, no one will be more shocked than you! This could take your career in an entirely new direction. Strategise ways to incorporate this talent into your career. Your work will take on a new dynamic, and you will take a major leap forward.

PISCES - You’re about to experience a major change in your life’s direction, and it may occur today. Keep your mind open to all sorts of possibilities. You’re likely to receive some important information. Of course, you may not realise its importance right away. It’s only with the passage of time that you will look back on this event as pivotal.

Make sure you don’t miss it.

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

Phone#: 616-0301 or 699-6156

IT ONLY TAKES A SPARK TO GET LOVE’S FIRE BURNING

HE chased her in the fields as a child whilst pond flies buzzed their approval. They played hop-scotch’ together as youngsters, stealing childish little kisses with pure childlike innocence.

They hopped and frolicked daily in the sun, unaware that true love was growing, clutching at their little hearts with strange feather-like fingers.

By the time they were teenagers, they were caught up in a whirlpool of broiling romance that threatened to shatter Calcutta Village with its intoxicating intensity.

Not able to hold off any longer, Rex and Tasha Mc Kenzie recently tied the knot, at the Calcutta Primary School, with a beautiful ceremony at which friends and relatives danced and celebrated until dawn.

As the hot ‘country gyals’ would normally do, dancehall hotties Stayon, Jenny, Tokisha, Janice, Kay and others shook the very structure of the build-

ing as they ‘split’, somersaulted and trembled their rear ends in wild jubilation.

Then Rex and Tasha left the wedding hall, giggling like teenagers as they prepared to culminate the night’s proceedings with endless love. Well, you all know what couples do on their wedding nights, don’t you?

And my! My! My! Calcutta village shook from one end to the other as Rex and Tasha expressed their sensual ecstasy into the early morning skies.

Bombshell applauds the happy couple for tying the knot, and wishes them all the best in their future endeavours.

Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it. If a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned. Song of Solomon Chapter 8 verse 7. Congratulations, Rex and Tasha!!!

Several years ago, he fed her with mangoes and sapodillas from the Calcutta Backdam.

This night, he is happily feeding her with delicious cake and other things as he shares his undying love with her.

Bombshell’s Most Provocative Babes…

NIKETA JHINGOREE: A scorching diva with curves to die for

This curvy diva with the curves of a lifetime is Niketa

She’s like a vast rolling valley with lush curves that undulate like vegetation stirred to charming by churning waves of rich tropical winds.

Pearly white teeth tease enticingly from behind pouting desirable lips, as eyes light up and sparkle like stars made brighter by the appealing little Guyanese dimples.

Long, tapered and sultry legs evoke stirring tales of sweet moonlight kisses, heart throbbing caresses and whatever else goes with that state of excitement.

Buxom, curvaceous hips roll like Atlantic waves, and these are accentuated by other assets that ooze frenzied cuddling amongst silky sheets as moans of serene fulfillment rises from the very bowels of a romantically sedated soul.

Featherlike brushes from svelte finger tips tingle the body…..

Niketa Jhingoree is certainly the Caribbean Queen, built and created only for sensual bliss and ultimate satisfaction. This hottie enjoys modelling,

Feast your eyes on ‘Royal Caribbean Hottness’ reading, dancing, travelling, and interacting with creative and ambitious individuals.

While she is convinced that beauty certainly lies in the eyes of the beholder, she still declares that a woman is as beautiful and desirable as she feels.

Well, my humble gentlemen, Niketa did not leave a contact number; but if you are smart, you will rush to Facebook before the other vultures do.

You will find her there….

Rex and Tasha Mc Kenzie as they drink to a life of infinite love and romance.

Bedroom Confessions ready to serve up the ‘ultimate bargain’

G U YA N E S E were, just rec e n t l y, a b l e to appease all their erotic, chocolate and dandy fetishes when Bedroom Confessions/ Meena’s Sweet Treats opened its doors to the public with a lavish ceremony at its 161 Charlotte Street & Orange Walk, Georgetown place of business.

Well, folks there have worked all week to create an amazing package that will ensure you appease your most erotic desires and unleash your ‘forbidden fantasies’ with the likes of just about any imaginable ‘novelty toy’.

Come on now dears; don’t be bashful. The items there are those you have never heard of, nor ever imagined existed!!! Talk about taking your fetishes to the very limit…

Well, this very sizzling offer is served up to your likeness on a golden platter of confidentiality, and with ultimate professional standards. So what are you waiting for? Call them and make an appointment to indulge your exotic yearnings. Or you can just visit them at the above address, so that you can get a first-hand experience in exploding like a blinding kaleidoscope of shooting stars! Ha!Ha! Ha! Ha! Haaaa!

This new entity allows you to ignite and fan your sultry flames with enticing chocolates, sexy lingerie, breath-taking candles, finest wines, and sizzling novelties to provide the experience of a lifetime.

To top things off, you can also indulge in the most dazzling evening gowns, swimsuits and more.

Planning a special ‘candies fiesta’? Then you can splurge in the Veena’s Sweet Treats section, which offers only US-based confectionery. These include Dentyne gums, Jordan almonds, ring jellies, heartthrobs, marshmallow twists, tootsie rolls, ice cubes, yogurt pretzels, Hershey’s chocolates, and so much more.

Positioned in an ideal location (Opposite Sweet Point Hangout Bar), folks there can be contacted on phone numbers 226-6568, 621-9048, or 694-0907.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

You Shouldn’t Do That!!!

Some mothers are just careless and inconsiderate WHEN I was growing up, the word ‘mother’ was more associated with females of demure, kind, charming and considerate qualities.

It’s shocking to know that, with the changing hands of time, some mothers do no longer embody those qualities that had once set them apart as a special breed of human beings….

Today, mothers are carefree and irresponsible, and some of them just “don’t give a damn if God Friday falls on August Monday!”

In my time as a child growing up, mothers would take special care of their young children, and would never let them out of their sight, not even for a minute.

Today, that situation is very much in the opposite.

Take, for instance, the very young child in this photo. I stood up for almost forty-five minutes on the Sophia Bus Park, observing this very young boy walking aimlessly around, hitting passengers and begging for coins. I was shocked and kept wondering where in de royal blue sky his mother was. Some of the bus conductors and touts tried to get him off the park, and some even mentioned that “he motha de bout gaffing somewhea”.

