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Rose Hall rally draws large crowd No. 104488

FRIDAY MARCH 11, 2016

Price: $80

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…President talks up economic empowerment through LGE

Sophia road project moving apace 4

…street lights installed

Contractors have made considerable progress in advancing the Sophia Ring Road Project

Camp St jail CoI…

‘I see death! Is God save me’

…Murder accused testifies during first day of inquiry P.3

Man dies after falling off tree 8

New broadcast licence fees proposed 5 P.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 11, 2016

Camp St jail CoI…

After fire started, prisoner recalls hearing ‘lock the door and let them die in there’ By Ariana Gordon

PRISONER Dwayne Lewis, the first prisoner to give evidence to the recently-established Commission of Inquiry into the Georgetown Prison riots which resulted in the fiery death of 17 prisoners last week, has said that six canisters of tear gas were lobbed into Division ‘A’ of the Camp Street Penitentiary by unknown sources. Lewis told the three-man Commission, comprising Justice James Patterson, Dale Erskine and Merle Mendonca, that the fire started in the middle section of the jail though he could not state why it was started and by whom. “I can’t say why the fire was started,” Lewis said, responding to questions from Commissioner Erskine who led the questioning yesterday.

“LOCK THE DOOR” Prior to the fire being set, Lewis and other prisoners were instructed to leave Capital ‘A’ division and while he was packing his belongings, he heard someone say “lock the door.” “When the first set of prisoners came out and they escorted them — is when they pass the order that let them lock the door and let them die in there,” he added. Lewis could not state who passed the order to lock the door but said the prisoners pleaded with the officers to open the door but identified an officer whose only name was given as “Patterson” as the one who refused to open the door. Recounting what transpired after the start of the fire, the prisoner said, “It started to smoke up the place, we began to apply for water to control the situation but after that some men was breaking

Murder accused Dwayne Lewis providing his testimony yesterday before the Commission of Inquiry

a hole into the wall to separate A and B Division.” After breaking the wall, the prisoners attempted to control the fire by using water but unfortunately there “wasn’t any water coming to the facility at that time.” “After that six can with tear smoke was thrown into the building,” the man recounted. Asked how he knows it was six cans, Lewis said he counted the cans.

“After the tear smoke was thrown, it started to burn our eyes and skin, so we run to a small ventilated area and we start calling for help,” he said, noting that the prisoners got no response to their cries for help. The six canisters of tear gas were thrown into the building through a hole that was five inches by five, Lewis added. The prisoner said there was poor ventilation at the prison facility making it difficult for prisoners to breathe. “The fire eventually grew bigger and bigger and took over the whole cell causing some of the inmates

to be badly burnt up. I eventually ran to the front entrance calling for help.” At that time the door was not open so Lewis ran to the hole in the wall which separates Capital ‘A’ from ‘B’ where he made good his escape though lightly scathed. He received burns to his lower abdomen. “When I came out in the capital ‘B’ division and I walked down the step and I fell down. That is all,” the prisoner recounted. Lewis, a murder accused, has been imprisoned for eight months at the Camp Street penitentiary. Asked whether there was an attempt by anyone to douse the fire and

open the door, the prisoner said, “none of these service was at the time present sir.” Lewis could not state the number of prisoners who were able to escape through the hole but said, “I was the first person to come out… I was escorted through the front gate.” Approximately twenty-five prisoners remained in the dormitory after the door was locked, he added. Asked by Commissioner Patterson whether he heard anybody give instructions for prison officers to deal with the fire, the murder accused said, “I could not say sir.” Lewis noted that he did not observe any attempt by the prison administration to douse the fire. “While in the building I didn’t saw any attempt by the administration sir.” The prisoner said upon instruction the prisoners, about forty of them, were being “escorted in a peaceful manner.” He was however quick to point out that some of the inmates became rowdy Turn to page 8 ►

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 11, 2016

Camp St jail CoI…

‘I…Murder see death! Is God save me sir’ accused testifies during first day of inquiry By Ariana Gordon MURDER accused Errol Kesney, the second prisoner to testify yesterday under oath at the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the riots at the Georgetown Prison, said it was God that saved his life. The riots resulted in the death of 17 inmates on March 3. “I see death! Is God save me sir,” Kesney told Commissioners Justice James Patterson, Dale Erskine and Merle Mendonca. He informed the Commission that his real name is Errol Williams. According to the prisoner, he was arrested for a crime he did not commit. “My problem is that I get arrest with wrong name…I go in jail for a case I don’t know about and that is my problem,” he said. When asked by the Commission what he would do to change things in the prison had he been the officer-in-charge, Kesney said: “I would try to mek jail man comfortable to mek me wuk comfortable… food is a problem….paddy dust, brick and suh inside the food when I see it. I can’t eat the food…I does pick out, pick out…” Recounting the events of March 2, Kesney said a search was conducted by prison officers and ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). That search he said unearthed a large quantity of cell phones, cigarettes and marijuana. Upon return to the Division, he said the environment was messy so the prisoners tidied the place and relaxed. “After then nothing aint happen… I got to my bible and pray and go to bed.” At approximately 10pm that night Kesney said he was awakened by sprays of water. “Dem man say fire service… it was confused. When I woke it was already out and the place was in darkness

and water on me bed.” He said generally the prisoners did not complain about the seizure of their items. “One and two man said they lost their phone but me n hear like they said they got no problem.” Later that night, the prisoner said he went back to bed after cleaning up. The following morning, at approximately 9am (March 3) all the prisoners located in the Capital ‘A’ Division of the penitentiary were told to pack their things and leave the premises. They were not given a reason for their removal but complied with the instruction. The prisoners were told to exit the Division five at a time. BEATING “Some of the guys start coming out five by five… the first five [got ]out in the yard… they start beating them and we start run back and said dem beatin’ dem man…don’t go! Them gonna beat all ah we,” Kesney said. The Commission was informed that Collis Collison, another inmate, was badly beaten by the prison officers. Collison had fallen unconscious due to the beating and he was one of the first set of persons to exit Division ‘A’. “After the rest of guys run in back, I hear a call say lock the door and a short officer in khaki, called ‘Hulligan’, – he locked the door.” Kesney said he observed prison officers beating Collison, also known as ‘Juvenile’. Upon returning to the location where the inmates were told to leave from, the main door was closed. “After we run back and the door lock, I see some man breaking the hole for we come out. Me, Jermaine Otto and Marks jump over the hole and them man run (back) over the door and said Mr Samuels deh with the gun.” Asked by the Commis-

sion to properly identify “Mr Samuels”, Kesney would only say, “The overseer I know he as…He passed the order for the door lock back.” The prisoner told the Commissioners that as they (prisoners) were trapped in the Division they noticed “black smoke” circling the location. “After the black spoke, everybody start holler ‘we want come out, we want come out…open the door.’ Me skin start bunning and I run with me bag and I run at the back with my bag and two ex-soldier in there with we…[Rayon ]Paddy said is gas stay low and take water and wet y’all jersey… the whole building was in black smoke,” Kesney recounted. He added that he along with other inmates “jump over to Capital ‘B’” through the hole that was created. “… After we see he at the door, we jump over back into Capital ‘A’,” the man related. Asked if fire was evident at that point, Kesney said, “Till when I jump over back into Capital [there was] …a lil fire and the extinguisher blow out the fire.” It was at that point that ex-Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldier Rayon Paddy advised fellow inmates on how to deal with the tear gas. “I stay down right at the back at the door where we getting the fresh air from. There was no fire at the time then I feel a heat start come down on me when I look up I see a red fire glare going. Paddy go looking for somebody and he crawl and come back and I see he skin burn. Is then I know fire been deh because was bear smoke I di seeing.” He too was burnt; he received minor burns to his body. “Nobody died in that corner… we was praying and that is how we survived,” the man who visits the prison chapel often, said. Kesney said he was for-

Murder accused Errol Kesney takes the oath before beginning his testimony at the Commission of Inquiry into the fire tragedy last Thursday at the Georgetown Prison that killed 17 prisoners

tunate to be assisted by another inmate from another section known only as ‘Spirit’. Though he could not state how the fire started, the prisoner told the Commission that no official attempted to extinguish the fire. “Them man break out and come and start spraying water…when we push the bed they spray the fire…yall run to from the door open…I run outside…I didn’t see anything …he asked if I good and when I reach out I fall down and two prisoners put me on a mattress,” Kesney added. NO RESCUE No attempt was made by any of the prison’s administration, police or firemen to rescue the prisoners, the prisoner noted. “No fire, prison or officers …just prisoners I see at the rescue time…we been hollering for help… help! Help! Help! That’s all I been hearing. I didn’t hear no officer saying we get some man there spraying...” “I don’t know…I didn’t see who light it. I don’t know. All I see is a lil fire when I went over back to Capital A,” the man said in response to questions posed by the Commissioners. Asked whether prisoners were armed with cutlasses, Kesney replied in the nega-

tive, but noted that gunshots were heard. The 32-year-old man said he has no recollection of anybody stating they were injured at that time. “I just hear them man hollering for them life.” Asked what he think went wrong on the morning of March 3, Kesney said, “I think the devil was busy.” PREVIOUS DISTURBANCES There were previous disturbances within the dormitories of the penitentiary said Kesney. According to him, those disturbances occurred late last year and the fires were “bigger” than those which occurred between March 2 and 3; the only difference is that they were controlled quickly. “Since I in prison, I see two dormitory had problem and big fire light in there… bigger fire than di light up in deh the day…” the prisoner recalled. Additionally, he said from time to time prison officers would be seen assaulting “one and two man.” The prisoner described his living conditions as “packed right now”. He said, “It get people sleeping on the ground… when people go to use the toilet you get smells coming out.” Kesney said there are many prisoners sleeping on the floor. He too had that experience but was fortunate when another inmate was released so he could have gotten a bed. Another observation made by the prisoner is the lack of constant supervision of inmates. He told the Commission that prison officers are not stationed upstairs. “You don’t get no officers upstairs only when

they come to feed up or to take someone away to court or to check tally. No officers don’t be on the cat walk. They would be more by the old capital sit down.” Prisoners are then forced to protect themselves by hiding weapons as the prison officers are usually not nearby. “I is see people get chop up… when officers take long to come. We does run at the door …chief for the yard!!! Chop up going on… but 20-30 mins after chop up then the officers coming,” he recounted. The inmates of the Capital ‘A’ Division of the Camp Street prison are now located in a section below the infirmary as rehabilitation works are ongoing to the damaged area in which they were previously housed. WRONGFUL ACCUSATION Meanwhile, the prisoner explained that he was arrested by law enforcement officers on or around May 17 last year and was charged for murder. Kesney (Williams) noted that he was charged for murder under the name Errol Williams. He was accused of committing a murder which took place in 2009 upon his return to Guyana from Suriname in May 2015. “I came back when the President come into power. I spent two to three weeks then the police hold on to me.” Kesney (Williams) said he thought he was held because he was in possession of marijuana but was later informed that he was accused of murder. His case is still before the Magistrates’ Court. It is his hope that the conditions in the prison would be improved.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 11, 2016

