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TUESDAY DECEMBER 29, 2015

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P.13

New pump stations commissioned

P.14 One of the two pump stations that was commissioned in Berbice on Monday. This one at Gangaram, Corentyne costs $310M (GINA photo)

Civil society Duo killed Economy to grow by 3.4% backs Anti- 3 at ‘Dutty next year 8 Terrorism Bill Sunday’ 11 -ECLAC Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 29, 2015

Civil society backs Anti-Terrorism Bill By Svetlana Marshall THE Anti-Terrorism and Terrorist Related Activities Bill 2015 received the full support of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Guyana Bar Association, and the Banking Sector, when a public consultation was held yesterday. The consultation was held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre in light of major criticisms, but the main critics – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) – were no-shows. The 107-page Bill outlines clear penalties for persons engaged in terrorism and terrorist related activities. When enacted, anyone found guilty of committing a terrorist act will be sentenced to death, if such act has resulted in the death of any person. However, if there are no casualties, that person will be punished with a fine of not less than $500,000 or more than $3M together with imprisonment for not less than 10 years or more than 15 years. During the consultation, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams explained that the Anti-Terrorism and Terrorist Related Activities Bill 2015 contained two clauses that were developed from

the Vienna Convention, the International Convention for the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism 1999 and the Palermo Convention, in keeping with Rec-

Although moving to pass the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bills, the Government through the Attor-

cal for the bill to be enacted ahead of the meeting. “FATF and CFATF could do serious damage to any economy, any, whether you like it or not,

Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams explaining sections of the Bill. Next to him is Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Cecil Durjohn ommendation 35 which was handed down to Guyana by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). In the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) 2011 Mutual Evaluation Report on Guyana this deficiency in the country’s Laws was highlighted, hence, since then, CFATF and FATF have been urging Guyana to implement Recommendation 35.

ney General was informed by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) that the passage of Anti-Terrorism and Terrorist Related Activities Bill was necessary to bring Guyana in total compliance with FATF requirements. Come January 12, 2016 the Attorney General will engage in a face-to-face meeting with the Americas Regional Review Group (ARRG) in Panama, and according to him, it is criti-

if they decide that you are creating problems in the international financial system by not implementing their recommendations which will really prevent money laundering and financing of terrorism, they could do you damage,” the Attorney General warned. Though highlighting that the PSC was given 116 hours to analyse the Anti-Terrorism and Terrorist Related Activities Bill, the

Chairman, Retired Major General Norman McLean stated clearly that the Commission was in support of the Bill. “The question was asked why the rush…but we now understand that there seems to be some deadline which we are supposed to meet and we want to make it clear, that we want to work with the Government to satisfy those requirements,” McLean said. Members from civil society used the opportunity to query whether protesters, who would often engage in the blocking of public roads, would be viewed as terrorists, taking into consideration that the bill alludes to the disruption of public safety including transportation and other essential infrastructure. AG responded in the negative. Member of the Private Sector Gerry Gouveia, was among those who questioned the origin of the bill. “The format of this bill, the wording of this bill, was this handed to us…was this bill drafted in Guyana at our discretion or was it handed to us by FATF or CFATF?” In response, the Chief Parliamentary Counsel Cecil Durjohn explained that the Anti-Terrorism and Terrorist Related Activities Bill was developed using a draft from Jamaica.

“We took a draft from Jamaica; now we are not tied down to follow any particular provision. We modified the bill to meet the Guyana situation…and this is the way we do our work, if we have a precedent in any part of the Commonwealth on something of a complex nature, we normally take it study it, discuss it with our colleagues and try to prepare a draft of our own, so it can be truly said that this is Guyana’s bill. Although, the Guyana Human Rights Association failed to make an appearance, the Attorney General with assistance from the Chief Parliamentary Counsel used the opportunity to address some of their concerns. Over 30 amendments and recommendations were made to the Attorney General; however, none was included in the draft legislation. Additionally, the GHRA recommended that “Guyana could set an important precedent by inserting in the law a section providing for the establishment of ‘an Advisory Committee on Human Rights and Terrorism’.” Such a committee, the GHRA believes, would advise on the implementation of the eventual Act, and could be led by a senior judge including, among others, representatives from civil society.

Some of those who participated in the public consultation

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Dozens dead in U.S. Christmas storms

Israel, Brazil at odds over diplomatic posting ISRAEL has warned Brazil it will downgrade relations unless it accepts a former head of the Jewish settlement movement as its ambassador in Brasilia. Argentina-born Dani Dayan was appointed four months ago, but his nomination has not yet been approved by Brazil. On Sunday, Israel’s deputy foreign minister said Israel would leave diplomatic relations “at the secondary level” if Mr Dayan was not confirmed. Brazil has not yet responded to the deputy foreign minister’s remarks. Mr Dayan was the chairman of the Yesha Council, an umbrella group representing Jewish settlers in the occupied territories, from 2007 to 2013. The fate of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem -- land claimed by Palestinians for a future state -- is one of the most contentious issues between Israel and the Palestinians. The settlements are considered illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this. Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister, Tzipi Hotovely told

AT least 43 people have been killed over the past five days by severe storms across southern and western parts of the United States. Flash floods, tornadoes and now snow have destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses, and snarled transport links. The National Weather Service has issued tornado warnings for Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Mississippi. The governors of Missouri, Oklahoma, and New Mexico have declared states of emergency. In Illinois, three adults and two children were swept away in their car by the flood waters. In Texas, at least 11 people were killed by powerful tornadoes, with winds of up to 200 miles an hour (300kph). Hundreds of homes in Texas were reduced to rubble, and cars were blown off the road. Five people died in their cars on a highway passing the city of Garland. Pedro Barineau of the local police said they had no chance. “There were sirens that were going off; I mean, multiple times and in multiple areas, notifying people of a

Israel’s Channel 10 that Mr Dayan would not be replaced as Israel’s nominee. Ms Hotovely spoke after Mr Dayan warned that if the government did not act in his case, it could create a precedent, barring settlers from representing Israel abroad. But Reuters news agency quoted an unnamed Brazilian Foreign Ministry official as saying that Brazil would not cave in to pressure. ‘DIPLOMATIC DWARF’ News of Mr Dayan’s appointment by the government of Benjamin Netanyahu caused outrage among leftwing groups in Brazil, which have since lobbied President Dilma Rousseff to reject it. Brazilian media also reported that Brazil’s foreign ministry was angered by the way it was informed about the appointment. Mr Netanyahu broke the news on Twitter before telling Brasilia, according to reports. Relations between the two countries have been tense since 2010, when Brazil said it recognised Palestinian statehood in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. They soured further last

The embattled Argentina-born envoy, Dani Dayan

year when Brazil recalled its ambassador from Israel in protest at what it called the “disproportionate use of force” by Israel in its summer offensive in Gaza. In response, an Israeli foreign ministry spokesman called Brazil a “diplomatic dwarf”. The spokesman, Yigal Palmor, added that “the moral relativism behind this move makes Brazil an irrelevant diplomatic partner, one who creates problems rather than contributes to solutions.” Brazil is Israel’s largest trading partner in South America. (BBC)

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28/12/2015

The devastation wrought by a tornado on Boxing Day in a Birmingham, Alabama neighbourhood

tornado. However, people on the highway they were driving through, had no idea that the sirens were going off, and the tornado was on them in a matter of seconds,” he said. The winds in the state have scattered mangled cars and other debris for miles. Churches have been destroyed, and trees toppled across a 64km (40 mile) area. “It is total devastation,” said Mr Barineau. “It is a very difficult time to be struck by such a horrible storm the day after Christmas.” Texas Governor, Greg Abbott said his office had declared Dallas County and three nearby counties a disaster area. He also warned people to be wary of snow in western parts of the state,

28/12/2015

and of rivers spilling their banks. Parts of New Mexico, where a state-wide emergency has been declared, are expecting up to 2ft (60cm) of snow. The New Mexico city of Roswell recorded 12.3 inches of snow on Sunday, an area record for a single day. Oklahoma Governor, Mary Fallin declared a state of emergency on Sunday in anticipation of blizzard conditions, and an ice storm. The bad weather forced the cancellation of nearly 1,500 flights on Sunday, according to tracking service FlightAware.com. About half of the cancelled flights were in Dallas, a major U.S. flight hub. While extreme weather in the U.S. around Christmas is not unknown, meteorologists say that unseasonably high temperatures in some areas contributed to the severity of the storms. The forecast for the eastern U.S. is for high temperatures to continue; Washington DC pushed close to 70F (21C) on Sunday. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Cyber crimes to carry stiff penalty By Alva Solomon

WHEN the cyber-crime legislation becomes effective in Guyana, anyone found guilty of computer-related forgery can be made to pay a $5M fine and serve a fiveyear prison sentence. The offence is among several deemed to be cyber-crimes, as outlined in the Cyber Crimes Bill 2015. The Bill is expected to be presented in the National Assembly by Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams. According to the Bill, a person who intentionally and without lawful excuse or justification inputs, alters, de-

letes or suppresses computer data, resulting in inauthentic data, with the intent that it be considered or acted upon for legal purposes, as if it were authentic, regardless of whether or not the data is directly readable and intelligible, commits an offence. In the circumstance. such an individual is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of $3M, and to be imprisoned for three years. On conviction, such person/s is liable to a fine of $5M, with a five-year prison sentence. In addition, persons who disseminate information after being convicted will be fined $20,000, and he/she will also be liable to a three-

year prison term. The Bill also outlines the penalties for computer fraud, in the sense that anyone who commits an offence deemed to be computer fraud will be dealt heavier penalties, with a summary conviction carrying a $5M fine, as well as a fiveyear prison term. In addition, if convicted, the penalties will be doubled.

CYBERBULLYING Cyberbullying, which is bullying through the use of technology, is also deemed an offence, according to the Bill. It states that to cyberbully another person, intentionally or recklessly, is deemed to be committing an offence.

According to the Bill, “a cyberbully” is someone who uses a computer system to repeatedly or continuously convey information, which causes fear, intimidation, humiliation, distress or other harm to another person. The actions of such persons become detrimental to another’s health, their emotional well-being, self-esteem or their reputation. Child pornography, as an offence, is also clearly defined by the Bill. Anyone who intentionally produces child pornography for the purpose of its distribution through a computer system, or who offers or makes available child pornography

through a computer system, is guilty of an offence. In addition, anyone who distributes, transmits, procures or obtains child pornography through a computer is also guilty of an offence. If summarily convicted, such individuals are liable to pay a fine of $5M and a five-year prison term. If convicted, the penalty is doubled. PUSHING FOR LEGISLATION The government has been pushing to pass cybercrime legislation. According to a Guyana Chronicle report in August this year, it was deemed a priority by the AG,

given the advancement and increased dependency on technology here. In August, this newspaper also reported that a National Cyber-Security Sensitisation Workshop was held with the aim of examining Guyana’s legal framework, and the need to develop a national strategy to address the subject. At the workshop, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan told participants that in addition to public awareness and training, cyber security should be taught in primary and secondary schools.

Antigua’s struggle to save the coconut tree By Gemma Handy WHITE sand beaches fringed by lofty palm trees: It is the image of a tropical paradise that has lured holidaymakers to the Caribbean for decades. But in tourism-dependent Antigua, a deadly disease has wiped out almost half of the island’s majestic coconut palms, leaving unsightly headless trunks littering the landscape. Lethal yellowing, the same condition that devastated the iconic trees in Florida and Jamaica, also strikes at the heart of this 280sq km (108sq mile) island’s culture and economy. Here, coconut products are used in everything, from food and drink to beauty treatments and traditional medicine. Around 45% of Antigua’s thousands of coconut palms have been lost to date, estimates Barbara Japal, president of the island’s Horticultural Society. ‘PALM IS THE CHARM’ Street vendor Julian Rose is one of those affected. He has been selling coconut water for $3.70 (£2.40) a bottle for four years, but says the last 12 months have seen supplies nosedive by half; as has his income. “I’ve kept my prices the same; people won’t pay more,” he says. The official advice states that palms showing signs of the contagious disease, characterised by premature shedding of fruit and yellowing fronds that eventually drop off, should immediately be cut down and burned to prevent the disease spreading.

