Guyana chronicle 06 02 15

GUYANA

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

Armed Forces on ‘HIGH ALERT’ No. 104092 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 6, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PRICE: $80

INCLUDING VAT

for May 11 Elections

…as Commander-in-Chief orders action against any security threats 3 “Any attempt to create a feeling of insecurity and fear among our citizens or in any segment of our population, based on rumour, subjective gutter politics or worse, must be publicly frowned upon and action taken by the security forces to arrest any such Commander-in-Chief, President Donald Ramotar mingles with some of the Army’s top brass ahead of the working sessions of tendency.” the Officers’ Conference that opens yesterday. At left is Army Page

Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips. (Adrian Narine photo)

– President Ramotar

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

Army to safeguard democracy in Guyana … fully aware of external threats – says Chief of Staff

By Gary Eleazar

Commander-in-Chief, President Donald Ramotar, being escorted into the Conference venue by Army Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips.

THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is fully aware of the threats to the nation’s territorial sovereignty on both its eastern and western borders and Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips, has informed that diplomacy will be the first line of defense, even as he committed the army to safeguarding democracy within the nation’s borders.

Brigadier Phillips made the disclosure yesterday when he addressed the Commander-in-Chief, President Donald Ramotar, and the top brass of the military at the Annual Officers’ Conference.

Also in attendance were Presidential Advisor on Governance, Gail Teixeira; Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh; Commissioner of Police (ag) Seelall Persaud and Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle, among others.

President Ramotar and Brigadier Phillips were at the time the key Chieftains at the army’s calendar event held at Base Camp, Ayangana in Georgetown.

The 2015 Officer’s Conference is also being held as part of the GDF’s Jubilee Anniversary Celebrations, and a special philatelic keepsake marking the 50th Milestone was unveiled.

SAFEGUARDING DEMOCRACY In his address to the ranks gathered at the Force’s

Headquarters for the signature event, Brigadier Phillips pronounced: “We in the GDF remain fully aware of the serious external threats to our existence as a State, as our country continue to be subjected to territorial claims

people and the need to develop and strengthen the infrastructure, the national institutions and the mechanisms for national unity.”

Addressing the corps of army leaders for the second time at its helm, Brigadier Phillips stressed that sustained and diversified training will remain key among the force’s

other anti-crime operations.

He was making reference to law enforcement agencies such as the Guyana Police Force and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit.

“We are also proud to be contributing to the delivery of medical emergency services and educational needs of Guyanese in remote communities

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh (right) among those at the Army Officers Confernce yesterday from our neighbours to the east and to the west.”

With his sentiments well received, Brigadier Phillips went on to say that the GDF will be pursuing collaboration in pursuit of a resolution since “diplomacy is our first line of defense.”

He added too that this will be pursued even as the GDF remains “committed to safeguarding democracy in Guyana.”

The nation’s interest, the Brigadier stressed, is the “security and survival of the state, the pursuit of the social and economic development for our

objectives as 2015 unfolds.

Greater operational readiness, according to Brigadier Phillips, will also require building partnerships, “with our public and private sector agencies and other stakeholders in our national security probate.”

MILITARY AND NON-MILITARY To this end, the Army’s top military officer assured President Ramotar that the ranks of the GDF are trained for military and non-military missions, inclusive of search and rescue both on land and sea as well as disaster relief activities.

He pointed too to the support over the years that have been provided to the law enforcement agencies to counter illicit trafficking along with

like Kaikan and New River,” Brigadier Phillips said.

Addressing the ranks gathered at Camp Ayangana for the two-day event, the Commander-in-Chief, President Donald Ramtoar, firstly congratulated those ranks recently promoted before delivering the charge to the officers that will take part in the confab.

The 2015 GDF Officer’s Conference is being held under the theme: ‘Towards Greater Operational Readiness, for National Defence and Security.’

Addressing the recently promoted ranks directly, President Ramotar urged that they be cognisant of the fact that their successes were also influenced by many other persons through support and commitment.

“Do not betray their confidence,” President Ramotar exhorted.

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 6, 2015

Armed Forces placed on ‘High Alert’ for May 11 Elections

…as Commander-in-Chief orders action against any security threats

OFFICIAL PHOTO: Commander-in-Chief, Donald Ramotar and Army Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips with the top brass of the Army, yesterday

By Gary Eleazar COMMANDER-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Donald Ramotar, has placed the rank and file of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on high alert, in anticipation of the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

President Ramotar delivered the charge to the top brass of the Guyana Defence Force yesterday as they congregated at the Officers’ Complex at Base Camp Ayangana for their Annual Conference.

FORCES OF REACTION

Emphasising the importance of, and challenges accompanying an election, the President in his address to the ranks, surmised that as “we approach elections, my fervent hope is that the climate is one of peace (and where) good sense will prevail, even as contesting political parties and their supporters, as is their democratic right, vigorously conduct their campaign.”

Speaking also in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the President was stern in his edict and warned that in such an election climate, “forces of reaction

and fragmentation must not be allowed to fester in our society.”

The President used the opportunity to remind the army’s ranks that voting is their democratic right enshrined in law and early voting will afford them the opportunity to cast their ballot for a leader of their choice.

Early voting is meant to ensure that the ranks of the Armed Forces are able to stand guard on May 11, when the rest of the electorate take to the polls.

Having emphasised the need for the Armed Forces to play its part in any event that may require their input

“Any attempt to create a feeling of insecurity and fear among our citizens or in any segment of our population, based on rumour, subjective gutter politics or worse, must be publicly frowned upon and action taken by the security forces to arrest any such tendency.” – President Ramotar in the maintenance of law and order, President Ramotar directed: “Any attempt to create a feeling of insecurity and fear among our citizens or in any segment of our population, based on rumour, subjective gutter politics or worse, must be publicly frowned upon and action taken by the security forces to arrest any such tendency.”

This, he said, must be done through the application of the “full weight of the law and our Constitution,”

against those culpable.

ELECTIONS DIVISIVE Reminding the chieftains of the armed forces of their role when it comes to the nation and its security, the Commander-in-Chief reminded too that an election can be divisive in a multi-ethnic society, since ethnic insecurities can be aroused.

As such, the Commander-in-Chief charged his subordinates to conduct them-

selves in a manner becoming of a GDF rank.

Turn to page 11 ►

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

Taiwan pilot hailed a hero for pulling plane clear of buildings (Reuters) – TAIPEI’S mayor hailed the pilot of a crashed TransAsia Airways plane a hero on Thursday for narrowly avoiding buildings and ditching the stalled aircraft in a river, likely averting a worse disaster.

At least 31 people were killed when Flight GE235 lurched between buildings, clipped a taxi and an overpass with one of its wings and crashed upside down into shallow water shortly after take-off from a downtown Taipei airport o n We d n e s d a y. T h e r e were 15 known survivors and 12 more unaccounted for.

“He really tried everything he could,” Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je said of the pilot, his voice breaking with sobs.

Baggages are placed near the wreckage of TransAsia Airways plane Flight GE235 after it crash landed into a river, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, February 5, 2015.

Amateur video recorded by a car dashboard camera showed the plane nose-up as it barely cleared the buildings close to Taipei’s Songshan airport before crashing into the river.

“The pilot’s immediate reaction saved many people,” said Chris Lin, b ro th er o f o n e o f th e survivors. “I was a pilot myself and I’m quite knowledgeable about the immediate reaction needed in this kind of situation.”

Aerospace analysts said it was too early to say whether the pilots intentionally pulled the plane above the buildings, and noted that the crew may have been aiming for the river to reduce casualties.

Police in southern India rescue hundreds of child workers times their wages may be promised to their parents.

The authorities said five men had been accused of supplying the young people to factory owners.

Child welfare officials accompanied some of the children on Thursday as they were reunited with their parents in Bihar, one of India’s poorest states.

Nearly 200 others travelled back to Bihar in northern India earlier in the week, police said.

He revealed that several of the rescued children

(BBC News) HUNDREDS of children, forced to work in “inhuman conditions”, have been rescued from factories in southern India.

At least 350 children were removed during raids on leather tanning and plastic workshops in Hyderabad, over a 10-day period.

They were working long hours in deplorable surroundings, police said.

Widespread poverty and lack of education result in many children being pushed into work. Some-

DATE: 04/02/2015 L

05 03 17 20 27 02 18

05/02/2015

02

21

11

22

06

05/02/2015

7

8

0

05/02/2015

were suffering from skin problems and other diseases.

He said: “We found the children confined to their work place in inhuman conditions.

“They were forced to work for nearly 12 hours a day without any respite.”

He said the children were kept in unhygienic and unventilated dark rooms and monitored by their employers using video cameras.

Any child who stopped working would be beaten, he said.

04 03 19 21 01 10 18

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

Brazilian girl, 6, ‘eaten’ by piranhas and found dead

A SIX-year-old girl has been found dead in Brazil after being surrounded and devoured by a large shoal of piranhas.

Family members said she was with her grandmother and four other children in a canoe, which capsized in a storm.

Her grandmother managed to bring the other

Piranhas have razor-sharp teeth, although attacks on humans are extremely rare

children back into the boat, but was not able to reach the victim, named by local media outlets as Adrila Muniz.

A group of townspeople in the northern state of Para helped to search for the girl, but found her unresponsive.

The incident happened in the Maicuru River near

the town of Monte Alegre on the afternoon of 27 January.

Family members told some local media that the girl may have drowned shortly after falling into the river, and could have been dead prior to being set upon by the piranhas.

Her body was taken to the morgue at a hospital in

Monte Alegre, and graphic post-mortem photographs show that virtually all the flesh was stripped from her legs.

Piranhas are freshwater fish with razor-sharp teeth, and travel in large shoals for protection from predators. While attacks on humans are extremely rare, they can be deadly.

Explosion at El Pecos injures 11 Rio 2016: Sailing water ( Tr i n i d a d G u a r d i a n ) ELEVEN people were hospitalised following an explosion yesterday in El Pecos, Royal Palm Plaza, Maraval.

There were no deaths immediately confirmed. Four were reportedly in critical condition. One person was reported to be missing.

Up to early afternoon, firefighters remained on the scene, working to contain the fire, as thick black smoke billowed from both the front and back of the restaurant, located on the ground floor of Royal Palm Hotel.

Early reports suggested that the explosion was triggered after a gas hose was being changed in the area.

On the same day last year, the Ariapita Avenue outlet of El Pecos was destroyed after a fire was re- Firemen respond to an explosion at El Pecos, Royal Palm Plaza, ported in the kitchen area. Maraval, February 5, 2015. Photo Andre Alexander/T&T Guardian

Galapagos emergency over stranded ship BBC News) ECUADOR has announced a state of emergency in the Galapagos Islands, a week after a cargo ship with hazardous materials ran aground there.

The Floreana - which ferries food and other supplies to the Unesco world heritage site - was also carrying 10,000 gallons of fuel.

Booms have been used to contain a fuel spill in the pristine waters.

The islands - famous for their unique flora and fauna - lie some 600 miles

o ff Ecu ad o r ’s P acif ic coast.

The emergency “will allow authorities to have immediate [financial] means to deal with the situation”, a Galapagos National Park spokesman told the AFP news agency.

The ship’s hull was reportedly destroyed in the incident on 28 January.

Rescue teams are now trying to refloat and remove the vessel.

This is not the first such incident. Last year,

another cargo ship ran aground.

And in 2001, an oil spill devastated marine iguana populations.

pollution a concern but golf ‘on course’

(BBC News) ORGANISERS of the Rio 2016 Olympics admit they are “concerned” about water pollution in the sailing venue, but say the Games will be delivered “on time”.

About 48% of sewage pumped into the Guanabara Bay is untreated, while illegal dumping is a big problem.

Last month government officials stated they would miss their target of an 80% reduction in water pollution by the start of the Olympics next August.

“There is a huge problem with garbage,” Mario Andrada told BBC Sport.

The Rio 2016 director of communications continued: “It [the state of the sailing venue] is a concern because the water is not fully clean, but it will be safe for the Olympics.”

Last year, International Olympic Committee (IOC) vice-president John Coates claimed Rio was the “worst” prepared host city he had ever seen.

Olympic sailors also complained about floating debris and even dead animals found in the water when they competed in the Rio test event last August, and drug-resistant “super-bacteria” were found in December.

However, Andrada insists the IOC is pleased by their progress and that significant improvements have and will continue to be made regarding the condition of the Rio waters.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

EDITORIAL The worst of vices INGRATITUDE is considered the worst of vices; but it is a recurring phenomenon in the human dynamic and has caused much angst and grief in the sphere of societal existence.

But the ingratitude repaid to the Nandkishore family by neighbours whose lives they had once saved makes one question the adage of being one’s brother’s keeper in the human family.

In February of 2012 the country was riveted by the horrifying news of the Dharamdatt family’s near-escape from death after being poisoned by the 14-year-old daughter of the family.

Chaitram Dharamdat, also called Satesh, who was then seventeen years old, and the family patriarch Sukhdeo, then 48, were the worst affected and were hospitalised for several weeks before they recovered after the five family members from a Mahaica household was poisoned after eating a meal of hassar curry had been the worst affected by the poisoning. They had both been warded at the Male Medical Ward after being transferred from the Intensive Care Unit, The father and son, along with Sukdeo’s wife Nandranie, 40, and two daugh-

ters – Hamwantie, 15, and Bhumwanteshar, 13, also called Shoma, all fell ill at their Bloom Garden home at Mahaica Creek after they had eaten the meal, which another family later claimed she had laced with a deadly pesticide. The 14-year-old who had made that claim did not partake of the meal; neither did an 18-year-old brother, who was at the time away from the home.

While visiting her family in hospital two Saturdays ago, the teen was arrested and subsequently charged with attempted murder, after police had carried out a thorough investigation.

She appeared in the Mahaica Magistrate’s Court the following Tuesday and was remanded to the Juvenile Detention Centre. She remained at the Sophia School for Juvenile Offenders until her next court appearance in April.

The mother wept bitterly on learning that the teen had been charged with attempted murder, and the day before he was discharged from hospital her father said he had forgiven her for the crime committed against his family.

On Wednesday, this newspaper reported that a

father and his two sons had been held for questioning into a Mahaica Creek bloodbath.

According to the news report: “… three men are in police custody, assisting with investigations into the death of 26-year-old Suresh Nandkishore, called ‘Ravo’, of Handsome Tree, Mahaica, following an altercation with neighbours over land.

Also under investigation is the wounding of Suresh’s father, 52-year-old Gopaul Nandkishore, called ‘Jai; and his brother, 31-year-old Parmanand Nandkishore, called ‘Davo’, all of the same Handsome Tree, Mahaica.”

This murderous rampage occurred over a years-long land dispute between neighbours, whereby the courts had resolved the matter by ruling in favour of the Nandkishore family.

The report continued: “According to the police, Suresh, who was severely beaten about the body, was pronounced dead on arrival (DOA) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). His father, they say, was also beaten about the body and hospitalised, while his brother and only sibling, ‘Davo’, was chopped on his

left hand. He too, the police said yesterday, has been admitted to hospital.

“Reports are that the suspects, said to be a father and two sons, are currently in detention, one at the Cove and John Police Station, and the other two at the Mahaica Police Station. Ironically, it was the said ‘Davo’ who reportedly saved the trio from certain death three years ago by rushing them (and other family members) to hospital after a 14-year-old relative of theirs fed them poison-laced hassar curry.”

This publication essayed the question: “Did ‘Davo’ Nandkishsore save the family whose lives were at stake three years ago, just so they could subsequently kill his younger brother, and seriously threaten the lives of he and his father?”

Davo, according to the news item in this newspaper, “was treated at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital and sent home late Tuesday, only to suffer a relapse and had to be rushed to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department of the GPHC, where he remained warded up until yesterday.

And contrary to what the police reported, ‘Davo’

was not only chopped on the hand, but also to the head, face, back, and chest.

A relative who witnessed the state he was in when he was taken out of Mahaica Creek, said the men brutally chopped him about the body, and beat him with a heavy piece of wood.

“They took the wood and punched him in every cut they made on his body,” the relative said, adding: “They ain’t got a part of he body where blood was not flowing.”

The relative said that when ‘Davo’ found he could not take any more blows, he threw himself to the ground and pretended to be dead. It was then that they redirected their energies and attention to his father.