And this little tyke was quick! He kept darting in amongst the touts as they tried to catch him, and they eventually gave up, since earning a fast dollar was of more importance to them.

Well, I walked behind

the tyke for a while, and he dashed towards a nearby confectionery stall where some women were enjoying juicy gossip, raucous peals of laughter erupting at times. On spotting the young child, the ‘supposed’ mother, dressed in a skimpy mini skirt and a very revealing blouse, just scowled at him, and bellowed: “Hey yuh bai!

You know I looking fuh yuh?

Is whea you went, though?”

How disgusting! Should she not have been taking better care of him?” And, to my amazement, the child just giggled and stood there. She ordered him to come to her, and he just mouthed, “No! No!” and ran off amongst the parked minibuses.

People, can you believe this? This mother just rolled

her eyes to the heavens and mouthed, “Shuuuuppppps!” before plunging back with renewed frenzy into her gossiping, which apparently was about the sordid details of a recent sexual conquest being narrated by one of the women, even though many of them had their husbands and other spouses.

Such mothers should certainly be fed to the crows, in a proverbial sense, of course. They deserve to be taught the seriousness of rearing children properly, because children are the future of this young Republic. But then, can they teach what they do not know, or cause children to experience what they perhaps have never experienced in life?

RAFIEYA AASIEYA HUSAIN: The diva who placed Guyana on the map was crowned in Guyana.

She understands her purpose, and was not fazed.

This catwalk diva who destroyed the myth that beauty does not come with brains did not just ‘talk the talk’, but also ‘walked the walk’, bringing positive light to a troubled land.

She raised awareness of the problem of domestic violence in Guyana, and also showed what one person can do with the support of others.

The beauty queen has even gone further by raising enough sponsorship to rehabilitate an old building which now serves as a foundation

for persons facing abuse, getting them the help they need and in the time they need it.

Rafieya has proven that with beauty there could really be a purpose. And while she could have used her achievement to laugh in the face of those who mocked her, she is still humble and focused as a real example of what being sure of yourself and following your dreams can do for a person, and this is an example to girls everywhere.

Her name is in the history books as a result. Way to go, girl!

Congratulation on your future endeavours.

Quote of the Day

Miss Guyana World 2014, Rafieya Husain IT HAS BEEN just a few shell, not only made the months since Guyanese Top 10 of the recent Miss at home and in the dias- World Pageant, but also cappora cried, cheered and tured the Beauty with a Purcelebrated Miss Guyana pose Award, and was later World, Rafieya Husain, crowned Miss Caribbean for breaking a more than World.

40-year-old major interWhile that is old news to national pageant jinx that most, I know for a fact that hung over Guyana. she has a great spirit, and This young lady, whom she persevered despite the I had the privilege of inter- many bitter things posted viewing once for the Bomb- and said about her after she

A tout unsuccessfully attempts to catch this unsupervised young boy

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

THIS week, we could not help bringing you this teaser depicting the very peppy and quite bubbly Raquayyah Boyer as she demonstrated what every sane Guyanese woman should look like in a swimsuit.

With a figure that vividly depicts the lush valleys and alluring hills of our beautiful homeland, Raquayyah has topped the icing on the cake with a smile that dictates she is the ultimate ‘Caribbean Queen’.

My good ladies, if you are going to flaunt that skimpy bikini, then here’s some ‘electric motivation’.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

Moussy ‘Colour Your Life’ Jewellery fashion drawing excited Lindeners tips for women THE Moussy Malt’s Colour Your Life (CYL) 5TH drawing event took place on the 9th May, 2015 at James and Sons Supermarket in Mackenzie, Linden. The sampling team began its journey to the mining town from Southland International’s 23 Brickdam, Stabroek, Georgetown offices at 6:00am.

Upon arriving in Linden, the sampling team decided to change the drawing location after realizing that the Bus/Car Park in Mackenzie had a larger crowd than anticipated, which was ideal for a sampling event before actual drawing.

A large crowd flocked the area immediately as the sampling station was set up.

Everyone who sampled the Moussy Malt deemed the product tasty, refreshing and affordable.

The sampling event at

James and Sons Supermarket in MacKenzie, Linden, started at 12:30pm and lasted up to 2:30pm Winning the 40-inch Samsung flat screen television was Laurence Fung of 1554 Block X, Diamond East Bank Demerara; while Kathleen Waldron of 91 Cinderella City, Linden won the US$50 cash prize. Carting off the grocery voucher valued at $20,000 was Keiron Daly of 10 Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

All winners said they used more than one entry.

The 1st prize winner said his daughters are the ones who consume the Moussy Malt, and they encouraged him to drink it in the beginning. They were dedicated to participating in the competition from its inception, and their hearts were set on winning some of the many prizes. The girls were very excited at winning the 40-

inch Samsung Smart LED TV, and will be using it to keep up to date with the Moussy “Colour Your Life “Promotion!

The second place winner was reluctant to even enter the competition at the beginning, but she changed her mind after realizing how tasty the Moussy Malt drink is. In the end she got her heart’s desire, which is the $20,000 grocery voucher she eventually won.

The third place winner is a ‘die-hard’ fan of the Moussy Malt product, hence winning for him was assured, since he would save all of his caps after consuming the product on a regular basis.

Winning the US$50 to him came at the right time, since he needed that extra cash on hand.

The Next drawing will be at the Survival Supermarket on the 23rd May, 2015.

(From Renaissance Gems) ONCE you’re dressed in your pants suit, jeans and blouse, or even your little black dress, you can’t forget the finishing touches.

Jewellery is an important part of fashion, and should not be neglected, even if all you put on is a gold band on your thumb.

There are a few jewellery fashion tips to keep in mind when finishing off your look.

BRACELETS Any time you wear what can be considered a blouse, especially one with short sleeves or three-quarter sleeves, you should wear a bracelet on one of your arms. If you are going for a casual look, especially with jeans, try silver or gold bracelets with fine crystals or pearls. For an edgy look, such as with an asymmetrical dress, try a metal-coloured bracelet.

For a formal or upscale look, stick with an elegant and simple crystal tennis bracelet or a mesh bracelet made of our precious crystals. Avoid wearing bracelets on both wrists, as that can overwhelm your look.

NECKLACES The necklace that you wear will depend mostly on the neckline of your blouse or dress.

