Chronicle 12 28 2015

MORE PARDONS No. 104415

MONDAY DECEMBER 28, 2015

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

– likely for minor offenders in May

3

P.

Going against the tide These brave fishermen were up against the tide as they battled to unmoor their boat yesterday afternoon at the Kingston seawall (Samuel Maughn photo)

Sex worker violence being tackled frontally 2 P.

Teen kills father of two 2

P.

Bandits target Berbice doctors 7

P.

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 28, 2015

Sex worker violence being tackled frontally

By Derwayne Wills THE SOCIETY Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) has undertaken to tackle attacks and murders against sex workers in Guyana.

Recently, and in keeping with the December 17 International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, SASOD, along with the Advancing Partners and Communities (APC)-Guyana Project, hosted yet another session of its “Lunch Talk”, focusing on eliminating violence against sex workers.

In its one-hour Lunch Talk session, hosted on the international day of observance, the LGBT advocacy group engaged stakeholders in the human rights and legal fraternities, as well as persons from the sex workers’ community.

Sex work, according

to panellist and attorney-at-law Emily Dodson, is among the oldest professions in human history.

SASOD in a press release noted that Guyana’s laws do not prohibit sex work, which is the exchange of sexual relations for money and other benefits. It added that any legislation aiming to prohibit sex work, “would be deemed unconstitutional.”

Dodson, a former President of the Guyana Women Lawyers’ Association, cited Article 22 (I) of Guyana’s Constitution, which prescribes: “Every citizen has the right to be rewarded according to the nature, quality and quantity of his or her work; equal pay for equal work, or work of equal value, under just conditions of work.”

The release further cited Article 22 (II), which states

that “Every citizen who is able to work has a duty to work.”

Further, provisions protecting workers’ rights were cited in the release, from Article 149 of the country’s Constitution, which protects males or females from being “hindered in the enjoyment of his or her right to work.”

This provision, according to the SASOD release, extends to the person’s freedom of choice in their employment.

“It is a man living off the earnings, running a bawdy house or brothel and

other offences related to sex work that have been deemed illegal, but the actual sex work is not being deemed illegal,” the press release noted.

The lawyer said that those provisions exist in sections 165-166 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act. Dodson maintained, “Whatever is done by consenting adults in the privacy of their homes is nobody’s business.”

Cracey Fernandes, of the Caribbean Vulnera-

ble Communities Coalition (CVCC), another panellist on the Lunch Time session, called for “Constitutional reform to strengthen the rights of all Guyanese and to foster a more supportive society.”

He, similarly, called for, “Increased public awareness and training for service providers, including police and healthcare professionals.”

Miriam Edwards, panellist from the Guyana Sex Workers Coalition urged, “More support, cooperation

and work with local institutions, particularly the Guyana Police Force,” matched Fernandes’s calls.

She gave examples of disdain and reject from police officers to sex workers who were abused by clients, and she even spoke of some cases where officers themselves commit assaults.

Edwards indicated that the Force needs to be educated on the laws, and even on their sense of responsibility, to serve all citizens regardless of their occupation.

Teen kills father of two

By Rabindra Rooplall

A TEENAGER is in police custody after reportedly stabbing to death a father

of two at Cemetery Road, Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara (ECD) after the lad was accosted over a recent house break-

in yesterday.

The dead man has been identified as 28-year-old minibus conductor Kevon Marvin George of 1015,

Bare Root, ECD. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

His alleged assailant, a 15-year-old juvenile whose name has not been released because of his age, is in police custody. He was taken to the police station by his father after the stabbing.

Reports indicate that George had been involved in an argument with the lad at Bachelor’s Adventure at approximately 07:30hrs on Sunday morning when he was stabbed to his eyes and throat.

The dead man’s mother, Minerva Nieuenkerk, told this publication that the entire situation started when the teenager reportedly stole some items from her grandson, Clifton Wills, who resides in another lot behind her premises.

“He broke into my daughter’s house and stole my grandson computer, sign printing machine and other things. This boy is always bad news, he make his own mother run off and walking the street,” Nieuenkerk said.

The mother of seven further explained that the items were stolen on December, 8, 2015, on her grandson’s birthday.

“After he do that, his (the juvenile’s) father called my grandson and give him back the machine, a battery and something else. He didn’t

give back all the items, so this morning (yesterday) my grandson asked him, ‘boy what happen to the rest of things?’ and he replied, cursing up and saying he done break the house what y’all will do about it,” she recalled.

DID NOT KNOW The distressed mother stressed that if she had known that her son was heading out of the house for a confrontation, she would never have allowed him to go there.

“I won’t have allowed him to go out for that, because I told my grandson he needs to go back to the police station. I didn’t expect my son was going on the road for that reason,” the woman said.

This inconsolable mother was quick to call for justice after her son’s murder.

Meanwhile, the dead man’s twin brother, Kevin George, said his brother had overheard the complaint made by Wills pertaining to the stolen item, and had decided to jump on a bicycle and head towards the teen, with whom an argument ensued, resulting in him being stabbed several times to the neck and face.

“Before this man left the house, all he said was he was coming back just now. He normally goes early on the road every day to walk his bird, so we never suspected he was going for anything

Dead: Kevon Marvin George

else,” the twin brother said in tears.

“I lose my brother now.

When I hear the news and rush to my brother and was talking to him is sheer blood running through my fingers.

There was no assistance given from anyone, family come from over the river and reach before the police to carry the body.”

With tears flowing down his face, the twin said he is seeking justice for his brother’s demise, and expects the police and judiciary to act swiftly in the matter.

He reflected that the teen is known in the village as a troublemaker, but he had previously offered the lad assistance when he allowed him to weed his yard on a monthly basis for a fee. “Is just because I know him as a youth in the area I gave him the work,” he said.

MORE PARDONS

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 28, 2015

– likely for minor offenders in May

By Svetlana Marshall MORE young men and women who have been incarcerated for minor offences are likely to be pardoned by President David Granger in May, when Guyana celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The President gave the hint during his weekly televised programme – The Public Interest – aired on Thursday.

“Maybe in May 2016, when the opportunity comes again, there might be young men and other girls who may not be mothers, who might be considered,” he said.

Already, 71 prisoners

have been granted presidential pardon under the APNU+AFC Government.

It was explained that those who have been, and will be, pardoned are offenders who would have been sentenced for non-violent offences or minor misdemeanours that do not involve trafficking in persons or trafficking in narcotics.

Approximately one week before Christmas, the President pardoned 11 young mothers, saying children should not be separated from their mothers, especially around the Christmas Season. Despite the views of critics, President Granger has said his decision is an act

of “compassion”.

“Some people tend to confuse (the pardon) with the prerogative of mercy.

The Constitution has permitted me to act, and everything I have done so far is in accordance with the Constitution,” President Granger has said.

The Government, in May, took a decision to free 60 prisoners between the ages of 18 and 25, who were sentenced for minor misdemeanours. It is the view of President Granger that young people should be in pursuit of higher learning, as against being locked away in prison.

Pardoned offenders are

President David Granger

expected to participate in rehabilitative programmes that would help them to effectively reintegrate into society. It is the hope of the President and his Adminis-

tration that those who have been, and will be, given a second chance make a meaningful contribution to the development of Guyana.

Social activist Sherlina Nageer has come out in support of President Granger’s heavily criticised decision to pardon young men and women who have been locked away for minor offences.

Nageer, who has been at the forefront in the fight for equality and women’s rights, told this newspaper that, in some instances, both men and women are unjustly imprisoned for petty, non-violent crimes, while the “bigger fishes are left to walk free”.

These petty “criminals”, she said, especially women, are driven to commit illegal

acts out of economic desperation. “When they are jailed, their children and families suffer even more, and society ends up paying an even bigger price down the line.

This is not justice at all,” she contended.

Nageer is of the opinion that Guyana’s justice system needs an overhaul. “There are no standards; magistrates operate willy-nilly. Also, more needs to be done to prevent folks from ending up under such pressure in the first place,” the social activist pointed out.

