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GUYANA

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Govt. freezes payments on contracts inked by PPP/C ahead of elections No. 104195

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… Khemraj Ramjattan to be Minister of Home Affairs

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Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine (second right) and other mining officials in discussion with Mr Imran Khan (right), owner of the ill-fated mining operation

Two more bodies recovered from collapsed Konawaruk mining pit - three others unaccounted for

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

Senior Canadian politician congratulates Prime Minister-elect Moses Nagamootoo SENIOR Canadian politician and former envoy to the Dominican Republic, Dr. Alvin Curling has written to congratulate Prime Minister-elect Moses Nagamootoo.

“It is with great honour that I extend the heartiest congratulations to you and your election as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Guyana,” Dr. Curling, a Jamaican born Canadian

politician wrote.

“The greatest honour that can be bestowed upon anyone is to be elected by the people to represent their interest and serve the nation.

This achievement culminates some fifty years of selfless commitment and dedication to Guyana’s political development. The Republic of Guyana has chosen well,” added Dr. Curling who served as a member of the

Ontario Parliament for over 20 years.

Dr. Curling served as Canadian envoy to the Dominican Republic from 2005 to 2006. He was also Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario until 2005.

“You have demonstrated over the years as a person of strong belief in the goodness and dignity of all human races and for that and that alone stand you tall among man-

‘FLASHBACK’: Prime Minister-elect, Mr Moses Nagamootoo and Dr Alvin Curling in Canada (April, 2015) kind. The people have chosen well,” Dr. Curling wrote.

“I want to wish you and President David Granger my very best as you lead a new cabinet and a new government into a renewed path of

governing in a land yearning for a unified government,” Curling concluded.

Mr. Nagamootoo thanked Dr. Curling for his warm greetings and confidence and said that he looks forward

to working with the Jamaican/Canadian in furthering the interest of Guyana and the Guyanese people on the regional and international stage.

Dr. Curling had hosted a private meeting at his residence with Mr. Nagamootoo on his recent visit to Canada during the election campaign. Nagamootoo is expected to be formally sworn in as Prime Minister shortly.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

Govt. freezes payments on contracts inked by PPP/C ahead of elections …Permanent Secretaries, State Heads to know fate today

… Khemraj Ramjattan to be Minister of Home Affairs

By Gary Eleazar LESS than 72 hours after the new government took over the reins of power, a number of interventions have been made in regard to safeguarding public expenditure, including the cessation of all payments by the Bank of Guyana (BoG) for non-essential services, in addition to a sweeping review of all contracts/ agreements entered into by the then administration ahead of the 2015 Elections.

This obtains as His Excellency President David Granger gets set to meet with the permanent secretaries (PS) from all government ministries and budget agen-

PRESIDENT DAVID GRANGER cies today at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC).

Teams from the Office of the President (OP) are today also expected to be visiting a number of key state institutions, such as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Auditor General’s Office, among other bodies.

DETAILED PROBES The Guyana Chronicle sat yesterday with recently appointed Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and designate Minister of State, Lieutenant Colonel (rtd) Joseph Harmon, to learn of some of the sweeping changes being instituted since the coalesced A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government has

FINANCE DESIGNATE Conceding an inability to freeze payments for any extended period of time, HPS Harmon reminded that His Excellency President Granger has already identified the individual to be sworn in as the Minister of Finance, Former Budget Director Mr Winston Jordan.

HPS Harmon said Jordan has already begun work in looking into the payments and obligations signed onto by the previous administration; and “we will be advised by him.”

HPS Harmon has issued a stark warning to permanent

ministry.”

“Those permanent secretaries who have actually gone on a political campaign on a platform and are part of a list of candidates for a political party have actually made a decision that they are going to be political.”

The HPS said, “A permanent secretary and a public officer are meant to be apolitical (neutral) in service.”

He was adamant that none can tell another how to vote, or dictate what their political beliefs should be, “but once you are in public service, you are in service to the public; and therefore when you choose to actually go on a platform as a candidate for a particular list, then

tutions.

He said that while the process of engaging the personnel at the various institutions will commence in earnest, as soon as ministers are appointed, “we expect that they will call in each one of these heads and review their performances; review whether they have been acting in the interest of the people, or whether there are any actions which they would have taken that are inimical (hostile/unfriendly/adverse) to the interest of the people.

And based on that, we will determine what is the next step we are going to take.”

HPS Harmon reminded that while in opposition, “we have said certain things, and

KHEMRAJ RAMJATTAN

KHURSHID SATTAUR

DAVID PATTERSON

DEODAT SHARMA

He said that the Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobin Ganga, has already submitted to the Office of the President the list of recent payments made as well as those due.

On the matter of critical projects that would not have found favour with APNU+AFC, either through conceptualization or realization -- such as the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport -- HPS Harmon said those would be reviewed immediately.

He said payments under some international obligations will be made, but the new government, in its assessment, is looking to get a better understanding of precisely what resources are available, taking into account

secretaries and other public officers who had campaigned openly on political party platforms ahead of the just concluded elections.

He reminded of convention, if not statute, that would require such personnel to resign their government positions before engaging in any such campaign activity.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that permanent secretaries and other such public officers are in fact the persons who would be heading the ministries and various budget agencies in the absence of a minister.

The minister, he explained, gives political direction following their appointments, “but insofar as the day-today functioning of those ministries is concerned, the permanent secretaries are the ones who run the

you have actually made that choice, you have made that decision that you are going to serve a particular political party.”

HPS Harmon posited, “I don’t think that the public would expect impartial treatment” from such a politically aligned senior public official.

He did, however, point out that all officials will be subject to a review process.

“We will interview them and make a determination as to what’s next for them,” he disclosed.

I believe that the people will hold us to those standards; and we intend to maintain those standards.”

taken office.

HPS Harmon, in providing an update to this publication, cautioned that while there will be detailed probes into matters related to large amounts of money, it is the law that will have to take its course.

Harmon said, “All of these recent contracts that seem to have been done in a hurry in the last days of this (PPP/C) administration will have to be reviewed. I said so while in the opposition, and we will review them.”

He pointed out that a great many contracts had been handed out by the PPP/C administration during the time of the prorogation of Parliament. “And the govern-

committed by the previous administration in relation to any non-essential services, especially those contracts that would have been inked during the time of the prorogation of Parliament; and moreso in the run up to the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

HPS Harmon told the Guyana Chronicle that the Bank of Guyana (BoG) has been ordered to put a freeze on all payments which are not regular or routine and can wait.

“We have asked them to put on hold any large or unusual types of payment that are outside of the normal obligations which we have,” HPS Harmon said.

JOSEPH HARMON ment (ministers) at that time were acting like dictators.”

Harmon declared that an APNU+AFC Government is not going to be bound “by contracts executed during the process of the prorogation.”

Asked about possible court action, HPS Harmon echoed the sentiments of President Granger, who had said, “Where there is criminality, people will have to face the music”; Harmon said, “Where there is criminal behaviour, criminal action, criminal activity, people will have to face the full brunt of the law.”

PAYMENTS HALTED HPS Harmon has also confirmed that the new government has put a temporary freeze on all payments that would have been incurred or

payment obligations.

STATE HEADS HPS Harmon indicated also that in addition to His Excellency President Granger meeting with the permanent secretaries, teams from the Office of the President would also be conducting a similar exercise across state insti-

LAW RESPECTED Asked to speak directly to heads of named state institutions, such as Khurshid Sattaur, the Commissioner-General of the GRA; or Deodat Sharma, the Auditor General of Guyana, Harmon told the Guyana Chronicle, “They can expect fairness; they can expect balance in what we do.”

HPS Harmon said that all public officials expecting to be engaged by government officials over the performance of their duties or institutions under their watch “can expect that we

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

Iraq deploys tanks as Islamic State tightens grip on Ramadi IRAQI security forces on Tuesday deployed tanks and artillery around Ramadi to confront Islamic State fighters who have captured the city in a major defeat for the Baghdad government and its Western backers.

After Ramadi fell on Sunday, Shi’ite militiamen allied to the Iraqi army had advanced to a nearby base in preparation for a counterattack on the city, which lies in the Sunni Muslim province of Anbar, just 110 km (70 miles) northwest of Baghdad.

As pressure mounted for action to retake the city, a local government official urged Ramadi residents to join the police and the army for what the Shi’ite militiamen said would be the “Bat-

tle of Anbar”.

The White House said a U.S.-led air campaign would back multi-sectarian Iraqi forces in their attempt to regain Ramadi, whose fall exposed the limits of U.S. airpower in its battle against the radical Sunni Islamic State in both Iraq and Syria.

“The United States will be very supportive of multi-sectarian efforts who are taking command-and-control orders from the Iraqi central government,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said in Washington.

The United States is anxious that the Shi’ite militia are controlled by the Iraqi authorities rather than Iranian advisors. It is likewise worried that the fighting in

An Iraqi soldier carries a displaced kid from Ramadi on the outskirts of Baghdad, Iraq May 19, 2015. Reuters/Stringer Iraq will become a polarising clash between Shi’ites and Sunnis.

Islamic State fighters set up defensive positions and laid landmines, witnesses said. The Islamists were

also going house to house searching for members of the police and armed forces.

The group has promised to set up courts based on Islamic Sharia law, as they had done in other towns and

cities they have conquered.

They released about 100 prisoners from the counter-terrorism detention center in the city.

Saed Hammad al-Dulaimi, 37, a school teacher

who is still in the city, said: “Islamic State used loudspeakers urging people who have relatives in prison to gather at the main mosque in the city center to pick them up. I saw men rushing to the mosque to receive their prisoners.”

The move could prove popular with residents who have complained that people are often subject to arbitrary detention.

Sami Abed Saheb, 37, a Ramadi restaurant owner, said Islamic State found 30 women and 71 men in the detention center. They had been shot in the feet to prevent them escaping when their captors fled.

Wi t n e s s e s s a i d t h e black flag of Islamic State was flying over the main mosque, government offices and other prominent buildings in Ramadi.

U.S. signals it could change pro-democracy programmes in Cuba A TOP U.S. official said on Tuesday that Washington could change pro-democracy programmes in Cuba that Havana objects to, possibly removing one of the biggest impediments to restoring

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opening embassies following December’s announcement on restoring diplomatic ties.

“The democracy pro grammes ... have changed over time, and they will continue to change over time to reflect a reality, whether that reality is on the ground in Cuba or in the United States,” the official told reporters on a conference call.

The official was speaking on condition of anonymity under State Department rules.

Cuba has long objected to the pro-democracy programmes, which include courses in basic journalism and information technology at the U.S. diplomatic mission in Havana.

The United States sees the courses as normal diplomatic functions, but Cuban President Raul Castro said last week that they were “illegal” training for government opponents.

The official said the programmes have already been

diplomatic ties.

The senior State Department official, speaking to reporters before talks with Cuban representatives on Thursday, also said the sides had narrowed differences over re-

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adapted to reflect such things as the easing of travel restrictions between the two countries, allowing more Cubans to travel abroad.

“We always have to be cognisant of making sure that when we’re supporting the Cuban people, we’re doing it in a way that is the most effective,” the official said.

The official added, however, that the U.S. would not halt the programmes because it was the most direct way of supporting ordinary Cubans.

“We have to be careful not to ever have thought that those programmes were static and separate from changes in the environment in which they’re working,” the official said.

The talks in Washington on Thursday are the fourth since U.S. President Barack Obama and Castro agreed on Dec. 17 to restore diplomatic relations, which were severed in 1961 during the Cold War.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

Colombian town searches for victims of deadly landslide ing from both sides and we were in the middle.

“I said to my wife, let’s hold each other and hope that God saves us and I know he gave us his hand because here we are, alive, still frightened, but still alive.”

President Juan Manuel Santos travelled to the area on Monday.

He said the authorities did not know how many people were still missing.

The president declared a state of emergency and promised to rebuild the houses.

(BBC News) RESCUE workers are searching for victims of a deadly landslide which tore through the Colombian town of Salgar on Monday.

Officials said at least 62 people were killed when heavy rains caused the river Liboriana to burst is banks, triggering the landslide.

The neighbourhood of Santa Margarita was almost entirely swept away.

Most of the houses were poorly built and located near the river, putting them at high risk, an official said.

‘NO PRIOR WARNING’ The landslide occurred at 03:00 local time (08:00 GMT) on Monday when most of the residents were asleep.

There was no prior warn-

Houses built near the banks of the river Liboriana were worst affected hills above the town, he described his ordeal when the landslide hit the village: explained. ing, Salgar environmental ofDebris and mud rushed “When I felt my house shakficial Wilson Betancur said. down the hillside, burying ing we got out, my family Heavy rain had begun cars and sweeping away and me. When we got out, falling the previous evening homes. we were stuck in the middle and caused flooding in the Resident Jorge Quintero of the landslide, it was com-

‘COURAGE AND FORTITUDE’ “We cannot bring the dead back, which we regret deeply, and we will support the families [of the victims],” he said.

“But we have to move

on from this tragedy, and look ahead with courage and fortitude.”

Rescue work was suspended overnight but resumed on Tuesday morning.

More than half of the 62 bodies found so far have been sent to the provincial capital Medellin for identification.

Antioquia Governor Sergio Fajardo said he expected the number of dead to rise further.

He also alerted people living downstream from Salgar to be on the look out for bodies which may have been swept along by the currents.

About 1,000 people were evacuated to nearby shelters.

Local official Zulma Osorio spoke of a “tragedy of enormous proportions”.

More rain is expected in the area in the next few days.

200 on breadline after Macoya fire (Trinidad Guardian) DRY fire hydrants are being blamed for hampering firefighters from extinguishing a multi-million dollar fire in the Trincity Industrial Estate on Sunday night which left almost 200 employees of a major office furniture manufacturer jobless.

The fire at MDC-UM Business and Home Furniture’s building at Consol Drive, Macoya, began around 9 pm and quickly spread as it was fed by the company’s stock, which was stored in over 100,000 square feet of warehouse space.

In a brief interview with media personnel on the scene

of the fire, joint managing director of the company, Richard Farah, claimed dry hydrants surrounding the building prevented firefighters from containing the blaze before it spread to the entire building.

“When I arrived on the scene the whole building was not on fire but they (fire officers) could not stop it because there was no water,” Farah said.

He estimated the damage to the business and its stock at $80 million and said almost the same amount would be needed to rebuild.

