Chronicle 04 01 2016

Open-door democracy No. 104508

FRIDAY APRIL 1, 2016

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…PM says gov’t keen on bi-partisan cooperation in Parliament

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HERE WE GO! Captain Darren Sammy leads the charge onto the field to celebrate the West Indies' win against India in the World T20 2016, semi-final at Mumbai (Cricinfo photo)

EPA to punish GPL slashes Woman held for oil spill all tariffs for threatening Bosai …urges immediate clean-up exercise by 20% President 9

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2016

Desmond Ali

EXPRESSING himself through colours and creativity, Desmond Ali is passionate about his artistic skills.

A specialty which he developed on his own, Ali has been creating masterpieces through paintings and sculptures for over 35 years.

“I believe art is something that is in the mind, that is why I never went to any art school. I am self-taught,” he said. Ali’s message to young art lovers is to use the art forms as an experiment and also to interpret social reality. The wonders of art are never-ending, it can be used commercially and to also express one’s self. Therefore, young art lovers should pursue their dreams and make it a reality.

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Open-door democracy GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2016

…PM says gov’t keen on bi-partisan cooperation in Parliament

By Svetlana Marshall PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo said his government aims to facilitate dialogue amongst national stakeholders and to practise an open-door democracy based on consultation and inclusion.

He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Post-Election Seminar for the Parliament of Guyana, held at the Marriott Hotel.

“We need to negotiate ourselves out of any potential political and constitutional crisis, ethnic tensions and social inequities. We must ride on a new wave of democracy that is multi-party, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural. In this regard, political dialogue with the opposition is important. Bi-partisan cooperation is critical,” the Prime Minister said.

In addition to MPs from both sides of the House, the forum was attended by Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland; Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs; Member of Parliament Nepean Chandra Arya and Senator David Smith (Canada) were among those present.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo delivering the feature address, said although Guyana will this year celebrate its 50th Independence Anniversary, the country still operates in the shadow of a colonial legacy of division, ethnic polarisation and political discord.

NATIONAL UNITY “Since independence we [have] held 10 national and three local government elections. I lived through all of them, and though they were occasions for momentary cel-

ebrations, they brought no lasting solution to our need for national unity. Electoral politics has highlighted and dramatised the fragility of our parliamentary system,” he said. In 2011, he added, the parliamentary majority swung in favour of the opposition, and in 2015 the pendulum shifted and favoured the Government, in both cases by “a razor-thin majority of one.” This, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said, was achieved through political will and negotiating prowess. “In a parliament such as

from such a platform of unity are far-reaching and deeply impactful, he further posited, explaining that it will allow for equal rights and representation at all levels for all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age or geography; preservation and application of fundamental human rights for all; triumph of the rule of law; adherence to the separation of powers and open governance.

Moving ahead, he said “We need to negotiate ourselves out of any potential political and constitutional cri-

Member of Parliament Nepean Chandra Arya makes a point to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in the presence of Senator David Smith (second left) and CPA Secretary-General Akbar Khan (second right)

challenges to a population that is increasingly more active, more engaged and more demanding with its expectations of parliamentarians.”

Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Akbar Khan engaging Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in a discussion during the seminar

ours therefore, negotiation becomes a political necessity.

Negotiation has to be the tool to skilfully carve out from the almost impregnable fortress of parochial and partisan political interest, the broader outlines of nation-building.”

The benefits to be derived

sis, ethnic tensions and social inequities. We must ride on a new wave of democracy that is multi-party, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural.”

NOT REMOVED Meanwhile, Secretary-General of the Common-

wealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Akbar Khan, said Parliament should not be a remote institution removed from its citizens. He said, rather, the Parliament should be accessible and accountable to its citizens. “It must be equipped therefore to respond to national and international

RIGOROUS ACCOUNTABILITY The Executive, he said, should be held accountable in the most rigorous, vigorous and transparent manner, with the Opposition being central to an effective Parliament.

“Parliament is a key pillar of any functioning democracy,” the CPA Secretary-General emphasised. “Parliament, in my view, are powerful agents of change sitting at the centre of a network of accountability that reaches into the Executive and other branches of Government, political party system and ultimately accountability to the public.” The Secretary-General said given the recent elections here, the CPA stands ready to contribute to the strengthening of democratic governance in Guyana.

He noted that the association aims to advance parliamenta-

ry democracy by enhancing knowledge and understanding on democratic governance, building an informed parliamentary constituency and fostering cooperation.

The two-day forum, which is being held under the theme, “Negotiation and Nation-Building” will conclude today. It is anticipated that mechanisms for enhancing the working relationship among Members of Parliament would be placed on the table at the end of the forum. Additionally, the forum provided a platform for the various representatives to discuss the parliamentary practices of other Commonwealth Parliaments with the local Members of Parliament, apprise members of the recent developments of the Commonwealth and the role of the CPA. It also would provide members with a better understanding of financial scrutiny and administrative support for the operation of an effective committee system.

Nineteen-year-old stabbed to death

The opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Post-Election Seminar for the Parliament of Guyana

THE police are investigating the murder of Dalton Emanuel, who was stabbed to death on Tuesday night.

According to a police report, around 22:00hrs on March 29, the 19 – year – old of Yarakita, North West District, was involved in an argument with another man at Yaraki-

ta, during which he was stabbed to his abdomen with a pair of scissors.

He was taken to the Mabaruma Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The Guyana Chronicle understands that the suspect has been arrested and is in police custody assisting with the investigation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2016

PPP says not AWOL from parliamentary committees

WHILE admitting that its members were out of Georgetown for Wednesday’s Parliamentary Management Committee (PMC) meeting, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) says its members have been attending meetings of the committee.

FAILING The Opposition party has been criticised for reportedly failing to attend meetings of the PMC and also for failing to meaningfully participate in the work of other standing committees. On Wednesday, for the fourth time, a meeting of the PMC had to be put off due to lack of a quorum as a result of the PPP’s absence.

Prime Minister Moses Nag-

amootoo, who is also Leader of the House, deemed the scenario ‘unfortunate’.

‘INACCURATE’ However, at a press briefing yesterday, Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira said that the Prime Minister may have been uninformed as his statement on the issue was “inaccurate”. She said that the PMC meeting on March 16th was called off and she was advised by the Clerk of the National Assembly that this occurred since members from both sides were experiencing difficulties attending the meeting due to Local Government Elections and overseas travel.

Teixeira noted that for the meeting on Wednesday,

the Opposition members said that they were unavailable since most of them were out of town. She further stated that the PMC meeting on Wednesday was postponed because members from both sides were unavailable. But this was countered by the Prime Minister who said he and other government MPs were present at the meeting. Teixeira said that Opposition members have been attending meetings for other committees, including the Committee of Selections, Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC), and parliamentary sectoral committees on Social Services, Natural Resources and Foreign Services. She said the Opposition chairs the PAC, parliamentary sectoral committee on Natural Resources and Foreign Services and she noted that members of those committees are meeting.

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

Teixeira said that the Opposition had pointed out on the floor of the House in the last sitting their problems with the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Economic Services, with reference to decisions made on the Wales Sugar Estate.

The party, she noted, objects to the continued presence of government ministers on oversight committees, including the PAC and four sectoral committees. She said the PPP also is concerned about the absence of a special select committee in the

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11th Parliament, as regards bills and other forms of legislation. She said too that the Constitutional Reform Committee, which is headed by the Minister of Legal Affairs, Attorney General Basil Williams and the sectoral committee with oversight on the security sector, chaired

by Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, have been appointed but no meetings have been called.

The Guyana Chronicle was told that the PMC, unlike the other Parliamentary committees, has parity in representation from both the government and opposition. The committee is chaired by the Speaker of the National Assembly. The Prime Min-

ister proffered that the PPP should be most concerned about its own cavalier attitude towards Parliament, which it has so far shown a significant amount of disrespect for - first by boycotting, then by refusing to nominate a Deputy Speaker, then by staging four walkouts within five months. He added that he had explained the six-week adjournment to Teixeira after the March 10 sitting, as he felt that the Opposition would have had notice of the capacity-building events through the PMC and the Guyana Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, of which it is an active member.

Berbice man held with ‘fake money’ machine THE POLICE in ‘B’ Division have arrested a man in connection with a quantity of faked local currency and a counterfeit machine.

Twenty-year-old Nyron Khan was arrested when police swooped down on his home at Number 71 Village, Corentyne , where they found the fake-money printing machine, a computer and a sum of counterfeit cash.

According to a police source, the arrest was made after numerous complaints were made by the business community about faked currency circulating in the Upper Corentyne area and an

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investigation was launched.

Good detective work led them to the home of the suspect at Lot 97 in 71 Village where the discovery was made.

The police source said when they arrived at the home of the suspect, Khan, upon seeing them, rushed inside the house and tried to get rid of the counterfeit bills by crushing the blank pieces of paper and throwing them in a bin. However he was arrested. A search unearthed a modified printer that is suspected to be used to print the notes and a laptop that Continued on page 5 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2016

Elderly Albouystown couple Rose Hall Town gets in suspected suicide pact a new Mayor

By Rabindra Rooplall TWO prominent business owners in James Street, Albouystown, Georgetown committed suicide on Wednesday, leaving behind four children and several grandchildren.

Dead are 65-year-old Fazil Ali Mohamed and his wife Bibi Shakilah Mohamed, 55, of Lot 8 James Street, Albouystown. They were the owners of Shireen’s Grocery Store.

The elderly couple was rushed to the Woodlands Hospital after consuming gramoxone but died while receiving medical attention.

Their eldest daughter, Bibi Hussain told the Guyana Chronicle during an exclusive interview that her parents suffered from many medical complications, including diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension.

DEPRESSION She said her father suffered from depression and was a patient of Psychiatrist Dr. Bhiro Harry at the Georgetown Public Hospital. “My father said everyday he was going through the same struggle and it was better to take his own life and end his suffering,” Hussain told this newspaper.

Fazil Ali Mohamed and his wife Bibi Shakilah Mohamed in happier times

Fighting back tears, Hussain said her mother could not live without her father and it appeared as if they had planned to commit suicide together. In reflecting on the circumstances, Hussain said her parents had a daily routine and would retire to bed at 23:00hrs but that was not the case on Tuesday night.

“But that night (Tuesday) they did not go to bed at that time, they went downstairs and it appeared as if they mixed the gramoxone with a bottle of cokes (Coca-Cola) that was also found on the ground, and they both drank it thinking they would have died instantly, but they didn’t.”

With tears welling up, she said her parents must have regretted their decision after realizing the painful experi-

ence before they succumbed.

Residents of the community were shocked upon learning of the incident. “They looked alright the same day and no one would have suspected they would have done that.

It’s like it’s unbelievable and just sad, only God knows what happened,” one resident noted.

Guyana is reported to have the highest suicide rate per capita in the world. Reports reveal that there are 44.2 suicides per 100,000 people in the South American nation, compared to the global average of 16 per 100,000. Over the last decade or so a person ended his or her life every 1.8 to 2.4 days in Guyana. Suicide is ranked in the top 10 causes of death for the last several decades in Guyana.

LOCAL democracy was once again restored to Rose Hall Town when councillors elected its fifth Mayor on March 30,the first since 2004.

Rose Hall Town, Guyana’s smallest town located in East Berbice, Corentyne, like many other towns and NDCs was being run by an Interim Management Committees (IMC), but thanks to the Government’s promise and delivery of Local Government Elections, the town has now realised its duly elected Mayor in over 15 years.

The newly elected mayor is 52-year-old Vijay Kumar Ramoo, a resident of Rose Hall Town and businessman for over 20 years. Ramoo is the proprietor of Ramoo’s Funeral Home.

He was nominated by the members of the council and received nine out of 12 votes to get the nod ahead of Dave Budhoo, who was later elected deputy Mayor.

Ramoo said he decided to vie for a spot on the council because he had realised that leadership was lacking and feels he can make a difference for his fellow residents.

“I decided to run for office because I saw the need for good leadership in Rose Hall and I know for sure I will do whatever I can to make the town better.”

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, Ramoo outlined some of his immediate plans

which include the regularising of vending at the Rose Hall Market, addressing the garbage situation and fixing bad roads.

“Some of the immediate things I will address are the vending situation at the market, work on the garbage situation that is a crisis at the moment and fix a lot of roads that need fixing several years now, lighting and security and drainage and irrigation.”

