Guyana chronicle 06 12 14

GUYANA No. 104033 SATURDAY DECEMBER 6, 2014

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

Opposition ‘stingy’ with words but spend hours ‘cussing-out’

- Dr Ramsammy

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Guyanese to know way forward today

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PSC chairman slams Kaieteur News for putting words in his mouth 2 Page

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AFC Congress opens today against a backdrop of internal wrangling Page

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Adrian Bishop fatal shooting…

PCA Chairman says witness’s statement has inconsistencies Page

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Annai Secondary wins 2014 CC-LCDS Secondary Schools Quiz Page

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh (centre) with awardees at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) annual presentation ceremony on Thursday night at the Pegasus Hotel (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

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About 100 individuals up for GPF promotions Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 6, 2014

PSC chairman slams Kaieteur News for putting words in his mouth

CHAIRMAN of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Ramesh Persaud, was yesterday quoted a Kaieteur News article, headlined ‘Stop attacking citizens who identify corruption,’ as saying “Stop the attacks, character assassination and vilification of citizens who have identified corruption as a serious problem that needs urgent and radical state intervention to stem its disastrous consequences for economic development.”

However, Persaud took the popular social media site, Facebook, to make it clear that he never said those words to the embattled daily’s reporter.

In actuality, the comments attributed to him were actually part of a call from Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI), following the release of the 2014 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) report from Transparency International (TI).

NOT A PERFECT MEASURE Persaud, in fact, stated that the CPI is “not a perfect measure” of the actual level of corruption, but its indicator that can be useful in addressing a problem that has not been denied as a challenge by the current administration.

Guyana is ranked at 124, with a rating of 30, in the report. Last year, Guyana

ranked 27, one place up from the 28th spot in 2012. This year’s index includes 175 countries and territories.

The PSC Chairman said: “It is known that corruption is present in all societies, but some societies take more actions than others by putting in place the necessary laws and institutional framework to minimise and eliminate the scourge of corruption. Corruption in public sector cannot exist without the support of members in the business community or the general public.”

On that note, the PSC head called on private companies that engage in these “immoral practices” to hold themselves to a higher standard and desist from spreading this “cancer” on the Guyanese society.

He also stressed that effective governance mechanisms to adequately fight corruption in Guyana contributes to the public opinion and on that note Persaud stated the Commission’s support for TIGI’s detailed call for 11 specific actions to be taken by the Government.

LOCAL EFFORTS Guyana has made efforts locally to address the issue of corruption, despite the ranking, one whose credibility has been questioned.

The questions are in light of Trans-

parency International’s admission with regard to its methodology in compiling the report have not served it well in debunking the mounting criticisms, at both regional and international levels, which continue to be laid at its doorstep.

Guyana signed the Inter-American Convention against Corruption in 1996 and ratified it in 2000. As recent as June 16, 2011, Guyana had designated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as its central authority to deal with matters related to the Inter-American Convention against Corruption.

Under its obligation, Guyana had its first review in 2006, second in 2008, and third in 2011. In September 2011, when the third- round review of all the countries was completed, the committee decided that the fourth round will include visits to countries, as well as a follow-up on the implementation of the recommendations that were made during the first- cycle review in 2006.

Guyana also signed on to the United Nations Convention against Corruption in 2003 and ratified it in 2008.

The UN convention addressed areas similar to that of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption. These include prevention, criminalisation, international cooperation and asset recovery.

By becoming party to the two anti-corruption conventions, the country has undertaken obligations and

CHAIRMAN OF THE (PSC) RAMESH PERSAUD expectations for the enactment of the standards and rules that are central to both conventions.

Elderly man found dead on Homestretch Avenue

The unidentified body

THE body of an unidentified man of mixed race, who was apparently in his late sixties, was found on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown on Thursday at about 06:15 hrs by passersby, who alerted the police to the discovery.

Persons are reported to have remembered seeing the man sitting by the roadside late on Wednesday afternoon.

The Lyken Funeral Parlour later showed up to transport the body away from the scene of its discovery.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 6, 2014

Opposition ‘stingy’ with words but spend hours ‘cussing-out’ - Dr Ramsammy AGAINST the backdrop of a “two-sentence” rejection letter issued to President Donald Ramotar by Opposition Leader, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger, Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, has posited that “the question on the minds of many Guyanese is what makes these politicians so stingy with their words when they spend hours at a time “cussing out” the President, the Ministers and the Government.”

Ramsammy’s remarks came subsequent to a two-sentence statement issued by the Opposition Leader, refusing to engage in any form of dialogue with the President on matters of national interest.

However, Granger’s position not to engage the President or Government in any form of dialogue had been expressed earlier, following the President’s decision to prorogue the10th Parliament on November 10.

It is as a result of Granger’s unwavering decision not to engage the Government or President in any form of dialogue, that Dr. Ramsammy, in an interview with this publication said political leaders, even in the most distasteful and difficult circumstances must be able to put aside their disdain for each other and talk in the interest of the people and welfare of the nation.

He further stressed that this is a “self-evident truth” and a “non-negotiable pre-requisite” in any democracy, noting that even if political leaders must indulge in just one more chance for dialogue, their unwillingness to do so constitutes an “abdication” of their duties and obligation to the people, moreso, all the people of the country.

When President Ramotar declared that whatever position he might have had in earlier political discussions, Dr. Ramsammy said, he (the President) was willing to wipe the slate clean and start afresh. “He was displaying a statesman-like and mature position and was adhering to the demands of a political leader in a democratic state,” he said.

GRANGER’S LETTER According to him, Granger’s letter to the President was all of two sentences in which he made it clear that A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and its partners are not interested

“…both the AFC’s one-sentence, proposed no-confidence motion and the APNU’s two-sentence dialogue-rejection letter, demonstrate a level of arrogance and disrespect for the people of Guyana.” – Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

in any dialogue. This “twosentence letter” issued to the President, he said, was generous in comparison to the “one-line No-Confidence Motion” proposed by the Alliance For Change (AFC) earlier in the year.

The question then, he assumes, that is in the minds of many Guyanese is, “What makes these politicians so stingy with their words when they spend hours at a time “cussing out” the President, the Ministers and the Government.”

To this extent, Dr. Ramsammy emphasised that “both the AFC’s one sentence proposed no-confidence motion and the APNU’s two-sentenced Dialogue Rejection letter, demonstrate a level of arrogance and disrespect for the people of Guyana.” “ M r. G r a n g e r i s t h e Leader of the Opposition.

He is an important part of the democratic state. When he takes actions such as rejecting the President’s call for dialogue, he needs to give a clear explanation to the people why he rejects the call of the President for dialogue. He has a duty to clearly list his reasons.

In this case, Mr. Granger cannot hide by demanding that the President revoke the prorogation proclamation.

That is a demand, not an explanation,” Ramsammy related.

He further noted that in simply rejecting any possibility of dialogue and demanding the President ends the prorogation, Granger displays “total disrespect for the people of our country” and gives the most direct signal that all he, APNU and the entire Opposition want is “power.”

ENDING PARLIAMENTARY LIFE D r. R a m s a m m y a l s o sought to reiterate President

Ramotar’s explanation to the Guyanese populace that the No-Confidence Motion essentially ends the life of Parliament and that important, outstanding legislative actions of the National Assembly which were critical to national development would be left incomplete.

He explained that the President had listed the outstanding business, including the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Amendment Bill, the non-passage of which leaves Guyana at continued threat for international black-listing; and the Food Safety Bill which was to be introduced at the November 10th National Assembly Meeting.

The President, he said, stated clearly to the Opposition and to the people that these outstanding matters should be completed as Government’s business prior to the No-Confidence Motion.

“The President clearly explained to the people that the Prorogation Proclamation was intended not to suffocate and kill parliamentary democracy, as the No-Confidence Motion would have done, but to give at least one more chance for dialogue between the parties and for the work of development to continue,” Dr. Ramsammy told this publication.

Citing Iran and the United States of America who are sworn enemies, the MP sought to highlight that every opportunity for dialogue between these two countries is being utilised.

However, as it relates to Guyana, he stressed that the Opposition has consistently either made dialogue “meaningless” by not being faithful to agreements or they simply dismiss any chance of dialogue.

Dr. Ramsammy further urged that even if the Opposition has good reasons to think that there would be no agreements out of any dialogue, they owe it to the people of Guyana to participate in such talks. “It is not an option; it is their sworn duty and obligation that they do not have the luxury of abrogation,” he said.

He noted that as the Leader of the Opposition, Granger has a responsibility to meet with the President to discuss national affairs and to serve in the national interest. This he contends, has nothing to do with “whether

he likes the President or not, whether he trusts the President or not.” The very least he must do, Dr. Ramsammy said, is to meet for such talks and then if no agreement is reached to take the actions he feels compelled to do.

“The President of our

David Granger

country was faced with the possibility of the Parliament ditching important work in the national interest, because of the No-Confidence Motion which the AFC proposed and which APNU declared it would support and the public announcement by both parties that they would move for the No-Confidence motion to be the first order of business in the National Assembly,” Ramsammy said.

As a result, the President understood that the action of the Opposition, although unjust and clearly not in the interest of the nation, was within their constitutional rights. But the President also has constitutional rights, he said, one of which was to prorogue the Parliament.

“He did so giving clear reasons why and the priority reason was that we could all re-boot and start fresh discussions with clean slates.

It was the stately and mature thing to do,” Dr. Ramsammy assured.

According to him, when the President made the proclamation for Prorogation, he (the President) was clear and addressed the reasons why he chose to prorogue the Parliament. He listed the many legislative actions that were in the national interest.

“As the Minister of Agriculture, my staff and I worked hard to draft the Food Safety Bill which has become necessary in order to allow Guyana to continue to expand Guyana’s agricultural export to North America, Europe, the Caribbean and other Regions of the world. With new laws and regulations in place in our exporting countries, Guyana needs to adopt new rules in food production. The threat

of No-Confidence kills any chance of Guyana meeting trade requirements,” he explained.

It is to this extent that Dr Ramsammy believes that the Opposition Leader owes the nation the same obligation as the President.

He contends that Granger has a duty to give an explanation clearly and in writing. His refusal, he said, exposes his arrogance and is a clear dereliction of his national obligation. “Because of his past association and because he leads the PNCR, the party that led Guyana in a dictatorship for almost three decades, his behaviour is a sad and sinister reminder of the dictatorial genes that characterise Mr. Granger and his colleagues in the Opposition,” Dr Ramsammy said.

The Leader of the Opposition, he noted, has no right to disrespect the people of Guyana even if he personally values arrogance. The people will not forget such disrespect and arrogance and now that the election that they threatened is upon them, the people will have their say the MP said, while asserting that, “Mr. Granger and the Opposition will pay dearly for not only the disrespect they show to the people, but for abdicating their sworn responsibilities to serve the people of Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 6, 2014

Hundreds of thousands evacuated from path of Philippine typhoon (Reuters) - AROUND half a million people fled coastal villages and landslide-prone areas in the central Philippines on Friday, a day before a powerful typhoon was expected to hit the island nation where thousands died in a storm 13 months ago.

Typhoon Hagupit weakened slightly as it churned slowly across the Pacific, dipping below the category 5 “super typhoon” level, the Philippine weather bureau PAGASA said, but was likely to remain destructive when it hit land on Saturday.

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific cancelled more than 150 flights to central and southern Philippines on Friday and Saturday. Ports shut across the archipelago after the coastguard suspended sea travel.

“Over 100,000 families are already in evacuation centers,” said Corazon Soliman, Social Welfare secretary.

“Multiply it by five (persons per family), that’s 500,000,” she said, adding that most of the residents had volunteered to leave.

Residents cook their meals on higher ground after evacuating their homes due to super-typhoon Hagupit in Tacloban city, central Philippines December 5, 2014 The eastern islands of Samar and Leyte, which are still recovering from last year’s super typhoon Haiyan, could be in the firing line again.

“I am afraid and scared,” said Teresita Aban, a 58-year-

old housewife from Santa Rita in Samar province, wiping away tears and trembling.

“We’re prepared but still fearful. We haven’t finished repairing our house. It still has tarpaulin patches -- and here

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comes another storm.”

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva said 200,000 people had been evacuated in the central island province of Cebu alone.

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“Typhoon Hagupit is triggering one of the largest evacuations we have ever seen in peacetime,” said spokesman Denis McClean.

The eye of the storm hovered 305 km (190 miles) east of Borongan, in Eastern Samar, on Friday afternoon, PAGASA said. Cold, dry Siberian winds blowing from the north had sapped some of its strength, but it was still packing winds of up to 195 kph near the center, with gusts of up to 230 kph.