Coconut vendors like this one are feeling the pinch

But the cash-strapped government’s lack of resources has enabled it to run rampant, with the trees dying in droves since lethal yellowing was first identified in 2012. “It affects tourism because, as we say, ‘the palm is the charm’, and it really diminishes what the seascape looks like,” Mrs Japal tells the BBC. “It’s devastating to see them standing there looking like beheaded soldiers. It’s shocking; it feels irreverent. “Coconuts are used in so many aspects of daily life here too; people cook with them, put the oil on their skin and hair. And while it may not be part of conventional medicine, it’s part of our tradition to use the oil to heal the skin and cleanse the body.” IMPORTED THREAT Lethal yellowing is

spread by a plant-hopping insect that Mrs Japal believes was probably brought into the country with imported trees. A ban on importing palms has been in place since 2012. “We had so many plants brought in some years ago,” Mrs Japal said.

“We have a plant protection unit, but when you have a container with 3,000 trees, who’s going to inspect every one?” She says underfunding had left staff’s hands tied. “There’s no proper disposal or systematic removal of affected palms, unless private individuals take action.” There is currently no cure for lethal yellowing, although trees can be treated with quarterly injections of the antibiotic, oxytetracycline (OTC). “Local people are not using OTC; it’s just too expensive,” Mrs Japal adds. “The resorts are the only ones that can afford it.” John Murphy, maintenance manager at the Carlisle Bay luxury resort, says bosses had decided “to be proactive rather than reactive” to protect the venue’s hundreds of palms. The cost of treating each one with OTC every three to four months is around $450, he says. “It’s not cheap; and a side effect is that it’s not

recommended to consume the coconut milk or jelly for a year after a tree’s been treated,” Mr Murphy says, adding: “Personally, I don’t believe the antibiotic is 100% successful unless it’s administered every few months for the life of the tree; and they live to be 60 or 70 years old.” He says bureaucracy has slowed the process of curbing the disease. The antibiotic must be imported with a special licence; but this is issued only after the presence of lethal yellowing has been officially confirmed. The $150 cost of the test is also prohibitive for many people in a country where the minimum wage is just $3 an hour. “It took almost a month to get the licence when we were promised we’d get it within a week,” Mr Murphy says. ‘NOT MUCH MORE’ Such is the disease’s

ferocity; an untreated palm usually dies within three to six months. Martin Dudley, an ecological activist, says farms and nurseries should be encouraged to grow replacement palms to supply hotels and holiday villas. “The trees still standing where others have died that show greater genetic strength, should be allowed to come to term -- rather than harvesting the nuts for jelly -- to provide seeds for new trees,” he says. Kishma Primus-Ormond, a government plant protection officer, says authorities are inspecting as many suspected cases as they can, while cutting down affected palms to halt the spread and clean up the island. “We don’t have any funds,” she adds. “There’s not much more we can do.” As Antigua’s new tourist season swings into gear, many are hoping that this will be enough. (BBC)

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams

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

Editorial

Revitalisation of the village economy The attention by international organisations and countries at moving towards a green economy requires the shedding of some old habits and the embracing of new practices. The positioning of the green economy model which encourages the development of the society based on indigenous programmes creates the opportunity for the rebirth of the village economy here. It is instructive that at this time when the green economy is accepted by this administration as the model for development, the nation’s president is a historian. More than most, President David Granger would have studied the intricacies of the village movement, its economy and its influences on the development of its denizens and Guyana on the whole. Though the village movement was birthed at emancipation from the desire of the newly freed to establish a life away from and independent of the plantation system, it has not been without challenges and in instances reliance on the English proverb “necessity is the mother of invention.” For instance, when former slave owners felt if land was sold in large bloc it would be difficult for the freed to purchase, this was dispelled through a system of ingenuity and thrift that saw the pooling of money and purchasing of single bloc by many. This led to the formation and development of the village movement, which was built on the cooperative economic model and maintained on a system of laws, values and mores the villagers subscribed to. It was the first form of indigenous (local) government by a freed people. In this environment the villagers maintained their canals and access roads to their farms, elected their village councils, established cooperatives, had their own system of commerce and banking (box hand), identified land for schools, churches, meetings, markets, entertainment, and so forth. These were done not without challenges and obstacles from within and without, some organised and implemented by former slave masters, such as the flooding of lands. For decades the village economy formed the economic base of post slavery Guyana. Some of the activities, outside of the colonial instigation in undercutting the strength and development of this economy, were the movement by villagers attracted to commercial activities in the city, sawmilling, mining and balata bleeding in the interior. With the exodus of able-bodied adults to new economic pursuits, it left in its wake a depleted human capital to manage the business of the villages. In time, there were absentee landowners in the villages. Lands were left unattended, the villagers’ collective spirit and indigenous economy diminished and so too, their economic wellbeing. This nation has had tremendous experiences. Thus, in recognising the importance of the village economy to the green economy, it requires drawing from experiences and improving on same. The rekindling of the village economy requires the involvement of the villagers and rekindling of the spirit of self-reliance with the enabling environment created. This economy will require policies, legislations and programmes that factor-in protecting participants, proper infrastructure, social services, technical and financial support. Cottage industry, which is a characteristic in a village economy, will require special attention and enabling legislation. The country has experienced government playing an enabling role in ensuring the village economy as in the case of Canal No.1 and No. 2. All-weather roads were built, providing easier and faster access to and from the farms. With drainage maintained more lands were drained, contributing to an increase in

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Release data on suicide hotlines The Caribbean Voice (TCV) notes the disclosure by Caitlin Vieira, “that the helpline has 100% success rate thus far in the sense that all callers have been helped with their issues/situations, and have received weekly follow-up calls. They are all doing much better.” However, one of the very major, recurring problems, in Guyana, is the lack of statistical data to enable analysis and evaluation. Thus we would hope that Ms Vieira is aware that her disclosure, about 100% success rate, means absolutely nothing unless contextualised with data. As far as we are aware, there has been mention in the media of only one intervention. So we are calling upon Ms Vieira and her group to present data that indicate the: number of calls received; range of issues called about; number of interventions, particularly with respect to suicide and geographic range covered by these calls. Release of such data would not only serve to shore up Ms Vieira’s assertion about 100% success rate, but also

instill confidence in the pubic about the effectiveness of the hotline. This public confidence is much needed given that the police force is a far way from eliciting a significant degree of trust and confidence in the public at large. Ms Vieira also states, “that occasionally a call cannot be put on hold to answer another and that in such a situation which can result in a call ringing out, the caller can try any of the other five hotline numbers, Facebook, twitter, WhatsApp, BBM or email.” The Caribbean Voice strongly suggests that at least one additional landline number be added to ensure all calls are taken. After all the issue is about saving lives and it is well known that anyone who is suicidal may well not make a second call if the first call dos not result in an immediate response. Consideration can also be given to transferring calls to other entities that may be willing to handle them, as an immediate voice at the end of the line is an absolute necessity for anyone seeking help. Incidentally, we must

point out that the interagency facebook page is actually a ghost page with absolutely no information on the hotline or the work of the committee. Same deal also for the twitter page. TCV’s Bibi Ahamad, had spoken to Ms. Vieira about this in October, but the situation still remains the same. Perhaps the committee should have a few persons manage these sites so they can regularly post and tweet and most definitely the numbers/contact info should be prominently posted and pinned on the FB page and regularly tweeted. The Caribbean Voice would be pleased to do so if that’s the only option. Meanwhile, The Caribbean Voice highly commends the police and those who man the hotline for the work they are doing. We hope that in time the hotline can be expanded into a national network, both with respect to taking calls as well as making referrals. We also commend the Stabroek News for publishing this article on the hotline and the media in general for its work in bringing about awareness and providing

information about suicide, abuse and related issues. Also, we strongly suggest that the committee handling the hotline, reach out to all media throughout Guyana and persuade them to publish or broadcast the hotline numbers/contact info at least once a week, if not more frequently, as a public service. And we suggest that overtures be made to GT&T and Digicel to persuade them to send out, to all their mobile phone customers, weekly messages with the hotlines and tips on suicide prevention, anti-abuse and related issues. As well, we urge the committee to touch base with the business community and persuade them to publicise the hotline and prevention messages on their outdoor billboards and electronic advertisements. The bottom line is not only that every little bit helps, but also that suicide prevention (and prevention of abuse, sex crimes and so on) is everybody’s business.

Dear Editor It is not only annoying, but scandalous, that detractors aided and abetted by a particular Tabloid continue to attack my professionalism and character by publishing inflammatory information about my performance and dedication in providing voluntary service to both the Public and Private Sectors. The latest letter allegedly written by an unnamed writer in the Kaieteur News of December 28, 2015 could not be otherwise considered than a complete fabrication. The allegation that I have been involved as Chairman of BIT in the approval of a programme by the West Berbice Rural Women and Youth and in the recruitment of instructors could not be further from the truth. This programme was initiated in 2013 following recommendations by the then Minister to the previous Chairman Dr. Dale Bisnauth. This organisation is not a trainer with the BIT for the year 2015. In prior years training was done with this organisation but not to the extent of the letter writer’s fabricated percentage of 95%. In 2014, the organisation was 1 of 17 trainers utilised for

training in Region 5. This group had also trained persons in 2013, prior to my assumption of duties. They were informed in 2014 that the BIT would be reducing the emphasis on Home Economics Programmes and they would not be able to conduct these courses. This was taken as a complaint to the former minister, who then instructed that training be continued with them. BIT’s participation in this training programme was kept minimal. As regards selection of instructors for this programme, Clinton Williams has nothing to do with it, since it would be left up to the agency to appoint the instructors, BIT does not appoint instructors except for life skills training, so we would not have been privy to the selection of trainers by West Berbice Rural. In any event the responsibility for the selection of instructors is entirely within the ambit of the CEO and Staff of BIT. The second allegation with regards to Roadside Baptist Skills Training Centre, the BIT was aware that the RBSTC received funding from USAID for a training project on gender-based violence, HIV/AIDS prevention

and peer education, as this was publicised in the newspapers and the agency had informed BIT. There was no conflict of interest as BIT training focused on the provision of vocational skills in the areas of information technology, computer maintenance and repair, electrical installation, catering and cosmetology in 2014. We have had no prior issues with RBSTC- as a recognised NGO, they received funding from US Government for gender-based violence projects and other “soft” training. They also received funding from the Japanese Government for renovation works. All of the decisions with respect to this programme were taken by the then Minister and Chairman of BIT, Dr. Dale Bisnauth. Clinton Williams had nothing to do with it. It is clear from the two fabrications above that the ulterior motive is solely bent on character assassination, defamation of character, all with a particular agenda. Further, the fact that I am now a target because of my previous affiliation with the YSM, further confirms to this sinister and innocuous

agenda all with the purpose of tarnishing my image as a backslider and turn coat. I therefore wish to take this opportunity to categorically state that I am proud to be a product of the YSM an organisation which prepared me for the professional and fearless contribution I have been able to provide to both the public and private sectors over the years which without doubt has always been publicly acclaimed to be exemplary. Without attempting to claim or disclaim my political affiliation both past and current, I want to make it pellucid to all of my detractors that I have never and will never jump ship. Finally, whoever wishes to continue to question my political allegiance, whether the so called pseudo senior employee of the MOSP or otherwise, I challenge them to come forward with the facts rather than fiction based on nebulous untruth. Otherwise I might be forced to take legal action yet again for libel and defamation of my character.