According to doctors at the GPHC, the dad has a 50/50 chance of recovery, as he has not, since admittance, regained consciousness, and is being monitored roundthe-clock at the A&E Unit.

A computed tomography (CAT – Scan) done on him has determined that he suffered severe brain injury.

‘Davo’ said from where he was, he could hear the father telling his sons, “We

gon wipe dem out.” The men allegedly beat ‘Jai’ mercilessly with a plank until he jumped into a trench to escape the beating. And Suresh, who was much easier to overpower by the seemingly bloodthirsty trio, was callously chopped until he dropped dead. A Chartered Accountant by profession, he pursued his studies in the US.” If the Nandkishores had left that family to die from poisoned food served to them by their own family member, whom they “forgave”, they would not have in turn have to mourn the murder of their son and brother; and have to live with enduring memories of pain and loss.

The Bible warns: “The wages of sin is death.” In this instance the wages of goodness was death, of hopes, of dreams, of happiness, of life; because of supreme ingratitude – the worst of vices.

Mother Teresa once said: “The good you do may be forgotten today: Do good anyway… For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”

The defining factor in our quest for nationhood GUYANESE will once again be required to go to the polls to elect a new government of their choice.

This is yet another episode in our post-colonial history in which elections are being held long in advance of the constitutionally due date.

It would be recalled that the PPP was forced to give up two years of its elected mandate in the elections of 1997 even though the party won its largest margin of

victory under the Janet Jagan presidential candidacy.

During the elections of 1997 which the PPP won with an overwhelming majority in certified free and fair elections, the PNC took to the streets and refused to accept the verdict of the Guyanese people. The mayhem created by the PNC in the streets of Georgetown forced an intervention of Caricom which brokered the famous ‘Hermandson Accord’ in which it was

agreed by the parties involved that elections would be held two years ahead of the constitutionally due date.

This time the reduced mandate was triggered by a no-confidence motion against the PPP/C government by the Alliance For Change which was widely expected to receive the backing of the main Opposition party in Parliament, the APNU. To avert any such even-

tuality President Donald Ramotar took the historic decision to prorogue Parliament in the hope that some accommodation could be reached with the Opposition parties on the way forward.

This however, turned out to be wishful thinking as the Opposition parties insisted that Parliament be reconvened as a prior condition for any talks and the first item on the agenda be the no-confidence motion.

Faced with such an un-

tenable situation, the President had no alternative but to take the next logical step which was to announce a new date for elections which is now set for May 11, 2015.

The PPP had always been at the receiving end when it comes to an acceptance of the democratic expression of the Guyanese electorate. After the PPP won the October 5, 1992 elections, the PPP took to the streets and refused to concede defeat even though

the elections were declared free and fair by all local and international observers including the highly regarded Carter Centre. Indeed, were it not for the physical presence of former United States President, Jimmy Carter, in the country on elections day, the outcome of the poll might have been seriously compromised.

Unlike the PNC, the PPP has always welcomed

See page 7

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

Freddie obviously suffers from an inferiority complex FREDDIE Kissoon has once again made a gargantuan fool of himself in his daily column. In his article, ‘Do Caricom leaders prove that the White race is superior’, (KN/201502-01), Kissoon extols the virtues of the White (Caucasian) race, and in the process, condemning the other races, especially Africans and Indians.

What is very obvious is that Kissoon is suffering from an inferiority complex.

Believing that one race is superior is racism to the highest extent.

There are populations which have adapted to particular environments, activities, or even abilities. But whatever advantages certain ethnic groups acquire must be seen as insignificant in the grand scheme of things and do not necessarily represent a “superior” vs. “inferior” scenario or situation.

Adaptations and particular skills can be attributed to resources available and needs of the people. It is difficult to generalize and say that one race is superior. Kissoon mentioned that the Caricom council claimed that the President was acting within the

constitution when he did so.

But isn’t this so! The President prorogued the Parliament because it was an option that was available to him through the constitution.

How did the pronouncement by the Caricom Council makes them inferior to the Caucasions? A blogger on an American website puts this issue of racial superiority into proper perspective with these excellent words, “The greater problem perhaps though is ‘Superior’ is not an empirical term; it is fundamentally a value judgment based on values that we select based on norms of the society in a specific time and place. Ascribing values of superiority and inferiority stops us from appreciating the beauty and variety of the human experience and each person’s capacity for invention or greatness.”

Kissoon conveniently forgets that the Causasion race that he puts in a pedestal produced Hitler, Mussolini, the Apartheid leaders in South Africa, the American leaders who meddle in the affairs of every country of the world including little Grenada where Freddie

hid in a rat hole (like Saddam during Desert Storm) during the invasion to remove Maurice Bishop, the very British who plundered the riches of many nations to enrich their empire, and many more examples too numerous to mention. Of course there are many good Caucasions but that does not mean that we must grovel to them as we did during the colonial era. Everyone is important and unique! Kissoon must examine himself and decide if he wants to be considered a mental slave (to other races) for the rest of his life. It is no wonder that he hates himself for being an Indian!

It is a blessing in disguise that such an individual who thinks so little of his own people is no longer lecturing at the University of Guyana where our most brilliant minds are. How can he raise the self-esteem of his charges!

God help us if Kissoon is placed in an influential position in Guyana in the near future!

RAKESH SINGH

The defining factor in ...

From page 6 the presence of local and overseas observers to monitor our elections.

President Ramotar has already issued invitations to a number of overseas Observer groups to come and monitor our elections on May 11. This is indeed a commendable gesture and speaks to the strong democratic credentials of President Ramotar and his PPP/ administration.

Guyana has come a long way from the days of rigged elections when going to the polls was nothing but a farce. Those were the days when the democratic aspirations of the Guyanese

people were thwarted and the true test of popular and electoral support was difficult to accurately gauge.

This is why it is so important for all political parties to show respect for our political culture which is still evolving to one of greater inclusivity and participatory democracy.

More importantly, all political parties should play by the democratic rules and avoid that tendency to cry foul when they lose the election, especially when the electoral contest is certified to be free and fair by local and international Observers.

This calls for political

maturity and a willingness to embrace a political culture in which the sovereignty of the people, as reflected in their democratic choices, is the only basis for rule.

While it is true that in culturally diverse and plural societies like ours there could be variables that can colour rational choices and influence pre-determined voting behaviour, in the final analysis it is our ability to rise about pettiness and accept the realities of our political and sociological make up that will be the defining factor in our quest for nationhood.

HYDAR ALLY

Nine road fatalities recorded up to February 4

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) said it is continuing its traffic enforcement efforts, along with traffic education, as it seeks to maintain safety on the roadways.

Up until February 4, 2015, there have been nine road fatalities, compared to 12 for the corresponding period last year.

During the period January 25 to 31, 2015, a number of cases were made against motorists for breaching the traffic laws.

These include:

Speeding 540 Driving Under the Influence 40 Breaching Conditions of Road Service Licence 38 Careless Driving 8 Dangerous Driving 20 Failing to wear safety helmet 15 Failing to wear seat belt 26 Prohibition of the use of hand- held mobile phone 11

In addition, 19 persons were charged for the soliciting of passengers (touting).

Essequibo man shot at Puruni

THE police said they are probing a report that around 23:00hrs on February 4, 2015, Calvin De Souza, 24, of Johanna Cecelia, Essequibo Coast, was walking along a trail at Mara Mara, Puruni, when he was shot and injured to his abdomen under circumstances that are so far unclear.

He received medical treatment at the Bartica Hospital.

‘Bolo’ dies on way to Georgtown Hospital --after run-in with police at Hampton Court

LEON Alphonso, called ‘Bolo’, of Danielstown, Essequibo Coast, who is believed to be of unsound mind, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Leonora Cottage Hospital in Region 3 at around 02:00hrs yesterday after he was shot by police at Hampton Court.

According to reports, ‘Bolo’ was being taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital for surgery after he was shot and arrested by police Wednesday afternoon at Hampton Court village.

The man was known for walking the streets actually naked. On Tuesday afternoon, he rushed into a yard at Alma Street, Danielstown and smashed the windscreen of a car belonging to the Singh family. The enraged man also knocked a pregnant woman to the ground unconscious after she tried to drive the car away. She is still a patient in the Suddie Hospital.

Reports said the matter was reported to the police at Anna Regina, and ‘Bolo’ was cornered at Hampton Court by police ranks on Wednesday afternoon and he attacked them with a crow bar. He was shot to one of his feet and arrested and rushed to the Suddie Hospital where he was admitted under guard.

According to reports, he was being taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital for surgery when he passed away on the West Coast of Demerara.

(Rajendra Prabhulall)

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

Presidential term limit challenge …

PPP questions PNC lawyer’s ‘hidden agenda’

By Vanessa Narine THE ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), yesterday, weighed in on the legal challenge, relating to the constitutionally enshrined presidential two-term limit, with questions on its timing.

“What is of interest is the timing at which this challenge is being raised and by whom.

Guyana is on the cusp of National and Regional Elections. Many challenges lay ahead, the most important being to ensure that the Elections are free and fair. Clearly, this new development is an attempt to throw a spanner in the works,” the ruling party said in a statement.

According to the PPP, the sponsors of the legal challenge appear to have a “hidden agenda” in the real sense of the term, other than invoking or blocking the boogie of a

‘The interest of those behind the challenge lies in the darkest and deepest crevices of a democracy comparable to the galleries of Hades’ “third term” for former President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.

“The interest of those behind the challenge lies in the darkest and deepest crevices of a democracy comparable to the galleries of Hades,” the PPP asserted.

JAGDEO NOT INTERESTED The PPP alluded to the fact that Jag-

deo, a member of the Party’s Executive and the Party added, making clear its support Central committees – the party’s leader- for incumbent President Donald Ramotar. ship – has repeatedly affirmed his respect for the Constitution and has made clear NEW SUBTERFUGE that he has no interest whatsoever in any The PPP has termed the challenged so called “third term” Presidency. the newest “subterfuge” that it has been The party said, “Since 2011, Mr. Jagdeo confronted with. made clear his disinterest in this matter “The PPP has confronted within the Party and beyond. many subterfuges in and out The Party wishes to state that of elections season. We fought while Mr. Jagdeo remains a off and overcame all of them. highly popular figure within This new subterfuge will be and beyond the membership fought off too and consigned and supporters of the PPP, this to the dustbin of history,” the popularity is in no way intendparty concluded. ed to be translated into a ‘third Meanwhile, the legal chalterm’ candidature. lenge, initially filed on MonAccording to the PPP, it day, was withdrawn and rehas “become obvious that Mr. placed on Tuesday with a new Jagdeo’s assertions fell on deaf Constitutional Motion. ears and that his expression of The challenge was filed in disinterest in returning to the the name of Cedric RichardPresidency notwithstanding, son, a 56-year-old West Ruithe modern-day Quislings mveldt, Georgetown, resident, working in close collaboration

by Attorney-at-Law, Emily with the local satraps continue Dodson, a People’s National to generate and peddle this Congress (PNC) sympathisabsolute nonsense, elevating it er. Dodson also represented Former President to useless legalistic twaddle.” former treason accused, Mark Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo The ruling party was emBenschop, during his incarphatic that while PPP members ceration. and supporters hold the former President in Attorneys-at-Law, Shaun Allicock and high esteem and would have liked to see his Oneidge Waldron Allicock, also signed onto return to the Presidency, they are also very the writ. much aware that there are “wolves in sheep’s The contentious Constitutional provision, clothing in our society who seek to sow dis- Article 90 (2) states that: “A person elected as cord” and to engage in “deceitful and artful President after 2000 is eligible for re-election fandangle aimed at misleading and confusing” only once.” party supporters.

Richardson contends that the Constitu“While the other political parties are tional provision “curtails” or “delimits” the still dithering to name their Presidential electorate’s choice of a presidential candidate, Candidate, the PPP has already done so,”

Town Clerk says ...

Mash vending not a social, but an economic activity ––denounces Deputy Mayor’s position

By Ravin Singh CONTRARY to reports indicating that Mashramani activities spearheaded by the City Council are social activities, acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba yesterday advised the public that these activities are economic activities which fall under the purview of the Town Clerk’s department.

This disclosure was made yesterday by Sooba at a press conference where she denounced what she described as attempts by Deputy Mayor

Patricia Chase Greene to misguide the public through her comments that Mashramani vending activities are social engagements.

Additionally, she noted that the Social Development Committee, which the Deputy Mayor said was responsible for the selling of vending spots, was not the body responsible for such activities but rather the administrative arm of City Hall, which is within her area of responsibilities.

According to her, persons interested in purchasing spots

for Mash Day economic or social activities, are required to visit her department at City Hall where they can be directed on the procedural requirements for gaining their spots.

While noting that spots will be sold at either $12,000 or $15,000, depending on a number of factors, the Town Clerk noted that no change has been made to the prices as compared to previous years.

Where applicable, Sooba noted that concessions too will be granted to organisations or companies that purchase large areas. These would only be

granted subsequent to examinations conducted by the department, where they would deem it applicable for these organisations, she said.

NO-VENDING ZONES However, the acting Town Clerk added that a few “zero tolerance” zones will be put into effect on Mash Day and these include JC Latchmansingh Street, Irving Street and Church Street. These areas, she noted, will be completely closed to vending and as such any economic activities related to Mash, transacted in these areas, will be deemed illegal.

Intervention will then be made by either the City Constabulary or the Guyana Police Force (GPF), who will be working in tandem to ensure there is no breach of these temporary arrangements.

This decision was made so as to adequately facilitate the floats on Mash Day and avoid any likely hindrance by vendors, as space constraints remain a critical factor. “We can’t afford to have accidents

such as Dr Jagdeo, by imposing a term limit.

“I believe that the illegal effect and consequence of the purported alteration is not only to curtail and restrict the democratic rights of the electorate in choosing a person as President, but to purport to amend the Articles 1 and 9 of the 1980 Constitution, which allowed the electorate to elect as president a person who had been re-elected,” he said.

According to him, such a change to the Constitution, which impacted on the freedoms of the electorate, should have been done via a referendum.

In other words, Richardson contends that the provision of the constitution, which imposes a term limit on the presidency, is unconstitutional; and that the procedure and process by which that provision was placed in the constitution is unlawful.

‘The PPP has confronted many subterfuges in and out of elections season.

We fought off and overcame all of them.

This new subterfuge will be fought off too and consigned to the dustbin of history’ Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, have been named as the respondents in the matter.

No date has been set as yet for a hearing of the matter in the High Court.

during this happy season,” Sooba said.

PORTABLE TOILETS Portable toilets will also be placed around the areas for the public while a team headed by the acting Town Clerk, the City Treasurer, Deputy Town Clerk and the Assistant Town Clerk will be responsible for manning these activities. “All financial transactions will be dealt with by the City Treasurer,” she said.

AFTER-MASH CLEAN-UP Meanwhile, Sooba hinted that this year’s activities will be fashioned just as last year’s where solid waste management will follow the Mash activities in an organised manner.

“We’re in the process of having systems in place to have the after-Mash clean-up exercise done in an efficient manner, especially around the business- oriented areas on Church Street and Vlissengen Road,” Sooba said.

She reiterated that these activities are not political activities, but rather economic for the Town Clerk’s department and the City Treasurer is responsible for this. “The deputy mayor has no authority; it is not a social activity.

We would not be responsible for any arrangements made between members of the public and other departments claiming to be responsible for selling spots,” Sooba assured the media yesterday.

Last year, controversy surrounded the selling of spots for Mash activities after the Mayor and Deputy Mayor claimed they were responsible for such arrangements. However, a stern Sooba refused to be bullied as she proceeded to execute these duties.

Both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor subsequently encouraged vendors not to pay for spots, demanding that it was a ‘religious’ celebration and persons should not be required to pay.

‘Be good for Guyana’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

9

––Prime Minister urges delegates at engineering confab “WE ARE called as engineers to position ourselves in Guyana and be good for Guyana.”

These were the sentiments of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who delivered the feature address at the opening of the fifth annual engineering conference, which was held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, yesterday.

The conference brought together a wide range of local and international experts in these fields as well as several other engineering professionals, contractors, consultants and engineering students.