She said greater attention has to be paid to financially empower women, youths and other vulnerable groups, so as to give them an alternative to the crooked path.

Bartica equipped to be clean and green

The Byderabo dumpsite which has been of major concern to residents

munities.

The multimillion-dollar dump truck and excavator that were handed over to the IMC by the Ministry of Communities

IN keeping with the promise to transform Bartica into a model town, the Ministry of Communities recently handed over $60M worth of equipment and receptacles to the new Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Bartica Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), to assist with the collection of garbage.

One dump truck, one excavator, 30 large plastic bins and 3,000 garbage bags were among the items handed over to the IMC. General Sanitation, a private solid-waste disposal company, currently collects garbage in Bartica, but at a

cost. However, during an interview with Guyana Chronicle yesterday, IMC Chairman Gifford Marshall said that, starting from January 11, the dump truck would be in full operation at no cost to the residents.

“Tax payers should not be made to pay twice, hence the truck will be servicing Agatash, Central Bartica, the West Indian Housing Scheme, Caribbese Housing Scheme, Potaro Road and the Four Miles Housing Scheme free of charge,” he explained.

‘WORKABLE SCHEDULE’ Ahead of the commencement date, the operators at-

tached to the local organ will undergo extensive training, which would allow them to effectively operate the dump truck and the excavator. Additionally, the IMC would be in consultation with the identified communities to formulate a “workable schedule.”

“Previously, the community was given a single tractor by the PPP/C Government to pick up garbage, but there was no schedule in place,” Marshall explained.

In addition to the collection of garbage, the IMC Chairman said, within days, the garbage receptacles would be placed at strategic locations throughout Bartica and in neighbouring com-

UTILISE THE BINS “The task we have in cleaning up Bartica; no one person can do it, we must work together to make Bartica clean, green and pristine. So I am urging all of Bartica to utilise the bins, to utilise our garbage collection service, and let’s make Bartica a litter-free zone,” he urged.

In addition to the $60M in equipment, 12 heavy-duty bins have been given to the IMC by government, but they are still to be transported to Bartica. The IMC has also received 12 palm plants for its Community Enhancement Project.

As the IMC plays a critical role in cleaning up Bartica, the government through Minister of Communities Ronald Bul-

kan and Presidential Advisor on the Environment, Rear Admiral Gary Best, are working on a project to establish a new landfill site in Bartica.

The current site at Byderabo is considered by residents to be a major health threat. In the past, garbage lined the road leading to the dump site. However, the IMC has managed to clear the debris off the road, but the site remains a health hazard.

“Minister Bulkan and Rear Admirable Best are vigorously working on a programme to have all that garbage removed from there and relocated to a landfill site at Four Miles, Potaro Road. There will be a number of cells and the area would be re-greened by March 2016,” Marshall said as he gave an insight into the ongoing project.

According to him, this is

IMC Chairman in Bartica Gifford Marshall

a step in the right direction, since for too long Bartica has been struggling to dispose of its waste in a safe and healthy manner.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday December 28, 2015

Iraqi forces ‘retake IS Ramadi bastion’

IRAQI forces have retaken a former government compound in Ramadi from where Islamic State (IS) group militants have been resisting an army offensive, the military has said.

The complex was “under complete control” and there was no sign of IS fighters, a spokesman said.

He said this heralded the defeat of IS in the city, although he admitted there could be pockets of resistance.

The government has been trying to retake Ramadi for weeks.

The mainly Sunni Arab city, about 55 miles (90km) west of Baghdad, fell to IS in May, and was seen as an embarrassing defeat for the army.

In recent days, troops have been picking their way through booby-trapped streets and buildings as they pushed towards the city centre, seizing several districts on the way.

After sniper fire from the compound stopped and aerial surveillance detected no human activity, Iraqi soldiers moved in.

The military spokesman, Sabah al-Numani,

told Reuters: “The complex is under our complete control, there is no presence whatsoever of [IS] fighters in the complex.

“By controlling the complex this means that they have been defeated in Ramadi. The next step is to clear pockets that could exist here or there in the city.”

There had been no clear indications of the number of IS militants who had been defending the city, although some reports put it at around 400. No official toll of Iraqi army casualties has been given.

The Iraqi military believes the remaining militants have headed northeast; with fighting also reported to be under way to the south-west of the compound.

General Ismail al-Mahlawi, head of Anbar military operations, told Associated Press that the fighting had been tough given IS’s use of suicide bombers, snipers and booby traps.

Concern also remains for the plight of hundreds of families who have been trapped on the frontline, the BBC’s Thomas Fessy

The operation to retake Ramadi has proceeded cautiously amid fear of booby traps

reports from Baghdad.

Although the full extent of the situation on the ground remains unclear, Agence France-Presse reported there had been celebrations on the streets of a number of Iraqi cities.

The operation to recapture Ramadi began in early November, but made slow progress, mainly because the government chose not to use

DATE: 16/12/2015 M 18 08 28 19 24 23 09

22/12/2015

11

06

25

the powerful Shia-dominated paramilitary force

that helped it regain the northern city of Tikrit, to

avoid increasing sectarian tensions. (BBC News)

Storms slam central U.S.

AT least 11 people were killed in the Dallas area from a storm system packing torrential rains and unleashing a string of tornadoes that toppled homes, cut power lines and snarled transport for people returning from the Christmas holidays.

The worst-hit area was in Garland, northeast of Dallas, where eight people were killed, cars blown off highways and homes flattened, officials said on Sunday.

Three other deaths were reported in the Dallas metro area, the nation’s fourth most populous, with about seven million people. Scores of people were injured in the region, officials said.

“It is total devastation,” said Garland Police spokesman Lieutenant Pedro Barineau. “It is a very difficult time to be struck by such a horrible storm the day after Christmas.”

Five of the deaths in Garland were believed to have been related to vehicles having been struck by a tornado near State Highway 190 and Interstate 30.

More than 600 structures in North Texas suffered damage from the tornadoes and storms, officials said.

Five tornadoes were reported in Texas and one in Oklahoma on Saturday, the National Weather Service said. More could be on their way on Sunday, said the service, which has issued a tornado watch for several Houston-area counties.

The service has also issued severe weather warning for large parts of the central United States on Sunday that include a blizzard warning for parts of New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas and a flash flood watch stretching from Texas to Ohio.

As of 09:00 hrs Central Time on Sunday, there were about 440 flights canceled in the United States, according to tracking service FlightAware.com, with more than half being in Dallas, a major U.S. flight hub. (Reuters)

05

14

22/12/2015

7

6

4

22/12/2015

21

05 02 14

10 18

16

Tensi onboi l edaf t ersome300passenger swer est r andedi nt he Essequi boRi veraboar dt heMVKanawanf orsever alhour s af t eri tr ani nt oasandbank.Thepassenger saccor di ngt or epor t s hadt ober escuedbyanot hervessel ,t heMVMal al i

6

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams

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

Editorial

No longer the garbage city THE collaboration by the Government of Guyana (GoG) and the City Council (M&CC) on a restoration programme for Georgetown is commendable.

The Independence Arch on Brickdam, donated to the Government by the Demerara Bauxite Company in 1966, had been in poor condition and was not reflective of one of the most important milestones in this nation’s development. Thus it was pleasing to the eyes, and was indeed a befitting way of marking the nation’s 49th Independence anniversary, when the restoration of this site and its environs was among the first priorities of this restoration programme.

As one strolls, walks, jogs or drives through the city, one sees marked improvements in its appearance. Areas like the Merriman Mall have been re-developed; existing trees have been pruned, new trees have been planted, seats have been erected, old seats have been refurbished, and the canals are being desilted.

This Christmas has seen the lighting of a Christmas tree which attracted a sizeable audience. The creation of play areas with slides, sea-saws, swings, trampoline, etc. has seen families, friends and lovers enjoying each other, the ambience and facilities; and children playing away from vehicular traffic.