Ramoo said he also plans to tackle the sore point of revenue collection, which he said stands at a shocking 30%.

“Revenue collection right now is starving, it is only 30% and we need to increase the revenue to get the things we plan achieved,” the new mayor stated.

Among some of his long-

term plans is the desire to make Rose Hall a tourist destination and work along with his fellow businessmen and councillors to help further develop the town.

“As a businessman, I know that security is always on the top of the list and I plan to work with the police closely to ensure this town is safe and will also work to make it the town that everyone wants to come and invest in. We also want to make the beach a major tourist destination.”

Among the councillors sworn in to serve the town of Rose Hall were Dhanraj Samaroo, Nadira Samaroo , Veerasammy Permaul,Dave Budhu ,Terry Jagdat ,David Mortimer Fraser ,Elvis Fitzgerald Punch ,Jagatnarine Ramnauth ,Kamla Marrimoottoo ,Rookmin Nalini Ramcharran,Winston Emerson Hope and Godwyn Olanda Allicock.

Berbice man... was attached to it. They also found pieces of blank paper cut to currency size in the printer.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, a businessman located in Number 78 Village, Corriverton, said about a week ago after checking his day’s sales he came across two one thousand dollar bills that were counterfeit. He said he pointed it out to his staff and asked them to be on the

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lookout, but he never made a report to the police. He said he is happy to know that the police had arrested someone in connection with the matter and hoped that they put him away for a long time.

The police are of the view that the suspect in custody is the mastermind behind the recent surge in the circulation of faked notes and are expected to lay charges and place him before the courts soon.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Confronting the truths

IT is no secret that as Guyanese, home and abroad, continue to engage in frank and open discourse through various mediums, truths and not will continue to emerge. It is believed that at heart, Guyanese want the best for country and themselves, regardless of where they are domiciled.

It is also true that Guyanese want institutions, such as government and state agencies, to work for them and deliver the highest quality of goods and services.

Where there may be differences is how to get these done and who best can deliver on them.

These feelings are in order and when expressed, if taken in the vein that at the core of our being is love for country, they can be examined for their merit regardless of who offers the opinion, criticism or praise.

Having said that, we Guyanese have to work among ourselves and through institutions to bring us to the level where we can hold our heads as peers among more progressive societies. These societies have earned their reputation by the people’s –leadership and citizenwillingness and commitment to push the boundaries, challenge themselves and abide by norms which are universal,which protect all, and exempt none.

Inherent in this pursuit is a willingness to hold the mirror before one’s face or as U.S. President John F. Kennedy famously said, “Ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for [your] country.”

Building a nation and nation-building require work, which first starts with a blue-print that will represent the people’s aspirations. This in turn will inform the policies, laws and programmes for their realisation.

When there is a focus it lends understanding and appreciation as to what must be worked for and towards, and the ensuing net rewards. The state of affairs in Guyana, in the areas of human development and environmental sustainability, has been one of constant reflux and conflicts. Ours is a history marred with ethnic antagonism, disrespect for law and order, conspiracy theories, and general decline in professionalism and ethics. These influences are juxtaposing the desire to put history in context as a means to learn from not being held hostage to, and move on.

Frankly, at times the competing positions have held in abeyance deserving pursuits and the best within us.

Those who feel suffocated by the dynamics have either fled the country and/or blocked themselves out from what’s happening. And where a country’s development is reliant on its human resources, the deficit being created is cause for concern.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2016

Security at UG Turkeyen Campus IT is commendable that a security service is in place at the University of Guyana, but the service leaves much to be desired.

It is not my intention to ridicule any person or company, but to state the facts about the state of the security system on UG campus.

It is evident that there is no systematic or orderly way in which security checks are done at the Campus front gate. It is obvious that either proper orders are not given by the superiors or the orders are not followed.

On any given day, the security at the front gate would stop the $60 car, peep into it, then give the command to drive on; some would ask for a show of badges, but what sense does it make if the identities of those who show there

badges are not verified?

Anyone can flash a badge, anyone can take anyone’s badge and flash it, it could be a person with intention to commit a crime against a student or staff and the security will not even know that the person is not a student or someone that belongs on campus, because for them all that is required is to flash a badge; no verification is done.

There are some cars that are not even checked.

Many times the security just stands there as a show because they have to; they can be seen way in the corner under the front tree and even if the car stops there for a check, they just signal drive on. Where is the safety? Where is the protection for students?

The buses pass in with persons coming up on campus and turn at the bus

park.A few times one security can be seem in the walkway asking students to see their badges, but most of the time the security sits on a bench watching out shaking their feet as if to ask, What’s the use?

With crime happening all over this country, does the security think that UG is exempted or somehow immune from the perpetrators of crime? Students need better security services if there are to feel safe on campus.

All the security officers have stations and areas which they are responsible for, but at nights, especially during class time, there is need for a patrol security officer, cars are parked in one of the darkest spots on campus, with no proper lighting system, hence more the need for a patrol officer (maybe on a bike) to look

out for possible perpetrators of crime, so when students and lectures are in class, they can feel safe to leave their vehicles and bikes and to even walk around in any corner knowing that a security officer in looking out for them. Is this too much to ask?

I hope that better security practices and checks can be done at the front gate, better checks to be done by security for those who travel up to campus in buses and a patrol officer can be implemented. Though as a people we might not be able to eliminate or fully prevent crime, but if notice is placed into these areas we can prevent the possibility of any unwanted practice.

Regards SAMUEL GILLIS

Haslyn Parris possessed a fine mind Dear Editor THE Special Committee on Constitutional Reform convened by the Honourable Prime Minister was plunged into a state of shock and deep mourning when we learnt of the very tragic passing of William Haslyn Parris.

Haslyn was a critical

member of the Committee, whose contributions and deliberations were always incisive, deep, masterful and invaluable.

The Committee benefited from his immense institutional knowledge, profound appreciation of the political, social and economic history of our society and keen interest

This page within recent months has expressed its views on matters considered important to building a nation and nation-building. Where the foundation of the latter was laid with the achievement of independence and institutional structures established to forge a national identity and former requires daily, never-ending pursuits and work, both require constant vigilance to safeguard achievements and work to fortify the people’s aspirations. With that recognition this newspaper has made public its new role post May 11 2015 under different management, policy and administrative.

And while the paper is a microcosm of what is taking place in the wider society, there is a commitment to assiduously work in restoring the people’s confidence by carrying out our social responsibility, equally as playing

in the future of our country.

Haslyn was possessed of a fine mind. Our work will be severely curtailed by his absence. We offer our most profound sympathies to his family on the loss of this great son of the soil.

A book of condolence will be opened in his mem-

ory at the Chambers of Hughes, Fields and Stoby, where the Committee met every Friday.

May his soul soar forever.

C.A. Nigel Hughes.

Convenor Special Committee on Constitutional Reform

a role in ensuring the national motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny,” and as far as practicable, avoid internecine battles that would divide rather than unite the citizens.

In the process, mistakes will be made. What is assured is that when these are made, whether such are caught by the management or brought to the attention of management, efforts will be made to correct same. This is a principle held dear and will be carried out with respect for and cognisant of the resources (human and others) available.

Where our staff may require training to ensure they play their meaningful role, such will be done. It is our belief that as Guyanese we are all in this together and we must work it out, and where there exists disagreement, the paper will work to address it, consistent with its principles.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 1, 2016

The PPP took Guyana to a new low A MARKED dispensation of the post-election reality in Guyana is the level of negativity with which Guyanese view the previous PPP regime. We should be clear. There is no question that the PPP took Guyana to a new low and that members of the current leadership are of political and moral impropriety. The PPP lacks the moral authority on which to condemn transgressions by the APNU+AFC coalition. Defenders of the coalition will deflect criticisms of the coalition government by pointing to the PPP’s own excesses while in office.

In his recent piece, Dr. David Hinds acknowledged that the Local Government Elections results reflected the racial divide between Indians and Africans. It is no secret that every election since 1957 has been a racial referendum. The problem with both the PNC and the PPP is that while the elections reflected racial bipolarity, the leadership of the two largest parties adamantly have traditionally argued that they represent multi-racial organisations.

Both parties and their leaderships have lived a lie since independence.

Former President Jagdeo’s recent acknowledgement that the PPP will work to consolidate its support base should be seen as a progressive step in ethnic relations in Guyanese politics. To his credit, Jagdeo did not say the PPP is an “Indian party” that will represent “Indians only.” There is a big difference. In an ideal situation, a ruling coalition that represents legitimate representatives from all ethnic groups in some form of relationship would go a long way towards resolving our nagging racial problem.

Dr. Hinds believes our history began with President Jagdeo, despite the fact that we are celebrating 50 years of independence. Hinds has accused the PPP of being a racist party which pre-meditatively concocted a grand scheme to disenfranchise

African-Guyanese. He concluded that this racist “mindset” ensured that “resources are disproportionately in the hands of one group” [Indians]. Hinds was more direct in a letter to KN…“African-Guyanese …dispossessed of ancestral lands will not take very lightly the transfer of state lands into the private hands of the East Indian elite.” The “mindset” Hinds is accusing the PPP of possessing seems to have been bought hook, line and sinker by others. Perhaps this is a pretext of things to come. His threat must be taken seriously.

Guyanese history did not begin with Jagdeo, though this seems to be a fashionable acceptance today. Hinds conveniently ignores an important fact, namely, that Dr. Clive Thomas reminded us the PNC controlled over 80% of the economy. The PPP’s dismantling and privatization of the PNC’s stranglehold on the nation’s economy no doubt benefited a handful of its loyal supporters. However, it should be emphasised that a small number of Indians benefited from this incestuous unofficial policy of the ruling PPP. The vast majority of Indians remain poor and powerless. The PPP made little effort to uplift this loyal constituency from its squalor, poverty and poor

quality of life.

E i t h e r D r. H i n d s i s swayed by a nationalistic fervour, or he is intentionally being intellectually dishonest. As a political scientist, he knows that the APNU+AFC government can weaken this group by creating a new supportive elite class by co-opting new members from the business community. Businessmen are typically economic opportunists and will hitch their wagons to the party they feel will safeguard their financial interests. If Hinds is concerned about who controls real power, he can rest assured that even while a small group of Indians remain wealthy, their wealth can easily be stripped away, as the Burnham experience has shown. He ignores the fact that throughout the PPP era, as is now, African dominance in the military and paramilitary forces, as well as the Civil Service, guarantees a preponderance of national power and security to Africans. This differential equation will not promote “balanced development” or advance “joint nationhood” in Guyana.

Finally, given the nature of ethnic politics in Guyana, political leaders are selected by their own supporters, rather than being imposed from outside their

community. Hinds points to Freddie Kissoon as an Indian leader. However, Kissoon has used his media

platform to wage relentless attacks against Indian leaders who have shown a penchant for addressing issues that affect them. I am not yet optimistic that the APNU+AFC government will be able to bridge the racial gap. But, blaming

the PPP for not doing so, while pretending that the APNU+AFC is an all-inclusive government, will only preserve the status quo.

Sincerely, BAYTORAM RAMHARACK

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2016

Woman held for threat to President ...Police looking for two overseas-based Guyanese

By Ravin Singh A SENIOR police source has confirmed that Bibi Safaoora Salim,the woman who allegedly posted life-threatening comments about President David Granger, was taken into police custody for questioning at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

Just recently, 52-year-old Salim made a Facebook post expressing that, “Granger want a bullet in head…I am out of a job now because of them.” Her comment which was indirectly supported by a few other persons also prompted racially inciting remarks.

This subsequently sparked criticisms from all quarters of society, given the fact that this has been a repeated feature in Guyana’s socio-political landscape,

particularly during the pre and post-elections period.

Staying true to his nature of being a President for all of Guyana, the Head of State noted on Thursday during his weekly broadcast of ‘The Public Interest’ that he did not mind meeting Salim once she was unarmed.

Nevertheless, he was taken aback by the comments and expressed how astonished he was at the fact that a Guyanese would resort to that level of communication on social media.

“I certainly would treat it as a security matter and ask the police to find the person and deal with that person in accordance with the law,” President Granger recommended.