The one-day annual engineering conference is traditionally the premier forum for the presentation of new ideas in the various domains of engineering, including transportation engineering (land, water and air), architectural engineering, traffic and highway engineering, coastal, river defence engineering and energy engineering, among other areas.

The theme for this year’s one-day conference was “Defending Guyana’s Development with Engineering Solutions.”

According to the prime minister, a chemical engineer himself, the theme is both challenging and provoking.

He said, “The theme is no doubt intended to challenge and provoke…it urges our engineers to take the baton of Guyana’s development forward….it calls for a contribution, for the taking up of responsibility, the applying of oneself to the work at hand of building Guyana with the resources and people at hand, with the materials, the knowledge, the equipment, the practices, the enthusiasm,” he said.

Hinds acknowledged that the task of development is not one that is without its challenges; however, he underscored the

fact that engineering solutions are intended to meet the needs of society by providing solutions to these challenges.

Among the issues discussed yesterday were: value for money in the construction sector; an improved approach to achieving infrastructural development; public transportation reform; a practical approach to road safety; a multi-sectoral approach to air transportation; air accident prevention; efficient project risk management in the local construction sector; chemical stabilisation of soil; developing Guyana’s coastline through

local operations, as well as the transfer of skills among engineers continue.

Also addressing the gathering of hundreds during the opening session was Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, whose ministry coordinated the conference.

He stressed that the work of engineers is critical to the growth of development of the country as a whole and pointed to what he termed “critical national imperative” projects.

Among the undertakings he named were the Cheddi Jagan International Air-

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds delivering the feature address at the fifth engineering conference, yesterday (Photo by Delano Williams) the use of geo-tube and hallow pre-cast concrete; coastal protection; and current practices and interventions for sea and river defense in Guyana, among others.

These, the prime minister said, are reflective of the challenges that Guyana faces and he expressed optimism that progress will be made as cost effectiveness, efficiency in

port (CJIA) expansion project, the Amaila Falls Hydro Power (AFHP) project and the “practically completed” access road; and the roads- expansion projects in different parts of the country.

Benn bemoaned the fact that too often the national debate on development undertakings deters young professionals from becoming

involved; however, he made clear that irrespective of one’s political persuasion, the “critical national imperative” projects must continue.

“We (the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Administration) will remain solidly behind these projects,” he assured, “These are things that have to be done.”

The Public Works Minister highlighted the strains on the current infrastructure, with the impacts of climate change and the pace of growth, and reiterated the necessity of the national imperative projects.

In response to these challenges, Benn acknowledged the successes of partnerships with development partners in facilitating the necessary interventions.

“The fact is that we must respond,” he said, adding that the guaranteed success of such venture depends on the engineering solutions.

Optimizing the expenditure of resources, getting value for money and working smart, the minister stated, has to be the maintained focus going forward.

“We have to be able to pass on a better life than we ourselves have had,” Benn stressed.

At the end of the opening, the participants of yesterday’s conference were engaged in a number of technical sessions, which featured presentations on a number of ongoing local developmental projects and provided participants with the opportunity to interact with the presenters and policy makers in these fields.

The general consensus from yesterday’s conference was that partnerships are important to advancing the development of Guyana and all Guyanese must make their contributions to this task.

(Vanessa Narine)

Canada committed to supporting free and fair elections ––High Commissioner Giles MEETINGS with the three major political parties wrapped up yesterday, according to the Canadian High Commissioner, Dr Nicole Giles.

“We have been meeting with several stakeholders to address opportunities to support free and fair elections,” she told the Guyana Chronicle in an invited comment.

Giles disclosed that the Canadian High Commission met with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

The last meeting, she said, was with the Alliance For Change (AFC), which was held yesterday.

The Canadian High Commissioner made clear

that Canada is committed to working with GECOM, all political parties and civil society to support free, fair and peaceful elections on 11 May, 2015.

“Canada is hopeful that the upcoming electoral process will allow the Guyanese people to debate the important issues that are facing the country,” she said at a public forum yesterday.

Giles added that the Guyanese people have an important role to play in the electoral process.

“The right to vote is the most significant representation of a citizen’s participation in the governance of their country,” the Canadian representative said.

Giles added that voting is a right, a duty and an opportunity, for all Guyanese

“Canada remains committed to the Americas and is working with its partners

Canadian High Commissioner, Dr Nicole Giles to increase economic opportunity, strengthen security

and institutions, and foster lasting relationships. We are promoting freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law by strengthening the professionalism and accountability of public institutions - including elections management bodies,” Giles stressed EARLY ELECTIONS The move to early elections resulted from the fact that the objectives of prorogation – in face of a no-confidence motion against the Government and the consequent dissolution of Parliament – failed in the opinion of the current Administration.

Given the postures of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), President Ramotar has always maintained that

the need for dialogue was uppermost in his mind when he made his decision to prorogue Parliament on November 10.

Paving the way for greater dialogue among political parties, he contended, would have kept the 10th Parliament alive to address critically important issues currently before the House.

The effect of ending the first session of the 10th Parliament by way of prorogation is the suspension of the business of the National Assembly. As a result of that move, the AFC-sponsored No-Confidence motion was not considered. Also, APNU had, prior to November 10, signalled its intention to support the motion.

Had it not been for the proclamation to prorogue Parliament, if the no-confidence motion had been approved by the political

Opposition, Guyana would have been headed to early general elections within three months. However, President Ramotar had made it clear that if these efforts proved futile, there would be a move to early general elections.

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.

As a result, the Head of State early last December indicated that Guyana will head to early General and Regional Elections, just over three years since the November 2011 polls.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 6, 2015

‘Confidential’ settlement reached in tax fraud case

– matter against Glenn Lall, others to be withdrawn today THE case alleging tax fraud against Kaieteur News publisher, Mohan “Glenn” Lall, and three others, is expected to be withdrawn today, given that a settlement has been reached.

Sources close to the matter confirmed that a settlement has been agreed , but noted that the agreement is a “confidential” one, since it involves personal tax information.

The matter is expected to come up in the Magistrates Court today, at which point it is expected that representatives of the defence, as well as the prosecution, will make clear their agreement to have the matter withdrawn.

Lall, his wife, Bhena Lall, and the Brijnanans were all fingered in an alleged remigrant duty-free scam. The four were slapped with six

charges altogether, to which they pleaded not guilty.The Lalls were arraigned last October, while Narootandeo Brijnanan and his wife, Gharbassi Brijnanan, were charged last month. All four were released on their own recognisance The Brijnanans were represented by Attorney-at-Law Robin Hunte. He is part of the legal team representing Lall and his wife. The defence was represented by other high- profile lawyers, some of whom are also prominent politicians. In addition to Hunte, the list of lawyers includes Khemraj Ramjattan, Senior Counsel Rex McKay, Nigel Hughes, Christopher Ram, Joseph Harmon, Brendan Glassford and Bettina Glasford.

Representing the prosecution are attorneys-at-law

Sandil Kissoon and Mahendra Satram.

The filing of the charges followed disclosure of details of the alleged duty-free scam, which were first made public by the Guyana Chronicle after a close examination of the Government of Guyana’s review of the Remigrant Scheme.

Under the remigrant programme, Guyanese who have resided overseas for more than five years and are returning home to reside are entitled to a number of benefits, among which are import duty waivers for vehicles, and tax exemptions for household items, once the items at reference were owned for six months or more in the country where the remigrant was living.

It was alleged that the Brijnanans utilised this con-

cession and imported two high-end luxury vehicles, which were solely used by the Lalls. An investigation was launched in the matter to ensure that procedures and policy, as well as the provisions of the law, were adhered to. The criminal charges stemmed from that investigation.

INVESTIGATIONS ONGOING Meanwhile, an holistic investigation into Guyana’s remigrant scheme continues.

In a prior interview with this newspaper, Auditor-General Deodat Sharma told the Guyana Chronicle that his office expects to wrap up their investigations by the end of February.

Initially, the investigation was expected to have been completed by the end of last

month. However, Sharma noted that given the scope of work, additional information is needed.

“GRA, because of the fact they have shifted offices, has been somewhat slow in getting the necessary paperwork to us. Remember too that in some cases we have to go as far back as 2010,” he said.

Sharma told this newspaper that more than 20 persons are under review.

To date, Sharma has forwarded two reports to the Board of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), through which the Authority requested an investigation.

While he declined to comment on the findings of the reports, the Auditor General disclosed that two major issues that the reports highlighted were the falsification

of documents and whether or not the persons applying for the benefits offered to remigrants, actually qualify as remigrants.

“There are a few other contentions that the report has addressed, but the details of those I cannot disclose,” Sharma added.

He did, however, indicate that the findings of his reports will be addressed in his yearend report as Auditor General, which is usually submitted to the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and subsequently made public.

Asked about the move forward after all his reports have been completed and sent to GRA’s Board, Sharma explained that from there it would be for the Authority to take the requisite action. “ We s h o u l d e x p e c t movement on the matter soon,” the Auditor-General said.

Canada, GECOM sign $7.9M support agreement – Giles declares Canada’s confidence in GECOM A CHEQUE for $7.9M was handed over yesterday to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) by Canadian High Commissioner, Ms Nicole Giles, as part an agreement to support the effective and efficient management of the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

Giles and GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, signed the contribution agreement to facilitate the acquisition of laptops yesterday at the Commission’s High Street office.

The Canadian High Commissioner underscored the link between free, fair and peaceful elections, through proper management, and the progressive development of a country.

She said, “Free, fair and peaceful elections play a critical role in every democracy.

It is through elections that citizens choose their government and have their voices heard. “…the work undertaken by independent election commissions is crucial. Electoral management bodies must strive to deliver elections which are: transparent and credible, free and fair, and produce timely results.”

FULL CONFIDENCE According to her, effective

From left, GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, and Canadian High Commissioner, Nicole Giles, sign the $7.9M contribution agreement. Standing is CEO, Keith Lowenfield (Photo by Delano Williams)

and efficient management of elections is an uneasy task; however, Giles stressed that Canada has full confidence in GECOM. “Canada has a high level of confidence in GECOM’s ability to deliver credible elections.

Canada is pleased to provide support through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) to support GECOM in delivering free and fair elections in 2015,” she said.

CFLI supports and implements projects across the world in partnership with local, national and international organisations, educational institutions and local governments.

“The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives is one of the instruments that demonstrates Canada commitment to the Americas and Guyana in a tangible way…it enables Canada to respond to and address the needs of our global partners,

while advancing Canadian values and foreign policy priorities,” Giles said.

She pointed out that supporting democratic transition, expanded democratic participation and strengthening the capacity of institutions is one such priority for Canada.

“Through this project, CFLI is helping to strengthen elections management and to support the Guyana Elections Commission in delivering free

and fair elections that are in accordance with Guyanese laws and international standards.

This project will help GECOM to be even more transparent and responsive to the needs of the electorate,” Giles said.

The Canadian representative acknowledged that Guyana has made significant strides in elections management, as noted in the 2011 elections reports.

IMPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Giles also called on GECOM to consider implementing the recommendations of the Organization of American States (OAS) Electoral Mission and the Commonwealth Secretariat, which came out of the 2011 elections’ observers report.

“Canada hopes that Guyana considers these recommendations,” she said.

Among the recommendations was the need for: improving mechanisms that guarantee more equitable access to media and political financing; adherence to timely and standardized procedures for the electoral process, improving communications with all stakeholders in particular GECOM; and strengthening the promotion of gender balanced participation throughout the electoral process.

“We hope that the provision of laptops to GECOM

will help with implementation of these recommendations,” Giles said.

ASSURANCE Meanwhile, the GECOM Chair assured that the Commission remains committed to ensuring a free and fair election process.

“Trust GECOM. Work with GECOM. We are the purveyors of truth. We have nothing to gain from untruths.

If you have doubts, ask us,” he said.

The move to early elections resulted from the fact that the objectives of prorogation – in face of a no-confidence motion against the Government and the consequent dissolution of Parliament – failed in the opinion of the current Administration. As a result, President Donald Ramotar, early last December, indicated that Guyana will head to early general and regional elections, just over three years since the November 2011 polls.

All considered, Dr Surujbally noted too that the support from Canada is a timely one that is welcomed by the Commission.

Also present for the signing were Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, and Deputy CEO, Vishnu Persaud, among other GECOM officials. (Vanessa Narine)

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 6, 2015

Armed Forces placed on ‘High... form, you exercise your democratic right to vote as members of the GDF. As an institution, you will carry out your professional responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution and respect the legitimate outcome of the electoral process.”

Commander-in-Chief, Donald Ramotar and Army Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips taking the ceremonial salute

Commander-in-Chief, President Donald Ramotar being greeted by his Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips, at the Army’s Camp Ayanganna headquarters yesterday. (Adrian Narine photos)

“You will do your duty with the highest level of professionalism,” President Ramotar charged.

He cautioned that the GDF is a professional and non-partisan entity and while the Officers and ranks of the Force participate in the democratic process through voting, “you are not allowed to participate in acts of political propaganda or militancy.”

The President, in his exhortation, also called on the ranks to seek to inspire confidence in the citizenry.

“Demonstrate to Guyanese and the world, that while as individuals in uni-

President Donald Ramotar and Brigadier Mark Phillips viewing a depiction of the GDF’s 50th Anniversary Calendar

NO LESS The President, who addressed the ranks for the fourth time as Commander-in-Chief and mere days before the General and Regional Election said, “I as Commander-in-Chief expect that your leadership will be exemplary and your image as a national army will be unsullied…you have sworn an oath to carry out your duties without fear or favour, affection or ill will and in the execution of those duties, honour and uphold the Constitution of the Republic of Guyana, I expect no less of the officers and ranks of the GDF.” JUBILEEE STAMP The GDF’s Annual Officer Conference this year is being held under the theme: ‘Towards Greater Operational Readiness For National Defence and Security’ and also marks the GDF’s Jubilee (50th) Anniversary.

From page 3

President Ramotar was welcomed to the venue for the Officer Conference by Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips who also accompanied him for the Ceremonial Salute before addressing the Army’s top brass.

Brigadier Phillips, in his remarks, firstly assured the Commander-in-Chief that the 2015 Conference will be guided by the theme (Towards Greater Operational Readiness For National Defence and Security). The army’s top ranking military officer also reminded that the GDF is committed to safeguarding democracy in Guyana.

Addressing the Commander-in-Chief, Brigadier Phillips proclaimed that: “As military officers, Your Excellency, we subject ourselves to the rule of law… we look forward to your continued support and guidance as we work with your government and other stakeholders to achieve greater operational readiness for national defence and security in Guyana.”

The 50 year anniversary of the GDF was also marked with the unveiling of a special Postal Stamp and Calendar.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 6, 2015

Police Force, CANU to benefit from radio sets, cameras

- As Guyana and Canada sign MoU

THE Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Foreign Trade and Development of Canada, for the purchasing of two-way radio sets and video cameras.

The MoU, which was signed earlier this week at the Ministry of Home Affairs, falls under the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, and will make provisions to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).

These agencies were chosen as officers from the two entities successfully participated in a Royal Canadian Mounted Police, surveillance-training course in November 2014.

On the occasion, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Ms. Nicole Giles, noted that ever since Prime Minister Stephen Harper first made the Americas Affirm Policy Priority in 2007, with a vision of a more prosperous, secure and democratic hemisphere, there have been significant strides.

“Seven years on, our hold of Government engagement in the hemisphere has never been stronger. Our engagement in the Americas is delivering results, both for Canada and our partners in

the Region such as Guyana.”

Making reference to the MoU, which she said has been long in the making, Giles said Canada is deepening cooperation to strengthen security in the Americas and to safeguard Canada and Canadians, home and abroad “This MoU is an important tile in this mosaic, as these radios and video cameras will contribute to the improvement of Guyanese law enforcement investigative capacity, by enabling officers from the Guyana Police Force and CANU, to put into practice, the skills and knowledge gained during a two- week course, delivered

by Royal Canadian Mounted Police, in November and December 2014.”

She added that while training is important, it is equally important that the equipment be operationalise.

“We believe that this value-added approach goes beyond the theoretical; it complements Canada’s regional effort to strengthen security and institution in the Caribbean.”

