2015 8 26

GUYANA

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 26, 2015

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

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PPP’s Prorogation stunted budget allocations No. 104293

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–Minister Bulkan tells House

Haitian President celebrates with Guyanese at CARIFESTA XII

centre

––as Guyana’s performing arts continue to dominate

... Another PPP vehicle scandal

Vehicles diverted from Sam Hinds’ office to Ashni Page 9 Singh’s ministry

Welder, remanded over murder of Montrose granny 8 Page

Police to set up 13 Information Command Centre Page

Haiti’s President Michel Martelly (white cap at back) holds a Guyana flag as he posed with the Guyana delegation on Monday evening

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 26, 2015

Berbice security posture a failure --say murdered farmer’s relatives

By Leroy Smith PAMELA Kendall, the murdered cash-crop farmer of Lot 19 Number 45 Village, Corentyne, has been described by her husband Deoram Sookchand as having been the nicest person in the world.

Speaking with this publication on Saturday at his home, a grieving Sookchand said he had been living with the hard-working Kendall for the past nine years. She had been in the business of cashcrop farming and he had assisted her in that regard, in addition to doing his job of cleaning drains for the Neighbourhood Democratic

motive was attached to her murder, but he stressed that the crime situation along the Corentyne Coast was getting out of control, and that the police seem very incapable of dealing with it.

He spoke of robberies having been committed within the same No. 45 Village every night, and pointed out that one night after his wife had been killed, three houses in the area were attacked by bandits. That information was not confirmed.

The man is now calling on the police to increase their presence in the area by day and night, and not only along the main road, but also along the back streets within

One of the dead woman’s brothers calling for businessmen in the area to be armed

Deoram Sookchand lamenting the need for additional police presence in the community both their means of entering up” by the bandits.

The brothers of the dead the homes of residents and as woman, who are also adtheir getaway route.

“Our area, especially 51 ministrators of an estate, Good Hope area, every night called for them to be issued is three, four houses getting with firearms to protect their hit. Unto now, the police assets, as they claim that the cannot catch the people do- robberies in the communities ing these things, so the se- are too many.

Last Saturday, Former curity system is very weak in this area. Up to last night, Prime Minister Samuel two to three houses got hit Hinds and former PPP Parright in the area,” the man liamentarian Jafarally visited the family to offer words of told this publication.

He recalled being beat- comfort. That visit, however, en and robbed in the past, turned out to be very controalong with his wife, when versial as Jafarally sought bandits invaded their home to blame Public Security asking for cash and gold. Minister Ramjattan and PresAsked about his next move, ident David Granger for the the very humble but by killing of the woman and the then riled-up Sookchand crime situation. The womrelated that he was un- an’s relatives then –- with sure of what his next move voices raised to an unusual would be, but he did not decibel -- reminded the PPP rule out moving out of the members that they were in a home and going somewhere state of mourning, and were Former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds (seated second left) at the wake last Saturday else to live, since he said his not interested in politics or (Photos by Delano Williams) life has now been “messed hearing who was responsible for the murder, and what the the community. He said that Council.

Government was not doing.

The man could not say many of the robberies which Jafarally also told the whether his wife had been take place in the community woman’s relatives that one killed as a result of plain are committed by persons of the 60 persons who had robbery, or whether another who use the back streets as been pardoned by President Granger was responsible for the shooting death of a businessman on the East Coast of Demerara after his release. That bit of “news” was also shot down by the relatives, who informed him that he was deliberately misleading them, as the information was not true and he was only there to spread propaganda.

A section of the area where the dead woman and her husband cultivated cash crops and reared livestock

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 26, 2015

PPP’s Prorogation stunted budget allocations

By Tajeram Mohabir MINISTER of Communities Ronald Bulkan, yesterday said significant reduction in capital spending for agriculture in Region 2 is due to the prorogation of Parliament by the former Administration last year.

Responding to the Opposition questions on the more than 50 per cent -- or $80 million -- “cut” in capital allocation for agriculture, He offered the explanation.

Members of the Opposition informed the House that the significant reduction clashed with the publicly stated position of the Government, that it would promote agriculture and agricultural diversification.

Minister Bulkan assured the House that the Administration is true to its promises on agriculture, but pointed out that the sum allocated in capital expenditure is for the remaining four months of this year.

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Cornel Damon nevertheless lamented that the money “cut” from the capital expenditure for agriculture could have been used to upgrade all-weather roads, drainage and irrigation, and other works to enhance agricultural production.

It was also noted that

the access roads to rice fields are in poor state, and suggested that the Administration should have paid attention to the plight of farmers.

Another PPP/C MP Yvonne Pearson, pointed out that Amerindian communities have not all been catered for in the capital allocation. Bulkan was at pains to explain that full preparation of the budget did not begin in January, but after May; and the amount allocated is to be spent for the remainder of the year.

He also contended that the PPP/C should be blamed for the plight of the rice farmers, since they prorogued the Parliament in a move that affected the approval of sums for critical works.

Several roads will also be rehabilitated, and Bulkan said once the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) makes representation, attention will be given to the Lima Sands Bridge which is in a state of disrepair.

But he said any provision for the repairs to that bridge will be included in the 2016 budget.

BOAT FOR SCHOOLCHILDREN The minister also informed the House that a schoolboat will be pur-

chased to be used to ferry children to school in the Lower Pomeroon region, and the Administration will construct a primary school at Aurora, and build sanitary blocks at several primary and secondary schools in Region 2.

In Region 3, under current expenditure, $1 million will be spent on spares and services to vehicles. The fleet of vehicles has been increased from three to four.

Some $24 million has also been allocated for repairs and maintenance of sanitary blocs, fences and gates of 20 schools in the region.

Under capital expenditure, the Opposition drew to the attention of the House a reduction in fuel and lubricants for the region compared to the sum allocated in 2014, and asked the Government whether the slashing was politically influenced.

Minister Bulkan said that was not the case, as fuel was purchased and stored in 2014, and stocks were available in reasonable qualities for use in 2015.

On this matter, former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali put the question to Minister Bulkan that it was wrong for some to say that the former Administration had abused a fuel facility when it was

--Minister Bulkan tells House

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan in power.

But Bulkan said the question does not follow a logical deduction.

The Opposition also pointed out that with some 125 per cent reduction in capital spending for agriculture, drainage and irrigation and agricultural output would be negatively affected.

Opposition MPs were also uneasy about the non-allocation of sums for land and water transportation; the trimming of allocation for roads from $47 million in 2014, to $23 million this year; as well as the reduction of money for land development. The Opposition also strongly insinuated that there was a reduction

in the sums allocated to the regions that support the PPP/C. But Bulkan said that was not the case; and on that score, he again repeated that the reduction had to do with late preparation of the budget and the fact that no Government can meet all the demands of the people.

PM disappointed with Chronicle headline

THE following is the full text of a statement issued by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, seeking to put to rest widespread speculation about a headline carried in yesterday’s issue of State-owned Guyana Chronicle newspaper: “THE media corps at Parliament Buildings closed in on me a short while ago, demanding to know whether I had threatened freelance reporter Derwayne Wills with dismissal over today’s headline story in the Chronicle.

“I asked them to speak with the reporter with whom I had a friendly conversation about journalism and ethics of the profession.

“Asked what triggered the conversation, I said that I was disappointed over the Chronicle headline. I AM VERY,

VERY, VERY DISAPPOINTED. The banner headline states: “Government blunders on budget estimates” “I have not spoken with the editor over this matter though I felt, as Minister responsible for public information, that the headline did not do justice to what actually transpired, as there was a resolution of complaints by the Opposition that a section of the Budget was not properly structured to bring it in line with requirements of the Guyana Constitution.

“Similar representation has been made during previous Budget presentations of the former PPP government with regards to allocations for constitutional agencies, and had been resolved after bi-partisan consultations,

as was the case yesterday, before consideration of the Estimates started.

“The Guyana Government does not agree with the Opposition that the Estimates violate any laws, but agreed to adjust the structure of the Estimates to specify block votes for certain public agencies.

“I had expected that greater care ought to have been exercised by the Guyana Chronicle before coming to the erroneous conclusion that the government had blundered on either the presentation or compilation of the Estimates of Expenditures.

“I had expected better from a government-owned newspaper.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 26, 2015

‘The wave has reached us’: EU gropes for answers to migrant surge

Toll of Syrian air strikes near Damascus rises to 247 in 10 days: monitor (Reuters) SYRIAN government air strikes on areas east

(Reuters) A SURGE in migrants, many of them refugees from Syria, hit Hungary’s southern border on Tuesday, passing through gaps in an unfinished barrier to a Europe groping for answers to its worst refugee crisis since World War Two. Nearing the end of a flight from war and poverty, they walked around or over coils of barbed wire strung out along Hungary’s 175km (109-mile) frontier with Serbia, children hoisted on shoulders, bags in hand.

“The wave has definitely reached us now,” said Mark Kekesi, head of a migration NGO called MigSzol Szeged. “There have never been this many of them, and we expect this to continue for a while.”

The Balkans is in the grips of an unprecedented surge in migration fueled by war in Syria and instability across the Middle East.

More than 100,000 migrants have entered Hungary, part of Europe’s Schengen zone of passport-free travel, this year en route to the more

old Hassan, an IT engineer from Syria, said after walking across the border into Hungary. “We don’t just come to Europe to eat and sleep. We’re looking for safety. It’s better to walk across half of Europe than to stay in Syria.”

A record 50,000, many of them Syrians, reached Greek shores by boat from Turkey in July.

Greece, embroiled in a debilitating economic crisis, is ferrying them from overwhelmed islands to the mainland, from where they head north to Macedonia and points beyond.

Macedonia sealed its border to them last week, but gave up in the face of huge and determined crowds.

Macedonia and Serbia are now moving them on as fast as they can.

The Lasta bus company in Belgrade said it had increased its daily departures to the northern Serbian town of Subotica near the Hungarian border from seven to 24.

The crisis is severely testing the unity of the 28-nation EU and fuelling anti-immigration sentiment.

Germany says it expects a record 800,000 asylum-seekers to arrive this year; protests in the eastern town of Heidenau, near Dresden, over the arrival of 250 asylum seekers turned violent over the weekend and police said they were investigating a suspected arson attack on a sports hall in the eastern state of Brandenburg where some 130 were due to be housed.

Syrian migrants sit in a bus to register in a camp after they crossed the HungarianSerbian border near Roszke, Hungary August 25, 2015. Reuters/Laszlo Balogh affluent countries of western and northern Europe. While still small in comparison with the record numbers on the move nearer conflict zones, the flow is increasing.

The influx into Hungary ticked up on Monday to its highest daily rate this year – 2,093. More were on their way, with an estimated 8,000 making their way through Serbia and 3,000 crossing from Greece into Macedonia every day.