He further went on to suggest that the experience was novel in Guyana to actually threaten the Head of State and that it is not the

Bibi Safaoora Salim

Guyanese style of politics.

“I do believe that it is a police matter and it is nothing that should be ignored.

And the police have to pay more attention to what takes place in cyber space. Nowadays most persons who may not know me as Head of State could be influenced by hostile propaganda and they

could be falsely induced to do harmful things to other citizens. That would be very bad not only for me, but the country” President Granger said.

He opined that people felt that the way to settle political differences was by violence and he has never advocated or supported the use of violence under any circumstances.

And while Salim has been apprehended, the police source further revealed that police were making attempts to locate two more overseas-based Guyanese who were also reportedly involved in posting racial comments on Facebook, which targeted Afro-Guyanese.

But one of the two persons fingered in the allegation, Victor Singh, who resides in Canada, is now claiming that the Facebook profile bearing his name, and

which made the comment was faked.

“I arrived at the conclusion of the attempts to implicate me because my photographs were taken from my authentic Facebook profile and imported into the contentious post on social media. I can with complete confidence say that the particular fake profile bearing a similar name to mine is no way connected to me,” Singh said in a statement.

What was interesting to note however, was that this “fake” profile of Singh was activated in December of 2015 and that profile and the original profile were both linked as “friends.”

In order for one to be a friend with another on Facebook, a request must be sent to that person, and the person whom the request is sent to, must approve that request before the two can become friends on the social media platform.

The “fake profile” also

had friends which included son of former President Alexei Ramotar and current PPP Member of Parliament, Nigel Dharamlall.

Chapter 23 of the Racial Hostility Act states that, “A person shall be guilty of an offence if he wilfully excites or attempts to excite hostility or ill-will against any section of the public or against any person on the grounds of their or his race, by means of words spoken by him in a public place or spoken by him and transmitted for general reception by wireless telegraphy or telegraph; or by causing words spoken by him or by some other person to be reproduced in a public place from a record; or by means of written (including printed) matter or pictorial matter published by him”.

If a person is found guilty of this offence, he or she shall be liable on summary conviction to be fined $65,000 and face imprisonment of up to two years.

No need for ‘BK’ Sugar workers to ‒ Minister of Business quite competent ‒ President PRESIDENT David Granger has made it explicit that businessman Brian Tiwari is not an appointee of the Government of Guyana and is not performing any function on behalf of his administration.

The President was at the time responding to questions posed by reporters on his weekly televised programme, ‘The Public Interest’ on Friday at the Ministry of the Presidency. His comments followed widespread criticisms on the appointment of Tiwari by Minister of State Joseph Harmon as a Ministerial Advisor on Business Development.

The appointment was revealed by the Kaieteur News earlier in the week, following which the President personally rescinded it.

“He is not required to provide any business functions.

We have a Minister of Business and as far as I am concerned, that minister is quite capable, quite competent and he has not asked me for any assistance and I personally rescinded Mr. Tiwari’s appointment,” President Granger told reporters.

That programme will be televised tonight. Asked if he is aware of Tiwari’s current location, the President replied, “I don’t know.”

He explained, however,

President David Granger

Brian Tiwari

that as far as he is aware, the Minister of State had travelled to China with one person, Ms Seepersaud (only name provided), an official of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

GT&T The duo, the President said, travelled to China to deal with “business concerning GT&T (Guyana Telephone Telegraph Company) interests and that’s as much as I know and that’s all I can say at this time.”

NICIL was responsible for the selling of 20 per cent of government’s shares in GT&T to a Hong Kong company. Those shares were once managed by NICIL and were

reportedly sold to the Chinese company circa 2012 to the tune of approximately US$30M. President Granger reiterated that his government has no “ongoing relations with Mr Tiwari.”

“I certainly don’t have any need for him in that role and that’s why it was rescinded,” he told reporters.

Meanwhile, both Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin have told reporters that they only learned of Tiwari’s appointment through the media. The Prime Minster told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday that some government officials may have had some concerns

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

with the manner in which the appointment had been done.

Attempts to receive comments from the Minister of State on the matter proved futile. He, however, told the media yesterday morning that he will be hosting a press conference today to deal with the Tiwari issue.

Tiwari was appointed on January 29 by Minister Harmon, but the appointment became public earlier this week andPresident Granger revoked the appointment on Tuesday. Tiwari had been closely linked to the previous government and is a major contractor in the construction and sea defence sectors.

[Ariana Gordon]

receive 2015 API SUGAR workers are to receive their Annual Production Incentive (API) for 2015, following much deliberation and months of contention between the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU).

Effective April 1, 2016 sugar workers are expected to receive 2.72 days’ pay API, but GAWU described the offer as unjust. However, GuySuCo is moving forward with the payment.

Prior to the decision to pay the API, GuySuCo and GAWU were engaged in five meetings; two under the chairmanship of the Chief Labour Officer (CLO) at conciliation and three between the parties (GAWU and GuySuCo) at the bilateral level.

The meetings, which took place between November 18 and December 11, 2015 saw GuySuCo taking an “uncompromising stand” on its proposal to award a day’s pay as API for every 85,000

tonnes of sugar produced.

“No agreement had been reached between the parties. The CLO at the last meeting on December 11, 2015 advised that he would wish to brief his subject Minister who is the Chief Conciliator about the matter. The Union next heard from the CLO when he summoned a meeting with GAWU and GuySuCo on February 19, 2016. He did not report on the Minister’s view of the matter.

The CLO then proceeded to declare the API conciliatory effort to be deadlocked,” GAWU noted in a statement.

According to GAWU, between 2011 and 2014 the average was 35,945 tonnes per day’s pay.

Thus, sugar workers received 7.58 API days’ pay for a production of 236,506 tonnes sugar in 2011; 6.76 days’ pay for 218,060 tonnes sugar in 2012; 5 days’ pay for 186,807 tonnes sugar in 2013, and 4.5 days’ pay for 216,359 tonnes sugar in 2014.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2016

EPA to punish Bosai for oil spill …urges immediate clean-up exercise THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has instructed Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc to immediately commence work to clean up an oil spill that has contaminated the Demerara River and surrounding waterways and is also working out penalties against the Chinese-owned bauxite company, which has its main plant in Linden.

The EPA said in a statement that it had received a report through the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) on Wednesday, March 29, 2016, regarding a report of the release of used oil into surrounding drainage waterways and the Demerara River by Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc. The EPA said it promptly conducted an investigation on 30 March, 2016, in collaboration with the Regional Democratic Council, Region 10. The investigation sought to determine the source or cause of the incident and to identify immediate remediation requirements. Officials

of Bosai, including members of the company’s Environmental Department, Health and Safety Department, and Supervisor of the Power Generation Plant, were present during the investigation.

The EPA said its investigation revealed that used oil flowed from a concrete drainage network in the compound of the Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc. leading to a nearby trench and ultimately into the Demerara River. The area containing the used oil tank has an oil-water separator in place to capture spilt oil. However, according to an official from Bosai, used oil was inadvertently released into the surface drain instead of the oil-water separator. The Environmental Department of Bosai stated that they were unaware that used oil was being released from their facility and became aware of the matter only on March 30, 2016, at approximately 11:00hrs, when it was brought to their attention. The EPA said it has instructed Bosai to imme-

diately commence clean-up and restoration activities.

Meanwhile, the EPA continues with its investigation and monitoring of the facility and clean-up exercise and is determining the penalties to be issued against the company.

Earlier this week, the Guyana Chronicle had reported that farmers in riverine communities up the Demerara River in Region 10 were calling on the relevant authorities to have the issue of oil spills in the river, creeks and waterways dealt with promptly, as they are losing their livelihoods to this environmental hazard. The oil coming from Bosai’s Kiln 14, is polluting the waterways that residents depend on for domestic purposes and, most importantly, for farming. One farmer who identified himself as Rambarrat said complaints were made to Bosai officials several times in the past, but the matter has been dealt with casually, even though he has lost thousands of dollars in crops. “This here is a normal thing, like every three

A section of the waterway at the Constabulary Compound shows pollution by the oil spill

months it does happen. Early last year I had this problem, and when Bosai authorities decide to come was like two weeks after, and the damage already done and I already

plant back,” he revealed.

After noticing the oil in the river, Rambarrat travelled on Tuesday from Dalawala, six miles up the Demerara River, to seek

the intervention of Regional Chairman Renis Morian. He described the situation as “sickening”, as the residents use the water to wash, bathe, and for other domestic purposes. As a farmer, Rambarrat said, he is seriously affected, especially during this dry weather, when water sources are already limited. Regional Chairman Morian has said that he is “fed up” with Bosai’s environmental practices, as several complaints from his office were made to the company, but the situation remains the same. “We now nurturing agriculture from a small level, and the water that the people dipping from the pan full of oil. Bosai supposed to compensate the farmers, or to do a clean-up exercise, and I am holding them guilty for that,” the Regional Chairman said.

He also told this publication that Government needs to be more robust in handling environmental health issues, as these matters were brought to the attention of the Ministry of Natural Resources on several occasions.

GPL slashes all tariffs by 20% THE Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc has announced a 20% reduction in net rates for the supply of electricity across all tariff categories effective today.

This was made possible after intensive review by the new Board of Directors in consultation with its executive management team, GPL said in a statement.

The company said it took into account the reduction in world market prices for fuel over the past year, which has favourably impacted its overall costs and wishes to pass on the benefits of these reductions to its customers.

“This reduction will be applied as a 5% reduction on the basic rate of both fixed charge and energy charge, and a further 15% fuel rebate on the energy charge. Given that the company had previously applied an interim 10% fuel rebate on the energy charge in March 2015, the overall effect would see an additional 10% reduction on electricity bills,” GPL said.

According to the power company it would like to

reduce tariffs even further, but is constrained by its current level of overheads and moreso by the technical and commercial losses, which in 2015 amounted to 29.2% of dispatched power.

“These losses include losses in transmission and distribution due to aged infrastructure, as well as theft of electricity, meter-tampering and other non-technical losses,” GPL said.

The company said it is actively engaged in addressing these losses and has approved a capital programme of G$9.5B. This programme is intended to replace old generating assets, construct and upgrade substations, expand and upgrade the transmission and distribution network and expand smart metering, amongst others.

In addition, GPL said it is engaged in a Power Utility Upgrade Programme financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) with grant funding from the European Union (EU) to the tune of US$64M. This programme is intended to strengthen management, improve operational effi-

ciencies and reduce losses.

“The company recognises that there is some level of public dissatisfaction with its services and is committed to actively addressing all issues relating to this, including faster response times to customer queries; more efficient delivery of services; ensuring the integrity of its officers, both internal and contracted; delivery of timely billing and information, amongst others.” GPL said too that it recognises “That our customers are the ultimate stakeholders and therefore is requesting the public’s patience and understanding. Additionally, the company’s significant losses due to electricity theft, tampering of meters, meter by-passes and other forms of dishonesty result in higher operating costs and GPL is requesting the help of the public in reporting and addressing these matters.”

GPL NEW RATES The new Net Rates can be seen in the table below: Category Tariffs Current Fixed Rate / Demand Charge Fixed Rate / Demand Charge

effective April 1, 2016 Current Energy Rate Energy Rate effective April 1, 2016 15 % Fuel Rebate G$ Net Energy Rate GY$ effective April 1, 2016 Non Government Residential: Lifeline A >75 kWh 359.52 341.54 48.42 46.00 6.90 39.10 Residential A <75 kWh 369.52 351.04 53.78 51.09 7.66 43.43 Commercial B 2596.84 2467.00 69.82 66.33 9.95 56.38 Industrial C 1852.86 1760.22

63.07 59.92 8.99 50.93 Industrial D 1852.86 1760.22 60.41 57.39 8.61 48.78 Street Lights E 53.35 50.68 7.60 43.08 Government Residential GA >75 kWh 406.81 386.47 58.42 55.50 8.32 47.17 Residential GA <75 kWh 406.81 386.47 59.21 56.25 8.44 47.81 Commercial GB 2709.74 2574.25 72.85 69.21 10.38 58.83 Industrial GC 1933.42 1836.75 65.81 62.52 9.38

53.14 Industrial GD 1933.42 1836.75 63.04 59.89 8.98 50.90 Industrial GE 55.67 52.89 7.93 44.95 Customers whose billing cycle began in the part of March and ends in April will benefit from the reduction on their entire consumption for this period. GPL will therefore, not prorate consumption when applying the reduced rate and fuel rebate.