Regards The Caribbean Voice

Scandalous detractors

production of ground provision, fruits and vegetables. The establishment of the Demerara Harbour Bridge made it easier and faster to move produce to market places and to conduct business in the urban commercial centres. The

Regards Clinton Williams Chief Executive Officer

Guyana Agricultural and Development Bank (Gaibank) and agriculture officers played vital roles. The former provided financing to meet developmental needs and the latter technical support to farmers.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Rohee targets Ramnarine People’s Progressive Party General Secretary, Clement Rohee who while being Minister of Home Affairs, had a public confrontation with Assistant Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine has again targeted the officer ahead of the impending promotion of ranks of the Guyana Police Force. Speaking at his party’s weekly news conference on Monday, Rohee talked about the many disciplinary matters relating to police officers that have not been addressed and singled out Ramnarine - long seen as a prospect to lead the force as one of those officers whose matter has not been determined. “It is to be recalled that a disciplinary matter concerning Assistant Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine is among several disciplinary matters slated for consideration at the level of the Disciplinary Authority. Concerns have been expressed about persons whose disciplinary matters are yet to be heard and who have not been subjected to integrity tests being promoted in 2016,” Rohee told the news conference. Back in March 2012 while being the Minister of Home Affairs, Rohee had declared a loss of confidence in Ramnarine and had urged the then Police Commissioner Leroy Brummell to discipline him over public statements. “…The Minister of Home Affairs hereby declares that he has lost confidence in the Guyana Police Force’s Commander at ‘C’ Division and, as a consequence, has written to the Commissioner of Police (ag) drawing to his attention his concerns about the conduct of Assistant Commissioner Ramnarine and has requested that action be taken at his level, in accordance with the Police (Discipline) Act Chap 17:01.” Rohee’s ire was raised when Ramnarine had responded to criticisms triggered by his public statements made in relation to a $90 million allocation to police for the 2011 elections activities. Rohee had accused Ramnarine of breaching the Guyana Police Force’s Standing Orders by making the information public. How-

Clement Rohee

David Ramnarine

ever, Ramnarine, who said he spoke out because of concern over the welfare of the ranks, argued that the Standing Orders do not supersede his fundamental right to freedom of expression. “The Ministry of Home Affairs stands firm in its view that all members of the Guyana Police Force without exception from Constable to Commander must uphold the Standing Orders of the Guyana Police Force,” Rohee had said in his statement, adding that Ramnarine is wrong in seeking to make himself an exception from a long established “custom and practice” and to cover that exception “under the guise of his constitutional rights” as a citizen. Rohee further noted that Ramnarine, given his powers under the Police Act, is no ordinary citizen, while noting that he serves at the highest level of the force. According to Rohee then Ramnarine had chosen to set “a bad example” for the force under cover of his constitutional rights and declared that his actions are “careless, mutinous and unlawful.”

the law enforcement agency. In this connection, Ramotar had stated that; “In future, for appointment to some senior positions, there must be some form of integrity testing”. He said since then there has been no indication whether the Granger administration has taken up the mantle and has proceeded in that direction. Moreover, Rohee said little or nothing is known about a number of disciplinary matters that have been before the Police Service Commission for some time now. He said several disciplinary matters are before a Disciplinary Authority set up by the then Minister of Home Affairs and headed by former Senior Magistrate Cecil Sullivan. “Mr. Sullivan’s contract was terminated by Minister Ramjattan and as a result, the work of the Authority ended prematurely thus placing in limbo those disciplinary matters that should be addressed urgently in the interest of the Force.”

PROMOTIONS Meanwhile, addressing the issue of promotions, Rohee said in light of the impending announcement of the 2016 promotion list for members of the Guyana Police Force, “the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) wishes to remind that former President Donald Ramotar in addressing the Opening Session of the Annual Officers’ Conference of the Guyana Police Force in April 2015 had announced that persons tipped for promotion will require integrity testing. Mr. Ramotar had emphasised that the move was aimed at weeding out corrupt persons from

CABINET REPORT Additionally, Rohee said his party has noted the remarks made by President Granger at the annual breakfast at the Force Headquarters on Tuesday December 16, 2015, where he is reported to have told his audience; “The Minister of Public Security is obliged to report to Cabinet every single Tuesday morning on the state of the Police Force and on their success in overcoming the crime problem…… we haven’t told the police you are paid to do a job, go ahead and do it. We sit down and plan and strategise to make sure that Guyana can become a safe country for all our citizens.” According to Rohee this statement is in stark contrast

to the public position of APNU+AFC made when they were in the opposition and had hurled accusations at the PPP government to the effect that there was political interference in the planning, strategising and operations of the Guyana Police Force though there was no evidence to this effect. “Now there is open and blatant interference in all three areas. Rohee argued that under the PPP/C such intrusions were resisted by the hierarchy of the force and this was manifested in several formal communications to the Ministry of Home

Affairs, and at the level of monthly Ministry of Home Affairs/Guyana Police Force review meetings to assess implementation of the Strategic Plan of the Guyana Police Force. “Today, it is interesting to note the abandonment of resistance to political intrusion, and ending the allegation of interference in police operations, planning and strategising. In other words, from all indications the public order mandate of the Ministry of Public Security has been usurped by the National Security

Council at the Ministry of the Presidency where all the “security experts” are ensconced rather than at Force Headquarters, and the Ministry of Public Security.” Further, Rohee said this disclosure means that Ramjattan’s wings have been further clipped. “His portfolio of responsibility to “give general orders and direction to the Commissioner of Police on public order and security matters has been diluted by the National Security Council chaired by Granger.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 29, 2015

Economy to grow by 3.4%-ECLAC next year

GUYANA economy is projected to grow by 3.4 % next year, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has said, although predicting that the economies of Latin American and Caribbean will contract -0.4% on average in 2015 and will grow just 0.2% next year. Regarding this year ’s growth, government had said that the country will achieve the 3.4% it had set earlier in the year, but ECLAC has revised this down to 2%. This, the commission said is due to complex external scenario. Last week ECLAC presented the annual report Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean 2015, in which it updated the estimates given last October and called again on the region’s countries to invigorate economic growth through greater investment and higher productivity. “It is

necessary to resume growth and reverse the contractionary investment cycle in a context of slow global recovery and a decline in trade,” Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), said during a press conference where the document was presented. The senior United Nations official underscored that the agreements reached at the recent Conference of the Parties (COP21) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Paris will enable countries to provide incentives to innovation and investment in new sources for the production of renewable energy, which has huge potential in the region. “In the current context, active fiscal policies to promote smart adjustments gain greater relevance: analysing the level of public spending

as well as its composition to avoid excessive cuts to public investment and social spending; reviewing the structure of fuel subsidies and tax incentives in order to strengthen instruments for promoting investment and financing social spending; and reducing tax evasion/avoidance, which on average is equivalent to 6.3 points of regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP), or $320 billion dollars,” Bárcena added. According to ECLAC’s report, the region will have to face diverse scenarios and risks related to the global economy in 2016, which will undoubtedly condition its economic performance. On the external front, global growth is forecast to remain slow and reach 2.9%, while uncertainty persists regarding China — one of the region’s main trading partners — which will continue decelerating to 6.4%.

Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary of ECLAC Compounding uncertainty over the global economy is low growth in international trade (1.5% in 2015 and 2.5% forecast for 2016). In addition, the prices of the commodities that the region exports will stay low, meaning that Latin America and the Caribbean will once again suffer a deterioration in its terms of trade in 2016, especially in countries that export hydrocarbons and minerals, the document

states. In financial terms, ECLAC explains that the volatility and uncertainty observed in 2015 will continue next year, which means that some emerging economies will still have difficulty obtaining resources in international markets. On top of that, there will be impacts from the steady appreciation of the dollar and the rise in United States interest rates. As in previous years, external conditions have a highly differentiated effect in the region, which will show marked heterogeneity. While Central America will grow around 4.3% in 2016, South America will see its GDP shrink -0.8%, mainly due to the expected contractions in Brazil (-2.0%) and Venezuela (-7.0%). Meanwhile, the English-speaking Caribbean will grow 1.6%. According to ECLAC’s projections, Panama will lead

regional growth next year with an expansion of 6.2%, followed by Dominica and The Dominican Republic (5.2%), Saint Kitts and Nevis (4.7%) and Bolivia (4.5%). It is expected that Nicaragua will grow 4.3%, Cuba 4.2%, Guatemala 4.0%, Peru 3.4%, Costa Rica and Honduras 3.3%, Colombia and Paraguay 3.0%, Mexico 2.6%, Haiti 2.5%, El Salvador 2.4%, Chile 2.1%, Uruguay 1.5%, Argentina 0.8% and Ecuador 0.3%. F i n a l l y, i n i t s P re liminary Overview 2015 ECLAC emphasises that it is essential to advance towards fiscal rules that prioritise capital spending. It adds that designing efficient anti-cyclical schemes of investment protection is extremely important to face the region’s macroeconomic volatility, as well as to reactivate aggregate demand and maintain social spending.

Elections day violence

PPP wants money for victims PEOPLE'S Progressive Party Civic Member of Parliament, Joseph Hamilton has tabled a motion seeking compensation for persons who were victims of election day violence. The motion stated that election day violence occurred on May 11, 2015, and reports of election day violence were made to the Guyana Police Force. The victims were, among other things, psychologically abused, physically assaulted, robbed, and their properties damaged and destroyed. According to Hamilton violence took place at a number of polling stations on the East Coast of Demerara and Georgetown and, in one instance, the victim required expensive emergency surgery. Vehicles on the scene were damaged. He added in his motion that in another instance, at “C” Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown for over 12 hours the Guyana Police Force was unable to control a riotous crowd that encircled two homes, terrorised the residents, fire-bombed homes and vehicles, and engaged in looting of personal property. Hamilton said that the survivors of the violence were left traumatised, and their properties, including eight vehicles destroyed by arson; two vehicles

vandalised and two homes looted and damaged. He also stated that representation was made to the Government by the affected Sophia victims several months ago which ended in failure in obtaining relief for these victims. Therefore, Hamilton is calling on the National Assembly to confirm the principle of the Government’s compensation for victims of specified forms of election day violence as occurred on May 11, 2015 and that the House must agree that the Government compensates all the victims of election day PPP MP, violence who suffered psyJoseph Hamilton chologically, physically and materially due to the violence that was unleashed on them on May 11, 2015. Hamilton also

wants the Government to meet and consult the victims of election day violence and to have claims for compensation addressed as soon as possible and that the administration must submit a report to the National Assembly within three months with regard to what action has been taken. Very early in his presidency President David Granger had stated that a thorough investigation into the riot in Sophia must be done. Police have since charged Lloyd Grant, 18, of “C” Field, Turkeyen; Orandel Noel, 18 years, of “B” Field Sophia; Clive Baird, 27 years, of ‘C’ Field, Sophia; Lawrence Harris, 16 years, of ‘C’ Field, Sophia; and Melroy Weekes, 19 years, of ‘D’ Field, Sophia in connection with the looting that occurred during post-polls protests on May 11 at 'C' Field, Sophia. At least five motor vehicles, a motorcycle, two stables and other assets belonging to Pastor Narine Khublall, who conducted work for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), were destroyed during the uproar. It all started an hour before the closing of polls at 18:00 hours when residents accused the PPP member of secretly taking ballot boxes into his property.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 29, 2015

Cyber-free? Soon, internet trolls will have to answer to the law with the Cyber Crime Bill on the government’s agenda. The bill seeks to punish instances of hacking, cyber bullying, child pornography, sharing nude pictures without the subject’s consent or any other such computer-related offenses. The offences can carry a GYD$3-5 million fine and imprisonment for 3-5 years upon conviction. Ouch. We all know that the technological age has provided millions of faceless cowards to launch attacks on persons for the world to see. But with this Cyber Crime Bill in the line-up, perhaps some here will think twice before they embark on such ill deeds. I remember when, in the past, persons have been made the subject of ridicule following the release of their naked photos by disgruntled lovers and other enemies. Those days are soon done. Some of you may also want to start deleting those fake accounts that you use for such instances, because something tells me that with this bill will also come the ability to track the wrong-doers right to the location from whence they typed, shared or stored the information. Now, while the public was mum on discussions about this announcement on social media, the number of times the posts were shared said it all.

Discipline the Disciplined Forces The Opposition has expressed concerns about professionalism and lack of reforms in the Guyana Police Force and has reiterated the need for integrity testing of officers in light of the impending list of promotions to be announced in 2016. The Opposition is concerned that with the sacking of former Senior Magistrate Cecil Sullivan who headed the Disciplinary Authority, this integrity testing will not be done. PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee singled out Assistant Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine – with whom we all know Rohee has had a tumultuous relationship over the years and who just so happens to be closely linked to the coalition Government. So this seems personal for Rohee - and that’s what the public is saying too. Since he’s prone to giving grades to the Government’s performance, I’d say he deserves a grade himself on this matter: V- for vendetta and vexation.