The improvement of the mall is a fitting tribute to the memory of the late Claude Merriam, in whose honour it is named. He was the city’s mayor and first Minister of Labour in independent Guyana. A pioneer of sorts, he established the Merriman Funeral Home, which still remains one of Guyana’s leading funeral homes. As Minister of Labour, he partnered with the Guyana Trades Union Congress and secured, from the International Labour Organisation, technical assistance which led to the establishment of the Critchlow Labour College.

When places are named in persons’ honour, credit is done to their legacy when the values they stood for in life, including their visions and achievements, are preserved and reflected on in a manner acceptable to society. In this instance, it means the upgrading and beautification of the mall should at least be maintained, and at best improved upon along the way.

Deforestation of the Le Repentir Cemetery, the Caribbean’s largest, is another pleasing sight. Though the history behind the land’s original ownership and its naming has to do with the story of enmity between two brothers and repentance of the surviving, this cemetery has within its bosom the earthly remains of many Guyanese loved ones. There was no justification in having

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday December 28, 2015

Man brutalises lover, commits suicide

By Rabindra Rooplall

A ROCKY relationship ended with a spurned lover committing suicide, after leaving behind a note for his 16-year-old partner at his best friend’s home in Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

There, on Boxing Day, he ended their four-year relationship by taking his life.

The body of 21-year-old Lorenzo James of 238 Duncan Street, Campbellville is currently at the Lyken Funeral Parlour. His friend is in police custody assisting with investigations.

Sources close to the investigation disclosed that James visited his 16-year-old girlfriend’s home at Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara on Christmas night while the teen’s mother was at work.

The mother is a security guard in Georgetown.

James had an argument with his partner in the home, and he decided to strip her naked, then proceeded to sexually and physically abuse her.

“He locked her up in the house, raped her, bust up she head and cuff her in the face while having her kneel before him chanting that she must not mess around him or his family because she will pay the price,” the investigator revealed.

During the entire ordeal, the teen’s mother called her cell phone but got no answer.

DISTRESS CALL Subsequently, the young lady returned a call to her mother’s cell phone to say, “Mommy, I am calling you to tell you that I love you and this is the last time you

Suicide victim: will be hearing from me.”

The traumatised mother then called a neighbour to check on her daughter, but music was blaring and the neighbour could not gain the attention of anyone inside the house.

Upon informing the mother of the situation, the mother abandoned her security post and summoned a taxi; and while on her way home, stopped at the Grove Police Station, where she made a report.

She was told by a police officer that she would have to go home and confirm what was happening then return.

Upon reaching her destination, she was greeted by loud music emanating from her home. The taxi driver, who is a former soldier, assisted the mother after futile attempts to gain entry into the house. With the assistance of another concerned citizen, he broke down the door, making possible entry into the home.

their resting place unkempt, given that our cultural values are steeped in love for family, reverence for the dead, and belief in the afterlife.

The cleaning of the avenues and drains is encouraging.

The Botanical Gardens, too, is deserving of mention, given the tremendous work that continues to be done to restore it to its former glory. The planned restoration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites’ City Hall (completed in 1889) and the St. George’s Cathedral (completed in 1899), one of the world’s highest wooden buildings, to their original architecture would add fillip to the tourist industry.

There is still work to be done, and this cannot be denied.

However, day by day, the garbage city sinks deeper as the Garden City is being pulled from beneath it. Orderliness is being restored daily. The improvement in solid waste

Lorenzo James James was found shirtless with a knife in his hands.

He tried to escape but was apprehended and turned over to the Grove Police Station, from whence he subsequently escaped.

“The young lady was naked and bleeding, and there were bruises all over her body and blood about the area. She was eventually taken to the GPHC for a medical, after she had been taken to the Brickdam Police Station, where she received a call from James’s friend, informing her that he had drunk poison,” the investigator said.

SHOCK James’s father, Lorenzo James Sr, was shocked at what occurred, while his mother was inconsolable.

The senior James said that although his son had had a relationship with the young lady for the past four years, he had met her only six months ago, since they had

been living together at one point.

“I last saw my son on 24th December, and I leave at 10:00 am to go to Ogle Airport to go into the North West District. I never knew he had any problem. I never knew the girl personally, it was just ‘hi and bye’,” the elder James pointed out.

He explained that his son had never spoken of any issue; but, years ago, he had had a problem in the relationship, but the problem was sorted out. Other family members and relatives noted that the girl’s mother had encouraged the relationship, since James Jnr had loved the girl very much.

“The man spends all his money on them. He even helped out with painting the house at one time. Majority of the time he would sleep over at the house. What kind of mother would allow such a thing with her young daughter if she didn’t know it was something serious?” one relative asked.

Another relative, to substantiate the contention that the girl’s mother had encouraged the relationship, brought out the cell phone of the late Lorenzo Jnr to show it was filled with text messages between the teenagers, and in some instances angry exchanges, with the teen’s mother texting him a ban from the home.

“They had a quarrelsome relationship because the mother knows her daughter is a ‘regular’ girl that would be dealing with other persons while in a relationship with Lorenzo. Is years now these two are together -- four years now -and this is the end result,” one relative lamented.

management, including the sweeping of the streets, has realised significant reduction in the stench that once permeated the environment and gave rise to concern of an epidemic. Some recently constructed buildings are, no doubt, not pleasing to the eyes, and some of them have violated building and residency codes and have encroached on city council’s reserves.

It is hoped that, as the restoration programme continues and picks up more steam, these factors are considered and systems put in place to preserve what is being done.

Notably, the beauty and maintenance of a city, or any area for that matter, are heavily reliant on respect for and enforcement of the by-laws set out therein. In the meantime, all Guyanese and tourists are encouraged to enjoy our city, keep it clean, obey the by-laws, and invite others to enjoy.

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday December 28, 2015

Bandits target Berbice doctors

DESPERATE home intruders have broken into the homes of two doctors between Saturday night and Sunday morning, carting off an undisclosed sum in cash and other valuables.

According to reports, the bandits were trying to gain entry into the quarters of two Cuban doctors for some time now, before changing their target.

The Cuban doctors say that between Saturday night and Sunday morning, persons tried to gain entry to their home by knocking out a few floor boards.

This was after the robbers made an attempt two nights before, when they removed a window from the house situated at Vryman’s Ervin, New Amsterdam.

On Sunday morning, a man was also seen next to the fence of the house the Cubans occupy. He was dressed in black.

On Saturday evening, an apartment occupied

by Dr Vanessa Chan was burglarised in her absence.

Reports are that she left home just before nightfall, but received a telephone call about four hours after, informing her that her living quarters was broken into.

Dr Chan said that when she arrived home,

police were already at the scene conducting investigations.

The police reportedly found the door open and items scattered inside the lower flat of the two-storey building.

Jewellery, a wedding ring, passports, a DVD p l a y e r, a t a b l e t , t w o laptops, a digital photo viewer, and certificates along with other items, were removed from her quarters.

The robbers gained entry into the home by breaking the lock on the front door, after failing to get in through a window at the back of the house.

The bandits also tried to enter the upper flat of the building occupied by Dr Mohamed Yacoob. One window was removed, but bars prevented them from going further. They were, however, able to steal keys that were on a table near the window.

NOT AT HOME Dr Yacoob was not then at home. According to him, he was trying to avoid the loud music which was coming from a nearby house.

Reports are that police had earlier arrived at the doctor’s quarters in response to a break and enter report but a guard on duty, who was unaware

--robber caught exiting through window

The home where Dr Kester Persaud lives

of what was happening, told the police that all was okay. The report the police received had come from someone residing in the street next to the doctor’s quarters.

The police, however, returned to the scene after the guard had confirmed that one apartment under her watch was burglarised.

By then, the perpetrators had made good their

The house at which the robber was caught exiting through the window

escape.

Several hours later, another guard was confronted by two men leaving the lower flat of the building in which the doctors reside.

According to reports, at about 03:30h on Sunday, a security guard reported that two men had jumped a fence to get out of the yard in which Dr Kester Persaud lives.

The guard later discov-

ered that the back door to the house was opened, and called on the doctor, who was asleep.