“Although we said it has weakened, 195 kph is still very strong ... We should not be com-

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placent,” said Landrico Dalida, Jr. acting deputy administrator for operations at PAGASA. The agency added that the radius of the storm had narrowed slightly to 600 km from 700 km, but said it would still bring torrential rain and 3- to 4-metre storm surges when it slams into Eastern or Northern Samar provinces on Saturday evening.

The weather bureau also said the typhoon had veered slightly north and was moving west-northwest towards eastern coasts at around 13 kph.

More than 7,000 people died or went missing when typhoon Haiyan, known locally as Yolanda, tore through the central Philippines in November 2013. The storm, one of the strongest typhoons ever to make landfall in the world, left more than 4 million people homeless or with damaged houses.

“It’s better to evacuate early ... We don’t want to experience what we went through during Yolanda,” said Gigi Calne, a housewife seeking shelter with about 3,000 others at a school in Basey, in Samar province, in central Philippines.

About 10 million residents of the Bicol and Eastern Visayas regions of the central Philippines are at risk of flooding, storm surges and strong winds as Hagupit hits land. AccuWeather Global Weather Center said more than 30 million people would feel the impact of the typhoon across the Philippines.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 6, 2014

Toy gun clampdown

Police promise arrests after raid on Falmouth store (Jamaica Observer) FALMOUTH, Trelawny — The police Thursday displayed a large number of toy guns seized from a store in this town and pointed to the danger of them being used to commit crimes, especially at night.

At the same time, Superintendent Wilford Campbell, commander of the Falmouth police division, said that arrests should be made in connection with the seizure of the contraband, as they are uncustomed goods.

“We are currently conducting an investigation into how and by what means these guns would have come into the island, as they are re-

Some of the toy guns seized by the police from a store in Falmouth, on display yesterday garded as uncustomed goods. he told journalists at a news So at the end of that investi- conference at the Falmouth gation we will be making Police Station. some arrests or prosecutions According to Superintenwhere this is concerned,” dent Campbell, the police will

be conducting operations in other stores in the Falmouth area as they will not allow the sale of toy guns, firecrackers or any other goods that are restricted by Customs.

He said that the toy guns could be used by criminals to stage robberies and other illegal activities due to their close resemblance to real weapons.

“We are concerned that if, by any chance, these uncustomed goods get into the hands of the wrong persons there could be lots of problems as they relate to criminal activities,” Superintendent Campbell said.

“Because they bear the resemblance of a firearm,

and especially if they are used at nights in robberies, break-ins, etcetera, certainly the victim would not hesitate to give in, or the fear factor as it relates to the commission of the offence could not be contemplated in any different way than to believe that they are being held at gunpoint,” he argued.

Superintendent Campbell also said that for the festive season the majority of the cops in the division have been relieved of their administrative duties and have been assigned to the streets.

“We in the Trelawny division would have formulated our Yuletide Strategic Plan,” he said. “The plan basically

encompasses our activities for the season, which would see us adopting a 80/20 ratio; meaning 80 per cent of our staff would be mobilised on the streets, and the 20 per cent would be engaged in administrative and CIB functions.”

He said the seizure of the toy guns was evidence of the Yuletide Strategic Plan already reaping success.

“Resulting from that, our vigilance would have increased and, so, acting on intelligence, we would have conducted a special operation on one of those stores in Falmouth, which would have resulted in the seizure of these toy guns,” Superintendent Campbell said.

Mexico missing students: Pena Nieto visits Guerrero (BBC News) MEXICAN President Enrique Pena Nieto has visited Guerrero state for the first time since students disappeared at the hands of local police.

However Mr Pena Nieto did not visit the town of Iguala, where the 43 students were taken in September.

He sent his interior minister and national security chief instead.

The president announced an economic recovery plan for the city of Acapulco, struggling with gang violence and the impact of a hurricane last year.

“We are here because after what has happened, we recognise that Guerrero’s most important economic

activity has slowed.” he said.

Two weeks ago, the U.S. embassy in Mexico advised its nationals to “defer non-essential travel to Acapulco”.

Last week President Pena Nieto announced a new security plan for justice and police reform. Federal security forces have been sent to dozens of towns in the states of Guerrero, Mexico, Michoacan and Morelos.

Federal police and troops will replace municipal forces in Acapulco and more than 30 other towns.

The reform is aimed at tackling mistrust in the authorities following the disappearance of 43 students.

There have been months

Mr Pena Nieto’s visit to Acapulco comes the day after thousands of federal troops start patrolling the streets. of nationwide protests some of them violent since they were allegedly

handed to a criminal gang by local police for execution.

The students went missing on 26 September after clashing with the municipal

police force in Iguala.

Municipal officers have told investigators they were ordered to intercept the students by the local mayor. The officers said they handed the students over to members of a local drugs gang.

The Mexican attorney general says members of the drugs gang killed the students and burned their remains.

However, relatives of the missing say they will not believe the 43 are dead until there is forensic proof.

Tests on remains found at the rubbish dump where the bodies were allegedly burned are currently being tested.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 6, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

The police have been let down by the court IN an editorial a few days ago, captioned “Music Monster!” we highlighted the unconscionable attack of a ‘missile barrage’ on the Warisali family, of West Bank Demerara, because of a report that the elder Warisali had made to the La Grange Police station. This was relative to deafening music emanating from a neighbourhood wedding house that this family had to endure, until they could have taken it no more.

In that piece we urged “…….. that the authorities begin to take condign action against these music monsters, or citizens like the Warisalis and numerous others throughout our commu-

nities will continue to suffer a definite health hazard, and risk of abuse and personal attack, such as what this West Bank family suffered because they protested.” It was a fair admonishment, because of citizens’ numerous complaints of either slow responses/inaction on the part of the police.

But as if taking up our challenge, a media report captioned “Police not pleased with Magistrate’s decision in noise nuisance” does convey a situation totally unexpected in the light of prompt police action.

We are told that a certain businessman, Vishnu Ramdial, had been charged with two counts of noise nuisance to which he had pleaded

guilty. He was also arraigned for threatening language against the complainant to which he has entered a not guilty plea.

But despite acceding to a plea of guilty to the noise nuisance offence, he was reprimanded and discharged by the Magistrate, a result which has elicited a frank statement of both disagreement and disapproval from the police.

Of course the police has reiterated the well-known fact of noise nuisance “plaguing the society, with numerous complaints…… ….”the police expend a lot of time and resources in processing noise nuisance reports. They also bemoan that “……prosecuting the

alleged offenders has been problematic, since the complainants in most cases are reluctant to testify in court.”

Of course we are taught to respect the Court’s decision. A position in principle we do accept. However, in all objectivity and fairness to the police in this extant matter, one should agree with their more than great disappointment at seeing an offender, charged, accepting culpability by way of guilty plea, only to be let off by the court. We ask whether there were mitigating/special circumstances in the defendant’s favour that earned him such a let-off? At least, such has not been reported in the press.

We support due process, as it is the enshrined procedure of every democratic state where the Rule of Law is sacrosanct. It means that an alleged offender, when apprehended by the Law, is charged and placed before the courts for the determination of guilt or otherwise. Further, it is a fact that in some instances, guilt is difficult to prove because of myriad reasons which will not detain us here. But this case of the East Coast businessman is simple in every respect, even more so, since the offender pleaded guilty to the charge. And so, we, just as the Police, are baffled that he has not been

sanctioned, in any form, particularly for an offence that is a national epidemic, and causing distress to so many of our citizens. So many are suffering because of the unending monstrosity that is noise nuisance!

The judicial authorities are expected to support the efforts of law enforcement.

It is the legitimate expectation of every society that is governed by laws that guilty persons be made to suffer penalty accordingly, as this businessman ought to have.

The punishment must fit the crime.

In this particular matter mentioned above, the police did their work; but have been let down.

Edghill holds fruitful discussions with Green Valley residents MINISTER in the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, who was invited by residents of Green Valley, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice), held a successful engagement with residents of that community where he lauded them for their efforts to engage in dialogue.

The meeting, which was well attended, was held at the Fruits of the Valley Assembly of God church.

Edghill said other Lindeners should follow suit with the culture of dialogue, which will ultimately prove beneficial to them.

“I’m overjoyed to come to be with you... it is a meeting that I didn’t ask for and when people from Region Ten request to see me, I can’t say no.”

He noted that such a request should never be turned down by any good leader or person in authority moreso the Government as they have a responsibility to citizens.

The minister emphasised the importance of dialogue in

Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, during the community meeting with residents of Green Valley, Linden, Region 10 moving a society forward. “…The Government, we believe in dialogue, we believe that discussion and dialogue is important to move Guyana forward, it is important for the resolution and managing of conflict.”

Reference was made of civil wars and other major conflicts around the world which all had to be resolved around a table, and through dialogue.

“I do believe that all of us here want the same thing,

we want prosperity, safety, the welfare of our senior citizens and jobs…but where we end up with conflicts is the route that we choose to get there, the methods we employ,” Edhgill also acknowledged the fact that any com-

munity has its own views, political affiliation and opinion, all of which are equally important to that community’s development.

However while there are differences in opinions, he urged the residents to see each other’s view, in spite of how different it may be, but in a constructive way that will bring development to their community.

“Disagreement is not a bad thing. It allows us to see that which didn’t exist before.

Once I listen I can appreciate...we see things in different ways, and everybody brings something different, and you here bring a perspective that can benefit you, and the Government brings something that can benefit you, as well as other stakeholders.”

He reminded residents that what is important is how the information and views shared can benefit Lindeners.

Meanwhile, Green Valley residents used the opportunity to raise several issues affecting them.

Some of these issues include land titling, street

lights, drainage and culverts and proper roads.

On the issue of the land titling, residents informed the minister, that over five years ago they made payments to the Central Housing and Planning Authority, but to date they have not received their titles.

The residents also provided the minister with a list of persons who made payments and the minister gave an undertaking to investigate and provide a feedback.

The residents were assured that an intervention will be made as it relates to street lighting, and the road issues.

Residents also enquired about the possibility of the One Lap Top Per Family programme continuing.

They also asked the minister for his intervention into the possibility of an area to be identified for a playfield for the community.

The minister advised that the residents make the necessary application and the process will be taken

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 6, 2014

Guyanese to know way forward today -following Opposition’s refusal to engage in dialogue

Presiden Donald Ramotar

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar will today inform the nation on the way forward after the “disappointing” response to his invitation for talks following the November 10 prorogation of Parliament.

His invitation was made via a November 18 letter to Leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Brigadier (rtd) David Granger.

The President has always maintained that the need for dialogue was uppermost in his mind when he made his decision. Paving the way for greater dialogue among political parties, he contends, would have kept the 10th Parliament alive to address critically important issues currently before the National Assembly.

On Tuesday the main Op-

position leader acknowledged Mr. Ramotar’s letter and was emphatic in his assertion that there will be “no talks” with the current administration, unless the prorogation of Parliament is lifted.

According to the Granger camp, via a brief missive sent the media yesterday and titled, “Leader of the Opposition responds to the President,” “Brigadier Da-

vid Granger, Leader of the Opposition, has responded to the letter from President Donald Ramotar, dated 18th November 2014 and entitled ‘Inter-Prorogation Dialogue.’

“The Opposition Leader iterated that APNU would be unprepared to participate in such a proposed dialogue for as long as the Parliament of Guyana remained prorogued.”

Mr. Ramotar subsequently responded to Granger, communicating in a letter his disappointment over the position taken by APNU. Additionally, both APNU and the Alliance For Change (AFC), at the time of the prorogation, made it clear that they will not engage the President in talks unless the prorogation is lifted and parliamentary work resumes.

Granger says PSC should ask the President to come to the Opposition -President says Gov’t has tried

THE ball is in the court of President Donald Ramotar and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) should ask the Head of State to come to the Opposition to resolve the problems that have resulted in the current political impasse.

This was the contention of Leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Brigadier (rtd) David Granger, said at the party’s weekly press conference yesterday.

“This letter should be sent directly to the President for him to come to the Opposition and resolve these problems,” Granger said.

PSC’S PROPOSAL His comments follow the PSC’s proposal of a solution to the political gridlock, which was made public on Thursday.

“It is an interesting initiative by the private sector,” the APNU Leader said.

The PSC has called for an end to the November 10 prorogation of Parliament, as well as the stay of the Alliance for Change (AFC) sponsored no-confidence motion.

The Commission’s call was made in a statement that was made public yesterday, in which several actions were detailed as necessary to move past the current political gridlock that is pushing Guyanese to early elections.

The statement essentially includes three calls: * An end to the prorogation and stay of the no-confidence motion;

* A one-month period, a moratorium once the prorogation is lifted and the no-confidence motion stayed, which will allow for dialogue before any consideration is given to dissolution of Parliament and subsequent general elections; and * An agreement that representatives of civil society will be allowed to observe the dialogue process in full once commenced during this period.