While he was thankful that no employees were injured in the blaze, Farah said it would

An aerial photograph of the fire which engulfed the MDC-UM office and home furniture factory at the Trincity Industrial Estate on Sunday night. See Page A5. Photo: COURTESY DEFINE STUDIOS

take some time to rebuild as over 85 per cent of the building was gutted.

“We have been one of the biggest office furniture manufacturers in the Caribbean for over 30 years. Right now, this is the worst time this could happen because we are involved in furnishing those big buildings in downtown Port-of-Spain,” Farah said as he suggested that the fire may affect his company’s work in retrofitting the Government Campus Plaza.

Although fire investigators were still on the scene up to late yesterday attempting to determine the cause of the fire, Farah suggested that va-

grants who sometimes sleep at the back of the building at nights may have been responsible.

“It is not the cause of the fire that is the issue, there was just no water,” a visibly frustrated Farah exclaimed.

Contacted yesterday, communications manager at the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), Daniel Plenty, acknowledged the issue with the fire hydrants.

However, he noted several water trucks were dispatched to the fire to supplement the large contingent of fire tenders which responded to the scene.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

No witch-hunting of professionals

NEWLY-elected President David Granger has embarked on a difficult journey on a path strewn with roses interlaced with thorns; and he seems intent on sensitively but judiciously de-stemming those thorns, if his words and his actions days into his new office parlays into sincere commitment to nation building.

Staffers at the Presidential Complex were on Monday reassured by President Granger that they would not be persecuted in any way, regardless their affili-

ations, once they serve the Government with professionalism.

Stressing that the Office of the President is a very important branch of the Public Service and the hub of Government, hence it is very important that it functions efficiently, he promised, “You’re all professionals, and I am not going to enquire into your political leads, I am not going to enquire into your business leads, I don’t know if you belong to the lodge, I don’t want to know if you put your

head in a turban, (or) burn candles at night. When you come in to work, I want you to understand you’re serving the people of Guyana without fear or favour, affection or ill will.”

The Guyanese Headof-State affirmed that the oath he took on May 16 made him President of “all Guyanese”, as he assured the staffers: “I am not being sworn in as leader of APNU/AFC, I am being sworn in as President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. If I could have a

public conscience, or public vision, or public sense of vision, I would expect all of you to have that vision.”

Rejecting individual biases as pertinent to professional conduct, President Granger reiterated that the degree of the professionalism demonstrated by State employees is determined by their ability to suppress that bias.

Stressing the importance of solidarity in a work environment, he noted that the work of State employees are determined by their expertise, and urged: “We’re

AFTER LIBERATION WE MUST RETURN TO GIVE THANKS THE Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. advised: “If we are to go forward, we must go back and rediscover those precious values - that all reality hinges on moral foundations and that all reality has spiritual control.”

Fellow Guyanese, we are gathered here to give thanks to Almighty God. Though He is called by different names based on our religion, we all acknowledge His presence in guiding our path. As we, the people of this blessed region, embarked on a political campaign a few months ago to change the course of history, to change the course of our lives, we leaped out on faith that greater is He that is within us. With Him all things are possible.

We fought a hard campaign on the moral conviction that as children of Guyana, we too deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and benefit from the nation’s resources. For many, it has been a hard road to travel and

a rough, rough, way to go.

Guided by faith, we knew we could not hesitate to be the change we wanted to see and the only path desired is the path that goes forward. Thus, with grit and determination, undeterred by challenges or setbacks, we worked our hardest to make the 11th May the date to affirm: “Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

We went into the elections on faith that an alliance government offers this region a chance to make real our dreams, our hopes and our aspirations. The alliance’s commitment to form a government on the foundation of good governance that assures equality for all, the implementation of our 21st August 2012 Agreement, developmental opportunities for the youth, protection of the vulnerable and safeguarding the prospects of the employed became the wind beneath our wings.

Being deprived in the last years, we are fully aware that

our future lies in victory at both regional and national governments. Brothers and sisters, we have much to be thankful for. In addition to being instrumental in the alliance win, this region has once again soared.

This is the only region where the PPP/C lost votes; the alliance won 85% of the valid votes cast, that is 16,791 of the 19,742; won both of the geographic seats; and secured 98.8% of the increased votes cast. Your hard work, commitment and sacrifices are noted. These victories have been made possible because of you.

Fellow Guyanese, we must be able to live the creed of ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’. Together we must make real inclusionary democracy, accountability and national unity.

Together we must continue the work to realise our dream for economic uplift, equal opportunities and fair play. We must continue the task of forging this nation’s mighty soul and constructing its frame, where freedom must remain our everlasting goal, courage and truth our aim. We must remain unyield-

ing in our quest for peace and justice.

As our nation’s hero brave let faith remain guardian of our striving to uphold the values upon which this great country is built. Onward, upward, may we ever go.

Thanks to those who voted for the alliance. To those who voted for another party your right to association is respected. To all, in Region 10, we remain one! As your present Regional Chairman, each and every citizen of this beautiful region is assured of my continued representation of your interests, the defense and protection of your rights, and commitment to execute my duty without fear, favour or ill will. Thanks for the privilege to serve and the confidence reposed in me over the three years. Thanks for the good times and the not so good times we shared. Trust I have met your expectations.

You have helped to make me a better citizen and I am humbled by the experience.

May God continue to richly bless you and this dear land!

SHARMA SOLOMON Regional Ten Chairman

all working here together, we’re not working at daggers drawn… so in any group of professionals there has to be a sense of solidarity. If you don’t possess that solidarity… well, then we will fail in our duty.”

Hitting a right note, The President ruminated, “Parties come, (and) parties go,” and urged all stakeholders to cast aside all of the acrimony and antipathy of the past week or the past years because “I would like us to look forward to a Guyana which is respectful of all of the people”.

During this transitory period of transference of the reins of Government, the mint-coined Head-of-

State plans such meetings across the landscape of the country’s state administrative apparatuses to enable stability and continuity in the country’s developmental dynamics.

The fears being harboured by PPP/C supporters, of wholesale witch-hunting by the new administration, are somewhat being slowly allayed

by President Granger’s reassurances.

However, will the members of his Cabinet and other government functionaries of the newly-installed administrative construct honour his words?

Only time will tell.

A call out to the voices of reasoning I HAVE been noticing a grave misconception raising its ugly head and being peddled by some youths, even adults, as it relates to the newly installed government. The misconceived notions seek to insinuate that one racial group is now in charge and supposably superior to the other.

These utterances will only further enhance racial divide and discord among a people that should be trying to unite and build a nation.

I do not know how many persons will be reading this letter, so to those of us who would, please let us be the voices of reasoning in our land, spreading the gospel of racial unity and togetherness while fostering the correct atmosphere that is conducive to prosperity. We cannot put new wine in old bottles; both wine and bottles will perish.

In this new era, we cannot demonstrate old behaviours.

I am therefore calling on all religious sectors, youth groups, organisations of all sorts and political parties to denounce these acts that can further divide our six races.

For inclusive governance to work, all of the citizenry have to do their part at the ground level. We all need to be foot soldiers, weeding out these scourges of racism and preventing it from being able to establish itself in our Nation, all the while creating a Guyana model of inclusive governance that can be emulated by others.

I strongly believe that we can have a united, peaceful and developed Guyana. As John Lennon, through his song ‘Imagine’, would have put it, “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one, I hope someday you’ll join us and the world will be as one”.

May God bless this beautiful land of ours and its six races.

DR. DANE HARTLEY

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

Proud to return and serve my country President Granger PLEASE allow me to say that I was a very proud staff-member of the Guyana National Service (GNS), which was an attempt at serving my native country ‘My Dear Guyana’.

I was designated to a post as ‘general store keeper’ at Kimbia, after I quit my job at Bookers Hardware Stores in Water Street, Georgetown.

I have proudly served the GNS as an officer between 1974 and 1976 at Kimbia, after which I was sponsored by the Ministry of Economic Development and Co-ops, to undergo studies at the Kuru-Kuru Co-operative College on the ‘Linden-Soesdijk’ highway, in the field of Management of Agricultural Co-operatives (Crops).

I left Guyana in 1977 with many local credentials, in pursuit of my Dutch (Netherlands) status and a higher Dutch technical education in the field of Civil-Engineering, which was in preparation for me to return and to continue serve my beloved Guyana.

Because of such interests and training I have had at GNS-Kimbia and at Kuru-Kuru Co-operative College, I am so motivated now to return to my native Guyana and to serve in the capacity as Chairman for the Caribbean Outlook Foundation, Inc. and as a Dutch oriented and trained Civil-Engineer.

The Caribbean Outlook Foundation Inc. is a NGO entity, founded by me, based in the Netherlands and has affiliates in Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, with intention to pervade other Caribbean countries.

Presently, I am negotiating with Go-Invest to pitch respective ventures in Guyana, after which, upon satisfactory modality, I will be permanently re-migrating to my land of origin and to serve in such a capacity as a civil engineer, executing my skills and knowledge in “hydro-concrete, water

and civil engineering”.

I seize now this opportunity to commend, congratulate and thank Comrade Desmond Roberts and Mr Frank August Campbell (Guyana’s first Ambassador to Cuba and former Minister of Information) for considering and granting me such opportunity for serving in the GNS and for me to become a faithful and fruitful son of my original Guyana.

EDUCATION, is a FRUITFUL-VINE to a NATION Knowingly, we strive here for a Co-operative Education, Unhesitatingly, we are upholding such a position.

Restraining all our energy in need for our country, Undergoing vigorously our studies in unity.

Knowledge today is what our country needs, Unity also, is a pillar for fruitful seeds.

Rendering assistance to our beautiful Guyana, Utilising our innate skills for a better Guyana.

Many foreign-based Guyanese, (included myself) have pondered on the slogan and the anthem of the PPP titled:“They (foreign-based Guyanese) were not here in Guyana in our march and in the struggle for democracy, prior to our victorious reign and gain of such, in 1992, so they deserved to be discriminated and to be marginalised upon, in our sole aims and attempts for returning now to our free and safe Guyana under the APNU+AFC”.

SURMOT MOTILALL

Mining Deaths POLICE CORRUPTION

THE Guyanese people are in collective mourning over the tragic loss of lives in the recent mining accident. We pray that God grant the surviving family the resolve to continue their lives after this great loss. We also ask that our new Government seize upon this unfortunate opportunity to craft better safety policies within the mining industry.

Safety regulations need to be brought into the 21st century to anticipate similar tragedies and provide financial remedies to survivors. No reinventing of the wheel is required here just mirroring of tried and proven best practices from existing responsible companies. Here are a few first step recommendations: *Better industry regulation and tracking *Reinforce fines and penalties when regulations are violated *Implement mandatory and adequate Life Insurance for all workers within the industry so as to ensure seamless financial continuity for survivors.

BERKELEY VAN BOWEN

WE, the Guyanese people extend gratitude and thanks to the outgoing Crime Chief, Leslie James, for his professional contribution to crime fighting and wish him much success in his future endeavours.

We wish to also congratulate, Wendell Blanhum (Snr Supt) on his elevation to the position of Police Crime Chief and hope for him, tremendous success in his new task to effectively manage the nation’s spiraling crime. Mr Blanhum comes highly qualified and therefore we, the Guyanese people have full

confidence in his skills and expertise to get the job done.

It’s no secret that the Guyana Police Force has some introspecting to do.

The law enforcement body has suffered tremendous reputational setbacks over the past couple of decades and is one of the lowest rated within CARICOM. Ideally, we would have liked to see a complete shake-up of the Force, starting with the Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud.

His explanation to allow the promotion of the two police officers who tortured a child was a splendid argument for his removal. Nonethe-less, we hope to see these two policemen who disgraced our nation, disciplined, prosecuted and removed. The Guyanese people are watching President Granger to see if his speeches on the campaign trail were just rhetoric.

Of interest to the Guyanese people is the status of the investigation into the suspicious item that was placed in our Armed Force’s rice ration. Our proud members of the Armed Forces deserve to be treated with priority and respect since they place their lives in harms-way to defend

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should be careful with his selections

I FIRST wish to congratulate President David Granger on his election as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and to wish him every success.

I know that these first days will be very difficult, especially with the intense lobbying and jockeying for positions.

I therefore wish to suggest to President Granger that he may do well to heed the words of Investment Guru, Warren Buffett, who, speaking ‘On the importance of Ethics’, said: “When looking for managers, I basically look for three things - integrity, intelligence and energy. The problem is that if they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.

Why? Because if someone doesn’t have integrity, you really want them to be dumb and lazy. It is only if they have the first, that the second two really count.”

Good luck Mr. President!

BISH PANDAY

Sugar workers need immediate re-assurance

FIRSTLY, I take this opportunity to heartily congratulate our new Government and to wish us Guyanese well-deserved success as we confront the many daunting tasks awaiting attention.

I also commend our new President for the re-assurances given so far as he so magnanimously did when he met with the employees of the erstwhile Office of the President.

Based on my intimate connections with employees in the sugar industry, especially those in Berbice, I believe they also urgently require some assurances; after all, they are the largest block of employees in Guyana.

The over-riding question thrown at me is: “Would the new Government really convert the cane-fields into fish farms?” I believe the genesis of this question go back to a letter in the media some time ago to the effect that it would be more profitable to convert the sugar cane fields to fish farms; this was conveniently manipulated during the elections campaign to drive fear in the minds of sugar workers.

I know only too well that the sugar industry is plagued by numerous issues and untold problems to which solutions cannot be posited by a few simple sentences. However, given the rumblings among the anxious ‘rank and file’, the backbone of the nodal sugar industry, I believe a simple statement to dispel the fear of converting cane lands to fish farms will be most welcome among the concerned sugar workers who are the bona fide primary stakeholders of the sugar industry.

There is really no need for me to belabour the importance of early strategic communication to allay undue and unnecessary anxieties.

NOWRANG PERSAUD

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

Telecoms, AML Bills high on agenda of 11th Parliament - HPS-designate Harmon

THE liberalisation of the Telecommunications Sector is set to become a reality with the new Administration. Acting Head of the Presidential Secretariat Joseph Harmon, on Monday, indicated that the new APNU+AFC Administration intends to put on the front-burner the passage of the Telecommunications Bill in the 11th Parliament.

Harmon explained that the Bill was on the verge of conclusion, prior to the prorogation of the last Parliament. The Bill which was first introduced in 2011, and revised in

2013, was at the level of Select Committee in the 10th Parliament. It is set to address concerns, including those of the industry’s stakeholders.