Sophia Ring Road Project moving apace, street lights installed

WORKS in ‘E’ Field, Sophia have been completed as the Sophia Ring Road Project which seeks to link ‘A’ through ‘E’ Fields continues to progress smoothly. According to a Public Infrastructure Ministry press release, the works in Cummings Park, ‘E’ Field were recently completed by the contractor, Ivor Allen, and the area now boasts about 1,500 metres of asphalted streets. STREETLIGHTS Additionally, 30 streetlights were installed along the stretch of road and will soon be powered following the “go ahead” from the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL). The only outstanding work in the area is

the installation of a culvert. Meanwhile, in the other fields, works are moving apace. Contractor B&J Civil Works has already commenced works to create a middle linkage between ‘A’ Field to ‘B’ Field and linkages in ‘B’ Field to ‘C’ Field and ‘C’ Field to ‘D’ Field. Another linkage towards the southern extremity of ‘A’ Field is also being created by contractor Courtney Benn Contracting Services. This contractor is also responsible for the repair of the ‘A’ Field access road and this work will soon be graded and shaped in preparation for the crusher run and subsequent asphalting. This southern linkage will provide an additional route for residents of ‘A’ Field to provide greater comfort and accessibility, the release said. Additionally, the project will see the creation of more bridges and already two have been completed to provide access to Plum Park, Sophia. The first of these works com-

menced in January 2016. Though there had been a few hiccups, including the presence of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) water

mains, these obstacles have been removed and all works are expected to be completed within eight weeks. During his presentation

of the 2015 Budget, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan had stated that the Government of Guyana would invest $387 million

to upgrade the Sophia Ring Road in a bid to link the Sheriff Street/Mandela Avenue urban development to peri-urban communities.

Cop slain at Matthews Ridge laid to rest Commander of E’ Division Calvin Brutus and Commander of ‘F’ Division Ravindradat Budhram.

SCORES OF Lindeners flocked the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground on Thursday to pay tributes to the late Sergeant Leonard La Rose who died in the line of duty on March 1, 2016. There was hardly a dry eye as many reminisced about the sergeant’s kindhearted spirit and generous attitude. The funeral service commenced with a two-hour viewing by friends and family who wailed over his corpse, even begging him “to wake up.” His sister sobbingly said that her brother died fighting for the people of Guyana as he would be buried with two scars. “Leonard died fighting for the people of Guyana and

Pallbearers escorting the casket into the hearse for the Force. He is laying here with a bullet still in his back and now a stab wound. At the arrival of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Seelall Persaud, the casket was closed and draped by three ranks dressed in their ceremonial attire who girded it with the late sergeant’s hat and belt. Tributes were given by many who spoke of the humbleness and professionalism portrayed by the late Sergeant during his years in the force. LESSON FOR ALL OF US Commissioner Persaud during his tribute told the mourners that Sergeant La Rose’s death was a lesson for all of us to realize the dreadful risks being taken by police officers on a daily basis. “The incident that occurred at Matthews Ridge that led us to this function is a reminder of the thousands of police officers around the world who on a

daily basis put themselves in harm’s way to protect other members of the Police Force. Persaud revealed that La Rose joined the police force in 1995 as a direct intake to the presidential guard. He worked his way up and attended several training programmes which resulted in him being promoted to Corporal in 2009 and Sergeant in 2014. “Like many of us, policing was his calling; during his stay he had displayed that he was a very courageous individual, a very good public servant and a very dedicated policeman,” the Commissioner posited. He said that those attributes were the price he paid in reaching his demise. “He certainly will be missed, he is a good man and may God rest his soul,’ he ended as he paid condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the Guyana Police Force. Commissioner Seelall Persaud was accompanied by

MOVING MILITARY SEND OFF Despite the many comments from family members and Lindeners of the absence of top government officials or cabinet ministers, the late sergeant received a moving military send off with customary gun salute and marching procession to soulful instrumental music. The casket was escorted into the hearse by six ranks of the Guyana Police Force. Sergeant La Rose was stabbed along with two other ranks, however he alone succumbed. The ranks were attempting to arrest a suspect involved in the rape of a 13 year old girl. The suspect is in police custody and is expected to be charged for murder. The policeman has left to mourn his wife, five children, siblings and his 93-year-old mother. Sergeant LaRose was laid to rest at the Christainburg burial ground. Attending the funeral were other ranks of the Mackenzie Police Station, Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, Regional Vice Chairman, Elroy Adolf, students of various schools and members of the Ex-Police Association.

Members of the Guyana Police Force preparing to give the 21-member gun salute

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 11, 2016

New broadcast licence fees proposed

THE Board of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) has unveiled the new zones and proposed annual fee structure for broadcasting agencies across the country. Broadcasting agencies operating in the primary zone, which includes the Mahaica/Mahaicony district, parts of the Essequibo Island and parts of the Linden Highway, are likely to pay an annual fee of $1.2M. In the Secondary Zone, which takes in New Amsterdam, Corriverton, parts of the Essequibo Coast, Charity and the Pomeroon, it is proposed that broadcasting agencies pay an annual fee of $0.6M and in the tertiary zone, which includes Parika, Linden and Lethem, the sum of $0.3M. The proposals were made during an interactive session with the GNBA Board of Directors and television broadcasters on Thursday March 3 – an event aimed at fostering cordial relations and partnerships between broadcasters and the regulatory agency. It was noted that each of the zones fall under two categories: profitable and non-profitable. To this end, during the consultative process, it was decided that Community Radio Stations should be encouraged; hence a category for this was necessary. The board expressed a desire to utilise the US Federal Communication Commission (FCC) TV Ratings System for determining

content for broadcast in Guyana. Television broadcasters will be monitored to ensure their content adheres to the broadcast policy outlined in the Broadcast Act, with respect to offending taste; as such, programmes will be allowed to be aired only in a time slot for which it is suitable. On the important point of finance, it was noted that there is a large outstanding balance which must be liquidated, the idea of a significant fee reduction and amnesty period be granted and all broadcasters who settle their outstanding amounts within that said period will be considered for the 2016 licence. Broadcasters were told that the Authority wants to know how they are operating their stations with the intention of helping them. Broadcasters were assured that efforts are being made to level the playing field as far as possible. Chairman of the board, Leonard Craig, officially introduced the directors to the group of broadcasters. Present were: Anthony Vieira, Jocelyne Josiah, Vic Insanally and Ex- Officio Member Valmikki Singh, the Managing Director of the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU). Directors Ameena Gafoor and Abiola Wong- Inniss were unavoidably absent. It was pointed out that Josiah chairs the Monitoring and Compliance Committee (MCC) responsible for recommending monitoring and

Representatives of the local broadcasting community during the interactive session compliance policies to the board. Vieira, on the other hand, heads the Legal Matters, Fees and Licensing Committee (LMFLC), while Insanally chairs the Finance Committee (FC) - responsible for managing the financial affairs of the committee, and advising the

board on financial matters and decisions. It was noted that the authority looks forward to monitoring all broadcast media, based on approved guidelines and to review and give advice on issues based on those, guidelines. Broadcasters were reminded that

the current board inherited a situation where there had not been effective monitoring, regulating or enforcing procedures; hence, these matters are in the forefront of the authority’s agenda. This consultation saw participation from a wide cross-section of local televi-

sion broadcasters who expressed personal concerns faced within the broadcast industry. Some of these concerns included: unfair practices among broadcasters, fee structure, signal interferences and the expressed need for protection by the GNBA.

Third man charged with Ramlall’s murder ALMOST a year after Ganesh Ramlall, the 48-yearold Regent Multiplex Mall proprietor was robbed and killed at his La Jalousie home on the West Coast of Demerara, another man has been charged with his murder. On Thursday, Kurt Erskine, 35, of Section ‘C’ Golden Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara was remanded to prison until March 29 after the charge was read to him by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

On July 5, 2015 Erskine allegedly murdered the businessman, during the course of a robbery. He was not required to plea to the capital offence. Thereafter, the Magistrate transferred the matter to Lenora Magistrates’ Court. On July 19, 2015 Fazeel Bacchus 21, of Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara and Lennox Roberts, 32, of Tushen Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara, both taxi drivers, were also remanded to prison after being charged with Ramlall’s murder. According to reports, the

The dead businessman Ganesh Ramlall called ‘Boyo’ businessman had just returned home and was going to use the outside bathroom when he was confronted by four men who shot him about

Murder Accused Kurt Erskine his body and took away his licensed firearm, jewellery and a wallet. Ramlall was later pronounced dead on arrival at the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Kevin Pilgrim’s apology “I WOULD first want to say on my behalf that I am sorry…I know saying sorry is not an excuse as the minister would have made mention that a Commission of Inquiry would be launched and that Commission of Inquiry would do a detailed investigation. “I don’t have to wait on an inquiry or an investigation to simply say sorry, because I am responsible for a prison location…Like a soldier you have to be responsible for everyone under your charge.” These were the words of the head of the Camp Street Prison, Kevin Pilgrim, at a time when the nation is confronted with its worst prison riot. More profoundly, these are words this nation has not heard uttered, in a long time, from a public official as they relate to the performance of duties. This statement by Pilgrim reflects that there is still in our midst, public officials who are mindful of who they are in service to, and are respectful of those whom they serve. Over recent years, the society has been suffering from the unfortunate experience whereby public officials, elected or appointed, operate with no regard for ethics and courtesy. Too often the public has been humiliated, shout down, and ignored by these officials. For far too often the public have been made to feel that public officials are masters and the public their servants. This has been a disturbing sign; thus, when Superintendent Pilgrim spoke words to the effect it has renewed hope that they are amongst us persons of his ilk and all is not lost. The loss of lives and the humiliation of the prison administration will engage continuous attention and discussion. For while the prisoners have revolted, there exist a number of factors that contributed to the situation. It is important to recognise that those who have sought to hold the government accountable, inclusive of its critics, have accepted that the current state of the prison was not arrived at overnight.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 11, 2016