The doctor lost a laptop, wrist watch, jewellery and a wallet containing bank cards, cash and his driver’s licence.

Meanwhile, a man was nabbed by police on Christmas morning as he was attempting to leave the home of a government employee

who lives in Vryman’s Ervin.

Police were alerted that a man had entered the home, and when they arrived at the scene, the robber was leaving through a window.

A bag containing a quantity of household items was discovered next to the window. No one was at home at the time.

A scene at Dr Chan’s ransacked apartment

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 28, 2015

Ramada brings joy to orphans THE GIRLS of St Ann’s Orphanage in Georgetown got a very special Christmas treat from the management of the Ramada Georgetown Princess, and they provided Christmas entertainment in return.

Ramada Georgetown Princess General Manager Uger Turetgen, accompanied by Sales and

Marketing Director Petal Ridley, visited the orphanage to spread Christmas cheer, but were moved by the impassioned and heartfelt singing from the girls. The girls all gathered around the Christmas tree and spread some Christmas cheer of their own, moving General Manager Uger Turetgen to promise to return on Christmas Day

with more gifts.

The team from the Ramada took gifts for each girl, and the hotel’s chef prepared a special meal for them as well. Speaking at the simple ceremony for the handing over of the gifts, Turetgen said, “This event was just a start; Ramada will be rolling out the new brand, and will be building stronger relationships in the

Ramada Georgetown Princess General Manager Uger Turetgen and Sales and Marketing Director Petal Ridley with the girls of St Ann’s Orphanage

local communities.”

He added, “The Ramada management has already identified youth activities in the community, including sports and culture, for its support in 2016”.

The roll-out of the Ra-

mada brand has begun, and Sales and Marketing Director Petal Ridley has said, “Christmas is the best time for us to give back, and to signal the Ramada presence”.

She said “…custom-

ers, both local and international, can expect substantially improved facilities and services.

And the community, especially organisations like St Ann’s, can expect more from Ramada”.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 28, 2015

Guyana achieves COP21 agenda THE Guyana delegation to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference (COP21), held earlier this month in France, attained its agenda to secure a legally binding Paris Agreement to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and protect vulnerable states.

Guyana’s principal objectives going into the negotiations were to secure a legally binding agreement, a long-term goal for deep emissions’ cuts consistent with a 1.5 degree warming pathway, led by developed countries.

It also sought an article that anchored REDD Plus and previously approved

COP decisions in the agreement, provision of finance to help developing countries combat climate change, using $100B as a floor to scale up from 2020, anchoring the loss and damage mechanism in the agreement, and the provision in the agreement for special consideration for low-lying coastal countries and small islands (SIDS) in terms of finance, mitigation commitments, and reporting.

While centred on the larger negotiations for the creation of a climate agreement, the conference offered opportunity for advancement of a number of bilateral and multilateral relationships, which Guyana sought to capitalise upon.

Guyana played a key role in the negotiating blocs of CARICOM, The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), and the Coalition of Rainforest Nations. CARICOM countries stood firm in their call for 1.5 degrees as the warming limit to be included in the agreement and its support of the REDD+ framework, which is particularly important to Guyana and Suriname.

In addition, Guyana pursued a number of bilateral engagements, meeting with the Norwegian delegation, Italy and the Green Climate Fund. Meetings were also held with high level representatives from Conservation International and the World

Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman

Wildlife Fund.

The Green Climate Fund, which administers the financial mechanism within the UNFCCC supporting projects and programmes in developing countries for climate change mitigation and adaptation, accepted a readiness support proposal from Guyana. Guyana’s proposal

for institutional strengthening of its Climate Change apparatus to implement its Climate Resilience Strategy and Action Plan (CRASP), which is currently being developed, and to increase its access to GCF funding for future projects, was approved for the US$300,000 grant to be implemented over the next year.

At close of the conference, a dedicated Article for Forests -- in particular REDD Plus -- which secures the previous COP decisions on REDD Plus as a framework and provides for support, including through results-based payments for forest conservation and sustainable management of forests, and provides a corresponding COP 21 decision which provides for financing for REDD Plus, was established. Guyana played a leading role in securing this

Article and Decision.

The Guyana delegation was headed by Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman and Minister of Finance Winston Jordan.

It also included George Talbot, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations; Andrew Bishop, Chief Negotiator, Ministry of the Presidency; Troy Torrington, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations; negotiator Kandila Ramotar – Climate Change Officer; Michelle Kalamandeen – Biologist and Civil Society Representative; Jocelyn Dow – Civil Society Representative; Stefan Rickford Knights – Student and Youth Representative; and Teresa Gaime – Technical Officer, Department of Natural Resources.

Motorcade for Youman Nabi THE wider Muslim community is set to create its own bit of history this year with the hosting, for the very first time, of an Eid Milad un Nabi Jaloos, which in English means a Motorcade for Youman Nabi.

Because of time constraints, however, the or-

ganisers have decided to confine this event, which is billed for January 3, 2016, to the West Demerara/East Bank Essequibo region, but the intention is to make the event an annual one and expand it to the other regions in Guyana next year.

Participants in this year’s motorcade include

Monday, December 28, 2015 - 05:00 hrs Tuesday, December 29, 2015 - 08:30 hrs Wednesday, December 30, 2015 - 08:30 hrs

the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC), the Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman (GUSIA), The Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG), and the Muslim Youth Council (MWC).

Eid Milad un Nabi, or Youman Nabi as the festivity is more popularly known, has been observed by the foregoing organisations for decades, as is done in nearly all countries where Muslims live the world over. On the designated day, the motorcade will move off from Windsor Forest at 09.00hrs, and proceed to Cornelia Ida, where the convoy will then slow to allow persons to come out of their vehicles and move with the procession on foot until it reaches the Guyana Centre of Cultural Islam, where refreshments will be provided and a fantastic Qaseeda/Naat Programme will be held.

The international Sunni Muslim organisation Dawate Islam, through its branch in Birmingham, England, is lending its support to the organising of the event with the supply of flags and decorations, to be used at the event. Hadji Syed Muhammad Fuzail Attari, Head of Dawate Islam, Birmingham, together with a delegation from Holland, Suriname, Belgium and Pakistan, will personally attend and be a part of the event.

The event is part of the activities staged by the Muslim community here to observe to birth anniversary of the Prophet of Islam.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday December 28, 2015

Those Ann’s Grovians

By Shauna Jemmott

THE village was abuzz with the infectious celebration.

The unending week-long music begins days before Christmas, while the aroma of black cake dominates the atmosphere. And how could you forget? Pepperpot was on the stove in almost every home in Ann’s Grove.

Fireworks had already started about two days before Christ’s birthday in a manner that synchronised with sundown as residents’ countdown to their most exciting day of the year.

Masqueraders are seen daily traversing the central car and bus park, as they prepare to travel downtown for a profitable jig. As they leave, it is sure that they will be seen parading the village, reaping for their entertaining zeal.

It is in integral part of the Christmas celebrations in Ann’s Grove! This year as the years before, the village was well illuminated physically and in spirit, and neighbours who haven’t said much to each other year-long were seen greeting each other pleasantly.

Thousands of individuals of all ages look forward to the Christmas season and many have been saving all year just for this time.

Ann’s Grove is one of those villages which has citizens and residents. The citizens are the real hard core ‘Ann’s Grovians’ who would never migrate to another community even if the world tumbles over, the ones who represent every resident in any dispute.

Today, the citizens catch up to talk about stories of the past, a pleasant family matter, or crack neighbourhood laughter.

In Ann’s Grove, Christmas is a time when pepperpot is never enough, and with this village being home to an abattoir, meat for the popular indigenous dish is never scarce.

Over at Joylyn’s, the Christmas hot spot, there is cake in the oven baking as orders from customers stream in, signaling final preparations for the pork knockers Christmas party. Though the event is scheduled officially for Christmas Day, it had already started on Christmas Eve with men sporting and drinking in the decorated hall in Joylin’s residential compound at Two Friends.