If you’re wearing a V-neck or scoop-neck top, go with a drop necklace with a charm at the end. Wear a precious gem, crystal or rhinestone charm with both formal and casual wear. Choker necklaces look nice with strapless dresses that expose the chest, and they also look nice with spaghetti strap styles.

EARRINGS Details are everything. Even the smallest detail, like a crystal stud, could be the perfect accessory to complete your outfit. There are three main types of earrings that are popular for women in fashion -- hoops, drop earrings and studs.

Hoop earrings should be worn with casual wear, though you can feel free to wear small hoops (the width of a finger) with formal outfits -- especially when the hoops are studded with Swarovski crystals.

Drop earrings are generally extravagant or artistic. They are meant to be admired and commented upon. Put on a pair of drop earrings when you have a special occasion -- an event in which you will surely be “seen.” Most styles of drop earrings go nicely with formal gowns (you see these frequently at red carpet events), dressy pant suits and jeans, when you are wearing a head-turning blouse.

RINGS Select rings according to the size and shape of your finger.

Long fingers can handle almost any style of ring. However, oval or round settings soften the look of overly thin fingers, and wider bands are more flattering than thin ones.

If your fingers are short, measure the area between the knuckle on your hand and the first joint of your finger. Make sure the setting and stone don’t extend past the knuckle.

As well as being uncomfortable, rings that cover the knuckles tend to make fingers look shorter.

Narrow bands are definitely a better choice for short fingers!

JOKE OF THE DAY!

WOULDN’T MISS IT FOR THE WORLD!

IT’S Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, and a man makes his way to his seat right at centre ice. He sits down and, noticing that

the seat next to his is empty, leans over and asks his neighbour if someone would be sitting there.

“No,” says the neighbour. “The seat is empty.”

“That is incredible!” says the man. “Who in their right mind would have a seat like that for the Stanley Cup and not use it?”

The neighbour says, “Well, actually, the seat belongs to me. I was supposed to come with my wife, but

she passed away. This is the first Stanley Cup we haven’t attended together since we got married.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that. That’s terrible!” says the man. “But couldn’t you find someone else, a friend or relative or even a neighbour, to take the seat?”

The seat owner shakes his head. “No,” he says.

“They’re all at the funeral.”

LESS IS MORE Do not overdo your jewellery when accessorizing.

Depending on the styles you choose, there are situations where just one interesting piece of jewellery, like a colourful rhinestone bracelet or a pair of chandelier earrings, will be enough for the whole outfit.

One of the rare acceptable situations when you could wear a necklace, earrings, and a bracelet is when you have a simple drop crystal charm necklace, stud earrings and a tennis bracelet.

SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS – beautiful crystal jewellery Wearing Swarovski crystals is a true demonstration of style, and the incomparable crystal purity is what mainly draws women to them.

Crystal jewellery has been used as adornment since a couple of centuries ago, and Swarovski crystals do not make any exception. The popularity of these crystal beads comes as no surprise; quality jewellery is something everybody wants to have, and every fashion movement includes. Beauty is not a thing that can be gained. Every person is beautiful in his/her own way, but it depends solely on us to enhance our personal qualities.

Finding a unique style and wearing the proper accessories is very important.

You can get yours at Renaissance Gems at 219 Yubani Ave, Eccles, EBD, or at Fogarty’s or at Shantel’s Exotic Creations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

The ladies soliciting corner…

Let’s tell it like it is…

DANIEL STEPHENS: Loving arms Such ah nice gyal get and a lifetime of happiness swindled into marriage

NOW, my ladies, I know you come to my pages every Friday, looking for the next available male catch; and from your responses, I know that I have been able to satisfy your molten desires.

But, mind you dears, every now and then we have to step aside from the rippled dashing men that set your souls on fire and, of course, make room for the true at heart, who are sincerely search for real love and “that woman whose interests lie in caring, and not only flaunting her God-given assets”.

With pride, therefore, we present this week a man who best describes himself as being down-to-earth, simple, “true to the bone”, and blessed with loving arms and infinite happiness.

Twenty-nine-year-old Daniel Stephens is self-employed and desires the company of an ambitious woman who is more focused on build-

Daniel is looking for real love, ladies… ing a life and not breaking his heart. Daniel ‘works out’ regularly, enjoys listening to music, interacting, and taking quiet strolls on moonlit beaches.

He raves that his arms are made to give comfort and security only to the woman of

his dreams, and declares that he would bestow a lifetime of comfort and happiness to that special someone. Oh, he does so need to belong!

May I warn the female roving vultures that this man would not react nicely once he finds out you are a gold digger, or is just there for the funs of life?

To put it in Guyanese parlance: “If yuh know what good fuh yuh, stay in yuh carnah and doan play wid de man head!” But if you are looking for a man of his likeness, then call him on phone number 689-9227. He is just waiting for that call, girls.

Ooops… just in case you are wondering what he is doing with a female handbag around his shoulder, let me inform that “the love of his life” left him standing with that handbag and disappeared forever when he objected to her carefree and chaotic lifestyle.

Miss Bootilicious 2015 set for Cody’s Palace next month I AM quite sure you guys would remember all the excitement and, of course, controversy stirred up last year when Sukerpunch Promotions hosted the third leg of the provocative ‘Miss Bootilicious Reloaded Lingerie Pageant’ for the very curvy women.

Unforeseen circumstances have forced the promoters to now postpone the pageant to a date to be announced in June 2015.

Patrons flocked the venues from far and wide to soak up the scandalous routines and very provocative presentations as very sexy, creative and curvy contestants demonstrated on stage who was best at entertaining their mates in suggestive (but not vulgar) ways; and who were more gifted in implementing strategies to keep their mates from the clutches of wanton vultures.

The ladies last year took to the stage in some of the sheerest and most revealing lingerie, and in most cases smothered their male counterparts with the sheer intensity of their showcases.

Patrons saw an alluring flurry of sexy school teachers transforming themselves into raging sirens, and nurses being transformed by day into erotic dancers; not to mention coy and seemingly harmless librarians and cooks trans-

forming themselves into some of the most captivating divas of the night.

The choreography was electric, and the air was alit with sensual chemistry.

Now folks are clamouring for a repeat, and they are indeed so lucky.

