Guyana chronicle 01 17 14

GUYANA No. 104072 SATURDAY JANUARY 17, 2015

The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

Amaila Falls Access road US$12M under budget – CJIA expansion continues apace Page

PRICE: $80

INCLUDING VAT

Major road upgrade projects slated for this year Page

16

Following PPP’s call…

3

Robeson Benn

– Public Works Ministry

Guyana/Suriname Trade Mission gets down to business

GECOM assures of plans for awareness programme ahead of polls Page

8

Body of Guyanese man recovered at Paramaribo dock 9 Page

Why would anyone want an eyeball tattoo?

Minister with responsibility for Industry and Commerce in Guyana, Irfaan Ali, addressing delegates as the first ever Guyana/ Suriname Trade Mission got down to business at the Guyana International Conference Centre yesterday

Page

22

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 17, 2015

President Ramotar lauds W.B.D Ashram project Recht-Door-Zee to be electrified

First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar performing part of the puja

THOUSANDS of Onderneeming residents of La Parfaite-Harmonie, West Bank Demerara are slated to benefit from the services of the Akshaar Dhaam Ashram that will be constructed in the near future.

First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar performed the ‘puja’ (a Hindu religious ceremony) to bless the construction site and rid it of all evils and obstacles that would hamper construction of the President Donald Ramotar delivering remarks at the occasion mandir.

During the ceremocommunity. noted that this project will benefit many ny the officiating Swami (priest) exHe also noted that the residents will persons. He explained that initiatives plained that the mandir will offer not benefit from the presence of the ashram, like these help to develop a country and only religious blessing in the form of and it is therefore expected that they bring its people together. ceremonies, but will also offer educa- would assist in delivering the services The Head of State repeated the need tional and recreational services to the being offered. for the construction of the Amaila Falls President Don- Hydroelectricity Project, reiterating that ald Ramotar con- it would benefit all Guyanese. He alludgratulated the or- ed to the fact that, only a few days ago, ganisers and resi- he had signed with the Inter-American dents for undertak- Development Bank (IDB) the contract ing this venture and that would enable electricity to be provided in Recht-Door-Zee Phase II scheme. The President assured residents that works in this regard would begin on January 19 and are scheduled to be completed by the end of February 2015.

Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall also attended the religious ceremony, as did other religious and diplomatic personnel and members of the East Coast mandirs.

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 17, 2015

Amaila Falls Access road US$12M under budget – CJIA expansion continues apace – Public Works Ministry

By Gary Eleazar THE substantial completion of the Amaila Falls Access Road with a handing over date set in March 2015 and the progression of the US$150M expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with a September 2015 deadline were among the many favourable reports coming out of the Ministry of Public Works yesterday.

Public Works Minister Robeson Benn met with members of the media, along with a sleuth of Department Heads and other Ministry officials who provided in-depth reports on the successes and challenges in the past year along with projections for 2015.

Ramesh Ghir, CJIA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who was on hand for yesterday’s Performance Review announced that for the third consecutive year the airport earned revenues in excess of $1B. According to Ghir, of that amount some $678M were utilised by the Airport in order to meet its expenditure for the year and the remainder was transferred to the Consolidated Fund.

CJIA EXPANSION It was reported that over the course of the life of the massive US$150M expansion project thus far, some US$30.8M have been spent on works completed.

The Public Works Minister was grilled over the lawfulness of the expenditure in light of the fact that the Opposition had withheld its support for monies allocated in last year’s budget.

The minister responded by pointing to the Chief Jus-

tice’s recent ruling, which he said guides Government.

“As far as I am aware the Chief Justice pronounced that they (political Opposition) could not cut the money, that is what I recall,” said Benn.

He recalled too that when the CJIA expansion project first went before the House, the political opposition had supported the US$20.7M allocation to be paid over to the contractor as a mobilisation advance to kick start the project.

“The National Assembly of Guyana approved the initiation of this project,” Benn said.

He was adamant that the contracts have been inked; the project started and as such has to be continued to its completion.

Benn was adamant that the monies being expended on the project is money that has been sourced from China that “has to be used.”

According to Benn, all monies expended during the course of last year on the project, will be reflected on the requisite documentation for the National Assembly, namely the statement of excesses.

“These are funds which are given to us and we have to use…it has to be used or you lose it…it absolutely have to be spent for the national good,” said Benn.

The minister was adamant that Guyana faces tremendous risk of the project if not followed through with.

TWO-FOLD APPROACH The airport’s CEO, in his performance review of the US$150M expansion project currently underway

CJIA, CEO Ramesh Ghir

noted that it is a two-fold initiative which sees the substantial extension of the airport’s runway as well as the construction of a new terminal building.

According to Ghir, construction of site office and accommodation for the extension of the runway has been completed.

As it relates to the humus excavation and sand backfilling, Ghir said that a total of 34,013 square metres have been completed.

To d a t e a w h o p p i n g 14,960 truckloads of the unwanted humus have been excavated and removed, while another 28,763 truckloads of sand had been backfilled.

As it relates to the performance of the airport in the past year, Ghir announced too that international passenger arrivals saw a moderate increase over the previous year.

He reported that imported cargo last year skyrocketed by 44 per cent up to 3,296,000 kg, while exports amounted to 2,852,000 kg, a 16 per cent increase over the previous year.

The CEO reported too that in the past year, CJIA has been looking at tightening its security and has since installed 51 additional cam-

Special Adviser, Walter Willis

eras within and around the airport at a cost of $48M. “Since its implementation in late November there have been several instances where the CCTV coverage were able to assist with investigations,” Ghir disclosed He said too that an additional 26 persons were recruited for CJIA’s Aviation Security Division bringing its staffing strength to 80.

“This increase in staffing has allowed the Corporation to deploy more manpower across the various checkpoints and exercise greater control,” he said.

AMAILA FALLS ACCESS ROAD Another of the massive

Robeson Benn

projects being undertaken under the guise of the public works Ministry is that the Amaila Falls Access Road and this project also came in for intense scrutiny during yesterday’s exercise.

Special Technical Adviser, Walter Willis was on hand for the marathon session held at the Ministry’s Kingston Office and reported that the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project is in fact being completed under budget.

He explained that some US$43.5M in contracts would have been awarded following the revision of works and retendering process, but to date US$28.9M has been spent to substantially complete the project.

A c c o r d i n g t o Wi l lis, another GYD$340M (US$1.7M) has been requested for 2015 in order to be complete the road.

It is intended that come March, the road will be handed over to the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Inc. This means that the total cost of the road project will in reality come in at about US$12M less than the US$43.5M. Willis did concede that the project which started in 2010 has seen its fair share of challenges with several contracts having to be terminated over the course of its construction.

He noted that in the history of projects undertaken to date by Government, the Amaila Falls Access Road project has seen the most termination of contracts.

The Amaila Falls Access Road stretches for some 162 kilometres, most of which is located in virgin territory and according to Willis, at the end of December 2014 “we have substantially completed the road….we have achieved more than 95 per cent. It also means that the road could be put into use,” Willis said.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 17, 2015

UK and US in joint anti-terror push (BBC) - BRITAIN and the US are to share expertise on preventing radicalism and tackling domestic “violent extremism”.

Prime Minister David Cameron announced the move following talks with President Barack Obama at the White House, warning that they both faced a “poisonous and fanatical ideology”.

The taskforce will report back to the two leaders within six months.

Mr Cameron also said Britain would deploy more unarmed drones to help ground forces tackle Islamic State.

The prime minister is on a two-day visit to Washington for talks with President Obama, likely to be his final Washington visit before the UK general election in May. At a press conference in the White House, Mr Obama hailed Mr Cameron as a “great friend” while the British prime minister said the US was a “kindred spirit”.

The talks between the two leaders came a week after the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris which killed

Mr Cameron said the UK and US have been “kindred spirits” for almost two centuries 17 people.

Concerns over additional attacks by Islamic extremists intensified on Thursday, after two people were killed during a targeted anti-terror raid by police in Belgium, to pre-empt what officials there called a major impending attack.

Dozens held across Europe in Islamist suspect weeps

Belgian police investigators arrive outside an apartment in central Verviers, a town between Liege and the German border, in the east of Belgium January 16, 2015.

(Reuters/Yves Herman photo) (Reuters) - BELGIAN, French and German police interrogated dozens of Islamist suspects yesterday as much of Europe remained on heightened security alert after last week’s killings in Paris and raids in Belgium in which two gunmen were killed.

In Paris there was a fresh scare when a gunman took several people hostage at a post office in a northwestern suburb. A siege ended when he gave himself up to police.

No one was hurt. Authorities said they could not confirm

DATE: 10/01/2015 F

01 07 13 20 12 14 17

16/01/2015

05

09

10

13

23

16/01/2015

3

‘FANATICAL IDEOLOGY’ UK police have said there is “heightened concern” about the risk to the UK’s Jewish communities in the wake of last week’s attacks and are considering stepping up patrols in certain areas.

At a press conference in the White House, Mr Cameron said it was a “sensible, precautionary” measure to take to “reassure those communities”.

Mr Cameron said: “We face a poisonous and fanatical ideology that wants to pervert one of the world’s major religions, Islam, and create conflict, terror and death. With our allies we will confront it wherever it appears.”

9

9

16/01/2015

whether the incident was related to terrorism.

Belgian police questioned 13 suspects and France held two people on Belgium’s request, a day after two gunmen were killed during raids against an Islamist group that authorities said were planning to attack police.

French police said they had arrested 12 people suspected of helping the Islamist gunmen behind attacks last week on a satirical magazine and kosher supermarket in Paris.

07 02 04 14 03 12 16

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 17, 2015

155 illegal New US-Cuba travel and trade rules come into effect immigrants in custody (BBC) NEW travel and trade rules between the US and Cuba have come into effect in the biggest policy shift between the two countries in more than 50 years.

Measures include allowing US citizens to use credit cards in Cuba and for US businesses to export some technologies.

Americans will be able to take home up to US$100 (£66) in alcohol and tobacco from Cuba.

The move implements last month’s agreement to re-establish ties severed since 1961.

Although the latest moves put a large dent in the US trade embargo against Cuba’s communist government, only Congress can lift it completely.

Earlier this week, US officials said Cuba had completed the release of 53 political prisoners agreed as part

TRINIDAD’s National Security Minister, Gary Griffith, yesterday issued a statement regarding the on-going controversy involving the detention and treatment of people coming from African countries, who are detained at the Immigration Detention Centre.

The following is an excerpt of the statement from Griffith, which was published in the Trinidad Express newspaper: Minister Griffith informed that as of January 2, 2015, the T&T’s Immigration Detention Centre housed a total of 155 immigrants, with only 29 detainees (18.7%)) being African nationals. (Trinidad Express)

Brazil water supply, crops still at risk a year after epic drought Americans will be able to bring home small numbers of Cuban cigars after a ban of more than 50 years any of a dozen specific reaempower the Cuban popula- sons without first obtaining of the historic deal. tion to become less depen- a special licence from the POLICIES ‘OUT OF dent upon the state-driven government.

DATE’ United Airlines anWhite House press sec- economy”. nounced on Thursday plans While ordinary tourretary Josh Earnest said the to begin flying to Cuba from ism is still banned, the new changes would “immediately its terminals in Houston and enable the American people regulations will allow US Newark. to provide more resources to citizens to travel to Cuba for US credit and debit cards can be used there and there will be no more limits on how much money US citizens can spend in Cuba each day.

About 170,000 authorised US travellers went to While Ferriera presented passersby for the purpose of Cuba last year, according an airline ticket to prove that prostitution while at Classic to the US Department of she did travel to Trinidad in Seamen Hotel and Bar on Commerce.

August, police prosecutor Sgt

Woman on prostitution charge misses court date A WOMAN who said she was denied entry into Trinidad and Tobago by immigration officers and missed her court matter, turned herself over to the police on Thursday.

A warrant had been issued by the court last year for Yirandy Buena Ferreira’s arrest after she failed to appear before a magistrate when her matter was called.

Defence attorney Sean Sobers said that his client attempted to come into the country last August to be able to be present for the matter.

Ferriera, of Santo Domingo is one of 75 women charged with soliciting

March 8, 2013.

The charge was later amended to include the word “loitering”.

Sobers said that when his client was unable to produce documentation to show that she was entering Trinidad for the purpose of attending her court matter, she was denied entry.

The defence attorney said that on another attempt to enter the country, Ferriera was successful. Enquires were made about the warrant and it was subsequently executed.

Mom, 72, dies in fire A 72-year-old woman died in a house fire at New Lane, El Socorro, Trinidad and Tobago yesterday. The body of Phulmatie Ramnan Issarie was found in a bedroom.

At about 09:00 hrs, smoke was seen billowing from the bedroom of the two story building.

Fire fighters responded

within minutes and were able to extinguish the blaze.

However, police suspect Issarie was overcome by the smoke and died before help could come.

Issarie’s son Khimraj said that his mother was family oriented, and looked after all her relatives.

“She was a nice, fun, loving lady. Always helpful. She

Gordon Maharaj asked that her passport be presented to validate whether she came to the country in August and had been returned to her homeland.

This is to be shown at her next court appearance on March 4.

Diop reinstated Ferriera’s $15,000 bail and ordered that she report to the Princes Town police station once a week.

The matter with her co-accused will next be called on March 31. (Trinidad Express)

was always talking to the people on the street, and just being friendly.That’s the type of woman she was,” he said.

“I just in shock. I can’t believe it. This is not the way she should have had to go. Definitely not the way to go. Burning and screaming, trapped in your own home? I can’t picture it. I don’t want to. It’s just too terrible,” Khimraj Issarie said.

An electrical fault is suspected to have started the fire. (Trinidad Express)

(REUTERS) - Southeastern Brazil is getting some rainfall a year after a record drought started, but not enough to eliminate worries about electricity rationing, drinking-water shortages or another season of damaged export crops, meteorologists said.

Record-high temperatures and the most severe drought in at least 80 years punished southeastern Brazil last year, a region accounting for 60 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. Lingering climate challenges could threaten a tepid economic recovery.

Private weather forecaster Somar warned of irregular rainfall in the center-west soy belt as well as the southeast throughout the month as an atmospheric blockage prevents a cold front from advancing over the key producing regions in the world’s largest exporter of coffee, sugar, soy and beef.

That is especially worrisome in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais, which produces half of Brazil’s coffee. Drought there last year wiped out as much as a third of the crop in some areas, causing global arabica prices to rise 50 percent over the year even as most other commodity markets tumbled.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 17, 2015

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Granger and the Linden PNC crisis – a contempt for democracy

THE still unresolved issues that have led to the current wars raging within the precincts of the People’s National Congress(PNC) is as shocking, for its still unresolved status, as it is surprising, for the cavalier manner that party leader, David Granger, has been treating with such a very serious matter that continues to damage the party’s image.

It once again sheds light on the leader of this senior parliamentary Op-

position party.

That the last biennial congress of this party exposed his inadequacies as leader, reflecting his ill-advised decision to enter into the political jungle; but also his ill-perceived understanding of what are its testing moments and how to deal with the arising challenges.

A political party is not a military institution as Granger should by now have learnt. Though, like any other organisation, it must be guided by rules that make for its daily func-

tioning, inclusive of a code of discipline – its particular peculiarity is that it is dealing with the business of the nation. Therefore, it is governed by a traditional culture of membership, drawn from varied social backgrounds that will challenge positions, ranging from the very apex of the party. This is traditional.

Had Granger understood this truism, he would have never dealt with the popular Region 10 Member of Parliament, Vanessa Kissoon, in the manner of a military officer, expecting

It takes small minds not to recognise the greatness of the PPP IT IS amazing the extent to which some people will go to denigrate the PPP and the role played by the PPP in the liberation struggle for a free, democratic and prosperous Guyana.

The fact that the PPP is the only political party that survived until today as a political party since its formation on January 1, 1950, is an achievement by itself. This fact makes the PPP not only the oldest party in Guyana, but the party with the highest level of political maturity, the most multi-racial support.

The PPP is also on record as the only political party in Guyana that has always won free and fair elections ever since its formation some sixty-five years ago. It was engineered out of office by foreign vested interests, in collaboration with local reactionary elements in the elections of 1964, and denied office by the PNC for twenty-eight years, but came triumphantly back to office in 1992, after democracy was finally restored to the country.

It is no exaggeration to say that the PPP has always been in the forefront of all major developments in the country. It led the struggle for the right to vote and for internal self government and for national independence. After the PNC-UF coalition was catapulted to office in 1964, it waged a relentless battle for the return of democracy to the country.

One reason for the continuing longevity and popularity of the PPP has been its embrace of universal values such as freedom, democracy, the rule of law and good governance.

It takes small minds not to recognise the greatness of the PPP and the role it has played and continues to play in the construction of a modern, democratic and prosperous Guyana.

The PPP, unlike those with petty minds, are ideas driven.

Small minds think people; great minds ideas.

