2015 9 03

GUYANA

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

Fear grows over missing Kaieteur tourist No. 104301

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 3, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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Shotgun, 9 9mm pistol recovered on day 2 of gun amnesty Page

Missing tourist: Dr Gyaneshwarie Sivinand

Heritage Month show! The Akawaio Group of Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) performing a skit, demonstrating how the sick is healed in the native culture during a concert at the Amerindian Village Wednesday evening (Adrian Narine photo)

GT&T rebrands with eye on 4G Page

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…rolls out new logo, promises faster internet speed

Leopold St man stabbed to death 2 during fight Page

Berbice Bridge toll standoff…

Samad slams BBCI for holding Berbicians to ransom Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 3, 2015

Leopold St man stabbed to death during fight

The body being taken away

A MAN allegedly known to be a drug addict was found stabbed to death in a shack in the city just after dawn yesterday.

Deon Macey, 51, was found dead with three stab

wounds to the chest in a small shack at 67-68 Leopold Street, Werk-en-Rust.

Police said he was stabbed to death by men he was involved in an argument with but up to press time no one

The living quarters of Macey’s where he was murdered

was arrested.

Residents were shocked at the brutal slaying of Macey. They recalled that he did odd jobs in the neighbourhood. He was found dead by residents who occupy a house with several apartments in the Leopold Street yard.

The body was found in a slouched position and was quickly taken away by undertakers from Lyken Funeral Parlour in the presence of the police, who had cordoned off the area. Residents told reporters that Macey joined the ‘yard’ about three years ago and lived alone but sometimes he would enterMacey’s shack

tain friends.

Although they lived an earshot away from Macey, the occupants of the various apartments feigned ignorance of the events that led to his murder; they said they did not hear any screams or anything else which would have suggested an altercation. However, in the man’s living quar-

ters it was obvious there was a fight since household articles were strewn about and there were drops of blood on the floor where Macey kept his mattress and other items. One woman, who was vocal at the scene, said that Macey was good and helpful and his killer (s) should be held for his brutal murder.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 3, 2015

Berbice Bridge toll standoff…

Samad slams BBCI for– urges holding govt to use NIS Berbicians to ransom shares as bargaining chip

By Tajeram Mohabir

AMID the standoff between the Government and the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) over the reduction of the tolls to cross the river bridge, former Director of the University of Guyana (UG) Berbice Campus Professor Daizal Samad said the company should not continue to impose a burden on Berbicians, especially the ordinary commuters.

He also strongly suggested that Government use the National Insurance Scheme’s (NIS) shares in the bridge as a bargaining chip to get the company to reduce its tolls.

Weeks after the announcement of a toll reduction to cross the Berbice Bridge, a move warmly welcomed by commuters and entrepreneurs, the company appears

noncommittal. But Samad is urging the Government to examine the possibility of using the NIS shares in the bridge as a bargaining chip to get the bridge company to reduce its toll, which will be subsidised by the Administration.

The BBCI has asked the Administration to adhere to the legally-binding concession agreement it has with the Government, which outlines the toll formula in which the fees for commuter crossings should be adjusted periodically. But Finance Minister Winston Jordan in a statement had said that there appears to be other forces who want to use the Government as a compensatory mechanism for a faulty investment model of the Berbice Bridge.

While the Government has imposed a $300 reduction in toll to cross the bridge, it recently learnt that the BBCI

Professor Daizal Samad

was seeking a 55 per cent increase in tolls “on an already suffering population”.

Such an unreasonable charge, Jordan said will not be countenanced by the Government. The concession agreement was struck under the former Administration;

the bridge company had also made a request for a 55 per cent toll increase to the then Government but to no avail.

Professor Clive Thomas in another sector of the media has described some aspects of the agreement as “outrageous” and “unconscionable”.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, Professor Samad said the taxpayers are the sustainers of NIS, and the Government as their representative, should begin to look at ways to protect their interest.

Government had announced that the toll to cross the bridge would be reduced from $2200, to $1900, and the cost of the reduction will be subsidised through subventions.

But the BBCI has claimed that it cannot reduce the toll without consulting share-

holders, contending that any reduction could steer the company into a state of bankruptcy.

Professor Samad told the Guyana Chronicle that the claim of bankruptcy by the bridge company is far from the truth since it will not be losing any money in the reduction of the toll because Government will be footing the cost.

The argument used by the BBCI, he said is frivolous, and it is time the Government steps in to bring much needed relief to residents of the Ancient County.

He said while a $300 reduction would not appear to be a lot, any reduction in the toll will be significant to Berbicians, since that bridge plays a vital role in influencing the costs of goods leaving that county.

The price commuters pay

to cross the bridge with their produce he said impacts the price they charge, as they would have to absorb the toll cost and make a profit.

Samad said with a reduction in toll, the prices for goods, especially agricultural produce are expected to go down.

He suggested that the Government in the near future should look to reduce the cost to cross the bridge by at least $1000, noting that such a move will not only make it affordable for persons to enter and leave the county, but will catalyse a significant reduction in the prices of food and other goods.

According to him, it will be more prudent for the Government to increase the toll on big businesses and for certain events so as to recoup the money lost from a $1000 reduction in toll.

Roopnaraine commissions audits into PTAs

Education Minister, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine

EDUCATION Minister, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine has commissioned an audit of Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) in schools countrywide in an effort to ensure solid parent participation in their children’s education.

Following a series of large community meetings where parents expressed worry about their children’s schooling, the minister saw the need for a renewal of PTAs in schools. “I want to see throughout the systems where PTAs are working and where they are not working to fix them because we need the PTAs to be fully involved.

“The role of the PTA throughout the school systems needs to be energised, activated, and creative; we cannot undertake or believe that education for our children stops in the classroom,” said Dr. Roopnaraine. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Dr. Roopnaraine said parents abandon their children’s schooling once the students complete their Grade Six education. This, he said, forms part of the setback in the education system. It is this factor besides the education groundings that led to the call for an audit of PTAs in schools.

At the launch of Education month, Dr. Roopnaraine

plugged the importance of PTAs to the development of the education system, while calling on fathers to play a more meaningful role in the lives of their children.

“We cannot…believe that the education of our children stops in the classroom; parents have more time with their children than teachers.

“Fathers have to play a more active role in the education of the children,” Dr Roopnaraine posited, after pointing out that the community meetings are mostly attended by mothers. The PTA audits will feed into the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) in the education sector, once the inquiry gets

going.

The setting up of the Commission of Inquiry has been agreed to in order to determine the state of the current education system.

The CoI will recommend measures that could be implemented to improve the sector countrywide.

The CoI into education will involve teachers, education officials, and citizens from across the country and experts in various fields. Audit teams were sent to schools in every region to assess their current situation and gain information on issues that plague them. The teams have also been tasked with

conducting environmental audits of the schools.

The audits have revealed that the system is in a bad shape due to “outmoded” methods that belong to a previous era. In mending this, the new Administration has begun to equip schools and teachers with new technologies for Guyana to see an actual revolution in terms of education delivery.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday September 3, 2015

Migrants shut Eurostar trains to UK -- dead wash up on Turkish beach

HUNDREDS of migrants poured overnight onto the high-speed railway linking Paris with London near the French port of Calais, stranding passengers in darkness aboard Eurostar trains.

Thousands of miles away, the bodies of other migrants washed up on a Turkish beach. Photos of a drowned toddler face down in the surf spread quickly across the Internet, yet another searing image from Europe’s worst migration crisis since the 1990s Balkan wars.

Outside a Budapest train station, an angry crowd camped out demanding to board trains for Germany, as Europe’s asylum system crumbled under the strain of the influx.

Hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing wars, as well as economic migrants escaping poverty, have arrived in the European Union (EU), confounding EU leaders and feeding the rise of right wing populists.

Thousands have

drowned in the Mediterranean and many others have died travelling over land, including 71 people found in the back of an abandoned truck in Austria last week.

The EU’s executive European Commission promised to unveil a new policy next week to make it easier to process asylum claims, send those from safe countries home and distribute bona fide refugees among the bloc’s 28 members.

Meanwhile, authorities have struggled to enforce rules which ordinarily allow free movement within most of the EU but restrict travel by undocumented migrants.

Hundreds took to the tracks around France’s Calais-Frethun station, the latest target for those trying to reach Britain, which many regard as a better place to live than countries on the continent.

Rail operator SNCF was forced to halt services near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel. Three Euro-

star trains were blocked overnight and eventually continued to London early on Wednesday, while two returned to their departure stations.

Passengers on one London-bound train, which stopped less than a mile from the tunnel, were told at one point to keep quiet and listen for people on the roof. A helicopter with a searchlight circled as guards walked the tracks.

With the power out, passengers sat in stifling darkness for nearly four hours. A woman in business class wept. (Reuters)

Migrants rest outside the main Eastern Railway station in Budapest, Hungary

Arafat poisoning inquiry dropped by French prosecutors FRENCH judges say they have dropped an investigation into claims Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat was poisoned.

Arafat died in Paris in 2004, aged 75. His wife says he was poisoned, possibly by highly radioactive polonium.

The claims were seemingly backed up by tests carried out in Switzerland.

But a statement by prosecutors in Nanterre, near Paris said polonium poisoning had “not been demonstrated” and that they would not continue their inquiries.

Arafat was diagnosed with a serious blood disorder and died of a stroke on November 8, 2004. But no post-mortem examination was carried out as his widow Suha did not ask for one.

In 2012, an investiga-

Late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat

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tion by al-Jazeera TV, in conjunction with Swiss analysts in Lausanne, found abnormal levels of polonium-210 on his personal effects.

Suha Arafat then called for her late husband’s body to be exhumed.

Three teams of French, Swiss and Russian investigators were allowed to take samples from Arafat’s tomb in Ramallah.

But, earlier this year, one French prosecutor said the polonium samples were of an environmental nature.

“We’ll continue our investigation to reach the killer of Arafat, until we know how Arafat was killed,” Tawfiq Tirawi, the head of the Palestinian Authority’s inquiry, told the AFP agency. (BBC News)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday September 3, 2015

CDEMA ramps up disaster response in Dominica THE Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) has ramped up the mobilisation of response teams following the declaration of the special disaster areas by the Government of Dominica.

As of Monday morning, over 100 members of the CARICOM Operational Support Team (COST), the CARICOM Disaster and Assessment Coordination Team (CDAC) and the Regional Search and Rescue Team were on the ground working closely alongside their counterparts including CDEMA’s emergency operations specialist, Brigadier General Earl Arthurs who is leading the CARICOM teams on the ground.

Programme manager

Post-Erika reconstruction in Dominica

- response and recovery, Joanne Persad, stated, “Our regional response mechanism was on stand-

by before the storm struck and we were able to have a team on the ground within 24 hours of the impact

to offer technical support, guidance and advice to the Government of Dominica.

With the declaration of the

St Kitts agrees to implement U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act THE St Kitts and Nevis Government has signed an agreement with the U.S. to implement the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).

The act will see the Caribbean island handing over information to the American Government about citizens with bank accounts in the twin-island federation.

Enacted by the U.S. Congress in 2010, FATCA targets non-compliance by U.S. taxpayers using foreign accounts. It requires foreign financial institutions to report to the Internal Revenue Service information about financial accounts held

by U.S. taxpayers, or by foreign entities in which U.S. taxpayers hold a substantial ownership interest.

U.S. Ambassador to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, and the Organisation of Eastern

Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis Dr Timothy Harris (left) and US Ambassador to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, and the OECS Larry Palmer sign the FATCA documents

Caribbean States Larry Palmer welcomed St Kitts and Nevis’ “commitment to enhancing global financial transparency by improving international tax compliance”, noting that every year, tax evasion deprives Governments of all sizes of much-needed resources to fund public services and investments.

“Today’s signing marks a significant development in our nations’ collaborative efforts to combat offshore tax evasion- an objective that mutually benefits our two countries,” he said.

“FATCA is yet one more example of the deep and substantial ways in which the economies of

St Kitts and Nevis and the United States are linked.”

A statement from the U.S. Government said this kind of information exchange is a top priority, as access to information from international financial institutions is critically important to the full and fair enforcement of American laws.

(Caribbean360)

disaster areas and identification of response priorities from Dominica, the CDEMA system immediately moved to deploy critical communications equipment, technical and coordination support through our response teams.”

COST is assisting in providing overall coordination support in the emergency operations centre in Dominica as well as the regional effort. Members of this team at this time are from the CDEMA Coordinating Unit, and National Disaster Offices of Trinidad, Saint Lucia and Montserrat.

This team is expected to be further strengthened with personnel from the British Virgin Islands Department of Disaster Management later this week.

CDEMA mobilised a surge for the CARICOM Disaster and Assessment Coordination Team (CDAC) to assist in damage assessment and needs analysis to

the communities declared as special disaster areas.

They will support local teams in assessing the damage to housing, infrastructure and in quantifying the needs of the affected population in those areas. Members of the team included personnel from Trinidad and Tobago, Montserrat, Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Lucia.

“All of our participating states have come forward in support of our call and we are drawing on the teams we have trained in damage and needs assessment, search and rescue and managing emergency operations,” Persad said.

