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Don’t supplant No. 104474

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

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…President urges CPGs to support Police Force

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Holness in ... JLP wins Jamaica elections

Prime Minister-elect of Jamaica, Andrew Holness and Mrs Juliet Holness displaying their stained fingers after voting in General Elections on Thursday. Holness of the Jamaica Labour Party won 33 of the 63 seats in the National Assembly, leaving his rival Portia Simpson-Miller’s People’s National Party (PNP) with 30 seats. More on this story in our Saturday’s edition (photo by the JLP)

Cops break up TV cameraman illegal mining gets 25 years operations 4 for rape 15 Page

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Bandit shoots accomplice 9 dead Page

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 26, 2016

Upper Corentyne children get big bus By Nafeeza Yahya Sakur PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday commissioned yet another big bus, this time in Region Six, and it will go towards addressing

the transportation woes of children in the Upper Corentyne District. The good gesture was made possible through the President’s ‘3Bs initiative’. And it is not all for Region Six. Two more busses will

––compliments of President Granger’s 3Bs Initiative be delivered in the next two days. The big 50-seater yellow bus named “David G School bus No.5” was donated by

The big bus for the children in the Upper Corentyne District

Peter Lewis of Associated Construction Services. It is expected to service from Molsen Creek to Leeds Village on the Corentyne Coast. The vehicle is one of two being donated by the Lewis family, along with a boat and several bicycles. The handing over ceremony was held at the Kildonan Community Centre Ground and witnessed by residents, teachers, students, Members of Parliament and regional officials. Regional Executive Officer, Dr Veerasammy Ramayya welcomed President Granger to the region and thanked him for his vision and commitment for a better life for all Guyanese. President Granger explained that the 3Bs Initiative was born out of his many travels around Guyana where he witnessed firsthand the difficulties students face in getting to school and the struggles of parents in covering their transportation expenses. “I am here this afternoon not only for the bus but because the bus can carry

educated and we need an educated population to develop this country and move it forward… I cannot be President when children are suffering, when parents cannot afford to get their children to school, when children are playing basketball at 10:00 am because they cannot afford the bus fare, when children are dropping out of school. Many of our children don’t go to school every day because they cannot afford transportation. I want to be President of an educated nation and I would do everything possible,” Mr Granger told the gathering at the handing over ceremony. FIRST STEP He added: “School will give you the mobility; school will give you the opportunity; it would give you guarantee of having that good life so the first step is to get to school.” Education, the President emphasised is the gateway out of poverty. “Poor parents will make poorer children unless they are educated. This will

don’t ask you how rich or poor you are, they ask if you are qualified,” he said. The President officially cut the ribbon to commission the spanking new vehicle and had a firsthand look inside before students went in to get a feel of what’s it like travelling in David G 5. The handing over programme featured dances and a poem by little Forzana Mohamed, a student of Sheet Anchor Nursery, appropriately titled 3Bs. Mohamed received a standing ovation and a gift from the President for her brilliant recitation. Meanwhile, Lewis told the Guyana Chronicle that he and another business partner had the idea to bring in a few big buses to the region, but after hearing of the President’s idea and seeing that the people of his area are suffering, he saw the need to throw his support behind the 3Bs Initiative. Minster of Social Cohesion Amna Ally said the Government is proud of its efforts to improve the lives of all Guyanese, contending that when it sets goals, it

President David Granger, Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally and others inside the newly commission bus you to school; I am here not only for school but because school will make you

bridge the gap and make it an equal playing field… when you go for a job they

works to achieve them. “Our President vision is becoming a reality and this is only the start. I can recall the President’s vision of seeing every child in school, he insisted then that every child will be given the opportunity to go to school and every child will have equal access to education.” She also expressed gratitude to Lewis and said the Government looks forward to his continued support on future initiatives of the Government.

Don’t supplant

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 26, 2016

… President urges CPGs to support Police Force

By Ariana Gordon COMMUNITY policing is of utmost importance to the APNU+AFC coalition government with President David Granger charging officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to review the concept and take steps to bring this arm of the force under stricter control. The President was at the time making his maiden feature address at the Annual Officers’ Conference of the Guyana Police Force at Eve Leary. Focusing his address on community policing, President Granger noted that some senior officers of the force believe that community policing is separate from central policing. He charged the officers to re-examine the concept of community policing. “It is not something peripheral or something you should ignore or treat as a rival – I urge you to re-commit yourselves to comprehending more completely real policing of communities,” the President said, even as he congratulated the force on the enhancement of its crime- solving capabilities. “I congratulate you on your ability to solve crimes more quickly than before… I will give the CID everything it needs to ensure that investigations are not in the wrong,” he added. President Granger is of the view that community policing is a common good, but said over the past two decades the concept has been the subject of undesired interpretations. A PROCEDURE “If community policing is inclusive it can contrib-

ute measurably to human safety. Community policing is not a group, it is a process. It is a procedure that promotes problem-solving techniques and improves public safety by forging bonds of trust between the police and the public,” the President noted, as he stressed that it is not a separate organisation. “The commissioner of police must bear responsibility under the law for community policing, which must support professional law enforcement. [Community policing must] support, not supplant professional law enforcement,” he added. Community policing, he added, has an important role to play and the GPF must ensure that it is not “a victim of political policing,” where some benefit from efficient policing and others do not because of favouritism or hostility towards the administration of the time. “It must not be perceived as protecting interests and ignoring the common good,” he said, adding that “there should be bonds of mutual trust between the police and the public.” Meanwhile, President Granger also committed to providing the GPF with all the resources it needs to be effective and efficient. “It is therefore our obligation to ensure that the police force has all it needs. It must have sufficient manpower, it must be brought up to the standard strength, and it must be correctly deployed,” he stated. PROTECTION OF CITIZENS The President in stressing that citizens must feel

safe in their communities, said the prevention of crime and the protection of citizens are critical. He said “it is easy to make cases,” but much more difficult to solve problems. The previous administration over the past 15 years had developed a multi-dimensional approach and attempted to illustrate a disconnect between central policing and the community policing groups, something that President Granger says must be changed. He said his administration will take heed from the reports of stakeholders, as safe communities are the core of a secure country. “Our approach to development is rooted in the belief that each citizen performs best in a safe community of people who share common values,” he said, and citizens would be encouraged to take pride in their homes, communities, villages, neighbourhoods, regions and country. This government’s approach is about “respecting and protecting the most vulnerable members of our society, the elderly, women and children, especially girl children.” The President said he is disturbed by the many reports of crimes committed in communities. “These are community offences,” he noted, while emphasising that citizens must be protected; they must feel safe within their space. SAFE COMMUNITIES “Citizens must be able to live in communities without fear of being robbed or being abused. Safe communities are nec-

President David Granger taking the salute at the opening of the Annual Police Officers’ Conference yesterday. Next to him are Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan and Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud essary for the good life, and we can’t achieve the good life in the absence of human safety,” President Granger said. The President stressed that the principal objective of the GPF is to ensure the safety of citizens, prevent crime, protect property and life, preserve law and order and prosecute offenders as outlined in the Constitution. “The force’s foremost responsibility is to ensure that citizens are safe... These four functions are necessary but they are not sufficient,” he added. While acknowledging the work of the force, President Granger said the officers of the force must “go beyond mere outreach and build partnerships with communities.” Partnerships with the community, he said, can only be intensified through community policing. “The force therefore has to uphold the unwritten social contract between citi-

zens and the state,” he said. “The State through the police force is obligated to uphold this side of the social contract. Our government is committed to ensuring that citizens remain safe.” The President alluded to the rise in criminal activities in the past and said it was as a result of a “deliberate disregard” of the essential needs for human safety. “The neglect of the National Drug Strategy Master Plan, the shelving of reports of the Disciplined Forces Commission, and a dozen other consultancies and studies, mainly from the UK, weren’t accidental. This government will implement long-standing plans for reforms to the security sector.” President Granger said his administration will have a fresh approach to fighting crime and will be addressing the causes of crime. This approach, he said, is aimed to make Guyana safer.

He called on the GPF to develop a strategy for improving human safety in all communities without necessarily building more police stations. “This is the start of the evolution of our existing concept of community policing. BUILDING A PARTNERSHIP Community policing is not a substitute, it is a supplement to regular policing. Community policing does not mean that we are putting an army of vigilantes; it means building a partnership between the police force and the residents.” The Officers’ Conference is being held under the theme, “Consolidating on partnership programmes, enhanced public trust and capacity-building to provide effective security.”

Officers of the Guyana Police Force are photographed with President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan (all seated in the front row) on Thursday following the opening of the Annual Officers’ Conference.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 26, 2016

Cops break up illegal mining operations By Ariana Gordon COMPLAINTS from a miner about his medium scale prospecting permit in the Dukwari mining area in the Cuyuni being raided repeatedly by illegal miners has resulted in the two alleged raiders being caught and Cease Work Orders (CWO) issued by law enforcement officials on February 18. Oliver Younge, the owner of the prospecting permit, filed complaints with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) last October but unfortunately was unable to get a mines officer to visit the location to address the matter. A subsequent complaint was made last week and mines officer Vernon Underwood was successful in stopping the persons identified as Ramnarace Seegobin of Skeldon, Berbice and Raimundo Da Silva Lopes of Bartica from mining illegally on the

property. No mining is to be done on prospecting permits, Guyana Chronicle was informed, as the permits are only to be used for feasibility studies. It is after the prospecting is completed that a mining permit is granted by the GGMC. Upon investigation of the identified location, it was discovered that two excavators were working the property. One mining operation was found setup in a manner to start working while another was in the process of moving to the area to begin work, a report by the mines officer stated. The report submitted by Underwood shortly after his return to the city said an eight-inch land suction dredge and excavator allegedly registered to Ramnarace Seegobin was discovered. The dredge was being managed by Dannie Lindie, who identified himself to the officers as the General Manager of DK Mining, reportedly

owned by Seegobin. NO PERMIT Lindie told the mines officer who was accompanied by ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) that he did not have a permit to operate at the location and he was in the process of moving the dredge because of low production. The man showed a

of raw gold but used one ounce to buy fuel to continue working. CEASE WORK ORDERS Given the compelling evidence against the duo, both Lindie and Lopes were instructed to cease all excavation and remove their dredges within 48 hours of the visit to Dukwari mining area. Cease

A police officer escorting one of the suspected raiders on February 18 at the Dukwari mining area. production book to the mines officer but that book had no information. He noted that his recent production yielded one ounce and twenty pennyweights of raw gold but he used the retrieved mineral to purchase fuel to work. The second dredge discovered was registered to Lopes but no document of registration was presented for an excavator being used on his dredge. Additionally, no book was produced when requested by officers, the report addressed to the manager of mines said. When asked about the amount of gold produced, Lopes told the officers that he processed two ounces

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Work Orders (CWO) were also issued. Lopes was asked to hand over the processed gold to Underwood and the gold was then weighed, sealed and detained pending further investigation. An acknowledgement was also issued to Lopes. The gold collected weighted 20.4 pennyweights. The serial numbers of the suctions, water engine and excavators were also recorded by the officers before departing the area. According to the report, it was discovered via an aerial survey that the property was “extensively mined”. CHARGES RECOMMENDED Based on the findings of the investigation, the mines officer has recommended that Seegobin and Lopes be charged separately for operating unregistered dredges and unregistered specified machinery under the regulations. It was also recommended that

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the duo be charged for failing to keep updated production records and operating the prospecting permit medium scale held by Oliver Younge, all in breach of the Mining Act and regulations . STRICTER PENALTIES But even as Younge is pleased with the investigation done by the GGMC officers, he is calling on the relevant authorities to institute stricter penalties against persons who raid mining properties. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday, Younge, a miner for approximately twenty years, said raiding by the men has resulted in him losing millions. He said he has been paying the GGMC yearly for the property and has spent significant sums to upkeep the property which he acquired approximately two years ago. “I think the charge that is likely to be instituted against these guys is going to be minimal…I want to see them face stern penalties,” he said, while noting that GGMC mines officers need to be better equipped as they carry out their duties. He explained that he had to hire a helicopter to transport the mines officer to the site because the river is low and the only other route to the location is by air. The frustrated man told Guyana Chronicle that the Dukwari mining area is close to Venezuela and is not easily accessible. As such, those who raid mining properties take advantage of the limited human resource capacity of the GGMC. “These persons are aware of what they are doing…and GGMC needs to know where everybody is mining,” said Younge. He told this publication that his property has been overworked but he is yet to benefit from proceeds. He

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explained that in many cases, raiders smuggle the gold through Guyana’s porous borders. “When worked like that the government doesn’t get any revenue…they are smuggling the gold; the gold goes to Venezuela and Brazil. Those countries are closer to the location than Georgetown.” “These are some of the problems facing miners, and these things need to be looked into,” the forty-five-year old miner told Guyana Chronicle. Younge believes that in order to curb smuggling of minerals, the issues of raiding and the resource capacity of the GGMC have to be addressed. “Stricter penalties have to be implemented or they will continue to pay the price and walk away with a minimal charge… it should not be life as usual…the penalties should serve as a deterrent,” he added. Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes in an invited comment acknowledged Younge’s case and commended the work of the GGMC mines officer. The Minister said the Ministry of Natural Resources will not be condoning illegal activities. “We will not tolerate illegal mining…those found guilty would be brought before the court,” she said. The Minister noted that while the GGMC has come under fire in recent times as a result of allegations of corruption, there are “intelligent, competent and capable persons working at the Commission and I won’t allow one rotten tomato to spoil the entire basket.” She said work is being done to rebuild the image of the GGMC and both she and Minister Trotman are both working with the Commission to have its integrity restored.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 26, 2016

M&CC intensifies anti-mosquito campaign

THE Vector and Rodent Unit of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has stepped up spraying of drains in Georgetown in a bid to keep the Zika virus at bay. According to M&CC Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis, the exercise seeks to eliminate actual and potential breeding places of mosquitos. In January, vector rodent officers sprayed drains in several wards in Georgetown including Shirley Field Ridley Square, Guyhoc Park, Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Wortmanville and Werk-en-Rust. Similar exercises were planned for this month and next month in several other communities include Albouystown, Charlestown, Alexander Village, West Ruimveldt, West La Penitence and North/ South Ruimveldt. The Vector Rodent Unit also recently conducted an awareness session with hoteliers in Werk-en-Rust and leaflets providing information on the Zika virus and the importance of practicing good environmental care were distributed. “The Council anticipates that the hoteliers would be able to engage their clients and seek to put into practice the information provided to them by environmental health officers. The hoteliers are considered to be a suitable target group for the dissemination of information since they interact with a

A vector control officer sprays one of the many drains in the City to destroy mosquito larvae wide-cross section of the public on a daily basis,” she noted. Chief Public Health Inspector Carl Dey said the unit is understaffed, but in spite of this and other challenges, resources are being mobilised and maximised to address environmental issues. The Vector Rodent Unit is working in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health on a joint Public Awareness Campaign in Georgetown.