Promoters have already begun preparation for Miss Bootilicious Reloaded 2015; and, come next month, the pageant will feature eight ‘boombastic contestants’ and their equally mesmerizing male models. This year’s pageant will be hosted at Cody’s Palace at Middle and East Streets in Georgetown.

To date, promoters are still soliciting three ladies to make the final line-up, and interested females are urged to call phone numbers 616-0301 or 699-6156 to be shortlisted.

Divas of practically any race

are most welcome to apply.

The eventual winner of the most scorching choreography will cart off a whopping cash prize, bragging rights, a crown and trophy; while the second place winner will take home cash and a trophy. The third place contestant will be awarded cash, a trophy and a pampering package from a popular city salon.

Participants will be competing in three segments, which are: ‘Mingling’, Wet Pulse’ and the ‘Ultimate Bootilicious Showdown’.

Promoters wish to remind that this pageant is more associated with the curvy ladies who are ready to affirm that one can be ‘big yet bold and sexy’.

Meanwhile, we showcase some of the ‘electric ladies’ from the very first Miss Bootilicious Lingerie Pageant.

A school teacher is having the most torrid time of her life, and is about to fall into a coma after she found out -- just three days before her marriage -- that her soon-to-behusband was indeed still married to his former wife, and was desperately trying to get his absolute so that he could marry her.

This teacher is a much respected figure from the Lower East Coast Coast (County deliberately omitted), and she has fainted so many times when she received the news that I am afraid she would barely be able to stand, should she ever get to marry ‘the man of her dreams’.

Man of her dreams?!

She has certainly picked up a nightmare for a husband!

What I know for a fact is dat dis dutty bai marrying de gyal because she come from a good home and she gat nuff rich family in foreign lands. Dis is wan big shameful story because all she family done come in from Ethiopia and de bride ain’t tell dem de shameful news as yet! Oh me mama whoy!!!”

But me ain’t know why she marrying dis bai, because he ain’t get a dime tuh his name and he ugly like ah Ninja Turtle! Dem seh every moley biscuit gat it own chunk ah moley cheese set aside,but hear de hag ah de story nah… (Meh gat tuh whispah dis piece): De bai get ah sore foot, and dem dactah seh he cyant mek pickney! And ah know he ain’t tell de gyal dem things because he marrying she fuh she money.

Dis bai travel all ovah de Caribbean and he ain’t save a dime, because he deh bout de place begging fuh $5000 fuh pay some lawyah fuh get de absolute.

I hear dat he wife refuse fuh geh he ah divorce, suh I ain’t know how he getting married tuh dis nice, decent gyal.

Well wan ah de bai relative call fuh ask a certain educated man fuh pretend tuh be a pasta and duh de ceremony, but de man re-

Look how duh terrible man gat dis poor gyal ah cry, eh? to avoid he putting de fuse because he seh the gyal tuh shame, and de groom still married tuh wedding going on as per anotha woman and he ain’t narmal. want de Creatah fuh rain But I hear de real wife fyah and brimstone pon he. planning fuh turn up with she mini skirt and push De bright bai darn down de wedding cake. right!!!

Whey! People, ah whey How in heaven’s name alyuh deh? Dis is definitely could de groom plan anadda de wedding ah de century. wedding without being diWell, I sarry fuh de vorced from he wife?! Dis pastah who marrying dem. world really getting crazy, Like he ain’t fear de wrath eh? ah de Creatah? And it And could yuh believe look like de bride family dis? Ah hear dem ain’t get got tuh stand all de wedthrough wid de absolute, ding expenses, because de but de groom brotha carry groom ain’t put a dime!!! de $5000 and give he de Whateva happen ah de otha day. Howevah, dem wedding house, yuh know can’t get de absolute fuh de de Bombshell get we spies time dem want it fuh (which deh, and dem gon bring it is just around de corner)! tuh we live and direct!!!

Suh guess wha dem And, my darlings, people dis do? De groom you can rest assured that brotha get a pastah fuh du I am going to tell it to de ceremony just like that you JUST LIKE IT IS!

Look at yuh, eh? You shameful man! De whole village should give yuh a sound trashing!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

Hundreds bid ‘farewell’ to Andrew ...

From back page he will miss his brother, stating that the two were very close.

The former world champion’s sisters all called him their ‘father’.

“I don’t know my father, but I know my brother used to take care of me, look out for me and protect me,” one of his sisters cried while pounding on the fallen champion’s casket.

Rev. Michael Perreira presided at the funeral and during the eulogy which was read by daughter Omalesa, the former Guyanese and WBA champion’s life was chronicled and portrayed the life of a man whose true love was boxing as well as his family.

‘Six Head’ Lewis at the time of his climb to the top was the number one welterweight contender in the WBA rankings and was undefeated in 20 professional fights, knocking out 18 of his opponents.

The Albouystown resident was hunting an achievement

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that would make him a legend if accomplished. He became his

Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis country’s Champion, after Patrick Ford and Lennox Blackmore.

With an entire nation behind him, Lewis went on to win via TKO against Page in 7th of their

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12-round contest.

The boy from Albouystown turned ‘Pro’ in 1993, first stepping into the ring against Fitzroy Davidson and eight years later he sat on top of the world, immortalised by Guyanese home and abroad.

Guyana’s last World champion Shondell Alfred was present at yesterday’s funeral and spoke of how Lewis’s winning a World title inspired her to step into the ring and she later emulated his achievement.

President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) Peter Abdool believes that Lewis’ legacy would be unmatched.

Abdool said that Guyana lost one of the Caribbean and the world’s most technical fighter and that they may never see another ‘Six Head’ Lewis again.

After the tributes and service wrapped up at the Burnham basketball court, the funeral proceeded to the Le Repentir Cemetery for burial.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

Cookson: FIFA needs more than a change at the top

By Alan Baldwin

LONDON, England (Reuters) World football body FIFA will struggle to clean up their reputation without a change of leadership but even that may not be enough, International Cycling Union (UCI) president Brian Cookson said yesterday.

The Briton, who has set about improving his own scandal-mired sport’s image since he was elected in 2013, told a sports business conference that it was about more than one man.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter, the 79-year-old Swiss who has run the football body since 1998, is favourite

Britain’s Brian Cookson, president of International Cycling Union (UCI)

to win a fifth term in office at a vote in Zurich on May 29.

Asked directly whether, from his own experience, the damaged reputation of a governing body could change with the man at the top staying in place, Cookson replied that it would be difficult.

