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GUYANA

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

No. 104176 SATURDAY MAY 2, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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President Ramotar promises minimum wage increase upon re-election Page

– as hundreds of workers celebrate May Day

President Donald Ramotar

Disciplined Forces vote today Granger’s claim of resource-starved disciplined services rubbished Page

Essequibo Praant of Dharmic Sabha stages colourful mela Dr Vindhya Vasini Persaud

Page

Bharrat Jagdeo

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

President Ramotar promises minimum wage increase upon re-election – as hundreds of workers celebrate May Day “AS long as the economy increases, as long as our country continues to grow, I can promise you that we will increase the minimum wage .” This is the assurance of Head of State, Donald Ramotar, to workers on May

Day, as many of them gathered at the National Park for the Labour Day Rally 2015 after marching in solidarity under the theme, “Unite for continued Progress and Development.” At present, Guyana’s minimum wage is $202 per hour,

$1616 per day, $8080 per week and $35,000 per month. This minimum wage came into effect in July 2013, and

benefitted from this minimum wage. Government has moved Guyana’s economic status from a highly indebted

now is the time for you [workers] to give us your solidarity so that we can take our country forward and make it one of the best countries in the world.” The President noted that his Government has always

legislation that has served to strengthen workers’ rights and offer protection to our working people,” he said. Guyana is signatory to more International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions than any other Caribbean

Singing ‘Solidarity Forever’ at the May Day Rally. From left Minister Clement Rohee, PPP/C’s Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and President Donald Ramotar

applies to workers across the board in both the public and private sectors. Thousands of workers, including domestic workers and security guards,

poor country to a low middle income country and, “we are working towards developed status and taking the leading position in the Caribbean…

been pro-people and consistent increases in wages and salaries and several non-salaried benefits are some of the ways in which it has addressed workers’ welfare. “The PPP/C Government is a working class Government, and from the very inception, we have worked to improve the conditions of the working people of our country. We have brought more

country. Expressing Government’s concerns about workers’ quality of life, the Head of State said, “Every year the minimum increase Cabinet gave was five per cent even when our economy grew by four and a half per cent, so that as our economy grows you too can benefit from the development, and we have managed to keep

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

G-2 was never shut down – Jagdeo THERE was no closure of the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Military Criminal Intelligence Department (MCID or G2), according to former president Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. Rather, the Department was subject to “significant” structural changes. Earlier this week, Lieutenant Colonel (retired) George Gomes, in a letter to the press, charged that Jagdeo, then Commander-in-Chief,

had closed the Department. “The aim of this department was not only to go after the known criminal elements, but also to pursue the architects of the crime wave. Jagdeo ordered the closure of the MCID, thus bringing to an end the process that would have ended the criminal activities. “Jagdeo’s major fear was that this department, apart from exposing the criminal architects, may

have also led to the arrest of senior Government functionaries,” Gomes had said. However, Dr Jagdeo stressed that this assertion is not factual. “We had changes. The G-2 still operated, but you had significant changes in G-2,” he said. He explained that the changes made in G2 were based on the fact that, as the then president, reports reaching him in relation to the investigations in

the crime wave of the 2000s were “sterilized” by different ranks in the chain of command before they were handed to him. “I remember one Colonel came to me and said to me ‘the report you’re getting from the Military Intelligence has to go through one character, and it gets sterilized before it comes to you’, and he shared with me the initial report, the one that was drafted by the soldiers who were actual-

ly going out,” Dr Jagdeo said. According to Dr Jagdeo, “key things” were removed from the report, particularly in relation to the identification of politicians aligned with the Opposition. Those things would have raised questions about their involvement. Dr Jagdeo also rejected the assertion that the Department was closed because information of a possible connection

President Ramotar promises... down the inflation rate. In 2013, our inflation rate was the lowest in post-independent Guyana.” This, he said, ensures that the value of wages and salary remains real. “We have also expanded the tax threshold to allow you to keep more money in your pockets. When we came to office, it was only $6000 a month, $72,000 a year. Today it’s $50,000 a month. That will allow you to have a far greater amount of money; or, as the economists say, disposable income .” Other initiatives to relieve workers of hardships include highly subsidised social services. “We have delivered heavily on non-wage benefits,” the President said. He added that Government provides children in the public school system with free text and exercise books, school uniforms, transportation, meals and accommodation in some cases, and more recently, a $10,000 cash grant for each child. “We are now able to provide better health services free of cost to people of our country. We have been able to take that expense from you as well, so that you will have more money in your pocket,” he said. Each houselot given to people is also heavily subsidised, and government has given persons a chance to own their homes and stop squatting. This he said, “allows people to live in dignity. We also improved your old age pensions which is non-contributory, which was $300 per month and you had to go through a means test. Today, it’s $13,200 a month, and your only qualification is if you meet the age of 65.” He said government will continue this path in the interest of workers, but it is necessary to build the economy to

create more jobs and support social services. In this context, the President noted that cheaper electricity is essential and Government is pursuing this through the Amaila Falls Hydro-Electric project, which “will not only provide cheap energy, but many jobs. When we win the elections, I want to promise you that we will bring the Amaila Falls project to fruition.” He noted that this project could see Guyana becoming an industrial manufacturing country, “and we will be able to create thousands more jobs.” The President also assured rice and sugar workers of Government’s commitment to ensure the viability and profitability of the industries to secure their jobs. “Sugar needs to re-organise and government must transform the industry… We have already committed ourselves that we will spend a minimum of $20B,” the President said. He added that his Government has no intention of privatising the industry, but is depending on workers to produce more effectively. He disclosed that Government is “working to have new revenue streams for the industry” including producing ethanol. He also told workers that the prospects for jobs in the mining industry are high, as “very soon two new gold mines will start operating that will employ hundreds of persons.” According to President Ramotar, “We are very optimistic that very soon our country will join that elite group of countries to be an oil and gas producer,” adding that currently Government is looking at new areas with the potential for job creation, including new ventures in tourism. The rally hosted under the umbrella union, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions

between known drug lord Roger Khan and the then Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy had come to light. “I never turned a blind eye to anything, because we went after all the criminals in the country,” Jagdeo declared. The former president has deferred questions on the matter to Dr Roger Luncheon, Secretary to the Defence Board and Head of the Presidential Secretariat.

From page 2

GAWU’s Head, Komal Chand at the podium, with Minister Clement Rohee, PPP/C’s Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, President Donald Ramotar and FITUG Head , Carvil Duncan at the head table at the May Day 2015 rally at the National Park

of Guyana (FITUG), saw participation from workers attached to NAACIE, GAWU and GLU. Former President of the GTUC, Ms. Gillian Burton, called on all the Unions to unite and urged women to speak up and call for unity. “The time has come to put aside differences and be united,” she said. According to President of GAWU and the first Vice President of FITUG, Komal Chand, “Most regrettably, another May Day is here and despite the contributions of two prominent Caribbean Trade Unionists, we have still not achieved Trade Union unity. We in the FITUG see the need for a strong militant trade union movement,” he said, adding that FITUG is looking at a model from Trinidad to pursue a united course. He said it was unity that resulted in the observance of Labour Day, which was started in 1889, even though the high point of workers’ struggle was in 1886 in Chicago, where striking workers were met with lawmen’s violence. They were convicted during trials and eight of them later executed. He also noted that this Labour Day offers an opportunity to reflect on workers’ struggles throughout history and to be

vigilant against forces and governments of today that do not esteem workers’ welfare and who neglect the provision of social services for working class people. Speaking about Guyana, he noted that following the 2011 elections, the “smooth flow of governance was clearly affected,” as development projects were either stalled or stopped in the National Assembly and “hundreds of jobs denied” because of budget cuts. As the pending elections near, Chand said the union is “looking forward to pro -working and people’s policies from the elected Government.” GAWU is primarily a sugar workers’ union, and he noted that about 120,000 people are dependent on the industry, which generates about $30 billion in revenue annually. He said that GAWU’s view is that efficient management is key to the industry’s success, as well as production of value-added products through a refinery, distillery and co-generation. Addressing the workers, President of FITUG and Guyana’s first Trade Union, the Guyana Labour Union, Carvil Duncan, said that this is a crucial May Day, that offers an opportunity to examine the past, plan for the future and reminisce on mistakes.

“What makes this May Day different? This May Day falls 10 days before national and regional elections because we the workers are called upon to make some crucial decisions…this May Day is an important May Day, it is a May Day when the workers would have to start examining what are the options before them. Are we satisfied with our achievements? Are we saying to ourselves that better ought to have been done? I will say to you now that from 1992 to 2014 we were enjoying increases in salaries, but let me be the first to say that based on one’s perception that may not be enough. But we will still have to work to improve our gains and we cannot allow our gains to go by the way side,” he said. Acknowledging complaints of unemployment and under employment, Duncan questioned, “is Guyana the only country with unemployment? The unemployment figure coming out of the ILO has indicated that we have been doing better than many other countries in the Caribbean, and so we need to remember that. Our employment that we now enjoy was not an act of the trade union inability, it was not an act of the administration failing to provide jobs, it was

an act of those who cut the projects and deny you the right to have jobs,” he said, adding that the airport expansion, Amaila Falls hydro project and the planned specialty hospital all had potential to create jobs, but these projects were all cut from successive national budgets by the political Opposition. Speaking to the issue of trade union leaders being involved in politics, he noted that it was Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, the founding father of trade unions in Guyana, who in 1905 made the point that whatever has to be achieved has to be done through the legislative assembly. He noted that the division was caused by leaders and not workers, but “We need unity, but unity could only be achieved if we all are together,” he said, adding that much more could be achieved for workers in unity rather that division. Labour Day is an annual observance on May 1 in Guyana and features workers of various unions marching along city streets in solidarity before culminating to hear from their leaders. FITUG’s rally was held at the National Park. (GINA)

Political parties must respect work of GECOM

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

––British High Commissioner James Quinn By Tajeram Mohabir

BRITISH High Commissioner to Guyana James Quinn has called on all the political parties to respect the work of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and adhere to the democratic process of the May 11 elections. Speaking at the launch of the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce (GCCI) sixth edition of the Business Guyana Magazine at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown, High Commissioner Quinn told the gathering of mostly private sector representatives that the diplomatic corps has been following the elections very closely. “It is important that the democratic process runs its course and we have free, fair and transparent elections,” he said, emphasising that every voter has a right to exercise his/her franchise in support of whichever party he/she chooses. In a message directed at the political parties contesting the May 11 General and Regional Elections, the diplomat said democracy is not a perfect system, but it is the best system of governance available. He stressed that though sometimes political parties might not agree with the results, they must all come around to accept it, even if they do not win. On that note, High Commissioner Quinn said it is important that the democratic process is followed by all political leaders and commentators, and equally important that everyone in positions of authority avoid stirring up tension through the use of provocative, disrespectful and incendiary language. He also urged the political leaders to ensure that their supporters do the same. PRAISED The ambassador praised the political parties for signing on to the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and GECOM for producing the laudable document. The Code of Conduct is not a punitive, but a self-regulatory and an easy-to-read-

and-understand document. It promotes peace, order, compliance of electoral laws and respect for opponents and the electorate. GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally speaking at the recent signing of the code, described the document as the “Holy Grail” for campaigning.

descending to the use of obnoxious language on the campaign trail, and to respect GECOM officials so as to ensure a smooth and a proper conduct of the elections. HONOUR THE CODE GCCI President Lance Hinds also commended the political parties for

er big event in the month is Independence Day – May 26. Hinds had previously said: “Almost 50 years after Independence, we still have a highly combative, partisan political process, severely affected by race and class, seemingly unable to put the nation and its people first on a regular basis.” At the GCCI’s 125TH Annual General

British High Commissioner to Guyana James Quinn

GCCI President Lance Hinds

GECOM Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally

“This code is more than a guideline. It must be seen as the Holy Grail for campaigning. It cannot be allowed to disappear into the fog of political nothingness…this code must not be weakened by distrust or be thrown into the dustbin by this evening. It must not be discarded because of petulance, vexation, petty discontent, manufactured resentment and theatric posturing,” Dr Surujbally said. The GECOM Chairman added: “Statements made at news conferences and by road-side platforms should be to edify and inform, not to numb, mystify and create doubt and social unrest.” High Commissioner Quinn called on the political parties contesting the elections to respect the code, avoid

signing the Code of Conduct, and urged them as they head towards the final days of the elections that they honour the pacts they signed, thereby enabling peace to prevail. Hinds had previously called on all political parties competing in the May 11 General and Regional Elections to demonstrate maturity and ensure the process is violence-free. The private sector executive appealed to political parties and their supporters to maintain a healthy political environment, pointing out that the latter, along with stability, are important for a successful economy and a vibrant investment climate. Aside from the elections in May, anoth-

Meeting (AGM) held recently at Duke Lodge, Kingston, Georgetown, he noted that the occasion this year is of particular importance as Guyana will be marking 50 years as a free nation. What is also important, he said, is for political leaders at the upcoming elections to demonstrate that at age 50, Guyana has matured as a nation and has politicians who work together in the best interests of all its peoples. Hinds, who is also Chief Executive Officer of Brain Street, a leading Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based firm on Albert Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, said whichever party wins the elections should work in the interest of the country and the electorate.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

Chile’s Calbuco volcano erupts for third time (BBC News) CHILE’S Calbuco volcano has erupted for the third time in eight days, leading the government to order the evacuation of 2,500 people. Some of those residents had only just returned to their homes after last week’s eruptions. The latest eruption was less powerful, but sent a large plume of dark grey smoke and ash rising from the crater. Calbuco surprised residents of the Los Lagos region last week by bursting

The government has said that anyone within a 20-mile radius of the crater should leave

into life after 54 years of inactivity. The National Geology and Mines Service issued a red alert after Thursday’s eruption, warning that the volcano remained unstable. On Friday, residents were warned that heavy rain could mix with ash and rock to produce deadly volcanic mudflows. These “lahars” can slide down volcanoes like avalanches. The BBC’s Gideon Long in Santiago says that whereas the ash last week was blown

in a north-easterly direction, this time it is drifting south-east over the town of Cochamo. The town has been blanketed in a cloud of smoke and ash. Calbuco is one of the most active volcanoes in Chile, having erupted in 1961 and 1972, and many times before that. Last week’s eruptions caused the cancellation of flights to and within Chile, and forced farmers in the area to evacuate their livestock.