Hungary demanded more money from the EU to alleviate the burden, saying the distribution of funds was “humiliating”. One senior European official said that, in the absence of action, “Europe has failed”.

The United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR,

DATE: //2015

warned against expecting numbers to fall any time soon. “We do not see any end to the flow of people to come in the coming months,” said a spokeswoman.

HUNGARIAN FENCE Even as the migrants entered, the Hungarian army was busy building a border fence to keep them out, bulldozers and heavy machinery shifting earth and erecting walls.

The fence is finished in parts, while in others there are coils of barbed wire easily negotiated by migrants who faced down stun grenades and tear gas in Macedonia last week.

One family of Kurds from Syria waited patiently for an army truck to pass, before one by one they scaled a padlocked gate in the fence, disappearing down a dirt road the other side.

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of Damascus have killed 247 people in the last 10 days, including 50 children, and wounded 1,000 more people, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Tuesday.

The attacks on the rebel-held Eastern Ghouta region included Aug. 16 air strikes that killed 117 people in a marketplace in Douma, some 15 km (10 miles) northeast of the

A man carries a girl as they rush away from a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes by forces loyal to Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad in the Douma neighborhood of Damascus, Syria August 24, 2015 Reuters/Bassam Khabieh capital. The area is besieged by government forces.

A rescue service operating in the rebel-held region, the Civil Defense, has documented 265 deaths, including 44 children and 33 women in the same period, said the spokesman for Rif Damascus - the rural area around the city. Speaking to Reuters via the internet, he put the wounded at 1,200.

The Civil Defense has declared Douma a disaster zone.

The air strikes near Damascus have coincided with a wider intensification of the four-year-old civil war estimated to have killed around a quarter of a million people and driven more than 11 million from their homes.

Fighting between government forces and rebels has accelerated on numerous fronts in western Syria.

The Observatory reported fighting between rebels and government forces and militias fighting alongside them on Tuesday in the Eastern Ghouta town of Harasta, the target of a recently launched rebel offensive against government.

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Colombia condemns Venezuela expulsions after border closure

(Reuters) COLOMBIA has condemned deportations of its citizens after Venezuela closed its border with its western neighbour last week.

The crossings were shut after an attack by smugglers left three soldiers and a civilian injured.

Since then around 1,000 Colombians living in Venezuela have been expelled as part of a crackdown on smugglers and criminal gangs in the region.

The two countries are due to hold talks on the issue on Wednesday.

After travelling to the north-eastern city of Cucuta to review the situation, Colombia’s Interior Minister Juan Fernando Cristo said Venezuela had created a “humanitarian tragedy”, the AFP agency reported.

Those deported had been living illegally in Venezuela, reports said.

The Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro, initially said the frontier would be closed for 72 hours but this has since been extended indefinitely.

He also declared a state of emergency in five border municipalities, sending in 1,500 extra troops.

The long, porous border between the two countries is used by smugglers to purchase heavily-subsidised goods in Venezuela and resell them in Colombia.

Dana accused kept in ‘inhumane conditions’...

It’s like torture, lawyer complains THE lawyer representing 11 men accused of murdering Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal has complained that some of his clients are being subjected to “inhumane” conditions while on remand.

Attorney Criston J Williams made the complaint to Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar Monday morning as his clients reappeared before her in the Port-ofSpain Eighth Magistrate’s Court.

As he revealed that former LifeSport co-ordinator Rajaee Ali has been kept in solitary confinement at the Port-of-Spain State Prison at Frederick Street, Portof-Spain, since December last year, Williams said such A police officer searches people entering isolation could be considered the area of the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ torture.

Court during the reappearance yesterday While Ali was only of the 11 accused of the murder of state charged with Seetahal’s mur- prosecutor Dana Seetahal PHOTO: JEFF der last month, he has been in MAYERS remand since last year after being charged with unrelated charges for conspiring to murder radio announcer Kevaughn “Lurbz” Savory.

In addition to Ali’s treatment in prison, Williams also took issue with prisoner transportation arrangement for Ali’s older brother, Hamid, with whom he is jointly charged for Seetahal’s murder.

Williams said because of Hamid’s portly figure he has difficulties in entering and exiting the single-prisoner enclosure of the transport trucks and is constantly injured every time the drivers come to a stop.

While she made note of the complaints, Ayers-Caesar said she did not have the power to intervene.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard, SC, also acknowledged the issues raised by Williams and agreed to raise it with prison authorities once Williams makes an official request through his office.

Like their previous appearances before Ayers-Caesar, security around the St Vincent Street courthouse was noticeably increased. Heavily armed police officers blocked the street for the duration of the hearing, while unarmed officers stood guard outside and inside the courtroom.

During yesterday’s hearing, Ayers-Caesar gave Williams and Gaspard deadlines for filing their submissions on an application calling for her recusal from the case.

Williams had indicated his intention to file the application during the group’s first court appearance, as he pointed to the fact that she (Ayers-Caesar) had previously consented to be replaced as the presiding magistrate in Ali’s case pertaining to Savory.

The initial request was made over the fact that Ayers-Caesar’s security detail comprised officers of the Criminal Gang and Intelligence Unit (CGIU), which investigated the alleged plot to assassinate Savory.

Deportations have been stepped up after Venezuela closed its border with Colombia

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 26, 2015

Guyana

NATIONAL UNITY A

LL our politicians have at one time or another called for National Unity as a prerequisite for national development. Since the present Government assumed office we have heard renewed calls for unity from both sides of the aisle.

The recent budget debate was replete with calls for unity. Never mind the atmosphere in parliament is anything but conducive to unity.

It seems that for our politicians, national unity means different things at different times. When in Opposition they prefer a unity that is based on more inclusion in running the day-to-day affairs of the State.

Yet, as soon as they assume office that changes dramatically; they often conceive of unity based on their terms. For example, the Opposition PPP seems to now favour a unity based on parity among the parties. But when it was in office, it practised the opposite. One of its leaders once declared that it did not mind unity, but one had to join the PPP to be part of that unity.

Many have argued that power sharing or shared governance is the most desirable model of Nation-

al Unity at the level of Government. In fact, all of our major political parties have embraced this thesis. But after more than five decades of debates and attempts, we have not been able to arrive at such a Government.

As observed above, our parties tend to gravitate quicker to the idea when in Opposition only to retreat when in Government.

Again, the previous Government is a good example of this phenomenon. While in Opposition, the PPP had made several moves to form a joint Government with the PNC - at least one of these initiatives had reached an advanced stage.

But when the PPP came to Government it changed its mind and argued instead that the parties needed to build trust before moving to power sharing. And this approach did not begin with the Jagdeo era - it started with Dr. Jagan who made no discernable move towards power sharing during his more than four years in office.

It is our view that national unity has to be pursued at all levels of our society. Critically, it has to be pursued among the people in their communities. We feel that public education along with inter-communal conversations are important. The fear and distrust between our ethnic

communities have to be tackled. While these are often exploited by the politicians, their origins and evolution are determined by the historical interactions among the groups. We have to start by admitting that inter-ethnic distrust and conflict are real.

We also have to avoid the simplistic definition of national unity as the absence of ethnic identities. It continues to be one of the barriers to honest conversations on achieving national unity. The very concept of unity assumes difference. The challenge is how to stop our differences from degenerating, and instead turn them into building blocks for national consensus.

In the end, national unity at the level of the people could influence consensus among our leaders at the top.

But if our leaders could rise above their differences in outlook and their love affair with total power, we could arrive at a power-sharing mechanism that could, in turn, influence more progressive inter-communal relations at the level of our communities. We shall see.

Police to recommence training at Felix Austin Corentyne College

By Leroy Smith THE Guyana Police Force is within the next couple of weeks, looking to recommence training at the Felix Austin Police College at Adventure, Corentyne, East Berbice following a nine-month hiatus.

That recess was to facilitate upgrading and expansion works at the facility, as part of the Force’s mandate to increase its strength by 1500 other ranks.

Last Saturday, Police Assistant Commissioner David Ramnarine paid a visit to the facility which at the moment is going through the final stages of priority works to accommodate its recruits. Following the tour of the facility, Ramnarine, who was at the time representing Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, pointed out that the college has come a far way both in physical appearance and resources, compared to the period in the decades gone by when he attended the very college.

Ramnarine was guided through the facility by Acting Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, together with senior staff from the division and some of the staff assigned to take up roles at the training school.

In his remarks, Force Training Officer Senior Superintendent Paul Williams, said the Force has already selected applicants for the training college, and as soon as the works at the facility are completed, those ranks would be sworn in and taken up to the Corentyne location to commence their training.

Williams could not touch on the cost to have the facility extended and the additional works done to make the college more accommodating for the additional ranks, but he

See centre

Assistant Commissioner Operations David Ramnarine examining the Zara Computer Laboratory at the training college last Saturday

Husband arrested for murder of Corentyne farmer 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 26, 2015

--hid facts from police, statements not adding up

By Leroy Smith

about his past, although he still has a very strong American accent.

When the Guyana Chronicle visited the home of the deceased on Saturday, the man called on the police to bring his wife’s killer to justice, as he said his whole life was now “messed up.”

n i g h t , a ro u n d 0 6 : 0 0 06:30, we locked up DEORAM Sookchand, and we getting ready the reputed husband of to go inside the kitchmurdered 56-year-old en, this door there; and cash-crop farmer Pame and my wife went mela Kendall, who was in and I told her lock shot dead last Thursday the door, I am going to at her home has been take a shower. Soon as arrested. she turned around [to Crime Chief Wendell lock the door] and Blanhum confirmed last I was in the shower, evening that the man this person ran in. was taken into custoAnd when she turned dy following several around, the guy was discoveries the police right there. She made as they tried to screamed and boom! piece together the puzI heard the shot. I am zle surrounding the in the shower now, woman’s murder. The I freeze; black out, first discovery condark as pitch, you cerned a telephone call can’t see nothing. We that was placed to the don’t know who it is, home of the deceased and next thing they while the man was at peep in t he showthe hospital with the er. I was not there woman, moments after because they could she was pronounced not see me, I was dead. [there] against the One relative had rewall, and they probported that a call was ably thought I run received at the house, Deoram Sookchand, who is now being held for upstairs. The shower with the caller stating, questioning was running,” The “If anything happen, man told this newsy’all don’t call my paper on Saturday name.” periencing a blackout, and The two had been livThe woman’s reputed he said he had continued husband never reported ing together for the past to hide in the bathroom nine years, and Sookchand to the police or told famwith the water running. has described his wife as ily members that he had But the man again the nicest person he had called the home, but as contradicted himself ever met.

He said they had investigators questioned when he said that he saw relatives, including the no problem between themthe persons who invaded selves or with anyone. person who had taken that his home jumping the Asked if he believed specific call, the relative back fence and making that his wife’s killing was told police that the voice good their escape, even related to simple larceny, on the other end of the as he had earlier stated the man at one time had line was positively identhat he remained in the said yes, then at another tified as Deoram Sookbathroom until the men time he said he was not chand’s. were gone. sure.