She added that transnational organised crimes pose a threat to all countries; as their corrosive reach extends throughout the Americas and they threaten sustainable economic growth, undermine public institution, and set back all major development indicators.

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Ms. Nicole Giles and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee during the signing of the MOU for the purchasing of two way radios, and video cameras for the Guyana Police Force and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit

“That is why a key component of Canada’s strategy for engagement in the Americas is a commitment to address insecurity and advance freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law throughout the hemisphere.”

Giles said she is confident that the equipment provided will ensure that the investigative skills gained during the training will continue to deliver results in Guyana in 2015 and beyond.

She further urged the ranks,

who were a part of the training, to share their wealth of knowledge with their colleagues, in an effort to contribute towards raising the standard of professionalism.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee on behalf of the Government conveyed his appreciation to the Canadian Government.

“We in Guyana hold in high esteem the relationship between the two countries… the relationship has grown

and has manifested itself through various areas of international cooperation.”

Minister Rohee noted that within recent times, apart from the other traditional areas of cooperation between Guyana and Canada, Guyana has been the recipient of support in the area of law enforcement.

“We will assure you that law enforcement in this country will make the best of these equipment. This act is another manifestation of

international cooperation in the fight against illegal and criminal activities, those that run against the core of the value in the Caribbean and Guyana in particular.”

He lamented the fact that nations cannot fight against international criminal activities by themselves; hence international cooperation is necessary.

Rohee said it is important to emphasise that for this fight to be effective, there is need for the necessary tools, with capacity building being an integral component to the overall thrust to fight crime locally and internationally.

Minister Rohee further underscored the importance of the use of technology in the fight against crime, which he said is becoming more obvious and apparent.

“Training for the new forms of crime is becoming more necessary; therefore, this assistance will contribute considerably to enhancing the technological wherewithal and strengthening their capacity,” he posited.

This course was funded by the Canadian Government’s Anti-Crime Capacity building programme.

The training involved classroom and practical work, focusing on observation and communication skills, with the use of two-way radios and digital cameras. (GINA)

846 Angoy’s Avenue households to receive potable water – following launch of water service project Phase Two THE Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) on Wednesday held a successful community meeting with residents of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, as it rolled out Phase Two of its project to provide treated, potable water to more than 846 households.

Programme Manager Richard Hoyte, during the meeting at Naie Shop in Angoy’s Avenue said the project started in September 4, 2014 with the first phase completed in 2011.

He added that the utility company has embarked on Phase Two of the project, which entails laying of distribution mains, measuring 4.6km of four-inch pipelines.

He stated that this phase is expected to be completed in

two months time and it’s part of government’s commitment to bring potable water supply to residents in the area.

Hoyte told the large gathering that they have commenced installation of pipelines, which is expected to be done in a timely manner thereby ensuring that they are provided with treated water.

He however, urged residents to take care of their water service connection and make sure it is not damaged.

Georgetown Customer Services Manager, Jeanette Thomas, said all customers in the area will be metered and encouraged residents to conserve water instead of wasting it.

She explained that customers will be billed every month on the basis of water

usage and urged them to cooperate with staffers in meter- reading and inspection when they are connected for the service.

The registering process she said is very simple once proof of address and identification are authenticated.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman David Armogan told the meeting that GWI bringing water service to the community which received electricity last month is a very welcome move to improve the lives of residents.

He talked about the road works that were done in the area prior to GWI’s project and asked that the roads be restored to its original state after the laying of pipelines.

He pointed out that it is in the interest of the government

Members of the head table on Wednesday addressing the meeting

to regularise the area; as such, residents will receive land titles and lot numbers in the near future.

Armogan encouraged residents to utilise the service provided by the water company, since treated water is very

costly to provide.

He expressed thanks to GWI for bringing water service to the community yesterday.

On hand were GWI’s Berbice staff to begin the application process with scores of

residents, who were eager to apply for potable water service following the meeting.

During the meeting, residents raised concerns which included the bullying attitude of contract workers laying pipelines and digging up of roads.

Villagers asked that their request be adhered to and for the contract workers to cooperate with them during the de-commissioning of old pipelines in the area.

The issue of reporting leaks was also raised as well as subsidy for pensioners, which was addressed and resolved.

Every household will be metered and a fee of $1000.00 will be payable to GWI for the service connection.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 6, 2015

Tiwarie family to stand funeral expenses for ‘Philadelphia four’

Dhanwantie Persaud fights to hold back the tears as she expresses her appreciation

By Leroy Smith THE Tiwarie family of the conglomerate, BK

Group of Companies has moved to ensure that the grieving relatives of the four persons who perished by drowning during a ritual offering on Monday can provide a fitting funeral.

The wife and two daughters of Brian Tiwarie met yesterday with the relatives of the four persons, and following a brief discussion, they handed over an undisclosed sum of money to pay for funeral expenses and other financial obligations at this time.

T h e Ti w a r i e s w e r e joined in the venture by Pandit Deodat Dhangrajh of Essequibo, who also offered financial assistance on behalf of his family to the grieving relatives.

Speaking with the media yesterday at the BK’s

Another relative of the deceased four breaks down during the presentation (Photos by Leroy Smith)

Water Street Headquarters, Dhanwantie Persaud, who is the sister, aunt and grandmother of the four dead

A BK International family member hands over the money to Ms Dhanwantie Persaud

persons said that the money which was given by the two families will go a long way in easing the unexpected financial burden.

According to the woman, President Donald Ramotar also provided the family with some assistance. She recalled that the family first got the call from the Tiwaries on Wednesday morning, saying that they will be assisting them in this their hour of need.

She expressed the family’s deepest gratitude to the President, BK International, and the Pandit and his family for sharing their pain.

The woman said that they would have received many calls since the tragedy from persons who indicated that they were going to assist them in the burial, but they

have not yet come through with those promises.

Mrs. Persaud told the media that the family will be laying all four of their relatives to rest on Sunday, according to Hindu rites.

Pandit Dhangrajh told reporters that he first received a call about the incident on Wednesday, and was immediately willing to give his support in keeping with his religious faith.

The Pandit said also that he came forward in order to encourage the relatives of the deceased to continue having faith in the Hindu religion.

Director of the BK Group of Companies, Briony Tiwarie told reporters that the entire initiative was the brainchild of her father, Mr Brain Tiwarie, who was totally shaken up

and moved after reading the details surrounding the death of the four persons.

She said her family was cognisant of the fact that losing four family members at one go is not easy. Ms. Tiwarie said her staff visited the family on Wednesday and documented the things they had to do in preparation for the funerals before deciding what it was they wanted to do in terms of assistance .

On Monday, Billy Narine, 12, Annapina Persaud, 9, their aunt and cousin Radika Persaud, 53, and Ravin Persaud, 15, of Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo were all found in the Essequibo River hours after they went there to release offerings for a relative who had passed away.

Pandit Deodat Dhangrajh makes his donation on behalf of his family

Teen crushed to death by falling paddy at Caricom Rice Mills

By Rajendra Prabhulall E I G H T E E N - y e a r- o l d Threeson Grittens, of Richmond Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast was killed early yesterday morning after tons of falling paddy buried him alive while he was working in the Caricom Rice Mills factory at Anna Regina.

According to reports, the teenager, who was on duty during the 7am to 3pm shift, was cleaning a tank which was used to store tons of parboiled paddy when a cone from another nearby cylinder burst, sending tons of paddy

Threeson Grittens who was buried alive by tons of paddy at Caricom Rice Mills, Anna Regina

over him. Reports are that the youngster, who was pinned

under the bulk of paddy, died before he was pulled out.

Rlatives,who rushed to the scene, said they saw workers bailing out paddy from over their loved one in the factory. They said when he was finally pulled out, he was already dead.

Officials of the company rushed the employee to the Suddie hospital where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.

Reports said Grittens who was the third of three children worked at the Caricom Rice Mills for one year. Police are investigating. (Rajendra Prabhulall)

Caricom Rice Mills at Anna Regina where the accident occurred

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 6, 2015

Guyana’s phenomenal Housing Boom continues as…

More than 260 house lots allocated – in the region’s first ‘One Stop Shop’ housing in Region 3 initiative for 2015 TWO hundred and sixty-four families in Region 3 are now one step closer to becoming first time home owners as the Ministry of Housing and Water took its first ‘One Stop Shop’ housing initiative for 2015 to the region.

The joyful beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Government for the measures put in place to allow citizens to benefit from this form of security.

A total of 69 lots in the community of De-Willem were allocated, 54 of which are valued $700,000 each, while 195 lots were allocated in Zeeburg, 154 of which are similarly valued.

According to Minister of Housing and Water, Mr Irfaan Ali, this allocation will benefit 1,082 individuals.

The development of this project was done through a contracted sum of $213M by

President Donald Ramotar greets a baby at the ‘One Stop Shop’ exercise at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara on Wednesday (GINA/Anil Seelall photo)

Chung’s Global Enterprise.

Minister Ali further pointed out that the project is 60% completed, with the installation of water network and

application of crusher run to soon commence.

Also, the installation of electricity that will cost Government $40M will commence

in these areas before December.

Further, other consolidated expenditure to Government includes the construction of the asphalted concrete main road to the tune of $63M and infrastructure works at a cost of $213M. This, when added to the $40M electricity installation, shows an investment of $316M by Government, all to benefit the residents of this area.

Minister Ali added that Government provides a subsidy of $590,909 to every household through its housing policy, which would be

equivalent to $144,124 at an individual level, and a total of $156M for the new home owners of these areas.

Reflecting on the developments and investments in the region, the Housing Minister pointed out that from the period 2000 to 2015, the Government expended $17B in housing development, creating housing schemes such as Zeelugt North and South, Tuschen North and South, Uitvlugt, Anna Catherina, Cornelia Ida, Leonora, Zeeburg, De Willem, Parfaite Harmonie, Onderneeming, Westminster, Rect-Door-Zee, Lust-En-Rust, Schoon-Ord, and Belle West Phases I and II. This investment has provided 25,000 lots to 102,500 beneficiaries, taking these persons/families one step closer to owning a home.

The minister added that numerous developmental projects are on-going, one of which is the upgrading of approximately 15 kilometres of asphaltic, concrete-surface roads, at a cost of approximately $1.2B, in Tuschen, Zeelugt, Meten-Meer-Zorg, Zeeburg, De Willem, Uitvlugt, Ocean View, Leonora, Anna Catherina, Cornelia Ida, Windsor Forest, Parfaite Harmonie, Onderneeming, Westminster, Recth-Door-Zee, Lust En Rust, Schoon-Ord and Belle West.

Minister of Housing, Irfaan Ali

Minister Ali reiterated that in 2009, the demand for house lots in Region 3 was 6000, and taking into consideration the new applicants over the years, today this has been reduced by 66%.

He also informed that government has just secured a loan of $3B which will see infrastructural development for approximately 310 acres of land at Stewartville, Anna Catherina and Cornelia Ida. This project will cater for the remaining applications, as Government commits to reducing the figure by the end of 2017. This will see approximately $2B being invested to develop 1,500 house lots.

Minister Ali also pointed out that the administration has shown that it has the capacity to realise and address the needs of its people, and it will not rest until the housing needs of every citizen is fully realised.

President Donald Ramotar, who was also present at the event, said, “One of the most important things human beings need in order to improve their lives and (so) add to the quality of life, is the security of home ownership, owning their own homes. I think that that is one of the most important things that contribute to a good quality of life.”

The President reflected on the past, when Guyana had no housing programme and very few persons were able to own their own homes, noting that he wasn’t able to acquire his own home until his golden years.

Region 3 Chairman Julius Faerber, welcomed the new land owners to the region, and urged them to work with the administration for the development of themselves and their allocated areas.

This ‘One Stop Shop’, held under the theme ‘Live the Guyanese dream--homeownership made easier’, is the 17th such initiative held in the region.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 6, 2015

PUC officially opens new building – hopes for continued development in sector

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds (at right), in the presence of officials of the PUC, cuts the ribbon to declare the building officially open

The new PUC building

By Navendra Seoraj THE Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Wednesday officially opened its new building on New Garden Street, Queenstown, in the presence of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.

Also present were Chief Executive Officer, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), Radha Krishna Sharma; and Chairman of the PUC, Justice Prem Persaud, along with other officials and members of the PUC. In his remarks yesterday, Prime Minister Hinds disclosed that, “This is another

step in the life of the PUC, especially pertaining to the fact that they are a relatively new institution in Guyana.”

He also observed that in the past, basic utilities were monopolies controlled by the Government, and now they have moved towards liberalisation.

“In the past, persons thought that if the Government had control over the Public Utilities it wouldn’t have been managed properly, because of political issues and such,” he said.

According to the Prime M i n i s t e r, p e r s o n s a l s o thought that private enterprises could have attracted

more investors than the Government.

Apart from that, he noted that in the past, persons were reluctant to pay a fair price for the services.

But aside from those assumptions in the past, the Government has still shared a good relationship with the PUC, and has contributed immensely over the years to the development of that sector, the Prime Minister noted.

“Although we share a good relationship, I am still glad that the PUC is at some distance from the Government, so that there could be a balance between the private

and public enterprises which are involved,” he said.

DEVELOPMENT OF TELECOM SECTOR PM Hinds also highlighted the rapid development of the Telecommunications Sector, noting that “The Telecom Sector being liberalised gave way for its rapid development.”

In closing, he noted that the Government has been assisting the PUC in getting their job done, and he encouraged the members of the PUC to work towards growing and developing their sector.

Also speaking at the cer-

emony, PUC Chairman Persaud observed that the PUC, since its establishment in 1987, has grown over the years, under the watchful eyes of many distinguished persons, too many to list.

Persaud noted that in 1990 the PUC was housed in a small office on the lower flat of Parliament Building, but they were asked to vacate the location by some politicians.

“In 2002, with the assistance of PM Samuel Hinds, they were able to acquire a building on Church Street, where they were housed for 13 years, until moving to this location,” he said.

Persaud said that they were able to purchase their current building last year after garnering assessment fees from consumers, and also with the assistance of past and present PUC officials and members.

The PUC is set up to ensure that regulated utilities offer an efficient service to consumers at a reasonable cost.

Apart from that, they establish and enforce rules and procedures for the regulation of public utilities, commensurate with internationally accepted regulatory standards, among other objectives.

Alleged drug traffickers get bail in Berbice High Court JUSTICE Brassington Reynolds yesterday granted bail to alleged drug trafficker Liana Ramsundar in the sum of $500,000, following a bail petition by Attorney-at-Law James Bond in the Berbice High Court.

Additionally, co-accused Puran Ramoo was granted $350,000 bail on the first count, in which he is accused of being in possession of 41kg, 945grams of cannabis sativa for the purpose of trafficking.

However, he was refused bail on the second count which stated that he had in his possession 225 grams of cannabis sativa for the purpose of trafficking.

In the petition by Chailkumarie Singh, it was stated that at the time when the 225 grams was found at the home of the appellants, Ramoo was not at home. Further the house in question is also occupied by two of his uncles, who are fishermen and have since left for sea.

According to the document, Ramsundar was present in the yard when the ranks searched their home and found 225 grams of cannabis sativa in a chair.

However Ms. Judith Mursulin, representing the State, disputed the facts, and contended that when the police took Ramsundar to the Lot 7 Cotton Tree Village residence, it was she who

had opened the door with a key. Further, the clothing seen at the location was owned by Ramsundar and Ramoo.

On January 26, last police were in the vicinity of Number 9 Village, West Coast Berbice, when Pooran Persaud, who remains on remand, was intercepted with twenty-five parcels containing 41kg 945g [ 92.75 lbs] of suspected cannabis sativa following a drug bust at Bath Settlement, West Bank Berbice.

However, following investigations by this newspaper, it was discovered that when the thirty-two-year old taxi driver was questioned about the multi- coloured

bag which contained several plastic wrapped parcels, he claimed that it was owned by a fisherman from Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice.

The driver subsequently telephoned the fisherman informing him of his predicament, and urged him to meet him at the Fort Wellington drying floor.

This newspaper was informed that $800,000 was intended to bribe the police officers.

Meanwhile, at the drying floor, at Fort Wellington, the fisherman and his girlfriend, a customer representative of a telecommunication company, arrived and were taken into custody by the sleuths.