Minister: Protesting nurses might change mind if report revealed ( Tr i n i d a d E x p r e s s ) HEALTH Minister Fuad Khan has said if he were to reveal the report of the patient involved in a recent altercation with a nurse, which caused the protest action by nurses, it would put a new light on the situation. “The nurses who took protest action against the patient, had they known the full story, I wonder if they would have taken protest action,” Khan said. Speaking at Thursday’s s post-Cabinet news conference, Khan said: “If the population sees the report

that I have gotten from the patient, then it would put another spin on that whole situation.” He said he got the preliminary report. “I am not saying that the patient is right, neither am I saying the protest of the nurses is right. There is a need for security at all levels, but how does the security respond to something where they (the patients) are being provoked? Who is the security for? That is the million-dollar question in that situation. How did it happen? What caused it to happen? What happened

Doctors plan strike action

(Jamaica Gleaner) A POSSIBLE crisis is looming in the health sector as medical doctors plan to strike as they demand that the government scrap its proposal to introduce flexi-work arrangements in the health sector. The new work arrangements are expected to come into effect on July 1. However, President of the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association (JMDA) Dr Alfred Dawes says doctors do not agree with the changes. A task force comprising health sector workers was established to look at the flexi-work agreement and submit a proposal. However, Dawes says the recommendations of the JMDA were ignored. Dawes says if the government does not reconsider, doctors will now stay away from regular duties and will only provide emergency care. He is appealing to members of the public for patience over the coming days. The JMDA has called a press conference for 2 p.m. today to outline its grouses and detail its plan of action. The government has indicated that it wants to introduce flexi-work arrangements to help cut delays, long waiting hours, lengthy appointments for surgeries, among other things. However, Dawes says these objectives will not be achieved if there is no improvement in the resources in the public health system.

when that interaction took place?”. He said frustration was not an excuse for mistreating patients or for being abusive. He said there were many letters from patients documenting the abuse from health-care workers. On the issue of the maternal and infant deaths, Khan said he wanted to implement a system whereby a doctor should be on duty or close by on the Maternity Ward at all times “because on a Maternity Ward, anything can take place at any time”. “And I want to institute

[a system whereby] a doctor must make a ward rounds on the hour in a Maternity Ward because the nurses may not refer a patient until they reach a stage of referral. If a doctor makes a ward rounds on the hour, you would be able to pick up problems long before they occur,” he said. He added that it was the Regional Health Authority chairmen who suggested that this was a good way to go. Khan also said he never said “who don’t like it, could leave”. He said if one read the article “rather than

Grieving C-section victims’ families plan legal action

(Trinidad Guardian) THE common-law husband of first-time mother Keisha Ayres, who died days after a C-section, believes authorities are attempting to sweep alleged negligence in the post-natal care of his baby’s mother under the carpet. On Wednesday, Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan dismissed allegations of negligence on the part of hospital officials in the death of Ayres, 24, and another mother, Sharlene Kowlessar, 35, who died on Saturday after a C-section procedure at the San Fernando General Hospital on March 31. Ayres’ C-section took place on April 9. Khan said autopsies showed that both mothers suffered from pulmonary embolism, which, he said, was one of the most common causes of sudden death in individuals. He described the deaths as inevitable. But yesterday, Ayres’ husband Juma Charles said despite the doctors’ and nurses’ knowledge that Ayres was in extreme pain, they failed to do their best in administering medical treatment and care. “They saw the blood clotting and they had her on tablets to thin the blood for three days but still they sent her home. She vomiting so much and in so much pain and yet still, although she complained to them and I did too, they never took her on and even attempted to check her and give her the treatment to get over this. Instead, they sent her home to die,” Charles said.

looking at the sensational headline”, one would see that what he was saying was that the health sector is a hospitality sector and the treatment of patients must be on that basis. He said the Government could place cameras, security and everything else the health-care workers desire, but if the health-care worker (doctor or nurse) was not cordial and treated the patient fairly, “one or two patients would react (violently)”. He said 98 per cent of patients would not react for fear of victimisation, but a few would. “If a patient is abusive, we have steps to take care of that but if a staff member is abusive to a patient we have steps to take care of that,” he said. “Treating a patient in an abusive manner will not raise your salary...What you have

to do is to use your bargaining body to do,” he said. “Before you go into a job I am sure you know the salary. And if you into a job and get the salary that you expect you get, then you can’t complain too much... Salary is very important yes. “But taking the salary and delivering the service you are suppose too...does not make any sense. Treating a patient in an abusive manner will not raise your salary...What you have to do is to use your bargaining body to do,” he added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

Guyana Editorial

Beware the Ides of May THE warning to “Beware the Ides of March” in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, foretold by a soothsayer during the Feast of Lupercal, of impending tragedy impelled by trickery and manipulating of circumstances to achieve a desired outcome, which was the assassination of Julius Caesar on 15th March, is being replicated in the Guyana scenario, where public officials supportive of Government are time and again drawn into self-defeating controversies, which are obvious ploys to defame the said officials and denigrate the Government. During the Feast of Lupercal, Caesar was passing by when he was accosted and warned by the soothsayer; but Caesar treated this unsolicited warning with amused skepticism and advised his companions to ignore the fortune teller and his dire prognostications. On the 15th March, passing the soothsayer with his entourage on the way to the capitol, Caesar remarked with amused tolerance that “… the ides of March are come”, but the seer replied “aye, but not yet gone”. The oracle that the clairvoyant had prophesied foretold a conspiracy by Senators, including Caesar’s trusted friends, to create and manipulate circumstances that would elicit responses from Caesar on which to premise a situational and seemingly logical reason for his assassination.

During the Tenth Parliament, former PPP/C insiders, now vehemently opposed to the governing partnership, while pursuing the removal of Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee with vengeance, even creating false scenarios whereby the Minister was accused of precipitating tragic incidents during the Linden uprising, had threatened the ministers in Parliament: “We will take you out one by one”. They used the contrived Clement Rohee imbroglio to precipitate a “no-confidence” motion designed to remove the PPP/C from Government with immediate effect. Police Commissioner Henry Greene had fallen victim to this strategy. After he had allowed himself to be inveigled into a situation that eventuated into public scorn, ridicule, relentless and vindictive attacks by anti-Government adversaries until he suffered a heart attack from consequential stress, enforced resignation, he finally paid the ultimate price from stress-related death. Embattled doctor, Bheri Ramsaran, has been long in the political fray and is aware of these ploys to “… take you down one by one”, yet he allowed himself to be provoked by a known character into reacting to a manipulated situation that eventuated into the desired outcome. Mission accomplished: The Minister was dismissed, and he became another statistic in the exquisitely crafted strategy to demonise and destroy

APNU/AFC condemn your supporters for their vandalism

THE political code of conduct was inked by the political parties of Guyana, on Wednesday 29th April 2015, aiming at the manner in which the parties will conduct themselves in a professional manner throughout their campaigning. A few hours after the Peoples Progressive Party Civic held one of its public meetings in East Ruimveldt, for the use of reaching out and airing plans for the future developments of Guyana if were to be placed in office again. PPP/C was interrupted by a band of the political opposition supporters known as A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC). Flags for the PPP/C were burned, missiles were thrown and some were even hurled at speakers which included Dr. Roger Luncheon. The behavior of the opposition by going and disruptingPPP/C meetings is by far an act of disrespect to the government and its supporters. The most annoying part of it all

is that supporters are encouraging children to be a part of all the vandalism; children do what they see their parents are doing. Teach our children the right thing, set proper examples for them to follow and by all means allow our children to decide on their own. Violence is not the answer never was and never will be. Billboards were destroyed, posters were ripped from walls and light posts and the home of a PPP/C supporter in Linden had stones hurled at it. Why sign a code of conduct if there are no intentions of carrying out your duties respectfully and professionally? David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo, I urge you to condemn this act of your supporters. If you fail to do so then your supporters will carry on their violence and vandalism feeling they have your full support behind their actions. TERI PHANG

Government officials by persons with vested interests, with the hoped-for result of eventually leveraging the PPP/C Government out of the administrative construct of Guyana. The Government has rightfully dismissed Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, because public officials have to maintain high standards and hold themselves above the fray; but they are nevertheless human and susceptible, as Dr. Ramsaran proved himself to be, to human frailties such as anger and other human emotions and actions. Betrayal by those we once held to our bosom as friends is as old as the hills and, like Caesar’s killers who ended up accidentally inflicting injuries on themselves through the vicious and vindictive nature of their attack, with his closest friend and most trusted Senator, Brutus, receiving a cut on his hand, it is the once-trusted friends and intimates of Government officials who are inflicting the death blows on former comrades; but are unaware of the fact that they are simultaneously injuring themselves in the process. Caesar’s last words as he was dealt the final stab by Brutus, “Et, tu, Brute?’ before finally succumbing. It is therefore imperative that public officials recognise that, especially during this elections season they are, in effect, existing in a ‘fish-bowl’, so to speak, and to “…beware of the ides of May!”

THE ELECTORATE NEEDS URGENT INFORMATION FROM GECOM

PLEASE permit me a space in your Letter-to-the-Editor column to register a few concerns with the top brass of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Many electors have been frantically scouring Official Lists of Electors (OLEs) to find their names, and much to their frustration, they cannot locate their names. Many persons search the OLEs mounted at places where they traditionally voted to discover the Lists there bear names of persons from other divisions and sub-divisions. Add to these woes the fact that some Polling Places have been changed without the notice of the voting public. And when advice is sought from Deputy Returning Officers (DROs), these officers are sharp and uncaring in responding, “I do not know. Go to the GECOM Office!” The result of the aforementioned is chaos on Election Day. There will be scores of persons queuing up to vote at places where they voted previously only to discover that they are no longer listed to vote at such places. I assure you, Messrs Chairman and CEO of GECOM, that persons will not

passively accept disenfranchisement from your organisation this time. Not this time! The call is on the Chairman of GECOM, Dr Steve Surujbally, the Commissioners of GECOM, and the GECOM CEO Mr Keith Lowenfield, to immediately demonstrate competence and professionalism in rectifying this situation. There must be adequate supplies of OLEs mounted on all Polling Places where persons are listed to vote. Wherever there is a change in Polling Place, this change MUST be published for the information of the citizenry. DROs must be better informed and able to offer valuable advice, and they need to demonstrate some compassion and empathy in dealing with the public. GECOM must NOT be responsible in the least for the disenfranchisement of a single elector. The last thing GECOM should want is to create an occasion for the electorate to impugn the character of GECOM, and accuse the Elections Commission nefarious activities. TABIA DRAKES

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

Workers bemoan continuing split in local labour movement

––but Labour Day celebrated in usual, high spirits

LABOUR Day 2015, was celebrated in high spirits yesterday, as thousands of workers, all in one accord, took to the streets of Georgetown for the traditional and colourful Workers’ Day parade. Decked in red and black/white, it was a spectacular display as workers representing dozens of work organisations, paraded under their respective trade union banners and marched energetically to celebrate 101 years of gains made on behalf of the working class, ever since the May 1, 1914, establishment of the trade union movement in British Guiana by Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow. The parade moved off from its traditional route on Parade Ground, Middle Street, wended its way through the streets of Georgetown and for most contingents, finally ending up at the junction of Albert Street and Woolford Avenue – outside the Critchlow Labour College, named after Critchlow, the father of trade unionism in Guyana. The Labour Day parade gave workers a platform to press demands for better wages and working conditions; the condemnation of : domestic violence and trafficking in persons; sexual harassment; abuse of women - physically, verbally and psychologically; while calling for the issues of unemployment and underemployment to be urgently addressed. Banners were flagged, highlighting key issues or areas of concern and workers loudly chanted their demands along the parade route.