Fingerprint system helped solve multiple murders – Crime Chief A NUMBER of serious crimes have been solved with the use of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and in 2015 it assisted with three murders, according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum. “Based on the fingerprints in the system, we were able to compare fingerprints found at crime scenes; we are utilising it to its optimal,” Blanhum said. In 2014, the United States Ambassador to Guyana, Brent Hardt officially handed over the computer AFIS system which the

police have been using for some time now. The handing over of the equipment is part of the wider initiative of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), which is one pillar of a U.S. security strategy focused on citizen safety throughout the hemisphere. Law-enforcement officials noted that with the finger-printing machine no records will disappear or be degraded and the system will assist in providing evidence of the guilt of criminals, and this would add to public trust in the police and their investigative capabilities.

Kids’ Foundation aims to do more By Navendra Seoraj CANADIAN-BASED charitable organisation, Three Rivers Kids’ Foundation, is looking to increase the amount of support it offers to Guyanese children with medical complications. According to a release, President and Founder of the foundation Jeanette Singh, along with the Office Manager of the Guyana Office Lita Gayadin recently met with Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton to discuss ways in which the organisation can collaborate with the Ministry. “The Foundation is one which is dedicated to helping sick children in Guyana whose parents are too poor to afford medical care. They pay for the medical treatment for chil-

dren who need to be taken overseas.” Singh, a registered nurse by profession, expressed particular interest in assisting visually impaired children in Guyana, as well as those with Nephritic Syndrome. The organisation, registered as a non-governmental organisation in Guyana since Feb-

ruary 2008, has to date assisted approximately 150 children with severe medical conditions such as brain tumors and congenital heart conditions. The founder indicated that currently, the organisation only sends children to be treated in India, due to the quality and cost of health care there. However, they are looking to have that

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum Since the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been in possession of the stateof-the-art equipment, several cases have been re-opened by investigators and new evidence tendered.

mandate changed so that they can pay for Guyanese children to be treated right here in their homeland, once the facilities and expertise are available. This notion was welcomed by Minister Norton, who expressed gratitude to the organisation for the work it has been doing in Guyana. He assured them of his full support for their endeavour to help sick children receive medical treatment. The Three Rivers Kids Foundation will be sending four Guyanese children to India for surgery in April 2016.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday February 26, 2016

Op-Ed

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com

Editorial

Staffing the Foreign Service

THE Foreign Service has a responsibility to advance the programmes of the government among its citizens in the diaspora, and ensure government’s policies are understood and respected by host governments. The position advanced by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament and Opposition Whip Ms. Gail Teixeira in the National Assembly that the David Granger/Moses Nagamootoo government must honour the contracts the Donald Ramotar government had issued to political appointees in the Foreign Service is deserving of attention. It is interesting to note that the opposition that is calling on the government to honour the contracts of persons whom they had appointed while in government did the opposite when the party succeeded the Desmond Hoyte government. The contracts of political appointees and career public servants who served at various missions during the Hoyte administration were not honoured by the PPP/C government. Recognising that the PPP/C had the experience where legal battles ensued, it would be reasonable to think that the Donald Ramotar government would have put systems in place not to saddle a successor government with its indiscretion. In addition to the Ramotar government giving their supporters contracts that encompass super salaries and benefits, these are written in such a way that if the government does not have the money to pay to sever the relationship, it will be saddled with these political appointees remaining in office working for the PPP/C. Every political party that assumed the responsibility of government is entitled to free rein to develop its Foreign Policy and Agenda. After all, the party campaigned and secured office on a proposed programme and the people expect execution. This is a universal practice and respected in international circles. It ought to be no different for Guyana. It should be said that there exists a difference between a career diplomat and a political appointee. The political appointee is appointed specifically by the government of the day. The career public servant is appointed through constitutional commission. In the instance of the former his/her allegiance is not only to the government that made the appointment, but also to the political party that forms the government. The APNU+AFC government has made it clear that its Foreign Policy will be one of Economic Diplomacy. In recognition of this position the administration must be given a free hand in identifying and appointing heads of mission it deems capable of carrying out its mandate

Budget 2016 review – Part 1 By Imran Khan Director of Public Information

TODAY, marks almost a month to the date when Minister of Finance Winston Jordan delivered in the National Assembly the 2016 budget presentation on January 29th, 2016. Today is also the day on which the consequential bills from budget 2016 will be brought before the House for consideration and passage. It presents a useful opportunity for reflection on the budget itself and the subsequent debate and consideration of estimates before it was eventually approved in the early hours of the morning of Tuesday, February 23rd, Guyana’s republic anniversary. Budget 2016 was the second budget presentation Minister Jordan had made in five months and his first twelve-month budget, subsequent to the presentation of an abridged fourmonth budget on August 10th, 2015 – three months after the APNU+AFC Coalition assumed government. The theme of budget 2016 is “Stimulating growth, Restoring Confidence: The Good Life Beckons”. This followed the 2015 theme of “A Fresh Approach to the Good Life in a Green Economy”. Budget 2015 came in at $221B, while Budget 2016 topped that by $9B at $230B. Minister Jordan outlined that Budget 2016 was being presented on five pillars: (i) National Unity, (ii) National Infrastructure, (iii) National Institutions, (iv) National Security and (v) Public Services. During the technocrat minister’s 75 page presentation he purposefully articulated the government’s vision for progress over the course of the calendar year, with a heavy emphasis on setting up the foundation for Guyana as a model green economy. The budget is loaded with measures and policies to cultivate a national sense of respect for and deference to our environment, a central facet of Guyanese life which, while receiving much lip service, had been stridently neglected for a considerable amount of time, as was evident by the manner in which our beloved capital city, Georgetown, had been left to decay from its place of prestige as the Garden City of the Caribbean. (Notably Budget 2016 has dedicated G$200M for the self-explanatory Georgetown Restoration Programme, in addition to the G$5B for the reconstruction of Sheriff Street which will have improved traffic safety features inclusive of overhead pedestrian crossings). FOUNDATIONAL BUDGET “This budget,” said Minister Jordan, “builds on the policies and programmes which were first outlined in the Manifesto of the APNU+AFC Coalition and, subsequently, extensively elaborated in my maiden budget speech.” It is therefore apparent that Budget 2016 was a continuation of an overall national vision. Being the first 12 month budget of the Coalition government it is, as well, a foundational budget – one which establishes the underpinnings of and sets out the parameters for national renewal and transformation during the term of this government. Such an establishing budget, coincides fittingly in this, the year of our Golden Jubilee, dubbed the ‘Year of Renaissance’ by His Excellency President David Granger. (Given the magnitude of the celebrations Budget 2016 includes an allocation of an appropriate amount of G$300M for the Golden Jubilee celebrations). To quote Minister Jordan, “in my 2015 budget presentation,

in the international arena. To have an individual whose allegiance is to the opposition political party continue in office can contribute to undermining of the incumbent’s programmes through misrepresentation to host governments and members of the diaspora. The utterance of Ms Teixeira is one of concern, given that it constitutes political bullyism. While in government the PPP/C enjoyed the right to appoint persons of their choice to staff the foreign missions. In opposition, PPP/C is engaging in acts to deny an incumbent government what is universally practised and accepted. The apparent threat that the government would be taken to court should it take action to remove political appointees brings into question whether this matter is one of upholding the laws or using contracts to retain political friends with the intention of undermining the government.

I noted that the “good life” could only be achieved on the foundation of macroeconomic stability.” TALKING POINTS While it is not possible, in as condensed a review as this, to present all the items which stimulated public discussion, there were some noteworthy talking points: 1. Increase in minimum wage from $50,000 per month to $55,000 2. Reduction in fuel prices (Gas: $190 to $170, Diesel: $161 to $159, Kero: $120 to $90) 3. Increase in Old Age pension (from $17,000 to $18,200) and Public Assistance (from $6,500 to $7,300) 4. G$9B for GUYSUCO 5. An allocation of G$3.2B for the previously beleaguered University of Guyana 6. G$424M for the school uniform programme and G$1.9B for National School Feeding Programme 7. Increase of GPL rebate from 10% to 15% 8. G$14.4B to upgrade, expand and rehabilitate roads and bridges nationwide 9. G$20.3B allocation to the agricultural sector 10. An anticipated G$11B in new investments through GO-Invest TWO MAJOR OVERLOOKED INITIATIVES In addition there are two major initiatives which have been mostly overlooked. The first is the G$1.6B plan to develop six state-of-the-art waterfront facilities over the next five years – three in Georgetown (Kitty, Kingston and Stabroek), Supenaam in Region 2, Vreed-en-Hoop in Region 3 and Skeldon in Region 6. While this investment will create modernized ramps for ferries and water taxis, it will also provide green recreational spaces and boardwalks and tourist attractions thereby enhancing both the quality of life of our citizens and boosting Guyana’s tourism product. These six modern waterfront facilities will create spinoff economic opportunities for small businesses. The second being the development of 4000 acres of state lands in Region 9 for the construction of an agriculture station. The lands will be used mainly for cattle, sheep and goat rearing, aquaculture and rice and vegetable farming. This latter plan is part of a G$598M allocation to enhance agriculture in the fecund hinterland, riverine communities and the vast intermediate and Rupununi savannahs. Given agriculture’s pride of place in our economy, this latter initiative is worthy of note as it promises to transform and expand Guyana’s agriculture sector, through structured intervention, in a direction not previously pursued. ATTEMPTED SPOILER The Opposition, pre-emptively had raised the issue of increase in public servants’ salaries. The Opposition Leader had touted “a huge salary increase” on January 27th, two days before the budget was presented and subsequently floated a 50% figure. This was bizarre given that under the previous administration no such increase for public servants was forthcoming at any time. This was coupled with the adamant refusal by the previous government to negotiate with the trade unions, an approach which led to a hostile relationship between the two. See page 7

The contracted officers who are demanding that they remain on the job even though there is a change of government brings into focus the issue of morality/ethics. Morality/ethics dictate that from the moment a new government has been put in place, these officers should have offered their resignations instead of seeking ways through threats to retain their positions or benefit financially. Contrary to Ms. Teixeira’s view, this matter is not about law and honouring of contracts. This matter is about scape-goating the law to mask political bullysim and the refusal to give the government its deserving free hand to chart and execute its Foreign Policy and Agenda. Unfortunately, the political appointees in engaging in such unethical conduct are communicating to all and sundry that their actions are intended to undermine the government and use the State coffers for personal enrichment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 26, 2016

I don’t agree with Nigel Hughes Dear Editor: PERMIT me to respond to an article titled, “National parties have no part to play in LGE,” carried in the Guyana Chronicle (24 Wednesday 2016), with said comments attributed to Attorney at Law Nigel Hughes. Allow me to say from the outset that I am a strong proponent of the decentralisation of government and the diffusion of power throughout the governing system. In this regard, I’ve been an advocate against an executive presidency, for instance, and even presented a paper to this effect to the Constitution Reform Commission in 1999/2000. In the matter at hand, the journalist may have done a disservice to the public by not focusing on the reasons given by Mr. Hughes why national parties have no part in Local Government Elections (LGE), because as I went through the article, I couldn’t find a coherent reason to support the broad statement made which has so many implications. In any event, I find myself contrary to such an opinion as regards LGE.

