Chronicle 12 15 2015 by Guyana Chronicle

$50,000 tax-free No. 104402

TUE SDAY DECEMBER 15, 2015

Price: $80

…Govt announces $50,000 bonus for public servants

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Punch on top of the world

By Shauna Jemmott ISS Guyana World Lisa Punch’s winning the talent competition at the Miss World contest could not have come at a better time, with Guyana preparing to commemorate its 50th anniversary celebrations. And as all Guyana anxiously await her performance in the finals come Saturday, congratulations are streaming in. Punch is now depending on Guyana to vote her into the top three favourite Queens. Her win has sealed her spot in the top twenty-five in the Miss World contest, drawing her closer to the coveted crown in the final competition to be staged Saturday. Guyana plunged into joy after hearing the great news yesterday, with the Miss World Guyana win dominating topics on social media, and many offering congratulatory messages for the Queen and her country. The Guyanese recording artiste serenaded the judges and audience with her original composition “One last time”, capturing their hearts in the Monday night contest, which was slated as one of the fast-track events leading up to the finals slated for Saturday. One Last Time, was written by the Queen in memory of a young cousin who passed away years ago. According to reports, Punch’s win is the first for a Miss Guyana Queen in the talent contest of the show. Internet news Newssourcegy.com reported that pageant bloggers and websites said “the results came as no surprise

Miss Guyana World Lisa Punch performing at the Miss World talent competition (Miss World 2015 photo)

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GuySuCo 11 target surpassed Page

Lady Saw baptised

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Toddler 10 killed in accident

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 15, 2015

Port Kaituma Secondary in dire straits - appeals to gov’t for help

By Leroy Smith

ceeds 50 years.

VICE-President and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock, and a team from that Ministry, including his advisor Mervyn Williams and his Personal Assistant, visited the Port Kaituma Secondary School last Friday, and interacted with the teachers and students. Most teachers at the Port Kaituma Secondary School, it was learnt, are from the coastland. Those teachers are calling for special attention to be paid to their wellbeing, and for a playing field that is equal to what obtains for teachers on the coastland. Numbering 27 in total, 10 of those teachers are trained, while four are attending the University of Guyana. Their combined experience ex-

FINANCIAL STRAIN Students of the school called on government to engage relevant donor agencies and other bodies to establish a branch of the University of Guyana in Region One. This, they said, would eliminate the need for their teachers to be away from the classroom to attend university, and would also ease the financial strain on travellers in and out of the area, which is a very costly undertaking. They also contend that contracted teachers often have to wait for very long periods before receiving their monthly remuneration. That, in itself, places a strain on the teachers, who often have to borrow cash to fund their expenses; and when they are finally paid, most of their money has to go towards

servicing debts. A burning issue at the school is the absence of a dorm father for the school’s dorm, which houses children coming from other areas of the North West Region. A teacher of the school has reportedly been forced to act as dorm father/supervisor, but he is not remunerated for his efforts. This teacher allegedly has to attend to the boys after a hard day’s work, besides preparing his lessons and ensuring proper sanitation of the dorm. ADDED RESPONSIBILITY The added responsibility comes with additional stress to this teacher, and some parents are very uncooperative with the man if he tries to caution students about malpractices and breaches of the school and/or dorm rules. A retiree performs the duties of cook and cleaner for the dorm, and this is not favourably regarded by persons in the area, who claim that this person is often overwhelmed by the workload. They contend that the cook/ cleaner would often complain of aches and pains about her body after standing for hours to prepare meals. Her situation was allegedly brought to the attention of regional authorities, but it remains

The dorm where the children who live outside of Central Port Kaituma reside while attending school

unchanged thus far. For this reason, the children allegedly are often forced to make their own breakfast. There is a general view that the regional administration has been very reluctant to address the issues of the school regarding welfare, dorm matters, and the general physical condition under which the teachers work and the children live. The Port Kaituma Secondary School has a population of close to seven hundred students, one teacher explained, but refused to go on record or to entertain any other question pertaining to the operations of the school, as it was noted that they are not permitted to engage the media without permission of the Department of Education. It was noted that the school has a generator, but

that is operated mostly when officials are about to visit the school. NO ELECTRICITY At the moment, the school’s administrative building has no electricity, even though there are in excess of 30 brand new complete Dell computer systems locked in the Information Technology lab of the school, waiting to be used. That situation, this publication was told, existed prior to the last general elections, and efforts are now being made to ensure that the children have access to computers in the new year. The entire school building allegedly needs rewiring, and the Region One Administration is aware of this, as many reports have been made in that regard in the past.

When it rains, it pours in some classrooms, and when it comes to the school’s science lab, not much goes on there. This publication was able to witness that from a visit paid to those areas. One Community/Teacher Association Member (formerly known as Parent/ Teachers Association) explained that the last time the school saw electricity was a few weeks before elections, when the region had refuelled the generator at the school and put on the more than 30 computers to have the children take a photo opportunity. The school has since been without electricity. CONFLICTING REPORTS There are also conflict-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 15, 2015

$50,000 tax-free! - gov’t announces $50,000 bonus for public servants

PUBLIC servants earning less than $500,000 monthly are to receive a one-off taxfree bonus of $50,000 this month, the government announced yesterday. A move described by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo as a welcome development, the announcement came by way of a statement from the Ministry of Finance saying that the payout will be made “to all active public sector workers” effective December. It was the coming to fruition of an announcement made by President David Granger last Friday on his weekly televised programme, “The Public Interest” that his administration intended to pay a bonus to public service employees. This year, public servants whose gross basic monthly salaries were than $50,000 received a five per cent salary increase; while those with salaries equal to or lower than $50,000 were given an eight per cent increase. The minimum basic salary of $39,540 was also lifted to $50,000, effective July 1, 2015. The sum is reflective of a 26.4 per cent increase for those still earning the old minimum wage. Coupled with these increases was an additional $5000 increase for all public servants. According to the Ministry of Finance, some 30,700 public sector workers, among

them nurses, teachers, members of the Disciplined Services and semi-autonomous agencies, will benefit from the bonus. Just last month, while in Malta, the President had announced that members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were likely to benefit from increased salaries next year, as part of the government’s plan to reform the Police Force and curtail criminal activities. “The Police Force is

WORSE OFF Weighing in on the announcement yesterday, Jagdeo said, “The $50,000 oneoff, tax-free bonus that will be paid to public servants earning below $500,000 is a welcomed disclosure by the government.” But while he professes to be happy for them, as, in his own words, “they deserve it,” he yet believes they are “worse off” as they did not receive salary increases retroactive to January 1 this year.

He based his argument on the fact that while the move by government is a good one, it is passing strange that it was able to find some $1.54B to pay public servants. “The announcement from the APNU+AFC Government follows claims that the PPP/C Administration had left a bankrupt country; yet $1.54B was found to pay public servants,” the former president said. He also expressed disappointment that the year

Ezekiel Whetley

Heion Welch

Junita Liverpool

badly damaged; it was under-funded, under-equipped. The members were underpaid, under-motivated. We are now trying to correct the damage that has been done, and I expect things will get better in the fullness of time,” President Granger had said at the time.

“Instead, the salary increases were retroactive from July 1. As such, public servants, while receiving a $50,000 bonus, did not receive the full year’s benefit of the salary increase, as was done in previous years, leaving them worse off in a net sense,” he said.

is almost through and sugar workers are yet to be paid wage increases or an Annual Production Incentive (API), despite the announcement that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has surpassed its production target. “This is the first time in several years that sugar

workers have been treated in this manner,” he said, adding: “I am also disappointed in the fact that Government has demonstrated an unwillingness to assist rice farmers and gold miners, despite calls and recommendations of measures that can be taken to support these industries.” The Opposition Leader believes that the “measures of support by the Administration, when matched against other actions taken, leaves Guyanese worse off in a net sense.” Jagdeo said, “While some public servants will benefit from the $50,000 bonus, Guyanese have seen the removal of the $1.67B cash grant for all public school children, the removal of electricity and water subsidies for pensioners and the removal of other support measures – all aimed at improving the livelihoods of our people.” ELATED But Jagdeo’s comments held no weight, as workers, both public and private sector, were excited about government’s announcement. EZEKIEL WHETLEY, an employee of the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) said, “I regret not being a public servant. “I believe that this is a great initiative of the government to give back to the hard workers, and also it’s a good plan to get more people

to cross over into the public workforce.” Like Whetley, HEION WELCH said the $50,000 bonus will come in handy, as public sector workers are generally underpaid. Welch believes the move would allow workers to have more money in their hands at Christmas time. “It’s good that the government has embarked on the bonus,” he said. JUNITA LIVERPOOL, a Ministry of Health employee said she is looking forward to the $50,000 bonus. “I am very happy; at least I’d be able to do a bit more… I am extremely thankful,” the elated public servant told the Guyana Chronicle. Liverpool, who has worked with the Ministry of Health for more than 10 years, applauded the government for the move. “Members of the public sector work really hard,” she said, “and are often times forgotten. I am happy that the government has recognised us; I am grateful. Public Servants deserve this bonus; it will go a long way.” For RHONDA ROSE, a teacher of the Watooka Day Primary School in Linden, “It is something to be applauded… I think it is a good move; I think it is good.” She is looking forward to “the extra money,” she said.

Port Kaituma Secondary ... From page 2 ing reports about the generator, one of which is that it is in dire need of fuel, but another report is that it needs a crucial component that has to be sourced in order for it to work. The school, according to the CTA member, is also

experiencing issues with poor performance of some children, and reference was made to a recent pass rate of 17.1% out of a class of 30 children who are in fifth form and are preparing to sit the CSEC Examinations next year. Asked what may have been responsible for this low performance, the CTA

Minister Allicock meeting with students of the Port Kaituma Secondary School

member said that they were informed by the teachers at the school that absenteeism on the part of the children is one of the main factors. Then there is the issue of not all members of the CTA cooperating with the teachers, and it is the view of the CTA member that the other villagers might be

reluctant to cooperate with the teachers, since they are not from the Port Kaituma area. The teachers allegedly are always willing to ensure that they keep the children in line, and that reportedly constitutes a problem for residents of the area, because many do not pay interest in their children’s welfare at school. OTHER BURNING ISSUES Another burning issue at the school is the absence of technical vocational training facilities, something that President David Granger has been calling for since his assumption to office. It is the view of the CTA that what is needed is great attention being paid to the area of technical skills for the children, so that those who are not academically inclined could develop expertise in a trade.

Work benches and garbage among animal dung in a section of the condemned Industrial Arts Complex There is a building at the school which, in years gone by, functioned as the technical vocational training facility, but that has literally long been abandoned and has been taken over by rodents, insects and certain animals. This publication was able to see this first hand during a visit there. Minister Allicock informed his audience that the government does disburse funds to the regional administration to assist with the maintenance of the schools and other building in the

region. He declared it a shame that teachers and students have to dwell under deplorable conditions at the school, and he promised to raise the issue with the subject minister. Additionally, on the issue of the computer lab and the computers, the VP said that within the new year, the school is expected to be able to use the equipment, since government was briefed on the issue and efforts are in the pipeline to make the lab operable.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Obama to move on Taiwan arms sales before year-end The Obama administration is expected as soon as this week to authorize the sale of two guided missile frigates to Taiwan, U.S. congressional sources said on Monday, in spite of China’s opposition to the deal. “We’re expecting an announcement as early as this week,” a Republican con-

gressional aide said. Another congressional aide said the notification from the administration was expected “any time now.” The sale would mark the first time in four years that the United States has shipped arms to Taiwan, the longest gap in such arms sales in nearly four de-

U.S. President Barack Obama leaves with U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter (L) after delivering a statement on the counter-Islamic State campaign at the Pentagon in Washington, December 14, 2015. Reuters/Carlos Barria

cades. It comes a year after Congress passed the Naval Transfer Act authorizing the sale of up to four Perry-class frigates to Taiwan in December 2014. Taiwan has said it expects to pay about $176 million for the two vessels and that it would review its needs before making a decision on two more. President Barack Obama signed the transfer act into law, but his administration still has to tell Congress its plans to move ahead with the sale, part of Washington’s commitment

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under the Taiwan Relations Act to ensure Taipei can maintain a credible defense. The White House declined comment about the sale, which would come after increasingly intense pressure from Congress, including a unanimous vote last week by the House Foreign Affairs Committee on legislation calling on Obama to provide a timeline on when it would move forward. Past U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan have attracted strong condemnation in China, which considers Taiwan a renegade