DIALOGUE INTENDED President Ramotar has always maintained that the need for dialogue was uppermost in his mind when he made his decision. Paving the way for greater dialogue among political parties, he contends, would have kept the 10th Parliament alive to address critically important issues currently before the National Assembly.

The effect of ending the first session of the 10th Parliament via prorogation is the termination of the business of the National Assembly.

As a result the AFC’s no-confidence motion was not considered. Also APNU had, prior to November 10, signalled its intent to support the push through of the motion.

Had it not been for the proclamation to prorogue Parliament, if the no-confidence motion was passed, Guyana would have been headed to early general elections within three months.

Since the prorogation,

APNU and the AFC have made it clear that they will not engage the President in talks unless the prorogation is lifted and Parliamentary work resumes. The rejection of talks was also formally communicated by APNU Leader, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger in a December 2 letter responding to the President’s November 18 invitation for talks.

The most recent contention of the current Administration, following these positions, is that the prorogation objectives, primarily dialogue, have been lost.

ON THE PRESIDENT’S TABLE However, Granger yesterday insisted that everything that the PSC wrote about is on the President’s table.

“My first reaction, that is to say, my reaction before I consulted my colleagues, was that the main points raised by the private sector commission were exhaustively dealt with in meetings with the president during this year,” he said.

On that note, he laid blame at the door of the current Administration for the failed dialogue.

“Although I am sympathetic, by the initiative of the Private Sector Commission, all of these issues have been covered exhaustively by the president and he has been preventing resolution,” Granger said.

The APNU leader was

also asked about the fact that the President prorogued

Parliament because his Administration was facing the Alliance for Change (AFC) sponsored no-confidence motion at a time when sev-

eral critically important matters were engaging the National Assembly’s attention.

He said, “I expressed

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 6, 2014

AFC Congress opens today against a backdrop of internal wrangling

– election of presidential or prime ministerial candidates not on the agenda THE Alliance for Change’s (AFC) Biennial Conference is scheduled for today at the Saints Stanislaus College Auditorium, under the theme ‘Unity for healing, reconciliation of our people and equitable growth of our nation.’

However, there will be no selection of presidential and prime ministerial candidates, as previously expected.

“This conference will not see the selection of a Presidential or Prime Ministerial Candidate. Our constitution states that when elections are announced we should have a special conference to elect those persons,” the AFC’s General-Secretary David Patterson.

His remarks were made during a press conference hosted by the party yesterday.

According to the General Secretary while the election of presidential and prime ministerial candidates is not on the agenda, executive representatives, as well as members of other committees will be elected.

In early October at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, there were four nominations for the Presidential Candidate: Khemraj Ramjattan, Nigel Hughes, Moses Nagamootoo and Cathy Hughes.

Ramjattan subsequently endorsed Nagamootoo as the party’s presidential candidate.

Nominations were also made for the Prime Ministerial Candidate, namely: Raphael Trotman, Nigel Hughes, Cathy Hughes, Dr Verasammy Ramayya and David Patterson.

FACING CHALLENGES Notably, the party’s con-

was unavailable for comment. “I am very busy right now,” he told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday.

Khemraj Ramjattan

ference, which was initially slated for October comes at a time when the party is facing challenges, some of which are expected to cause some amount of unease at today’s Conference. These include: ● Internal wrangling as a result of Ramjattan’s endorsement of Nagamootoo as the party’s presidential candidate. ● The resignations of mainstream supporters; ● The perception that it is aligned with the main Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), particularly as it relates to the divisions in the party, which has seen two faction emerging – the Ramjattan faction and the Hughes faction; ● Indications of lost support in People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) constituencies where it managed to secure something of a foothold during the 2011 elections; and ● Damning allegations that the party is practicing race politics.

The AFC leader, when contacted for a response on whether these matters would attract the attention of the party during the conference,

RESIGNATIONS A significant loss for the party was the resignation of Sasenarine Singh, who was considered the party’s Finance Chief.

Last August, the AFC Chairman Nigel Hughes had tendered his resignation, but it was not accepted. Hughes had offered his resignation after it was reported that he was the Company Secretary of Amaila Falls Hydro Inc. However, Hughes in a release had said “the incorporation of the Amaila Falls Hydro Inc and my appointment as secretary had been a matter of public record since the incorporation of the Company in April 2009.

Prior to that, in March 2013, AFC Councillor Charrandas Persaud decided to leave the party over “recognition issues,” which were among a long list of his concerns that are yet to be addressed.

Several other members, including Dr Asquith Rose and Tarron Khemraj, had resigned from the party and joined A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), because of unresolved conflicts and differences on policy issues and decisions taken by the AFC’s current leadership.

The AFC representative on the Region 2 (Pomeroon/ Supenaam) Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Archie Cordis, has also parted ways with the party.

In early October this year, former AFC Region 6 (East Berbice/ Corentyne) Councillor, Haseef Yusuf, a very vocal critic of the party, was replaced by popular businessman, Devindra-

Sookraj.

ALIGNED TO APNU As it relates to the perception that it is aligned with APNU, comments from the AFC Leader himself has added fuel to this particular fire.

In early November, contrary to what he’d said before about his party’s position regarding APNU’s proposal for a broader coalition, Ramjattan expressed something of a change of heart.

“We will be dealing with it shortly; I don’t want to make any further comments,” he told the Guyana Chronicle, when the issue was raised with him; whereas he told the Guyana Times earlier in the week: “It is nothing of the sort,” which was taken to mean that the two parties had not yet discussed the matter.

But APNU Leader, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger, inadvertently let the ‘cat out of the bag’ when he announced that the coalition’s proposal was renewed during a meeting between the two Opposition parties. This was prior to Ramjattan expressing that “it was nothing of the sort.”

According to Granger: “The matter was raised… and I would say the ball is now in the AFC’s court.”

To this extent, however, he informed that no indication was made by the AFC as to whether they will buy into the proposal. As such, the offer still stands.

SUPPORT BASE On the matter on the AFC losing ground in the very areas the party managed to sway supporters of the ruling party, as early as Monday, the PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee,

noted that the indications of a “dwindling support base” are clear.

He said: “This is a clear indication that those who voted for the party has lost confidence in them and are therefore returning to the PPP/C which has over the years up kept it programmes and policies all aimed at improving the lives of all Guyanese. The turnout at both rallies which were held over the weekend was less than favorable. “…the hopes of AFC presidential candidate Moses Nagamottoo to garner support for his party from East Berbice communities seem to be dwindling as most residents from Whim and Port Mourant boycotted two rallies by the party.”

The AFC Leader, in an invited comment to this newspaper, has since denied that this assertion ‘holds any water.’

RACE POLITICS Although Ramjattan has addressed the question of a dwindling support base, there has been no word from the party on the damning allegations that it is engaging in race politics.

What the AFC has charged, however, is that the ruling party is pandering along the historic lines of racial division.

One government Member of Parliament (MP), on the condition of anonymity, told the Guyana Chronicle that this charge is ludicrous.

“There is no question on who is really playing the politics of race. Since 2011, the AFC has declared openly that they will work in the PPP constituencies to break the back of the PPP. The 2011 election campaign saw them working in traditional-

ly Indian rural are, especially in Regions 5, 6 and 2,” the MP said.

To support these contentions, the parliamentarian pointed out that the AFC made no bones about having two Afro-Guyanese, David Patterson and Nigel Hughes, appearing on at an APNU rally, in early November, to speak, while Ramjattan and Nagamootoo stayed away.

Also during the 2011 elections campaign, the AFC promised to advocate for an increase in wages and salaries for sugar workers and in an about turn the party.

However, during campaigns in Region 10, a traditional People National Congress Reform (PNCR) stronghold, the Government’s support for those in the sugar workers was construed as neglect for other sections of Guyanese society.

“When the agreement on the electricity tariff for Linden was made, two years ago, Mr. Ramjattan used the chance to tell Guyanese in Berbice that the Government is neglecting them. On the other hand, when campaigning in Linden, the AFC tells Guyanese there that the Government is supporting only sugar workers. Who is playing race politics?” the MP questioned.

Additionally, as it relates to the division in the party, the question of race politics is even more concrete, since one faction prefers to be aligned to APNU and another is opposed to it.

According to the Parliamentarian the challenges before the AFC is one that it must address.

Today, at its Biennial Conference, some 300 delegates and observers are expected to be in attendance.

Stray Catchers very active in police 'A', 'B', 'C', and 'D' divisions THE Home Affairs Ministry (MoHA) yesterday reported that a total of 198 animals had been impounded in 'A', 'B', 'C' and 'D' Police Divisions

during the month of November 2014.

The Georgetown Unit accounted for 38 animals, comprising 16 cows and 22 goats.

The Berbice Unit accounted for 161 animals, comprising 31 horses, 95 cows, 11 goats, and 24 sheep.

A total of nine animals

were impounded in ‘A’ Division, 161 in ‘B’ Division, 10 in ‘C’ Division, and 23 in ‘D’ Division.

Training sessions were held for stray catchers in

order to address the following issues: Conduct and Appearance on Duty, the Pounds Act, the Cattle Stealing Act, and the Roads Act.

The MoHA has also advised cattle owners to ensure that their animals are branded, so as to facilitate their redemption after they had been impounded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 6, 2014

About 100 individuals up for GPF promotions ASSISTANT Commissioners, senior superintendents, superintendents, deputy superintendents, assistant superintendents, cadet officers and inspectors are all in the lineup of police ranks being considered for promotion by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

The list was submitted to the PSC by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), but was returned to the GPF for some additional details as requested by the PSC, and has not yet been returned to the PSC, although that is expected to be done shortly.

Speaking recently with the Guyana Chronicle, Police Commissioner (acting) Seelall Persaud confirmed that the list had been compiled and sent to the PSC for consideration. He did not divulge names on the list, but this publication was able to garner that bit of information.

Asked if all serving divisional commanders had been included on the list, the top

cop responded that he did not wish to commit to answering that question because he did not want to spawn anxiety among GPF ranks.

He also pointed out that the list submitted by the Force contained only recommendations, and not confirmation for promotion.

Sources close to the operations of the GPF have confirmed that the list submitted to the PSC contains the names of nearly one hundred police ranks from the various divisions and from all departments in the Guyana Police Force.

Commissioner Persaud said the list submitted would address the present vacancies within the Guyana Police Force.

“The Police Force did submit its recommendations to the Police Service Commission, which requested some additional recommendations and information that the police sent to the commission. (Those) are only

recommendations, and the commission has its work to do; they can either take the recommendations or refuse to take any of the recommendations which were put forward,” the acting top cop told this newspaper.

In an earlier comment from a source at the Office of the Police Service Commission, this newspaper was informed that the police did not make any headway in submission of the list of ranks for promotional consideration. At that time, the source had said the fact that the list had not been submitted was not a big deal, since the commission required only approximately one or two weeks to go through the list, which would include what rank the officer is being elevated to, and from what position he/she is being elevated.

The Commission, in its deliberations, would also look at the cases which are pending against officers

Police Training College fetes recruits at Christmas luncheon

RECRUITS in training at the Felix Austin Police College were hosted to a Christmas luncheon at the Police Officers’ Mess A n n e x e a t E v e L e a r y, Georgetown on Thurs-

day, December 4, 2014.

During the event, ranks were ‘pampered’ by senior officers and staff of the Police College in terms of them being served meals.

Home Affairs Minis-

ter Clement Rohee and Acting Police Commissioner Mr. Seelall Persaud, DSM, also participated in this traditional a c t i v i t y. ( M i c h e l O u t ridge)

Acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud feting recruits of the Felix Austin Police College at a Christmas Luncheon hosted by the GPF

whose names are on the list, and would decide whether or not the officer is eligible for promotion as recommended by the Commissioner of Police.

There have recently been reports in sections of the media in which ranks have been quoted as saying that matters which were pending for long periods

have been raised against them at this time, when their names should be up for promotion in the Guyana Police Force. (Leroy Smith)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 6, 2014

Adrian Bishop fatal shooting…

PCA Chairman says witness’s statement has inconsistencies CHAIRMAN of the Police Complaints Authority, (PCA) Justice Cecil Kennard on Monday

said that the statement by lone civilian witness to last September’s fatal shooting of Adrian

Bishop in Albouystown at the hands of a police rank has some inconsistencies.

Speaking with this publication during an invited comment, the former Chancellor of the Judiciary, who now heads the PCA, said the witness told police several things in his statement, including that Bishop was struck to the head with a gun by one of the police ranks who showed up to arrest him on the night in question.