HYDAR ALLY

her to remain silent. He totally mis-read the seething resentment and outright disapproval that such undemocratic action stirred among the party’s pivotal support base at Linden, concomitant with the MP’s defiance. The fact that he, as leader, did not think it necessary to resolve whatever disagreement there was with her and respective aggrieved parties, points to his utter disregard for the party’s constituents at Linden.

The subsequent implosion at the Party’s August

congress, the epicentre of which was the undemocratic locking out of the Linden delegation that had intended to challenge Granger ’s position of leadership, was the full circle drawn on the reality of his stewardship. It was a disgraceful act of trampling the democratic process of free and fair elections, even at party level. But such was not an accident, for this has been the sine qua non of PNC’S internal politics, that has its precedent at the national level, in the form of successive rigged national elections.

To now be scrambling to mend fences with the

Linden party grouping, but still intending not to accept their outright rejection of an unpopular choice of regional party coordinator, will do no good for the already fractious state of affairs that exists within the Party. No party leader can lay claims to being democratic unless he/she listens to the voices of the people.

This has been one of the tragedies of Granger’s leadership, because of his known aloofness. Such an attitude is contemptuous of the people; its results can only be seething discord, as is the current state of affairs within the PNC.

Let’s cherish our elderly

UNDER a Facebook post of an elderly Guyanese woman who committed suicide at Golden Fleece on the Essequibo Coast, another Essequiban asked ‘Where is Annan Boodram?” This question saddened us tremendously, if only because it seems to speak to the over dependence on overseas-based Guyanese individuals and entities to tackle social issues in Guyana, whereas the reality should be that a combination of state and community involvement should form the fundamental basis for structured and ongoing assistance.

The article stated, in part, “Ramsamooj lately returned from the United States. Her entire family is said to be in New York. She was living with her sister at the time of her death.“

Questions abound. Was she simply visiting her family in the U.S. and had returned home to Guyana?

If so, why was an elderly mother living in Guyana away from the rest of her family? Was she legally living in the U.S. and had opted to return to Guyana? If so, why did the family allow such an elderly member to be so far away from them?

Was she legally living in the U.S. and had been sent back to Guyana by her family?

If so, would this not be tantamount to abandonment?

After all, regardless of how her children would have been, the mother never sent them away from her.

Whatever the scenario was, the fact remains that this was a lady in her eighties, who may have felt abandoned by her immediate family; and if she had

been legally in the U.S., then she also would have had the emotional cushion pulled from under her and the scope for positive social life, one that she may have become accustomed to, reduced to almost zero.

Also she may have lost financial and material assistance provided by US/NY governmental agencies and she definitely would have lost easy and fast access to first rate medical services that is available in the U.S. Since the early 1990s, we have been privy to stories of elderly Guyanese maltreated and abused by their families. One such story told of a mother who was sponsored by her son.

Not long after her arrival in the U.S., she was placed to live in basement of the

See page 7

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 17, 2015

The Global Revolutionary situation THE Anglo-American Empire and its allies, the belt of Western Europe nations stretching from Scandinavia in the North to Italy in the South, are invaders and conquerors. They invade the world, conquer, kill, take what they want, leave.

They have been doing this since their Medieval Era. Those incessant Germanic, Anglo-Saxon wars invading, plundering, pillaging native European civilizations. And in the grand era of global conquest, from the 15th to 19th Century, they moved into their New World. Imperialism. They transplanted their towers and ramparts, their entire political economy, onto the beleaguered kingdoms of the Americas.

The bullion of gold and silver was to be found in the soil in the Americas, bullion for achieving supremacy in war; they maximised this supremacy through theft of wood, hide, soil, space and other commodities, and labour: the imposition and dissemination of plantation. To maximise their mastery over

From page 6 son’s home, without any heat during the winter, and whatever financial assistance she received from governmental agencies was seized by the son and his wife with almost nothing given back to her.Eventually, neighbors found out about the old lady’s plight and reported it to relevant agencies.

Consequently she was taken away and placed in more caring circumstances while the son and his wife were arrested and charged.

More recently (01/14/14) the Guyana media highlighted the case of an 83-year-old bedridden man beaten to death by his 53-year-old , mentally unstable son. This case also spawns many questions. Were these two living alone? If not, why were they left alone? If so how

their own European neighbours, over other native peoples globally, they squeezed the blood out of their own underclasses, feudal serfs, peasants, proletarians. And we see in the modern era, the 20th and 21st centuries, this trend of global conquest, genocide, invading and taking what you have, incurring tremendous, flagellating costs to native civilizations, continue. While the masses in the nations of Empire suffer, from debt, unemployment, ennui, social fragmentation, alienation, the elites advance economic, political and military war.

Same practice, predatory war, different rhetoric. The current catch-phrases are the New World Order, the International Community. A grotesquerie managed by a polycentric elite of nations, basically a NATO, North Atlantic axis. This is the reality of the modern global structure. The bastions of this axis are the church, the military, the mainstream media, the global surveillance institutions, the banks, the monetary system, the United

Nations Security Council, the International Criminal Court, the two-party senatorial dictatorships guising themselves as democratic; and cohorts of multi-national corporations, global investor states, acting independently of state and legislative control.

Those who have challenged this one thousand year old order have been met with defeat or flagellation.

Native populations everywhere, both in Europe and the Americas, South East Asia, Asia, Australia, Africa, Latin America; genocide and ransack, social, political, economic, have been their fate. Then there have been Marx and Communism.

China, Russia, North Korea, Cuba; all these latter are now fraying at the edges. Gandhi is an interesting intervention; no sooner had he died that Nehru, his daughter and her sons, killed his ideas and joined the race to become Europe. For one part, they held steadfast to the idea of non-Alignment; but that is now dead. So is Hugo Chavez.

could family have allowed this. Many of us grew up in Guyana where our elders were cherished and embraced in the bosoms of the family and their invaluable life experiences were the banquets from which grandchildren and other youngsters feasted. On the one hand, grandparents reduce the impact of negativity, often become confidantes of their grandchildren, can share tremendous experiences and knowledge to guide other family members, have more time to socialise with grandchildren and more concretely display care, compassion, concern. On the other hand, elders need to generally spend their last days knowing that they have nothing to worry about and that care and love underpin their daily existence, regardless of what idiosyncrasies, whims and fancies they may exhibit.

Whatever the circumstances relating to that elderly woman, there was enough pain there to have led her to the agonizing decision to end it all. The Caribbean Voice therefore urges all – Guyanese overseas and at home – to let us get back to our innate qualities of family togetherness and its bequest of love and caring compassion regardless of what life throws at us.

Now back to the issues inherent in a call from domiciled Guyanese to those of us overseas when a situation like this arises. The simple fact is that overseas individuals/entities cannot make the kind of impact needed continually within communities. Each community has to be able to identify and set up support nets for the elderly and vulnerable among them as a first step, and then identify state and private sector help that may

Into this scenario we have the terrorist, what is loosely referred to as Islamic Terror. And Iran. The West hates this, and will try anything to stop it: rage, bribery, mollycoddling, insurgency, the annihilation of states, threats to exterminate leaders and networks; all at the same time. In other words, the Islamic Terrorist and Iran pose a real threat to the one thousand year old Western hegemony of war, conquest, theft, ransacking and empire.

Its final solution to the West, and its historic genocide, is to get the Bomb into the West, or hold it outside.

Terrorism inside the West, or the treat of the Bomb outside it. This is ultimate crisis, the realpolitik of the modern era.

This is the challenge faced by modern civilization.

All attempts to build the genuinely Global Village, a village of sharing, revolutions in technology, innovation; in health, public services, transport, communications, education, food production, political and economic institutions, energy, and security – against gunrunning,

narcotics, money-laundering, bankster economies, resource inequity – stand to be usurped by this parallel revolution: the Jihad of Islam vs the Terror of Western Europe. Neither of these opponents will rest, until they decimate each other.

This is the future into which the Global Village is being thrown. A world of chaos.

This war of wars, mother of all dialectics, is based on realpolitik. It is based on the will to power. It does not matter which ‘side’ you support or do not support.

Which views you hold or do not hold. Who did this or who did that. All of these ‘tangentials’ have been superseded by the facts on the ground. The war has already started. It will not end in my or your lifetime. It is a war of a highly motivated, muhajid warrior conqueror versus a genocidal, predatory, prepotent Empire.

The former cannot be appeased; it will continue to mount attacks against, and more significantly, inside the historic Empire. And Iran, or an equally defiant, and subtle, surrogate, will

get their Bomb. There is no doubt of this. The Empire is in trouble.

This is the challenge facing modern civilization, not just the denudation of organic life of the planet, its life support systems, but fullscale global war. Ironically, this is the best time for the ferment of ideas – the sharing of ideas and technology globally, to build the Global Village. The development of genuinely participatory global financial, economic, and political institutions. Human civilization needs intellectual terrorists everywhere, to make the incendiary bombs, the improvised electronic ideas for the future.

There is not clash of civilizations, but a culmination of revolutions. The revolution of the will to power – based on WMD’s, IED’s, smart bombs, nuclear bombs, battlefield robotics, drones – and the revolution of the commons, the will to improvisation and ideas.

WAYNE KUBLALSINGH

Let’s cherish our... exist. There are many NGOs that do a great deal of work with limited resources, including, but not limited to Monique’s Helping Hands (Dr. Dawn Stewart), the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (Dr. Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth), Help and Shelter and Red Thread, the counselling center at Springlands on the Corentyne started by former magistrate Krishnadat Persaud, Mibicuri Community Developers, Hindus for Selfless Service, the Bacchus and Sankar families on the Essequibo Coast, the Guyana Foundation, Nirvana Humanitarian Mission and the American University of Research (apologies for not being able to list all organizations).

On this issue of NGOs, The Caribbean Voice strongly believes that all organizations working on the social landscape should initiate working relations with all others, as this would help to establish a network that can foster referrals and join operations whenever and wherever possible. Such an approach would lead to greater reach and impact and maximization of resources.

The socio-political realities of Guyana, in particular, do not make it easy for the ‘go it alone’ approach. Thus the concept akin to community psychology – identifying social problems within communities and developing solutions in collaboration with all possible forces – needs to and must be ap-

plied. In effect, when the community cares, everyone learns to care and the effects snowball – less abuse, less suicide, less addictions and less crimes.

We in The Caribbean Voice know that this is easier said than done, but that it is also practical not only because it happens elsewhere in the world, but also because it was a pervasive Guyanese reality some generations ago. In effect, collectively caring for society’s most vulnerable leads to an aura of care and compassion that becomes cyclic. And this cycle starts with individuals within communities.

THE CARIBBEAN VOICE

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 17, 2015

Following PPP’s call…

GECOM assures of plans for awareness programme ahead of polls THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Monday indicated that it has plans in place to advance an awareness and sensitisation programme for the electorate, ahead of impending general and regional elections.

The assurance follows a call from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Clement Rohee, earlier in the week.

“As we approach another General and Regional Elections, which must be free and fair, the PPP will work hard to ensure that notwithstanding the social and political repercussions and reverberations, which are bound to emerge from the internal wrangling and disagreements within the ranks of the political opposition,” he said.

STRUGGLE FOR STABILITY According to him, the Party is prepared, as it has always been, to struggle for the maintenance of political stability and for the constant improvement in the wellbeing of all Guyanese. “ G u y a n a ’s n a t i o n a l democracy will continue to grow from strength to strength with the working people always at the centre of the exciting journey ahead of us as we work uncompromisingly towards another PPP/C victory at the Polls,” he declared confidently.

Rohee underscored the ruling party’s track record and stressed that there have been significant strides in the social and economic sectors of our country’s de-

velopment. “(This is seen) especially when contrasted against the broken down, ramshackle, bankrupt economy and social and physical infrastructure inherited by the PPP/C on assumption to office in 1992,” he said.

The PPP General Secretary bemoaned the “vapid bleating’s and feline purring’s of the Opposition” about corruption, lack of transparency and accountability, absence of democratic governance at the executive and parliamentary levels.

“This pales into significance when matched against the strides made in the social and economic sectors of our country’s development,” he stressed, adding that the link between development, on all

Dr Luncheon sees GGMC protests as ‘industrial unrest’ – says workers’ position ‘unpalatable’ to the Administration

HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon, on Thursday, described the protests of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) as “industrial unrest”, while noting that the actions of the workers in staying away from work are “unpalatable” to the administration.

Luncheon, who is also Cabinet Secretary, was speaking about the issue at his usual post-Cabinet news conference at Office of the President in Georgetown.

This, the first important industrial event of 2015, attracted Cabinet’s attention this week, Luncheon reported. “Cabinet’s concern, essentially, was whether there was some justification for the continued industrial unrest,” he said, adding that this “led Cabinet to try to gain an understanding of what was the beef; what was the issue that caused the workers to be out on strike?”

He explained that sometime in the past, a consultant made recommendations about changes at the GGMC. The ‘unbelievable’ conten-

tion by the workers is that they are protesting because the implementation of the recommendations of the consultant was not being honoured by the management of GGMC and essentially by the administration.

“This, it seems, is the basis for the continued industrial unrest. One can quite understand the reactions of Cabinet…the notion that there can be an industrial unrest issue on the implementation of the recommendations, frankly speaking, is a bit difficult for the Cabinet to contemplate, to swallow,” Dr Luncheon said.

The Ministry of Labour, in its intervention, has sought to have the industrial unrest end so that even this “unusual contention” can be discussed. Luncheon referred to this as an extremely conventional approach.

“No one negotiates under duress. Return to work and as silly, as absurd as the issue is, let’s discuss it.

You want to implement the recommendations? Return to work, let’s talk about it.

Of course, the fact that the strike continues is an indi-

cation that the workers feel entrenched for whatever reason, that until such time as the recommendations are implemented, we are not returning to work. I can tell you, a position that is clearly unpalatable to the administration.”

Meanwhile, the GGMC, in a press statement issued earlier this week, stated that the Commission considers the strike to be illegal as negotiations were ongoing between the two parties.

The Commission reiterated the need for the parties to abide by the standing agreement between the GPSU and the Commission for the recognition, avoidance and settlement of disputes.

The statement pointed out that the agreement between that Union and the Commission clearly identifies the steps to be taken to resolve the current issues.

Deviations from these enshrined protocols can be construed as acts of bad faith, more so given that discussions and engagements were ongoing between the Union and the Commission.

fronts, and transparency and accountability is recognised by the party.

Rohee also assured that his party will continue to “stay the course” for the wellbeing of all Guyanese and, by extension, Guyana.

IMPENDING ELECTIONS Additionally, an announcement from President Donald Ramotar on a date for general and regional elections is expected to be made soon.

President Ramotar in early December ended the wait of the Guyanese people with the much-anticipated announcement on the way forward to bring an end to the current political impasse – a move to early general and regional elections.

A move by the President to set a date will have a bearing on several processes. Once a date is set, it will translate to the dissolution of Parliament, which currently still stands suspended under the November proro-

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee

gation proclamation.

Political parties will then kick into campaign mode.

And once a proclamation announcing a date is made by the President to go to general and regional elections, GECOM will have its timelines with which to work.

The Head of State, like the party’s General Secretary, expressed confidence

in his party regaining the parliamentary majority it lost in the 2011 general and regional elections by one seat. At the last elections, the combined Opposition gained control of the National Assembly by a one-seat majority in a 33-32 split.

The last general and regional elections were held in November 2011.

Passenger left traumatised after robbery on minibus KEVON Carter was left in a tramautised state following an armed robbery while he was a passenger in a minibus on his way home on Sunday night.

The 21-year-old security officer told this publication that he entered a route 42 minibus at the East Bank Demerara Park for home at Diamond, which departed the city with a bus full of passengers.

He explained that on the journey a young man told the conductor he wanted to disembark the bus when they reached Middle Street, Mc Doom.

Carter said the wouldbe bandit, who was seated next to him in the back seat of the bus snatched his bag while the other robber relieved a female bank employee of her handbag at gunpoint and fled the scene into the village.

The incident took place around 19:00 hrs after which the minibus driver refused to stop at Agricola Police Station for a report to be filed; as such, the victims were taken to Providence Police Station.

Carter said his bag contained his uniform, his wallet with his National

Insurance card, identification card and money.

He also made a report of the robbery at the Ruimveldt Police Station, because ranks at the Providence Police Station told him they did not have a vehicle to accompany him in Mc Doom after he received word that the youths are from the area and his bag with his things was observed strewn on a bridge in that village.

Carter added that after the incident he is still reeling from shock and was unable to report for work until Thursday.

(Michel Outridge)

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 17, 2015

Body of Guyanese man recovered at Paramaribo dock

By Leroy Smith TWENTY-EIGHT YEAR OLD Rawle Anthony Henry’s body was discovered on Friday morning trapped between some boats which were docked at a Paramaribo wharf where the man reportedly slipped and fell on Wednesday afternoon.

Henry, a Guyanese and father of one, who once worked with the National Communications Network Inc. and CNS 6 was at the time of his death working on board a tug when his co-workers reported that he tripped on a rope and fell into the river. The man was described as a strong swimmer.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, the aunt of

Rawle Anthony Henry

the deceased, Maxine Henry Samuels at her Lot 140 North Melanie Damashana home, explained that they received a call yesterday morning explaining that the body of the man was found.