The issue of national parties participating or not in Local Government Elections is a serious one and should be dealt with as such. Firstly, that kind of discussion strikes at the heart of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic which states, at Article 12: “Local Government by freely elected representatives of the people is an integral part of the democratic organisation of the State. Further, at Article 13, “The principal objective of the political system of the state is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens and their organisations in the management and decision-making process of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of the decision-making that directly affect their well-being.” Secondly, the notion that national parties have no place in LGE may be an infringement on my rights under the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Act of 2015 and may even have implications for the Municipal and District Councils Act: Chap 28:01

and the regime of legislation which go with it. Thirdly, outgoing Chief Justice (ag.) Ian Chang may not be the most loved member of the judiciary, but the reasons in his judgment in Richardson v Attorney General and Trotman, decided on Thursday July 9, should be of note. The Chief Justice ruled that notwithstanding the provisions of article 164, Act No 17 of 2001, insofar as it “dilutes” the democratic right of the electorate to elect a president of its own choice, needed a referendum and therefore violates article 164. The larger picture here is that the people have a right to elect who they want to lead them. Fourthly, and this goes with my second point, if the people feel that the laws currently on the books do not reflect modern thinking, then there are certain recourses for redress. For redress, the people can so direct their elected representatives in Parliament who make the law, the legislative branch of government, or there can be recourse through the courts, which interprets and enforces the law, the ju-

Lewis says BCGI workers were threatened to sign letter Dear Editor: REFERENCE is made to a letter signed by “concerned employees” working at the Bauxite Company Guyana Incorporated (BCGI), titled: “Conditions at the so called slave camp” (Guyana Chronicle, 24/2/2016). The gist of the instant letter referred to a 4th February meeting held at the Ministry of Social Protection among ministry officials, the trade union and BCGI management, and other extraneous, though disturbing matters. There is empathy for the workers at BCGI who were put in an undignified position to sign a letter, of which content they (1) know nothing about and (2) speaking of conditions in the working environment that do not exist. It is unfortunate that in the 50th year of political independence, when Guyanese have their own laws guaranteeing their rights, that workers at BCGI are placed in position, where in order to feed themselves and families they have to sit or stand on their dignity. The instant letter said I called the Personnel Manager a “white man.” The Personnel Manager is white and male, and I am unaware he would

have preferred being identified by another race or sex. In reference to the attribution of “slave masters,” words to that effect were said by me: “My forbearers fought against slavery, indentureship and colonialism. We fought the slave masters and I will not allow anyone to come and impose slavery once again on us.” I stand by this comment. The fact that Guyanese workers, in their own land, are being forced to sign their names to a document on matters they know nothing of and speak to conditions of work that do not exist, make the point. Only the BCGI management was at the 4th February meeting and to have workers sign to what they did not witness or participate in exemplify the fear and intimidation that pervade the workplace. The claim in the letter that conditions of work are decent is false. The falsity is borne out in recent media reports which carried pictures that exposed the terrible conditions under which workers are forced to work. Workers also took the opportunity to bare their souls to the minister who visited the site. Let me repeat, I empathise with these workers who were threatened to sign the letter. When this letter was being circulated for signatures, the security

department was told by a named sergeant that if the guards do not affix their signatures they would lose their jobs. The author(s) of the instant letter who have threatened and placed workers into the compromising position of having to sign the instant letter is a lesson for this government that refuses to enforce the laws in bringing resolution to a six-plus year-old matter that is seeing citizens/ workers having to work under continuous indignity reminiscent of the pre-independence era. It ought to be said that it is not an indictment on the “concerned workers” who signed the letter; rather,it is a plea to government to rescue them from continuously being abused, physically, mentally and financially. In this year when independence talks and boast of the right to self-determination is being bandied around, we must ask ourselves the question: what manner of government as it mouths independence would ignore the laws and subject some citizens to conditions of work, whereby they are put in position to kneel in order to feed themselves and families? Regards LINCOLN LEWIS

dicial arm of the State. On this latter note and our subject matter, I am constrained by the thinking of the American Chief Justice John Roberts in his judgment on the “Affordable Care Act”: “Members of this Court are vested with the authority to interpret the law; we possess neither the expertise nor the prerogative to make policy judgments. Those decisions are entrusted to our nation’s elected leaders, who can be thrown out of office if the people disagree with them. It is not our job to protect the people from the consequences of their political choices.” Finally, where I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Hughes is the additional comments attributed to him, “Local development is a community’s plan and no outsider can represent that better than persons from the community.” This is what I believe com-

pletely separates me from the other two contenders, whose sojourn is of recent vintage, in the municipality of Georgetown - Constituency 14: South Ruimveldt Park / Ruimveldt Industrial Estate. I have lived in this constituency for close to 30 years and know its rhythms and cadences, its strengths and its challenges. I know of the flooding because I’ve waded in the waters; I know of the security concerns acutely having been robbed twice in the area and I know of the need for a better solid- waste programme, etc. I have had the great privilege of working on community development projects with ‘The Garage’ and ‘Cevons’, calling on them to be good corporate entities and they have answered. I’ve been a member of the South Ruimveldt Gardens Phase 1

Community Development and Policing Group which has for years been an instrumental part of the community. Currently, through a Private-Public Partnership, we’re transforming playgrounds in Orealla Avenue and Tukeit Drive to the benefit of all members of the community. My heart and soul are woven into the very fabric of my constituency. And this is why I cannot understand why as a humble citizen and resident, and a productive member of my constituency who democratically choose to identify with a particular political party, why I should have no place in Local Government Elections. Regards SHEROD DUNCAN APNU+AFC candidate for councillor

Budget 2016 ... From Page 6 One wondered whether the Opposition Leader’s pre-emptive call for what was described as a massive and unrealistic increase was indicative of him having knowledge of the budget. It could have been a manifestation of what Minister Cathy Hughes noted as “the tentacles of the last government (being) large and deep.” Several days before the budget presentation the budget estimates would have had to be sent for printing and this would have allowed persons in the system (both within and without the Ministry of Finance) to have gotten sight of details. Nevertheless Minister Jordan put the matter to rest when he clarified that “an announcement on salary increases for public servants, for 2016, has to await the conclusion of discussions with the relevant unions.” Despite the opposition’s attempts to create hysteria and anxiety, Government’s civil and mature approach of respect and inclusivity was welcomed and heralded by union representatives and public servants have demonstrated patience and understanding. Note: In Part 2 we will review the new licensing fees, reduction and removal of excise tax, restriction on the importation of used vehicles, the notice of intent to ban importation of use tyres.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 26, 2016

$40M ready for SOCU DESPITE concerns raised by an Irish Financial Investigation expert over the lack of sufficient resources at the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), President David Granger has assured that resources will be disbursed soon to ensure the unit functions as it should. Speaking with reporters on Thursday after making his maiden address to the Police Officers at the Force’s Annual Officers’ Conference, the President said, “SOCU is part of the Police Force and as I mentioned, I have already signed the Appropriation Act so money should be released very shortly.” President Granger noted that it is left up to the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan and Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud to “ensure that the money is spent for the purposes to which it has been budgeted.” $40M has been allocated for SOCU under the Ministry of the Presidency (MOTP). But while President Granger has assured that SOCU will

receive the allotted financial resources, he said the ques-

President David Granger tion is how soon the administration of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) can get it done. “The Police Act is very clear, the Commissioner has responsibility,” President Granger told reporters noting that weekly meetings are

held with the hierarchy of the Police Force. He expressed satisfaction with the success that has been achieved by the Force thus far during its investigations. “I am very confident that we will see a change; in fact, we have already started to see a change particularly in investigations. “The speed at which persons who commit offences [are caught], sometimes the next day, sometimes within a few days’ time they are arrested. We can’t stop crimes but we could ensure that criminals are arrested and prosecuted,” President Granger added. On Wednesday, Dr. Sam Sittlington made public his findings on the operation of SOCU during his five weeks here and noted several deficiencies relative to the Unit. He questioned the autonomy of SOCU and said, “There has been a lot of discussion lately about who should fund the SOCU. The autonomy of the unit needs to be addressed.” The Irish expert said, “A number of ministries have

a say in the functioning of SOCU and this creates confusion and instability.” The expert was quick to state that for SOCU to function effectively it must receive clear ministerial direction and funding from one source. Last week during the consideration of the current and capital expenditure in the National Assembly, the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) expressed concern over SOCU being placed under the Ministry of the Presidency as an entity to receive funding. $40M was budgeted under the Ministry of the Presidency for SOCU. Minister of State Joseph Harmon in response to the concerns of the opposition said, the situation is a temporary one. Harmon’s response was deemed unsatisfactory to the opposition’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, who said that the Terms of Reference (TOR) of SOCU does not indicate that it should be listed under the Ministry of the Presidency. She said too that SOCU being

listed under the Ministry of the Presidency contradicted

Irish financial investigation expert, Dr. Sam Sittlington with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/ CFT) Legislation. Dr. Sittlington noted too the limited human resource

capacity of SOCU given the number of cases before the Unit. He said SOCU is tremendously understaffed and is in dire need of human resources. There are currently nine persons working with SOCU, an assistant director, four investigators, a secretary and three Criminal Investigation Department (CID) detectives who have been seconded to work on the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Ltd (NICIL) investigations currently with SOCU to help sift the vast amount of documents from that case. “SOCU currently manages a total of 285 investigations, 59 of those are live investigations, of which immediate action is required and the remaining held until further intelligence becomes available.” “They are also expecting further large NICIL-type investigations to reach their doors in the coming weeks. This workload cannot be sustained within the current staff.” A proposal has since been submitted for consideration on the issue.

Mom admits to killing son, cops say … not the first attempt

By Svetlana Marshall TWENTY-EIGHT-yearold Sonia King, who reportedly confessed to the recent murder of her only son, had allegedly thrown him through a door when he was just six months old, according to relatives. Eight-year-old Emmanuel King was allegedly strangled by his mother last Sunday night at their La Parfaite-Harmonie Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara home. King, who is eight months pregnant with her second child, is currently in police custody assisting with the investigation at the Den Amstel Police Station. According to the Guyana Police Force, King initially alleged that her son had fallen out of a tree and subsequently succumbed to his injuries. However, during investigations into the matter, she is alleged to have told investigators that she had strangled the child. Her reputed husband Robert Vieira, who was at home at the time of the incident, in an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday, said

he had no idea that little Emmanuel was murdered until King confessed to him

Emmanuel’s father Ludwig Kryenhoff speaking to the Guyana Chronicle in front of the South/ Guyhoc Bus Park on Thursday, where he sells a variety of beverages on Monday morning. Vieira said that after a hectic day with the family on Sunday,

he opted to watch a movie in the comfort of his bed in the lone bedroom of their home. King, as was the custom, had gone to check up on little Emmanuel in the kitchen where he usually slept. “She came back about half an hour after and say that Emmanuel dead…I seh what you mean Emmanuel dead?” Upon hearing the terrible news, Vieira reportedly made several attempts to revive his foster-son but to no avail. “I get scared, so I ran on the road to get a taxi… but I wasn’t getting nobody, so I begged my neighbour to take he and his mother to the hospital.” However, on his arrival at the West Demerara Regional Hospital, the child was pronounced dead. Up to this point, Vieira was of the opinion that little Emmanuel had died due to injuries he may have sustained after falling from a guava tree earlier that day. But he was subsequently faced with the sad reality on Monday when King reportedly confessed to him, saying that she attempted to kill little Emmanuel twice

Emmanuel King in his earlier life before Sunday’s tragedy. “She said she tried killing him two times and this third time she succeed,” Vieira said as he reflected on King’s confession. Questioned as to the motive, Vieira alleged that King once said she and Emmanuel’s biological father were bad parents to him and as such, she was worried about the man he would become. Upon hearing the confession Monday morning, Vieira said he became fear-

ful for his life. However it was only until Tuesday night that he informed the police of the confession. “Tuesday night, a police called me and said tell your wife, 8 o’clock in the morning is the post-mortem…but I told him no, no, hear what happen, she did it, she told me she did it.” She was subsequently taken into custody for the murder of her eight-yearold son. Asked why an earlier report was not made to the police about the confession, Vieira said he was fearful that the police would have attempted to implicate him, given an earlier matter in which he was “framed” and as such was waiting on a particular rank, whom he deemed be a “good man,” to call him back. But little Emmanuel’s father Ludwig Kryenhoff is maintaining that Vieira had “a hand” in his son’s death. He received the awful news around 00:30 hrs on Monday after King had returned from the hospital. “Neighbours told me that the step-father was beating him, and like he fall down and hit a part of his body and die, and they put him to lie down…but is he [Vieira] son that telling people that they beat my son and strangled him,

he own son saying that,” Kryenhoff said. Vieira’s two sons live in the same yard but in different apartments. “A night I was going out but she did not want me to go, and she pick up this little boy and fling him through the door, I barely catch him,” he recalled. A report was subsequently made to the Alberttown Police Station, where she was given a warning. Several weeks after, she left the country, leaving little Emmanuel behind. “She disappeared for two years and a half,” he posited. Upon her return, she took custody of him, but would periodically leave him with his father and aunt to travel to Trinidad and Tobago where she once lived. Emmanuel’s aunt Venture, echoed similar sentiments. “He was up and down all day and before mid-night we heard the child dead,” she posited. Venture said at first they thought King was playing a “sick joke,” but became very concerned when a neighbour told her that “Emmanuel was beaten and strangled to death.” The post-mortem is expected to be conducted today.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 26, 2016

Granger to co-chair CARICOM in July

WHEN he assumes co-chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in July, President David Granger intends to focus on the environmental security of small states, and food security. Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, the President outlined what he intends to be focused areas as co-Chair. He said the most important aspect of CARICOM is that it comprises a collection of small states. “My main concern is the security of small states and particularly in terms of climate change… the danger of rising sea levels. Although Guyana is not an island, we have a

low coastland and we are susceptible to rising sea levels,” he said. President Granger noted that he would also like to see more focus being placed on food security. “We have to gear our economies for food security to make sure that all of our countries are protected from the vagaries of the international market.” The President said Guyana is currently in a position to “augment its production of almost every agricultural commodity” and as such, looks forward to “seeing CSME on the road and working.” He noted that environmental security of

small sates is an area of concern and noted that the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting will be held in Guyana come July as Dominica is not in a position to host the meeting. Last August, heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Erika caused widespread flooding and mudslides across the island and also resulted in the death of persons. “We can’t prevent the storm, but we could respond more quickly and efficiently. So we want to see that the Caribbean Emergency Management Agency is empowered to respond more quickly to those disasters in the island states,” President Granger added.

President David Granger The President told reporters that though premature, he believes that the identified goals could be achieved during his tenure as Co-chairman of CARICOM. Prime Minister of Belize Dean Barrow currently holds the chairmanship. He was appointed on January 6, and will serve for six months.