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province. Analysts and congressional sources believe the process has been held up by the administration’s desire to maintain stable working relations with China, an increasingly powerful strategic rival but also a vital economic partner as the world’s second-largest economy. Most recently the Obama administration has been working with Beijing to forge a landmark global climate agreement that was sealed on Saturday after two weeks of intense negotiations, setting the course for a historic transformation of the world’s fossil fuel-driven economy within decades. Congressional sources said the White House was pushing to move ahead with the Taiwan deal before the end of 2015 - an important deadline because of Taipei’s budget cycle. The frigates will come out of existing U.S. inventory and will not require new ships to be built. CHINESE OPPOSITION A spokesman for the Chinese Embassy said on Friday that China “firmly opposes any arms sales from the United States to Taiwan.” “We urge the U.S. government to stop selling arms to Taiwan to avoid hurting China-U.S. relations and disturbing peaceful development of cross-strait relations.” Beijing expressed anger at last year’s bill, although arms sales to date to Taiwan have not caused lasting damage to Beijing’s relations with either Washington or Taipei. The new sales would come at a period of heightened tensions between the United States and China over the South China Sea, where Washington has been critical of Chi-

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na’s building of man-made islands to assert expansive territorial claims. China was angered when the United States sent a guided-missile destroyer close to one of the islands in October and B-52 bombers nearby last month. While Taiwan has been overshadowed recently as a U.S.-China issue by the South China Sea, it has the potential to flare up again, especially with Taiwanese elections coming up next month and a party which traditionally favors independence from China expected to win. The House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee last week unanimously passed the Taiwan Naval Support Act, which asked Obama to submit to Congress a timeframe for sending the ships. Representative Eliot Engel, the ranking Democrat on the committee, called last week for more regular arms sales to Taiwan, despite China’s political sensitivity on the subject. “Our desire not to upset Beijing shouldn’t come at the expense of Taiwan’s security,” Engel said. In November, Republican Senator John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Democratic Senator Ben Cardin, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations panel, wrote to Obama urging “more robust” U.S. security assistance and sales to Taiwan. “We are troubled that it has now been over four years – the longest period since the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979 – since the administration has notified Congress of a new arms sale package,” the senators wrote. (Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Four held for murder of cop, UWI student FOUR suspects were last night assisting police in their investigation into the murder of one of their colleagues and a University of the West Indies student. Police constable Russell Ramnarine and engineering student Avery Keshwar were gunned down during the pre-dawn hours just outside a popular bar-b-que outlet in Aranguez, San Juan. However, mystery surrounded just how Ramnarine was killed, since investigating officers were wondering how he failed to get off a single shot in response to his attacker/s, who seemed to have been less than a metre away from him at the time of the attack. There was also more than one theory to the killing up to last night. According to an official report released by the T&T Police Service ‘s (TTPS) Communications Unit, Ramnarine and Keshwar, 22, of College Road, St Augustine, were both gunned down outside the food establishment around 5.15 am.

Ramnarine, who was on duty but in plain clothes at the time, along with a uniformed officer of the St Joseph Police Crime Patrol, were said to be following up on a report made by Avery of a stolen cell phone among several other items, the release said. The report stated that Ramnarine and the other officer had accompanied Avery in an unmarked vehicle to Aranguez to meet a suspect to retrieve the stolen items. But when the suspect observed the uniformed officer in the vehicle, he ran off. Ramnarine and the other officer came out their vehicle and chase after the suspect along Williams Street, Aranguez. At some stage, however, Ramnarine stopped his pursuit and made his way back to the food outlet, allowing the other officer to continue the chase. However, just as Ramnarine made his way back to the vehicle, where Avery was still seated, and was about to enter it shots were fired from inside the

Sharmilla Ramnarine, mother of police officer Russell Ramnarine, in tears during an interview at her Guaico yesterday. (Photo: MARCUS GONZALES)

bar-b-que outlet. Both men were hit several times and died on the spot. There was no exchange of gunfire, according to the police report. However, a senior police officer assigned to a special unit, who did not want to be identified, gave the T&T Guardian another theory suggesting the attack may have also been a hit on

Ramnarine, as he was a main witness against several other police officers currently before the courts charged with a criminal offence. He said the incident had left many of them shocked and with the “chills” to know that the possibility exists that Ramnarine was killed (allegedly by one of his own colleagues. “This is scary to know, because in reality it means that it could happen again to any one of us! I don‘t even want to think along that way but sadly, that ‘s the information that has been spreading around the police service, that he was a key witness against some police officers (it is alleged),” the officer said. Ramnarine was sworn in as an officer on October 8, 2014, and was the son of acting Corporal Ronald Ramnarine of the Maloney Police Station. Speaking at her Guaico, Tamana home yesterday, Ramnarine ‘s mother, Sharmilla, said her son was enrolled as a Special Reserve Police Officer about two years ago and was

absorbed into the TTPS as a constable just over a year ago. She said her son was first assigned to the Sangre Grande Police Station and was transferred some months ago to the St Joseph Police Station. She described her son as a friendly and outspoken person and one who was always on the go. “He never had anything bad to say about anybody. He was also a family guy and loved his family and his cousins,” the distressed mother told the T&T Guardian. She said one of Ramnarine ‘s younger sisters, Shania, celebrated her 18th birthday yesterday. “He was the first of four children,” Sharmilla said, as she explained that she was too distraught to speak further about her son. An eyewitness, who did not want to be identified, claimed that when the incident occurred police officers were seen running through adjacent streets. He also alleged that the four people arrested were randomly taken from their pri-

vate properties by the cops. “Those police lie because no one from the bar-b-que place was arrested. No security, nobody. The police just take up four men from around the area,” the eyewitness said. He also alleged that a number of spent shells were found in a garbage heap close to where the bodies were found. Officers were still at the scene of the crime last night collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. The area around the business remained cordoned off and a tent was set up opposite. Officers on the scene said they were also seeking to source CCTV footage from the business and nearby properties. Acting Snr Supt Oswald Cudjoe, of the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, is spearheading investigations. Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams yesterday joined with other officers in extending condolences to the family and loved ones of Ramnarine and Avery. (Trinidad Guardian)

FAO, MoA ink 2016/2019 Country Programming Framework By Navendra Seoraj THE Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations yesterday signed onto the United Nations’ 2016-2019 Country Programming Framework with the Ministry of Agriculture.

The document targets three main priority areas: Food and nutrition security; sustainable management of natural resources; and climate change and agriculture, fisheries, forestry and hinterland development. The framework is, howevr, reportedly not strictly limited to these areas. FAO’s Country Repre-

sentative, Mr. Ruben Robertson, described the Country Programme as flexible. He noted that the document includes relevant programme areas in which the Guyana Government wishes to further push agriculture development. The country programme was developed on broadbased consultations, and

Lady Saw baptised Dancehall artiste Lady Saw was baptised a short while ago. In a private service at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church on Slipe Road in Kingston, Lady Saw – whose given name is Marion Hall – was baptised by Bishop Everton Thomas in the presence of close friends and family about 8:00 pm. "The Lord has been speaking to me for years and I have been dodging him," Hall testified. "Today I was at J Capri's funeral and God spoke to me again and I said to myself I want to be a servant of God,” Hall told OBSERVER ONLINE. “I was always worried about money and how I would survive without music, but God said to me 'I have people and I will make a way'." Singjay J Capri, whose given name is Jordan Phillips, died on December 4, following a tragic car crash on November 23 in the Barbican area of St Andrew. Hall attended the thanksgiving service for the 23-year-old’s life, which was held today at

Lady Saw (centre) at her baptism a short while ago. (Photo: David Wright)

the University Chapel of the West Indies, Mona. The 43-year-old deejay disclosed that she had been baptised when she was 12 years old, but admitted that she had no idea what she was doing then. "I am ready now,” Hall told OBSERVER ONLINE. “I am more ready than I have ever been.” Hall announced on her Instagram page earlier today that she was going to cancel all her dancehall

shows. In the meantime, Bishop Thomas and his wife Jillian have indicated that they are willing to support and help the newly converted deejay in any way they can. "She had visited three years ago and I told her the Lord has plans for her life,” Bishop Thomas said. “I was on my way home when I got the call and no matter what I was doing, I would have made time for it.” (Jamaica Observer)

was focused on areas deemed priority as the two parties work together to push agriculture in the region. Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder welcomed the formation of the document, noting that collaboration such as this will ensure that agriculture is given the adequate attention it merits. He noted that the four country framework programme will not only make provisions for FAO to achieve its national development goals, but will also assist the Ministry of Agriculture in its efforts to eradicate hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition.

Minister Holder receiving the document from the FAO Country Representative

The FAO country framework programme is a planning tool, developed and co-owned and jointly implemented by the FAO and the Guyana Govern-

ment. It defined the priority areas in which both parties agreed to work over the medium-term in pursuit of national developmental objectives.

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams

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

Editorial

Sustainable development: what it means for us BY resolution, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, on 25th September 2015, adopted a report titled “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” This Agenda sets out to transform the economic wellbeing of the world on a plan of action around five Ps:-People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership. The reality is that what some may think is a lofty ambition, given that it sets out to make significant transformational shift for economic development in 15 years, is doable in the enabling environment that allows for all participating countries, stakeholders and people to give of their best. Where previous economic models were conceptualised, developed and embraced by multinational and transnational organisations as they sought to influence not only the political climate on the world stage, but also use as tools in exploiting the poor and vulnerable, Sustainable Development takes another focus. Where formerly the world’s economy and, by extension human development, were driven by global forces -- where government took a hands-off or miniaturising role, leaving the private sector unfettered power, which resulted in an economic meltdown about eight years ago -- systems are now being put in place to avoid similar recurrence. And whereas the International Monetary Fund (IMF) noted that Global Recession was the worst since World War II, and the debates continue in quantifying the economic loss -- whether the recess has ended, when it has ended, and its impact -- learning from the past can result in corrective measures being put in place to guarantee the present and safeguard the future. Experiences of harrowing stories can be recounted of the wrath the recession wreaked. There was the wiping out of wealth, which included health insurance, retirement benefits and savings. And while countries moved to bail out some institutions on the pretext that these institutions were too big to fail and the negative impact such failure might wreak on the economy, the small man was basically left to fend for himself. At home, the failure of CLICO, which was the consequence of a government colluding and allowing the private sector to operate as though it were an authority unto itself, has seen workers’ investments via insurance policies wiped, out and the National Insurance Scheme’s (NIS) investments placed in jeopardy. In that the UN has seen the need, and has sought to give leadership in shaping a new economic model to advance and protect the well-being of all, augurs well for the planet and human development. The role of the UN in maintaining global peace, collegial human relations and preserving the environment; working to end discrimination, poverty and hunger, resulting in its immersion in ensuring a sound economic model that member states are bound by; makes the future better. According to the UN, Sustainable development brings with it issues of human protection, equality, dignity and progress. It sets out to ensure and guarantee peace by having just and inclusive societies which are free from fear and violence. Partnership is promoted as critical to maintaining peace in that it allows for the strengthening of solidarity, domestic and foreign, in furtherance of common goals. And given that prosperity for all is hinged on equality

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Still waiting for development in Diamond New Scheme Dear Editor,

IT took years of hard work and renting, but I was able to acquire a very good plot of land in the middle class community of Diamond, EBD, having waited years after applying for a house lot. Over the years, the small number of ‘pioneers’ (using Minister Keith Scott’s word), built their homes with very little basic amenities, such as roads and water. We heard that as more persons build,

they will come and add the missing amenities. It has been over a decade for some of us, and we still do not have proper roads, proper water supply, and adequate street lights in this so-called ‘biggest housing development’. On several occasions over the years, concerns were raised to every Minister of Housing and NDC chairman, only to hear it will soon happen. We heard the same with the new government, and waited patiently, but it seems

as if only squatting areas are being taken care of. This is not a knock on the residents from squatting areas, but it seems that if we rename our community a squatting area, we might finally get attention. Squatting is illegal in this country, and the thousands of residents in Diamond were abiding by the law and spending millions on purchasing a land the correct way, yet we are forced to live worse than persons who decided to take the law into their hands and

squatted. Sophia and Angoy’s Avenue residents will enter into a new year with proper roads and street lights, while residents who gave the country’s treasury billions of dollars from land acquired the correct way will enter into the new year as if they had been squatting for more than ten years. YOURS SINCERELY, FRUSTRATED RESIDENT OF DIAMOND NEW HOUSING SCHEME