Liana Ramsundar

Puran Ramoo

At the Fort Wellington Police Station, a search carried out on the twenty-fouryear-old female revealed that she had $700,000 in her handbag, while her partner had US$900 in his possession.

Further, the couple admitted sharing a common-law relationship. The revelation led ranks to their home where a plastic wrapped parcel was found in a chair cushion. A scale was also seized.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 6, 2015

Cabinet approves US$100,000 funding for Iwokrama from GGMC THE Iwokrama International Centre will receive financial support to the tune of US$100,000 from the Government of Guyana in order to ensure it continues its work in 2015.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon Wednesday at his post -Cabinet press briefing, made the announcement telling media operatives that the centre has been experiencing financial difficulties as a result of lack of support from its international partners.

He said that the centre has been experiencing financial difficulties in recent years as a result of inadequate and untimely inter-

ventions by international partners. That awareness, the Cabinet Secretary said, “has led to Government’s decision to again extend financial support to the centre. “To that end, Cabinet has approved another financial tranche of, this time, US$100,000.

This tranche,Luncheon explained, is intended to come from the proceeds of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). He stated that it is intended to provide bridging financial support for the centre as it implements its 2015 financial plan. The current dire financial situation of the centre would be eased, as that 2015 Financial Plan is

successfully implemented and the international community’s financial support is resumed.”

Questioned on the transfer of funds from the GGMC to the Iwokrama and the housing sector and not to the Consolidated Fund, the HPS stated,“The funds accumulated at the GGMC are the royalties paid by miners as they exploit natural resources that belong to the people of Guyana… the mining act reposes in that Commission the collection of royalties on behalf of the people of Guyana; once collected, they are available for the pursuit of Government’s intention for the people of Guyana in

the context of implementing policies and programmes of the executive.”

Explaining the authority to utilise the funds as is being done, Luncheon said, “The statute is fashioned in a way that indeed allows the Commission to retain those funds and to invest those funds at any particular point in time, and presumably at the discretion of the administration.” He further explained, “Nothing in statutes imposes an obligation to transfer funds at any stipulated time …or is there a statutory obligation for transfer [of] funds to the Consolidated Fund.” This, he said, could be done at the

discretion of the administration, depending on the priority of Government policies.

That priority, he explained, saw Cabinet approving support for the Iwokrama International Centre and the housing sector.

Guyana, he stated, has a responsibility for maintaining the Iwokrama International Centre and providing support for a policy which had its origins in the 1990s under the latter days of the Desmond Hoyte administration. Expanding on the recent support by Government’s programme in recent times, he said, “Without the Government’s support over the more recent years, the deficit would have remained on the books and threatened its financial viability and

ultimately its existence.”

Iwokrama is a unique reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest and was established in the early 1990s by an International accord, with Guyana as host. It is a not- for- profit organisation governed by an international board of trustees and managed by about 70 permanent staff members in Guyana The centre has been experiencing financial difficulties over the more recent years in the face of inadequate and untidy interventions by the international community partners of the accord; but the Government of Guyana has been continually giving financial support to the centre to ensure its viability.

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 6, 2015

Rodney CoI extended until end of March

THE public hearings of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the death of former Working People’s Alliance (WPA) leader, Dr. Walter Rodney has been extended from January 31, 2015, to the end of March.

This was according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon, during his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing, held at the Office of the President Wednesday.

The CoI was initially scheduled to last four months, following its April commencement date. This is not its first extension.

On April 15, 2014, Members of Parliament were unan-

imous in their approval of $112M to fund the work of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry, an allocation that was listed under the Office of the President’s $2.2B current expenditure estimates in the 2014 Budget.

Asked about funding for the extended work of the Commission, Dr Luncheon assured that availability of resources is not an issue, as sufficient funds have been secured to facilitate the work of the Commission.

“This is not a funding issue. I don’t know where the notion has arisen. I can understand its persistence, but I can assure that funding for the Commission is not an issue

and it has never been an issue.

Whatever is needed to continue the Commission in its work, up to March 31, 2015, which is the date to which its life has been extended, I can assure that those funds are secured for that purpose,” he said.

The Commission ended a week of hearings last Friday) and is expected to recommence its session on February 9.

The hearings were opened in the Supreme Court Law Library in Georgetown last May by Chairman of the CoI, Richard Cheltenham. Several persons are still coming forward to indicate their willingness to testify at the CoI.

Dr. Rodney was killed when a bomb exploded in the car in which he was sitting.

He was 38 years old at the time. Nine years ago, Parliament unanimously approved a motion to establish a commission to enquire into the circumstances surrounding his death.

President Donald Ramotar had agreed, in June 2013, to establish the CoI following a request from the Rodney family, after a previous inquiry ordered by former President Desmond Hoyte in 1988 found that the historian/politician’s demise was caused by “accident or misadventure,” and that was met with grave disbelief.

Additionally, the establishment of a CoI was supported by a parliamentary motion that spawned the decision to establish the Commission of Inquiry.

On the 13th June, 1980, Dr. Walter Rodney, a distinguished Guyanese scholar, was assassinated by an explosion which occurred in his car at John and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown. Dr. Rodney was, at the time of his death, an eminent political leader engaged in a struggle against authoritarian rule for democracy and social justice. There had been calls for a full investigation into the assassination of Dr. Walter Rodney which have received broad support.

“The National Assembly, in paying tribute to the memory of this illustrious son of Guyana, and on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of his untimely and tragic death, supports an enquiry being conducted into the circumstances surrounding the death of Dr. Rodney.”

After his assassination, Rodney received several honours. In 1993, the Government of Dr. Cheddi Jagan conferred on him the country’s highest National Award, the Order of Excellence (OE); and the Walter Rodney Chair in History was created at the University of Guyana. (Vanessa Narine)

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 6, 2015

BLUE Caps president mulls political platform for May 11 elections

BLUE Caps President Clinton Urling

By Gary Eleazar HEAD of State Donald Ramotar has called a date for the 2015 General Elections and with the three main political parties already actively pursuing support and endorsements, Clinton Urling, former President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), and Founder of BLUE Caps, a non-governmental organisation, has signalled serious intentions of taking to the political platform this year.

During an invited comment to the Guyana Chronicle Monday, Urling said that he holds himself out as an objective and independent force and he definitely has it under active consideration for the 2015 election.

He was quick to point out that he has not yet decided on which of the three parties to align forces with, since he is yet to fully assess what is being offered.

According to the BLUE Caps founder, there are certain specific elements he is looking for when finalising a decision on the available options - namely the incumbent People’s Progressive Party / Civic (PPP/C), A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC).

Urling, during a brief interview with this publication, rejected claims that he has shown any open support for Government or Opposition, adding that he has been accused of being ‘pro and anti’ over the years, an erroneous assertion.

According to Urling, all of his positions taken in the past were taken with the national interest at its core.

He reminded that the core issues affecting Guyana will not be fixed by just having a pre-mature election.

Urling told the Guyana Chronicle he will be seriously looking to the three parties to see who will be committed to a date for the holding of Local Government Elections as well.

EMBRACING YOUTH According to Urling, he will also be looking to see which of the political forces will best embrace youth and youth leadership.

Urling is adamant that in future, there needs to be more youth in the leadership positions of these political forces.

The political parties, according to Urling, will be assessed by him before he makes a decision in order to align himself with those that embrace civil society bodies.

Urling is the General Manager and co-owner of German Restaurant and holds a Master’s Degree in global studies.

He was elected as the youngest member and President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

Recently he contested the Chairmanship of the Private Sector Commission, contending with Ronald Webster for the top post.

More recently, Urling founded and launched the BLUE Caps organisation.

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 6, 2015

BV/Triumph residents say…

No roads, no vote over impassable roads – burning tyre protest staged in BV

One of the disgruntled residents speaking with the Guyana Chronicle

By Leroy Smith RESIDENTS of Triumph and the neighbouring village of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, are calling on the relevant authorities to move swiftly to fix the road and bridges in their communities.

On Saturday last, residents of Triumph spoke with this publication about the state of the road in their

community, which they claimed was not done in over ten years, while those in Beterverwagting yesterday placed debris on the road and set it alight to protest the poor condition of the road.

One businessman said that from what he has gathered, having lived in the area and observed the state of the roads, especially in Triumph, one gets the impression that the village has no one living there.

The man, who asked that his name be withheld, explained that streets such as Surratt Drive, Kadoo Street, Market Street and Khan Street are among the worst in the Triumph area.

This publication was told that recently there have been some works which started on a street in the community, Dr. Miller Street, and the work of the contractor is not to the standard that residents believe it ought to be.

“These people don’t do anything for this community of Triumph anymore; Better

Hope, Mon Repos and all the other areas are getting roads, but for Triumph is like no one lives here,” the man stressed.

He also spoke about the damage to vehicles while also lamenting the difficulty that pedestrians have when competing with the motorists for passable sections of the road.

The Chronicle was told that when there were any attempts to fix a road in the area, the remedies would only last for about six months before the disaster surfaces again.

Meanwhile, as the residents of Triumph called for their roads to be fixed, the residents of BV took a more drastic approach, bringing traffic in the community to a grinding halt as they burned tyres and other debris to make their concerns heard.

They also placed old fridges and branches along the road as they held their placards demanding attention by the relevant authorities.

Debris that residents set alight in protest over poor road conditions in BV

Two vehicles stalled at the blocked road with placards plastered on one windscreens

20

Children’s Mash Competition…

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

Nursery, primary schools maintain dominance

--as G’town schools duke it out on stage THE Georgetown Schools’ Mashramani Competition continued yesterday with the costume display at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, with nursery and primary schools dominat-

ing the scene yet again.

There were approximately 28 registered pieces for the day of activities, with the majority of those registrations coming under the Nursery and Primary levels.

‘Unity Under the Sun’ was the theme for South Ruimveldt Park Primary

Showcasing a colourful butterfly piece, J.E Burnham Primary flounced to the beat of the music

Hundreds of children packed the Sports Hall on Mandela Avenue to cheer their respective schools on, as their peers displayed their costumes with proud movements. The use of local Soca music could be heard belting out of speakers at the venue throughout the competition.

Judges at the event told this newspaper that they are especially proud that the younger groups are so confident and are “upping” their game in the arts.

The teachers, as explained, played a tremendous role in the creativity and actual making of the displays, and should be congratulated, the judges related.

A teacher from Rama Krishna Primary explained that he was still putting the finishing touches to the school’s costume at 11pm the previous night. He said, too, that even though they did not receive a trophy for their performance, he believes that the children need this aspect of schooling so as to make them rounded individuals.

The costume displays depicted Guyana’s Tourism product; a costume from St Agnes Primary portrayed the Kaieteur Falls, the flora and fauna, and also the aviation sector.

“Unity of our Cultures”, Guyana’s Eldorado, and unity of our people were all prominent themes used in the costumes display.

“A Celebration of Love” and unity was portrayed in Headstart Nursery’s costume

‘Tourism Bloom’ by St Agnes Primary was the entry that depicted Guyana’s Tourism product with the Majestic Kaieteur Falls featuring prominently

St Ambrose Primary showcased ‘Unity of our Cultures’ as they gyrated to heady Soca music

Part of the audience at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall yesterday (Photos by Adrian Narine)

F.E Pollard Primary under the category ‘Fantasy’, mimics “A tree fairy visits Mashramani”

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

More exhibitors expected at this year’s Wedding Expo THE 7th Wedding Expo and the 2nd ‘Race to the Altar’ was officially launched on Wednesday with promises of an increased number of exhibitors.

It is expected that there will be more than 50 exhibitors and an estimated 5,000 patrons over the three-day wedding expo slated for March 27 to 29. Last year’s ‘Race to the Altar’ winners from 2014, Mr and Mrs Fletchman, were also present at the launch.

Mrs Fletchman, speaking at the launch of the 2015 Wedding Expo held at Duke Lodge in Kingston, explained that they could not have afforded to have a wedding as different priorities of life faced them, “whether it was a job opportunity, an education opportunity or acquiring a land that made getting married difficult.”

The couple explained that the journey was a wonderful experience and they are very thankful to Captain Gerald Gouveia and the expo team for the opportunity of a lifetime.

MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES Captain ‘Gerry’ Gouveia, Director of Roraima Group of Companies, said the annual expo, which showcases an array of wedding products and services, gives small businesses an opportunity to market

country,” he said.

Gouveia said the idea of a local expo originated from similar expos that take place in Jamaica, but he noted that while those chiefly featured only Christian weddings and white dresses, this expo takes into account all of Guyana’s religions and ethnicities.

THAG President Shaun McGrath, former Tourism Minister Maniram Prashad, PSC Vice Chairman Eddie Boyer, GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh and Captain Gerry Gouveia with some of the Wedding Expo models (Photo by Delano Williams) their goods, and also encourages large companies to bring benefit to the country by being

a part of the expo.

“It warms my heart to see so many small businesses be-

ing part of the expo, and with this opportunity and with them developing themselves after here, they are able to build our

WEDDING DESTINATION President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Shaun McGrath, congratulated the Roraima Group on this 7th wedding expo and alluded to the fact that with the right tuning Guyana can be made into a wedding destination.

He made reference to statistics that indicate the cost for a wedding in the United States is approximately US$28,000.

He urged the authorities to expedite the necessary policies to make “getting married in Guyana easier but still being stringent with the policies.”

Vice Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Eddie Boyer, also spoke briefly, congratulating the committee on their persistence and determination for the seventh consecutive year in hosting wedding expos. He pledged the commission’s continued support for this event.

And Director of the Guy-

GDF benefits from BK/JAGS aviation training The Skytruck the engineers are being trained to maintain OVER 40 engineers, including from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), are being trained by JAGS Aviation Inc. in collaboration with BK International to carry out maintenance works on the “Skytruck” recently acquired by Jags Aviation.

The training is being facilitated by SilverAero, a company with over 25 years of involvement in the aviation industry and in providing support for operations and maintenance for various aircraft worldwide, and more specifically the M28 Skytruck.

The training which started on February 2 and runs for a period of one week will

see participants chalking up 40 hours each, as part of the certification requirements. The first batch of trainees are expected to compete their 40 hours today or by Monday, since the weekends are not included.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle in an exclusive interview yesterday at the Water Street, Kingston Office of BK International, Accountable Manager of JAGS Aviation Inc., Briony Tiwarie, explained that because of the number of persons who are being trained the training had to be divided to accommodate two batches.

In addition to personnel from the GDF, BK International and JAGS Aviation are also

training personnel from their own pool of engineers.

The second batch of trainees in the maintenance of the “Skytruck” would commence on February 16. In addition, there are two persons from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) who are part of the entire process, since the certifying of aviation engineers has to be done by the GCAA. Following training of the engineers, BK and Jags would then move to provide training to pilots from both agencies in the operation of the airbus, Briony Tiwarie told this publication.

Asked to comment on the

real purpose of the training and why the company saw the importance of it, Briony Tiwarie said that her company understands the importance of the training and the need to involve personnel from the GDF, given the nature of operations that the agency is involved in.

She explained that at the

end of the training it will not only be beneficial to those who were directly involved and the companies they represent, but the Guyanese society also since the “Skytruck” would be providing a service to thousands of persons indirectly, already also, miners are set to benefit tremendously from the service

ana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh, said that the wedding expo is the ultimate place and event to meet and experience the best collection of wedding suppliers under one roof in Guyana and the ‘WHO is WHO’ in the wedding industry.

NICHE EVENT The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the GTA have endorsed and supported this niche event from its very inception. “This event has grown and expanded and it is included in our Annual Calendar of Events,” he said.

The Director observed that one of the hurdles that is creating some interference is the fact that 15 days’ residency is required for non-nationals. “We are working on creating a special provision that caters directly and specifically for tourist marriages that will include non-nationals to three days,” Haralsingh said.

There are over 300 marriage licences that are issued per month in Guyana with a high percentage involving non-residents.

GTA’s Director in closing related that the wedding expo is catching on in Berbice.

“They had their first wedding expo in December last year (2014) which by the way is the number one month for weddings.” of the “Skytruck” given the nature of their operations and the bulky and weighty cargo that sometimes have to be transported into interior locations on more than one trip.

The “Skytruck” has the capacity to fly with record weight on board and can also land in interior locations which have very short runways, something that is not possible with regular aircraft which conduct domestic operations.