The Government of Saint Lucia deployed a search and rescue team within 36 hours and this team has been strengthened with contingents from Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda to assist with the search for missing persons. (Caribbean News Now)

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Guyana

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday September 3, 2015

‘Suicide Helpline’ Centre seeks ‘rehab’ facility -processed over 1000 calls since Aug 6 launch

By Leroy Smith

EDITORIAL

Inclusive governance PRESIDENT Granger and Opposition Leader Jagdeo held their first meeting last Monday. It was the first meeting between the two leaders since being elected to their respective offices.

As is customary, the initiative was taken by the President, who told the media that his invitation was consistent with the constitutional obligations of the Opposition Leader. It was also, we may add, a signal by the President that he takes very seriously the role of the Opposition in the governance of the country. Whether Mr. Jagdoeo would play a constructive role in this regard is left to be seen.

In our Westminster tradition, the Opposition Leader and the Opposition in general have not been treated with the respect that is constitutionally and morally due to them. We have tended to emphasise the winner-take-all aspect of Westminster, at the expense of the collective spirit of the system.

The previous PPP Government took the former to ridiculous levels. Even when the Opposition commanded a majority in the National Assembly, the executive ran the Government as if they, the Opposition, did not belong.

A broad interpretation of the Westminster model would reveal that the Opposition is, at least, in theory, part of the Government. They are part of the Legislative arm which is an integral part of the Government. In fact, the Westminster model is premised on the primacy of the legislature.

Although not part of the formal day-to-day function of the executive, the Constitution prescribes consultative functions.

Our revised Constitution also confers upon the President the authority to include members of the Opposition in the executive arm if she or he so wishes.

Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman has announced that the President would soon announce an initiative that would facilitate a more inclusive engagement with the PPP. He hinted that the coalition would interpret the inclusionary governance enshrined in the Constitution more broadly than previous Administrations. One thing he volunteered was the inclusion of the Opposition in Government delegations on important national matters. If that were to come to fruition, it would represent a giant step in the direction of substantive inclusionary democracy.

The quest for real power-sharing has proved to be elusive.

Parties tend to favour it when in Opposition, only to change course when in office. Perhaps the Granger doctrine, when announced, could at least serve as a half-way house as we try for real power-sharing, via the constitutional reform route.

In the meantime, the Granger Administration should be encouraged along the path it has started. We hope to see frequent meetings between the two leaders. Of course, such a process needs two willing leaders. While Mr. Jagdeo’s comments following the meeting last Monday did not betray a readiness to embrace genuine inclusiveness, it is hoped that better sense would soon prevail.

THE National Suicide Helpline which the Guyana Police Force launched on August 6 is now emerging as a hotline for other pressing issues, but the specialists answering the phones are up to the challenge.

During an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, Caitlin Vieira, addiction specialist and junior psychologist, gave her take on how the complex housing the specialists has been functioning since the launch and the gamut of hotline calls being received.

Vieira said they have found that in most cases the calls to the centre had some element of uniqueness and did not only relate to suicide issues.

According to the specialist, one of the biggest challenges they face is meeting the need for some callers to be temporarily taken out of their distressful environment to facilitate effective counselling.

However, the Guyana Police Force, the lead agency behind the initiative, does not have such a facility and the funds are not readily available to establish a facility for temporary holding of clients in distress.

Vieira cited the case of a pensioner who sought the assistance of the centre and indicated that she was contemplating suicide since her son is an alcoholic and would often abuse her when he is under the influence.

However, counsellors reached out to the woman and took the abusive son away from the home and arranged for him to be kept at a public institution for a few days but subsequently the man returned to his home and the stressful, abusive cycle continued.

REHAB CENTRE The specialist told this publication that there is now dire need for a rehabilitation centre so that persons like the woman’s son can be accommodated until they are fully rehabilitated.

At the moment there is a list of doctors, counsellors, priests, addiction specialists and other professionals working along with the centre, and they are on call

Some of the specialists engaging callers on the phone during our visit on Monday had sought its assistance That matter was resolved should their services be re- through counselling and the in the past. To date there quired. Also on board with situation has since improved. have been more than 1000 the programme is the Legal calls that were received by Vieira noted with conAid Clinic and the Help and fidence that the counsellors the unit and more than 100 Shelter organisation. referrals to resource persons have been handling themDuring the interview Viei- selves exceptionally well who support the work of the ra also spoke of a woman who and the recently trained percentre. has 14 children and was find- sonnel have been exercising Persons desirous of making it very difficult to take care high levels of initiative in ing contact with the centre of them all by herself. She making their interventions for assistance, especially on called the centre to have them a success. suicide issues, please call the assist her through counselling following telephone numand that was immediately bers: (+592) 223-0001, 223DATA COLLECTION done as resource persons were 0009, 600-7896, 623-4444; The department is alsent to her home. or E-mail: guyagency@ ready gathering data from There are cases in which calls received so that it can yahoo.com ;BBM PINS: persons will be asked to visit the focus training in special 2BE55649, 2BE56020; centre or the resource persons areas to achieve an even Twitter: guyanaagency; will go to them. In the case of higher level of counselling WhatsApp: +592-600-7896, the woman with the 14 children, efficiency. The department 592- 623-4444; Facebook: the resource persons had to go also does follow-up work Guyana Interagency Suicide to her since she had no one to through calls to persons who Prevention Help Line look after the children when she is away from home.

Other issues reflected in the calls were cases in which persons contemplated suicide because of health issues, stemming from such situations as uncertainty about their medical diagnoses, wrong-procedure surgeries or cases where illness brings on overwhelming stress.

Vieira also noted that not every call that goes to the centre sees the involvement of a police rank. She pointed out that there was only one reported case so far in which a rank was forced to intervene after a distress call about a man who was holding a child and a woman at gunpoint in a house.

Supervisor of the unit Caitlin Vieira

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday September 3, 2015

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vision, values, personality and is a visual interpretation of ‘Do More’, which is the company’s tagline.

GTT has a base of over 400,000 subscribers and is the only company in Guyana that provides landline, mobile, Internet and wire line services, but it has not changed its brand and logo over the past 24 years.

“We now want to change how we approach our customer. We thought it fit that we start a new era, start with a new brand and start with a new mantra of doing more,” he told reporters at the launch of the logo and rebranding at the Herdmanston Lodge, Peter Rose Street, Queenstown, Georgetown.

Nedd said the company wants customers to also learn more, play more and do more and to facilitate this, it will be providing higher speed broadband.

…rolls out new logo, promises faster internet speed

GT&T rebrands with eye on 4G

By Tajeram Mohabir

THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) yesterday announced the rebranding of the company with focus on “doing more” including ensuring faster Internet speeds and improved customer services.

As part of the rebranding, the telecommunications giant unveiled a new logo and the company will now be referred to as GTT. According to the telecommunications giant, the new logo suggests digital communication, connectivity and constant evolution with a level of modernity, optimism and fun.

Acting GTT Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Nedd said the logo and rebranding together adds new vibrant colours into the mix and will reflect the diversity and spirit of the Guyanese people.

Nedd said in a nutshell, they encompass the brand’s

NEW MINDSET “This is not just a new

look for our company. It’s a new vision and the birth of a new mindset that will be nurtured and given time to blossom,” Nedd added.

He said the company has had an unbelievable year of adding products and services that helped its customers and partners do more in their personal and business lives.

“We will steadfastly add improvements and enhancements to all areas of our business. We have diligently listened to your concerns and though we do not control all the variables, we believe that you will continue to be pleased with our improvements.”

GTT in support of the “do more” mantra had quintuple Internet speed without adjusting prices on its broadband DSL network. This project was

Acting GTT CEO Justin Nedd and new Sales and Marketing Manager Gert Post point to the new company logo (Delano Williams photo)

Acting GTT CEO Justin Nedd making a point at the press briefing.

New Sales and Marketing Manager Gert Post and Public Relations Officer Allison Parker look on (Delano Williams photo)

completed in June.

Aside from this, the company has introduced a better line of Apple Smart phones and data plans and has rolled out MyAccount, allowing customers to get and check the history of their bills online.

In the coming months, GTT will be upgrading their offices, stores and business centres to reflect the new dynamic brand to complement the enhanced services the company provides.

Nedd reported that with the increase in Internet speed, the call centre of the company last month alone was able to attract several thousand new Internet subscribers.

“We are getting about 100,000 calls per month for customer care, and we pushed to improve our call centre because I know that it is something that cus-

tomer demand, so you will see more improvements to that,” he said 4G The GTT CEO also disclosed that the company wants to bring 4G to Guyana but it can only do so when it gets spectrum from the Government.

“We are prepared to do that. We have got all the infrastructure, we have landed a sub-sea cable several years ago, so GTT is the only alternative if you want real high speed throughout the country. I see no reason why you will go anywhere else.”

He said GTT has presented its proposal on spectrum to the Government but it is still under review. He also said that the company has had discussions with the new Administration on the matter.

Currently, Nedd noted

that the company is doing fibre-optic upgrades, enabling customers to get as much speed as they can pay for.

This service is part of the revolution in services being offered by GTT, he said, pointing out that this level of service is not available in some parts of the developed world, including the U.S. and Canada.

“We are committed to improving our wireless presence in some of the rural areas… that’s a cry we hear all the time and we are pushing to improve our wireless coverage throughout the country,” he said.

With the rebranding and the unveiling of the new logo, the company also announced the appointment of Gert Post as its new Sales and Marketing Manager.

Pensioners ever grateful for ‘extra small-piece’ PENSIONERS in Georgetown have expressed satisfaction with the increase in the old age pension, issued by the APNU+AFC Administration, through the 2015 National Budget.

This increase was described as timely, very beneficial, and one which gives the indication that the country is heading in the right direction.

“I think it is timely, although persons say it is small. If you take into consideration the circumstances when this is added up, it will come to millions of dollars,

Lawrence Griffith so I appreciate it very much; it looks like we are heading in the right direction, and I would like to thank the Government,” remarked LAWRENCE GRIFFITH. The Government Information Agency (GINA)

caught up with a few pensioners on Tuesday morning at the Campbellville and Bourda Post Offices, where they were collecting their monies.

Pensioner YVONNE WARD, said that she is very happy with this initiative, since she can now buy more things and make herself a bit more comfortable.

She explained that although things are not all good in Guyana, and the Government just took office, they have provided everyone with “a slice of the cake,” and for this, she is eternally

pension, since it is their only source of income.”

While many were delighted with the increase they received, they could not help but remark upon the latest developments taking place, accommodation-wise, at the various post offices.

It was evident at the Campbellville Post Office, that there was now a designated area, in the form of a Yvonne Ward tent and chairs, for senior grateful.

DENNIS EVANS ex- citizens to sit and relax while plained that the increase goes awaiting their turn to cash a long way for many. “A their vouchers.

Coffee and sandwiches lot of people,” he said, “are are also provided, much to dependent on the old age

the delight of pensioners.

“I have seen a vast improvement to the things that normally go on here; I see coffee and sandwiches being served; I see chairs outside,” said Dennis Evans. “This never used to be; and this is very good for us,” he added.

Over 42,000 pensioners will benefit from a monthly pension of $17, 000, which equates to a 30% increase from its previous amount of $13,125. This is done in line with Government’s vision for a good life for all Guyanese. (GINA)

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Labourer gets two years for robbing ‘sleeping traveller’

ORIN Burnette, 30, of no fixed place of abode, pleaded guilty Tuesday to robbing a sleeping traveller of his boots and cash at the Skeldon Market on Tuesday and was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment by Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court.

Police Sergeant Phillip Sheriff, prosecuting, said

that on the day in question, Dunston Simpson crossed the Corentyne River and was awaiting transportation to continue his journey along the Corentyne Coast but he fell asleep on a stall at the Corriverton Municipal Market.

He awoke suddenly after he felt a hand on his neck and on opening his eyes he saw the defendant and another

man who was armed with a knife.

Burnette pushed his hand into the virtual complainant’s pocket and removed $25,000 and then took away the man’s Air Max sneakers and escaped.

A report was made at the Springlands Police Station and Burnette was subsequently arrested and charged.

Teacher on robberyunder-arms, discharging loaded firearm charges TIMOTHY Sampson appeared Tuesday before City Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer charges related to robbery under arms and discharging a loaded firearm.

The 29-year-old Corentyne teacher was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which detailed that on Wednesday, August 5, at

Number 48 Village Corentyne, being in the company of others and being armed with a gun, he robbed Indranie Singh of $100,000.

Another charge he faces alleged that on the same day, at Number 48 Village Corentyne, he unlawfully and maliciously discharged a loaded firearm at several police ranks in an attempt to

avoid arrest.

Prosecutor Deniro Jones said the defendant had been placed on $40,000 station bail prior to his appearance in court. He objected to the defendant being granted pre-trial liberty because of the seriousness of the charge.

Bail was denied, and the matter was adjourned to September 11.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 3, 2015

Campbellville woman granted $50,000 bail on forgery charge WANDA Hodge, 27, of Campbellville Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was allegedly nabbed with forged US currency to the value of $250 while she was a passenger in motorcar PSS 2927, which was travelling along the Bush Lot road, Corentyne, on August 28 last.

Police on mobile patrol intercepted the heavily tinted vehicle after their suspicion was aroused. There were also four other male occupants in the vehicle who were detained. However, Hodge appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus at the New Amsterdam Court on Tuesday and

she was granted $50,000 bail.

However, she was escorted to the nearby New Amsterdam penitentiary as she was unable to post bail.

The matter was transferred to the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court where it is fixed for hearing on September 15.