Old-fashioned teaching still relevant Dear Editor,

I WAS somewhat jolted by the Kaieteur News Editorial of December 13th, 2015, entitled “Can Technology Replace Old-fashioned Teaching?” Not merely because it should have been a one word response -- “NO!!!”, but moreso by the fact that the writer seemed actually to be making a case for “old-fashioned teaching” as a purely positive construct. I tried to determine how old is the “old” to which the writer was referring, and it seems that the writer was championing the age of learning by rote and memorisation. I won’t challenge the suggestion that many were well served by that learning methodology, but I would suggest, in counterpoint, that “we” were served well because we were being trained for “success” in society as it existed at that time; and

the principal measure of that success was the ability to regurgitate memorised material on cue. The ability to recite times tables or the parts of the verb “to be” are not now, nor have they ever been, indicators of actual intelligence. They were merely signs of a child’s ability to memorise words and some mnemonics, often under severe physical duress. I sincerely hope that this is NOT the “old-fashioned” learning metaphor to which the writer was referring. The utility of rote learning is, at best, questionable; and many students who were masters of rote proved unable to reason. And I challenge the premise that the child who learns to write with a pencil is more adept, or learned, than one who uses a handwriting programme on an electronic device. The litmus test is that the child learned to write, and how the child will use that

for all, this is seen as attainable when persons can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives; and that economic, social and technological progress occur in harmony with nature. Member states are convinced these can all be achieved in a planet that is protected from degradation, including through sustainable consumption and production; sustainably managing its natural resources; and taking urgent action on climate change, so that it can support the needs of the present and future generations. These aspirations were discussed and agreed to by Heads of State and Government, and High Representatives come with given commitment to achieve same through 17 goals and 169 targets, identifying elements in Man’s pursuit of happiness. In examining these pursuits, it will be found that these persons will have singular or collective interests based on circumstances and pursuits. And where these exist, such ought to find expression and support, as grounded in the Principal Political Objective of the State (Article 13- Guyana Constitution), wherein power is vested in the people through inclusionary democracy that ensures meaningful participation in the management and decision-making processes on matters that affect their wellbeing. And here is where government must take a leading and frontal role in creating, ensuring, and sustaining the enabling environment. This can include the strengthening of institutions such as the judiciary, research and development; policing laws to ensure equality, dignity and opportunities for all; and improving the democratic pillars of society. Helping the justice system to recalibrate its

skill going forward. I learned to form letters and numbers on a slate!!! Maybe it’s those new-fangled exercise books and “lead” pencils that doomed the next generation. I had to assume that the writer was “penning” his/her work while sitting in front of a word processor of sorts, after which it would be electronically submitted for review, then also electronically submitted for “typeset” and printing. No more manual or even electric - typewriter; no more mark-up; no more letterpress; no more photo developing and negatives. The world has changed, and we need to adjust to the pace and direction of that change. And aiming the guns at technology from the platform of that same technology is quite quizzical, at best. It is, indeed, important for children to learn to read, write, and use the encyclo-

pedia. But “old-fashioned” encyclopedias were beyond the economic reach of most. We should celebrate the democratisation of information through electronic means, not dilute the perception of its efficiency. In defense of the editorial, it is dangerous to expect technology to “replace teachers, learning, textbooks, pencils or the brain”; but the judicious use of emerging technologies is the safest way forward. And I didn’t get that sense of balance from the piece. I return to the editorial writer who, working against a deadline, would probably be better served “boast(ing) how fast they could click a mouse”, rather than yearning for the delicate penmanship of their Vere-Foster cursive. Regards, Louis London

role in making decisions that give society the comfort that justice is universal and will be served regardless would be a step in the right direction. The Executive also bears a responsibility in giving leadership to, and demonstrating zero tolerance for corruption, graft and nepotism. Laws, conventions and charters must reign supreme, and citizens’ rights held sacrosanct. This creates the environment for equality and dignity in that all will be held to the same standards and play by the same rules. Having recently come out of General and Regional Elections, where the people have expressed their will, vesting the day-to-day management of their affairs in various groups in these two tiers of government and in the legislature, the pursuit of sustainable development would ensure policies and programmes consistent with its goals. Upcoming Local Government elections provide additional possibilities for candidates and communities to also empower the people at the grassroots level, where poverty, hunger and discrimination are prevalent. As a member state of the UN, ours is the responsibility and vested interest to be aware of the goals Sustainable Development is driven by, which would lead to making informed decisions and ensuring the enabling environment is created. Given that the UN promotes: “The interlinkages and integrated nature of the Sustainable Development Goals are of crucial importance in ensuring that the purpose of the new Agenda is realized. If we realise our ambitions across the full extent of the Agenda, the lives of all will be profoundly improved, and our world will be transformed for the better,” together we must achieve!

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2015

PPP claims scrutineers thrown out of GECOM offices GUYANA Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally has expressed grave doubts about the veracity of People’s Progressive Party (PPP) allegations that its scrutineers have been ejected from some GECOM registration offices and were forced to work in the compound of those offices. During that party’s weekly press conference yesterday, General Secretary Clement Rohee disclosed thus: “PPP scrutineers have been ejected from some registration offices and put to work in the compound of the offices. In other cases,

the gates are locked and the scrutineers are not afforded anywhere to work. This was the case at Belle West, West Bank Demerara and at Charity, Pomeroon.” However, Dr. Surujbally countered: “I have not heard of that, but I would like to doubt it.” These revelations, being uncovered as the claims and objections period for Local Government Elections continues, have sparked in the PPP camp concerns that there are consistent rumours on the ground that fake birth certificates are in circulation, a matter which the party is on the lookout for, since should any such document

GECOM Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee

fall into the hands of the PPP, it will be made available to the police. “We are concerned that

if Nomination Day is to be somewhere around mid-January 2016 -- that is approximately one month from now

-- this may very well jeopardise the printing, delivery and distribution of the ballot papers for the elections to take place in a smooth and timely fashion,” said the Party’s General Secretary. These are matters which the GECOM Chairman disclosed are of interest, given that he is unaware of them; as such it will be investigated, Rohee said. Rohee also said that questions have arisen about the status of the Old Orders versus the New Orders, and whether the Older Orders should be rejected to give effect to the New Orders establishing the new municipalities. He said GECOM

is yet to resolve a number of outstanding matters with respect to voting by the disciplined forces at the Local Government Elections. Accordingly, there are a number of laws that will have to be amended if problems are to be avoided before March 18, 2016. The handling of the votes by the disciplined services in the May 2015 elections gave rise to several highly suspicious occurrences, Rohee charged, and amendments would need to be made to several sections of the principal act to avoid recurrence of a similar nature at the upcoming Local Government Elections.

Give hotels incentives similar to the Marriott Dear Editor,

I AM reading with great interest the revelations emerging in bits and pieces regarding the various audit reports of state agencies and projects undertaken by the previous regime. Some are more eye-opening than others. I can see a picture being painted, and soon I expect the artist to make the great revelation. The ‘controversial’ Mar-

riott is being featured of late with some damning reports relating to 100% tax and duty waivers afforded to the principals of the hotel in construction and furnishing etc. This would obviously have been to the disadvantage of other similar developmental start-up projects, and ought never to have happened when it comes to creating a level playing field for investors in the hotel and hospitality sector. Notwithstanding, we have the Marriott now with

us. I am seeing calls for it to be sold. I do not agree. I have visited the hotel on more than one occasion, and I am pleased to report that it offers one of the best atmospheres in Guyana -- from dining (though to a limited menu) to just simply taking a relaxing drink. I have been told by friends who have stayed there that it is comparable to any classy hotel they have stayed at in North America. The staffers are so warm, accommodating, and obviously well trained.

I have searched my soul to say that the other ‘classy’ hotel we have in Guyana offers a similar atmosphere, but sadly, I cannot. I don’t know the mechanics of ownership of the hotel, but I ask that all steps be taken to ensure its viability. We need a hotel like the Marriott in Guyana. However it was brought to our shores, I am sure our leaders will appreciate the necessity of keeping it. May I also suggest that one way of ‘making things right’ by the other hotels

Is battle gear now required for HR leaders? The following report is extracted from the November 2015 issue of “People Management”, published by the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development: XAVIER Broseta, Assistant HR Manager of Air France, has been taking the lead in complex negotiations that would see the carrier lose 2,900 jobs and increase flying hours for pilots. Talks had reportedly been going well, until he turned up to a meeting with union reps this month and had his clothing torn to shreds by a furious mob of employees. A tattered Broseta and a colleague were forced to scale the fence at Charles de Gaulle

airport in Paris to escape hundreds of staff who had turned up unexpectedly. This incident came a little more than 12 months after employees at a Goodyear plant in northern France held the firm’s HR director hostage with a giant tyre, after he announced plans to close the site. I am also reminded of the practice of “GHERAO” in India, in which disgruntled employees ‘imprison’ their bosses in their own offices until their demands are met. Time was when the HR function was seen through the lens of a ‘nice’ guy or gal who looked after the welfare of the employees; the provision of

good environmental working conditions; fostering friendly, pleasant relationships; personifying and presenting the ‘soft side’, the happy face of the business or organisation on behalf of the board and management. Now, in most progressive organisations, the HR function is represented in the corporate boardroom with responsibilities which serve the core functions of the organisation, in addition to discharging all the original roles. The human side is still central, but so also are the production, operational, financial, material, and marketing aspects for optimal efficacy.

These evolutionary changes now identify the HR function with the economic and financial fortunes of the corporation, and for which the HR director is often held answerable to the employees and their unions. The incidents described above might suggest the need for some battle gear and new competencies for self-defense for HR directors. They also raise questions about the conventional ‘strike weapon’: Are they becoming a thing of the past? Sincerely, Nowrang Persaud

and industries, who did not benefit from the 100% waivers during the time the Marriott was being built, is to now offer them incentives (with strict monitoring) which may translate into a retroactive benefit, but only

for the period in which the Marriott benefited. I am sure this information could easily be obtained from the GRA.

Yours sincerely, F. McKenzie

Six months for failing to do community service IVOR Martin, who was ordered by a city magistrate to complete 35 hours of community service after he was found guilty of simple larceny, was yesterday sentenced to six months’ imprisonment after he failed to complete his hours. The charge stated that on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at Georgetown, he was in possession of a mountain bicycle that was suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained. According to the police facts, the defendant was observed by a policemen acting in a suspicious manner outside the Stabroek Market. He was seen pushing the said bicycle on the front wheel, while the back wheel was locked. The 50-year-old man, who could not account for his action, was placed before former Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry to answer a charge of simple larceny. Martin, who was unrepresented by counsel, informed the court that he had previously served a three-month jail term for simple larceny. Consequently, he was denied pre-trial liberty and the matter was transferred before Magistrate Alex Moore for Tuesday, July 7, 2015. The matter went to trial, and he was ordered to serve community service after he was found guilty. He failed to complete the hours.

Tuesday December 15th, 2015 - 05:00 hrs Wednesday December 16th, 2015 - 08:30 hrs Thursday December 17th, 2015 - 09:00 hrs

Failing to deliver proves costly CITY Magistrate Alex Moore yesterday ordered Sham Lallchamd to pay $15,000 to Phoolmattie Singh on or before February 16, 2016, or serve six weeks by default. He was also ordered to serve 50 hours of community service on or before February 20, 2016. These orders were made after he appeared before Magistrate Moore to answer the charge of fraudulent conversion. The charge read that on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at Stabroek Market, he fraudulently converted to his own use and benefit $7,200, the property of Phoolmattie Singh. The defendant, on the day in question, was entrusted with the money to buy two cases of GT beer at the market, but he never returned with the money or the item. He was later apprehended by the virtual complainant’s fiancé and taken to the police station, where he was charged. He was expected to return to court on February 22, 2016 for report.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 15, 2015

23 petitioners granted $14M in bail LAST Friday, retiring Acting Chief Justice Mr. Ian Chang, S. C., granted 23 petitioners bail totalling $14,775, 000, pending determination of their cases. Following is a list of the offences, offenders and the amount of bail granted to each offender. POSSESSION OF NARCOTICS: Rudolph Moore - $4,000, 000; Audrey Abel - $1, 200,000; Mark Sauers - $1,500, 000; Surojnie Rambalan - $350,000; Jumacille Arthur - $700,000; Vanessa Moore - $550,000; Dennis Lam - $1,000, 000; Nicholas James - $295,000; Devon Bowen - $200,000; Dwayne King - $1,200,000; and Loric Williams - $500,000. ROBBERY UNDER ARMS: Andy Nichols - $350,000; Kurt Vasconcellas - $300, 000; Jevon McPherson - $200,000; and Kendra Jackman - $250,000. ATTEMPT TO COMMIT MURDER: Nebert James - $250,000. FRAUDULENT CONVERSION: Sahoy Ally - $600,000.

Visa fraud accused on $100,000 bail TWENTY-eight-year-old Sunil Dass, a porter of Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara, appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a fraud charge. Dass pleaded not guilty to the charge that he fraudulently obtained the sum of $500,000 from Deomattie Ragnauth between December 3 - 7 by indicating to her that he was in a position to obtain a 10-year United States of America visa, knowing same to be false. Police prosecutor Deniro Jones made no objection to bail. The porter was ordered to return to court on January 28.

DEATH BY DANGEROUS DRIVING: Mahendra Moon Ding - $150,000. DISCHARGING A LOADED FIREARM: Michael Dedio - $50,000: RAPE OF A CHILD: Alcin Stoll - $200,000 BREAK & ENTER AND LARCENY: Jeuene Lowenfield - $225,000: MANSLAUGHTER: Delaw Charles - $275,000. POSSESSION OF AMMUNITION: Rocky Cumberbatch - $450,000.