Teachers were loud in their demand for the “debunching” payments which they claimed they were promised but never received. To this end, they proposed proceeding on a ‘Work to Rule’ (the practice by workers of refusing to do any work that is not strictly required as a part of their jobs in order to protest un-

union movement. Trade unions defiantly proceeded on their separate paths to hold separate rallies, addressed by speakers of their choice. Workers are saying they have had enough of this kind of behaviour. They claim it is resulting in confusion within

Members of trade unions have a grand time together, following the May Day Rally satisfactory working conditions). But after a fine and moving display of solidarity along the parade route, came the anti-climax. On reaching the Critchlow Square, came the stark evidence of fragmentation amidst the ranks of the trade

their minds, and moreover causing them to lose trust for and confidence in their trade union leaders. Taking pride in the relationships that exist among the rank- and-file trade union members (the ordinary members of the

organisation as opposed to its leaders), are now purporting that the leaders take a page out of their (ordinary members’) book and seek to find common ground on which to promote the business of trade unions, on workers’ behalf. “We think that we have had enough of this nonsense, it’s time they “shape up” or “ship out” and let the young trade unionists who are flexible and open- minded and “think outside the box” take over, workers are saying. “After all, in unity there is strength, and trade unionism is all about unity for the improvement of the lot of the workers. We are calling for a strong and united trade union movement. Let strength and unity prevail.” That apart, at the end of the rallies, rank and file workers had a grand time together as they came together at their respective clubs and recreation facilities for the usual “Labour Day” unwinding, characterised by an abundance of unrestrained laughter, food, beverage and music. Members of the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) , for example, had a spirited time together as they converged at the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) Sports Club for a refreshing and stress-free day. They were later visited by Mayor Hamilton Green and APNU executive member, parliamentarian and Attorney-at-Law, Basil Williams and others.

The politics of hegemonisation THE ethnic issue has always played a major role in our elections. Both PPP and the PNC have in their own ways appealed to the ethnic sentiment of their base support. In every general election, excepting those between 1964 and 1992, which were blatantly rigged by the PNC, race was the deciding factor. Perhaps the best example of ethnic loyalty was seen in the 1992 general elections. Even after years of atrocities against its own supporters, not to speak of the supporters of the other major party, the results showed that the PNC received almost 100% African votes. Indians, too, voted race but it is they who have been denounced and have had to pay the heavy for their choice. One top WPA leader who now resides happily and comfortably in the “belly of the beast” told me in strong theological language that Indians needed to be “rebuked.” To date, I have never heard a call to rebuke Africans the same “crime,” race voting. Tragically, this mindset of blaming Indians for their “ethnic preference” has continued to the present time with many people berating Indians for their political choice at every election, the present election being no exception. Some columnists and commentators have made it a kind of industry to each single out Indians for abuse and have gone so far to advocate punishment for Indians. Some

dehumanize and punish Indians with their pens in newspaper columns, while others do it on the streets. The sum of what we are being told is when Africans vote for the PNC they are asserting “ethnic pride.” When Indians vote for the PPP, it is racism. This hegemonic narrative is dominant and widespread. The production, preservation, reproduction, propagation and inculcation of this discourse that grants carte blanche legitimacy and sanctity to African ethnic expression, paradoxically and simultaneously, seeks to demonise and delegitimize similar ethnic expressions of the Indian community. One of the most perplexing phenomena of modern political life in Guyana, is the that authors and originators of this discourse of asymmetry, are lionized and praised for giving expressions to the African ethnic pride and aspirations, while those who seek to engage in an articulation, however erratically and unsystematically, of an Indian ethnic pride are devilised and denounced by the very propagators of the African ethnic discourse as Indian supremacists and diabolical racists. Virtue in one is vice in the other. The outcome of this systematic intellectual and cultural indoctrination, hegemonisation and domination has been two fold. On the one hand it has led to the virtual total absence of an Indian discourse among Indian intellec-

tuals and politicians. Where, for example, is the Indian counterpart of the view, “that my activism is dedicated to the defence and furtherance of African Guyanese interests?” Such an Indian, if he dares to speak will be vilified and ostracized, in part, by the very authors of the African ethnic discourse. The second outcome of this hegemonisation has been the creation of a larger number of de-culturalised and de-ethnicised Indians who have long learned to “ignore their normal ethnic considerations,” who have internalized the oppression, who now place themselves in the forefront of the vilification of Indians and who are elevated and celebrated as “model Indians.” Having declared their shame of being Indian, they make it their duty to humiliate, vilify, denigrate, demonise Indians who, in their view, fit the bill of being “Indian supremacists.” Silencing any Indian who entertains even the pretension of speaking about “ethnic honour,” “ethnic pride” etc., of Indian people is the pre-eminent duty of this class. The hegemonist ideology goes like this. The Indians of Guyana, the vast majority of whom trace their origins to the lowest social strata in India, have inherited “bizarre ideologies of racist oppression,” which have been imported to Guyana and which have bedeviled ethnic relations from the very inception. Indians are

characterized by this group as triumphalist and clannish and one of their major crimes is to resist inter-racial marriage, which resistance, as one hegemonised convert contends, is routinely preached in (Hindu) temples. The caricature continues. A huge defect in the Indian character is the “emphasis of wealth accumulation.” They want money, because “money is the essence of life,” and from Crabwood Creek to Charity they inhabit the biggest houses which they do not mind abandoning as they flee to North America, another crime. But above all, the worst crime of the Indians in this country is their “loyalty to the PPP,” for which no punishment is enough. Because Indians also choose to assert their “ethnic honour” in not abandoning the PPP, we are given an analysis of the “nature of the Indian psyche.” We hear of the “lacerated psyche of the Guyanese Indians.” And, to cap it all, we are informed that, “the nature of the Hindu religion has had a traumatizing effect on the Indian psyche.” The fallacy of equating Hindu and Indian does not dawn on this analyst. As Maya Angelou puts it, these are “words armed for slaughter. Nothing more needs to be said. SWAMI AKSHARANANDA

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

Disciplined Forces vote today ‘Come May 2, 2015, as you head to the polls to cast your votes, I ask you to consider the strides that our country has made. I ask you to consider the improvements made in your organisations. I ask you in all humility to once again repose your confidence in the PPP/C by re-electing me when you cast your important vote.’ – President Donald Ramotar

Commander-in-Chief, President Donald Ramotar

By Vanessa Narine DISCIPLINED Services ranks will be vote today at over 80 locations across Guyana and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is “ready,” according to its Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally. Over 7,400 ranks from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Prison Service and Fire Service will be voting today. “Everything is in place, logistically and otherwise. Everything is on track,”the GECOM Chairman assured the Guyana Chronicle in an invited comment. GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, reiterated:“We have security measures in place at all our locations,” he said. POLLING PLACES IDENTIFIED Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud, his divisional commanders and some other senior officers will vote at the Police Officers Mess at Eve Leary, in Georgetown.Other police ranks will vote at various other polling places as identified by the GECOM for members of the Guyana Police Force. Meanwhile, over at the Guyana Defence Force, soldiers will vote at all GDF bases across the country, as well as at the Army’s “Agri” Corps, according to Chief

Brigadier (rtd) David Granger

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally

Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips

of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips. Brigadier Phillips, in an earlier interview, had said that all arrangements are in place for voting and the ranks would be voting at a number of bases, including Camp Ayanganna, Camp Stephenson, the New Amsterdam Barracks, Coast Guard Headquarters, the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, and Anna Regina. Brigadier Philips will vote at Base Camp Ayanganna.According to him, his plans for the day would be to follow his normal routine, which would include physical exercise, having a bath and breakfast before heading to cast his ballot.

ballot at the Guyana Prison Service Sports Club on Camp Street, opposite the Camp Street jail. He said also that there will be voting at the other sport clubs at prisons across the country such as at New Amsterdam, Timehri, Mazaruni, and Lusignan.

together we strive to improve the capabilities of your respective organisations and the well-being of their officers and other ranks,” he said. Mr Ramotar added, “Come May 2, 2015, as you head to the polls to cast your votes, I ask you to consider the strides that our country has made. I ask you to consider the improvements made in your organisations. I ask you in all humility to once again

APPEAL The presidential candidates of the major political parties have both made public appeals for support from the disciplined services, in letters that have been widely publicised. People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) presidential candidate and incumbent Head of State,

‘An APNU+AFC government and the nation’s security forces, together, will enable you to make our beloved country safe for the next generation. I urge you, therefore, to vote for APNU+AFC at the General and Regional elections.’ – Brigadier (rtd) David Granger Asked about the security arrangements at the level of the Joint Services in the lead-up to elections and thereafter, the chief of staff said that everything is in place. He confirmed that the monies requested from the Government to take care of joint services ranks while they are in lying have been approved and received. Also speaking on the issue of today’s voting was Head of the Guyana Prison Service, WeltonTrotz, who said that he will cast his

Donald Ramotar, in a letter expressed appreciation to the ranks of the disciplined services over the last three years of his tenure. “I am humbled by the support I have received over the past three years from the leadership of the disciplined services. I am aware that there is much scope for improvements in terms of all three organisations that comprise the disciplined services and I want to assure you of my unwavering support going forward, as

Man fined $100,000 for forging Guyana passport RAMANDAN Persaud was Thursday fined $100,000 by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for forging a Guyana passport. It is alleged that Persaud between March 12-24,2015 at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, conspired with a person and persons unknown to forge a passport

purporting to show that it was issued by the Central Immigration Office, knowing same was false. The man pleaded guilty to the charge, which would lessen his chances of a constitutional sentencing; however, failure to pay the fine will result in six months imprisonment.

repose your confidence in the PPP/C by re-electing me when you cast your important vote.” The leader of the next major political party, presidential candidate for the Alliance of A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), Brigadier (rtd) David Granger, in a letter of his own committed to supporting the ranks of the disciplined services. “An APNU+AFC government and the nation’s security forces, together, will enable you to make our beloved country safe for the next generation. I urge you, therefore, to vote for APNU+AFC at the General and Regional elections,” Briga-

dier (rtd) Granger said. Additionally, according to a notice from GECOM, the ballots cast by non-resident electors and the disciplined forces electors will be sorted on Monday, May 4 at its Kingston office. After that the ballots will be intermixed and counted at the residences in divisions, sub divisions where these ranks ordinarily reside. Agents for the political parties contesting the May 11 General and Regional elections are also expected to be privy to the proceedings, in an effort to ensure that the process is free and fair. Several observer groups are also expected to do the same.(Additional reporting by Leroy Smith)

ELECTIONS FLASHBACK

Strife not Strike

THE year 1963 was a particularly hard year for the government of the day. The opposition PNC in collaboration with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) financed and supported by Central Intelligence Agency(CIA) and US trade unionists called a strike which lasted 80 days. The cause of the strike was claimed to be the introduction of the Labour Relations Bill, which Mr. Burnham had fully supported in 1953 when he was a minister in the PPP government. He admitted later that it was not really the cause of the strike which was political, but was used to carry out its intention of destabilising the government of Dr. Jagan. The strike was marked by continued violence and civil servants on strike were paid by funds provided by the CIA. Those workers who remained loyal were intimidated and harassed. Violence was directed against Indians, anyone suspected as a government supporter, PPP legislators and ministers of the government. It was a year of explicit calls to race and violence by the PNC and a period of wild and false accusations and information by the press, which acted as a stimulant to further racial clashes and violence. In early May 1963, the discovery of the existence of Plan “X” 13 ( arms, weapons, assassination plots and plans for extensive military training by the PNC to forcibly overthrow the government) evoked public horror and caused a temporary halt to the violence. Pictured is the PPP team that was represented as parliamentarians in the National Assembly.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

President commissions new fishing complex at De Edward Village

IT is the policy of the PPP/C Administration to ensure that the quality of life for all citizens is improved and three initiatives, which are aimed at improving lives, were endorsed by Head of State, Donald Ramotar, in West Coast Berbice, Region 5. The President joined with fisherfolk of De Edward/Rosignol Village for the commissioning of a new fishermen’s complex in that community on Thursday last.

He added that even as the country’s economy continues to grow, there would be more trickledown benefits for all citizens. “It is the management of the economy that has us as a middle- income, developing country, and with that, we can expect standards to rise, [as] when we were living in poverty, it was reflective in the squatting, now that we have gone up the ladder, the demand for quality is more.”

Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy handing over a title to a couple whose land has now been regularised Just a stone’s throw away from the facility, the president also commissioned the De Edward Village volleyball court. Further, residents of two areas, which were once squatter settlements in Blairmont and De Edward Villages, were proud recipients of titles for the lands they occupy. Noting his pleasure in being a part of the threefold ceremony, President Ramotar stated that the fishing complex will certainly lift the quality of work and life of the fishermen, as he made another commitment to aid them in their trade. “We will find the money to build the shed here, so that you can have better facilities to carry on your work. This is our way of showing our appreciation to fishermen, and the essential work that they do in providing for us.”

Acknowledging that the demands for a better quality of life should be more, the president stated that his administration, over the years, has been meeting some of these demands with new and improved infrastructure. “We see the improvement in the attitudes of people, as they are calling for more quality, and what we are having here today, is recognising that we are moving to this quality of life that we want for our people to carry out their work, and carry out their living.” Speaking of plans for the fishing industry, the president said it is his hope that as the economy continues to grow, the fishing industry can move into processing fish for export, which in turn would add value to the product, generate more revenue and provide jobs.