Bandit shoots accomplice dead A BANDIT was shot dead by his colleague during a botched attempted robbery at a Gas Station at Hopetown Village, West Coast Berbice Thursday night. After accidentally shooting his accomplice, the shooter turned his gun on a driver of a vehicle waiting for fuel at the gasoline station, ordered him out and escaped with the vehicle. Up to press time, the bandit was still at large and the vehicle, a silver Grey Allion motor car PGG 2704 has not been recovered. The dead man, apparently in his mid-thirties, is yet to be identified. According to reports, around 19:15hrs, two men, one a tall Indian man and the other of African descent approached the service station on foot. At the time, the outlet’s Supervisor Nazir (only name given) was checking stocks when he noticed

the men, one of whom was armed with a gun and the other with a knife. Nazir related that both men began ‘cursing’ his staff and demanding money. He said the robber one with the knife approached him and he backed away. As he backed away, he heard a shot went off and the man fell to the ground. On seeing this, the man with the gun snatched a bag from one of the female employees and then held up the driver of the vehicle waiting for fuel. He took away the keys of the vehicle and sped away. The Supervisor told the Guyana Chronicle that he has little doubt that the bandit had intended to shoot him, and was thankful to God for being alive. The robber with the gun reportedly escaped without any cash. Police are investigating the incident

The spot where the bandit met his death at the hands of his accomplice

Confidence in GPF enhanced

SOCIETY has enhanced its confidence in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) since the present government has taken on unprofessional behavior and corruption within the society, thereby making the Force’s work more effective. This was disclosed by Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud at the annual Officers’ Conference of the GPF which was hosted yesterday at their Headquarters, Eve Leary. The two-day event was attended by Head of State President David Granger, cabinet ministers, members of the diplomatic corp and special invitees. Underscoring that the primary objectives of the conference were to review the operations in the past and to discuss plans for the current year, the Top Cop said the year 2015 had brought its own challenges. However, the GPF had been able to

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud make a number of successful strides especially the collaborative effort with GECOM and the joint services resulting in adequate security provision for the general public. He explained that Operation Dragnet had positively impacted crime and traffic

control and the Criminal Investigations Department in the latter half of 2015, coupled with social crime prevention programme have served to reduce fear of crime in Guyana. Mr Persaud said by cultivating strong partnerships the police force was able to approach crime and prevention to better serve communities, thereby increasing public trust and safety. In highlighting some of the achievements of 2015 the Commissioner listed as follows: A group health insurance was established last year, GPF fallen Heroes Foundation, Occupational Health and Safety Officer with peripherals in each division, annual fitness assessment for all members 45 years and below, expansion of the social crime prevention programme, workers retention by active police association and an active women’s police association. He said an office was

– Top Cop

created for audits and inspections which added to the effectiveness of the system. The law enforcement official noted that support from the local US embassy had seen staff from the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) trained to international best practices in 2015, which resulted in adjustments to the Police Force standing orders which guide OPR operations. In addition, he said a transportation asset maintenance system had been introduced which resulted in less downtime for vehicles. There is also a huge youth programme that focuses on sports, rehabilitating sports infrastructure and life skills education amongst others. He further added that the Zara Group, which is a diaspora group out of New York, in the past donated three computer labs, which

graduated 10,600 persons in 2015. The Zara Group had also assisted the GPF with cyber security training and they were currently working on a project to computerize CID headquarters and acquire investigative software to assist their operations. Meanwhile, regarding training, the commissioner said last year 420 recruits graduated but preparations for elections have caused downtime in recruit training. There was also training in specialist and technical level for senior officers while 60 ranks did overseas courses sponsored by US, UK, Russia and France. Another 355 were trained locally, inclusive of Canadian Mountain Police under the Justice Education Society Project funded by the Canadian High Commission. He said leadership training for senior and junior officers had already begun for 2016, while next Monday

the force would graduate 298 new recruits and plans were afoot to deploy 900 recruits for this year. Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner Administration David Ramnarine said Guyana was on the road to greater development and operation dragnet had enhanced the assessment of impending challenges. He said with the upcoming local government elections and Guyana’s 50th anniversary where diplomats, visitors and mass crowds would be present, the Guyana Police Force would need enhanced and effective security planning. Therefore, he said planning and security considerations must evolve and critical analysis was needed for optimum efficiency. “This is exactly why it is necessary to analyze the past performances in order to improve the present and future thrusts,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 26, 2016

Georgetown Medical Centre Lab re-certified THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has recertified the Georgetown Medical Centre (Prashad Hospital) Laboratory recently under its Laboratory Certification Programme. The centre continues to meet the requirements of the Guyana Standard (GYS 170) – General requirements for the operation of a laboratory. The renewal certificate was presented by GNBS Executive Director Evadnie Enniss to Georgetown Medical Centre Laboratory Manager Shalini Ramsahai. At the simple, but significant recertification ceremony, Enniss stressed the importance of operating a certified laboratory and urged laboratory staff to continue to do what is required to maintain the certification. She also encouraged them to start the walk to-

Georgetown Medical Centre Laboratory Manager Shalini Ramsahai (second from left), receives the renewal certificate from GNBS Executive Director Evadnie Enniss in the presence of other officials wards ISO 15189 Standard accreditation which is internationally-recognised. Meanwhile, Ramsahai expressed gratitude to the

GNBS and her support staff for their efforts in ensuring that the laboratory maintains national standard certification.

Through its National Laboratory Certification Programme, the GNBS determines whether laboratories involved in testing, measurement and/or calibration activities are satisfying the criteria outlined in the National Standard. Laboratories, which conform to the requirements of this standard, are provided with formal recognition that they have implemented a laboratory management system, thus providing quality assurance for customers as they identify and select reliable testing or calibration services to meet their needs. The GNBS also carries out surveillance and monitoring activities during the period of certification to

ensure that laboratories are maintaining the system. The Georgetown Medical Centre Laboratory is among a group of certified medical laboratories in Guyana. These include the GPHC Medical Laboratory, St Joseph Mercy Hospital Laboratory, Eureka Medical Laboratories, Dr Balwant Singh Hospital Laboratory, Medical Arts Centre Laboratory, Quest Medical Centre Laboratory and Woodlands Hospital Laboratory. Uncertified laboratories that are interested in becoming certified can approach the GNBS, which is always ready to assist them in implementing a management system to become certified.

GAWU accused of ‘forcing’ strike THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) yesterday accused the main sugar union the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) of forcing some Uitvlugt estate workers to strike last Tuesday. According to a release from the corporation, on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, as Guyana celebrated its 46th anniversary of republicanism, GAWU representatives fanned out across the sugar industry persuading workers to strike and protest. “Workers at most of the estates did not answer this call which was masterminded by the union’s central leadership. The maturity of the workforce prevailed over the union’s self-serving call that could have had a negative impact on the industry.” There was normalcy at all estates except Uitvlugt estate, where 400 harvesters came out, indicating their willingness to work. However, the Field Officer and representatives of GAWU prevented the

workers from working, with the result that 70 persons defied them while 330 went home reluctantly. The Field Officer who was installed there just yesterday (after his predecessor was dismissed February 3, 2016 for not supporting calls made by his superiors in the Union) and representatives were at the order line encouraging workers to strike, the statement highlighted. It was alleged that they were given strong warnings by the union leadership, in the case of the Field Officer that, “If he cannot get the workers to protest he will be removed as Field Officer” and in relation to the representatives, “If they don’t get their respective gang workers to strike they will be removed as reps.” Further, it was alleged that similarly, the workers were told that if they don’t support the strike they would not be afforded representation by the union in future. The reluctant support of the workers relates to

330 cane harvesters who prepared their meals and went out to work but had to go home losing their earnings for that day. Also with a production of 410 tonnes of sugar that morning, against a target of 969 tonnes of sugar, their inability to work, which was incited by the representatives and Field Officer of the union, will result in all of Uitvlugt possibly losing a further day’s pay in the form of Weekly Production Incentives (WPI) for not achieving their target. It is believed that the union was determined to break Uitvlugt Estate’s momentum, as the estate had achieved its targets for the two previous weeks since the crop commenced, when all workers earned one day WPI each. GuySuCo exhorted its workers to be more concerned about their future, with job security, and not the agenda of their union’s leadership which seems not to be in sync with the best interest of the workers and the industry.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 26, 2016

Rodney COI Report

Lawyer bemoans lack of statement from ‘Skip Roberts’ … says he was snubbed by commission

By Telesha Ramnarine AMID the fallout over the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry, lead Counsel, Glen Hanoman, said former Crime Chief Cecil ‘Skip’ Roberts was not allowed to give evidence solely because he did not tender a statement to the Commission. President Granger made mention of the lack of a statement from Roberts, noting that: “I would like to say that the report is very badly flawed in many respects. From the start we realised that the commission was paying a lot of attention to hearsay evidence and the most glaring example of the flaw in the commission’s report is the fact that they decided to accept the evidence of a convict. They brought a convict, who at the time was a constable in the Guyana Police Force. He reports verbatim on a conversation between the President of Guyana, the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force and two assistant commissioners of police and he was not present. How does he know what was going on? And why should the commission believe that he knew what was going on?” the President said. According to the release, President Granger noted that a key witness, who was available to the commission and had knowledge of what would have possibly transpired, was not allowed to testify. The President noted that he plans to challenge the findings of the report. The COI into the death of the former brilliant historian/ politician Dr. Rodney, who was allegedly assassinated some 35 years ago, opened in the Supreme Court Law Library in Georgetown early May 2014. Although the final report on the findings of the COI was completed and perused by officials, Hanoman said he is saddened that a copy of it was not forwarded to him. “The trouble is I am very upset. No courtesy was extended to me. It is normal courtesy to provide a report to the participating counsel. I knew most of what happened,” he told Chronicle yesterday. He said he noted in the press reports that criticised the fact that evidence was not taken from Roberts. “It was a poor decision to bring him to the country without a statement to the Commission and

therefore he could not give evidence.” Hanoman said he sat down with Roberts and tried to take a statement from him, but Roberts only kept saying that he could not remember anything. “I told him to return at a later date but he never did. He never did although my staff left messages for him at the hotel he was staying at.” The Lead Counsel said he was really upset that he was not consulted on the fact that Roberts was going to be brought into the country. “I think he came because he got a free trip, because he had nothing material to say. It was just a whole game.” Hanoman is contending that the wrong impression is being peddled in the media as to why Roberts could not give evidence. “No other witness was allowed to give evidence without first giving a statement. I had hoped to get another try with him but I just don’t know why he never returned.” On another point, Hanoman said the contention that evidence should not have been taken from Robert Gates because he is a convict is in itself flawed. “It doesn’t matter if you are a convict or not, you can still give evidence. Not because he is a convict means we should disbelieve everything he says. A convict can tell the truth. We have convicts who give evidence everyday in the courts.” However President Granger insisted that: “The commission brought one of the persons who was present at that meet-

GLEN HANOMAN ing into this country for 10 days, kept him at a hotel and then sent him back to the United States without asking him a single question. Why should the commission accept the word of a convict and refuse to bring onto the stand, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, who in fact was supposed to be at that meeting with former President Burnham and was also the chief investigator into the circumstances surrounding the death of Dr. Rodney? So when you look at details of the evidence provided it is clear that the report itself is very badly flawed and we intend to challenge the findings of the report and the circumstances under which that report was conducted,” the President told reporters on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Commissioners Richard Cheltenham, Seenath Jairam, and Jacqueline Samuels-Brown, conclud-

ed that Rodney was the victim of a State-organised assassination and this could only have been possible with the knowledge of then People’s National Congress (PNC) Prime Minister Forbes Burnham. The COI also concluded that Burnham’s grip and absolute control over the Guyanese society was so firm and extensive, that he de-humanised and belittled many Guyanese by compelling them to clean trenches, canals or drains. The commissioners further found that the late soldier Gregory Smith, carried out the killing and he was then spirited out of the country to French Guiana in an elaborate operation spearheaded by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). President Granger lamented that while government had expended large sums of money on the commission and its work, in the pursuit of truth and closure, none of these has been achieved despite the handing over of the report. “It has cost the Guyanese taxpayers a tremendous amount of money. We could have built 10 schools with the money that was spent on that commission… They are just gobbling up money and at the same time they are not providing the Guyanese people with the truth. We supported the commission’s pursuit of truth, but the commission has varied from its mandate and

has accepted a lot of hearsay evidence and not given the Guyanese people what they deserve. That is to say, what were the circumstances under

which Dr. Rodney acquired a certain device and how that device came to be detonated. That is what we want to know,” the President expressed.

Friday February 26th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Saturday February 27th, 2016 - 05:30 hrs Sunday February 28th, 2016 - 08:30 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 26, 2016

Let’s look to the future –– say Region Two REO, Chairman at flag-raising ceremony

DESPITE early morning light shower, executives of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam) and members of the disciplined forces congregated in the compound of the Anna Regina fire station to observe Guyana’s 46th Republic Anniversary. The event began at 08.00hrs. In a message to a mammoth crowd of Essequibians from all walks of life, including students from the Anna Regina and Cotton Field Secondary schools, Regional Executive

endorsed this theme, not only for this year’s observances but for years to come; the citizens of this region must hold dear and be guided by the words of the theme in our daily lives.” Hopkinson encouraged Essequibians to put aside petty differences and work to make Region Two a better place. The hoisting of “our flag”, he said, signified that Guyana is a proud nation. “Let us not be prisoners of history, let us not rehash a sordid past, but let us work

Region Two Regional Executive Officer Rupert Hopkinson addressing attendees at the flag-raising ceremony Officer Rupert Hopkinson emphasised the celebration of diversity and sovereignty, which happens to be the theme of the event. “We have travelled a long way from the harsh, unlovely days of colonialism. We still have a long way to attain our goal. But we are marching there now,” he said. The theme of the 46th anniversary of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Hopkinson stressed must be seen as a clear guide of how Guyana as a nation must proceed as it seeks to build a better life for all Guyanese. “As your Regional Executive Officer, I

together to create new and better possibilities, new and better opportunities, a new and better environment for this region, indeed our nation.” Region Two chairman, Devenand Ramdatt also encouraged the attendees and Essequibians as a whole to be partners in development. “We have the people; We have the resources; We have the will; We have the motive force; And we have the programme to enable us to continue our march towards the goal of Guyana,” he said. (Mohamed Khan).

Drive-by shooting in Sophia EIGHTEEN–year–old Paul Softley is nursing a gunshot wound to his left ear following a drive-by shooting in ‘B’ Field Sophia on Wednesday night. According to a police report, at about 19:15 hrs, Softley of Sophia, was walking along the roadway at ‘B’ Field with his

brother when a motor vehicle drove by from which shots were discharged in their direction. Softley was struck behind his left ear and admitted to hospital. No one has been arrested and investigations are in progress.

Former Health Minister matter for High Court

FORMER Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsarran was absent when the matter involving him and a women’s right activist was called yesterday at the Whim Magistrate Court. The matter was called before Magistrate Charlyn Artiga. Ramsarran is accused of using threatening language against women’s right activist Sherlina Nageer on April 20, 2015 outside of the Whim court. However his lawyers petitioned the High Court for the matter to be squashed.