Court hears...

Rohee Ramsammy granted bail on currency forgery charge ATLANTIC Ville resident Rohee Ramsammy, called Kishan, recently revisited his Bath Settlement home village and allegedly gave counterfeit US notes to his former neighbour, Danrajne Ramdika.

The virtual complainant, a cash crop farmer, told police that she has known the defendant for many years and trusted him. However, her confidence in him was destroyed after she was told

by a cambio dealer that the US$400 which was given to her by the defendant was forged.

On August 20, Ramdika gave the defendant $80,000 in exchange for the foreign currency he had given her. He had told her that he was desperately in need of the local currency to conduct business.

The virtual complainant subsequently reported the matter at the Blairmont Po-

lice Station and police acting on intelligence arrested Ramsammy.

The accused appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus at the New Amsterdam Court on Tuesday and was not required to plead to the charge of uttering forged currency.

He was granted $80,000 bail and the matter was transferred to the Blairmont Court for September 15 for report and fixture.

Eccles man on causing death, other charges SHAMEER Barker of Lot 212 Youbani Avenue, Eccles, East Bank Demerara appeared Tuesday before city Magistrate, Ann McLennan to answer a series of traffic-related charges, among which was causing death by dangerous driving.

The 24-year-old carpenter attached to the Ministry of Education was not required to plead to the causing-death charge, which was laid indictably. Particulars of that charge stated that on August 12, at Eccles Public Road, he drove motorcar PPP 1354 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Latoya Thompson.

Another charge detailed that on the same day, at the Eccles Public Road, EBD, being the driver of the aforementioned vehicle, Barker failed to take the injured persons to a medical practitioner.

It is also alleged that on the same day, after the ac-

cident involving Orin Whittington and Latoya Thompson had occurred, he failed to stop the vehicle which he was driving.

Moreover, it is alleged that after the accident had occurred, Barker failed to report same to a police station or police constable within 24 hours.

Represented by Attorneys-at-law, Glen Hanoman and Priya Manickchand, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges; and in an effort to secure bail, defence counsel Hanoman told the court that his client panicked when he knew the police were looking for him. “Yesterday, he turned himself over to the police, with both of his attorneys,” Hanoman said.

He maintained that his client does not pose a flight risk, and reiterated that he had willingly turned himself over to the police. Hanoman also related that Barker and his mother have been receiv-

ing death threats.

Counsel caught the attention of the court after revealing that a male wearing a white shirt had been sitting behind Barker’s mother. This caused everyone within the courtroom to turn around and tilt their heads for a few minutes to see to whom the lawyer was referring.

Police prosecutor Dinero Jones successfully opposed bail on grounds of the nature and gravity of the charges Barker faces. The prosecutor also said, the fact that Barker went into hiding clearly shows that, if granted pretrial liberty, he may not return to court for his trial.

Magistrate McLennan advised the defence attorney that if his client was at all being threatened, he should report same to the police. She upheld the prosecutor ’s objection and refused the defendant bail. The matter has been transferred before Magistrate Fabayo Azore, before whom Barker is expected to make his second court appearance on September 16.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 3, 2015

Shotgun, 9mm pistol recovered on day 2 of gun amnesty ONE shotgun and a 9mm pistol were among the main items recovered on day 2 of the government-run firearm amnesty programme.

The two weapons were handed over at police stations in Georgetown at two separate locations.

In addition to the weapons nine matching 9mm rounds and a magazine were also recovered.

However, it was a slow gun-amnesty day as per-

sons countrywide appeared slothful in handing over illegal arms, ammunition and explosives to the police or religious leaders. This is in contrast to the first day when 1,000-odd rounds of AK-47 ammunition were turned in at the Alberttown Police Station.

However, over the river in the police ‘D’ Division, someone turned in an empty 9mm pistol magazine and a pair of handcuffs.

That being done, no other police division recorded any handing over of arms or ammunition as part of the programme which has left the police in “A” Division to record the most submissions since the programme started on September 1.

By late yesterday afternoon, there were no other submissions of any weapons, ammunition or other arms by members of the public.

There has been much talk

about the arms and ammunition amnesty which was put forward by President Granger and the Government and which is being piloted by the Guyana Police Force along with its partners, especially the religious organisations.

While members of the public are giving mixed reactions on the success of the programme, the police are confident that the system will work to some extent in bringing some

illegal weapons off the streets.

The move is being touted as one of several measures that the Government will implement to rid the streets of illegal arms and ammunition and to also reduce the level and instances of gun violence.

Already the People's Progressive Party Civic is on record as saying that the programme will not be effective and that it

will fail. Former Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee told a news conference on Monday that the same persons who were advising the then PPP Administration against going forward with a gun amnesty are the people who are encouraging the current Government to move forward with the programme. The amnesty period runs from September 1 to September 30.

New South Korean envoy presents Letter of Credence

President David Granger and Korea’s non-resident Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency, Maeng Dal Young, in discussion following the accreditation ceremony

KOREA’S non-resident Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency, Maeng Dal Young, says during his tour of duty, a great deal of emphasis will be placed on the expansion of commerce and investment.

This commitment came moments after he presented his Letters of Credence, to Head of State, David Granger, at the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presiden-

cy. “I hope in my small way that I may contribute to the continued stimulation of such an encouraging mood in both Korea and Guyana, resulting in the realisation of a productive partnership between us,” the Ambassador said.

According to a Ministry of the Presidency release, the ambassador added that it is his Government’s vision to develop Korea’s new cooperation projects with

Guyana, since Korea is wellplaced to meet the needs of the Guyanese people. “I look forward to counting on your full support for the smooth and successful fulfilment of my mission as Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Guyana,” the Ambassador told President Granger. With regard to trade, investment and the environment, the Ambassador said there is increased interest in

CJ grants 16 petitioners $9.93M bail – pending determination of their cases ACTING Chief Justice Mr. Ian Chang, S.C., on Friday last granted 17 petitioners bail totalling $10,080,000, pending determination of their respective cases.

Particulars follow: For possession of narcotics, Hubert Bathomalieu was placed on $4,500,000 bail; Roshel Gittens was placed on $450,000 bail; Satish Lall-

beharry, $50,000 bail; Jason Isaacs, $150,000 bail; John Duncan, $450,000 bail; Jullien Cioghein, $20,000 bail; Vanessar Harper, $1,200,000 bail; Lavern Hendricks, $800,000 bail; Angel Smith, $700,000 bail; and Quincy Adams, $250,000 bail.

For the offence of rape, Leroy Smith was placed on $400,000 bail.

For setting fire to a dwell-

ing house, Julie Ross was placed on $60,000 bail.

For break & enter, Anroud Ramprashad was placed on $300,000 bail.

For simple larceny, Yogeshwar Bisnauth was placed on $200,000 bail.

For robbery under arms, Quincy Lam was placed on $200,000 bail.

And for possession of a firearm without a licence, Gary Boucher was placed on $200,000 bail. (George Barclay)

cooperation by both countries. As such, he said that he is optimistic that in time, shared efforts will yield beneficial results.

Ambassador Dal Young also took the opportunity to congratulate President Granger on his appointment to office. Meanwhile, President Granger, as he accepted the Letters of Credence, spoke of the fruitful relations between the two countries, both at the bilateral and multilateral levels. “Our Government, since its assumption to office, has placed increased emphasis on the advancement of economic diplomacy. We therefore welcome all opportunities, including those related to the expansion of commerce and investment,” President Granger said.

However, President

Granger noted that in order to realise the expansion, it is necessary for both countries to utilise the existing 2006 Guyana-Korea Agreement; on the Promotion and Protection of investments. President Granger also applauded, the Korean Republic Government for the technical assistance offered by the Korea International Co-operation Agency, under which Guyanese have benefited from scholarships. “It is our hope that this area of cooperation can be strengthened, to further our mutual development in the areas of common interest,” the President said. Guyana and the Republic of Korea have a long-standing history of good relations, dating back to October 1962.

10

Fear grows over missing Kaieteur tourist AUTHORITIES here have intensified their search for a tourist who disappeared during a visit to the Kaieteur National Park on Tuesday.

Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud yesterday reported that a party of policemen, along with Kaieteur National Park rangers and Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) officers are searching the area for Dr Gyaneshwarie Sivinand, who went missing while on an expedition to the Falls.

Chief of Staff Mark Phil-

lips told this publication that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is coordinating the search while the GDF is monitoring the situation and is on standby to assist. The Department of Natural Resources at the Ministry of the Presidency said the Government is committed to the search operation.

Dr Sivinand, who is said to be 40 years old, an environmentalist of a conservation group, was reported missing when the tour guide was distributing chits for

snacks during the tour.

Reports indicated that the doctor was observed crying during the tour and disappeared unnoticed even though she had visited the location several times to conduct research. She was expected to leave Guyana by the end of this week for Miami. The Department of the Environment on Tuesday night announced that all activities and visits to the Kaieteur Falls National Park had been cancelled as official search crews moved into the

area.

Dr Sivinand was part of a group of persons on a tour, organised by a local tour operator Air Services Limited.

Hon. Minister Noel Holder handing over young trees to Town Clerk Royston King at the National Tree Planting Day Launch

board with the initiative, not because of the environmental contribution which the country stands to benefit, but the fact that it can reduce energy consumption for air conditioning and making heat less oppressive. “Tree planting also fosters community spirit and pride, bringing people together for a meaningful purpose that can build bridges and promote the understanding that brings communities together,” the minister added.

As trees grow, they contribute to reducing climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the air, storing

carbon in the trees and soil, and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Town Clerk, Mayor and City Council Mr. Royston King while speaking of the importance of promoting a green economy, made a commitment to the initiative on behalf of the local community. He called for more public education to raise awareness of the importance such an event can have on an economy.

Meanwhile, the benefits of trees and the need to also care for them were highlighted by Chief Executive Officer, NAREI, Dr. Oudho Homenauth. Dr. Home-

Defects to sections of rehabilitated EBB road to be corrected

Missing tourist: Dr Gyaneshwarie Sivinand

Agri Ministry launches National Tree Planting Day initiative IN an effect to promote a green economy, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder Wednesday morning officially launched the National Tree Planting Day initiative, in the Ministry of Agriculture Boardroom.

The event which was held under the theme, “Plant a Tree for a Green Economy” is on the ministry’s calendar of activities for Agriculture Month 2015.

According to a release from the ministry it will focus on greening the economy with the aim of winning the battle against environmental degradation and economic decline through planting trees. “The Government of Guyana has decided as a general policy to promote the development of a Green Economy as such, October 3rd 2015 will be designated as National Tree Planting day to promote a green environment in Guyana. The exercise will be spearheaded by His Excellency Brigadier (ret’d) David Granger,” he said.

Alluding to the importance trees play in climate change, the minister stated that every tree planted is another step forward in the country’s battle to save the planet. He echoed the called for society to have a change in its mind set and come on

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 3, 2015

nauth added that while the event will be formally launched on Saturday October 3 in Bartica, Region 7, President Granger, the ministry will commence working with schools, NDCs, youth groups and farmers which are also target groups. Throughout the initiative, the Ministry of Agriculture is committed to planting 150,000 fruit trees, but hopes to have this increased to 500,000 by the end of 2015. The Mayor and City Council of Georgetown will be planting 1000 trees within the municipality.

Minister Patterson meeting with officials of his ministry and the contractor

CONTRACTOR of the East Bank Berbice (EBB) road, H. Nauth and Sons, has committed to correcting all defective works to 12 kilometers road before officially handing over the project to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI).

The contracting company was hired to resurface 12 kilometers of the road – between Everton and Mara.

The ministry said in a release that a review meeting held on Wednesday at the ministry with David Patterson, Minister of Public Infrastructure and the Technical staff from the Works Services Group, Jerry Loochan, General Manager of H. Nauth and Sons informed the mMinister that remedial works will commence on September 9, 2015. Inspection done on August 26 by the Ministry’s Internal Auditors found that sections of the road have a finished surface

that did not meet the specifications, debris were very visible in wearing course, which resulted in holes emerging on the road surface, noticeable was also vegetation growing through the road and hairline cracks which clearly indicate that the base material still has vegetable soil.

Furthermore, the compaction test of the thoroughfare will be re-evaluated by the ministry’s laboratory. H. Nauth Company will be executing some independent density test as well. To this end, a technical team from the Ministry will accompany the Contractor to inspect all defects with the aim of conducting a detailed assessment of the corrective works needed to bring the project within the specifications and standard as per contract. The road project cost GY $393.9M. Work commenced in November 2014 and was completed in June.

PPP bats for return of $10,000 cash grant ON the heels of Education Month, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) calls for the return of the $10,000 Education cash grant and the annual budgetary allocation for the University of Guyana’s Student Loan Scheme.

The former administration said that the new Administration’s “arbitrary” elimination of the cash grant has not escaped their attention nor has Government’s move to not fund the University of Guyana for the new academic year. “This grant along with other visionary initiatives implemented by the PPP/Civic Government, including the School Uniform Voucher and the National School Feeding Programmes, has proven to be instrumental in improving attendance,” said the party in

a statement.

“The PPP/C believes if the Granger Administration wants to truly achieve this year’s theme of “Quality Education Leadership: Improving Schools from Within”, then it must create the right environment,” the statement continued.