Ms. Tiwarie indicated to the Chronicle that even after the training would have been completed, maintenance support would be forthcoming for the facilitators who provided the instructor and maintenance course.

Engineers during one of their training sessions earlier this week

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 6, 2015

12-year-old repeat offender sent to NOC for three years A TWELVE-year-old boy who stole a number of articles from a vehicle belonging to a retired police officer, has been sentenced to a three-year stay at the New Opportunity Corps, a juvenile detention centre at Onderneeming, on the Essequibo Coast.

The ruling was made by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus after consultations with Police Prosecutor Sergeant, Phillip Sherriff and Senior Probation and Social Services Officer, Ms. Egla October, at the New Amsterdam Court, where the juvenile had earlier pleaded guilty to the offence of simple larceny.

Sherriff had suggested three years’ detention until the offender attained the age of sixteen, but Ms. October was somewhat hesitant in making a suggestion, and opted for the Court to make the final decision.

Reporting on the delinquent’s background, the Probation Officer noted that after the juvenile was questioned about his reasons for leaving school without permission, he said that he would often do so in order to steal.

Reference was made also about another incident when he was sent to church one evening, but took the opportunity to steal a cell phone before returning to the place of worship.

The adolescent had submitted that he had stolen from several persons, prior to the current offence, but was never charged or placed before the courts.

Further, the child confessed to being caught with others as they broke and entered another man’s ve-

hicle in the vicinity of the New Amsterdam Hospital.

According to October, the boy’s mother said that prior to this charge, she was called on numerous occasions to visit the police station, as he was often held for a number of theft matters.

Meanwhile, the boy acknowledged that he is aware of the difference between right and wrong and also what the Bible teaches about stealing, but still he does not know why he was committing such acts.

He was born on May 26, 2002 and is the fourth of nine children, the eldest being eighteen years old, and a member of the Guyana Defence Force.

During his younger years, his mother, due to economic hardships, was forced to place her child along with a younger sibling at the Alpha Children’s Home at Gay Park, East Bank Berbice. However after a short stay, he was returned to her by the authorities.

Meanwhile, Winston Benjamin, the virtual complainant, said that on November 28 last he went to use his vehicle, PHH 8604, a Toyota Hilux Surf, which was parked in front of his home, at lot 11 Cummingsville, New Amsterdam, when he saw the delinquent in the back seat sorting things from the glove compartment.

Upon checking, Benjamin discovered that a cellular phone, a battery lamp, a shower blind, a perfume set, a charger and US$3 were missing, a total value of $67,600.

The boy indicated that it was not the first time he had broken into the complainant’s vehicle, but it was the first time he was caught.

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 6, 2015

31 murder cases for Berbice Criminal Assizes

THE February sessions of the Berbice Criminal Assizes opened on Tuesday with the usual fanfare and traditional parade by the Guyana Police Force ranks, dressed in ceremonial uniform.

Justice Brassington Reynolds took the salute at Esplanade Road, in front of the Berbice High Court in New Amsterdam. Accompanying the Criminal Judge, were Justice Nareshwar Harnanan, and Commander of the Berbice Division, Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph.

Following the parade and march past, a mixed jury was empanelled in the case of the State versus Dharamraj Persaud called Kris and Yougeshwar Dhanaram known as Shem, Sham, or Joe Joe, who are jointly indicted for murdering Sasenarine Persaud alias Suraj on April 29, 2012.

The case has been adjourned to February 10, as the roll- over case involving Hallman Hunte and Sohan Busjit, who also face a joint murder indictment, is yet to

be completed.

Meanwhile, 36 prisoners from the New Amsterdam Prison are requesting early trials at the Berbice Assizes.

Senior Superintendent of Prisons [Acting] Mr. Linden Cornett, in a Gaol delivery before Justice Reynolds, stated that murder accused Omar Bacchus, Navin Sugrim and Bheem Evans have indicated through written statements that they would like to have plea bargains.

Omar Bacchus has been incarcerated since September 5, 2008.

The list, containing the names of the prisoners which was tendered as an exhibit, revealed that 31 prisoners are awaiting trial for murder.

In addition, three are for sexual penetration, and one each for carnal knowledge and fraudulent conversion.

The delivery was ordered by the court and presented through State C o u n s e l J u d i t h M u rsuline, moments before the opening of the session.

Friday, February 06, 2015 - 05:00 hrs Saturday, February 07, 2015 - 05:30 hrs Sunday, February 08, 2015 - 05:30 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

Tel# 616-0301 / 699-6156

Bombshell’s Profile Personality…

Safraz Ali is creating a ‘belly full’ for hungry roadside drivers WHEN I just recently visited the village of Anna Catherina, WCD, I was most taken aback at the manner in which drivers, pedestrians, and even tired cane harvesters seemed to flock a certain mini fast food outlet situated quite close by the roadside.

The mouth-watering aromas coming from the small joint made me stop to order cane juice with fried bake and slated fish. Sitting down in an undertaking to appease my grumbling stomach, I was completely blown away by the very delicious meal I had ordered.

I am not ashamed to say that I immediately ordered roti and curry, and this even took me to a higher degree of satisfaction with the rich, topical ‘countryside flava’.

Well, yuh know me, I had tuh find out de

magic behind such splendid cooking; suh I play fast and engage de bass man in conversation. It turned out that the proprietor, Safraz Ally, was actually the main man behind all the operations.

He explained that he actually took over the business from his parents several years ago, and had moved from preparing just a few snack items daily to doing a wide range of Creole and Indian dishes today.

“I took over from my parents who were running this business for donkey years, until they became too old to handle the pressure. They already had their loyal customers, and when I took over just a few years ago, I built on that, too.

“I know (that if I want) to attract great sales I must be polite, calm, and very pleasant to my customers; and I also understand the importance

Safraz Ali stands ready to meet the needs of his hungry customers of excellent customer service. This I teach every day to my three employees, and they, too, make quite an impression on the customers,” he confided.

Safraz get out of bed every morning at 2am, and with the help of his elderly mother and other relatives, begins to prepare quite delicious polouri, egg balls, bake and slated fish, roti and curry, puri, and a host of other items. These, of course, can be washed down with cold cane juice and fruit juices, or with carbonated beverages if the eater so desires.

“It really hard wuk to toil until around 06:00 hrs and to get everything to this shop before 07:00 hrs,” Safraz says. But he has to so do, since the hungry customers would be there clamouring for breakfast, lunch, and sometimes

even dinner.

He is there every day satisfying the thirst and hunger of pedestrians, and drivers who wish to suddenly stop for a fine-tasting and satisfying snack or lunch item are very glad they so do.

School children have grown quite fond of his food, and they make it a ‘must have’ on their agenda at break time, or on leaving school in the afternoons.

Asked what is the special formula or recipe for producing such splendid cuisine, Safraz merely smiles mischievously and mouths, “Only a silly tradesman gives away the tricks of his trade.”

Safraz and his party also caters for events, so I urge you to ‘taste his hand’ by visiting his place of business or by calling phone number 622-0595 for more information.

LINK SHOW MAKES 31 YEARS – OPENS ON FEBRUARY 20TH AT THE NCC LINK Show 31 takes to the stage of the National Cultural Centre on February 20th, thirty-four years after the first Link Show was staged in November 1981.

Subsequent shows followed the trend of that first show for three years, before staging was moved to February in 1985, where it has stayed for the past 27 years.

Link Show staging has become synonymous with Mashramani, and in keeping with the themes of the lyrics of calypso competitions, Link Show represents the dramatic satire that is very fitting for the season.

The link Show has been attracting large audiences over the years. It is the longest running and most popular satirical stage production in Guyana. It has done several tours overseas to countries with a heavy Guyanese presence.

This year, with elections on the heels of opening dates, one can expect ‘an election link’ and a lot of predictions on the outcome.

The annual satirical review will be staged on the following dates: February 20th, 21st, 27th, 28th and March 1st. Repeat shows are not guaranteed, so patrons are asked to get their tickets early to secure their seats and an opportunity to ‘lighten up’.

Tickets will be on sale at the National Cul-

tural Centre; Nigel’s Supermaket; Giftland OffciceMax, and at Ashmin’s Trading. Tickets cost $2500, $2000 & $1500 respectively.

Cast members include Henry Rodney, Rajan Tiwari, Mark Luke-Edwards, Randolph Critchlow, Mark Kazim, Paul Budnah, Sean Budnah, Michael Ignatius, Simone Dowding, Sonia Yarde, Leslyn Fraser, Nirmala Narine, Nicola Moonsammy, Tashandra Inniss, and Nuriyyih Gerrard.

The show is directed by Ron Robinson, produced by Gem Madhoo-Nascimento, and is presented by The Theatre Company and by GEMS Theatre Productions.

Patrons are advised to observe the NCC dress code and be punctual.

Joke of the Day!

THE lawyer was cross-examining a witness.

“Isn’t it true, “he bellowed, “that you were given $500.00 to throw this case?”

The witness did not answer. Instead, he just stared out the window as though he

hadn’t heard the question. The attorney repeated himself, again getting the same reaction - no response.

Finally, the judge spoke to the witness, “Please answer the question.”

“Oh,” said the startled witness, “I thought he was talking to you.”

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

Bombshell’s hottest dudes…

Paul Charles rocks with tropical fervor

Carlsberg Crew poised for countrywide ‘Golden Fantasia’ FANS came out in their numbers last Saturday to watch the return of Chutney King Mahendra Ramkellawan as he performed at the ‘Carlsberg Beer Fantasia’ in Parfaite Harmony.

Fans swooned in delight at the energy and the ‘chuntey fevah’ he unleashed on stage.

However, what thrilled the gathering was the fact that Carlsberg/Southland International Inc had brought them excellent packages,

Paul Charles reeks of tropical fervor

Paul rocks in just about any attire he dons on the runway

HOT and captivating, he is imbued with a certain tropical fervor that is customarily associated with raunchy Guyanese hotties.

No stranger to the entertainment arena, Paul Charles is not here to just flaunt a striking face or other assets; instead, he is here to dictate that men can also have their say through creativity, fashion, or entertainment exploits.

He has just recently become the most talked about young fashion enthusiast when he blazed a trail to cart off the First ever Mr. Guyana title, which allowed him to represent us at the international level against several other countries in 2015.

Normally a high fashion personality, Paul has been known to ‘rock like crazy’ in practically any outfit or designer piece when he debuts on the runway. With a promising career in dancing looming just ahead, he is poised to take Guyana to the next level in the field of theatrical arts.

Asked where he acquired his special ‘tropical sizzle’, he responded, “Some things are just acquired naturally, and it wouldn’t hurt to flaunt it once in a while…”

Well, ladies, don’t ask for a number; he is not selling, so stop the soliciting…

Embassy will host the Happy Hour from 8:15pm to 9:15 pm, before the 704 Sports Bar at Albert and Lamaha Streets hosts its HH from 9:30pm to 10:30 pm; and the Garage (South Ruimveldt) from 10:30pm to 11:30pm.

On Tuesday, Feb 3rd 2015, Publik Wing and Burger House hosted a new theme, called ‘Carlsberg Tuesdays’. The promotion used was four Carlsberg beers and six wings for $3000. The event saw patrons utilizing the offer and also posting to their social media accounts pictures of the promotion.

On Wednesday, February 4th, the Roraima Duke Lodge had a Karaoke Night, and they came on board for the Carlsberg special -- 3 for $1000. In total, 5 cases of Carlsberg beer were sold during the event. Branding was placed at key areas.

The Carlsberg Beer Bar-Hopping promotions continue this week all over Guyana all weekend, starting on Friday, Feb 6 2015.

Several locations have been highlighted to stage their ‘All Day Carlsberg Specials (3 for $1000), and these include Mark’s Bar (Parika), Fat-Head (Parika), and Bandar’s Place

Mahendra Ramkellawan returned to these shores with a bang!!! which allowed them to not only sample a beer with a mind-boggling difference, but also took them to great heights of excitement with its rich and heady flavour.

As the golden liquid trickled down parched throats and entered empty stomachs, fans saluted the new beverage and welcomed the fact that it was served up on golden platters by very provocative and smiling models, all decked to impress ‘Carlsberg Style’.

No one does things better than the Carlsberg Crew! Last year, they literally “took” Guyana by storm, unleashing their ‘Carlsberg Fever’ with a scorching intensity.

This year, several Carlsberg Happy Hour and other initiatives are planned with the aim of doing what they do best -- pleasing their beer-thirsty fans!

Happy Hours will be staged in nightclubs and bars across Guyana, since the promoters intend to have every Guyanese enjoying the ‘Carlsberg Experience’.

This weekend, the Carlsberg Happy Hour continues at the GCC Cricket Ground, Bourda, and begins today at 6:30 pm. Then it’s off to Sharon Kissoon’s Bar at the Stabroek Market Square from 5 pm to 6 pm; afterwards, it goes to Seeta’s Bar (Kitty) from 7 pm to 8 pm.

Duke Lodge in Kingston, near the US

(Anna Regina).

Tomorrow, from 9pm to 10pm, it’s off to the Hibiscus Club (Middle Street, Georgetown). On the same day, from 11pm to 12 pm, the excitement escalates at the Blue Martini Nightclub (Newtown Kitty)

The Mash Fever is on …

Buxton/Foulis Mash slated for March 15

WHILE fans have been sending us tons of enquiries as to the 2015 staging of the Buxton/ Foulis Mash festivities, Bombshell is pleased to announce that the date set for this event is March 15, 2015.

Well folks the event was officially launched on Feb 01 at the Kitty Seawall and mammoth crowd turned up to enjoy the festivities. At the launch patrons were able to view some of the costumes that will be featured at this year’s Mash Tramp and were given a detailed overview of expectations and the designed reveling route.

This year the Buxton/Foulis Mash Tramp will kick off from Plaisance Village enroute to

Melanie Damishana, then back to the Buxton Community Centre Ground where a live show will be stage featuring some of the most spectacular artistes ever…

While promoters are still tightlipped about some information, word is out that the live show will feature two foreign entertainers and five top stereo sounds from around Guyana, and two popular bands.

That aside, three top local artistes are also carded to perform.

Sponsors on board so far are ANSA Mc Al, Tony Auto Spares, Talbot Construction, HGPTV, and Star Party Rentals.

part of the large audience at the recent Buxton/Foulis Mash launch.

28

RAVI B

RIKKI Jai and Ravi B served up a ‘doubles’ with plenty pepper that proved too hot for the rest to leave with the sweet taste of victory at the Chutney Soca Monarch finals on Saturday night at Skinner Park in San Fernando, T/T. Team Raja, as the pair called themselves on the night, made light work of an experienced field in the newly-created Traditional category, before returning in full force with the “Chutney Avengers” to dethrone last year’s winner, KI (Kris Persad), in the marquee event — the Chutney Soca Monarch.

The duo, dressed as Thor (Jai) and Iron Man (Ravi B), recreated the popular Marvel franchise on stage to share in $2.5 million in prize money ($2 million for Chutney Soca and $500,000 for Traditional).

“It feels great! We worked really, really hard for this; it took weeks of planning, (and entailed) a lot of work and practice and getting it right! Right now, I’m lost for words,” an elated Ravi B (Ravi Bissambhar) said following the win.

Bissambhar said the achievement represented a redemption of sorts following his

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

Rikki Jai and Ravi B take Chutney Soca Monarchy

ill-timed display at the competition back in 2011. The Sangre Grande-born vocalist had infamously prompted the crowd to throw bottles on stage in protest of his not winning the title.

“I embarrassed Rikki (2011 winner) and myself, and what I want to say tonight is (that) we showed the world that things happen, but we learn from our mistakes and we rise again; and tonight, this is a win for the industry,” he said to loud cheers from his entourage.

Rikki Jai (Samraj Jaimungal) said this latest title was the crown jewel of his glittering Chutney Soca career.

“This is the biggest jewel in my crown when it comes to chutney, because after 20 years I’m still here, and to take the title with Ravi B made me a happy man tonight,” said the veteran singer.

Ten acts contested the Traditional and Chutney Soca titles respectively before a modest crowd (by Chutney Soca Monarch standards) at the 20th anniversary of the competition. Team Raja blew the competition out of the water to win by some 38 points in the Traditional category with “Chalo Awo Radha”.