Additionally, the poAs the inconsistences I t w a s d u r i n g t h a t lice investigation has during his interview coninterview with the man been able to ascertain tinued, the man said that t h a t S o o k c h a n d h a d that this newspaper found after his wife was shot he several inconsistences been deported from the came out of the bathroom in what he reported had United States several and saw a pool of blood, happened on the night his years ago after he was but this contradicts his wife was killed. charged and jailed for statement that the place At one time the man drug and violent crimes. was pitch dark. h a d s a i d h e h a d s e e n He never told the police “Well, on Thursday more than one person in the house, and then he changed his story to say he had heard several voices, which suggested that there was more than one person.

He also admitted that when his wife was killed the place was pitch dark, as the community was ex-

afternoon at his home.

He further stated: “They went upstairs, they run through the house. I don’t know if they looking for me, but they did not try to steal anything. They did not tumble anything or what. He run down back, run out the door, and they scaled and jumped the fence and run away.

I came out the shower screaming, looking for my wife, see bare blood on the floor and I could not find her. This time, never knowing she get up and run out and run across the street to her brother’s house, and she fell down in the yard.”

Meanwhile, despite the man admitting that the water in the shower was running, he claimed that he was able to hear whispers coming from outside that gave him the impression there was more than one person.

“It is more than one, that I know because I saw one, but there was more, because the reason why

I heard the whispering; so I know that there was more outside, but I could not see it because I was locked up in the bathroom and it was dark, you know, blackout.”

Despite the man claiming that he went straight to the bathroom after ordering his wife to lock up the house, he managed to still tell this newspaper that he saw his wife was shot after she turned around and saw a gun, something he could not have possibly seen had he indeed been in the bathroom as he earlier claimed.

“Well that [is] what I can tell you, because everybody house that they go to is a robbery, and I guess being by she turned around and saw this person with the gun, she screamed and [that] is why they probably shot her, and maybe they did not mean to shoot her and kill her, but it happened that way,” the man had once said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 26, 2015

Welder, 23, remanded over murder of Montrose granny

By Leroy Smith WHILE smiling brightly and gesticulating with his middle finger, 23-yearold Colin Alleyne was yesterday remanded to prison when he appeared in the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court, charged with the murder of 77-yearold Montrose caretaker, Danrasie ‘Carmin’ Ganesh.

Prior to being arrested for the capital offence, Alleyne worked as a welder and resided at Timehri, East Bank Demerara, and Guyhoc, Georgetown.

Alleyne, who was unrepresented in court, was not required to plead to the indictable charge read to him by Magistrate

Zameena Ali. The prosecutor stated that on August 1, 2015 at Montrose in the Sparendaam Magisterial District, he murdered Carmin Ganesh.

The matter was then adjourned until September 22 for report and fixture. The court also heard that some aspects of the investigation are still ongoing.

Ganesh was found dead in the two-storey building where she had been the caretaker and the entire attack was caught on CCTV cameras in the house, showing a man continuously beating and strangling the woman, in what was first thought to be a robbery.

At the Sparendaam Police Station

A relative of the dead woman at court late yesterday (Photos by Delano Williams)

A smiling Colin Alleyne being led back to the cell after being remanded yesterday, the murder accused protested while he was being held in the lock-ups.

He told the police ranks that he would not wear the same clothes in which he was arrested to enter the courtroom and demanded that they find him a change of clothing.

He also advised the police that his back door was open and they should go to his house and get his clothes.

The police complied after the man stripped naked in his cell and threw missiles at the ranks as they attempted to restrain him. The police subsequently brought him a long-sleeved shirt, pants, tie and even Hanes boxer shorts. He was then shackled at the angles and wrists and led into the courtroom.

Meanwhile, late yesterday evening the police released the son of the murdered woman after the 72-hour detention period expired.

However, the Guyana Chronicle was

informed that he has to report to the police as they continue investigations into aspects of his statement over his alleged involvement in the woman’s killing.

On Saturday police ranks had staked out Alleyne’s home and he later admitted to clubbing the woman to death.

There was much outcry from sections of the public regarding the police’s slothfulness in bringing the killer to justice, even as the police had made some arrests and were following several other leads.

After the police had arrested the main suspect, they re-arrested a businessman who had been taken into in custody after the woman was killed.

The suspect claimed that he was paid by the man to kill the woman and retrieve documents pertaining to her property from her home.

Family members have since denied that the man was involved in the plot to kill the elderly woman.

Nephew admits breaking uncle’s hand with pipe A SOUTH Sophia man yesterday appeared before city Magistrate Ann McLennan charged with beating his uncle with a pipe, leaving him with a broken hand.

Casey Chapman, 24, of Lot 77-78 South Sophia,pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge, which stated that he unlawfully inflicted grievous bodily harm upon Gary Hope.

According to the facts, both parties are neighbours as the virtual compliant resides at Lot 77, while his nephew lives

with his grandmother at Lot 78.

On the day in question around 18:30hrs, Hope was returning home from a nearby shop and his nephew who was sitting at the culvert got up and blew smoke in his uncle’s face; a heated argument then ensued.

During the squabble, Chapman picked up a pipe and dealt his uncle several lashes about his body. The matter was reported to the police station and Hope was taken to the hospital and received a medical certificate stating the injuries he

had received.

However, the young man was anxious to give his side of the story and explained that the relationship with his uncle had hit the rocks years ago over a family dispute, when his mother had him locked up and he had since vowed to get revenge on his nephew.

Chapman said that on the said day, his uncle made the first approach when he entered his yard at Lot 78 with a cutlass threatening to “fix him” and in self-defence he picked up a pipe that was nearby.

“My uncle attempt to chop me so I fired a lash and run away, then I stop and pick up some brick fuh pelt he,’’ the 24year old told the magistrate.

However, the magistrate scolded Chapman as she told him about respect for his uncle and keeping the peace.

Chapman was ordered to pay $50,000 compensation to his uncle and both of them were ordered to attend counselling and bonded to keep the peace for 12 months or in default serve six months imprisonment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 26, 2015

PM discloses...

Vehicles acquired for specific ministries diverted under previous Administration DURING consideration of the 2015 Budget Estimates, it was revealed that in the 2014 Budget, $23 million was allocated by the PPP Government to purchase a high-end Land Cruiser for then Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, but he never got the vehicle.

The disclosure was made yesterday by Hinds’s successor Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, during examination of the 2015 Estimates.

It was disclosed that the $23M was spent by former Finance Minister Ashni Singh on a Land Cruiser and other vehicles, and that the Office of the Prime Minister was used merely “as a parking lot for the multi-million-dollar money-bag.”

It was explained that the money at reference was transferred to the Ministry of Finance and used to buy “one of several elite vehicles that were at the disposal of Minister Singh, and not the then Prime Minister.”

From the sum of $23M, $18.2M was used by the Ministry of Finance to acquire a new Toyota Land Prime Minister Cruiser, while the balance was spent on purchasing a Moses Nagamootoo Toyota Corolla and a Toyota Surf.

The three vehicles which were never handed over to the Office of the Prime Minister have since been recovered.

Because the vehicles were never added to the fleet for the Office of the Prime Minister, an allocation of $22 million is now being sought to buy a four-wheel-drive Sports Utility Vehicle for Prime Minister Nagamootoo. This vehicle would be used for travelling to rural and hinterland areas.

It was revealed to the House that between 2012 and 2014, some $50M was voted by the PPP regime to buy vehicles for the Office of the Prime Minister, but when the regime demitted office, only eight old, reconditioned vehicles were recovered. (GINA)

No-case submission frees manslaughter accused ON the direction of Justice Jo-Ann-Barlow at the Demerara Assizes yesterday, manslaughter accused Gavin Towler was freed on a no-case submission.

The unrepresented accused had earlier pleaded not guilty to the unlawful killing of Samantha Marques at Middle Road, La Penitence, in 2009.

Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh had testified that manslaughter victim Samantha Marques was pregnant when she sustained the injuries which led to her demise.

Marques had reportedly been involved in a physical altercation with her reputed husband Gavin Towler a few weeks before she died. The court heard from Prosecutors Narissa Leander and Michael Shahoud that the accused had used a pillow in an attempt to suffocate Marques after they had been involved in an argument sometime between October 13 and 19, 2009.

However on resumption of the trial yesterday, after perusing the evidence, including the pathologist’s testimony, the judge found that the prosecution had not established a case for the accused to answer, and she directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty of manslaughter in relation to the accused. The accused was discharged after the jury returned the verdict.

GPHC successfully delivers 3,075 babies --between January and July

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has successfully delivered 3,075 babies for the period January 1- July 31, 2015.

In total, the major healthcare institution delivered 3,175 babies but 50 of those babies were stillbirths. Out of the total deliveries, 657 babies were born to teenaged mothers ranging from under 14 to 19 years old.

During the same period last year, the hospital successfully delivered 3,151 babies, and out of its 3,207 deliveries 56 were stillbirths. Of the total deliveries last year, 673 babies were born to teenaged mothers. These figures illustrate that the hospital has recorded a decrease in deliveries during this period compared to last year, as well as a decrease in babies being born to teenaged mothers.

Deliveries in January 2015 surpassed the other months with a total of 565 babies being delivered, while for the same period last year, April had the highest number of deliveries with a total of 501 babies being born at the hospital.

The GPHC’s maternity ward admitted a total of 5,092 patients during this period.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 26, 2015

Zero tolerance for labour offences

GOVERNMENT will not tolerate any organisation or group of persons, be it in the private sector or public sector, who violate the rights of workers, said Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes.

During an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Minister Broomes, who has responsibility for the Department of Labour, made it clear that the Government will not sacrifice workers’ rights to benefit a few. “Be it private or public sector, Guyanese or non- Guyanese, all workers are protected under the International Labour Organization (ILO),” Broomes said.

In this regard, Minister Broomes explained that the Labour Department of the ministry will continue its country-wide inspections to ensure that employers are adhering to the labour laws and are in full compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations at the workplace.

Minister Broomes said there is the burning issue of employers not remitting payments for workers’ National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions after deducting them from workers’ salaries. The minister explained that the ministry will look at engaging the NIS on the issue and, where it is necessary, persons will be placed before the courts.

To ensure the effective implementation of labour laws, Minister Broomes said she is in

the process of reviewing the mining regulations after which consultations will be done with stakeholders. Further, she said that some of the regulations under which workers are protected are very ancient, and the ministry will be reviewing them.

Also, labour officers will be exposed to various aspects of training, especially to deal with inspections in the mining sector, so that they will know what to look for, she said.