Mere days ago during the 2015 budget presentation, Education Minister, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine assured citizens that the money that was once used to fund the cash grant programme will be “redirected” towards widening of the school- feeding programme, among other enhancements. “I wish to say that the funds will be redirected into the increase of the uniform voucher programme and the widening of the school-feeding pro-

Turn to page 11 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 3, 2015

BIT churns out 41 new grads MINISTER of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence yesterday urged parents to support their children in every step of the way, insisting that the saying “from the womb to the tomb” is still relevant.

Lawrence made the call while addressing a graduation ceremony for some 41 persons who completed various courses under the Board of Industrial Training (BIT)’s National training project for youth empowerment. The graduation was for Region (Demerara/Mahaica) which saw 41 persons graduating after six months of training in catering, welding, fabrication and also Information Technology.

After noticing that there was a lack of parental support at the ceremony held at the Eccles Youth Skills and Information Technology Training Centre, East Bank Demerara, the minister issued the call for more support from parents as they play a key part in the future of their child/children. She underscored that the fact that the youths took a decision not to stay home, but do something beneficial is enough to have brought their parents out at the graduation.

Lawrence nevertheless, encouraged the graduates to

move forward with their skills and not be bogged down by the lack of CSEC or University of Guyana certification.

She also urged the graduates to contribute to the growth of the economy, given the fact that knowing a skill empowers and allows them to participate as equally as academically inclined persons when it comes to this.

“A skill is one of the defining elements in our country’s growth, therefore, a relationship ought to be developed between educational, skills and employment… work can’t be done unless there is skilled people,” said Minister Lawrence. Additionally, the minister said she will be reviewing the training opportunities being offered by BIT so that more areas could be added and more persons could be trained in various fields. Meanwhile, the trainers for the various disciplines spoke about their challenges and also the satisfaction in imparting their knowledge to the graduates. Graduates also shared their experiences, with some noting that it was not easy, but they learnt a lot given the fact that some of them did not even want to pursue the field they practiced.

According to BIT’s

Graduates posing for a photo with the Minister and other officials of the BIT

Technical Officer, Richard Maughn the programme has been in existence for many years with a large number of persons benefiting from it.

Minister Volda Lawrence addressing the audience

PPP bats for return of...

gramme,’’ said the minister, while adding that, “the large school buses have to come back,’’ citing the dangers and expensive travelling in the current buses.

Government has criticised the education cash grant initiated under the previous Administration as political gimmickry. Many felt that the programme should have been tied to student performance, with the focus being on building strong paren-

tal involvement in children’s education, which would more likely have yielded value for the money invested.

In regard to the UG loan subvention, Finance Minister Winston Jordon at a recent post-cabinet press briefing defended Government’s position on not providing the University with any subvention for the year. $1B that was accumulated in the revolving fund, said Jordon, will be sufficient to fund the

From page 10

loan programme for the year.

In a nutshell, Jordon meant that the University is now able to fund itself for the new academic year. At the launch of Education month on Tuesday, Dr. Roopnaraine reiterated that the Ministry of Education, under his authority, will continue to better those programmes that were once implemented by the former Administration and discontinue those that are not fit.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 3, 2015

Guyana accredits new Ambassador for Greece

PRESIDENT David Granger said his Administration, on behalf of all Guyana, stands ready and willing to work assiduously with the Hellenic Republic (Greece) and its other international partners for the development and attainment of common goals.

The President made these remarks after the Ambassador of Greece, to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Nikolaos Kotrokois, presented his Letters of Credence at the Ministry of the Presidency yesterday.

Ambassador Kotrokois spoke of his country’s com-

mitment in the area of trade and economic cooperation.

The Ambassador told President Granger of his Government’s plan to work with Guyana in other areas, including, tourism, new technologies, agriculture and maritime trade.

“I do believe that explor-

The new Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic (Greece) to Guyana, His Excellency, Nikolaos Kotrokois, laying a wreath at the Independence Monument following his accreditation ceremony Wednesday morning

ing possibilities of cooperation in the above sectors can produce good results for mutual benefit of our countries and peoples,” the Ambassador said.

President Granger, in his remarks, said his Administration sees the appointment as a testament of the Government of Greece’s commitment toward the deepening the bilateral and multilateral engagement between the two countries. Reflecting on Guyana and Greece’s bilateral relations, which dates back to 1979, President Granger said there is much scope for enhanced relations at the bilateral level.

In this regard, President Granger said his Administration, on behalf of all Guyana, stands ready and willing to

work assiduously with Greece and its other international partners for the development and attainment of common goals.

“Greece’s commitment to enhance relations at both the multilateral and bilateral levels is therefore most welcome and appreciated,” the President said. Further, the President reaffirmed that Guyana shares Greece’s support for a viable sustainable development agenda and in addition, has actively participated in the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to reach an equitable outcome at the forthcoming UNFCCC Paris Conference in December 2015.

President Granger added

that Guyana is also unreservedly committed to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. These principles, his Administration “views as sacrosanct. The obligation of all UN member states to settle their international disputes by peaceful means and to refrain in their international relations from the threat or the use of force, against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state”.

In addition, President Granger wished the Ambassador a successful tour of duty, stating, that it his hope that the appointment will serve as a catalyst for enhanced cooperation and strengthened bilateral relations between the two countries.

First Lady hosts fetes participants of Social Cohesion roundtable

President David Granger and First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger with participants of the roundtable

PARTICIPANTS of the Ministry of Social Cohesion’s roundtable attended a luncheon with President David Granger and First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger at State House on Wednesday.

The grand roundtable event will open tomorrow with cultural presentations, an address by President David Granger, as well as

remarks from Sir Shridath Ramphal, representatives from the Commonwealth, the UNDP and the British High Commission. More than 50 local organisations, including inter religious bodies, Human Rights organisations, cultural groups, the Private Sector, representatives from all 10 regions, and civil society are expect-

ed to take part in the roundtable. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the British High Commission, Georgetown; have together offered to fully finance the Ministry of Social Cohesion’s National Roundtable event while International Facilitators will guide the crafting of five year strategic plan.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 3, 2015

U.S. offers oil and gas policy support to Guyana UNITED States State Department Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Energy Diplomacy, Robin Dunnigan on Wednesday met with Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman and Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson to discuss possible areas of collaboration for the development of the energy sector in Guyana.

The meeting, which took place at the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Boardroom on Brickdam, included Minister Patterson, Advisor on Sustainable Development at the Department, Clayton Hall, Senior Energy Advisor at the U.S. State Department, Daniel Birns, James Bjorkman, Political and Economic Counselor at the U.S. Embassy, Frisco McDonald, Economic and Political Counselor, U.S. Embassy and Theresa Game, Technical Officer at the NRE. Ms. Dunnigan said that the United States is interested in pushing sustainable energy programmes and initiatives

(From Left) Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson; U.S Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary; Robin Dunnigan and Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman

especially in the Caribbean. This is as she pointed out Guyana’s potential to push green energy initiatives which can benefit the country and the Caribbean at large. To this end, she invited the minister and his team for a visit in the United States where they will be introduced to the various sustainable energy

enterprises which are present there.

“We want to put together a range of experts for you from the oil and gas side to electricity grid operators… you can increase access in parts of the country which do not have and you can create a wider grid. You are going to have a huge agenda, so please

think of us as a resource. I’d like to think that we have a lot of common interest and we can create a sustainable path to energy conservation,” Dunnigan told the ministers.

Minister Trotman, in expressing thanks to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for reaching out to the Government of Guyana, said that it was in

the country’s national interest for alternative energy initiatives to be pursued. “We thank your Government for looking at our needs… It is in our national interest to delink and to spread out to the other alternatives. We have squandered the opportunities in the past but we need to pursue other avenues,” Minister Trotman expressed.

Minister David Patterson also expressed similar sentiments as he noted that the Government of Guyana is committed to seeing Hydropower stations and alternative energy initiatives set up in the country so that citizens can benefit. He said that Guyana possesses the natural resources and therefore it should be fully utilised. In the meantime, Minister Trotman disclosed that the Government has taken the decision to upgrade the Upstream Gas and Oil Policy which was crafted some two years ago.

To this end, he said that the Government has invited the Commonwealth, which had helped in crafting the Policy to return to the country for it to be upgraded. This team is scheduled to return to

Guyana in November in this year for the new policy to be drafted and if legislative measures are needed, then these will be crafted. It envisions a strong, vibrant, and sustainable Private Sector-driven oil and gas industry, which will contribute significantly to Guyana’s socio-economic development.

The policy document represents Guyana’s first attempt at setting out specific policy objectives and implementation measures for the exploration and potential development of upstream oil and gas resources found here. The Upstream Gas and Oil Policy was developed by the then Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, with technical assistance from the Governance and Natural Resources Advisory Services Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Work on the Policy started in 2012. The Policy was finalised and approved in the third quarter of 2014.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

Canadian writes book on volunteering experience in Guyana AFTER decades of volunteerism and harbouring a dream close to her heart, Canadian Nicolette Smith finally made it to Guyana.

The retired physiotherapist has now turned her experiences volunteering with disabled children in the South American country into a book of essays.

“I think I was born to be a volunteer,” she said.

“When a door opens, I go find out what’s behind it.”

Smith had dreamed of helping people in Guyana since her early 20s.

Growing up in England, she and her husband, Martin Smith, immigrated to Canada in the 1970s and lived in different parts of Ontario while raising three children. The couple moved to Penetanguishene in 2009.

As a physiotherapist, Smith spent most of her career working in geriatric and palliative care, but later switched to pediatrics.

“Switching in my 50s to pediatrics was like a whole new career for me. Just amazing stuff,” she said.

After retiring, she signed up with British-based Voluntary Service Overseas for a two-year stint working for Hopeful

Steps, a community-based rehabilitation programme in Guyana.

Smith’s book of essays, “Hopeful Steps”, is named after the group for which she gave lectures on topics such as the importance of parents playing with their children.

One mother, she said, thanked her for helping her feel less guilty for playing with her child when she could have been doing chores.

Changing the attitude of even a few mothers made the whole experience worth it, said Smith, who also trained nurses to identify and implement treatment for disabled children.

“Accessibility for children with disabilities is a huge problem (in Guyana),” she said, noting there are few main roads and not all people who need special mobility equipment have what they need to get around.

Smith’s husband, who accompanied her just for the experience, wound up helping with this. An aeronautics engineer by trade, he helped fix equipment at the children’s rehabilitation hospital and built special-

ised furniture for those who needed it.

Her book, the beginnings of which she devel-

oped in Askennonia Seniors Centre’s “Let’s Write” class, also explores being a minority in Guyana as a

Caucasian woman and some of the inspiring people she met along the way.

“It’s far more reward-

ing to volunteer than to not volunteer. You get so much out of it,” she said.

(Simcoe.com)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 3, 2015

HINDS'SIGHT

The PPP and three news stories: are these people for real?

THREE news items caught my attention over the last 24 hours. The first was the reported meeting between the President and the Opposition Leader. It shows statesmanship on the part of Mr. Granger in inviting Mr. Jagdeo for that exchange. The Opposition Leader is part of Government and should always be engaged—I would urge that that be done statutorily. One of the deformities of our adopted Westminster system is the ridiculous extent to which the Opposition is shut out of Government.

But that’s a discussion for

another day.

What caught my attention in the report of the meeting was the Opposition Leader’s declaration that the PPP may not be attending Thursday’s Roundtable on Social Cohesion. Read that “may” to mean that they would not be there.

My goodness! Your opposite number has just reached out to you in the spirit of inclusivity and you use the occasion to announce that your party would not attend a meeting aimed at addressing national reconciliation. The PPP can’t be serious.

This is the same PPP that in another news story calls for a “national debate” on the role

of the state media. Well Well!

Here is the party declining to be part of a national event on reconciliation and cohesion but calling for a national debate on the role of the media. One can only conclude that the PPP has no interest in social cohesion.

How sad!

Many observers have over the years questioned whether the PPP has ever been serious about mending our country together as a diverse society with a common purpose. This latest refusal by the PPP to engage in the roundtable feeds that suspicion. According to the media report, Mr. Jagdeo did not give any reason for

the PPP’s non-attendance. The country awaits the reason or reasons. My own view is that this is part of the wider PPP praxis of disengagement and destabilisation that is bound to have a negative effect on the political process.

But let’s get back to the request for a national debate on the role of the State media.

Clearly by public debate Mr. Rohee means that the PPP should be involved. Of course there should be such a discussion—there should always be such a discussion and the PPP should always be part of that discussion. But I have to ask—where were Mr. Rohee and the PPP for 23 long years?

This group held power all these years and never thought it fit to have such a discussion or to include the then Opposition in any meaningful way in the discussion of national issues.

Do they only know of democracy when in Opposition? The answer is a resounding YES. In a rather clumsy way, by schooling the Government on how to govern democratically, the PPP is admitting to its own undemocratic governance Then we come to anoth-

er PPP shocker. The party has written to the newspapers complaining about insufficient coverage of the party’s press releases. Fair enough. A party has a right to make such complaints. And I have to say that our news entities tend to be discriminatory in what they deem to be news. And in the process all parties suffer. I have had cause on several occasions to write to our newspapers to complain about such discrimination. So the PPP is in order.