“When the Parliament was prorogued, we were on the verge of completing the works in the Special Select Committee for the entire package of legislation… since the bulk of the work was already done, I think we can have consent on the way forward, to ensure that that happens (the Bill is passed),” Harmon explained.

“We have to really move this sector forward.

It is important not only to businesses, but to the school children, the people in the education system, so we can have better bandwidth, faster communication with the rest of the world,” he said.

He noted that, “it is something that is so unusual, when foreigners come and they want to access the internet and it is so slow, it can hinder them from doing business in the way they want to do it.” Harmon said that the APNU+AFC Administration will aggressively push the completion and passage of the Bill.

The Bill seeks to create

Acting Head of the Presidential Secretariat Joseph Harmon

a competitive regime in the Telecommunications Sector. It provides for an open, liberalised and competitive sector that will be attractive to new market entrants and investors, while preserving the activities of the current participants. By creating this competitive environment for telecommunications, the Bill is expected to result in greater choice, better quality of service and lower prices for consumers.

The Bill also specifically addresses the expansion of telecommunication networks and services into un-served and under-served areas,

through the institution of a new universal access/universal service programme, in an effort to further national, regional, social and economic development.

Meanwhile, the HPS-designate also disclosed that the country will, within the 11th Parliament, join the rest of the countries that have passed and implemented their Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill. This Bill too was at the level of a Special Select Committee, ready to facilitate amendments put forward by the new Administration, when it was in the Opposition.

These amendments had to do with strengthening the enforcement of the Bill, so as to make it more relevant.

“I can say that that (the passage of the AML Bill) is a priority for us,” Harmon said. He said that this is one matter in which the new Administration will test the truthfulness and the positions of the Opposition, to see if they really want the Bill to pass. “We will put it back on the front

burner, and we will let the Guyanese people see that we are going to push aggressively for it,” Harmon said. “We have always said that we wanted Anti Money Laundering Legislation that was wholesome, that dealt with the mechanisms for enforcement, and we have those things already in the draft before the Special Select Committee. So it is just a matter of getting back there, getting the arguments finished very quickly and getting it (the Bill) before the floor,” he explained.

Passage of the internationally-required legislation, emanating out of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), a body that is responsible for monitoring the operations of legislation of this type throughout the Caribbean, is to achieve effective implementation of and compliance with international recommendations on the prevention and control of money laundering and the combating of the financing of terrorism. (GINA)

GPL explains Demerara/Berbice power interruption on Monday night We must all only be POLICE ...

THE Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) has apologised to the nation for the total power shutdown that occurred in the city and its environs on Monday night.

The power company explained in a press release that on Monday evening at about 22:21 hrs, two 35 MVA transformers at the Kingston Wartsila Power Plant tripped and caused a total shutdown of the Demerara/Berbice System. An assessment of the origin of the initial trip is ongoing in an effort to perform the necessary remedial work and mitigate future occurrences.

GPL said that repowering efforts commenced at about 20 minutes into the shutdown in Demerara, and continued into Berbice, with the last affected community being repowered at 01:37hrs on May 19.

The GPL has extended sincerest apologies for any inconvenience caused, and has reaffirmed its commitment to providing a supply of quality and reliable power to its valued customers.

Shortly after 10:00 pm last Monday, widespread power outage caused some people to get very upset and vent their frustrations via social media facebook and blackberry messenger (bbm).

Some East Coast Demerara villages were repowered after midnight, with some sections being repowered sooner and others much later. (Michel Outridge)

Guyanese without ‘divisive’ racial identities

I READ Dr David Hinds’ gushing letter in SN of May 18, 2015, and could not help but be enthused by his enthusiasm of the coalition’s victory.

I expect UN Coordinator Khadija Musa to castigate him for his references to African Guyanese and African Guyanese Sisterin and Brethren since Ms Musa has decided that we must all only be Guyanese without “divisive” racial identities.

Obviously, Dr Hinds did not get Ms Musa’s memo.

RYHAAN SHAH

From Page 7 our nation.

The status of the police investigation into the officer who shot a child in his mouth needs to be completed. The status of the Crum-Ewing investigation is an embarrassment to the nation and needs transparency. The chronic problem of Police corruption via missing court case jackets makes Guyana the laughing stock of the Caribbean and needs urgent correction. And the many, many unsolved investigations that has become a norm for the Police Force.

Let’s get it right.

BERKELEY VAN BOWEN

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

Mowasie mining pit cave-in…

Mother thanks God for son’s miraculous escape - grieves death of nephew and nephew-in-law

By Rajendra Prabhulall

President’s inauguration one of three major Independence Day events

By Navendra Seoraj

YONETTE Greene, known as Sister Michelle, of Dartmouth Village on the Essequibo Coast, is thanking God for her son Alex Greene, who miraculously escaped death when the walls of a pit he and 16 other miners were working in at Mowsie Creek in the Potaro-Siparuni Region collapsed during heavy rainfall at around midday Sunday.

At the same time, she is mourning the death of her 17-year-old nephew, Raymond August, and her niece’s husband, Esmond Martin, who were buried alive with nine other miners under tons of earth, rock and mud.

Sister Michelle is a member of the Voice of Faith Miracle Ministries church at Devonshire Castle. She had attended service on Sunday morning, and was returning home just after 13:00 hours when she got the sad news.

She said it was devastating to hear that her nephew, who actually grew up with her, was dead along with her niece’s husband, and that her son was seriously injured.

Sister Michelle cried openly, saying that her niece’s husband, Esmond Martin, who had lived at Wales, West Bank Demerara, was just 42 years old, and he has left to mourn two little children – one 13 months old and the other one year old -- along with his grieving wife.

She said her nephew Raymond August was just 17 years old and was single. Sister Michelle said she and another

Alex Greene who miraculously escaped cousin at Dartmouth had brought up her nephew after his mother had died when he was only two years old.

She said God had mercy on her son, and allowed him a chance to escape.

Sister Michelle, who believes in the power of Jesus Christ, said she was asked to share God's Holy Word on Sunday night in church, and the word she had received from God just before she had left church after the morning service had ended was “Lift up thy eyes to the Lord and see where thy help and strength cometh from”.

She said God is indeed great and awesome, and knows everything.

Esmond Martin’s two children

IN celebrating Guyana’s 49th Independence Anniversary, a team selected by the newly-appointed Government of Guyana has planned three major events, which will all take place on Independence Day, May 26.

Assistant Events Coordinator Mr Bobby Vieira disclosed during a press briefing at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport yesterday that three major events would highlight the day. “The traditional flag-raising ceremony, which is usually held at the National Park on May 25, will no longer happen, as this has also been shifted to the 26th,” he said.

The other major event is President Granger’s inauguration ceremony, which is scheduled to commence at 3:00 pm (15:00 hrs) at the National Stadium at Providence, EBD, and everyone is invited to attend.

Vieira announced that that ceremony would be graced by the presence of some Caribbean and South American Heads of State; therefore, it is anticipated that the stadium would be filled to capacity, as accommodation would be provided for persons on the parking lot tarmac in the event of the stands being overcrowded.

The third major event involves a wreath laying ceremony at the Independence Arch, where the President will place eight wreaths at the base of the arch in remembrance of those persons who struggled in the fight for Guyana’s Independence.

The final event, to end the day, will be a private inaugural reception for the New Head of State at the Pegasus Hotel, which is expected to start at 8:00 pm (20:00 hrs).

These events, Vieira underscored, came from ideas put forward by the Head of State himself, His Excellency

Mayor reminds M&CC staff of their duty to City, Country GEORGETOWN Mayor Hamilton Green recently met with senior officers of the City Council and reminded them of their duty to the capital city and ultimately to the country as a whole.

In a statement, Customer Care Officer Debra Lewis said the Chief Citizen observed that the restoration of Georgetown to its former glory is in focus, and hence workers have to be prepared to work assiduously.

He said the programme at hand requires collaborative effort, which will allow for the involvement of citizens,

workers, and the private sec-

Mayor Hamilton Green

tor.

“His Worship the Mayor stated that there is a new dispensation, thus there is need for the Council to reposition and refocus the use of resources, because citizens’ expectations are high. Therefore, officers have to move with alacrity, since there is no time for folly. Council must be more responsive to the needs of the citizenry.

“Workers were encouraged to be disciplined, since acts of indiscipline would not be tolerated. Corruption at every level and in all its forms would be stamped out.

According to the Mayor, the Municipality will make optimum use of both material and human resources,” Ms Lewis said in the statement.

She said Mayor Green, expressing concern about functionality, asserted that there must be a clear distinction between administration and policy-makers, and that councillors must not involve themselves in administrative issues.

“He emphasised that there will be no place for mediocrity, cronies, and square pegs in round holes,” Ms Lewis said. (Telesha Ramnarine)

Asst. Events Coordinator Bobby Vieira speaking yesterday during the press conference (Photo by Samuel Maughn) President David Arthur Granger.

“All of these events will be televised live on Channel 11, National Communications Network (NCN),” Mr Vieira informed.

Vieira alluded to the fact that President Granger wants to make Independence Day a memorable occasion, which is why he has requested that there be a cleanup of the entire Georgetown. This has already commenced at the Square of the Revolution. These cleanup exercises, Vieira noted, will continue as the new Government commits itself to developing and improving aesthetics in Guyana.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

Gov’t halts transfer of senior cops

By Leroy Smith MONDAY was the first official working day of Guyana’s new Executive President, Mr David Granger, and within hours of his getting down to business, the administration of the Guyana Police Force was busy executing transfers and reshuffles.

The Guyana Chronicle was last evening reliably informed by sources close to the Government that Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud has been asked to stop the transfers and reshuffling until a Minister of Home Affairs has been identified, sworn in and appointed.

On Monday, several senior police officers were called to meet with the “Top Cop”; were informed about their new postings, and subsequently received letters to that effect.

Police transfers are done at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police. Yesterday, the Guyana Chronicle was informed that many of the senior

Seelall Persaud

Linden Alves police ranks who received transfer letters were not pleased with the move to have them reshuffled.

The most notable transfer was that of Assistant Commissioner of Police Leslie James out of the Criminal Investigations Department which he had headed for about a year to make way for his recently appointed depu-

Christopher Griffith

Marlon Chapman ty, Wendell Blanhum to fill the post. James is expected to take up a position in the commissioner’s office.

Other transfers which were to take effect included Senior Superintendent Whitney Bacchus from the department responsible for disciplinary matters to the office of Officer- in-Charge of operations.

Govt. freezes payments on contracts inked ...

From Page 3

will respect the law.”

He also said that, in any action taken, there will be even-handed treatment, in that “there will be no bias in what we do, but it will be even-handed and across the board.”

On the matter of ministerial appointments and Cabinet postings, HPS Harmon said this is still being finalized, but he expects this process to be concluded by the end of the week.

Contrary to reports in numerous other sections of the media, HPS Harmon said that while persons have been identified to head key postings, such as Finance and Foreign Affairs, there is still some determination to be made in regard to a number of

ministries.

He said the APNU+AFC Government was looking to have some of the services offered by the various ministries consolidated, thereby reducing the amount of ministries, while at the same time delivering the service.

HPS Harmon said the President and Presidential Secretariat are acutely cognizant of the anxiety on the part of the populace in identifying with the faces of their new government, and with their individual portfolios.

This publication has managed to confirm that Mr Carl Greenidge has been identified to head the Foreign Affairs Ministry, with Mr Winston Jordan being appointed as Minister of Finance.

Under the Cummings-

burg Accord, the AFC is guaranteed 40 per cent of the ministerial portfolios, including that of Home Affairs. Former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Attorney-at-Law Basil Williams, will be appointed Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney-General, according to HPS Harmon.

This publication was informed by AFC General Secretary David Patterson that that Party has identified Mr Khemraj Ramjattan to fill the post of Minister of Home Affairs.

Patterson said the Party was still looking to finalize appointments for the remaining posts that would fall under its purview.

Other names being floated include that of Dr George Norton to head the Ministry of Health.

Errol Watts

Steven Mansell Assistant Commissioner James is to replace Bacchus in that position, which, according to one police source, is a junior position for an assistant commissioner and is seen as a demotion.

Senior superintendent Linden Alves has been transferred to the Office of the President where he will be acting as deputy to Assistant

Leslie James

Brian Joseph

Wendell Blanhum Commissioner of Police Brian Joseph, who was selected by the administration to head the Presidential Guard Service responsible for providing security to the President and Prime Minister.

Senior Superintendent Steven Mansell, who presently serves as deputy commander of ‘D’ Division is expected to head that division

as commander, while Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam will take over ‘C’ Division. Commander ‘C’ Division, Christopher Griffith, has been posted to ‘B’ Division to take over from Brian Joseph, while Senior Superintendent Errol Watts is expected to serve as Griffith’s deputy in Berbice.

The David Granger administration has made it very clear that it is not on a witch- hunt, and in a move that has since shocked observers , publicly stated that it will retain all employees within the State media apparatus.

This includes GINA, NCN and the Guyana Chronicle, while the same holds true for the Office of the President.

APNU+AFC says...

Police, other lawful authorities instructed to discourage land grabbing FOLLOWING the change of government last weekend, hundreds of residents from several East Coast Demerara villages began making claims to State lands aback their villages.

They have been expressing their outrage that the former regime did not fulfill their applications for house lots, even after years of waiting.

Scores of residents who spoke to this publication have stated that since the APNU+AFC coalition won the May 11 elections, they are rewarding themselves plots of land that are rightly theirs; and they have begun staking claims to acres of available land in the rear of their communities.

The villagers began clearing land that had been overgrown by dense bush, and erecting signs bearing their names as they stood, arm-to-arm with each oth-

er on Friday last when the trend began. As word of the happening spread, other residents mobilised and rushed to the backlands, and got very busy claiming land.

And as news of the Mon Repos squatting became known, residents of other neighbouring villages adopted the trend.

After the Guyana Police Force had been instructed to cease all squatting activities, residents blocked the Success Railway Embankment in an effort to get their way; but the situation was rectified by law enforcement.

Up to press time, police reported, things were relatively calm, and the land grabbing exercise initiated by villagers had been somewhat abated. The police are, nevertheless, monitoring the situation.

A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) has issued a press release ex-

pressing their disturbance at recent reports of illegal and unauthorized grabbing of land in some communities.

