Guyana chronicle 02 06 14

GUYANA No. 103846

MONDAY JUNE 2, 2014

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The ‘blacklist’ saga...

INCLUDING VAT

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Attorney-General flays ‘architects of disaster’ ––for blaming Guyana’s predicament on the gov’t

Abducted Berbice State House pulses with peals of childish laughter ‘water-baby’ found

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––as First Lady gives children ‘a day to remember’

PPP relaunch 8 of pioneer programme sees induction of over 450 Designer fashion adds spice to 5 Bishops’ fundraiser Page

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The trampoline proved very popular among the children

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 2, 2014

State House pulses with peals of childish laughter ––as First Lady gives children ‘a day to remember’

‘Man-in-the-middle’ was loads of fun for these youngsters

By Ravin Singh GUYANA joined the rest of the world in observing International Day for the Protection of Children yesterday, and First Lady, Madame Deolatchmee Ramotar hosted a fun day for hundreds of children on the lawns of State House.

Mrs. Ramotar’s threeyear old charity, the First Lady Foundation, collaborated with the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) to fete the children of Regions 3 (Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara) and 4 (Demerara/ Mahaica).

The children enjoyed an array of games including cricket and football and were also treated to a screening of the widely popular children’s film, Kung Fu Panda. The trampoline was a special delight of the children, who left the day with educational materials and tokens from the First Lady.

According to the First Lady, the day’s events were intended to support the fostering of a healthy and fun environment for children, particularly given the recognition that children need to be nurtured to be able to realise their full potential and by extension, contribute meaningfully to the development of their country.

This year’s theme for

International Day for the Protection of Children is ‘Focusing on children in emergency situations’, and in her message on the occasion, Mrs. Ramotar stressed her rejection of all forms of abuse against children, and called for such practices to be brought to an end.

“Children are our special responsibility,” she said.

“We have an obligation as a society to work towards the eradication of all forms of abuse against children so that they can all enjoy their childhood which is an important stage in the development of all of us.

“By themselves, they are unable to defend against abuse. As such they need special attention and pro-

tection. The scars caused by abuse often leave an indelible mark on children and the effects of abuse sometimes endure through to adulthood.

It is therefore important that every child is safeguarded from abuse.”

The International Day for the Protection of Children was established in Moscow on November 22, 1949 at the meeting of the Women’s International Democratic Federation after the World Conference for the Well-being of Children proclaimed the day on June 1, 1925 in Geneva. It became universally established in 1954, the aim being to protect children’s rights, end child labour and guarantee access to education.

What a ball! (Photos by Sonell Nelson)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 2, 2014

The ‘blacklist’ saga...

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Attorney-General flays ‘architects of disaster’ ––for blaming Guyana’s predicament on the gov’t

By Vanessa Narine ATTORNEY-GENERAL (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, has come out swinging against some opposition factions for attempting to blame the current administration for Guyana’s being blacklisted internationally.

“As the world is preparing to unleash an unknown and unpredictable regime of catastrophic sanctions that will ultimately make the life of every Guyanese much harder, the architects of this disaster luridly and ludicrously attempt to blame the Government for this tragedy,” Minister Nandlall said.

“This is why they have so callously and heedlessly pushed our country and its people, at the altar of their avarice, for political power.

It’s as if theirs is a desire to preside over ruin, if only to preside,” he added.

Last Thursday, the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) announced that Guyana has been referred to the interna-

CFT) deficiencies, and has not made sufficient progress in addressing them.

In a public statement, CFATF said: “As a result of not meeting the agreed timelines in its action plan, the CFATF recognises Guyana as a jurisdiction with significant AML/CFT deficiencies which has failed to make significant progress in addressing those deficiencies, and the CFATF considers Guyana to be a risk to the international financial system.”

Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr Anil Nandlall tional Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The regional watchdog’s review was in relation to the protection of the international financial system from money laundering and financing of terrorism risks, and the encouragement of greater compliance with standards.

The CFATF made it clear that Guyana has strategic Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/

BILL NOT ENOUGH The enactment of the AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill before CFATF’s meeting last week could, by all accounts, have averted Guyana’s referral to the FATF, particularly since the CFATF noted that 90 per cent of the deficiencies identified are legislative in nature.

H o w e v e r, M i n i s t e r Nandlall made it clear that the hammer has already fallen, and that enactment of the legislation alone will not be enough.

“Mere passage of this

Bill will not automatically extricate us from this morass,”he said. “It is a process; it takes years to exit the FATF supervision, once

er-measures to protect their financial systems from the ongoing money laundering and terrorist financing risks emanating from Guyana.

‘...this disaster has been brought upon the people, singularly by the arrogance, stubbornness and greed of the combined Opposition for political power’ you become subject.”

CFATF has advised its members to take count-

Those counter measures include: The requirement of enhanced due diligence

measures; introducing enhanced reporting mechanisms, or systematic reporting of financial transactions; refusing the establishment of subsidiaries or branches or representative offices in Guyana; and taking into account the fact that financial institutions from Guyana do not have adequate AML/ CFT systems, and limit the business relationships or financial transactions with the country.

The Attorney-General also pointed out that the other challenge is the fact that the combined Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) See page 8

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 2, 2014

Republicans question U.S. prisoner swap with Taliban

By Warren Strobel WASHINGTON (Reuters) U.S. politicians questioned whether the deal that freed Bowe Bergdahl in exchange for five Taliban militants amounted to a negotiation with terrorists as the U.S. soldier was flown out of Afghanistan to a military hospital in Germany yesterday.

Army Sergeant Bergdahl, held for nearly five years in Afghanistan, was freed in a deal with the Taliban brokered by the Qatari government. Five Taliban militants,

described by Senator John McCain as the “hardest of the hard core,” were released from the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and flown to Qatar.

While Bergdahl’s release on Saturday was celebrated by his family and his hometown, and could be seen as a coup for President Barack Obama as he winds down America’s longest war, McCain and other Republicans questioned whether the administration had acted properly in releasing the militants.

“These are the highest high-risk people. Others that

Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl

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we have released have gone back into the fight,” said McCain, a former prisoner of war and Vietnam War veteran.

“That’s been documented. So it’s disturbing to me that the Taliban are the ones that named the people to be released.” he said on CBS’s “Face the Nation.”

As the Obama administration sought to counter the criticism, Bergdahl was flown to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany for medical treatment. After receiving care he would be transferred to another facility in San Antonio, Texas, U.S. defense officials said, without giving a date for his return to the United States.

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said he hoped the exchange might lead to breakthroughs in reconciliation with the militants and rejected accusations from Republicans that it resulted from negotiations with terrorists, saying the swap had been worked out by the government of Qatar.(Full Story) “We didn’t negotiate with terrorists,” Hagel said in an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press”. “As I said and ex-

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plained before, Sergeant Bergdahl was a prisoner of war.

That’s a normal process in getting your prisoners back.”

Bergdahl, 28, was handed over on Saturday to U.S. forces who had flown in by helicopter. The Taliban said they had released Bergdahl near the border with Pakistan in eastern Afghanistan.

SLOW RECOVERY His parents, Bob and Jani Bergdahl, told a news conference on Sunday they had not yet spoken to their son and were aware of the long task ahead as he adapts to being free, saying he needed time to decompress.

“It is like a diver going deep on a dive and he has to stage back up through recompression to get the nitrogen bubbles out of the system. If he comes up too fast, it could kill him,” his father said.

Bergdahl, from Idaho, was the only known missing U.S. soldier in the Afghan war that began soon after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States to force the Taliban - accused of sheltering al Qaeda militants - from power.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 2, 2014

Designer fashion adds spice to Bishops’ fundraiser THE Bishops’ High School Old Students Association (BHSOSA) yesterday hosted a successful fundraising activity, collaborating with designer Donna Ramsammy-James on the launch of her latest lines, ‘Muujiza wa Amani’ and ‘Africa Milele’.

The stunning styles were

Ghana’s style carried with it a sophistication that caught the attention of patrons (Photos by Sonell Nelson)

modelled by past and present students of Bishops’ High, with the event, which was held at the Herdmanston Lodge, seeing the support of over 100 patrons, who were treated to looks inspired by Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, Rwanda and Cameroon.

The Kenyan-inspired look undoubtedly awed

Nigeria’s traditional style was one that captured many an admiring gaze

The look of fresh cotton as inspired by Ethiopia

A section of the many supporters who turned out for yesterday’s fashion line launch

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 2, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

International Day for the Protection of Children

YESTERDAY, Guyana observed International Day for the Protection of Children, which is observed in many countries as Children’s Day. The World Conference for the Wellbeing of Children in Geneva, Switzerland, proclaimed June 1 to be International Children’s Day in 1925.

International Children’s Day is the day of mobilisation of social opinion for child protection; observance of rights of children for life, education and leisure; for protection from physical and psychological violence; and exploitation of child labour as necessary conditions for construction of a fair society.

In t h e M i l l e n n i u m Declaration, adopted in 2000, world leaders made a promise to assist children in fulfilling their human potential. Children born in that milestone year are now adolescents.

The following is a socio-demographic profile review to determine whether the promise is being kept for these ‘Millennium children’ and for all adolescents. The 10th

edition of UNICEF’s Progress for Children shows: Universal education may seem a relatively straightforward goal, but it has proved as difficult as any to achieve. According to new data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) : 7 million primary-school-age children are still denied the right of education 32.2 million primary pupils were held back a grade in 2010 31.2 million dropped out of school, and may never return Globally, girls are less likely to start school, but boys are more likely to repeat grades and leave school before completing primary education.

Millions of children work to help their families in ways that are neither harmful nor exploitative.

However, UNICEF estimates that around 150 million children aged 5 - 14 in developing countries, about 16 % of all children in this age group, are involved in child labour.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO)

estimates that 246 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 currently work.

This is about 15% of the world’s children, and about 35% of children in Sub-Saharan Africa.

More than 10 million children are employed in drug-trafficking, sex work, and other hazardous labour.

The available data suggests that significant efforts in advocacy, programmes and policy are needed to realise the rights of children.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child clearly articulates the responsibility of adults to protect children’s rights, including their right to expression and involvement in shaping their own destinies, in keeping with their evolving capacities.

On November 20, 1958, the United Nations adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. In September 2012, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon led the initiative for the education of children. He firstly wanted that every child should be able to attend school by 2015, and secondly that they be able to improve the skillset acquired in these

schools. His third goal was the implementation of policies regarding education to promote peace, respect and environmental concern.

Universal Children’s Day is not simply a day to celebrate children for who they are, but to bring awareness to children around the globe that have been subject to violence in forms of abuse, exploitation and discrimination.

Children are: Used as labourers in some countries; immersed in armed conflict; living on the streets; suffering because of differences, be it religious, minority or disability issues. Children feeling the effects of war can be displaced because of the armed conflict and/or suffer physical and psychological trauma.

The following violations are described in the term “children and armed conflict”: Recruitment and child soldiers; killing/maiming of children; abduction of children; attacks on schools/ hospitals; and not allowing humanitarian access to children.

Studies have shown that currently, there are about 153 million children between the ages of 5 and 14

who are forced into child labour. The International Labour Organization in 1999 adopted the Prohibition and Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour, including slavery, child prostitution and child pornography.

T h e o ff i c i a l l y r e c ognised date of Children’s Day varies from country to country, but here in Guyana, as aforementioned, June 1 is observed as International Day for the Protection of Children.

Education Minister, Ms. Priya Manickchand has iterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring that children’s rights are addressed, and noted that it is a priority on its agenda, and that the Attorney-General’s Chambers has drafted the children’s legislation.