Lethem miner denied bail CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday refused a miner his pretrial liberty after he was allegedly busted by Police with cocaine at his Tabatinga home last Tuesday. Orand Alfred, 47, of Tabatinga, Lethem denied that on March 29 he had 9 ½ grammes of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Alfred’s lawyer Jerome Khan asked for his client to be released on bail, pointing out that the drug

Orand Alfred

had been found in his client’s yard over a fence and not in Alfred’s possession.

Multiple people resided at the home, he said.

Police prosecutor Deniro Jones successfully opposed bail citing the gravity attached to such charges. According to Jones the narcotic was found in the accused’s back yard under dry bushes, which ranks unearthed in Alfred’s presence.

Chief Magistrate remanded the father of six and transferred his matter to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court for May 30.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2016

President meets UK MP PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday received a courtesy call from Mr. David Lammy, a parliamentarian from the United Kingdom (UK), who is currently in Guyana as part of a delegation from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) to engage local Members of Parliament (MPs) in workshops on democracy.

In a brief comment after the meeting, Mr. Lammy, who was born in the UK to Guyanese parents who hailed from Hopetown, West Coast Berbice, said that he has been coming back to Guyana for the last two decades and has met with every sitting President since the late President Forbes Burnham.

Mr. Lammy said he is will-

ing to work closely with Mr. Hamley Case, who is the newly appointed High Commissioner to the UK, to advance Guyana’s interests. “I consider myself a friend of Guyana in the UK Parliament. There are very important issues that I can raise in the UK Parliament, particularly in relation to the Venezuela issue, but it was wonderful to meet with the President to engage with him and to let him know that there are Guyanese in London like me, who are absolutely dedicated to furthering the interest of this fantastic country,” Mr. Lammy said.

Born on July 19, 1972, Mr. Lammy is one of five children. He studied law at the Oriental and African Studies Law School. In 1994 he was admitted to the Bar of England

President Granger is flanked by Mr. David Lammy and Ms. Dellon Adams from the Parliament Office of Guyana

and Wales. He became the first Black Briton to study for a Masters in Law at Harvard Law School in 1997.

Mr. Lammy has been serving as an MP in the UK Parliament for the past 16 years, having been re-elected in May 2015. He also served as Minister in the Department of Health; also in the Department of Constitutional Affairs; Minister of Higher Education and Intellectual Property; Minister of Culture in the Department of Culture, Media and Sport; and most recently, he served as Minister of Skills with responsibility for the Commission for Employment and Skills. He was also made a member of the Privy Council in October 2008. (Ministry of the Presidency)

STARR launches Samsung Galaxy S7 customer response. He sees customers using the smart phones more than their tablets and laptops. Whether it’s for business or personal use, customers are now paying

The helpful staff of STARR Computer display its flagship Samsung Galaxy S7

STARR Computer will today launch the new Samsung flagship phone - the Samsung Galaxy 7. The much anticipated launch will see tech enthusiasts visiting the Authorised Samsung Experience Store to test the new gadget.

Some important features over its predecessor - the Samsung S6 - are water and dust resistance and the memory card slot which gives customers the ability to replace memory cards when they have reached their maximum storage lim-

it. The device is also very sleek looking and like most Samsung phones, the camera takes stunning photos and videos.

Speaking to the media, General Manager of STARR Computer, Rehman Majeed, said he was happy with the

attention to reliability, usability and want a genuine product that they can rely on.

Samsung will officially release only three colours that can be sold in the Ca-

ribbean - Black, Silver and Gold. For the launch, customers will receive exciting gifts when they purchase from the Authorized Samsung Experience Store.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2016

Gold miner, employee shot in attempted robbery A GOLD-MINER and one of his employees were shot and injured following an attempted robbery on Re-

gent Street Thursday afternoon.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that five shots

were fired in front of Household Electronics before the bandits escaped. Injured are: Shazam Ali, 35, of Tus-

chen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE). He was shot to the right thigh, while his porter Narine Samadeen, 28, of Parika, EBE, sustained three shots to his stomach and was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital, while another person luckily escaped unharmed.

The police have confirmed that around 12:30hrs, an armed man exited a motor vehicle and discharged several rounds at the duo and escaped. Eyewitnesses disclosed that the car - a Toyota Premio - had a PNN registration and two persons were inside, including a driver and an armed gunman in the back seat.

This newspaper understands that at the time of the shooting, the businessman and his employee were loading a Freezer into a

The canter truck which the businessman and employee were loading with a Freezer at the time of the shooting

canter truck, when the bandits drove up and the one sporting dreadlocks stepped out and began firing at them.

It is believed that the bandits traced the gold-miner to the location.

“It look like the boss man run into the store seeking refuge and another man with him was shot couple times before

them man jump back into the car and get away, they didn’t get anything because the boss man had the bag in his hand when he was running,” the eyewitness said. Meanwhile, police sources disclosed that Ali’s home was the target of a drive-by shooting weeks ago in Tuschen.

[Rabindra Rooplall]

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2016

2 five-year terms for gun and ammo

Edward McCollin

By Clestine Juan A 27-YEAR-OLD security officer was yesterday jailed for 10 years after he was found guilty of having an unlicensed firearm, along with matching ammunition.

Edward McCollin of South Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara, was jailed

by City Magistrate Judy Latchman after she found him guilty of having a .22 revolver and 19 matching rounds in his possession on December 20, 2015 at Georgetown, without being the holder of a firearm licence.

McCollin provided security for Baksh Mining Company.

He was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment on each of two charges, along with a $70,000 fine for the offences. However, the sentences will run concurrently, which means that he will serve only five years in jail.

The prosecution stated that on the day in question, police ranks on a mobile patrol saw the defendant at the August beverage place in Princes Street with the gun, and he tried to chat with the females to divert the lawmen’s attention.

When ranks approached McCollin, he told them he was a serving member of the Police Force, but the ranks confiscated the gun and the ammo.

McCollin was previously arraigned on a similar charge and is facing a trial before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

When given the opportunity to speak before his sentencing, McCollin explained to the Magistrate that he was liming with some friends, when police ranks came and searched him. He denied having any firearm in his possession.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2016

Critical after fall from coconut tree son fell, but shortly after 13:30 hrs one of his sisters passed by the coconut tree and saw him lying on the ground in an unconscious state. She raised an alarm and relatives picked him up and rushed him to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was stabilized, before being taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The badly injured Jose Singh

TWENTY-THREE-YEAR old Jose Singh of Stewartville, West Coast Demerara is in a critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital after falling from a coconut tree in his village last Thursday.

He was rushed to the institution where he was diagnosed as having suffered multiple life-threatening injuries including a fractured neck, spinal fracture, fracture to his left leg and internal concussions.

His distraught mother, Sharon Mohamed, said that MRI and CT scans have been ordered for her son.

He has already had two CT scans for the head and neck towards which she has had to pay the sum of $42,000.

The hospital will bear the rest of the cost, the woman said.

However, he is still to have a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan done which, according to her, costs $80,000 and which she does not have. In view of the seriousness and urgency of the medical procedure, the young manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents are making an appeal to kind-hearted citizens to assist them financially.

Jose, the second of six

siblings, is from a poor family that lacks the wherewithal to see him through his illness. His mother is a housewife and his father makes and sells plantain chips to eke out a living for the family of eight.

Jose earned money through stripping coconut fronds and making pointer brooms which he sold to augment the limited family income. At the time that tragedy struck, he had gone up into the coconut tree to cut branches.

Meanwhile, his parents who live on the West Coast Demerara, have to find money to visit him twice daily in hospital, as well as incurring other related expenses.

The incident happened around 13:30 hrs. on Thursday, March 24. His mother painfully recalls that, with Wednesday being Phagwah Day and Friday, Good Friday, Jose decided to cut the branches and make brooms on Thursday, so as to be able to sell them on the next working day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturday, but he had no idea that disaster was lurking around the corner.

Sharon said that nobody knew when her

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2016

AML/CFT Consultation

Guyana could be off ‘lig WITH significant progress already made with respect to addressing the deficiencies within the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime here, Guyana could see itself being removed from the “Light Grey List” by February, 2017, according to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)

Director (ag) Alicia Williams.

Williams made this disclosure during a consultative meeting held by the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams on the draft Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2016. The Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Cecil Dhurjon; Deputy Chief Parliamentary

Counsel Charles Fung-A-Fat; State Counsel Joann Bond; President of the Guyana Bar Association, Christopher Ram; Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Norman McLean; Executive Member of the Private Sector Commission, Captain Gerry Gouveia, and Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum were among those present during the consultative forum

on Wednesday at the Legal Affairs Ministry.

Captain Gouveia, from the inception, expressed concerns over reports that Guyana is now being featured on a “Dark Grey List” by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) but the Attorney General explained that the country had been on the “Dark Grey List” long before the A Partnership for National

The AML/CFT consultati

Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government took office.

The country, however, as acknowledged by FATF, has made significant progress in addressing the deficiencies in the AML/CFT regime. Last on the list to address is Recommendation Six: Targeted Financial Sanctions Related to Terrorism and Terrorist Financing.

The FIU Director (ag) said addressing the outstanding recommendation is critical for Guyana to be removed from the “Light Grey List” it is currently featured on. In less than a year, the country has moved from being on a “Dark Grey List” to a “Light Grey List,” but she made it clear that unless Guyana addresses all of the issues

outlined in an Action Plan, to which it has committed, the country will be stuck on the list. It was explained that if the AML/CFT 2016 Bill is passed in the National Assembly, presented to the Plenary in June, and gains the approval of the international financial watchdogs, the Attorney General could request for Guyana to start the process of “exiting.”

According to her, if all goes well, Guyana could be off the list by February, 2017, but a FATF team would first have to visit the country to conduct an assessment before approval is fully granted.

The draft Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2016, is in keeping with the outstand-

Traffic hazard

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2016

ght grey list’ by February tries such as Guyana to be in compliance with standards set out by the FATF and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF). Williams also told the forum that before he became the Minister of Legal Affairs, Guyana was in a “dark-grey” list and with the new government’s commitment to comply with all the requirements of the Caribbean

ive meeting in progress

ing recommendation made by FATF, which among other things, seeks to ensure that the assets and funds of terrorists or terrorist organisations are immediately frozen by the court.

Under Recommendation Six: Targeted Financial Sanctions Related to Terrorism and Terrorist Financing, FATF instructed Guyana to “provide for a legal framework and mechanism to freeze terrorist asset without delay in accordance with United Nations Security Council (UNSCR) 1267 and its successor resolutions. It was also recommended under this section that clear procedures be established with regard to freezing of assets and ongoing prohibitions under UNSCR 1267 and 1373, including delisting requests, guidance to

financial institutions, and gaining access to frozen funds for necessary expenses.

As such, the draft AML/ CFT Bill seeks to amend key sections of the Principal Act such as Section 68A which addresses UNSCR 1267 and 1373. After painstakingly trying to correctly word, Section 68A 2 and 3, the parties involved arrived at the conclusion that changes to the drafted bill must be done in a holistic manner and not in a piecemeal manner, as such, the Attorney General said it is important for consultations to be continuously held until the objective is met.

The Attorney General said given the increase in terrorists’ related activities, there will be a greater demand for coun-

d?

This mud pile between Albert and Ornoque Streets on South Road has raised the ire of many drivers, especially those using the route during the night

Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Guyana has moved onto a “light-grey” list.

PSC Chairman, Mclean, who was very outspoken during the forum, underscored the importance of the bill being in total compliance with the requirements laid out by FATF. “The issue is,

we have to comply and we must comply…for the private sector, this is very critical for us,” he constantly reminded those present, a sentiment which was endorsed by the Attorney General and the majority present. Currently, Guyana has an Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act in place,

along with other connected legislation governing supervisory bodies, financial institutions, law enforcement and foreign affairs. The National Assembly in 2015 had also passed the Anti-Terrorism and Terrorist Related Activities Bill, the AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill No. 1 and 2, and the AML/CFT Regulations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 1, 2016

‘Play our music!’

AS the country’s 50th Anniversary celebrations draws nearer, some local artistes are of the belief that there is not sufficient airplay of Guyanese music at a time when the celebration of local talent should be rampant.

Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts is one such artiste who stated that the situation is a baffling one, in that Guyanese music once had massive airplay a few years ago, but now it is so rare on the radio that the general public is left to believe that the artistes are inactive.

“Even when artistes release new stuff, people are not hearing it because the radio stations or TV stations are not playing it,” she said.

She added that there is no shortage of local music from the artistes, since they are very much active, and the various studios have a distribution line ensuring that the stations have the material.

LACK OF AIRPLAY However, it is the actual playing of the material that is the problem. “One day I sat down and I scanned several of the radio stations and I listened to them interchangeably for about three hours, and I didn’t hear one Guyanese song for that time on any of the stations. And we’re supposed to be getting ready to celebrate our 50th anniversary,” Vanilla said.

She knows many artistes who are constantly making music in varying genres, she said. So, the variety is there; it is just that the airplay is not.

“We usually make a joke that if you want your song to play, you have to launch it every day; because, when you do an interview, they play your song. Then you probably wouldn’t hear it back after that.” The songstress said that at the beginning of the year, she had planned to release a new song every month leading up to May 26, but was deterred because she felt it would be a waste of material.

Former Carib Soca Monarch, Kwasi “ACE” Edmondson expressed similar views, stating that while promoters say they can only play what the listeners want, the main issue is getting the music out to the listeners in the first place, so that they can know

Local artistes urge promoters and DJs

Rawle Ferguson the artistes’ work. “If you play something constant enough, people will gravitate to it,” Kwasi said. “They [promoters] are saying Guyanese music doesn’t sell, but if you are feeding people only foreign music, that is the taste they will get accustomed to.”

He said that without the presence of copyright laws, artistes cannot earn from their work via loyalties. As such, money has to be made via gigs and appearances. But how they would get hired in the first place, if the public is not given a taste of their work?

“The only media we have is Facebook and other types of social media. We, therefore, need support to get our music

out there. They’re telling me to go out there and promote myself, but, ‘Why is it that I have to go to another country to be accepted elsewhere before I can be accepted by my own?

How can we sell Guyana when we don’t promote our own?’”

NO RESPECT Local artistes are also not given any respect, especially when placed next to bigger acts at shows.

Many times, Kwasi said, the bigger artistes have tents and fancy drinks, whereas the local artistes can count themselves lucky if they even get a chair to sit on backstage.

Situations like these, he said, discourage the local artistes

Malachi “Shizzle” Alstrom

greatly.

“I’m saying we need to embrace our own,” he said, adding: “I wonder if all the artistes decide they won’t sing or dance or act and foreigners take over Guyana, what will Guyana offer culturally to the people that come here?”

Kwasi said that some of his songs are played on the radio, but not with the frequency that would garner enough interest, unless his song is already “a hit”.

These artistes say that they are just a few among those who feel the same way about the situation on the local music industry and the support of Guyanese music. They admitted that they are aware that they need to work and guarantee that they are indeed doing so, but are yet to see the rewards for their work.

TOUGH LOVE On the other side of the argument are the promoters and DJs, and while they attest that they love and support Guyanese music, they had some tough love for the local artistes: Toughen up and work harder!

Co-founder of Hits and Jams Entertainment Rawle Ferguson, whose radio station is arguably the most popular in Guyana, said that Hits and Jams Radio makes provision for local music, including through its weekly show, “Pump It or Dump It”, where the audience gets to listen and vote for Guyanese music.

There’s also another show that plays Guyanese music on Sundays. He says that the problem is not that the local artistes don’t get support; it’s just that they expect handouts rather than working to create the quality music that people want to listen to.

“Everybody is patriotic; everybody wants the next Guyanese to be the next Rihanna,” he said, “but they have to bring quality stuff.

They are lazy; they need to keep bringing out stuff; they need to lambaste the radio stations until they can’t take it anymore.”

Kwasi ‘ACE’ Edmondson Hits and Jams, Ferguson said, would readily host a feature concert for a local artiste who has worked hard enough and developed the quality of music to develop thousands of local fans, rather than spending millions to bring in a regional or international artiste. But it’s just that such a local artiste doesn’t exist.

“They’re not equipped with the knowledge of the system.

Entertainment is a tough business, and to get by, you have to be working all the time. And all of them still aren’t going to get through. Hits and Jams radio is the most played, but we are competing with too many stations, so we have to play what the people want to hear,” he said.

GOTTA BE A HIT Popular Guyanese DJ Malachi “Shizzle” Alstrom, who also hosts radio shows with Hits and Jams, concurred with Rawle’s statements, adding that the universal rule is that to make it to the radio is that the song has to be a hit. “In Guyana,” he said, “there are so many radio stations; so, if one doesn’t play your music, once your music is

good, it will be playing on other stations. But if it’s not playing anywhere, ‘What does that say to you?’”

He feels that artistes need to toughen up, and realise that not everything they sing will get the attention they crave.

“People feel as soon as they sing one song, it will be popular, but it doesn’t happen like that. In this business, the artistes would record like 100 songs, then from that they shortlist, and then start releasing them. So, Guyanese musicians need to work harder; they need to up their game,” ‘Shizzle’ said. And in addition to more work, they also need better production for their tracks, as many are not of an acceptable quality.

But the one question artistes continue to ask is: Who decides what is quality and what is not?

Either way, it seems as though the local music industry is at an impasse, and both parties have suggested that there should be some sort of stakeholders’ meeting to try to bridge the disparity in opinions.

Until then, both sides maintain that more needs to be done.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2016

‘House of Pearson’ I

A model in a ‘House of Pearson’ creation

--four years in the making

T WAS just two years ago that the name “House of Pearson” appeared on the local fashion scene, but since then, 24-year-old Quinton Pearson has been slowly but steadily making a name for himself as a reckon-worthy force in Guyana’s fashion industry.

Quinton actually started designing four years ago, but at the time was just doing sketches and having them sewn. Soon, he enrolled at the Burrowes School of Art where he learned finishing techniques and other valuable designing skills from lecturers who had studied in Trinidad and Tobago.

With his own skills on board, Quinton then decided to start to create his own designs, giving birth to ‘House of Pearson’, and he hasn’t slowed down since.

“House of Pearson represents the entire team of persons who gave me support, and who have been helping me in my dreams,” Quinton said.

“That includes friends and my family. I got very close to that name because my family is 100 per cent supportive to me, and I

floral influences. Quinton says that his inspiration comes from his past experiences and emotions, and he incorporates them into every

‘House of Pearson represents the entire team of persons who gave me support, and who have been helping me in my dreams’ – Quinton Pearson wanted to have everyone involved in my brand as well.”

The young designer has since shown his designs on various stages, including the last two years’ Wine and Art event hosted by the Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central. He was also named the official designer for the Miss Global International Pageant in Guyana, and has designed gowns, swimsuits and other accessories for the delegates in the last two pageants.

DRAMATIC FLAIR Upon eyeing his designs, one would notice that Quinton’s work is etched with dramatic flair and class, and infused with African and

aspect of his designs.

He has also recently become interested in designing wedding gowns, and believes that he could make a useful contribution to this niche in Guyana by focusing on resort weddings.

“I want to bring my uniqueness to wedding gowns in Guyana, and to get people to move away from the traditional-style wedding gowns,” he said, adding: “Resort weddings can be a thing in Guyana, and I feel connected to that free-flowing, free-spirited-type atmosphere that having a wedding on a beach or at a resort can bring. I haven’t seen much of that here in Guyana,

so I think it would be a nice thing to get people to see that side of what a wedding could be.”

But he is well aware that like all newcomers, he yet has a long way to go, and much to about the fashion industry.

Quinton’s ultimate goal is to become an official couture designer in the Caribbean, but knows that in order to study couture fashion, he must study in Paris. As such, this goal is placed high on his five-year plan. “To be honest, I think I’m still growing a lot. I still have a lot to learn in terms of the business aspect and running a brand. I have a few more classes to attend, and I have to learn branding and managing techniques,” he said.

Until then, Quinton says that he believes he has not arrived, but is content taking in every aspect of the learning experience, and enjoying being able to live his dreams through designing.

Billboard says...

Record sales decide Dancehall King status

Quinton Pearson

BILLBOARD created quite a stir in dancehall recently when the magazine declared Sean Paul the King of Dancehall.

Patricia Meschino, who is a contributing writer to Billboard mostly on reggae and dancehall, sat down with Winford Williams of Onstage and explained why Sean Paul is the King of the dominant genre of music in the Caribbean.

“In her wider context, she made a point that the King of Dancehall is based on sales of the music; not on popularity and influence here in Jamaica,” Meschino said.

“It’s purely based on numbers; it’s nothing about artists creativity or anyone’s perception of an album being the best or better than the other nine; so it’s based on numbers.”

Sean Paul is the best selling reggae/dancehall artiste of the decade 2000-2010 era.

His sophomore album, Dutty Rock, sold over 6 million copies, and went on to win him a Grammy Award for

Best Reggae Album.

Since ‘Dutty Rock’ in 2002, Sean Paul has released four more successful albums, including ‘The Trinity’ in 2005, and ‘Tomahawk Technique’ in 2012.

Still, fans are split down

the middle on who is the King of Dancehall. Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel, Yellow Man, Sean Paul are just a few names that keep popping up in the debate. (urbanislandz.com)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 1, 2016

Wedding ‘Expo’ 2016...

Magnificent Beginnings

Wedding Expo 2011 THE eighth annual Wedding Expo will be hosted over the weekend under the theme “Magnificent beginnings”, and promises to be an all-inclusive, onestop-shop for couples hoping to get married, couples who are already married, and families on the whole.

Roraima Airways’ Marketing Executive, Dellon Murray, in an interview with The Buzz, said that the theme is an extension of last year’s event, but that the company saw it a fitting label for this year, in light of the 50th Anniversary celebrations.

“Everyone can come and get something from Wedding

Expo, because we are not just dealing with the actual event, but with things before and after, including counselling, getting that dress, planning, housing, financing, persons looking for baby items and the whole works,” Murray said.

“So, we are really creating that opportunity for magnificent beginnings for people; especially in this celebratory year, where all thoughts are on such positive things.” he added.

The concept for Wedding Expo was inspired by a similar event held in Jamaica, and was brought home by one of the Roraima Managers who proposed to have the

event for couples hoping to get married.

The event started with just 10 exhibitors, but has, over the years, grown to feature a wider array of attractions beyond just the wedding aspect.

“What’s really trending this year,” Murray said, “is that people aren’t looking for the traditional weddings; they’re looking for things more trendy and contemporary.

“And that is what we are offering them through Wedding Expo; they are looking for different destinations and all these things.”

As such, this year’s event will also feature tour com-

Rihanna premieres ‘Kiss it Better’ music video RIHANNA premiered her new music video, “Kiss It Better” yesterday.

The Bajan pop singer announced earlier this week that the visuals for her next ANTI single will arrive today.

‘Ri-Ri’ appears solo in the dark black-and-white video, showing a lot of skin as she seductively pulls us into her world.

Aside from “Work”, “Kiss It Better” was one of the most talked about singles of the album.

She also announced that “KIB” and “Needed Me” will be the next two singles from ANTI to hit radio waves.

Rihanna and Drake’s dancehall collaboration, “Work”, saw huge success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks straight.

She even brought out Drake on her tour to perform

Rihanna the single in front of thousands of her fans.

The pop star has also been making her way across North America for her ANTI World Tour.

She performed to a soldout crowd at the Brooklyn Barclays Centre last night. She will be performing in Newark, New Jersey tomorrow. The

Wedding Expo 2014

European leg of her tour will start this summer.

Rihanna also hinted that she will be releasing more singles from her ANTI album. The album was released on January 27, and went platinum in a matter of days, with over a million downloads. (urbanislandz. com)

Scenes from previous expositions panies from other countries, travel agencies and will also feature many deals that couples can take advantage in hopes of having the most pocket friendly, but enjoyable event of their lives.

ALTAR RACE One of the other unique aspects coming out of the Wedding Expo is the Race to the Altar competition in which one lucky couple wins a dream wedding worth up to G$3M. This is the fourth year that the Wedding Expo is hosting this side event. The Race to the Altar competition receives applications from several couples as early as January of each year. Each couple is carefully scrutinised for compatibility, chemistry, and background by undergoing several interviews and home visits.