Another CG125 thief granted bail AN accused motorcycle thief was yesterday placed on $100,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Twenty-year-old Shawn Letlow of John Fernandes Squatting Area, Industrial Site, denied the charge, which stated that on November 6, 2015, in the company of others, while at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he stole a CG125 motorcycle valued $240,000, property of Banks DIH employee Shawn Edow. Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones told the Court that the police had recently arrested and prosecuted another accomplice, Collin Harry of Lot 18 Meadowbrook, who was released on $150,000 last Tuesday when he appeared before the court. Chief Magistrate granted Letlow bail, and ordered him to return to court on January 7, 2016 to appear before Magistrate Dylon Bess.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 15, 2015

Christmas top-up PUBLIC Servants earning less than $500,000 will get a $50,000 bonus this Christmas; a very merry Christmas gift from our government - on a large scale at least. I’m sure many are happy about this, especially those with smaller salaries. I shudder to think about the crowd on the streets as the big day draws closer. My advice would be to spend wisely though, folks. While it’s a welcome gesture, it will be done before you can say “Christmas top-up”- times hard.

The F ‘Bomb’ PPP’s General Secretary Clement Rohee is yet another of the party’s members to take up a new occupation, now he has more time on his hands. Rohee now deems himself a high school teacher and has allotted what he believes is a fair “F” Grade to the current government on its seven months in office. Many had a laugh at this move, especially since Rohee has notoriously been believed to not be one of the sharpest tools in the shed. But the top comment of all the insults on this matter came from none other than fireball Ruel Johnson: “We’re presuming that Clement knows his alphabet”… Perhaps Rohee will think twice before he passes out his next grade, but then again, such criticisms have never stopped him before…

Miss World happenings GUYANA rejoiced at the news that our very own beauty with the VOICE, Lisa Punch, won the Miss World Talent Competition, which cemented her as a finalist for the Miss World Pageant slated for December 19. This was easily the biggest bit of news for the Guyanese public on Monday, and apart from the overused puns surrounding her name - “knockout punch”, “power punch” etc - the public’s support for our local celebrity was adorable. Above all, many who participated in the celebrations hoped that those who had doubted her - including those who were quick to attack her during a past misinterpretation slip (which was apparently no fault of hers) - now have other things to say.

Work’s not over, Dragnet I FEEL like we’ll be featuring Dragnet a lot these days as crime continues to be a hot topic online. Seems like the joint services’ operation has its work cut out following the report that crime was on the increase by 9% as of November 2015. However, as we’ve been saying all along, Dragnet’s presence has certainly made an impact, taking that percentage down to 7% by December 11 – only a few days after its birth. All eyes are on you Dragnet, don’t let us down, we need you more than ever this Christmas, now that more people have bonuses to spend!

DTL admits working conditions poor …set up committee to improve standards

By Svetlana Marshall OFFICER in Charge of the Mabura Hill operations, Kwangsiong Chuo, and the company’s Personnel Administrative Manager, Ralph Trotman, were left out in the cold on Monday when the General Manager of Demerara Timbers Limited (DTL), Martin Ting, told the Ministry of Social Protection that many of the issues affecting workers at Mabura Hill, Region 10, were never conveyed to the Head Office in Kingston, Georgetown. After conducting a thorough inspection of the logging concession at Mabura Hill, the Ministry of Social Protection concluded on Thursday that the Chinese company has violated Sections 23, 43, 46 and 47 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Workers at Mabura Hill have been living and working under deplorable conditions. In many cases, their lives had been put at risk; but during a meeting at the Social Protection Ministry, Brickdam, the General Manager, who was accompanied by DTL Sales Manager Robert Perry, Marketing Executive Shivnand Sooklall, and Admin Executive Joan Heywood, admitted that the conditions under which the workers were living were unacceptable, but he maintained that he was unaware of many of the issues. Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, with responsibility for Labour, Simona Broomes, led the meeting in the presence of the Ministry’s Labour Consultant Francis Carryl and Assistant Chief Labour, Occupational Safety and Health Officer Lydia Green. Ting, who has been in Guyana for the past seven months, told the ministerial team that he was appalled upon seeing the manner in which workers were forced to live. “I said something wrong with some of the managerial staff at Mabura,” he posited. “I told them the living conditions should be rectified; it cannot be like that,” he added while noting that a committee has been formed to address the issues of workers starting with the rehabilitation of some of the houses. “I specifically instructed that the chairman of the committee be a Guyanese…it cannot be the Admin, because I see there is where the problem is, there has to be a different channel,” Ting further added. Ting said it appears as though the Admin Department at Mabura has been withholding information from the Head Office on the day-to-day operation of the logging company with respect to the concerns of workers. He said he will be developing a new channel through which workers can lodge their complaints, and he noted that from all indications, they have no confidence in the Admin Department. Upon hearing the case of Cloreen Craig, Ting said he had no clue that the accounts clerk who has been working with the company for 24 years has requested early retirement because of her ill health. Craig is on the verge of becoming visually impaired. She is required to do a corrective surgery on her eyes, but lacks the finance. Right there and then, the General Manager committed to have this problem rectified immediately. “I wasn’t aware and I cannot tolerate that. I swear…” With respect to 12% increase in wages and salaries that the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU) has been pushing for since mid-year, Ting explained that DTL, for the past five years, has offered a total of 25% increase for workers. “Last year, they had seven per cent increase,” he posited. “This year the company is doing bad, the work is so bad, so I asked GAWU, to bear with me,” he added, but to no avail. According to the General Manager, over the years, GAWU has been pushing for increases for unionised workers; and as such, they have been benefiting from increases while non-unionized workers have been stuck with their old salaries.

“We got to rectify the thing…it is not fair…I have to make the thing more even,” he said. The issue of safety was also placed high on the agenda; but Perry, who jumped to the defence of the General Manager, said it was only in June, 2015 that the company distributed safety gear to staff at the logging concession. According to Perry, despite the efforts of the company, the workers have refused to wear the boots, helmets, gloves and safety goggles provided to them. Ting said he had no clue that the workers were not wearing the safety gear provided. However, he promised to implement a

Cloreen Craig complaining to the Minister Simona Broomes on Thursday last in the presence of Guyana Chronicle

system that ensures workers wear their safety gear before entering the concession. But the DTL Management team was told that lack of knowledge is no excuse. It was explained that the company, whether or not the Head office was informed of the plethora of issues, is in breach of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The department’s Labour Consultant told Ting and his team that DTL had been very disrespectful to the Ministry of Social Protection. He said that despite issuing a stern warning on Thursday, the company had, for the third time, failed to attend a planned meeting at the Ministry to address an issue placed on the table by GAWU. “On a previous occasion, rather than coming to the meeting, the company had their lawyer write me to explain why they did not come…This is a legitimate union that has brought a legitimate complaint for a legitimate number of workers,” Carryl lamented. He, too, alluded to the disparity between the wages paid to unionised workers and those paid to the non-unionised workers. “There is a serious disparity in the payment package for unionised workers against none unionised workers,” he declared. “Managerial staff have been complaining that they have not seen an increase in their payment package for years, there is a serious imbalance, and that cannot be healthy for any business…” Carryl declared. Minister Broomes, who, during the meeting, underscored the importance of having a healthy relationship between employers and employees, extended a hand of partnership to the company, but warned that the company must abide by the laws of the country. Before the end of the week, the Ministry will write DTL, informing its management of the breaches that were identified during the inspection. But ahead of the letter, Minister Broomes said, certain issues -- such as the unwholesome water supplied to residents and the matter involving Cloreen Craig -- must be addressed. Additionally, the issues surrounding the moulders, who have been placed on contract after working with the company for more than 10 years; and the trainees, who have been training for three years without any supervision, must be addressed immediately. Ting, who appeared very apologetic, committed to correcting those issues. He made it clear that it was never the Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Simona Broomes addressing intention of DTL to be disreDTL General Manager Martin Ting and Team, in the presence of the Ministry’s spectful to the Government. Technical Personnel on Monday at her Brickdam Office

Bodies of boat captains recovered THE bodies of Roy Roopnarine and Trevor Persaud, the two men who had gone missing on Saturday night when their boats collided in the Mazaruni River, were discovered early Monday morning. According to reports reaching Guyana Chronicle, Persaud’s body was spotted by a search team at about 06:00h in the vicinity of 7th Avenue, where the accident occurred. Persaud’s motherin-law, Sharon Cook, told this newspaper that after coming up empty-handed on Sunday night, a team comprising mainly family members and friends recommenced the search on Monday. Persaud’s body was then discovered floating in the river. Upon hearing that Persaud was found, Cook said, one of Roopnarine’s friends went in

search of his friend’s body, and found it in the vicinity of Settlement. The police were subsequently informed. The 46-year-old boat captain Roopnarine was a father of three. He was transporting three businessmen to Bartica from Itaballi when his boat collided with the one in which 27-year-old Persaud and a friend were travelling. Persaud, also a boat captain, was not captaining the boat at time of the accident. He and that boat captain, named Thom, were heading to Itaballi. Violet Ramraj, Roopnarine’s reputed wife, said that at about 20:30h on Saturday, she received a phone call indicating that her reputed husband was involved in a boat accident. “One of them (passengers) tell me that after the

impact, he (Roopnarine) fall out of the boat, and one of the businessmen run and slow down the engine, but another one drive it to de shore,” Ramraj posited. The men reportedly began shouting for help, and ranks of the Bartica Police Station were quickly called in. The area where the accident occurred was subsequently revisited, but there was no sign of the two men. “They search for about three hours but they ain’t see nothing.” Asked if the Roopnarine’s boat was equipped with lights, Ramraj responded in the positive, explaining that two sets of lights were installed on his boats in addition to the torch light he had in his hand at the time of the accident. Persaud’s reputed wife

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 15, 2015 of five years, Dacia Cornette, told Guyana Chronicle that he left their Itaballi home at about 12:30h on Saturday, after receiving a phone call that 15 passen-

gers at Bartica needed to be transported to Supenaam in Region 2. Persaud was on his way home; however, his reputed wife explained that he was not driving at

the time of the accident. Persaud, who had been living in Itaballi for the past 12 years, leaves to mourn his reputed wife and fiveyear-old son.

Toddler killed in accident Three-year-old Michael Blackman was killed at about 14:40h on Sunday when he ran into the path of a motor vehicle on the La Grange Public Road, West Bank Demerara. Blackman, of La Parfaite Harmonie, WBD, was standing on the roadway in the company of an older cousin when he ran across the road and was struck down by a motor vehicle. He succumbed while receiving medical treatment at the West Demerara Regional Hospital. The driver of the vehicle is in police custody assisting with investigations. ********************************

Two held with Magnum pistol

POLICE say that at about 00:25h on Monday, ranks of a mobile patrol under “Operation Dragnet” searched two men at “Warlock”, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown and unearthed an unlicensed .357 Magnum pistol with 6 rounds. Both men are in police custody assisting with the investigations. ********************************

Five nabbed with automatic pistol FIVE men were arrested when ranks from CID Headquarters, Eve Leary conducted a search on a house at Westminster, La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara on Saturday, and unearthed an unlicensed .380 semi-automatic Colt pistol with 2 rounds. The men are in police custody assisting with the investigations. ********************************

Suspect in Brazilian murder held The suspect in the murder a Brazilian national here was arrested last Friday at Kaikan, Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) police have confirmed. In a statement, the lawmen said that during investigations into the murder of Brazilian national Jose Oliveira Silva, 62, and following information received, the police arrested the prime suspect at Kaikan on Friday December 11, 2015. He is in police custody assisting with the investigations. The body of Jose Oliveira Silva was found at Arau, Wenamu River, with marks of violence on December 05, 2015.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 15, 2015

GuySuCo target surpassed - final figure to be declared by year-end

THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has surpassed its production target for 2015 by over 300 tonnes, as of yesterday. And, with three estates still grinding, the Corporation is likely to see a significant increase in sugar production. Those estates are Albion and Rose Hall in Berbice, and Enmore on the East Coast, which are expected to continue operating until December 21. According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), the secondcrop target, which was set at 146,300 tonnes, had reached 146,583 tonnes by yesterday morning. That effectively put production target for the year, which was set at 227,443 tonnes, at 227, 727 tonnes to date. It’s a feat Chief Executive Officer Mr. Errol Hanoman attributes to the dedication and hard work of both workforce and management. “The team of management and workers has done a superb job, and I’m extremely pleased,” GINA quoted Hanoman as saying yesterday. He is, however, hoping that this sort of recordbreaking performance is the beginning of the “improving trend of the corporation,” but was quick to point out “it can only be maintained if the Union, the workers and management work together.” REVERSED FORTUNES GuySuCo requires a tremendous amount of work to reverse its fortunes, Hanoman said, and meeting production target is but one of the many elements involved in ensuring a viable corporation. With indebtedness being

another factor, Hanoman said the company’s total liabilities as at July 2015 stood at $82B, largely due to decreasing production, a rise in production costs, and the European Union’s recent weakening of sugar prices. The following is a breakdown of the sums the government has had to inject into the ailing company over the last five years in order to help meet operational and other costs: $659M in 2011; $4B in 2012; $5.36B in 2013; $6B in 2014; and $12B in 2015.