The matter is set to be called on March 21 at the High Court, New Amsterdam, Berbice. Speaking to Guyana Chronicle, Sherlina Nageer said she was dissatisfied at how the matter was being handled. She said she has been travelling from Georgetown to be present for all the hearings only to be told that the matter was postponed to another date. “I am giving the system the chance to do its work and see what happens from there,” Nageer said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 26, 2016

Watch out delinquent parents

THE Ministry of Social Protection will pay keener attention to delinquent parents this year, particularly fathers who do not contribute financially to their children’s upkeep. This is according to subject Minister Volda Lawrence who noted that too many fathers have abandoned their responsibility to their families, leaving the State to provide. “Everyone will face the consequence – the law. The State cannot be burdened when a parent or parents have the means of taking

care of their children and they choose not to do so. It doesn’t matter how big or small you are we’re going to come after you,” the minister was quoted as saying in a release from the Ministry. According to the release, the Minister was at the time speaking with members of the newly-appointed Local Board of Guardians, who will review applications for Public Assistance for persons living along the East Bank Demerara. She noted that there are cases where women are afraid to seek monies from

fathers to support their children because of the men’s abusive behaviour, but the Ministry will address this as well. Nevertheless, the minister acknowledged that there are parents who are genuinely unable to provide for their children due to various reasons and the Ministry is prepared to support those families. “But it’s unfair to use taxpayers’ money to support children whose parents can afford to take care of them,” Minister Lawrence said. The East Bank Local

Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence speaking with members of the newly-appointed Local Board of Guardians Board of Guardian is one of dollars are justifiably spent. I’m saying let’s not use perthe many installed across the The East Bank Board ception. Let us investigate country effective February comprises Roderick Edin- the cases and execute our 1, 2016 to process Public boro, Alma Francois-Bovell, tasks base on facts. Let’s Assistance applications. Fannett Brandford, Loraine treat people with dignity and Public Assistance is a Stephens, Mark Braithwaite respect,” Minister Lawrence form of temporary finan- and Deryck Boyce. charged. cial assistance issued by the “The Ministry of Social The minister further notGovernment of Guyana to Protection lacks the capacity ed that there are some cases specific persons, including to deal with all the social of the ‘dependency synthe aged, infirmed, sick, issues we have by ourselves, drome’ where people are destitute and children below and as a result, we need your reluctant to seek alternative the age of 14. A Public As- help. You are our ears and sources of income, but noted sistance voucher is valued eyes on the ground. Your that the Ministry is taking a at $6,500. interactions as members of different approach to social The release noted that the the community can help us protection in 2016. boards are responsible for to get the facts on the issue… The minister urged the evaluating and determining for too long we have made board to work along with the legitimacy of Public As- judgments about who get religious leaders in the sistance applications in rural Public Assistance and how communities to further areas to ensure taxpayers’ much based on perceptions. support families.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 26, 2016

TV cameraman gets 25 years for rape of 13-year-old girl By Michel Outridge

TVG CAMERAMAN Andre Hetsberger was yesterday afternoon sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by Justice Navindra Singh after a 12-member jury unanimously found him guilty of rape of a 13-yearold girl in 2014. After hours of deliberation, the members of the jury returned to a packed courtroom and when the verdict was announced, Hetsberger began crying and then he started to scream on hearing that he was sentenced to 25 years in jail. A weeping 39-year-old Hetsberger then kneeled in the prisoner’s box with outstretched hands and said, “Why me Lord, not me Lord,” as he cried loudly yesterday. His outburst caused his wife and relatives, who were present in the courtroom before Justice Singh, to hurl loud verbal abuse at a female relative of the victim. At that time, some women threw themselves down in the courtroom, causing Justice Singh to call for order as he enquired, “Who wants to join Hetsberger?” After the verdict was announced Hetsberger told Justice Singh he did not do any-

thing, as he cried openly and uncontrollably. Justice Singh told the court that Hetsberger was sentenced to 25 years in prison and asked that he be taken out of the courtroom. After some difficulty he was escorted in handcuffs and shackles to the Police Outpost at the High Court even as family members and relatives behaved disorderly saying, “We will pray and fast for all of you, members of the jury too, y’all time gon come.” The court police called for backup and about a dozen cops showed up accompanied by prison officers, who escorted a still weeping Hetsberger to the prison’s minibus to be transported to the penitentiary. As he was being led away from the police outpost in the High Court, a senior prison officer assisted him and told him to relax as the group walked closely behind. State prosecutors were Siand Dhurjon and Michael Shahoud while the defence counsel were Lawrence Harris and Hewley Griffith. Hetsberger was on trial for sexual activity with a girl who was 13-years-old on October 17, 2014. The matter was held in-camera.

A weeping Andre Hetsberger being escorted by prison officers and police out of the High Court yesterday afternoon. He was sentenced to 25 years in jail after a jury found him guilty of raping a 13-year-old girl.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 26, 2016

Guyanese students can apply for 2016 U.S. Youth Ambassadors program

THE U.S. Embassy is inviting applications for the 2016 Youth Ambassadors Program (YAP) from within the Caribbean. The Youth Ambassador Program is a three-week cultural and leadership exchange program for public secondary school student leaders to visit the United States. A release from the U.S. Embassy said that through the exchange, participants will develop their leadership skills, strengthen their ability to serve their communities; and foster relationships and mutual understanding among youth

from different ethnic, religious, and national groups and create networks of youth leaders in the Western Hemisphere. The release noted that the program for 2016 will include a three-week U.S.-based exchange under the theme: “Youth and Social Transformation” for approximately 41 secondary school students and adult educators from five countries in the Caribbean Region. In Guyana, eight youths and one adult will be selected to participate in the program from August 8 – 29, 2016. During their exchange, participants from

the Region will travel to the United States for exchanges in Brattleboro, Vermont and Washington, D.C. that focus on civic education, community service, and youth leadership development through site meetings, experiential learning activities, leadership training, civic participation at the community level, mentoring by community, business and NGO leaders, volunteer programs, and homestays with American families. The adult participants will have special sessions with their peers designed to help fos-

ter leadership and civic education programs at home. Afterwards, students will develop and implement projects that serve the needs of their communities in the months that follow their return home. To date, 29 students and six mentors have participated in Youth Ambassadors Program for Guyana since September 2012. Interested students and mentors can visit the U.S. Embassy website at http://georgetown.usembassy.gov/yap.html for more information and applications.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 26, 2016

We will not prevent anyone AFC says members free to participate in LGE

DAYS after its chairman, Nigel Hughes declared that national parties have no place in local government elections, the Alliance For Change on Thursday called on all eligible Guyanese to participate fully in the polls, while noting that an effective local government system can redound only to the strengthening of democracy at the national level. “The AFC notes that many persons including some of its members will be contesting these elections under an independent banner. This is their right. As a Party that has a proud tradition of fighting and upholding all human rights, the AFC will respect the rights of those members who have opted to put themselves forward to be elected, whether as an individual for a constituency or as part of an independent group,” the party said in its statement. “The Alliance For Change encourages all persons and groups contesting the elections to campaign with fervor but to also respect the right of others to so do. After waiting for more than a decade to have local government elections, it is time for all Guyanese to demonstrate maturity by ensuring these elections are peaceful and without intimidation.” Speaking at the launch of the Bartica Independent Green Alliance (BIGA) party on Tuesday at TTS-CH5 Compound, 1st Avenue, Bartica, Hughes said national parties have no place in Local Government Elections (LGE) contending that if any politician says to a citizen they are splitting the votes, “ask them which votes are you splitting since at the local level every single citizen is represented.” BIGA will be running for Bartica’s nine constituencies and is only aiming to look at the interest of developing Bartica into a green town as proposed by President David Granger. The party has no plans to graduate to national politics. Hughes said local parties aim to represent each and every citizen in the county and citizens should not be intimidated by loose talks from politicians about what Central Government would and would not do since that section of governance already has its mandate. Stating that he is present at the launch as a citizen and not as a representative of any party, Hughes said “unless you control your own mind and you are truly free to think and act as you see fit, you are not independent, that doesn’t only apply nationally from the queen, but it applies at the local level because unless you act and think in your own best interest, then you will never be in control of your own destiny.” He said each and every presentation made at the launch was a testimony towards what the people of Bartica truly stands for since it was intelligent, innovative, community-based and futuristic. “I have heard the best exposition and articulation of a vision for a community here in Bartica and I have campaigned throughout this country…” he noted. In offering his recommendation to complete the plans for Bartica, Hughes said that a museum should be set up for the rich history of the community which has experienced many sacrifices throughout its development

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 26, 2016

Gov’t appeals Chang’s ruling on Scott, Felix ATTORNEY General (AG), Basil Williams, has filed an appeal

against the ruling of former Chief Justice, Ian Chang that minis-

ters, Winston Felix and Keith Scott cannot hold seats in the National As-

sembly as technocratic ministers. Chang delivered the

Attorney General, Basil Williams ruling last week, which was roundly condemned. The matter arose following a motion filed by PPP Member, Desmond Morian challenging Scott and Felix’s locus standi as MPs. The appeal of Chang’s ruling was made on four grounds. Firstly, Williams argued that the learned Chief Justice cannot be supported in law and he erred when he found that Winston Felix and Keith Scott are not lawful members of and cannot sit in the National of Assembly of the 11th Parliament of Guyana. Additionally, he said Chang fell in to grave error of law and misdirected himself in law when he found that persons who are on the successful list of candidates are elected and therefore cannot qualify under Article 105 to be ‘non-elected’ members of parliament and who have not been chosen or selected from the list of candidates to be Members of Parliament are excluded from being selected by the President as persons who are qualified to be elected as members of the National Assembly. According to the Attorney General, the decision of the learned Chief Justice is fundamentally bad in law in that the learned Chief Justice failed to take in to consideration the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03 and the National Assembly (Validity of Elections Act), Chapter

1:04. “The decision of the learned Chief Justice is fundamentally bad in law in that the learned Chief Justice (ag) misdirected himself in law when he failed to take into account that Article 163 (4) (a) of the Constitution of Guyana empowered Parliament to make provisions with respect to the circumstances and manner in which and the conditions upon which proceedings for the determination of any question under this article may be instituted in the High Court which Parliament did by enacting the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act, Cap. 1:04.” Williams said the learned Chief Justice (ag) at the time of delivery of the decision was functus officio. “The Decision is in breach of the rules of natural justice that is, the Chief Justice (ag) failed to give a hearing to the Attorney General before delivering his decision.” In his ruling, Chang declared that Felix and Scott are elected members of the National Assembly, and that despite their status of elected members of the National Assembly, they do not hold seats and cannot sit in the National Assembly, since their names were not among those extracted from the APNU + AFC list of candidates to hold seats on behalf of the persons named in that successful list. Additionally, Chang said that Article 105 of the Constitution has no application to elected members of the National Assembly; viz: persons whose names were on a successful list of candidates. He said that despite their appointment by the President to be executive Ministers of the Government, such an executive appointment does not entitle Scott and Felix to hold seats or sit as members of the National Assembly An application for a stay of execution against the order of Chang comes up for hearing today at 09:00h before Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Carl Singh in the Court of Appeal.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 26, 2016

Anthony Grant By Jasmaine Payne

IF you’re not familiar with the name “Prince Marni”, perhaps “Suzan” will ring a bell. She’s the provocative, ombre-haired Jamaican firecracker with the signature nightie and the sharp, dirty tongue whose videos evoke bouts of laughter all across social media. “Suzan” is played by 23-year-old Jamaican actor and dancer, Anthony Grant, who also plays the dual role of Suzan’s boyfriend, ‘Prince’, in the videos. The 15-second skits often

-The new face of Comedy feature situations in which ‘Suzan’ reacts in some inappropriate but side-splitting manner to everyday occurrences in their bumpy relationship. POPULARITY Since the creation of the character just about 10 months ago, Anthony has racked up more than half-amillion followers on social media. His popularity has

allowed him to join the scores of other comedians who have begun to build careers by reaching mass audiences via the relatively cheap and definitely quick structure of “short-format comedy”. As a result, Grant was able to quit his regular job as a waiter in a New York restaurant, and focus on his career of acting via the doors ‘Suzan’ opened for him. “I would usually do

Anthony ‘Prince Marni’ Grant while in Guyana in 2015 videos imitating females in general called, ‘Jamaican females be like…’ And one day, I did a video asking why girls get defensive when men ask about their hairstyles, and the character I used was called ‘Suzan’. “The video went viral, and from then on, everyone kept talking about ‘Suzan’; so I let her keep that name, and I kept doing more videos,” Anthony told The Buzz late yesterday. As his popularity grew, Anthony admits that many doors opened for him, allowing him to meet significant people, and tap into opportunities that are slowly bringing him closer to his acting dreams. THE DOWNSIDE But his fame does not come without some backlash, as he is among many male comedians on social media who receive homophobic comments about choosing to dress and act like women. “I don’t really pay attention; I do get one and two

Anthony chanelling his alter ego, the famous ‘Suzan’

of those comments, but they are ‘once in a blue moon’. And it’s usually coming from men, so I know it’s coming from somewhere dark,” he said. Anthony expects that, regardless of what one does, there will always be negativity. But he is sure of his sexuality, and says that his fan-base, which is mostly female, is well aware of that as well. “It just means I am a good actor,” he said. GUYANESE FANS Though his following is huge, Anthony says that he absolutely loves his Guyanese fans, as the love and appreciation he received from them was something he wouldn’t forget. “The last time I was there, I never felt as much love like that anywhere else. The fans there are amazing! As soon as I stepped outside the vehicle or building, it was crazy! I love my Guyanese fans,” he said. Moreover, Anthony shares a personal connection with Guyana through his fa-

ther, who is also Guyanese. NEW-AGE COMEDY Anthony loves this new age of comedy that has been birthed as a result of Social Media, and hopes to use it to his fullest advantage. As such, he believes that Social Media can play a great role in helping to promote artists. To those artists who seek to use it for that reason, he advises that they stay focused, and not get discouraged by negative comments, which are inevitable. “Let it be a stepping stone,” he says. “Take every criticism in a constructive way, and keep trying hard. You might try something at first, and it feels like you’re not going anywhere; but push towards it. “If you have a dream work as hard as you can to make that dream come true.” Though he has no scheduled trip to Guyana in the near future, Anthony is of a good mind to just hop on a plane and return. Just because of how much he loved his last experience!