The couples are then taken to the Arrowpoint Resort to assess them on team building and other criteria.

“One of the things that come out at Arrowpoint is that they get to really be themselves in that environment,” Murray said.

Over time, the couples are shortlisted, based on these things, and a winner is chosen. This year’s winning couple will have their dream wedding on Sunday, the final day of the Wedding Expo.

Murray said that by next year, the company hopes to do more with the Race to the Altar competition by way of a reality show and more advertising.

DESIGNERS AND ARTISTS Couples aren’t the only benefactors of the Wedding Expo, Murray said. In fact, the event is just as important for the exhibitors, and there have been an increase in new designers and other exhibitors every year. One such exhibitor is Carla Brown, an up-and-coming promoter of local fashion designers

under the brand, Fashion Forward. “Apart from exhibiting, it is also an opportunity to give young people the chance to showcase their talent, whether it is singing, spoken-word poetry, fashion designing, or art. Everything is showcased at Wedding Expo,” Murray said.

This year’s featured performers are Miss Global International 2016, Poonam Singh and Guyana Star winner, Ryan Hoppie among other local artistes.

As Murray observed, “Wedding Expo creates a network for young people, and helps them get them in touch with regional and international connections.

People can launch themselves because the sky is the limit with Wedding Expo.”

This eighth edition of Wedding Expo will be hosted at the Duke Lodge. The event begins tomorrow at 17:00hrs, and runs until Sunday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2016

What’s Buzzing this weekend Today is April Fool’s but this weekend’s activities are no joke! There is a ram packed list of events guaranteed to keep Guyanese occupied as we head into the month of April.

TODAY Poetry fans will be hap-

py to know that after a lengthy hiatus, their beloved ‘Jazz and Poetry on a Stool’ will once again be hosted at Julian’s Bar on Cummings Street from 19:30hrs. The event has become a favourite among young artists, and is seen as a suitable replacement for

Upscale Poetry Night.

Tonight’s event will see performances from local artistes such as Gavin Mendonca and Music Unlimited, and will also feature spoken word poetry from seasoned poets. For those looking to get their voice heard, ‘Open Mic’ will be in full effect as well! And the best part about it? Admission is free!

The St. Stanislaus College Association is taking Guyanese back in time with its Retro Party which will be hosted at the 704 Lounge, Lamaha Street. Enjoy hits from the lively 70s era. Dress for the occasion or come as you are, but enjoy the 70s vibe nonetheless. Tickets are $2,000 beforehand, and $3,000 at the gate.

Next Level Entertainment will be celebrating their colleague, Travis Shepherd’s

birthday in style with Champagne Life VI at Palm Court.

We all know that this youngster usually celebrates in style, and this year is no exception! And, clearly, they’re prepared for large groups of celebrators, with champagne giveaways to groups of 10 persons or more.

Planning on getting married? Great! Roraima Airways will be hosting its eighth annual Wedding Expo at the Duke Lodge from 17:30 hours. This event premises to be a one-stopshop for persons beginning that lifelong journey of bliss, and will feature counselling and planning services, dress and honeymoon options and many more.

TOMORROW Tomorrow, Future Entertainment will make partygoers live their dreams with Fantasy at Palm Court. Music will be played by popular DJs Shizzle, Diamond and many more.

SUNDAY The Ministry of Health will host an awareness walk to promote Occupational Safety and Health.

The walk will begin at the Bank of Guyana at 07:00hrs.

Persons are encouraged to come out and learn about how they can protect themselves in the workplace at all times.

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha will grace Guyanese with legendary singer Sunidhi Chauhan in Concert at the National Stadium on Sunday.

The singer has enjoyed great fame, and was nominated for the prestigious Filmfare Awards 14 times, winning with her popular songs Beedi Jalaile and Sheila Ki Jawani.

Fans can expect Sunidhi to sing some well-known classics of yesteryear, as well as her own super hit songs. Gates open at 19:00hrs.

Drake, Popcaan drop new single

DRAKE taps Popcaan for a new single, “Controlla”. The track will appear on the Toronto emcee’s upcoming album, ‘Views From the 6’, due out sometime in April.

This marks the second single Drake has released off the project this week. He also released another track called, “These Days”.

“Controlla” has been gaining a lot of traction since its release among Hip-Hop and Dancehall fans.

The track will be a sure hit among his female fans. This version is probably not the final production that will make it to the album, as listening to the rough cut will attest.

Listening to the two new singles also signals that Drake is deviating from his recent sounds. Perhaps this will give us an idea of the sound of the album Views From the 6.

“Knowing I’d lie for you / Thinking I’d die for you / Jodeci “Cry For You” / Do things when you want me too / Like controlla, controlla / Yeah, like controlla, controlla,” Drake sings on the hook.

Drake and Popcaan have been huge fans of each other for quite some time now, so a collaboration was inevitable.

“OVO is straight-up family, because Drake was the one that said OVO Unruly,” Popcaan said during an interview in October.

“Drake has me as Drizzy Drake in Jamaica. So when I view Drake as a young youth that is doing well in the game, it’s the same way I view myself also.” (urbanislandz.com)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 1, 2016

Lendl’s grand slam ...

From backpage

opener Shikhar Dhawan and the move paid off as Rohit Sharma (43) and Ajinkya Rahane (40) put on 62 for the first wicket.

That laid the perfect foundation for Kohli, who led his side into the last four with 82 not out against Australia in the previous match, as he compiled a third unbeaten half-century in the tournament.

Kohli began nervously,

twice going close to being runout, but made the opposition pay for failing to take their chances.

He struck 11 fours and a six in his 47-ball knock, putting on 66 for the second wicket with Rahane and an unbroken 64 for the third with captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (15 not out).

Dhoni said the toss was crucial and the evening dew made it tough for his spinners to grip the ball.

“It was a bad toss to

lose,” he added. “That (dew) makes it very difficult for us.

“We also have a history of not doing very well when it comes to the spinners bowling with a wet ball.”

West Indies Women also reached the final as captain Stafanie Taylor scored 25 and took three wickets to help defeat New Zealand by six runs and set up a final against champions Australia on Sunday.

Cooper smashes Windies Women into ...

From backpage the innings Cooper, joined her circumspect skipper, determined to give her team a chance at a total they could defend.

Cooper smashed five fours and two sixes on her way to 61 from just 48 balls.

The impetus the innings gave the team was important, as nobody else found it as easy to score quickly for a sustained period of time.

Taylor ended with 25 from 26 deliveries, the normally consistent Deandra Dottin chipped in with 20 from 17 deliveries, and wicketkeeper Merissa Aguilleira chipped in with 15 from 10.

While the total looked good enough to defend, the West Indies women were facing a batting line-up more capable of achieving the feat than any other they had faced in the World T20s.

The White Ferns started slowly, as Shamilia Connell bowled her in the third over for six.

Afy Fletcher got rid of the dangerous Suzie Bates for 12, but then New Zealand’s middle order came to the party to make the game - making the game very interesting.

Batting at number four,, Sophie Devine got to 22 off 14 deliveries and looked comfortable.

That was until she pushed a ball firmly between cover and extra cover with Dottin roaming at the edge of the circle.

T h e We s t I n d i e s all-rounder, pulled off the run-out of the tournament so far, running around, picking up the firmly

struck ball and throwing in one motion, to effect the dismissal with a direct hit.

That wicket, didn’t stop the New Zealand side from aggressively exploring the possibilities of a victory, as Sara McGlashan 38 from 30, and Amy Satterthwaite, 24 from 29, kept things going.

That is until Taylor’s bowling made its impact on the semi-final, the off-spinner sending both batters back.

In fact, both were caught

by Shemaine Campbelle.

Satterthwaite at deep midwicket and McGlashan at deep cover.

Katey Martin’s 11 not out from eight deliveries

threatened to take the game from the West Indies but the constant fall of wickets meant by the final over, the game should have been over with New Zealand needing 19.

The West Indies though, showed some nerves, and there were so many errors in the over, that the game eventually ended quite close.

Dottin bowled two wides in the over, there was a run-out that wasn’t appealed, there was a dropped catch and another missed run-out, allowing for more drama than should have been there at that stage.

South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:10 hrs Aspen Fire 08:45 hrs True Master 09:25 hrs Love Everlasting 10:00 hrs Fly Like The Wind 10:35 hrs National King 11:10 hrs Credibility

10:15 hrs Pennywell 10:50 hrs Brother Scott 11:25 hrs Three Colours Red 12:00 hrs Railway Dillon 12:35 hrs Keeper Hill

English Racing Tips Newbury 08:50 hrs Dueling Banjos 09:25 hrs The OPuld Lad 10:00 hrs Speredek 10:35 hrs Katgary 11:10 hrs Thunder Sheik 12:20 hrs Florrie Boy Lingfield 09:00 hrs Skiby Mill 09:35 hrs Jamhoori 10:10 hrs Bertie Blu Boy 10:45 hrs Sir Dudley 11:55 hrs Heartsong 12:30 hrs Celestra Wetherby 09:05 hrs Bonnie Question 10:40 hrs Wolf Sword

Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 13:00 hrs Joyce Compton 13:30 hrs Whiskey Zulu 14:00 hrs Jamesie 14:30 hrs Washington DC 15:00 HRS Tom Dooley 15:30 hrs Posing 16:00 hrs Swift Harry American Racing Tips Gulfstream Park Race 1 Scoria Race 2 Big Distinction Race 3 Candida Race 4 Saint Abbey Race 5 Daddy Duke Race 6 Key d’Oro Race 7 Best Behaviour Race 8 Quite the Issue Race 9 Browse Race10 Variety of Colors

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2016

Victoria seal back-to-back Sheffield Shield titles VICTORIA have claimed back-to-back Sheffield Shield titles, romping to a seven-wicket win over South Australia an hour into the final day’s play in Glenelg.

(Final scores: Victoria 399 (Handscomb 112, Dean 111, White 78, Worrall 6-96) and 3 for 196 (Stoinis 72, Handscomb 61*, Dean 54) beat South Australia 340 (Ross 72, Weatherald 66, Carey 50, Tremain 3-73, Holland 3-86) and 251 (Weatherald 96, Ross 71, Holland 5-76) by 7 wickets) Set 193 to win, the Bushrangers never looked troubled on their way to their 30th title, Marcus Stoinis and first-innings century-maker Peter Handscomb putting on 112 for the third wicket, to get within sight of the victory target.

Entering the final day still 98 runs in arrears, Stoinis went on the attack, sweeping four sixes in one Travis Head over before being dismissed for 72 with the Bushrangers just 11 runs shy of victory.

Matthew Wade (2 not out) joined Handscomb (61 not

Victoria secure the Sheffield Shield for the second successive year.

Wolf’s memorial softball cup bowls off on Sunday DUBBED the ‘Wolf’s Memorial Challenge Cup’, the nationwide softball tournament for male and female teams, is set to bowl off on Sunday.

The tournament will be managed by the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association, a release from the organisers stated.

Imran Hussain, owner of Wolf Furniture World of Lot 27 Leonora West Coast, Demerara and owner of one of Guyana’s foremost softball team Wolf Warriors, is sponsoring the softball tournament, the release stated.

The competition is being held in honour of Emaam Hussain, father of Imran Hussain who passed away 21 years ago.

The Wolf’s Memorial Challenge Cup will be played in three categories, male/female Open, and male Masters – 43 years and older, born 1973 or before.

The prizes for winning the Open and Masters are trophies and $100 000 while trophies and $25 000 will be collected by the runners-up.

The female team will battle for a trophy and $50 000 with the runners-up set to receive a trophy and $25 000.

There will also be a trophy and $5 000 for players-of-the-tournament, while players of the finals will receive a trophy and $5 000.

For further information, all teams in Berbice and Demerara interested to participate can call GFSCA organiser Wayne Jones on cell 650-1790 or 685-6908, while Khalid Baksh will handle queries from interested clubs in Essequibo (phone number 618-1905).

The Wolf Memorial Challenge Cup softball tournament was launched at the Fort Lauderdale Cricket stadium on March 13, the day of the final of the Florida Cup 2016. One of GFSCA’s official team ‘Floodlights’ won the Masters of Florida Cup 2016 competition while Floodlights Legends and GFSCA Wolf Warriors did not make it to the play-offs in the Open category.

out) to see Victoria through to the win, the Bushrangers becoming the first side to win a Shield final away from home in 11 years.