The seed of neglect: Prison uprising IN the late 90s, with cooperation from the Prison Management , I conducted a self-sponsored Art course that resulted in two inmates proceeding to institutions of higher learning and another branching off to perfect his unique skills of model-building, while yet another is now an ardent producer of craft products. I had also written to the then Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj on behalf of an inmate whom I knew was constantly in prison before I had left school as a teenager, for ridiculous offences. A representative from the ministry visited me during class, I think his name was Mr. Green; however, with the support of Mr. Dale Erskine the then Director of Prisons, this inmate was released. He did begin to pursue an Art career, but I advised him to get a job and develop his skill in his spare time. This he did and as far as I know, he held on to his job and was still employed a few years ago when I saw him. That course could not have happened without the vision of Mr. Erskine and his team that included Mr. Howard. These men were even in 1997-98 faced with severe problems, which only the unwilling State could initiate solving. They were forced to deploy female guards where only males were deployed before, cells designed for three inmates were now housing four and five prisoners. Though prisoners would ascend to the roof in protest at the very long waits for trial among other contentions, the PPP remained

unmoved. Andrew Douglas, one of the famous 2002 jailbreak inmates became popular before the jailbreak because of his jail roof protests. It was then Clement Rohee following Gajraj who remarked in response to requests from stakeholders and the British High Commissioner for reforms at the Brickdam lockups and the Georgetown Prison, that “Where do they think they are, a five- star hotel?” This was said after the 2002 Mash Day jailbreak, an asinine statement after a macabre precedent. The British High commissioner did eventually in 2007 present the prison authorities with a 5,000-pound cheque, but the problem had long extended far beyond the parameters of that good intention. In my article on Sunday 6, March in the Guyana Chronicle, I outlined the collapse and decimation of mass semi-skilled muscle-based employment centres in Georgetown, between 1987 to 1991, and when the PPP came to power in 1992, they ignored those social traumas and out of political spite they further destroyed the National Service, a powerful training centre that provided skills training for thousands of Guyanese youth. Imagine Clement Rohee today, does not know that the Timehri Prison from its inception in the early 70s was designed as a young- offender facility and thinks that he is now suggesting it. The PPP is a 1960s political fossil, and its propaganda arm was effective in carrying out its bottom-house philosophies. Foremost in 2013-14 was the ‘Sul-

The past lack of will to implement strategic recommendations to alleviate the state of affairs must not be rehashed as a new commission of inquiry is put in place, the recommendations that emerge from it must be taken seriously and implemented. This is not the time for sharing of blame and finger-pointing, since the country at large is conscious of the problems and to some extent did not robustly call for and insist on prison reforms. Consequently, the entire nation should feel responsible for what occurred and commit to be part of the change that is necessary. In looking forward, it needs to be remembered that prisoners are human and have rights which are enshrined in laws, universal declarations and conventions. Coming out of the upheaval the nation is confronted with certain uncomfortable truths, such as the length of time persons are on remand. In one instance it was learnt that a person has been on remand for 10 years. This is wrong and should not be taking place in these modern times. Justice delayed is justice denied and a principle in the justice system is that of ensuring a speedy trial. This is also hinged to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, police and

tan Mohamed group’ that consisted of Ravi Dev and other senior party members. In the ‘Sultan Mohamed’ letter of Thursday April 17, 2014 titled: “Prisons, cemeteries, garbage and Mashramani should be privatised,” quote: “Afro-Guyanese flock to fill Guyanese Jails, and they also currently manage its daily affairs. Who is best equipped to make it a business venture?” – “ If perchance a predominant Afro-Guyanese company ventures into running the prisons, will they be more successful in dissuading kith and kin from going back to jail repeatedly?” unquote. This letter was pure malice and hatred; incidentally, Ravi Dev was Donald Ramotar’s hopeful as commissioner to the Ethnic Relations Commission, that he Ramotar never swore in. If the propaganda arm articulated a common PPP contempt for the responsibility of prison reform in Georgetown, then it would be rational to say that the very similar PPP neglect of the city coincides with the consistent, small- minded attitude of spiting the constituency that rejected them with good reason, politically. Why was Gladwin Samuels retained under the PPP after interdicted for a past serious incident? The PPP’s habit of retaining fallen personalities as indebted souls to deploy when necessary has always led to dire circumstances. Regards BARRINGTON BRAITHWAITE

courts expediting their roles in the chain, efficiently and effectively. Where prisoners have complained about crowded residency, substandard food, the state has a responsibility to correct such anomalies, given that these are basic human requirements. On the issue of communication with inmates and their loved ones, in the absence of adequate facilities it opened the door for persons to achieve same through clandestine means. The breakdown in systems (operational and administrative) within the prison walls, has created opportunities and accommodation for the plying of a contraband/illegal trade and other clandestine actions and treatments. These anomalies are not unique to Guyana, given that they happen in prison systems around the world. What Guyana must not do is remain unique in refusing to confront these challenges and correct them. From this vantage point, Superintendent Pilgrim’s statement must not only be seen as an apology to the society, but also an admission that things are not right and they ought to be fixed in order that the prison system can function in accordance with modern values and standards.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 11, 2016

We should give them a good burial

Dear Editor: GOOD sense must prevail in handling the burial of those who perished by fire during the recent Camp Street prison events. It doesn’t matter that some of these men were allegedly on the wrong side of the law, their rights and dignity are protected under United Nations Declarations and this is what ought to govern actions and thinking by the state in dealing with this matter. These persons were under the protection of the State. The State had undertaken to incarcerate them and implicit in this is their safety and security in keeping with conventions, laws and human rights. Any failure or breach in safety is the responsibility of the State, because the State is in control of it. Out of care and compassion, the government should see to the burial of these persons at a reasonable cost. Funeral parlours can be commissioned at reasonable costs to offset burial expenses. This is not a matter of

whether persons are guilty or innocent, but how we treat with issues, which in civilised society one expects that the behaviour of the State will not mirror that of criminals, alleged or proven. In a prison system, the law vests responsibility on the state to ensure the well-being of the inmates. In this instance, where deaths have occurred out of events that occurred within the prison, the custodian of the prisoners is liable. The government is called on to rethink the position of designating $100,000 per person to defray funeral expenses. After these people were failed by successive regimes, a caring administration, supportive of human rights and dignity must take responsibility and honour its obligation forthwith, without feeling it is an indictment on the political parties that form the government. It is not about trying these persons, and even if persons feel the fire was the prisoners’ doing, they have no authority to sentence them to fiery death.

Dear Editor: ”IF you do not vote, other people who vote will choose your community representatives, and you will have no voice in the decision-making process. The importance of having a voice in decisions that directly affect you cannot be overstated.” According to the ministry, councillors elected by the people who vote will make decisions on what bridges and roads to repair or build; they will decide where playgrounds are to be constructed; they will be responsible for garbage-collection, cleaning of drains and parapets, provision of healthcare services, pest control, noise-nuisance control, and all other aspects of community life. “Can anyone, therefore, afford not to vote?” This quote is taken from a news article in Thursday’s edition of your newspaper based on a statement from the Ministry of Communities on the issue of low voter turnout for Local Government Elections (LGEs) by members of the disciplined forces. Let me at the outset state that every citizen who has the right

come the elected official. Am I to understand that these categories of citizens, non-voters and those who vote for unsuccessful candidates, will have no voice...no say in the decision-making process? Elected leaders are responsible for and required to serve the interests of their communities/constituencies and this entails taking on board the views and recommendations of all, thereafter making decisions that are technically,

There is no call for a grand funeral, but something decent. And this can happen by commissioning a parlour of the people’s choice at an agreed cost. This is an appeal to the humanitarian nature of all of us. It could have been anybody’s child in the prison and for any reason. Let us view this matter impartially through reasonable and humanitarian lenses. We have had persons from all socio-economic and political backgrounds who have been incarcerated, rightfully and wrongfully. Yours truly, Mark Benschop, Norris Witter, Freddie Kissoon, Cheddi and Janet Jagan, were among the prison population. When it is a loved one, persons who have been advancing for some consideration, such ought to be considered. This matter is best handled when we divorce ourselves from the whom and deal with the what. Regards LINCOLN LEWIS

Elected officials must serve their communities to vote should exercise it. Voting is a constitutionally provided opportunity for citizens to contribute to the process through which their leaders are chosen. However, I have a problem with the statement, which suggests that by not voting, citizens will not have a voice in the decision-making process. In addition to those who do not vote, there are those who will vote for a candidate who is not successful and therefore will not be-

financially and operationally sound and feasible. All ideas must contend! Citizens must go out and vote. In certain parts of the world thousands have sacrificed their lives

to ensure all citizens regardless of race, gender and religion enjoy the entitlement to vote. But let it be clear that elected officials have the responsibility and obligation

to listen to the voices of all and to act in the best interest of their constituencies/communities . Regards, WESLEY KIRTON

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 11, 2016

Man dies after falling off tree A HANDYMAN identified as Percy Harris died yesterday after falling from a tree at the Foreign Service Institute at Ramphal House on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive in Georgetown. While details are still sketchy at this time, another handyman at the institute said that Harris worked at the neighbouring Foreign Affairs Ministry for quite some time. The Guyana Chronicle understands that around midday yesterday, Harris climbed a breadfruit tree in

the Institute’s compound in order to pick the fruit, despite being warned not to do so. “He climbed up and they tell he don’t go up there but he didn’t listen and while he was picking the breadfruit one of the tree limbs broke and he fell down and hit his head and other body parts on a concrete strip,” said the other handyman. When they checked, he said, the man was still alive but apparently bled to death before the ambulance could

have arrived. ‘I WOULD KICK YOU UP’ Meanwhile, while media operatives were seeking to gather further information about the incident, they were harshly treated by staffers and police officers at the scene, one of whom shouted, “Stop taking pictures or I would kick you up.” The reporters were subsequently removed from the area while the police continued their investigations into the fatality.

After fire started, prisoner recalls hearing... From page 2

“because a certain officer was harassing prisoners who came out first.” Asked by the Commission to explain what he meant by “harassing”, Lewis replied, “Hitting them with these thing you call baton.” A fellow inmate, Collis Collison was badly beaten, Lewis said and fell unconscious. “It was a prison warden who was harassing them when they went into the yard,” he said, though he was not in a position to identify the prison officer. “No sir, I couldn’t identify them sir.” Meanwhile, Lewis in his testimony told Commissioners that the prisoners seemed displeased by the move by the prison officers to seize their mobile devices and other illegal items during a search of the facility on March 2. CONTRABAND FIND “I may not know how they felt but you could see it in their face what took place that day,” the inmate said. He said that around 3:30 pm two large margarine buckets containing illicit items were removed from Capital ‘A’. “They came out with two large margarine buckets…some with cell phones. They were filled with cell phones. Some had cell phones and leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be marijuana.” The discovery of the contraband was made by prison officers who were assisted by ranks of the Guyana Police Force. In an effort to justify the displeasure of his fellow inmates, Lewis said mobile phones and marijuana provide a level of comfort for the prisoners. He explained

that in the case of the phones, prisoners are denied regular phone calls to their loved ones. They are only afforded that option “when something happens like what happens last week.” “They have to get them cause it wouldn’t be comfortable for them to serve their prison time…,” the inmate said as Commissioners asked him to explain. Asked by the Commissioners to state how phones enter the penitentiary, Lewis declined. “I can’t say that part sir, even if I want to say that part I would not say that part,” he stated. The prisoner proffered that while mobile phones are prohibited, it is not necessary for the prison officers to seize all. “If you come to search and you find ten cellphone at least you can take six and leave four,” he stated. Many prisoners, he said, depended on those who had mobile devices to call their relatives and friends on a daily basis. Asked how often searches are conducted at the Camp Street jail, Lewis said searches are usually done every three months but there was a long delay before last week’s search. He noted that for the past five searches that were conducted ranks of the Guyana Police Force assisted. “The Guyana Police Force would come and join in to give a hand to conduct the search,” he said. WEAPONS Lewis added that all weapons were seized on March 2 along with the other illicit items, while noting that there was no fighting by inmates. According to the prisoner, “They had none. I was there all the time, they had no fighting.”