She explained that the legislation caters for the rights of children to be heard, and the right for them to participate in decision-making.

She said that the

Government of Guyana is being holistic in its approach, to ensure that children are treated the way they should, and disclosed that ever since the the drafting process began, careful consideration was given to ensure that children’s voices are heard.

By way of encouraging the children of Guyana, Minister Manickchand said, “You can be anything you want to be; just apply yourself.”

She also urged students to be aware of issues surrounding them daily that are putting them at a disadvantage, and to be strong and resolute in the pursuit of an education that will ensure for them a bright future.

Minister Manickchand was addressing children at a programme, the objectives and goals of which are aimed at empowering children nationally to speak out among their peers, caregivers/parents, decision-makers and the media.

President Ramotar should stand his ground on AML/CFT Bill THE President’s call for unconditional passage of the Anti-Money Laundering (AML/CFT) Bill should not be rescinded.

It is a great call made by the President, and it must mean “unconditional.”

Once he does not give anything to the AFC, it is

doomed; then AFC cannot run up to Whim and say we made the PPP cry ‘uncle’.

If the PPP gives in to anything the AFC wants, it will make Nagamootoo appear bigger, so that he can go up to Whim with a proverbial loaded gun.

Forget Ramjattan, he is

done, especially for what he condoned in Linden and on the Agricola Public Road. The poor chap knows no one will vote for him. Call snap elections now and see how that party would scramble to find a credible AFC leader, because Ramjattan cannot lead that party since no one voted for him.

They might try to squeeze in Nagamootoo as their leader, but he would not get Indian votes because of the Linden and Agricola Public Road fracas.

Nigel Hughes has no credibility whatsoever.

PNC supporters still cannot match the PPP support

base, no matter if they turn out in droves.

I think the PNC supporters will stop going to the polls again, the way they never used to show up during PNC reign because they knew they were going to win. This time around, PNC supporters know they

cannot win, so why bother to show up to vote?

The PPP leaders must now put on their thinking cap and get on with it, but they need to remember they cannot trust the police.

TED KING

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 2, 2014

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Abducted Berbice ‘water-baby’ found

By Asif Hakim THE nine-day-old baby who was abducted in the vicinity of the Rose Hall Market in Berbice two Saturdays ago was yesterday morning found and returned to his parents.

According to reports, the baby was given back to his parents at the Whim Police Station, Corentyne where police were taking statements.

A close relative who was at the station told this publication that the child is quite alright and

Sandra McLean and her new-born baby at the Whim Police Station (Photo courtesy of iNews Guyana)

You do the crime; then you must do the time THERE is an old adage that says, “You do the crime; you do the time”.

It is a very true statement, especially when it comes to the latter aspect, “you do the time”. It is of tremendous importance that the second half of that statement be rigidly enforced on criminals and would-be criminals, because most, if not all those persons who commit heinous crimes, don’t want to do the time, far less to be punished ever.

Criminals of the worst kind want to be set scot free.

Well, let me not be so quick to give them the benefit of the doubt, because we now have a judge who is willing to put a halt to that perception.

I am referring to Justice Navindra Singh, a judge who upholds the law, and has shown courage and determination where fairness and justice are concerned. He is a no-nonsense judge who, in his judgments, always sees to it that the perpetrators of criminal acts get their just deserts.

This writer, who over the years has been a tireless campaigner for justice for those killed at the hands of cold-blooded murderers, is finally seeing the fruits of his labours. I have been at the forefront pleading for such persons to get life imprison-

ment. Finally, there is light at the end of the tunnel; finally we are making some headway in the just sentencing of murderers.

You cannot tell me someone can wilfully commit such horrific acts and want to live among us; which is precisely the point, because when you look at what is played out, time and time again, there is an unending tolerance when it comes to the treatment of perpetrators, with scant regard being shown for justice for the innocent victims.

Over the years, we have seen horrific crimes being committed and the criminals getting little or no time, all because justices upheld nonsensical arguments like “he came from a broken home” or “he had no father figure in the home” and “he came from a poor home”; as though these things should give him a “legitimate” reason to kill.

Such statements are outrageous, to say the least, but these arguments seem compelling enough to hold the criminal guiltless when viewed by some judges.

However, thankfully, we seem to have gone past that stage. We are now looking at heinous crimes under a new microscope with a new judge. So let us cross reference with the USA.

Our situation here is similar to that which confronts the American society, where criminals believe that they can “get away with murder”.

We have a situation where persons have no boundaries, no regard for the sanctity of human life. They wilfully maim, disfigure and kill another human being, and yet for all of this they want to live a normal, free life like the rest of us law-abiding citizens.

No! This should not happen. If you wantonly take someone’s life, then you should expect that yours would be taken away from you also; that is: a life for a life. That freedom you now cherish should evaporate right before your very eyes. Heartless, abnormal, cold-blooded beasts should not be afforded the luxury of a normal life. This is my firm resolve.

If my memory is correct, this marks the third time such a ruling is coming from this judge, and strikingly so for similar offences where men brutally kill women.

I say a big “Thank you judge”, because your judgements have been fair and balanced. My only regret is that all persons with capital offences are not tried by you.

NEIL ADAMS

the mother has positively identified him.

The baby was reportedly kidnapped by a woman who goes by the name of Bibi Khan, and is said to be based in Nickerie, Suriname.

On May 29, police had arrested Bibi Khan, a former sales representative of Multi-Technology Vision (MTV Channel 14/65) in connection with the kidnapping of the child, and his parents were taken to the CID Headquarters in the city from Berbice to confirm whether she was the suspect.

However, the parents did not finger Khan of Zeeburg, West Coast Demerara, who was arrested by the police late Wednesday night, along with another person.

According to the baby’s mother, Sandra McLean, called ‘Pinky’, 22, of Number 60 Village, Corentyne, the kidnapper had met her at the hospital where she was

admitted to await delivery and cultivated her friendship, expressing an interest in the newborn and giving her $5,000, for the child on each of two separate occasions.

On Saturday May 24, nine days after the boy’s birth, the family was hosting a celebration, and the kidnapper turned up and offered to sponsor part of the festivities.

The mother, together with the baby and the woman, made their way to Rose Hall Market, Corentyne, Berbice, where the kidnapper sent the mother to purchase fish before disappearing with the infant.

The parents who live at Number 60 Village, Corentyne, were left in a frantic state, worrying about the infant’s whereabouts.

His father Ravikant Vistonauth and his mother ‘Pinky’ were distraught.

According to Pinky’s aunt, Radhika DeBarros, a

woman named Bibi from the Surinamese border town of Nickerie befriended her niece while she was in hospital awaiting delivery.

“Since then, she has been around to see the baby rather often,” De Barros said, adding, “The woman was nice; I can’t even tell you how this happen.”

On the day of the kidnapping, DeBarros said Pinky had gone to the market in the company of the kidnapper and had asked the woman to keep the child while she went to get something.

“In two minutes, the woman disappeared,” De Barros related, emotionally.

Up to press time, this publication could not get information on where the baby was found and if the kidnapper was caught but more details will be given in a subsequent publication.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 2, 2014

PPP relaunch of pioneer programme sees induction of over 450

By Vanessa Narine

THE Progressive Organisation of Pioneers (POP), the ruling Party’s children branch, was re-launched yesterday at three locations in Guyana’s three Counties, namely Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice, with the induction of over 450 children to mark Children’s Day. First launched on June 1, 1979, more than 50 children back then received the red pioneer scarf, the only uniform item, from former President, the late Mrs. Janet Jagan, but by the 1980s, the organisation’s vibrancy had waned.

The PPP’s Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) spearheaded yesterday’s investiture ceremony.

Demerara’s activity was held at the Umana Yana, on upper High Street, Kingston, and was addressed by PPP General Secretary, Mr. Clement Rohee, who encouraged the young children, the eldest being 14-years-old, to view their participation in POP with a sense of pride.

Noting that the opportu-

New Pioneers with PPP General Secretary, Mr. Clement Rohee, and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony nities for engagement with other children, as well as advancement to realise their full potential are many, Mr. Rohee said, “You are lucky and fortunate.”

Also speaking to the almost 100 children was Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, who told the youngsters that he was once a POP member, which organisation is part of an international movement.

“The Pioneers are part of a broader movement,” he said, adding that he was part the first delegation that was sent to Cuba to represent

Guyana at a camp for Pioneers from different countries.

Yesterday’s inductees were also taught the Pioneer’s song.

POP was the brainchild of PPP stalwart, Mr. Navin Chanderpal, who was recognised at yesterday’s event, and focuses on teaching children life skills and values, building confidence and providing educational support, in terms of after school tutorials and scholarship opportunities for tertiary education, as well as focuses on building a sense of nationalism.

Receiving their Pioneer scarves from PPP leaders (Photos by Cullen Bess-Nelson)

Attorney-General flays ...

From page 3 and the Alliance For Change (AFC), are still calling for certain conditions to be met before they agree to pass the AML/CFT Bill. The AFC has, however, relaxed its demands a trifle.

APNU, for instance, has proposed three amendments, but given that their proposals were viewed as problematic,

“Mere passage of this Bill will not automatically extricate us from this morass,”he said. “It is a process; it takes years to exit the FATF supervision, once you become subject.” the AG, on behalf of the Government, earlier this month offered them counter-proposals in the interest of ensuring that the amendments made are CFATF-compliant, and in the interest of reaching a compromise. These counter-proposals are being considered by the Parliamentary Select Committee, which has been reviewing the AML/CFT Bill for more than 12 months now. The committee held its most recent meeting on May 22, 2014.

The APNU maintains its position on conditional support for the Bill.

On the other hand, the AFC, which is fully behind APNU’s position, is demanding establishment of the PPC (Public Procurement Commission), which the Government

has agreed to, provided that Cabinet retains its no-objection role in the process, but the latter position has been rejected by the AFC. However, on Thursday evening, after the announcement

by CFATF, the AFC, in a statement, noted that it is now willing to budge on its position and support Cabinet’s retention of its no-objection role.

“As far as I am aware,” Mr Nandlall said, “the Opposition has not relinquished their demands. The bottom line is, they have put Guyana in this cesspit and they must haul us out now.”

He is adamant that the Opposition’s demands ought to be the focus of some political process that is separate and apart from the Bill. “There is no connection,” he stressed.

FOREVER PESSIMISTIC The AG contends that Guyana’s blacklisting is the “latest casualty” of the opposition parties’ one-seat majority.

“It is, indeed, their 48th Independence Anniversary gift to our country and our people. For this, they must never be forgotten,” he said.

Considering the state of affairs, Nandlall contends that wherever “ego does not yield to reason,” he will remain a pessimist that nothing good can come forth.

“I am not optimistic about their recent utterances that the Bill can be passed within a matter of hours,” he said.

“They didn’t pass it in over a year; nothing prevented them from so doing.

“I tabled a Bill to meet these requirements (CFATF’s requirements) on behalf of the Government in April 2013. It was voted down by the joint Opposition in November 2013. I re-tabled that Bill in December 2013, and it is not yet passed, simply because the joint Opposition has refused to do so. These are the facts,

devoid of any esoteric or political content and sentiments.

“Significantly, this disaster has been brought upon the people, singularly by the arrogance, stubbornness and greed of the combined Opposition for political power.”

The AG also noted that the many Opposition members

‘I am not optimistic about their recent utterances that the Bill can be passed within a matter of hours. They didn’t pass it in over a year; nothing prevented them from so doing’ who accused the Government of scaremongering should speak up now, given the challenges that currently face Guyana.