However, based on the post-mortem examination on the body, no injuries were found on the head and that aspect of the statement by the witness has caused the PCA Chairman to return the file to the police who were to forward it to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to determine if the statement would be admissi-

Cecil Kennard

Adrian Bishop

ble in the investigation.

Kennard told the Guyana Chronicle that the case has seen the submission of close to fifteen statements which including that of the witness which is now being brought under the microscope. He added that the file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecution almost one month ago since he was finished with his deliberations in the matter and examining

the evidence which were contained in the file.

Bishop was killed on September 27 when he was shot by a weapon being carried by a member of the Guyana Police Force. The police in a statement said that the man was shot after he attempted to grab the weapon from a police corporal causing the weapon to go off accidentally.

There were those on the scene of the shooting where the deceased was attending a birthday party who refuted the claims of the police stating that the man was assaulted by the police and shot after he was placed in the po-

lice vehicle.

Among the statements which were submitted to the Police Complaints Authority was that the deceased approached a female at the party whom he wanted to befriend and when the woman resisted, he threw a bottle in her direction causing her to make a report to the Brickdam Police Station where ranks responded and attempted to arrest him.

Meanwhile, Bishop who was fingered in several armed robberies in the past was said to have shared a relationship with the said female who is also a member of the Guyana Police Force.

The details saw persons raising questions about the relationships being shared by serving members of the force and persons who are on the other side of the law.

Meanwhile Crime Chief Leslie James told this newspaper that the file was not with his department but rather it was sent back to the office of the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority.

Food vendor shot during robbery attempt A FOOD vendor was shot, injured and hospitalised early Thursday morning when he was confronted by a lone gunman at Ketley Street, Charlestown.

The police reported that at about 05:45 hrs, Vincent Ramkissoon, 48, of Canal No. 1, West Bank Demerara, was attacked by a man armed

with a firearm in an apparent robbery attempt at Ketley Street, Charlestown.

Ramkissoon was shot to his left foot by the perpetrator who escaped after residents came out and accosted him.

He was admitted to a hospital as investigations continue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 6, 2014

Annai Secondary wins 2014 CC-LCDS Secondary Schools Quiz

Ms. Gitanjali Chandarpal with teachers and other officials and the two teams

ANNAI Secondary School from Region 9 (Upper Takatu/ Upper Essequibo emerged champions of the 2014 Climate Change-LCDS Secondary Schools Quiz which was broadcast on the National Communications Network (NCN) over the past three weeks.

The Quiz was organised by the Office for Climate Change, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and NCN. It featured 16 secondary schools drawn from all 10 regions of Guyana with veteran broadcaster and Quizmaster Dr. Rovin Deodat moderating.

Covent Garden Secondary School on the East Bank Demerara and Annai Secondary School contested the final.

At the prize-giving ceremony Ms. Gitanjali Chandarpal, Head of the Office of Climate Change, congratulated both teams and thanked all the schools that took part in the Quiz for their excellent showing and their contribution to educating the Guyanese public on Climate Change and the LCDS. This was the third CC-LCDS Quiz for Secondary

Schools organised by the Office of Climate Change.

Students from all the teams in the Quiz received special gifts for their participation as well as prizes for winning in each match

as they moved forward. The Champions, Annai Secondary School, received the winners' trophy and Covent Garden received a trophy for the runner-up position. Both teams will also benefit

from education tours organised by the Office of Climate Change and the Ministry of Education.

The schools that participated in the competition included: Port Kaituma Secondary, Cotton Field Secondary, Abram Zuil Secondary, West Demerara Secondary; Stewartville Secondary, St. Stanislaus College, Beterverwagting Secondary, The Bishops High School, Covent Garden Secondary, Bush Lot Secondary,, Berbice Educational Institute, J.C. Chandisingh Secondary, Three Miles Secondary, Paramakatoi Secondary, Annai Secondary and Christianburg Wismar Secondary. (GINA)

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GPHC receives $3.6M fetal monitors from Canadian charity

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 6, 2014

Staff of the Georgetown Public Hospital Maternity Ward receiving fetal monitors from Vice- President of GHTK, Dr. Andrea Hunter, first at right

One of the fetal monitor’s donated to GPHC

THE Guyana Help the Kids (GHTK) organisation, a Canadian charity, recently donated eight electronic fetal monitors to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to better enable doctors and nurses to examine pregnant women and their babies.

A statement released by the hospital said that the monitors which cost approximately $3.6M will be used to detect if fetuses have normal heart rate patterns during the last few months of pregnancy or during labor.

Monitoring a baby’s heart rate is integral to the process of a successful delivery since this allows doctors to recognise if there are any complications developing during pregnancy and also to determine whether a baby should be delivered early vaginally or through an emergency cesarean section.

Training sessions for doctors and nurses on how to properly use the machines are ongoing.

There have been a number of collaborations between GPHC and GHTK over the last few years, specifically in the obstetric department.

Previously, GHTK started a programme to train Guyanese doctors to become pediatricians as well as a programme to train nurses to specialise in caring for neonates and newborn babies. These programmes are still continuing.

The GPHC receives all women with high risk obstetric pregnancies from across the country, with over 8,000 admissions per year and 5,500 deliveries.

GHTK is a registered Canadian charity with the goal of decreasing neonatal and infant mortality in developing countries, particularly in Guyana.

APNU optimistic of public support and financial resources -says it is unlikely that Local Government Elections will be held before General Elections MAIN Opposition A partnership for National Unity (APNU) has expressed an optimistic view that they will receive the support from the Guyanese populace for General Elections and financial support for campaigning purposes.

According to Leader of the Opposition, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger at his party’s weekly press conference yesterday, when APNU was launched in July of 2011, the party had only four months to prepare and once people heard their message, they were prepared to come forward and give support. As such, he noted that it is against this backdrop that he is “confident” that the same thing will happen this time around.

“Once elections occur, we are

going to get the support” the Opposition Leader said, while disclosing that he has heard several expressions of support already.

He further explained that elections are based on two factors; one being voting and the other being cash. As such, his party is again confident that the population will “swing” in their favour. “Public opinion has swung in our favour and swung away from the PPP,” he claimed However, as it relates to finances, Granger once again expressed similar sentiments, stressing that “we are confident that we will be able to acquire the sort of financial resources that we need to campaign successfully.”

He however urged that as it is presently, “public opinion” plays

more of a critical role in the next upcoming elections than any other factor influencing the electoral process.

APNU’s financial strength in face of both elections While not disclosing directly APNU’s financial stability in the face of both General and Local Government Elections, the Opposition Leader noted that it is highly unlikely that Local Government Elections will be held before General Elections.

As a result of this, he further explained that there will be a “pause” after General Elections would have been held so as to facilitate the installation the new Government and Members of Parliament, while ensuring that

other election procedures are put in place.

“The President has the option for determining what will happen.

If tomorrow (today) he announces the dissolution of Parliament or the extension of the prorogation, once the outcome of that announcement is General Elections, that (General Elections) will have priority.

“General elections will always have priority over Local Government Elections” Granger assured.

President Donald Ramotar is expected sometime today to address critical issues which the nation is currently experiencing.

Some analysts have speculated that an announcement on either the prorogation of Parliament or the announcement of early elections will be made.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 6, 2014

Republic Bank is newest member of Guyana Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS

AS the business sector continues to demonstrate commitment to a sustained, multi-sectoral response to HIV/AIDS, Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited is the latest entity to join the Guyana Business Coalition on HIV/ AIDS (GBCHA).

Republic Bank has a strong community investment programme titled “The Power to Make a Difference”.

Managing Director of Republic Bank, Mr. John Alves highlighted the importance of maintaining the gains of the investment made by the business sector in reducing the spread of HIV. He in-

The Coalition assists members in the development of programmes, workplace policies, and distributes resource materials.

Mr. Troy Peters, Board Member of GBCHA, was also present at the official signing. He stated that due to the successes of the members’ HIV workplace and community programmes, the scope of GBCHA’s work has now extended into general health and wellness.

In this regard, work has commenced with members on issues relating to mental health, domestic violence, and non-communicable diseases.

Mr. John Alves, Managing Director of Republic Bank and Suzanne French, Executive Director GBCHA, holding signed membership Memorandum of Co-operation (MOC) certificates dicated that much work was done within Republic Bank to formulate and implement workplace policies and programmes with the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO) supported project, which ended in early 2014.

Consistent training is conducted for employees to raise awareness and to equip them with skills needed to share knowledge in the workplace, homes, and communities at large.

COLLABORATION He added that Republic Bank was looking forward to collaborating with fellow members of the Coalition, government and non-governmental organisations in order to mitigate the impact of HIV in Guyana.

GBCHA is a membership organisation which supports the business sector in promoting healthy lifestyles in the workplace and community.

These initiatives are done in partnership with the Ministries of Health and Human Services and Social Security and NGOs such as Help and Shelter.

Ms. Suzanne French, Executive Director of GBCHA, welcomed Republic Bank as a member of the Coalition and highlighted the opportunity that the members have in reducing stigma and discrimination within and outside of the workplace and to support prevention and other initiatives of the national programme.

Activities were conducted at the workplaces of GBCHA member organisations and the Coalition’s Secretariat to commemorate World AIDS Day on December 1st.

These included information sessions for staff and customers and the distribution of brochures and male and female condoms.

Meanwhile, at Demerara Distillers Ltd. (DDL) activities in observance of World

AIDS Day included a workshop on HIV/AIDS, held on the premises and addressed

by Mr. Asif Gafoor, DDL’s Environmental Occupational Safety and Health Officer.

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Mr. Asif Gafoor, DDL Environment Occupational Safety and Health Officer making a presentation on World AIDS Day

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 6, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 6, 2014

‘Fowl fight’ murder accused jailed for 66 yrs THIRTY-EIGHT-YEAROLD Mark Assing, called ‘Jessie’, was yesterday sentenced to 66 years’ imprisonment by Justice Navindra Singh following his being found guilty by a mixed jury of shooting to death Abiola Eadie, called ‘Abbie’, on June 19th, 2012 after a heated argument in which Assing had alleged that guys had used his fowl to fight and the fowl became blind as a consequence.

During that argument, the accused Assing had pulled out a gun and had pointed it at one Martin, son of the deceased Abiola Eadie. Wrapped in a towel, Abiola was standing in front of her son Martin when the accused allegedly fired the fatal shot that hit her in the mouth.

Represented by wellknown Attorney-at-law Mr.

Peter Hugh, the accused Assing had pleaded not guilty as charged.

Senior State Counsel, Mrs. Judith Gildharie Mursalin conducted the case for the prosecution.

(George Barclay)

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Prosecutrix Mrs. Judith Mursalin closed her case yesterday following the testimony of 11 witnesses DEFENCE Counsel Mr. Peter Hugh and the prosecutrix addressed the jury yesterday afternoon.

During the trial the jury heard that following an argument over a fowl fight, that Abiola was shot in the head and that a deformed metal object that caused death, was recovered in the brain stem.

Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh, who per-

Jury agree with Psychiatrist that murder accused is unfit to plea MURDER accused Andre Hurdle appeared at the Demerara Assizes to face trial for murder but Govt. Psychiatrist Dr. Bhairo Harry testified that the accused who was his patient, was not fit to stand trial.

Presiding Judge Mr. Brassington Reynolds directed a 12-member jury who heard the doctor’s testimony to determine whether the accused was fit or unfit to face trial.

After deliberating for a short while

the jury returned with a verdict that the accused was unfit to plea.

Judge Reynolds directed that the accused be taken back to prison where arrangements will be made for him to receive the necessary psychiatric treatment.

The prosecution was led by prosecutrix Mrs. Tashana Lake in association with lawyers, Orinthia Schmidt and Stacy Goodings.

Attorney-at-law,Miss Sonia Parag represented the accused

formed the autopsy on the bodyof Abiola Eadie, disclosed this to the jury.

And witnesses state that the deformed bullet was handed over to the police for examination by the analyst department.

Mark Assing called “Jessie” is charged with having between the 19th June, 2012, and 3rd July, 2012, murdered Abiola Eadie called “Abbie”.

The Pathologist report showed that Abbie died from gun shot injuries to the head. At the time of her death she was 38.

Witnesses say that the killing followed an argument between the accused and others, when the accused was criticising persons for using his fowl to fight causing his pet to become blind.

The accused, it is said, had shot out during the argument, inflicting the injury to Abbie, who subsequently died.

The Prosecutrix told the jury “If, after hearing all of the evidence in this case, you are left in doubt or you are unsure of his guilt , then it is your duty to find him not guilty. “ However, if after hearing all of the evidence, you feel sure that this accused murdered Abiola Eadie, then you must find him guilty.”