But this is the aspect of the PPP’s complaint that is unbelievable to sane people. The PPP is quoted as saying that of the 30 press releases it issued over a two-month period, “the Guyana Times carried 19, the Guyana Chronicle carried 10, the Kaieteur News carried eight and the Stabroek News carried seven.” The Guyana Times is expected to carry that many; that paper is the PPP’s mouthpiece. I am surprised that they did not carry all. The Chronicle carried 10, which may be too few.

But this is the PPP we are talking about. I would bet that when that party was in power, the Chronicle did not

carry 10 PNC or AFC or WPA press releases in 10 months.

Insofar as the Chronicle was permitted to carry anything about those parties, they were opinions that attacked them in the meanest ways. I am arguing that the fact that the Chronicle carried one-third of the PPP’s press releases in a two-month period is a reflection of a revolution in the State-media. Mr. Rohee and the PPP should be congratulating the Chronicle rather than criticising it.

They say that politics is a game; that politicians are shameless. This PPP is giving strong credence to that formulation by the day. As the young people would ask—are these people for real?

Dr. David Hinds is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Caribbean and African Diaspora Studies at Arizona State University. More of his writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.com. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com

Latin American Caribbean Carbon Forum to prep countries for COP21 THE Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the Government of Chile will host the 9th Latin American and Caribbean Carbon Forum (LACCF 2015) in Santiago de Chile from September 9-11.

The conference will cover the latest developments in market-based mechanisms to address climate change, carbon trading, climate finance, and low-emission development, the IDB said in a release.

Coming just months before the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, where countries are to adopt a new, universal climate agreement, the LACCF 2015 is an important opportunity for private and public-sector representatives to leverage market and finance opportunities for ambitious and effective climate action in the region.

“As countries are busy preparing and making public their intended contributions to a new universal climate change agreement to be adopted in Paris in December, the Forum offers a golden opportunity to explore the use of market-based mechanisms and approaches to increase emission reduction ambition and stimulate sustainable development now and over the years and

decades to come,” said Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, a co-organizer of LACCF 2015.

An effective response to climate change requires strong interlinkages between politics, finance, technology and execution strategies. Thus, the threeday event will cover the latest in climate policy, low carbon technology solutions, carbon pricing and climate finance options throughout 8 plenaries,12 thematic workshops and 4 side events.

Different mechanisms and sources that help to support low carbon development goals, provide access to climate finance, and to promote innovation and policies addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation will be discussed. Participants will also explore ways to leverage and scale up private investment in the region and business leaders will learn how to incorporate environmental considerations into their business planning while preparing for future “clean” opportunities.

Furthermore, since achieving clean development requires building the capacity in the public and private sectors to identify, adapt and deploy the most appropri-

ate low carbon technologies, renowned climate change experts from both sectors will highlight the importance of innovation in the energy sector, Climate Smart Agriculture & land use, and transport, among others. As momentum grows for transition to carbon neutral economies, this year’s regional carbon forum will also show how individuals, governments and the private sector can spur action through offsetting, featuring achievements of Latin American carbon offset projects, and showcase the experience of those who are already helping to create a climate resilient future. This conference is jointly organised by the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the World Bank Group, the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE), the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the UNEP DTU Partnership, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and CAF -Development Bank of Latin America (CAF).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 3, 2015

10 visually impaired students enrolled at UG, CPCE

Top performers: From left (sitting) Ganesh Singh, Project Coordinator of the Guyana Society for the Blind; last year’s top performer Rosemary Ramitt, this year’s top performer Alwyn Adams and a part-time tutor at the Blind Society. Standing from left: Nurse McDonald from the Heaven’s Care Home along with the visually impaired students who sat this year’s CSEC examinations

TEN visually impaired students who were successful at the recent Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations this year and last year, are now enrolled at tertiary institutions, defying society’s expectations of those with disabilities.

Eight students are enrolled at the University of Guyana (UG) pursuing studies in Social Work and Communications studies. Two students are now being trained to become teachers at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).

The students were honoured yesterday at a simple award ceremony sponsored

by Heaven’s Care Home, a centre for the elderly.

The students who scored Grades One and Two received trophies and medals.

Top performer Alwyn Adams, who hails from Stewartville on the West Coast of Demerara was upbeat after receiving his trophy. He secured three Grade One passes in Principles of Business, Office Administration and English ‘A,’ while earning Grade Two passes in Human and Social Biology (HSB) and Social Studies.

The 36-year-old suffers from an inherited condition of ‘Retinitis Pigmentosa’, which causes a gradual breakdown and loss of cells in the retina.

He hopes to have his own transportation business in the near future, given the “absurdity” of the public transportation system in Guyana.

He had hoped to study Business Administration at the University of Guyana, but because of the unavailability of resources to sit Mathemat-

ics at CSEC, he decided to pursue studies in Social Work instead.

Resources for Mathematics Project Coordinator of the Guyana Society for the Blind Ganesh Singh, told this publication that he will be discussing with officials at the Ministry of Education, the possibilities for resources so that the new batch of visually impaired students can sit Mathematics come May/June next year.

Serving as a teacher for most of her life, 41-yearold Guillian Layne secured the second best position at this year’s CSEC examinations from the Blind Society.

Layne, a mother of three, currently works as a teacher. She secured Grade One passes in Principles of Business, Office Administration and English ‘A,’ in addition to a Grade Two pass in Social Studies.

Layne, unlike the others will be returning to CPCE where she once studied Early Childhood Education but was unable to complete the programme since the lecturers felt she was not suited at the time.

Despite being labelled as having a “learning disability,” 18-year-old Ceion Rollox was also among the top performers, securing Grade One passes in Principles of Business and Social Studies, Grade Two passes in Office Administration and English ‘A’, and a Grade Three pass in Human and Social Biology.

Born with cataract, Rollox aspires to be engaged in the field of Journalism one day. He is registered for a Degree in Communication Studies at the University of

Guyana.

Last year, for the first time ever, the Guyana Society for the Blind recorded tremendous success at the CSEC examination, as its student Rosemary Ramitt secured five Grade One passes in all five subjects, followed by Odessa Blair, who secured five Grade Two passes.

Ramitt who acted as a substitute tutor for the second batch, is in her second year at CPCE pursuing studies in English/Literature and has recorded even more tremendous success as she managed to obtain Grades ‘A’ and ‘B’ passes in her first year. Blair is also in her second year pursuing studies in Social Work at the University of Guyana.

A determined Singh said

Rosemary Ramitt, last year’s top CSEC performer from the Guyana Society for the Blind

that though the pass rate has dropped from that of last year’s 84 per cent, come the new batch, the society will implement strict measures so as to avoid another reduction in the pass rate.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday September 3, 2015

Chaos mars CARIFESTA closing ceremony --causes Barbados delegation to leave post-haste

By Ravin Singh

CONFUSION reigned Sunday evening as thousands of Haitians converged on an already filled to overflowing Place Occide Jeanty, preferred venue for all major cultural events, in down-town Port-au-Prince to witness the spectacular closing of the 12th edition of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA).

The venue, which was where the opening ceremony of the 11- day event was also held, had already proven itself to be limited in terms of seating capacity, given that thousands of Haitians were forced to line streets in its environs, only to enjoy what they could hear but not see.

A scheduled 18:00hrs start, as expected, was shifted to 19:15hrs, with the semi-stadium-like structure almost filled to capacity at this time.

The Guyanese delegation was escorted by heavily-armed security and protocol officers to their seats, a mere arm’s length away from the Barbadian delegation.

CIMO officers, as members of Haiti’s Special Forces are called, acted as human barricade to prevent locals from occupying neighbouring

Haiti’s President Michel Martelly (third left) handing over the CARIFESTA baton to Barbados’ Minister of Culture, Stephen Lashley at the closing ceremony (Photo courtesy CARIFESTA Website) space where officials from other countries were slated to be seated.

The start of the closing ceremony succeeded in painting a picture of a Haitian cultural show rather than a Caribbean one, since the performances were entirely centered on Haitian culture, via the performing arts.

TENSION FLARES Midway through the programme, however, tension escalated when hundreds of Haitians began infiltrating the

compound, which was by then bursting at its seams, having already exceeded its seating capacity of 4000 – 5000, and standing room for just 2000.

Several minor fights broke out between security personnel and Haitians, with the latter gaining the upper hand, and forcing themselves to sit in places reserved for visiting delegations.

At this point, several countries, among them 2017’s host country Barbados, and Antigua and Barbuda hurriedly exited the

compound under the watchful eyes of armed security, and police and protocol officers.

Guyana would leave not too long after this.

Three Barbadian women, who were inadvertently left behind, were eventually forced to stand, due to the limited space which was now entirely occupied by locals. They were overheard expressing fear at the situation, which was fast becoming out of control.

Some members of the Guyanese delegation, too, were

forced to stand to facilitate Haitians, since the segregation between the locals and the officials had been eroded.

Fear in the minds of Guyanese had mounted, given that a few members were robbed at the same venue, following the opening ceremony.

SHOW GOES ON Nevertheless, the show went on, with participating countries finally being given the opportunity to form part of the evening’s programme of events.

A Haitian dance group, ‘Dance for life’, nailed it with their semi hip-hop, breakdance and acrobatic styles of dancing. Their transition to Haitian music from instrumentals was so expertly done, it brought the crowd to its feet.

Performances were also done in song by a St. Lucia group; a Dominican who performed a song in Dominican Creole; a Belezian dancer who did a skillful ‘Ostrich Dance’; Jamaican dancing to the popular Bob Marley tune, “No woman No Cry”; and another Jamaican number titled, ‘Revolution’.

An Indian dance piece from Guyana failed to win over the thousands in attendance, as had happened in the preceding days.

Though beautiful in pre-

sentation, the fireworks which complemented the show had embarrassingly forced persons to seek cover, since people were burnt from the falling flames and the cardboard caps of the fireworks after they had exploded.

Media persons, too, had been omitted from the planning since there was no selected space to facilitate them. But contrary to this view, which was held by most of the officials forming part of the delegations, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister of Barbados, Stephen Lashley had praised the efforts of Haiti, which rightly deserved some form of acknowledgement.

Lashley, who received the CARIFESTA baton, proudly welcomed the Caribbean to Barbados come 2017, where he said, the country will be gifted the opportunity to show the region its capabilities.

Michel Martelly, Haiti’s President, too, had praised the efforts of his countrymen and women for composing themselves during the 11- day event.

To this end, he underscored the importance of CARIFESTA to the development of Haiti and CARICOM’s aim of further integrating the Region.

The curtains were then brought down on the event, following a performances by Barbados and a Haitian band.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday September 3, 2015

Potholes a nuisance to Lama Avenue residents

By Shirley Thomas

WHAT would be your reaction if, each time that a motor vehicle passes your way, lands in a pothole filled with water, and the vibration shakes the foundation of your home or office?

Frankly, this is what has been experienced for the last several months by some occupants on Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, east of Vlissengen Road.

By now the pain and anxiety being experienced by the management and staff of

Motor vehicles making a painful navigation to get past the holes on Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park

EMPRETEC and a sewing factory on the opposite side of the road, have become unbearable.

At the moment, there are three pot holes, in close proximity – one crater-like, in the middle of the road, and two others, practically on a bridge to one of the entrances to EMPRETEC. When the large hole is filled with rainwater, motorists cannot easily determine the depth of the hole, and so they drive onto the bridge to escape the jerk. Eventually, two smaller potholes were formed at one of the entrances

The three holes outside EMPRETEC and the garment factory traffic daily riding over it. to the building.

It would appear that the foundation of the bridge is tied into the foundation of the fence, so that in the rainy weather, each time a vehicle drives onto the bridge, the building experiences tremor, weakening the foundation over time.

Notwithstanding, a portion of the bridge is now badly broken from the pressure of

The affected residents are appealing to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to move to have this matter addressed and the holes filled soonest.

Moreover, they are asking that a speed hump be placed on the corner, a few metres away, since vehicles usually drive around the bend at a fast rate, which can be dangerous to property, life and limb.

Aishalton woman dies after eating undercooked cassava

By Shirley Thomas

AN Aishalton woman has died after reportedly eating undercooked cassava from a traditional Amerindian “Toma” pot.

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has confirmed the death of Pauline Thomas, who, along with her husband, was admitted to the hospital a week ago with symptoms of suspected food poisoning. The woman succumbed last Friday while her husband, Cosmos Thomas, remains in a critical condition.

The couple was air-dashed to the city after having eaten a meal of Kadakura, also known as ‘Toma’ (Amerindian form of pepperpot.)

Investigations revealed that the dish, made from the ‘cassava water’ extracted from the freshly grated cassava root, might have been undercooked and contained toxins from the starch.

This is dangerous, since bitter cassava contains cyanogenic glycosides- a group of chemical compounds with a capacity to produce hydrogen cyanide. It could mean that the cyanide level in the meal might have exceeded the limit the couple’s bodies were able to detoxify, medical sources say.

It is for this reason that food products made utilising by-products of bitter cassava should be thoroughly cooked before being eaten.

Cassava casareep which is made from the same juice extracted from the bitter cassava, also needs to be thoroughly boiled and brought down to a thick consistency before the product can be considered safe for human consumption. Faced as we are with a severe shortage of bitter cassava locally, there is a tendency for some persons preparing the cassava casareep to attempt to shorten the cooking process. This is because, the longer the casareep is cooked, it tends to ‘boil down’ and become considerably reduced in quantity. Therefore, thin and runny casareep are signs of undercooking.