He said, “Every time I warned about this eventually, I and the Govt. were accused of engaging in “scare mongering tactics” by the joint opposition. Where are those voices now? “…those in the Opposition, and other cynics who accused us in the Government of engaging in scaremongering tactics should now be called upon to answer for their irresponsible and utterly foolish assertions.”

FATF’s next plenary meeting is slated for June 23 to 25, 2014 in Paris, France, at which time the international body is likely to put Guyana up for review by its International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 2, 2014

Old Kai: Chronicles of Guyana…

Those afraid of the proposed Cricket Administration Bill will be the only ones opposing it “I AM encouraged by the fact that the CAB (Cricket Administration Bill) seeks to bring transparency, honesty, and accountability to the administration of the game.” That is how Guyana and West Indies cricket icon Clive Lloyd recently described the unanimous passage of the Cricket Administration Bill in the National Assembly, where the APNU and the PPP/C voted in support of its passage.

“The AFC’s position has now been wholly vindicated.

The blacklisting of Guyana by the WICB is totally a result of the Guyana Government.” This is who the AFC chose to blame for the passage of the Bill, and as a result the decision by the WICB to remove the New Zealand test match from Guyana. There was not one mention by the AFC of the APNU’s decision to support the Bill for it to have been passed. When one is not ready to be honest with the facts, it points to a motive.

It is public knowledge that the Corporate Marketing and Public Relations Manager of the WICB, Mr. Imran Khan, has been a public and vociferous supporter of the AFC. He staunchly campaigned for the Party on the social media during the last elections while being employed by the WICB, and had launched several nasty attacks against PPP/C Government Ministers, including referring to the ethnicity of a certain minister in a derogatory manner.

Yet the WICB, in its press releases -- which are presumably written by the very Mr. Khan -- informs us that it is staunchly against any form of political interference or bias in the administration of cricket.

It does not end there. We are informed that the very Mr. Khan, along with two other officials from the WICB, was present to observe the Guyana Cricket Board election of officials, which has been dubbed illegal. This much has been revealed in a letter by cricket stakeholders in Guyana to the WICB President, Mr. Dave Cameron. The letter has stated, in part, that “the apparent collusion between the WICB and the illegal GCB regime has severely undermined cricket development in Guyana, to the extent that our cricket has been in chaos and confusion for over three (3) years.

“This collusion is evident in the fact that the WICB had sent three (3) observers (Imran Khan, Paul Slowe and Conde Riley) to the purported GCB elections held on 27 January, 2013 in an apparent charade to accept the results of those elections as quid pro quo for Guyana’s support for the re-election of Dr. Julian Hunte as President of the WICB.” The letter, which was signed by Keith Foster, President of the Berbice Cricket Board; Bissondyal Singh, President of the East Coast Cricket Board; and Roger Harper, President of the Georgetown Cricket Association, had also contended that “…there does not exist a legitimate Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), as only one of the three (3) constituent member Boards of the GCB took part in the

purported elections held in July 2011, and again in January 2013. The persons holding themselves as officers of the GCB have, for the past three (3) years, foisted themselves on the administration of cricket in Guyana, and the WICB had been advised accordingly.

“Those persons do not reflect the will nor do they represent the interest of the cricket stakeholders of Guyana at any level.”

It is important to note here that, in the disputed GCB elections, the Essequibo Cricket Board and a faction of a Demerara Cricket Board, led by Mr. Raj Singh, had participated. But, just like the GCB, concerns were also raised in the election process of the DCB faction, among them being that the High Court had issued an injunction, preventing such an election in the first instance. We are informed that of the two DCB factions -- the other being led by Mr. Bissondyal Singh -- the GCB had sought to recognize the Raj Singh faction “after receiving a report from a special committee mandated to investigate and recommend which faction should be recognised.”

It gets more interesting as we are also informed that “a legal opinion was also presented by committee member Andrew Pollard of the Law firm Hughes, Fields and Stoby.” For those not familiar, this is the law firm of AFC Chairman Mr. Nigel Hughes.

On this issue, the cricket stakeholders’ letter had noted that “…at the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) level, Raj Singh, Anand Sanasie and persons unknown to the DCB constituent members have reportedly usurped the functions of a legitimate DCB executive. This is the first time since the formation of the DCB in 1991 that the major constituent members of the DCB – the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) and the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) – along with the Guyanese cricketing public, do not know who the executive members of the DCB are.

“The GCA and the ECCB wrote a letter to the WICB in February 2013 informing that there is no legitimate DCB, as a court order was issued prohibiting the holding of elections for the DCB. Further, that letter sought the intervention of the WICB to determine who were the persons holding themselves as executive members of the DCB, and who represented the DCB at the purported elections of the GCB on 27 January 2013. To date, there has been no reply.”

One would have expected that the AFC would have been at the heart of championing the cause of the cricket stakeholders, as the members of the party’s leadership had consistently sought to project themselves as the paragons of transparency and accountability in Guyana.

They should have been the first to support the Cricket Administration Bill, which sought to directly address issues of accountability in the functioning of the GCB, especially when one takes into consideration what obtains presently, as articulated in the cricket stakeholders’ letter. “The WICB

has therefore been sending monies over the past three (3) years to an illegal GCB, and much of those remittances have been consumed in GCB legal fees. It is apposite to note that none of the monies has gone to those constituent members that make up ninety percent (90) of the strength of Guyana Cricket.

“Moreover, the assets of the DCB and the assets of the GCB have been illegally transferred to private individuals without the knowledge and authorization of the constituent members of those Boards, and ipso facto are no longer the property of those constituent members.”

Alas, it appears that the AFC, contrary to its earlier pronouncements, is only concerned about the interests of certain stakeholders above others, as it chose to lament in its release that a major contract for the Pegasus Hotel was cancelled in 2012 because the WICB had rejected the hosting of international cricket in Guyana, due to local efforts to ensure the game was properly administrated in the interest of all stakeholders.

As is public knowledge, the owner of the Pegasus Hotel is a financial backer of the AFC, but the party in its release continues its onslaught against the PPP/C Government by stating that “the Government’s insistence on interfering in the running of the game has forced the WICB to cancel the game that was scheduled to be played here. This is a dark time for cricket in Guyana…the controlling nature of the PPP/C and (its) belief in autocracy (have) forced this dark day upon us.”

Old Kai recalls that this particular line of attack against the Government was addressed by a cricket stakeholder, Dowlat Samaroo, in a letter published in the media on January 13, 2013. In that instance, he was responding to identical claims being put forward by a key member of the embattled GCB. “On the issue of Government’s interference in cricket, Sanasie must understand it cannot be termed “interference” if the Government is requested by cricket stakeholders to intervene when a crisis has evolved, especially in financial management.”

In the end, the WICB, rather than trying to understand the concerns of 90% of cricket stakeholders in Guyana, has decided to side with the 10%. It also appears that the WICB feels comfortable with interfering in the internal politics of a nation, as it has done in directly lobbying the National Assembly and issuing the President of Guyana with an ultimatum, but it abhors when these very stakeholders seek to improve the integrity of this sport in their country.

Their decision to remove the New Zealand test from Guyana may indeed prove a blessing in disguise, as for far too long they have not only sought to send low-level teams to this country while saving the bigger names for certain members, but have also decided to set a test match during a traditional wet season for this country.

Man accused of killing stepfather to know fate today MANSLAUGHTER accused Anthony George, called Ryan, who is on trial for unlawfully stabbing to death his stepfather Ralph Jacobs in 2011 will know his fate today.

Justice Dawn Gregory will sum up the evidence and hand over the case to the jury for

their consideration and verdict.

The accused who is being defended by Miss Sonia Parag pleaded not guilty and claimed that his stepfather was beating his younger brother when he intervened as a peacemaker and his stepfather hit him with a bottle. A fight started between them and

the stepfather was getting the better of the fight. He then became fearful of his life and hit out with a knife in self-defence.

S t a t e C o u n s e l , M i s s M e rc e d e s Thompson urged the jury to return a verdict that is in keeping with the evidence.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 2, 2014

NOC issues attract attention of the US Government

By Leroy Smith

THE NEGATIVE press and publicity which the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) has been attracting, both over the years and more recently, has not escaped the attention of the United States Government.

While signing a Letter of Agreement with Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, earlier this week, US Ambassador Brent Hardt spoke of plans to make the NOC a fitter place for rehabilitation and correction. He also spoke to the issue of the prisons.

The Letter of Agreement, signed between the two countries officials, is valued at US$850,000 and is geared at strengthening of the security sector and its agencies.

According to Ambassador Hardt, the US is looking to

provide direct support to the NOC and Prisons.

Ambassador Hardt said that part of the funding would be going towards strengthening the correctional services with a particular focus on management and rehabilitation of the juvenile detainees within the system.

He said that the US is working together with the Government of Guyana and the focus would be on sharing and implementing international best practices designed to prevent gang recruiting in prisons and reduce the instances of repeat juvenile offenders.

The programme will entail pointers from experts in the field of correctional management, and Ambassador Hardt said an exchange was already done, wherein persons from the local correctional facilities had visited correctional facilities in the

United States.

Ambassador Hardt explained that the aim of the programme is to ensure that there is best practices and prevention of gang formation within the walls of local correctional facilities, hence both countries would be engaged in training and monitoring sessions.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, admitted that there have been many challenges with respect to the NOC. She said that the Government of Guyana is also looking to the United States for help in acquiring the capabilities to manage the facility.

She, however, pointed out that one of the issues facing the facility is the many challenges, which are different today as compared to when the facility was first established, and the issues it

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, and U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Brent Hardt after the signing of the crime-fighting agreement Thursday was designed to deal with are also now different.

She admitted that the Government has to improve

on the work it has been doing at the facility, but she said works are already afoot to ensure that the facility is

set on the right course, and this has been made possible with the help of the US and other agencies.

Five accused granted $955,000 bail pending hearing of cases ACTING Chief Justice M r. I a n C h a n g , S . C , last Thursday granted $955,000 bail to five petitioners pending the hearing of their cases.

Following are the offences, offenders and the amount of bail granted to each offender.

Attempted murder: Robby Singh - $250,000, Rozo-

rine La Cruz - $250,000; Trafficking in narcotics: Sharon Campbell $30, 000, James De Croy - $325,000, and Jason Cummings - $100,000.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 2, 2014

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Wife killer under tight prison security –after trying death leap from High Court

WIFE KILLER Kevin Verwayne , 25, who tried to jump off the second storey of the High Court building last Thursday just after being convicted and sentenced to 78 years in prison for killing his 20-year-old lover Farida Ramdeen is now under a special security watch at the Georgetown prisons.

According to reports the murder convict is viewed as a psychic person.

In his cell, he is naked, since it is feared that with clothing on he may seize the opportunity to commit suicide by hanging.

After being sentenced by Justice Navindra Singh last Thursday, the convict was being escorted to prison when he made the suicide bid by attempting to leap over the court gallery rail to the concrete basement, 40 feet below. However, his attempt was foiled by alert police officers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 2, 2014

Police aiming to send properly-prepared Harding file to court TODAY the Colwyn Harding investigation will enter its seventh month without a definitive decision on the way forward as to the ranks to be charged, and when this will happen.

This publication has been informed that the Colwyn Harding file is again in the possession of the police after it was returned from the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Speaking with Crime Chief Leslie James, he said that based on what he has seen in the file he is very confident

that it is definitely on its homestretch with respect to the laying of charges.