The trial is expected to conclude today.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 6, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 6, 2014

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 6, 2014

Granger says PSC should ask the President to ...

From Page 7

support for the AFC’s no-confidence motion, and we cannot withdraw it because we did not propose it.”

WE DID NOT COME WITH MAX POSITIONS President Ramotar ’s positions of these recur-

ring contentions were expressed at his last press briefing.

There he made it clear that in every instance of talks with the Opposition, the Government has come to the table with its positions and has reduced those to minimum positions, mak-

ing concessions; whereas the combined Opposition parliamentary parties have held on to their maximum positions.

When asked to respond to the charge from APNU Leader that the Government has not granted any concessions during talks

with the two Opposition parties, the President made it clear that this was untrue–a fact supported by clear evidence.

He said: “It is the other way around….it was not me, but the Opposition that has taken these (maximum) positions…the agreements

that we have reached, there haven’t been that many, but it’s been we (the current Administration) who have been making the concessions.…these things are public knowledge; these things are known….I have not been hard or holding so strongly to my grounds.”

Given the current political state of affairs, the Government’s attempts at dialogue and the Opposition’s refusal of the most recent invitation to talks, Guyana could very likely be headed for an early general election.

The last election was held in November 2011.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 6, 2014

Some of the items donated by COURTS’ Guyana Inc. Sharing with the kids, in the joy of the moment are their parents and staff at the Ward. Seated (from left) in front row are: Sister Rhonda Henry; Nurse Yusini Maxwell and Junior Departmental Supervisor, Sister Denise Cumberbatch

Courts spreads Xmas cheer at GPHC Paediatric Ward -in annual goodwill gesture

CHILDREN in the Paediatric Ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) yesterday experienced their first real taste of the Christmas holidays, thanks to COURTS Guyana Inc. At noon yesterday, Santa Claus and his entourage touched down at the ward to spread COURTS’ annual Christmas cheer, ideally hosted at this time of year. This sparked great excitement amongst the kids, and the sparkle was evident in their eyes as Santa met with them and distributed toys and goodies in an atmosphere of love, joy, peace and goodwill.

In addition, Courts Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings made a presentation of much needed items to the ward, which would certainly make for the comfort, convenience and entertainment of the children who are in-patients at the institution.

Items donated included a hot-and-cold water dispenser; an LG flat screen television set; two recliner chairs; a double-bunk bed and a quantity of bed linen and hand towels.

The gifts were received by Departmental Supervisor Sister Denise Cumberbatch, who expressed gratitude to the donors and confidence that the items would serve to improve the comfort and entertainment of the children during their stay in hospital. She also thanked Courts for maintaining this annual goodwill gesture towards the children of the ward, and for helping make their Christmas bright.

Cummings pledged his company’s continued support to GPHC, specifically the Paediatric Ward. He wished the children all speedy recovery, and expressed hope that they would be out of the hospital before Christmas.

He said that for the children who may have to spend their Christmas in the hospital, Courts Guyana Inc. hopes it can help to make their stay much better during the holiday season. (Shirley Thomas)

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COURTS’ Guyana Inc staff, Children in the paediatric ward and staff after the presentation

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 6, 2014

Trouble coming for Police/GDF ranks making certain postings on social media THE hierarchy of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are now having their attention engaged by serving members of the respective forces posting on social media photographs of themselves carrying weapons and ammunition,

accompanied by various statuses.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle earlier this week, GDF Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips, related that the practice is one that is causing the administration of the army much concern, and the situation is

even more worrying when the persons posting those photographs post statuses which are not in keeping with the oath they would have taken when they joined the organisation.

Brigadier Phillips was speaking specifically to the photographs which appear

on Facebook, WhatsApp, Blackberry Messenger, Instagram Twitter and other social media sites, where ranks of the GDF are holding service weapons and/or live rounds and having the images commented upon by members of the public.

He said the Guyana De-

fence Force has already taken a position that, very soon, all its ranks would be informed of a Force policy against the posting of such photographs.

Disclosing that the matter had been raised before, he said the way forward is being addressed internally.

He was, however, clear that those who continue to make postings of such photographs can find themselves in trouble with the GDF if they persist with the practice.

And on the same subject, Crime Chief of the Guyana Police Force, Commander Leslie James, told this newspaper that the matter had never commanded priority attention in the GPF, being never discussed at management level nor deliberated upon at policy level, but the posting of such images should be of concern to the administration of the GPF. He said he would be raising the matter with senior of-

ficers of the GPF and would bring same to the attention of Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud.

The Crime Chief said that posting of those particular photographs and their accompanying comments could and does have implications for the provision of security for the nation, hence the practice would be addressed.

Recently reported by another section of the media on social media, the issue has already begun to receive position responses from members of the public, who have concluded that the security forces took too long to arrive at the position that the postings are improper.

“Thank God!”, “What took them so long?”, “Finally!” and “Good!” were some of the comments expressed by persons who heard of the decision of the security forces to censure the practice.

Asthma sufferer to do community service

…pay $20,000 fine for ganja possession

ALEX Pickering (no address given) was Wednesday fined $20,000 by Magistrate Ann McLennan for possession of narcotics.

The unrepresented man admitted that on December 2 at Cornhill Street, Georgetown, he had marijuana in his possession.

Police Prosecutor, Dinero Jones told the court that on the day in question around 17:00hrs ranks saw Pickering on Cornhill Street.

Subsequently, a search was carried out on his person and the suspected drug was found in his left side pants pocket.

According to Pickering, he is an asthma case and uses the substance for that purpose. He further noted that he explained this fact to the police but they said he had to tell this to the magistrate when he appeared in court.

He added that he only had $14,000 and Magistrate McLennan agreed that he should pay that amount today and the remaining $6,000 before December 10.

Pickering was ordered to pay the fine together with four weeks of community service and failure to do so will result in six months imprisonment.

Chef granted $70,000 bail on ganja charge CHEF Travis Sobers was Wednesday ordered to post $70,000 bail by Magistrate Ann McLennan on a narcotics charge.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge that said on Saturday, November 29, at Houston, East Bank Demerara, he had in his possession 10 grammes of marijuana.

Representing Sobers was attorney-at-law, Mr. Adrian Thompson. In a bail application he told the court that the alleged substance was not found on his client’s possession but in a taxi which Sobers and others were occupying.

Police Prosecutor, Dinero Jones did not oppose bail but asked that surety be granted in a substantial amount.

However, bail was granted and the matter was transferred before Magistrate Judy Latchman for January 19.

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Miner, security guard refused bail over gunpoint robbery of Toyota Premio TWO men charged with robbery under arms after allegedly taking a man’s car during a holdup were refused bail on Wednesday

by Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Miner Andrew Polly-

dore, 27 years, and security guard Keon Allen, 28 years, both pleaded not guilty to the charge that said on November 27 at Pouderoyen, West Coast Demerara, being together armed with a gun they robbed Rabindranauth Sukhram of one Toyota

Saturday December 6, 2014 – 05:30hrs sunday December 7, 2014 – 05:30hrs Monday December 8, 2014 – 05:00hrs

Premio motorcar valued $3.3 M. Both men were represented by attorney-at-law, Mr. George Thomas. He requested bail for both of his clients stating that Pollydore did not have any prior convictions.

Police Prosecutor, Dinero Jones opposed bail, citing the penalty attached to the charge and the fact that they used personal violence during the commission of the offence.

He further objected on the grounds that both men were positively identified on the CCTV surveillance.

Meanwhile, Allen was also facing a narcotics charge. He pleaded not guilty to the offence that said on November 3 at South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he had in his possession 2 grammes of marijuana.

According to Allen, he does not have any knowledge of the alleged drugs.

However, the Police Prosecutor did not object bail on the narcotics charge but requested that it should be granted in a substantial amount.

Allen was granted $50,000 bail and the matter was transferred before Magistrate Fabayo AZore for January 8, 2015.

Aries A key relationship could get even cozier as Venus glides into Libra. If you need to negotiate a deal or be extra diplomatic, you’ll find it easier to be so. Lucky opportunities may show up, too, so keep your eyes peeled. However, the weekend needs a little more care, as you could have a difference of opinion with someone in authority. Mercury rewinds, too, bringing potential delays. Plus, if you’re going on a long journey, it would help to expect the unexpected

Taurus The tendency to want to indulge could get stronger this week, particularly as Venus glides into your zone of health and wellness. Though you know you should eat wholesome food, it might be difficult to keep up the habit. In addition, you may need to be very diplomatic with someone who is treading on your toes, though how long you can keep this up is another matter. Mercury turns retrograde in your relationship sector, which could help you get to the heart of any tricky issues.

Gemini The cosmos has arranged the perfect sky for you to reach an important goal and claim the success you deserve. Be on the lookout for an offer that could make a positive difference to your plans. Plus, you’re in the perfect situation to close deals and negotiate opportunities. However, Mercury will begin its retrograde phase over the weekend, which means certain interactions may be open to unexpected changes. But a lively link hints that a social event may be full of surprises.

Cancer Career opportunities and financial affairs may perk up early in the week, so keep an eye out for an unexpected yet very welcome offer. Matters on the home front seem pleasantly relaxed, too, as Venus dances into Libra. You may feel motivated to do more entertaining or invite guests to stay and enjoy your cozy comforts. However, don’t rock the boat over the weekend, as someone’s response may be less than pleasant. An unexpected chance to grab a new job or contract could be yours this weekend.

Leo Regarding new ideas and enterprising opportunities, you may be able to cherry-pick one or two special ones this week. The willingness to take a risk could pay off, especially if you’re starting a business or expanding one you already have. You have what it takes to make the best of any situation and turn it to your advantage. However, Mercury turns retrograde on Saturday, which could complicate matters at home, particularly if you’re thinking about buying, selling, or remodelling your place.

Virgo You may be tempted to splurge on one or two luxuries when Venus sashays into your money zone on Monday. However, you’re likely to be generous with family and loved ones, too, especially with presents that you know they’ll adore. Your mind should be sharp and incisive with Mercury in Scorpio and your communication sector - perfectly positioned for resolving the problems and mysteries of life. Go easy from Saturday, however, as Mercury enters its retrograde phase, which could scuttle urgent plans.

Libra The move of Venus into Libra could set you thinking about your image and getting a makeover. If you feel a little stuck in a rut in this area, some words with a savvy pal could result in you getting a new haircut or clothes. However, go easy where finances are concerned this week, as Mercury turns retrograde on Saturday. It helps to keep receipts, especially for major purchases, as there’s more than a passing chance that you’ll need to get a refund.

Scorpio You’re in a natural phase when it helps to relax and recharge. This week Venus joins the Sun in your spiritual sector, enticing you to involve yourself in activities that nurture your inner longings and desires. Mercury rewinds in your sign at the same time and will be retrograde for the next three weeks. Although this can be a sign of delay, it often brings opportunities to resolve tricky issues. Plus, an offer you can’t resist may come your way this weekend.

Sagittarius Will romance happen out of the blue? This week’s alignment hints that it might. If you’re seeking a love adventure, hang on to your hat because a sizzling experience may be coming your way. Meanwhile, your social life heats up as Venus sashays into Libra, enhancing your chance of fun get-togethers, parties, and celebrations. Mercury’s retrograde phase, starting this weekend, takes place in your spiritual sector. It might entice you to meditate and improve your relationship with yourself. Watch your dreams, too!

Capricorn You may hear about unexpected moneymaking opportunities, and you could have success with various negotiations, too. The week ahead spotlights career issues and the value of mixing with folks who may be able to help your cause. Mercury’s move into your social sector should enhance your options here, but because it retrogrades starting Saturday, you might hit a wall if you’re trying to arrange an evening out. A little ingenuity could save the occasion. It pays to listen to an intuitive hunch, too!

Aquarius Work and career opportunities continue to look positive, so much so that you may be tempted to make a bold move. If an offer comes your way, this isn’t the time to dither - it might not be around long. Your best bet is to run with it and learn as you go. You might be tempted to splurge on luxuries or invest in art or beautiful items just for the sake of having lovely things around you. If travelling, expect one or two delays.

Pisces Work and career opportunities continue to look positive, so much so that you may be tempted to make a bold move. If an offer comes your way, this isn’t the time to dither - it might not be around long. Your best bet is to run with it and learn as you go.

You might be tempted to splurge on luxuries or invest in art or beautiful items just for the sake of having lovely things around you. If travelling, expect one or two delays.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 06, 2014

“The guys believed ...

From back page

“I was not nervous until the finals. My first game was so easy for me but I don’t know what happened against Mexico. When I saw Mexico going up 21, I was just praying to go on the field and I was told by my teammates, especially Kevin (McKenzie), that I can do it and they believed in me and the rest is history,” said King.