“I think it is very difficult to change the reputation of an organisation without changing the leadership,” he told the conference hosted by the Daily Telegraph.

“However, even if you do change the leadership and governance and administration, it’s not a given that you are going to change and improve the reputation either.

“You have to walk the walk as well as talk the talk. You have to earn that kind of respect and support and that’s a difficult process.”

The Briton, who ousted Ireland’s Pat McQuaid, faced criticism in his first year in the job as he confronted the sport’s doping past and the lingering fallout of the Lance Armstrong scandal.

“People will constantly challenge,” said Cookson. “That’s my experience of the situation. They will constantly look for behavioural patterns in you that they saw in previous leadership.

“So you’ve got to try to be true to yourself and true to your commitments.”

Independent review to probe Hughes death

By Nick Mulvenney

(REUTERS) - CRICKET Australia has commissioned an independent review into the cause and circumstances of last year’s death of Test batsman Phillip Hughes in a bid to prevent anything similar happening in the future.

Australia was engulfed in a wave of mourning after Hughes, 25, died from catastrophic injuries on November 27 last year, two days after he was struck in the neck by a ball during a domestic Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The review, which will be chaired by senior lawyer David Curtain, will have a wide brief to make recommendations

on the safety of matches organised by Cricket Australia, including on the design and mandatory use of helmets to prevent injuries.

“When this tragedy happened, I said that it was a freak accident, but it was one freak accident too many,” Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said in a statement.

“This is not an exercise designed to apportion blame on any individual for what took place. It is about making sure that as a sport we are doing everything in our power to prevent an accident of this nature happening again.”

In addition to looking at protective equipment, it will assess the level of med-

Philip Hughes died in November at the age of 25 ical support on hand during matches, the medical screening of contracted players and Cricket Australia’s approach to players who suffer head and heart injuries.

“There were certain measures put in place soon after Phillip’s passing such as increasing the medical presence at all CA matches and working very closely with our helmet supplier to investigate the suitability of protective head equipment offered to all players,” Sutherland said.

“This review will help determine whether we need to implement further measures before the 2015-16 season.”

The review will not look at the rules of the cricket except where they pertain to the issues of protective equipment and the management of players who suffer head or heart injuries.

That means there will be no recommendations on the use by bowlers of the sort of bouncer, a short delivery which sends the ball rearing up towards the batsman’s head, which caused the injury to Hughes.

Cricket Australia’s website said no player or official would be obliged to testify in front of the review.

“We fully recognise that undertaking a process such as this may be a traumatic experience for some and we will be as respectful and understanding as possible throughout that time,” Sutherland added.

“As such Cricket Australia and all states continue to make available counselling and support to any player and staff who feel they need help at any time.”

The findings of the review are likely to be published later this year, Cricket Australia said.

Chelsea make it five Brazilians after Nathan swoop

LONDON, (Reuters)-Chelsea’s Brazilian contingent will grow in size to five players after they agreed to sign Brazilian teenager Nathan from Atletico Paranaense yesterday.

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has passed a medical, agreed personal terms and will complete his move on July 1.

Nathan has played for Brazil at under-20 level. He also scored five goals in

five games at the under-17 World Cup in 2013 before being named in the team of the tournament.

“I am very happy to be joining Chelsea, the champions of England, and I hope I will be able to learn a lot and develop my game,” he told the club website (www. chelseafc.com).

Nathan joins fellow countrymen Oscar, Willian, Ramires and Filipe Luis in the squad.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

Zimbabwe plan to quit, Pakistan tour put on hold

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) - Zimbabwe pulled out of this month’s historic cricket tour to Pakistan and then retracted their decision in a bizarre 16-minute turnaround yesterday.

Zimbabwe Cricket initially released a statement saying a decision had been reached not to tour on the advice of the country’s supreme sports regulatory authority, the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC).

The SRC had previously cited concerns over the safety of the squad for the limited-overs tour.

However, after the news release was issued, the statement was withdrawn and Zimbabwe Cricket spokesman Lovemore Banda told Reuters that discussions were still ongoing.

“At this time the tour has not been suspended.

The executive and board of Zimbabwe Cricket are still in discussions,” he said.

Banda would not put a time frame on when a decision would be made, saying only that it would be

Zakir Khan (R), Pakistan Cricket Board’s Director of Cricket Operations, briefs Alistair Campbell (2nd R), Managing Director Zimbabwe Cricket, during their visit to Gaddafi Stadium to examine security arrangements for the upcoming cricket series in Lahore. (Reuters/Mohsin Raza) announced “as soon as the discussions are finalised”.

To add to the confusion, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan said Zimbabwe cancelled the tour after gunmen killed at least 45 people on Wednesday in the latest attack directed

against religious minorities.

“The Zimbabwe cricket board has called us and cancelled their tour owing to security reasons and the killings of minorities in Karachi yesterday,” Khan told Reuters before adding that Pakistan was trying

Warriors trounce Grizzlies to take series lead (THE Sports Xchange) - The Golden State Warriors moved to within one win of a trip to their first Western Conference finals since 1976, overcoming a slow start to rout the Memphis Grizzlies 98-78 on Wednesday for a 3-2 lead in their playoff series.

The Warriors can wrap up the best-ofseven series and advance to face either the Los Angeles Clippers or Houston Rockets with a road win in Game Six today.

If a seventh game is necessary, it would be played back in Oakland on Sunday.

NBA Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry scored 18 points, all on three-point shots, and the top-seeded Warriors dominated the Grizzlies from beyond the arc en route to their third double-digit victory of the series.

Driven by a quick 17 points from big men Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, the Grizzlies led by as many as 13 in the first quarter.

However, after making eight of their first 13 shots, Randolph and Gasol combined to go just 6-for-21 the rest of the way as Memphis shot just 35.4

Stephen Curry scored 18 points percent over the final 39 minutes of the game after hitting 10 of their first 16 shots.

The Grizzlies, who stunned the Warriors 97-90 in Oakland in Game Two, were playing without defensive star Tony Allen, who is nursing a strained left hamstring.

Memphis led 23-10 after nine minutes but the Warriors dominated thereafter, fighting back to lead by a point at the end of the first quarter and pulling away over the next two periods.

to persuade Zimbabwe to reconsider.