What’s ‘Buzzing’ this weekend ‘MASH’ has come and gone, but for those still in the fete mood, there is yet hope. And for those not ready to fete, but want to have clean fun, we have you, too, covered.

NATIONAL CULTURAL CENTRE: If you caught ‘Crack Jokes’ and want to see it one last time, or simply missed it, tomorrow will be your last chance to do so. For those who bought

tickets for Tuesday’s cancelled show, they have not gone to waste as they can be used tomorrow night instead. Not interested, but want a refund? You can do so at the office.

GRAVITY LOUNGE: Down at the Gravity, it’s Old School Party tonight. The only catch is, everyone has to pay after midnight. Yes! That’s right! It’s everyone free before 12. Well, they are back with one more event to round off the ‘Mash’ week tomorrow night at the Palm Court. It’s called ‘Temperature’, and features entertainers the likes of Gully Ras, Diamond and Carl Shizzle.

PULSE ENTERTAINMENT: Pulse came in like a proverbial wrecking ball and bulldozed through our expectations with their Mash Parties, from Electric J’Ouvert to Cooler Fete and One Last Wine.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday February 26, 2016

Flashback!!!

The night before ‘The Big Night’ By Jasmaine Payne WITH the Calypso Monarch Competition behind them, the 11 finalists who competed for the crown can now move on to their next venture. Yet, a flashback on the night before the competition zeroes in on just how serious and dedicated these artists are about their craft. The lineup included a mix

of seasoned singers, with the exception of a few newcomers. Each artist sat patiently awaiting their turn to rehearse their winning tune. The atmosphere on that evening was light, unlike what one would expect of artists who had long been competing for the esteemed title. Rather than stiff competiveness, each ‘De Professor’ and ‘Perai’ in all their element performer saw the other as a last Saturday night, the night of the finals, at respected artist who was just

Thirst Park (Photos by Cullen Bess-Nelson) as worthy of the crown as any other; familiar faces that had converged yet another year in hopes of achieving the same goal. Perhaps it is the overall purpose of Calypso that kept them so calm, with the hope that no matter who won, each person would get to deliver an important message through song. That’s one theory, at least, based on the comments of some of those close to the competition. SWEET CALYPSO Guyanese musician, C H A R M A I N E B L A C KMAN, whose label, Signal Productions, represented two of the finalists there, said that while genres like Soca and Reggae represent their own topics, it is Calypso that actually delves into the good and the ills of society. “The Guyanese public has always looked forward to calypso, which is why it should be played more often on the radio,” she said. She acknowledged the presence of stalwarts such as LADY TEMPEST and MIGHTY DUKE, and expressed her excitement for what she expected to be a great competition the following evening. As for the competitors, newcomer T’SHANNA CORT, this year’s Junior Calypso Monarch, was excited just to be rubbing shoulders with the more experienced folks. “It is wonderful knowing that I am being given the opportunity to do what I love, and with persons with experience more than I have,” she said. The following night, though Cort would not have placed, her performance of her song, “I Have Hope”, would still remain in the minds of the crowd.

Perai LADY TEMPEST didn’t have much to say, except that in her 14 years in the business, (three of which saw her take the coveted title), her aim has always been to do her best to win the competition. It was a comment that was met with playful scoffs from her fellow competitors within earshot. ABIGAIL JAMES (daughter of veteran Calypsonian, ‘The Mighty Intruder’) expressed her joy at being part of the effort to keep the dying art of Calypso alive, while Kenroy ‘THE MIGHTY BELIEVER’ Fraser felt that his song, ‘De Coalition’, was the best song he has ever written. Turned out that that was no idle boast, as the song would indeed go on to secure him second place in the competition the following night. Manuel ‘KING PERAI’ Ferreira said he was not nervous at all, just like he had not been last year when he took the title. ‘COME DIFF’RENT’ Asked what he thought gave him the edge to secure the title back then, ‘Perai’ said he believed it was because he

came different, having donned traditional Amerindian gear to go with his song about the treatment of the native people. Perhaps he should have come different again this year, because his song, ‘Fight Down’, which carried the same theme as most as the others, was not enough for him to win again this year; or even place among the top five. In the end, it was Lester ‘De Professor’ Charles who emerged triumphant on ‘the big night’, making it his fifth win of the Calypso Monarch title. The night before, while giving all assurances that he had worked extremely hard to pen the best song possible for the occasion, he, too, acknowledged the talent and effort of his fellow competitors, admitting that in his years of participation, the songs of all the artists he has seen perform over the years have been getting better and better. So, it is safe to say that the mutual respect that these close-knit calypsonians gave each other, even up until the moment before they went head-to-head, is a trait worth emulating.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 26, 2016

‘Mash 2016’ in retrospect By Daniel Haynes

WHEN it was announced back in 2015 that there would be a “toned-down” version of the ‘Mash Day’ festivities we’d all come to know and love, it did not sit well with many a Guyanese. The mere thought that there would be no float parade this year was a reality many could not picture, and as such the criticisms flew left, right and centre, with many predicting that the day was bound to go belly-up. But Guyanese promoters, creative souls that they are, found a number of innovative ways of making the weekend leading up to the big day, and ‘The Big Day’ itself, fairly sizzle with excitement. PULSE FACTOR For starters, perennial all-stars in the entertainment game, Pulse Entertainment, again brought their A-Game to the fore this year with a weekend which featured three different soca-themed events. The high-point, however, was the ‘Electric J’Ouvert Party’ at Palm Court to kick off Mash Day. As promised, the lights were electric, and with names like DJ Monster and Shall Marshall, it was no surprise that people who had already started their j’ouvert at other venues continued their fete at Palm Court. This new crowd mixed in well, bringing with them not just their collective energy, but their powder and wet bodies as well. And, the lifting of the 2am curfew certainly helped matters, as eventually, just about everyone who came out to play that night ended up at the Palm Court after the earlier fetes had come to an end. As one party-goer would later observe, it was a throwback to days when one could actually stay out late fete-ing. But the moment which best embodied the “Mash spirit” of freedom and celebration, was when the rains came pouring down like blessings from the party Gods, and everyone, including the people on the road, started their own party and blocked traffic to keep the fete alive. Not bad at all, Pulse! SHEER BACCHANAL But, without a doubt, the highlight of the Stage4 weekend was the performer who feters were all waiting for, and despite performing in Guyana multiple times, she still wowed. Feters were teased throughout the night with the idea of not knowing when she would put in her appearance. And when she finally did, Destra not just rang the bell! She simply kicked the door down! Her performance lifted the entire mood that evening. Each song was engaging, from “Call My Name”, to “Lucy” to “Mash Up” amongst others. And as the music got progressively louder, the heavens opened up, and the fete-ing continued in wild abandon. Destra even exceeded her performance time to give the crowd what they wanted: MORE! From interacting with the crowd, and calling some lucky feters on stage to show how they could wine, to telling Guyanese

DJ Monster with feters how much she loved us, Destra was simply amazing. After performing, Destra stayed back to interact with fans, even waiting until each fan who had lined up to see her. According to one particular ‘die-hard’, a guy named Patrick, “Her stage presence is one to be respected, and she truly is what she claims: The Queen of Bacchanal.” THE COOL-DOWN As Mash Day finally rolled around, those who had feted all weekend and until sunrise on the day itself had to drag their tired, still-powdered bodies, hangover and all, out of bed. Meanwhile, Pulse Entertainment continued their hot streak with Cooler Fete from 10am at the Everest Cricket Ground with a total of nine different DJs, all on one stage. And somehow, Guyanese found the energy to ‘get on bad’

and enjoy themselves as day turned into night, and more persons filled the ground. Shall Marshall then graced the stage and picked up where he left off at Jouvert earlier and had fans jumping, raving and singing. Fans were even up on stage with him jumping along. When 10pm arrived and cooler fete finished, everyone wanted more. And what did Pulse do? Give us more with an after-party at Palm Court, where Guyanese celebrated Mashramani the only way we know how: Partying hard and enjoying each other’s company. As for me, I was partying with my fellow Guyanese, through rain and powder. And we did it in style, with true Guyanese camaraderie. How did we ‘Mash’? We mashed like there was no tomorrow; and no one could tell us otherwise. No float parade? No problem!

Die-hard fan with Destra

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday February 26, 2016

Adele dominates ‘Brit Awards’

ADELE is Queen of the Brits, winning four prizes including best British female solo artist and best album. “To come back after so long away and be so warmly received means so much,” she said. The star, who closed the show by performing When We Were Young, also received best British single and the Global Success award. The show also featured an emotional tribute to David Bowie, led by Annie Lennox and his friend, Gary Oldman. Lennox called Bowie, who died of cancer last month, “a quintessential vi-

sionary” and “the ultimate iconoclast.” Oldman then accepted a Brits icon award on behalf of the singer and his family. “David, you were mortal, but your potential was superhuman,” he said, “and your music lives on.” Bowie’s band then performed a medley of his hits, before New Zealand singer, Lorde, joined them to sing Life On Mars. The tribute won positive reviews from fans and critics. Bowie’s film-director son, Duncan Jones also approved. The ceremony was

opened by Coldplay, who gave a colourful, floral performance of their single, Hymn For The Weekend, showering the audience with confetti petals as they played on one of two separate stages at London’s O2 arena. They went on to win best British group, making them the most successful band in the ceremony’s history. Chris Martin and Co. now have nine trophies to their name, although the figure pales in comparison to Robbie Williams’ 17 awards (12 as a solo artist, and five with Take That). Other awards went to James Bay, for best male, and

Australian psych-rock band Tame Impala, who picked up best international group. Canadian singer, Justin Bieber, who performed his chart-topping singles, Love Yourself and Sorry, won best international male. “Man, I’m shaking right now,” he said as he took the stage, thanking his fans for their support after a couple of years where he appeared to go off the rails. “Life is a journey,” he said. “Everyone has their ups and downs.” One Direction, who are officially on hiatus, also picked up best video for the space-themed, Drag Me Down. “We’ve been away for a little while, so it’s been a bit like getting back on a bike tonight,” said singer Liam Payne. One Direction’s victory in the fan-voted best video category robbed Adele of the opportunity to become the most-garlanded artist in a single Brits ceremony. As it stands, her total of four awards is equalled only by Blur, who won the same number in 1995 for their

Adele and the awards she picked up on Wednesday night at the Brit Awards album, Parklife. Adele became more emotional as the ceremony continued, bursting into tears after accepting the global success prize, which recognises success overseas. “I got really lost for a while and I didn’t know if I’d ever come back,” she said, referencing the writer’s block that delayed her much-anticipated third album. “For you all to be so kind to me is so nice.” Earlier, the star used her

best female victory speech to declare support for US pop star Kesha, who has accused record producer Dr Luke of sexual and emotional abuse. Reflecting on her victory backstage, Adele told reporters: “I feel a bit worn out, emotionally. But it was absolutely incredible. I was hoping to win one but to get that many was amazing and very lovely. A nice return.” T h e c e r e m o n y, a t London’s O2 Arena, was broadcast live on ITV. (BBC News)

India’s Sanjay Dutt released from jail

BOLLYWOOD star Sanjay Dutt has been released from a prison in the western Indian city of Pune. Dutt, 56, was sentenced for firearms offences linked to the 1993 Mumbai blasts which killed 257 people, and injured 713. He was convicted of buying firearms from the bombers, but said the weapons were necessary in order to defend his family during Hindu-Muslim rioting. Sanjay Dutt waving to fans yesterday as The actor was moved to he arrived at his residence in Mumbai after the Pune jail in 2013 to finish being released from jail his five-year jail term. But he was recently their [fans’] support. There is zealots in the northern town granted a remission of 144 no easy walk to freedom, my of Ayodhya. In 2006, a special andays, on the basis of good friends,” he was quoted as telling reporters by the AFP ti-terror court convicted 100 behaviour and activities like people for the blasts. Twelve running a radio programme. news agency. One of Bollywood’s most were given the death penalty, “His remission was worked out in compliance bankable stars, Dutt is huge- and 20 others sentenced to with jail rules, and he was ly popular for his role as a life imprisonment. Dutt, the most high-protreated like any other con- lovable gangster in the Munvict,” the chief of Pune Yer- nabhai movies. He has also file among the convicts, was originally charged with five wada Jail, Superintendent dabbled in politics. The son of a Hindu fa- offences, including criminal UT Pawar told the Press Trust of India news agency. ther and a Muslim mother, conspiracy and possession of Dutt kissed the ground as Dutt said he had bought the illegal weapons. In March 2013, India’s he walked out of the prison firearms to protect his family yesterday morning, and was during the 1993 Mumbai Supreme Court upheld his driven to the airport on his way Hindu-Muslim riots, which conviction, but reduced his followed the destruction of sentence from the earlier six to Mumbai, where he lives. “I am out here because of the Babri mosque by Hindu years to five. (BBC)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 26, 2016