Asked about the back and forth travel of the file, the head of the Criminal Investigations Department said that the police are conducting intense work on the file to ensure that when it goes to court the facts are solid and the case is able to stand up and will not be thrown out.

He said that there are the legal issues which need to be dealt with and the police are working to ensure that they get everything done correctly.

James in addition to his security experience is also versed in law and according to sources that was one of the reasons he was asked to head the Criminal Investigations Department.

It is believed that James would be able to give astute guidance to police officers and investigating ranks on how to properly prepare court cases so as to avoid instances of police matters being thrown out of court on the grounds of being improperly prepared and filed.

(Asif Hakim)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 2, 2014

Ansa McAL suffers drop in sales from influx of counterfeit products ––expresses concern about customers being duped

By Michel Outridge ANSA McAL Trading Ltd (AMTL) on Thursday expressed grave concern over the influx of counterfeit products on the local market, and the fact that their customers are being duped while sales have been affected by 25-30 per cent.

AMTL yesterday held a press conference at their Head Office at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara to address the issue of the influx of counterfeit products, a development that has been affecting the company of late.

Managing Director Elizabeth Harper, speaking to the media, said, “We feel not only that it has serious consequences for our company but for our customers who could be adversely affected by using these products.”

The Government Analyst Food and Drug Department recently alerted consumers that counterfeit body products (Head and Shoulders, Pantene Pro V, and Olay Total Effect 7 in 1) were being sold locally.

Ansa McCal Trading, the authorised distributor of Procter and Gamble products, lodged a complaint with the Department and an investigation was subsequently launched.

Harper noted that they have since sent a sample of the products to the manufacturer in which tests are being conducted to ascertain whether harmful chemicals and other ingredients are being used in those imitation products.

As the authorised distributor in Guyana for Procter and Gamble, Heineken and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Novartis, Alcon, and Grace Kennedy, among many others, and brands such as Olay, Head and Shoulders, Pringles, Monster energy drink, Ariel soap powder, Tropical Rhythms, Bumblee Bee, Panadol, Andrews, etc., Harper said, “we guarantee quality, freshness and the integrity of the products and brands we represent.”

The AMTL Managing Director pointed out that with the influx of these fake products on the market, it is difficult for customers to tell which is genuine from

what is fake and the company is very concerned since the brand names are being damaged.

Harper said further that since the discovery of these imitation products on the market they have been working in tandem with the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department.

She disclosed that since the discovery of the fake products on the market their sales have been vastly affected by 25 to 30 percent, and so they are asking customers to examine the labels when making a purchase since the logos are distinct on their products.

Harper through a demonstration yesterday poured their product of Pantene 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner in a glass against the fake product and it was noted that their product is thicker and the fake is quite watery.

It is important to note that counterfeit products often remain with these “importers” longer than recommended and when the products become aged and expire, these products with questionable ingredients are sold to unsuspecting customers at a heavy price, she said.

MAJOR PUBLIC CONCERNS Harper told the press conference, yesterday, that counterfeit drugs raise major public concerns as their quality, safety and effectiveness are unknown.

Furthermore, there is the long-term damage to the reputation of genuine products and trusted brands as a result of the counterfeit brands when people are not aware of the fake ones versus the genuine products.

She said, “What is disturbing is that there are those who manufacture and distribute counterfeit goods/drugs without any reservations; this shows that apart from ignoring the health risk they are defrauding customers, as well as preventing consumers from receiving a safe, effective product that was supposed to help them, whether it be pharmaceutical to improve their health

or a shampoo to keep their hair clean. Additionally, some outlets are willing to take the risk of both buying and selling these products to consumers who trust them.”

Kinda hard to tell what’s fake and what’s not, isn’t it? (Photo by Michel Outridge)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 2, 2014

Webster to women’s affairs body ...

‘Bring about the change we want to ––especially on gender and women’s issues

By Shirley Thomas MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security Jennifer Westfordlast Thursday called on members of the Regional Wom-

Embracing Gender Equality”, were Permanent Secretary (Ag.)in the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Patrick Findlay; Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Guy-

Work, with a focus on a decent work programme; Climate Change and the Role of Women; Women in Entrepreneurship; and Women and Health.

There were also presen-

es and recommendations.

There was also an update on the convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW); a review of Roles and Functions of the

Participants at the Regional Women’s Affairs Committee Annual General Meeting at Regency Suites en’s Affairs Committee to strive to influence “the change we want to see,” especially on gender and women’s issues.

Minister Webster was delivering the feature address at the opening of the twoday Annual General Meeting (AGM)of the Regional Women’s Affairs Committee at the Regency Suites Hotel, here in the city.

Also addressing the meeting, under the theme “Enhancing the Development of Our Women and

ana Women’s Leadership Institute; and Ms. Cheryl Herbert, Gender Specialist at the CARICOM Secretariat.

Chairperson was Ms. Hymawattie Lagan, Administrator of the Women’s Affairs Bureau (WAB).

The two-day caucus reviewed reports from respective regions on achievements, challenges, actions taken and recommendations following the last AGM. There were discussions and deliberations on Minimum Wages and Conditions of

tations by Director, Child Care and Protection Agency, Ms. Anne Greene on ‘Child Abuse’; Mr. Ricardo Banwarie, Assistant Chief Probation and Social Services Officer (ag.) on ‘The Social Services and Welfare Department’; and a discussion led by Administrator of the Women’s Affairs Bureau, Ms. Hymawattie Lagan on ‘Gender-based Violence and its effects on the Family’.

The forum facilitated the sharing of experiences on the topics, challenges, root caus-

At the RWAC Annual General Meeting are from left: Dr. Vindyha Persaud, MP; Hymawattie Lagan; Minister Jennifer Webster and MS. Cheryl Herbert

Regional Women’s Affairs Committees (RWACs); as well as the development of a work programme for 2015, among other matters.

Lagan, in her brief opening remarks, said the meeting was special and it presented the opportunity for stakeholders to share experiences, build bridges and forge relationships with other strategic partners.

Noting that a number of issues were to be explored and strategies arrived at, she urged the body to use these to widen collaboration and strengthen partnerships in and around the administrative regions of Guyana.

Minister Webster said that during the conference, participants would have the opportunity to review progress made in areas to support the empowerment of Guyana’s women, and also to look at critical issues which need to be addressed in their respective regions. Such issues include gender-based violence, facilitating greater employment and training opportunities for women, to name a few .

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT She said the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security supports the view that women

must be seen as agents for Guyana’s national development and the catalyst for change. “We are quite aware that women’s empowerment is essential for development and productivity and must be seen as the catalyst to achieve the desired effect for a ‘Better Guyana.’

Webster maintained that women’s empowerment has a multiplier effect, and the benefits travel from the home to national development. She also made the point that women’s empowerment must be seen as a mechanism for growth and the diversification of Guyana’s economy.

Meanwhile, she also highlighted the bigger picture in which officers of the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security are routinely confronted with the scenario of perils many people suffer.

“Therefore, we recognise the need for greater social support, especially as it relates to our women and children, whom the scourge of domestic, sexual, physical

Minister of Human Servic Jennifer Webster address Suites last Thursday highlighted the importance of recognizing that with some determination, it is possible to bring about “the change we want to

Mr. Patrick Findlay, Permanent Secretary (ag.) addresses the AGM abuse and other social ills have had a negative impact upon their lives,” Webster declared.

On the rights of women, the minister alluded to the strong international and national legal framework enshrined within Guyana’s constitution to protect the human rights of women and to punish discrimination, based on gender.

BE THE CHANGE Meanwhile, Webster

see,” especially on gender and women’s issues.

She placed on the front burner, the need for programmes which will improve the literacy level of more girls and women, and called on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), churches and other religious bodies to get involved in making the difference.

To this end, Minister Webster cited programmes being undertaken in various communities where gov-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 2, 2014

o see’

Private Sector voices must ensure Amaila Falls fruition

– Minister Singh

FINANCE Minister Dr. Ashni Singh has challenged the Private Sector of Guyana to let their voices be heard in ensuring that the Amaila Falls Hydroelectricity Project is brought to fruition.

Declaring it is an important national project with immense benefits to the

MAJOR CHALLENGES Singh, in highlighting the dimensions of the environment for competitiveness, noted that one of the major challenges faced by Guyana and the rest of the Region, which ought to be addressed by the forum is the issue of energy which remains a top priority on the Guyana agenda.

The Minister observed that the GMSA

to the core of the whole membership, stating the crux of the matter is that there exists a problem with the provision of energy which needs to be addressed.

The solution, he stated, was devised by the Government of Guyana in working along with some of the largest and most credible international institutions and credible international investors.

Minister Singh maintained that it is in the interest of all responsible stake-

ces and Social Security, sing the AGM at Regency ernment, through its ‘One Laptop per Family’ initiative, is empowering women to prepare for the new changing role of Guyana and the world at large, through the use of Information Technology.

Noting that the current scenario is quite different from 40 years ago, the minister drew attention to the fact that today, women have more opportunities, and therefore called on the AGM, over the two days, to brainstorm and think outside the box, in relation to creating avenues for improving the lot of women and girls within their communities - academically and otherwise.

The minister said that armed with skills and knowledge women will be able to access jobs which will allow them to support themselves and families. “But they must first be literate,” she stressed.

She urged the gathering to look at the situation in a holistic way, and to support through their regional programmes women’s improved literacy skills, since there are many young women who need support, mentorship and guidance.

At the GMSA business luncheon Thursday: Seated from left are: Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Mr. Ramesh Persaud; President of the Caribbean Association of Industry & Commerce, Mr. Ramesh Dookhoo; Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh; Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Hinds; and Trinidad and Tobago’s Planning and Sustainable Development Minister, Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie (Photo by Adrian Narine) business sector, he issued the call during a business luncheon, on Thursday, hosted by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Limited.

The event was organised by the GMSA and featured the Minister of Planning and Sustainable Development of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie, who was in the country to attend the 44th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Board of Governors and extended an invitation to the business sector of Guyana to attend the VIII Americas Competitiveness Forum (ACF) to be held in Trinidad and Tobago in October 2014.

Minister Singh recognised that Guyanese businesses in the manufacturing sector have been forced to invest in redundant power because of impediments to production as a result of interrupting outages.

and other Private Sector businesses are fully aware that the most severe impediment to growth and expansion and even to competitiveness and profitability in the business sector is the cost and reliability of available energy, further adding that manufacturing businesses have been burdened by investing in redundant sources of energy because a power outage on the production line would ultimately stymie efficiency.

“We have a situation in Guyana where, to put it bluntly, the supply of electricity off of our national grid is more expensive than it should be and it is not as reliable as it should be,” Singh confessed.

Said he:“We understand the challenges of the electricity company and the grid services such a widely dispersed population.”

The Minister pointed out that the Amaila Falls Hydroelectricity Project and the availability of a reliable energy source is one of the most topical issues which transcends

holders, inclusive of entrepreneurs and households, that the project and projects of similar nature are conceptualised to solve the energy crisis.

He said:“We can debate and philosophise for 100 years on whether this is the ideal project and whether this is the project we should do and whether we should do it now and whether this should be the structure but the truth is that three or four generations ago, the discussion was being had, yet the problem has not been solved and will not be solved unless we act.”

In conclusion, the Minister asserted: “We mustn’t take for granted the growth and stability that we have achieved.

“It is easy to slip into complacency after some eight years of deliberation, nonetheless, it remains an issue which ought not to be taken for granted.”