He acknowledged that prisoners were in possession of cutlasses prior to the riots. Asked whether the cutlasses or sharp instruments were “homemade”, Lewis replied, “I won’t call that homemade, I would call it prison-made because it is made in prison.” He said prisoners often arm themselves with cutlasses for protection. “Sir because you and a man might have a talking and you might feel it finish and when you go to sleep he may inflict injuries so you always got to have yuh thing by your side.” He said he “never had a chance” to have cutlasses in his possession as he is a “very peaceful person.” Lewis accepted that the searching of the Divisions by the prison authorities is intended to make the environment safe and comfortable. He said too that he feels safe in his Division. “Yes sir, I don’t have time to focus on wrong doing. The only weapon I have is my Quran sir; I focus on God all the time sir.” CROWDED Asked to describe the space within the Division, Lewis said it is crowded, noting that there are insufficient mattresses. “When I first go in there I slept about two months on the floor without mattress. My division is so overcrowded eight to nine prisoners sleeping on the floor without mattress,” he added. He said he secured a mattress after another inmate was removed from the facility. He said several complaints were made to the prison authority about his discomfort sleeping on the floor. Turn to page 9 ►

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 11, 2016

RAM stresses ‘right to counsel’ for witnesses at prison CoI

PRESIDENT of the Guyana Bar Association Christopher Ram has expressed much concern over the manner in which the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Georgetown Prison riot which resulted in the death of 17 prisoners is occurring. Speaking with the media at the end of Thursday’s tes-

timonies at the Department of Public Service building, Waterloo Street, Ram said, “I am very concerned about the CoI.” RIGHT TO COUNSEL Ram said he is unsure whether the witnesses were informed prior to their testimonies that they had a right

to be represented by counsel. Ram said, “I don’t know if the witness was told before that he had a right to counsel, but I certainly believe he ought to have been told.” The Commission of Inquiry Act, the attorney said, is specific and declares that every person affected by a CoI has the right to counsel. That is a right, he said, that should not be denied. While he was present at the CoI in his personal ca-

Head of the Guyana Bar Association, Christopher Ram

ACDA in move to promote fishing …key meeting set for Victoria on Saturday IN ITS QUEST to assess the state of the African economy in Guyana, the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) will deliberate on the state of the coastal fishing industry during a meeting set for Saturday, March 12. Saturday’s meeting is a continuation of another meeting held approximately two weeks ago with business men and women on the State of the African economy in Guyana. In his August 1, 2015 column under the caption: ‘What about a Black Guyanese entrepreneurial class?” Freddie Kissoon contended that Afro-Guyanese account for approximately one percent of the country’s economy. According to him, “East Indians dominate the economy ninety five percent to one percent for Africans with other races making up the other four percent. Among other races in Guyana, outside of Indian Guyanese, land-holdings are extensive. It seems that the only race that does not pos-

sess vast plantations of land is African Guyanese.” In response to this observation, ACDA Director Eric Phillips said the African organization was analyzing critical sectors of the country’s economy with the aim of increasing Afro-Guyanese involvement in building a resilient economy. He pointed out that in the fishing industry, Allison Butters-Grant is the only black female in Guyana to own and operate a fish-processing plant where standard is the hallmark. The re-migrant, with the support of her husband, operates Global Seafood Distributors at its West Ruimveldt Industrial Site location. Dr. Phillips said Butters-Grant, who will open a processing plant in Victoria, though successful in her operation has been affected by the fluctuating prices in the local fishing industry. As such, ACDA is hoping that the meeting on Saturday would reawaken Afro-Guyanese interest in the fishing industry. “We are hoping to bring it back in the African community

After fire started, prisoner recalls hearing... From page 8

“The first time when I was sleeping on the floor, I made about eight complaints to the administration…I had to wait until an inmate got bail to get a mattress to be comfortable. I had no other complaints after then to make to the administration.” He said he wishes if the food provided to prisoners would be better prepared. Lewis said it is also his desire to see the cooks properly clad in clean clothing. “Should be more clean like sir…some of these men

working in the kitchen their clothes should be more clean…not a healthy part on behalf of the prison administration.” Meals would often time be served with “black pot” inside of it, he lamented. He also believes that prisoners should be able to contact their relatives four times a month. Lewis was placed in the Camp Street facility in August 2015 and was committed to stand trial on February 19 this year.

by assessing the state of the industry,” the ACDA head

posited while emphasizing that a needs-assessment is critical at this stage. If Afro-Guyanese can

pacity, Ram said he has other concerns about the manner in which the inquiry is being conducted. He believes that some of the questions were asked in a manner to obtain particular responses. “That ought not to have been framed the way they were framed, so I am pretty concerned.” The Guyana Bar Association, the attorney said, has much interest in the CoI and noted that there are ongoing discussions on whether the

association would request permission to be part of the CoI. “So that we could appear as a friend of the tribunal but with a right to ask questions and also to object to certain questions being asked,” he explained. Commissioners Justice James Patterson, Dale Erskine and Merle Mendonca listened to the testimonies of two prisoners, Dwayne Lewis and Errol Kesney, on the first day of the hearings.

pool their resources, the community can capitalize on the economy of scale, he added. Saturday’s meeting at the Victoria Primary School, Victoria Middle Walk will commence at 13:00h, and issues and needs of critical

importance to the village’s economy will be discussed. In addition to the fishing industry, ACDA is also focusing on the construction, agriculture, banking and exploration sectors. Emphasis is also being placed on the youth.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 11, 2016

$1.3B allocated for LGE

– Bulkan ‒ municipal development plans being updated By Rabindra Rooplall

OVER $1.3 Billion will be expended to conduct Local Government Elections (LGE) this month to benefit the democratic process in Guyana, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan said during a special session yesterday on local governance at City Hall. The session hosted by Town Clerk Royston King was geared to enlighten municipal workers on the swearing-in of new councillors and the functions entrusted in elected officials. Similar training is being conducted for the clerks of the 62 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in preparation for the new councils. Minister Bulkan said that while in opposition APNU

had pledged to put an end to the winner takes all and one party rule while seeking to promote good governance. “The investment in this election is tangible proof of our commitment… this administration decided that it was not going to procrastinate or prevaricate, but it would discharge its constitutional responsibilities and obligation to ensure that there is early hosting of LGE,” Minister Bulkan said. LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSION He said the Local Government Commission will shortly be commissioned for which funding was provided in the 2016 budget. The commission will allow the local authorities to function independently from central government and from any

A section of the gathering listening attentively during the special session yesterday on local governance hosted at City Hall (Adrian Narine photo)

political control. In explaining the arrangements for the early LGE, Bulkan said it required the passage of legislation, the Local Authority Elec-

tions Amendment Act 2015, and the Local Government Amendment Act which was passed in the National Assembly in 2013 and later assented to by President David Granger. RESPECTIVE GUIDELINES Minister Bulkan said the elected arm and the appointed arm of local democratic organs will have respective guidelines. This was developed by the Caribbean Local Economic Development (CARILED) Project, in coordination with the Ministry

of Local Government and Regional Development. “Apart from developing a councillor’s handbook, several modules of training workshops for councillors will be conducted as a manual for local government officials will be developed this year,” Minister Bulkan said He further indicated that under the CARILED programme in collaboration with the e-Governance Unit, the Ministry is looking to replicate and expand the financial management software that the city council is currently developing in

Friday, March 11, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Saturday, March 12, 2016 - 05:30 hrs Sunday, March 13, 2016 - 08:30 hrs

all other local government organs. He said the municipal development plans are currently being updated for Georgetown, Rose Hall, Corriverton, New Amsterdam, Linden and Anna Regina municipalities. The three new towns - Bartica, Mabaruma and Lethem - will also benefit under the CARILED programme. Chairman of personnel training committee, Oscar Clarke said after the conclusion of the LGE, the officers of the various councils will fall under the local government commission. This constitutional body will be responsible for various aspects and functions of all local organs, staffing, appointments and discipline, among other responsibilities that were previously under the purview of the Minister. “The commission is an independent body that will be responsible to the parliament and to the President, so no longer would anyone be running to the Minister, now persons can be hauled before the commission,” Clarke said. He said the commission will make their own rules and determine their own operational arrangements. Veteran Mayor Hamilton Green said the LGE will fulfill the dreams and aspirations of independence in this golden jubilee celebration year. YOUNGER PEOPLE The longest serving mayor said he made a philosophical commitment not to extend his record as he intends not to participate in LGE, “because I believe we should give the opportunity to younger people, they may have some crazy ideas but that’s what progress is all about new ideas.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 11, 2016

Linden communities to get internet hubs THE 2016 budget has made possible the provision of an E-Governance programme to be launched soon in various communities across Linden. This pilot programme will see the establishment of internet hubs equipped with computers and various hardware appliances, according to Assistant National Director of the Community Development Council, Sandra Adams, who spoke to the residents during the 2016 budget update. She said that upon receiving confirmation from the Ministry of the Presidency E-Governance Unit, the team identified communities in which these hubs will be established and students will benefit from these services free of cost. These communities include Victory Valley, Block 22, Cinderella City and Bamia. “The children or adults will be able to go to these centres, use the computers to surf the internet, do homework or anything that is relevant to the technology, free of cost,” she

explained. FREE INTERNET ACCESS Residents will also use the areas around the community technology centres to gain internet access free of cost as it would be a hotspot zone. “So this is a way of bringing to you an easier way of life, you don’t have to spend money to go to some printing shop or somewhere to get your stuff done,” she said. Adams disclosed also that the programme should commence before the Independence Golden Jubilee celebrations in May, depending on how fast the construction and installation team completes the offices and installation of the systems.

The team is currently in discussion on whether the center’s operation will be supervised by a paid staff member as a means of creating employment. COMPUTER LITERACY TRAINING The feedback garnered from this pilot programme will determine how quickly other communities will benefit from a similar initiative. There are also plans to provide training to parents and teachers in computer literacy. Adams noted that this is just one of the programmes initiated in accordance with President Granger’s call for ‘A good life for all Guyanese’.

58 months for 12 kilos cocaine CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday sentenced a man to 58 months imprisonment, after he was found guilty of trafficking over 12 kilos of cocaine in his suitcase at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). Borthram Garnett, a 35-year-old father of a newborn baby had 12.29 kilograms of cocaine in his possession on June 26, 2015, at the CJIA for the purpose of trafficking. Garnett was also ordered to pay a fine of $39,892,000. The Chief Magistrate in her ruling said that she had considered the mitigating factors in Garnett’s favour,

as well as the quantity and street value of the drug. The magistrate also considered the seriousness and prevalence of drug-trafficking in the society. The court, she said, needed to act so as to deter others from contemplating participation in the drug trade. According to reports, Garnett was promised US$ 10,000 to traffic the drug out of Guyana and was apprehended by Customs Anti-Narcotics ranks at the airport after he was seen acting in a suspicious manner . The drug was found hidden inside his suitcase and under

Convicted: Borthram Garnett

caution he admitted ownership.