Also delivering remarks at the event was Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who said the event was a special one, as people’s lives were being advanced. “Three different areas of progress under the Turn to page 10

President Donald Ramotar cuts the symbolic ribbon to open the De Edward Village Volleyball court

President Donald Ramotar, speaking at the commissioning of the new Rosignol Fishing Complex

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

President commissions new fishing complex ... From page 9 PPP/C Government and Guyanese, ultimately what we are doing here today is bringing to our people a vision of a different Guyana.” Speaking to the land titles which were distributed, Minister Ramsammy pointed out that gone are the days when citizens were forced to live in shacks, as now digni-

ty and pride have been restored to thousands of Guyanese under the national housing initiative. Stating the significance of the fishing industry, the minister said while it continues to face many challenges, the government is putting systems in place to aid the industry. With climate change and piracy being two of the biggest setbacks, the minister said thus far the Global Positioning Systems (GPS) have been working well. He further urged fish-

erfolk to comply with the stipulated regulations when plying their trade. The minister also reaffirmed the governm e n t ’s c o m m i t m e n t to the development of youths in the area, as he noted that the volleyball court is a clear indication of their commitment. He added that the government would continue to assist De Edward Village and other surrounding villages with their youth and sport initiatives. (GINA)

A Message to the Disciplined Services

Elisabeth Harper Prime Ministerial Candidate, PPP/C ON behalf of myself, family and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge the unwavering commitment and dedication which you, the members of the Disciplined Services, have displayed in defending our nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in maintaining law and order, and in ensuring that all Guyanese are safe in their homes, streets and communities. Over the years, you have all carried out your duties while fulfilling your family obligations, at times with great personal sacrifice. Your professional efforts in this regard must be commended and all Guyanese remain appreciative. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic, which I support, will continue to respect the constitutional roles of the Disciplined Services. My Party will work with the respective agencies towards strengthening existing systems to provide the enabling conditions for enhanced professionalism and greater efficiency in the execution of your mandate. The PPP/C remains committed to improving your welfare, and encourages you to stay true to the oaths of your profession as you uphold your sacred duty to defend and secure our country and its people. Once again I commend your invaluable efforts to protect our nation. Sincerely Elisabeth Harper Prime Ministerial Candidate, PPP/C

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

Jagdeo alleges open corruption, criminality in AFC leadership

HAVING been out of the lime-light now for three years since demitting Office in 2011, and in defence of his legacy during that tenure in office, former President Bharrat Jagdeo has accused senior members of the political Opposition of open corruption and criminality. Jagdeo held a press engagement this week’s at his party’s Freedom House headquarters and lambasted the leadership of the Alliance For Change (AFC) calling on them to make public their declarations of assets and incomes, if they now want to accede to public office. Jagdeo told media operatives that while he is being accused of having a tarnished legacy plagued by allegations and corruption, it is in fact persons such as the AFC’s co-founders Khemraj Ramjattan, Raphael Trotman, Cathy Hughes, Nigel Hughes whom he is accusing of open corruption. Jagdeo during his interaction with the local media corps said Ramjattan had wanted to use public money for private gain which is tantamount to corruption. He was making reference to the debacle surrounding the issuance of a contract for the building of the Specialty Hospital. Ramjattan had acted as Attorney for one of the unsuccessful bidders, Jadgeo reminded. The former president said too that when Robert Badal, the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Pegasus was Ramjattan’s client, “they tried to block the Marriott [Hotel].” The former president has since surmised the only beneficiary of blocking the Marriott is Badal and that “Ramjattan again in that conflict of interest.” Jagdeo said too he has noticed the criticisms that surrounded the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Plant and the accompanying road. He said Makeswhar “Fip” Motilall, of Synergy Holdings Inc, had at the time submitted the lowest tender to build the road. According to the Former President, the only other people that benefited financially from the projects were Cathy and Nigel Hughes. He reminded the media that Cathy Hughes had acted as the Public Relations Officer for Sithe Global, the developers of the project, while her husband Nigel was in fact the company secretary. “If anyone made money off hydro[it] was them,” said Jagdeo. Speaking to the matter of accountability, Jagdeo said that it was under his tenure that saw Constitutional Reform, causing the Auditor General to submit Annual Reports directly to the National Assembly. “We had in my tenure,” new procurement laws. He spoke too to the introduction of the Integrated Financial Management Accounting System. This he said is in addition to the submission of regular reports declaring assets and incomes to the Integrity Commission, something the leadership of the political Opposition has failed to do. “I did when I was there, the only people who refused have been some of the Opposition leaders,’ The former President suggested Ramjattan and the others in the AFC leadership be made to submit their declarations. Such declarations, according to Jagdeo, would tell a shocking story and pointed to the level of taxes that are usually paid by attorneys. “When they did a broad category of lawyers paying taxes, the maximum paid was a few million dollars,” according to Jagdeo and said “but if they seeking public office and so clean and value accountability so much, why not make public declarations to the Guyana Revenue Authority?” The former President also suggested that they be asked “how much money they receive from blocking the anti-money laundering bill.” Jagdeo reminded that the international community had urged the political Opposition to approve the recommended amendments “and they block it…who are the beneficiary only the drug dealers and money

launderers.” The former President said too that while he could not confirm the veracity of the allegation repeated to him, he was informed that the man recently executed in Agricola was going to come forward to say what he knew about where millions of dollars from a robbery went. Gladstone George, the man who was shot twice to the head last week Thursday, has since been linked to the $42M Post Office robbery. According to the former head of state, the political

opposition has been expending huge amounts on its campaign and suggests, “Maybe some of their paraphernalia came from those sources.” Jagdeo said he was informed that the now executed man “was willing to make a statement about where the money went….he was prepared to say he gave [the] Opposition a lot of money.” He did caution that he didn’t know if the allegation was true “but we in a period where rumours can be elevated to fact, maybe [it] is time we start exploring some of these things.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

PRESIDENT RAMOTAR DECLARES…

Most important elections in Guyana’s history in nine days

…vote is for continued progress or U-turn to a dark, dismal period GUYANESE will vote en masse in nine days; and according to Head of State, President Donald Ramotar, these are the most important elections ever to be held in the nation’s history. Ramotar on Thursday evening addressed a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) public meeting at Diamond Housing Scheme on the East Bank of Demerara. Several hundred persons turned out in support and also saw in attendance women’s rights activist Indra Chandarpal, former A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) Member of Parliament, Africo Selman, among others. The President, in his address to the gathering, sought to impress on attendees the importance of the decision to be made come May 11. JUDGMENT TIME Election Day 2015, according to President Ramotar, “is no doubt the most important elections in the history of our country.” “You know we have come a far way,” the President asserted and added that Government wants to accelerate the unprecedented progress made so far and that an election is also time for the parties to be judged on their records. Noting that PPP/C has a proud history of development and “it will run on this record”, President Ramotar said his administration’s focus of spending on the social sector, as “a country’s greatest asset is its people” and the gains over the years in the education sector which has seen the attainment of universal nursery and primary education with the secondary level soon to be achieved. The political Opposition was singled out for their moves to cut some $89 billion from the budget and the effect this had on ordinary citizens’ lives. Despite all their promises now, President Ramotar explained that “the Opposition has consistently refused to be part of the developmental process...how can they be trusted?” he asked. Residents were urged to

ensure that they not only go out and vote, but also that their ballots are correctly stamped before being placed in ballot boxes on Elections Day, as he opined that “nothing must be left to chance.” In another of the impassioned presentations, Mohammed Colander, a young businessman from the community, in endorsing the PPP/C administration, appealed to voters to contemplate long and hard on the choice to be made when the time comes to vote. “ C o m e M a y 11 , w e all have a big decision, a choice, these elections you can choose to move forward with a PPP Government, or we make a U-turn to a dark and dismal period in our history.” According to the young businessman, there has been demonstrated growth in the economy over the years that need to be preserved. MORE WORTH He said the growth and development experienced over the years in Guyana were not the result of any favours of the PPP/C, but rather it was an obligation of Government. “Our country has more worth today,” said Colander. The tangible progress and development, according to Colander, is a direct result of the enabling environment created by successive PPP/C Governments. According to Colander, successive PPP/C Governments brought Guyana out of a quagmire and that this didn’t happen “by a fluke.” He implored the gathering to think how much more could have been accomplished by Government had the political Opposition not acted so irresponsibly. Colander used the opportunity to invite the primarily Diamond, EBD residents to draw reference also to the lost opportunities by still not having the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric plant in place. ONLY OPTION “We cannot afford to repeat history. Let us make our choice carefully, said Colander. He said the only viable Turn to page 14 ►

President Donald Ramotar addressing residents of Diamond, East Bank Demerara on Thursday evening

Veteran PPP/C politician and Women’s Rights Activist Ms Indra Chandarpal addressing the meeting in Diamond

President Ramotar and other PPP/C officials on stage

President Ramotar interacting with the crowd at Diamond

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

UNDP ‘eminent persons’ proposal remains ‘no go’ By Vanessa Narine THE United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) “Eminent Persons” initiative remains a ‘no-go,’ according to Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Dr Steve Surujbally. The proposal, detailed in a letter dated early April, was seen exclusively by the Guyana Chronicle and proposes that five persons – Major General (rtd) Joseph Singh, Dr Eric Phillips, Dr Paloma Mohammed, Mr Chris Fernandes and Ambassador (rtd) Rudy Collins – act as “inside mediators” who will take actions that will promote a peaceful election process.“ Dr Surujbally told the Guyana Chronicle that the issue was not resurrected at the Commission’s recent statutory

Dr Roger Luncheon

Dr Steve Surujbally

meeting, held on Tuesday. GECOM, as well as the current Administration, raised questions about the inconsistencies in procedure and questions of timing of the proposal. In a prior comment, the GECOM Chairman noted that the Commissioners had questions about the timing of the proposal.“The Commission felt

that at this time it was inappropriate,” Dr Surujbally stated. Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon, at an earlier news conference, disclosed that central Government was informed of the proposal by GECOM. Fielding questions on the issue, he made it clear that the move by the UNDP to make

UNDP representative, Chisa Mikami

such a proposal to GECOM runs contrary to routine procedures. “What the Administration insists is the procedure ought to be UNDP approaching central Government on these matters, instead of an independent foray to GECOM…it [the initiative] was misdirected to GECOM

in the first place and should be brought to the attention of central Government with whom UNDP should and must engage,” the Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) said. Dr Luncheon was emphatic in pointing out that the mandate of GECOM is clear – the Commission is tasked with the management of general and regional electoral processes. He said: “I know and the UNDP knows that the foray starts with central Government not with GECOM…we feel, and historically this is the way it has been, UNDP, or any other stakeholder, approaching central Government on initiatives of this sort will them be visited with approval or non-approval or some sort of response. “…the Administration contends that this ain’t exactly GECOM’s cup of tea. GECOM is constitutionally charged, in

Most important elections in...

From page 13

to expose them all the way.” She told residents of Diamond “Don’t allow these people to fool you. It is time to kick them out do not let them come into your communities.”

Residents of Diamond, East Bank Demerara, attending a community meeting that was addressed by President Donald Ramotar

choice for “your children’s future is Donald Ramotar and the PPP Government.” Other speakers at Thursday evening’s public meeting spoke to the “dark days” under the previous administration that had run the country roughshod for 28 years. Introduced to the podium as a ‘Champion of Women’s

Rights’, Ms Indranie Chandarpal spoke to the fact that the development of Diamond Housing Scheme - one of the largest in the country - is testament to the progress made over the years under the leadership and vision of incumbent administration. The East Bank of Demerara, according to Chandarpal,

has certainly grown and she asked rhetorically, “Look at what the PPP had been able to do in less than 23 years.” She said when the PPP/C took Office in 1992, it was with the mandate of a time to rebuild and “we took this dilapidated, poverty-stricken country and changed the priority around.”

Chandarpal told the gathering that over the years the political Opposition has only ever been interested in thwarting the efforts of the PPP/C. “We are seeing history repeat itself…Those people were in the driver’s seat for 28 years…They have no morality, no shame, it is our job

terms of elections, with managing elections. This foray into mediation of possible conflict arising during or as a result of election isn’t GECOM’s business,” he stressed. However, he acknowledged that there could be some merit in the effort. “It does seem that there is an anticipation of the need for mediation….there may very well be some contention around [for] which an effort of mediation could be beneficial… in theory it does seem to have some merit,” the HPS said. The proposal followed that completion of a report on its five-day needs assessment mission, which was undertaken by a small delegation of electoral experts from the UNDP in early February. The report was provided exclusively to GECOM.