GuySuCo’s CEO, Errol Hanoman As Hanoman explained, the restructuring of the industry was necessary to reverse its fate, and one of the first things the new government did on taking office following the May 11, 2015 elections was to ensure there was better management. In order to achieve this, major changes were made in management, and a new board of directors was created. A commission of inquiry was also established to find out why the company was doing so poorly. Thus far, Hanoman said, the commission has been able to present the company with an interim report, the contents of which Cabinet specifically went into retreat to address.

As to the fate of the Skeldon factory, Hanoman said an Interim Management Committee has been set up to scrutinise its day-to-day operations. The good news, however, is that the factory was, last Friday, able to exceed its production target of 30,594 tonnes. Its performance to date is as follows: 25,727 tonnes in 2009; 33,250 tonnes in 2010; 29,410 tonnes in 2011; 33,309 tonnes in 2012; 25, 544 tonnes in 2013; and 35,890 tonnes last year. GOING FORWARD Asked how he sees the company doing in the near future, Hanoman said that going forward, “We need a new industrial climate, and any success in the future will be the management and union working together. We need to find some enlightened strategy going forward,” he said. The new crop is expected to begin by the end of January 2016, and during the out-ofcrop period, maintenance will be done on all the estates. GuySuCo faced two recent strike actions, one in October and the other in November, over the award of the Annual Production Incentive (API). The company offered 2.7 days API, to be paid by March 2016; however, this was rejected by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), which resorted to strike action. After the union had called off the strike, talks resumed but ended in deadlock, hence the move to conciliation. GuySuCo had said that had it not been for the threeday strike in October, the set production target for the second crop would have been achieved since the end of

November. The corporation is currently producing about 100,000 tonnes less sugar than it was making 13 years ago. Its performance from 2002 to 2014 is as follows: _ 2002 331,052 tonnes; 2003 _ _ 302,379 tonnes; 2004 _ 325,317 tonnes; 2005 _ 246,071 tonnes; 2006

_ 259,549 tonnes; 2007 _ 266,482 tonnes; 2008 226, _ 267 tonnes; 2009 233,736 _ tonnes; 2010 220,818 _ tonnes; 2011 236,505 _ tonnes; 2012 218,068 _ tonnes; 2013 186,745 _ tonnes 2014 216,350 _ tonnes; and 2015 227,727 up to December 14.

Meanwhile, the disputing parties met with officials of the Ministry of Labour. The Chief Labour Officer is deliberating with his principals on the issue, and he is expected to return with his position on the matter to the union and GuySuCo sometime this week.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 15, 2015

Police make more than 50,000 traffic cases to date - fatalities down 14%

POLICE statistics reveal that between January and November this year, law enforcement officers made a total of 50,715 cases against motorists for breaching the traffic laws. Speeding accounted for 21,576 of these cases. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) yesterday disclosed that speeding was the leading cause for fatalities resulting from accidents. For the same period, 43 persons were killed as a result of speeding from a total of 112 accidents.

Meanwhile, despite the recent spate of accidents, fatalities were down by 14% this year, compared to the same period last year. One hundred and thirty deaths resulting from accidents were reported last year for the same period, compared to 112 this year; while the number of fatal accidents was reduced by 21%. The figures also show that pedestrians lead the category of road users who have lost their lives - 40 out of 112. In addition, private cars were found to be the category of vehicle responsible for the most fatalities, with 48 out of 120. Police “A” Division recorded the highest number of road fatalities - 35 out of 112. “B” and “C” Divisions were second with 28 each, while Division “F” recorded one. With the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department upping its enforcement activities to ensure safe and proper usage of the roadways, Traffic Chief Dion Moore noted that every accident that occured was one too many on the country’s roadways, whether serious or not. According to the Chief, speeding continued to be the number one contributory factor to accidents. As such, he was working to have this addressed. Moore added that another area of concern was drink driving. However, he outlined that one of the enforcement strategies adopted to address this is the breathalyser test. Moreover, he explained that a task force was established and is currently working in four police divisions – A (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara); B (Berbice); C (East Coast Demerara); and D (West Demerara-East Bank Essequibo). Moore noted that the task force had been doing an excellent job, and with continued public support, a lot more could be done to ensure that the country’s roadways were safe for all the users, as well as to ensure traffic ranks maintain a high level of professionalism.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 15, 2015

Operation Dragnet helps reduce serious crimes by 7% AT the end of November 2015 the Guyana Police Force (GPF) recorded a 9% increase in serious crimes compared to the same period in 2014. However, following the launch of ‘Operation Dragnet’ on December 01, 2015, along with intelligence-led policing and improved cooperation from the public, this has been decreased to 7% as at December 11, 2015. According to a GPF press release, among the serious

crimes policed by the Force are murder, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, larceny from the person, break and enter and larceny, burglary, rape, and kidnapping. A total of 133 murders were recorded at the end of November 2015, in comparison to 130 murders at the end of November 2014 -- an increase of 2%. At the end of November 2015, robbery under arms overall had increased by 4%, in comparison to the same period in 2014. The statistics indicate an increase of 6% in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms, while the figures are almost similar in relation to the number of armed robberies wherein instruments

other than firearms were used by the perpetrators. The statistics have revealed that there has been an increase of 26% in the number of reports of rape, with 300 reports at the end of November this year, compared to 238 for the same period last year. Break and enter and larceny and burglary have shown an overall increase of 11%. As at the end of November this year, a total of 103

illegal firearms had been recovered by the police. Those comprised 1 sub-machine gun, 56 pistols, 28 revolvers, 11 shotguns, 6 rifles and 1 pen-gun. A total of 81 illegal firearms were recovered as at this time last year. The Police Force is continuing its efforts to prevent crime through the police-community partnership programme, along with social crime prevention interventions in the policing divisions, with special emphasis on empowering youths, such as the Impact Albouystown Project and youth clubs. Meaningful support in this regard is being given by members of the religious community attached to the Cops and Faith Community Network. Senior officers of the

Police Force’s Executive Leadership Team and Divisional Commanders also held a number of community outreach meetings where issues and concerns raised by members of the public were addressed. During November 2015, there was a total of seven interventions supported by the religious community in the Cops and Faith Community Network, which treats with juvenile first offenders for minor crimes as a preemptive intervention to their going to the New Opportunity Corps. From the launch of the Cops and Faith Community Network in September 2013 to the period November 30, 2015, there has been a total of 245 such interventions. In all cases, the youths were counselled by the religious leaders; and following the involvement of parents/guardians and the victims where necessary, the majority of youths were warned and sent away. In relation to the Family Liaison for victims of serious crimes and domestic violence project, which is also under the Cops and Faith Community Network, during November 2015, there were fifteen (15) interventions by members of the religious community in response to attempted suicides and cases of serious crimes, including rape, armed robbery and murder, where the affected persons, victims and relatives accordingly, were counselled. In relation to traffic, 112 road fatalities from 95 accidents have been recorded at the end of November 2015, in comparison to 130 fatalities from 121 accidents for the same period in 2014, a decrease of 21%. There

have also been decreases in the serious and minor categories of road accidents, and a 4% increase in damage accidents. Pedestrians has been the main category of road users affected so far in road fatalities, with 40 such persons having lost their lives at the end of November 2015. In addition, 11 pedal cyclists, 28 persons in motor vehicles, 15 motor

cyclists, 14 drivers, 3 pillion riders and 1 person being towed on a bicycle also lost their lives. Speeding has been the major contributory factor to fatal accidents, having been the cause of 43 of the 95 fatal accidents unto November 2015. Traffic enforcement by the police has resulted in a total of 50,715 cases for this year being made

against errant motorists at the end of November 2015. Of this total, 21,576 cases were for speeding, 2,206 for driving under the influence of alcohol, 1,156 for using cell phone while driving, and 2,046 for failing to wear seat belt. Up to Sunday, December 13, 2015, a total of 4 more persons have lost their lives from 4 fatal accidents.

Youmun Nabi for December 24-CIOG

THE Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (C.I.O.G.) has informed that the crescent was not sighted in Guyana nor the Caribbean on the evening of Friday December 11th 2015 (29th Safar). Therefore the 1st of Rabbi ul Awwal 1437 A.H will correspond with Sunday December 13th 2015. The 12th of Rabbi ul Awwal (YOUMUN NABI- The birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet, Peace Be Unto Him) will be observed on Thursday December 24th 2015. Several programmes have been planned to commemorate the life of the final Prophet to mankind, who was sent as a mercy to the entire world. The general public is invited to attend these programs so that they can have a better understanding about the real message of Islam, and the noble personality of the Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Unto Him.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 15, 2015

Lisa Punch on top of the world ◄ From page 1

since Lisa Punch is one of the popular contestants in this year’s Miss World Pageant and she has had the opportunity to showcase her talent at several shows across China as part of the competition”. Lisa Punch posted on her website yesterday that she was just grateful to be among those lovely ladies from all over the world, and she is now asking Guyanese to support her by downloading the Miss World App on their mobile devices and voting for her as the competition intensifies. “I stand on this stage not as myself but as GUYANA!!” the Miss Guyana World Queen said. The Miss World Guyana organisation describes her win as a “proud moment for Guyana on the World stage”. The Guyana Chronicle yesterday spoke to a few ministers of the government, and has also highlighted other comments on the Queen’s triumph as Guyanese continue to express their thoughts on social media. For Minister within the Ministry of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry, “The timing could not have been better, as we prepare to launch our 50th anniversary event. So, she has definitely put Guyana on the map… This is bright news, and I’m actually excited and happy for not only Lisa, but Guyana.”

Noting that she is indeed proud of Lisa’s accomplishments thus far, Minister Henry concluded by describing her win as “Great for Lisa; great for Guyana!” Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, said she is not at all surprised at the news that our girl won the talent segment of the contest, since she has heard her sing before and has since had every confidence in her. Noting that singing and humanitarianism have become like second nature to Punch, who has been very active in the fight against suicide, Dr Cummings said: “I’ve heard her sing, and I know she would have done well.” Meanwhile, Guyanese have been punching up a storm on social media, betting on their queen and sealing their confidence in her even walking away with the coveted Miss World title. The following are just some of the comments the Guyana Chronicle was able to obtain: “A few weeks ago,” one fan wrote, “I told you guys Lisa big night is coming up on the 14th of December, 2015. “It's not that I'm a fortune teller, but the writing was on the wall. Lisa Mary Johanna Punch hit it out the park. “How can they stop her? She went on to win the finals in flying colours… It was her own song she won with, by the way; not Whitney or any other. Now, I can't wait for the upset in the finals! Go Lisa, Go; Go Guyana Go!”

Another fan posted, “Congratulations to you, my friend. I knew you would have won the best talent, from the very first day you won Miss Guyana World. “I have been telling my friends from Guyana and the Caribbean, ‘If Lisa doesn’t win best talent, something wrong.’” Yet another wrote: “It proves that Guyana has a long way to go with regards to patriotism. Our love and support is highly conditional... “It proves that every matter doesn't deserve our opinions and comments, especially in public; especially on social media! It proves that your haters will boldly step out of the woodwork as soon as you stumble. “I saw people verbally and shamelessly crucify that girl on Facebook a couple weeks ago, when that blunder happened… It proves that everybody deserves a second chance and space to get up and go again… “But most of all, for me, it proves that your beginning is in no way an indication of what your ending will be like. Out of obscurity and controversy can come beautiful stories. “Even if Lisa doesn't win, and I hope she does, my hope is fully revived that anything is possible.” “I can't even describe how I feel,” one fan commented. “It's that kinda feeling I had a couple days after May 11... Look at God.”

New water users’ executive installed at Corentyne A new executive has been installed to manage the Coren- across the region had been in a “total mess” and was tyne Water User’s Association, Gobin Harbhajan, Special mired in corruption”. He charged that the life of many of Assistant to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in Berbice, the associations had expired and the previous government has said. had turned a blind eye, noting that the last WUA election According to Harbhajan as the Prime Minister’s Special was held since 2010 when most members were handpicked Assistant and a RDC Councillor of Region 6, he had pushed and politically-appointed. Harbhajan said with this new for a new management for the association. “I have successful- election process, “I have advocated that each village should ly gotten the Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, and other appoint a representative to be part of the Community.” interested officials involved.” He said too that he stressed that the New Chairman must Harbhajan said elections for the N0 52-74 (WUA ) was work in the best interest of the farmers. held and S. Naidu was appointed as Chairman. The other executive members include: A. Rajab (Vice Chairman), K. Persaud (Secretary), T.P. Ramnauth (Treasurer) and three executive members: L. Ramnarine, R. Parasram & R. Harsarack. Besides, Harbhajan said, a few weeks ago a new chairman and board members were elected at the Crabwood Creek WUA. Harbhajan stated that the GOBIN Harbhajan and the new executive of the Corentyne Water Users’ Water User’s Associations Association

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 15, 2015

PM in holiday outreach to Corentyne

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo, shortly after returning from Argentina where he represented Guyana at the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected President Mauricio Macri, attended two events in Berbice on Sunday. The first was hosted by Mrs Sita Nagamootoo and the Joseph Charity (founded by Prime Minister's daughter Angela and her husband Tony Joseph) at Courtland Road, Corentyne and attended by 300 children from various communities. Mrs Nagamootoo distributed gifts to all the children, and Member of Parliament Charrandas Persaud and PM Representative in Region Six Gobin Harbhajan also attended the event. The second event was at Whim, held by newly appointed Regional Executive Officer Dr. Verasammy Ramayya at his residence. Some 300 senior citizens attended and received holiday goodies. Dr. Ramayya also presented trophies and awards to the region's top academic performers for the year.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Regional Executive Officer Dr. Verasammy Ramayya, and other officials with some of the awardees

Some of the children at the party at Courtland Road, Corentyne

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Mrs Sita Nagamootoo pose with some of the children at the party

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 15, 2015

Workshop hears...