Runaway arson accused behind bars AFTER being granted bail on a charge of burning down the Ministry of Health building seven years ago, Keith “General” Ferrier was yesterday brought before the court after fleeing the jurisdiction in 2009. Ferrier appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after he was apprehended last Monday when he returned from neighbouring Venezuela where he had been hiding for the past several years. Ferrier was one of the men who were released on $350,000 bail for the arson of the Ministry of Health, Brickdam on July 17, 2009. However, after posting bail the accused fled the jurisdiction. Unrepresented at Thurs-

day’s arraignment, Ferrier said that he feared for his life and hid because he had received death threats. Ferrier also said that he had made contact with his lawyer stating that he had contracted malaria and was unable to make his court appearance. However, the Chief Magistrate indicated to him that the charge was since 2009 and it was almost seven years that he had failed to make his court appearance after being granted bail. The magistrate then remanded Ferrier until April 4 for report and fixtures. In 2013, Colin Jones and his co-conspirator, Clayton Westford, were both sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment after being found guilty of deliberately setting

the fire that destroyed the Ministry. Ferrier was believed to have been the mastermind of the attack. The building was said to be more than one hundred years old and had been the original Queen’s College (QC), which was taken over by the Government to be the Ministry of Health in the 1950s. The estimated value of the burnt complex was between $1.2 and $1.3 billion and some of the lost records were related to human resources and others about people working at hospitals, professional examinations, the Guyana Nursing, Medical and Pharmacy Councils. Financial and administrative files would also have been amongst the losses.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 11, 2016

Rose Hall rally draws large crowd …President talks up economic empowerment through LGE

From L-R Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally;Minister of Telecommunications and Tourism, Cathy Hughes; Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; and President David Granger, along with councillors of Rose Hall Town

By Nafeeza Yahya PRESIDENT David Granger took the coalition’s Local Government Elections rally to Rose Hall Town Thursday evening, assuring residents that his government was focused on developing their community and that they could be part of this wave of change when they vote for the APNU+AFC

candidates at next week’s polls. President Granger was joined by other top-ranking members of the coalition, including, Vice-President and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan; Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally; Minister of Health,Dr George Norton;and Minister of Telecommunications and Tourism, Cathy Hughes,

of your affairs and we will ensure you have that democratic right.” The President further charged the councillors with two main tasks: to make education a priority and to provide employment for their people. “I want to charge the councillors to make education a priority; I want to ask that the next elected mayor of Rose Hall Town make a promise to ensure every child goes to school and the second thing is to provide employment for your people…I want to see the entrepreneurial

peace. She further noted that over the past nine months, the Government has made tremendous strides and can only continue to do better if the people support the coalition. She further explained that local government “is the instrument that allows you to make the decisions of what happens in your community.” “You will decide how the money is spent, which streets need to be fixed, where needs street lights, which drains [are] to be dug. We have promised local government elections and we are now delivering, we have

among others. In delivering the keynote address to the hundreds that had gathered, President Granger stressed the importance of Local Government Elections as being the key to getting out of unproductivity to prosperity with a democratic system. “All of you have seen the stagnation…your people migrating to greener pastures, but with Local Government Elections,

A section of the large gathering at the meeting

you don’t have to; you will have prosperity here, because you will have a democratic system in place…It is important because you will be able to sit in your councils and decide how Rose Hall Town will be governed,” President Granger told the gathering. The President also spoke about the stagnation of village economies under the former PPP administration, noting that this had led to mass unemployment whereby graduates could not get jobs. He noted that with Local Government Elections, all that will change because the power will be in your hands to make the changes. “…no man can sit in Fort Street, Kingston and decide on how to run Rose Hall Town…. We cannot tell you how to run your house, because you know what goes on better than us,” Mr Granger said. The President also promised that as long as his Government is in place, there will be Local Government Elections every three years. “If they don’t perform, vote them out... As long as APNU+AFC is in power, you will have Local Government Elections every three years. You must be the watchdog

skills of Berbicians be realised.” The President pleaded with all to seize the opportunity in ensuring the democratic process works by coming out in their numbers to vote on the 18th March, 2016. He also gave his government’s commitment to fully support the plans of the Rose Hall Town Council to help eradicate issues affecting the residents of the town and stressed that the only way is to support the coalition to ensure these problems are addressed. David Fraser, a councillor in the Rose Hall constituency under the APNU+AFC coalition said for over 23 years the town had suffered at the hands of the PPP and sub-standard work was done by selected contractors;there was poor drainage and irrigation;and poor solid-waste management among others. He said in just less than nine months the new government has a plan for the township to turn it around and make Rose Hall Town a sight to behold. Minister Hughes in her presentation called for togetherness and asked that people be aware of forces of division, because the country cannot be built without unity love and

kept our promise, now it’s your time to do your part and put the right people in place,” Hughes told the gathering. Minister Ramjattan, who also addressed the gathering, spoke about the importance of local government and the need to put the right people in place. He too stressed the fact that at the community level, the councillors will know first-hand what needs to be done locally and filter the information upwards to central government, so that allocations can be made available to get the job done. He lashed out at the PPP for “denying the people for 23 years their democratic right to Local Government Elections” and urged residents to “be aware that they will want to dictate what should be done now that people have that right.” Ramjattan, who is also leader of the AFC, said that the Local Government Elections can be used as a stepping stone to greater things, especially for younger councillors who can later move on to central government and will have a better appreciation, having worked from the ground up.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 11, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 11, 2016

President accredits new Australian High Commissioner PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday accredited John Pilbeam as the new non-resident High Commissioner of the Commonwealth of Australia to Guyana. The new High Commissioner is based in Trinidad and Tobago. In presenting his Letters of Credence to the President, Mr. Pilbeam spoke of the friendly and fruitful diplomatic relations that Guyana and Australia have shared for over 40 years. The first Australian High Commissioner presented his credentials in Guyana in April 1974. According to Mr. Pilbeam, sport, particularly cricket, is the bedrock of the relations between the two nations; noting that legendary Guyanese players such as Mr. Clive Lloyd, Mr. Lance Gibbs, Mr. Rohan Kanhai, Mr. Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Mr. Ramnaresh Sarwan all have strong fan bases in Australia. “Guyana is the first place in which I have presented credentials outside of Port of

Spain and I have to admit that the plans of the Australian cricket team to visit for a week in June, play a large part in that decision. A large number of Australian cricket fans will also be visiting Guyana then and we need to prepare with your Government for that,” the High Commissioner said. However, quite apart from cricket, Guyana has benefited significantly from its relations with Australia, particularly in the areas of capacity-building, scholarships and joint-aid programmes. Last year, Australia funded projects to support the fight against cervical cancer, youth empowerment and provide safe water sources for two communities. “Though we are far away, Australia is pleased to maintain strong partnership with Guyana internationally. You would recall that our Prime Minister joined with other Commonwealth leaders in Malta in November to reaffirm our unequivocal support for the maintenance and safeguarding of Guyana’s

High Commissioner of the Commonwealth of Australia to Guyana, His Excellency John Pilbeam, presents his Letters of Credence to President David Granger, while Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Greenidge (pictured on the President’s right) and Director-General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Audrey Waddell (right) look on, at the Ministry of the Presidency

sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Mr. Pilbeam said. Meanwhile, similar sentiments were expressed by President Granger, who said that diplomatic relations between the two countries have deepened Guyana’s membership in the Commonwealth of Nations, of which Australia is a founding member. “Guyana

looks forward to continuing to work with Australia to finding solutions to the problems of small states and particularly, to the security concerns of small states…We take this opportunity to extend gratitude to Australia for the support and development assistance received over the years, through scholarships, direct

aid programmes and through CARICOM initiatives,” the Head of State said. He added that with Mr. Pilbeam’s appointment, Guyana envisages increased collaboration between the two countries at the multilateral level; pointing out that there is much scope for coopera-

tion, particularly within the context of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Accelerated Modalities of Action also called the Samoa Pathway. “We look forward also to your appointment becoming a catalyst to strengthen bilateral relations and we welcome the interest expressed by Australian companies to invest in Guyana…We assure you of our cooperation as you execute your duties,” President Granger said. The Commonwealth has been an important voice in the global community, it has championed democracy and human rights and it has highlighted the plight of small states. Australia, commendably, has used its experience and standing within the Commonwealth to call attention to the concerns of small states. (Ministry of the Presidency)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 11, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 11, 2016

Midday vigil for Crum-Ewing ‒ One year after Diamond drive-by shooting death

[against wrong doings] when others did not have the courage to do so. We need an open space to celebrate and respect this political martyr that we have got in this country. I am hoping that in the

Relatives, friends and other supporters of Courtney Crum-Ewing stage a vigil to mark the 1st anniversary of his brutal slaying on March 10, 2015. The vigil was held at the corner of Middle and Carmichael Streets, Georgetown. Standing in the forefront of banner are: Crum-Ewing’s brother, Dwayne; mother, Donna, and sister, Althea in back row (holding small portrait)

FRIENDS and supporters of Courtney Crum-Ewing a revolutionary, executed one year ago, in a senseless and unprovoked drive-by shooting on the Diamond Public Road, yesterday joined the bereaved relatives of the victim in a midday vigil at the corner of Middle and Carmichael Streets. And throughout the vigil, the message that resonated powerfully was the ‘slothfulness of the justice system,’ with calls for swift action to be taken to have justice served. However, there was consensus that, with the recent change of government, they could expect that Courtney’s life did not go down in vain. At the time he was shot, Crum-Ewing was staging a one-man protest at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, calling on residents to come out and vote for a change in the May 11, 2015 general elections. The spot used for the vigil – a short distance away from the Attorney General’s Chamber, was the spot at which Crum-Ewing, a no-nonsense revolutionary and freedom fighter, would, from time to time wage his one-man picket demonstration in protest against matters he perceived needed ‘fixing’ under the former Attorney General. Representing Crum-Ewing’s family was: his mother, Mrs. Donna Harcourt; step-father, Eustace Harcourt; sister Althea Crum-Ewing and brother Dwayne Crum-Ewing. At the vigil they had the moral support of a gathering, which included Local Government candidates Mark Benschop, Malcolm De Freitas, Dr. Dawn Stewart, Brentnol Holder, Michelle Scotland and many others Crum Ewing’s grieving mother, noting that Friday marked the first anniversary since her son was brutally