The spot tucked down in Two Friends/Ann’s Grove ‘backdam’ could not be missed, with decorations in national flag colours, stretching above the roadways over a large section of the neighbourhood.

FRIENDLY RIVALRY Days before Christmas, the women queue up at beauty salons while some travel to the city or visit a village couture shop for the right outfit.

Homes were specially decorated as the women try to outdo each other.

The colourful curtains, once a hidden revelation until Christmas morning were on early display while brightly lit Christmas trees seem to be everywhere.

Carols were being sung in the streets many nights as church worship groups organise motorcades to usher in Christmas while raising funds for next year’s projects.

Masqueraders partake in the merriment with their fundraiser parade, as the bands of Ann’s Grove, managed by ‘MoMo’, prepare for Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary and the National Masquerade competition.

“Christmas means everything to me! It’s an opportunity to share your love with others who you care for,” says one woman. Decorating the Christmas tree is a big thing for her, almost as big as hosting parties for kids and sharing all that she can. She has a big heart.

She told Guyana Chronicle, “It’s something in me that just can’t go.”

Practicing Christians participated in the traditional Christmas Day service, all looking dapper, dressed in their best clothes.

They believe that the day is dedicated to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who many believe is the Savior of the world.

“If it wasn’t for God’s faith we wouldn’t have been here.

We have to give God thanks and praise that we are living to see the day,” one Christian resident said. Christmas Day brought families from near and far together on one common ground.

“Your family would be in the interior, or whatever part of this world and they come for Christmas. It’s really, really important.”

On Christmas Day, there was big barbecue and all-day social in Ann’s Grove, and the children were treated to trampoline and other fun activities.

The collection of communities – Bee Hive, Clonbrook, Ann’s Grove, Two Friends, Douch Four – stretching a few miles along the East Coast Demerara corridor were a hive of activities.

Pork knockers, foreigners and local citizens flooded the various spots, all enjoying a good hangout.

11

Many worshippers attended the Ann’s Grove Congregational Church on Christmas Day

12

A canal clogged with weed

By Shauna Jemmott

Y

OU can’t miss them -- a row of over two dozen or so well-appointed houses just off the eastern half of the East Bank Public Road in the vicinity of Herstelling.

They come in all shades under the sun: whites, blues, greens, browns and peaches.

And though not unusually large or opulent, their classic designs speak volumes.

They occupy an area just after the now popular Providence Housing Scheme, and in front of Mocha/Arcadia, on lands that were once part of a flourishing sugar estate.

TODAY’S HERSTELLING Unfortunately, our focus this week is not on this community, which was created as a private scheme and sold to individuals and families who could have afforded it, but the area due west of it -- a community that has certainly come a long way.

For the sake of convenience, we’d like to call the area in question ‘Today’s

Herstelling’, a place where sugarcane plants were uprooted, construction foundations positioned, and houses erected, thereby creating what seems to be, by today’s standards, a comfortable, middle-class community.

According to Lachman Sammy, who has lived there all his life, Herstelling was, as we’ve already established, once a thriving sugar estate.

His parents worked there back in 1947, when he was born; and as far as he can remember, it was managed by the then Sandbach Parker and Company, perhaps one of the oldest British firms here at the time.

He distinctly remembers living in a logie with his parents. According to the late Randall Butisingh, logies were essentially “mudfloored houses enclosed with zinc sheets, which were worse than the stables which housed the mules.” Transformation would, however, begin in earnest around 1952, when the deeper western end of the village was developed and house-lots were allocated to individual families.

Having come a long way on the trajectory of development, with modern citadels standing out above a few traditional cottages, one health clinic, some religious gathering places and a private school, Herstelling is still yearning for much more.

TIME FOR CHANGE Sammy says now that local government elections are in the offing, he sincerely hopes that change would come for his community, which is in dire need of certain infrastructural necessities. Drains are clogged and prone to weed infestation, and an evident absence of proper garbage disposal results in residents getting in the habit of dumping refuse in trenches and on parapets at various points in the village. Even the Mocha canal, which drains into the Demerara River through a sluice, has not been spared the abuse.

An underdeveloped playground in neighbouring Farm is used by youngsters, or a regular game of cricket is played in the streets, keep-

Herstelling: A GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday December 28, 2015

ing some at home. There is need for a public school, a proper playground, and adequate drainage system.

According to Sammy, the drains have not been excavated since 1994, after the last local government elections were held.

Sammy, who was once chairman of the Herstelling/ Grove Local Authority, and Regional Vice-Chairman for Region 4, said he would like to see responsible individuals being elected at the 2016 local government polls.

He has nothing but praise for the new electoral system, which he describes as “a better system that allows for wider participation.”

Social problems of gambling and excessive drinking among both males and females, and illegal rum shops within the community, among other issues, will be fixed, he hopes.

LOCATION Herstelling stretches from the Mocha Canal in the north to Hassan Street

A Madrasi temple

A pile of garbage

in the south, and ends at the beginning of ‘Jardin d’Province’ within the community called Farm.

Known over the years as a predominantly Indo-Guyanese community, Herstelling boasts approximately five main streets, some of which are named after the older residents and others according to their more outstanding features. Hence we have names like Creek Dam, Rum Shop Street, Kajim Street, Haji Street, and Hassan Street.

The East Bank Demerara

work in progress

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday December 28, 2015

community, which is flanked

by Providence, Farm, Mocha/ Arcadia and the Demerara River, is crowded with homes; and while some families have decided to enclose their ‘bottom-houses’ and make them into apartments, others are opting to rebuild structures to provide more space for their growing families.

This East Bank community is usually quiet, but occasionally experiences a crossover of the brash and sassy lifestyles, as youths mostly flock the weathered bus-sheds tucked in the corner of Creek Dam as regular stomping grounds for a unique Herstelling chill.

A resident at a grocery shop said the community is a good place, but if social problems are addressed, it can grow into a greater domain. He has been living there for 35 years.

Former Region 4 Vice-Chairman Lachman Sammy speaking to Guyana Chronicle at his home yesterday

The village koker

While most residents of Herstelling have constructed modern homes, a few have preserved those that were built in the earlier years

One of the many streets of Herstelling

14

Yesterday’s Results

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday December 28, 2015

Crossword

Sudoku

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 28, 2015

15

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 28, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 28, 2015

17

18

MONDAY DECEMBER 28, 2015

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 28, 2015

Aviva Premiership: Harlequins 39-39 Gloucester

By Louise Warr HARLEQUINS and Gloucester entertained the ‘Big Game 8’ Twickenham crowd with a 39-39 10-try thriller.

Marland Yarde, Danny Care, Nick Easter and Ross Chisolm (2) all crossed for Harlequins with Jeremy Thrush, James Hook, Henry Trinder (2) and Rob Cook replying for Gloucester in a topsy-turvy encounter.

Chisholm’s second try came in the 76th minute, and the Nick Evans conversion set up a nervy end to the game for both sides.

Quins were deep in the opposition half with seconds remaining, but Evans sent his drop goal centimetres to the right of the post.

Jamie Roberts caught the eye in his first Premiership start since making the switch to Harlequins, while Gloucester suffered a double blow in the draw losing both Jonny May and Trinder to leg injuries in the second-half.

Despite their limited possession in the opening minutes, Gloucester were gifted the perfect start when Jeremy Rush crossed for the first try of the game after just six minutes.

A fumbled high ball from Mike Brown sent possession the way of the cherry and whites, the former All Black lock hacked the loose ball ahead before rounding off the move with a deceptive turn of speed.

Evans opened the Harlequins account on 12 minutes kicking a penalty before Yarde crossed in acres of space, after a direct run from Roberts sucked in the Gloucester defence.

Greig Laidlaw nudged his side back in front following a Harlequins infringement at the breakdown before Hook broke away against the run of play, providing Gloucester with their second try of the afternoon.

Harlequins hit back immediately when Danny Care darted under Gloucester full-back Rob Cook to dot down at the foot at the posts, giving Gloucester a narrow 15-17 advantage at the break.