“The coalition wishes to inform the public that President David Granger has not authorized any of these illegal activities”, the document noted.

“To those participating in these activities, we say please do not be misled by persons who may have encouraged these actions; and rest assured that all Guyanese will be given fair and equitable access to land under the new government’s land distribution policy,” the APNU+AFC release has said.

The Police and other lawful authorities have been instructed to maintain peace and good order in all locations where attempts have been made to stake illegal claims to land, the release added.

(Michel Outridge)

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

Two other bodies recovered from collapsed Konawaruk mining pit

By Clifford Stanley

THE bodies of two other men were recovered from the collapsed mining pit at Pepper Creek, Konawaruk, near Mowasi in Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) yesterday, bringing the total amount recovered to seven in a tragic accident described as the result of a fatal combination of circumstances.

Three other men are missing; and of the seven bodies recovered, only two have

been positively identified, in both cases by relatives.

Commander of the Guyana Police Force ‘F’ Division, Senior Superintendent Courtney Ramsey, disclosed that the two bodies identified up to late yesterday afternoon were those of Brian Brittlebank, 46, of Wisroc Housing Scheme, Wismar; and Raymond August, 17, of 229 Bent Street, Dartmouth Village, Essequibo Coast.

Efforts continued yesterday to determine the identities of the five others recovered,

––three others unaccounted for

and efforts to recover the bodies of the three men unaccounted for also continued into late yesterday afternoon.

All those injured in this tragedy were said to be recovering satisfactorily.

Mining officials yesterday confirmed that the accident, which left ten people dead and seven injured, was the worst ever in the history of mining in Guyana.

In discussion with Mr Imran Khan, owner of the ill-fated mining operation (right) are, from left: Mr. Patrick Harding, President, Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA); Mr Timothy Junor of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC); Ms Simona Broomes, President of the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO); and Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, APNU Deputy Chairman and elected GoG Representative with responsibility for Natural Resources

“Quite definitely a national tragedy,” one source opined.

Seventeen miners had been assigned to two dredges working in the pit. As a result of the cave-in, ten were trapped under the mud.

Reports from the GGMC identified the ten trapped miners as: Leyland Jones, Jason Trotman, Vick Bernard, Frank Bernard; Desmond Martins, Raymond August, Brian Banks, Trevon Phillips, Kurt Nanmore, and another worker known as Michael. Their ages and addresses were, at the time of reporting, unknown.

Both the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) have opined that the tragedy was due to a fatal combination of circumstances.

The GGDMA yesterday disclosed that the accident was due to “criminal negligence” on the part of the operator. GGDMA Engineer Colin Sparman disclosed that his determination was that the mining face and pit walls were too high and too steep; were almost vertical, and that the operation was too close to the face and walls.

He said that with the rains and with water jetting from two dredges, the ground became saturated and the soil became unconsolidated.

The surrounding material became very fluid, “like porridge”, and suddenly avalanched into the lowest parts of the pit, where the men were working.

Personnel of the GGMC who visited the scene and investigated the accident concluded that it occurred due to the collapse of two sides of the mine pit. They determined that the operator failed to adhere to standard safety practices when mining See center page

Eight pellets extracted from body of overseas-based Guyanese

––following Belvedere slaying OVERSEAS-based Ramesh Puran, who succumbed to gunshot injuries he sustained when four masked and armed bandits invaded the Belvedere, Corentyne home at which he was a guest on May 14, died from shock and haemorrhage, according to a post-mortem conducted on his body by Dr. Vivikanand Brijmohan at the Port Mourant Hospital.

Eight pellets have been extracted from his body, and investigators say a pistol was used during the attack.

Puran, resident in the United States of America, arrived in his homeland on

May 8, and was expected to return to the USA on May 22; but on May 14, at 21:15 hr, his cousin Devika Ramotar was in the kitchen, housed in the lower flat of the two-storey building, when four marked men invaded the premises through an open door.

One of the men was armed with a cutlass, while each of the other accomplices had a handgun.

Ramotar was forcefully taken to the upper flat, where Pooran was relaxing. There the cutlass wielding bandit inflicted a chop to the left side of the visitor’s neck and another on his shoul-

NARESH POORAN

der, as demands were made for jewels.

Ten gold finger rings were removed from Puran’s fingers as screams for help emanated from Ramotar. The attackers then inflicted two chops to her head before firing a warning shot to dissuade persons from attempting to come to her rescue.

About five minutes after their arrival, the men fled the scene on foot, heading in a northerly direction which leads to the seaside. Thereafter, the injured persons were taken to the Port Mourant Hospital, where Ramotar was treated and sent away while Pooran was pronounced dead by a doctor on duty.

Investigations are ongoing.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

High hopes expected as...

Second batch of visually impaired sits CSEC 2015

AFTER months of vigorous preparations, the second batch consisting of 10 visually impaired persons have thus far sat their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations with high hopes of success.

Ganesh Singh, Project Coordinator of the Guyana Society of the Blind, has expressed his expectations about this second venture.

He noted that thus far, some of the students have already written Human and Social Biology and they lauded that it was a “workable” paper.

In relation to the new Government of Guyana, Singh noted that he hopes the new Minister of Education will continue to support the society in its future endeavours.

This is a project fostered by the Guyana Soci-

Some of the visually impaired students who will sit this year’s CSEC examinations (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

Ganesh Singh, Guyana Society of the Blind Project Coordinator

ety for the Blind (GSB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and One Laptop Per Family (OLPF).

Unlike in 2014, this year seven subject areas are being offered – Human and Social Biology, Social Studies, Principles of Busi-

ness, Office Administration, Religious Administration, English Language and Caribbean History.

Yesterday, the students wrote English Language and are preparing to sit the pending subjects next week and in early June.

The project, however, was long nurtured before it was implemented and is a spinoff of another project that sought to teach visually

impaired persons how to use computers.

The Blind Society has been collaborating with the One Laptop Per Family Project (OLPF) in order to provide computers for the students, as well as the implementation of the JAWS software which serves as a computer instructor for visually impaired learners.

Moreover, the society was fortunate to benefit from

assistance by the Basic Needs Trust Fund, which rehabilitated the society’s building and also provided better furniture to accommodate members as well as the CSEC students.

Last year, Rosemary Ramitt emerged as the top student of the first batch, securing five grade ones along with Odessa Harper who came second in securing five grade two passes at the CSEC examinations.

Ogle Airport warns against squatting on its lands A LARGE number of persons have made attempts to squat on Ogle Airport lands within the boundaries of the airport. The public is warned that unlawful entry into or interference with a civil aviation facility is a violation of the National Aviation Security Programme and Civil Aviation Regulations.

Ogle Airport has notified the Commissioner of Police and Director of the Civil Aviation Authority.

Ogle Airport Security,with the support of the Guyana Police Force, has apprehended and removed these persons and has destroyed the pickets they had placed on the airport’s land.

The public is warned that Ogle Airport Security will apprehend and hand over to the Guyana Police Force, any person found unlawfully entering the airport.

Ogle Airport would appreciate the maximum possible publicity given by the media to this release.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

Region 2 celebrates APNU+AFC victory - with prayer service and massive motorcade

THE atmosphere across Region 2 is one of celebration since the APNU+AFC won the recently concluded General and Regional Elections.

Reports said on Saturday a large crowd of supporters of the now ruling APNU+AFC coalition held a prayer service at Anna Regina to give thanks to God Almighty for the victory.

The prayer service, which was headed by Pastor Minerva Britton Roberts of the Full Gospel Fellowship of Churches started off with prayers to God for his blessings over Guyana and the new Government. The APNU headquarters building where the service was held was packed to capacity with Essequibians in true unity to worship and praise God. The worship was truly from the depths of the heart as the atmosphere became filled with the spirit and power of God through the singing of songs, such as: “What a mighty God we serve”, “Lift Jesus higher”, and “My God is awesome.” The atmosphere became charged with the spirit of God as many danced and rejoiced openly, thanking God for a new President and for the APNU+AFC

Government that has truly brought unity and love to Guyana. The chorus singing was backed by African drumming as many clapped and shouted onto the Lord.

The service also had prayers from representatives of the three main religions: Christian, Hindu and Muslim. Pastor Roberts in her message to the large gathering called on Essequibians to cooperate and move ahead with the change. She said many Christians fasted for days before God for the APNU+AFC to come out victorious at the elections.

After the prayer service, there was a motorcade which took to the main road to celebrate the massive victory of the APNU+AFC. Supporters who came out in their thousands dressed in green and yellow jerseys which represent the colours of the parties packed into vehicles and took to the road to celebrate. They were also armed with the flags of the coalition parties.

On Sunday afternoon, the ruling coalition parties APNU+AFC again took to the road with another massive motorcade to celebrate their victory. Reports said

Supporters at a prayer service at Anna Regina on Saturday thanking God for the APNU+AFC victory at the elections the motorcade which had many, many vehicles started from Supenaam and proceeded along the road to Charity and back. Supporters who were in their thousands were excited as they danced and waved the coalition’s flags. They were also proudly dressed in green and yellow jerseys.

(Rajendra Prabhulall in Essequibo)

Supporters on a vehicle in the APNU+AFC motorcade on the Essequibo Coast.

The rain failed to stop it

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

Blood bank eyes shift from 30% to 100% voluntary donations

By Rawle Nelson IN 2014, Grenada received blood donations from 1362 persons, of which 519 gave voluntarily and regularly.

According to Blood Procurement Officer of the Blood Lab, Keren Jolly, the department is currently correlating data to ascertain the frequency of voluntary donations.

During a recent interview, she disclosed that her

department has joined forces with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to achieve a 100 per cent voluntary donations.

In pointing out that safety of blood through full screening and testing for recognised infectious agents remains a primary objective of the lab, Jolly stressed that the voluntary donor drive was aimed at securing the 100 score card, given that 70 per cent of the Health Ministry's recorded

Rawle Nelson donating blood while Keren Jolly demonstrates how the process is done

figures for 2014 were replacement donors.

Jolly explained that voluntary donors are largely self-motivated, while replacement donors continue to pose a challenge although they are aware that their donations are for a family member or a friend. "This is the major challenge that we are faced with and are trying to better educate and convince persons about the importance of giving blood,” the Blood

Procurement Officer said. She stressed that the primary goal of the lab this year is a departure from family replacement (when family members pay for blood) to voluntary donations, because blood is essentially the body's transportation system. "As blood circulates, it delivers oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. It also collects waste products and carries them to the organs responsible for making sure the waste leaves the body,” the Blood Procurement Officer stated.

Jolly added that while the bank services the three main hospitals along with another, St Augustine, there are no other centres. "There have been quite a few persons who have expressed the desire to see more centres, but currently we only have one which services all three islands,” she concluded.

Meanwhile, Director of Lab at the Hospital, Roderick Gabriel, noted that blood donations are divided into groups based on who will receive the collected blood.

An 'allogeneic' (also called “homologous”) donation is when a donor gives blood for storage at the blood bank for transfusion to an unknown recipient. A “directed” donation is when a person, often a family member, donates blood for transfusion to a specific individual. Directed donations are relatively rare when an established supply exists. A “replacement do-

nor” donation is a hybrid of the two and is common in developing countries. "In this case, a friend or family member of the recipient donates blood to replace the stored blood used in a transfusion, ensuring consistent supply,” Gabriel added.

SOME FACTS ABOUT BLOOD TYPES, TRANSFUSION AND DONATION A blood type (also called a blood group) is a classification of blood based on the presence or absence of inherited antigenic substances on the surface of red blood cells. These antigens may be proteins, carbohydrates, glycoproteins, or glycolipids, depending on the blood group.

A total of 32 human blood group systems are now recognised by the International Society of Blood Transfusion. The two most important ones are ABO and the RhD antigens; they determine someone’s blood type (A, B, AB, and O, with + and - denoting RhD status).

Blood transfusion is a simple medical procedure during which a patient receives whole blood or one of its parts through an intravenous line or IV. A nurse will begin an IV. After the needle is inserted into an arm or hand, a tiny plastic tube is left in the vein and is attached to the IV tubing, which is then used to connect to the bag containing

the blood. The blood bag is hung upside down from an IV pump that controls the speed of the flow.

It was pointed out that the shelf life of whole blood is 35 days; blast-frozen plasma can last up to one year, platelets can last up to five days. (However, many patients need only one part of the blood and not the whole blood.)

There are also several health benefits associated with being a blood donor.

These include: 1.Free health checkups: Before every blood donation process, a series of health check-ups are performed on the donor free of cost.

2.Reduced risk of heart disease: Regular blood donation helps to keep the levels of iron in the body in check, especially in males; this has been shown to reduce heart disease.

3.Burns calories: Onetime blood donation helps you shed 650 Kcal. This can aid you in your body weight control measures.

4.Reduces the risk of cancer: High levels of iron have been implicated in cancer.

Theoretically, donating blood frequently will reduce the risk of cancers.

Persons who are interested in becoming donors are encouraged to visit the lab located at the back of the Grenada General Hospital in Grand Etang Road St. Georges.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

URP suspends prime ministerial candidate indefinitely UNITED Republican Party (URP) leader Mr Vishnu Bandhu has suspended his Prime Ministerial Candidate Mr Brandon Jones, who had contested the recent National and General Elections, indefinitely for contentious comments he has made in the media.

In a letter published in the Guyana Chronicle on Saturday, Jones expressed a differing view from his party’s call for a recounting of votes in the elections.

“I, Brandon Jones, Prime Ministerial Candidate of the United Republican Party (URP), differ, and as such separate myself from any comments made by the URP in relation to a recount of ballots in the May 11, 2015 recently concluded polls.

“I believe, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that the results announced by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) are correct, and the elections were conducted ‘free, fair and credible’.

“As such, I would like to extend to Mr David Granger and the Executive of the APNU+AFC alliance my profound congratulations on (their) historic victory in the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections,” Jones wrote.

The former URP prime ministerial candidate said he is willing and ready to work with President Granger, as he is confident the President will always put Guyana first.

“I believe Guyana is at a critical juncture in its development, and I am trusting your leadership will guide the nation in a direction that will return the country to social, economic and political harmony; a country where every citizen, regardless of ethnic origin, political persuasion or religious belief, can live peacefully and achieve the Guyana Dream…

“I anticipate that there will be difficult times ahead as you and your team strive to rebuild our nation and to restore the dignity and pride of every Guyanese. As you restore internal security and put in place systems to ensure our territorial integrity, may the Good Lord, who has so blessed Guyana, grant you and all those who serve with you wisdom, strength and compassion in the coming years,” Jones wrote.