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Fledgling charity kick-starts operation with ambitious feeding programme --Treats city’s homeless to lunch

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 2, 2014

Aries March 21 - April 19 Your emotions today are like a piece of bacon dropped into a hot frying pan: They’re twitching, popping and sizzling. You’re stuck in this spot for now, but there’s a lot you can do to distract yourself. Keep busy physically. Active hands and plenty of movement will counteract your emotional state and could even mute the effect enough to give you long stretches of peace. By the time you get a chance to share your feelings, you’ll have a better handle on them.

Taurus April 20 - May 20 An elaborate dinner party involves a considerable amount of work, but it is a deeply satisfying way to share quality time with friends and family. Go all out on your preparations. You may even want to set this event up as a formal occasion or give it a special theme. The creativity you demonstrate with the menu, table settings and atmosphere will stimulate other ideas for equally enjoyable ways to express your artistry.

Gemini May 21 - June 21 You have money on your mind today and nothing can dislodge your financial concerns from their place of prominence. Your worries over this are going on primarily inside your head, but family members will be able to tell from the set of your mouth and the occasional snappish response that something’s bugging you. Woe to the child or spouse who asks for extra money, especially if you consider the purchase frivolous and ill-timed. Is it time to redo your budget?

Cancer June 22 - July 22 A strong sense of anticipation follows you all day. It’s as if you’re on the brink of a major discovery or significant personal breakthrough. Nothing seems impossible right now, but at the same time you may be feeling somewhat emotional. This is a good thing -- you have a heightened sense of the importance of your nearest and dearest to your life. Remember that hugging your child for no obvious reason or whispering endearments to your partner are good practices all the time, and not just when you are feeling so blessed.

Leo July 23 - August 22 It’s not all that often that you find yourself cast in the role of mediator, but today your temperament is just right for handling a touchy situation. With careful words and a friendly smile, you can make inroads where others cannot because the combatants appreciate that you are trying to be fair. Keep trying even if you secretly think you’re in over your head. Good results will crown your efforts.

DFT members in action (Photos courtesy of Mario G)

By Shivanie Sugrim activity commenced around recipients from all the menGuyana Stores Ltd and then tioned areas an ideal oneMANY homeless and less proceeded to Bourda Mar- course meal in an initiative fortunate persons around ket, before concluding at that was part of the group’s Georgetown were yester- the Burnham Court in the set objective – feeding the day fed by vibrant and vicinity of the Promenade less fortunate as the NGO’s passionate youths from a Gardens. prime mission. Many renewly-formed non-governThis marks the third such cipients awoke to the call mental charitable organi- activity the group has under- to uplift a box of food for zation, ‘Dream For Today taken since its formation. lunch, and expressed abunFoundation’.

Prior to yesterday’s event, dant thanks for the NGO’s The organisation has the organization held fund- generosity. been formed with the aim of raisisers to facilitate its inMario Glasgow, who has reducing poverty and mak- tended feeding activity. a driving passion for poverty, ing a valuable contribution Members of the NGO provided a welcoming comto communities. Its feeding offered approximately 100 ment to the Guyana Chronicle: “Often, people pick anything that would have minor significance and present (it) to the homeless. We “Dreamers” wish to incorporate affection as we prepare and deliver these meals to them. They must be able to feel a sense of warmth and love in the end. That is what we wish for in return.”

Apart from the ‘feed’ mission, the group has donated clothes to orphanages For Monday June 2, 2014 -05:00hrs and other institutions. It is For Tuesday June 3, 2014 -08:30hrs nearing one year into its existence with a commendable mission to provide voluntary services and necessities to the less fortunate in Georgetown, and to the orphanages that are in dire need of basic supplies and other amenities.

Members of that NGO take seriously this admonition from the venerable Mahatma Gandhi: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”.

Virgo August 23 - September 22 Everybody decides to visit you on cleaning day. Sit back and enjoy all the attention. So what if dust bunnies fly across the floor every time someone walks through the living room or the newspapers are piled up in three-foot stacks beside the couch? No one’s here to critique your housekeeping; they’re here to spend a few hours in friendship and conversation. Pull out the beverages, throw together a plate of quick snacks and relax and enjoy a sociable afternoon.

Libra September 23 - October 22 You know that long list of stuff you wanted to do today? Forget about it. One thing after another comes up to thwart your plans. You’ll be miles ahead if you surrender early on to spontaneity. Whether you’re chauffeuring the kids all over town to activities you didn’t know about, picking up a parent whose car won’t start or handling another half-dozen impromptu requests, keep your humour -- your family will cherish you even more for your laid-back approach.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21 You could luck out and find a fabulous sale today. Something you’ve had your eye on for a while could be marked down so drastically you can buy it without feeling the least bit guilty. It’s fun to treat yourself to something really special now and again, but guard against the temptation to indulge even more. You’ll find it much harder just justify additional purchases. The key question is: Do you really need it -- or just want it?

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 Problem-solving is not on the agenda in your household today. Everybody seems to be speaking a different language, so communication could be all but impossible. You won’t be able to agree on how to spend the afternoon, either. Some will be eager for physical activity, while others think the movie theatre is a perfect destination. Split up into camps according to your inclinations and then share your experiences over dinner.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19 You could be right in the middle of an interesting story in the morning paper when a totally unexpected and out-of-the-blue verbal spat practically knocks you off the couch.

Responding with anger and irritation is a sure way to escalate the conflict. If you listen, though, you will soon discover what you initially perceived as an attack is simply this person’s way of opening a dialogue about a situation that has very little to do with you.

You’d rather read the paper, but compassion will carry the day.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18 You really can’t put off a home repair much longer. You may as well dig out the tools and tackle it today, whether it’s a dripping faucet, a loose floorboard, a running toilet or some other minor annoyance. Sure, you’d much rather spend the afternoon lazing around or taking a drive, but look at this exercise as a challenge to your tendency for procrastination. Be truthful with yourself: Have you been pushing yourself enough lately?

Pisces February 19 - March 20 You and your special someone are as inseparable as peanut butter and jelly today and just as sweet. Instead of spending the afternoon doing the same kinds of things you usually do, suggest something completely different. Maybe you’ll want to go cross-country skiing, take a horse and buggy ride through the historic section of your city or try snow camping. Maybe you’ll want to do all of those things. The point is to think creatively.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 2, 2014

KKR edge Kings XI Punjab to win ...

From Backpage

got the first six off the KKR innings hitting Karanveer over extra-cover.

Pandey continued playing a free flowing innings in company of Yusuf Pathan who hit a couple of big sixes over long on and extra cover off Karanveer Singh. He followed with two huge sixes off Lakshmipathy Balaji.

Pathan’s bravado ended when he tried to hit Karanveer for his fifth six only to be caught by Glenn Maxwell at the boundary line but KKR were very much in the game.

H o w e v e r, P a n d e y ’s lusty blows had kept them in the game as they needed only 58 off the last six overs.

Shakib Al Hasan (12) was run-out as George Bailey was again inspirational on the field.

Ryan ten Doeschate (2) was Karanveer’s third victim as David Miller took the catch at long-on boundary. Pandey, who was hitting sixes and boundaries at will finally got out when he tried to hit Karanveer against the turn, to give a dolly to Bailey. But he had set up the match by then.

Earlier, Saha played a career-defining innings as his magnificent century propelled Kings XI Punjab to a competitive 199 for four after being put in to bat.

Saha walked into the record books by being the first-ever player to score a century in the IPL final as his unbeaten 115 off 55 balls had 10 fours and eight sixes.

Saha and Vohra were swift yet brutal in their shot-making as they added a whopping 129 off 12 overs after Kings XI Punjab looked in a spot at 58 for two after the front 10.

The back-10 got them as many as 141 runs thanks to the brilliant counter-attack by the Bengal stumper.

Vohra, a surprise retention at the start of the season scored 67 off 52 balls with six fours and two sixes.

He was lucky on 62 as Robin Uthappa collected the ball in-front of the stumps while trying to stump him. But he was out trying to slog Chawla.

The day belonged to Saha, who was in a mood to punish the spinners but played some equally good shot against the pacers including a hook shot off Morne Morkel.

Sunil Narine, who decided to give Test cricket a miss was especially clobbered for 46 runs in his four overs.

Saha completed his century off 49 balls hitting Narine over long-on for a six which Suryakumar Yadav nearly got in his hand.

Virender Sehwag’s (7) fans, who were expecting another swashbuckling innings were left disappointed as the veteran didn’t execute the pull-shot off a well-directed bouncer from Umesh. The resultant skier was taken by Gautam Gambhir standing at mid-off.

Then there was a battle of wits between the skippers which Gautam Gambhir won hands down. Rival skipper George Bailey promoted himself up the order which prompted Gambhir to bring in Narine. The first delivery was a big off-break as Bailey tried to play an ugly paddle-shot shuffling across the line.

He missed it and the leg-stump was uprooted. Vohra, on the other hand, slog-swept Piyush Chawla over deep mid-wicket for a six while Saha also got into the groove with some singles.

KKR initially bowled a tight line and the slowness of the pitch helped them before Saha cut loose.

(Press Trust of India)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 2, 2014

23

Federer hits 10-year low, Djokovic eases through

By Julien Pretot PARIS, France ,(Reuters) - Roger Federer suffered his earliest defeat at the French Open for a decade yesterday when he lost to Latvian Ernests Gulbis in the fourth round but Novak Djokovic made light work of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to reach the quarter-finals in a flash.

The Swiss fourth seed, who won the title in 2009, seemed to have the match in his grasp against the unpredictable Gulbis but faded badly to lose 6-7(5), 7-6(3), 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.

World No.2 Djokovic destroyed local favourite Tsonga 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 to set up a meeting with eighth seed Milos Raonic of Canada, who advanced with an emphatic 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Spain’s Marcel Granollers.

Andy Murray lived to fight another day after a fiveset thriller against Philipp Kohlschreiber and in the women’s singles fast-rising Canadian Eugenie Bouchard thrashed Angelique Kerber 6-1, 6-2 to claim a quarter-fi-

Roger Federer of Switzerland leaves the court after being defeated by Ernests Gulbis of Latvia in their men’s singles match, at the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, yesterday. nal spot, crunching 30 winners in 52 dazzling minutes to stretch her winning run on clay to nine matches.

While Djokovic made it to his 20th consecutive grand slam quarter-final, it was the first time since 2004 that 32-year-old father of four Federer failed to reach the last eight in Paris. He has now fallen before that stage in three of his last four grand slam tournaments.

“Mentally I have already

switched to the grass, to be quite honest,” said Federer. “For me, it’s like, okay, claycourt season was fun, but we are moving on. Clay doesn’t need me anymore, I got flushed out here.”

Former world No.1 Federer, who became father to a second set of twins recently, looked a slightly forlorn figure as Gulbis turned around the match and the days when he was a near certainty to reach semi-finals appear to be

over.

The 17-time grand slam champion was beaten in the second round at Wimbledon last year and the last 16 at the U.S. Open although he did enjoy a semi-final run in Australia.

On yet another gloomy day in Paris after some welcome sunshine on Saturday, Federer never looked comfortable against Gulbis, who said earlier this week he was hoping to catch the “lastchance train” after under-achieving since reaching the quarter-finals of the French Open in 2008.

“It is the biggest win of my career. I had to win, I know how all of you love Roger but that’s sport,” world No.17 Gulbis said on the court as the stunned fans looked on.