Guyana has real potential for renewable energy

By Shauna Jemmott

GUYANA has the potential to generate 100% renewable energy without even taking into consideration its available hydro-electric resources! This is according to Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CaPRI) Renewable Energy (RE) Project Manager Dr. Suzanne Shaw. Dr. Shaw made the disclosure at a workshop hosted by CaPri in collaboration with the Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM) at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre last Friday, during her presentation on the Guyana Country Report on Renewable Energy, compiled by the regional organization. The report focused on Guyana’s electricity sector

and samples of renewable energy technologies were analyzed and conclusions drawn. The average annual electricity consumption is 400 gigawatt hours, quite a significant portion of which is attributed to commercial and residential electricity together. SET TARGET In 2012, four per cent of Guyana’s energy needs were being met by renewable energy resources, primarily from bio-gas and the rest from solar. The country has set a target of achieving 47% of renewable energy for 2027, which includes executing projects geared towards the development of solar, wind and hydro power. CaPRI has recognised that with the renewable energy

Dr. Suzanne Shaw speaking at the workshop hosted by CaPri in collaboration with the CARICOM Secretariat last Friday at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre resources available in Guyana, the potential impact of renewable energy is quite significant, since, based on solar-generated electricity, within just two square kilometres of land space, it is possible to meet about 60 per cent of the electricity consumed. With ten square kilometres of wind, it is just over five per cent; while with biogas, it is roughly 20 per cent. “The things that renewable energy can contribute, aside from assisting with the issue of cross-competitiveness, with very little land space for solar, wind and using the biogas potential,” Shaw said, “these resources can meet 100% of Guyana’s energy needs and electricity needs, and offset a significant amount of oil consumption and Guyana’s green house gas emissions. “Guyana has great potential to go 100% RE, and this is without even talking about the hydro-electric resources,” she said. Dr. Shaw said that while Guyana’s hydro resource is well positioned to more than meet Guyana’s domestic consumption, CaPRI researched Guyana’s energy economics, which revealed that oil imports are nearly 5 million barrels annually, with 1.65 of that being allocated for electricity generation alone, taking up some US$500M in revenue or twenty-one percent of GDP. And on average electricity sector carbon dioxide emissions are about 300 tons per year. JOB CREATION Their choice not to focus on hydropower is because hydro is already a well-studied area, but CaPRI is particularly interested in identifying distributed generation technologies which can be potentially more interesting for commercial entities, small private sector, and individual households. The use of renewable energies save money and ensure massive job creation, Shaw pointed out. OIL PRICE Meanwhile, CARICOM Energy Programme Manager, Dr. Devon Gardener, said that although oil price is at its lowest since the 2009 global recession, with consumers paying US$36.67 per barrel Friday, some analysts believe it may still fall as low as US$32 per barrel within weeks. According to Dr. Gardener, though it is unusual for the price of gas to fall during winter, the Henry Hub Price of natural gas dipped below US$2 per million British Thermal Unit (BTU) for the second time in thirteen years, after falling below that range only once, in 2012. At a recent workshop on the mobilisation of renewable energy, hosted by the Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CaPRI), Dr. Gardener pointed out that gas prices are usually high during the winter season, since North American and European markets utilize more energy during winter for warming purposes. He pointed out that while the Caribbean discussed the mobilisation of renewable energy, the price of fuel has dropped significantly. “Why are we here then speaking about renewable energy when the price of fossils is cheap and expected to continue to become cheaper, and renewable energy technologies, as we know, require large investments?” Collectively, the Caribbean emits less than 0.02% of greenhouse gas emissions on the global stage, he said, and the energy sector should not be viewed in isolation, but “as an enabler to the sustainable development of our societies, (as) transformed energy systems will form the bedrock for sustainable growth, human and economic development in countries such as Guyana.” He praised the work of CaPRI as one that increases the quantity and quality of information which supports the creation of knowledge, and enhances the region’s ability to “plan and execute the cost-effective deployment of renewable energy technologies within the region.” CaPRI and related institutions compliment the work of CARICOM, which include the establishment of the CARICOM Energy Policy (CEP), the rolling-out of the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Roadmap and Strategy and the establishing of the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), among other projects.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Yesterday’s Results

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 9, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2015

English Racing Tips Catterick 08:15 hrs Running Wolf 08:45 hrs Berland 09:15 hrs Warriors Tale 09:45 hrs Captain Bocelli 10:20 hrs Freddies Portrait 10:50 hrs Tomorrow’s Legend 11:20 hrs Be Daring Southwell 08:30 hrs Tellovoi 09:00 hrs Noblest 09:30 hrs Brassbound 10:00 hrs Intimately 10:30 hrs Best Trip 11:00 hrs Luv U Lucky 11:30 hrs Abi Scarlet South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:40 hrs Sub Zero 09:20 hrs Imperial Guard 09:55 hrs Blarney Bay 10:35 hrs Waity Katie 11:15 hrs Trackmaster 11:50 hrs Elusive Silva Turffontein 12:00 hrs Mutakayyef 12:35 hrs Youcanrockme 13:15 hrs Bad Boy Buddy Boy 13:45 hrs Road To Indy 14:15 hrs Eina 14:45 hrs Save The Day 15:15 hrs Wedgewood 15:45 hrs His Legacy American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 Bella Campari Race 2 Jet Straek Race 3 Legonyborrego Race 4 Berb’s Monarchy Race 5 Prince Leroi Race 6 Instant Replay Race 7 Andrew L Race 8 Instructor Kunu Race 9 Fifth Business

Barcelona face Vasco, Train Line Arsenal, Chelsea through to UDFA/GT play PSG again Beer quarter-finals NYON, Switzerland (Reuters) - Holders and Spanish league leaders Barcelona will play Premier League leaders Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League, 10 years after the sides faced each other in the final, following yesterday's draw for the first knockout stage. Spanish league leaders Barcelona, chasing a sixth title, prevailed 2-1 in the 2006 final at the Stade de France in Paris and also triumphed in the knockout phase in 2010 and 2011. Chelsea, who are enduring a torrid time in the Premier League, will face French league leaders Paris St Germain in the knockout stages for the third year in succession after the French champions triumphed at the same stage last season and the London club had the upper hand in the quarter-finals the previous year. Another clash between big guns will feature former winners Juventus and Bayern Munich, while 10-times champions Real Madrid were drawn against AS Roma. It is the game between the pacesetters in Spain and Arsenal which most catches the eye, however. "We are certain to see a sporting spectacular," said Barca director Albert Soler. "Arsenal and Barcelona have a similar style of play. The fans will enjoy themselves; we’re two sides with a similar understanding of the game. They will be two great matches. We must have maximum respect for Arsenal." "Barca are used to playing under pressure in every sense. But we are the reigning champions and that gives you an edge." Arsenal club secretary David Miles said: "It is not easy and the one to avoid at this stage, but it is up to us and we will give them a game. DRAW FOR LAST 16 OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE "Messi, Neymar, Suarez ... you could go on, but we have our own world class players and I am sure they will be fantastic games in London and in Barcelona." There is also a familiar

Barcelona's soccer player Lionel Messi (R) waves in front of his teammate Luis Suarez during a training session. (Reuters/Toru Hanai)

feel about the Chelsea v PSG tie. "There is not much we don't know about Paris," said Chelsea general secretary David Barnard. "You only know if it's a good draw after the tie. We are ambitious, we have two-and-a-half months to prepare," PSG sports director Olivier Letang said. Real Madrid and Roma have also seen a lot of each other in the competition, though not since 2008 when the Italians won 201 home and away in the last 16. "You have to be very much on your guard. If we see ourselves as favourites, things won't go well for us," said Real director Emilio Butragueno. "We know what can happen if you have 10 poor minutes on a European night." Juventus could come to regret having blown their finale in the group stage, leaving Manchester City, who will take on Dynamo Kiev, with the better draw on paper. "Everybody wanted to avoid Barca and Bayern so we are not so lucky but Bayern will not be glad they drew Juve," said Juventus ambassador Pavel Nedved. Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain said: "They have a good side (Kiev)and it will be difficult for us. They are growing in the competition and it will be a big challenge but we hope to be ready. "They are a strong side, but they like to play football and it is just 11 v 11. We are improving and gaining expe-

THE excitement of year-end football made a grand return to the mining town of Linden, with the staging of the UDFA/GT Beer Football Cup, which kicked off on Sunday at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. Thousands gathered at Region 10’s premier venue and witnessed Kwakwani Strikers tame Retrieve Lions 4-0, and Train Line defeat Vasco 2-1. Playing in the opening match of the third installation of the GT Beer-sponsored tournament, Dale Sauers netted the game’s first goal just five minutes into the contest. Roy Leacock who made light work of the Retrieve Lions’ defence through the night, scored two goals (36th and 63rd minutes) while Shane Adams found the back of the net in the 70th minute to cap a lopsided affair in favour of the team from the Berbice River. Kwakwani Strikers, following their win on Sunday, will now play Silver Shattas on Boxing Night (December 26). In the second game of the night Anil Hatton netted in the 24th minute to give Train Line the advantage when he headed in

a corner taken by Shawn Stephens. And just when the massive crowd felt that the first half would have ended 1-0, Vasco team equalised through a 45th minute goal which came off the boot of Kevin Cadogan. However, the game swung back in favour of Train Line in the 58th minute as Chavez Hescott finished a cross from Hatton which went past the last post to score. Train Line booked their place in the quarter-finals following their 2-1 win over Vasco, and will now face Topp XX on December 26. The collaboration between the UDFA and Banks DIH will see fourteen teams vie for cash prizes and trophies. The winners will pocket $800 000, while second-placers will cart off $500 000. Third-placers will be awarded $300 000 while the team in fourth position will walk away with $200 000h. All matches will be played at the MSC ground. Other playing nights are December 18, 20, 26, 27, semi-finals on December 30 and the final on January 1, 2016.

Serena Williams named Sports Illustrated's... From page 24 nament at Indian Wells for the first time since 2001 when she was jeered by the crowd and, according to her family, suffered racist slurs. Williams called her decision to play her “greatest moment in tennis”. “Everyone always asked, ‘What was your greatest moment in tennis?’ and I always said it hasn’t happened. "But I think it has happened now, and that was going back to Indian Wells rience in the competition so we hope to do well." PSV Eindhoven will take on Atletico Madrid and Benfica will be against Zenit St Petersburg. Gent, in their first participation in the competition,

and playing. It released a lot of feelings that I didn’t even know I had. I was really surprised at how emotional I got -- and how relieved I felt after everything was said and done.” Williams joins an elite group to have won the award, including Muhammad Ali (1974), Arthur Ashe (1992), LeBron James (2012), Michael Jordan (1991), Billie Jean King (1972), Joe Montana (1990) and Jack Nicklaus (1978).

will take on Germany's VfL Wolfsburg. The first legs of the ties are spread over four days in February, with the returns on March 8, 9 and 15, when there are two matches.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2015

NZ grind down stubborn Sri Lanka for 122-run win (REUTERS) - Trent Boult took two quick wickets after lunch to help New Zealand complete a 122run victory over Sri Lanka on the fifth day of the first Test at University Oval in Dunedin yesterday. The visitors were bowled out for 282 having been set 405 runs to win and while they were always chasing the game from day one, they made it difficult for Brendon McCullum's side. Having put 431 on the board after being sent in to bat, New Zealand needed 117 overs to bowl Sri Lanka out for 294 in their first innings, and were in the 96th over of the tourists' second innings before seamer Doug Bracewell took a caught and bowled from Suranga Lakmal to end the game. "It was a pretty professional display but gee, we had to work pretty hard as well to get 20 wickets," McCullum said in a televised interview. "I think the bowlers did an outstanding job.

"Obviously when you don't bowl first on a wicket like that, it's going to be tough," he added of the green-tinged pitch presented last Thursday. "But the guys batted well, so over all, a pretty professional performance and one we're pleased with." Sri Lanka were 224-6 at the lunch break yesterday before paceman Boult grabbed both Rangana Herath (six) and Milinda Sarawardana (29) in the first 20 minutes of the middle session. Spin-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner bowled Dushmantha Chameera for 14 and Lakmal belted four boundaries in his 23 before hitting the ball straight back to Bracewell. "I thought we fought really hard," Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said. "We showed a lot of guts, especially the bowlers in the way they batted in both innings but unfortunately we couldn't hang in there." The match swung sharply in New Zealand's favour

that ultimately proved the beginning of the end despite some lusty blows from the tail. "There is always a little bit of concern and you have to pretend that you have things under control," McCullum said with a grin. "It was more a case of getting the two big Sri Lankan wickets, Angelo and Dinesh; then once we were able to do that then we were able to get a bit of momentum." The second match of the two-Test series starts at Seddon Park in Hamilton on December 18.