The song told the story of a Raja (King) send-

ing his two best singers to win the heart of a beautiful Rani (Queen).

They were made to work for their title in the Chutney Soca category, however, as competition was fierce, with each act pulling out all the stops in pursuit of the coveted title and $2 million cash prize.

Defending Monarch KI took flight on a pair of white angel wings as he performed his song airborne, much to the delight of the crowd.

He soared above a large mobile phone screen erected centre stage, and rearranged the lyrics to his popular “No Gyal Again” singing: “It look like I goin’ and win this Monarch again”.

But he couldn’t quite duplicate the heights reached by Team Raja, as Ravi B (played by a stunt double) took off on a jet pack and hovered over the audience before blasting out of the park during the duo’s performance of “CSM 20”. The display beat the defending champ into second spot.

Nishard Mayrhoo and Crazy (Edwin Ayoung) were the surprise packages of the night, with the former working his material to

RIKKI JAI

perfection to elicit the biggest reaction from the crowd with “Mischief Maker”.

Crazy, 71, the oldest competitor in the field, showed his experience with an injection of chutney rhythms and Hindi lyrics into his soca hit, “Respect The Elder”, which resonated well with the tough crowd.

Each of the acts on the night had to really work hard to earn their approval.

Saleem Beharry came into the competition with perhaps the biggest chutney soca of 2015, “Next Man Wife”, but he showed a lack of experience, and seemed to lose composure during his performance. He struggled to find the balance between hyping the crowd and maintaining his vocal integrity, and finished a disappointing fifth.

Earlier, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar received a hero’s welcome when she walked on stage after midnight to receive a recognition award from organiser George Singh, for supporting the genre and the competition.

“Tonight is not for talking, tonight is for singing and dancing. Enjoy the show!” the PM said to a deafening roar of approval.

What’s popping for Valentine?

OH, Valentine’s Day has so much meaning, so much significance, it’s hard to believe that so much has been packed into a single 24-period.

It’s as important as New Year’s Eve for lovers, wannabe lovers, and those

trying to rekindle a dying love. At its best, Valentine’s Day is an occasion to step out of life’s dogged routine and take time out to cherish and honour the people you care about most (a worthy endeavour by any account). At its worst, it’s 24 hours of overly hyped, excessively priced commercial madness that many don’t look forward to and definitely don’t enjoy.

Of course there are people who adore Valentine’s Day, who truly relish a day

devoted to the mass celebration of their love. And for those who dread it (aka “single” single people) there are always the lucky few who manage to land a great date on the day that has been set aside for mythically great dates It is worthy to note that any night that can withstand that pressure is surely worthy of some wine and chocolate!

Well, let’s head down to the Aracari Resort (160 Plantation Versailles, West Bank Demerara) and see what they have for us.

Come February 14, 2015, folks there would be presenting a special night for couples with their Valentine Dinner and Dance.

They will allow patrons to enjoy a wonderful dinner of Valentine Rice, Pineapple Chicken (garden, potato, or macaroni salad) with custard or cake as dessert. This, of course, comes with a glass of red wine.

With a cover charge of $5000 per couple, you are more than welcome to call them on phone number 264-2947 to book reservations.

Meanwhile, Gravity Lounge will be having their annual Valentine’s Day lunch and dinner specials on Saturday, February 14th! Their Valentine’s Day lunch buffet

Even ‘doggies’ seem to understand the significance of Valentine. would cost $3000 per person, and dinner menu would cost $8000 per couple. This includes a complimentary glass of wine.

Menus will be available online at www. facebook.com/gravitygy Pulse Entertainment will also be hosting their annual Cupid’s Choke-

hold party in the evening. Everyone dining will have access to the event after. Otherwise, ladies are free until 11pm! Trinidadian DJs Jerry West and PStar Perry will be playing the very best in music. There will be drinks and shots’ specials all night long!

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

Seventh Miss Guyana Renaissance Pageant set for April FOLKS are greatly anticipating the 7th leg of the Miss Guyana Renaissance Pageant, slated for April 04, 2015 at the National Cultural Centre.

This uniquely different pageant caters for the mature professional Guyanese woman aged at least thirty years.

It also serves as a catalyst to re-educate the public about the value, accomplishment, dignity, leadership skills and cultural awareness of mature Guyanese women.

The contestants will compete in categories of Talent, Corporate Attire, Formal Wear, and a Question-and-Answer Segment to determine the winner.

In addition to a $100,000 cash award, the queen will receive promotional prizes, a North America and Caribbean trip, a weekend at one of Guyana’s tourist resorts, participation in Continuing Education Programmes, make guest appearances at televised media forums locally, in the USA and in the Caribbean, and so much more.

The delegates will pay a courtesy call on several senior citizens’ homes in Guyana running up to actual pageant night.

The winner of the 2012 leg of this pageant was Dr. Vivienne Mitchell-Amata.

The Business Corner…

LAST week we brought you a few valid points on how your business advertisement can be made easier.

Here, we continue as promised with tidbits as the Wafugee team members continue on their drive to open splendid possibilities for businesses/ individuals in Guyana…

Just log on to www.wafugee.com Build a profile and be taken on a whirlpool of promotional pleasures WAFUGEE STORE. Wafugee offers a “Store”, which allows you to list all the items you carry for sale in your business. Add products and services to wafugee Store by categories for easy search and find; display using several beautiful pictures; place a “detailed description” by name, manufacturer, size, colour, price, specification, country of

Miss Guyana Renaissance 2012, Dr. Vivienne Mitchell-Amata.

Rafeiya Husain: Bombshell’s 2015 ‘Scene Sizzler’

The delightful Rafieya Husain poses in photo with a sponsor representative of the Gizmos and Gadgets entity

TO start off things in this corner for 2015, we certainly wanted a woman of remarkable substance, one who was an electrifying fusion of beauty and brains.

And what a fitting choice we made in the likes of the beautiful, intelligent, and talented Rafeiya Husain, who just recently put Guyana on the map of global beauties when she placed among the top ten finalists at the Miss World Pageant.

What earned her yet another spot on our pages is the fact that she marketed Guyana quite excellently on the international front as a ‘must visit location’ with endless possibilities for investment and tourism.

She also fuelled our interest with her intense drive for the underprivileged and needy, and her many fruitful exploits in that direction. Hence Bombshell is more that elated to present this sultry beauty who will long after be etched in our memories as a woman of worth, style and sensual sizzle.

origin, etc. You can also “tag your products” to help consumers find same by using some likely and even unlikely search phrases, like “Colgate” for toothpaste and “frock” or even a wrong word, “frack”, for a woman’s dress.

Manage the products you posted with simple tools to perform and feel like you are on the backend of Wafugee.

Don’t have the time to do this and someone to assist you? Then we would be glad to send someone. Consumers can find products by category, name, best sellers, new arrivals, low to high and high to low prices, ratings and alphabetical order; see a description of the product, size, colour, pictures, reviews, followings and specification; see which businesses sell what products, and their addresses tagged in Google Map; follow, share, and print this product; rate and review a product as a community service for other consumers; search for service personnel listed on Wafugee Store and Business Directory and interact with them by chat, email and telephone. See their page, their resume, and talk to the people who have used their services. Rate their services, and recommend them to your friends and other contacts right here in Wafugee.

We are developing an application to accommodate purchasing, consolidation and logistics for online shopping, to allow members who require this service to do so conveniently from their homes. Payments will be processed by PayPal for safety and security of all parties.

Wafugee store, for now, can best be utilized for your “advertising campaign” as a very powerful marketing tool to reach your target market in real time, all the time, every time.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

31

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

33

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

Racing Tips Thaix

From page 35

Bangor 09:40 hrs Mrs Peachey 10:10 hrs Great Try 10:45 hrs Mendip Express 11:15 hrs Barton Gift 11:50 hrs Assirem 12:20 hrs Nutcracker Prince 12:50 hrs Teaforthree Newcastle 09:50 hrs Amore Mio 10:20 hrs Dingo Bay 10:55 hrs Doctor Phoenix 11:25 hrs Chavoy 12:00 hrs Whatdoesthefoxsay 12:30 hrs Deny

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

Revising the GFF ... Australia’s Clarke continues

From back page “For example, you need to have a segregation of power, so it means that a member of the committee can’t be a member of the judicial body; that’s one example and this is the limit FIFA will put. But within this framework because we have specific reality of Guyana that we have to put into account,” Corvaro said.

The FIFA official, whose primary objective is to ensure the game’s member associations all act in accordance with the statutes of sport’s world governing body, noted however, that a draft of the new constitution for Guyana is not completed and was reluctant to outline in detail, some of the changes made thus far.

However, Corvaro, in the little that was revealed, said, “The first one is that we will promote a kind of balance in the membership, meaning that today, all the power is in the hands of the regional associations, what we consider as amateur football, compared to elite football and elite football doesn’t mean professional, it means the top league and within FIFA and CONCACAF and also all the confederation, we have to balance and include all stakeholders of the football family, so we will end up with clubs being direct members of the Association, meaning they will have delegates and voting rights.”

He added “It’s important that the elite football which attracts the attention of the youth and the sponsors, will be represented at the GFF Congress. That’s one of the new things of the new constitution.”

As mandated by FIFA, every member association must have at least one female on its executive committee, as the World

body seeks to promote gender balance, as such another feature which will be added to Guyana’s new constitution.

The constitution will also now have provisions to handle ethical issues and also match-fixing along with ways in which issues in the sport can be settled outside the courts.

There will also be no more Interim Management Committees (IMC), as exist presently, with Corvaro pointing out “you can’t have an IMC because with separation of power, you can’t have an executive committee nominating delegates”.

When originally installed last October, the Normalisation Committee was given a lifespan until September of 2015, but, Corvaro said that possibility exists for the term to be extended, just like in several other countries.

“We have FIFA and CONCACAF has nominated the Normalisation Committee until the end of September, they should complete all things mandated by FIFA and this will be done step by step.

“The first one is the adoption of the new constitution for the GFF, but it wouldn’t be only that, but the GFF and the Normalisation Committee will have to convene a first congress to adopt the new constitution and once you have this new constitution adopted we have to implement it before we go to elections.”

“There will be an electoral committee also and an expanded executive, an ethics committee and others but draft will be finalised soon because we still have the deadline set by FIFA”

Racing Tips Arab Emirates Racing Tips Jebel Ali 08:15 hrs Mushaakis 08:45 hrs Al Razi French Racing Tips Marseille 08:30 hrs Indian Walk 09:05 hrs Poster 09:35 hrs Sportlobster 10:05 hrs Voila Baileys 10:40 hrs Estarquefigue 11:10 hrs Varing

comeback in Brisbane (REUTERS) - Australia captain Michael Clarke continued his push to prove his fitness ahead of the Cricket World Cup by bowling two overs and fielding in multiple positions in a warm-up match against Bangladesh yesterday.

The 33-year-old has until Australia’s second match of the tournament, against Bangladesh on February 21, to prove his fitness after surgery on a torn hamstring.

He played a club game in Sydney at the weekend and then turned out for the Cricket Australia XI against the Bangladeshis at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.

Clarke had expected to play just a limited part in the game, but bowled two overs of his left-arm spin and was fielding in the slips and on the boundary.

His hamstring was well tested as he took a low catch in the slips to dismiss Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan and spent two hours in total on the field.

He also returned to bat and made 34 from 36 balls, including six fours, and looked in no discomfort.

“In my opinion, there’s still a gap between where I am now and playing a one-day international for Australia,” Clarke, who will head to Adelaide today to join the rest of the Australian squad, told reporters.

“But the fortunate thing is I’ve got plenty of time to close that gap. I’m trying to get fit and healthy as soon as possible, and then the experts will make those decisions.

“I would have liked a few more runs but it’s been nice. I’ve just got a bit more treatment now but I’ve

American Racing Tips

08:10 hrs French Lass

15:35 hrs Song Of Love

Aqueduct

08:55 hrs Charles Lytton

16:05 hrs Saga Diamond

09:30 hrs Yoshie

16:35 hrs Tennessee Wildcat

Race 1 Alliteration Race 2 Quality Callin Race 3 To Erin Again Race 4 Percussion

10:10 hrs Red Barrel 10:45 hrs Belle Coco

17:05 hrs Sharjah English Racing Tips

Race 5 Patria Querida

11:20 hrs Carmen Silver

Race 6 Quiz Whiz

Irish Racing Tips

09:30 hrs Celestino

Race 7 Belle Gallantey

Dundalk

10:00 hrs West Wizard

Race 8 Fortunate Sky

14:05 hrs Your Pal Tal

10:30 hrs Last Shadow

South Africa Racing Tips

14:35 hrs Cutting Corners

11:35 hrs Salmanzar

Fairview

15:05 hrs Alfaayza

Kempton

12:10 hrs Newsworthy 12:40 hrs Antartica De

Turn to page 34

pulled up pretty well.”

Fitness has not been the only issue for Clarke, with Australian media reporting he could lose the captaincy to either stand-in George Bailey or Test skipper Steve Smith.

Coach Darren Lehmann and Clarke have both said in recent days it was not an issue, while opening batsman Aaron Finch added the team would not have a problem following any of the three men at the February 14-March 29 tournament.

“I don’t think it makes much difference to the players - we’ve played under them all,” Finch told reporters in Melbourne earlier yesterday.

“Michael has done an unbelievable job for a long time and so has George in

Michael Clarke bats in a bid to prove his fitness, at the Allan Border Field, Brisbane, yesterday. one-day cricket.

“Steve is just starting out in his captaincy career - I suppose it’s important that

we don’t let it distract us.

“From the players’ point of view, I don’t think it will.”

36

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

History of cricket World Cups, 1996-2011 (REUTERS) - Brief history of cricket World Cup finals between 1996 and 2011, ahead of the 2015 edition which starts on February 14:

1996, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka Sri Lanka, with the explosive Sananth Jayasuriya at the top of the order and Muttiah Muralitharan bewitching opposing batsmen with his prodigious powers of spin, proved worthy champions.

The Sri Lankans had demonstrated before the tournament that they could chase down totals previously thought beyond reach and they exploited the fielding restrictions at the start of the innings by attacking from the first ball.

Aravinda da Silva, their most accomplished batsman, scored an assured unbeaten century in the seven-wicket win over Australia in the final in Lahore.

1999, England, Wales and Scotland Australia, the world’s best Test side, were in danger of elimination in the group stages and again in the Super Six round where 120 not out from captain Steve Waugh, dropped on 56 by Herschelle Gibbs, ensured victory over South Africa.

Then, in a semifinal between the same teams, South Africa needed only one run with four balls remaining in the final over with their best one-day batsman Lance Klusner on strike. A panicky runout tied an epic match which put Australia through by virtue of their superior run rate in the previous round.

Australia made no contest of the final against Pakistan, taking barely 4-1/2 hours to overwhelm the 1992 champions.

2003, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya

Aravinda da Silva Australia’s new one-day captain Ricky Ponting struck eight sixes in his 140 not out

in the final against India as his team scaled new heights with a relentless 125-run

victory.

The Australians became the first team to win three World Cups and take their unbeaten run in the tournament to 16.

England refused to play in Zimbabwe, whose two leading players Andy Flower and Henry Olonga wore black armbands when they played against Kenya to protest against “the death of democracy in our beloved Zimbabwe.”

2007, West Indies Australia, fresh from a 5-0 Ashes series win over England, systematically destroyed all opposition throughout the Caribbean, finishing with victory over Sri Lanka in a rain-shortened final at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Adam Gilchrist bettered Ponting’s record tally in a final with a typically audacious 149. Two other Australian giants, Matthew Hayden and Glenn McGrath, were the leading runscorer and wicket-taker respectively.

The tournament was overshadowed by the death of popular Pakistan coach

Bob Woolmer at the age of 58 in his hotel room in Jamaica after his team had unexpectedly lost to Ireland.

Police launched a murder investigation which led nowhere and a jury later returned an open verdict.

2011, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Pakistan were also selected as one of four cohosts but were stripped of their matches because of security fears following the attack on the touring Sri Lankan team in 2009.

Australia, rebuilding their team, missed the final for the first time since 1992 as India and Sri Lanka met in the decider, pitting Sachin Tendulkar against Muttiah Muralitharan.