Crisis-hit FIFA elects ... From back page

bookmakers’ favourite with UEFA’s Swiss general secretary Gianni Infantino a close second. Jordanian Prince Ali bin Al Hussein believes he is still firmly in the race however, while Frenchman Jerome Champagne and South African Tokyo Sexwale will hope to make an impact. There was little indication yesterday, though, that the vote would be anything other than a two-horse race between Sheikh Salman and Infantino. “I am feeling good and very positive. The support I am receiving fills me with confidence,” Infantino told Reuters. A spokesman for his Bahraini rival said: “Sheikh Salman is very confident about tomorrow’s vote.” DECISIVE FACTOR The CONCACAF confederation for North and Central America and the Caribbean opted against endorsing a candidate and delegates suggested that support within the region was divided. With no block vote from those 35 delegates, Africa’s decision now looks set to be the decisive factor. African countries make up more than a quarter of the 207 football associations eligible to vote. On the final day of campaigning, there were sharply conflicting versions of how they would cast their ballots. While the vice-president of their continental federation said virtually all would back Sheikh Salman, several delegates told Reuters the African vote would be split. Infantino has said he was confident of winning more than half of the African votes, while Liberian football chief Musa Bility predicted the possibly unlikely scenario of 27 of the region’s votes going to Jordan’s Prince Ali. “The world is waiting and watching -- this is the biggest milestone in the history of FIFA. It will decide if FIFA goes ahead as we want or if it spirals down,” Prince Ali told delegates. Former anti-apartheid militant turned businessman and politician Sexwale described FIFA as broken and a damaged brand, though

he also referred to some of those felled in the scandal as “friends we have lost”. Infantino repeated his promise to offer each of FIFA’s members $5 million to invest in the sport over four years, more than doubling the $2.05 million each federation got from 2011 to 2014. He said this could be achieved “easily” by tackling the cost structure of FIFA. B a h r a i n ’s S a l m a n was again more cautious, though, speaking of a ‘realistic’ increase in funding. “For me, if the numbers are right, we can increase -- but I am not ready to mortgage FIFA’s future in winning an election.” French outsider Champagne took a shot at Infantino’s globe-trotting campaign by saying the election had been “unbalanced”. “I did not have a private jet to visit you, take a photo and then tweet and say I have got the endorsement,” he said to laughter from delegates. Prince Ali told UEFA delegates if he won the election he would appoint a European as his secretary general but did not offer up a name. CORRUPTION PROBES FIFA was plunged into turmoil by the corrup-

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tion scandal that broke last year, beginning with a dawn raid to arrest delegates at a Swiss luxury hotel. Criminal investigations, led by the United States and Switzerland, have spanned dozens of countries, focusing largely on the awarding of lucrative broadcast and marketing rights to the world’s most popular sport. They are also examining the process by which FIFA awarded the next two World Cups to Russia and Qatar. Acting FIFA president Issa Hayatou appealed to FIFA members in what he called one of the most important weeks in the history of global football, calling on them to back the package of reforms on governance. “I urge each of you to support the reforms in full here this week, and then to implement them to their entirety at home,” Hayatou said in an address aimed at the six confederations that run football around the world. “This will send a strong message that we have listened and that we are taking the action necessary to give football the foundation, and protection, it needs for the future.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday February 26, 2016

Mohan Memorial Cup rescheduled for tomorrow ANOTHER attempt will be made to play off the eagerly anticipated Mohan Memorial Cup tomorrow after heavy overnight rain on Monday, followed by consistent drizzles on Tuesday, forced the organisers to cancel the four-team tournament. The tournament, featuring Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) Under-19s, Blairmont Blazers, D’Edward, and West Berbice Achievers, is serving a two-fold purpose, to commemorate the fifth death anniversary of Kuntie Mohan, the mother of HACC president Narchand ‘Archie’ Mohan and also the resuscitation of the C-3 Park which has been dormant for several years. The main driving force behind the Park’s resuscitation is Canada-based Mohan, whose club in Toronto has been dominating the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Premiere League

the opportunity on Tuesday to honour two notable members of the community, making them honorary members of HACC and also for their contribution to the Aditya Kids Foundation of Bath Village, West Coast, Berbice of which he’s also one of the directors. Former Region 5 Chairman Bindrabhan Bisnauth and popular cricket commentator Inderjeet Persaud were presented with uniforms worn by the HACC team in Canada, while the Cricket commentator Inderjeet Persaud former was the recipient of receives a HACC championship ring from a plaque for the outstandpresident Narchand ‘Archie’ Mohan. At centre ing support given to Aditya is HACC manager Frederick Halley. Foundation and Inderjeet received a HACC 2015 tournament, winning the title the 747 Bar & Lounge at championship ring. for the past six consecutive Lethem, owned by Mohan’s seasons. This success has nephew Vishal and his wife spurred him to “give back” to Rena Mohan, HACC and his home village, Cotton Tree, Trophy Stall. The former will be providing the winWest Bank Berbice. Among the main spon- ning trophy and cash insors are Mohan’s Contract- centive prizes. Meanwhile, Mohan took ing Firm of Toronto and

UEFA opens way for a woman to sit on executive committee By Mike Collett

ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) - At least one woman will be elected to the executive committee of European football’s governing body UEFA for the first time in May, delegates decided at an extraordinary Congress yesterday. Women’s football is growing in popularity around the world, and proposals to give women more say in the running of the sport were part of a package of measures drawn up by global governing body FIFA last year, in the wake of a huge corruption scandal. UEFA delegates voted to revise their statutes and reserve at least one position for a woman elected at Congress and not co-opted by the executive committee, as has been done in the past. The first woman likely to be elected at the Congress in Budapest in May will be Karen Espelund of Norway, who has been a co-opted member of the executive since 2011. Only one member from any country can sit on the executive committee but the statutes were changed to allow two members to sit from each country, if one is a woman. The decisions were taken on the eve of a FIFA congress to approve an overhaul of the sport’s governance and elect a successor to the organisation’s president Sepp Blatter, who this week lost an appeal to overturn a ban for ethics violations. There will be six women on the new FIFA council.

B R. Investment and Dookie Construction 11-race cycle event tomorrow THE second Annual B.R. Investment and Dookie Construction Limited 11-race cycling meet is set for tomorrow and will be held around the outer circuit of the National Park beginning at 098:00hrs. The country’s top riders are expected to be in full attendance as they will be using this programme as a warm-up for Sunday’s Flying Ace Cycle Club-organised, COURTS Guyana-sponsored 50-mile road race. Tomorrow’s programme, which is being organised by national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed, is the second one that B.R. Investment and Dookie Construction Limited will be sponsoring on Mohamed’s annual cycle programmes. The last time the two companies sponsored an 11-race programme was in 2013 when Robin Persaud won the feature 35-lpap event in a time of one hour 18 minutes 32 seconds. This year, however, Persaud will have to be wary of in-form cyclists such as Marlon `Fishy’ Williams, Raul Leal, Orville Hinds and Michael Anthony of Team Evolution as well as Team Alanis’ Paul DeNobrega and veteran Paul Cho-Wee-Nam. Then there is Flying Ace’s Romelo Crawford and Team Trojan’s Andrew Hicks. All these cyclists are all in good nick at the moment so tomorrow’s feature race promises much excitement and keen rivalry. Mario King is the de-

fending champion of the juveniles 10-lap race which he won in 2013 in a time of 22 minutes 44 seconds, but he too will have to come up against Romello Crawford and his (Romello) cousin Jabon as well as Andrew Hicks and Durag Garbarran among others. Junior Niles who has been dominating the veterans’ category for some time now had clocked 11 minutes 51.02 seconds in winning the five-lap event in 2013 and will beout to make a successful defence of that title tomorrow, but is expected to be keenly challenged by Warren McKay and Kennard Lovell among others. There will also be races for BMX boys and girls six to nine years old, BMX boys and girls nine to 12 years old and BMX boys and girls 12-14 years old. A five-lap race for boys and girls 12-14 years old is also on the cards and this event was won by Romelo Crawford in 2013. That year, Crawford registered a winning time of 11 minutes 51.58 seconds. Lennox Dick who won the five-lap race mountain bikers in 2013 will be out to defend his title but will have to contend with competition from Nicholas Alphonso, Sean Budhan and Keon Thomas among others. Representatives of the sponsors are expected to be on hand to witness the day’s activity and assist with the presentation of prizes to the respective winners.

Chase Academy to oppose Uitvlugt Secondary in NSSCL Inter-School final CHASE Academy and Uitvlugt Secondary School will clash in the final of the inter-school phase of the Guyana Cricket Board’s National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL), sponsored by Banks DIH Ltd Coca Cola and Rainforest Waters, along with DIGICEL, at Georgetown Cricket Club ground today from 11:00hrs. Both Uitvlugt Secondary School and Chase Academy played undefeated all the way to the final, with Uitvlugt Secondary convincingly defeating Linden Foundation in the nationwide semi-final. Uitvlugt Secondary School will likely field performing players such as captain and all-rounder Dodi Oselmo, middle-order batsman Chandrapaul Mohabir, fast

bowler Reyaz Khan, off-spinner Troy Drakesand and all-rounder Reddell Reedy. Chase Academy will produce a powerful side with the likes of captain and all-rounder Ashmead Nedd, who has performed exceptionally throughout the league, scoring four fifties, with a top score of 96 against Lower Corentyne Secondary in the nationwide semi-finals and also grabbing two five-wicket hauls. Wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua Persaud, Kirk Lovell and Dwayne Dick are all expected to build on their useful starts with the bat. The League, which commenced last November 15, engaged over 150 secondary schools across the country in Zonal and District league formats.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 26, 2016

Inter-county Under-15 cricket

Bowlers set up Berbice win over Essequibo By Rajiv Bisnauth AN ABJECT batting display by Essequibo paved the way for a three-wicket victory by Berbice in round three of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Dave West Indian Exports GuyNY Inter-county Under-15 match, played yesterday at the Enterprise Community Centre ground, East Coast Demerara. A combination of good bowling and some injudicious shot-making by the Essequibo batsmen saw them routed for 112 in 43.3 overs. Berbice then survived some testing periods, but eventually reached 116-7 with 17.2 overs to spare. Essequibo won the toss and batted on a flat, dry-looking pitch, but their decision backfired, losing their first five wickets for just four runs before Lance Roberts and Mark Fredricks put up some fight, adding 49 runs for the sixth wicket. Berbice bowlers, left-arm spinner Nigel Deodat (3-20), off-spinner Aaron Beharry (3-26), pacer Gevon Shultz (2-4) and off-spinner Seon Glasgow (1-22), all combined to decimate a clearly dispirit-

… Demerara contest final tomorrow

Off-spinner Sarwan takes 4-38, but his effort was not enough. ed Essequibo side in which only Roberts (34), Ameer Singh (23) and Fredricks (13) offered any meaningful resistance. Shultz gave Berbice the perfect start, removing Shaldon Charles without scoring. On a two-paced pitch, the Berbice bowlers put the brakes on the scoring and the batsmen panicked. Deodat then bowled fellow opener Azim Mohamed for one. The pace-spin combination again accounted for the dismissal of Silvan Williams (2) and Bumeshwar Ramkissoon (0). Amos Sarwan (2) was run-out after a mix-up with his partner Roberts, and at that stage Essequibo had already lost half their side in

NOTABLE DATES F E AT H E R W E I G H T `Hurricane’ Hugo Lewis improved to 2-0 with a second-round knockout of Trevor Davidson on February 26, 1995 at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown. The fight was a preliminary one on a card promoted by McNeal Enterprise that was headlined by a Commonwealth welterweight clash between Andrew Murray and Alain Boismenu. The orthodox boxer had two more fights before one of his most memorable encounters. In September 1996 Lewis collided with nemesis Vincent Howard for the first time. The fight was on the under-card of a People’s Syndicate Promotion-organised event, which was headlined by a bout between Andrew `Sixhead’ Lewis and Terrence Alli. A game `Hurricane’ was dropped early in the 10-round fight but rose with renewed vigour that surprised both Howard

Hugo Lewis and the crowd on hand. The exhibition of tenacity and ring craft earned Lewis a draw although many were of the opinion that he had won easily. He stayed away from the ring from late 1997 to 2001 and extracted revenge on Howard after winning by TKO in round 10 when the two met for the second time. A third fight was won by Split Decision. In 2004, following a fight with Earl Deane, Lewis called it quits and to date boasts the most impressive record of a Guyanese retired boxer having not been defeated in 18 fights.

Lance Roberts collects the Man-ofthe-Match trophy from Colin Stuart. 4.2 overs. Roberts and Fredricks then gave the innings some momentum and stopped the flow of dismissals for the next 16.2 overs. The pair batted with much comfort and commonsense, rotating the strike with ease and picking up the much-needed boundary when the bad balls were presented to them. However, Beharry was then introduced and he completely confounded the middle- and lower-order. He discovered the turn available on the pitch, and immediately removed Roberts, Fredricks and Amel Lam (5). Glasgow and Deodat accounted for the final two wickets of Singh and Bhadesh Parsotam (1). When the run chase began, Jerron France and Fawaz Gafoor added 43 for the first wicket, but when both were dismissed to Silvan Williams and Charles for 10 and 16 respectively, Berbice lost their way somewhat. Off-spinner Sarwan (438) then removed Marvan

Prasad (3), Glasgow (11) and Chanderpaul Govindan (0) at 73-5. However, skipper Shultz and Deodat added 29 valuable runs, and in the process took Berbice in sight of victory.

When Shultz was dismissed for 17 to Sarwan and Beharry went to Roberts for 2, Berbice were six runs short of the winning target. Deodat and Carl Gilgeous saw Berbice home at ease. In the other match played

at Wales, Demerara beat GCB President’s X1 by nine wickets. Scores: GCB President’s X1 36 all out, Demerara 39-1. Berbice will now clash with Demerara in the final tomorrow at the GCC ground.

Hamilton hails ‘fantastic’ Mercedes car as first test ends

By Alan Baldwin

B A R C E L O N A , ( R e uters)- TRIPLE Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton hailed his ‘fantastic’ Mercedes after wrapping up the first pre-season test with another 99 laps before lunchtime yesterday. “It’s been an incredible week of testing for us because we’ve done more mileage than we ever had before,” the Briton told reporters at the Circuit de Catalunya before handing over to German teammate Nico Rosberg for the afternoon session. “Before we came here the team were talking about doing 800km a day and I was thinking they are crazy. I’ve never done that in the past ... I’ve never had a week like this when the car has just kept going on and on and on.” Hamilton did 342 laps in total, 156 of them on the first

day when the car was still fresh out of the garage. That works out at 1,592km, more than five race distances at the Spanish Grand Prix circuit. With the V6 turbo hybrid power units now in their third year, reliability has been much better across the field than it was a year ago with far fewer red flags to stop the track action. Even so, champions Mercedes have far outstripped their rivals in mileage terms, a better benchmark at this stage than outright pace because cars can have different fuel loads. “The car looks fantastic,” said Hamilton. “Obviously we don’t know the pace of the car just yet but what we can say is that it’s gone the distance and that’s half the battle.” McLaren’s Fernando Alonso, a double champion who had a nightmare 2015 due to the under-performing

Honda engine, had his spirits lifted on Wednesday when he managed 119 laps. They may have dropped again yesterday, with the Spaniard managing only three laps in the morning and unable to set an official time due to a water leak. “I think they are very, very strong,” he said of Mercedes. “They are stronger than ever probably.” Ferrari, closest rivals to Mercedes last year, have looked quick with Sebastian Vettel fastest in the first two days and Finnish teammate Kimi Raikkonen sounding happy enough on Wednesday. “I am sure it’s going to be a better car than last year’s,” he said. “We are happy so far even if we know there are still a lot of things to do.” The season starts with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 20.