“I won tournaments in Marseille and Nice so hopefully Paris is the next one. I win, I win over some fans,” he added, looking ahead to his next match against sixth seeded Czech Tomas Berdych who ended U.S. interest in the men’s singles with a 6-4, 6-4,

Spurs edge Thunder, set up NBA Finals rematch with Heat (REUTERS) - The San Antonio Spurs dug deep to score a thrilling 112-107 overtime victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night to advance to the NBA Finals and a championship rematch against the Miami Heat.

With point guard Tony Parker sitting out the second half due to a sore ankle, the visiting Spurs relied on their deep bench before turning to evergreen power forward Tim Duncan in overtime to clinch a win that gave them the Western Conference title 4-2.

A frantic comeback keyed by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook allowed Oklahoma City to erase a 12-point deficit early in the fourth quarter, with two free throws by Westbrook tying the game 101-101 at the end of regulation.

The tight struggle broke the pattern of the series, which had seen the home team win comfortably over the first five games by an average victory margin of 20 points.

Duncan, however, made it comfortable for San Antonio at the end.

The quiet superstar scored seven points in a row in the closing minutes of overtime after trailing 105103, receiving the ball down low and delivering a master lesson on post-up basketball to premier shot blocker Serge Ibaka.

“We wanted it badly,” said 38-year-old Duncan, who kept backing his way in toward the hoop. “They put it inside to me matched up against Ibaka, and I did what I could. I tried to neutralise his jumping and his blocked shots. I just tried to get underneath him and use my size to get over the top of him.”

The virtuoso overtime performance by Duncan gave him 19 points in the game along with a gamehigh 15 rebounds. Bench player Boris Diaw led San Antonio with 26 points while fellow reserve Manu Ginobili scored 15 points.

Versatile Argentine veteran Ginobili also helped pick

up the slack at point guard after Parker was relegated to the bench.

Westbrook led the Thunder with 34 points and Kevin Durant added 31 for Oklahoma City.

IMPROVISING SPURS Bench players accounted for 51 points for the Spurs, while the Thunder only had five players score in the game, with Derek Fisher’s five points the only Thunder scoring coming from a non-starter.

“We fought as hard as we could all night,” said NBA Most Valuable Player Durant. “We left it all out there.

They made plays down the stretch and we didn’t.”

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich had to do his share of juggling to compensate for the loss of Parker.

“We had to kind of improvise along the way,” said Popovich. “We ran some things for Manu, some things for Boris, some things for Timmy. Just try to change things up.

“Timmy came through, Manu came through and Boris was fantastic all night long.”

San Antonio looked to have broken the game open despite missing playmaker Parker when they outscored the Thunder 37-20 in the third quarter for a 10-point lead at 79-69.

But the dynamic duo of Durant and Westbrook helped the Thunder squeeze by for a 99-97 advantage before Ginobili scored four straight points for the Spurs prior to Westbrook’s game-tying free throws at the end of regulation.

“It’s hard to win a championship,” said Thunder coach Scott Brooks, who lost to the Heat two years ago in the NBA Finals. “We’ve got to keep our heads up and move on.”

The Spurs, who lost a heartbreaking seven-game Finals last year against Miami, will host LeBron James and the Heat in Game One in San Antonio on Thursday.

6-4 trouncing of towering John Isner.

Federer, who squandered two set points for a two-set lead, left court Philippe Chatrier head bowed after allowing Gulbis to come back and dominate with some relentless attacking tennis.

At 5-2 in the fourth set Gulbis took a medical timeout and he came back with all guns blazing to break Federer’s serve immediately, on the way to winning 10 of the next 11 points against a visibly rattled opponent.

Federer still managed to take the set but he was never the same again and Gulbis controlled his own suspect temperament to claim victory when a Federer backhand went wide.

The French crowd were hoping that 13th seed Tsonga would cheer them up, but Djokovic had other ideas.

It took him 89 minutes to tear Tsonga apart, opening a 5-0 lead and never looking back, ending the ordeal on the first match point.

BOUCHARD FLIES Seventh seed Murray reached the fourth round, winning 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 12-10 against Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber having re-started the match yesterday locked at 7-7 in the fifth after bad light

stopped play the previous evening.

“When you start 7-7 every single point counts,” Briton Murray, who had not played a five-setter since returning from back surgery, told reporters. “Today was a pretty high standard, probably the best standard of the match I think from both of us.”

He will play Spain’s Fernando Verdasco next after he also returned to finish off Frenchman Richard Gasquet with ease.

With so many top seeds gone from the women’s draw 20-year-old Bouchard is now looking like a serious title contender.

The 18th seed, who reached the Australian Open semi-final this year, completely outclassed Kerber and after her first WTA title last week in Nuremberg she is flying high.

“I feel like since the beginning of the year I have been improving my game; since Australia I’m at a different level from there,” Bouchard said.

“I have confidence in myself. I can play like this and play even better.”

She will face 14th seed Carla Suarez Navarro after the Spaniard used her one-handed backhand to great effect to end the run of up-and-coming Croatian Ajla Tomljanovic with a 6-3, 6-3 win.

NBA Playoffs 2014

-- The Finals Schedule Here is the complete schedule and national television arrangements for the NBA Finals.

Miami vs. San Antonio Game 1 - Thursday, June 5, Miami at San Antonio, 21:00hrs ET., ABC Game 2 – Sunday, June 8, Miami at San Antonio, 20:00hrs. ET, ABC Game 3 - Tuesday, June 10, San Antonio at Miami, 21:00hrs ET, ABC Game 4 - Thursday, June 12, San Antonio at Miami, 21:00hrs. ET, ABC Game 5* Sunday, June 15, Miami at San Antonio, 20:00hrs. ET, ABC Game 6* Tuesday, June 17, San Antonio at Miami, 21:00hrs. ET, ABC Game 7* Friday, June 20, Miami at San Antonio, 21:00hrs. ET, ABC

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 2, 2014

Qatar ‘vehemently denies’ latest accusation of 2022 wrongdoing

By Mike Collett

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Qatari organisers of soccer’s 2022 World Cup have “vehemently” denied accusations their successful bid was corrupt, saying its lawyers were looking into claims made by a British Sunday newspaper.

The Qataris issued the denial after Jim Boyce, a vice-president of soccer’s world governing body FIFA, said he would be in favour of re-running the vote for the 2022 host nation, if the allegations in the Sunday Times could be proved.

In a report filling the first 11 pages of the newspaper, the Sunday Times claimed it had obtained millions of documents which they say show former FIFA executive committee member Mohamed bin Hammam of Qatar made payments totalling around $5M to football officials in return for votes for Qatar.

Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy - the nation’s World Cup organising committee - said it had won the right to stage the finals with “the best bid”, and that it was “time for the Middle East

… FIFA vice-president ‘would support’ re-vote cia’s ongoing investigation and remain totally confident that any objective enquiry will conclude we won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup fairly.

FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce to host its first FIFA World Cup”.

“The Qatar 2022 Bid Committee always upheld the highest standard of ethics and integrity in its successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup,” it said.

“In regard to the latest allegations from The Sunday Times, we say again that Mohamed bin Hammam played no official or unofficial role in Qatar’s 2022 Bid Committee.

“As was the case with every other member of FIFA’s Executive Committee, our bid team had to convince Mr bin Hammam of the merits of our bid.

“We are cooperating fully with (head of FIFA’s investigation into corruption) Mr (Michael) Gar-

QATAR’S BID “We will take whatever steps are necessary to defend the integrity of Qatar’s bid.”

FIFA would not comment yesterday about the report, instead instructing Reuters to “kindly contact the office of the Chairman of the investigatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee Michael Garcia directly”.

The Washington-based law firm representing Garcia was not answering its telephone, and had not replied to a request for a comment.

New York lawyer Garcia was due to meet the Qataris in Oman today in a meeting scheduled before the article was published, as he continues his questioning of those involved with FIFA and other bodies.

The Sunday Times printed what it said were details

and excerpts of emails, letters and bank transfers in its vast report which it says prove bin Hammam, president of the Asian Football Confederation for nine years and a FIFA executive committee member for 15 years, had made payments from secret slush funds.

FIFA vice-president Boyce, who was not on the executive committee at the time of the vote in December 2010, said Garcia, should widen his investigation following the newspaper report.

“As a current member of the FIFA executive committee, we feel that any evidence whatsoever that people involved were bribed to do a certain vote, all that evidence should go to Michael Garcia ... and let’s await the report that comes back from Garcia.

“If Garcia’s recommendations are that wrongdoing happened for that vote for the 2022 World Cup, I certainly would have absolutely no problem whatsoever if the recommendation was for a re-vote,” the Northern Irish-

Italy’s Riccardo Montolivo breaks leg in friendly ITALY midfielder Riccardo Montolivo will miss the World Cup after breaking his left leg during the 0-0 draw with Republic of Ireland at Craven Cottage.

The AC Milan player, 29, was carried off on a stretcher after a challenge from Reading defender Alex Pearce.

Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci said: “I haven’t seen the X-ray yet to evaluate the extent of it, but for a broken bone you can expect surgery.”

Italy face England, Uruguay and Costa Rica in

… out of World Cup

Riccardo Montolivo being stretched off the field. minutes of Italy’s penultimate warm-up game, and World Cup Group D. Montolivo, winning his was immediately taken to a 58th cap, lasted just eight London hospital for X-rays,

which confirmed the damage.

He was replaced by former Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani, who went off at halftime complaining of dizziness.

Aquilani’s Fiorentina team-mate Giuseppe Rossi may have secured his place in Italy’s 23-man squad for Brazil, though, by playing for 70 minutes on his return from knee trouble.

(BBC Sport)

Broken leg rules out Mexico’s Montes

LUIS Montes will not compete for Mexico at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil after suffering a serious leg fracture during a 3-1 victory over Ecuador in a friendly on Saturday.

Midfielder Montes had just scored the goal that put Mexico in front two minutes earlier when he collided with Ecuador’s Segundo Castillo

during a race for a loose ball.

Montes was carted off in obvious pain on a stretcher in front of the pro-Mexican crowd of almost 85 000 at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

Israel Marquez, a spokesman for the Mexican Football Federation, said on his Twitter account that “it seems a fractured

tibia and fibula.” It is a big blow for Mexico who are using this and other games over the next couple of weeks as a tune-up for Brazil 2014.

Mexico’s next international friendly is tomorrow against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Chicago. They play Portugal on Friday. (FIFA. com)

Luis Montes

man told BBC radio.

DOGGED BY CONTROVERSY That view was echoed by Per Ravn Omdal who served on the FIFA executive committee with bin Hammam.

The former president of the Norway FA told Reuters: “If it can be proved that this corruption took place I think it would be wise to put it to another vote. If there is more corruption, FIFA should re-examine the decision.”

According to the newspaper, bin Hammam bribed officials in return for their support for the bid. The 65-year-old was banned from football for life in July 2011 after being found guilty of attempted bribery surrounding his bid to beat incumbent FIFA president Sepp Blatter in that year’s FIFA presidential election.

Although that ban was later annulled and he quit football, FIFA subsequently banned him for life for a second time in 2012 for “conflicts of interest” while AFC president.

A telephone number regularly used by Reuters to contact bin Hammam

was dead yesterday.

Qatar ’s bid has been dogged by controversy since before winning the right to stage the finals in December 2010, after FIFA officials said temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius in the tiny Arab emirate were not conducive to staging the event.

Qatar beat off bids from Australia, Japan, the United States and South Korea. The Sunday Times alleges bin Hammam, who was not a member of the Qatar bidding committee, lobbied on behalf of his countrymen paying out millions in cash, gifts and junkets, especially to African officials.