Zimbabwe were due to be the first Test-playing nation to tour Pakistan since a 2009 gun attack on Sri Lanka’s team bus in Lahore left six Pakistani policemen and a van driver dead while some

players and a local umpire were injured.

Pakistan have been forced to play designated ‘home’ matches primarily in the United Arab Emirates since then.

On Wednesday, coach Dav Whatmore told Reuters

that he supported the trip.

“I’m fully behind the tour and I believe it’s going to be a tremendous success,” said the Sri Lankan-born Whatmore who coached Pakistan for two years from 2012.

“I understand others feel differently but I would never put anybody else in an unsafe environment. I understand the significance of this tour to Pakistan and I’m very happy to go.

“To have a full-member nation play international cricket in Lahore and the state of Punjab is hugely important for Pakistan and transcends cricket,” added Whatmore.

A delegation including Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Alistair Campbell travelled to Lahore last week and were satisfied with security measures due to be put in place by local authorities.

If the tour goes ahead Zimbabwe will leave on Sunday to play two Twenty20 internationals, starting on May 22, and a threematch one-day series that begins four days later.

Lyth to replace Trott as Cook’s England opening partner

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Yorkshire opener Adam Lyth is poised to make his debut after being named yesterday in a 12-man squad for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s that starts on May 21.

Lyth is set to partner captain Alastair Cook at the top of the order after Jonathan Trott announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect, following a disappointing recent tour of the West Indies.

Durham pace bowler Mark Wood, who made his one-day debut against Ireland last week, is the only other uncapped Test player included in the squad.

Lyth scored a hatful of runs for county champions Yorkshire last season and the 27-year-old gets his chance after not featuring in the drawn three-Test series against West Indies.

Trott, who returned to the England side last month following an extended break due to a stress-related illness, scored a mea-

Adam Lyth is set for a Test debut at Lord’s gre 72 runs, including three ducks, at an average of 12 in the three Tests.

“Adam Lyth has waited patiently for an opportunity with England, having performed consistently for

Yorkshire and England Lions in the last year,” selector James Whitaker said in a statement.

“He fully deserves his chance to cement a place in the side at the top of the order. Mark Wood has also impressed and his pace and style of bowling ensure the coach and captain have options in the bowling attack.”

England assistant coach Paul Farbrace has been put in charge after Peter Moores was sacked on Saturday by new director of cricket Andrew Strauss.

Former England captain Strauss said on Tuesday there would be no immediate return to the side for controversial batsman Kevin Pietersen.

Squad: Alastair Cook, Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Chris Jordan, Adam Lyth, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Mark Wood.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

Current England captain Cook would have quit over KP, say reports … not alone in threatening to resign if Pietersen was reinstated

THE depth of the “massive trust issue” that has scuppered Kevin Pietersen’s aspirations to resume his international career appears to be becoming clearer with reports that England captain Alastair Cook indicated he would quit his post if the outspoken batsman returned.

Pietersen, who jetted out of London yesterday headed for Dubai where he will recuperate from the calf and Achilles tendon injuries he suffered during his career-best 355 not out for Surrey this week, was told on Monday he was not part of England’s international plans for the current UK summer.

That message was bluntly delivered by his former England captain Andrew Strauss, now the England and Wales Cricket Board’s Director of Cricket, citing the view that “over months and years, trust has eroded between Kevin Pietersen and the ECB”.

Other than confirming there was “a massive trust issue between me and Kevin”, Strauss did not expand on the other sources of that mistrust within the ECB. However, the UK’s Mirror newspaper reported yesterday that Cook made it clear he was prepared to renounce the England captaincy and his place in the Test team if the path was cleared for Pietersen to return to international cricket after more than a year on the outer.

The report also claimed that Cook “represented the feelings of several players” and that view was shared by unnamed members of the ECB administration who indicated they would reconsider their positions if Pietersen was welcomed back into the fold.

“There are people who would absolutely have walked away rather than deal with Kevin again,” the Mirror quotes a source close to the ECB. “He has made life incredibly difficult for a large number of people over the years and the idea that he might be back horrified them.”

While the identity and role of those aggrieved parties remained unknown, among the ECB’s current staff is former England coach Andy Flower who is now technical director of elite coaching based at the National cricket performance centre in Loughborough.

Like Pietersen, he was moved on in the fall-out from England’s five-nil Ashes whitewash in Australia last year.

South African-born Pietersen launched a stinging attack on Flower, the former Zimbabwe captain, in his subsequent autobiography in which he described Flower as “contagiously sour, infectiously dour” and that 95 per cent of the time in which Flower was in charge “he was f…ing horrendous”.

In the wake of the caustic assessments in Pietersen’s book, both Cook

and Strauss (who at that time was working as a Sky Sports commentator) rallied to the defence of Flower and bemoaned the damage the book had inflicted upon English cricket.

“A lot of this that’s going on at the moment is madness,” Strauss said at the time.

“All this tit-for-tat stuff, I don’t think really helps the England cricket team.

“Andy Flower is a guy of complete integrity. He’s achieved phenomenal things, and rightly should be regarded as one of England’s great

England captain Alastair Cook coaches.”

Cook, a former teammate of Flower’s with county side Essex and Strauss’s long-time Test opening partner, also dismissed Pietersen’s assessment of the coach who led England to the number one ranking in Test and limited-overs formats and claimed he was “hurt” by other characterisations contained in the book.

“I’m very proud of that era,” Cook said of the period in which Pietersen claimed he ‘hated’ playing under Flower and because of the culture of bullying that was allowed to exist within the England team.

“I really only have fond memories of that, but I do believe it’s kind of been tarnished and I’m sad about that.”

With Strauss and Cook occupying key positions within the England power structure and Flower still involved in the performance of the national team and the development of emerging talent, it is not difficult to surmise where the “trust” issue has set down deep roots.

Pietersen also wrote of his own feeling of betrayal during Strauss’s captaincy tenure when a parody Twitter account that mocked the batsman

was set up, with suggestions it was being fed information from within the England dressing room.

Pietersen wrote that the breach of trust carried him to the lowest ebb as a player, and led him to break down in tears in front of Flower during a Test match against South Africa in 2012.

“I was told by a senior (England) player that the Twitter account was being run from inside the dressing room,” Pietersen wrote in his book KP. “I was completely broken, absolutely finished, mentally shot.”