Gloucester were dealt a blow early in the second half when winger May was helped from the field after staying down following a sliced clearance kick, a sorry sight for Eddie Jones with his first squad announced in just over two weeks’ time.

Gloucester’s ability to feed off scraps continued in their favour as they scored their third try against the run of play when Trinder latched on to a floated Harlequins pass, racing for 80 metres to score.

Quins once again fired their response almost immediately, scoring two tries in quick succession through

Henry Trinder scored twice for Gloucester before leaving the field with a hamstring injury Easter and Chilsom, handing the home side a four-try bonus point.

Harlequins’ attacking principles became their downfall once again moments later when a wayward pass landed into the arms of Trinder, who hobbled over with a pulled hamstring to score his second, leaving the field shortly after.

Laidlaw’s boot provided a further three points for Gloucester, a lead that was further extended by Rob Cook’s individual brilliance in attack leaving the Harlequins defence in disarray as he secured the Cherry and Whites’ fifth try of the afternoon.

As the game entered the final ten minutes Nick Evans’ boot kicked Connor O’Shea’s side within three before Richard Hibbard saw yellow for collapsing a driving maul.

Chilsom crossed for his second of the match on 76th minute, making the most of the space provided by the extra man, with Evans kicking the touchline conversion to level the game up.

Evans looked to snatch victory in the dying seconds of the match lining up a drop goal, but the attempt from the Kiwi fly-half drifted wide, leaving the Twickenham epic to drift into a 39-39 draw.

Athletics doping crisis: Russia has ‘serious problem’ (BBC)-THE former director general of Russia’s anti-doping agency has admitted the country has “a serious problem”, and says 40% of its drug-test violations have come in youth sports.

Russia was suspended from international athletics over doping, and must reform in order to return for the Olympics.

On Thursday, four Russian weightlifters were suspended after failing drugs tests at the World Championships.

“In Russia, the doping issue is acute, we can’t deny it,” said

Ramil Khabriev.

Khabriev, who left his post at Rusada earlier this month, was speaking to Russian broadcaster R-Sport.

He added: “We have the most violations in anti-doping rules in comparison with other countries.

“This, of course, shows there’s a serious problem. Around 40% of these violations are from youth sports, which is alarming.”

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) voted to suspend Russia’s athletics federation in November.

That followed the publication of an independent World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) report that alleged “state-sponsored doping”.

An IAAF taskforce is set to visit Russia in early January to check on progress towards complying with anti-doping regulations.

Since November’s World Championships, the International Weightlifting Federation has provisionally banned 17 athletes, four of whom were Russian including men’s 105kg world champion Aleksey Lovchev.

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 28, 2015

Elgar digs in for South Africa after Broad shines DEAN Elgar provided stubborn resistance as South Africa finished the second day of the first test on 137 for four in reply to England’s 303 at Kingsmead on Sunday.

The touring side were in the ascendancy however, following a fine all-round display

down the track but missing the ball which clipped the top of the bails.

The second day in Durban tests are traditionally the preserve of batsmen but eight wickets fell in the first two sessions.

England could not have asked for a better start when Van Zyl, back in the

in a defiant last-wicket stand with Steven Finn.

Morne Morkel took four wickets as England added 124 runs to their overnight tally for the loss of six wickets.

Nick Compton, 63 overnight, was one of Morkel’s victims after he top-scored with 85.

Morkel also dismissed Stokes, Moeen

and Chris Woakes, out first ball, in a hostile spell as the sun came out after a rain-affected first day.

Dale Steyn took the last wicket to finish with the best figures of 4-70 while Bairstow enjoyed a brief cameo at number seven, striking 41 off 56 balls before getting a thick edge off Kyle Abbott that was caught at slip by Elgar.

SCOREBOARD Scoreboard at stumps on the second day in the first Test between South Africa and England on Sunday in Durban, South Africa England 1st innings (Overnight: 179-4)

DEAN ELGAR from Stuart Broad who made a brisk 32 before claiming three key wickets.

Elgar was unbeaten on 67 at the close after Broad removed three of his partners, including a superb delivery to dismiss the dangerous AB de Villiers caught behind.

Bavuma was 10 not out with South Africa 166 runs adrift going into the third day.

Broad also snagged the wicket of Stiaan van Zyl with the second ball of the innings and had out-of-form South Africa captain Hashim Amla caught behind for seven.

Spinner Moeen Ali bowled Faf du Plessis for two; the batsman dancing

side after being dropped, shouldered arms to a straight ball from Broad that took off the top of the bails.

Amla fell with the score on 14, squared up by Broad and caught by wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow.

England nearly claimed the prize wicket of De Villiers before tea when he edged a delivery from Finn to gully but television replays could not prove that the ball carried to Ben Stokes.

Broad, who finished the day with figures of 3-16 off 10 overs, had also been the central figure before lunch with an unbeaten 32

A. Cook c Elgar b Steyn 0 A. Hales c de Villiers b Steyn 10 N. Compton c de Villiers b M. Morkel 85 J. Root lbw b Piedt 24 J. Taylor c de Villiers b Steyn 70 B. Stokes c Duminy b M. Morkel 21 J. Bairstow c Elgar b Abbott 41 M. Ali c de Villiers b M. Morkel 0 C. Woakes lbw b M. Morkel 0 S. Broad not out 32 S. Finn lbw b Steyn 12 Extras (b-1 lb-3 nb-3 w-1) 8 Total (all out, 100.1 overs 303 Fall of wickets: 1-3 A. Cook,2-12 A. Hales,3-49 J. Root,4-174 J. Taylor,5-196 B. Stokes,6-247 N. Compton,7-253 M. Ali,8-253 C. Woakes,9-267 J. Bairstow,10-303 S. Finn Bowling D. Steyn 25.1 - 5 - 70 - 4 K. Abbott 24 - 4 - 66 - 1(nb-1) M. Morkel 26 - 5 - 76 - 4(nb-2 w-1) D. Piedt 16 - 2 - 63 - 1 S. van Zyl 2-1-2-0 D. Elgar 7 - 2 - 22 - 0 South Africa 1st innings S. van Zyl b Broad 0 D. Elgar not out 67 H. Amla c Bairstow b Broad 7 A. de Villiers c Bairstow b Broad 49 F. du Plessis b Ali 2 T. Bavuma not out 10 Extras (lb-1 w-1) 2 Total (for 4 wickets, 52 overs) 137 Fall of wickets: 1-0 S. van Zyl,2-14 H. Amla,3-100 A. de Villiers,4-113 F. du Plessis To bat: J. Duminy, K. Abbott, M. Morkel, D. Piedt, D. Steyn Bowling S. Broad 10 - 5 - 16 - 3 C. Woakes 11 - 1 - 22 - 0 M. Ali 13 - 0 - 45 - 1 S. Finn 10 - 1 - 34 - 0 B. Stokes 7 - 1 - 19 - 0(w-1) J. Root 1-1-0-0 Referees Umpire: Aleem Dar Umpire: Rod Tucker TV umpire: Bruce Oxenford Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle

Denver Broncos quarterback rejects drug claim (BBC)- AMERICAN football legend Peyton Manning has denied a claim he was treated with human growth hormone during his recovery from neck surgery in 2011.

The allegation is made in an Al Jazeera investigation into doping in sport, which is due to be broadcast on Sunday.

It is claimed Manning was given the banned substance by an Indianapolis clinic, which sent it to his wife.

The Denver Broncos quarterback, 39, said: “The allegation is complete garbage. It never happened.”

Manning won the Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts in

2006 and is statistically the most successful quarterback in NFL history.

He holds the records for most passing yards and touchdown passes and has been voted the league’s most valuable player on a record five occasions.

Manning missed the 2011 season with a neck injury and joined the Broncos in 2012. He is currently side-lined with a foot injury.

“I really can’t believe somebody would put something like this on the air,” he said. “Whoever said this is making stuff up.”

Working under cover, British athlete Liam Collins, who runs in masters events for over 35-year-

olds, spoke to Charlie Sly, a Texas-based pharmacist who worked at Indianapolis anti-ageing clinic the Guyer Institute in 2011.