Rum till they die Two recent incidents equally grabbed the public’s attention due to the theme surrounding their deaths: alcohol. In Mahaica, one man was stabbed to death during a drinking spree. In the Corentyne, two men were killed and three others injured after a fight broke out while they were drinking. People were alarmed, stating that when there seemed that the crime had calmed, there came an upsurge in personal conflicts instead. Clearly, the festivities had not yet been washed from these men’s systems, and they chose alcohol to bring to fruition the famous chutney melody “Rum till I die”. Sad to say, they got their wish.

Granger raps Guyana Times for misleading The Government of Guyana has refuted what it described as the deliberately misleading headline of an article, which was carried in the Monday edition of the Guyana Times under the caption: “No evidence of corruption against PPP/C – President Granger.” In a statement refuting the headline, the Ministry of the Presidency said nowhere in the content of the article, nor in the source of the content, which was a recording of ‘The Public Interest’ aired on December 25 on the National Communications Network, does President Granger say or imply that there is no evidence of corruption against the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. “The Ministry of the Presidency would like to categorically state that the headline has no basis in fact, and was clearly designed to mislead the readers of that publication, and calls for an immediate retraction.” During the recording of ‘The Public Interest’, responding to a question posed by Mr. Mondale Smith, a Journalist from Kaieteur News; “…will there ever come a time when people will be held accountable in the true sense of accountability for the things or the atrocities of the past, as it relates especially to our finances?” The President said that there

is a need for evidence to be first established before criminal charges and prosecution can follow. This is the verbatim response provided by the President: “The answer is yes. There is a difference between anecdote and evidence. There is a difference between speculation and surmise and actually providing proof and sometimes people make allegations and you ask them for the evidence and there is no evidence to prove; that is why we have a Court system that is why we have a criminal justice system. If people were assumed to be guilty, simply because of a newspaper article or a letter to the editor, the country will be in chaos. So over the months since the new administration has been in office, we have been conducting some inquiries, some investigations, some audits and when there is sufficient evidence, which we feel establishes the blame-worthiness of the persons concerned, we will go to the Courts. In some instances, some people have been sent on leave to permit investigations to take place, but you can only go to the Court when you have evidence. We can’t go to the Courts and say, ‘look there is a letter to the Editor alleging that you did so and so’. We’ve got to get proof.”

Diamond man fined for abusing father A MAN of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, who was abusive towards his father, was yesterday fined by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. The 21-one-year-old bus conductor, Mark Anthony Mohamed, pleaded guilty to two charges, which stated that on December 24, he made use of threating language towards Mark Mohamed, his father, and also abused him. He was fined $1,000 on the first charge (with a default of three days’ imprisonment), and for the second charge, he was fined $2,000, with 14 days’ imprisonment for default. According to the prosecutor’s facts, the defendant entered the yard where they both live and threatened to kill his father. The defendant however explained to the court that he had a misunderstanding with his father, after the latter disagreed with him for associating with someone from the village. He accused his father of assault, and being abusive towards him.

As a follow-up to the first question, Mr. Smith then posed the question, “So your message to those who are a bit antsy as a result of all of those supposed exposé in the media quoting your Ministers of course, would be what exactly?”

President David Granger The President responded saying: “When we get the evidence, we will embark on prosecution. We are not interested in condoning malpractice but sometimes the evidence has been concealed, sometimes the evidence is not there for us to see so we have to find out and that is what has been taking place. In the meantime, we have work to do. We have to run the country. We can’t spend all the time simply investigating,

we’ve got to move the country forward so we are doing both at the same time. We are walking on two legs. We want to ensure that malpractices are brought to an end and there is no reoccurrence of any wrongdoing that has occurred in the past. At the same time we have got to provide a quality of governance to make sure that the country does not slip backward. So it will take time, it will take time but we are not unaware of the wrongdoings of the past. We were in the Opposition for three years and we ourselves made complaints. Now we’ve got to provide the evidence.” The Ministry of the Presidency condemns this misleading headline, particularly since it purports to be comments of the President of Guyana. It is irresponsible and mischievous and the Government of Guyana calls for a retraction. While the Government of Guyana promotes and stands solidly in support of press freedom, the Ministry of the Presidency calls on the Guyana Times to pay attention to the ethics and responsibilities that ought to be observed in the profession of Journalism. Importantly, the media must take seriously its responsibility to provide accurate information to the members of the public.

Man knifed to death by uncle POLICE are preparing to lay murder charge against a 64-year-old East Bank Berbice man after he stabbed his 43-year-old nephew to death at Supply Mahaica on Sunday. According to information reaching the Guyana Chronicle on Monday morning, Sheldon Richards and his uncle were imbibing at Sheldon’s home along with other relatives when an argument broke out between the uncle and nephew. The nephew reportedly armed himself with a rolling pin and inflicted several lashes on his uncle who picked up a knife and stabbed him about the body. The uncle who operates in the Berbice area as a carpenter was taken into police custody while the 43-year-old died on the spot from the injuries which were inflicted on him. Police sources said that the postmortem performed on the remains of Richards found that he died as a result of haemorrhagic shock. The file in the matter has since been sent to the Director of Public Prosecution for advice.

Vendor charged five years on with murder

AFTER being on the run for five years, a man who reportedly murdered a gold miner was yesterday arraigned for the offence. Twenty-six-year-old vendor, Seon Anthony Edwards of Diamond, East Bank Demerara was not required to plead to the indictable charge of murder, which was read to him by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The charge read that on September 20, 2010, he murdered Rawle Peters at the Puruni Landing, Cuyuni River.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 29, 2015 Edwards, also known as ‘Rasta Man,’ was arrested midday last Tuesday in the vicinity of Regent and Hincks Streets, while selling bottled water. The accused reportedly confessed to killing Peters during an argument after the deceased accused him of stealing a sum of money. The argument turned physical, and the accused is said to have stabbed Edwards to his heart before escaping. He was remanded to prison and the matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrates’ Court for January 15, 2016.

Cops say...

Stolen items found in accused’s homes DENZEL Matthias (24) and Martin Nurse (18), gold miners of Block X Diamond Housing Scheme were yesterday remanded to prison, accused of breaking into a nearby home. The two young men made their first court appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where they both pleaded not guilty to the charge after the Administration of Justice Act was applied. The charge states that on December 23, 2015 at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, they broke and entered the dwelling house of Seaid Ashelia Persaud, and stole two laptop computers, a quantity of gold jewellery and clothing, along with other items totalling $1M, property of Persaud Police Prosecutor Kerry Boswick objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the offence and the fact that the stolen articles were recovered at the homes of the two defendants. The Chief Magistrate refused the men bail based on the objections by the Prosecution. The men will make their next court appearance on January 18 at the Providence Magistrate’s Court.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 29, 2015

Duo killed at ‘Dutty Sunday’

By Nafeeza Yahya TWO men are now dead while three others are currently hospitalised following a brawl at a popular drinking bar at Manchester Village Corentyne on Sunday. Dead are: 28-year-old Mark Simon of Liverpool Village and 23-year-old Kempton Gray of Alness Village. Gary Tyndall 32, of Courtland Village, Samuel Fraser and Byron Robertson suffered injuries during the fracas are currently hospitalised. According to reports the men were at the bar’s annual Sunday hang called “Dutty Sunday” imbibing when a fight ensued over a girl. The fight started between Simon and Robertson called ‘Bowes’ over a young woman who reportedly shared a relationship with both men. The incident occurred around 22:30 hrs. According to one of the injured men Gary Tyndall, he was on the public road next to the bar talking with a friend. He said suddenly it began to rain and he went into his car while his friend went into the bar for shelter. He said after it eased he came out of his car and saw two men in a fight and when they moved closer to his vehicle he said to them not to fight next to him. “When the rain eased I come out back and my partner come back and then he say them bannas them fighting over some girl and when they come next to me car I say yall rest your self don’t fight next to me and by the time I say that one of them push and slap me and in a blink the man pull the knife on me belly.” Tyndaal stated he tried to ward off his attacker but was also slashed on his thumb. He said after realising he was injured he ran and jumped over the trench, and told someone who had attacked him. He went on to say after the crowd moved he went into his car and drove to the Port Mourant Hospital where he was treated and sent away but after experiencing excruciating pain he drove himself to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was admitted. He received lacerations to his foot, hand and abdomen. Meanwhile, according to Kempton Gray’s father, Garfield Gray his son had left to part the fight involving his friend Simon and his cousin Samuel Fraser. He said after taking them to the hospital he left after being pointed as one of the persons involved in the

Dead: Kempton Gray

Dead: Mark Simon

brawl. He said his son said “he didn’t want any police story” so he left the hospital and walked towards Rose Hall Town. Garfield Gray related that around 02:00h he received a call from his son asking him to pick him up from Port Mourant Market area. Shortly after Garfield Gray said his niece informed him that they were going to collect Kempton but after looking for a while they did not find him there. Several calls to his phone went unanswered. They decided to visit the

New Amsterdam Hospital where their worst fears were confirmed when they were told he was dead. Garfield Gray said he is baffled as at how his son met his demise, but was later told that a group of men in a car pulled up where he was and dealt him several lashes across his body and chopped him to his foot and across his back. Gray went on to say, that his son was rushed to the hospital by an ambulance. Meanwhile at the home of Mark Simon, relatives gathered but were

Tuesday December 29th, 2015 - 08:30 hrs Wednesday December 30th, 2015 - 08:30 hrs Thursday December 31th, 2015 - 09:00 hrs

reluctant to speak since they stated they were not at the scene and cannot relate what transpired. The dead man’s mother Alice Simon said she was at a church service when she got the news of her son’s death. She said when she arrived at the hospital he was already in the mortuary. A few months ago, Simon was shot to his back and right foot and also received chop wounds to his body after he was involved in a row over the theft of cattle. Police in a statement confirmed that the men were imbibing at a bar at Manchester, Corentyne, when an argument arose which turned into a disorderly brawl involving the use of cutlasses and knives.

Three years for ‘coke’ in pocket A STABROEK Market porter was yesterday sentenced to three years’ imprisonment after he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to a narcotics charge. Ramish Persaud, 34, pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on December 26, at the Stabroek Market in Georgetown, he had in his possession 4.5 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. According to the facts, police were on patrol at the Stabroek Market when they saw the defendant acting in a suspicious manner. The ranks approached Persaud, identified themselves as police officers in plain clothes and made a request to conduct a search. This was done and in the left pocket of his pants a small zip-lock bag was found, which contained a whitish rock-like substance suspected to be cocaine. Chief Magistrate McLennan sentenced Persaud to three years’ imprisonment for the possession of cocaine along with a fine of $30,000.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 29, 2015

M&CC halts Holmes St construction

AS the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) continues to clamp down on illegal structures and buildings, it yesterday targetted a four-storied edifice under construction on Holmes Street, South Cummingsburg, halting works at the site and removing building materials and other items. The site was a scene of attention yesterday as flooding in the area caused Town Clerk Royston King and a team to pay the area a visit. There, they discovered the illegal structure, which compromised the drainage

system. The structure is said to be owned by popular city businessman Paul James, owner of Fix-it Hardware store located on Main Street. Multiple truckloads of concrete blocks were also removed from the area. These blocks were stored on the parapet outside the structure. King told the media that approval was not granted by the M&CC for the construction of the building and as such the council would be seizing all building materials that were stored on the parapets and the courts

would be approached to have the laws enforced. “We either dismantle the building or take the owner to court. There was an overtopping and flooding in the area and when we visited, we then realised that the illegal structure was blocking the drainage system. There is also a large amount of waste fluid in the drains, which is affecting the ecology. In addition, he (Mr. James) is dumping builders’ waste around the area instead of removing it immediately,” King explained. King in advising that

businessmen and persons who want to proceed with construction within the confines of the city must seek permission from the city engineer’s department at the M&CC. “People who are involved in business should demonstrate good corporate social responsibility and they should follow

the law. Those who want to build should come into the M&CC and apply to the council for permission to erect any structure at all in the city. If they have doubts they can come in for information at the city’s engineers department or the public relations unit,” the Town Clerk emphasised.

Meanwhile, King said other business places which are under investigation for commencing construction works without requisite permission, are the Hotel Tower on Main Street and the building opposite Teleperformance on Camp Street, along with others within the city.