Police corporals complete physical training course in T&T Minister Simona Broomes

POLICE Corporals 17045 Lambert Peters and 21335 Winston Williams of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) have successfully completed a Physical Training Education and Instructors’ Course held at the St. Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies, Trinidad, from January 6 to August 15, 2015.

According to a police press release, the course was organised by the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force and was attended by over 70 members of the Defence Force, Police Force, Prison Service and Fire Service from Guyana, Trinidad and other Caribbean countries.

The programme was intensive, and saw certified Cpl. Peters (left) and Cpl. Williams (Photo physical-training instructors courtesy GPF) involved in activities such as first aid; combat and physical training that included obstacle-crossing, endurance-training, river-crossing drills, rapelling, orienteering and combat-swimming; and physical-training education that included aerobics, nutrition, gymnastics, sociology in sports, injury-rehabilitation and strength-training.

The modules included concepts of fitness, diet and performance, sports medicine, sports management, sports officiating, teaching practice and skill analysis The two ranks are expected to bolster the Police Force’s Wellness and Physical Fitness programme which commenced earlier this year.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 26, 2015

Guyana ‘on proper footing’ for FATF ––Attorney-General review ATTORNEY-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, in an exclusive interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) has indicated that Guyana is now on the proper legal footing for compliance with the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

“A lot of the ABCE (American, Britain, Canadian and European) ambassadors have indicated that they feel the passage of the Amendment Act would have done a lot to [Guyana] being fully compliant. This, along with the recommendations already laid in the Parliament, indicates that we are on a proper footing,” Williams said.

Minister Williams explained that FATF had written

Guyana outlining certain deficiencies that were to be remedied, and which would come up for examination at a meeting in October. However, prior to this meeting, there would be the Americas Regional Review Group (ARRG) meeting which is scheduled for Thursday in Quito, Ecuador.

“I indicated that I would have been unable to attend, due to the budget deliberations, so I requested another option. A teleconference was proposed for the same Thursday, which is the same time they have the face-to-face meeting in Quito. If I cannot attend, an officer from the FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit) will.”

The Anti-Money-laundering and Minister of Legal Countering the FiAffairs Basil Williams nancing of Terrorism (Amendment) Act; which was passed as part of the Government’s “First 100 days in office plan,” along with the accompanying recommendations that were laid over in parliament, were sent to the ARRG. “These would now provide the framework for the FATF meeting, which determines whether you are blacklisted or whether the measures are exacted against a country such as ours. Thursday’s meeting [with the ARRG] would be the next aspect we [Guyana] would have to deal with in the whole process,” Williams said.

Now that the necessary legislative framework is in place to ensure Guyana is fully compliant with the FATF’s requirements, other steps are being taken to ensure the overall institutional capacity for enforcement is in place. The additional measures saw the Attorney General attending a ministerial meeting recently, which dealt largely with institutional strengthening and enhancing the capacity of the implementing organisation. (GINA)

Four held in Berbice over unlicensed .357 Magnum THREE men and a woman are in police custody following the discovery of an unlicensed gun in Berbice, yesterday.

Police say that at around 01:00 hrs yesterday, police ranks conducted a search on a motor vehicle at Whim on the Corentyne, during which an unlicensed .357 Magnum revolver with five rounds was found.

The four were arrested and are in police custody assisting with the investigation.

Duo robbed at gunpoint on Mandela Avenue A MAN is in police custody following an armed robbery yesterday on Mandela Avenue, here in the city.

According to the police around 01:30 hrs, three men on bicycles, one of whom was armed with a handgun, held up Vijay Pitamber of Enmore and Ajay Sewdat of Foulis, East Coast Demerara, while they were repairing a motor vehicle at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.

The perpetrators took away $28,000 and two cellular phones and escaped.

The police responded to the report and apprehended one of the suspects along Mandela Avenue.

He is in police custody assisting with the investigation.

Four men appear in court over Cuyuni mining camp hold-up ––stolen firearm recovered

POLICE said diligent investigations led to the arrest of four men who were among a group of men who held up persons in a mining camp at Oku Backdam, Cuyuni, on August 17, 2015, and took away a licensed .32 pistol and ammunition, a quantity of raw gold, and cellphones.

The four men were arrested on Saturday: two were arrested at Oku Backdam and the other two at Olive Creek, Cuyuni. The stolen firearm was recovered by the police.

Dunston Fraser, 27, of Ann’s Grove, ECD; Deon Giddings, 34, of Victoria, ECD; and Franklyn Adolph, 27, and Fabian Mars, 25, of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, were all charged with robbery under arms.

In addition, Fraser was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and trafficking in narcotics.

They appeared in court yesterday where Adolph and Mars pleaded not guilty and were remanded to prison until September 2, 2015.

Giddings pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.

Fraser pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition and was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. He also pleaded guilty to trafficking in narcotics and was sentenced to one year in prison.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the robbery-under-arms charge, and will return to court on September 2, 2015.

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House approves $4.2B for Ministry of the Presidency

THE National Assembly met Monday when it dissolved into the Committee of Supply to review the budgetary allocations for the Office of the President and Ministry of the Presidency, after which the allocations were approved.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon, when asked to explain why allocations for the Government Information Agency (GINA) were listed under the Office of the President and the Office of the Prime Minister, explained that the $80M allocation was for the period January 1 to August 31. He explained that at the end of August, the responsibility for GINA will fall under the umbrella of the Office of the Prime Minister, hence the allocation of $63M under the Office of the Prime Minister.

The budget for the Ministry of the Presidency includes allocations for Natural Resource Management and for Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Therefore, the respective ministers were called upon to defend the allocations.

Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman, explaining the allocation of $421M for Natural Resource Management, was asked whether either of the contracted employees was responsible for training. Minister Trotman responded in the negative, but explained that training is conducted by a special school established by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission in 2013.

Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix, defending an allocation of $262M for the capital and current expenditure of the Citizenship

and Immigration Services, faced questions on a $150M allocation for capital works.

He explained that the figure reflected works on a project that is under way to upgrade the records for the General Registrar’s Office. Further, this project will see records dating as far back as 1920 being computerised, along with computerisation of the office.

Some of the projects that will be executed from the allocation for the Ministry of the Presidency are $18M for the opening of new lands for agricultural purposes and land regularisation, approximately $8M for the Information and Communications Technology project that caters for the completion of wireless and terrestrial networking from Moleson Creek to Anna Regina, and the

purchase of laptops and equipment.

There is also an $11.4M subvention to the Guyana Energy Agency that caters for a solar grid tied demonstration project in Georgetown and solar street-lighting along the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway.

The Civil Defence Commission will also benefit from $22M which caters for the provision of disaster preparedness and response initiatives, along with the purchase of equipment for the Alternate Emergency Operation Centre, Timehri, and the strengthening of the Disaster Risk Management Capacity.

Meanwhile, $715M was approved for the Public Service Ministry.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon successfully defended the allocation of $11M for the provision of security services, which represents a decrease of $7M from 2014. (GINA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 26, 2015

$9B approved for Guyana Defence Force THE National Assembly has approved the budgetary allocations for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) that were set at $9.1B. Minister of State Joseph Harmon, having been asked to explain the $157M allocated for training, indicated that the amount extends to training officers in Brazil and China. Further, training is still being conducted under the Trade Winds Programme.

Asked about $157M proposed for buildings and whether this was for the construction of a floating base, the minisMinister of State ter said it was not.

Joseph Harmon The allocation of $9.1B will see the following capital expenditure works being done: completion of Cadet Officers’ dormitory at Base Camp Stephenson and the Engineers’ Office at Timehri; the construction of an ablution block at Tacama Training School and fence at Mabaruma; upgrading of facilities at Base Camp Stephenson and Ayanganna; and electrical upgrades and perimeter lights at Base Camp Stephenson and Ayanganna. $62M will go for marine development of the GDF, which includes the completion of the training school in Kingston, Georgetown; $154.4M will be spent to procure vehicles, boats, motorcycles and All-Terrain Vehicles; and $5M for the rehabilitation of animal pens to aid the development of the Force’s Agriculture Corps.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 26, 2015

Police to set up Information Command Centre THE Ministry of Public Security plans to establish an operational Communications and Information Command Centre. This is among some of the key measures being operationalised to support the crime-prevention and investigative capabilities of the Guyana Police Force.

The aim is to strengthen not only the forensic and criminal investigative techniques of the Force, but also its ability in crime-detection through the application of information technology methodologies. Funding for the venture is covered in the 2015 Budget.

Second Vice-President and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan,

told the Government Information Agency (GINA), that the financing comes under the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Citizen Security Programme II, which aims at improving the operational efficiency of the Force with regard to reducing the levels of crime, violence and insecurity.

He explained that the monies that are going to be disbursed for the command centre and other supportive measures amount to some US$2.5 million.

In addition to the establishment and management of the centre, funds will also go towards the resuscitation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) feeds within the city to the Timehri environs. It also

provides for improvement in 911 services countrywide.

“We are going to have many cameras all around the city streets and a command centre that would see what is happening,” Minister Ramjattan said.

He added that the command centre would be manned by civilians.

According to Ramjattan, the centre will have many mounted television cameras that could be used to trace incidents and to link these with ambulances, fire service and police service and responses.

“On that screen you will actually know where a police car is and, if there is a robbery you will divert immediately the closest patrol vehicle

Second Vice-President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan to the scene of the crime and as well call 911 or the fire service,” the minister explained.

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$481M approved for Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment THE National Assembly on Monday evening approved the budgetary allocations for the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment to the tune of $481M. Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman, was questioned on a number of proposed expenditures before they were approved.

Included in the allocations approved was, $126M for Administration for the period January 1 to August 31.

Asked why the number of contracted employees have increased from 17 to 38, Minister Trotman explained that it was a result of the ministry absorbing costs associated with Cuban doctors and other Minister Raphael specialists.

Trotman Explaining an allocation of $267M, Trotman said this amount listed under Subsidies and Contributions to Local Organisations, reflects the outstanding money for the three national parks and the Protected Areas Commission, as these agencies were only receiving one twelfth of their allocation each month, since the year started.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 26, 2015

2015 Agri Budget gets House approval THE National Assembly on Monday evening approved the $20.894B allocated to the Ministry of Agriculture in the 2015 National Budget.

The allocation to the sector contains $18.626B to support the ministry’s administrative work, $1.645B for crop and livestock support services, $129.376M for managing, regulating and promoting the sustainable development of the nation’s fishery resources and $493.547M for hydro-meteorological services.

Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder explained that $52M will go to support the work of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Commission of Inquiry.