New Zealand have not lost at home since March 2012.

when Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal both suffered brain explosions at the crease during the extended first session. The pair had looked comfortable on the benign pitch but both were out in quick succession for failing to offer shots. Mathews was first to go, bowled for 25 by Neil Wagner, before Chandimal was trapped lbw for 58 by Santner. The pair, who had put on 56 runs, were both dismissed with the score on 165, and

SCOREBOARD

NEW ZEALAND 1st innings 431 (M. Guptill 156, K. Williamson 88, B. McCullum 75; N. Pradeep 4-112) SRI LANKA 1st innings 294 (D. Karunaratne 84, D. Chandimal 83) NEW ZEALAND 2nd innings 267 for 3 decl. (T. Latham 109 n.o., K. Williamson 71) SRI LANKA 2nd innings (o/n 109-3; Target: 405 runs) D. Karunaratne c Watling b Southee K. Mendis c Watling b Southee U. Jayasundara c Watling b Wagner D. Chandimal lbw b Santner A. Mathews b Wagner

29 46 3 58 25

K. Vithanage lbw b Southee M. Siriwardana c B. McCullum b Boult R. Herath c Guptill b Boult D. Chameera b Santner S. Lakmal c & b Bracewell N. Pradeep not out Extras: (b-2, lb-4, w-1) Total: (all out, 95.2 overs)

38 29

6 14 23 4 7 282

Fall of wickets: 1-54, 2-64, 3-109, 4-165, 5-165, 6-213, 7-236, 8-249, 9-268. Bowling: T. Boult 15-2-58-2, T. Southee 21-6-52-3, D. Bracewell 19.2-5-46-1, M. Santner 22-6-53-2, N. Wagner 17-5-56-2, K. Williamson 1-0-11-0 (w-1).

Swiss examine 133 suspicious transactions Serena Williams named Sports Illustrated's linked to 2018 and 2022 World Cups ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) - Swiss authorities are reviewing 133 reports of suspicious financial activity linked to the decisions by football's ruling body to let Russia and Qatar host the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals, the Swiss Office of the Attorney General (OAG) said yesterday. That was up from the 103 cases the OAG had reported in August in its investigation of suspected corruption at FIFA, whose headquarters are in Zurich. Russia and Qatar, a small desert country with no real football tradition and where daytime temperatures can top 40 degrees Celsius (104F), have denied wrongdoing. An OAG spokeswoman said by email in response to a Reuters query that the suspicious activity reports came from a Swiss financial intelligence unit called the Money Laundering Reporting Office Switzerland (MROS). "These reports are related to the ongoing criminal proceedings around the allocation of the Football World

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov (R) and FIFA president Sepp Blatter hold a copy of the World Cup after the announcements that Russia and Qatar are going to be host nations for the FIFA World Cup 2018 and 2022. (Reuters/Christian Hartmann)

Cup 2018 and 2022," she added. U.S. federal prosecutors are conducting a parallel investigation into FIFA's financial conduct, and have indicted 27 football officials over multimillion-dollar bribery schemes for football marketing and broadcast rights. Twelve people and two sports marketing companies have been convicted. That investigation is also looking into the flow of

suspicious money through the banking system. The Financial Times reported that prosecutors were threatening to punish banks for failing to report suspicious activity in FIFA-related accounts. Acting under U.S. requests for legal assistance, Swiss justice officials have agreed to share bank information with U.S. prosecutors in five cases, a spokesman for the Federal Office of Justice in Berne said. No informa-

tion has changed hands yet, because account holders have appealed. The names of the account holders, the banks involved and the amount of money frozen in the probe have not been released. U.S. Department of Justice indictments indicate that conspirators made transfers to accounts in at least two Zurich banks: Bank Julius Baer (BAER.VX) and the Swiss unit of Israel's Bank Hapoalim BM (POLI.TA). Big Swiss banks UBS (UBSG.VX) and Credit Suisse (CSGN.VX) say they have received inquiries from authorities concerning their banking relationships to certain people and entities linked to FIFA, and that they are cooperating. FIFA president Sepp Blatter, his deputy Jerome Valcke and European football boss Michel Platini have all been suspended by FIFA's internal ethics watchdog. None of them has been charged with a crime, and all deny any wrongdoing.

Sportsperson-of-the-Year

NEW YORK, NY (Reuters) - Serena Williams, who held all four of tennis's grand slam titles for the second time in her career and won 53 of 56 matches in 2015, was named Sportsperson of the Year by Sports Illustrated magazine yesterday. The 34-year-old accomplished her second 'Serena Slam' while battling a string of injuries, producing one of the greatest late-career runs in the history of any sport, the magazine said, hailing her a "global icon". "Serena has made a very strong case as not only the greatest tennis player of her generation but of all-time, and after the string of performances she put together in 2015, she is one of the most dominant athletes playing today,” said Sports Illustrated (SI) Group Editor Paul Fichtenbaum. Williams was ranked number one every week for the second consecutive year, and her three successive

grand slam wins to start 2015 lifted her within one of Steffi Graf’s record 22 singles titles in the professional era. “This year was spectacular,” Williams said in a statement. "For Sports Illustrated to recognise my hard work, dedication and sheer determination with this award gives me hope to continue on and do better." Williams is the first woman to be recognised with the honour as an individual since Mary Decker in 1983, and the magazine took the opportunity to rename its award from Sportsman-ofthe-Year to Sportsperson-ofthe-Year. The magazine also cited Williams as a force off the court, using her broad platform to advocate for racial justice, gender equality and equal access to education around the world. It noted that Williams made a powerful statement by returning to play a tourTurn to page 23 ►

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Lanferman, Somerset to participate at CFU/MLS Combine in Curacao

Set for December 17-20, the MLS Combine will feature players from within the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) competing in front of professional scouts for an opportunity to earn an invitation to the annual Addidas MLS Player Combine in Florida, January 8-13, 2016. Guyana’s senior national team head coach, Jamaal Shabazz, selected the players following his assessment of the STAG Elite League (Genesis) and in keeping with the 18-22 years MLS Combine rule. Lanferman finished the League (Genesis) as the highest goalscorer (10), one more than Pele’s Gregory Richardson. He played a pivotal role in his club’s success this year, despite the team’s second place position in the League (Genesis) behind Slingerz Football Club.

Delon Lanferman

Jumane Somerset

The 20-year-old Lanferman is yet to make his Senior National team debut, though representing Guyana at the U-20 and U-23 levels. Standing at 6’ 2”, Somerset 22, is described as one of Guyana’s top defenders, but the player is also yet to

make his Golden Jaguars debut. Pele FC finished third in the STAG Elite League (Genesis) and conceded a total of 14 goals in their 16 matches played. Only league champions Slingerz FC (9) and Alpha United (11) con-

ceded fewer goals. The MLS Caribbean Combine is an annual showcase of Caribbean football talent, organised jointly by MLS and the CFU in 2013, with the inaugural combine being held in January 2014. ` The combine provides opportunities for Caribbean players to be observed by MLS scouts with the hopes of being invited to the MLS Combine, an invite-only showcase event held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida prior to the annual MLS SuperDraft. The combine is part of an agreement between the two entities as they try to promote football development throughout the Caribbean region Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson is the first and only Guyanese player to be signed by an MLS club following his 2009 deal with the Colorado Rapids.

Entries for KMTC Boxing Day meet close on Saturday RACE horse owners/ trainers are reminded that entries/registration for their animals for the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club Boxing Day meet at the Club’s facility, Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne Berbice, will be closed on Saturday. The feature event on the day’s card will be a one-mile race for horses classified `C and Lower’ (WA) and carries a first prize of $1M along with a trophy. The other top three finishers will receive $500 000, $250 000 and $125 000 respectively. The co-feature event is a six-furlong race for horses classified `E and Lower’ and has a first prize of $500 000 at stake. The second-, third- and fourth-place finishers will receive $250 000, $125 000 and $62 000 respectively. Three more six-furlong races are also carded for the day with one being for

horses classified `H1 and Lower another for `J3 and Lower horses and the other for horses classified `J1 and Lower’ and two-yearold Guyana-bred horses. One five-furlong race will be staged for `K1 and Lower (WA) horses. One other one-mile race will also be staged and this will be for horses classified `G1 and Lower’ and two-year-old (maiden) horses. The winner will be rewarded with $300 000 while the other top three performers will take home $150 000, $75 000 and $38 000 respectively. Owners/trainers who have not registered their horses for the event and would like to do so are asked to make contact with either C. Roopnarine Matadial (325-3192) or Ivan Dipnarine (3310316); Justice Kennard (623-7609, 225-4818 or 226-1399); Isabala Beaton (693-7812) or Dennis Deroop (609-9143).

Decision to bar Nakhid Samuels banned from from FIFA election upheld bowling for 12 months BERNE, Switzerland (Reuters) - Former Trinidad and Tobago player David Nakhid cannot run for the presidency of football's scandal-plagued governing body, FIFA, said the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). CAS explained in a statement yesterday that it had dismissed his appeal against a decision taken by FIFA's electoral committee on October 28 during which his candidacy was refused. Under the organisation's electoral rules, Nakhid needed written backing from five national football associations to be eligible for the Febryary 26 election that will decide who replaces outgoing president Sepp Blatter. The Trinidadian was barred from registering by FIFA's electoral committee because one association had signed letters of support for Nakhid and a rival candi-

date. Nakhid sought in his appeal the annulment of the decision and an order that his candidacy be reinstated. Last month FIFA's electoral committee said five candidates had passed integrity checks and were approved for the election. The five were Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan, Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa of Bahrain, former FIFA official Jerome Champagne of France, UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino of Switzerland and South African businessman Tokyo Sexwale. Musa Bility, head of Liberia's FA, was ruled out after he failed an integrity check. Nakhid's bid did not reach the stage of integrity checks and there has been no suggestion of being involved

Former T&T international footballer David Nahkid

in wrongdoing. FIFA is suffering the worst corruption scandal in its 100-plus year history, drawing in top officials and triggering investigations by U.S. and Swiss authorities. (Writing by Tim Collings; Editing by Tony Jimenez)

DUBAI (AFP) - West Indies all-rounder Marlon Samuels was yesterday handed a 12-month bowling ban by the International Cricket Council for an illegal action as the beleaguered Caribbean side were dealt another blow. Samuels, 34, had already been banned from bowling his quicker delivery in 2013 and his latest setback comes after he was forced to undergo an assessment after being reported by the umpires in the first Test defeat against Sri Lanka in Galle in October. "The assessment (which took place in Brisbane) revealed that Samuel's elbow extension exceeded 15 degrees while bowling and, thus, he employed an illegal bowling action," said a statement from the Dubai-based ICC.

West Indies cricketer Marlon Samuels, pictured in action on October 15, 2015, was forced to undergo an assessment.

"As this report constitutes the player's second suspension within a twoyear period, he is now automatically suspended from bowling in international cricket for a 12-month period." Samuels played as a batsman only in the West Indies' humiliating innings

and 212-run loss to Australia in the first Test in Hobart which ended inside three days in Hobart on Saturday. He has played 62 Tests for the West Indies, 177 ODIs and and 40 T20s taking 41, 85 and 19 wickets respectively with his gentle off-spin.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Grove, Soesdyke to clash in SUNBURST/EBFA Under-17 final DEFENDING champions Grove Hi Tech continue to roll over all opposition with a solid 12-1 whipping of Mocha Champs to book their place in the final of the SUNBURST/ East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Under-17 competition. Playing at home last Saturday, Grove were again in a no-nonsense mood as they took their tally of goals in the tournament to 30 from the previous 18. They have booked a date with Soesdyke Falcons who took down Herstelling Raiders in an epic battle, 4-3 in extra time. The star for the Timehri-based side that are getting better with every game was Tyrel Khan, who first netted the equalising goal after they found themselves trailing, before he found the winning goal in the second period of extra time to send his side into the final. They will face Grove for the second time in the tournament. Grove, having won all of the association’s junior tournaments last year, are yet to win any this year and are focused on making it

Tyrel Khan

right in the third tournament for 2015 having given up the Pee Wee Under-11 to Herstelling and the Under-13 to Agricola. However, the Under-17s are not in a mood to let this one go just yet, but will have to overcome the ever-improving Soesdyke Falcons in Saturday’s championship match. Rocking the nets for Grove were Alwyn Haynes who scored a hat-trick (25th, 48th & 64th); Nicholai Matthews (22nd & 40th), Gregory Stephens (55th & 62nd),

Grove Hi-Tech’s Denzil Crawford (left) in control for his team against Mocha Champs.