An M&CC truck seizing concrete blocks that were stored on the parapet, while construction has been halted since the city engineers department gave no approval for construction of the building

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 29, 2015

OVER $30M

BBCI to get millions per quarter to reduce toll THE Berbice Bridge Company will pocket over $30M every four months from the government to reduce its toll, an agreement reached between the company and the administration has outlined. After months of negotiations BBCI on Monday officially signed the agreement for the government to provide a quarterly subsidy to reduce the toll. The signing covered the provision of a $31M subsidy to the bridge company for the first quarter of next year starting on January 1. This subsidy will cover the first quarter of the reduction for passenger cars and minibuses, from $2,200 to $1,900 and for all other types of vehicles by 10 per cent, excluding vessels. The agreement will take effect from January 1, 2016 at 00:00 hrs while the subsidy will be disbursed before the end of 2015. The agreement was signed by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson as well as Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson. Chairman of BBCI, Mr. Egbert Carter, and BBCI Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Omadot Samaroo, represented the bridge company. In a statement the Ministry of Public Infrastructure said both ministers; Patterson and Ferguson were pleased that the agreement has finally been reached. The ministers also said that the agreement is just an indication of the Government of Guyana’s commitment to providing a better life for the Guyanese public. Government had said that

its efforts to reduce the Berbice Bridge toll is part of a plan to alleviate the burden of the high fare for the over 150,000 Guyanese who live within Regions Five and Six that traverse the bridge to access education and health services, conduct business and travel on a daily basis. According to the agreement, the total amount of the subsidy shall be agreed by the parties based on the projected traffic figures for the next following quarter and paid quarterly by advance payment, no later than the 5th day of the month commencing the quarter. The agreement further states

quarter shall include an adjustment for the immediately preceding quarter (s) and determined by an audit. According to the agreement the cost of the audit to verify actual traffic figures shall be borne by the Government of Guyana. “The Auditor General or any certified firm of chartered accountants or a chartered accountant registered and licensed to practise under ICAG with at least five years auditing experience would conduct the audit. If the audit is not completed within a month from the close of the quarterly period for any reason, the traffic

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, hands over the agreement to Chairman of the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI), Egbert Carter. that the advance payment for each subsequent quarter shall include an adjustment for the immediately preceding quarter determined by an audit thereof. The advance payment for each subsequent

figures provided by the Company shall be the basis for the advance payment until the audit is done, after which the figures shall be adjusted for the ensuing month,” the agreement stated.

COMMUTER SUBSIDY Meanwhile, government also agreed with the company that the subsidy provided shall not be referred to as a toll reduction but rather a “commuter subsidy” to the Berbice Bridge Company Inc and shall not affect the rights or manner in which revenue collected, inclusive of the commuter subsidy, by the Company is used, as provided for in the Concession Agreement. “This agreement is without prejudice to the rights of the parties under the Concession Agreement and the Berbice River Bridge Act Cap. 51:06. This Agreement will take effect from January 1, 2016 subject to any further agreement on additional subsidies which the Parties may agree.” Under the agreement the company shall be responsible, at its own cost, to make such modifications

to its software, accounting and notices as are necessary for the full and proper implementation of this agreement. “Both parties reserve the right to terminate this agreement by serving on the other party a written notice at the official address of the party, three (3) months prior to the effective date of such. The Parties shall, pri-

or to reference of this clause, attempt in good faith for a period of not more than 30 days to resolve any dispute or claim arising out of this agreement. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with this agreement during, or after its termination, shall be determined by an Expert, mutually appointed.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2015

PM commissions two new d By Nafeeza Yahya

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamotoo yesterday commissioned two new drainage pumps in Berbice, which he said will help boost agriculture production in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). One of the pump stations, which costs $310M, was commissioned at Gangaram Village in East Canje, while the other, in the sum of $277M, was commis-

sioned at Number 43, in the Joppa, Corentyne area. The commissioning saw in attendance several high-ranking officials from the ministry of agriculture, including Minister Noel Holder, and Region 6, as well as Corentyne residents as the PM started the pumps that will significantly ease flooding in the communities of Gangaram and Joppa and surrounding areas. The 200cusec (cubic-

feet-per-second) pumps that were purchased under the India Line of Credit, when combined, will drain over 17,350 acres of farmland, and bring relief to GuySuCo (Guyana Sugar Corporation) lands under cane, hundreds of rice and cashcrop farmers, as well as residents in their respective communities. The Ministry of Agriculture, through the National Drainage and Irrigation

Authority ( NDIA) was the executing agency that utilised the services of E&A and CEMCO as consultants for the Gangaram and Joppa project respectively, both of which were done by the contracting firm, Rupan Ramotar Investments. DREAM COME TRUE Braving the rains, the Prime Minister declared open the pump stations, and in his address said events

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo is assisted by his wife, Mrs S of Agriculture, Noel Holder in cutting the ceremonial ribbon to c

such as these were like a homecoming for him. He explained that it was a homecoming in the sense that not only were the projects in Berbice, but their realisation was something that’s close to his heart, in that not only will they benefit the people who are close to him, but more importantly, it’s all part of a bigger dream he’d shared some time ago with the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan. That dream, he said, had to do with being able to drain thousands of acres of land in a short period

of time, and see the Canje Creek being used for both drainage and irrigation purposes, and become the network that links the agricultural sector, from Canje to Moleson Creek. In urging everyone to play a part in the maintenance and safekeeping of the new facilities, he said it was equally important to do likewise for those that were there before. He also mentioned in passing that he was well aware of the incident whereby three pumps were sabotaged by unscrupulous

Cops hunt

…want cases solved befo By Leroy Smith THE police have their hands full, trying to solve several murders which took place over the last four days. And according to Crime Chief, Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum, they are looking to have them solved before the end of the year. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, Blanhum said that already they have two persons in custody for murder, and their files are expected to be with the Director of Public Prosecution soon for advice so that charges could be instituted. Additionally, the police are also looking to lay their hands on two suspects, one for the shooting incident inside a minibus on the Demerara Harbour Bridge on Boxing Day, and the execution-style killing of a vendor at the Vendors’ Arcade on Boxing Night. The police are working on a description of the man who executed the vendor, and have

since reviewed surveillance camera footage from the area. They are also working on identifying the man who murdered the so far unidentified minibus passenger following an argument over the opening and closing of a window. The police are said to be gathering information that could lead to the arrest of that suspect, but continue to survey surveillance footage said to have recorded the movements of the suspect after he committed the act. Two other persons were injured in that incident as the suspect began shooting indiscriminately. BARE ROOT INCIDENT Over on the East Coast Demerara, the police there have gotten the results of a post mortem on 28-year-old Kevon George of Bare Root, who was stabbed by a fellow villager whom relatives accused of breaking and entering the home of George’s sister and carting off several items. The results of the post

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2015

drainage pumps in Berbice

Sita Nagamootoo, and Minister commission one of the pumps

characters, who threw sand in the engines and stole the fuel, and when the floods came, blamed it on nature. A CARING GOV’T He also gave his word that the government is committed to supporting programmes that are of benefit to the people. “Whatever is good... it does not matter who the idea comes from; we will support it, as long as you the people are benefitting,” the PM said, adding: “We will not seek to re-invent the wheel; we are

Touring the facilities at Gangaram and Number 43

here because you realise we care for you the people.” He used the opportunity to reinforce the government’s commitment to the sugar industry, saying that the newly commissioned pumps will also be of great help to GuySuco, particularly where drainage is concerned, which will in turn help with lowering production costs. “We are not going to close neither the sugar industry, nor the factories,” he said. “We may merge

some, but we will not throw the industry aside.” FLATTS Speaking also at the opening ceremony was Mr. Fredrick Flatts, NDIA Chief Executive Officer (Ag), who said the main problem facing his agency is poor drainage. And one of the ways the NDIA has chosen to resolve this problem, he said, is by adding to the gravity drainage system by the use of pump.

He said over the years, several pump stations have been commissioned, among them the one at Windsor Forest on the West Coast Demerara, the one at Canal Number One on the West Bank Demerara, and the one at Number 66, as part of the NDIA’s collective effort to alleviate flooding throughout the country. He also used the occasion to ask residents to play their part in taking care of the pump stations by being conscious of their waste

disposal, as that can pose a risk to the life of the pump station. As Minister Holder said, “Guyana needs to be able to adapt to climatic changes where water resources and management are concerned, and in light of the El Niño, we are still faced with heavy rainfall, which causes flash floods in some areas.” He assured those present that the Government will continue to do whatever it takes necessary where agricultural development

for the region is concerned, and said that as testimony of this, in 2015 alone, the NDIA was allocated $1.6B to manage, provide and improve the drainage and irrigation sector, and Region 6 an additional $170M for maintenance and Drainage and Irrigation work. Region 6 Chairman, David Armogan, in brief remarks, welcomed the commissioning of the pump station and said, “It is very significant to this area, because it marks the beginning of an effort to hopefully reduce flooding within the vicinity of the pump station. “It will go a long way in alleviating flooding issues in the area, compounded by climatic changes.” He also stressed the need for the pumps for effective drainage. “We can no longer depend on the system of gravity flow; and that is why, throughout the region, new pumps are being placed. We know the effects of flooding to livestock and cash crop, and this will go a long way,” he said.

holiday killers Victim died of fractured Christmas Eve accident

ore year end

mortem reveal that the man drowned in his own blood caused by the incisive wound to the neck from a sharp object. The suspect is reported to have told the police, after he turned himself in, that he had stabbed the man, but that it was in self-defense as the victim was assaulting him with a piece of wood. One police source indicated that while the claim was “self-defence”, that claim would have to be communicated to his defence attorney and presented to the court, judge and jury. The police intended to seek recommendations to institute charges for the capital offence. IN CUSTODY Meanwhile further up the East Coast at Mahaica, the police have in their custody a pensioner who was arrested on Sunday for stabbing his nephew to the region of the heart and abdomen following

an argument. The suspect claimed that he was attacked by the deceased, who is also his nephew, and that the man struck him several times with a rolling pin which caused him to retaliate by inflicting the deadly wounds. With respect to that investigation, the police have since taken statements in the matter. That post mortem revealed that the 43-year-old died as a result of hemorrhage and shock caused by stab wounds to the chest and region of the heart. That matter, too, is likely to engage the attention of the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecution this week, so that charges could be instituted before weekend. OVER IN BERBICE And in the Police ‘B’ Division, two men are now dead, and others injured after a drinking spree turned deadly on Sunday afternoon. According to a police press statement, the men were imbibing at a bar at Manchester Vil-

lage, Corentyne, Berbice when an argument ensued which turned into a disorderly brawl involving the use of cutlasses and knives. Crime Chief Blanhum said that based on his information, after the two men got into an argument, the other persons who were in the shop at the time attempted to part them and that resulted in them being injured. It was during that same incident that Mark Simon (28) of Liverpool Village, Corentyne and Kempton Gray (23) of Alness, Corentyne received injuries about their bodies. They were both rushed to the hospital where Mark Simons was pronounced dead on arrival and Kempton Gray passed away while receiving medical attention. Those who also received injuries as a result of the incident were: Bhiron Robertson, Samuel Fraser, Gary Tyndall, all of the Corentyne Coast. Robertson and Fraser have been admitted to the hospital while Tyndall was treated and sent away according to the police report.

spine, blunt trauma to neck

The mangled vehicle which was impounded at the Alberttown Police Station after the accident

Dead: Camille Chandini Pereira

A POST mortem examination carried out yesterday on the body of Camille Chandini Pereira, who was involved in a fatal accident last Thursday, has revealed that she died as a result of a fractured spine and blunt trauma to the neck. The 18-year-old of Bent Street, Wortmanville, a former North Ruimveldt

Secondary student, was in the company of two friends while heading out for pizza in motor vehicle PKK 8551, which crashed while travelling along Croal Street. One of the occupants of the vehicle is listed as critical, and is a patient at the Intensive Care Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital, while another, who is pregnant, is also a patient. The driver of the Toyota Carina motor car, Shaquille Browne, was charged and yesterday appeared in court,

where he plead not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. He was placed on $200,000 bail, and was required to lodge his passport and driver’s licence. His next court date is January 23, 2016. The dead teen’s mother, Rajkumarie Pereira, who was present in court, made it known that she was not accepting any form of compensation for her daughter’s death, and wanted the court to give her justice.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 29, 2015

Overloading, low tide cause vessel to run aground

By Alva Solomon

MECHANICAL failure coupled with low tide and overloading were contributing factors to Sunday’s breakdown of the Essequibo River ferry, the MV Kanawan, near Hogg Island. According to a release from the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), the heavily laden Kanawan departed the Supenaam Stelling for Parika at midday on Sunday with 255 passengers and 42 vehicles on board.