In a contest that regularly ebbed and flowed across the five days, the Bushrangers’ victory was set up courtesy of first-innings centuries from Travis Dean and Handscomb.

After wrapping up the Redbacks’ first innings early on the second day for 340, Dean (111) and Handscomb (112) combined for a vital 130-run third-wicket partnership.

South Australia appeared set to overcome the 59-run first-innings deficit without loss before Jon Holland (5-76) stepped in to become the hero for the Bushrangers – including the knockout punch of Alex Ross (71) on the last ball before lunch on Tuesday.

The match wasn’t without controversy, with Victorian bowling coach Mick Lewis fined more than $2 000 on the third evening of the match after he was captured tampering with the ball. (AAP)

Kenya tables anti-doping bill but set to miss deadline

NAIROBI, Kenya (Reuters) - Kenya tabled a much-anticipated anti-doping bill in parliament on Wednesday but it will not be passed in time for the country to meet a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) deadline.

The bill is a key requirement for the east African nation, famed for its distance runners but tarnished by some 40 doping cases in recent years, to be declared compliant with the WADA code ahead of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics starting on

August 5.

Kenya was given a deadline to enact the law or be declared non-compliant, which brings WADA sanctions, but the country’s parliament went into recess for 10 days yesterday so the bill cannot become law before time runs out on April 5.

The sport’s governing International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said this month it was highly unlikely Kenya would be suspended from the Olympics but several sports leaders

want president Uhuru Kenyatta to push the bill through.

“I’m urging the president to intervene and help the youths of this country,” the chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K), Kipchoge Keino, said on Wednesday.

A presidential decree would have ensured the bill became law by the deadline.

Among the bill’s recommendations, which have been drawn up according to WADA statutes, are heavy fines for athletes, agents and organi-

sations who promote the use and/or trafficking of performance-enhancing substances.

It also makes athletes responsible for what goes into their bodies and for always being available for testing.

Kenya, which has set up a national anti-doping agency, failed to meet the first deadline of February 11 to prove it was doing enough to tackle the problem with WADA putting the country on probation and saying there was a lot of work still to do.

Tenelec Inc. U-15 cricket ….

Swami slams 114 for Tucber Park

LEON Swami became the first batsman to slam a hundred in the Tenelec Inc. Under-15 two-innings cricket competition, organised by the Berbice Cricket Board.

The talented all-rounder made an enterprising 114 for Tucber Park in their match against Young Warriors.

At the Cumberland ground, Tucber Park won the toss and batted first.

Swami and Daniel Dha-

Leon Swami

ramdat added 30 for the opening stand before Dharamdat fell for 15.

Swami then shared 20 for the second wicket with Romel Retimah (7), and 70 for the third wicket with Anthony Williams (32).

He, however, continued to hold the innings together before he eventually fell for at 190- 7. His knock included five fours. Tucber Park eventually declared at 205-8

in 76 overs.

Bowling for Young Warriors, Abdul Ramsammy took 2-17, off-spinner Aaron Beharry 2-47 and Zaynul Ramsammy 2-75.

With Young Warriors only left with one hour for their 1st innings before the close of play, they were able to reach 48-2, with Carl Gilgeous making 22.

Both teams secured four points each.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 1, 2016

Simmons’ four innings silence the Mumbai madness

By Jarrod Kimber in Mumbai

AT one stage you could barely hear yourself think, and then you could barely hear anything as Johnson Charles, Lendl Simmons and Andre Russell crashed the party There was silence and smoke. Actually, silence isn’t the right word. Emptiness. It was as if the entire ground left, it was 03:00hrs on a Thursday in June, and Mumbai was empty due to renovations. Yet everyone was here, thousands of them.

They had chanted for Virat Kohli when his face was part of a scrolling big screen display for a second or two. They had screamed when Sachin was on the screen as well.

They cheered every well-run two, even well-placed singles, even bad shots that deserved no love at all.

They screamed for Chris Gayle missing a full toss, they screamed again when Marlon Samuels popped one up.

They were loud. Really loud.

Indian loud. Wankhede loud.

And then nothing.

Well, not nothing, there was a small noise when the smoke machine pushed out its celebratory smoke. If you really listened closely, you probably could have heard the smoke release operator pressing the button. It was as if someone was releasing the belief of the fans into the air.

Like it wasn’t a T20 gimmick, but a representation of India’s chances, silence and smoke.

Lendl Simmons of the West Indies bats during his unbeaten 82 in the ICC World Twenty20 India 2016 Semi Final match against India in Mumbai.

And all for one ball, well, one legal bowl.

There had already been a similar disappointment earlier on, when an R Ashwin short ball was hit straight to short

third man by Lendl Simmons.

That was his first innings: 18 off 12. Handy, but not enough.

But while everyone gave up when Gayle was out, and doubled down on that, giving

up when Samuels left after him, no one told Johnson Charles.

Once every nine innings Charles does something special. The innings aren’t any different than his other innings.

He doesn’t take singles, he uses up dot balls, he doesn’t try for twos, and he tries to slog boundaries. He loves to slog.

There is no art, no rhythm; it’s just a man trying to hit a ball really hard, a lot. One in nine times that works. How could India, how could anyone, know that tonight was that night?

So while Simmons was playing out his second innings, Charles was just playing one of his innings. Play and miss, mishit, six. Simmons wasn’t even trying to catch him, he knew it was Charles’ night, he just played the ball around.

Then a full toss, a nothing, a nobody ball, appeared to him from Hardik Pandya and, yet again, a bad ball ended up in a fielder’s hand. And then the umpires did that thing where they run onto the field to stop the player coming off again.

No, it couldn’t be. There is no way, what are the chances, it just could not happen, not twice, it is impossible, it just shouldn’t, a spinner and a medium pacer, what are they, this is silly, this is stupid, he must be out … Oh, that’s a no-ball even if your eyeballs are tri-coloured in orange, green and white. That’s a no-ball even if you’re forced at gunpoint. That’s a no-ball.

32 off 23 was Simmons second innings.

It would have, should have, been the two half-century-makers out in consecutive overs. It should have been where India saw if the West Indies did really struggle with the chase against Afghanistan, or if it was just a dead-rubber dawdle. It should have been the part where the crowd took over, and the West Indies weren’t playing against a team, but a cacophony of patriotism. A wall of Mumbai madness.

Instead it was the time a length ball outside off stump disappeared into the stands.

The only time it was loud was when the ball hit the bat.

This was the team that should have run Kohli out three times in two balls. The side who took Andre Russell off after a great first over. Who gave 13 runs in one legal delivery. And suddenly this wasn’t that team; they were the team of earlier in the tournament.

Playing their kind of T20.

Turn ones into twos. No. Steal tight singles. No. Make sure there are no dot balls.

No. This is Chris Gayle-ball, Johnson Charles-rules, and Dre Russ’ six-a-festo.

It doesn’t matter if the most in-control whip through midwicket is followed up by a non-existent three-quarter footless waft that disproves the theory that data scientists are trying to prove. It matters that there will be a boundary in that over. Maybe two. Dot balls are for other teams to worry about.

Even when Pandya bowled three straight slower balls with

devious minds of their own, and all three meant that Simmons was swinging wildly, lengthening the gap between runs needed and balls left, it didn’t matter, because that was how they batted all game.

But then it mattered when the fourth ball was in the air, it mattered when Ravindra Jadeja ran around to take the catch, it mattered when he tossed the ball to Kohli, it mattered when the first review shot showed what looked like a catch, and it stopped mattering again when that boundary triangle winked back at Simmons.

Simmons third innings was 18 off 11. His fourth innings started with that six. In that over he added a two, and then a four that landed near Suresh Raina and spun away. It was the West Indies innings in one moment. Dot balls, big swings, lucky Lendl, a couple of big swings, and over ten runs.

Lendl’s fourth innings was 14 off 5.

It was Russell who hit the final silence, right into the second tier of the Divecha Pavilion. He had already hit one into the third tier of the Sachin Tendulkar stand, and bounced one off the Bal Thackeray press box.

With that final silence, the smoke came up again. The West Indians didn’t notice it. The Indian fans stood still for a moment then when the smoke was gone, they left too.

They left behind the silence.

The West Indies had earned that. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Licence to thrill is key for England, says Roy

By Amlan Chakraborty NEW DELHI, India (Reuters) - England’s players are reaping the benefits of being given a licence to thrill, said Jason Roy, following the World Twenty20 semi-final victory by seven wickets against New Zealand on Wednesday.

After the bowlers restricted the Kiwis to a below-par 153 for eight, R o y ’s b e l l i g e r e n t 7 8 helped the 2010 champions romp home with 17 balls to spare.

England’s new-found aggression was evident in the way Eoin Morgan’s

Jason Roy

side began and ended their run chase at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.

Opening batsman Roy set the tone with four boundaries in the first over from Corey Anderson before Jos Buttler (32 not out) sealed the win in style, hitting a six off spinner Mitchell Santner.

“That’s the way a lot of us play,” man-of-the-match Roy told the presentation ceremony. “The whole team has got that kind of licence, that kind of opportunity to go out there and do what they want and be free with their skills.

“When you get off to a good start ... there’s no

reason why you shouldn’t just keep going. I did keep going and got a bit of luck,” added the 25-year-old after compiling a career-best score in a T20 international.

“It was not an idea to try and smash every ball.

Sometimes when you go in you struggle and you don’t get a boundary in your first 10 balls and it’s tough for an opener.”

It was a good all-round display by England, who now meet hosts India or West Indies in Sunday’s final, but Roy refused to call it a perfect performance.

“Obviously there are a few bits we need to work on,” he said. “We had to

claw our way back after they made a good start, credit to the boys for dragging us back.”

For the second time in three matches, Morgan fell for a first-ball duck but Roy said his skipper was due for a big score.

“He is a great captain, he has got a great work ethic,” added the opener.

“To work under someone like that gives you a huge amount of confidence.

“If he gets a good score to win us a game, no one would even remember what happened in the previous game. He is ... someone a lot of our boys look up to.”

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2016

Former national footballers crying foul after GFF cancel financial help

By Daniel Haynes

FORMER National players Godfrey ‘Goddo’ Norville and Birdette Marshall are crying foul over a recent decision by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to cancel the provision of financial assistance for the disabled individuals who have served the sport.

According to the former players who are blind, the current president Wayne Forde and his executive committee stopped providing compensation for the visually impaired

former national players who represented both British Guiana and Guyana.

‘Goddo’, aged 69, said that following the election of Forde in January of 2016, he was informed that the executive committee of the GFF would review his stipend of $12 000 offered as compensation.

However, on March 10, 2016, after not receiving a stipend for the year, the duo of Norville and Marshall were informed via letters signed by General Secretary of the GFF, Deidre Davis, that the stipends

Ramnarine bowls Achievers to outright win LEFT-ARM spinner Kris Ramnarine bagged a matchhaul of 11 wickets and in the process secured for Achievers an outright win over Weldaad when play in the Memorex Under-17, two-innings cricket competition continued recently in Berbice.

He firstly took 6-23 to see Weldaad bowled out for just 57 in their first innings. In reply Achievers fell short by one run, to be bundled out for 56.

However, in Weldaad’s second innings, Ramnarine claimed 5-4 as Weldaad were skittled out for 22. Adrian Samaroo supported Ramnarine with 3-9.

Achievers reached the winning target with six wickets in hand.

In the other game, Yuvraj Singh slammed 52 to help Toopoo Rising Star take first innings lead over Rose Hall Town Bakewell B. Toopoo Rising Star batting first, made 133, with Singh 52 and Vinod Subance 27. Bowling for Rose Hall Town Bakewell

Kris Ramnarine B, Tyrese Park took 3-21, Simon Naidu 3-29, Kristoff Williams 3-29.

Rose Hall Town Bakewell B in reply were bowled out for 96, with Chandrapaul Govinda hitting a top score of 30. Yadram Sital 4-30, Yuvraj Singh 2-12, Omesh Ramkishun 2-12 were the main destroyers for Toopoo Rising Star.

Batting a second time, Toopoo Rising Star were bowled out for 68 with Simon Naidu claiming 7-36 and Tyrese Park 3- 31.