The views of others who were targeted in Pietersen’s book might become clearer tomorrow when England fast bowler Stuart Broad is scheduled to hold a media conference ahead of the coming international summer that begins next week with a Test match against New Zealand.

Broad was one of the team members that Pietersen accused of “running the dressing room” and therefore being complicit in the bullying culture that he claimed was led by former wicketkeeper Matt Prior and ex-spinner Graeme Swann.

However, Pietersen has received some support from his former captain and England teammate Andrew Flintoff who – when the news of Pietersen’s exclusion from England’s immediate Test planning was revealed – conceded that the 34-year-old’s personality was “high maintenance”.

“Then again so was I, but you do grow up and change,” Flintoff tweeted earlier this week.

Flintoff appeared on the UK’s ‘talkSPORT’ radio network where he told former England teammate Darren Gough that he did not rate Pietersen among “my top 10 most difficult players” he shared a dressing room with, from the time he made his England debut in 1998 .

“There were some real prima donnas,” Flintoff said yesterday, without naming names.

“But he (Pietersen) would get in my top three best players (that Flintoff played alongside).

“I’ve captained him – he can be hard work, there’s no getting away from it.

“This happens in a dressing room, you do spend time with people who do rub you up the wrong way from time to time.

“I respect the fact that (Strauss) has made a decision, he’s called time on it and done something, but I’m not sure I agree with his decision.

“I think the people who are going to miss out are the fans.

“I’ve got young kids who want to watch Jos Buttler, they want to watch Kevin Pietersen, they want to watch Joe Root – they want to see lads who go out there and entertain.”

Johnson to lead WICB President’s XI against Aussies ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The Selection Panel of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) announced a 13-member squad on Thursday for a Tour Match against Australia from Wednesday, May 27, to Friday, May 29, at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground here.

Squad Leon Johnson (Captain), Carlos Brathwaite (Vice Captain), Sharmarh Brooks,Rajindra Chandrika, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Jason Dawes, Shane Dowrich, ImLEON JOHNSON ran Khan,Marquino Mindley, Jason Mohammed, Tyrone Theophile, Jomel Warrican

Badree keen to get going after signing with Heat BRISBANE, Australia (CMC) – West Indies Twenty20 leg-spinner Samuel Badree says he is keen to make his mark in the Australian Big Bash after putting pen to paper for Brisbane Heat, for the upcoming season.

The 34-year-old, the World’s number one-ranked T20 bowler, will come up against the likes of Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara, South Africa’s Jacques Kallis and England’s Kevin Pietersen, but says he is ready for the challenge.

“Obviously when you have those big-name players it always brings out the best in you,” the Trinidadian said.

“When you have marquee players like these, people come to look at the game and in that sort of environment, you want to create a fun environment for the team. It’s all about the team trying to have fun and doing your best at all times.”

Badree has emerged in recent years as one of the finest bowlers in the shortest format of the game. He has taken 31 wickets from 22 matches at an economy rate of five an over.

His presence will strengthen the Heat’s bowling attack especially after their leading bowler from last season, Dan Christian, recently signed with Hobart Hurricanes.

The right-armer said variety, confidence and consistency would be crucial in this format.

“Variety is the key having that confidence in yourself and being able to back your ability, and at the same time having the correct mindset and being able to accept the fact that at some point in time you may go for runs,” he explained.

“But at other times you need to be consistent as much as possible. Just back your strengths.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (FRIDAY MAY 15, 2015) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: WI vs IND, Barbados, 1997 (137*) Chennai Super Kings-5 times

Today’s Quiz:

How many Test wickets Shiv Chanderpaul has taken to date?

Which two teams met in the last IPL final?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 15, 2015

Pollard lifts Mumbai to fourth after downing Narine’s KKR MUMBAI, India (CMC) – West Indies Twenty20 star Kieron Pollard bowled a superb final over to limit Sunil Narine’s Kolkata Knight Riders and guide Mumbai Indians to an exciting five-run victory in the Indian Premier League here yesterday.

Requiring 12 from the last over at the Wankhede Stadium in their quest for 172, KKR were strangled by Pollard’s gentle medium pace and finished on 166 for seven.

In his only over of the game, Pollard removed the dangerous Yusuf Pathan for 52 off 37 balls with the first ball of the over but then watched as Umesh Yadav (5 not out) swatted the next delivery to fine leg for four.

However, Pollard then conceded two runs from the next four balls, to hand Mumbai a precious two points and propel them into fourth spot in the standings with 14 points.

They are now only two points be-

hind leaders Chennai Super Kings, with KKR second on 15 points and Sunrisers Hyderabad, third on 14.

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Following on from his recent success in Tests, West Indies batsman Jermaine Blackwood is now looking to leave his stamp on the Caribbean Premier League when it bowls off next month.

The exciting right-handed stroke-maker carved out his maiden Test

“It is all about transitioning from Test to Twenty20 and I am just looking forward to the challenge. For me to be an asset I just need to go out there and play my game, but I am not putting any pressure on myself,” the 23-year-old told the Jamaica Observer newspaper here.

“The team will expect me to score some runs this season because for the past two seasons I didn’t perform as well as was expected of me.

“So this season should be a good one for me because I am coming through now, so it’s just to remain positive and play my game and I know I will help the team.”

Despite his form for the Windies, Jamaican Blackwood really struggled in the CPL last season, managing a disappointing 59 runs from eight innings.

Tallawahs still crept into the semi-finals, however, before being knocked out by Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.

Blackwood said he was intent on compensating for last season’s performance.

“I did not perform close to my ability last season and I guess people are saying that; but this season I am just going to come up big and get up my strike rate. Once I get my strike rate up I know I will make an impact,” he contended.

“The plan is to make a couple big half-centuries and get my strike rate over 120 this year, and that will benefit the team also.”

This year, Blackwood joins the likes of talisman Chris Gayle, in-form all-rounder Andre Russell, and overseas players Sri Lankan Mahela Jayawardene

KIERON POLLARD Pathan was supported by captain Gautam Gambhir who struck 38 from 29 balls in a 45-run opening stand with

Robin Uthappa who got 25.

B i g - h i t t i n g We s t I n d i e s all-rounder Andre Russell perished for two.

Pollard had earlier cracked an unbeaten 33 off 38 deliveries with a four and a six as Mumbai, sent in, tallied 171 for four.