The newspaper said bin Hammam had intended to create a groundswell of support for Qatar, a tiny country with no football heritage and very little infrastructure.

The issue now for FIFA, whose annual congress starts on June 10 in Sao Paulo, is how it is going to handle this latest barrage of accusations against Qatar, and a growing campaign for the vote to be re-run.

Blatter last month said it had been “a mistake” to award the finals to the country, but quickly backtracked saying his quote in French had been mistranslated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 2, 2014

25

Pele son Edinho sentenced to 33 years in Brazil for money-laundering THE son of the Brazilian football legend, Pele, has been sentenced to 33 years in jail for laundering money raised from drug trafficking.

Edinho is a retired footballer who played goalkeeper for Pele’s old club, Santos, in the 1990s.

He was first arrested in 2005 and has served a sentence for drug trafficking offences and links with a notorious drug dealer in the city of Santos.

He admits he had a drug problem but denies the trafficking charges.

The ruling was issued by a judge in the near-

by coastal city of Praia Grande, in Sao Paulo state.

Brazilian media have not been able to contact Edinho, whose real name is Edson Cholbi do Nascimento, but they say he is expected to appeal.

Edinho, 43, works as a goalkeeping coach at Santos.

Edinho is a retired footballer who played goalkeeper for Pele’s old club Santos.

US CHILDHOOD Pele, or Edson Arantes do Nascimento, played all his professional career in Brazil for Santos.

Playing for Brazil, he won the World Cup in 1958, 1962 and 1970 and was acclaimed as the great-

James edges Merritt in WL; Fraser-Pryce finishes last EUGENE, Oregon (CMC) – G re n a d a ’s O l y m p i c champion Kirani James stormed to a world-leading time as he won his first major 400 metres duel of the year with American Lashawn Merritt at the Prefontaine Classic here Saturday.

The 21-year-old James clocked 43.97 – the same time as Merritt – as he barely edged out the World champion in a close finish at Hayward Field, in the third meet of the lucrative IAAF Diamond League series.

“We’ll go at it many more times,” Merritt said afterwards.

Youssef Ahmed Masrahi of Saudi Arabia finished third in a season-best 44.77 seconds while Bahamian Chris Brown also posted a season-best 45.15 as he came home fourth.

There was disappointment for World silver medallist Tony McQuay, however, as the American finished down the field in seventh, in a time of 46.25 seconds.

The result for James was a reversal of last year’s finish at the event when Merritt took the tape first with James second.

Meanwhile, Jamaican Novlene Williams-Mills won the women’s equivalent, racing to a time of 50.40 seconds, to finish

Kirani James storms time. ahead of American Francena McCorory who clocked 50.53 seconds. Jamaican Stephenie McPherson was third in 50.63.

Kaliese Spencer kept

to a world-leading Jamaica’s flag in the spotlight by capturing the women’s 400 metres hurdles in a world-leading 54.29 seconds. Americans Kori Carter (55.22) and Tiffany Williams (55.97) were second and

third respectively.

Jamaican Shevon Stoddard trailed in fourth in 56.15 seconds.

There was a massive shock in the women’s 200 metres, however, when Jamaican superstar sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce finished dead last in 23.06 seconds.

American Tori Bowie clocked a 22.18 seconds, the fastest time this year, as she beat Nigerian Blessing Okagbare who was timed at a personal best 22.23.

Olympic champion Allyson Felix of the United States was third in 22.14 seconds.

American Justin Gatlin continued his great form this year, clocking a wind-assisted 9.76 seconds, to remain undefeated this season.

He was ahead of compatriot Michael Rodgers who was second in 9.80 seconds, with Frenchman Jimmy Vicaut third in 9.89 – the same time as Jamaican Nesta Carter who was fourth.

Nickel Ashmeade, also of Jamaica, was fifth in 9.95 seconds.

In the men’s sprint hurdles, Frenchman Pascal Martinot-Lagarde sped to a world-leading 13.13 seconds as he beat Jamaican Hansle Parchment into second in 13.20.

est footballer of his generation.

He retired in 1974, but made a comeback a year later for New York Cosmos.

Edinho is Pele’s third son from his first marriage.

He was five when the family moved to New York to play for Cosmos.

When he returned to Brazil he decided to pursue a career in professional football - as a goalkeeper, much to his father’s surprise.

He was Santos’ goalkeeper in 1995 when the team reached the Brazilian league final, losing the title to Botafogo.

His detention and alleged

involvement with drug gangs took most people in Brazil by surprise.

Pele, now 73, went to visit his son several times in jail.

“God willing, justice will be done. There is not a shred of evidence against my son,” he said in 2006.

Edinho said that his father was his idol.

Four other people have also been convicted for money laundering, including a man accused of controlling much of the drug trafficking in the region - Ronaldo Duarte Barsotti, known as Naldinho. (BBC Sport)

CULT/EBFA U-17 League

Grove Hi Tech and Herstelling topple their opponents

WHEN play in the C U LT- s p o n s o re d E a s t Bank Football Association (EBFA) Under-17 league continued last Saturday at the Grove Playfield, there were wins for Grove Hi Tech over Diamond United by a 6-0 margin and Herstelling who got the better of Timehri Panthers 2-1.

Grove wasted no time disposing of Diamond as they romped to their second win in as many starts, having hammered Soesdyke Falcons 12-0 the previous Saturday. In that game, seven players found the back of the net and this time around, five players inked their names on the score sheets.

Trevon Pluck, who netted a double against Soesdyke, was again in clinical form scoring two more goals in the 13th and 39th minute.

The other players on target for Grove were Lloyd Matthews (16th), Marvin Squires (22nd), Randy Smart (44th) and Nickoloy Matthews (47th).

Trevon Pluck Herstelling have continued to show improvement, notching up a memorable 2-1 win over Timehri, compliments of a double off the boot of Leon Alfred who blasted the nets in the 3rd and 10th minutes.

Naphtalisu Joseph scored Timehri’s consolation goal in the 16th minute. More matches are set for this Saturday at the same venue.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 2, 2014

Abrams slams helmet-trick for team Guyana/USA SLINGERZ FC forward Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams netted a helmet-trick (four goals) to lead team Guyana USA to an 8-1 win over Panama in the ‘Caribbean Cup’ football tournament at the Thomas Jefferson Play Field in Brooklyn.

The annual event, which features the likes of Jamaica, Barbados, Panama, Haiti, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and Trinidad & Tobago, is one of the top football tournaments in the U.S. Tri-State area and is played during the summer period.

Several notable players of present and yesteryear have all made the exodus to Brooklyn, New York where they formed an alliance with the intention of giving Guyana their first U.S. Caribbean Cup championship.

All of the Slingerz FC’s

talisman goals came in the first half of the game which was watched by a full house of mainly Guyanese supporters. The first half ended with Guyana leading 5-0.

Following the break, Panama came out with a renewed spirit and two minutes into the half, Eccleston Pena caught the Team Guyana defence napping, picked up a loose ball on the left side, raced toward goal and beat Adrian Alfred to his right.

Pulling one goal back raised the tempo of the

Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams being closely marked by a Panamanian defender during their clash, as Guyana went on to win 8-1. (Photo compliments of www.caribbeancupsoccer.com)

Brathwaite set to be called up as cover for Gayle ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Opener Kraigg Brathwaite is likely to be called up to the West Indies squad as cover for Chris Gayle, as injury worries persist over the talismanic left-hander.

The 21-year-old Brathwaite has trained with the West Indies squad for the last few days of their camp in Barbados and was on Sunday conspicuously excluded from the 13-member West Indies High Performance Centre squad to face Bangladesh-A in the second fourday ‘Test’ starting today.

CMC Sports also understands that Brathwaite, who stroked 164 against Bangladesh-A in the first ‘Test’ last week, is also expected to travel with the Windies squad to Jamaica on Wednesday, ahead of the first Test which bowls off at Sabina Park next Sunday.

The Barbadian righthander has played ten Tests since making his debut as a teenager three years ago.

Gayle, meanwhile, has been hampered by a back injury in recent weeks that resulted in his poor form during the recent Indian Premier League. He said in an interview last week that he would consult a specialist

Kraigg Brathwaite, in Germany about the injury. ton Oval.

The talented fast bowling The Jamaican was scheduled to arrive in Barbados on all-rounder leads a side that Sunday to join the Windies sees two changes, with fast bowler Nelon Pascal in for camp.

West Indies start their pacer Ronsford Beaton and second warm-up match of Shacaya Thomas coming in the camp today, when they for Kraigg Brathwaite.

SQUAD – Carlos face a Barbados Select XI at Brathwaite (captain), Leon 3Ws Oval.

Kraigg Brathwaite, who Johnson (vice-captain), Sunil captained the WI HPC to Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, a crushing 351-run victory Jermaine Blackwood, Jonover the Bangladesh-A in athan Carter, Sheldon Cotthe first ‘Test’, has been re- trell, Miguel Cummins, Asplaced at the helm by name- sad Fudadin, Ashley Nurse, sake Carlos Brathwaite for Nelon Pascal, Shacaya the second game at Kensing- Thomas, Chadwick Walton.

game as Team Panama battled for goal number two but it was Kevin Beaton who strolled in for number six for Team Guyana following another Panamanian defensive error.

Despite the pressure Panama continued to play positive football before Bakewell Topp XX attacking midfield player Romain Haynes made it 7-1 for Guyana, driving home a ball from close range.

Former National player Collie ‘Hitman’ Hercules rolled back the years and

reminded the scores of Guyanese who turned up to support why he was considered one of the best strikers in Guyana.

Marlon Benjamin brought a ball under control on the right side, beat his marker and squared the ball to Kevin Beaton who laid it off for Collie Hercules coming through the middle, and the rest, as they say, was “history”.

Guyana’s next game is scheduled for Sunday, June 8 against Grenada at 17:30hrs.

WDFA president distances self from Saturday’s GFF General Congress

By Rawle Toney THE West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) said yesterday that they were not informed of Saturday’s staging of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Congress which passed a ‘No Confidence’ motion against Christopher Matthias.

Matthias was replaced by his vice-president Ivan Persaud who would serve in the capacity of acting president until an election is called within the next 60 days.

But speaking to Chronicle Sport last evening via telephone, president of the WDFA, Nigel Garraway, said, “As far as I’m aware, the WDFA participation at that Congress on Saturday was null and void.”

While the GFA was represented by its president Vernon Burnett and general

secretary Odinga Lumumba and the WDFA’s secretary Elson Kairattie was present at the meeting that also saw participation from the East Demerara Football Association, National Association of Women’s Football, Guyana Football Referees Council and Guyana Football Coaches Association, forming two-thirds of the General Congress, “We at the WDFA had no knowledge of such a meeting or Congress being held in the first place. As far as I’m aware, only the GFF has the authority to reconvene the Congress. I spoke to the secretary at 10:00hrs on Saturday and still he didn’t inform me that he was present at the meeting,” Garraway said.

The media was locked out of the meeting which was held at Water Chris Hotel and as such, cannot report on the discussion which took place behind

the closed-door congress of selective individuals, some of whom have no affiliation to football in Guyana.

Meanwhile, Charmine Wade, assistant secretary/ treasurer of the GFA in an email said, “I am not and have not been part of any decisions, or had any discussions on this issue of the GFF’s Congress, the motion of No Confidence against the GFF’s Executives, etc, at the level of the executive of the GFA. “As far as I’m aware, unless I wasn’t invited, there was never a meeting of the GFA Executive and or general council to discuss this issue” “Further, I had no knowledge of the alleged reconvening of ‘Congress’ and to date, have not been informed/notified by the president, general secretary or any other executives of the GFA,” Wade said.