Minister Holder also committed to providing at a subsequent time to the House, a breakdown of the percentage of the works awarded, the percentMinister of Agriculture age tendered, and the Noel Holder percentage remaining to be tendered, as it relates to an allocation under the ministry’s capital expenditure budget of $2.051B. The sum provides for the completion, construction and rehabilitation of drainage and irrigation canals at Profit, Buxton, La Grange, Bagotville, Salem, Kofi, Leguan, Grove and Greenfield. It also caters for the completion and construction of pump stations in areas such as Number 43 Village, Lima, Eversham and Gangaram, and the construction and completion of structures at Golden Fleece, Three Friends, Hyde Park, Bengal, Buxton and Affiance.

Also under the ministry’s capital expenditure is an allocation of $310.732M for the completion of an alternative outlet for drainage and regulation of the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC).

Another $231.556M makes provision for the rehabilitation of conservancy intakes at Ann’s Grove, Hope, Annandale and Nancy, and relief structures at Maduni and Sarah Johanna, while $75M is provided for the rehabilitation of the EDWC embankment, including structures, construction of pump stations at Hope, Buxton and Lusignan.

Meanwhile, other major projects covered under the agriculture budget include under crops and livestock support services, $75M for the rehabilitation of the Abary Conservancy, control structures and secondary and primary drainage and irrigation system accesses and structures.

Another $16.883M is provided for the mangrove restoration programmes including the completion of groynes at Devonshire Castle and hydrological restoration at Wellington Park. $1.242B is allocated for the upgrade of access dams and roads improvement in Parika, Ruby, Laluni and Onverwagt.

Other major projects covered under crops and livestock include agencies such as the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), Guyana Livestock and Development Board (GLDB), and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 26, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 26, 2015

Haitian President celebra Guyanese at CARIFEST

--as Guyana’s performing arts continue to d

I

By Ravin Singh in Haiti

T was evident from the posture taken by Haitian President Michel Martelly at a cultural extravaganza held on Monday evening that, if he is not the most celebrated individual in his country, then he certainly is one of the most celebrated. He, of course, continues to passionately push a regional integration agenda.

Though heavily guarded at the event, which was held at Cuoss Ocsde Janty Champ de Marse, Martelly ‘palanced’ (partied, limed and danced) with a faction of the Guyanese delegation and shared the moment with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)’s Secretary-General, Irwin LaRocque.

Preceding this was the fourth round of Guyana’s performing arts, featuring dancers and musicians who enriched the atmosphere with music rooted in ethnic heritage under the theme, ‘Rites and Rhythms of Guyana.’

From Afro-Guyanese demonstrating Amerindian dance, which was complemented by Tibisiri clothing, to acknowledgment of European ancestry, also through dance, it was obvious that the culture of the “Land of Many Waters” is multi-faceted.

A modernised version of the popular Bollywood song, “Dhol Bage” was beautifully articulated by four impressive young dancers, who mirrored the interpretation of the song - beats of the drums – to reflect the unified syncing of a multi-cultural nation.

‘Power of the drums’ being performed by Guya

President Martelly (right) and CARICOM’s Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque share a moment on stage

This Flouncer’s energy during his performance was a true representation of the Guyanese reaction to music

On the converse side, “Power of drums,” a contemporary African dance, demonstrated the supremacy of an African drum which empowers the people. The interpretive dance featured five male artistes who absorbed strength from the drums to manoeuvre themselves skilfully during the routine.

Drifting away from the drums, however, resulted in a loss of strength, which highlighted the power of the musical instrument to African heritage.

One of Guyana’s most notable groups, the Masquerade dancers, then made their appearance in fine style, its members dressed in their cultural costumes comprising colours of the national flag. The energy exhibited by Bam-bam Sally, the Flouncer and Mad-bull caused the Haitian crowd to erupt in excitement; they were obviously experiencing culture shock.

Releasing his Guyanese spirit as he took to the stage to sing, Chutney icon Rajesh Dubraj met with positive responses from the crowd, which, although restricted by the language barrier, enjoyed his performance.

The short presentation by Guyana ended with the transitioning to a Soca performance by a renowned Haitian band based in the United States. The electrifying performance caused thousands to rise to their feet, undoubtedly driving home the idea that Haitians are Caribbean people.

In a twist of events, President Martelly made his grand appearance and headed directly for the main stage, after which he was greeted by CARICOM Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque. The duo humorously engaged the crowd for a brief moment, during which Martelly requested LaRocque to sing

for his Haitian people.

Of course, the Secretary-General declined, offering that the Haitians would laugh at his lack of talent. But a determined Martelly assured him that his people would applaud him for any attempt.

The two then made their way into the audience, where they blended in casually to experience the remainder of the show from the perspective of the average attendee.

Police to recom From page 6 told this publication that the Force was not able to conduct any training at that college for about eight or nine months.

He confirmed that the college will now be able to accommodate 60 ranks, as against the 30 it previously accommodated. Williams said it was great that accommodation at the college was being expanded.

According to Williams, at every period of recruitment,the Force would always have more than 1000 applicants who would have successfully sat the entrance examination, but the colleges in Georgetown and Essequibo cannot cater for all the recruits, as they are able to accommodate only approximately 230 persons in addition to the 30 at Adventure, which takes it up to 260.

Now that the Force is moving to change its procedure on how recruitment drives are going to be done, it is looking to bring in the recruits in batches, with each batch consisting of 290 persons at a time. Those persons would be trained for the six-month period, and once that training is complete, they will then move on so that the other batch

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 26, 2015

ates with TA XII

dominate

The Masquerade was unlike anything Haiti had ever seen

anese male dancers It was at this point that the Haitian President was greeted by representatives of Guyana, as they shared a photo opportunity with Martelly requesting to wave a Guyana flag. The feeling for the Guyanese ambassadors was overwhelming.

His gesture on that evening bore testimony to his thoughts, expressed at the opening ceremony: “It [CARIFESTA] is not Haiti’s show; it is our [CARICOM’s] show.”

(Sponsored by Fly Jamaica)

The ‘Dhol Bage’ dance was as exceptional as the colourful traditional Indian wear

mmence ... of the same amount can be accommodated.

This would be after a two-week break from the college to allow for sanitisation and cleaning of the colleges before the new recruits enter for training.

The college at Adventure, the Force Training Officer pointed out, will have a staff of 12 persons. He said that while the Force Training School is responsible for the training colleges across the country, the divisional commanders in the respective divisions have immediate supervisory authority for the facilities, and their monitoring will provide the interventions in cases where decisions have to be made immediately in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures.

The college has already been stocked with groceries, beds, mattresses and its computer room, and other areas of learning for the recruits have already been prepared for the new ranks of the Force.

Additionally, the newest wing of the college has been named The Seelall Persaud Bloc, while another bloc has been named the Clinton Conway Bloc.

Force Training Officer Paul Williams and Commander Errol Watts in discussion with some of the staff members who will be working at the College (Photos by Delano Williams)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 26, 2015

Office of the Prime Minister 2015 Budget passed - includes $68.239M for GINA and $77.254M for NCN

THE National Assembly on Monday evening passed a $375M spending package covering the 2015 activities, functions and duties of the Prime Minister, and the offices under his control.

The allocation amounts to a total of $267,980M for

current expenditure, and $107,079M for capital projects.

The package includes some $68M for the Government Information Agency (GINA) and $77M for the National Communications Network (NCN). There were

also allocations for Lethem, Mahdia and Port Kaituma Power and Light Incs.

Under the previous Administration, allocations for GINA and NCN were listed under Office of the President, but under the new Government, the responsibility for

Information and Communication has been placed under the Prime Minister’s office.

As a result, the budget reflects that for the period January 1 to August 31, 2015, under the Office of the President, GINA received $80.4M while NCN received $69.5M.

Under the Office of the Prime Minister, GINA will receive $63.939M as funding for the remainder of the year (September to December).

The information agency will also receive another $4.3M as capital allocation for the purchase of equipment such as cameras and accessories.

Meanwhile, NCN will receive $27.2M for staff maintenance and another $50M for the rehabilitation of communication towers at New Amsterdam, the provision of an access road at Onderneeming, the provision for flood- alleviation measures at radio and television stations in Georgetown, the provision for a communication tower and paved driveway in Linden, broadcast equipment, lighting kits, UPS, radio automation systems and security lights.

During consideration of the estimates, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, defending the allocations for the agencies, pointed out that under the previous Administration, the agencies were “PPP propaganda machines,” but that the present Adminis-

tration has begun a process of transforming GINA and NCN into “professional State agencies.”

During the deliberations, the PM also defended the selection of the new Director of GINA as being a “qualified professional and not a political hack.”

He stated that the agency’s director is “a professional public relations person with many years of experience.”

Allocations to the energy sector include the Lethem Power and Light Inc $70M, Mahdia Power and Light $10M and Port Kaituma $10M. There is also a $5.378M electrification programme for the rehabilitation of the low voltage distribution network, provision for capacity-building and $5.401M for power utility upgrades. These allocations cater for reducing electricity losses, reconfiguration and upgrading of distribution networks, upgrades and relocation of distribution transformers, implementation of management software and institutional strengthening.

Wednesday August 26, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Thursday August 27, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Friday August 28, 2015 - 14:30 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 26, 2015

House approves $4B for Foreign Affairs Ministry

- more than half goes to improving Guyana’s bilateral relations THE 2015 budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was on Monday evening given the go-ahead by the National Assembly.

Approved was a sum total of $4B, the majority of which caters for measures aimed at promoting and defending Guyana’s interest worldwide through the execution of a determined foreign policy.

Of the sum allocated to the ministry, $2.679B covers foreign policy promotion. The remaining allocation is split between measures aimed at the development of foreign trade, $40.8M and those that cater for the coordination and the management of the human, financial and physical resources necessary for the successful development and implementation of the country’s foreign policy.

Providing clarifiMinister of Foreign cation on some of the Affairs Carl Greenidge measures that would be undertaken to improve foreign policy, Third Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge clarified that it will cover capacity-building of staff as well as examining the posting.

He explained that emphasis will be placed on postings in key areas, including Trinidad and Tobago, the United States of America and Latin America as part of developing deeper relationships.

Allocations were also made for the upkeep of various embassies and missions abroad.

When asked about the increase in local travel and subsistence by $57M, Minister Greenidge explained that the programme constitutes posting and reposting, and it will see a large increase where there is need for the replacement of staff.

When asked if the reposting includes the Guyana Ambassador to Venezuela, the minister responded in the positive, noting that the reposting will be done within the next four weeks.

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FIFA Inspector conducts soil testing at GFF Providence facility FIFA contracted inspector Dr Stephen Baker visited Guyana yesterday and conducted soil testing, as the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), under its Normalisation Committee, moves closer to realising the country’s first Goal Project.

With FIFA stating its intention of installing an artificial turf, Dr Baker will look at the sub-base, and at the entire typography and will then report back to FIFA on what’s needed in order to have the turf installed.

In May this year, the GFF signed a 30-year lease with the Eccles/Ramsburg Neighbourhood Democratic Council for use of the Providence Community Centre ground, where a High Performance Technical Centre will be erected on the 8.5 acres on land.