The aunt also reported to this newspaper that the police in the Dutch-speaking country are convinced that his death was indeed triggered by an accident.

According to Samuels, the family was also told that because of the state of decomposition, her nephew’s body will not be able to come back to Guyana and as such he will have to be buried in that country.

Henry was reportedly working for eleven months with a company which ferries lumber and the last time

he travelled home was on December 24 when he came to spend the Christmas with his family and returned on January 6 to work.

His aunt could not immediately confirm if there was any form of insurance taken out for the man before he started working with the company nor was she immediately able to say what benefits would be afforded to his young daughter who is only two years old.

The young man is survived by five sisters and two brothers. He was the fourth of nine children and was the second out of the lot to pass away.

Family members including his aunt who spoke with this newspaper would be travelling to the

Dutch-speaking country between today and tomorrow to witness the putting down of her nephew.

Asked who recovered the body, Ms. Samuels said that they were informed that immediately after Henry fell overboard he was pulled underneath by a very strong current.

She said there were initial searches and at first light the following day the search resumed but it was only until yesterday morning that his remains were recovered by a search team.

Since the body of the man will not be able to come back to Guyana, family members are looking to also have a memorial service locally for family and friends of the man.

‘Aunt Tanti’, 103 and going for more …it wasn’t easy, but God always came through, the centenarian testifies

By Jeune Vankeric EVEN as centenarian Cecelia Ethleen Ramsay King, called ‘Tanti’, of 144 Bermine Housing Scheme, New Amsterdam, has lived for 103 years, and intends to increase her tally, her well wishers are appealing to the Government to host sessions with those like her along with those who have attempted suicide in a bid to give a new meaning of life to the latter.

A relative, Compton Reid, in expressing best wishes to the centenarian, observed that there is a high incidence of suicide in the country, and in an effort to combat the scourge, he suggested that there be an interactive session between the elderly, primarily the centenarians, and those who had lost hope in living.

Reid opined that such interaction will allow those who would have attempted suicide to recognise the privileges attached to longevity.

Meanwhile, the Berbice centenarian related that ‘the secret of long life is to honour your father and your mother, so that your days may be long on the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

Smiling with her head tilted, Tanti, as she is fondly called, remarked, “The journey was not easy, sometimes up, sometimes down, but God always came through for me.”

Cecelia King Born on January 9, 1912, ‘Tanti’ still continues to wash, cook and clean,… ‘and I enjoy it’.

The petite woman, who is in good health apart from a slight hearing impairment, said that she, the fourth of nine children, was born to her father William Ramsay, a balata bleeder, and though she received her formal education at the Roman Catholic School in New Amsterdam, and later the Lightown Primary on the East Bank of Berbice, she was forced to terminate her schooling to assist her younger siblings who were left on their own after her parents would have left for the farmlands.

Her mother, Eliza David, who lived to age 87, worked on the breadfruit and cocoa cultivation plots, as she more often than not had to singlehandedly care for her children, as she stated that “my father focused on his older children from a previous marriage, as those children’s mother was dead.”

“My mother had sent me to live with a friend in New Amsterdam so that I could attend school, but a few months later, my father demanded that I return home.

“In those days, there was no electricity, the only transportation available was the boats which would transport us from Lightown Village to Stanleytown Stelling, from there we walked to the New Amsterdam Market where the produce would be sold. If we did not get money to pay the boat, we would form ourselves in groups and walk the twelve mile trek to the town, where, after selling the provision we would buy groceries, before returning home”.

Describing her life, Tanti said, “It was hard, but I survived. I did not have an easy life from my mother’s home to my husband’s house, as he was a lady’s man. My father had disapproved of the relationship, but my husband pursued me anyhow. My father held out that he was not in favour, nevertheless, we married in 1937, without his presence and blessing. My husband, Albert King, a boat builder, a joiner and a farmer, died leaving me with nothing, just as my father had predicted.”

Following his death, the widow, being childless, single-handedly cared for several nieces and nephews, taking the position as a single parent,

scrubbing floors and washing clothes for a shilling a month.

“I worked for seven persons, but when the money was counted at the end of the month it was not plenty, but I could have had the necessary essential items. Thank God I did not have to pay a rent or electricity bill. The money now is many times more, but you are limited in your buying”.

With a smile and a tilted head, she recalled attending the annual school sports, as a

student of Lightown Primary, particularly the parade from her hometown to Friends Village a few miles away.

“Being a nation under British rule, we would sing ‘Rule Britannia, Rule Britannia...........Britain would never, never fail...’ as we marched ahead, with the Union Jack being proudly hoisted by available hands. There would be egg and spoon race, thread the needle race, among others.

Those were my favourite, needles. After the sports we

would have ginger beer and buns, before going home.”

Currently, Tanti is living at her Seventh Day Adventist sister after she suffered an accident at her home, sustaining fractures to her left and right ribs. Nevertheless, when left alone, she washes her clothing and cooks for her adopted family.

“I like to do work. I don’t like to sit doing nothing. When they gone out I does do my own washing. I can manage,” she mused.

Labourer jailed for 3 months for malicious wounding REPUTED husband Anthony Blair, called Horseman, 38, of Levi Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, was on Friday sentenced to three months imprisonment after he confessed to unlawfully and maliciously wounding his wife, who had slept one night away from home.

He agreed with the sentence imposed by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus at the New Amsterdam Court, and said he lashed his wife to her nose after she slept out on January 2, last.

The virtual complainant,

Anthony Blair Venus Laloo, said she went to a friend’s home where she consumed alcohol, and was invited to spend the night.

The following day, she

returned home and had picked up two water jars with the intention of filling water. She observed that her reputed husband was burning her stand, and as she inquired his reason for doing so, he dealt her, a lash, to her nose.

In his statement to the Magistrate, the labourer said, “‘Mam’ she left a night and a day I did not know where she went.I was cleaning the fireside when she came home and I took a fire stick and lash she in her face”.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 17, 2015

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 17, 2015

At PPP symposium…

Nexus between fight against terrorism and respect for human rights examined

By Vanessa Narine Perspectives examining the nexus between the ‘the Fight against Terrorism and the Respect for Human Rights’ was the subject of the ruling People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) first symposium for 2015.

Held at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, Red House on Thursday evening, the event was chaired by party Chairman, Hydar Ally and saw a packed conference room.

The party’s General Secretary Clement Rohee was one of three speakers, who stressed that there is an undeniable link between the fight against terrorism and respect for human rights.

TOLERANCE FOR DIVERSITY According to Rohee, the root cause of terrorism, as evidenced in the many terrorist acts in recent years, underscores the need for respect for different cultures, beliefs and the need to uphold the dignity of the world’s peoples – tolerance for diversity.

Rohee stated that while there are certain guaranteed freedoms for all human beings, including the freedom of speech, those freedoms are not without demands of its own – the main demand being responsibility.

“We all have our freedoms, but those come with responsibility …there must be a balance between the two,” he opined.

He added that freedoms must not be seen in isolation since the freedom to free speech, for example, comes with a responsibility to ensure that in the exercise of that freedom, or any other freedom, one must not impinge on the freedoms and rights of another human being – tolerance for diversity.

Referring the most recent terrorist attack in Paris, France, where several people lost their lives, Rohee stressed that while those actions are not justified, the perpetrators of the attack who are regarded as misguided in many quarters, premised their actions on disrespect of their religion.

On that note, he reiterated the need for greater levels of tolerance and accommodation of diversity.

“There must be respect for each other’s rights…what we must have is tolerance and accommodation of diversity,” the PPP General Secretary

said.

Guyana, he highlighted, is a model for the world in its levels of tolerance for different cultures, religions and beliefs held dear by the Guyanese people.

“This is something Guyana is proud of,” Rohee said.

CHALLENGES EXIST The Party’s General Secretary, however, did not turn a blind eye to the fact that challenges exist for Guyana, despite the tolerance for diversity that Guyanese can boast of.

The primary challenge, relative to the elements that divide the Guyanese people, is politically centered, he said.

Rohee pointed out that the legacies of colonialism, expressly a politically divided Guyana, continues to raise its ‘ugly’ head from time to time.

He said: “Guyanese left to themselves-this division would not have happened… were it not for politics and legacy of ‘divide and rule’, which the British left us, we would have made more progress.”

This, the PPP General Secretary, surmised is why Guyanese must remain vigilant, especially when the “wolves in sheep clothing walk among us” and try to “influence” and advance further division.

Rohee pointed out that Guyana and Guyanese “battled” for its independence and the price paid for independence is known and must be the reason that Guyanese rise above negative forces.

“Our gains are hard won and in the face of threats, all type of terrorism, we must not lose that.We must rise above the forces that try to destroy us,” Rohee exhorted.

COMMITTED TO THE FIGHT Guyana since independence has come a long way, Rohee moted Consequently, he was emphatic that the PPP believes in the struggle against terrorism, both domestic and foreign threats, which aim to create havoc among the Guyanese people.

“The PPP has not changed.

We remain the same….our country has come a long way and we have further to go,” Rohee said.

He added that the Guyanese people are not unfamiliar with “manifestations of terrorism” and did not need to wait for other global events

to be able to wrap their minds around the nature of terrorism.

On this note, Rohee stated that in addition to recognition of the need for tolerance of diversity, there is a need for a balance between the fight against terrorism and the respect and preservation and respect for human rights.

STRIKING A BALANCE Striking this balance – fighting terrorism and preserving human rights – is the challenge of the day, according to Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall.

He agreed that there must be respect and tolerance for the diversity of a country and, by extension, the world’s peoples and their beliefs.

However, Nandlall pointed out that while non-tolerance of diversity is sometimes the platform from which terrorist acts are perpetrated, in fighting terrorism these very human rights are sometimes the causalities.

According to him, while terrorism poses a threat to human rights, given the monumental impacts of such acts, often times, law enforcement efforts to counter terrorism also pose a threat to human rights.

This, he stressed, is the balance that must be struck by Governments, the world over.

The Attorney General highlighted the fact that while countries have signed onto international conventions and treaties relating to human rights, they are allowed to disregard these if the “exigency” of a terrorist act and subsequent response demands it.

He explained that if a terrorist act is committed and the Government fails to protect its people, it is seen to have failed; on the other hand, if in protecting its citizens a Government undermines civil liberties, it also is viewed as having failed.

“Human rights and civil liberties are sacrificed at the altar of terrorism and at the altar of the war on terrorism,” he said.

He added that there is little room to maneuver and success in this demands striking a delicate balance.

“No one can dispute that terrorism is one of the most formidable challenge facing the human race…the reason varies, the targets are diverse, reasons and rustication and philosophy are noble and benign…as seen, religion is a prominent platform from

A section of those gathering for Thursday night’s symposium (Photos by Cullen Bess Nelson)

which acts of terrorism are launched, but what is certain is that human rights are the causality,” Nandlall stressed.

Additionally, the third speaker, Moulana Abu Bakr, a representative of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), detailed the

principles of Islam and the teachings of the Prophet and stressed the disassociation of Islam from acts of terrorism.

By the end of the evening, the general consensus was that: the principles of Islam are not reflected in terrorist acts; there must be respect,

tolerance and accommodation of diversity; and while terrorism affects people, sometimes the fight against terrorism impinges on civil liberties.

Ultimately there is an undeniable link between the fight against terrorism and respect for human rights.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 17, 2015

Gov’t considers outgoing UK High Commissioner as terribly dishonourable – Government’s sentiment is that the outgoing official be accorded the status of a “pariah” whose departure was eagerly anticipated

The recent statements by the United Kingdom’s outgoing High Commissioner Andrew Ayre about President Donald Ramotar’s prorogation of Parliament have been soundly criticised by Government.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday said there seems to be something about Western foreign envoys who are about to depart this country that encourages them to comment on Government’s affairs or as he described it as “feats of folly.”.

Referring to the soon to depart UK High Commissioner, the Cabinet Secretary noted that the official who has served for three years, took the opportunity to be “unusually remembered” by Government, further describing him as

President Donald Ramotar

Dr Roger Luncheon

Andrew Ayre

“terribly dishonourable” for attempting to depict President Ramotar’s actions as a constitutional crime. He added that the High Commissioner also attempted to portray the prorogation action as one worthy of Commonwealth sanctions, and one that could result in the withdrawal of develop-

mental aid.

It was further noted by Dr Luncheon that the UK High Commissioner, “sinisterly and conspiratorially” revealed the European Union’s and the UK’s handiwork in the recent EU dishonouring of its agreement with the Guyana Government on budgetary support.

“His attempts to damage Guyana’s credibility and its economic prospects are considered by cabinet to be unpardonable”.

It was pointed out by the Cabinet Secretary, that since such concerns are usually shared bi-laterally, the High Commissioner’s actions needed to be con-

demned as they are, “unacceptable in the realm of international diplomacy as any concerns of the UK government can and ought to be continued to be shared conventionally.”

Government has not been utterly silent about concerns expressed by the UK, but it noted that the resort to the media to air these are, “unacceptable in the modern world.” Dr Luncheon said it was “irksome” for western diplomats to be running around the world with the “S word” or sanctions, which seems to have assumed a very notable role in the diplomacy, in the “soft or even the hard power” of these states.

The threat to withhold developmental aid was viewed as “most dastardly”

by Dr Luncheon, “It hurts as not only have they been instrumental in organising,

in contributing to developmental aid that Guyana has received over the years from external sources but the issue of prorogation being elevated to “some similarity to the Fijian experiences and being worthy of the imposition of sanctions and the withdrawal or threats of the withdrawal of developmental aid, I think the people would say that is really taking this matter totally out of proportion.”

The fact that prorogation is contained in the Guyana Constitution was reiterated

by Dr. Luncheon who said that claims that government wanted to hijack political and parliamentary democracy are “totally absurd.”

Government’s sentiment is that the outgoing official be accorded the status of a “pariah” whose departure was eagerly anticipated. (GINA)

Visit of Subei People’s Hospital…

GPHC, Subei People’s Hospital sign Friendship Hospital Agreement

GPHC CEO Michael Khan handing over the Friendship Agreement Certificate to an executive member of the Chinese delegation from Subei People’s Hospital of Jiangsu Provence in China

By Shivanie Sugrim THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and a six-member delegation from the Subei People’s Hospital of Jiangsu Province in China on Wednesday signed a Friendship Hospital A g re e m e n t w h i c h w i l l hold firmly to the principles of team work and interaction between the two hospitals and allow

for the exchange of medical resources between both parties.

Moreover the Subei People’s Hospital will be donating equipment such as beds and other tools to facilitate doctors and current and prospective patients of GPHC. At a press gathering to mark the agreement between the two parties, held at the GPHC’s Resource Centre, GPHC Chief Ex-

ecutive Officer (CEO), Mr. Michael Khan, underscored that “it is a mutual benefit between us.”

Khan said the Subei People’s Hospital proposed the idea and upon much deliberation, the GPHC accepted, feeling it is a “positive move.”

Khan noted that both parties are thus far in the process of analysing what to exchange medically. “It’s a work in progress,” he

At centre is CEO of GPHC, Mr Michael Khan, with executives of the GPHC (at left) and health executives from the Subei People’s Hospital

said, adding “We will benefit from their expertise.”

He gave details of his visit to the Subei People’s Hospital, and stressed on its standardisation of equipment, since that hospital has all the latest medical equipment. Further, he added that, thus far, the people at GPHC have found the Chinese doctors performing excellently, and are incredibly dedicated to their work.

This year marks 23 years since Chinese dele-

gations have been collaborating through such an agreement with the GPHC. Approximately ten to eleven Chinese doctors are currently serving the people of Guyana under this arrangement, and about three or four of them are in Linden.

These Chinese doctors are experts in OBGY, Pathology, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology and Acupuncture.

The Government of

Guyana and the Chinese Government have a perfect collaboration in terms of providing accommodation for the doctors here.

Khan told this publication thus: “We hope eventually that they (Subei People’s Hospital) will be sending medical teams soon at a shorter period. Acupuncture is a more aggressive case, and the hospital is hoping to expand more in this arena.”

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 17, 2015

Reaffirming its support of the efforts by UN, Int’l community…

Gov’t urges elimination of all terrorist groups

– condemns continued rampage of extremist terrorist group, Boko Haram in Nigeria THE Government of Guyana said it is “extremely concerned” over the continued rampage of the extremist terrorist group, Boko Haram in Nigeria.

The Government, in a statement issued through the Foreign Ministry yesterday, said the most recent attack of the group which left widespread destruction and loss of lives, reveals the insanity of a group of people that have no respect for humanity.

The Government of Nigeria reports more than 150 lives have been lost with other sources reporting that as much as 2000 people have perished in the attack and at least 3,700 structures have been destroyed.

The Government of Guyana said it strongly condemns the “cowardly actions of Boko Haram” which seeks to impose its brand of radicalism on the citizenry of Nigeria through terror and anarchy.