SYMPTOMS OF CYANIDE POISONING The clinical signs of acute cyanide intoxication include: rapid respiration, drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, dizziness, headache, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, mental confusion, twitching and convulsions. Death due to cyanide poisoning can occur when the cyanide level exceeds the limit an individual is able to detoxify. The acute lethal dose of hydrogen cyanide for humans is reported to be 0.5 to 3.5 mg per kilogram of body weight. Children are particularly at risk because of their smaller body size.

Chronic cyanide intoxication may lead to the development of certain conditions including disturbance of thyroid function and neurological disorders. It tends to affect those individuals who have regular long-term consumption of cassava with poor nutrition status.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 3, 2015

Zorg holds first Village Day celebration THE village of Zorg, south of the Essequibo Coast last weekend held its first annual Village Day celebrations under the theme "One people, One village, Celebrating in unity".

The celebrations, which began on Saturday, brought villagers together in an atmosphere of love, peace, togetherness and brotherhood.

The day’s activities began with a fitness walk, with villagers walking around the village twice under a unity banner. This was followed by an interfaith service, involving the three main religions.

Region 2 Chairman, Mr Devanand Ramdatt, delivered the feature address at the main event.

The chairman said the village day activity which is held in memory of the late Clive Gobin will become an annual event.

The late Gobin was a very active member in the community who unfortunately died from cancer last year.

The chairman said the idea for a village day came from Gobin who also played a very important role in developing the sport facility at Zorg.

Mr Ramdatt said the vil-

Residents of Zorg in a fitness walk on the opening of their Village Day activities on Saturday Children on a walk around Zorg village

lage of Zorg has a lot of young persons and he urged them to help in the transformation of the community.

After the chairman's address, the first-day activities continued with the finals of the Clive Gobin hard ball competition on the Zorg sports ground.

The activity was followed

by a tape ball competition.

Other activities during the day included a domino competition, Zorg princess pageant competition for girls under two, a talk on the history of the village, and storytelling by village elders.

On Sunday, the activities continued with a village run

Residents at the Zorg Village Day celebrations

Turn to page 22 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 3, 2015

with Clestine Juan

New Amsterdamer remanded

– for alleged carjacking

TRAVIS Nicolas of Lot 60 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice has been charged and remanded until September 8 for an alleged armed carjacking of a motor car in Campbellville, here in the city.

He is the second person to be charged for this offence, and according to the details, on August 23, at Campbellville, whilst in the company of others, and whilst being armed with a gun, he robbed Mervin Persaud of a Toyota Premio motor car valued $2M, and a Blackberry cellular phone valued $10,000.

The defendant appeared before City Magistrate Ann McLennan on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to the offence.

Also charged with theft of the same vehicle was 43-year-old businessman, Linden Hodge of 63 Cross S t r e e t , We r k - e n - R u s t , Georgetown. He appeared in court on Monday and was remanded to prison.

Attorney-at-law Folio Richards, representing Nicolas, explained that her client was the passenger of a motor car which was pulled over by the police. She said the driver abandoned the vehi-

cle and ran away, leaving Nicolas in the proverbial hot water.

The lawyer said the police had not found any weapon on her client, and that he had been detained by the lawmen beyond the 72-hour limit.

Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones objected to bail on the grounds of the gravity of the offence, and penalty attached thereto.

The court was told that the car was recovered on the East Bank of Demerara, and that the police were still conducting investigations into the matter.

Barbadian charged, remanded for overstaying time BARBADIAN national Kevin DaCosta Pilgrim, 36, of Tuschen New Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, was on Monday charged for overstaying his time in Guyana by over three years when he appeared before City Magistrate, Ann McLennan.

He was arraigned on the charge that, having been permitted to stay in Guyana from April 10, 2012 to October 11, 2012, he failed to comply with the conditions under which his permit had been granted, and overstayed

the time allotted.

Attorney-at-law Melville Duke, representing Pilgrim, said his client had entered Guyana illegally in 2012, and has since been seeking legal status, notwithstanding his being the holder of a TIN certificate, his having applied at GECOM for an identification card, and his being granted one during the election season.

Duke revealed that his client was in a relationship with a Guyanese national who is two months pregnant for him, and that they are

in the process of getting married, which would automatically make Pilgrim a Guyanese national.

Police Prosecutor, Deniro Jones said Pilgrim did not comply with the laws and regulations of Guyana, but the lawyer continued to corrupt the mind of the court with fairy tale stories.

The Barbadian national was refused bail and remanded to prison until September 12, when he is scheduled to make his next court appearance at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 3, 2015

Nephi Luther murder case...

Accused further remanded – police file incomplete AFTER almost one month of investigation, the police are yet to complete the file and ballistics report for the gun that was allegedly used to kill transgender sex worker, Nephi Noel Luther.

Ron ‘Andel’ Forde, 37, of Lot 31 Rahaman’s Park, East Bank Demerara, had been arraigned for the incident before City Magistrate Ann McLennan in August.

He was not required to plead to the charge, which alleged that on July 22, at Carmichael and Quamina streets in Georgetown, he murdered 20-year-old Luther.

Forde made his second appearance on Monday before City Magistrate Ann McLennan, and was told of the incomplete police file and the outstanding report.

He was further remanded, and his matter has been adjourned until September 18.

Forde was arrested after wanted bulletins had been issued for two suspects in connection with the shooting death of the transgender sex

worker, Luther.

The other suspect in Luther’s murder, Kanand Ojha, remains at large.

Luther, of Lot ZZ Durban Street, Wortmanville, was gunned down by one of two men on July 22, 2015 at around 02:35hrs, while plying his trade in the downtown area of Carmichael Street in Georgetown. He was shot once in the chest when confronted by the duo during an argument over a paid transaction.

Reports are that a male client had earlier visited the transgender sex worker for a paid sexual encounter, but was apparently not satisfied with the service and had returned to Luther.

Dissatisfied with Luther’s response, the client returned with another man, who reportedly shot Luther dead before fleeing the scene in a Sports Utility Vehicle. Luther was conveyed to the GPH where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Man arrested for abusive language found with ganja at station J O N E S TO W N , K w a kwani resident Romaine Welcome, 31, appeared Tuesday before City Magistrate Ann McLennan and admitted to having in his possession 4 grammes of cannabis sativa.

It happened on August 28 at Kwakwani Park when police searched him at the station.

Initially arrested on an abusive language charge, Welcome found himself in hot water when the illicit substance was found on his person after the police had

ordered him to empty his pockets and declare his possessions.

In the process of so doing, he extracted from his pocket a ‘Ziploc’ bag containing the suspect cannabis.

Under caution, Welcome admitted possession of the drug, and told the rank that he had bought it from a man to smoke.

Magistrate McLennan fined Welcome $20,000, and ordered him to do six months’ community service at the Kwakwani Police Station.

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Zorg holds first Village ...

From Page 19

and bird whistling competition in the early morning while during the day several booths were set up on the Zorg sports ground

where village memories and old photographs were displayed.

There were also booths that offered free blood pressure testing and display of agricultural

Thursday September 3, 2015 - 08:30 hrs Friday September 4, 2015 - 09:30 hrs Saturday September 5, 2015 - 10:30 hrs

produce.

Several games including football, a coconut version of shotput about who could throw the dry coconut farthest, greasy pig competition, and duck catching were held.

There was also an award ceremony for all the competitions and prizes were also handed out for best essay, oldest villager, oldest couple, and those with outstanding contributions to education, culture, sports, agriculture and health.

Raul Rooplall, Coordinator of the celebrations said the activity was a first of its kind for Zorg village.

He said it was a non-profit activity in honour of the late Clive Gobin whose idea was for the holding of a Zorg village day.

Some of the sponsors of the Village Day activities included Takoor Persaud Hardware, Persaud’s Bakaery, Builders Hardware, Derick Gobin Agri Spares, Vicky and Shelly Groceries stall.

The Regional Democratic Council and the Riverstown- Annandale NDC also contributed, along with the “G” Division Police.

After the event ended Sunday night, many residents said it was successful and thanked the Region 2 Chairman, a resident of Zorg for staging the Village Day activities for the first time. (Rajendra Prabhulall)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday September 3, 2015

Aries The engagements in your social calendar are likely stacking up to the point of absurdity. Make sure you schedule some time for yourself somewhere in there. Today you’re choosy about your companions. Feel free to say no to people you’d simply rather not see.

Taurus Just because your heart is feeling extra generous now doesn’t mean that you need to send flowers to everyone you know. On a day like this you should channel all your incredible love and affection to one special person. Help him or her feel like an important part of your life.

Gemini You may be confused by your heart. It may be extremely frustrating when you can’t keep a tight rein on your emotions. This internal conflict is a signal that there’s a lesson to learn. Perhaps your heart knows something that your conscious mind hasn’t yet realised.

Cancer Your mind gives you a great deal of security, which allows you to explore other worlds. You have your satellite outpost operating smoothly, and you can now take trips into the frontier knowing that you have a secure facility to fall back on. Find new ways to bring love into your life.

Leo This is a good time to get more serious about your art. You were probably born with talent, but perhaps you don’t treat it with as much respect as someone endowed with only a fraction of your natural ability. Look at your tools realistically and know that you have the power to accomplish a great deal when you put your creative nature into high gear.

Virgo Don’t assume that the person you’re trying to reach is getting your messages. Perhaps you’ve been waiting for a reply, thinking that this person has blown you off. Maybe this person doesn’t understand the question you’re trying to ask. When it comes to matters of love and romance, you’re going to have to spell things out.

Libra You feel reprimanded because of the way you reacted to a situation that came out differently than you’d hoped. Trust that you acted in the best, calmest, and most understanding way possible. If the person you’re dealing with doesn’t understand your actions, then this is probably more a function of their own baggage and not yours.

Scorpio Something unusual could put a smile on your face today. Look for beauty and love in the simplest things. If you can’t see it, then work on adjusting your attitude. Your inner state is likely what needs to be fixed, not the world around you. If you can shift to a light, understanding mood, you’ll receive the laughter and romance that are sure to brighten your day.

Sagittarius It’s time to step up to the plate and take responsibility for the things you want to have happen. It’s one thing to talk about great visions and dreams, but the bottom line is that they’ll continue to remain abstract concepts unless you work to develop them into something solid and tangible. Test this theory for yourself today.

Capricorn The warm, loving feeling that you’ve been happily nurturing is calling for a bit of practicality in order to make your romantic life work out the way you want it to. Remember that less is more. Having love and romance in your life doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be best friends with every person you meet. This is a good time to enjoy more quality time with fewer people.

Aquarius You might feel a bit reserved when it comes to issues of love and romance. Other people might consider this rather strange when they see that suddenly your courageous forward motion comes to a dramatic halt. Don’t feel like you need to make excuses for the way you feel. It’s probably better if you slow down a bit, especially when it comes to love.

Pisces Things are apt to remain quite orderly for you. Even though your heart may want to soar into the clouds, you’ll find that there’s a stable side to the equation that’s working to keep things in perspective. You might want to consider making a greater commitment to someone you love.

You’re of a sound and solid mind to do so now.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 3, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday September 3, 2015

PM Simpson-Miller hails Jamaican athletes as inspirations to country KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) - Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller has hailed the country’s athletes for their performance at last

month’s IAAF World Championships, describing them as inspirations to the entire nation.

In a statement to Parliament, Simpson-Miller said the athletes had been examples of “hard work, discipline, teamwork and determination”, adding that their accomplishments had been a reminder of the value of discipline and dedication.

“All Jamaica’s athletes who competed in the World Championships distinguished themselves and contributed valiantly to the country’s illustrious performance, winning 12 medals with an all-time high of seven gold, two silver and three bronze,” the country’s leader said.

“Their stellar achievements represent a clear reminder of the outcome and benefit of hard work, discipline, dedication, ambition, faith and a focus.

“I am so proud of this memorable performance of all my children and Jamaica’s young men and women, during the

entire championship.

“In the journey for greater national development, the entire nation can take inspiration from the examples of hard work, discipline, teamwork and determination demonstrated yet again by Jamaica’s athletes.”

Jamaica were outstanding across all disciplines but as usual, were at the forefront of the sprints where Usain Bolt spearheaded their success by repeating as sprint champion in the 100 and 200 metres events.

Defending women’s 200m champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, also dominated that event to win again while there were gold medals for the men’s sprint relay team and the women’s 4x400 team.

“All Jamaicans felt the mix of emotions including anxiety, hope, and purposeful determination, as our athletes lined up and competed in event after event,” Simp-

son-Miller continued.

“I am sure that every Member of this Honourable House on both sides of the aisle will agree with me that our athletes in Beijing made us proud to be Jamaicans.

“On behalf of a grateful and supremely proud nation, I commend Jamaica’s sportsmen and sportswomen for their dedication and outstanding representation of our nation and our people.

“The country’s athletes across various sporting disciplines continue to give of their best. They embody the hopes, dreams and aspirations of the nation and represent the very best of our culture and talents.”

Simpson-Miller singled out Bolt, noting the 28-yearold had “cemented his place at the very pinnacle of Sport” and Fraser-Pryce who she said remained “consistent in her representation of personal and national excellence”.

Veteran Stephen Vieira wary of Bajan threat GUYANESE rider Stephen Vieira is wary of the threat that looms, come September 13 when the third leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) gets going in Barbados.