But Bandhu was not too kind to Jones in a letter he sent him yesterday. “It is with a measure of regret that the United Republican Party (URP) is parting company with you. As a result of

Alleged chain-snatcher put on $150,000 bail AN alleged chain-snatcher was on Tuesday granted

$150,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry after being on remand for one month.

Kevin Mingo, a miner of Guyhoc Park, Georgetown, is accused of robbing Anfernie Cantazar of two gold chains at gunpoint. In addition, he is also accused of robbing Patrick Dundas of another pair of gold chains, a total value of $113,000.

Mingo was released on bail following a bail application by his lawyer.

The particulars of the case against Mingo state that Dundas and Cantazar had stopped at a shop in James Street, Albouystown, to purchase cigarettes. As the two men were about to enter a car, Mingo approached them with a gun and relieved them both of the articles mentioned in the charge.

It was also related by Prosecutor Bharat Mangru that after the robbery, Mingo tried to escape on a bicycle but was soon caught by the victims, who refused to allow him to flee with their valuables.

The prosecution did not oppose bail, and Mingo is set to make his next court appearance on June 12, 2015.

Robbery accused, Kevin Mingo

your statement which appeared in a number of daily newspapers, the Chairman and Executive members have been forced to part company with you, and you are hereby suspended from the party indefinitely.

As members of the Executive, we cannot condone your statement to the media, which in essence goes against the policies of the United Republican Party,” Bandhu said.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

Two other bodies recov From page 11

progressing beyond 50 feet in depth. Further, the pit limits were too narrow to allow for safe operation utilising the type of method of mining utilised.

The GGMC also detailed a series of circumstances, starting from August 8, 2013, when it was reported that the current operator of the mine had been mining on property not owned by himself. The virtual complainant was Mr Edward Hopkinson, who said he was the owner of the mining permit.

The matter ended up in the courts, and one of the consequences was that the GGMC was, since August 21, 2013, prohibited from interfering with the mining operation of the defendant, Imran Khan.

Commissioner of the GGMC, Mr Rickford Vieira, said yesterday that it was important to note that when the courts grant such injunctions, the GGMC is prevented from carrying out its lawful functions of monitoring and inspecting mining operations within the sector.

He said that interventions were sought by senior management of the Commission to have this situation reviewed, to allow the Commission to have a hearing before any mining-related injunction is granted; but although this was supported by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment and the Board of Directors, nothing substantial was done; and, as such, the situation remained unchanged.

On April 1, 2015, a team of officers from the Commission inspected operations in the Pepper Creek, Konawaruk area and found that the mine operated by Mr. Khan was unsafe and had breached several aspects of the Mining regulations. Attempts were made by the technical officers to advise/sanction the personnel at the site, but

they were reminded of the injunction, and, as such, legally, no further action could have been taken.

Vieira said this was undoubtedly a link in the chain of circumstances which led to the demise of the ten miners.

He added that there are several other injunctions outstanding against the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission.

On Monday, May 18, a high level team from the GGDMA, comprising Mr. Patrick Harding, president; Ms. Simona Broomes, president of the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO); Mr. Kris Ramdas, Senior Engineer of the GGMC; and Mr. Colin Sparman, Administrative Coordinator of the GGDMA, accompanied by Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine – Deputy Chairman of APNU - visited the Konawaruk area to investigate the tragic accident. After its preliminary investigation, the team concluded that the heavy rains in the area, improper mining design, and poor safety practices were among the causes of the accident.

The team also determined that the injunction may have contributed to inadequate monitoring of the affected mining operations by the GGMC. The team recommended that there should be combined efforts by the GGMC and the GGDMA to raise awareness and educate miners on unsafe practices, particularly since these types of incidents are occurring too frequently.

The GGDMA said it would offer as much assistance as possible to the relatives of the dead miners, if requested.

The GGDMA has advised all miners to take extra precautions during the rainy season, and to seek the support of its mining engineer and qualified environmental officers when uncertain about how to address situations which crop up during the course of their operations. Investigations are continuing.

An excavator trapped in the slush of the collapsed mine.

vered from collapsed...

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

A scene of the accident, taken on Monday, May 18, 2015 at around 3:00 pm.

Marack hole is at centre. The pit layout is similar to a “bowl� with very high walls around it; walls are between 90 feet and 100 feet. The excavator at far end is also trapped

The scene of the mine collapse

Operations aimed at recovering the bodies of the dead miners were in full swing yesterday afternoon

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

APNU’s Sharma Solomon (right) and AFC’s Audwin Rutherford at Monday night’s Thanksgiving Service

Lindeners celebrate APNU+AFC victory with thanksgiving service

By Joe Chapman REGIONAL Chairman, Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) member Sharma Solomon and the Alliance For Change’s Linden pointsman Audwin Rutherford, on Monday night at the Wismar Market Square, acknowledged the importance of the Almighty God, as they thanked the people of Region 10 for their overwhelming support.

It must be noted that the District Region 10 was the only region where the PPP/C lost votes, Solomon said, as he spoke at the specially arranged thanksgiving service in front of hundreds who attended, including religious organisations.

Chairman Solomon opened his thanksgiving message with a quote from noted Civil Rights activist, Martin Luther King (Jr.) saying: “If we

are to go forward, we must go back and rediscover those precious values-that all reality hinges on moral foundations and that all reality has spiritual control.”

Solomon asserted: “We are gathered here to give thanks to almighty God, though he is called by different names based on our religion, we all acknowledged His presence in guiding our path.

As we, the people of this blessed Region embarked on a political campaign a few months ago to change the course of history, to change the course of our lives, we leaped out on faith that greater is He that is within us. With Him all things are possible.”

He furthered: “We fought a hard campaign on the moral conviction t h a t a s c h i l d re n o f Guyana, we too deserve to be treated with re s p e c t a n d d i g n i t y and benefit from the nation’s resources. For many it has been a hard

road to travel and a Please turn to page 20

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

Lindeners celebrate APNU+AFC ...

From page 19

rough, rough way to go. Guided by faith we knew we could not hesitate to be the change we wanted to see and the only path desired is the path that goes forward. Thus, with grit and determination, undeterred by challenges or setbacks, we worked our hardest to make the 11th of May the date to affirm: ”Thank God Almighty, we are free at last.”

He extended thanks also saying thanks to those who voted for the alliance. To those who voted for another party, your right to association is respected. To all Region 10, we remain one.”

The AFC’s Rutherford declared to the gathering: “We are at the end of an historic phase and the beginning of an equally historic one. Historic in the sense that it took a coalition of two parties which themselves are a combination of parties to remove the PPP/C out of office. It should be noted that the signing of the historic Cummingsburg Accord afforded the APNU which consists of five parties namely Guyana Action party, Justice For All party, National Front Alliance, People’s National Congress / Reform and the Working People’s Alliance to merge with the Alliance For Change, which had conscious Guyanese from the PNC, PPP, TUF and all walks of Life. The 2015 results revealed that we have won a free and fair election and we have formed the Government. Victory won [in] the 2015 elections was a result of each and every one of you.”

Rutherford added: “We give thanks since this victory is of divine intervention. We must work together and most importantly we must live in one love and unity for we are one people, one nation one destiny, a destiny of prosperity and progress under this APNU-AFC Government.”

Greetings came from the various religious organisations including Apostle Rollingston Mitchell, who prayed giving thanks for God’s presence.

Brother Winston Muhammed of the Muslim faith said: “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord,” as he quoted from the Psalms of the Bible. Also making an appearance on stage was Pastor Morris McKinnon, who noted: “This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice in it,” as he added “Righteouness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach.”

Popular Lindener Rawlston Mitchell, a lead singer from the musical group First Born, due to some technical difficulties sang his hit tune, “This is gathering Time” unaccompanied by a sound track, but this was well received by the crowd.There was also a good reception for the Seventh Day Adventist Choir SASCA Heraldiers, an award-winning unit which rendered one of their specials.

There were also several cultural items presented including the Flame of the Heart Drummers with drumming and Naiomi Allsopp, who did a poem while Pastor Richard McDonald entertained on the saxophone with another beautiful rendition.

The night’s programme was presented by chairpersons Pastor Selwyn Sills and APNU’s Vanessa Kissoon.

One of the recurring themes on the night’s tightly arranged programme was a reminder to all that “There is no greater force than Almighty God.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

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22

Licensed firearm holder charged with murder of suspected bandit A LICENSED firearm holder who last year shot and killed Dexter Lindo, an alleged bandit, was yesterday charged with murder.

Lindo, of Shell Road, Kitty, was shot in the abdomen.

Lawrence Wayne was not required to plead to the indictable offence which alleged that between August 23-24, 2014 at Georgetown, he murdered 26-year-old Lindo.

Police prosecutor Bharat Mangru stated that the defendant had managed to flee the jurisdiction.

He was, however, arrested yesterday morning at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport after arriving on a flight from Barbados. The man was remanded to prison

by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry until June 5.

According to a police report, at approximately 13:15 hrs on August 23, 2014, two men armed with handguns entered the Wayne Beverage Paradise stall at Merriman’s Mall, Bourda, Georgetown.

Upon seeing the men, the female owner ran and raised an alarm, and a licensed firearm holder responded.

It was further alleged that the two armed men entered a waiting motor vehicle driven by an accomplice, and were tracked by the licensed firearm holder in his vehicle and who subsequently saw the getaway car at Light and Fifth Streets, Alberttown.

Police say that the li-

area, during which the man pulled out a firearm and was shot to his abdomen by the licensed firearm holder. The man however managed to escape on foot, but the unlicensed .32 Beretta pistol with four rounds that he had in his possession was recovered and Murder accused, handed over to the police.

According to the police, Lawrence Wayne censed firearm holder confront- the injured bandit was later ed a man who had exited the found at a private hospital car and entered a shop in the where he later succumbed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

Aries The mood will be a bit oppressive today. After meeting the challenges presented by the past several days, you’re likely to want a little peace and quiet!

But you can expect to be sought out and asked to assume your duties. You may feel like forgetting the whole thing and running away. Be reasonable and wait until you have some vacation time.

Taurus This isn’t a day for subtle, sensitive people like you. In fact, the winner will probably be the one who shouts the loudest and bangs on the table. The air of aggression will have an effect on you. You could be somewhat upset and more vulnerable than usual. It would be wise for you to stay away from all the commotion.

Gemini Some differences of opinion concerning your love life may come up today.

You could find your beloved taking more liberties than you allow yourself.

Instead of resenting it, follow your partner’s lead. This could be a chance to realise that you need more novelty in the emotional realm. Be open to looking into the possibilities. The day ahead could bring you just what you seek.

Cancer This day may not be one of your favourites. You may be all too aware of the constraints of your chief occupation. You’re likely to hanker for appropriate rewards for your labours. This is a good day to define new personal and professional goals. They will sustain you through your chores. In the meantime, how about asking for that raise?

For Wednesday May 20, 2015: 05:00hrs For Thursday May 21, 2015: 05:00:00hrs For Friday May 22, 2015: 05:00hrs

Leo Until now, you may have been too stubborn about doing what you want without trying to address the question of your financial means. Even if it seems too materialistic, It’s urgent that you take care of this question. Push ahead and try to raise your standard of living, because you have something to learn in this domain.

Virgo You could be a situation in which you have to make a decision about a relationship. Perhaps old demons have come back to haunt you about your freedom, and now you have doubts. Don’t listen to the doubts, because if you do, you may regress ten paces in your emotional life. Roll the dice and decide.

Libra You aren’t the biggest advocate for working under constraints, so today is going to be good for you. You will accept them, and gracefully. Do you understand the meaning of such a day? It would be wonderful if you learned how to hold onto the paradox you discover. The greatest freedom comes through discipline. If you can do this, you will be happy!

Scorpio Abandon the myth that you don’t have any gifts or means at your disposal.

The proof is that you have your body. Are you taking care of yourself? Do you exercise? Do you take care of minor health issues? All of these questions are related. You regard your gifts the same way you regard your body.

Sagittarius If you’re waiting for someone to fulfill all of your needs, you may have to wait a very long time. The paradox of love is that it arrives on your doorstep in its most profound form when you need it least. So take whatever steps you must in order to fulfill yourself. If you don’t, you will be eternally dependent, which doesn’t suit you very well.

Capricorn If you have children, their difficulties may remind you of your own. Or their education brings back memories of your own. Have you held onto any issues from that period that still bothers you today? This would be a good time to ask yourself that question. The answer could benefit your loved ones dramatically.

Aquarius Don’t spend beyond your means today! If you happen to be in a crowd of enthusiastic shoppers, it could be disastrous for your wallet. You could yield to the prevailing spending mood all too easily! On the other hand, perhaps you owe yourself a treat. If you feel this is the case, at least limit yourself a bit.

Pisces Minor tensions will arise today. Someone close to you, perhaps your partner or a parental figure - seems to be trying to convince you to adopt a certain behaviour you aren’t willing to follow. Will you negotiate gently or forcefully? The second seems more likely. Knowing that, do your best to control it.

23 GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY MAY 20, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015 23

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MASSAGE

MASSAGE

SERVICES

VACANCY

VACANCY

 MASSAGE. Call for appointments, out calls only. Anna 661-8969.

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Fees USA VISA $3000, Canada $4000, Plaza Computer Service, 2 4 5 S h e r i f f Street, C/ville. 2257390, 618 - 0 1 2 8 , 688-1 874.

Open Monday to S u n d a y 09:00hrs 21:00hrs

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Cashier Supervisor, Western Union CSR. Applicants must have CXC qualification and be computer literate.

Send written application and passport-size picture to Survival, 173 Sheriff Street, Campbellville Tel: 227-5286-9.

 in relaxation and therapeutic massages. Call Miss Tasha 687-3147 for an appointment.         D i v i nty Spa, 245 Sheriff St., specialise in relaxa t i o n and ther a p u e t i c mass a g e s , facials. Call 6 6 1 -6 6 9 4 , a s k f o r D i a n na .