Around 5,000 people are currently living in a camp after their towns were completely destroyed in the most recent deadly attack by Boko Harem (AFP)

The Government of Guyana recalls its statement following the kidnapping of 300 Nigerian schoolgirls from Chibok in April, 2014

by Boko Haram when it urged the international community, Governments and civil society across the world to take action to combat the threat posed by Boko Haram

to the peace and stability of the entire Nigerian state while warning of spillover effects in the African region.

“This recent attack by Boko Haram illustrates the urgent need for all peace loving and law abiding nations to immediately take all necessary steps to stop Boko Haram in its insane quest

for power at all costs,” the Guyana Government stated.

The Government of Guyana said it also wishes to reaffirm its support for the United Nations and the international community in their efforts to eliminate all terrorist groups and calls for the intensification of these efforts.

Troy gets environmental permit for Region 7 gold project THE Australian-based mining company Troy Resources Guyana Inc. (TRGI) Limited received the finalised Environmental Permit for the construction and operation of its multibillion Karouni gold project in Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) earlier this week.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the permit after a detailed review and assessment of the company’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).

The permit is valid for five years and forms an essential requirement for approval and operation of the mining licence which TRGI received from the Government of Guyana in October last year.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Martin Purvis said that the permit has been issued in accordance with the timeline and guidance provided by the EPA to Troy, at the start of the review process.

As a result, Karouni remains on track for the start of operations in the second quarter of this year.

Purvis said the development was another important milestone in the development

The welcoming sight at Stabroek Market Thursday

of Karouni and represented a significant achievement in terms of the constructive working relationship between the authorities in Guyana and Troy’s local management team.

“Karouni is now gathering momentum in terms of activity on the ground and the mobilisation of a skilled local workforce and we look forward to meeting our first production target in the June quarter.”

TRGI had late last year disclosed that it will be employing some 500 persons during the construction phase of its Karouni Gold Project with a construction budget of approximately US$87M and an eventual permanent workforce of 250-300.

The Karouni project has been fully owned by TRGI since July last year when the company concluded a merger with Azimuth Resources, another Australian company, to take over ownership of the project then known as the West Omai Project.

The company disclosed recently that it is looking initially for a seven-year mine life with annual average gold production of 90,000 ounces, with production in the first 12 months of 102,000 ounces gold.

OVER the years, the impact of improper solid waste management has evolved into a critical environmental problem in Georgetown, becoming more acute over time, creating unpleasant aesthetic conditions, and threatening the health of the urban population.

Although the problem prevails, the drive to conquer it has seemingly dwindled at the level of the powers-that-be.

Despite Government’s effort to pump $1B it would seem that most of the strongest advocates for proper waste management have lost their zeal to confront the problem, more particularly, the City Council, which is mandated to tackle the issue of solid waste management in and around Georgetown.

This was a scene taken Thursday at the famous Stabroek Market which is a popular business environment facilitating interaction mainly between sellers and transportation service providers. (Ravin Singh)

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 17, 2015

Professional work by GFS averts major disaster in Durban St PROFESSIONAL work done by a group of diligent firefighters on Thursday night averted what could have been a major disaster, as they contained to the ground floor a fire that started in a three-storey building where a boutique is located.

The fire, electrical in origin, began in the interior of the A of H Boutique, located on Durban Street next to the First Assembly of God Church.

The fire originated from an overhead ceiling fan which fell on some clothing and quickly caught fire on the

western side of the massive concrete building. The interior of the building was considerably damaged and also a quantity of high-end clothing that was on display in the store.

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) Divisional Officer (Operations) Compton Sparman told this publication that the GFS received a call at about 19:13 hrs and three fire tenders responded, one from West Ruimveldt and two from Central Fire Station. He said the building was heavily secured by grillwork, and it took some time for firemen to get into the structure to douse the

raging flames, but they managed to contain the fire to the ground floor of the building.

Sparman noted that the windows were locked and ventilation in the business place was minimal, thereby starving the fire of oxygen and making it easier for firemen to prevent the fire from spreading.

He explained that most business persons secure their buildings very well, but at the same time they do not cater for a fire; and often, getting into the building takes time, and that is one of the many challenges the GFS faces at fire scenes. (Michel Outridge)

The building that was on fire on Thursday night (Cullen Bess Nelson photo)

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 17, 2015

What would life be in Guyana without rice?

A GINA feature

What would life for Guyanese be without rice? The history of this crop dates back to the days of African slaves during the period of Dutch colonialism and was continued by East Indians who were brought to British Guiana as Indentured Labourers.

From the 17th century to the 21st century, rice cultivation persevered and has been carried on here in Guyana. Today, one cannot imagine life in this country, without rice.

“If we take any sub-sector in agriculture, anywhere in the world and at any time in the history of the world, we would find it very difficult to find a success story, particularly for the last five years as (like that of the)

Guyana rice industry.” This is the view of Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy.

Rice production in 2014 was a record breaking 635, 238 tonnes, the highest ever in the history of rice production in Guyana. This was also a 27 percent increase over the 2013 record breaking production figure of 535, 212 tonnes.

RECORD BREAKING - PRODUCTION AND EXPORT From an era, where it took the country some 100 years to get to 50,000 tonnes of production, in the last five years, the country has simply bypassed the 400,000- tonne mark and went straight to 500,000 and 600,000 tonnes in production.

Ramsammy explained that Guyana did not reach 50,000 tonne production lev-

el until somewhere around 1960, even though the country had been growing rice since the 1800s.

Guyana reached 100,000 tonnes in production in 1965, and from then to 1992, only reached 100,000 again once; that was 1977. After then, the industry went downhill and production was more in the 70,000 and 80,000 -tonne mark.

In 1992, there was the restoration of democracy and with it there was a rebounding of the rice industry and the country returned routinely to the 100,000 tonne production levels, reaching 200,000 tonnes in 1995 and 300,000 tonnes in 2010. Production touched the 400,000-tonne figure in 2011 and 2013 and 500,000 in 2013.

Ramsammy recalled

the beginning of 2014, when he predicted that production would reach the 600,000-tonne mark. “People were saying that Ramsammy is taking the farmers down the wrong road…and if we produce it, we would not (be able to) sell it.”

The country not only met the 600,000 tonnes of predicted production, but last year it had its highest export ever of 501,000 tonnes. The minister noted that exports could have been in excess of 540,000 tonnes had there been better efficiency in the delivery to the markets. The Agriculture Minister explained that from last year’s contract there are about 40,000 tonnes of rice that atr still to be delivered and this will be done during January 2015.

Guyana did not reach 100,000 tonnes in exports until 1995. In 2010, exports

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

totalled 200,000 tonnes. It took five years for the country to move from 200,000 to 500,000 tonnes in exports.

SUDDEN INCREASE IN PRODUCTION If one were to look at the increase in production, he or she may ask, ‘Do we have an increase of acreage?’ Yes. In fact, the country no longer has abandoned rice lands.

Leading up to 1992, one could have travelled along the coast, from Moleson Creek, in Region 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne) to Esse-

quibo in Region 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam) and witnessed all the abandoned rice fields. (Now) “You cannot find abandoned land, in fact, lands that were never rice fields, as you travel along the East Coast, West Berbice road on the north side, and which were mainly for cattle, they have now been converted into rice (fields),” Ramsammy pointed out.

But why this overall efficiency and yields for production? It is because of the improvement in farming techniques, which are providingng better yields.

The Government invested in research, and today, the farmers have available 14 varieties of rice, which were developed. A good point to be cognisant of is that in the past, research was led by international scientists, but today, it is Guyanese themselves, who are doing the research, and it is “… they (who) are coming up with new and more resistant varieties, which also yield more,” Ramsammy noted .

Moreover, today farmers are more open to new technology.

Ramsammy pointed out

that unlike before “where farmers were likely to tell you who are you to tell me what to do, my grandfather, my father and I did this for 50 years,” the farmers now are gravitating towards the technicians and scientists and are willing to do the scientific things and invest in varieties to improve their yields.

And this is effecting the big change, causing the farmers today to be reaping more per acre. Today, the average farmer is reaping about 35 bags of paddy per acre, but many farmers get in the 40s; some as many as 55 to 60 bags of paddy per acre. Ramsammy remembers coming back to Guyana, after studying abroad in the late 1980s-early 1990s the farmers were getting 14 to 16 bags of paddy from an area of land.

REDUCING PRODUCTION COST The Government has facilitated the industry and has always worked with farmers to ensure that the cost of production was lowered. One avenue through which the government has been lending

much support has been on seeking to keep the cost of fertilisers at a minimum. To this end, early in 2014, when fertiliser prices were going up to $10,000 per bag, Government, through a partnership arrangement with Venezuela, brought in fertiliser at a cheap cost and made them available at $5,000 per bag to farmers and in response the private sector immediately lowered their cost.

Ramsammy pointed out “that the Government of Guyana is not interested in removing the private sector from that particular market, but we also want to make the sure that the private sector behave in a responsible manner and see themselves as part of the team.”

The Ministry can easily bring in all the fertilisers that the farmers need and provide no opportunity for the private sector, but Government brings in just enough for competition. “We are not in the business of selling fertiliser, but also we are not going to remove ourselves, 100 percent, unless we see that there is no need for us to play that facilitating role,” Turn to page 19 ►

16

Major road upgrade projects slated for this year GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 17, 2015

– support for these projects by international partners lauded

By Clifford Stanley

PUBLIC Works Minister Robeson Benn yesterday lauded the support of international partners such as the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) with

respect to their past and continued funding for infrastructural projects successfully undertaken by his Ministry.

He noted that this support was highly valued.

During a performance review of 2014 of the Ministry of Public Works and

Robeson Benn

projections for 2015 he said: “I must say that I have to make specific mention of the continued and valued support of our international partners in respect of funding for infrastructure projects.”

He added: ” That has been very important for the Ministry.”

Some of these infrastructure projects included the Ministry’s sea defence projects and several of its road upgrade and expansion projects.

Among the sea defence projects funded by international partners, he said, is a much needed sea defence resilience project which will be funded by the CDB. He noted too that the Ministry was happy to have moved from project support to programme support with respect to the European Union (EU)funding for sea defence.

He said: “This says volumes for the work that we have been doing in improving sea and river defence protection.”

The Ministry, he said, continued to have the support of the EU in the city of Georgetown not only with the one-billion dollar clean up in Georgetown and all over Guyana but also in maintaining practically all

the roads in Georgetown and in giving support in the event of flooding.

Coordinator of the Wo r k s S e r v i c e s G r o u p (WSG), Mr Geoffrey Vaughn also identified the Sheriff Street- Mandela Avenue Roadway Enhancem e n t p r o j e c t , t h e We s t Coast of Demerara and East Bank Berbice roads, the Canals # I and # 2 and the West Bank Demerara roads and the Grove East Bank Demerara road as some

ect comprises a two lane upgrade up to the National Cultural Centre and a fourlane road from there to the junction by Banks DIH .

He said of this road: ”When completed we will have sidewalks and bicycle paths . There will be overhead walkways especially in the area near the school and where the senior citizens normally go to collect their pensions.”

These, he disclosed, are the new features that will be built into the road ex-

feasibility study for that is still ongoing.

He said that generally the Ministry is hoping very shortly to have the phase two of the E.B.B road tendered and awarded.

“Work on Phase one from Everton to Lightttown funded by the Government of Guyana is ongoing so we are expecting that as soon as the IDB gives its no objections to the Feasibility study we can actually go out to tender for the phase two.”

East Bank Demerara four-lane extension project

of the projects which are supported by international donors and which will commence later this year.

He said that the evaluation of the Sheriff Street -Mandela project had been completed in 2014 and will soon be submitted to the IDB for its no objection for the award of contracts.

He said: “This project is expected to commence in the third quarter of this year. So hopefully we have the no objection before January is over and we can award a contract for the execution of that project.”

The IDB supported proj-

pansion projects that the Ministry is implementing.

Some of these features will also be part of the West Coast of Demerara road project.

The East Bank Berbice road is also targeted for foreign funding.

The Ministry had completed feasibility studies for phase two which stretches from Stanleytown to Everton.

He disclosed that there are other aspects to phase two of the East Bank Berbice (E.B.B) road including a stretch from New Amsterdam to Stanleytown, but the

Feasibility studies are also on-going with respect to internationally funded road upgrades ` at Canals # I and # 2 and the West Bank Demerara ; the feasibility study for the East Bank Demerara (EBD) Road from Grove to Timehri is completed and the Ministry is awaiting the final submissions from the consultant .

Vaughn said: ”These are the projects that you will see completed in 2015 . There are quite a few foreign funded projects that we will have in 2015 which we will supervise and have oversight for.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 17, 2015

Dharmic Sabha celebrates 41st anniversary with evening of devotioal songs The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha celebrated its 41st Anniversary at the Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra in Prashad Nagar, Georgetown on last Saturday with evening of devotional songs.

President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, with some of the devotees

A section of the attendees at the Evening of Devotional Songs

17

Former prison officer jailed for smuggling prohibited items into prison

– remanded on ganja trafficking charge A FORMER prison officer was on Thursday morning remanded to prison after being slapped with charges for trafficking narcotics and being in possession of prohibited articles in the Camp Street Prison.

Ceon Paul of Lot ‘Y’ Bent Street, Werk-en-rust, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Paul who reportedly had been a prison officer for over a year, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on January 12 at the Camp Street Prison, Georgetown, he had in his possession 30 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

The court was told that on the same day, it is alleged that he took eight packs of Bristol cigarettes along with a Digicel sim card into the prison.

The defendant pleaded guilty with explanation, telling the court that he had only two packs of cigarettes in his possession.

Paul, who was unrepresented by counsel, went on to tell the court that from time to time other prison officers would carry in these same articles for prisoners.

He pointed out that he knows that they are prohibited, but only in the cells.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru informed the court that on the day in question, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Cameron conducted a search on Paul and found six packs of cigarettes in his crotch, one in his shirt pocket and the other in his right pants pocket. During the search, he was found with a plastic bag around his arms; a search of the bag yielded leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be from the plant cannabis sativa.

The defendant was then arrested and charged for the said offence.

The chief magistrate informed the defendant of the penalty attached to such an offence, which is a fine of $75,000 or 12 months imprisonment. The teary-eyed Paul apologised for committing the offence, said it would not happen again and requested reasonable bail.

The magistrate said she took into consideration that Paul saved the court’s time and sentenced him to six months imprisonment for taking the illicit articles into the prison. He was remanded for the narcotics-trafficking charge, for which he will make his second court appearance before Magistrate Ann McLennan on January 29.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 17, 2015

Government announces policy shift in favour of local contractors …as Public Works Ministry reports creditable 2014 performance

By Gary Eleazar THE Government has adopted a policy where it intends to favour local contractors in the undertaking of developmental projects.

This announcement was made yesterday by Public Works Minister Robeson Benn who spearheaded the entity’s annual ‘Performance Review.’

CREDITABLE PERFORMANCE Benn, who delivered remarks to the gathering of the Ministry’s top brass, said the entity had performed creditably over the past year despite the numerous challenges.

He spoke to unavailability of several critical building materials which would have hampered progress on certain projects.

Prices of construction materials and weather was also blamed as challenging factors in 2014,

Benn also bemoaned challenges being encountered with some if the contractors executing Government projects.

As a result, he said that Government has taken a decision at a policy level to work closer with contractors in order to develop their capacity.

According to the minister, Government wants to see the bulk of national infrastructure developmental projects being executed by Guyanese firms.

Among the upsides to this reality, according to Benn, is that the monies earned by the local companies will remain in Guyana and act as a stimulus in certain sections of the economy.

Benn was adamant that Government’s policy is that Guyanese contracting firms must be doing the work that otherwise foreigners would have to do, adding that when Guyanese firms are facilitated, it is better for the nation.

As a result, the fostering of national contractor capac-

ity will be on the front burner, according to Benn.

He said that while Government has experienced challenges in getting some local firms to execute projects in a manner meeting internationally accredited standards, they will continue to “work in relation to improving the learning curve of those contracting firms with respect to undertaking these projects… we have taken leap of faith and we intend to have Guyanese firms do most of work in developing the national infrastructure.”

POOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT Coordinator of the Ministry’s Works Services Group, Geoffrey Vaughn, in his report to the various department heads, apprised on some of the challenges experienced particularly on the East Bank Demerara Four Lane Highway project.

Vaughn lamented the shortage of materials; delays

in relocation of utilities; procurement of materials; poor project management by the contracting firms; downtime of equipment; shortage of human resources and poor planning among other factors.

Vaughn used the opportunity in his report to provide updates as it relates to some of the major projects the Ministry intends to pursue in 2015.

According to the Work Services Group Coordinator, the Evaluation Report for the selection of contractor for the Sheriff Street/Mandela Avenue Road Project has been completed and was forwarded to the IDB for their no-objection for the award of the contract.

This project is expected to begin first quarter of 2015, Vaughn announced.

As it relates to works to be undertaken on the East Bank Berbice, in Region 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne), Vaughn reported that feasibility studies have been com-

pleted for works scheduled at Stanleytown to Everton and this project is currently awaiting IDB No Objection to proceed with tendering.