LAUGHING STOCK According to Chandarpal, under the previous administration, “they made us the laughing stock of the Caribbean when having a loaf of bread was a sin… They took away our pride and dignity and made us live like thieves for basic food.” Vickram Bharrat, another of the young PPP/C activists to speak to the Diamond gathering ahead of the May 11 elections, asked, “Are we ready to continue the progress, are we ready to re-elect Donald Ramotar?” He said the evidence of progress is there for all to see, “you tell me what you see…you see progress and development.” He too also used the opportunity to seek to have the East Bank Demerara residents reflect on the actions of the political Opposition while it was in office. “Remember in 1997 they say they don’t want no white woman [Janet Jagan]…They created mayhem. Remember the days when they had, ‘Slow fyah moh fyah’.”

According to Bharrat, the political Opposition has no interest in the development of the country. “Every project they against. Their aim is not to develop Guyana. We must ensure that these people do not return to Government.” SCARED OF BHARRAT JAGDEO In his pitch to the electorate, he asked supporters: “How can you assess what the PPP has done if you don’t reflect on where we came from…They want us to forget.” A confident Bharrat said too that many of those persons gathered to listen to the PPP/C leadership are in possession of multiple-year visas to travel to countries such as the United States of America. He also used the opportunity to defend his namesake, former President Bharrat Jagdeo. The political Opposition, he said, are literally afraid of Jagdeo, hence the resort to constant bombardments. “When they hear the name ‘Bharrat Jagdeo’, dem tremble…He is part and parcel of the PPP,” he said, surmising it is because of the political Opposition’s fear of the former President. (Gary Eleazar)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

President announces faith in military support at the polls By Jeune Vankeric

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar has said he strongly believes he would get the overwhelming support of members of the military when they go to the polls today. Basing his conviction on the constant funding the military has received from the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government, Guyana’s Head of State, in addressing hundreds of party supporters at Adelphi Village in East Canje on Wednesday evening, noted that the parties in the opposition coalition were never in support of the military. “Whenever the police kill a criminal whilst defending themselves, the PNC (Peoples National Congress) and the APNU (A Partnership for National Unity) would come out and attack the police. Never one day have they come out in support of the police in their fight against crime! That is why, on Saturday, I believe that the police and the army will vote PPPC!” an optimistic and upbeat President Ramotar declared. Describing the Opposition as “supporters of law-

President Ramotar at East Canje on Wednesday evening breakers”, the President said, “The Opposition coalition is anti-police and supporters of criminals! Just look at their lawyers. Who defend the drug lords in court? Who defend the same criminals when they kill people, the people who went and killed the eleven people at Lusignan? Who was the lawyer that defended them?”

he questioned the boisterous crowd. “It was Nigel Hughes!” he asserted. “The accused in the Lusignan massacre got off on a technicality because of a conflict of interest. The foreman of the jury was Nigel Hughes’s client for seven years, and it was never revealed to the court. It is the same Nigel Hughes,

when they had the killing in Buxton [gas station] that removed the video footage from there, maybe to tamper with the evidence. There are others too, like James Bond and Basil Williams!” President Ramotar asserted. Who are the biggest defenders of the drug lords and the criminal elements in our

society?” he asked. “The Opposition has a relationship with criminals in Guyana; our administration has never used the military for political purposes!” His rationale was drawn from information emanating from the Rodney Commission of Inquiry and from the fact that when the notorious Rondell ‘Fine Man’ Rawlins was killed in 2008, the weapon found on him was determined to be one from the stock of weapons that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) had given to the PNC. In an effort to bash the opposition leaders and win the electorate in East Canje, the President reminded his listeners of the vindictiveness of the parliamentary opposition in cutting from the National Budget of 2014 funds that were earmarked for education. “Those budgetary cuts included the $10,000-per-schoolchild allocation which Government was able to put back into the budget. There was also a cut to the student loan fund [University of Guyana] which students will not have to repay until they are gainfully employed,” the President said. “If we did not put it back in the budget, many students

attending university could not have done so! So, you see how vindictive the Opposition is?” President Ramotar asked his audience. Referring to the opposition coalition as not being serious, while highlighting that the PPP/C is the party of change because of its transforming Guyana from being a highly indebted poor country (HIPC) to becoming a middle income developing country (MIDC), President Ramotar took the opportunity to chastise the critics of the ruling party, who are of the opinion that the PPP/C was not following the ideology of the late President Cheddi Jagan. “Would Cheddi oppose giving youths free exercise and text books? Would he be against giving you school uniforms? Would he be against building a new hospital, where you can have bypass surgery? Would he be against more money for this country?” the President asked. “That’s all we are doing, following in the footsteps and in the dreams of the late Cheddi Jagan,” he concluded.Caption: President Ramotar addressing hundreds at Adelphi, East Canje, Berbice

Essequibo Praant of Dharmic Sabha stages colourful mela THE atmosphere around Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast in Region Three was palpably festive on Thursday evening. Music filled the air; and joy, peace, love and brotherhood abounded as the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Essequibo Praant held its colourful Mela to celebrate the 177th year since East Indians arrived in Guyana. The Mela lighted up the park at Anna Regina and attracted a large crowd which travelled from as far as Charity and Supenaam to participate in the historic activity that marked 177 years since East Indians first landed on the shores of Guyana from India. President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud, addressing the large and colourful gathering, extended arrival day greetings to all. She pointed out that the legacy of the Indian

ancestors is alive and well and is being preserved. She said the programme to celebrate the 177 years of East Indian arrival to Guyana was organized by the Essequibo Praant of the Dharmic Sabha. Dr Persaud urged persons to continue preserving the legacy their foreparents brought from India by continuing to worship in the various forms of the faith. She deemed Guyana a rich multi-facet nation, and said Guyanese need to come together and make wise choices that would ensure preservation of their culture and faith. She disclosed that the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha would continue to promote the rich culture of East Indians and ensure that Hindu dance and drumming classes continue at the Kendra. Dr Persaud told the huge crowd the Sabha would ensure that the Kenda at Anna Regina is set up so that

--to mark 177 anniversary of Indian Arrival

President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindhya Vasini Persaud, at the Mela young people can attend and benefit from the dance and drumming classes. The programme featured energetic performances by members of the Dharmic Nr-

itya Sangh Khandyia dance troupe, and the CV Nunes Primary School. Songs were also reportedly done by winners of the E-Networks Emerging Voices contest,

Vishalie Soonaram and Anir Khan, and there was also tassa drumming and Queeda singing. The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Essequibo

Praant also distributed food hampers to senior citizens of the Region. Rajendra Prabhulall in E/bo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

World-renowned insurance firm re-establishes local operations

THE New India Assurance Company (Trinidad and Tobago) Limited, a renowned global insurance firm, has re-established operations in Guyana. The company has re-entered the Guyana market after exiting sometime in the 1970s due to the economic constraints of the country at that time.The New India Assurance Company (T&T) Limited is a subsidiary of the New India Assurance Company of Mumbai, India, which is a multi-national, state -owned non-life insurer founded in 1919. The company has a global premium of US$2.3B; net assets of US$7.7B and net worth of US$1.4B as at the end of the 2013 financial year. The operations in India extend across a network comprising 28 regional offices; five large corporate offices; 400 divisional offices; 614 branch offices and 555 micro offices. The employee head count stands at around 19,000. Its global presence spans 22 countries in five continents; they have been present in the United Kingdom since 1920, in Japan in 1950, in Australia in 1955 and in most other countries for over 50 years.

At the inaugural ceremony at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday, the insurance firm announced its intention of re-entering the market and the opening of its new branch office at 58 B Brickdam, Georgetown, where they will offer the Guyanese public accident and liability insurance, motor vehicle insurance, fire insurance and general insurance. Managing Director of the New India Assurance Company (T&T) Limited, Jyoti Kumar Garg, explained that since taking leave of the Guyana market they have seen significant economic development take place over the years. “We must admit that significant economic developments have taken place over the years and we are happy to become part of that growth trajectory in the years ahead,” he stated. Garg continued noting that business growth appears to have been stimulated as the company witnessed the increase in the number of vehicles, both new and foreign used, entering the market. “We are also seeing quite a number of new buildings and housing communities in urban districts and along the city boundaries of Georgetown.” He concluded that the com-

Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh pay rapt attention

pany assures the country of its commitment and confidence in the Guyana market and “as we continue to seek your business support, we shall certainly make our contributions to the economic growth and development of Guyana.” Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga during his remarks outlined the tedious process the international

A representative of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre receives a cheque from Managing Director of New India Assurance, Jyoti Kumar Garg

firm had to endure to obtain a licence to operate in Guyana. “During the course of last year, management of the company approached the Bank of Guyana and indicated their interest to enter the Guyanese market. It declared its intention to provide services that will further enhance the capacity of the insurance sector towards the financial security, investors’ confidence and economic growth of the country. The company subsequently applied to the Bank of Guyana on December 10, 2014 for a licence to operate a branch office in Guyana,” Ganga stated. He explained taking into consideration the need for such a company on the local market and its benefits for the economy, the Bank of Guyana granted permission for the company to operate a branch in Guyana with effect from April 27. Finance Minister DrAshni Singh in welcoming the company to Guyana reflected on the downfall the insurance industry in Guyana experienced with the CLICO incident in 2008. “The insurance industry… has taken something of a body blow; the names of CLICO and BICO are perhaps bad words in the Caribbean. As a result of that experience, the industry as a whole… did suffer a considerable shock,”

he related.Dr Singh expressed his satisfaction that over the years, the industry has grown rapidly in spite of the damage caused. Dr Singh, while very cognisant that the General and Regional Elections are imminent, assured the company that the Government under which he serves being the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), will maintain an environment that is conducive for the company’s viability on the market. “I am confident that you will grow and prosper in Guyana and that they will be provided with the necessary environment to grow and expand under the current Administration. “I hope with the benefit of your global experience, with the vastness of products you already offer elsewhere, with the benefit of your access to more sophisticated tools of the industry and markets, I expect that New India Assurance will bring to the insurance industry in Guyana significant innovation, whether it’s the introduction of new products or indeed more competition…” he stated. The New India Assurance Company (T&T) Limited as part of their company’s policy and mission donated a sum of $150,000 to the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

A grand May Day rally HUNDREDS flocked the National Park for the culmination of the annual May Day parade yesterday, where they were entertained by a number of cultural items, everything from dances to drumming, as well as charges from leaders in the labour movement. While the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) joined with workers at the National Park, the leadership and representatives of the political Opposition – A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) – were at the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) Woolford Avenue headquarters.

President Donald Ramotar greeting members of the public who turned out for the May Day parade yesterday

Fun was had by all

nger and ’d) David Gra s May et (r er di ga ri sterday’ candidate, B so part of ye presidential ition were al os APNU+AFC pp O al ic the polit members of de ra pa Day

One of the many performances put on yesterday

Park the National the many at abeth g lis on E e, am at e id er rial cand te adership w is le in /C otar, m P e P am P R im e th left are pr nt Donald Members of on stage from amuel Hinds and Preside by drummers d te ea S y. yesterda inister S ormance joying a perf oing Prime M Harper, outg the labour movement en of with leaders

‘Happy Labour Day’

at the hundreds A section of y da er st Park ye the National

A section of the parading procession on Lamaha Street headed to the National Park

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

Region 2 May Day rally focuses on the power of the vote

Former MP and stalwart of the PPP, Mr Isahack Basir, addressing the May Day rally at Anna Regina

WORKERS representing the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) turned out in full force in their red jerseys and white trousers at the Essequibo May Day rally which was held at Anna Regina today. Rallying under the theme “Your vote is your power - workers vote right”, workers of the three unions started their rally from La Bella Alliance, opposite the Damon Cross, and marched along the public road, under banners representing their respective unions, to the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground. Some of the workers sang solidarity songs, while teachers under the GTU banner cried for their debunching payments. The rally was accompanied by steel pan music provided by members of the New Opportunity Corp. At the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground, workers were addressed by Mr Julian Cambridge, second Vice President of the GTU, who delivered the feature address. Mr Cambridge based his message mainly on debunching payments for teachers. He said the union would be taking industrial action from Monday, May 4th, because the union cannot continue to have its teachers working in unsatisfactory conditions any longer. Some workers clapped and shouted, while others shouted that the working conditions are far better under this Government. Mr Cambridge said the Government and the GTU agreed to debunching payments, and up to now there

is nothing forthcoming. He said conditions under which teachers work are very terrible, and he pointed out that, in some cases, teachers are forced to fetch water to flush toilets, sit on broken chairs, and even have to share tables. He asked the small crowd, “Are you satisfied with these conditions?” Part of the crowd shouted back a loud “No!” while another section shouted back that conditions are much, much better at the schools than what had obtained under the last PNC Government. Region Two Chairman Mr Parmanand Persaud, who addressed the crowd on behalf of the Regional Administration, said workers should celebrate their achievements during the last year, and congratulated all teachers across the region for their hard work in moulding the

Workers in a march at Anna Regina May Day rally

GTU Vice President Mr Julian Cambridge addressing the small crowd at the Anna Regina rally

nation’s children during the past year. The Chairman credited the hard work of the teachers with the region doing well in the field of education, and he pointed to the excellent results obtained by the region at the CXC examinations. Region Two topped the entire country and Caribbean in one year, and Mr Persaud assured teachers that the PPP/C Government would continue to support them. The Chairman noted that the rallies are getting smaller and smaller each year, while the workforce is getting bigger and bigger. He said workers are having much better wages under this Government, and he pointed to teachers having up-todate training programmes so they can qualify themselves. He said the theme “Your vote is your power-workers vote right”is a sure way to encourage workers to vote