He allegedly names Manning and other high-profile athletes as having received HGH from the clinic.

In a subsequent statement to Al Jazeera, Sly backtracked and said Collins recorded his conversations without his knowledge or consent.

He said: “The statements on any recordings or communications that Al Jazeera plans to air are absolutely false and incorrect.

“Under no circumstances should any of those recordings, statements or communications be aired.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday December 28, 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:

0 & 0 (Brisbane, 1975-76)

Today’s Quiz:

Who is the only player to make twin tons twice in the same series?

Which former Australian batsman finished his Test career with an average of 99.94 runs per innings?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 28, 2015

Afghanistan breaks into top 10 of ODI rankings

AFGHANISTAN’S 49-run win in the first ODI against Zimbabwe in Sharjah on Friday meant they displaced Zimbabwe to enter the top 10 in the ICC ODI charts for the first time.

The key architects of the win were opener Noor Ali Zadran and left-arm spinner Amir Hamza, who made 63 and took four wickets respectively as Afghanistan successfully defended the lowest total - 131- for an Associate against a Full Member.

Afghanistan will have an opportunity to remain at the tenth position, should they win the five-match series against Zimbabwe. A series loss, however, means they will return to their original No. 12 ranking, behind Zimbabwe and Ireland.

The year 2015 has been a watershed year of sorts for Afghanistan, who made their maiden World Cup appearance in Australia in February-March, where they beat Scotland by one wicket.

They built on that success by registering their first bilateral series win over a Test nation when they beat Zimbabwe 3-2 in a five-match series in Bulawayo in October.

Interestingly, they came back from one match down to win the series, which made them the first Associate to topple a Full Member in a bilateral series.

East Coast teams dominate ––Victoria Kings, Ann’s Grove advance VICTOR Kings and Ann’s Grove; two of the three East Coast Demerara teams left in their year’s Stag Beer Super XVI Knockout Championship, have ended the run for teams from the ‘West Side’ when play continued on Saturday at the Golden Grove ground.

With West Demerara powerhouses Pouderoyen and Den Amstel already sent packing, owing such defeats suffered to Grove Hi-Tech and Mahaica Determinators respectively, Uitvlugt Warriors and Beavers were hoping to carry the mantle for the ‘West Side’, but the East Coast teams had other plans.

Uitvlugt Warriors fell 1 – 0 to Victor Kings, while Ann’s Grove hammered Beavers 4 – 0 as the two East Coast teams book their spot in the semi-finals.

The game between Victoria Kings and Uitvlugt Warriors seemed destined to head into extra time after the two could not have found the net, Alden Lawrence scored what turned out to be the ‘game winner’ for the East Coast unit with just six minutes remaining in the heated contest.

Kings won a corner which was taken by Calvin DeSouza and the ball was well placed in the box and fell to the veteran Win-

Victoria Kings Alden Lawrence ston Pompey, whose header was blocked by the keeper but Lawrence was in the right position to hammer home his left-footed shot.

The win for the Victoria Kings

means that they will now play defending champions Grove Hi-Tech on Tuesday.

Ann’s Grove, the team that Grove Hi-Tech defeated in last year’s finals, is trying to reset the time and may be get a chance to revenge, following their nononsense approach to their game against Beavers.

Andrew Murray opened his team’s account in the 22nd minute then Kevon Barry doubled the score in the 35th minute and Anil Hernandes’ goal seven minutes later capped a 3 – 0 lead at half time for Ann’s Grove.

Shafeer Sanichara scored the game’s fourth goal in the 53 rd minute as Ann’s Grove easily won the one-sided contest then completed the rout in the second stanza, netting though a 53rd minute conversion.

Ann’s Grove, by virtue of the win, will play Mahaica Determinators in Tuesday’s other semi-finals.

The team coming out on-top will pocket $1,500,000 while second, third and fourth place finishers will receive $500,000, $300,000 and $200,000 respectively.

Mixed fortunes for Dottin on Big Bash debut WEST Indies Women’s star Deandra Dottin experienced mixed fortunes on her debut in the Women’s Big Bash here Boxing Day, as her Perth Scorchers beat Melbourne Stars by six wickets. The 24-year-old snared two for 27 from four overs of medium pacer as Stars, opting to bat first at the WACA, stumbled to 102 for six off their 20 overs.

Fast bowler Katherine Brunt had the best figures of two for 11. Katie Mack struck 32 from 30 balls and opening partner and captain Meg Lanning got 27 from 31 deliveries, in a 56-run stand for the first wicket.

In reply, Scorchers reached their target in the final over with veteran opener Charlotte Edwards stroking an unbeaten 61 off 56 deliveries. Dottin suffered the indignity of a fourth-ball ‘duck’, falling lbw to leg-spinner Kristen Beams in the tenth over with the score on 50 as Scorchers lost three quick wickets for 12 runs.

However, Edwards combined with Brunt (11 not out) in an unbroken fifth wicket stand of 45, to see the hosts to victory.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 28, 2015

West Indies batting crumble against rampant Australia THE West Indies batsmen crumbled late on Sunday to leave their team teetering at 91-6 and staring at another humiliating defeat at the close of day two of the second test against Australia.

The dramatic collapse in the final session left the tourists 261 runs short of making the hosts bat again and came after centuries to Australia captain Steven Smith, and Adam Voges drove the hosts to a mammoth first innings declaration at 551-3.

Darren Bravo was 13 not out, with debutant paceman Carlos Brathwaite on three, and their team in absolute disarray.

Pacemen James Pattinson and Peter Siddle

was out lbw for 25 off Pattinson after failing to play a shot.

Pattinson needed only three more deliveries before grabbing his second wicket when Marlon Samuels was trapped lbw for a duck.

Jermaine Blackwood survived a contentious review decision after spooning a shot to Burns who claimed a low catch at short leg when on 18.

Umpire Marais Erasmus called on the TV replay for guidance, and third umpire Ian Gould issued a not out decision to the howling derision of fans.

Jamaican Blackwood then skipped down the wicket at Lyon to hoist him over the fence for

There are high fives flying all over the place for Australia as they press home their advantage at the MCG. Photograph: Tracey Nearmy/AAP grabbed two wickets a-piece along with spinner Nathan Lyon as the Caribbean hopes of staving off a 2-0 series defeat appeared shot.

Openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Rajendra Chandrika had negotiated a nervous hour to tea but their hard work was undone straight after the break by Lyon.

In his first ball of the session, the off spinner dismissed Brathwaite for 17, the Barbadian prodding a straightforward catch to Joe Burns at short leg.

Chandrika held on for another half-hour but

six but was caught and bowled by the spinner four balls later after attempting the same gambit.

Denied by Gould, Burns hit back to secure the fifth wicket for Peter Siddle, leaping to his right to catch wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin for a duck.

Siddle bowled Jason Holder for a third duck next ball but was denied a second career hat-trick by a straight bat from Brathwaite.

West Indies had managed to prise only three wickets from nearly five sessions of cricket, but Australia’s bowlers managed six in the final two

hours.

Smith, the ICC Cricketer of the Year, earlier raised his 13th test century and walked off unbeaten on 134 after declaring before tea.

His untroubled 177-ball innings was his sixth test ton for the year and put him on top of the

leading run-scorers for 2015 ahead of England skipper Alastair Cook.

Voges was also unbeaten, his 106 off 166 balls the Western Australian’s fourth test century since his debut at the age of 35 against the same opponents on tour in Roseau.