gunned down on the Diamond Public Road, on March 10, 2015, she was hoping that the vigil would keep the issue alive and that justice would be speedily served. Convinced that the justice system was now better than it was months down the line, she asserted: “We know that the police are trying; they are doing their best and I hope they succeed speedily.” She painfully recalled that Courtney was the eldest of her three children and that he was the father of three children aged 14, 13 and 4 years’ old. With the children all being minors, the burden of their upkeep was understandably heavy on those now responsible for their upkeep. All is not well, Donna said, but added that, together with the surviving parent, they were trying their very best. She is hoping that something could be done to bring relief to this difficult situation. She is hopeful that the government would put something in place to help the situation. “Either give money or give us work, because we have contracting businesses and if we get jobs we would better be able to help,” the grandmother reasoned. Meanwhile, Courtney’s step-father, Eustace Harcourt said they were trying to cope with the situation. Considering that it was now one year since the man’s death and nothing tangible had as yet happened, he was inclined to think that the justice system was too slow. However, he was grateful for the change of government, adding that there was hope that justice would be served. Meanwhile, Courtney’s sister and brother were very emotional and related what a wonderful brother he was to them, how deeply the pain of his death penetrated and that they would never overcome the loss. Althea , recalling

that her brother died on a Tuesday night, said that from that time, she weeps every Tuesday night. Candidate Mark Benschop: I am here to show solidarity for this situation – the assassination of Crum Ewing; to show my support for his family as I’ve always been doing from day one and I think that an injustice is continuing to be done. With regards to this case, those who were in authority, in terms of conducting the investigation, that is, should ensure that this thing here [the vigil] intensifies. Candidate Brentnol Holder: I will lay blame on the previous administration for failing to get to the bottom of this killing before demitting office. Until today no one has been charged or arrested. The present government is now in shambles, because all the evidence has been destroyed. And we the people, supporters of Crum-Ewing are fighting for freedom, justice and equality for this nation. I am going to stand up, if it costs me my blood, I am willing to stand up to see justice for Crum– Ewing. Candidate Dr. Dawn Stewart: “I think it is important that we seek justice for the killing of Courtney Crum-Ewing. I think it is a shame that it has been one year and there has been no resolution as to what has happened. I think the Guyanese people must demand that there is justice for him, along with many others who have been killed, or appeared to have been murdered. Until the investigation is finished, we don’t exactly know what happened. But I think that the justice system needs some reform to allow for speedy trials.” Malcolm De Freitas (Independent Candidate): Of Courtney Crum Ewing, he said, “One man spoke up

next investiture ceremony that we pay honour to this man. Not only honour to his life, but honour to the principle of what he was fighting for. He was fighting for a clear position in relation to having a clean government.” Michelle Scotland: “I am here to press demands

for Crum-Ewing to get justice, because I think he deserves justice. As for me, the system at the Court is too slow and that is a system that has been going on for years and I know that soon it will be changed, so in the meantime, we continue to call for justice.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 11, 2016

Jaime Mayers ‘How poetry found me’

By Jasmaine Payne JUST ask Jaime Mayers what poetry has done for him, and he’d simply say, “I am poetry; poetry is me.” Known to most as “SURU”, short for ‘Straight Up, Right Up’, Jaime believes that his role in life is to promote poetry as a tool of positivity and expression; a means of helping persons to cope and be inspired through his own experience sharing. Over the years, Jaime has become a household name among local poets from performing his lyrically provocative and emotionally candid pieces on Poetry Night at the former Upscale Restaurant. But since that establishment has been closed, leaving poets hungry for a venue to continue their public form of expression, Jaime has filled the gap by establishing the small but steady ‘Jazz and Poetry on a Stool’ at Julian’s Restaurant and Bar on Cummings Street in Alberttown. At this point in his life, however, the 28-year-old believes that he owes much to poetry in helping him to not only realise his own purpose, but to keep the art frorm alive in Guyana so that it can serve as a means of release and creative development . ‘POETRY FOUND ME’ Growing up with his mother and sister, Jaime admits that being the only male in the

household made it challenging for him to relate to his family, especially as he entered the tough adolescent years. “With my mom trying to raise me to be a man, and as a boy trying to figure out how to be a man with no male guidance. it was a tight situation,” he said. As such, he turned to ‘Rap’ music, which inspired him so much that he thought he’d aspire to become a rapper just after graduating high school. But that dream quickly fizzled after a short attempt with a group of friends. Soon after, he would leave for Trinidad and Tobago to attend university. And it was there, he admits, that poetry “found him” rather than the other way around. As Jaime recalled, “There were extra-curricular poetry activities, and they invited me to attend. I had a girlfriend in Guyana, and I tried to figure out ways to express myself.” With social media not yet at its prime in those days, and communication limited, Jaime took to penning his feelings on paper. And what started out as personal thoughts soon became poetic messages that seemed to move people whenever he shared his words. He remembers the words of a lecturer who later encouraged him to write his feelings, so as to encourage people, which would, in turn, encourage him. At first, he took little heed to those words, but would

later realise that they would change his life. UPSCALE AND BEYOND When Jaime returned to Guyana and heard about ‘Upscale’, he was encouraged to go up and share his poems with the Guyanese community. Though he still didn’t consider himself a poet, he decided to heed the encouragement of those around him. It was only after penning a motivating piece titled, “Confidence”, which dealt with self-esteem and personal image, and seeing the overwhelming response of the local community that he realised that poetry may just love him after all. “That is the moment when I really felt like a poet,” Jaime said. “And from then on, I decided to use poetry to move people with my words.” Then ‘Upscale’ upped and closed its doors, and, like many other poets, Jaime took it hard. “Upscale’s closing closed down a part of myself, so I reached to a stage where I wasn’t sure what I was doing. I just writing down my thoughts, trying not to be overwhelmed; wanting to help people,” he said. “So, when they closed ‘Upscale’, I was wondering, ‘How I will get this frustration off my chest; how I will

What’s ‘Buzzing’ this Weekend THIS weekend can be spent three ways: Out and about on the town; at home, tucked in; or out with family, enjoying the best in theatrical entertainment. TOMORROW NITE

help people.’” Later, through a referral, the restless poet was introduced to the owner of Julian’s Restaurant and Bar, and after some time and hesitation, and with the help of a close friend, he plugged all his efforts into reviving the poetry community through the launch of ‘Jazz & Poetry on a Stool’ back in May 2015. He readily admits that finding partnership to launch the initiative was tough, as persons only tended to look into how they could make a profit, but because art and passion were at the heart of his agenda, Jaime knew that he had to make the right choice if he were to make the event a permanent and meaningful one. “I didn’t want to be a star, but to speak positivity into people’s lives; I want to encourage them to realise they could do what they wanted; to be to be passionate about their goals. I wanted to show them that there’s someone who actually cares about human beings and human life, and I’m willing to use myself as the example while I learn,” he said. LOOKING AHEAD Now, almost a year later, Jaime has taken some time off from the event to restructure it in a manner that will guarantee its longevity and success.

Jaime Mayers, aka ‘SURU’, hosting one of his many poetry events He is currently working on putting together a strong team of people who share his vision, passion and dream of creating a space for artists to be able to express themselves. This includes registering the name, ‘Jazz & Poetry on a Stool’, as an official business, and collaborating with NGOs to provide extended opportunities for artists and young people as well. “This thing started as a passion, so it still needs a lot of structural work. So, I’m still learning, because I now realise my role of inspiring people,” he said. Through ‘Jazz & Poetry on a Stool’, he also hopes to launch a ‘Big Brother, Big Sister’ programme, whereby persons can mentor young people and help them hone their artistic talents. He has also partnered with groups like ‘Music Unlimited’ to assist in his endeavours, and is also looking for other forms

of sponsorship. Jaime believes that he must create a legacy through poetry, so that even in his absence, young artists can still be able to benefit from what he has started. “We want to eradicate the literacy problem in Guyana. In this country, there are limited ways of expression. Growing up, nobody taught you how to express yourself,” he said. “I want to create a setting, so that when people come in, they feel like they’re part of a family. We are not here just to spit words at you; we are here to strengthen you by creating this platform, so people can come out and grow while we grow.” If all works out, Jaime hopes to get ‘Jazz & Poetry on a Stool’ back in action on April 1, and though the day is celebrated worldwide as ‘All Fool’s Day’, Jaime says what he plans on doing is certainly no joke.

Centre (NCC). The show starts at 19:00hrs, and tickets are $1500 and $1000. **Chutney lovers have been long awaiting the Clash of Titans show that will be going down at the National Stadium at Providence. Even if you are not a chutney lover, you can check out this concert for the admission price of $1500.

SUNDAY NITE **Fan of EDM parties? Fan of Raves? Then EDM Guyana has you covered, with an EDM **The Kennard Memorial Turf Club, at Bush Lot, Berbice usually hosts horseracing of the Glow Party Extravaganza called GLOW ERUPTION: The Takeover. With free glow paint, glow accessories and everyone free before 22:30hrs, we’d encourage finest quality. Want an afternoon in an electric atmosphere? Then Bush Lot’s the place to be. you not to miss it. 704 will be the spot to be at for all ravers. **For two nights running, the National Cultural Centre (NCC) will play host to the Mr **Family fun is something that cannot be overstated. The Georgetown International Acad- and Mrs Guyana African Roots 2016 show. Showtime begins at 20:00hrs, and tickets are $1500 and $1000. emy, with their production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr. will be on stage at the National Cultural

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 11, 2016

Taking it to another level

--Local photography comes of age (The Conclusion) WITH 10 years’ experience in photography, GIRENDRA PERSAUD seems to be a man who chooses to let his pictures speak for themselves. Indeed, he seems to be a man of not so many words, but with pictures of landscapes and skylines that speak volumes. In fact, he admits that within his work, he does not have a particular “specialty”, but instead chooses to capture just about anything he deems “interesting”, which certainly leaves him with much variety. Photography is actually more of a hobby for Girendra, whose fulltime profession is that of a Lecturer of Computer Science at the University of Guyana. The simple joy of preserving a moment is what makes him love photography. As regards a message to those who look at his work, Girendra wishes to express that “life is more: Life is about living, loving, laughing, doing the things you love; freedom; peace.” It’s a message he hopes that every piece of his work expresses.

GIRENDRA PERSAUD

Girendra’s particulars are: EMAIL: info@gxmediagy.com WEBSITE: www.gxmediagy.com TEL: 592-626-1032

Jinelle Thomas

Beauty and beyond

Jinelle Thomas in a Donna Ramsammy creation

JINELLE Crystal Thomas was born on September 19, 1998 and is the elder of two children. Born in Georgetown, she grew up on the East Bank in the village of Agricola before moving to Diamond with her family. She attended Green Acres Primary School, and graduated in 2010 as one of the top graduating students of her year while earning a pass to a top senior secondary school. She is currently studying law at the sixth form level and has her sights set on becoming a corporate lawyer. The stereotype exists that a beautiful girl is most likely haughty and self-absorbed. However the opposite is true for Jinelle, who is as soft-spoken as she is beautiful. She is also one of the humblest persons one can meet. Not overly concerned with her beauty, Jinelle is what the young generation calls a ‘foodie’ (she loves food and has no qualms about saying that) and her favourite food is pizza. On any given day, Jinelle could be found surrounded by friends “chowing down” and just enjoying a good ‘gyaff’. Jinelle is a music lover with her taste coming from more than just one genre of music. She has an interest in make-up as an art form which she says is also one of her hobbies. Fashion also holds her interest but isn’t a top priority since she is just as comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt as she would be in a dress. Jinelle is an amiable person and credits that nature to being surrounded by family and friends who are her biggest influences. Despite this nature however, she is as a force to be reckoned with when it comes to accomplishing what she wants. She lives her life by two main mantras: “I am mine before I am anyone else’s” which speaks to working on who you are as an individual before giving yourself to anyone else and “Love yourself and know your worth” which Jinelle says is a message that all girls should live by. She believes that those two things go hand in hand and once you do one you’ll do the other. The societal views of beauty being limited to mixed brown skinned girls with the curly hair should be challenged and this girl embodies that challenge. Dark skinned girls are beautiful too! Just look at Jinelle!