Then, in the vicinity of the Chalmers Channel, by which time the water level was expected to drop, the overboard water suction, which helps cool the main engines, became blocked with sediment. ENGINE TROUBLE As a consequence of this development, the engine began overheating and automatically shut down. Thereafter, T&HD said, every effort was made to clear the suction pipes and to restart the engines, but having proved futile, the Parika

office was contacted and six water taxis were sent to take passengers on board the vessel to wherever it is they were headed. The now hobbled MV Kanawan, with all 42 vehicles on board, was subsequently towed to the Parika Stelling by tug. The Ministry of Infrastructure, meanwhile, has launched an investigation into the incident, and according to the release, subject minister, David Patterson and T&HD head, Marclene Merchant have since apologised to the travelling public

The MV Malali (at right) shortly after arriving to assist the MV Kanawan (at left), when the latter developed mechanical problems on Sunday

for any inconvenience it may have caused them, and promised such an occurrence will never happen again. Reports are that the ferry was on a scheduled midday run to Parika from the Good Hope Stelling near Supenaam when it developed engine trouble in the vicinity of the Chalmers Channel, near Hogg Island and other communities on the Essequibo River. The Good Hope to Parika run, the T&HD said, was temporarily introduced for the holiday season. RUNNING LATE As one passenger observed, the MV Kanawan was running late, and about an hour-and-a-half into the journey, it was observed that the vessel was not moving, and rumours started going around that it was stuck on a sand bank. This was confirmed later when the captain himself announced that they had encountered low tide, but that within an hour or so, the vessel would be able to move and be on its way to Parika. However, as time passed and the situation remained unchanged, another vessel, the MV Malali, was sent to the Kanawan’s aid. But, since the tide was still low, the Malali, too, became hobbled, and perforce had to seek refuge at the deeper end of the channel. According to another passenger, persons became annoyed and others agitated at not being kept abreast of what was happening. It was not until 17:00 hrs or so, that the captain announced that speedboats were on the way to take passengers to Parika. And when one did arrive soon after, it caused widespread speculation as to the number of boats that were actually detailed to take passengers ashore. Passengers became even more enraged when they learnt, a claim that has since been refuted by the T&HD,

that some crew members had been drinking prior to the vessel’s departure, and may have well been under the influence while performing their duties. T&HD sources told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that the vessel did indeed depart the Good Hope Ferry Stelling late, sometime after 13:00 hrs, with more than 42 vehicles onboard. But, according to one source, the vessel being overloaded with vehicles was nothing new, as it has happened before at Supenaam, whereby persons would present themselves and their vehicles with very little time to spare and demand that they be allowed to travel. And should they be refused entry, calls are usually made to the higher authorities who would subsequently instruct staff to allow them to board. The situation was the same on Sunday, and one T&HD employee reported that many persons travelled to the Essequibo Coast for Christmas, so there was a rush to board the vessel at the midday trip. ALLEGATIONS It was noted too that some passengers were intoxicated, and were hastily making allegations that the crew was imbibing soon after the boat became immovable. According to the source, the emergency procedures onboard were already activated and the crew was ready to act in any eventuality. The vessel is equipped with life rafts and life jackets for 800 persons. He said that passengers became annoyed when one speedboat arrived at the scene initially, noting that other speedboats were already on their way to the scene. SHUTDOWN During this time, the MV Kanawan’s engine was

Please see page 17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 29, 2015

The MV Kanawan stuck in the mud near Hogg Island on Sunday afternoon

Overloading, low tide cause vessel ... From page 16

shutdown while aground, and the incident resulted in the engine room being clogged with silt. It was cleaned and a preliminary examination of the entire vessel undertaken before it was towed to Parika when the tide rose. The incident resulted in the schedule of the other vessels, which ply the route, including the MV Sabanto, MV Malali and MV Makouria being disrupted. FOR MONTHS Transport staff told this newspaper yesterday that they have been complaining to management for months as regards those persons who arrive at the area with vehicles after the stipulated time and demand boarding. They said that vehicles are listed for boarding as “priorities”, and the rules regarding boarding are clear, with the key factor being the two-hour period boarding. In addition, it was noted that persons would “show up with letters from various places,” and during verification, instructions are given for such persons to board, leaving staff with no option but to allow the process to continue. “One man came here with a letter from a private company, then another weekend he had another letter from a public agency... This is the issue we have,” one staff member said. He said that the issue of overloading needs to be addressed, noting that the problem occurs mainly on Sundays when persons are ready to travel back to Parika. Last November, the MV Sabanto was stuck on the island of Wakenaam after the captain reportedly lost control of the vessel, while on a trip from Parika to the Good hope stelling. It was stranded for hours after the midnight incident, causing much inconvenience to commuters. There were no reported damages to the vessel.

SUDOKU

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 29, 2015

CROSSWORD

Yesterday’s Result

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 29, 2015

UDFA/GT Beer tournament semi-finalists decided … Netrockers vs Silver Shattas, Topp XX vs Winners Connection

By Joe Chapman THE Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) GT Beer Football tournament has reached

its semifinals stage and will be contested tomorrow at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground in Linden. After four enthralling quarterfinals, Netrockers will now play Silver Shattas and defending champions Winners Connection are set to tackle Topp XX. Silver Shattas edged Kwakwani Strikers (4-3) on penalty after a goalless regulation and extra time, while Topp XX made light work of Trainline, winning 3-0 in Saturday’s quarterfinals. When action continued on Sunday at the MSC ground, Netrockers hammered pre-tournament favourites Milerock 5-1 and Winners Connection needled (1-0) Amelia’s Ward

Panthers to setup a mouthwatering semi-final stage. Playing in the opening game of the double- header Netrockers, led by a double from defender Deshawn Joseph, secured an emphatic victory as they showed their 1-0 win over Milerock in the UDFA First Division League was no fluke. Joseph got his first of a brace in the 32nd minute when he scored from the penalty spot, after Netrockers were rewarded when one of their players was brought down in the 18-yard box. Despite being down a goal at the end of the first half, the Bryan Joseph-coached Milerock Football Club; considered one of the best in Linden,

still seemed the more composed of the two sides. However, after the second half began and under pressure early, Milerock, usually organised in their play were soon down 2-0 when Joseph again benefited from lax defending. This time another penalty went against them (Milerock) as a cross by former school football standout Shane Luckie was handled in the ‘box’ and Joseph stepped up to register another goal for his team - his second in the 53rd minute. Four minutes later, as the game continued to tilt in Netrockers’ favour Luckie squared a ball in the six-yard box to forward Denzil Pryce who slotted

home Netrockers’ third goal and put the scores 3-0. The continued presence of Luckie seemed to be influential in Netrockers keeping their momentum going and this time Luckie’s 65th minute free kick from just outside the 18-yard box was placed well enough to put his side up 4-0. O r a n d e Wi l l s t h e n made the best use of a cross from Joseph which allowed him to put Netrockers up 5-0 and Milerock were able to pull one back through Ron Fiedtkou’s strike in the 86th minute. It was a jaw-dropping

performance by Netrockers and one which was well received by the unbiased crowd at the MSC ground. Meanwhile, in the second match of the night between the defending champions and Amelia’s Ward Panthers, it took a single strike to send Winners Connection through to the next round and a chance to lift another trophy. Keon Sears was the night’s hero, scoring the lone goal of the game, connecting his gifted right-footed volley from a ball that came in from a corner.

Windies desperate ... From back page here sake, we actually want to compete and do well.” Out there representing West Indies and the couple of hundred thousand persons back home, I need to do everything to represent this badge and represent them, because everyone can’t be here to do it for themselves. “I know I desperately want to represent the West Indies. It’s the stuff dreams are made of. It’s something I will hold dear to my heart every second I’m out there representing West Indies with that maroon cap on. “I think the team spirit is there. When performances aren’t going well it’s difficult to see energy, difficult to see how hard guys work. I don’t think the wider public is seeing the effort that we put in, which is unfortunate.” Discussing his two reprieves due to Pattinson over-stepping, Brathwaite jokingly added: “I’ll probably play lotto tonight.”

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Kelso 08:05 hrs Takingrisks 08:40 hrs Chavoy 09:15 hrs Berkshire Downs 09:50 hrs Caraline 10:25 hrs Another Mattie 11:00 hrs What A Dream 11:30 hrs Renoyr NEWBURY 08:15 hrs Kasakh Noir 08:50 hrs Sandy Beach 09:25 hrs Silvergrove 10:35 hrs Violet Dancer 11:10 hrs San Benedeto 11:45 hrs Premier Bond DONCASTER 08:35 hrs Beggars Cross 09:10 hrs The Grey Taylor 09:45 hrs Milord 10:20 hrs Kalane 10:55 hrs Live Miracle 11:25 hrs Victor Heygo IRISH RACING TIPS Leopardstown 08:10 hrs Court Frontier

08:45 hrs Space Cadet 09:20 hrs Morning Run 10:30 hrs Nichols Canyon 11:05 hrs Squouateur 11:40 hrs Lucky Pass SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Turffontein 12:05 hrs Queenie 12:40 hrs Miss December 13:15 hrs Flammarosa 13:45 hrs Smartifact 14:15 hrs Kinaan 14:45 hrs Aurum Pot 15:15 hrs Viking Hero 15:45 hrs Wendish AMERICAN RACING TIPS Mahoning Valley Races Race 1 Hearts in Snow Race 2 Rebel Road Race 3 River City Girl Race 4 J Z’s Diva Race 5 Indielo Race 6 Peach Schnapps Race 7 Concho Halo Race 8 Zeke Mc Cool Race 9Hodden Halo

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 29, 2015

Elgar hits unbeaten 118 but England take control of first Test By Mark Gleeson (REUTERS) An unbeaten half-century from Joe Root helped England into a commanding position on the

third day of the first Test as they opened up a 261run lead over South Africa yesterday. England finished on 172 for three in their second in-

nings, extending their advantage as little went right for the home team with strike bowler Dale Steyn suffering a shoulder injury and vital catches spilled.

Batting is expected to become more difficult as the wicket at Kingsmead deteriorates over the final two days and England have a firm grasp on the opening game of the four-Test series. Root overtook Alastair Cook as England’s leading run-scorer for the year as he scored 60 not out with James Taylor unbeaten on 24 at the close. “Once he gets his eye in, which is usually pretty quick, we know he is a run-getter,” England spinner Moeen Ali told reporters. Cook went early again when he was trapped lbw by spinner Dane Piedt for seven and Alex Hales played a poor shot to be caught at long on for 26 before a partnership of 71 between Nick Compton and Root took the game away from South Africa. Compton was caught behind for 49 by wicketkeeper AB de Villiers off Morne Morkel, who twice had him dropped in tired-looking errors by a confidence-drained South Africa side. Steyn had a scan on a potential shoulder injury after he pulled up in the middle of two separate overs, almost an hour apart, but a scan showed no damage, officials said. S o u t h A f r i c a w e re bowled out for 214 just before lunch despite dogged resistance from opener Dean Elgar, who achieved the rare feat of carrying his bat through the innings and finished on 118 not out. Elgar, 67 not out overnight, punched the air and pounded his chest in exuberant celebration after reaching 100, the first South African to do so in their last seven Test

Dean Elgar carries his bat for 118 on the third day in Durban. matches. Moeen was destroyer-in-chief with three wickets, ably backed up by Stuart Broad and Steven Finn. Broad, who finished with figures of 4-25, made an immediate impact with the second ball of the day when he bowled Temba

Bavuma for 10. Moeen dismissed JP Duminy (two), Kyle Abbott (0) and Steyn for 17 to finish with 4-69. “It has been almost perfect so far but we’ll be looking for a lead of almost 350 so there is still a long way to go,” Moeen added.