RENTAL/HIRE

RENTAL/HIRE

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PENPAL

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Spirituality

SPIRITUALITY

 reading, advice, baths, house cleaning etc. call 6093655. Ask for mother.  spiritual help in removing evil spirit, bad lucks, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers, bring ing pros p e r i t y t o b u s i nesses etc. Tel: 612-6417, 2200708, 6 8 7 - 5 6 5 3.  , a high science spiritual healer solves all purpose problems such as reuniting lovers, husband/ wife, marriage, blockage, prosperity, pregnancy, overseas, court, land, removal of evil, enemies, jobs, money, bad luck, visa, sickness, clearing of and d r e d g e o p e r a t i o n , e t c . Te l : 6 7 1 - 3204.

TOURS

TOURS

 tour, return trip. Enjoy the Independence weekend holiday May 23 - 26.

Book early 665-5171, 6440185, 639-2663.

VACANCY VACANCY  to work in factory. Tel: 226-5473.  to work on truck Tel: 226-5473.       hand/baker to work at Best Village, WCD. Contact 254-1399, 627-2515.  needed. Apply to Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling, Stabroek.  hauler driver. Apply to Alabama Trading. Georgetown Ferry Stelling, Stabroek.  Clerk: Must be computer-literate and have experience in payroll, PAYE & NIS preparation. Call 656-2350.  gardener, preferably between Mon Repos and Beterverwagting, ECD. Contact 623-1387.   contact Ramroop's Trading at 1 'C' Orange Walk, Bourda. Call 2271451, 225-5998.  Male, middle-aged, for night duty. Accommodation available, if needed. Call 226-9810..  wanted, to manage snackette experience necessary, day and night staff. 6612801, 644-0911.

 to work in computer store, 18-25 years, Send application to 105 Regent Road, Bourda, Georgetown.  dispatcher to work 40 hours, Salary $21 000 weekly. Contact GR Taxi Tel: 614-6202.  bond attendant. Send written application and passport-size picture to Survival, 173 Sheriff Street.

Campbellville. Tel: 227-5286-9.  Senior Accounts Clerk, must have 3 years working experience. Apply with written application to Alabama Trading. Georgetown Ferry Stelling, Stabroek.  rock driller, must know about Furukawa Tamrock or Atlas Copco hydraulic machines. Call 665-3959, email matiasorellana@exploservice.ar   from East Coast of Demerara.Salary from $20,000 up. Contact Ramroop's Trading at 1 'C' Orange Walk, Bourda.

Call 227-1451, 225-5998. /fabricator for interior location. Applicants must be experienced, with verifiable references. Beginners need not apply. Call 618-2020.  guard to work in Coverden EBD and in Georgetown.

Apply to Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling.  Hauler/ dump truck operator for interior location. Applicants must be experienced with verifiable references. Beginners need not apply.

Call 618-2020.  guard: Apply in person with written application and one passport-size picture: The Manager, Regency Suites/ Hotel, 98 Hadfield Street, Werken-Rust, Georgetown.  Manager for Xenon Hotel in Essequibo, must have experience, good communication skill and be a self starter.

Send application and resume to rtilak@adamantiumholdings.com  Salesmen: Must have valid driver's licence.

Drivers must have valid lorry/ truck licence. Porters and livein domestic maid, Please contact 654- 9750.  Clerk for auto spare parts store. Knowledge of Japanese parts will be an asset. Please apply in person to Tony's Auto Spares, 72 Light Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, Guyana.  Blue Martini Club, Barman, waiter, waitress. Must know computer. Call 223-6218, 6565544, 226-5546 for appointment or visit Pete's Real Estate with application. Lot 2 George Street, Werk-en-Rust.

Hotel and Bar is looking for qualified applicants for the following positions: Reservation clerk, housekeeper & laundry maid, security guard, cook, wait staff, bartender, cleaner. Aracari Resort, 160 Pln Versailles, WBD 264-2946-8.        Operator/serviceman for interior location.

Job entails maintaining roads with a back blade and daily servicing of heavy equipment. Applicants must be experienced, with verifiable references. Beg i n n e r s n e e d n o t a p p l y. C a l l 618-2020.     Requirements: - Minimum three years experience as Heidelberg  Operators, minimum subjects of Mathematics and English with Grades 1-3. Two character references. Must have Police Clearance, P.O Box 10501.       Accounts Clerk, Sa l e s C l e r k a n d B o n d Clerk. Interested persons must h a v e at least three (3) subjects at CXC. Please send application and Curriculum Vitae along with a passport-size photograph to Roy's Pharmacy Stall #32-33 & #64-65 Bourda Market, Georgetown. Also Packing Clerk/ Cleaner, age 35-50 years. Please c a l l 2 2 3 - 6 072.      Company, has a vacant position for a front desk clerk, persons must have good knowledge of shipping industries. Experience as cashier will be an asset. Interesting persons can send their application along with CV and Police Clearance, 2 references and passport-size picture to: Veconinter Guyana Inc., W½ 85 Quamina Street, Georget o w n .

Tel: 226-3492, 223-2120.

Land For FOR Sale SALE LAND  house lot at La Parfaite Harmonie $1.1M neg. Call 604-4174.  in Campbellville Housing Scheme -$15M. Tel: 682-3677.  at Canal No. 2 Polder (Belle West) transported. Tel: 689-9058.  land at Kuru Kururu $12.5M neg. 18.45 acres.

Call 623-4790, 624-4790.  at Parfaite Harmonie, size 45x80. Price $3M neg. Contact 693-3317, 660-0171, 216-0094.   farm land with fish pond, Sisters farmland, WBD .Tel: 267-0224, 696-5512. embankment public road, 76ft. by 52ft. $11 500 000.

Tel: David 649-0329.

 Cruise Lines - receptionist, cooks, waitresses, housekeepers, storekeepers, electricians, carpenters. Contact Recruitment Agency 231-6296, 650-9880, www.plzrecruitme.com

 Bank double lot l a n d , $ 9 . 5 M - e m a i l rnarine64@yahoo.com - Tel: 551482-1026, 592-681-9928.

and reliable security guards also persons living at EBD area. Contact National Security Service, 80 Seaforth Street, Campbellville .227-3540.

 lot at La Retraite in the Stanleytown Village District, West Bank, Demerara.

Phone 641-9342

 lots available at Eccles, EBD - $14M Tel: 592227-2913, 592-689-3033.

LAND FOR SALE  FT X 50 FT, suitable for any kind of business. No reasonable offer will be refused.

ECD. Call 694-6932.  Diamond Housing Scheme. No reasonable offer will be refused. Tel: 660-2493.  Road 80x35 $35M, Rahaman's Park 50x100 $15M, Friendship 40x325 - $15M, D'Urban Street 60x40 - $6.5M. Call 694-4148, 627-1893.  Street: Well developed, fully fenced land measuring 100 feet x 62 feet, next to Scotiabank - $150M. Serious enquiries only. Call 227-5407, 658-2686.  house lot just behind the Princess Hotel, gated community, size 55' x 100' $14.5M. This is currently a booming Guyanese community with malls, water, park, Providence Stadium etc.Call 6474997, 645-9266.  Diamond 2nd Street $8M, $10M, Herstelling $6M, $7M, Linden Highway 45 acres $15M, gold claims Sherima 1200 acres $20M, Mazaruni 1200 acres $20M, Winiperu 800 acres $20M. Tel: 225-3737, 225-4398, 651-7078.  invite you to purc h ase the follow inge land for bond , Chandra & Gange 125x120 corner lot $65M, William Street, 120x45 foefr bond , Gange 125x62 in Prashad Nagar for bond. Phone Mr Boodram 6923831, Mr Pereira 623-2591, 669-, 226- 1 0 6 4 , 225-3068, 2252626, 225-5198, 225-2709.   business land 125x50 neg., in Smyth Street o p p o s i t e J u m bo Jet. Valuation $85M Asking price $75M, 3% refund on agent commission earned. Call Lord a n d Harold Anthony Reid's Realty 627-02 8 8 , 6 6 7 - 7 8 1 2 , 2 2 5 3068, 225-2626, 23 1 - 2 8 6 4 , 225-5198, 225-2709, 669-, 226-1064, 227-6949, 646-1712.  away land East and Quamina Streets corner 120x100 US$1.7M neg., Hadfield Street opposite new expected GGMC $115M, South Road close to Wellington Street 30x112 $65M, Newtown 75x32 $14.9M, William Street 114x45 $28M, Prashad Nagar $26M, 125x62 Blygezight box 80x75 $32M, Phone Mr Boodram 692-3831, 225-, Mr Pereira 225-3068, 226-1064.

TO LET TO LET   apartment.

Contact 678-3427, 638-9958.  house with all amenities. Call 222-3059.  apartment, UG Road 621-3707.     -bedroom apartment.

Tel: 687-1662. -bedroom bottom flat in residential area contact 667-1310  to rent at Uitvlugt, WCD. Contact No. 666-2442.  unfurnished house.. Contact 645-0787.  3-bedroom upper flat in Albert Street, furnished or unfurnished. Tel: 681-9801.  concrete flat apartment, Cornelia Ida, WCD. 687-1628.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

FIH, Pan American hockey heads Bolt sprinting ... push for astro-turf pitch for Guyana From back page

… pay courtesy call on GOA, Ministry of Sport

By Michael DaSilva THE presidents of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Pan American Hockey Federation yesterday paid courtesy calls on the Guyana Olympic Association and the Ministry of Sport, seeking to ensure Guyana comes in line with other federations around the world to have an artificial pitch for the sport.

Leandro Negre, president of the FIH and Alberto `Coco’ Budeisky president of the Pan American Hockey Federation yesterday met with Guyana Olympic Association president Juman-Yassin and a representative of the Ministry of Sport as well as president of the Guyana Hockey Board Philip Fernandes to discuss plans for taking Guyana’s hockey forward.

The two presidents also had the opportunity to

meet some of the country’s leading male and female players as well as a group of young promising players at the Georgetown Cricket Club, ground yesterday.

According to Fernandes, this is the first time that any FIH or Pan American Hockey Federation’s president has visited Guyana.

Fernandes noted that the last time an official of the Pan American Federation visited Guyana was some 20 years ago.

Interacting with members of the media yesterday, Budeisky said he is very happy to be in Guyana and his main reason for being here is the fact that his Federation is pushing the authorities here in Guyana for Guyana to have an artificial pitch.

“You in Guyana are making big efforts in trying to take the sport forward and we want to help in that regard,” the Pan American president stated.

Negre, a former national player for Spain said he is also happy to be in Guyana and, like Budeisky, he too would like Guyana to get an

artificial pitch.

While interacting with the youth players at the GCC’s mini artificial pitch yesterday, Negre said he is very happy to see so many youths are involved in the sport.

Asked what is the main purpose for his visit, Negre said, “We’re here to find a piece of land to construct an artificial pitch so that Guyana can come on stream with the rest of the world.”

Budeisky said while he met with the GOA and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sport, he is unaware of who really is the Minister of Sport, but would like to meet with him.

He said he understands that the country is going through a transition period and meeting the Minister of Sport would not be possible during this visit.

“I want Guyana to get a piece of land and we at the Pan American level will assist with funding for the pitch,” Budeisky stated, adding “Guyana has been performing and they (players) do need a pitch to move the sport forward.”

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Greyville 08:25 hrs Captain King 09:00 hrs Pej 09:35 hrs Mod Barley 10:10 hrs Here We Are 10:45 hrs Lady Ami

10:10 hrs Mission Complete 10:40 hrs Grape Tree Flame 11:10 hrs Nyanza 11:40 hrs War Singer 12:10 hrs Pougne Bobbi

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Lingfield 09:00 hrs Bowsers Bold 09:30 hrs Wonder Laish 10:00 hrs I’m Harry 10:30 hrs Roy Rocket 11:00 hrs Pool House 11:30 hrs Lolita 12:00 hrs Fleckerl AYR 09:20 hrs Ferryover 09:50 hrs Goninodaethat 10:20 hrs Regal Dan 10:50 hrs Hydrant 11:20 hrs Politbureau 11:50 hrs Jinky 12:20 hrs First Sargeant WARWICK 09:40 hrs Lough Kent

IRISH RACING TIPS Sligo 13:00 hrs Danielle’s Journey 13:30 hrs Palm Sur 14:30 hrs Josephine Marcus 15:00 hrs Perfect Woman 15:30 hrs Rebel Cry 16:00 hrs Balko Des Flos AMERICAN RACING TIPS Belmont Race 1 One Penny Piece Race 2 Ghost Swagger Race 3 Iknewuweretrouble Race 4 First Whippoorwill Race 5 Matching Skies Race 6 Memories Of Peter Race 7 Erik the Red Race 8 Barrel of Love Race 9 Courageisamajority

my whole body of work.

So the more I can win, the greater that gets, and the harder it will be to overshadow. That’s what’s getting me out of bed now.”

In August, Bolt is returning to the Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing, China, where he sped to a sprint double world record 9.69 and 19.30 seconds, respectively, at the 2008 Olympics.

There is mounting anticipation over his potential clash with his main rival Gatlin, who ran the fastest 100 metres of his life and the quickest in the world this year at 9.74 seconds in Doha on Friday.

The global sprint icon says he has no intention of slowing down.

“I’m already the greatest

sprinter of all-time, but if I continue to win gold, I could be the greatest athlete of alltime,” said Bolt.

“Legacy is the main word in my life now, and that means if I’m five metres ahead with 10 to go, I won’t be slowing down and beating my chest. I’ll be pushing to get the best time I can, every time.”

Apart from the World Championships in Beijing in August, Bolt’s schedule also includes the Rio Olympics 2016 and the London World Championships in 2017 before calling it a day.

“The plan in that time is three gold in Beijing; three in Rio to make a triple-triple; and then one London, as I’ll only be doing the 100 metres,” said Bolt.

“In short, I’m aiming for continued greatness.”

Removal of state property ...

From back page ‘important documents’ were kept.

Checks to police stations in and around the capital showed that no report of theft at the Homestretch Avenue NSC Office was ever made.

But yesterday, King said, “If he claimed that these files were missing or stolen, and as you (Chronicle Sport) pointed out that no Police report was made, then when that time comes when the transition of governance reaches the NSC, he will have to say what exactly happened.”

On December 3, 1993, the National Sports Commission Act was passed in Parliament and the current Board members include Conrad Plummer in the chairman’s seat and the ex-officio member is the Director of Sport Neil Kumar.

The other members of the Board are: Vidushi Persaud, Peter Green, Alicia Fortune, Sean Richmond, Peter Abdool, Frank DeAbreu, Deputy Permanent Secretary Steve Ninvalle, Hector Edwards, Pradeep Balram and Cheryl Thompson and will serve until 2016.