Goalkeeper Randy Smartt (17th), Threvon Pluck (36th), Tevin Millington (38th) and Denzil Crawford in the 44th minute. The first semifinal produced a fierce battle between Soesdyke and Herstelling with the latter easing into the lead from the penalty spot in the 5th minute and Daniel Nedd with a brace in the game, handing his side the initial advantage. That lead lasted some time but it was eventually nullified when Tyrel Khan, who also scored a double,

drew Soesdyke level in the 31st minute. Khan’s brother, Tyrone, put Soesdyke ahead in the penultimate minute before halftime (34th) from the penalty spot; a match as well and truly on. Herstelling, even with National Under-17 custodian Quazim Yussuf between the uprights, could not keep the Soesdyke boys at bay. It was Herstelling who equalised in the 48th minute, Nedd achieving his second of the match. Herstelling even re gained the lead following

a good period of play to go ahead 3-2, when Seon Alfred breached the Soesdyke defence and goalkeeper Dyonta Grant-Stuart in the 51st minute. But even as Herstelling went ahead with the minutes winding down, Soesdyke never let up their offensive ambitions and were rewarded with the equalising goal to tie the game at 3 in the 52nd minute thanks to a well-placed shot by Tavin Marshall. The remaining eight minutes of regulation time could

not separate the sides and based on the rules, 30 additional minutes in the form of extra time in two equal halves of 15 minutes each had to decide a winner. It was in the first period of extra time that Soesdyke sealed the deal; Tyrel Khan was the hero for his side when he blasted his shot past Yussuf in the 83rd minute. Soesdyke were able to defend that advantage for the remaining 17 minutes to secure their date with Grove in Saturday’s final.

Cricket for Unity Finn to join England gets the green light squad in South Africa LEGACY and 007 Promotions, in collaboration with corporate sponsors and support from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) will hold a day of fun and frolic for the entire family at the Providence Stadium on Saturday, January 30. The event will climax with a scintillating T20 match under lights involving the Caribbean’s best T20 cricketers. Last week the organisers received a letter of approval from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for the game which will see some of the biggest names in West Indies cricket in action for the winner’s prize of $1M dollars and the President’s Trophy. Lendl Simmons, Dwayne

Smith, Darren Sammy, Andre Russell, Krismar Santokie and Nicolas Pooran are expected to be in action for the All-Star team which will face a President’s XI under lights. The organisers are also expecting confirmation from three of the top T20 players in World by early next year. The event, which is to be launched soon, will see the likes of Leon Johnson, Rajendra Chandrika, Chris Barnwell, Jonathon Foo, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Anthony Bramble, Steven Jacobs, Raymon Reifer, Jevon Searles and Shivnarine Chanderpaul participate while there will also be softball cricket from some of the country’s leading teams in both male and female categories with the softball final also to be played under lights.

According the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Event, former Under-19 off-spinner Sean Devers, the fun will begin as early as 10:00hrs and will include Ferris wheels, trampolines and other activities for children. Devers disclosed that tickets will go on sale early next year to allow fans the opportunity to be prepared at their earliest. Devers said, “This is an ideal occasion to bring out the young, the old and the in-between for a New Year’s treat and come back in the evening or stay the entire day to see international cricketers display their talent in T20 cricket which has captured the interest of many young fans who have little passion for Test cricket.”

LONDON, (Reuters)-England have added fast bowler Steven Finn to their squad for the fourmatch series in South Africa that starts with the first test on Boxing Day. He was initially left out because of a foot injury but proved his fitness on the England Lions tour of the United Arab Emirates, playing in two Twenty20s against Pakistan A last weekend. "I've been really pleased with the way things have gone with the Lions," Finn said in a news release yesterday. "I've bowled my overs and my foot has come through fine. I'm excited by

the prospect of linking up with the team out in South Africa." Finn, 26, played the last of his 26 Tests against Australia at the Oval in August.

The second test against South Africa will be played in Cape Town from Jan. 2,, with further matches in Johannesburg (Jan. 14-18) and Pretoria (Jan. 22-26).

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday November 03, 2015) COMPLIMENTS OF: THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE 176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) WI vs AUST, Brisbane, 1960-61 (2) Rajendra Chandrika & Devendra Bishoo

Today’s Quiz: (1) Name the two WI players with Test debut tons at Bourda? (2) Which WI player was called ‘The Black Bradman’? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Ramjattan preaches ‘discipline’ as 5th Banks/GFA League kicks off

... GPF, Western Tigers advance to next round

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, kicks off the GFA Banks Beer Tournament. (Samuel Maughn photo)

By Stephan Sookram THE Georgetown Football Association on Sunday evening kicked off the 5th edition of the Banks Beer Knockout Cup at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, with the watchword for the two-week tournament being ‘Discipline’. This was the main word in the keynote address by

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, who officially declared the proceedings open following a march past of the 16 participating teams. Ramjattan said, “To know that so many young people here are involved tells me that the order and discipline that we require of our players is going to come very soon.” Director of Sport Chris-

Red Force, Windward Islands Volcanoes play to tame draw TRINIDAD and Tobago Red Force and the Windward Islands Volcanoes played to a tame draw when their West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) regional four-day encounter ended at the Beausejour Cricket Ground, Gros-Islet, St Lucia yesterday. Facing a deficit of 76, after resuming at their overnight two without loss, the Volcanoes opted to bat the entire day, ending on 198 for eight when stumps were drawn. Final scores were: Windward Islands Volcanoes 306 and 198; T&T Red Force 382. The Volcanoes suffered an early setback, losing the wicket of opener Tyron Theophile (one), caught by Yannick Cariah, with just seven runs on the board and also while Miles Bascombe (21) and Johnson Charles (seven) before they had cleared the deficit. Opener Devon Smith, with a solid knock of 56, which included three fours in 215 minutes, however steadied the middle-order, keeping the mainly spin attack at bay. When Smith departed at 149 for six, T&T Red Force’s hopes of forcing an outright win grew but determined knocks by Shane Shillignford (34) Andre Fletcher (29) and Kevin McLean (24) thwarted their efforts. There were two wickets each for Marlon Richards, Narsingh Deonarine, Imran Khan and Akeil Hosein for 17, 27, 38 and 82 runs respectively. T&T Red Force’s Yannick Ottley was adjudged man-ofthe-match for his unbeaten 99 in his team’s second innings. T&T Red Force will oppose leaders Guyana Jaguars at the Guyana National Stadium while Windward Islands Volcanoes battle Barbados Pride at the Kensington Oval, Barbados from February 12, 201s next when the tournament resumes.

topher Jones chimed in by adding. “We are committed to supporting your best interests. So congratulations to the GFA. We look forward

to seeing the level of professionalism and discipline on the field,” Banks Brand Manager Brian Choo-Hen indicated that his company is more than committed to the sponsoring of the year-end tournament because they have noticed the success “You are the catalyst for change for football. Your attitude will determine the fans that will support you. Your attitude will determine the sponsorship of Banks DIH and other stakeholders,’ commented GFA president Clifton Hicken. Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were the first team to advance to the next round of competition after they beat Eastveldt United 2-1.

Leeron Charles opened the scoring for Police in the fifth minute with a penalty shot, after which the Eastveldt side responded three minutes later via the same method when David George’s shot from the spot beat the goalkeeper. The game continued onward with both sides failing to capitalize on their chances; first half bringing no decider. Late in the second half, however, (89th minute) Police solidly sealed the deal thanks to a driving shot from Keron Boston. In game two, the Western Tigers demolished Hope FC 6-1 in a one-sided contest. The physical Western side exerted their dominance in play from the whistle,

looking to overwhelm the Berbice side which they did comfortably. Dwayne Ali opened the floodgates in the 21st minute before Rondolph Wagner netted the second in the 39th. A 60th minute strike from Daron Benjamin, a second for Wagner in the 70th and a back-to-back strike by Jamal Pedro (72nd and 85th) meant that the Tigers are now the team to watch in the twoweek tournament. Matches resume on Saturday, December 19, at the Number Five ground West Coast, Berbice at 19:00hrs where Blackwater United will take on New Amsterdam United while Rosignol United lock horns with Cougars FC.

GFF president pays tribute to football stalwarts from Linden

… Solomon makes pitch for FIFA Goal Project in Region 10 By Joe Chapman PRESIDENT of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde, speaking at the opening ceremony of the Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA) ‘GT Beer’ Football championship at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground on Sunday, paid tribute to the past players from the mining town who have done the town proud. “Players like Neville Johnson, the Hutson brothers, Collie Hercules, Charles Pollard; those individuals who have graced this venue have brought much entertainment to the crowds.” Forde said and his statement was greeted by loud cheers by the packed venue. Forde added, “I also would like to announce to the entire public, the executive body of the UDFA, the relationship that Linden would have enjoyed with previous executive bodies will improve dramatically. We see Linden as a significant force within the football family. Just after being banned

and being able to pick themselves up at this point - it is almost two tournaments - is an example I hope that the rest of the football family will take an example from. The GFF boss, addressing the opening which was attended by Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters and Banks Linden Branch Manager Shondell Easton, continued “The UDFA is one of those associations that over the past decades would have demonstrated the capacity to give Guyana not only talented footballers, but we hope that we can continue to do so and with the grace of Almighty God, we will continue to do so”. Pitching in on the acknowledgements and the achievements put forward by Forde, the UDFA president Sharma Solomon wasted no time in highlighting the association’s intention to improve the infrastructure. He said they are pursuing the GFF, as they have done over the past couple of years, to bring that ‘special Goal Project to the Upper Demerara Football

At left, GFF president Wayne Forde about to kick the ball to Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters, as UDFA Organising Secretary Vanessa Kissoon and UDFA president Sharma Solomon look on.

Association. He stated that then UDFA was always proactive in helping the sport and the footballers. Solomon stated that Banks DIH, through its GT Beer brand has invested heavily towards the development of football and he pleaded with the players, adding, “We ask of you, with that sort of commitment, that we stand with you to demonstrate to you that leadership to move this asso-

ciation forward requires that commitment, even from you our players. We are looking at almost $12M injected in the past years into our players and it is not only $12M” With that in mind, Solomon hoped that with this tournament returning to Region 10 (Upper Demerara) it will produce not only talented players but it can give to Guyana the showpiece that we have given for the past several decades.

GFF president pays tribute to football stalwarts from Linden 27

Vasco, Train Line through to UDFA/GT Beer quarter-finals

Se Storye Page on 23

Goalscorers for Kwakwani Strikers from left - Shane Adams, Ray Leacock and Dale Sauers.

Train Line goalscorers Shawn Stephens (L) and Anil Hatton.

Motie (six for 33) spins Guyana Jaguars to 117-run victory GUYANA Jaguars maintained their unbeaten run in the 2015 West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) regional four-day tournament with a crushing 117-run victory over Jamaica Scorpions on the final day at Sabina Park, Jamaica yesterday. Led by a man-of-the-match performance from left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, the Jamaican Scorpions were routed for 208 in pursuit of a challenging 326 for an unlikely victory. Final scores were: Guyana Jaguars 189 and 282; Jamaican Scorpions 146 and 208. Motie, who is in the midst of a phenomenal debut season,

captured an amazing six for 33 from 23.3 overs as the Jamaican Scorpions found no answer to his subtle guile and flight. It also marks his second six-wicket haul of the season, following the six for 20 he claimed against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Guyana National Stadium on November 13 last. The former Guyana and West Indies Under-19 bowler, who hails from Albion Cricket Club, has now taken his tally of wickets in the tournament to an incredible 34 with five matches still remaining. Resuming at their overnight 82 for three, the Jamaican Scorpions were immediately under

severe pressure, losing overnight batsman Devon Thomas, caught and bowled by fast bowler Keon Joseph for 30 with the addition of just 18 runs. It was the Motie show thereafter as the slimly-built spinner befuddled the Jamaica Scorpions middle and lower-order. Apart from Thomas, no other batsmen reached 30 with Raymon Powell and Sheldon Cottrell hitting 23 each. Off-spinner Stephen Jacobs supported Motie with two for 38 from 26 overs. The victory allowed the Guyana Jaguars to surge to 85 points, 23 clear of second-placed Barbados Pride on 63. The Scorpions are third on 63 with T&T Red Force on 37, Windward Islands

Volcanoes on 29 and the Leeward Islands Hurricanes languishing on 13. The game also saw history being created with Jamaican Jacqueline Williams being the first woman to ever officiate in a WICB four-day tournament. She stood alongside Trinidadian Peter Nero. After the end of fifth round matches yesterday, Guyana lead the points table on 85, Barbados Pride in second position on 63, followed by Jamaica Scorpions on 53, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force on 37, Windwards Volcanoes on 29 and Leewards Hurricanes in the cellar with 13 points. The four-day tournament will resume on February 11, 2016 after a break for the Christmas season and the NAG-

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Gudakesh Motie has now taken his tally of wickets to 34.

ICO 50-over limited overs tournament, set to commence on January 7 next. The Jaguars will however be in action from February 12 when they oppose T&T Red Force at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2015