Chandimal and Malinga help Sri Lanka avoid UAE upset SRI Lanka narrowly avoided an upset in an underwhelming 14-run win over United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Asia Cup yesterday. Dinesh Chandimal (50) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (27) were the only Sri Lanka players to emerge with any real credit from an undignified stay at the crease for the World Twenty20 holders at Sher-e Bangla National Stadium. Just two others, Shehan Jayasuriya and Chamara Kapugedera (both 10), reached double figures as Graham Ford’s men limped to 129-8 in Mirpur.

Lasith Malinga Although UAE’s specialists comprehensively failed - opener Rohan Mustafa departed for a golden duck - Sri Lanka were nearly punished

by the underdogs’ tail, wicketkeeper Swapnil Patil, batting at six, scoring 37 off 36 balls before he was caught and bowled by Lasith Malinga, who was playing in his first competitive match since November. Skipper Malinga (426), Nuwan Kulasekara (3-10) and Rangana Herath (2-22), the latter in international short-form action for the first time since Sri Lanka won the World T20 in April 2014, spared their team’s blushes, as Shaiman Anwar (13), Amjad Javed (13) and Mohammad Naveed (10) mounted a lower-order resistance alongside Patil

that ultimately proved to be in vain. UAE skipper Javed (325) had earlier proved the danger man with the ball, removing Chandimal, Dilshan and Milinda Siriwardana to account for Sri Lanka’s top three. It was not to be for the associate nation, though, as Sri Lanka, who play hosts to Bangladesh on Sunday, join India on two points with one win from one match played. The two top-ranked sides in the five-team tournament advance to the final of the competition, which is serving as a warm-up for the World T20 in India.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday February 26, 2016

Elton `The Bully’ Dharry confident of victory over Venezuela’s Felix Machado tomorrow night INTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation’s Inter-Continental bantamweight champion, Guyana’s Elton `The Bully’ Dharry is brimming with confidence ahead of his 10-round ring date with Venezuela’s Felix Machado which is scheduled for tomorrow night at the Giftland Mall, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. The bout, which is the feature on the Guyana Boxing Board of Control’s (GBBC) `Hostile Territory’ card, will have as its main supporting fight, a 10-round flyweight contest between

Elton `The Bully’ Dharry

Guyana’s Dexter Marques (14 wins and two losses) and Venezuela’s Freddy Baleno. Four other supporting bouts are carded for the night’s event which gets underway at 20:00hrs. Dharry, who is based in the United States, arrived in Guyana on Sunday morning and immediately started his final preparation sessions under the guidance of former Guyana and Commonwealth champion Lennox Blackmoore at the Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis Boxing Gym, situated at Callender Street and Independence Boulevard.

Dharry, who would not be doing glove work leading up to his final two days of preparation, has chosen to do just shadow-boxing and said he has respect for his opponents as he always has for anyone he faces in the `square jungle’ but he is very confident of coming out victorious. Dharry, who has won 19 of his 25 fights since becoming a professional, said he was offered a fight since December of last year and has been training since then. He said the names of opponents he was to have engaged have been changing but finally

GTTA benefits from ITTF grant

THE Guyana Table Tennis Federation (GTTA) received a quantity of equipment as part of the International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) global development programme/ plan 2015. The equipment grant was given to the association to assist with the development of the sport in Guyana. The grant includes 6 STAG 1000 DX competition tables, 6 clip-on table tennis nets, 6 score cards, 80 STAG Elite beginners racquets, 4.5 gross of STAG, one gross of Star Plastic training balls and 2 gross of STAG 3 Star Plastic competition balls. According to the GTTA, the grant will significantly impact the development efforts in allowing them to expand their programmes. The grant will positively impact the decen-

The equipment being unloaded from the destined for the National Gymnasium. to the rural areas with a tralisation efforts of the long-term plan to provide association given its plan competition tables to reto take national competigions such as Berbice, tions and training camps Linden, Bartica and Region 2. This is with the view of gradually building capacity in the regions, allowing the steering committees in (Friday February 26, 2016) these areas be able to host COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY programmes and the asSTALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & sociation to host National AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 competitions and training in Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) the rural areas as part of a decentralisation plan. Answers to yesterday’s quiz: It is the body’s aim to (1) WI vs ENG, Barbados, 1974 lobby the ITTF for support (2) WI vs SL, Old Trafford, 1975 in this regard through the Development of a NationToday’s Quiz: al Sport Structure grant (1) How many wickets Malcolm Marshall took in Tests? through XIOM, a table (2) What are the best bowling figures by a tennis equipment manuWI bowler in an ODI game? facturer The racquets, balls and Answers in tomorrow’s issue

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

someone has accepted to face him tomorrow. He said he was ecstatic when he got the news that Panama’s Israel Hidrego had accepted to fight him, but subsequently learnt that the Panamanian changed his mind and now he will be facing the Venezuelan Machado, a former IBF bantamweight champion. Dharry, who lost five of his 25 bouts and drew one, however said he is still confident of winning, come tomorrow night. The night’s card will get underway with a four-

round bantamweight contest between two females, Mandessa Mosses and Ansilla Norville. This will be followed by a six-round lightweight contest between Imran `The Magic’ Khan and Quincy Gomes then there will be a six-round welterweight rematch between Keshon Simon and Cassius Matthews. The last time they met was in December 2013 when Matthews won by a split decision. Revlon Lake and Barbados’ Miguel Antoine will then engage each other in an eight-round welterweight contest.

Lady Jags eye possible friendly against Argentina in May By Rawle Toney

wharf onto a truck tables were used to conduct a table tennis for a schools programme for 30 secondary schools in the Georgetown area. The programme was done between the GTTA, Ministry of Education Department of Sports and the National Sports Commission with the central aim of the programme being the orientation of students to the fundamentals of the sport of table tennis. The executive committee is truly appreciative of the ITTF Latin American Development Officer Mr Ramon Ortega Montes, who lobbied for Guyana to benefit from the grant, based on our advocacy and his assessment of our potential when he visited Guyana in 2015.

AFTER failing to advance past the group stage of the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier tournament, Guyana’s female National football team, popularly known as the ‘Lady Jags’ are now eyeing a clash against Argentina in May. Head coach Mark Rodrigues made the revelation after the team’s 5-1 defeat to Trinidad and Tobago at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas when Guyana waved goodbye to the tournament that was eventually won by the USA. According to Rodrigues, he has already begun preliminary discussions with Argentina to host the match in Guyana as the country celebrates its Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebration. Should the Lady Jags get to pull off the game against Argentina, it will be there first match at home since 2010 when they defeated Cuba at the GCC ground, Bourda to take the home-andaway series and become the first team from Guyana to qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The Lady Jags, after their participation at the 2010 Gold Cup in Cancun Mexico, went on a five-year hiatus, with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) being embroiled in controversy and the team was neglected. It was not until the FIFA-installed Normalisation Committee was in place, that Rodrigues and his troops went back into battle in September of last year (2015) and began their journey to the Rio Olympics through the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Qualifiers. “The new federation is working hard to ensure that the proper funding goes towards the women’s programme to continue and not let it die like it did in it 2010. They’re working feverishly to ensure that we play a few international friendly each year and possibly have some camps on a more regular basis so we will be a lot more prepared, ” Rodrigues told reporters. Argentina are ranked 35th in the world by FIFA. Unlike their men’s national team, the women are not known to be as dominant and, given the fact that they haven’t played a match since March 2015, they could be a perfect match for the Lady Jags.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 26, 2016

Jaguars, Pride look to get past plucky opponents in PCL Round 8 ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Leaders Guyana Jaguars and nearest rivals Barbados Pride face inconsistent, but slippery opponents that could derail their title ambitions in the eighth round of the WICB Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional 4-Day Tournament, starting today. With the final break of the season next weekend, the two teams will be looking to make a huge dip towards the finish line, as they take to the road for this weekend’s round of matches. The Jaguars, the reigning R4-Day champions, stumbled in the previous round, but did not fall and will want to return to winning ways, when they meet Windward Islands Volcanoes at the Beausejour Cricket Ground. A huge haul of points to

Alzarri Joseph

overcome the 17-point deficit they now face will be the aim of the Pride, when they tackle Jamaica Scorpions at Sabina Park. At the same time – Trinidad & Tobago Red Force host Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the National Cricket Centre in a contest between two sides that have shown improvement as the second half of the season unfolded. In Gros-Islet, St Lucia: The Jaguars have a chance to put their hands firmly on the Headley/Weekes Trophy for the second straight year against the typically feisty Volcanoes. The Jags were fortunate to escape from Bridgetown with their double-digit lead still in place, as their contest against the Pride ended in a draw. Conversely, it was unfortunate for the Volcanoes that

they left Charlotte Amalie with a similar outcome, after putting the Hurricanes under pressure in the second innings on the final day of their rain-affected contest. Over the last decade, the Volcanoes have held the upper hand on the Jags, winning five times in 11 matches, but there has been an obvious shift in the balance of power, with the visitors winning on the last three occasions the two teams have met. The Jaguars have travelled with an unchanged side, but the Volcanoes have made three changes, including bringing West Indies Under-19 World Cup-winning opener Gidron Pope into the fray. In Kingston, Jamaica: The Pride also have a chance to keep their title hopes on course against the Scorpions, whose stocks have

plunged as the season progressed. The Pride came close to inflicting the first defeat on the Jaguars for the season, but ran out of steam down the stretch, and had to settle for a draw, at the same time, the Scorpions’ season was dealt a cruel blow when Red Force crushed them by eight wickets. The outcome will hinge upon how a line-up with three of the season’s top run-getters – Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase and Shai Hope – negotiate a steady, if not spectacular attack that includes the season’s leading wicket-taker – veteran left-arm spinner Nikita Miller. Jamaica held an edge in contests between the two sides over the last five years – but the visitors beat them earlier in this season and had the upper hand in the corresponding

fixture last season. In Couva, Trinidad: Both sides had a lot about which to write home after the previous round, but the Red Force grabbed a big win and the Hurricanes had to fight to stave off defeat after their best batting performances for the season. This contest has the potential to be the most explosive of the weekend, however. Although the Red Force have dominated over the last five years, a five-wicket victory for the Hurricanes in the final round of matches last year in the corresponding fixture will be great motivation. Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and batsman Kacey Carty, two players who played a key role in the West Indies Under-19 World Cup-winning squad, have been brought in to reinforce the visitors.

Jaguars, Pride look to get past plucky opponents in PCL Round 8 See Story on Page 31

Crisis-hit FIFA elects new leader today to replace Blatter

… Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa is the bookmakers’ favourite

FIFA presidential candidate Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa FIFA presidential candidate Gianni Infantino leaves after his visit of Bahrein leaves after his visit to the CONMEBOL meeting in Zurich, to the CONCACAF meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, yesterday. Switzerland yesterday. (Reuters/Arnd Wiegmann photos) forms, which are designed Blatter, who ran FIFA for 17 money-laundering and bribBy Simon Evans, Mike most important days in its a new president to succeed to prevent corruption, will years like a globe-trotting ery. Asian Football ConCollett and Brian 112-year history when it Sepp Blatter, two days af- be voted on before the FIFA head of state, will inherit a Homewood elects a new leader today ter the disgraced Swiss and election and are expected very different job with the federation (AFC) presihoping to usher in a fresh European football chief Mi- to be passed. They include focus on crisis management, dent Sheikh Salman bin URICH, Switzerland era after decades of tawdry chel Platini lost their appeals term limits for top offi- after dozens of international Ebrahim Al Khalifa is the (Reuters) - Crisis-hit controversy. against bans for ethics vio- cials and disclosure of their football officials were inearnings. dicted in the United States world football governing Delegates from more than lations. See page 27 Whoever takes over from last year for racketeering, body FIFA faces one of the 200 countries will vote for A wide-ranging set of re-

GFF to observe FIFA’s elections THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has been selected as an observer of the FIFA electoral process, scheduled for today in Zurich, Switzerland. Guyana is among three member-associations to observe same and it is the first for the South American country. Guyana is represented at the congress by three officials from the GFF, including president Mr Wayne Forde; first vice-president Mr Julian Bruce Lovell and general secretary Ms Diedre Davis.

Mr Wayne Forde Expected to be one of the most important congresses in the history of global football, this is FIFA’s second attempt

Mr Julian Bruce Lovell in one year to elect a new FIFA president. After much turmoil, it provides an opportunity for the

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Ms Diedre Davis global member associations to send a strong message to the global community of the seriousness of good governance,

transparency and a higher level of accountability. The FIFA congress will feature the presentation of the reforms to FIFA’s constitution and thereafter the election of a new FIFA president. Among the reforms to be voted on are term limits for top officials and discloser of earnings. The president of the GFF advanced strong arguments in support of term limits for the CONCACAF president and executive committee. Additionally, he proposed amendments to the

reforms that would ensure that the position of CONCACAF president is never left vacant again regardless of the circumstances. These amendments were adopted unanimously. The president believes that the reforms emphasise the need for good governance, accountability, transparency and fairness. These timeless principles, he said, align well to the spirt and will of the Guyana football fraternity and the people of Guyana. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016