Chairman of the GFF Normalisation Committee,

Clinton Urling, said that Dr Baker’s visit is his first of many since, along with the local architect, the FIFA inspector will work to ensure that all systems are put in place for the foundation of the turf which the GFF head said should be completed within a year.

Guyana in 2007 under former president Colin Klass began work at Orangestein, on the East Bank of Essequibo, for what was supposed to be the location for Guyana first Goal Project.

When Klass found himself in ‘hot water’, Franklin Wilson, his vice-president at the time (2013), had assumed the post of president (ag) and travelled to Zurich where negotiations with FIFA’s Development Committee brokered US$500 000 to

be allocated to Guyana to help get the ‘Goal Project’ off the ground.

Former president Christopher Matthias, upon taking office, then started negotiations with the Ministry of Sport for land behind the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora.

Things again didn’t work out, since the Government had only offered a little over three acres of land which FIFA said was a ‘no-no’.

Guyana was actually earmarked by FIFA to pioneer its ‘Goal Project’ with president Sepp Blatter making his maiden trip in 1999 for the turning of the sod at the University of Guyana but that also fell through after negotiations with the-then Guyana Government.

Lady Jags one...

From back page has advanced significantly as well, especially with their injection of more international players” The Lady Jags coach pointed out that his players were very disappointed that they didn’t leave the Dominican Republic with two wins, thereby not putting themselves and the country through the agony of awaiting a result from the Cuba/ St Kitts game.

A couple of other high level players could be added to the squad for the next round, according to Rodrigues, who further said he’s “happy to see my country achieve success on the international stage once again, and I hope that we (the GFF) use and cultivate that success even more for the amazing youths of our country and keep it sustained in the future”

South Africa Racing Tips Scottsville 08:40 hrs Yearofthedragon 09:15 hrs Battle Hammer 09:55 hrs Mark My Card 10:30 hrs Lady Penrhyn 11:05 hrs Son Of Orimandes English Racing Tips Lingfield 08:50 hrs Matilda’s Law 09:20 hrs Peru 09:50 hrs Hajeer 10:20 hrs Refuse Colette 10:50 hrs Blue Chip 11:20 hrs Kachou 11:55 hrs Athenian Garden 12:25 hrs Omotesando Musselburgh 09:00 hrs Speed Company 09:30 hrs Bahamian Desert 10:00 hrs Lexington Place 10:30 hrs Wor Lass 11:00 hrs Ralphy Boy 11:30 hrs Aleksandar Catterick 09:10 HRS Baby Ballerina

09:40 hrs Musharrif 10:10 hrs Politbureau 10:40 hrs Alaskan Wing 11:10 hrs Asha 11:40 hrs Classic Villager 12:15 hrs Dop Charm Irish Racing Tips Bellewstown 11:05 hrs Ample Sufficiency 11:35 hrs Valac 12:10 hrs Cash Or Casualty 12:45 hrs Aye Aye Skipper 13:15 hrs Shangai Beauty 13:45 hrs Danz Gift 14:15 hrs Vale Do Sol 14:45 hrs Bantry Bay American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 D’ princess Race 2 Gem Race 3 Threeskills Race 4 Who’s Z Daddy Race 5 Sandy’s Slew Race 6 Send It In Race 7 Branded Hand Race 8 Sweet Whiskey Race 9 Global Strike

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 26, 2015

Rudisha back on top of the world, Dibaba dominant

By Nick Mulvenney

BEIJING, China (Reuters) - David Rudisha strained every sinew to win gold, Genzebe Dibaba dominated in the way the Kenyan once did and Usain Bolt’s second sprint showdown with Justin Gatlin moved a step closer at the world athletics championships yesterday.

While Rudisha’s 800 metres victory was not a patch on the brilliant run that won him gold in a world record time at the London Olympics, there was a reminder of one of the great nights of that Games when Britain’s Greg Rutherford won long jump gold.

Nicholas Bett showed finishing speed his compatriot Rudisha would have been proud of to win a surprise gold in the 400 metres hurdles and Cuba’s Denia Caballero was a shock winner in the women’s discus courtesy of her opening throw of 69.28m.

Since a serious knee injury in 2013, the once all but unbeatable Rudisha has looked vulnerable against fast-finishing rivals and so it was as much with relief as joy that he celebrated the return of the world title he also won in 2011.

“I am delighted about this gold medal,” he said after crossing the line in one minute 45.84 seconds.

“It means a lot to me.

Especially after all those disappointments I had this year. During the last month I had a problem with my speed but when I got it back I knew I could win this race.”

Pole Adam Kszczot came closest to running Rudisha down and took silver, while Amel Tuka finished third to win a first world championship medal for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Genzebe Dibaba’s family already owns 11 Olympic and world distance gold medals through her sister Tirunesh and cousin Derartu Tulu and the 24-year-

and his own personal best.

Running in lane nine where it is impossible to see your rivals for most of the race, the 23-year-old went past more than half the field after the final bend to pip Russia’s Denis Kudryavtsev on the line.

David Lekuta Rudisha of Kenya reacts after winning the men’s 800m event during the 15th IAAF World Championships at the National Stadium in Beijing, China, old added a first at 1500m with a stunning display of front-running.

Slowed by the tactics of her rivals over the first 700 metres, the Ethiopian took the lead with two laps to go and destroyed her rivals with the sort of pace that claimed her the world record in Monaco last month.

“It’s great to have such a strong performance,” said Dibaba, who finished in four minutes 8.09 seconds.

“My sister won the gold medal in this stadium at the (2008) Olympic Games so I wanted to share this family experience.”

Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon declared Dibaba her “hero” after winning silver, while Sifan Hassan was a distant third to take bronze for the Netherlands.

Bett gave Kenya their first gold medal in the 400m hurdles with a scorching finish to clock 47.79 seconds, the fastest time of the year

HIGHEST CLASS Rutherford, who won Olympic gold on ‘Super Saturday’ in London, proved himself a championship performer of the highest class by securing a full set of major titles with a leap of 8.41m, his best of the year.

“European champion, Olympic champion and now world champion, it’s unbelievable, it’s the most incredible thing,” he said after battling a severe headache to win gold.

“I have been dreaming of this for a long time. I can’t believe I’ve done this.”

Rutherford joined an illustrious list of Britons who have simultaneously held Olympic, world, European and Commonwealth titles in Daley Thompson, Sally Gunnell, Jonathan Edwards and Linford Christie. Australia’s Fabrice Lapierre also fought through the pain of a hamstring injury to win silver and bronze went to the youngest of the trio of

Chinese in the final, Wang Jianan.

While the 50 000 crowd at the Bird’s Nest certainly got behind their long jumpers, Bolt elicits near frenzy every time he takes to the arena where he first made his name in 2008 and stormed to victory in the 100 metres on Sunday.

Still feeling the effects of that victory over in-form American Gatlin, the Jamaican began his defence of his 200 metres title by running 20.28 seconds to win his first-round heat.

“Tired, tired, tired,” he said. “I was comfortable but it still doesn’t stop me from being tired.

“It was rough but it was just one of those things. I’m still bit little sore but I guess that is from the rounds and the fact that I didn’t compete that much this season.”

Gatlin admitted defeat in the 100m had taken an emotional toll on him but he certainly looked in good shape physically as he ran 20.19 to win his heat.

“The race felt good,” s a i d t h e 3 3 - y e a r- o l d .

“Coach just said to dominate from the start, work the curve, come off the curve attacking, hold my form in the straightaway and just ease into it.”

Kenyan policeman Bett takes surprise 400m hurdles gold BEIJING, (REUTERS) - Kenyan policeman Nicholas Bett charged down the home straight to win the world championship 400 metres hurdles final yesterday.

Drawn in the outside lane nine, Bett had to run the race blind, unable to see his rivals until the final stages.

He was placed fifth coming off the last bend, but he overtook Russia’s Denis Kudryavtsev over the final flight of barriers and stormed home in 47.79 seconds.

Kudryavtsev held on for the silver medal in a Russian record 48.05 with Jeffery Gibson of the Bahamas taking Nicholas Bett of Kenya competes as he goes on to win the men’s 400 bronze in48.17.

The American challenge from former metres hurdles final during the 15th champion Kerron Clementand pre-race IAAF World Championships at the favourite Michael Tinsley disintegrated National Stadium in Beijing, China, yesterday. (Reuters/Phil Noble) under the pressure.

Clement, the 2007 and 2009 world champion, finished fourth in 48.18 while Tinsley jogged home last after an error-strewn lap.

Bett, became the first African to win the 400m hurdles world title since Zambian Samuel Matete in Tokyo in 1991, set a Kenyan record and ran half a second faster than the lifetime best he established at altitude in Nairobi this month.

“In the semi-final I made a mistake with the steps between hurdles, so in this final I was able to correct it,” the 23-year-old Bett told reporters. “It is wonderful to be the world champion. I achieved a PB and NR this year so I say thanks to God.” Kudryavtsev, also 23, is coached by the former 800m world champion Yuri Borzakovski.

“I started easy then I tried to do my job. I didn’t want to make any technical mistakes; my technique is one of my best qualities. Getting into the final with the best time pushed me.”

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 26, 2015

Formula One mourns another death in family LONDON, England (Reuters) - The Formula One community mourned another death in the family yesterday after British racer Justin Wilson, a friend to many in the grand prix paddock, succumbed to head injuries suffered in a U.S. IndyCar race.

The 37-year-old, who raced in Formula One for Minardi and Jaguar in 2003, was hit by debris after crashing in the closing laps at Pocono Raceway Oval in Pennsylvania.

“I woke up this morning feeling positive in my heart until I read the news,” said compatriot and double world champion Lewis Hamilton on Instagram. “I am so devastated to hear of another passing of a great man and driver.

“I’d met Justin Wilson a few times growing up and he was the ultimate gentleman.

Whilst I only knew him a little, I will miss him.”

Briton Jenson Button, the 2009 world champion who attended the funeral of French F1 driver Jules Bianchi a month ago and was a friend of double Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon who

British IndyCar driver Justin Wilson died on Monday after suffering a severe head injury during a wreck in the closing laps of a race the previous day at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania, IndyCar officials said. died in 2011, expressed his shock on Twitter.

“The motorsport world comes to a standstill once again,” said the McLaren driver. “I raced with Justin as far back as 1989 in karting and remember his smile was infectious, such a lovely guy.”

The sentiment was

echoed by Lotus driver Romain Grosjean, a pallbearer at Bianchi’s funeral.

“So sad to hear Justin Wilson passed away. What dreadful news and what a dramatic year for racing.

Losing too many champions,” he said.

Button’s double world champion team mate Fer-

nando Alonso, who like Wilson started his F1 career at Minardi, said the news was “difficult to accept”.