Stephen, the eldest of the Vieira clan (Matthew and Elliot) in the superbike class of the touring contingent, spoke to Chronicle Sport, indicating that he has been in training for the encounter with an eye to getting fit.

He said, “I had the lap record in Barbados but I was told by the other riders that the competition got very strong because they shattered my lap record. So the competition against the Barbadian riders is going to be very exciting.”

According to the Guyanese, the Barbadians have been putting in the hours with a view to turning the tables on the invading members.

Vieira added, “My confidence is pretty good because this is the first time in a long time I’m going with a bike that I actually set up; I didn’t use my racing bike but a ‘B’ class bike that I’m trying with, but I feel very comfortable with it so I expect to do very well.”

Vieira, a Caribbean champion many times over, noted that the battle between himself and Matthew Vieira which commenced on August 9 at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s Race of Champions will continue in Barbados.

He has sought to thank Shane Ally and Michael Correia

for their assistance in building the bike as well as his main sponsor Sunburst Orange Juice.

Vieira’s comrades for the September 11-14 event, apart from his cousins, are Kevin Persaud and Joel Neblette.

The cars will be driven by Mark Vieira, the father-son team

South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:40 hrs Lizzies Legs 09:15 hrs Battle Of Alma 09:50 hrs All The Bids 10:25 hrs Masnoon 11:00 hrs Aqua Blue English Racing Tips Salisbury 08:40 hrs Zodiakos 09:10 hrs Novinophobia 09:40 hrs Carenot 10:10 hrs Dheyaa 10:45 hrs Whatdoiwantthatfor 11:15 hrs Lacing 11:50 hrs Flying Officer 12:20 hrs Filosofo Haydock 09:00 hrs Star Storm 09:30 hrs Ikerrin Road 10:00 hrs Dal Harraild 10:35 hrs Second Wave 11:05 hrs Richard Pankhurst 11:40 hrs Salieris Mass 12:10 hrs Oriental Tiger Sedgefield

of Kristian and Kevin Jeffrey, and Danny in Group 4 while Persaud will return to fly the flag in Group 3 and Group 2 will have Nazim Gafoor.

CMRC Round 3 will take place at the Bushy Park Raceway in St Phillips, Barbados.

(Stephan Sookram)

09:20 hrs Retro Valley 10:20 hrs Harrys Whim 10:55 hrs Baby Jake 11:25 hrs The Yank 11:55 hrs Carncross 12:25 hrs Duroob Irish Racing Tips Clonmel 11:30 hrs Listen Dear 12:00 hrs Perfect Woman 12:30 hrs High In The Clouds 13:00 hrs Beautiful Ben 13:30 hrs You Can’t Catch Me 14:00 hrs Master Appeal 14:30 hrs Simiel American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Perfect Union Race 2 Battle of Evermore Race 3 Annie Walker Race 4 Finn’s Girl Race 5 She’s Gifted Race 6 Ian Smith Race 7 Moon Over Cuzco Race 8 Clearly Now Race 9 Harlan’s Honor

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday September 3, 2015

With spot-fixing bans lifted, Pakistan trio restricted at home

By Mubasher Bokhari

LAHORE, Pakistan (Reuters) - The International Cricket Council’s fiveyear bans on former Pakistan captain Salman Butt and pace bowler Mohammad Asif end today, but the long road back for the players will begin under heavy restrictions.

The pair will be under strict monitoring for months before being allowed to play international cricket again, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“The PCB has given me a target that includes improving fitness, attending sessions with a psychiatrist and delivering lectures to young cricketers for awareness against misdeeds as a national player,” Asif, 32, told Reuters during a prac-

Pakistan fixing trio start long road to redemption

tice session at the Model Town Ground in Lahore.

“I will have to achieve the target in two months and only after that will I be allowed to play freely.”

Nigeria’s Segun Odegbami enters race for FIFA presidency ABUJA, Nigeria (Reuters) - Former Nigerian football star Segun Odegbami has announced his bid to run for president of the sport’s international governing body FIFA, his campaign chief said yesterday.

The election of a new FIFA head is due to take place on February 26 next year in Zurich, Switzerland. FIFA has never had an African president.

World football was thrown into turmoil this year after 14 sports marketing executives and football officials, including from Zurich-based FIFA, were indicted by the United States in late May on bribery, money-laundering and wire fraud charges.

Longtime FIFA president Sepp Blatter announced his resignation in June in response to the scandal.

“The current scandal at FIFA is the organisation’s worst crisis in its 111 years of existence. Moving forward, FIFA thus requires a new era of leadership ...

I see myself fitting into this role,” Odegbami said in an emailed statement provided to reporters by campaign

Segun Odegbami chief Ade Adeagbo.

Michel Platini, the French head of Europe’s football body UEFA, is seen as the front-runner in the race to replace Blatter, who will relinquish his mandate at the helm of world football’s governing body in the February vote.

Nicknamed ‘Mathematical’ for his speed and technical control of the ball, Odegbami was the top scorer when Nigeria’s Green Eagles won the African Cup of Nations for the first time in 1980. He also served as captain of the team in 1980-81.

Odegbami has previously tried to enter sports politics, having unsuccessfully run four times for head of the Nigerian Football Federation.

He now runs a sports academy in Ogun state.

Butt and Asif were banned for spot-fixing during Pakistan’s tour of England in 2010, particularly for bowling deliberate no-balls by pre-arrangement during the fourth Test at Lord’s.

Both have served jail sentences in Britain and were given minimum fiveyear bans by an ICC tribunal. Butt was also given a two-year suspended sen-

tence.

Both players said they were ready to meet the board’s demands.

“I just want to play cricket, which runs through my blood,” former captain Butt said.

A PCB official told Reuters the trio would only be allowed to play “controlled cricket and start with club cricket for now.”

“They will be strictly

monitored by professional cricketers and psychiatrists for a few months.

If they prove their fitness and morality, they will be allowed to play domestic cricket at the first-class level,” the official said, declining to be named.

A third player, fast bowler Mohammad Amir, was also banned until September but the chairman of ICC’s anti-corruption unit exercised his discretion to give him an early reprieve in January.

Left-arm paceman Amir was marked as a great prospect for Pakistan in his early days. At the age of 18 he became the youngest bowler to capture 50 Test wickets during the controversial Test match at Lord’s in 2010.

According to a revised anti-corruption code, a banned player can appeal to the ICC to allow him to resume playing domestic cricket before the end of the ban.

The PCB had decided

to help Amir with his appeal but ruled out helping Butt and Asif with any relaxation.

Though the ban is lifted, serious opposition from officials and hostility from Pakistan’s cricket-obsessed fans will mean the road to redemption will be a long one for the tainted trio.

Age also weighs heavily against Butt and Asif and the long lay-off has exposed their fragile fitness.

“Their return will be the biggest injustice to players who play clean cricket,” former cricket captain Rashid Latif said.

“There should not be any space for criminals in international cricket.”

But the players said they have served their time and hoped the nation has forgiven them.

“People come to watch my practice sessions and pray for my return,” Butt, 30, said. “This shows that they have forgiven me and want to see me in action again.”

Clarke withdraws from Twenty20 contract to assess future SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Former Australia cricket captain Michael Clarke has withdrawn from a lucrative domestic Twenty20 contract as he reassesses whether he will ever play the sport again.

Clarke retired from all international cricket after Australia lost the Ashes to England last month, with Alastair Cook’s side wrapping up a series victory after the fourth Test before Australia won the final match in London.

“Right now for me, I just think my body and my mind need some time away from the game of cricket ... and just see what that’s like to be without it,” Clarke told Australia’s Triple M radio from London yesterday.

Clarke was taking a break in Europe with his wife, who is expecting their

Michael Clarke is on a European holiday with wife Kyly, who is pregnant with their first child. first child, and that had given “Now I’ve finally got him the opportunity to take that opportunity I just want stock of his future, he added. to make the most of that and “Kyly and I are going spend some time with her to go away for a week or so and have a really good think. before I fly back home. And “I’m really hopeful that that’s just going to give me love and passion that I’ve some time to have a think always had for the game will about what I’m going to do come back.” when I get home.

Clarke, who would have “I haven’t had a chance teamed up with controversial to press stop and have a think former England batsman about things.

Kevin Pietersen at the Mel-

bourne Stars in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), added he still had the opportunity of pursuing the second year of his contract.

“I’ve got a two-year deal at the moment, so hopefully it all turns out okay and I come back and play next year,” Clarke said.

“But even if they decide they don’t want me to play, I’m hopeful I’ll be able to help the club have success in another way.”

Clarke, who played 115 Tests for Australia, battled chronic back problems throughout his career, which became difficult to manage in the past two years and struggled with hamstring problems due to the back injury.

He struggled with the bat since returning after surgery earlier this year and was woefully out of form on the Ashes tour.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday September 3, 2015

Superstars shine in inaugural women’s tournament

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada -The Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) first-ever women’s tournament ended in a blaze of glory here last Sunday with Superstars proving superior to opponents Kaisoca Sports Club at the Ashtonbee ground and with the officials and players deeming the inaugural tournament a tremendous success.

Starting as firm favourites and playing before a colourful Sunday crowd, Superstars prevailed by nine wickets, limiting Kaisoca to 85 for seven in their allotted 20 overs, and rushing to victory in 11.1 overs with seasoned campaigner Nicole Samuel unbeaten on a brisk

22 and Abigail Rajkumar 12 not out.

Big-hitting opener Celine McLean had earlier smashed four fours in a top score of 27, the only wicket to fall for the victorious side while Samuel, a former Canadian national player struck one six and three fours. McLean and Rajkumar added 51 for the first wicket.

Kaisoca were earlier indebted to a fine innings of 35 from former Pakistan Under-19 player Mahwish Khan who hit three fours.

She, however, failed to get the desired support as only Celia Andre (14) and Kadie Ramnauth (12) were the other players to reach double figures.

Anto Dency (two for

Superstars MVP Ishmeet Sagoo receives her trophy from Kim Sue of Norman Sue Bakery.

… SCA gets thumbs up for successful staging

18), Amanjit Virk (two for 26) and Lorraine Kenton (one for six) were the main bowlers for Superstars.

At the impressive presentation which followed, the winning and runner-up teams as well as the Most Valuable Players from both sides were recipient of trophies, compliments of Caribbean Waves Restaurant, which was responsible for putting up the winning trophy and Norman Sue Bakery which sponsored the prizes for the runner-up team and the MVPs. Ishmeet Sagoo was voted the MVP for Superstars while Khan got the nod for Kaisoca.

SCA president Deo Samaroo lauded the efforts of all those involved in making the tournament a reality and pledged his association’s commitment in the continued development of the game. Samaroo also promised that the SCA will be endeavouring to have more teams compete next year, up from the four that participated this season.

Abigail Rajkumar, Superstars president and Women’s Cricket Development Advocate in Ontario, Canada, was loud in praise of the efforts of the SCA. Rajkumar reminisced that Superstars women’s team were the first development team to consistently forge forward in developing seniors’ skills and to coaching new players. She

Serena survives early test to keep Grand Slam bid alive

NEW YORK, USA (Reuters) - Serena Williams took her second step in a drive to complete the first calendar-year Grand Slam in 27 years by beating Kiki Bertens 7-6(5), 6-3 in the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships at Flushing Meadows.

The 110th-ranked Dutchwoman put up a valiant fight and had world number one Williams, who struggled with her serve, on the ropes in the opening set.

Williams, who registered eight double faults in the set, was down a break with Bertens serving for the set when the top seed broke the Dutchwoman in the 10th game to draw level at 5-5 and take it to a tiebreaker.

Serena Williams Williams fell behind 4-0 in the tiebreaker but roared back with five consecutive

points and claimed the decider 7-5.

“I never stop. I keep going and give the best effort that I can,” Williams said after raising her 2015 match record to 50-2.

Should Williams win her fourth consecutive U.S. Open, the 33-year-old American would become the fourth woman to sweep all four grand slam singles title in one season following Maureen Connolly (1953), Margaret Court (1970) and Steffi Graf (1988).

Williams next faces Bethanie Mattek-Sands, who beat fellow American CoCo Vandeweghe in straight sets in her second-round match.

The victorious Superstars players pose with SCA officials while displaying the winning trophy. en’s league on track and was boasted that five of the play- out. There is no such thing confident other teams will ers who participated in the as life in-between. “ join the fray come 2016.

Kaisoca’s George Mafinal only started playing The historic tournament hardball cricket last January. haraj, through whose initia- was launched in June amidst She pointed out that she was tive the tournament became much pomp and splendour at extremely proud of all of a reality, readily admitted the Ashtonbee ground with their players since they have that the better team had tri- several prominent officials proven once again that they umphed but also noted that hailing the ground-breaking are leaders in women cricket one of his main players, and auspicious event. all-rounder Shuntel Martin, development in Canada.

It was also the culmiCoach Guyanese Frank was injured and missed the nation of a promise made Persaud also came in for final. He praised the efforts at the SCA’s annual prekudos while he himself ex- of his entire team but singled sentation dinner and dance pressed satisfaction with the out Khan and Kathryn McN- held last October when auth for their sterling efforts the Guyanese-dominated commitment of his charges.

According to Rajku- during the season. entity disclosed its intenMaharaj disclosed that tion to introduce women’s mar, “There are only two options regarding commit- the SCA was very supportive cricket for the first time in ment. You’re either in or of his efforts to get the wom- its 34-year-old existence.