Some workers on a pavilion listening to addresses at the Anna Regina May Day rally

for a Government that has transformed Guyana with better roads, streets, lights on the roadway, abundance of food in supermarkets, better health services, better ferry services,reliable electricity service, treated and portable water distribution and many other efficient services. Former member of Parliament and stalwart of the PPP, Mr Isahack Basir, called for private sector workers to get unionized and be part of the rally on May Day. Mr Basir said workers are important because they run the country. He pointed to the late Dr Cheddi Jagan, Linden Forbes Burnham, Joseph Pollydore and Aston Chase, among others as leading men who contributed to the trade union movement in Guyana. Greetings were also brought from GAWU, GTU and GPSU representatives. (Rajendra Prabhulall in E/bo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

Granger’s claim of resource-starved disciplined services rubbished By Vanessa Narine “GROSSLY UNDER-RESOURCED” and “under-funded” were terms used by Brigadier (rtd) David Granger to describe the current’s Administration support to the disciplined services, in particular the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF). However, former president, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, maintains that truth cannot be changed, as much as attempts are made to “elevate rumours to truth,” and the record of successive People’s Progressive Party/ Civic administration’s (PPP/C) support for the disciplined forces are a matter of public record. In a public missive to ranks of the disciplined services, published in the local dailies yesterday, the retired Brigadier charged that the lack of resources have led to a situation where “crime and incompetence” have taken a toll on the Guyanese people’s quality of life. On a platform, an interview that was done on Thursday and subsequently made public, he said, “I have no doubt that within days of getting into office we will be bring about changes, we will be able to set up a commission to review their salaries, we will be able to determine based on studies that were conducted 11- 15 years ago what improvements need to be made, I am aware of some of the problems myself and I reckon that the servicemen could look forward to

President Donald Ramotar

progress within days.” GRANGER EXPOSED These “empty promises,” according to Dr Jagdeo has exposed the duplicity of the alliance of A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC). At a prior news conference, he slammed the APNU+AFC alliance for their “sudden love” for the military.“When he [Granger] was there he did nothing for the army,” Dr Jagdeo stressed. He added, “Let the numbers speak for itself.” The one-line defence was mounted by the former president as he also waded into the political Opposition for its “opportunistic” profession of support for Guyana’s armed servicemen and women. Producing a copy of the 1992 Budget, done under PNC finance minister Carl Greenidge, he pointed to the dismal level of resourc-

Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

es that were allocated to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). According to him, in 1990, the amount allocated for capital expenditures was a miniscule $300,000, while in 1991 it was 675,000, and then upped to $7M in 1992. “Greenidge presented this to the Parliament. This is not the PPP…today they love soldiers so much and say that we discriminate against soldiers and that we are not doing enough and this is their record, shameful,”the former president said. Presently, Dr Jagdeo charged that the annual salary of a private amounts to more than the annual capital expenditure in 1990. “You can check it yourself. Ask Greenidge about it…ask Granger, because he was national security advisor at the time,” he charged. Fast forwarding to 1999, the former president disclosed that the total bud-

Brigadier (rtd) David Granger

getary allocation for the GDF was a whopping $1.5B, which was consistently increased to $6.6B – a $5.1B increase in the years that he was commander-in-chief. “In the last five years alone, it [the allocation to the GDF] was 2,000 times more than the capital budget [in the 1990s]…these are the men that so love the army today, but their record does not prove that,” Dr Jagdeo said He added that the officer corps and the non-officer corps, as well as the prison, fire and police servicemen and women also benefited from other programmes through which they received skills training or higher- level education. REALISTIC GOALS Meanwhile, People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) presidential candidate and incumbent Head of State, Donald Ramotar, in an

earlier letter to disciplined services ranks made it clear that while there has been improvement, there is also room for improvement. “I am aware that there is much scope for improvements in terms of all three organisations that comprise the disciplined services,” he said. Guyana 2.0, the PPP/C pact with the Guyanese people and vision for the future, stated that: “Over the years, successive PPP/C Governments have pursued the objective of strengthening the security and judicial sector, with significant success. In the area of policing and the criminal justice system, the PPP/C will continue to focus on people’s experiences of insecurity and injustice.” As such, an extensive list of commitments made include: providing resources and support for a professional army, while expanding its reserves;completing and implementing the Security Sector Strategic Plan of the Guyana Police Force; improving partnerships in the security system to ensure the criminal justice system works effectively and efficiently through collaboration with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Chambers and the Judiciary; strengthening, monitoring and legislative reforms to tackle robberies, burglaries, piracy, hijacking, trafficking of persons and abductions; expanding the use of technology for intelligencegathering, investigations and data/case management; maximizing the use of the

modern forensic laboratory to improve forensic and scientific approaches to investigations and partnering with similar institutions in other countries in a common approach to reduce crime and protect the Caribbean region; enhancing the rehabilitative programmes at our prisons with emphasis on training for staff and offenders; collaborating with external partners to control organised crime by using special agencies such as the National Intelligence Committee (NIC), Specially Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and Customs and Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU); establishing a National Emergency Centre (911 System) that can be accessed 24 hours daily; reducing the Average Police Response Times to 15 – 30 minutes; establishing a “neighbourhood watch” programme. The goal of this programme is to increase surveillance by residents and community members of their own neighbourhoods; and introducing a problem- oriented approach to addressing crime called POP (problem-oriented policing) with the police taking a proactive role in identifying, understanding, and responding to problems - not just incidents in their communities, among several others. “I want to assure you of my unwavering support going forward, as together we strive to improve the capabilities of your respective organisations and the well-being of their officers and other ranks,” President Ramotar assured.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

National Dance Festival celebrated with scintillating performances

A praiseworthy piece from a participating group

Raveena Mangal THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) Wednesday night hosted its second Dance Festival in observance of International Dance Day 2015 at the National Cultural Centre. Organised by the International Dance Day Committee (IDDC) of Guyana and the National School of Dance, under the umbrella of the Institute of Creative Arts, the evening of dance served as a forum bringing together over 20 dance groups from across the country to showcase their varying dance styles and

talents. Following a two- day workshop which was held for the dancers to explore and experience styles they are not familiar with, such as modern, contemporary, Hiphop, Indian, African, Ballet, and Amerindian, the National Dance Festival concluded with a stage show for the participants. The participating dance groups who represented a wide cross- section of Guyanese dance culture included the indigenous groups from Region 2, the Mainstay Culture groups and from Region 9 the Surama Culture Group;

there was also a performance from a Hip- Hop Group hailing from Region 1. Modern dance groups such as Classique Dance Company, Dance Fanatics,Kreative Arts, Unique Arts, X Factor and Crystallite Dance Company gave incomparable performances showcasing the abilities and dedication of their members. Other groups participating included the National Dance School, National Dance Company, Dominion Dance Company and Praise Prophetic Dance Group. Roshini Boodhoo’s JewanKaNrtiya and Indranie

Man sentenced to four years’ jail for fondling woman in court T W E N T Y- T H R E E YEAR-OLD Rovin Ramdial was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment after Albion Magistrate Rabindra Singh found him guilty of sexual assault committed on a 39-year-old barrack labourer in the Albion Magistrate’s Court on January 13 last. Evidence led revealed that during a court session, the virtual complainant was sitting next to a window when the defendant entered the courtroom and sat next to her. Shortly afterwards, the defendant allegedly told the complainant that he loved her and that he wanted to have to sex with her. The virtual complainant, who was at the time using her mobile phone, interrupted her call to

Rovin Ramdial

tell the defendant, “Nah tek yuh eyes fuh pass me!” But instead of desisting from making sexual advances, Ramdial pushed his

right hand under the complainant’s skirt and began rubbing her legs in a rough manner whilst staring her in the face. The complainant pulled the hand of the unknown man from under her skirt, and reported the matter to the Enquiries Office at the Albion Police Station which adjoins the court. Ramdial, in his defence, claimed he was under the influence of alcohol and was unaware of what had transpired. The virtual complainant had initially intended to accept a monetary compensation, but Police Sergeant Orin Joseph objected to her decision, and the Court compelled the VC to give evidence. (Jeune Vankeric)

The Classique Dance group during their performance

Shah from the NrityaGeet Group well represented the genre of Indian dance, giving both traditional and energetic, fresh styles of the dance

that were well received by the audience. Over the years, the MCYS has made positive strides towards the con-

tinued development of Guyana’s cultural heritage through activities that are educational, informative and entertaining.

Hydroponics gaining ground in Region 2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Sunday, May 3, 2015 - 05:00 hrs Monday, May 4, 2015 - 05:30 hrs

Scenes from the Region 2 visit

THE Sustainable Livelihoods and Community Economic Growth through Hydroponics and Organic Vegetable Production and Marketing Project, had its first cluster exchange visit to Region 2 for 2015 a few weeks ago. This project is being implemented jointly by Partners of the Americas (Guyana Chapter) and Caribbean Self-Reliance International (CASRI). Twenty eight shadehouse vegetable producers and two youths from an ongoing competition in Region 3 were able to benefit from this activity. The group, which included shadehouse producers from Regions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10 set out on this journey to the Cinderella County, some for the first time. They visited three shadehouses along the Essequibo Coast. The first shadehouse visited was that owned by Mrs. Kemwattie Ramnarine, better known as Janet, of Perseverance. Janet’s farm spans 30 feet x 240 feet and she practises both hydroponics and organic/natural methods of planting. At the time of the visit, she was growing crops such as celery, ginger, lettuce, pakchoy, tomato, pepper and callaloo (poi). She also has a nursery where she grows seedlings for herself and for sale. The group was certainly impressed by Janet’s garden and how organised and neat it was. During a discussion with Janet for almost an hour, she highlighted that she finds the substrate paddy shell and sand to be the best to grow a wide range of crops hydroponically, even though she uses the floating- roots system to grow celery. Janet was introduced to the hydroponic vegetable production system back in 2010/2011 during the Partners of the Americas first shadehouse project. It was a small area no more than 4` x 8.`

After seeing the difference in growth and quality, she gradually converted her entire yard to the shadehouse vegetable production system. Janet and her family now manage the largest shadehouse in Region 2. The group then visited the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), where they met Mr. Raman, at Mainstay. This shadehouse was 28 feet x 30 feet and parsley, pakchoi, celery and tomatoes were being grown hydroponically. INTRIGUE At ISKCON, the group heard of how ISKCON started the shadehouse and the techniques used to monitor crops for pests. At this shadehouse, many of the visiting shadehouse vegetable producers from the regional cluster were intrigued by the way in which the tomatoes were grown. ISKCON was obviously set for a bountiful harvest. In addition to the shadehouse, Mr. Raman showed the group more than 800 square feet of in-soil natural production of a range of vegetables, which included hot peppers, bajhi, cabbage, plantain and many more. Mr. Raman explained that members of the Hare Khrisna group are strict vegetarians and the flooding of traditionally grown vegetables was a major problem. Hence, the importance of the shadehouse technology, using the raised beds. He was high in praise for the input of Partners of the Americas and has plans for a second shadehouse. The third farm visited was one in Richmond owned by Mr. Hemchand Hemraj. This shadehouse was 12 feet x 24 feet. Mr. Hemraj showed off his lettuce, celery, eggplant (boulanger) and callaloo (poi) that were being grown hydroponically. However, in addition to this, Mr. Hemraj has at least another 300 square feet of his yard space devoted to natural in-

soil and container gardening. CREATIVE CULTIVATION Among the containers used were television backs (castings of the old model televisions). Despite being the smallest shadehouse seen, the group commended Mr. Hemraj on his celery which was probably the best seen for the day. Everyone wanted to learn of his secret to producing callaloo with very big leaves. According to him, the method was quite simple, cutting off the tips of the plants to stop them from running and becoming stringy, forced the leaves to grow bigger and fuller. He also noted that paddy shell and sand was the best substrate to grow a range of vegetables hydroponically. The event was therefore a huge success. Not only were the shadehouse vegetable producers able to network, but were able to see firsthand some of the best practices as they relate to hydroponic and organic/natural vegetable production. They were able to learn of new techniques that they can put into use to aid their own production. The producers all spoke of the ease of growing vegetables using the hydroponics system, growing crops year-round under the shadehouse with no disturbance as a result of rain or flooding and better quality produce in high demand by consumers. Several of them were already talking about expanding their own enterprises as a result of what they saw on the tour. The visiting shadehouse producers became enthused after the trip and they indicated their willingness to have a similar activity done in their regions. They threw out a challenge to Region 2 operators to “test them” in a few months. Persons in attendance exchanged contact numbers and promised to remain in contact for good reasons in the future.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