He said too that feasibility studies are still to be undertaken for proposed works at the Canal No.1, and No.2 West Bank Demerara Road.

This he said is expected to be completed by next month.

The feasibility study for proposed road work on the East Bank Demerara Road between Grove and Timehri has been completed and awaiting final submission by Consultant CEMCO/EXP. He announced too that in the coming year the Ministry intends to undertake an Urban Transport Study.

This, he said “will develop a specific diagnostic of the urban transport situation, problems and trends, and provide recommendations on matters of public transport infrastructure, operations, financing and institutional

Permanent Sectetary, Balraj Balram as he presented the 2014 financial analysis of the Ministry’s performance

organisation.”

The Ministry of Public Works in 2014 utilised 99 per cent of its budgetary allocations for its recurrent expenditure and 83 per cent of its allocations for capital works, leading to a sum of $15B of the its allocated $17B being exhausted.

The news was delivered

by Permanent Secretary within the Ministry, Balraj Balram, who provided the various Ministry Department Heads and subject Minister, Benn, with a financial analysis of the preceding year.

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 17, 2015

Guyana Red Cross presents prizes to several lucky winners SEVERAL winners were awarded their prizes this week after participating and being selected in the drawing of the Guyana Red Cross Society (GRCS) 2014 raffle.

The GRCS, which operates under the motto ‘To improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity’, presented several winners who took part and won in their annual raffle, which is one of the Red Cross’s major fund-raisers for the year.

This was according to a representative from the GRCS, Anna Lisa Fraser-Phang at the Society’s head office in Barrack Street, Kingston, Georgetown.

Ms. Fraser-Phang noted that the annual raffle is held as a major fund-raiser

for the society, so that they can use the funds gained to embark on their three main annual programmes which include the Meals on Wheels programme, the Children’s Convalescent Home programme and their welfare programmes.

The Meals on Wheels programme entails the delivering of a hot meal every day at lunch time to elderly and disabled persons, who are unable to cater for themselves; thus far it involves roughly 100 persons.

Meanwhile, the children’s convalescent home programme involves assistance in any way for all the children who are housed in the home.

Apart from those, the welfare programmes are basically provided for the

What would life be...

From page 15

he said.

The same obtains with other inputs, such as improving on infrastructure and drainage and irrigation, Ramsammy explained.

These are things one has to constantly be investing in, so that the cost is at the lowest possible point, he noted.

NEW MARKETS Meanwhile, with a higher target set for 2015, the government will be exploring new markets for Guyana’s rice, as there is potential in Central America. Other possible markets which Guyana will be exploring include countries in West Africa.

This possibility was not explored earlier, because of the Ebola epidemic. With more markets being sought for Guyana’s rice, this should be an incentive for farmers increasing their production.

Ramsammy also noted that the increase in exports can also be seen as a means of reducing production cost to farmers.

ERRANT MILLERS In going forward, the minister acknowledged that the issue of late payment to farmers by millers continues to be a grave concern, but that the government will continue to work with millers to alleviate this problem.

It is for this reason interventions have been made by the government, along with banking institutions.

In explaining some of the challenges that can cause the late payments, Ramsammy intoned that the cycle of selling and exporting is a main factor for the late payments.

He detailed that “….In 2014, we had some 748,000 tonnes on hand and have exported 500,000 and consumed 100,000 tonnes, so we have 148,000 on hand, while the millers have not sold what they have.

Notwithstanding these issues, according to the law, farmers must be paid within 42 days and this is where the government comes in and the millers have to work with the bankers. Only recently some $4B were released by Government to address this issue.

Responding to claims by the opposition that the current administration has over the years neglected rice farmers, the minister rubbished the claim, highlighting how well Government has taken its responsibility for the sector.

“It is irresponsible for my colleagues in the opposition to say so, because they were in charge of this industry and what they have to show is that they have killed the industry.”

“With success have come some challenges and we are constantly finding more money to address these.”

The reason is that even though rice is a huge success, complacency will not step in.

general public who need the assistance.

She disclosed that the funds raised are just enough to carry out these programmes, but the Society is pushing to raise more funds so that they can widen their outreach programmes, in order that more persons can benefit from the assistance they provide.

Moreover, persons who

took part in the raffle won prizes such as, a Blu Cell Phone, a flat screen TV, a Digital Camera, a diamond necklace and many more.

M s . F r a s e r- P h a n g disclosed that the Red Cross Society would like to thank all their sponsors who donated the “spectacular” prizes and she hopes for their continued assistance and support in

Winners along with representative from the Guyana Red Cross Society pose for this Sonell Nelson photo

any event, outreach programmes or fund- raisers

which the Society may hold.

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 17, 2015

Housing Ministry completes 170 project with $6.27B in 2014

T

HE Ministry of Housing and Water, in 2014, was able to complete 170 projects utilising $6.27B in making housing more accessible and affordable to the Guyanese people.

Minister of Housing and Water, Mr Irfaan Ali, said the ministry has been able to achieve full expenditure of their 2014 budgetary allocation by the end of November 2014. The minister explained that in 2009, some $1.46B was invested in the sector, while in 2014 the budgetary allocation was $6.27B. Ali noted that over the past six years the budgetary allocations for the Housing sector have grown by 430% from 2009.

He emphasised that his ministry was able to expand its yearly budgetary allocation and achieve full expenditure by the end of November 2014.

According to the minister,

in 2011 and 2012, the ministry was able to acquire over 1000 acres of land and will be seeking an increase in 2015.

“With over 1000 acres of land acquired during 2011 and 2012, the ministry was able to aggressively pursue the development of new housing areas over the last four years.

We again will be seeking [a] 47% increase in our budgetary allocation proposal in 2015.”

The Community Roads Improvement Programme (CRIP) is a multi-million-dollar road project being implemented by the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development and the Ministry of Housing and Water. It is aimed at improving access to housing, education, health and other social infrastructure through the improvement and upgrading of roads in existing housing schemes.

Residents in Regions 3, 4, 5 and 6 benefited from quality roads which were rehabilitated under the CRIP, in which $417 million was injected in 2014.

“Under the CRIP programme, we are focusing more on old housing schemes, old settlements and old areas, because these are areas that also required infrastructure intervention,” the minister said during a press conference in May 2014.

Explaining further the works completed by the ministry, Ali noted that in “2009 we expended $1.4 B where we had 51 projects and constructed some 54.9km of roads.” He related too that some 4,400 housing lots were distributed with almost 18,000 beneficiaries. The ministry during these projects created 1,275 jobs directly.

In 2010, the expenditure was $3.17B, where “we did double the amount of roads some 106.3Km and 6,382 new lots

with beneficiaries of more than 26,000 persons creating 1475 jobs,” he said. These figures and works done by the ministry, Minister Ali stressed, continues notwithstanding the challenges.

The ministry has almost tripled the rate of construction in upgrading roads from 54.9km in 2009 to 155km in 2014. The further increase of 224km is expected by the end of 2015. Over the past two years, the ministry has focused on the upgrading of major access roads within the different communities to asphalted concrete.

“We have completed 170 projects in 2014 and a further 120 are planned in the future. In 2015, there are some special projects for the ministry of housing that would improve access, create new opportunities and expand the infrastructure landscape of our country,” Minister Ali concluded.

Housing and Water Minister, Mr Irfaa President Donald Ramotar and Fin Minister, Dr Ashni Singh during a recent to Perseverance on the East Bank of Deme

Wade siblings are winners of MACORP trip to Aruba Soca sensa releases energy’ Recipients of MACORP Certification LENNOX and Wendel Wade are the recipients of a trip to Aruba from the Machinery Corporation of Guyana Limited (MACORP).

This was part of MACORP’s ‘End-of-the-Year’ promotion which included super discounts and savings under the theme: ‘Lower your operating costs…buy genuine Caterpillar parts’.

The promotion was launched in September 2014, and entailed super savings from a 25% discount on selected items and a complimentary trip for two to beautiful Aruba.

The drawing for the winners was done at the company’s main office in Providence, East Bank Demerara and the lucky ticket was pulled by Caterpillar representative Elizabeth Bell. The winners, as explained, will enjoy a one-week stay in the beautiful island with hotel and airfare expenses being covered by MACORP. MACORP also officially distributed certification to five of their employees that completed different areas of training, which will aid in developing their skills and hence improve the services

available for customers.

Arlington Paez and Marco Atencio received certificates in

the Caterpillar online University Pro-miner Certification.

Satranie Lakram and Perry Yhap both received Machine Sales Manager certifications and Product Support Sales Representative (PSSR) certifications, while Suresh Jagdeo received a Machine PSSR Machine Fundamental Certificate and Satranie Lakram also received a Parts Counter Personnel certificate.

Through all its years of operation in Guyana, MACORP has been very active in the country’s development, contributing directly with technical support and equipment supply to the most important productive sectors – mining, agriculture, road

construction, and basic industry, marine, forestry and electrical power generation.

MACORP has established locations at Bartica and Port Kaituma with their head office located at Providence.

For 20 years, MACORP has been the only authorised Caterpillar dealer here, leading Guyana’s development and fuelling the success of its stakeholders by directly providing integral Equipment and Product Support Solutions.

MACORP has also been rewarded for its outstanding performance and contributions to the development of Guyana and for the professional training of its employees.

Caterpillar Representative Elizabeth Bell pulling the winning ticket for the trip to Aruba.

SOCA sensation Jumo Primo ‘Unruly’ on Monday which is Monarch competition.

The ‘high energy’ song was so far, according to Primo, it ha fans and others.

He added that he will release like talk’, which was previously Primo, called ‘Rubber Waist’ the feedback he got for his lates Mashramani since it is an upbea which has readied him for his e competition.

He told this publication that th while the finals will be held at th he is very optimistic that he wil among the 18 participants.

Primo, a two-time Soca Mo 2014, said his video will be rele and he is feeling very energetic on stage for the competition as w With a renewed outlook, Prim his song is ideal for setting the m all about sheer enjoyment of one ‘Unruly’.

He however, expressed his g his family and the Phenomena support since 2012. (Michel O

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 17, 2015

ts

n Ali; nance t visit erara.

ation Jumo s ‘high single

o released his newest song, titled his entry for the upcoming Soca

launched on the local airwaves and as received favourable responses by

e a video for the song named ‘They launched. ’, stated that he is very pleased with st song and it is the right music for at soca vibe with a hint of humour, entrance in the 2015 Soca Monarch

he semi-finals will be held in Berbice, he National Park in Georgetown, and ll place highly in those competitions

onarch winner who placed second in eased in Berbice today via the radio and his performance will be similar well. mo said he is Mr. Mash this year since mode for enjoyment and his song is e’s self through dancing to the song,

gratitude to his fans, his supporters, al Dance School for their continued Outridge)

Jumo Primo

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 17, 2015

Why would anyone want an eyeball tattoo?

By Joanna Jolly (BBC News): THE sentencing of a convicted criminal with an eyeball tattoo in an Alaskan court has drawn attention to an unusual form of facial decoration - one that is less than a decade old, but winning new converts all the time.

Kylie Garth says the response to her eyes has Jason Barnum, 39, who been uniformly positive

pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of a policeman, has ornate tattoos on his head and part of his face - teeth on his cheek, an eyeball in middle of his forehead. But even more dramatically, the white of his right eye has been tattooed jet black.

Arguing for the prosecution, Anchorage Police Department Chief Mark Mew

urged the judge to take a look at Barnum’s face which, he said, showed the convicted criminal had “decided a long time ago that his life was about being hostile to people”.

But, in tattooing his eyeball, was Barnum really expressing hostility to the rest of society? And if our eyes really are the window to our soul what else might a tattooed eyeball say about its owner?

The man who first experimented with injecting ink into an eyeball is a US tattoo artist who goes by the name of Luna Cobra. Far from wanting to look evil, the original goal was to look like the blue-eyed characters from the cult science fiction film, Dune.

“There used to be a private body modification convention that happened every few years in Canada,” Luna Cobra says.

“That year, an old friend had Photoshopped a picture of his eyes to look blue like in Dune. I told him, ‘I think I can do that for real.’”

The next day, Luna Cobra took a syringe and practised on three brave volunteers.

“I’m aware of how insane that sounds, but I’ve been doing this type of thing for my whole life so I wasn’t coming from nowhere with this,” he says.

His technique, which he has modified over the years, involves injecting pigment directly into the eyeball so it rests under the eye’s thin top layer, or conjunctiva.

A single small injection has enough ink to cover about a quarter of the eye.

It takes several injections to completely cover the sclera, which is then coloured for life. He has done it for hundreds of people - in blue, green, red and black - from Singapore and Sydney to London and the US. “If you want to amuse yourself by decorating your eyeball, why not do it?” he says. “I do a lot of things that look like tie-dye or ‘cosmic space’. I think it brings a realm of fantasy into everyday life.”

Looking a little out-ofthis world is something that appealed to Kylie Garth, a body piercer who works in Luna Cobra’s Sydney studio.

Before deciding to change the colour of her eyeballs, Garth had experimented with a number of body modifications including face tattoos,

piercings, elf-like pointed ears and a bifurcated tongue.

“It was mentally intense,” she says of the several injections needed to colour her eyeballs a delicate blue-green, a colour she refers to as sea foam.

“It feels like somebody is poking at your eye, then it feels like strange pressure and then it feels you have a bit of sand in your eye, but there’s no pain.”

One customer who might disagree with this is a Polish rapper, Popek, who was filmed having his eyes tattooed green by Luna Cobra in London. A couple of days later he experienced a painful burning sensation in his eyes that prevented him sleeping.

Fortunately, it was temporary - he was later reported to be considering going back under the needle to darken the tattoos - but opticians warn about a risk of damage to the eyes, and even loss of vision.

Garth says the reaction to her eyes has been universally positive.

“It’s thinking about getting a needle in your eye that makes people say, ‘I can’t believe you did that.’ But I’ve never had anyone say my eyes look scary,” she says.

The same can’t be said of darker tattoos, however.

“I try to keep people away from it, especially if they have a dark iris,” says Luna Cobra.

About one person a week contacts him to inquire about eyeball tattoos - and many want black.

“I tell them you’re going to look frightening forever to the majority of people you encounter. You might find people have trouble connecting with you or looking at you because they can’t follow your iris.”

Luna Cobra says he urges young people to wait until they have a job before getting a black eyeball tattoo, because otherwise they may never get hired.

“I was living on the streets, and I tried to get a job, but of course my beautiful face didn’t allow me to do that,” Barnum said at his sentencing in Anchorage.

But whether or not Barnum intended to shock, many of Luna Cobra’s clients are hoping to do just that. Some dismiss his warnings saying it would be “cool” to frighten people. Others say they don’t care.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 17, 2015

In Essequibo‌

The Supenaam speed boat stelling

Councillor calls for speed boat operators to pay Landing, Departure fees COUNCILLOR of the Region 2(Pomeroon/Supenaam) Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Ms Juliet Coonjah, is calling for speed boat operators plying between Parika and Supenaam to pay Landing and Departure fees at both stellings.

Speaking at the statutory meeting of the Council on Tuesday, at Anna Regina, Ms Coonjah also called for the Speed Boat Association to install floating ramps at Supenaam and Parika stelling so passengers can walk safely to and from the speed boats.

She told the meeting that the stairway that passengers have to use at Parika is very steep and dangerous and can cause serious injuries to passengers if they slip and fall especially in rainy weather. She said the stelling at Supenaam is sinking and is in bad condition. (Rajendra Prabhulall)

RDC Councillor Juliet Coonjah

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 17, 2015

Pope on Charlie ebdo: There are limits to free expression Pope Francis arrives at Manila Cathedral in the Philippines. (Lisa Maree Williams photo)

POPE Francis said Thursday there are limits to freedom of speech, especially when it insults or ridicules someone’s faith.

Francis spoke about the Paris terror attacks while en route to the Philippines, defending free speech as not only a fundamental human right but a duty to speak one’s mind for the sake of the common good.

But he said there were limits.

By way of example, he

speech.

Recently the Vatican and four prominent French imams issued a joint declaration that, while denouncing the Paris attacks, urged the media to treat religions with respect.

Francis, who has called on Muslim leaders in particular to speak out against Islamic extremism, went a step further Thursday when asked by a French journalist about whether there were limits when freedom of

Yes, free speech has always had its limits – but verbal provocation is never an excuse for violence referred to Alberto Gasparri, who organises papal trips and was standing by his side aboard the papal plane.

“If my good friend Dr. Gasparri says a curse word against my mother, he can expect a punch,” Francis said half-jokingly, throwing a mock punch his way. “It’s normal. You cannot provoke. You cannot insult the faith of others. You cannot make fun of the faith of others.”

His pretend punch aside, Francis by no means said the violent attack on Charlie Hebdo was justified. Quite the opposite: He said such horrific violence in God’s name couldn’t be justified and was an “aberration.”

But he said a reaction of some sort was to be expected.