Meanwhile, the team’s coach Theodore Henry while being happy, was also upset that the team didn’t get the hero’s welcome it rightfully deserves.

The team flew home on Copa Airlines but a lukewarm reception was handed to them at the airport since only the Union’s President Peter Green and some of the executives were present.

“Rugby is the only team in Guyana that always has to play to qualify for the Pan Am Games and everyone else in Guyana is invited.

We’ve done things no other sports team in this

country has ever done and its about time we get the respect we deserve,” Henry said.

“We won the 15’s against the USA when no one thought we could and now, we said we were going to win the NACRA 7’s and we did.

We are the only NACRA country to ever win both the 15’s and 7’s Rugby championship in the same year and what we did in Mexico, even the Mexicans never saw that before coming back to Guyana to this kind of welcoming is upsetting and we need to be recognized,” the dreadlock coach said.

Henry is considered as one of the faces of rugby in the Caribbean and has played a part in every history making event for Guyana.

As a player, he won the six NACRA titles (2006 – 2011) and as a coach he lost to Mexico by one point in 2012. The unavailability of funds kept the team out the tournament last year and this time around, Henry was a player/coach.

Racing Tips American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Midnight Citra Race 2 Kathy’s Humor Race 3 The Big Deluxe Race 4 Son Of Dixie Race 5 Big Lute Race 6 Groupthink Race 7 Howaboutwe Race 8 Willet Race 9 Jacapo English Racing Tips Aintree 08:00 hrs Ballybolley 08:30 hrs Nyanza 09:00 hrs Baileys Concerto 09:30 hrs Balbriggan 10:05 hrs Dawalan 10:40 hrs Holywell 11:15 hrs Rolling Aces Wetherby 08:10 hrs Missed Approach 08:40 hrs Sainta And Sinners 09:10 hrs Lock Towers 09:40 hrs Wilde Pastures 10:15 hrs Raven’s Tower 10:50 hrs Many Stars 11:25 hrs Zandino Sandown 08:20 hrs Caracci Apache 08:50 hrs Blue Buttons 09:20 hrs Home Run 09:50 hrs Irish Saint 10:25 hrs Dormello Mo 11:00 hrs Vukovar 11:35 hrs There’s No Panic South ASfrica Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:15 hrs Manx Missile 08:50 hrs Fly By Night 09:25 hrs Daring Dave 10:00 hrs Cold As Ice 10:35 hrs Mint Master 11:10 hrs Milton 11:45 hrs Olim Dives Irish Racing Tips Navan 08:15 hrs The Big Apple 08:45 hrs Clarcam 09:15 hrs Killeena House 09:45 hrs Tammys Hill 10:20 hrs Blood Cotil 10:55 hrs It’s the Ice I Like 11:30 hrs Turcagua

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 06, 2014

Windies ...

Dainty/Dey & Leacock/Gentle claim Doubles victories

Mandela was a huge sports fan and his support of rugby, cricket and football are well documented.

He died on December 5th last year at age 95.

Following the ceremony, West Indies held their second training session of their ongoing camp.

They will have another full training session on Saturday morning at Willowmore Park in Benoni where they face the South Africa Invitational XI in a three-day match next week.

West Indies will face the Proteas in the first Test starting at SuperSports Park in Centurion on December 17th.

THE pairs of Orande Dainty/ArettaDey and Leyland Leacock/Afruica Gentle were victorious in latest play in the annual Trophy Stall Doubles 2014 Tennis Tournament.

Dainty/Dey in the Mixed Doubles quarter finals got past Albert Razick and Nazima Razick in three sets. The Razicks took the first set 6-4, but lost the final two 1-6, 2-6.

In the other match on Wednesday evening, Leyland Leacock/Afruica Gentle got past Sanjeev Datadin/Anne Wiestin straight sets 7-5, 6-2.

In the Men’s Open Doubles quarterfinals, the duo of Jason and Nicholas Glasgow beat Charles Adams/Andre Erskine 6-2, 5-7, 6-1.

Play continued on Thursday night in the Men’s 35 & Over, Mixed Doubles and the Men’s Open Doubles Semi finals.

Matches continue at the National Racquet Centre today and will conclude on December 13. During the week in the evenings, they are being played at Le Ressouvenir Tennis Club.

From back page

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Dunbar awarded 7th degree black belt

Winston Dunbar

CHIEF INSTRUCTOR of the Guyana Wado-Ryu Karate Association Shian Compton Winston Dunbar has been awarded the seventh degree black belt in Wado-Ryu Karate by the Wado-Ryu Academy of Guyana in collaboration with the Martial Arts Federation International of England.

Shian Dunbar said he was elated to be upgraded to seventh degree black belt, the highest ranking for Wado-Ryu karate style in Guyana.

Dunbar has been a

practitioner of WadoRyu Karate since 1967 and was made Technical Adviser by Grand Master Hironori Ohtsuka 11 on June 1, 2005 and to date, Shian Dunbar instructs classes at Banks DIH Sports Club, Mae’s and Eccles Primary Schools on a weekly basis.

Meanwhile, Grading Exercise will take place next weekend at Banks DIH Sports Club while the end of year Social Event of the Guyana Wado-Ryu Karate Association will take place on December 20th at the same venue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 06, 2014

Clarke still in frame to play first India Test - coach

Michael Clarke MELBOURNE, (Reuters) - Australia captain Michael Clarke retains a chance of playing in next week’s first Test against India but must prove his fitness with a positive training session, coach Darren Lehmann said yesterday.

Clarke has struggled

with a third hamstring injury in three months, with his latest rehabilitation disrupted by the tragic death of team mate Phillip Hughes.

Lehmann said Clarke would join the squad in Adelaide later yesterday, and would be back in training the following day.

Postponed NBS Second division final on for tomorrow

Eon Abel THE postponed final of the New Building Society Limited (NBS)Second Division cricket competition for teams in Berbice will now be played tomorrow at the picturesque No 69 Vikings Ground in the Upper Corentyne Area.

The teams vying for supremacy are D’Edward Sports Club of West Berbice and Corriverton from Upper Corentyne.

Players like Eon Abel, Lakeraj Sookra, Devendra Lalsa, Jaipaul Heerall and Bridgelall Heeralall will be in the West Berbice based side, while Jeremy Moore, Eric Phillips, Jermin Reid, Clavern Beresford, Errol Byass and Imran Jabbar will be in the Corriverton side. A keen match which starts at 11:00hrs is anticipated.

Officials from the board and sponsor will be there to meet the teams.

“As long as he’s fine to do the running and can bat (he’ll play),” Lehmann told reporters in Adelaide.

“We’ll get him batting tomorrow and see how he goes. It’ll be case of if he’s fine, he’ll play. We’ll just have to wait and see.

“We’ll be guided by medical staff, the captain himself, selectors. We’ll get together and assess what the plan is tomorrow.”

Following Hughes’ funeral in his home-town of Macksville, New South Wales on Wednesday, 33-year-old Clarke stayed with the family for a private cremation on Thursday.

Lehmann wrote in a newspaper column that grieving players would be granted leave to miss the first Test of the four-match

Dainty/Dey & Leacock/Gentle claim Doubles victories THE pairs of Orande Dainty/Aretta Dey and Leyland Leacock/Afruica Gentle were victorious in latest play in the annual Trophy Stall Doubles 2014 Tennis Tournament.

Dainty/Dey in the Mixed Doubles quarter finals got past Albert Razick and Nazima Razick in three sets. The Razicks took the first set 6-4, but lost the final two 1-6, 2-6.

In the other match on Wednesday evening, Leyland Leacock/Afruica Gentle got past Sanjeev Datadin/ Anne Wiestin straight sets 7-5, 6-2.

In the Men’s Open Doubles quarterfinals, the duo of Jason and Nicholas Glasgow beat Charles Adams/Andre Erskine 6-2, 5-7, 6-1.

Play continued on Thursday night in the Men’s 35 & Over, Mixed Doubles and the Men’s Open Doubles Semi finals.

Matches continue at the National Racquet Centre today and will conclude on December 13. During the week in the evenings, they are being played at Le Ressouvenir Tennis Club.

series if they did not feel up to it.

He told reporters there were contingencies in place if anyone dropped out, but was tight-lipped about them.

“Only time will tell but I’m sure they will be fine,” he said. “They are looking forward to getting out there and playing cricket.”

Batsman Hughes died in hospital two days after being severely injured by a shortpitched delivery, prompting a debate about whether they should be banned or limited further.

Lehmann said he fully expected players in the first Test, starting on Tuesday, to face a bouncer at some stage.

“It is a case of getting back to what they want to do and that’s playing cricket,” he added.

Ramchand Auto Spares/Rohan

Auto Spares Softball finals to be played tomorrow The Ramchand/Rohan Auto spares softball competition which was postponed from November 30th due to the weather, will now be played tomorrow at the DCC ground, Lance Gibbs Street in Queenstown.

This softball tournament is also sponsored by Mikes Pharmacy, Trophy Stall, Ariel Enterprise, Bel Air Rubis, Motor Trend, Nauth Motor Spares and Romeo’s Oil Seal.

This competition started on August 10th and will see seven games played on the same day/night starting 10:00hrs.

Schedule for Sunday December 7th.

10:00hrs-Female 10/10 semi-finals. Pitch 1: Mikes Wellwoman vs Karibee Girls. Pitch 2: Trophy Stall Angels vs Blue Divas.

Balotelli charged by FA for social media post

11:15hrs-Third place Male play-off. Pitch 1: Parika Defenders vs Slingers (15/15). Pitch 2: Farm vs Ariel Uprisers (15/15).

013:30pm-Female finals (10/10).

14:45pm-Masters finals (20/20). Floodlights vs Mikes Wellman.

16:00hrs-Open final (20/20). Wolf Warriors vs Regal.

Admission is $200.00.

Parking in ground is provided for $500.00 per vehicle.

The winning prize for both male finals is $100,000 + winning trophy. Runnerup is $50,000 + trophy.

Female is $50,000 + winning trophy. Runner-up is $25,000 + trophy. MVP in finals will receive $10,000 + trophy. There will also be prizes for centuries and 5 wicket hall made in the tournament.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday 2014)

December

06,

Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Mario Balotelli LONDON, (Reuters) Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has been charged by the Football Association for a social media post, the FA said yesterday.

The Italian forward apologised on Tuesday for his Instagram post, subsequently deleted, which appeared to contain potentially racist and antiSemitic references.

“It is alleged the Liverpool player breached

FA Rule E3[1] in that his posting was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper,” the FA said on their website.

“It is further alleged that this is an ‘Aggravated Breach’ as defined by FA Rule E3[2] as it included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race and/or nationality and/or religion or belief.”

Balotelli has until Dec. 15 to respond to the charge.

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) AUST vs SA, Durban, 2009 (2) Scoring a century (112) vs SL, Melbourne, 2013 Today’s Quiz: (1)How many runs Hughes made in Tests?

Phil

(2) What was his highest ODI score?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 06, 2014

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DMWI Hockey Festival

Defending Champs GCC Tigers and Hickers Vets score opening wins

Hikers Striker Jamarj Assanah goes down to put one in goal

By Leeron Brumell Good starts to their title defence, GCC Tigers destroyed Hikers in the Women’s Division, while the 2013 Veterans Champs Hickers edged out GCC as the Diamond Mineral Water International Hockey Festival got underway on Thursday night.

But there were other notable performances on the night – Aliyah Gordon playing for GCC Spice led a 10-1 trashing of Old Fort in the 2nd women’s encounter, Team GCC roughed up the Renegades in male play 12-2 and Old Fort spared their blushes earning a come from behind draw against the National U-21s, all at the National Gymnasium.

With a little improvement in the lighting department – GCC Tigers set the tone in the Women’s department in Game one of the 11th edition of the Festival.

Just back from the Central American and Caribbean Games – Ashley DeGroot opened the scoring for the Tigers in the 8th minute. Two minutes later she’d get support from Kerensa Fernandes – the first of her double.

Sonia Jardine would not be left out and extended the lead in the 11th – 3-nil. Lanica Persaud in the 16th gave Tigers a 4-nil lead, but on 20 minutes, National Striker Maria Munroe pulled one back for Hikers – 4-1 at the half.

On the resumption, Fernandes completed her double in the 29th minute, Shebiki Baptiste added her name to the sheet and Jardine in the 36th made it 7. The margin of victory could have been bigger though – Tigers had

one goal disallowed in the closing minutes and they missed a few opportunities to convert.

A few weeks ago in the GT&T Indoor tournament – Tigers destroyed the Hikers 9-nil.