ACKEEM ANTHONY THOMAS Ackeem’s calling for photography lies in his genes, as both his grandfather and father were freelance photographers. Added to the fact that he constantly surrounds himself with other creative people, his love for the art only grew as he got older. “First of all, photography is fun! That’s a big motivation! Photography was a hobby for me until my friends and family members motivated me to do it professionally,” he said. In the five years he has been a professional photographer, Ackeem says that he strives to capture the true emotions in his subjects so as to effectively portray all the things that come together to make life beautiful and extraordinary. “My preference include candid shots and multiplicity photography. And I allow my clients to feel free during the photoshoot. Once my clients feel comfortable towards the camera, my creativity flows faster,” he said. Ackeem’s particulars are: EMAIL: Atphotography4@gmail.com or Ackeemt@gmail.com WEBSITE: www.ackeemthomas.com TEL: 592-682-2413

J’can sues Trump’s modelling agency FOREIGN media are reporting that a Jamaican model has filed a lawsuit against Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump’s modelling agency. The agency, Trump Model Management LLC, is accused of lying to the federal government in its work-visa application. According to court documents, the Jamaican, Alexia Palmer, was to receive a US$75,000-ayear salary while living in the United States. Instead, Palmer reportedly received a total of US$3,880.75 during the three years she was under contract with the agency. The complainant alleges “fraudulent misrepresentation” and violations of US immigration and labour laws and has asked for US $225,000 in back pay. The suit was originally filed in October 2014 and a decision on a pending motion by Trump Model Management to dismiss is expected by the end of March. The clerk for Judge Analisa Torres, who is presiding over the case in the

Alexia Palmer US District Court, Southern District, told Reuters. However, Trump’s lawyers have called the case “frivolous” and “without merit”. In court documents they reportedly said Palmer wasn’t an employee and was more than adequately compensated for a “very brief stint as a fashion model”, which they say amounted to less than 10 days of work over three years. “At the end of the day, this model just didn’t have a successful career, and we fully expect to win,” said Lawrence Rosen, a lawyer for Trump Model Management. (nycaribnews.com)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 11, 2016

A slice of the cultural pie

OUR society is a multi-ethnic one; a society made up of different races, each with its own culture. But when one combines a variation of cultures, what you get is a canvas on which each bold stroke of differing colour forms an abstract piece of beauty. And on this particular canvas of ours, one of the more dominant strokes would be the Indian culture and form.

INDIAN DANCE The story of the coming of indentured labourers from India, bringing with them their own unique culture, is one that is embedded in Guyana’s history. It is through this medium that Indian dance came to Guyana’s shores. Indian dance is divided into three distinct categories: “Classical”, “Folk” and “Bollywood.” What separates the three,

however, is not limited to just the name, as while the classical forms of Indian dance have more of a spiritual and cultural content and connection, the Folk and Bollywood forms have more celebratory elements. THE CLASSICS Indian classical dance has been around for more than a thousand years. Classical art forms include Kathak (which has its or-

Indian dance in motion igins in Uttar Pradesh), as a result of India having B h a r a t n a t y a m ( Ta m i l many daily festivals and Nadu), Kuchipudi (Andhra celebrations. These festivals Pradesh), Manipuri (Mani- later encouraged the growth pur), Odissi (Orissa), and of folk dance. Kathakali and Mohiniattam All the festivals are ac(Kerala). companied by celebration, The classical aspect of and there is no better way Indian dance is considered than that of dance. Thus, folk amongst most dancers and dances are the main dance teachers as the hardest form forms at these events. of them all, in that it requires a great amount of dedication, IN GUYANA hard work and discipline. It is impossible to menHere in Guyana, howev- tion Indian dance in Guyana er, the most common classi- without mentioning Naya cal Indian forms being prac- Zamana. In fact, the name tised are the Kathak, Bharat- Naya Zamana has become natyam and Odissi. These art synonymous with the art forms are commonly done for form in Guyana. It is the traditional and religious pur- annual dance production of poses. These are very strict the Guyana Hindu Dharmic forms, with precise and strict Sabha. hand movements (mudras) The production features and instructions. choreography by Dr. Vindhya Persaud and Trishala SimanFOLK tini Persaud. This annual Folk dances, on the other production is an opportunity hand, are of a more simple for the students of the Dharnature, and are performed to mic Sanskritik Kendra, who express joy. are taught free of charge Many of these forms do in Kathak and other dance not follow a strict frame- styles, to showcase what they work. These dances arose have learnt.

The perennial cultural event is staged at the National Cultural Centre (NCC), and has received critical acclaim and awards since its established presence. The dance troupe that performs at Naya Zamana is called the Dharmic Nritya Sangh, and has performed extensively in Guyana as well as in New York, Toronto, Trinidad, Barbados and St. Lucia. Among their notable performances are those at CARIFESTA (The Caribbean Festival of Arts), CARICOM Heads of Government Conferences, The Rio Summit, Naya Zamana and various other national events in Guyana. With a rich heritage and a contribution in diversity, Indian culture has impacted Guyanese society. The Hindu Dharmic Sabha, through their teachings of Indian dance, bridges the gap between Indo-Guyanese and their roots.

Kathak Dancer

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 11, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 11, 2016

Windies beaten by 45 runs in practice match against India THE West Indies went down by 45 runs to India in a practice match at Eden Gardens, in Kolkata yesterday, as both teams continued preparations for the ICC World T20. Chasing a healthy target of 185-5, underpinned by Rohit Sharma’s brilliant 98, the regional team got off to a strong start with openers Chris Gayle and Johnson Charles combining to fire the team to 26 off the first two overs. Gayle was the first to depart after being dismissed off the bowling of Jasprit Bumrah. When Charles was dismissed by Mohammed Shami in the very next over, however, hopes of chasing the big target were already in doubt. Neither Marlon Samuels (17) nor Denesh Ramdin (6) was around long enough to stabilise the innings, with only Andre Russell (19) and Jason Holder (13) who was not-out, providing any further resistance. The team ended all out at 140. Sharma’s destructive total, which came off 58 balls, set the platform for India’s big total. Sulieman Benn and Jerome Taylor were the team’s most successful bowlers claiming two wickets each. Both teams will go into action next week with India taking on New Zealand on March 15 and the West Indies against England the following day

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 11, 2016

GMRSC National Race of Champions ... Seejatan banking on form By Stephan Sookram FOLLOWING a dominant performance at his last outing, group two racer Shan Seejatan is banking on his form and the form of his car, heading into the March 20 National Race of Champions. Seejatan, hands down the best group two driver at the last motor racing outing in November of 2015, says that he is focused on using his set-up as an advantage and is using this Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) meet to test reliability. “We haven’t made much improvements to the car from the last race meet (November). The car completed the meet without any problems so we will run the car with very minimal changes and hope everything goes smoothly,” said Seejatan. Meanwhile Seejatan says that March 20 is expected to feature new drivers and he is

wary of the threats that come with them. He added, “The meet is going to bring a lot of drivers out. It’s the first meet of the year and it’s also an opportunity to test the cars before team Guyana is chosen for the first leg of the Caribbean Championships.” “However, I have confidence in myself and as I said before, the car ran well in November and I think that this set-up suits me so that’s what I’m looking at,” said the driver. With an eye to the season-opening Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC), Seejatan says that once the car performs well, there is scope to make its touring debut in 2016. Seejatan’s main sponsor is Special Auto, which is fielding two other cars to the newly formed GMR&SC 1600cc group of competition. According to the GMRSC’s technical

adviser Brian Ten-Pow, the new class will feature any make or model of machine that is 1600cc (subject to inspection and scrutineering) and weighs 2200 lb. The class also specifies the use of a standard size and compound of tyre as well as pump gas purchased locally. The aim of the class is to ensure that the

Shan Seejatan leads the group 2 pack at the last race outing in November 2015. (Rohindra Mahase photo)

GCA launches Noble House Seafoods two-day tournament By Rajiv Bisnauth WITH its mandate to ensure that young and aspiring cricketers have the opportunity to showcase their talents, the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) yesterday launched the Noble House Seafoods second division two-day cricket tournament at the Malteenoes Sports Club. The tournament will see 16 city teams participate, and with the GCA continuing to place much emphasis on the development of fast-bowlers, this two-day competition will require pace-bowlers on all sides to bowl at least 25 per cent of the overs in any innings that exceeds 20 overs. At the simple, but significant, launching ceremony, GCA president Roger Harper said that the GCA was very appreciative of the kind and generous gesture Noble House Seafoods has made for the fifth year in succession. The former West Indies vice-captain underscored the fact that the tournament gives younger players a chance to develop their skills in the longer format of the game.

Harper also pointed out that the tournament over the years has produced two outstanding youngsters; namely Keemo Paul and Tevin Imlach, who went on to

with the GCA for this twoday competition. We are always there to support sports, but primarily cricket, and we are looking forward to a keenly-contested tourna-

specific attention to the playing conditions, since those rules will fully be enforced. The tournament commences this Saturday with UG playing GNIC at

GCA secretary Deborah McNichol collects the sponsorship cheque from Noble House Seafoods representative, Piercy Corlette, in the presence of other GCA officials. represent the winning West Indies Youth team at the Youth World Cup recently in Bangladesh. Noble House Seafoods representative, Piercy Corlette, stated that his entity was pleased to partner with the GCA once again. “Noble House Seafoods is proud to be associated

ment once again, as some of the players would go on to play at a higher level around Guyana and further afield,” Corlette said at the press briefing. Meanwhile, the GCA has issued playing conditions to all clubs competing in this year’s tournament and has requested that the clubs pay

traditional ‘pocket-racing’ is minimised and drivers push drivers to rely more on skills and their mechanics to build better machines. GT&T and Fly Jamaica are the main sponsors of the Championship to date. Admission has been set at $500 per child and $1 000 per adult. Race time is 09:30hrs.

Turkeyen; Police Sports Club opposing St Stanislaus College at Eve Leary; Third Class Cricket Club taking on Malteenoes Sports Club at Malteenoes; DCC tackling Ace Warriors Cricket Club at Queenstown and Everest Cricket Club facing GYO at Camp Road.