Australian Mark Webber, Wilson’s team mate at Jaguar, said: “Last night a very good man left us. Mate.

So sorry. RIP Justin. My thoughts are with your loved ones.”

Red Bull principal Christian Horner, whose team was previously Jaguar, spoke of the sadness of all at the Milton Keynes factory.

“Justin left his mark on many who worked with him during the Jaguar days,;he is remembered fondly for the kind and humble person he was,” said Horner.

“Having known Justin since his karting days on the British circuits it was always obvious to me he was destined for great things in motorsport.

“His progress through the lower formulas was impressive and he absolutely flourished in F3000,” added Horner.

“Justin will be remembered not only as a talented driver but also as quite simply one of the nicest blokes in motorsport.”

Serena, Djokovic top seeds for U.S. Open (REUTERS) - World number ones Serena Williams, aiming to complete the first calendar-year grand slam in 27 years, and Novak Djokovic have been named the top seeds for the U.S. Open championships starting on Monday in New York.

Williams, winner of the last three U.S. women’s singles crowns at Flushing Meadows, is followed on the seeding list by number two Simona Halep of Romania, a 2014 French Open finalist.

Russia’s Maria Sharapova, the 2006 U.S. Open winner, is seeded third with 2014 U.S. Open finalist Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark seeded fourth.

Serena Williams Five-time U.S. Open champion Roger Federer is the second seed for the men’s event where the top-10 seeds feature five U.S. Open champions and six grand slam winners in all.

In addition to 2011 champion Djokovic of Serbia and Switzerland’s Federer (2004-08), former U.S. champions include Andy Murray (2012), Rafael Nadal (2010, 13) and last year’s winner, Marin Cilic of Croatia.

Scotland’s Murray is seeded third, Spaniard Nadal is eighth and Cilic seeded ninth.

Kei Nishikori of Japan, runner-up last year to Cilic, is seeded fourth, one spot ahead of reigning French Open champion Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland.

Other prominent women’s seeds include fifth-seeded Czech Petra Kvitova, the 2011 and 2014 Wimbledon champion, followed at number six by compatriot Lucie Safarova, this year’s French Open finalist.

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, a U.S. Open finalist in 2012 and 2013, is seeded 20th. Twice U.S. winner Venus Williams is seeded 23rd, 2011 champion Samantha Stosur of Australia is 22nd and 2004 U.S. Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia is seeded 30th.

A victory for Serena Williams would make her the fourth woman to sweep all four slams in a single season, joining Maureen Connolly (1953), Margaret Court (1970) and Steffi Graf (1988).

It would also be the American’s seventh U.S. Open singles crown, breaking her tie atop the all-time list with Chris Evert, and move her into a tie for second on the career grand slam singles list with Graf at 22, two behind Court.

The singles draws for the 2015 U.S. Open will be made at the National Tennis Center tomorrow.

Swiss expect to decide on FIFA extraditions in September

By Stephanie Nebehay BERNE, Switzerland (Reuters) - Swiss authorities expect to decide in September whether to extradite six football officials to face corruption charges in the United States, a Justice Ministry spokesman said.

The accused men, who are in custody and whose lawyers are opposing their extradition to New York, would have 30 days to appeal decisions to the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona - a process that could take several months.

“We have received all responses. Now we are able to examine whether conditions are fulfilled to grant extradition and take our decision,” ministry spokesman Folco Galli told Reuters.

“The first decisions should come in September,” he said, speaking late on Monday in his office in the Swiss capital.

Extradition is allowed if an alleged offence is punishable by at least a year in jail under both Swiss and U.S. law. Swiss authorities must rule on whether this “dual criminality” rule is met, rather than on whether the defendant is guilty or innocent.

Several officials from FIFA, world football’s governing body, were among 14 men indicted in the United States in late May on bribery, money-laundering and wire fraud charges involving more than $150 million in payments.

Galli declined to say how much money has been blocked at several banks in Switzerland as it is a “pending proceeding”.

“We have ordered (the banks) to freeze the bank accounts mentioned in the (U.S.) request. Now we are taking evidence.

We are receiving the bank documents. It takes time,” he said.

Seven of the accused were arrested at a Zurich hotel days before the FIFA Congress where FIFA president Sepp Blatter was re-elected to a fifth term. Blatter later announced he was quitting and his replacement is due to be elected on February 26.

Correction to Guyana Softball Cup dates CONTRARY to reports published last Thursday, August 20, 2015 re ‘Trophy Stall among sponsors on board Toronto Cup’, please be informed that the fifth edition of the Guyana Softball Cup will be staged in Guyana on October 30, 31 and November 1, 2015 and not September 30, 31 and October 1, 2015. As a matter of fact, there’s no September 31 as the month only has 30 days.

The Sports Desk apologises for any inconvenience caused the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA).

Umpire banned after wrong line calls force elimination of Guyanese player SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (CMC) - An umpire, officiating in the Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation (CAREBACO) International Under-19 Championship, has been banned for the rest of the tournament after a number of wrong line calls led to the elimination of Guyanese player Narayan Ramdhani at the quarter final stage.

An investigation was carried out after a report was made to the Chief Umpire and Tournament Director following the controversial calls in the third set of a three-set encounter .

Angel Marinez Ulloa of the Dominican Republic won the first set 20-16 but lost the second to his Guyanese op-

ponent 18-21.

However, Ramdhani was leading 20-16 in the third set when four wrong calls by the DR line judges favoured the DR player.

As a result, the young Guyanese player lost the match 23-21, prompting the probe followed by the disciplinary action against the umpire who has been prevented from officiating for the rest of the tournament.

The team phase of the Under-19 CAREBACO tournament was due to start on Monday with Guyana in Group B alongside Puerto Rico, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Group A consists of Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Suriname and Panama.

30

Jai Singh powers Caribbean Sensation to OMSCC Over-50 title TORONTO, Canada – Caribbean Sensation tuned up for the upcoming inaugural Toronto Cup with an effortless victory over Our Own Skeldon when the two teams clashed in the final of the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Club’s (OMSCC) Over-50 tournament, played at Littles ground here last Saturday.

The 20-over affair, which promised to be a hotly-contested one, never lived up to its pre-game hype, as the defending champions proved superior to their opponents who stuttered to 117 for seven in their allotted 20 overs, replying to Caribbean Sensation’s imposing 180 for seven, thereby going down by 63 runs.

Opener Jai Singh, who is also president of the OMSCC, led from the front with a bru- Caribbean Sensation and their supporters savour the occasion. tal 72, plundering the hapless Once Our Own Skeldon lost their batsmen in former Our Own Skeldon bowlers for Guyana national players Jaimini Singh and Shivnauth Seeram nine huge sixes and a solitary four.

The right-handed Singh completely dominated a early, their hopes faded and they never recovered as only 77-run opening stand with Iqubal Rahaman whose con- Suresh Bodhoo with 26 provided any noteworthy resistance tribution was a mere five after his team were inserted to while Gavin Rampersaud was unbeaten on 15. Danny Singh took two for 18. take first strike.

Singh, who congratulated both teams at the presentation At one stage, the eventual winners looked well set to get past two hundred but a mini middle-order slum put paid to ceremony, also copped the MVP for the winning side.

OMSCC vice-president Azeem Khan, who was also their hopes. Ganesh Ramraj (24) and Suresh Persaud (23) in attendance, praised both teams for reaching the final supported Singh’s brilliant knock.

Prakash Singh, who was later named Most Valuable Player and urged the winners to continue their winnings ways at (MVP) for the losing team, did extremely well to withstand the Toronto Cup, set for the Labour Day weekend here.

(Frederick Halley) the onslaught, claiming four for 17 from two overs.

GTA players return from Tobago with mixed fortunes THE Guyana Tennis Association’s (GTA) junior team who participated in the just concluded International Tennis Federation (ITF)-sanctioned Tobago Tennis Festival, returned home with mixed fortunes, but the local players said they have gained valuable experience that will serve them well in the future.

According to a GTA release, Kalyca Fraser was able to make it deepest into the draws in the U-14 Girls category. After a close call in the qualifying matches with a loss of 1-4, 2-4 to Lilly Lancer and a close match against Yen Lee that went to a tiebreaker in the deciding set, she won 0-4, 4-0, 7-10.

Fraser took revenge on Lancer after knocking her out in

CRICKETQUIZ CORNER (Wednesday August 26, 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: South Africa (1888-89); West Indies (1928); New Zealand (1929-30); India (1932) WI vs UAE, Napier, 2015 (May 15) Today’s Quiz: Which two teams were the first to play a Test match not involving England or Australia?

Put these in order beginning with the team that first played ODI cricket: Sri Lanka; Pakistan; West Indies; India Answers in tomorrow’s issue

the main draw, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 but was blanked in the semifinals against Megan William 6-0, 6-0. Fraser said that it was a good experience and she will fight harder in future matches.

One of Guyana’s top junior players, Daniel Lopes, made his first main draw of the ITF U-18 tournament but fell to Che Andrews from Trinidad and Tobago in the first round at 6-1, 6-2.

After defeating Flynn Von Waldau 6-0, 6-0. He said, “It was a different experience making my first U-18 main draw but it was a good experience to learn from. Obviously, in retrospect I think of things I could have done differently but my preparation helped me to execute my game plan and I was excited making my first U-18 main draw.”

On the fourth try in the ITF circuit Nicola Ramdyhan was able to make it into the second round after she dismantled Carissa Rodulfo of Trinidad 6-3, 6-0. She was then outmatched in the second round by the 5th seed, SabindaDadaciu from the USA with a score of 6-1, 6-1.

She felt that she had a better result in this tournament because “I was motivated to make it deeper into the draws.

I think my footwork is what caused my defeat in the match among other things I need to work on. The experience and confidence gained will help me in October when I play in the Inter-Guiana Games”.

Ramdyhan’s U-18 teammate, Aretta Dey had a tougher battle playing the 4th seed from Barbados, Kiana Marshall, who was an old rival from her U-14 days.

The U-14 Boys did not fare so well after top players Jordan Beaton lost to Aidan Bousquet 6-4, 6-2, Keenan Persaud was beaten by Aron Fields 6-1, 6-2, Hemraj Resaul lost to Aidan Carter 6-0, 6-2 and Mark McDonald and Ariel Khan went down in the consolation draw.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 26, 2015

Gibson lands 400m hurdles bronze … Bolt worries about fitness for 200m

BEIJING, China (CMC) – The Bahamas won their first medal of the 15th IAAF World Championships when Jeffery Gibson took bronze in the 400 metres hurdles yesterday.

It was the only medal for the Caribbean on a shortened day of competition, which included domination by Kenyan runners.

Gibson set a new Bahamas record of 48.17 seconds to claim the bronze medal behind surprise winner Nicholas Bett of Kenya and Russian Denis Kudryavtsev. Bett’s winning time of 47.79 is a world lead while Kudryavtsev also set a new Russian record.