SCOREBOARD Scoreboard at stumps on the second day in the second Test between Australia and West Indies on Sunday in Melbourne, Australia Australia 1st innings (Overnight: 345-3) J. Burns st Ramdin b K. Brathwaite 128 D. Warner c Samuels b Taylor 23 U. Khawaja c Ramdin b Taylor 144 S. Smith not out 134 A. Voges not out 106 Extras (lb-10 nb-2 w-4) 16 Total (for 3 wickets declared, 135 overs) 551 Fall of wickets: 1-29 D. Warner,2-287 J. Burns,3-328 U. Khawaja Did not bat: M. Marsh, P. Nevill, J. Pattinson, P. Siddle, J. Hazlewood, N. Lyon Bowling J. Taylor 22 - 2 - 97 - 2 K. Roach 17 - 1 - 97 - 0 J. Holder 22 - 7 - 47 - 0(nb-2) C. Brathwaite 30 - 3 - 109 - 0(w-4) J. Warrican 26 - 2 - 113 - 0 K. Brathwaite 18 - 1 - 78 - 1 West Indies 1st innings K. Brathwaite c Burns b Lyon R. Chandrika lbw b Pattinson Da. Bravo not out M. Samuels lbw b Pattinson J. Blackwood c&b Lyon D. Ramdin c Burns b Siddle J. Holder b Siddle C. Brathwaite not out Extras (lb-2 nb-3) Total (for 6 wickets, 43 overs)

17 25 13 0 28 0 0 3 5 91

Fall of wickets: 1-35 K. Brathwaite,2-50 R. Chandrika,3-50 M. Samuels,4-82 J. Blackwood,5-83 D. Ramdin,6-83 J. Holder To bat: K. Roach, J. Taylor, J. Warrican Bowling J. Hazlewood 11 - 5 - 16 - 0 J. Pattinson 10 - 1 - 36 - 2(nb-2) N. Lyon 11 - 5 - 18 - 2 P. Siddle 9 - 2 - 19 - 2(nb-1) M. Marsh 2-2-0-0 Referees Umpire: Marais Erasmus Umpire: Chris Gaffaney TV umpire: Ian Gould Match referee: Chris Broad

LABA/Malta Supreme semi-finals on tonight THE Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court will come alive tonight, when the LABA/Banks DIH sponsored Malta Supreme Basketball Championship continues.

Two exciting matches await basketball lovers in Linden, especially since tonight will decide the two finalists.

In the first semi-finals from 19:00 hours, the number one ranked Retrieve Raiders will face the number four seed Amelia’s Ward Jets, while in the second game at 21:00 hrs number two seed Half Mile Bulls will collide with the third seed Victory Valley Royals.

Despite their respective rankings coming into tonight’s important matchups, all four clubs are capable of reaching the finals.

However, the Raiders remain the only unbeaten team in the tournament, after having defeated previously unbeaten Half Mile Buglls, thus placing themselves in the spot against what many feel are the dangerous Amelia’s Ward jets.

The Raiders were coached in their last game by former national coach Abdulla Hamid, who had been playing in the preliminary round games, but notably his influence was obvious as he guided the Retrieve team with his vast knowledge.

With the inclusion of overseas based Louis Webster in their line-up the Raiders with Dwayne ‘Brown Sugar’ Roberts looked the team which had risen to prominence few years ago.

With rising national guard Keon Cameron being kept in focus by Hamid, and former national forward Neil Marks adding quality to the both ends of the floor, the Raiders should fancy their chances of coming out on top.

However, this Raiders’ team must get all the contributions it can from other players like another former national Marvin Hartman who helps to stabilise their game and the speed of Alexander Rose who can complement their game.

Jets went down 49-46

Neil Marks to the Raiders when the two sides met earlier in the tournament but the Amelia’s Ward team cannot be counted out.

The Jets have in their team, national shooting guard Orin Rose who can win games by just uncorking shots from beyond the arc, and with the inside presence of the ‘big’ Webster brothers

(Allister, Adrian and Joel), the Kevin Joseph coached team can pose serious problems for the Raiders.

The second game will be even harder to predict, especially with the Half Mile team defeating the Royals 57-52 in the preliminary round.

The Bulls have the best running team in the

championship with the likes of national players Terron Welch, who is dangerous from three point territory, the allround play of Dennis Niles, and the inside game of Michael Turner.

They also can rely on the inside moves by Shane Lewis, Keifer Tappin who has im-

proved in his game also. Once Travin Dryden is available he will add to their inside game and be a force of one.

Royals, on the other hand will turn to Harold Adams, Lawrence ‘Bolo’ DeCoasta, Chris Williams, Marlon Pollydore, Nevin Glen and Dwight Cooper to lead their charges.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 28, 2015

Silver Shattas, Topp XX through to Semi-Finals SILVER Shattas defeated Kwakwani Strikers 4 – 3 on penalty, while Topp XX outclassed Trainline 3 – 0 to become the first two teams to advance to the semi-finals of this year’s UDFA ‘GT Beer’ Football tournament in Linden.

There was nothing to be ‘wowed’ about in the Strikers/Silver Shattas encounter; in fact, it was one of the poorest seen football in the Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA) year-end events and fans let their frustration be heard through their ‘boos’.

Playing at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground in front of another massive crowd, Kwakwani Strikers and Silver Shattas played to an uninspiring goalless regulation and extra-time, as both teams failed to create any real chances of their own and forced the game into penalty.

With the scores level at 3-3 Silver Shattas’ Jesse Ward stepped up to take the decisive kick which he hit flat and hard; enough to beat the Kwakwani keeper and to move into the semi-finals.

The night’s second game between Topp XX and Trainline was more pleasing to the eye, since both teams played organised football.

Though Trainline played well and did create their fair share of chances, Topp XX controlled and dominated the 90-minute contest.

Shawn ‘Dash’ Daniels, in the 13th minute, could have put Topp XX up in the game, but his right-footed volley hit the upright.

The first half ended scoreless but in the second stanza, Topp XX got the icebreaker from former national player Travis ‘Chicken’ Waterton, who was fouled in the 18-yards area, resulting in referee Maurice Skeete rewarding the player with a penalty.

Waterton took the kick himself and scored to give Topp XX a 1–0 advantage in the 54th minute. Continuing his impressive performance on the night, Waterton got his second goal almost 10 minutes later and also set-up Keon Hall for his first goal of the tournament.

Topp XX goal scorers – Travis Waterton (left) and Keon Hall

GFA ‘Banks Beer’ Cup ––Riddim Squad, West Tigers roar into Semi-Finals

WESTERN Tigers and Riddim Squad roared their way into the semi-finals of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Banks Beer Cup, follow-

ing their destructive performance on Saturday at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground on Saturday.

Playing in the 5 th edition of the

A Riddim squad defender chases down a loose ball

Riddim Squad works the ball out of the defence (Cullen Nelson Photos) GFA’s end of the year spectacle, Western Tigers made light work of former Champions Sunburst Camptown, defeating the Continental Group of Companies sponsored club 4 – 1.

Riddim Squad on the other hand, crushed Beacons 5 – 0 in a lopsided contest as the two teams now focus their attention to Tuesday’s semi-final which will also be played at the GFC Ground.

Randolph Wagner recorded a hattrick with his goals coming in the 30th, 62nd and 90th+1 minute respectively while Darren Benjamin netted in the 12th minute. On target for the losers

was Jahaal Greaves (73rd minute).

Meanwhile for Riddim Squad, Sheldon Hope recorded a double in the 22nd and 75th minutes while Teon Jones, Kester Joseph and Sceyon Hope scored in the 30th, 47th and 77th minutes respectively.

With the win, Riddim Squad will now oppose Santos FC, while West Tigers come up against New Amsterdam in Tuesday’s semi-final, also set for the GFC Ground.

The winner of the GFA/Banks Beer Cup will take home $2M, second place $500,000, and third place $250,000.

Silver Shattas, Topp XX through to Semi-Finals See story on page 27

West Indies batting crumble against rampant Australia See story on page 22

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon flies through the air in an attempt to catch West Indies batsman Rajendra Chandrika, with wicketkeeper Peter Nevill looking on.

Photograph: William West/AFP/Getty Images

Victoria Riddim Squad, West Tigers Kings, roar into Semi-Finals Ann’s Grove advance See story on page 23

Victoria Kings Alden Lawrence

See story on page 21

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9

A Riddim squad defender carefully manoeuvres the ball out of the box (Cullen Nelson Photo)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2015