Mayweather one pound heavier than Pacquiao

By Ben Dirs in Las Vegas

FLOYD Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao weighed in as 10 000 fans watched on ahead of the most lucrative fight in history in Las Vegas yesterday. Entry to the weigh-in at the MGM Grand Garden Arena yesterday was $10, although tickets were changing hands on the resale market for $800. The fight is set to generate an estimated $400M. American Mayweather scaled 146lb - one pound under the welterweight limit - and Pacquiao of the Philippines 145lb. The pair will fight for the WBC, WBA and WBO welterweight titles. “I believe that with my skills, I’m going to be victorious,” said the 38-year-old Mayweather, who is unbeaten in 47 professional fights. “I don’t take anything

away from Manny Pacquiao, he’s a solid fighter and it will be an intriguing match-up. But after Saturday, I’ll still be ‘TBE’ (The Best Ever).” Pacquiao, who has 57 wins and five defeats from 64 pro fights, said: “My life before was living on the street, starving and with nothing. “It is still beyond my imagination that this boy could become known to every person in the Philippines and so many around the world.” The MGM Grand was abuzz the day before the fight, with people queuing to get into the Garden Arena hours before Mayweather and Pacquiao, 36, stepped on the scales. It was the first time tickets had been sold for a weigh-in (face value was $10, with proceeds going to charity) and the promoters justified their decision with a two-hour show. Pacquiao was introduced to the stage first and looked

relaxed as ever, taking pictures of himself and waving to the large Philippine contingent. Mayweather was booed to the stage and looked tense, as he has done all week. Pacquiao mouthed “thank you” to his rival as they engaged in the traditional staredown, as a good-natured buildup continued. The MGM Grand Garden Arena holds 16 000 but as few as 500 tickets for the fight went on sale to the general public. Tickets are changing hands on the resale market for as much as $350 000, while some have been prepared to pay $3 500 to watch the fight in one of 10 closed-circuit venues along the Las Vegas Strip. Given the astronomical numbers involved, the fact it is a match-up between two of the greatest boxers of all-time has been forgotten in some quarters. Mayweather has won world titles in five different

Record Tamim-Imrul stand leads strong Bangla reply at Khulna (REUTERS) - Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes produced a record 273-run partnership in an unbroken opening stand to help Bangladesh whittle down Pakistan’s huge lead to 23 runs at the close of the penultimate day of the opening Test at Khulna yesterday. Facing a huge 296-run first innings deficit after Pakistan were all out for 628, the hosts did not retreat into a defensive shell and counter-attacked instead through Tamim (138 not out) and Imrul (132 not out). Ta m i m s u r v i v e d a strong leg-before appeal off the first ball he received from Junaid Khan and Pakistan decided to review the decision after the appeal was turned down but could not get it overturned. The left-hander did not look back and went on to hit his seventh Test century - the most by a Bangladeshi batsman - in 123 balls while Imrul helped himself to his third Test hundred. Earlier Pakistan, resuming on 537-5, lost their last five wickets for 34 runs and were all out for their highest total against Bangladesh.

Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes produce a record 273-run partnership. Both overnight batsmen Asad Shafiq (83) and Sarfraz Ahmed (82) fell short of centuries at the Sheikh Abu Nasser Stadium. Left-arm spinner Taijul

BANGLADESH 1st innings: 332 PAKISTAN 1st innings (o/night 537 for 5) M. Hafeez c Mahmudullah b Shuvagata 224 S. Aslam c Rahim b Taijul 20 A. Ali b Shuvagata 83 Y. Khan b Taijul 33 Misbah-ul Haq c Rubel b Taijul 59 A. Shafiq c & b Shakib 83 S. Ahmed c sub. (Das) b Shahid 82 W. Riaz b Taijul 0 Y. Shah lbw b Taijul 13 Z. Babar stp. Mahmudullah b Taijul 11 J. Khan not out 0 Extras: (b-5, lb-8, w-3, nb-4) 20

Islam (6-163) was the most successful bowler for the hosts but the day belonged to the Bangladeshi openers who frustrated the Pakistani at-

Total: (all out, 168.4 overs) 628 Fall of wickets: 1-50, 2-277, 3-339, 4-402, 5-468, 6-594, 7-595, 8-617, 9-617. Bowling: Rubel 22-3-82-0, Shahid 194-59-1, Taijul 46.4-4-163-6, Shuvagata 34-1-120-2, Shakib 37-4-146-1, Mahmudullah 4-0-30-0, Soumya 1-02-0, Mominul 5-0-13-0. BANGALDESH 2nd innings T. Iqbal not out 138 I. Kayes not out 132 Extras: (w-1, nb-2) 3 Total: (for no loss, 61 overs) 273 Bowling: Junaid 8-0-44-0, Zulfiqar 16-0-60-0, Hafeez 9-0-46-0, Wahab 13-2-57-0, Yasir 15-0-66-0.

weight divisions, Pacquiao six. Whoever wins will be able to claim he is the best fighter of his era. Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach, who was in Oscar de la Hoya’s corner when Mayweather beat him in 2007, admitted the remorseless hype had been hard to cope with. “I’ve always liked big fights because I like big challenges,” said Roach, a seven-time trainer-of-the-year. “But with this one, I might have bitten off more than I can chew. “We’re fighting a very good defensive fighter, but I’m one of those guys that believe offence wins fights, not defence. I think we’ll overwhelm him with speed. “They’ve both declined a little bit - I’ve been watching Floyd’s legs and they’re not as good as they used to be, he doesn’t move as fluently as he used to. “We can knock him out

late but I really want to beat him on points - out-punch him, out-hustle him, land five-toone in combinations. Either way, no problem.” Roach added that Mayweather’s relatively subdued mood in the build-up to the fight could be a sign that he is apprehensive about facing Pacquiao. “At the first press conference I told him we were going to kick his ass,” said the 55-year-old Roach. “I thought I was going to get something back but we got nothing. I thought, ‘this is not like Mayweather’. “He’s been so nice. I really don’t think he wants to be here. (American television network) Showtime wanted him to take the fight because they were losing so much money.” Mayweather responded: “The camp went extremely smooth. I don’t need to trash Manny Pacquiao, I know what I can do.” (BBC Sport)

tack on a surface on which 1 200-plus runs have been scored over four days with only 20 wickets taken. Tamim hit four sixes and 13 boundaries in his entertaining knock, playing with aggression which occasionally bordered on recklessness. Imrul had to keep wicket for more than 100 overs after

skipper Mushfiqur Rahim injured his right hand but he did not let it affect his batting, hitting 15 boundaries and three sixes. The previous highest stand for Bangladesh was the 267 for the fifth wicket between Mohammad Ashraful and Mushfiqur against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2013.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

Mayweather v Pacquiao:

Boxing greats predict fight outcome

On Saturday in Las Vegas, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will engage in the richest fight in history at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. So much has been said about the numbers involved that it is sometimes difficult to remember there are other things at stake - namely the WBC, WBA and WBO welterweight titles and the title of best boxer of the modern era. It is a fight everyone has an opinion on and BBC Sport has pooled the thoughts of boxers past and present, including some of the sport’s greatest names. Bernard Hopkins former two-weight world champion “A turtle is only vulnerable when he sticks his head out - when he senses danger, he goes back into that shell. You can beat that shell up, but you’re not hurting him. Pacquiao has to trick Mayweather out of that shell, make him think he’s there for the counter. When he’s not - ‘bang’ - capitalise on his mistake “Pacquiao has to make Floyd become the aggressor, something he’s not comfortable with. He has to make Floyd bring the fight to him; let his hands go while Manny’s letting his hands go and see who lands first. That’s fun for us. “Counter-punchers aren’t good at catching up, we wait for you to come knocking at the door, we don’t come to you. So counter-punchers need their opponents to be aggressive and then take advantage of slow feet and slow hands. It won’t be a landslide win for Mayweather, it will be a hard-earned win. “ Carl Froch - IBF super-middleweight champion “I can see how Manny Pacquiao is able to beat Mayweather - work the angles, high work-rate, volume of punches, fast hands, back Floyd into a corner or onto the ropes. Just outwork Mayweather and win round after round after round.

“Mayweather will put on a defensive masterclass, behind the shoulder, slipping and sliding, ducking and diving and not getting hit. He’s a defensive genius, a magician in the ring. But Pacquiao should punch the

to be pressure, pressure, pressure. Floyd has never fought an opponent like Manny who throws so many punches, has power in both hands and is a southpaw. No-one has pressured Mayweather like Pacquiao will.

George Foreman (right) lost to Muhammad Ali in the 1974 Rumble in the Jungle. shoulder, punch the arms, hit him round the back of the head, in the kidneys; take anything he can. “Mayweather is just too good at adjusting, changing his style, adapting to what’s in front of him. If there’s ever a time for Mayweather to lose, that time is now, he’s an ageing athlete. But I’m going for a close Mayweather points win.” Juan Manuel Marquez - three-weight world champion; lost to Mayweather, lost to Pacquiao twice, drew once, knocked him out in 2013 “Pacquiao needs to pressurise Mayweather and land punches with speed, power and accuracy. But Mayweather uses distance very well, is hard to hit and lands with counter-punches. “I don’t think it affected him when I knocked him out. I want Manny Pacquiao to win this fight; my heart is with Pacquiao as a boxer. But Mayweather wins because he’s got such a difficult style.” Roy Jones Jr - fourweight world champion “Manny has to be aggressive and Floyd’s planning for him to be aggressive. Is Floyd going to match aggression with aggression, or is he going to use tactical boxing? He can do either. Manny can do one thing, Floyd can do two. Floyd will determine how the fight starts and how it ends. “Manny’s game plan has

“Manny can be reckless and that’s what Floyd will be planning on. He got reckless against Marquez when he had the fight won, went for the knockout and got knocked out himself. Hopefully he will have learnt from that and be reckless at the right time. It’s going to be a very good fight - I’m not sure who is going to win.” Amir Khan - former light-welterweight world champion, wants to fight the winner “Both fighters still have so much to give and on Saturday I’m sure they’re going to produce something very special for the fans. “This is going to be a tremendous match-up. “Manny has hand speed and fast feet, and that will cause Floyd some problems early on. But as it progresses, I expect Floyd to make the adjustments he tends to make to counter that before pulling away on the scorecards.” Ricky Hatton - former two-weight world champion, lost to both at the MGM Grand “Pacquiao has all the attributes to beat Mayweather - if anyone is going to beat Mayweather it will be someone with similar hand speed who is a southpaw. Pacquiao will definitely cause problems; it will be Mayweather’s toughest task yet. “But after a few rounds, Mayweather will do what he does best and suss things out. He always manages

to adapt his style for the opponent he’s facing and always finds a way to win. Love him or loathe him, he’s a genius. “I’m picking Mayweather to win on points. It will be a very close fight, nip and tuck, with almost nothing in it. But Mayweather will finish with his nose in front.”

Sugar Ray Leonard five-weight world champion “Mayweather has a couple of ways to win the fight: as a counter-puncher, wait for Pacquiao to make mistakes and make him pay for those mistakes; or just box him, dance around, do what he does best. He’s a little bit more versatile than Pacquiao. “As for Pacquiao, if he can be the man who beat Oscar de la Hoya and Miguel Cotto, we’re talking about a very interesting, physical fight. “I think there will be a couple of surprises for the fans, in terms of knockdowns. But there could be dominance from Mayweather.” Mike Tyson - former heavyweight world champion Tyson backs Pacquiao to win “Floyd can’t fight the way he’s been fighting if he wants to beat Pacquiao. He has to go forward and throw punches. “Pacquiao throws over 100 punches a round. Floyd, in his last fight, threw 38 punches a round. “Mayweather can’t be on the ropes against a guy like Pacquiao. It’s not going to work out. I think that it’s going to be a great fight. “I like Pacquiao, although I’m not saying Floyd can’t win. But he’s got to change the way he’s been fighting.” Kell Brook - IBF welterweight champion, wants to fight the winner “Manny chucks a lot of shots and comes from awkward angles, which May-

weather won’t be used to, especially from a southpaw stance. Pacquiao is a very active fighter, he’ll pressure Mayweather and make him uncomfortable. “But Mayweather is just too clever, his defence is great and he’ll find a way to win. It’s got points written all over it, although if Manny thinks he’s losing the fight and starts getting desperate late on, I can see him getting knocked out.” Juan Manuel Marquez - three-weight world champion; lost to Mayweather, lost to Pacquiao twice, drew once, knocked him out in 2013 “Pacquiao needs to pressurise Mayweather and land punches with speed, power and accuracy. But Mayweather uses distance very well, is hard to hit and lands with counter-punches. “I don’t think it affected him when I knocked him out. I want Manny Pacquiao to win this fight, my heart is with Pacquiao as a boxer. But Mayweather wins because he’s got such a difficult style.” Amir Khan - former light-welterweight world champion, wants to fight the winner “Both fighters still have so much to give and on Saturday I’m sure they’re going to produce something very special for the fans. “This is going to be a tremendous match-up. “Manny has hand speed and fast feet, and that will cause Floyd some problems early on. But as it progresses, I expect Floyd to make the adjustments he tends to make to counter that before pulling away on the scorecards.” George Foreman former heavyweight world champion “It’s going to go to the end because they’ll be so careful. Pacquiao understands that he could get knocked out and Mayweather will be thinking: ‘Pacquiao has knocked out a lot of guys.’ “Mayweather is a de-

fensive genius. But he’s not an offensive machine. So I think Pacquiao will win. He’s smart and he’s the underdog - he’ll feel the crowd pulling for him. I’ve got a feeling he can win it by one round.” “Mayweather is just too good at adjusting, changing his style, adapting to what’s in front of him. If there’s ever a time for Mayweather to lose, that time is now, he’s an ageing athlete. But I’m going for a close Mayweather points win. Shane Mosley - threeweight world champion, lost to both “It can be a very boring fight, with Mayweather just picking at Pacquiao, or it could be a very exciting fight if Mayweather stands more flat-footed. “I almost knocked Mayweather out straight out of the gate - that would be a good tip for Pacquiao, he can’t give Mayweather a chance to get comfortable or to pick up on his rhythm. “If he is going to win against Mayweather, it’s going to have to be in the first three or four rounds, tops. But Mayweather is the best in the world at avoiding punches, so I would have to go with Floyd.” Oscar de la Hoya - sixweight world champion, lost to both “There are two scenarios: Pacquiao can push the pace and make Floyd fight. If he’s in great shape, it can be an exciting fight; or Mayweather can figure him out and box him the whole night and have an easy win. He’s going to fight in spurts and put the rounds in the bag. Nothing is going to change. “The question is, can Pacquiao keep his composure and focus in the ring? He’s going to have trouble hitting Floyd, so he has to stay calm and not get frustrated. He’s going to throw five and six-punch combinations and maybe only one punch is going to land. If he gets frustrated, Mayweather will capitalise. (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