Many people around the world have defended the right of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo to publish inflammatory cartoons of the Prophet Muhammed in the wake of the massacre

by Islamic extremists at its Paris offices and subsequent attack on a kosher supermarket in which three gunmen killed 17 people.

Others, though, have noted that in virtually all societies, freedom of speech has its limits, from laws against Holocaust denial to racially motivated hate

expression meets freedom of religion.

“There are so many people who speak badly about religions or other religions, who make fun of them, who make a game out of the religions of others,” he said.

“They are provocateurs.

And what happens to them is what would happen to Dr. Gasparri if he says a curse word against my mother.

There is a limit.”

In the wake of the Paris attacks, the Vatican has sought to downplay reports that it is a potential target for Islamic extremists, saying it is being vigilant but has received no specific threat.

Francis said he was concerned primarily for the safety of the faithful who come to see him in droves, and said he had spoken to Vatican security officials who are taking “prudent and secure measures.”

“I am worried, but you know I have a defect: a good dose of carelessness.

I’m careless about these things,” he said. But he admitted that in his prayers, he had asked that if something were to happen to him that “it doesn’t hurt, because I’m not very courageous when it comes to pain. I’m very timid.”

He added, “I’m in God’s hands.” (AP)

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 17, 2015

From funeral parlour to aircraft for ‘Patsy’ Sanasie

By Leroy Smith

Patsy Sanasie and her husband in happier times Police sources on Wednesday said hey have no intention just yet to extradite the businessman to this country to answer questions or face charges in connection with the death of his wife since there is no need to do that at this point.

It was pointed out that

the move will be made only if the police have sufficient evidence to suggest that the man played a role in the hit on his wife. The man’s daughter who witnessed the execution of the woman is likely to travel to the United States with her body for the cremation.

Below rates for January 16, 2015

RELATIVES of murdered businesswoman Patricia ‘Patsy’ Sanasie plan to have her remains embalmed before a private viewing by very close relatives and friends, and then the body will be taken by aircraft to the USA. This publication was informed that despite the number of friends that the woman had, and her students and staff from the private school she once owned, the viewing will not likely be extended to them.

At the moment, the woman’s relatives are contemplating the use of one of two shipping companies to have the remains taken to the United States along with an extra coffin.

It was also confirmed that the woman’s daughter, who witnessed the attack on her mother, has not gone into hiding but is staying at a very close friend of the woman’s husband.

However, Deokarran Sanasie, her husband, is being accused of ordering the hit on her on Monday night in front of her Atlantic Gardens home.

Meanwhile, the police have been given additional information about the likely identity of the hit-man, whose name has been called before in a number of similar crimes, but he has managed to evade the long arm of the law.

Sources close to the investigation have also indicated that the police have been able to secure other leads, which cannot be disclosed now since that may compromise the investigation.

To date there have been no arrests or the detention of any vehicle but the police is confident that they will receive information that will aid in the apprehension of the persons responsible for the woman’s killing.

Meantime, the woman’s relatives are going ahead with plans to have her cremated overseas since they are fearful of the man and his connections. The feeling, however, is mutual on the part of the man and his family as they too are said to be afraid of the woman’s family and a possible retaliation for her killing.

The Guyana Chronicle has also been able to confirm that the woman’s husband has decided to stay away from her cremation in the United States, amidst claims that he is responsible for her death.

Currency G$/US$ G$/GBP G$/CAD$ G$/euro BDOS$ G$/EC$ G$/TT$

Buying 205.98625 313.17769 171.75729 238.77636 101.86969 75.45903 32.19547

Selling 208.43594 317.11444 173.74407 241.82738 102.89094 76.21551 32.51823

Aries Intellectual and spiritual discussions should bring you even closer to people dear to you. Relations with a romantic partner should be especially warm and intimate today. You’re in a philosophical frame of mind, so you might want to attend a lecture. Expect new insights to come your way. Books, magazine articles, and websites could also prove enlightening.

Taurus Intellect combines with intuition to produce a particularly enlightening day on all subjects, whether they’re intellectual, practical, or metaphysical. Group activities dedicated to these could prove rewarding, especially if you go with a friend. You could meet new people you’re certain you recognise, perhaps from a past life. You might want to explore this possibility.

Gemini Group activities dedicated to intellectual or humanitarian matters could prove rewarding, particularly if you attend them in the company of friends, a partner, or both. New people could make your acquaintance. Your intellect and intuition are sharp, and your interactions are likely to be congenial, stimulating, and rewarding. Books could prove especially enlightening.

Cancer If you’ve been thinking about writing, teaching, or pursuing a career based on the dissemination of information, this is the day to look into it. Your mind should be especially quick and sharp now. You will seek every possible detail that could shed light on the pros and cons of making such a change. Your heightened pace can also benefit whatever work you’re doing.

Leo Today you could feel like you have one foot in another world. It’s a great feeling, with a lot of love and wisdom mixed in. This could prove useful in relating to others. It increases your awareness not only of them but also of yourself. It could make a big difference in any creative projects. Don’t let the day go by without making this feeling work for you in some way.

Virgo A number of exciting people could attend a party or group meeting at your home. You’re in just the right space to be a great host, and you’re likely to meet some interesting new people. Much of the conversation could focus on computers and other forms of technology or perhaps on astrology or other occult subjects. You should have a good time and learn a lot.

Libra A rally or other sort of mass meeting could take place in your neighbourhood today. It could be the most exciting thing that’s happened to your community in a long time. Expect to meet a number of interesting people. Social events, perhaps connected to this rally, could take up a lot of your time, almost to the point of wearing you out. Don’t try to do too much.

Scorpio Today you might try to put computers or other forms of advanced technology to work for you. This could be of great benefit to you. You might be blown away by the advantages of it. Your mind should be quick enough to grasp any new software or equipment that you will want to use. The innovation could also help raise your earning power. Isn’t technology wonderful?

Sagittarius You might feel especially adventurous today, and wish to go away for a while with a romantic partner. A spiritual retreat or a workshop in metaphysical disciplines might be an option to consider. This is a good time to go, especially if you’re thinking about travelling by air. You should have a wonderful time.

Let go of some misgivings, experience deep insights, and make new friends.

For Saturday January 17th, 2015: 02:30hrs For Sunday January 18th, 2015: 02:30hrs

Capricorn A group that shares your interest in an intellectual or spiritual discipline might meet at your home today. This could be a stimulating event, especially since new members could become good friends. A lot of plans could be made, perhaps for future activities. Fascinating discussions could take place. Don’t let the meeting run too late. You will want to unwind before bedtime.

Aquarius Communications with friends should go well. You have what it takes to express yourself clearly and honestly and give information without confusing the issue.

Group activities or work done in the company of others could bring the results you want. You might have to spend a lot of time on the phone or on the computer sending email, but you will get a lot done.

Pisces A talent for a new field that you might never have tried before could come to light. This might involve modern technology in some way or writing, drawing, or both. Communication with others should be warm, congenial, open, and honest. You can expect to gain a lot of pleasure from relationships of all kinds.

Expect at least one of your conversations to turn to the fine arts or metaphysics.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 17, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 17, 2015

27

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 17, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 17, 2015

29

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 17, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 17, 2015

31

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 17, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 17, 2015

33

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 17, 2015

Hooper named Amazon ..

From back page Hooper also holds the accolade of being the first cricketer in the world to have scored 5 000 runs, taken 100 wickets, held 100 catches and received 100 caps in both ODI’s

and Tests, a feat only matched since by the South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis.

On his appointment Hooper said: “I am extremely delighted to be appointed as head coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Team and to be part of the CPL 2015. I do look forward to working with the immensely talented and exciting group of cricketers that are involved with this team.

I also want to assist with the overall development of the young Guyana cricketers who will be part of the squad for CPL 2015. It will be remiss of me if I didn’t express my sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’

Ramroop, franchise owner of the Guyana Amazon Warriors for providing me with this opportunity.”

Team Operations Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Omar Khan, has expressed his full support on the appointment of Hooper.

“Carl brings a wealth of experience and skills to our team and I am confident that he will be a great motivator and use all of his expertise to bring the best out of all the players in their performances so as to contribute to the team winning the tournament this year in what promises to be a much more hyped-up and high-profile 2015 CPL,” said Khan.

Golden Jaguars to kick off World Cup campaign against St Vincent and the Grenadines in June THE Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) held the draw for the initial phases of the CONCACAF Preliminary Competition for the FIFA World Cup 2018 and it was revealed the Guyana’s Golden Jaguars will kick off their quest to Russia against St Vincent and Grenadines in June.

Matches will be played on a home-and-away basis between June 8 and 16. The two countries have met five times, since 2007, splitting the record at two wins each and a draw.

In the 2007 Caribbean Cup, St Vincent defeated Guyana 2-0. The next meeting which was on January 13, 2008, Guyana came away 1-0 winners.

On January 28, 2008, the two countries played to a 2-2 draw but the Jaguars on November 6, 2010 won 2-0. The last time the two sides met, February 19, 2012, St Vincent won 1-0.

The CONCACAF event was held at the W Hotel South Beach in Miami last Thursday, with the assistance of World Cup veterans from the region including Trinidad and Tobago’s Shaka Hislop, Mexico’s Pavel Pardo, Carlos Pavon from Honduras, and Tony Sanneh of the United States, as well as Brazilian all-time great Ronaldo.

The draw involved 27 of the 35 CONCACAF member associations seeking to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and determined the match-ups for the first two rounds of the five-round regional qualifying tournament in CONCACAF, which begins in March and runs through 2017.

Round One, which will be played in two legs on dates from March 23 to 31 this year, features seven home-and-away series, among the CONCACAF member associations ranked 22-35 in the region in the FIFA rankings from August 2014 – the first ranking after the completion of the 2014 World Cup and thus the first of the 2018 World Cup cycle.

The Round One series will be contestted between the following nations, with the team set to host the initial leg listed first: Match 1: Bahamas v. Bermuda Match 2: British Virgin Islands v Dominica Match 3: Barbados v US Virgin Islands Match 4: Turks and Caicos Islands v St Kitts and Nevis Match 5: Nicaragua v Anguilla Match 6: Belize v Cayman Islands Match 7: Curacao v Montserrat Round Two of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying will be played from June 8 to 16, 2015, and features the seven winners from Round One plus thirteen additional national teams, who were drawn into the following ten pairings: Match 8: St Vincent and the Grenadines v. Guyana Match 9: Antigua and Barbuda v St Lucia Match 10: Puerto Rico v Grenada Match 11: Canada v Winner Match #2 Match 12: Dominica v Winner Match #6 Match 13: Guatemala v Winner Match #1 Match 14: Aruba v Winner Match #3 Match 15: Winner Match #4 v El Salvador Match 16: Winner Match #7 v Cuba Match 17: Winner Match #5 v Suriname Round Three will follow from August 31 to September 8 of this year, and consists of another series of home-and-away match-ups featuring the ten Round Two series winners, joined by the two member associations ranked 7 and 8 – Jamaica and Haiti.

The final six CONCACAF member associations (Costa Rica, Mexico, United States, Honduras, Panama, and Trinidad & Tobago – in order of rank) will join the competition for Round Four, which consists of three groups of four teams and is scheduled to be played in a round-robin format between November 2015 and September 2016.

Round Five, which will qualify three CONCACAF nations directly to the FIFA World Cup and provide a further intercontinental playoff spot for the fourth-placed team, will be played in the traditional six-team, hexagonal format among the top two teams from each Round Four group.

This final round of World Cup qualifying in CONCACAF is scheduled to be contested from November 2016 to October 2017.

The match-ups for Round Three, as well as seeds for Round Four of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying will be determined at the FIFA World Cup Qualifying Draw in St Petersburg, Russia, on July 25, 2015.

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 17, 2015

Australia ease past England despite Morgan ton .. Warner ton secures bonus point win

(REUTERS) - Australia rode David Warner’s belligerent 127 to chase down a modest target and beat England by three wickets with 10 overs to spare in the first match of a tri-series also involving India yesterday.

England’s new one-day international captain Eoin Morgan roared back into form with a scintillating 121 but his team were dismissed for 234 inside 48 overs against some impressive bowling by Mitchel Starc (4-42) and James Faulkner (3-47).

Australia lost opener Aaron Finch early in their chase and all-rounder Shane Watson did not last long either, but Warner maintained his rich vein of form to hit his third ODI century, which included 18 fours, to take them near the target.

Chris Woakes (4-40) eventually ended Warner’s 115-ball knock but could not deny Australia, who lost

a flurry of wickets before reaching the target in 39.5 overs, a victory that earned a bonus point.

Australia’s win was set up by their bowlers, especially left-arm paceman Starc, who claimed two wickets with his first three deliveries and another brace with his final two.

He will be on a hat-trick in his next match, most likely against India tomorrow.

Morgan’s seventh ODI century, studded with three sixes and 11 boundaries, stood out in England’s meek capitulation in 47.5 overs against Australia’s hostile bowlers at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Morgan’s decision to bat first backfired as England slumped to 12-3 inside four overs and had their top half blown away by the 16th over.

Starc jolted Ian Bell’s bid to nail down the opener’s slot for next month’s World Cup by trapping him leg-before with the first

Falcao must prove himself at United, says van Gaal

Manchester United’s Radamel Falcao celebrates his goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium in Stoke-on-Trent, central England January 1, 2015.

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Manchester United’s Radamel Falcao may have hoped for a crumb of comfort from his manager Louis van Gaal, but was instead told yesterday to prove himself or get used to a supporting role at Old Trafford.

When the on-loan striker

joined United from Monaco in September he was heralded as one of the game’s best talents with a hefty salary to match his reputation as a hardened goal-getter.

Yet a disappointing start to the season, which has included only glimpses of the predatory instincts that marked his early

Eoin Morgan celebrates his hundred. delivery of the match and dismissed James Taylor in similar fashion with his third.

Joe Root fell cheaply too while opener Moeen Ali, watching as wickets tumbled at the other end, returned to the pavilion after scoring a brisk 22. career, and a return of only three goals have apparently failed to impress van Gaal.

The Colombian has frequently been left to kick his heels on the bench and was excluded from the squad entirely for Sunday’s home defeat by Southampton.

His arrival, along with that of Angel Di Maria, was a statement that United retained the pulling power of Europe’s elite clubs despite not being in the Champions League. van Gaal, however, is unimpressed with past glories.

“If a player costs £95 million or £5 000 pounds it doesn’t make any difference. You have to prove yourself,” he told reporters, implying that the forward had failed to make his mark at Old Trafford.

As each week passes it becomes increasingly unlikely that United will choose to make the striker’s move permanent, with parent club Monaco

David Warner scores his third ODI hundred against England in Sydney.

With England reeling at 69-5, Morgan and Josh Buttler (28) arrested the slide with a 67-run stand for the sixth wicket with the England captain unfurling his trademark reverse sweeps and stepping out frequently against the spinners. likely to demand a huge fee.

Even for United, whose vast income seems to leave them largely untroubled by the Financial Fair Play restrictions that limit their rivals’ outlay, a move for Falcao, who suffered a serious knee injury last year, appears unlikely.

“He has to prove himself, that we have agreed,” van Gaal added.

“We have made this deal and everything is clear and it is not the end of the year (the duration of his loan spell) so he has the chance for that.”

After taking only two points from their last nine, United’s title hopes seem to have evaporated ahead of today’s game at struggling Queen’s Park Rangers.

The manager, however, said they will not be tempted into the transfer market.

“I don’t think that we shall be very active as not many players of a certain level are available,” he said.

Morgan, who had been woefully out of form, charged down the track to hit left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty for a six to bring up his fifty and a cover-driven four off Faulkner brought up his century before he fell to Starc.

Scoreboard

ENGLAND innings

I. Bell lbw b Starc 0 M. Ali c Maxwell b Faulkner 22 J. Taylor lbw b Starc 0 J. Root c Watson b Cummins 5 E. Morgan c Maxwell b Starc 121 R. Bopara c Maxwell b Doherty 13 J. Buttler c Warner b Faulkner 28 C. Woakes c Smith b Maxwell 8 C. Jordan c Maxwell b Faulkner 17 S. Broad not out 0 S. Finn b Starc 0 Extras: (b-2, lb-3, nb-1, w-14) 20 Total: (all out, 47.5 overs) 234 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-0, 3-12, 4-33, 5-69, 6-136, 7-168, 8-224, 9-234.

Bowling: M. Starc 8.5-0-42-4(w1), P. Cummins 9-1-42-1 (nb-1, w-5), S. Watson 4-0-23-0 (w-1) J. Faulkner 10-1-47-3 (w-1), G. Maxwell 6-0-37-1, X. Doherty 10-0-38-1 (w-2).

AUSTRALIA innings D. Warner c Bell b Woakes 127 A. Finch b Woakes 15 S. Watson c Woakes b Jordan 16 S. Smith b Ali 37 G. Bailey c Buttler b Woakes 10 G. Maxwell c Buttler b Woakes 0 B. Haddin run-out (Bopara) 16 J. Faulkner not out 6 M. Starc not out 0 Extras: (lb-7, w-1) 8 Total: (for 7 wickets, 39.5 overs) 235 Fall of wickets: 1-33, 2-71, 3-158, 4-199, 5-200, 6-227, 7-233.