King noted, that while Kumar served the former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government for a number of years as a Member of Parliament, his position as Director of Sport at the NSC is a contractual one.

“He’s still the Director of Sport until his contract comes to an end. Apart from the Minister, every other appointment is on contract, so while, yes, the appointment could

be political it’s supposed to be a contractual one.

He’s supposed to be answerable to the Sports Commission, not really on a day-to-day basis, but he’s supposed to report to them,” said King A LITTLE TENSION Meanwhile, King is asking the various sports associations and federations who frequent the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and other venues belonging to the NSC and the Ministry of Sport, to be patient during the transition period.

The Sport Ministry PS said that with several teams preparing for international engagements, he doesn’t want the perception that they are being disallowed but rather, the NSC is protecting its property.

“We’ve added additional locks and put a strict policy now about who we let into the venues, especially the Sports Hall, as you would’ve pointed out where stuff were removed,” said King.

Yesterday, at the National Gymnasium, the basketball players who frequent the venue for a regular ‘sweat’ were told by the security that the venue is off limits until further notice.

“I don’t want the players to believe that this is a lockout, but we have to put stronger systems in place to protect the Government’s property, until this transition period is over at least.

“The National teams will get a chance to train and so on but I don’t think the regular goers will get to utilise the facilities. I just want them to see with us at this time,” King explained.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

Talking stops as England brace for Kiwi test

By Ed Osmond LONDON, England (Reuters) - With a new cricket director, coach and chairman, England return to the field of play in the first Test against New Zealand tomorrow following an extraordinary period of upheaval.

Alastair Cook leads his team into a huge summer of cricket which will be defined by the Ashes, but first up they must deal with a vibrant and confident New Zealand side in a two-Test series.

England should be warned not to take New Zealand lightly.

The Kiwis are unbeaten in Test series since losing in England two years ago and reached their first World Cup final in March, playing a brand of aggressive and innovative cricket that has become their hallmark under Brendon McCullum’s captaincy.

England, in stark contrast, are in disarray following a dismal World Cup campaign and a disappointing 1-1 Test series draw in West Indies.

New cricket director Andrew

Strauss sacked coach Peter Moores 10 days ago and his next task was to

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum was straight into the nets having arrived from the IPL, at Lord’s, yesterday

reveal that Kevin Pietersen would not be recalled, despite the mercurial righthander’s career-best innings of 355 not out for Surrey.

Strauss, trying desperately to draw a line under the Pietersen issue which has dogged English cricket since he was axed 15 months ago, spoke of a complete breakdown of trust.

An angry Pietersen responded by accusing the ECB of deceitful behaviour and the mud-slinging will rumble on.

England have called up Yorkshire’s Adam Lyth to open with Cook.

Nick Compton, Michael Carberry, Sam Robson and Jonathan Trott have failed to establish themselves as Cook’s partner and now the 27-year-old Lyth gets his chance.

The compact left-hander has a firstclass average of 43.2 and 15 centuries to his name, and England will desperately hope he has the right temperament to complement his natural ability.

Otherwise, the team has a familiar look.

Gary Ballance, Ian Bell and Joe Root are an established middle-order while James Anderson and Stuart Broad should continue their potent new-ball partnership in home conditions.

Cook made his first international century for nearly two years in West Indies and Jos Buttler is improving as a wicketkeeper and a potentially destructive number seven.

New Zealand, however, have a superb attack with Tim Southee and Trent Boult.

How England would love to have a leftarm seamer of his ability to call on, probably their best-ever new-ball partnership!

With the destructive McCullum and Martin Guptill at the top of the order and Kane Williamson, a cohesive presence at number three, the touring side’s batting looks dangerous and solid.

England must front up. They must be positive and brave.

Defeat by New Zealand will only ramp up the pressure before a bullish Australia side head over supremely confident of winning an away Ashes series for the first time since 2001.

New Zealand fly under the radar as usual

By John Mehaffey LONDON, England (Reuters) - In their traditionally under-stated fashion New Zealand have been content to stay in the background before the two-Test series against England.

While the hosts’ buildup has been overshadowed by the axing of coach Peter Moores and more controversy over Kevin Pietersen, the Kiwis have quietly gone about their preparations.

The New Zealand players do not even have to report for duty until two days before the first Test at Lord’s starting tomorrow because of their Indian Premier League commitments.

rankings.

With Brendon McCullum setting the tone at the top of the order with astonishing innings of brutal aggression, they progressed to the World Cup final for the first time this year before succumbing to co-hosts Australia in Melbourne.

McCullum became the first New Zealander to pass 300 in a Test innings last year during a monumental exhibition of concentration against India in Wellington.

He fell for 195 against Sri Lanka in Christchurch with the record for the fastest Test double-hundred at his mercy.

Tim Southee and Trent Boult have been acclaimed by the coun-

MARTIN GUPTILL try’s finest cricketer Richard Hadlee as the best opening attack

Black Caps pacemen Trent Boult, left, and Tim Southee.

But they will be full of confidence having enjoyed two years of almost unbroken success since they were dismissed for 45 by South Africa in Cape Town in early 2013.

In 2014 they won five Tests in a year for the first time and have climbed to third in the world Test

His 33 Test sixes were more than double the previous best and he became the first New Zealander to score 1 000 runs in a calendar year.

Leading from the front in all forms of the game, McCullum has become the most innovative and enterprising captain in international cricket.

to represent New Zealand and Kane Williamson is on course to break all his nation’s batting records.

England won 2-0 at home two years ago but the New Zealanders have not lost a series since and they opened their tour with a comfortable win over Somerset.

“It was a little scratchy at times but there were enough good things,” coach Mike Hesson said.

“The tempo with the bat was good and some of the guys got runs but I thought with the ball we were a bit inconsistent.”

Opening batsman Martin Guptill, who hit a world record 237 not out against West Indies in the World Cup, is set to return to the Test arena. He warmed up for the first Test nicely by scoring 150 in the victory over Worcestershire.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

ICC set to dispense with batting powerplay in ODIs (REUTERS) - The Inter“It also felt that there were national Cricket Council times towards the end of an (ICC) looks set to make ODI innings that bowlers and a string of changes to the fielding captains appeared to rules of the 50-overs game have limited defensive opto redress the balance be- tions available to them. tween bat and ball in favour “The committee was very of the fielding team. encouraged by some of the After a World Cup of re- attacking captaincy discord scores by individuals and teams earlier this year, the ICC’s Cricket Committee has recommended the batting powerplay be removed and two other tweaks to rules which currently restrict the fielding team.

Under the recommendations, fielding teams would no longer have an obligation to have two stationary fielders in catching positions in the first 10 overs of an innings.

The committee, chaired by former India captain Chairman of the ICC Cricket Anil Kumble, also recom- Committee Anil Kumble. mended the fielding captain be able to place five fielders played during the World outside the 27-metre circle Cup, and believes these rather than the existing four changes will allow fielding for the last 10 overs of the captains greater freedom innings. to both attack and defend “The committee acknowl- when required.” edged the attractive and atBatsmen like South Aftacking brand of cricket that rica’s AB de Villiers and was played during the tourna- Australia’s Glenn Maxwell ment,” said an ICC statement. lit up the World Cup with an

incredible rate of scoring, particularly in the last few overs of their innings.

The batting powerplay which allowed the fielding team to have only three players outside the 27-metre circle for five overs only contributed to the inflated scoring.

The statement said the ICC would not impose a limit on the size of bats but would reiterate that boundaries must be set at the maximum size at international venues.

Among other recommendations were that all noballs in limited overs cricket be followed by a free hit for the batsman, rather than, as now, just for no-balls where the bowler has overstepped the mark.

The committee also urged match referees to consider suspensions rather than fines for bowlers who repeatedly abused dismissed batsmen with a “send-off,” or for physical contact between opposing players.

The committee’s recommendations will be considered by the ICC board during its annual conference in Barbados in June.

Langer rules out international jobs to stay in Western Australia ... says would like to coach Australia one day SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Former Australia Test batsman Justin Langer ruled himself out of the running for the England and India coaching jobs by signing a two-year contract extension with Western Australia (WA) yesterday.

Langer had been linked with both the job of replacing Duncan Fletcher, whose contract with India expired at the end of the World Cup in March, and the position left vacant after England sacked Peter Moores two weeks ago.

The 44-year-old said he had been called twice

by England’s new director of cricket Andrew Strauss over the last week but ultimately had let his “gut” and “heart” rule his head.

“I am flattered to be associated with potential international coaching opportunities but the timing isn’t right for my family,” he added.

“Having spent nearly 20 years on the road with the Australian team as a player and then coach, I respect what JUSTIN LANGER an enormous commitment it is to be away from your family for almost 12 months of the year.”

Langer was appointed Western Australia coach in 2012 and has guided them to the last two Sheffield Shield finals, this year’s domestic state oneday title and, as the Perth Scorchers, the last two Big Bash Twenty20 titles.

Current Australia coach Darren ‘Boof’ Lehmann, who is contracted until the end of June 2017, earlier this year nominated his former Test team mate as his likely successor.

“One day I’d like to coach Australia. That could be in 10 years’ time, it could be whenever,” Langer told reporters in Perth.

“I had a really good talk to Boof last week, and he talked about his plan.

“But you can’t predict the future. You can’t predict how someone’s going to be in a year’s time.

“I know this business. WA could lose the first few games next year and I’ll be a rubbish coach and people will never talk about me in international cricket again.”

His achievements with WA are all the more notable for the fact that he had to turn around the culture of a team which had attracted more headlines for their activities off the pitch than their exploits on it.

“Justin came into his position at a time of great challenges for the WACA,” Western Australia Cricket Association (WACA) chief executive Christina Matthews said.

“His mantra of ‘character over cover-drives’ and his devotion to producing great people, not just great cricketers, had turned our men’s programme into a model for Australian cricket.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

Zimbabwe play empathy card as tour of Pakistan officially begins AN UNDERSTANDING of the impact isolation from international cricket can have on a country and a desire to improve bilateral relations between the two boards were what motivated Zimbabwe to tour Pakistan, according to Ozias Bvute, the former Zimbabwe Cricket managing director who is heading the visiting delegation.

The Zimbabwe squad and their accompanying officials arrived in Lahore early yesterday and they had their first training session at the Gaddafi Stadium later in the day.

Zimbabwe will play two T20 internationals and three ODIs against Pakistan between May 19 and 31, the first international matches to be held in the country since gunmen attacked the Sri Lankan team bus on March 3, 2009.

“For many years, as you know, Zimbabwe was isolated,” Bvute said at the Gaddafi Stadium, referring to ZC’s self-imposed isolation from Test cricket between September 2005 and August 2011.

“We understand the politics of isolation. We therefore say isolation is not the right way. In order for brothers to relate to one another we must break the barriers that exist between us and we must interact.

“We have come here to strengthen the bilateral relations between our two nations.

Cricket is bigger than any one of us and therefore we hope by coming here we have shown that cricket is and will be the winner.

We look forward to an exciting two weeks; my team and I are raring to go. We are here to play cricket, we are here to uphold the spirit of brotherhood, which makes up the cricket fraternity.”

Bvute denied reports that said Zimba-

bwe’s players were hesitant to tour Pakistan, and that they had to sign indemnity forms because the government’s Sports

to Pakistan,” he said. “They accepted the position and that’s why we are here with a full-strength team.

A surveillance chopper hovers over the Gaddafi stadium during Zimbabwe training in Lahore, yesterday.

and Recreation Commission had not cleared the trip.

“The position was that our players were offered the opportunity to voluntarily come

NOTABLE DATES JEFF Roberts chose 35 years ago to make his pro boxing debut. On May 20, 1980 Roberts won a unanimous decision over Lennox Gray at the National Park in Georgetown to open his professional account.

He was crowned national bantamweight champion the same year following a points-victory over Samuel Brutus. Roberts will be remembered for his epic battle against Michael Benjamin for the lightweight title of Guyana.

In a classic display of fistic skills both boxers gave sublime performances but in the end, Benjamin was adjudged winner by a majority decision.

Roberts next tackled Raul Frank who had remained undefeated in 10 fights. Frank made sure the judges were spared making a decision as he TKOed Roberts in the fifth round. Although born in Guyana, Roberts fought mostly in the USA. He had six fights at home, two in the United Kingdom and one each in France, Belgium, Puerto Rico, Ireland and Curacao. Roberts called it quits in January 1992 after a TKO loss to southpaw Jean Baptiste Mendy of Senegal.

“We obviously weighed the pros and the cons of what we wanted to achieve. And what we wanted to achieve is to come and play cricket against our brothers. There-

East Coast Cricket Board congratulates President Granger, Prime Minister Nagamootoo THE president, executives and the entire membership of the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB), yesterday extended their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to His Excellency, President David Granger, Hon. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and the coalition APNU + AFC on their victory at the May 11 polls.

The success at the elections is a clear indication by those who have placed their confidence in your leadership skills to lead the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, says the ECB in a release.

“We believe your victory was neither by share magic nor coincidence, but by your hard work and the confidence of the majority of those who have faith in your management skills and your ability to steer the ship of this great nation,” said the ECB. The ECB further noted that they are looking forward to working diligently with the new administration to bring decency, transparency and democracy at all levels of the country’s cricket administration.

fore we are here to affirm the position that regardless of various opinions that are being proffered throughout the world as to why we are here, we are here to play cricket and we will play cricket. No player has signed an indemnity form and they are all here voluntarily.

“The system of sports in Zimbabwe is that the Sports and Recreation Commission governs us. SRC wrote a letter to ZC and indicated that the final decision as to whether the Zimbabwe team should tour Pakistan solely rests on ZC. Our chairman Wilson Manase took the decision and we agreed to tour Pakistan.

The board and players were supportive of his decision and ultimately we are here and this is the testimony of the fact that cricket is the ultimate winner.”

The Zimbabwe delegation comprises 28 persons - 16 players - and is being given security befitting a guest of the state. Their motorcade included patrolling vehicles and thousands of policemen have been deployed across the city. The route between the hotel and the stadium is seven kilometres long and the team will be escorted through it with no traffic. Bvute said he was pleased with the arrangements.

“No one can ever guarantee your security anywhere in the world. Certainly the risk profile differs from country to country. Conditions will always not be the same and the principal (reason) is that we like to play cricket, we have come as brothers, our intentions are not political and our intentions are that cricket fans and Pakistan people will see good cricket.”