Ten-man Golden Jaguars lose 1-0 to Suriname By Rawle Toney in Suriname GUYANA, having been reduced to 10 men in just ten minutes of play, fell 1-0 to Suriname Friday evening, when the two sides met at the Andre Kamperveen Stadium in Paramaribo. It was Guyana’s fourth International Friendly of the year and the Golden Jaguars entered the contest undefeated in their three previous matches against one of their biggest rivals in the sport. “It is never easy playing with ten men in an International game, especially losing a man so early and playing away from home,” head coach Jamaal Shabazz said, following his side’s defeat to Suriname - their first since

2008. The goal which was scored in the 29th minute by Gregory Rigters came after Guyana were reduced to 10 men due to midfield player Clive Nobrega being sent off. Nobrega in a challenge for a loose ball collided with Suriname’s Miguel Cronie and the Surinamese playmaker suffered a broken leg as a result of the tackle and the referee thought it was a wilful act, though the crowd thought otherwise. Nothing was the same for Guyana after then. Suriname controlled the pace of the game but the Jaguars had sporadic moments of their own, creating at least four clear goal-scoring chances. Shabazz started with Akel Clarke between the

Suriname goalscorer Gregory Rigters uprights, defenders Colin Nelson, King Solomon Austin, Kris Camacho and Adrian Butters while Konata Manning, Vurlon Mills, Nobrega and Dwain

Jacobs balanced out the midfield; upfront, Shabazz went with Sheldon Holder and Pernel Schultz Mills had the game’s first shot on target, using his superior speed, down the right wing, released a shot to goal that went mere inches over the crossbar. Clarke’s brilliance in goal saved Guyana from suffering a heavy defeat at the hands of their Dutch foes as the Central FC keeper was first called into play when Giovanni Waal teamed up with Rigters in a combo play that saw Suriname come close to target. A few minutes later, Mills picked the pocket of a Suriname player on the wing but his rocket right-footed shot went to the side of the net. Jacobs was a millisec-

ond late on his reaction, trying to put a foot on a ball that was sent in from Schultz in the 18th minute that could have equalised. Schultz and Holder had at least three chances. If the two had better coordination upfront, they could have scored on three occasions. Holder collected a through ball from Schultz in the 21st minute - 24th minute, but the Alpha United player, going one-on-one with the Surinamese keeper, saw his shot trickle inches away from the last post after beating the keeper. The referee was blamed for Suriname’s lone goal. A ball which was cleared ricocheted off his leg; completely deceiving the Guyanese defenders who were

already heading in the other direction and Rigters volleyed in a rocket that beat an outstretched Clarke. Two minutes before the stroke of halftime, Schultz could’ve equalised or at least set up the goal for Holder, had he not selfishly taken a poor shot on goal. In the second half, Shabazz made several changes to help keep his unbeaten record intact but fate would have it otherwise. Cheered on by scores of Guyanese supporters, some of whom had journeyed to the neighbouring country just for the game, Guyana tried to clinch an equalising goal and Eon Alleyne’s shot in the closing seconds of the game that grazed the crossbar was the last straw for Shabazz’s men to grab one.

GT&T donates $500 000 to QC PTA for refurbishing of sports facility THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) company Thursday handed over a cheque valued at $500 000 to the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of Queen’s College (QC) to assist with the refurbishing of the school’s multi-sports tarmac. The symbolic cheque was handed over to the PTA president Neil Persram by GT&T’s Senior Marketing Manager

Nadia DeAbreu at a brief and simple ceremony on the refurbished multisports court. In very brief remarks, DeAbreu said it is heartening to see schools providing facilities for its students to promote sports and make their students rounded individuals. In response, Persram thanked the telephone company for the financial assistance “We’re very

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday May 02, 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: Sonny Ramdin/Alf Valentine 3 centuries Today’s Quiz: The WI have twice defeated England 5-0 in Test series. When? What was the highest individual score made in IPL 2014? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Queen’s College Parent-Teacher Association president Neil Persram (extreme left) accepts the symbolic cheque from GT&T’s senior marketing manager Nadia DeAbreu (third right) while the PTA secretary Marcelle Shewjattan (partly hidden), Head Mistress Jackie Benn-Ralph (third left) and GT&T’s Public Relations Officer Allison Parker (right) look on.

appreciative for this assistance and it is good for GT&T’s image. Meanwhile, the multisports court has already been completed minus the markings for the various disciplines that will be played on the area. According to Persram, apart from the playing area, a concrete footbridge and pathway has been constructed.

Simmons, Pollard help Mumbai continue resurgence MUMBAI, India (CMC) – West Indies batsmen Lendl Simmons and Kieron Pollard played cameos to help Mumbai Indians beat Rajasthan Royals by eight runs here yesterday and continue their climb off the bottom rung of the Indian Premier League. Sent in at the Wank-

hede Stadium, Mumbai tallied 187 for five off their 20 overs, with Simmons hitting 38 from 31 deliveries and Pollard getting 24 from 14 balls. Ambati Rayudu topscored with an unbeaten 53, off 27 balls with four fours and three sixes. Sanju Samson then h a m m e r e d 7 6 o ff 4 6

balls with seven fours and three sixes but Royals came up short, after needing 20 runs from the final over. The victory was only Mumbai’s third of the season after starting poorly. E a r l i e r, S i m m o n s struck four fours and a six as he anchored two important stands at the top

of the order. He shared 43 for the first wicket with Parthiv Patel who made 23 before adding a further 30 for the second wicket with Unmukt Chand who scored 13. Simmons was eventually lbw in the tenth over to left-arm spinner Ankit Sharma, with television replays showing he edged the ball on to his pads.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2015

Cook breaks drought but Windies remain on top BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) - England captain Alistair Cook stroked his first Test hundred in two years and the 100th at historic Kensington Oval, but a brace of wickets from seamers Jason Holder and Shannon Gabriel, gave West Indies the edge on the opening day of the third Test here yesterday. Opting to bat first, the visitors finished the day on 240 for seven, with Cook carving out 105 – his 26th Test century – before falling to the second ball of the day’s final over. Left-hander Moeen Ali chimed in with 58 while the in-form Joe Root hit 33 and Ben Stokes, 22, but England were not allowed to build partnerships as West Indies struck at critical intervals to limit their progress. Holder, who grabbed both his wickets prior to lunch, finished with two for 34 while Gabriel was again impressive in taking two for 36. With his batsmen getting starts but failing to convert, it was left up to Cook to hold the innings together in a knock spanning just over six hours

Alastair Cook goes through to his first Test century since May 2013, and roars his relief, only to fall in the last over of the day. The right-handed and 266 deliveries, and Trott fended off a short including 12 fours. ball to short square leg He was forced to where Veerasammy Perspearhead several recovmaul ran in to take a low ery efforts. When England catch. slumped to 38 for three For Trott, it was the in the second hour of the third time in the series he morning, he put on 53 with had fallen without scoring Root and added a further and his fourth single digit 98 for the fifth wicket with score in five outings. Moeen when England England then crawled slipped to 91 for four after to 22 for one after the first lunch. hour as Cook and fellow In the final session, left-hander Gary Ballance Cook put on 44 with repaired the innings but Stokes for the sixth wickHolder struck twice in et to keep England ticking quick succession following along. the drinks break, to put Before a massive crowd West Indies in control. of nearly 12 000, West InBallance had made 18 dies started brightly when and added 38 with Cook, Gabriel knocked over the when Holder breached his out-of-sorts Jonathan Trott defence with a full-length without scoring in the day’s delivery that came back to second over.

pluck out his middle stump in the fourth over after the break. With no runs added in his next over, Holder accounted for the dangerous Ian Bell without scoring, moving to his left to claim a two-handed return catch after the right-hander drove airily. Cook and Root saw England safely to lunch on 71 for three and the right-handed Root, unbeaten on 17 at the lunch b re a k , m o v e d n i c e l y along afterwards, taking two leg-side boundaries off the ineffective leftarm spinner Veerasammy Permaul who proved expensive. However, Root then perished at Permaul’s hands 25 minutes after the restart, cutting at an innocuous delivery and edging a catch through to wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin, after facing 35 balls and counting five fours. The session nonetheless belonged to England, as Cook and Moeen denied the Windies any further success, with the best partnership of the innings. Moeen played freely,

getting off the mark with a boundary to cover off Permaul before lifting the same bowler to the longon boundary a couple of overs later. He was unbeaten on 37 at the tea break with Cook on 60, and raised his half-century about half-hour after the resumption when he cleared the mid-wicket ropes with part-time off-spinner Marlon Samuels. Both batsmen looked well set for big scores when, without warning, Moeen was run-out attempting a sharp single. Cook cut Samuels straight to debutant Shai Hope at point and set off, and the fielder’s return to Ramdin found Moeen well short of his ground. All told, Moeen faced 130 balls in 2-1/4 hours

ENGLAND 1st innings A. Cook c wkp. Ramdin b Samuels 105 J. Trott c Permaul b Gabriel 0 G. Ballance b Holder 18 I. Bell c & b Holder 0 J. Root c wkp. Ramdin b Permaul 33 Moeen Ali run-out 58 B. Stokes c Hope b Gabriel 22 J. Buttler not out 0 Extras: (w-1, nb-3) 4 Total: (7 wkts, 89.2 overs) 240

and counted eight fours and a six. Stokes hung around for just over an hour and hit three fours and was building another partnership with Cook, before falling in the sixth over with the new ball. He looked to cut Gabriel, in the third over of a third spell, and found Hope at gully. Cook, meanwhile, remained steadfast, pulling Gabriel for four to move into the 90s before clipping the same bowler to the mid-wicket boundary four overs later, to reach triple figures. There was disappointment for the England skipper, however, as he fell in the day’s final over from Samuels, under-edging a cut for Ramdin to take a smart catch.

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-38, 3-38, 4-91, 5-189 6-233, 7-240. Bowling: Taylor 15-7-33-0 (nb-3), Gabriel 12-2-36-2 (w-1), Holder 164-34-2, Samuels 26.2-5-51-1, Permaul 20-1-86-1. We s t I n d i e s : D . R a m d i n , K . Brathwaite, S. Hope, M. Samuels, D. Bravo, S. Chanderpaul, J. Blackwood, J. Holder, V. Permaul, J. Taylor, S. Gabriel

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Cook breaks drought but Windies remain on top See Story on Page 35

Mayweather one pound heavier than Pacquiao See Story on Page 32

Floyd Mayweather Jr. fist-pumps.

Manny Pacquiao poses on the scale during his official weigh-in

Filipinos urged to save power for Pacquiao boxing match RESIDENTS of a Philippine island have been urged to switch off electrical appliances on Sunday to ensure they will have enough power to watch boxer Manny Pacquiao’s fight. The island of Palawan

has recently been suffering from daily power shortages. Pacquiao is to take on Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas in one of the most hotly anticipated fights for years. Pacquiao is regard-

ed as a national hero in the Philippines and huge numbers are expected to watch the match. Rante Ramos, secretary of the electrical co-operative on the island of Palawan, warned in a Facebook update that some power

circuits on the island “may inevitably be switched off”. “On May 3, let’s all voluntarily switch off or disconnect as many appliances as we could. Everybody could have the chance to watch live the

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fight of the century,” he went on. Mayweather and Pacquiao are widely regarded as the best two boxers in the world and the fight has generated considerable excitement. Pacquiao has been

elected to the Phili p p i n e C o n g re s s a n d is one of the most famous and popular f i g u re s i n t h e c o u n try, inspiring almost religious devotion among some of his fans. (BBC Sport) SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2015