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 1st innings 303 (N. Compton 85, J. Taylor 70; D. Steyn 4-70, M. Morkel 4-76) SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings (o/n 137-10) S. van Zyl b Broad 0 D. Elgar not out 118 H. Amla c Bairstow b Broad 7 A. de Villiers c Bairstow b Broad 49 F. du Plessis b Ali 2 T. Bavuma b Broad 10 J. Duminy c Stokes b Ali 2 K. Abbott c Taylor b Ali 0 D. Steyn c Woakes b Ali 17 D. Piedt c Bairstow b Finn 1 M. Morkel c Root b Finn 0 Extras: (b-4, lb-3, w-1) 8 Total: (all out, 81.4 overs) 214 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-14, 3-100, 4-113, 5-137, 6-150, 7-156,

8-210, 9-214. Bowling: S. Broad 15-6-25-4, C. Woakes 14-1-28-0, M. Ali 253-69-4, S. Finn 15.4-1-49-2, B. Stokes 9-1-25-0 (w-1), J. Root 3-1-11-0. ENGLAND 2nd innings A. Cook lbw b Piedt 7 A. Hales c Abbott b Piedt 26 N. Compton c de Villiers b M. Morkel 49 J. Root not out 60 J. Taylor not out 24 Extras: (b-3, lb-3) 6 Total: (for 3 wickets, 64 overs) 172 Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-48, 3-119. Bowling: D. Steyn 3.5-0-100, M. Morkel 13.3-4-19-1, K. Abbott 13.4-2-36-0, D. Piedt 18-3-65-2, D. Elgar 7-0-19-0, S. van Zyl 7-2-12-0, J. Duminy 1-0-5-0.

Sydney Thunder surge to the top with seven-wicket win SYDNEY Thunder surged to the top of the BBL standings with a comprehensive defeat of the Adelaide Strikers, built upon a clinical display on the field. The Strikers never recovered from the loss of their big hitters Tim Ludeman and Craig Simmons in the first two overs of the innings, a target of 118 always well within range of the hosts, who are intent upon overturning four years of underachievement this season. Scores: Sydney Thunder 3 for 121 (Kallis 49*, Blizzard 35) beat Adelaide Strikers 9 for 117 (Jayawardene 21, McKay 2-18, Russell 2-28) by seven wickets). Andre Russell had set the Thunder on their way by procuring an edge from Ludeman off the first ball of the match, delighting another soldout crowd at the Sydney Showground. When Gurinder Sandhu accounted for Simmons next over, the Strikers were left totally off balance and never quite recovered.

Ben Rohrer was everywhere in the field for the hosts, taking two catches while also being instrumental in a pair of run-outs. None was more important than his athletic effort to account for Mahela Jayawardene. All members of the Thunder bowling attack contributed, but Russell, Clint McKay and Fawad Ahmed each had most reason to be happy with returns both stingy and also effective in hunting for wickets. Only a rush of early dismissals would have allowed the Strikers to wriggle free, and these were averted by Aiden Blizzard and Jacques Kallis. They added 66 in good time, leaving the rest of the batsmen to canter to victory. For once, the captain Michael Hussey was left with little to do. His brief appearance to aid Kallis collect the winning runs did not include facing a ball, but it was fitting for him to be in the middle for the completion of a win that mirrored his own professionalism to a tee. (ESPN Cricinfo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 29, 2015

Smith, Khawaja quell West Indies fightback By Ian Ransom MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja scored half-centuries to crush a defiant West Indies fightback, pushing Australia’s lead to an imposing 459 runs at the close of day three of the second Test yesterday. The pair’s composed 79run stand tempered the West Indies’ cheer after their bowlers took early wickets in the wake of some doughty tailend batting at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. After Khawaja’s dismissal for 56, captain Smith and Mitchell Marsh guided Australia to 179 for three at stumps in glorious sunshine. Smith was unbeaten on 70 with all-rounder Marsh on 18. Thrashed within three days in the opener in Hobart, West Indies were left on the brink of losing the series 2-0 with a game in hand. But anchored by half-centuries to debutant

paceman Carlos Brathwaite and Darren Bravo, the tourists took heart from frustrating Australia’s bowlers for two sessions. Replying to Australia’s mammoth first-innings declaration at 551-3, West Indies resumed in the morning on 91-6 and eked 180 runs from their last four wickets to be bowled out for 271 on the stroke of tea. Brathwaite rode his luck to make a rousing 59, with Bravo building stubborn partnerships with the tail-enders during a patient 81.

Carlos Brathwaite celebrates his maiden Test half-century on the third day in Melbourne.

MONUMENTAL EFFORT “From the team’s point of view, I was happy with the fight that we showed,” Brathwaite told reporters. “Ultimately, the game is still very, very far out of our hands and it will take a monumental effort to bring ourselves back into the game... But that’s a challenge we will look at tomorrow. Although trailing by

280 runs, the West Indies bowlers attacked with renewed purpose and captain Jason Holder had opener Joe Burns caught in the slips for four. After engaging in some heated banter with opener David Warner, Holder caught the pint-sized vice-captain for 17 in the gully to give Brathwaite his first Test wicket and reduce the Aus-

man James Pattinson but reprieved by the television umpire. He was bowled attempting an ugly heave on 13, then caught hooking to long leg for 50, but was called back twice when replays showed the bowler had over-stepped

the crease. “It cost us a bit of time today and a few runs,” a red-faced Pattinson told reporters after finishing with four wickets along with spinner Nathan Lyon. “It’s something that I’ve got to change.”

SCOREBOARD

tralians to 46-2. Brathwaite’s exuberant celebration bowled his captain over but Khawaja, one of four first-innings centurions for Australia, teamed up with Smith to put down the minor insurrection before he was caught behind attempting an audacious ramp shot. It was a memorable day for Brathwaite, who was dismissed twice by pace-

AUSTRALIA 1st innings 551 for 3 decl. (U. Khawaja 144, S. Smith 134no, J. Burns 128, A. Voges 106 n.o.) WEST INDIES 1st innings (o/n 91-6) K. Brathwaite c Burns b Lyon 17 R. Chandrika lbw b Pattinson 25 Da. Bravo c Smith b Pattinson 81 M. Samuels lbw b Pattinson 0 J. Blackwood c & b Lyon 28 D. Ramdin c Burns b Siddle 0 J. Holder b Siddle 0 C. Brathwaite c & b Lyon 59 K. Roach lbw b Pattinson 22 J. Taylor c Nevill b Lyon 15 J. Warrican not out 11 Extras: (b-5, lb-3, nb-5) 13 Total: (all out, 100.3 overs) 271

Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-50, 3-50, 4-82, 5-83, 6-83, 7-173, 8-215, 9-239/ Bowling: J. Hazlewood 21-649-0, J. Pattinson 22.3-1-72-4 (nb-4), N. Lyon 29-8-66-4, P. Siddle 18-3-40-2 (nb-1), M. Marsh 7-4-15-0, S. Smith 3-021-0. AUSTRALIA 2nd innings J. Burns c K. Brathwaite b Holder 4 D. Warner c Holder b C. Brathwaite 17 U. Khawaja c Ramdin b Holder 56 S. Smith not out 70 M. Marsh not out 18 Extras: (lb-7, nb-5, w-2) 14 Total: (for 3 wickets, 32 overs) 179 Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-46, 3-123. Bowling: J. Taylor 3-0-24-0, J. Holder 11-1-49-2 (nb-1), C. Brathwaite 6-1-30-1 (w-1), K. Roach 4-0-22-0 (w-1), J. Warrican 8-0-47-0.

Guptill flirts with record as NZ smash Sri Lanka

(REUTERS) - MARTIN Guptill flirted with a world record then had to settle for a New Zealand one as he demolished Sri Lanka’s bowling to guide his side to a comprehensive 10-wicket victory in the second oneday international in Christchurch yesterday. Guptill, who had moved to 46 off 13 balls, had AB de Villiers’ record of 16 balls for a half-century in his sights before two yorkers from Nuwan Kulasekara ended the bid. He brought up his 50 off 17 balls, with five boundaries and four sixes, as New Zealand chased down Sri Lanka’s 117 off just 8.2 overs. Guptill said he had no idea he was close to de Villiers’ record before umpire Richard Illingworth mentioned it. “Richard Illingworth said something like I was getting close with a couple of balls to go and then I got a couple of yorkers in there,” Guptill said in a televised interview. “I am pretty happy with the way things are going (but) I’ll take a 90 not out and the win rather than the fastest 50 and getting out.” Guptill ended 93 not out, from 30 balls, while Tom Latham was on 17 as the hosts finished on 118 without loss to achieve victory before the scheduled lunch break.

MARTIN GUPTILL

It was the second successive heavy defeat for the visitors at Hagley Oval, after they were bowled out for 188 in the first game on Saturday, with Guptill and captain Brendon McCul-

lum putting on a century stand in 10 overs to set up the seven-wicket victory. Sri Lanka’s senior players were urged by coach Jerome Jaryatane after the first game to step up against New

Zealand but again failed against a pace bowling attack without the express speed of Adam Milne. Despite a more aggressive start than the previous match on the same pitch two days ago, none of the top six batsmen scored more than 17. All-rounder Kulasekara top-scored with 19. “It was quite embarrassing,” Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said. “It was a pathetic batting display by the whole unit. “We did not give our bowlers a chance to bowl at them.” Matt Henry finished with 4-33 for the hosts as they took a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Pakistan leg-spinner suspended after failed drugs test

PAKISTAN leg-spinner Yasir Shah has been provisionally suspended after failing a drugs test. Yasir, 29, tested positive for banned substance chlortalidone following the second one-day international against England in Abu Dhabi last month. He has been provisionally suspended by governing body the International Cricket Council (ICC) “pending the outcome of the disciplinary process”. Earlier this month, Yasir was named

in the ICC’s Test team of the year. He bowled nine overs on the day of his failed test, taking 0-70 as England won by 95 runs. Since making his international debut in 2011, Yasir has played in 12 Tests and 15 one-day internationals. He took 12 wickets as Pakistan beat Australia 2-0 in a Test series last year, and doubled that tally in a 2-1 win over Sri Lanka this year. (BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD SRI LANKA innings D. Gunathilaka c Santner b Henry T. Dilshan c Taylor b Henry L. Thirimanne c Henry b McClenaghan D. Chandimal lbw b Bracewell A. Mathews c Ronchi b McClenaghan M. Siriwardana c Nicholls b McClenaghan C. Kapugedera run-out (Guptill, Nicholls) N. Kulasekara c Latham b Henry S. Senanayake b Henry D. Chameera c Ronchi b Sodhi J. Vandersay not out Extras: (lb-4, nb-1, w-2)

Yasir Shah has taken 76 Test wickets and 18 in one-day internationals.