(ESPN Cricinfo)

Sterling wins Liverpool’s Young Player-of-the-Year award LIVERPOOL forward Raheem Sterling has been named as the club’s Young Playerof-the-Year, 24 hours after it emerged that he will ask to leave.

A small number of fans booed the 20-yearold, as he collected his award, while others shouted: “Stay, Raheem.”

The England international is expected to tell manager Brendan

Rodgers and chief executive Ian Ayre on Friday that he wants to leave the club this summer.

Speaking at the event, Rodgers said it had been a “difficult, trying season”.

He added: “A number of distractions that we couldn’t have planned for have made it difficult, but the players have given everything.”

Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho, 22, was voted Playerof-the-Season. (BBC Sport)

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

Nehemiah seeks answers from IAAF over Gatlin exit

BEIJING, (Reuters)-Justin Gatlin’s manager is “disappointed and perplexed” over the treatment of the American sprinter who claimed he was “kicked out” by organisers of the World Challenge meet in Beijing after telling them of an injury concern.

Renaldo Nehemiah told Reuters yesterday he would be seeking answers from the sport’s governing International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) about the events which saw Gatlin storm home on the eve of Wednesday’s meeting.

Sprint hurdling great Nehemiah believes Gatlin, a controversial figure after twice failing drug tests, paid the price for his honesty in telling organizers on his arrival in Beijing on Saturday of his injury worry.

Even though he later improved and felt fit to run, Nehemiah said Gatlin was told by organizers that he should go home.

By Tuesday night in Beijing there had still been no official response from the meeting’s officials about the circumstances surrounding Gatlin’s departure.

Nehemiah said he could only assume it was because they were unconvinced by Gatlin’s fitness after he cramped up following a flight from Doha, where he ran a lifetime best of 9.74 seconds in the 100 meters -- the fastest in the world this year.

The sprinter’s manager said he felt the organizers may have been influenced by last year’s Beijing meeting when world 110m hurdles champion David Oliver pulled out late with injury.

UNSETTLING TONE Before flying home, Nehemiah said: “This morning I got an email asking when we were leaving and also stating that the organizing committee wasn’t paying for our hotel nor

through a lot so I don’t need any more negativity surrounding him. That’s why I’d said to him, ‘Be a man of your word and let them know about your problem’.

“Maybe in hindsight, we shouldn’t have said a word.”

Would Gatlin ever return to China for an invitation meeting? “He hasn’t taken that position. He’s still trying to wrap his head around this,” said Nehemiah.

Ambrose: ‘Mediocre’ jibe motivated us Justin Gatlin from the U.S. reacts after winning the men’s 100 meters event during the Diamond League meeting in Doha, Qatar last Friday. Reuters/ AK Bijuraj reimbursing us for our flights. The tone of it was very unsettling to me.

“I will have a conversation with the IAAF to get more understanding about this.”

Both Nehemiah and Gatlin were bemused, he said, because they assumed organizers would give the sprinter every chance to be fit

RHTYSC congratulates the APNU+AFC Government … also thanks outgoing PPP government THE Management and Members of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC), one of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, have now joined the growing list of organisations, to congratulate President David Arthur Granger on his accession to the Presidency of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

“The club wishes His Excellency success in the execution of his duties and looks forward to a period of growth and development especially in the educational, social, sports and youth development areas,” the Club said in a release yesterday.

According to the release, “as the RHTYSC has showed over the last twenty-five years, success can be achieved through a simple formula of hard work, discipline, honesty, visionary leadership and commitment.

The club pledged their commitment to working with the incoming govern-

for the race as its biggest attraction.

Gatlin’s picture adorns thousands of posters around Beijing to promote the meeting at the Bird’s Nest stadium in the year the world championships are being staged there.

“I’m disappointed and perplexed,” said Nehemiah. “I’ve never seen anything like this where an athlete gets hurt and all of a sudden, they’re kicked out.

“We believe in transparency. Justin’s been

ment to make a positive difference in the lives of youths as they have always done.

The RHTYSC strongly believes in the promotion of sports, culture and education in the development of youths and would be very grateful if special emphasis is placed on getting youths to ‘Say No to Drugs and Suicide and Yes to Sports and Education’.

“As we celebrate our Silver Jubilee throughout 2015, the RHTYSC recommits itself to working with President Granger and his team to make sure that every youth in Berbice fulfils his/her full potential.

“We would also like to extend gratitude to members of the former Government of Guyana for their assistance to the RHTYSC over the last two decades especially Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and former Ministers Jennifer Westford and Frank Anthony,” the RHTYSC release added.

LONDON, England Curtly Ambrose says the West Indies were desperate to beat England in their recent series because of the words of ECB chairman Colin Graves before the first Test.

Graves, who had not yet taken the role when he gave the interview in March, said: “I’d certainly be disappointed if we don’t win the series, because I am pretty sure the West Indies are going to have a mediocre team.”

Captain Alastair Cook has since admitted his words were unhelpful after England left the Caribbean with a 1-1 draw from the three-Test series having lost the third match in Barbados.

And Ambrose, who retired in 2000 after taking 405 Test wickets and now works as a bowling consultant for his country, said Graves’ accusation gave them great motivation.

He told Sky Sports News HQ: “England still have a wonderful team, some good talent, but we wanted to win the series because there was a comment made by the ECB chairman that we are a “mediocre team” and it would be a an easy walkover for England, that if England don’t win the series, they had to look into English cricket.

“We used that as motivation to show we are better than mediocre. We wanted to win the series, to shut him up a little bit.”

After failing to press home their advantage in the first Test in Antigua, England won the second Test in Grenada only to then collapse in Barbados.

“It was a good series, a tough one,” added Ambrose, appearing on Sky Sports to

Flashback: Jason Holder ripped out Gary Ballance’s off stump on the firdt day of the third Test at Kensington Oval. promote his autobiography ‘Time to Talk’. “We played extremely well in Antigua to save that game and I think in Grenada we were doing quite well until one Jimmy Anderson had different ideas.

“He had a good spell

for an hour-and-a-half that really took the game away from us. In Barbados, it was a poorly-prepared pitch, but we were quite happy to win the game and draw the series.” (Sky Sports News article).

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday May 20, 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: 30 Delhi Daredevils & Kings XI Punjab

Today’s Quiz:

What is the highest individual Test score made at Bourda?

Who is the first man to deliver a ball in an IPL final?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday May 20, 2015

Simmons, Harbhajan and Pollard put Mumbai into IPL final MUMBAI, India (CMC) - A powerful half-century from opener Lendl Simmons and an influential innings of 41 from his Trinidadian colleague Kieron Pollard lifted Mumbai Indians (MI) to a 25-run win over Chennai Super Kings in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) yesterday.

Simmons slammed a top score of 65 from 51 balls while Pollard hit a 17-ball 41 to push Mumbai to a competitive 187 for six from 20 overs at the Wankhede Stadium.

However, after an encouraging start to the chase the Super Kings batting collapsed and they were all out for 162 in 19 overs as Mumbai qualified for their third IPL final.

Simmons continued his good run of form picking up three boundaries and hitting five sixes while sharing a solid 90run opening stand of 90 with Parthiv Patel who scored 35.

However CSK, inspired by another Trinidad and Tobago player, Dwayne Bravo, managed to claw their way back into the game as MI lost four wickets for 39 runs in six overs.

Bravo grabbed three of those frontline wickets to finish with figures of three for 40

from four overs including three wides in the last over which cost him 16 runs.

But Bravo’s three-wicket haul also brought him to a significant milestone - his 100th IPL wicket.

The Pollard assault came when it was most needed with Mumbai Indians at 139 for four in the 17th over.

Maintaining his cool throughout, Pollard picked his opportunities to score, hitting five sixes and a four, an innings which aided MI to 187.

CSK lost West Indies opener Dwayne Smith in the fourth ball of the innings amid controversial circumstances.

Smith was given lbw by umpire Richard Illingworth to a delivery from Lasith Malinga which replays showed struck him well outside the leg side.

However, Faf de Plessis with a top score of 45 attempted to keep CSK within sight of the target and featured in a 46-run stand with Mike Hussey for the second wicket and a 40-run partnership with Suresh Raina for the third wicket.

But Harbhajan Singh’s dismissals of Suresh Raina for 25 and MS Dhoni off

Taylor praises Windies Women’s sensible batting in come-back win COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (CMC) - Dependable middle-order batter Stafanie Taylor says West Indies women batted sensibly to recover from a tentative start to beat Sri Lanka Women by 18 runs under Duckworth/Lewis, in the third One-Day International of the four-match series on Monday.

Taylor hit the top score of 86 not out and Deandra Dottin supported with 69 not out to set up the win in the rain-affected match in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo.

Taylor said she was happy to play a leading role in the victory.

“I am very pleased. Dottin did extremely well also. Both of us stayed at the wicket and, stuck it out and the Sri Lankans they have been playing some good cricket and we know that we have to put a big target on the board in order to defend that,” said Taylor.

“We thought we batted sensibly and that is what we needed. We needed a big partnership and we knew that the partnership we needed was between both of us.”

Taylor and Dottin shared 151 unbroken for the fourth wicket, as the visitors reached 215 for three from their allocation of 50 overs on a slow Premadasa Stadium pitch.

Spin bowlers Afy Fletcher and Anisa Mohammed then grabbed two wickets apiece, as the Sri Lankan Women were restricted to 170 for eight in 40.2 overs following a rain delay in the middle of their innings.

Taylor said she was highly satisfied with her innings due to the challenging conditions of the pitch.

“The conditions …I don’t feel we have adjusted as yet. Sometimes we don’t know how it will be,” said the West Indies Women vice-captain.

“It’s totally different from the Caribbean, the pitches are slow and the Sri Lankans are even slower; so we have a lot to adapt to and we pretty much like the ball coming on and they have spinners so we really have to work through that.”

Lendl Simmons prepares to go big over the off side in his innings of 65. consecutive deliveries in the 11th over helped Mumbai make the decisive surge.

Bravo scored two fours and a six on his way to 20 as he tried to script a recovery but was run-out in the 15th over to leave CSK

with dashed hopes.

CSK have another chance to qualify for the final as they will play the winner of the Rajasthan Royals-Royal Challengers Bangalore game.

GFF hosts local Referee Development Course THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on May 16 and 17 hosted a Referee Instructor/Assessor Course for its local assessors which saw participation of its officials from Regions 3, 4, 6, 8 and 10.

There were sixteen participants, according to the GFF. For the first time, two female referee assessors were included.

This is the first course of its kind which was facilitated by the Federation’s local Instructors/Assessors, Abdulla ‘Zico’ Hamid, Ingram Johnson and Roy McArthur.

In opening remarks, Stanley Lancaster, head of the Referees department expressed

that the aim of the course was “to have well trained Assessors/Instructors to properly assess our match officials during all levels of games/tournaments across Guyana, also to aid in the development of our referees.”

The GFF will be hosting a series of recruitment drives with its first Beginners Course on May 22-25 and interested persons are asked to contact Lancaster on 2278758 or via email lancaster@gffonline. com.

These courses are part of the continued development plans of the GFF for the sport of football with training sessions for coaches, referees and players.

Stafanie Taylor hits the top score of 86 not out.

The victory handed West Indies a 2-1 lead in the four-match series, and also gave them their first ICC Championship points of the campaign.

“We knew it was very important. We knew that we had to play catch up and no team like to play catch up”.

The result also meant that the Windies Women drew level 1-1 in the second match of three between the two sides in the ICC Women’s Championship, after the Sri Lankans drew first blood last Friday with a six-wicket victory.

Both teams have played eight matches in the Championship – the Windies Women currently have eight points – three more than the Sri Lankans.

Participants of the recently held GFF Referee Instructor/Assessor Course.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Simmons, Harbhajan and Pollard put Mumbai into IPL final Please see story on page 31

FIH, Pan American hockey heads push for astro-turf pitch for Guyana

Please see story on page 26

… pay courtesy call on GOA, Ministry of Sport

International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Leandro Negre (with black suit and blue tie) strikes a pose with young local hockey players at the GCC ground yesterday. At Negre’s right is Pan American Hockey Federation president Alberto `Coco’ Budeisky).

Removal of state property is a criminal offence Bolt sprinting to – Alfred King

By Rawle Toney PERMANENT Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Alfred King made it clear that the removal of data and equipment belonging to the Government of Guyana without permission is a criminal act.

King made the revelation while speaking exclusively to Chronicle Sport yesterday, addressing the newspaper’s findings of ‘crucial documents’ and millions in sport equipment missing from the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall bond and the headquarters of the National Sports Commission (NSC), all under the care of Sports Director Neil Kumar.

In both the Sunday and Tuesday editions, Chronicle Sport outlined how equipment, all belonging to the Government of Guyana,

Sport Ministry PS tightens security following Guyana Chronicle’s report

paid for by taxpayers, were missing from the bond, taken by Kumar as confirmed by the facility’s manager.

Documents detailing the spending of millions of dollars, belonging to the NSC are also missing, ironically under Kumar’s watch who was responsible for the safe keeping of the files.

Following the disclosure

in the media, King said that the Ministry has tightened security at all the properties under their control, passing strict orders for only authorised personnel to have access.

“We’ve upped our security, because we are totally responsible for all state records and all must be intact to be properly handed over.

It’s a criminal offence to remove them, or anything that belongs to the state as a matter of fact,” King said.

Kumar had told high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Sport, including former Minister Frank Anthony, that his office was broken into where See page 26

Locked out! Basketball players were yesterday locked out of the National Gymnasium, as the Ministry of Sport’s Permanent Secretary tightens security at the NSC-controlled venues.

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

secure legacy

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) - Jamaica’s six-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt says his main focus for the remainder of his sprinting career is to secure a legacy as the greatest athlete of all-time.

Bolt’s disclosure comes ahead of his eagerly anticipated showdown with world-leading American Justin Gatlin and Jamaica’s perennial sub-10 sprinter Asafa Powell.

The sprint super star says his primary focus now is his place in history as he prepares to hang-up his spike in 2017.

“In the past, we (coach Glen Mills) have sometimes focused on the clock USAIN BOLT and getting records. Other times, it has been on medals. Now it’s all about securing my legacy,” said Bolt in a Jamaica Olympics interview posted Sunday on the website www.teamja.org.

“Someone may come along one day and break one of my records, but to beat my legacy, they have See page 26 WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015