The right-handed Trinidadian put on 92 in an unbroken fifth-wicket stand with man-of-the-match Hardik Panday who smashed 61 not out from 31 balls, with eight fours and two sixes.

Captain Rohit Sharma chimed in with 30 from 21 balls.

Pollard’s Trinidad and West Indies counterpart, opener Lendl Simmons, managed just 14 from 16 balls with a four and a six.

Off-spinner Narine, also a T&T and Windies player, claimed one for 38 from his four overs while seamer Russell went wicket-less in four overs which cost 37 runs.

Blackwood looking to leave his stamp on CPL season

Jamaica Tallawahs’ Jermaine Blackwood hundred against England in the first Test in Antigua last month and also played two superb innings in the third Test at Kensington Oval earlier this month, to help the Caribbean side come away with a five-wicket victory.

And with the CPL bowling off June 20, Blackwood said he was already setting his sights on more runs when he turns out for the Jamaica Tallawahs.

and New Zealander Daniel Vettori.

And with the quality in the side, Blackwood believes the Tallawahs can dethrone reigning champions Barbados Tridents.

“I think we lost some crucial games at crucial times (last season), but this season if we win those games there is no doubt that we are going to win the title, because we have attacking players and we have players that can come in the middle and rotate the strike and get boundaries when they feel like,” he pointed out.

“So we do have a strong team and once everybody plays his role, there is no doubt that we are going to win.”

Tallawahs open their campaign against Tridents at Kensington Oval on June 23.

Veteran Collins among Caribbean runners in Doha season-opener DOHA, Qatar (CMC) – Veteran sprinter Kim Collins is set to contest yet another international season as he lined up in the marquee 100 metres in the season-opening Doha Diamond League here yesterday.

The St Kitts and Nevis runner turned 39 last month but has given no indication of immediate retirement, and is down to battle some of the world’s best at the Qatar Sports Club.

He will run out of lane two and will be one of three Caribbean sprinters in the race, alongside Jamaican Nesta Carter and Trinidad and Tobago’s Keston Bledman.

Carter has been drawn in lane six and Bledman, lane two.

Collins is a former World champion, having nipped the 100m title in Paris 12 years ago, KIM COLLINS and also picked up bronze in Daegu four years ago.

He will have his hands full, however. Carter, a bronze medallist at the World Championship in Moscow two years ago, went under ten seconds last weekend at the Jamaica Invitational in Kingston when he posted 9.98 seconds.

Bledman has been impressive as well, running a-then world-leading 10.01 seconds in Gainsville, Florida last month.

All eyes, however, will be on American Justin Gatlin. The 33-year-old was a 100m silver medallist in Moscow and with his 9.77 seconds in Brussels last September still fresh in the mind, he will be the heavy favourite today.

The Caribbean will also have a presence in the women’s 200 metres, with Bahamian Anthonique Strachan pitting her talents against a host of American sprinters including reigning Olympic champion Allyson Felix.

Strachan, now based in the United States, was the double sprint champion at the World Juniors three years ago in Barcelona.

Three Jamaicans will also chase glory in the women’s 400 metres today, when Novlene Williams-Mills, Christine Day and Stephenie-Ann McPherson line up in the lap event.

They will be all hoping to undermine American Sanya Richards-Ross who is the reigning Olympic champion and the world-leader with 49.95 seconds in Kingston last weekend.

John Fernandes Insurance Limited men’s 2nd division hockey FOUR matches are set for this weekend when second-round action in the John Fernandes Insurance Limited-sponsored Men’s Second Division Hockey League continues at the St Stanislaus College, ground, Carifesta Avenue.

Tomorrow, points leaders All Greys will take on Old Fort from 14:30hrs, while from 16:00hrs, Georgetown Cricket Club will come up against the home side Saints.

On Sunday, the veteran side, All Greys, will oppose Hikers from 14:30hrs and from 16:00hrs, Hikers will do battle with the GCC outfit.

In their showing last Saturday, All Greys were held to a 2-2 draw by a resurgent GCC

side who are the defending champions of the league and who have kept their title hopes alive with the draw. The two teams played to a 2-2 in the first round also.

The veterans’ side would be depending heavily on Sheldon Corlette who netted a double in last Saturday’s fixture.

Meanwhile, the inaugural Woodpecker Products-sponsored Ladies League will continue next weekend with two matches.

On May 23, GCC will face Old Fort from 14:30hrs at the St Stanislaus College ground, while on May 24 Hickers will meet the national Under-20s from 14:30hrs at the same venue.

Both Leagues comprise five teams each.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Pollard lifts Mumbai to fourth after downing Narine’s KKR

see story on page 31

Hundreds bid ‘farewell’ to Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis

Saying goodbye to the ‘Champ’ - GBBC officials: (L-R) Andrew Thorne, Trevor Arno, Lt. Colonel Francis Abraham and the president Peter Abdool. (Samuel Maughn photo)

H

By Rawle Toney

Also saying farewell to Guyana’s first World boxing champion Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis was Guyana’s lone Olympic medallist Michael Parris.

IS casket was placed in the centre of the Burnham Basketball Court at Independence Park (Parade Ground) draped in the Golden Arrowhead and on it rested the WBA welterweight belt.

Guyana’s first World boxing champion, Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis made his final ‘hooray’ yesterday as hundreds turned out to bid farewell to the man who many will remember for his famous 7th round TKO win over American James Page on Feb-

ruary 17, 2001 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The 44-year-old Lewis was killed on Monday May 4 in an accident on the East Bank Highway, in the vicinity of Covent Garden.

Reports state that the former World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion was riding his bicycle, heading to a popular ‘coconut’ spot near his home – somewhere he visits daily – when he was struck from behind by a motor car.

It was an emotional day for all who turned up to bid farewell to Guyana’s hero, many of whom only know him as ‘Six Head’.

A resident of Albouystown, Lew-

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is was remembered not only for his exploits in the ring, but for his kindness; a man that would give his last to someone if he believed that the person needed it more than he.

“You’re always going to be our champion,” many chanted with tears rolling down their cheeks.

His children, nine of them to be exact, had to be consoled as they too could not have held the tears after seeing their father lying in a casket with one of his daughter stating, “I never thought I would see my father like this, in this position.”.

Lewis’s brother Troy said that See page 27 FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015