Bowling: C. Woakes 8-1-40-4, S. Finn 8-1-48-0, S. Broad 6.5-0-490, C. Jordan 6-0-33-1, M. Ali 9-045-1 (w-1), R. Bopara 2-0-13-0.

Cairns pleads not guilty to perjury charge

Chris Cairns has pleaded not guilty to a charge of perjury.

CHRIS Cairns has submitted a plea of not guilty at a hearing at the Old Bailey ahead of his perjury trial.

The former New Zealand all-rounder had previously indicated his intention to fight the charge against him, which relates to his 2012 libel case against Lalit Modi.

Andrew Fitch-Holland, a barrister who appeared as a witness for Cairns during those High Court proceedings, also pleaded not guilty to a charge of perverting the course of justice. Their trial date was set for October 5 at Southwark Crown Court.

When the case came before Westminster Magistrates’ Court in October it was alleged that Cairns had wilfully made a statement in

the legal proceedings against Modi “which you knew to be false or did not believe to be true namely that you never, ever cheated at cricket and nor would you contemplate doing such a thing”.

Fitch-Holland is accused of asking Lou Vincent, the former New Zealand batsman banned for life earlier this year after admitting his involvement in fixing, to provide a false witness statement in support of Cairns.

Cairns has always maintained his innocence of the charge and denied any involvement in match-fixing. When the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed he was to be put on trial, he said: “I’m obviously extremely disappointed, however, at least there will now be an opportunity to face my accusers in an open forum, with some rigour and proper process around that, so that I can clear my name once and for all.”

In March 2012, Cairns was awarded £90 000 in damages after a High Court judge found that Modi, the former IPL chairman, had libelled him over Twitter when making allegations about fixing in the rebel Indian Cricket League. (ESPN Cricinfo)

36

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 17, 2015

Tired, frustrated, patchy Serena still favourite

By Greg Stutchbury MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Serena Williams’ Australian Open preparations included smashing a racquet in frustration, complaining of fatigue and losing to players she had never lost to before, yet she is still the favourite to claim her sixth title at Melbourne Park.

The 33-year-old had a terrible buildup to the season-opening grand slam while playing in the Hopman Cup in Perth, losing to Eugenie Bouchard and Agnieszka Radwanska for the first time.

Her standard of play at the event, essentially an exhibition within a tournament format, was also far below her best.

Pundits, however, are loathe to begin writing about the decline of the 18-time grand slam champion as Father Time catches up with her.

With age comes wisdom.

Or craftiness, at least.

And when all else fails, when she really needs to, the American unleashes a cannon of a serve or a blistering forehand that few can handle on the Melbourne hardcourts.

Her biggest challenge, apart from stopping her own game self-destructing as it has done in Melbourne from time to time, is likely to come from Maria Sharapova, one of the few players who can go

toe-to-toe with the American.

The 27-year-old Russian won her fifth grand slam on the clay at Roland Garros last year and said she was pleased with the mental toughness she had shown in getting out of situations she may have struggled with in previous

that began after Melbourne worsened and eventually limited her to nine tournaments in 2014.

The 25-year-old is ranked 41st and has a tricky first-up encounter against American Sloane Stephens, though the tall Belarusian simply loves

Serena Williams years.

She also enters the tournament with some momentum having romped to the Brisbane title last week.

While world number three Simona Halep and Canada’s Bouchard are keen to make the step up after reaching grand slam finals last year, twice champion Victoria Azarenka looms as possibly the biggest challenger to Williams and Sharapova.

She slipped down the rankings after a foot injury

the blue courts in Melbourne which suit her powerful game and jackhammer forehand.

Azarenka has made at least the quarter-finals in four of the past five years, including back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013, but she will need a dose of luck and a return to form if she is to go deep in the tournament this year.

She could face world number eight Caroline Wozniacki, who had to withdraw from Sydney this week

with a wrist injury, in the second round before a potential quarterfinal with Williams.

The winner of that lasteight clash has been drawn to face either fourth seed Petra Kvitova or sixth seed Agnieszka Radwanska in the semifinals.

Kvitova won her second Wimbledon title last year and appears to have shaken off the confidence issues she had after failing to live up to the expectations following her first triumph on the grass of southwest London in 2011.

The Czech finished 2014 ranked fourth and had a strong second half to the year, winning two titles on hard courts in New Haven and Wuhan.

She also won in Sydney yesterday, beating compatriot Karolina Pliskova 7-6, 7-6 in a hard-fought final.

The performances of Radwanska will also be heavily scrutinised after she linked up with 18-time grand slam title winner Martina Navratilova.

Navratilova only began working with the 25-yearold at Christmas and, as was evident with Andy Murray and Ivan Lendl, these partnerships take time to evolve.

Even if there is no immediate impact from the coaching move, Radwanska’s all-court game still makes her a threat despite her struggles against the stronger hitters.

GABF president Nigel Hinds

By Rawle Toney PRESIDENT of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Nigel Hinds confirmed that all systems are in place for Guyana to host Bermuda in March at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The GABF boss said that the series will be played between March 10 and 15 and selection of the team will be done after the ‘Road to Mecca’ National Club Championship which bounces off on February 1.

“We have the ‘Road to Mecca’ which starts on February 1 and should finish by the end of February and then we will look at the squad. We’re keeping the squad local with the exception on Keron McKenzie, he will be our only overseas player,” Hinds told Chronicle Sport yesterday.

With the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Senior Men’s and Women’s Championships set for June 9-20 this year, the GABF will

have the perfect opportunity to see how well its best outfits will stack up against another regional counterpart.

“Bermuda already sent their entire squad and touring party to us, so, it’s just for us to now put everything else in place to host them,” Hinds pointed out.

In a letter sent last October, Bermuda Basketball Association president Gregory Todd had written to Hinds, stating his country’s national team’s profound gratitude for accepting the GABF’s request to travel to Guyana.

The last time Guyana played Bermuda was at the 2011 CBC Championships in Bahamas where Guyana lost 68-58, with Bermuda placing fifth while Guyana finished two places below them.

However, under Hinds’ presidency, Guyana were able to send one of their best Men’s team to the 2014 Championship and were able to place a creditable fifth when the games were held in the British Virgin Island of Tortola.

Permaul credits total team effort for Jaguars crushing win

NOTABLE DATES JUNIOR welterweight Vivian Harris started his professional career in `Vicious’ fashion and won his first three fights by knockouts.

Harris produced a firs-round knockout on January 17, 1998 when he left Ahmed Lamb in a heap at the Convention Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It was the third fight of his career.

The Guyanese had turned pro one year earlier following an amateur career that brought him 45 victories against five defeats. He was undefeated in 16 fights when he met Ray Oliveira on February 25, 2000 in Rhode Island. The more experienced Oliveira was adjudged the winner by a unanimous decision.

Undaunted, the orthodox Guyanese fighter had six more fights before arriving on the world stage. Harris was crowned WBA and IBA junior welterweight champion on October 19 2002 after a second round Technical Knock Out of champion Diosbelys Hurtado in Houston, Texas.

Harris was 24 years old then, and the victory earned him the right to be labelled the youngest Guyanese to win a world title.

He had three successful defences but was then dethroned by little-known Colombian Carlos Maussa via a seventh round knockout in June 2005.

The talented Guyanese secured three victories before unsuccessfully challenging Junior Witter of England for the WBC junior welterweight title.

All systems in place for Guyana/ Bermuda encounter – Hinds

Veerasammy Permaul finishes with impressive figures of 10-512-4..

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul has credited total team effort for Guyana Jaguars’ crushing victory over Windward Islands Hurricanes in the second scheduled game of the NAGICO Super50

at Queen’s Park Oval here Thursday.

Permaul produced a mesmerising spell to undermine the Volcanoes’ batting and handed the Jaguars a handsome 142-run victory.

Permaul says Jaguars were able to carry their match-winning momentum from the regional four-day tournament into the Super50.

“I think the guys really went out and put 100 percent. I think they all believed their confidence,” said Permaul, who finished with impressive figures of 10-5-12-4.

“I think it was a total team effort .I mixed the ball up and kept the batsmen guessing. I think it was the confidence we gained from the fourday that shifted the momentum into the one-day.”

Windwards were bowled out for 85 in 33.4 overs after the Jaguars totalled 227 for six off their 50 overs.

Devendra Bishoo and captain Chris Barnwell picked up two wickets each with most of the Windwards batsmen scoring less than ten runs.

Rajindra Chandrika hit half-dozen boundaries in 52 from 65 balls while Vishaul Singh scored 49 and Anthony Bramble was unbeaten on 43.

“Bramble played a very crucial innings at the bottom,” said Permaul.

“Well played. Chandrika as well and Vishaul just stick it out there. Once we keep wickets in hand up-front we can accelerate at the bottom. We are taking it step by step and hopefully we can come out victorious.”

37

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 17, 2015

`Six Head’ Lewis pleased with shift of venue FORMER WBA welterweight champion Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis is elated that his scheduled fight with Jamaican Sakima Mullings would now take place in Guyana and believes that the new development would put more pressure on his opponent. “I am happy that the fight will be held here. I’ll once again get a chance to fight in front of my home crowd. This is a good development,” Lewis said yesterday. The former world champion and Mullings were scheduled to meet on February 28 in Jamaica.

However, following recent discussions between the Guyana Boxing Board of Control and promoters in Jamaica, the fight was shifted to Guyana and is now down for the Cliff Anderson Spots Hall on February 21.

Lewis won the WBA title in February 2001 with a seventh-round stoppage of James Page. His last fight was in October 2008 and ended in a split decision defeat to Howard

Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis Eastman.

The southpaw is currently getting rid of six years of ring rust at the Keith Bazilio-owned Forgotten Youth Foundation gym, and is being prepared by coach Joseph Murray with assistance from Sebert Blake and Wincell Thomas.

Training, Lewis said, is coming along smoothly and he is already within the junior middleweight range with just over a month left. The fight is in the welterweight division.

“I am doing very well in the gym, I am feeling good and I am back to being the old ‘Six Head’. I think that having the fight here would

put more pressure on Mullings,” Lewis added.

Since 2011, Mullings had defeated Guyanese Winston Pompey, Howard Eastman, Revlon Lake and Derrick Richmond. The CABOFE and Jamaica welterweight champion has chalked up 18 fights during the time of Lewis’ inactivity.

The Lewis/Mullings affair headlines a five-fight card that heralds the return of CABOFE middleweight champion Edmond De Clou. The Lindener has been absent since sustaining a broken jaw in a fight against Dereck Richmond in October 2013.

Also making a return is middleweight Sharon `Stone’ Ward, another Lindener, who will clash with American Lorissa Rivas.

C A B O F E Bantamweight champion, Dexter Marques, faces Quincy Gomes in a sixround catch-weight contest while Travis Fraser will make his professional debut against Barbadian Charwyn Estwick.

T&T, Jamaica suffer telling U-20 blows

Edson Samms scores to help Panama defeat Jamaica. (Photo courtesy CONCACAF website) K I N G S TO N , J a m a i c a (CMC) – Hosts Jamaica and Caribbean champions Trinidad and Tobago suffered damaging results in the CONCACAF Under-20 Championship when they both slumped to defeats on day five of the tournament here Wednesday.

While T&T went down 2-0 to Guatemala in the opening contest of the triple-header, the young Reggae Boyz crashed to a similar 2-0 defeat in the night’s feature at the National Stadium.

In the other game, United States thrashed Aruba 8-0.

The latest results left Jamaica without a win in the competition, and languishing one from the bottom of the

six-team Group A on a single point. They have now lost twice and drawn once in three outings.

T&T, meanwhile, lie fourth on four points.

They were on the front foot early on, though, with the enterprising Duane Muckette forcing a save out off goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen.

Once the Central Americans asserted themselves, they put T&T under the pressure and their hard work paid off on 25 minutes when Mauro Portillo’s header from a Stheven Robles cross, took a deflection off defender Martieon Watson and went in.

Down 1-0 at the break, T&T tried to force their way back in the second half but

without much success. The closest they came to scoring was when Levi Garcia got free down the right and set up Aikim Andrews in the box, but Hagen was alert to the danger and made a smart save.

Guatemala sealed the points in the 88th minute when Portillo capitalised on a goalkeeping error from Johan Welch, to score from close range.

Jamaica, meanwhile, in desperate need of a victory, found no redemption. There were hopes of a positive outcome following a goalless first half but they gave up an early goal on resumption and then one late in the contest to fall away.

Edson Samms was on target in the 56th minute when he beat goalkeeper Nicholas Nelson with a well-taken strike, after Fidel Escobar picked him out from midfield.

Jamaica could not find a way back and Ismael Diaz confirmed their misery with the second goal in the 86th minute.

In the other game, Romain Gall scored three firsthalf goals and Bradford Jamieson added one each on either side of halftime as the U.S. ran out easy winners over minnows Aruba.

Foster responds to Chronicle article THE Management of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club would like to express its profound disgust and shock at an article appearing in the Guyana Chronicle of Friday January 16, 2015 under the caption of “Confusion or Dictatorship in our Cricket”.

The article quotes me in my capacity as Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, saying that I would not release Mr Rajiv Ivan as he had requested from the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club.

The article is full of falsehood, personal opinions and libellous statements and the management of the club and myself, in my personal capacity would be taking legal actions against Mr Calvin Roberts, the author of the article.

The simple facts of the matter are: Mr Rajiv Ivan requested a transfer to an unknown club. The letter would be discussed at the Club management level very shortly and he would be duly informed of the decision.

I never told Mr Ivan that I would not be releasing him. The only time that I had spoken to him since his request for transfer was on Monday 12th January, 2015, when he called my private residence at 10:31hrs. In a thirty-second conversation, I informed Mr Ivan that I had no update on his request and would inform him of the decision when it was made. I then put down the phone ending the conversation.

On Tuesday January 13, 2015, at about 22:00hrs, I received a phone call from Mr Calvin Roberts, a person whom I considered a friend. The conversation was private as he never told me that he was calling in his capacity as a journalist. In the presence of my wife and daughter, I told Mr Roberts that I would not be discussing anything about Mr Rajiv Ivan’s request for release. Mr Roberts seemed to be quite interested in the cricketing career of Mr Ivan for reasons best known to him because every time that he considers an injustice being done to his favourite cricketer, there is something in the Guyana Chronicle.

Mr Ivan has never expressed his displeasure for playing for this club. In fact on numerous occasions in my office, Mr Ivan was full of praises for me and the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club for our role in his career.

In my official capacity as Secretary/CEO I have done everything possible to make the

players comfortable in the club. I have never used my position to affect any player’s career and every person who deals with me would know that. It is therefore unbelievable that Calvin Roberts can accuse me of refusing to release his close friend for unknown reasons.

It is simply shocking that Mr Roberts can put into his article, a private conversation that occurred between the two of us in late October 2014. One is left to wonder if there are any morals left in this world. Mr Roberts has called my office and my home on countless occasions seeking my assistance in numerous matters and I wonder if he would like to see these private requests in the media. What is the relevance of a private conversation between two friends in a newspaper article?

I have been involved in the Management of cricket for over twenty-five years and my records of achievements are well known. I would not allow the likes of Calvin Roberts to affect my desire to achieve even more.

The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Constitution clearly states that all members must solve problems internally and not to bring the club into disrepute. Mr Ivan has never made an attempt to have the matter resolved internally but instead headed to the press. The Club’s Disciplinary Committee comprises three distinguish members who would take the necessary action they seem fit.

The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and me personally would severe all relationship with him in the future as we would only be dealing with professionals and people who do not have personal axes to grind.

We cherish our relationships with the Guyana Chronicle a lot and we enjoy our working relationship with its General Manager Mr Michael Gordon, Editor in Chief Mr Mark Ramotar and Sports Editor Mr Leon Horatio.

I personally expect a full apology from Mr Roberts. In the meantime, our lawyer has been instructed to take the necessary action.

Hilbert Foster, Secretary/CEO Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Senior Sports Reporter Mr Calvin Roberts is adamant that the information stated in his investigative opinion piece is “accurate and truthful”. He maintains that the information published in the offending article was sought after and investigated by him through reliable sources, including Chairman of the Competitions Committee of the Berbice Cricket Board, Mr Carl Moore.

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 17, 2015

Red Force cruise to easy five-wicket win over Windies Under-19s

SCARBOROUGH, Tobago (CMC) - Trinidad and Tobago Red Force cruised to comfortable five-wicket win over West Indies Under-19s in their rainaffected third match of the NAGICO Super50 at Shaw Park Tobago yesterday.

Powered by a solid half-century partnership for the first wicket between Evin Lewis and Nicholas Sookdeosingh, Red Force coasted to 101 for five after restricting the young West Indians to 97 for 7 in a match reduced to 21 overs because of a wet outfield caused by persistent rain.

Lewis and Sookdeosingh put together an opening stand of 58 as Red Force, considered among the favourites for title honours

in the tournament, asserted themselves.