It has been a spectacular season for Gibson who has now lowered the national record four times within six weeks.

He has recorded times of 48.77 in Luzern, Switzerland on July 14, 48.51 to win the gold at the Pan American

Jeffery Gibson

Games in Toronto, Canada on July 23 and twice at the World Championships in Beijing including 48.37 in the semifinals on Sunday.

“The medal is great achievement but I take it as the next stepping-stone towards the future,” he said.

“I know I can perform much better, there were a couple of things I have to work on and I am looking forward to more races and more training for the Olympic season.”

Shericka Jackson led a quartet of Jamaicans advancing to the women’s 400m final tomorrow.

Jackson had the second fastest qualifying time and personal best of 50.03, behind American Allyson Felix (49.89).

The former world junior and youth champion Shaunae Miller of the Bahamas also qualifies with 50.12.

Stephenie Ann McPherson (50.32), Novlene Williams-Mills (50.47) and Christine Day (50.82) are the other Jamaicans who will line up in the final which will also include Great Britain’s reigning world champion Christine Ohuruogu (50.16) and American Phyllis Francis (50.50).

“This is my first World Championships so I am very grateful I made it to the final,” said Jackson.

“I tried to catch up with Allyson Felix from the beginning.

My coach told me to do my best to get there and the personal best is a great result.”

There were no major surprises in the first round of the men’s 200m with race favourites and rivals Usain Bolt (20.28) and Justin Gatlin (20.19) advancing to the semi-finals.

Fresh from his 100m victory on Sunday, the Jamaican star is worried about his fitness to complete the sprint double.

“I did my time. It is good to win the first one. It (the 200m) means a lot more to me,” he said.

“I’m a little worried about my fitness and I need to work a lot over 200m. But I think I’m a better technical runner over the 200m, so we’ll see what happens. I’m tired and my legs are still sore, but I’m going to have another bath tonight and hopefully tomorrow I’ll be there.”

Julian Forte (20.16), Warren Weir (20.24) and Nickel Ashmeade (20.40) will join compatriot Bolt in the semi-finals.

Miguel Francis (20.38) is the other Caribbean qualifier.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 26, 2015

We have to raise our own standards - Prendergast

Participants of the Referees Assistance Programme yesterday THE Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Referees Assistance Programme (RAP) opened yesterday at the Racquet Centre in Georgetown with stern calls by Referee Instructor Peter Prendergast for a re-energised commitment to personal development.

During the opening address, the Jamaican Prendergast told the gathering that “since 2006 we have not had a referee on the list for the World Cup. Since 2006! That’s a long time. And we have far more information, far more training programmes and we are not seeing someone from the Caribbean. We barely had one in the Gold Cup.” He continued, “We have to raise our own standards. It is a personal commitment.”

President of the Guyana Football Referees Council (GFRU) Alfred King in giving his remarks welcomed the programme for a fifth year.

He said, “Every time they come here, they give of their best and provide quality experiences to ensure that our referees are prepared to go to the next level of becoming elite referees.

“But of course, the experience that they provide can only enhance your technical competence as referees. Very often the rest is left to you to put in the hard work and physical training and development.”

He, much like Prendergast, noted the failure of referees to maintain the standards needed to stay at the top level of the game.

Prendergast and Alan Brown, FIFA Referee Fitness Instructor, will be conducting the RAP which includes simulations, fitness test, a written test and evaluation.

The RAP is designed to help professionalise the environment in which referees work and develop by pairing referee development officers with instructors from around the world.

Persaud eager to test Bushy Park surface GUYANESE rider Kevin Persaud is eager to test his two-wheel skill on the Bushy Park race surface when that country plays host to the third leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) 2015 from September 11 to 13.

Persaud, an ‘A’ class rider, who had loads of practice at the recent Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s Race of Champions earlier this month, expressed an obvious drive to raise the level of his sport.

He added, “I’m very confident and excited to go to Barbados with my new bike I bought recently. I’m anxious and eager to represent my sponsors and mostly team Guyana.”

Persaud, one of the new generation riders will made his maiden Barbados trip this year and has already set himself some personal targets, some of which he noted, include scoring country points and finishing on the podium.

He added, “The bike is working excellent but still need some fine-tuning for the conditions of Bushy Park.

Kevin Persaud I gained a lot of experience from Jamaica (the first leg of this year’s CMRC) and it helped me improve greatly.”

The young Persaud, who has been one of the young sparks in local racing, has indicated that he is ready and raring to take the battle to the Islanders adding, “That competition continues among the local riders that are taking the fight to Barbados.”

He joins the rest of the superbike crew of Elliot, Stephen and Matthew Vieira, Nikhil Seereeram and Joel Neblette.

His blue, yellow and white Kawasaki ZX6R, sponsored by Leon Dorado, RB Mining and Busby Autobody and Mechanic Shop is sure to excite the crowds come race weekend in Barbados.

Meanwhile, the fourwheel members of team Guyana include Mark Vieira, the father-and-son pair of Kristian and Kevin Jeffrey and Danny Persaud in Group 4. Nazim Gafoor has been entered at the Group 2 class. (Stephan Sookram)

GT Beer Futsal Tournament …

Festival City, West Back Road and Sparta Boss remain unbeaten

A TEMPORARY cut in power had no chance of dampening a night of exciting Futsal football when the Petra-organised GT Beer competition continued on Monday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).

Sparta Boss, West Back Road and Festival City continued their unbeaten streak as Kitty Weavers finally entered the winners’ circle.

The curtain-raiser saw Kitty Weavers defeat Queen Street of Tiger Bay 5-4 in their heated Group-A battle.

Nigel Denny immediately got things started by scoring the first of two goals in the first minute of play but Keoma Gravesande equalised two minutes later.

Denny then regained the lead for his side in the seventh minute but once again Tiger Bay responded through a Darren Harris goal in ninth minute.

Sherwin Vincent beat the opposing goalkeeper in the 11th minute to give Weavers a slim 3-2 lead, before Travis Martin’s 13th minute effort put them ahead 4-2 at the break.

Harris answered one minute after the break as they trailed 3-4 and when James Meredith scored in the 18th minute for Queen Street to tie the game at 4.

Vincent scored the decider in the 24th minute to help revive Weavers’ chances of advancing.

In the game that followed, West Back Road produced another steely performance to edge Bent Street 5-4 in a clash of the unbeaten Group-D sides.

The first half ended with the teams deadlocked at 2, as O’Kenie Fraser scored for Bent Street in the second and fifth minutes while Eron Hayde’s fourth-minute goal equalised early on then Odel Young tied it up on the brink of halftime.

West Back Road completely controlled the second half as they went ahead in the 18th minute when Jamal Haynes recorded the first of his brace. An error in judgment caused the eventual victors to gift the opposition an own

goal but Haynes eased the pressure in the 25th minute with his second.

Two minutes later Teon Caesar made it a two-possession match before Frank Crandon scored in the penultimate minute of play which kept the match that way until the regulation time whistle.

Festival City then inflicted an 8-4 thrashing on Agricola in their Group-A match. Solomon Austin led the way with a hattrick, scoring in the second, 14th and 22nd minutes.

Austin was supported by a second half double from Eon Alleyne (25th and 30th) along with a goal each from Daniel Agricola’s Kacy John scores for his team on Monday night.

Favourite, Dwayne Lawrence solation goal. and Keith Fletcher.

Action in the group stage is set to resume tomorrow with Agricola were dominated but they hit back through goals from Anthony Rollins who had a brace (23rd and 24th), Kacy four more matches, at the same venue.

In the opening fixture, North Ruimveldt will tackle BeJohn and Gordon Grant. terverwagting (BV) from 19:00hrs; Showstoppers square Another hat-trick on the night played a part in a Sparta Boss victory. Denis Edwards who netted in the ninth, 16th off against Broad Street from 19:45hrs; Albouystown go and 20th minutes assisted in the 7-1 thrashing of Globe Yard. up against Alexander Village from 21:00hrs and West Front Edwards’ outstanding performance was backed by a goal Road-Gold is Money and Sophia meet at 21:45hrs.

The winners of the tournament will take home $500 each from Eusi Phillips, Deon Alfred, Travis Grant and Roberto Osbourne who found the back of the net in the seventh, 000 and the championship trophy, while second-, thirdand fourth-place finishers receive $250 000, $125 000 and 13th, 14th and 30th minutes respectively.

Keith Caines’ 12th minute effort was Globe Yard’s con- $75 000 respectively.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

See story on page 27

Persaud eager to test Bushy Park surface

See story on page 31

FIFA’s contracted inspector Dr Stephen Baker visits the GFF’s Providence facility yesterday.

Lady Jags one win away from CONCACAF 2016 Olympic Qualifier Championship

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UYANA’S senior women’s national team – the Lady Jags – have advanced to the final four of the Caribbean Football Union leg of the 2016 Olympic Qualifiers, after Cuba managed to defeat St Kitts and Nevis only by a 6-0 scoreline and are now just one win away from playing at the CONCACAF 2016 Olympic Qualifier Championship.

The ‘Lady Jags’ in their first game, placed in Group Four in the Dominican Republic, hammered St Kitts and Nevis 8-0 but drew their game with Cuba 1-1.

It meant that the Guyanese women had to hope that Cuba didn’t score more than eight goals against St

Kitts and Nevis and as fate would have it, the Cubans were not able to overcome the huge task and the Lady Jags advanced to the next round on superior goal difference.

In the final round, scheduled to be played between October 2 and 4, and hosted by one of the teams in the final round, the four teams will play a single-elimination tournament.

The two finalists and the winner of the thirdplace match will qualify for the 2016 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship as CFU representatives.

Should the Lady Jags finish within the top three, they will face the likes of USA, Canada, Mexico and

two representatives from the Central America region.

Meanwhile, head coach Mark Rodrigues said that the Lady Jags’ progression is huge for the future development of women’s football in Guyana.

According to Rodrigues, “With the launch of the women’s league just around the corner, the advancement of the Lady Jags to the Caribbean Championships can be viewed as a huge catalyst to motivate female players in Guyana to start or continue playing”.

“With the limited preparation time afforded the team, it’s a very pleasant surprise to already experience success. The next round will be even more challenging and the coaching staff will

The Lady Jags, Guyana’s senior women’s national team are through to the final four. have to find a way to have another minicamp prior to competition,” Rodrigues added.

Reflecting on the tournament, the Florida-based head coach pointed out that his team’s biggest shortfall

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in the Dominican Republic was simply fitness.

“We were relatively solid tactically but need to spend more time on our fitness, set pieces and functional play,” Rodrigues said, while adding “elimi-

nating Cuba once again was very rewarding, and we congratulate St Kitts on their brave effort to improve with every game. Their programme See page 27 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015