In the 2nd female game – GCC Spice overshadowed their team-mates with a 10-1 beating of Old Fort. The damage was inflicted by national player Aliyah Gordon.

She tormented the Old Fort defence – hitting the back of the box seven times – three between the 4th and 7th minutes and the last four in the 2nd half of play – 22nd, 25th, 27th and 28th minutes.

Tricia Fiedtkou put two on the board, while Vanessa Pires had the other. Owinter Henry accounted for Old Fort’s Goal in the 6th minute of play to cut a 2-nil deficit in the opening minutes.

In the lone Veterans Clash –the Festival’s defending champions edged out the GT&T Indoor Champs 2-1.

The seniors started slow, the first 10 minutes a cagey encounter. Enter Philip Fernandes for GCC and the pace was upped immediately as he rushed the Hickers from all angles, but it would be Hickers who drew first blood when a penalty corner was awarded.

Devin Munroe in the 19th gave the advantage to Hickers. A minute later it would be 2-Nil – Munroe again, collecting a pass from the right of the field, to control and with nobody in his way, sent the ball into the upper left corner of the goal.

They’d take the cushion into the break.

On the resumption both teams would fight hard, both knowing it would go either

way. Munroe’s namesake on GCC – Devin Hooper would find the back of the net – shooting down the left side in the 27th minute.

No more goals would be scored in this game - 2-1 to Hickers.

The final game of the night – in the Men’s Division pitted Old Fort against the National U-21s and it would be an encounter to remember.

The juniors will no longer be taken lightly – after all they were losing finalists to Hikers just a few weeks ago at the GT&T Indoor.

With youth and speed on their side, the U-21s hustled from the opening minute – Aroydy Brandford catching a break down the right side and shooting on the move from a difficult angle –BAM- in the back of the net on nine minutes.

Their lead extended in the 14th minute of play through a penalty cornerLeon Bacchus the scorer.

With play back and forth for the next few minutes, in the final minute of play before the half - a penalty shot was awarded to the Juniors - Brandford sending it past Tony Cole for a 3-Nil advantage.

Six minutes into the 2nd half – another infraction by Old Fort and another Penalty Shot awarded. Brandford would remain perfect on the night against Cole – 4-Nil. Old Fort would finally catch a break when a Penalty Shot was awarded in the 36th minute of play, Omar Hopkinson putting their first goal on the board.

And it was what they needed. If history has taught us anything about Old Fort,

Open goal! U-19 striker Aroydy Brandford releases a shot on goal past Old Fort Keeper Tony Cole.

it’s never count them out of a match, once there is time on the board. They’re at their best when their backs are against the wall.

Discarding youth and opting for experience in the final four minutes of play, Aderemi ‘Dove’ Simon, Dwight Sullivan, Jason DeSantos and John Abraham took charge. Simon on 37th minutes pierced the otherwise solid defence of the Juniors and sent it home 2-4 with three to play.

expiring on the clock – the only draw on the night.

In the opening Men’s Game four-time winners Hikers were made to work for their 6-2 victory over Saints.

Joel Hunte opened for Saints, but the experienced Jerazeno ‘Skill-Axe’ Bell found the equalized on 9 minutes. Jamaraj Assanah gave Hikers the lead in the 13th, but Reginald Harper, playing against his club team found the equaliser for

phael DeGroot and Stephen Xavier; Peter Jones from Trinidad and Tobago pulled one back for the Renegades – a mix of locals and visiting players.

DeGroot completed his double in the 14th minute to give GCC a 3-1 advantage at half time.

On the resumption – GCC would suck the life out of the Renegades. Goals galore at regular intervals.

Orland Semple scored a helmet-trick with goals in

GCC Tigers Striker Sonia Jardine sneaks one in against Hikers Keeper.

De Santos in the 38th had his shot on goal blocked, but he quickly re-grouped and offered another – GOOD – 3-4. On 39 minutes he’d add his 2nd and the equaliser – the small Old Fort contingent in the stands coming alive.

But with just about 30 seconds to play, the U-21s slowed the game down, time

Saints; 2-2 at the Half.

But when play resumed, Devin Munroe gave Hikers the lead. Robert France and Randy Hope then scored, while Bell added a 6th for good measure, shutting down Saints in the half.

The GCC/Renegades clash quickly became academic. With GCC up 2 after 7 minutes from Ra-

the 23rd, 34th, 35th and 39th minutes, so too Kevin Spencer (30th, 32nd, 35th and 38th) Stephen Xavier’s double was completed in the 31st minute.

Round-Robin play continued today. Games begin at 11:00hrs, with the finals in the three categories tomorrow from 16:00hrs.

Kiwis survive Afridi assault to level T20 series DUBAI (Reuters) - New Zealand survived Shahid Afridi’s late onslaught to beat Pakistan by 17 runs in the second and final Twenty20 match to level the series 1-1 yesterday.

Captain Afridi hit three massive sixes as he blasted 28 off 11 balls but he fell to the final ball of the 18th over and Pakistan lasted five more deliveries before being bowled out for 127.

Ahmed Shehzad top-scored with 33 but Pakistan never really recovered from slumping to 24 for three.

Jimmy Neesham claimed three for 25, including the prize wicket of Afridi, while Kyle Mills returned three for 26.

Put into bat, New Zealand got off to a strong start with skipper Kane Williamson (32) dominating a 49-run opening partner-

ship with Anton Devcich (21).

Off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez triggered a collapse when he breached Devcich’s defence with a quicker delivery before Afridi struck twice to peg back the Kiwis.

Afridi trapped Dean Brownlie leg before for a duck with a delivery that TV replays suggested would have missed the leg stump.

The leg-spinner then clean bowled Williamson as the Kiwis, cruising at 49 for nought in the seventh over, slid to 58 for three.

Tom Latham contributed 26 while Luke Ronchi (31) hit Afridi for two successive sixes in a 19-ball cameo to help New Zealand chalk up a competitive 144 for eight.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 06, 2014

Chase, Hope steady Barbados with half-centuries KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, (CMC) – Rookies Roston Chase and Shai Hope struck half-centuries as Barbados Pride kept Windward Islands Volcanoes in the field for the entire opening day of their fourth round match here yesterday.

Winning the toss and opting to bat first in the WICB Professional Cricket League contest, Barbados finished the day on 230 for five, to take the early initiative at Arnos Vale.

Chase was unbeaten on 56 while Hope carved out his maiden first class half-century when he scored exactly 50. Left-handed opener Omar Phillips was going well before he was forced to retire hurt for 38 after being struck in the head.

Captain Carlos Brathwaite was unbeaten on 25 and Jonathan Carter also chipped in with 25.

Barbados owed their position to an unbroken 60-run stand between Chase and Brathwaite, after the visitors slipped to 170 for five in the last session.

Chase has faced 151 balls in 167 minutes and struck three fours while Brathwaite has lasted 67 balls in 112 minutes, and registered two fours and a six.

Left-arm spinner Alston Bobb led the hosts’ bowling attack with three for 62.

Barbados suffered an early setback inside the first half hour when they lost Kyle Corbin in the day’s sixth over, caught at the

Roston Chase wicket off left-arm seamer Kenroy Peters for 19 with the score on 24.

The right-hander struck four fours in his 25 balls at the crease.

Hope and Phillips then added 56 for the second wicket, as Barbados rebuilt their innings in a healthy stand.

While Hope faced 129 balls in just under three hours at the crease with five fours,

All-rounder Russell puts pen to paper for Renegades MELBOURNE, Australia, (CMC) – West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has been signed by Melbourne Renegades to contest the Aussie Big Bash League starting here later this month.

The 26-year-old limited overs specialist will be available for the first half of the Big Bash and joins the franchise which already boasts West Indies oneday captain Dwayne Bravo on their roster.

Currently in South Africa campaigning for Knights in the Ram Slam Twenty20 League, Russell said he was keen to get going Down Under.

“I’m really looking forward to getting to Australia and playing a key role for the Melbourne Renegades this season,” Russell said.

“The Renegades have a talented squad this year with a good mix of big hitters and great bowlers so I want to contribute to the team in both areas this season.

“The Melbourne crowds are wellknown for being passionate about sport and I’m excited to experience that atmosphere at Etihad Stadium.”

Russell’s stock in the T20 trade has risen appreciably in recent years. He has been a star performer for Jamaica Tallawahs in the West Indies domestic tournament – the Caribbean Premier League – and also represents Kolkata Knight

Andre Russell Riders in the Indian Premier League.

An energetic seamer and a powerful lower-order batsman, Russell has already played 38 One-Day Internationals and 30 Twenty20 Internationals, and Renegades coach Simon Helmot believes he will be an asset to the line up.

“We’ve got some really solid batting talent across the line-up and we were keen to add an explosive all-rounder within our squad,” said Helmot, who coached Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel in this year’s CPL. “Andre fits that bill and increases our bowling options with the likes of Peter Siddle, Nathan Rimmington, Fawad Ahmed, Aaron O’Brien and James Pattinson as he continues his return from injury.”

The Big Bash runs from December 18th until January 28th.

Phillips counted a four and two sixes in an attractive 70-ball knock that lasted 103 minutes.

However, Phillips’s innings ended in unfortunate circumstances when he was struck in the head by a drive from Hope, while at the non-striker’s end.

Carter joined Hope to extend the second wicket partnership to 109 overall, and take Barbados to lunch at 89 for one.

After the break, Carter flourished and looked to be getting into his stride when he became Bobb’s first wicket of the innings.

He hit four fours off 72 balls in 1-1/2 hours at the crease.

Hope, meanwhile, strolled to his halfcentury in style, pulling seamer Mervin Mathew to the mid-wicket boundary and then following up by whipping the same bowler to the ropes again.

He was one of two wickets to fall in the space of 15 balls with just three runs added, as he quickly followed Carter.

Chase put on 35 for the fourth wicket with wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich who made 13 before being bowled by Bobb, and two balls later, Dwayne Smith was taken at mid-on by Shane Shillingford without scoring.

Struggling at 170 for five, Chase and Brathwaite ensured there was no more damage done as they steadied the innings in an enterprising stand.

SCOREBOARD BARBADOS PRIDE 1st innings K Corbin c Fletcher b Peters

19

O Phillips ret. hurt

38

S Hope b Shillingford

50

J Carter c Fletcher b Bobb

25

R Chase not out

56

+S Dowrich b Bobb

13

D Smith c Shillingford b Bobb *C Brathwaite not out Extras (lb3, w1)

0 25 4

TOTAL (5 wkts, 93 overs)

230

To bat: A Nurse, J Warrican, M Cummins.

Fall of wickets: 1-24, 2-133, 3-135, 4-170, 5-170.

Bowling: Matthew 12-1-46-0, Peters 145-31-1, Shillingford 19-6-71-1, Bobb 31-662-3, Sebastien 6.3-1-13-0, Theophile 0.30-4-0.

WINDWARD ISLANDS VOLCANOES – Liam Sebastien (captain), Johnson Charles, Tyrone Theophille, Sunil Ambris, Keddy Lesporis, Andre Fletcher, Romel Currency, Shane Shillingford, Alston Bobb, Mervin Matthew, Kenroy Peters.

Jamaica Franchise lower order fight back Leg-spinner Damion Jacobs starred with bat and ball to hand Jamaica Franchise the edge against Leeward Islands Hurricanes on the opening day of their fourth-round match in the WICB Professional Cricket League Four-Day match at Sabina Park yesterday.

Jacobs secured a five-wicket haul as Leeward Islands Hurricanes, sent in to bat, were bowled out for just 103 after the lunch interval.

The 29-year-old ended with figures of five for 27 from 15 overs, while David Bernard Jr supported with two for 10 from five overs.

Jacobs then teamed up with West Indies player Nikita Miller to rescue Jamaica Franchise from 87 for seven to 167 for seven at close of play.

The pair put on an undefeated 78 runs for the eighth wicket as Jamaica Franchise secured first innings points to end the day 62 runs ahead.

Miller is 50 not out, while Jacobs is 33 not out.

Miller’s half century came off 70 balls and he hit five fours and a six.

Gavin Tonge and Orlando Peters shared seven wickets for the Hurricanes.

Tonge finished the day with four for 46 from 15 overs, while Peters had three for 33 from nine overs.

Earlier, Lyndell Richardson 31 and Rahkeem Cornwall 20 scored most of the runs for the bottom-placed Hurricanes.