Sri Lanka spinner Kaushal reported for illegal action COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (Reuters) - Sri Lanka off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal has been reported for a suspect bowling action during the third Test against India, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said yesterday.

The 22-year-old, with a distinctive high-knee runup, has played six Tests for Sri Lanka and has been earmarked as the island country’s spin spearhead when Rangana Herath, 37, eventually retires.

Kaushal has already taken two five-wicket hauls in his career and picked up 13 scalps in the three Tests against India, the third highest tally behind Herath and paceman Dhammika Prasad (both 15) for the Sri Lankans.

“The match officials’ report, which was handed over

Tharindu Kaushal took 13 wickets in three Tests against India.

Sri Lanka are not in acto the Sri Lanka management, tion until October when they cited concerns about the le- host West Indies in a series gality of the 22-year-old’s featuring two Test matches, bowling action,” the govern- three one-day internationals and two Twenty20s. ing body said in a statement.

Sri Lanka lost their first Kaushal will have to undergo a test on his bowling series at home to India in 22 action within 14 days but will years when the Virat Kohlibe allowed to continue bowl- led tourists fought back ing in international cricket from an opening defeat to win 2-1 on Tuesday. until the results are known.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday September 3, 2015

Queensway on board with GSSF THE Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) hosted yet another Steel Challenge Shooting Match, sponsored

by Queensway last Saturday at the GDF Timehri Range.

In spite of 40 minutes being lost to heavy rainfall, the entire match was completed safely. Shooters on hand deemed it a fun and successful event which ended in surreal tropical sunset. The local pistol-shooters competed in two SCSA Divisions - Wildcat and Limited.

Wildcat Division consisted of competitors using .32ACP and lower calibres whereas those in the Limited Division shot 9mm or higher calibre handguns. The match consisted of three sanctioned SCSA stages (Pendulum, Showdown and Accelerator) with the action being mon-

Group picture of Queensway-sponsored Steel Challenge Tier 1 Match players.

In centre, sponsor Mr Mohamed Qualander is flanked by other shooters. plates at a closer 10 yards shot and missed the stop plate itored by the Federation’s while the stop plate was set at thus forcing them to take folRange Safety Officers.

12 yards. However, this stage low-up shots to stop the clock ‘Showdown’ saw two rectwas seen as tricky to tackle, as one’s time is ultimately angle targets located some 25 since there was a requirement one’s score, with the total of yards away and the smaller to shoot at least 2 strings from the best 4 strings of 5 being one shooting location or box used for score. and then alternating to another Leading overall with just box for the next two strings. over a minute of shooting for This ultimately changed the afternoon was undefeated the angles and target presenlocal Steel Challenge shooter, tation. The competitors then Ryan McKinnon. Second had to choose from either place was locked by Ray box where they would shoot Beharry who was just about

By Steve Keating their final string. ‘Accelerafour seconds faster than thirdtor’ caused both the shootplaced Joseph Chin, all in the NEW YORK, (Reuters) - Defending champion Marin Cilic er’s trigger finger to press Limited Division. powered into the third round of the U.S. Open tennis with a rapidly, their heart-beat to In the Wildcat Division, routine win over Russia’s Evgeny Donskoy yesterday while accelerate and ultimately saw Tracy Vieira dominated the curtain came down on American Mardy Fish’s career. the most ammo being used as Jagmohan Bassoo.

After playing his opening match on an outside court, Cilic they strove to hit the plates in Following the main event, returned to Arthur Ashe Stadium, scene of last year’s triumph, short times. there was an exhibition match and it once again looked to be a perfect fit as the big-hitting ‘Pendulum’ saw the furdubbed a ‘Balloon Challenge’ Croatian rolled to 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 win over the Russian qualifier. thest four targets set at 18 yards which tested the accuracy of During last year’s magical run Cilic was invincible and the stop plate enticingly those who signed up. The on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court as he swept by Tomas located at a close 10 yards Range was then transformed Berdych in the quarters, took out Roger Federer in the from the shooting box. This into a festive and colourful semis and Kei Nishikori in a one-sided final. caused some excitement as spectacle with the addition “This court is very special for me, brings back special seasoned shooters in their rush of several bright red balloons memories,” the ninth-seeded Cilic said in an on-court interto get fast scores repeatedly atop posts placed downrange. view. “It’s sort of unreal. I was working all my life to win a grand slam and now I’m in position to defend one.”

After a first round littered with upsets, the start of second-round action went according to script as Spanish seventh seed David Ferrer beat Serb Filip Krajinovic 7-5, 7-5, 7-6(4) and Canadian 10th seed Milos Raonic fought off back pain and several visits from the trainer to beat Spain’s Fernando Verdasco 6-2, 6-4, 6-7(5), 7-6(1).

It was a great start to another steamy day for the Americans with 19th seed Madison Keys needing just 54 minutes A FINE all-round performance from former Under-19 on centre court to race past Czech Tereza Smitkova 6-1, 6-2 cricketer Khemraj Mahadeo led Rose Hall Town Bakewell and reach the third round for the first time after four tries. to a nine-wicket win over Whim in the last round of the The victory marked another milestone in what has been Keys’s Berbice Cricket Board/New Building Society 2015 Second best grand slam season having reached the Australian Open semi-fiDivision cricket tournament. nals, Wimbledon quarters and third round of the French Open.

It was the fourth successive victory for Rose Hall Town “So far this year it’s probably been the best year I have Bakewell team as Mahadeo scored his third half-century for had,” said Keys. “It hasn’t been perfect. There have been the tournament. some ups and downs but I think that’s the nature of tennis.

Batting first after losing the toss, Whim made 157 all out “I still haven’t quite figured everything out.” in 29.3 overs the top scorers being P. Tilkaram 30, Aaron ThaFlushing Meadows said goodbye to Fish, the 33-year-old koordeen 23, V.Sookshine 27 and N. Deonarine 17.

American who announced earlier this year that he would retire Bowling for Rose Hall Town Bakewell, Mahadeo took 5 after playing in his 13th U.S. Open. wickets for 27 runs, Rondell Lewis 2 for 26, Erva Giddings After an 18-month layoff, Fish, who suffers from an 2 for 20 while Sylus Tyndall and Azam Khan each claimed a anxiety disorder, returned to the ATP Tour in March and wicket as Whim’s late order added crucial runs. only played four events but went down swinging in his In reply, Mahadeo and former Berbice Under-19 player final grand slam.

Vidal Crandon added 70 for the 1st wicket in just 8.5 overs Fish stretched it out as long as he could and appeared to before Crandon was bowled by Anthony Deosarran for 35 be on the brink of an impressive upset but ultimately fell 2-6, (2x4, 2x6).

6-3, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3 to 18th seeded Spaniard Feliciano Lopez.

Mahadeo was then joined by West Indies female cricketer “I have got a lot of great memories; I’ve got a lot of good Shemaine Campbelle. They added 90 for the 2nd wicket to wins out here. I have made a lot of really good friendships with carry Rose Hall Town Bakewell to victory at 160 for 1 in the almost everyone out here,” said Fish.

21st over.

“I probably would have chosen this one as my last one Mahadeo ended unbeaten on 80 (10 boundaries and regardless if I didn’t have any issues with my health in the two sixes) and Campbelle on 31 (2x4). Bowling for Whim, past couple of years just because this is the biggest one Deosarran was the lone successful bowler with 1 for 30 off and the most fun and the one that you want to go out on.” six overs.

Cilic into U.S. Open third round; Fish takes final bow

Winner of the Balloon Challenge, Mr Andrew Phang receives his trophy.

The first shooting line was placed at 15 metres and participants were given 15 seconds to aim and fire once at a chosen balloon. Shooters who missed were immediately eliminated while those hitting were promoted to the next sudden-death round: the shooting line was also moved to create further distance after every round.

At the end of four rounds two shooters made it to the final - GSSF president Vidushi Persaud and Andrew Phang. Both shots broke at about the same instance and it was Phang who emerged victorious over Persaud. After the competition, Match Director Bhudu expressed sincere thanks to Mohamed Qualander of Queensway for the sponsorship of the match and for making Armscor ammunition available for the match.

The GSSF wishes to thank

the Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Phillips, GPF Commissioner Persaud, GPF Asst. Commissioner Ramnarine, GPF Commander Hicken, GPF OC TSU Superintendent Dehnert, Asst Superintendent Mr Todd, GPF Corporal Dunn and the ranks of the GPF Armoury and TSU. As an affiliate of the Steel Challenge Shooting Association, a sister body of the United States Practical Shooting Association, the GSSF has been organising matches following their strict safety policies.

This simple, yet action-packed shooting sport attracts Guyanese pistol-shooters from all around the country on a regular basis. More information can be found on the GSSF website www.

GuyanaSportShooting. com

All-round show from Inter-Ministry Hardball Mahadeo crushes Whim set for DCC ground

THE Ministry of Communities will stage a 20/20 Hardball Inter-Ministry Cricket tournament today at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, Lance Gibbs & New Garden streets, Queenstown The tournament will be a floodlight affair from 19:00hrs when Minister Keith Scott bowls the first delivery to signal the start of the game.

The Housing/Water Super Kings Team will comprise Ramchand Jailal (captain), Omar Narine (vice-captain), Harold Moore, Casey Hickery, Naeem Khan, Motie Naraine, Ramkumar Ramnarine, Khemraj Persaud, Kenroy Pilgrim, Jason Goodhart, Avinash Parsram, Troy Trotman and Keron Archer.

They will be opposed by a combined team from the Agriculture/Tourism Ministries whose players will be Christopher Vandeyar, Seon Simpson, Vickram Deonarine, Arian Griffith, Rayadh Ali, Dhaneshwar James, Quincy Gordon, Rondel Nedd, Scion Richardson, Davindra Singh, Dhaneshwar Deonarine and Orlando Headley.

Minister Keith Scott posited that this initial foray will mark the commencement of regular Ministerial staff interaction involving both indoor and outdoor activities.

The Minister also extended an invitation to the general public, noting that entry will be free and refreshments will be on sale.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday September 3, 2015

Umpire could be killed, warns Marsh … Ex-Aussie keeper wants no-ball rule changed A CRICKET umpire could be killed unless the no-ball rule is changed, according to Rod Marsh. The ex-Australia wicketkeeper wants current regulations changed so umpires are able to stand further back.

That would give them more time to react if the ball is hit powerfully in their direction.

“It’s only a matter of time before an umpire in an international or first-class match is seriously hurt, if not killed,” Marsh said.

Speaking at the annual MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture, the 67-yearold believes that big hitting in the Twenty20 game has made it more dangerous for umpires.

“You put yourself in the umpire’s position when a batsman with a massive weapon runs at the bowler and smashes a straight drive at about chest height,” added Marsh.

“I, for one, would want to be standing back as far as possible.

“By reverting to the back-foot law (dispensed with in 1963), the umpire has a chance to stand at least two metres further back.

“If I happened to be umpiring right now, I’d be wearing a baseball helmet, a chest pad, shin guards and an abdominal protector.

“Maybe we have to make this safety gear for umpires compulsory for all international and first-class games.”

The 25 first-class umpires are set to discuss safety concerns at their end-of-season meeting this month.

Long-serving umpire Rob Bailey said: “A lot of people are in danger. Bats are massive now and are only going to become more powerful and the ball is pinging off them. Fortunately no-one has been badly hit.”

Marsh, chairman of Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel, was the fourth Australian to give the speech after Simon Taufel (2013), Adam Gilchrist (2009) and Richie Benaud – who gave the inaugural Cowdrey Lecture in 2001.

Marsh also currently sits on the MCC World Cricket committee alongside Kumar Sangakkara, who delivered the Cowdrey Lecture in 2011.

Australia batsman Phillip Hughes died aged

COURTS Guyana to pump $1.5M into Stag Elite League

... Presentation set for today

THE Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Stag Elite League is set to receive a much-needed corporate boost from COURTS Guyana Inc. today.

According to a release from the furniture and appliance distributing giant, the GFF will collect $1.5M which will go towards the hosting of the Stag Elite League.

The league, featuring eight of the country’s top clubs, (Alpha United, Slingerz FC, Fruta Conquerors, Georgetown Football Club, Monedderlust, Guyana Defence Force, Pele and Buxton United), will kick off on Friday September 18 at the Leonora Track & Field Facility.

The league, which is

mandated by both FIFA and CONCACAF, was formulated to develop football at the club level which should in turn provide a cadre of well-trained elite players to represent Guyana at the international level.

C O U RT S , b e i n g n o stranger to sport, especially football, said that the company welcomes this development as it is already actively involved with football at the Under-11 level through the COURTS Pee Wee Tournament which is set to be launched for the 2015 edition later this month.

More details of the company’s sponsorship and support of the Stag Elite League will be given at the presentation ceremony today.

25, after being struck on the top of the neck by a short-pitched ball during a match last November.

(BBC Sport)

Former Australia wicketkeeper Rod Marsh

Sport CHRONICLE

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

PM Simpson-Miller hails Jamaican athletes as inspirations to country

Umpire could be killed, warns Marsh See story on page 31

See story on page 27

Usain Bolt is one of the successful Jamaican athletes at the recently held IAAF World Championships.

Veteran Stephen Vieira wary of Bajan threat

See story on page 27

Stephen Vieira leads the pack at the recent GMR&SC Race of Champions.

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