17 7 1 9 17 12 12 19 0 9 7 7

Total: (all out, 27.4 overs) 117 Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-29, 3-31, 4-54, 5-56, 6-81, 7-81, 8-81, 9-94. Bowling: D. Bracewell 6-2-31-1, M. Henry 9.4-2-33-4, M. McClenaghan 8-0-32-3 (nb-1, w-1), M. Santner 1-0- 5-0, I. Sodhi 3-0-12-1(w-1). NEW ZEALAND innings M. Guptill not out 93 T. Latham not out 17 Extras: (lb-2, w-6) 8 Total: (for no loss, 8.2 overs) 118 Fall of wickets: Did not bat: B. McCullum, R. Taylor, H. Nicholls, M. Santner, L. Ronchi, D. Bracewell, M. Henry, I. Sodhi, M. McClenaghan Bowling: D. Chameera 2-041-0 (w-4), N. Kulasekar 2-0-19-0 (w-2), S. Senanayake 2.2-0-22-0, J. Vandersay 2-034-0.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 29, 2015

Improved United draw with Chelsea, Arsenal go top By Justin Palmer LONDON, England (Reuters) - Manchester United’s winless run continued but they gave under-fire coach Louis van Gaal crumbs of cheer with a committed display in an entertaining 0-0 draw with Chelsea while Arsenal went top of the table yesterday. Arsenal beat Bournemouth 2-0 with goals from Gabriel and Mesut Ozil to move on to 39 points from 19 Premier League games, one ahead of Leicester City who are at home to Manchester City, in fourth, today. Dutchman van Gaal, whose tenure in the Old Trafford hot seat is under intense scrutiny after a Champions League exit and three successive league defeats, was afforded a warm reception by fans who have been critical of his team’s lack of flair. van Gaal hinted after a 2-0 defeat at Stoke City on Saturday that he could walk

away but, after a performance of attacking intent against Chelsea, he said he would not quit. “No reason to resign for me; maybe the media want that but I shall not do that,” he told BT Sport. “You have seen they (the players) are fighting for me. “Even after this result they (the fans) were applauding. I have full confidence in the board and more importantly, in my players.” United, now eight games without a win in all competitions, struck the woodwork twice in the opening 16 minutes. Juan Mata rattled the crossbar with a fierce left-footed effort and Anthony Martial drilled the ball against the post. But it was not all oneway traffic. Keeper David De Gea kept out John Terry’s powerful header and made a fine double save to deny Pedro and Cesar Azpilicueta at the start of the second half. Opposite number Thibaut Courtois then some-

how kept out Ander Herrera’s close-range shot. Chelsea, playing their

Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney misses a chance to score. (Action Images via Reuters/Jason CairnduffLivepic) second game under interim manager Guus Hiddink after Jose Mourinho’s sacking, wasted the game’s best opportunity when Nemanja Matic raced clean through be-

Flying Ace Cycle Club race meet billed for Sunday CYCLISTS countrywide will pedal off the 2016 cycling season on Sunday in the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) 40-miler affair. The event is open to all cyclists countrywide and is set for Corentyne highway from 10:00hrs. The race will pedal off from in front of the Lewisons’ Auto Parts, Cycle and General Store at Rose Hall Town, proceed to No.

51 Police Station and back to the starting point. Prizes will be awarded to the first six finishers, first three juniors and the first three club cyclists. There will also be 10 prime-point prizes up for grabs. Among the donors are: Mark and Neil Lewis of Lewisons’ Auto Parts, Cycle and General Store of Rose Hall Town, Peter Lewis of Peter Lewis Con-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday December 29, 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) Sir Clyde Walcott (WI vs AUST, 1955) (2) Australia’s Sir Donald Bradman

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who is the latest WI to make his Test debut against Australia? (2) How many Australians have now played Test cricket against the WI?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

fore blazing the ball wildly over. Wayne Rooney might

RANDOLPH ROBERTS struction, overseas-based Guyanese Kenrick Taylor of Canada and Sherwin Photo Works. Officials of the Government are expected to start the race and help with the distribution of prizes. Cyclists are reminded that they must be attired in their club colours. Interested cyclists are asked to make contact with coordinator Randolph Roberts.

have won it late on but skied the ball over to leave United in sixth spot on 30 points. Champions Chelsea, who were minus the suspended Diego Costa and played without a recognised striker, are 14th with 20 points. van Gaal bemoaned United’s luck in front of

goal. “It was a very good performance but you have to score ... we don’t have the luck we need,” he said. “We were the dominant team.” The draw left Hiddink reasonably content. “On one hand I am happy with a point because we had a difficult game but, on the other, we had two big chances to get three points. In general I’m happy,” said the Dutchman. OZIL SPARKLES Arsenal, thrashed 4-0 at Southampton on Saturday, got back to winning ways by seeing off Bournemouth at The Emirates. Ozil set up centre back Gabriel for the opening goal on 27 minutes, his first for the club, and scored the second after the break by side-footing home Olivier Giroud’s flicked pass. Tottenham Hotspur rose to third after Son Heung-Min netted a late goal in a 2-1 victory at 10-man Watford. Spurs went ahead through Erik Lamela at Vicarage Road. In-form Odion Ighalo levelled with his 14th league goal of the

season before South Korean Son flicked the ball past former Tottenham keeper Heurelho Gomes in the final minute. Everton and Stoke served up a seven-goal thriller at Goodison Park as the away side came from 3-2 down in the last 10 minutes to win 4-3 with goals from Joselu and Marko Arnautovic’s stoppage-time penalty. Romelu Lukaku’s double for Everton moved him level with Leicester’s Jamie Vardy at the top of the scoring charts on 15 goals while Stoke’s record-signing Xherdan Shaqiri struck his first two goals for the club. Substitute Andy Carroll’s 79th-minute winner lifted West Ham United to seventh with a 2-1 victory over Southampton while Darren Fletcher’s goal for West Bromwich Albion was enough to beat struggling Newcastle United 1-0. Aston Villa’s miserable season continued with the bottom club marooned on eight points, going down 2-0 at Norwich City. Crystal Palace and Swansea City drew 0-0.

GFA/Banks Beer finalists to be decided tonight THE sheep have been separated from the goats in this year’s edition of the Georgetown Football Association/Banks Beer Knockout Football tournament and the finalists will be decided this evening. After 12 matches in the tournament, the best two teams will be decided in front of football fans across the country at the GFC ground, Bourda. In one semi-final, the New Amsterdam United have the arduous task of taking on the Georgetown-based Western Tigers. Western completed their march to the semis in a commanding form after disposing of former champions Sunburst Camptown by a 4-1 margin. Randolph Wagner’s hat-trick (30th, 62nd and 90th+1 minute) spurred the Tigers to the win and the Georgetown-based side will be hoping his form continues into this evening’s semi-final. Their opponents New Amster-

dam, on the other-hand, had to battle it out to overcome the Police side and will be hoping that they can prevail against the ruthless city side. The other semi-final Argos Santos will have to take on Riddim Squad in a game that is expected to be a firecracker. Santos, in their quarter-final berth, had to battle right down to the wire with Berbice-based Rosignol United and are hungry for a title with a young side. Their opponents Riddim Squad eased into the next round with goals from Sheldon Hope’s double recorded in the 22nd and 75th minutes while Teon Jones, Kester Joseph and Sceyon Hope scored in the 30th, 47th and 77th minutes respectively. The winners of the GFA/Banks Beer Cup will take home $2M, second-placers $500 000 and third-placers $250 000 when the grand Final is played at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 29, 2015

STAG Super XVI

Semi-finals on tonight at Golden Grove … Grove Hi Tech battle Victoria Kings; Ann’s Grove oppose Mahaica

THE right to be a contender for the top prize of $1.5M, the first place prize, will be decided tonight at the Golden Grove ground when the semifinals of the second edition of the STAG Super XVI knockout football competition are contested. Defending champions Grove Hi Tech, the only nonEast Coast Demerara club standing in the three-association tournament - East Bank and West Demerara being the other two – will come up against Victoria Kings in what is expected to be a dual of sorts. The first semi-final brings together last year’s beaten finalists Ann’s Grove and fellow East Demerara side Mahaica Determinators. This clash too is expected to produce some exciting exchanges with the respective winners earning a coveted place in the championship match on New Year’s night, January 1, 2016 right at the Golden Grove ground. Grove Hi Tech have been gradually improving their

play and seem hungry to defend their title but will have to first get past an equally determined Victoria Kings line-up. The East Bank boys were tested in their first match against Golden Grove, prevailing via penalty kicks 4-2 after a 2-2 regulation and extra time score line. Their quarter-final match against Pouderoyen saw them more potent as they brushed aside West Demerara’s Pouderoyen 2-0 whilst missing a plethora of opportunities. They will hope to be much more potent in the final third especially coming up against a side like the Kings who will make them pay for mistakes. Leading the most consistent side on the East Bank will be Lloyd ‘Badai’ Matthews, Orson Francois, Denzil Crawford and Akeem Jones who have all scored so far in this tournament. This side have displayed the aptitude to score at any point during the match since they create the chances. Victoria Kings, on the other

hand, have stood solid in the defensive third and boast a record of two goals for and none against, which means that Grove will have their work cut out in the attacking third. The Kings have won both their matches to date via respective 1-0 margins against

Stewartville and Uitvlugt, both West Demerara teams. Alden Lawrence has been their only player on the score sheets and will certainly be a player to watch tonight. Senior tacticians in Winston Pompey, Calvin De Souza and Aubrey Gibson along with

Victoria Kings Football Club

Akeem Holder and Sherlock Dowdin will be combining efforts with a view of halting the progress of Grove Hi Tech which makes for mouthwatering action. Ann’s Grove have been effective in conquering their opponents to date and will be hoping to continue this trend when they take on a determined Mahaica Determinators in tonight’s first semi at 19:00hrs. They (Ann’s Grove) will have a point to prove that they can go all the way having lost in the final last year to Grove Hi Tech 5-0 on New Year’s Night this year at the #5 ground West Coast Berbice, Domini Garnett netting all five goals. While they edged Eagles (West Demerara) in their first game 2-1, Ann’s Grove were in ripping form in dismantling another West Demerara side, Beavers 4-0, in their quarter-final game to earn tonight’s date with Mahaica. Shafeer Sanichar has two goals so far for them while Ja-

main Rogers, Anil Hernandez, Kevon Barry and Andrew Murray have also scored a goal each and will be hoping to continue that trend for their team tonight. The task to smother them in their efforts will be a tough one for Mahaica but they too have displayed a high desire for goals which was evident in their 3-0 demolition of Kuru Kururu Warriors. Mahaica have also shown that they are a patient unit that will pounce when the opportunity presents itself as was evident in their hard-fought 1-0 win over West Demerara’s Den Amstel on Christmas night at the Farm ground. Q u i n c y H o l d e r, w h o converted twice against the Warriors, Samuel Charles and Eion Abel who scored a well-executed free kick to win the match against Den Amstel, will all be raring to go to prove that Mahaica are as ambitious as the other teams and will be giving their all, as they too eye the big prize. Fans are in for a treat tonight.

Winners Connection goalscorer Keon Sears

UDFA/GT Beer tournament semi-finalists decided

See story on page 23

… Netrockers vs Silver Shattas, Topp XX vs Winners Connection

Netrockers goalscorers: (L-R) Deshawn Joseph, Denzil Pryce, Shane Luckie and Orande Wills

Windies desperate to compete - Brathwaite

Carlos Brathwaite celebrates his first Test wicket after dismissing Aussie opener David Warner on the 3rd day, in the 2nd Test at Melbourne, yesterday.

WEST Indies have been strongly criticised for their efforts in Australia, but Carlos Brathwaite insists they are working hard to improve. All-rounder Brathwaite

was pleased to play his part in a more defiant display from West Indies on day three of the second Test with Australia in Melbourne. After being trounced by an innings and 212 runs in

Hobart, the Windies again found themselves dominated to a painful extent over the first two days at the MCG - slumping to 91-6 after Australia had declared on a mammoth total of 551-3.

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

However, there was a fightback of sorts from the tourists yesterday as they battled to reach 271 all out, Test debutant Brathwaite taking advantage of two reprieves - when he was bowled and caught at fineleg off James Pattinson noballs - to contribute 59 to a seventh-wicket stand of 90 with Darren Bravo (81). Australia remain firmly on course for victory, having progressed to 179-3 in their second innings to lead by 459 with two days remaining, but the Windies could at least take heart from an improved showing after facing much criticism. “The game is still very, very far out of our hands and it will take a monumental effort to bring ourselves back into the game and even try to draw it or win it, but that’s a challenge we’ll look at tomorrow (Tuesday),” said Brathwaite, who also picked up his first Test wicket when he removed the dangerous David Warner for 17. “I was just happy that I could contribute to a fighting day’s performance and hope that the fans in the West Indies get to put a smile back on their faces and realise that we’re not just here for being See page 23

West Indian cricket commentator banned from speaking to players

WEST Indian cricket commentator Fazeer Mohammed has reportedly been banned from interviews with the regional players on the tour of Australia. According to reports the Trinidadian’s outspokenness regarding the dire state of regional cricket has not found favour with the players or coach Phil Simmons. Broadcasting in the outfield before play with his ABC colleagues at the MCG, Mohammed was told by a West Indies official that their players would no longer be participating in interviews with him there. Simmons is reported to be particularly annoyed by an interview with a We s t I n d i a n c r i c k e t Barbados radio stacommentator Fazeer tion where he claimed Mohammed the preparation of the Australians ahead of the second Test was superior to the West Indies. Mohammed had claimed their training lacked intensity and purpose in contrast to Australia’s sessions in Melbourne. (Sportsmax.com)

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2015