Second-placed Jamaica Franchise are seeking their third victory from four games. (Sportsmax.com)

SCOREBOARD LEEWARDS 1st Innings A Richards Jr c Campbell b Mindley 8 L Richardson lbw b Bernard 31 M Hodge lbw b Jacobs 9 O Peters lbw b Jacobs 0 *+D Thomas c H Miller b Jacobs 2 J Hamilton c wkp Baugh b Bernard 0 S Liburd lbw b Jacobs 3 R Cornwall lbw b N Miller 20 J Louis run out 19 G Tongue lbw b Jacobs 0 C Hamer not out 4 Extras (lb5, nb2) 7 TOTAL (all out, 42.4 overs) 103 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-42, 3-52, 4-52, 5-52, 6-55, 7-66, 8-78, 9-85, 10-103 Bowling: Mindley 6.4-2-16-1, Wallace 6-119-0, Bernard 5-1-10-2, Jacobs 15-7-27-5, Miller 10-2-26-1.

JAMAICA 1st innings S Thomas c wkp Hamilton b Peters

20

J Dillon Campbell c wkp Hamilton b Tonge 1 H Miller b Tonge

2

A McCarthy c Liburd b Tonge

4

*T Lambert lbw b Peters D Bernard Jr c wkp Hamilton b Peters

8 16

+C Baugh c Peters b Tonge

18

N Miller not out

50

D Jacobs not out

33

Extras (b10, w2, nb1)

13

TOTAL (7 wkts, 45 overs)

165

To bat: M Mindley, K Wallace.

Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-7, 3-19, 4-36, 5-37, 6-60, 7-87.

Bowling: Tonge 15-6-46-4, Louis 9-0-26-0, Peters 9-0-33-3, Cornwall 10-3-35-0, Hamer 2-0-15-0.

Position: Jamaica lead by 62 runs with three wickets intact.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 06, 2014

39

EBFA/ Stag Beer top performers receive prizes …Ansa McAl committed to development – Darshanie Yusuf

Following the successful completion of the 2014 Stag Beer sponsored East Bank Football Association (EBFA) senior league, the top four clubs were yesterday presented with their cash awards and trophies by Sean Abel, Assistant Brand Manager, Stag Beer.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony held at their lot 60 Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, Head Office, Public Relations Officer of Ansa Mc Al Trading, Ms. Darshanie Yusuf in remarks thanked the EBFA for allowing her company to continue the rich partnership with football on the East Bank.

“We at Ansa McAl are very pleased to have been supportive of this tour- The top four EBFA clubs show off their trophies after receiving cash awards from Ansa McAl’s PRO Darshanie nament which was a success. We fol- Yusuf (4th left) and Assistant Stag Beer Brand Manager Sean Abel (5th left). Also in photo are EBFA Secretary lowed it from start to finish and are Franklin Wilson (3rd left) and President Wayne Francois (3rd right) even more pleased since two of the young players from two teams were work and discipline that we are Brand Manager Mr. John Maikoo hesitation in supporting next year. able to represent Guyana’s Under-17 here today, having completed a were all praised for their support. Grove Hi Tech emerged as winners team in the Caribbean competition.” successful competition that you Abel also congratulated the top losing a single game out of 14 (13 Yusuf noted that this kind of returns made possible. You played hard teams as well as the other clubs wins) to end with 39 points; they is heartening and assures them that and well and deserve the rewards that made up the tournament. won the top prize of $300,000.

Agricola Red Triangle returning they are on the right track. She also that you are receiving here today.”

Also offering remarks were Abel He reminded that his company to competitive football after many commended the winning teams and the runners-up for the commit- and EBFA President Wayne Fran- has over the years invested in the de- years ended as second best losment they displayed over the dura- cois who expressed thanks to Ansa velopment of Guyana’s sportsmen ing two of their games, winning tion of the two-round competition. McAl on behalf of the association; and women so it was easy to get 9 and drawing two to accumulate Managing Director Ms. Bever- back on board with the association 29 points; they received $150,000.

“It is as a result of your hard ley Harper, Marketing Manager noting that they are pleased with the Mr. Troy Cadogan and Stag Beer way things went and would have no Third place went to Soes-

Bishoo and Deonarine stage fight back on opening day

By Calvin Roberts In Trinidad in association with GT&T, Wartsilla and Lifetime Real Estate ENCOURAGED by disciplined bowling from leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo and Narsingh Deonarine, Guyana Jaguars fought back gallantly to bowl out the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force on the opening day of their fourth round West Indies Cricket Board/Professional Cricket League Regional four- day encounter at the Queen’s Park Oval yesterday.

Scores to date: T&T Red Force 198, Guyana Jaguars 27 for 1.

Winning the toss and batting first against their guest who played the same team that suffered the infamous two runs defeat to Barbados Pride in the third round, the Red Force were coasting at 169 for 3 at tea before they were bowled out for 198 off 76.4 overs, with Bishoo (4-49) and Deonarine 3 for 24 doing the damage.

Asked to bat 11 overs before the close of play, the Guyana Jaguars who took full bowling points from their opponent’s dismal batting display, lost Trevon Griffith (08), caught at the wicket by Nicholas Pooran off Ryad Emrit at 13 for 1.

It was the lone success for the home team, as Rajendra Chandrika (11) and Shimron

Hetmyer (04) carried the Jaguars to 27 for 1, needing 171 more for first innings lead when the action resumes on today’s second day.

The home team had an early setback when they batted, losing the wicket of Evin Lewis (02) lbw to Raymon Reifer at 8 for 1, before Lendl Simons and Yannick Ottley (14) added 45 for the second wicket that was broken when Christopher Barnwell had Ottley caught at the wicket by Anthony Bramble.

At lunch, T&T Red Force were 78 for 2 with Simmons on 49 inclusive of 11 fours, two of them back to back off Bishoo in the final over before the break and Yannick Cariah 6, his lone scoring shot over long on off Reifer.

After the break, Simmons got to his half century off 83 deliveries, whilst batting for 122 minutes, but was caught at the wicket by Bramble off Beaton for 59 (12x4, 101 balls) at 98 for 3 in the 33rd over.

Even though Cariah got two sweetly timed fours off Permaul and Bishoo midway through the second session, the slow scoring of the home team batsmen was sickening as they batted at the pedestrian pace of an octogenarian, going to tea at 143 for 3 off 52 overs.

Cariah was on 40 and Mohammed 17, the duo adding 45 from 20 overs bowled by the Jaguars after the dismissal of Simmons, while the team scored 55 runs during the post-tea

session, but when play resumed, their wickets fell rapidly.

Mohammed displayed his aggressive side by hitting Bishoo over long off for six as they got to 150 off 56.1 overs, with Cariah on 41 and Mohammed 23, as their fourth wicket partnership reached 52 from 140 balls and 148 minutes of batting between the two.

Cariah on-drove Deonarine past a diving Rajendra Chandrika at midwicket to post his 50 off 153 minutes and 115 balls, with five fours and one six, but the bowler opened the flood gates for Bishoo and himself to invade, when he bowled Cariah in his next over, ending his 71 runs fourth wicket partnership with Mohammed.

Pooran (00) was smartly stumped by Bramble, one of five dismissals for the wicketkeeper off Bishoo one run later, Akeil Hosein (01) was bowled off the inside edge by Deonarine, while Bramble affected stumpings to dismiss Emrit (03) and Imran Khan (08) off Bishoo.

Daniel St. Clair was caught under the bat by Hetmyer for a first ball duck and Deonarine fittingly closed off proceedings when he knocked back the middle stump of Marlon Richards (00) at 16:26hrs, ensuring T&T Red Force lost their last seven wickets for 29 runs.

dyke Falcons ($100,000) who ended with 27 points from 9 wins and 5 losses while Timehri Panthers copped the fourth place ($75,000) with 24 points from 8 wins and 5 losses. The top four also received trophies.

Grove’s Captain, Domini Garnett was the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Highest Goal Scorer with 21 goals followed by Agricola’s Gordon Grant (15), Kuru Kururu Warriors’ Cordel Johnson (11) while there was 8 apiece for Collis Messiah of Timehri and National Under-17Joel Dick of Grove.

Copping the best Goalkeeper accolade was Grove’s Michael Matthews, his team accounted for 57 goals while letting in 15 for a positive goal difference of 42.

A total of 114 goals were scored in the first round while 100 rocked the nets in the second round for an overall tally of 214. Grove accounted for 27% of the goals scored, Soesdyke Falcons 17%, Agricola Red Triangle 14%, Timehri Panthers and Kuru Kururu Warriors 13% each. Herstelling Raiders 6% and 5% each for Mocha Champs and Diamond United.

Scoreboard T&T Red Force 1st Innings L Simmons c wkpr Bramble b Beaton 59 E Lewis lbw Reifer 02 Y Ottley c wkpr Bramble b Barnwell 14 Y Cariah b Deonarine 51 J Mohammed not out 48 N Pooran stp wkpr Bramble b Bishoo 00 A Hosein b Deonarine 01 R Emrit stp wkpr Bramble b Bishoo 03 I Khan stp wkpr Bramble b Bishoo 08 D St. Clair c Hetmyer b Bishoo 00 M Richards b Deonarine 00 Extras: (b-4, w-3, lb-4, nb-1) 12 Total (all out off 76.4 overs) 198 Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-53, 3-98, 4-169, 5-170, 6-171, 7-180, 8-197, 9-197, 10198 Bowling Beaton 12-1-33-1Reifer 14-625-1(w-3) Barnwell 8-3-19-1 Permaul 14-1-39-0 Bishoo 16-4-49-4 (nb-1) Deonarine12.4-5-24-3

Guyana Jaguars 1st Innings T Griffith c wkpr Pooran b Emrit 08 R Chandrika not out 15 S Hetmyer not out 04 Total (for 1 wkt off 11 overs) 27 Fall of wickets: 1-13 To bat: N Deonarine V Singh R Reifer C Barnwell A Bramble V Permaul D Bishoo R Beaton Bowling: Richards 4-0-9-0 Emrit 5-2-14-1 St. Clair 2-1-4-0

Sport CHRONICLE

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

EBFA/ Stag Beer top performers receive prizes See story on page 39

‘The guys believed in me and I delivered’ – King Coach calls for respect as historic National 7’s Rugby team returns

By Rawle Toney IT was famed American collegiate basketball coach John Wooden who said “Sports do not build character. They reveal it.”; a statement applicable to Guyana’s new found rugby star Patrick King.

The local 400M and Long Jump Champion single handedly carried Guyana to their 7th North American and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Sevens Rugby Championship and what was even more sensational is that King was also making his international debut after taking up the sport a few month ago.

King, a member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) used his sublime speed, coupled with his

The joyous National 7’s Rugby team upon arrival yesterday at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

Notable Dates

The man who would become Guyana’s first world champion had his third professional fight on December 4, 1993.

Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis roughed up Calvin John in the first round and continued the onslaught in the second stanza which forced the referee to stop the contest. Lewis would go on to win the WBA welterweight title on February 17, 2001.

He stopped James Page in the seventh round to spark wild celebration in Guyana. Then President Bharrat Jagdeo gave a national holiday in recognition of Lewis’ feat.

On December 4, 1993 junior welterweight Mark Richardson defeated Marcelle Daniels via a points decision after eight rounds. Gwendolyn `The Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil had her first pro victory on December 4, 1999.

O’Neil defeated Margaret `Chico’ Walcott in a fourround contest. Five years later, O’Neil became the first Guyanese female world title holder when she defeated Kathy Rivers at the National Park to be crowned Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) light heavyweight champion.

She is also the first Guyanese to win a world title at home.

agility on the pitch, scored all but one try in Guyana’s 33 – 28 win over Mexico in the finals when it was played on Thursday last in Mexico City.

“The guys believed in me and I delivered” a visibly joyous King said while speaking to reporters at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport yesterday upon the team’s arrival, where they were greeted by executives of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU).

Named the tournament’s best Winger, King pointed out that while he was able to score tries at will leading up to the finals against the Mexicans, it was nerve wrecking when it was time bring home the gold.

Turn to page 34

Windies join first anniversary tribute to Mandela

Gwendolyn `The Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, (CMC) – West Indies joined millions of South Africans here Friday in marking the first anniversary of the death of former President and global icon Nelson Mandela.

The Caribbean side paused from their preparation for the upcoming three-Test series to be part of a brief ceremony held by the Guateng Cricket Association at the Wanderers Cricket Stadium.

All across the country South Africans paused for three minutes of silence for the legendary anti-apartheid freedom

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fighter, who said “sports has the power to unite the world and speaks a universal language”.

West Indies fast bowling legend Sir Curtly Ambrose was given the honour of ringing the bell during the tribute to Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison before his release in 1990.

Mandela attended several international cricket matches when West Indies toured South Africa, and also visited the Caribbean in 2003 as part of his country’s bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Turn to page 35

Legendary former fast bowler Curtly Ambrose rings the bell during the tribute to Nelson Mandela. (Photo courtesy WICB Media) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 06, 2014