Lewis smashed three sixes and a four in a top score of 38 while Sookdeosingh hit four fours and a six while contributing 35.

Shamar Springer disturbed the Red Force momentum temporarily by grabbing three wickets including shattering the stumps of Darren bravo for a duck.

But a boundary from Kevon Cooper ensured the home side secured their win with five overs to spare.

Earlier Pacer Ravi Rampaul and spinner Sunil Narine spoiled an enterprising effort by Windies Under-19s to post a competitive total, after they were sent in to bat

by Trinidad and Tobago.

Shimron Hetmyer

Rampaul and Narine shared five wickets between them to curb the enthusiasm of the young West Indies cricketers after they carved out a powerful half-century stand for the first wicket.

Openers Hetmyer who scored 50 and Chanderpaul 31 carried their side to 79 but when they were separated the remaining six batsmen departed for the addition of 18 runs.

The two promising openers batted responsibly but got little support – Hetmyer hitting two sixes and Chanderpaul the same number of sixes and a boundary.

Rampaul picked up three wickets for eleven runs from four overs while Narine grabbed two for 13 from five overs.

Jamaica beat Hurricanes by nine wickets PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Jamaica outplayed Leeward Islands Hurricanes to register a convincing nine-wicket win in the fourth game of the NAGICO Super50 at Queen’s Park Oval here yesterday.

Jamaica wiped out an easy target, losing one wicket in the process after their bowlers demolished a batting lineup which offered little fight.

Opener John Campbell counted two fours to score 26 before he was caught.

But Nkrumah Bonner led with a half-century as the Jamaicans trotted to 119 for one after Dave Bernard Jr,

Damion Jacobs and Nikita Miller ran through the batting order in 40.1 overs.

Nkrumah Bonner

Holder elected to head NECC

FORMER president of the Essequibo Cricket Board, Prince Holder, was on Friday, January 9, elected to head the North Essequibo Cricket Committee (NECC) for this year, when that entity held its election of officebearers.

According to Public Relations Officer (PRO) Elroy Stephney the members were elected at a general meeting, with Barry Alphonso being asked to serve under Holder as his vice-president. Muneshwar Rup was entrusted with the duties of secretary.

Hakim Khan was named treasurer of the NECC with Hemant Beharry executing the duties of

Assistant secretary and Nimran Bahadur the Assistant treasurer.

The organising secretary’s duties lie in the hands of Chevarj Boodram, even as Loaknauth Bhagwandin, Chris Collins, Anthony Persaud and Denesh Singh were all named as committee members of the NECC. With regard to who will represent the NECC at meetings of the ECB, Stephney said Holder and Khan were tasked with these duties with the alternates being Alphonso and Stephney himself, with the entire executive committee set to hold its first meeting on January 28. (Rajendra Prabhulall)

The Hurricanes won the toss and decided to bat only to stumble through an innings, crippled by Bernard who snared three for 10, Jacobs 3-24 and Miller 2-13.

Two small partnerships offered a glimmer of hope but they never matured into scores that would pose a threat to Jamaica.

Montcin Hodge and Austin Richard scraped together 28 runs for the first wicket but both batsmen were unable to even carry their individual scores to 20.

Orlando Peters top-scored with 20 and shared in a 25-run stand for the sixth wicket with Hayden Walsh Jr,

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday January 17, 2014) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Seymour Nurse (WI vs NZ, 1968-69) (2) 18 Today’s Quiz: (1) Which two played a similar amount of Tests?

Michael Holding; Alvin Kallicharran; Joel Garner; Deryck Murray; Larry Gomes (2) Which WI played most Tests without ever playing an ODI game?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

one of Bernard Jr’s three victims.

Bonner smashed seven fours and was unbeaten on 52 while Tamar Lambert was 30 not out as Jamaica secured victory in 32.3 overs.

Scoreboard WEST INDIES Under-19

S. Hetmyer c Khan b Rampaul 50 T. Chanderpaul b Emrit 31 A. Jangoo c Sookdeosingh b Rampaul 5 R. Lewis b Rampaul 0 K. Carty c Lewis b Narine 1 C. Roland not out 3 O. Smith run-out (Cooper) 0 K. Paul b Narine 2 S. Springer not out 1 Extras: (nb-1, w-1, lb-2 ) 4 Total:(forsevenwickets,off21overs) 97 Fall of wickets: 1-79, 2-86, 3-87, 4-88, 5-93, 6-93,l 7-96.

Bowling: K. Cooper 4-0-24-0, R. Rampaul 4-0-11-3, S. Narine 5-0-13-2, R. Emrit 4-0-15-1, Khan 2-0-18-0, A. Hosein 1-0-90, J. Mohammed 1-0-5-0.

T&T RED FORCE innings (Target: 98) E. Lewis c Hetmyer b Williams 38 N. Sookdeosingh c Hetmyer b Springer 35 D. Bravo b Springer 0 J. Mohammed c Carty b Williams 11 K. Cooper not out 5 A. Hosein c Paul b Springer 0 R. Emrit not out 1 Total:(forfivewickets,off21overs) 101 Extras: (nb-2, w-8, lb-1) 11 Fall of wickets: 1-58, 2-59, 3-82, 4-94, 5-94.

Bowling: Joseph 2-0-12-0, O. Smith 2-0-11-0, S. Springer 5-024-3, E Lewis 2-0-23-0, K. Paul 3-0-13-0, C. Williams 2-0-17-2.

Racing Tips American Racing Tips

08:45 hrs Social Riser

Aqueduct

09:20 hrs Kitten Rock

Race 1 Bossy Boots

09:55 hrs Rule The World

Race 2 Hampden Fiveone

10:30 hrs Riviera Sun

Race 3 Willet

11:05 hrs Moreece

Race 4 Carolinian

11:40 hrs Oscar Fiain

Race 5 S Marverlous

11:35 hrs Independence

12:10 hrs Tombstone English Racing Tips Haydock 08:20 hrs Kingswell Theatre 08:55 hrs Close Touch 09:30 hrs Qewy 10:05 hrs The New One 10:40 hrs Third Intention 11:15 hrs Corrin Wood Lingfield 08:50 hrs Crakenhall Lad 09:25 hrs Emirates Skycargo 10:00 hrs Diamond Charlie 10:35 hrs Melvin The Grate

12:10 hrs Harryhopeithappens

11:10 hrs Birdie Queen

Arab Emirates Racing Tips

12:45 hrs Wolf Of Windlesham

Meydan

Ascot

08:10 hrs Mastermind

09:15 hrs Traffic Fluide

08:45 hrs Muhtaram

09:50 hrs Bitofapuzzle

09:20 hrs Mujrayaat

10:25 hrs Garde La Victoire

09:55 hrs Mizbah

11:00 hrs Sprinter Sacre

Irish Racing Tips

11:35 hrs Niceonefrankie

Naas

12:05 hrs Out Sam

Race 6 North Ocean Race 7 War Hero Race 8 Sassicala Race 9 Eight Cents South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:25 hrs Black Belvedere 09:00 hrs Playingtheenemy 09:35 hrs Cold As Ice 10:15 hrs In Limine 10:55 hrs Jeweller’s Joy

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 17, 2015

Windies crash to loss after batting fails

DURBAN, South Africa (CMC) – West Indies failed to negotiate a tricky run chase and lost the rain-hit opening One-day International against South Africa by 61 runs under the Duckworth/Lewis method here yesterday.

Needing to score at nearly seven runs an over to get a revised target of 229 off 33 overs, West Indies faltered after an enterprising 51-run opening stand, to slump to 164 off 28.2 overs at Kingsmead.

Shotgun opener Chris Gayle blasted a typically swift top score of 41 off 24 deliveries, Denesh Ramdin hit 31 from 32 balls and Gayle’s opening partner Dwayne Smith chipped in with 29 off 38 balls, but the Caribbean side lost their last nine wickets for 113 runs.

Fast bowler Vernon Philander was South Africa’s leading bowler with three for 44 while leg-spinner Imran Tahir picked up two for 22.

Rain had earlier stymied South Africa’s efforts to reach the 300-run mark, ending the innings on 279 for eight off 48.2 overs.

Captain AB de Villiers top-scored with 81 off 94 balls, while David Miller, with 70 off 68 and opener Hashim Amla, with a run-a-ball 66,

AB de Villiers picks up a stumping and four catches plus his top score of 81 to be voted man-of-the-match. chipped in with half-centuries.

The Proteas were reeling at 16 for two in the fifth over before de Villiers anchored two excellent stands to pull the innings around.

He put on 99 for the third wicket with Amla and added a further 123 with Miller for the fourth wicket.

Rollicking along at 238 for three in the 40th over, South Africa seemed on course for well beyond 300 but West Indies pulled the scoring back to limit the hosts to just 37 runs from the next nine overs.

Captain Jason Holder rotated his bowlers well down the stretch, and South Africa lost five wickets for 61 runs, including the wickets for Miller and de Villiers who had earlier pun-

ished them.

Fast bowler Jerome Taylor grabbed two for 50 and fellow seamer Andre Russell, two for 51.

Things were rosy in the West Indies camp when Taylor bowled Rilee Rossouw without scoring with a fulllength delivery in the third over and then trapped Faf du Plessis lbw, also without scoring, in his next over with one that came back. de Villiers then stroked six fours and Amla, ten, as they repaired the innings, in a stand that brought South Africa runs at the rate of six per over.

Amla perished in the 20th over when he took on Russell’s arm from third man chancing a second run but failing to beat the throw, but Miller joined de Villiers to keep pressure on the Windies.

He slammed seven fours and two sixes – both coming off left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn – and eventually reached his half-century off as many balls. de Villiers had earlier reached his off 61 balls but once he and Miller fell in successive overs to leave the score on 246 for five in the 41st over, the innings declined.

Gayle gave the Windies a flying start, attacking with sixes off Philander and seamer Morne Morkel in the early stages, as West Indies gathered 43 runs off the first five overs.

The left-hander had added five fours to his boundary count when he edged a swing at Steyn behind to depart in the sixth over.

Left-hander Leon Johnson was lbw to Philander on review without

scoring in the next over with two runs added but Smith and Marlon Samuels (12) held up South Africa with a promising 32-run, third-wicket partnership.

Samuels, however, gifted his wicket on 85 for two in the 13th over when he ventured out of his crease at the non-striker’s end with thoughts of a single and failed to beat Farhaan Behardien’s throw from mid-off, in his attempt to get back.

It all went quickly downhill.

Smith’s 38-ball labour ended with an

Scoreboard SOUTH AFRICA innings H. Amla run-out 66 R. Rossouw b Taylor 0 F. du Plessis lbw b Taylor 0 AB de Villiers c Russell b Benn 81 D. Miller c Smith b Holder 70 JP Duminy c wkp. Ramdin b Russell 12 F. Behardien run-out 12 V. Philander c Johnson b Russell 4 D. Steyn not out 6 M. Morkel not out 2 Extras: (b-4, lb-11, w-11) 26 Total: (8 wkts, 48.2 overs) 279 Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-16, 3-115, 4-238, 5-246, 6-262, 7-271, 8-272.

Bowling: Taylor 9.2-0-50-2, Holder 9-152-1 (w-3), Russell 10-0-51-2 (w-2), Sammy 10-0-52-0 (w-1), Benn 10-0-591 (w-3).

WEST INDIES (target: 229 off 33 overs) D. Smith lbw b Imran Tahir 29 C. Gayle c wkp. de Villiers b Steyn 41 L. Johnson lbw b Philander 0 M. Samuels run-out 12 D. Ramdin b Imran Tahir 31 J. Carter stp. de Villiers b Imran Tahir 17 D. Sammy c de Villiers b Philander 4 A. Russell c wkp. de Villiers b Philander 19 J. Holder c Miller b Steyn 2 J. Taylor c de Villiers b Steyn 2 S. Benn not out 0 Extras: (b-1, lb-1, w-5) 7 Total: (all out; 28.2 overs) 164 Fall of wickets: 1-51, 2-53, 3-85, 4-89, 5-118, 6-126, 7-148, 8-161, 9-164.

Bowling: Philander 6-0-44-3, Morkel 5-0-36-0 (w-1), Steyn 5.2-1-27-3 (w-1), Duminy 6-0-25-0 (w-1), Imran Tahir 6-030-3 (w-1).

Rilee Rossouw was cleaned up by but the Windies big hitters could provide Jerome Taylor none.

Darren Sammy edged a cut at lbw decision in favour of Imran Tahir two overs later and debutant left- Philander behind for four, Russell hander Jonathan Carter stroked three (12) lofted two successive sixes in Phifours in 17 off 26 balls before being lander’s next over before edging the deceived by the leg-spinner’s googly following delivery to the wicketkeeper and going stumped in the 21st over. and the Windies hopes expired when With the run rate creeping up to Ramdin missed a heave at Imran Tahir 10 an over, hefty blows were required and was bowled in the 27th over.

Sammy avoiding controversy over Sangakkara signs two-year Surrey deal Bravo, Pollard omission KUMAR Sangakkara, the world’s No. 1 Test batsman, has agreed a two-year deal with Surrey although how much he plays in 2015 will not be confirmed until Sangakkara makes a decision over his Test future.

Sangakkara will end his ODI career after the World Cup and he has previously hinted strongly that it will mark the conclusion of his international days, although there remains a chance of a final spell in Test cricket later this year.

His arrival at Surrey will see him back working with Graham Ford, the former Sri Lanka coach, who is now in charge at The Oval.

“We’re delighted that Kumar has agreed to join us.

He is the number one Test batsman in the world but it’s the special character that he has which is as important to us,” Alec Stewart, the Surrey director of cricket, said.

“He is a five-star player and five-star person and that is important because he will be working with our young homegrown players as they

become serious cricketers at this level.

He has worked a lot with our coach Graham Ford, when he was in charge of Sri Lanka, and we are both very happy to reach this stage.”

Sangakkara enjoyed a prolific 2014, setting a new record for the most international runs scored in a year with 2 868 runs across all formats. He has started 2015 in similar manner, too, with a double hundred against New Zealand in Wellington.

A signing of a player of Sangakkara’s standing will also cast further doubt over Kevin Pietersen’s future at The Oval as there are salary cap restrictions in place for county squads. (ESPN Cricinfo)

DURBAN, South Africa (CMC) - West Indies T20 captain Darren Sammy says he would not be drawn into the controversy surrounding the omission of Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard from the regional squad for next month’s World Cup. The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and its selection panel headed by Clive Lloyd have come under fire from many quarters for excluding the two all-rounders from Trinidad and Tobago.

Sammy has declined to comment on the specific issue only to say that Bravo and Pollard will bounce back.

“I know with all the controversy guys will bounce back, that’s just cricket,” said Sammy.

“I won’t be drawn into all that’s going on cause that has never been me, so we are just

Darren Sammy looking to move on in the oneday series.”

Among those who have blasted the omission of Bravo and Pollard was flamboyant opener Chris Gayle who described the decisions as “ridiculous” and says it smacks of victimisation.

The Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves has also accused the WICB of victimisation despite public statements from WICB

president Dave Cameron and Lloyd denying those claims and arguing that the world cup squad was selected on merit.

“It’s a situation that you don’t really want to deal with in cricket but for me I have always stayed away from controversy and stuff like that,” said Sammy after West Indies won the T20 series against South African two-one.

“So it was good that we won the T20 series, moving into the one-day series now, it’s about supporting what’s there. We would have liked to have a lot of players in our one-day team but I am not in charge of who selects teams.”

Pollard and Bravo were members of the West Indies team during the controversial abandoned tour of India when the oneday team abruptly quit the series over a contracts dispute with their players union, WIPA.

Sport CHRONICLE

The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com

Windies crash to loss after batting fails See story on page 39

Hooper named Amazon Warriors coach for CPL 2015 THE MANAGEMENT Team of the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise which competes in the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 tournament, yesterday named former Guyana and West Indies player Carl Hooper the head coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors for this year’s tournament.

The 48-year-old Hooper, who was the assistant coach of the Antigua Hawksbill for the 2014 edition of the tournamen which was won by Barbados Tridents, replaces another outstanding Guyana and West Indies cricketer in

Roger Harper, who coached the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the first two editions of the tournament.

Hooper has held various coaching positions after his playing career which included coach at the West Indies Cricket Board’s High Performance Centre (HPC) in Barbados.

A former West Indies captain in his own right, Hooper was an elegant right-handed batsman and off-spin bowler who came to prominence in the late 1980s in a West Indies side that included such players as Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Malcolm

Marshall, Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose.

He represented the West Indies over a 21year International Career and chalked up a highest Test Score of 233 against India in 2001 and scored some 5 762 runs in his Test career.

Hooper represented Guyana at the First Class level and played English County Cricket for Kent and Lancashire and in 2003 he became only the second player to have scored a century against all 18 English County teams.

Turn to page 34

Carl Hooper is delighted to be appointed head coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Golden Jaguars to kick off World Cup campaign against St Vincent and the Grenadines in June World Cup veteran Shaka Hislop Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

See story on page 34 SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015