France held by Paraguay in friendly VICTOR Caceres scored an 89th-minute goal to secure Paraguay a 1-1 draw against World Cup-bound France in Nice.

France substitute Antoine Griezmann opened the scoring with nine minutes remaining when he netted after Olivier Giroud’s effort was blocked.

But Caceres glanced in following a Jorge Rojas free-kick to earn a draw.

After the match, France coach Didier Deschamps calmed concerns about Franck Ribery’s back problem - and hopes the forward will face Jamaica on Sunday.

He said: “I have nothing new to add. We’ll do everything so he’s ready for next Sunday.”

France face Honduras in their World Cup Group E opener on 15 June, with matches against Switzerland and Ecuador to follow.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 2, 2014

27

Linden are the Inter-Association basketball champions as rain forces washout … Game clock handed over to Berbice Basketball Association

By Joe Chapman PRESIDENT of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Nigel Hinds has expressed disappointment that the concluding games for the Inter-Association basketball championships could not be played due to heavy rains in the mining town last Saturday evening.

However, Hinds used the occasion to distribute a new game and shot clock to the Berbice Amateur Basketball Association (BABA), with former national player Mark Agard making the

Photo shows from left, former national player Mark Agard, GABF president Nigel Hinds and BABA vice-president Robert Esseboom after the handing-over of the game clock and other equipment.

presentation to Robert Esseboom, the Association’s vice-president.

The BABA, as well as the Linden and Georgetown associations, was also presented with basketballs and shoes. These presentations were done at the Mackenzie Sports Club.

After the games were washed out, Hinds declared that Linden are the regional champions and noted the effort of the GABF in spending approximately $150 000 to have the historic games, involving Berbice and Georgetown teams against their Linden counterparts, in Linden.

“It’s is a disappointment but I still feel happy we had the faith to come up here knowing that I was warned by the president of the Linden association that we are having bad weather in Linden.

“For this historic occasion we thought that we really wanted to have Berbice in Linden and we managed to do so.

“Even though we didn’t get to play games we hope that this is just the beginning and that we would get an enclosed facility, so that will allow play to occur regardless if rain falls or otherwise.” The GABF president said.

Hinds stated that some equipment from the Brooklyn New York area

was sent to the federation that included basketball shoes which were also donated by Zoley Hunte and a quantity of size six balls which are specially to be used by women and size seven balls by men.

The Linden and Berbice Under-19 boys were to play in the first game, followed by the Georgetown versus Linden female game which was the second between the two, with Linden having won the first encounter 59-44.

The last game was to see Linden (who split their games with Georgetown 1-1 but had a superior point differential after winning at Linden 58-50 and losing 71-70) take on Berbice.

Rain `batters’ GBA `Nuff Cuff’ boxing tournament in Buxton RAIN `battered’ the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) `Nuff Cuff’ Tournament in the Buxton community, East Coast Demerara, on Saturday evening, forcing the organisers to shift the proceedings to the Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis Gym yesterday, but this too was aborted, since the visiting St Lucian team objected to the standard of the ring at the facility.

The card, which was scheduled for a 19:00hrs start, got under way later, and just six of the 15 fights were completed before the rains came again, forcing the organisers to abandon the proceedings and change

GBA Technical Director Terrence Poole the venue to the `Six Head’ Lewis Gym for yesterday.

But after one international fight was staged between Guyana’s Theresha London who beat St Lucia’s Menlana Sinclay by a 3-0 majority

in a middleweight bout and Guyana’s Eon Bancroft outlasted St Lucia’s Ron Bastien in a welterweight exhibition contest, the visitors’ management team complained about the ring ropes being slack and the canvas not of international standard.

This complaint forced the organisers to call off the card.

However, GBA president Steve Ninvalle told Chronicle Sport the GBA will stage another `Nuff Cuff’ Night June 24 with the association’s intermediate championships.

This tournament will be staged at California Square where the association held

its first `Nuff Cuff’ event for the year and which was highly successful in terms of spectator-support.

“That tournament saw the largest turnout of supporters at amateur boxing in over two decades and I’m very enthused by that response, so we’re going back there for the intermediate tournament,” Ninvalle assured.

GBA Technical Director Terrence Poole said he is expecting over 60 entries for this month-end’s tournament, noting that when the first `Nuff Cuff’ tournament was staged at the California Circle venue, there were 60 entries and the boxing en-

thusiasts from the East and West Ruimveldt communities were given a real treat, “so we have to take boxing to the people, not waiting for them to come to us,” Poole stated.

In results from Saturday night’s bouts, Harpy Eagles (HE) Travis Hubbard scored the only technical knock-out victory of the night and this was against his gym mate Orin Bancroft in the second round of their 120125 pounds bout, while Isaiah Moore (HE) defeated Essequibo’s (Esse) Delroy Elcock by a 3-0 majority.

In the 100-105 weight

group, Shaquille Wright beat his gym mate Deshon Elcock by a 3-0 majority in a 100-104 pounds contest; Christopher Moore (Esse) defeated HE’s Elijah Insanally by a 3-0 decision in their 110-114 pounds bout and Jabhari Migg (HE) beat his gym mate Shane Skeet by a 3-0 majority in their 120-125 pounds contest.

Ninvalle has expressed his association’s gratitude to Ansa McAl, the National Sports Commission, the Ministry of Sport, Trustees Pawn Shop, Hopkinson Mining and Roger Hinds for their financial support for the tournament.

Sport CHRONICLE

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KKR edge Kings XI Punjab to win second IPL

Kolkata Knight Riders celebrate their second IPL triumph, after completing a highly efficient chase of 200 against Kings XI Punjab.

Pele son Edinho sentenced to 33 years in Brazil for money-laundering (See Story on page 25)

MANISH Pandey played an absolute blinder as Kolkata Knight Riders held their nerves to beat a spirited Kings XI Punjab by three wickets in an exhilarating summit clash to win the seventh edition of the Indian Premier League.

This was KKR’s second IPL trophy, the only team apart from Chennai Super Kings to achieve the feat.

Needing 200 to win, Piyush Chawla hit the most important 13 runs of his life as he pulled Mitchell Johnson for a six off the last delivery of the penultimate over before slashing Parvinder Awana over point to run a victory lap as his delirious teammates joined him.

If Wriddhiman Saha’s 115 off 55 balls was a pure joy to watch, Pandey’s 94 off 50 balls was better than the best as he almost singlehandedly won the match for the Shah Rukh Khan co-owned franchise. Not to forget the four sixes hit by Yusuf Pathan (36) which also was important in the final context of the match.

It was probably the most keenly contested among the seven IPL finals as the fortunes fluctuated big time. While KXIP co-owner Preity Zinta found it difficult to suppress her nervous energy, Shah Rukh sat on the VIP stand like monk. The only time there was a reaction was when Chawla hit the final shot as he took his daughter Suhana in his lap.

Robin Uthappa (5) finally had an off-day as his uppish drive was smartly snapped

by Akshar Patel at cover off Mitchell Johnson’s delivery.

Gambhir and Pandey hit a flurry of boundaries as KKR reached 59 for one at the end of the Powerplay.

The KKR skipper looked in good nick with 23 off 16 balls before young leggie Karanveer Singh got him caught in the deep off David Miller as the left-hander tried to give the charge by dancing down the track.

Pandey in the meantime

(See page 22)

Government rubbishes WICB reasoning for relocating New Zealand Test

LAST Saturday, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) announced the relocation of the third Test between West Indies and New Zealand from Guyana, citing failure to bring resolution to an ongoing dispute within the game in the country and the recent passing of the Cricket Administration Bill in the National Assembly.

The WICB in a release said that they had serious reservations with the Bill which they say thrusts the administration of cricket in Guyana from an independent body to the Government of Guyana, viewing such a move as undesirable and inconsistent with International Cricket Council (ICC) tenets.

“The WICB had sought an undertaking from His Excellency President Donald Ramotar that the Bill not be signed into law until these matters are resolved. The Board gave its commitment that once His Excellency President Ramotar provided

such an undertaking all arrangements in Guyana will be kept in place,” the WICB release noted.

However, last evening, the Government of Guyana rubbished the claims made by the WICB and issued the following release: The Government of Guyana notes with deep regret the decision of the West Indies Cricket Board to relocate the Third Test between West Indies and New Zealand, from Guyana.

We observe with even greater concern, certain assertions made by the WICB regarding this matter and we feel compelled to respond.

On May 30, 2014 at about 16:35hrs, Mr Dave Cameron, president of WICB, wrote to His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar, raising certain concerns in respect of the Guyana Cricket Administration Bill. In that letter, Mr Cameron requested an opportunity to study the

Bill and the Constitution, in order to be able to provide more detailed comments at a later stage. In the interim, he requested that the President not assent to the Bill until there is agreement in relation to the matters raised.

The letter requested a response by 18:00hrs that day.

At or about 18:22hrs that day, the Honourable Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony responded. In a covering e-mail the Minister explained that the President was out of Georgetown and that he was duly instructed to respond on the President’s behalf.

The full text of Dr Anthony’s letter, sans the covering note, is set out hereunder: At 6.54 pm, the Minister received an e-mail from Mr Cameron, indicating that the response was “ unacceptable “ and that the response which he requires “must be done under the Seal of the President “. The email then informs that WICB will proceed with its decision to

move the match.

It is hoped, that the arrogance and contempt assumed by the WICB, as it purports to give directions to a sovereign Government of a CARICOM member state, is noted. That aside, the statement issued by the WICB was clearly structured to convey a very jaundiced impression of their exchanges with the Government on this matter.

The Government of Guyana does not discount the fact that the West Indies Cricket Board may be looking for a scapegoat in this matter, since their agents in Guyana were restrained by a Court Order from acting or holding themselves out as officers of the Guyana Cricket Board and as agents of the WICB. The net result being that WICB has no agents in Guyana to act on their behalf in relation to hosting of the Third Test between West Indies and New Zealand.

One cannot help but wonder, whose interests the WICB really represents, is

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it that of cricket or some unknown vested agenda.

This Bill which was found so offensive, seeks to bring transparency, accountability, and good governance to the administration of cricket in Guyana and to address the plethora of allegations of rigged and fraudulent elections, financial irregularities and lack of accountability in respect of cricket administration, inter alia, because of the absence of legal personification in its structure. This Bill does not, in any way whatsoever, allow or permit, directly or indirectly, Government’s involvement in the administration of cricket in Guyana, save and except a singular instance, where the Minister is ascribed a function when the Act comes into operation.

After that initiating act, the Minister’s role disappears.

Government, therefore, rejects all or any contention or insinuation that this Bill presents an opportunity for Governmental intrusion into

the administration of cricket in Guyana. It is recognised that these charges are emanating from a particular grouping and their sponsors who perceive this Bill as an end to their dominance over administration of cricket, and who many feel are the architects of the chaos which the Bill is designed to arrest.

The Government is not surprised by the chameleon outburst of the AFC. This is a party that masquerades as a prosecutor of accountability, transparency and good governance, concepts which form the very raison d’etre of this Bill.

However, they withheld support from this Bill in the National Assembly having participated in the Parliamentary Select Committee that produced a consensus report. And have now joined forces with an extrinsic organ that is attempting to meddle in the internal affairs of our country and thwart our constitutionally enshrined law-making process.

MONDAY, JUNE 2, 2014