Late collapse sees Windies Women lose first series to South Africa A LATE batting collapse saw the West Indies women’s team lose their first-ever series against South Africa following a four-run victory for the Proteas at PPC Newlands yesterday. Chasing a modest total of 119 for 3 the West Indies were in a strong position needing just 19 runs from the last three overs. The dismissals of Shermaine Campbelle and Shaquana Quintyne, who were both run-out for one and five respectively, shifted the momentum in the Proteas’ favour. Needing 12 to win off the last over Shabnim Ismail stifled the West Indies’ Stefanie Taylor is efforts of the re- seen in action. gional team by conceding a mere seven runs. Throughout the innings the West Indies routinely failed to put partnerships together with the second-wicket stand between Haley Matthews (24) and Stafanie Taylor (21) who put together 32 runs, and Deandra Dottin (24) and Kyshona Knight’s (9) 24run, fourth-wicket stand, being the only ones worthy of note. The West Indies got off to a fast start after winning the first game in the series, but will have some soul-searching to do after losing the subsequent two. The players are expected to depart for India ahead of the start of the ICC World T20.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 11, 2016

50th Independence Track Meet set for Sunday at Eve Leary ground THE North Georgetown (District 11) 50th Independence Track Meet is set for the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, on Sunday March 20, executives of the district announced yesterday at a press conference held at the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) office. Athletes from six clubs and two districts are set to participate at the meet, which is being hosted as part of Guyana’s 50th Independence celebrations, which has been ongoing all year. “In planning its activities for the year 2016, the executives of the GTU North Georgetown Branch birthed the idea that in recognition of the Golden Jubilee of our Nation, in the field of sports, a track meet be held. This would be the ideal way to demonstrate the best Guyana has to offer in both senior and junior catego-

ries of athletics. This marquee event will offer our athletes the opportunity to display their athletic prowess.” District representative Mariska Williams said yesterday. The event was conceptualised since last year, as a prelude to the annual National Schools

Championships held in November but several hiccups saw the postponement of the meet. H o w e v e r, e x e c u t i v e s thought it fitting to host the meet as part of the independence celebrations. “Initially we wanted to have a little meet before Na-

tionals (School Championships) last year, but when we approached the districts the only one that really showed the interest in having the meet to prepare the athletes was the East Coast. So when the executives of the North Georgetown met this year

we decided that we’re going to have that meet this year,” Williams stated. According to Williams, most of the athletes who represented the North Georgetown District at the National Schools Championships last year came from a single athletic club. The

Executives of the North Georgetown Branch at the launching of their 50th Independence Track Meet

Guyana to host 2016 CBC U16 Championship THE Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Executive Committee officially announced yesterday that the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) has been successful in its bid to host the 2016 CBC U-16 Championship for Young Men and Women in July 2016. “We wish to congratulate and thank Mr Nigel Hinds, GABF president for this undertaking. We are confident that it will be an excellent event of the highest standard,” the CBC said in a press release. The bid, according to the CBC, was ratified by the executive committee over the weekend after being presented to the committee at the 2016 CBC Assembly this February in the Bahamas by the GABF president. The bid by the GABF was seen as the Federation’s desire to focus on the development of youths while the nation celebrates its 50th Independence Anniversary on May 26 this year. This will be the first occasion where Guyana will be hosting the CBC’s Youth Championship which was initiated in 1982. The inaugural Caribbean Seniors Championship was hosted by Guyana in 1981 and again in 1988 and 1994 under the CARICOM brand. To date, ten men’s and seven women’s national teams have confirmed their participation. This includes Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and the hosts Guyana in the Men’s Championship. The Women’s Championship will include national teams from Antigua and Barbuda,

Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the hosts Guyana. The Youth Championship was last held in St John’s, Antigua in 2008 and both the Men’s and Women’s Championship win-

coach indicated that the athletes could not participate at the meet at this point in time. Half of their track team came from the Running Brave Athletic Club. Nonetheless, Williams noted that the meet will be a boost for those athletes from Nationals, especially those who do not get to participate at other meets regularly outside of competing at Nationals. She pointed out that the meet is being held at the Police ground for a number of reasons including financial constraints. At present the meet is looking at a budget of over $500 000. The executives also expressed profound gratitude to those sponsors who came on board to support the event. Sponsors for the event include COURTS Guyana Inc., National Sports Commission, Banks DIH, and Ministry of Education.

Florida Cup bowls off today … Regal Masters ready for the challenge

THE Regal Masters have arrived in Florida and are ready for action when the 13th edition of the Florida Cup bowls off today. After an intense training session and a team-meeting yesterday at the Brian Picoloo Park, the Guyanese Masters team are seeking to win their opening fixture against Tri-State

Florida Cup 13 has attracted 16 teams in two categories - All Stars for males any age and Masters for males over 45 years of age. This year’s tournament is organised by the South Florida Cricket League to commemorate Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary and runs from March 11 to 13

The Regal Masters as they were about to depart Guyana for Florida.

President Nigel Hinds ners were the Bahamas. FIBA in the Americas Regional Director Alberto Garcia congratulated the GABF and their authorities for hosting the first Youth event in the region in the last eight years. Hinds expressed his thanks to the CBC Executive Committee for awarding Guyana the opportunity to host the 2016 CBC U-16 Championship.

Masters then take it one step at a time to the final on Sunday. Team manager Mohendra Arjune spoke of the team’s chances and said they are well prepared to take the cup back to Guyana to make everyone back home proud. Team skipper Trouy Kippins said, “We are confident and will not take any team lightly. We don’t know what the other teams have planned but we know Regal and we know our plans. We are here to win.”

at the Brian Picoloo Park with the finals set for the Central Broward Recreational Park on Sunday. Regal Masters team: Trouy Kippins (C), Mahendra Hardyal, Eoin Abel, Longsford Klass, Peter Persaud, Eric Thomas, Raymond Harper, Laurie Singh, Rudolph Baker, Rudolph Rodrigues, Mohamed Rafi, Mahesh Chunilall, Fazleem Mohamed, Shawn Massiah, Amarnauth Boodhoo, Mohendra Arjune (manager) and John Ramsingh (Media manager).

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 11, 2016

YBG launches 11th National Schools Basketball Championship YOUTH Basketball Guyana (YBG) yesterday launched its 11th National Schools Basketball Festival (NSBF) at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. “The Championship has grown from 18 teams participating in a single elimination tournament in 2006 to over 50 teams playing in four divisions (Under-14, U-16, U-19 and Girls) and six regional zone tournaments,” said YBG head Chris Bowman, while addressing the media and the event’s sponsors DIGICEL, Banks DIH and Beharry Group of Companies. The regional tournament will bounce off on April 15 with matches being played across Guyana, while the respective champions will do battle July 2-10 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Meanwhile, the tour-

Representatives from the various sponsors, along with organisers of the YBG National Schools Basketball Championship at yesterday’s launch nament’s sponsors all expressed their delight at once again being part of an event that gives the nation’s future

players a platform to showcase their talents. It is eight even years since both DIGICEL and

Peru Junior Under-19 International Championships 2016

Guyana into semis and medal round

THE Guyanese Doubles pair of Sunburst champion Narayan Ramdhani and Jonathan Mangra are into the Semi-finals and Medal Round of the Peru Junior Under-19 International Championships 2016. The duo defeated Peru’s Renzo Camogliano Telge and Matias Zamorano Ramos 21-8, 21-17 in the quarter-finals Boys’ Doubles. In the quarter-finals Singles Narayan Ramdhani lost to Nicolas Macias 21-18, 21-18. Ramdhani was pressured mostly in the backhand side of the court where his weak point is, as he is still recovering from his knee ligament injury which caused him a two-month’ delay with his training. However, the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) was happy to learn that he was still able to play well and that his injury was not affecting him en route to his usual vigorous training schedule when he returns home.

Narayan Ramdhani and Jonathan Mangra

Banks have been partnering with YBG to pull off the event; it is Beharry’s second.

DIGICEL’s Events and Sponsorship manager Luanna Abrams said that it is the continued growth and

development which emanates from the tournament that draws her company each year to the championship. She noted that the NSBF is the lone competition that allows players as young as six years old to have a place to be seen. She pledged DIGICEL’s continued support. Tr o y P e t e r s , B a n k s DIH’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), echoed Abram’s comments and believes that with the help of other corporations, the tournament will be sustained. Director of Sport Christopher Jones said that the National Sports Commission (NSC) is also happy to be a part of the tournament this year which will see it branded under the ‘50 Shades of Sports’ Initiative for the country’s Golden Jubilee Celebration.

Zimbabwe, Afghanistan grab second World T20 wins ZIMBABWE and Afghanistan kept their hopes alive of advancing past the World Twenty20 group stages yesterday with contrasting victories in Nagpur on the third day of the tournament. Left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza picked up four for 28 to help Zimbabwe to an 11-run win over Group B rivals Scotland, who became the first team to be knocked out of the biennial event following two consecutive defeats. Hong Kong then became the second team to be ousted, as they lost by six wickets to Afghanistan in the late Group B match. S e a n Wi l l i a m s ( 5 3 ) scored his third T20 half-century to resurrect the Zimbabwe innings after they lost two quick wickets batting first. Captain Hamilton Masakadza was run-out for the second consecutive game, falling short of the crease after colliding with opening partner Vusi Sibanda, who followed soon after being treated for an injury he sustained in the clash. Wi l l i a m s ’ m e a s u r e d knock and some late hitting from Elton Chigumbura (20) took their side to 147 for seven in 20 overs. Scotland were then reduced to 20 for four following double strikes from Wellington Masakadza and

paceman Tendai Chatara before staging a recovery with a 51-run stand for the sixth wicket between Richie Berrington and captain

strong start after deciding to bat first, reaching 40 for no loss before Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by former captain Mohammad Nabi, fought

Zimbabwe players celebrate their victory. Preston Mommsen. Wellington Masakadza struck twice in the 15th over to stall Scotland’s progress before Josh Davey smashed 24 off 13 balls to leave his team needing 30 from 18 balls. Donald Tiripano varied his pace intelligently in the closing stages, snaring two wickets as Scotland were bundled out for 136 with two deliveries remaining. Hong Kong made a

back with a flurry of wickets. Off-spinner Nabi took four for 20 as Afghanistan restricted Hong Kong to 116 for six. Mohammad Shahzad (41) and Noor Ali Zadran (35) then put on 70 for the opening wicket for Afghanistan to put them on course for victory. The Afghans, who defeated Scotland in their opening match on Tuesday, reached their target with two overs to spare.

Guyana to host 2016 CBC U16 Championship See story on page 30

Windies beaten by 45 runs in practice match against India West Indies opener Chris Gayle departs after losing his wicket to Jasprit Bumrah.

See story on page 29

YBG launches 11th Guyana into National Schools semis and medal round Basketball Championship

See story on page 31

Representatives from the various sponsors, along with organisers of the YBG National Schools Basketball Championship at yesterdayâ€™s launch Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9

Narayan Ramdhani and Jonathan Mangra FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2016