In reply Rose Hall Town Bakewell B reached 51-2.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday April 01, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Pakistan’s Mohammad Asif (2007) (2) England’sLaura Marsh (2009)

Today’s Quiz: (1) Who was ‘Player of the Match’ in the first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final?

(2) Who was ‘Player of the Match’ in the first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Godfrey Norville

had been terminated.

The British Guiana player Noeville said that he tried to get in contact with the GFF boss via telephone on numerous occasions but failed.

“On one occasion I went to Mr Forde’s office after not being able to reach him for some time on the phone …

I enquired about the money and he told me to ask Granger and Nagamootoo for it.”

Norville, who started his career at the age of 12 at the Albouystown YMCA Santos, said he began receiving the incentive under GFF president Colin Klass back in 2008.

“Colin told me he had heard about my playing career and contribution to the sport ... he asked if I was receiving a pension and decided to give me $8 000 stipend on the 23rd of every month, when I said no to receiving a pension,” contended Goddo.

This remuneration continued under successive football heads and incurred a change to $12 000 in 2013 under then-president Christopher

Matthias before head of the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee Clinton Urling opted to pay a lump sum of $144 000 at one time instead of monthly.

The 69-year-old Norville,

who has learned, played and forgotten more about football than most persons will learn in their entire life is also questioning why after 100 years in existence, the GFF does not have such a system in place to

assist players with disabilities.

He hopes that some form of restitution is made while at the same time, a system is implemented where both disabled and veteran players are compensated.

Warne blasts Australia selectors for latest T20 failure SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Australian spin great Shane Warne has blamed his country’s latest World Twenty20 failure on selectors, criticising the decision to tinker with the lineup and not play Aaron Finch and John Hastings in matches.

Australia were knocked out in pool play after losing to India on Sunday after a brilliant unbeaten knock of 82 by the ICC’s top-ranked Twenty20 batsman Virat Kohli secured a famous victory by the hosts in Mohali.

Finch, ranked second on the list, had formed a destructive partnership with David Warner, according to Warne, but the duo did not open together in four matches in India as Australia’s wait for a first Twenty20 title goes on.

John Hastings “Our selection was wrong ... we messed around with it too much rather than stick with what’s been a proven formula,” the 46-year-old told cricket. com.au. yesterday.

“Because we had so much talent in our team and so much skill, they thought

‘it doesn’t matter what the combinations are we’re still going to do okay’.”

Shane Watson started ahead of Finch in the opening loss to New Zealand and win over Bangladesh, but the former skipper returned to open with Usman Khawaja for the win over Pakistan and India defeat with Warner coming in at three.

Warne, who took 708 Test wickets with his legspin and another 70 in Twenty20 internationals, could not understand why Australia had split up an opening pair that had helped win the 50-over World Cup on home soil last year.

“It upset the balance of the team,” he said. “Those two guys had been batting together for a long time. They

have done well in Twenty20; they’ve done well in one-day cricket. Suddenly they got split up.

“That Finch-Warner partnership – it was an intimidatory factor before a ball was bowled and people would have worried about Finch and Warner.”

Wa r n e s a i d h e a l s o thought Hastings should have started ahead of seamer Josh Hazlewood, who took one wicket for a combined 64 runs in the matches against India and Pakistan.

“Hastings is a better option in a Twenty20 game because of his yorkers,” he said.

“He’s just about the best we have. We were one-dimensional by not playing Hastings all the time.”

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 1, 2016

Education Ministry launches Golden Jubilee Relay Fair

THE Ministry of Education yesterday officially launched its Golden Jubilee Relay Festival, which commences on April 15.

During a press conference at its 21 Brickdam office it was noted that the relay festival is an initiative which seeks to promote Guyanese athletes. Head of Department of Physical Education, Nicholas Fraser, spoke about the aims of the relay fair.

“This is a team-based event which will feature schools from both secondary and tertiary levels. We are looking to field athletes from all age groups in each category.”

He further noted that there will be 16 schools from the

Press Conference: From left, Aubrey Hutson, Olato Sam, Permanent Secretary Ms Delma Nedd and Nicholas Fraser. high school level and eight schools from the tertiary level. The tertiary level institutions will include the local

university as well as vocational and technical schools.

Also speaking on the upcoming event was pres-

ident of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Aubrey Hutson, who noted that the fes-

tival will be done in a professional manner “so that records and timings will be recognised by the International Association of Athletics Federations(IAAF).”

Meanwhile, Chief Education Officer Olato Sam has revealed that the event will be continued in the years to come and will not be limited to Guyanese athletes, but to regional and international athletes as well.

He also commented on the lack of year-round meets to facilitate the development of local athletes.

“This programme should coincide with preparation for National Schools Athletics Championships as well as

CARIFTA Games,” Sam said.

The events tabled for the fair are the 4x1, 4x2, 4x4, and 4x8 and relay medley and are scheduled to be held at the Leonora Synthetic Track. The festival is expected to make full use of the professional timing system and will also feature a two call-room system.

Team managers of the schools will assemble their teams in call-room one and the final contact with the team managers will be in call-room 2.

The races scheduled to take place at the opening are the Under13 4x1, 4x2 and medley.

Brazil security official steps down ahead of Rio Olympics

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - The commander of a Brazilian security force involved in preparations for the upcoming Olympics in Rio de Janeiro has stepped down amid reports that he criticised embattled President Dilma Rousseff in a message to

subordinates.

The commander, Colonel Adilson Moreira, resigned earlier this week, Brazil’s Justice Ministry said yesterday. He headed the National Force for Public Security, a body of police and other law enforcement officials.

The force’s members

Pele FC’s 45th Anniversary celebrations

Rain has final say in Pele vs Santos rivalry

… This evening’s Education Awards Ceremony still on PERSISTENT rainfall yesterday forced the organisers of the Pele Football Club’s 45th Anniversary Celebrations to abandon the four matches between Pele and Santos which were planned for the Georgetown Football Club (GFC).

Pele FC were down to play their counterparts from Santos at the Under-15, Under-17, Masters and Elite levels at the GFC ground, but because of the rainfall, parts of the club’s facility were under water making it impossible for any match to be played.

According to former national player and treasurer of the Pele Alumni of North America, Patrick `Labba’ Barton, the Education Awards Banquet scheduled for 18:00hrs today at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street, will go ahead as planned.

At this evening’s Education Awards Ceremony winners of the Schools Essay Competition that was facilitated by the Ministry of Education, will be presented with laptop computers and school assistance grants.

The Pele FC Alumni Corporation is a non-profit organisation, registered in the United States of America, and its vision is to empower children in Guyana through sports to help them to overcome their abject poverty by building their confidence, self-esteem and ambition through the power of sports.

Brazil’s Sports Minister George Hilton who resigned on Wednesday. will be deployed around sporting venues used during the Olympic Games,

which start August 5, and represent about 10 percent of the more than 80 000 police, soldiers and other security personnel that will be in place for the event.

Moreira’s departure, as the government struggles with an economic recession and impeachment proceedings against Rousseff, is the latest in a series of high-profile changes in the ranks of officials involved in operational and security preparations for the Olympics.

On Wednesday, the presidency confirmed

that Brazil’s sports minister, George Hilton, also stepped down. Hilton’s departure stemmed from fraying political alliances in Rousseff’s governing coalition, part of the broader chaos enveloping her administration.The Justice Ministry did not give any reason for Moreira’s departure, but O Estado de S. Paulo, a major newspaper, said the colonel had sent an email to subordinates criticising Rousseff and other senior officials.

Brazilian officials yes-

terday said planning for the Olympics is well advanced and would not be affected by any personnel changes.

“Instability, political turbulence and economic difficulties are bad and they can generate uncertainty, but people should know that our security operations involve more than 80 000 people,” said Andrei Rodrigues, who heads a special government agency that oversees major events.

“There is no reason to worry,” he said.

Scipio selected for FIFA Female Security Officers’ training THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has nominated Secretary of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Althea Scipio, to undergo FIFA’s Female Security Officers’ training scheduled for later this year.

FIFA has indicated a willingness to enlarge and enhance its pool of trained FIFA Female Security Officers and had invited member countries to submit nominations. This initiative is as a result of a concerted effort by FIFA to increase the number of female security officers.

According to FIFA, the selected female security officers will be assigned to

GFA Secretary Althea Scipio

FIFA’s competitions then they will, in return, be able to further officiate within their Member Association and even conduct security training sessions at home, which will offer a win-win situation for everyone involved.

This is the first time Guyana has nominated a female representative to the FIFA Security Officers programme and its representative will participate in a FIFA-organised “security workshop” for both males and females.

The areas which will be covered in the training are: FIFA Stadium Safety and Security Regulations, Roles and Responsibilities of FIFA Security Officers, FIFA World Cup Safety and Security

Handbook and Presentations from other FIFA’s functional areas and programmes.

Ms Scipio, an Assistant Superintendent of the Guyana Police Force, has over seven years’ experience in the security field, serving as Officer-in-Charge of major sporting and other international and national activities including football and cricket.

She has also served in the capacity of Community Relations Officer, Media Relations Officer, Officer-in-Charge of ‘A’ Division Secretariat, and Officer-in-Charge of ‘A’ Division Management Information Unit (Crime Analyst).

Lendl’s grand slam dumps India out

By Sudipto Ganguly

M

UMBAI, India (Reuters) - Late replacement Lendl Simmons led a charmed life to blast 82 not out and carry West Indies to a nail-biting seven-wicket win in the last over against India in the second semi-final of the World Twenty20 yesterday.

Simmons was caught three times at the Wankhede Stadium but made the most of his fortunate reprieves to help West Indies set up a final against England on Sunday.

On 18 and 50 he escaped after the bowlers had overstepped for noballs.

The 31-year-old also had luck on his side on 68 when Ravindra Jadeja snapped him up on the boundary but stepped on the rope as he lobbed the ball to Virat Kohli, turning a possible

Andre Russell smashed three fours and four sixes in his 20-ball 43 to help West Indies reach the target with two balls to spare, and join England in the final `

Lendl Simmons, who was playing his first match in the tournament, received a hero’s welcome in the West Indies camp. dismissal into a six.

West Indies lost the dan- Simmons.

The right-handed SimEarlier, Kohli contin- gerous Chris Gayle and Marued his rich vein of form lon Samuels early in their mons plays for Mumbai in by smashing an undefeated reply but opener Johnson the Indian Premier League 89 to guide India to 192 for Charles kept them in the and was only called into two after they were put in hunt with a 36-ball 52 and a the squad two days ago as a to bat. third-wicket stand of 97 with replacement for the injured

Andre Fletcher.

He cracked seven fours and five sixes in 51 balls and added an unbeaten 80 with Andre Russell for the fourth wicket to take West Indies home with two balls to spare.

Russell, known for his powerful hitting, contributed 43 off 20 deliveries.

“We knew it was a 200-wicket and halfway in the dressing room I kept telling the boys that India are 10 runs short,” said West Indies skipper Darren Sammy, delighted after his team proved they can win without Gayle firing on all cylinders.

“We said this before

the tournament that Chris is under pressure, he is our best Twenty20 player but we have 15 match-winners in this side.”

DHAWAN DROPPED Earlier, the West Indian bowlers began strongly, allowing the home team just six runs in the first couple of overs but India then took control in front of a stadium filled to the brim with fans wearing the team’s blue jersey.

India, the inaugural champions in 2007, dropped under-performing

See page 27

Cooper smashes Windies Women into first World T20 final THE West Indies Women joined Australia in the final of the ICC Women’s World T20 for the first time in their history thanks to Britney Cooper’s brilliant half-century.

Playing against a game New Zealand, the West Indies posted 143, their best score of the competition to date, and they needed it as well, as the Kiwi’s found themselves just six runs short in the end.

The West Indies had been to four semi-finals but have never gone on until now, and when Hayley Matthews’ aggressive 16 from 14 deliveries came to an end at the top of

See page 27

Team West Indies celebrate after winning Women’s ICC World Twenty20 India 2016 Semi Final match against New Zealand in Mumbai, India. (Photo by Pal Pillai/IDI via Getty Images)”

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Player of the match Britney Cooper executes a back-foot drive through the offside in her brilliant knock of 61 from 48 balls.

FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016