Mahela Jayawardene scored an unbeaten 103 in Sri Lanka’s challenging 274-6 but India recovered from a slow start to win by six wickets with 10 balls to spare with Gautam Gambhir making 97 and India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni an unbeaten 91. India became the first country to win the Cricket World Cup final on home soil.

Busy weekend in the GCA competitions Rahat Ali replaces injured THE Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) is gearing up for a busy weekend as players resume their First and Second Division competitions which will be played simultaneously.

HADI’S World Incorporated two-day first division cricket competition will bowl off tomorrow where Malteenoes will host Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) will host Police. Both matches are expected to start at 09:30hrs.

Also tomorrow, the New Building Society (NBS) Second Division 40Over competition gets on the way. Third Class Cricket Club head to Eve Leary

ground to face Police and Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) play home against DCC. On Sunday February 9, four matches will be played in the competition; Transport versus Third Class at the GYO ground, Police at home against Warriors, St Stanislaus College visit MYO and GNIC defend their home turf against GCC. The Banks Malta Supreme Under-13 competition also gets going with a double- header at the MYO ground, starting at 09:30hrs when Transport play Malteenoes and at 13:30hrs, GCC faceoff against Bel Air RUBiS.

NOTABLE DATES MICHAEL Benjamin was the quintessence of true grit and determination while he was a professional boxer. It has been said that if present-day fighters possess a quarter of Benjamin’s tenacity Guyana would be basking in world glory. `Benjie’ was the total package and could be a slugger if the occasion called for it or, in another instance, a master boxer. However, like every boxer, Benjamin met his match on February 6, 1993 and Irishman Eamonn Loughram was in a no-nonsense mood when he met the Guyanese in Cardiff, Wales.

Loughram knocked out Benjamin in the sixth round to retain his Commonwealth welterweight title and hand the stocky Guyanese his fifth defeat. The Irishman won the World Boxing Organisation welterweight title in his next fight while Benjamin suffered two other successive knockouts.

Benjamin opted out of the ring in 2000 and his record stands at 23 wins (14 KOs), eight defeats and two draws. At present he is one of Guyana’s most qualified sport journalists.

Junaid in Pakistan squad

KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters) Pakistan selectors have called up tall left-arm paceman Rahat Ali to replace the injured Junaid Khan in their World Cup squad.

Rahat, 26, who has been a regular in the Test team since 2012 having taken 31 wickets in 11 matches, has played just a single one-day international, way back in 2012 in Sri Lanka without taking a wicket.

“Rahat has been included in the World Cup squad on the recommendation of touring chief selector Moin Khan,” a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official said yesterday.

The official said the PCB had already sent a request to the technical committee of the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the replacement since Junaid was declared unfit for the tournament that begins on February 14 in New Zealand and Australia.

Junaid, who has been a leading performer for his country in recent times, missed out on the World Cup after picking up a hamstring injury during training on the eve of the team’s departure for New Zealand late last month.

Junaid was named in Pakistan’s squad last month after he showed a remarkable return to form after recovering from a knee injury that kept him out for nearly four months.

The PCB official said that Bilawal

Rahat Ali Bhatti, who was sent as a replacement for the series in New Zealand after the injury to Junaid, would be returning home.

Bilawal had a nightmarish match against New Zealand this week in the second onedayer in which he conceded 93 runs.

Pakistan are already without their seasoned off-spinner Saeed Ajmal for the World Cup after he was suspended from bowling by the ICC last September for an illegal action.

37

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

Garner to challenge Cameron for WICB presidency Former West Indies fast bowler Joel Garner is seeking to unseat Cameron.

B R I D G E T O W N , is expected to be seconded Barbados (CMC) - Cricket by the Trinidad and Tobago legend Joel Garner, the Cricket Board (TTCB), former West Indies fast according to media reports. bowler, is set to challenge His running mate is embattled incumbent Dave TTCB director Baldath Cameron for presidency Mahabir, who was of the West Indies Cricket nominated by the TTCB Board (WICB) in elections during an executive carded for early next meeting Tuesday night. month.

“I would not say this is Garner, the president a challenge (to the current of the Barbados Cricket administration), the fact Association (BCA), will be is there is the thinking nominated by his board and emanating from within the

TTCB that we in Trinidad and Tobago need to play a bigger role. And that is the whole thing that has prompted the TTCB move,” Mahabir told The Express.

“The fact that we believe we need to play a bigger role, it means you are not happy with all that was happening and so we feel that the T&T presence could influence the board to become a bit better.”

Meantime the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) has voted 10-6 in favour of supporting Garner and Mahabir for the two top posts during a meeting on Tuesday.

The two, whose names are expected to be submitted before the

February 14 nomination deadline, are running against Cameron and his vice-president Emmanuel Nanthan from the Windward Islands.

Cameron and Nanton are both in their first terms as president and vice-president and their tenure has been tainted by the current fallout with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), over the aborted tour.

There have been calls, including from the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Dr Ralph Gonsalves, for Cameron to step down.

Elections will take place March 7 when the WICB holds its Annual General Meeting in Jamaica.

Joel Garner is seeking to unseat Cameron.

Mayor’s Cup football ...

GFC, Police advance; double-header on tonight THE Georgetown Football Club (GFC) and Police FC are the latest teams to advance in this year’s Mayor’s Cup Football tournament, when play continued at the GFC ground last Wednesday.

GFC advanced to play Den Amstel on February 9, after defeating Uitvlugt 3-2. Police dismantled Haslington FC 7-0 to set up a showdown with Pouderoyen.

In the second game of the night’s double-header, GFC, playing at home, got the go-ahead goal by Dwayne Fordyce just ten minutes into the contest.

Fordyce had earlier threatened Uitvlugt’s goal but, his effort slammed into the crossbar, However, this time around he (Fordyce) collected a pass from Kareem Knights and made no mistake in giving GFC the lead, 1-0.

National player Calvin ‘Dutty Cup’ Shepherd made it 2-0 in the 28th minute after evading several defenders and the goalkeeper to find his way to an empty net.

Uitvlugt responded through Shemal Smith ten

minutes after Shepherd’s goal and the visitors almost levelled the scores just before the stroke of halftime when Seon Bobb right-footed attempt was barely held by the GFC custodian.

The score read 2-1 at halftime in favour of GFC who extended their lead when Fordyce completed his double of the night in the 58th minute.

But a blunder by the GFC goalkeeper in the 75th minute led to Uitvlugt scoring off the boot of Jamaal Harvey. Try they did, but Uitvlugt were not able to further penetrate GFC’s defence and lost 3-2.

In the opening game, Rawl Haynes scored a hattrick for the Guyana Police Force in the 43rd, 47th and 78th minutes while Alistair Wilson, Anthon Wallace, James Bowman and Rawle Thornhill accounted for the other four goals for the lawmen.

Action in the tournament will continue today at the GFC from 19:00hrs when Riddim Squad FC oppose Golden Grove and Western Tigers tackle Agricola Red Triangle. (Rawle Toney)

Ghana’s Andre Ayew (10) celebrates his goal with team mates after scoring during their semi-final soccer match of the 2015 African Cup of Nations against Equatorial Guinea in Malabo, yesterday. (REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dal)

Violence flares as Ghana knock hosts out in semi-final

MALABO, (Reuters) Violent scenes overshadowed the African Nations Cup semifinal, as Ghana reached Sunday’s final with a 3-0 win over hosts Equatorial Guinea yesterday in a match halted for 34 minutes late in the second half.

The crowd spilling onto the field meant the match was halted eight minutes from time as spectators sought sanctuary behind the goal after home fans attacked Ghana supporters and rained objects down on their bench.

Security forces fired tear gas and used a helicopter to clear the crowd, almost emptying the stands before the game was finally concluded with the referee playing two more minutes before calling time.

A controversially awarded penalty converted

by Jordan Ayew in the 42nd minute, which initially sparked the violence, was followed by goals from Mubarak Wakaso and Andre Ayew to ensure Ghana reached a record ninth final where they will face the Ivory Coast.

NSC’s Annual Mash 11-race cycle programme billed for tomorrow THE National Sports Commission’s (NSC) Annual Mashramani 11race cycle programme is billed for tomorrow and will be held around the inner circuit of the National Park, commencing at 09:00hrs.

The feature 35-lap event promises to be a thrilling one as Guyana’s top pedalpushers are expected to face the starter.

Last year’s winner of this feature event, Junior Niles, will have his work cut out if he is to make a successful defence of his title.

Niles, who clocked one hour 17 minutes 36.45 seconds last year, will be coming up against Team Evolution’s Marlon `Fishy’ Williams, Orville Hinds and Michael Anthony, as well as Alanzo Greaves, Christopher Holder and Raynauth Jeffrey among others.

Williams won the 2015 season opener at the same venue and over the same distance two Saturdays ago, while Anthony followed up with a victory the following day

in the first road race of the 2015 season, winning the Benjamin’s Cycle Sports Store-sponsored 50-mile event in Berbice.

Holder, who seemed to have come into form, rode intelligently last Sunday to win the annual NSC 40mile road race in the West Demerara area.

Anthony is the current defending champion of the Juveniles 10-lap event and is almost certain to make a successful defence of that title tomorrow. He returned 22 minutes 45 seconds last 6ear.

By virtue of winning the overall 35-lap race last year, Niles is also the defending champion of the Veterans five-lap race. Last year he clocked 12 minutes 31 seconds.

Clyde Jacobs is the defending champion of the five-lap race for Mountain Bikers while Romelo Crawford will be defending his Boys and Girls 12-14 years three-lap title.

Director of Sport Neil Kumar is expected to present the prizes to the respective winners.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday February 06, 2015) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Vanburn Holder (5/50- vs ENG, Birmingham, 1976) (2) Sri Lanka (Manchester, 1975) Today’s Quiz: (1)Who has scored most runs in ODI cricket without hitting a century?

(2) Who has taken most ODI wickets without ever taking a five-wicket haul?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

Front runners to square off as PCL four-day tourney resumes today ST JOHN’S, Antigua – (CMC) The regional first class season resumes with fifth round matches today after a break for Christmas and to facilitate the NAGICO Super50 tournament.

The Professional Cricket League (PCL) four-day tournament will continue without interruption until it reaches a climax in late March, except for a one-week break at the end of this month.

Front-runners Guyana Jaguars will take on hosts Jamaica in a key fixture at Sabina Park that could go either way.

However, history is on the

changes to their squad from the previous round including recalling experienced legspinner Odean Brown.

The visitors will be bolstered by the return of veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul and fellow lefthander Leon Johnson.

Guyana and Jamaica will be keeping a keen eye on Kensington Oval in Barbados where reigning champions and third-placed Barbados Pride welcome Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

The Pride kick-started their title defence with a pair of unexpected victories against the Jaguars and the Volcanoes

Shannon Gabriel side of the home team who have lost to the Jaguars only once the last ten years.

The hosts have made four

following a couple of early setbacks due to the weather interruptions.

Barbados have won the

last four matches between the two sides – the last three by an innings and seven runs, an innings and 31 runs, and an innings and 49 runs respectively.

The Pride have made four changes to their squad including the return of their regular captain Kraigg Brathwaite, the West Indies opener from the tour of South Africa, and Kirk Edwards, another West Indies batsman, making his first appearance for the season following injury.

The Hurricanes too, have four changes to their squad with opener Sherwin Peters, as well as fast-medium bowler Quinton Boatswain and leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr gaining their first look-in for the season.

Meantime, there should be renewed interest at the Beausejour Cricket Ground in St Lucia where Windward Islands Volcanoes host newlyminted NAGICO Super50 champions Trinidad & Tobago Red Force.

Both teams need all the points they could acquire to get things back on track if they are to make a late charge for the title.

Neither side distinguished themselves this season, frittering away promising positions against opponents,

so an outcome is difficult to

Shivnarine Chanderpual determine.

The Red Force have generally dominated over the last decade, but the Volcanoes can take comfort in the knowledge that they have won two of the last three matches between the sides.

The return of veteran lefthander Devon Smith from the West Indies’ tour of South Africa as one of three changes to the Volcanoes’ line-up will add substance to their batting.

The inclusion of fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, as one of a similar number of changes to the Red Force’s squad, will give their attack an edge.

MCY&S/EBFA Pee Wee League ...

Grove Hi Tech remain unbeaten; Diamond and Craig draw WHEN competition in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport-sponsored East Bank Football Association Pee Wee Under-11 League continued last weekend at the Grove Playfield, home team Grove Hi Tech recorded their second win in as many matches while Diamond United and newcomers Craig Football Club battled to a 2-2 draw.

While Grove were dominant in their first day win over Diamond United 5-1, they found Agricola Red Triangle much tougher opponents but were able to come out victors by the lone goal of the encounter which was scored by Devon Padmore in the 2nd minute.

Action in the Grove High Tech (yellow & blue) vs Diamond United game on the first day of competition, January 23.

Padmore has now taken his tally of goals to three in two matches, having netted

a brace against Diamond United.

In the other game,

newcomers Craig FC took the lead against Diamond in the 4th minute through

Big overseas names snapped up in CPL 2015 draft A total of 66 players were picked up from a pool of 200 during the Caribbean Premier League draft for the 2015 edition of the tournament in Kingston, Jamaica last evening. . Among the ones chosen by six different franchises, Shahid Afridi, Mahela Jayawardene, Lasith Malinga, Jacques Kallis and Ross Taylor were some of the big overseas names.

West Indies batting mainstay Marlon Samuels was also drafted in, while veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul was snapped up as well.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors picked up as many as three Sri Lankan players in the draft while three South African players made it to the Trinidad and Tobago side.

Squads after the draft Barbados Tridents: Retained players - Kieron Pollard, Shoaib Malik, Dwayne Smith, Ravi Rampaul Picked up in the draft Jason Holder, Rayad Emrit, Dilshan Munaweera, Jonathan Carter, Justin Ontong, Ashley Nurse, Robin Peterson, Akeal Hosein, Navin Stewart, Shai Hope, Kyle Corbin Guyana Amazon Warriors: Retained players - Sunil Narine, Lendl Simmons, Denesh Ramdin, Christopher Barnwell Picked up in the draft - Lasith Malinga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Thisara Perera, Brad Hodge, Veerasammy Permaul, Ronsford Beaton, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Devendra Bishoo, Trevor Griffith, Assad Fudadin, Paul Wintz Jamaica Tallawahs:

Retained players Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Jerome Taylor, Chadwick Walton Picked up in the draft - Mahela Jayawardene, Chris Lynn, Daniel Vettori, Nikita Miller, Krishmar Santokie, Rusty Theron, Narsingh Deonarine, David Bernard jr., Nkrumah Bonner, Jermaine Blackwood, Horace Miller St Kitts & Nevis Team: Retained players - Carlos Brathwaite, Devon Thomas, Orlando Peters, Justin Athanaze Picked up in the draft Shahid Afridi, Marlon Samuels, Sohail Tanvir, Sheldon Cottrell, Martin Guptill, Ewin Lewis, Raymond Reifer, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tonito Willett, Nicolas Pooran, Jacques Taylor St Lucia Zouks: Retained players - Darren Sammy, Kevin Pietersen, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher Picked up in the draft Ross Taylor, Shakib Al Hasan, Shannon Gabriel, Henry Davids, Fidel Edwards, Kemar Roach, Shane Shillingford, Kyle Mayers, Keddy Lesporis, Liam Sebastien, Delorn Johnson Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel: Retained players Dwayne Bravo, Darren Bravo, Samuel Badree, Kevon Cooper Picked up in the draft - Jacques Kallis, Johan Botha, Kamran Akmal, Cameron Delport, Sulieman Benn, Jason Mohammad, Marlon Richards, Miguel Cummins, Javon Searles, William Perkins, Derone Davis

a Tevon Davidson strike but Diamond responded in the 12th minute, thanks to a Nakarla Boucher goal.

Craig again took the lead with two minutes remaining in the 30-minute game when Alex London found the back of the net.

With not much time remaining on the clock, Craig were sensing a huge win in their debut game but Diamond had other ideas.

With one minute to go,

Teon Forde was able to manoeuvre his way into the final third to deliver the equalising goal for Dianomd to ensure an equal share of the points.

With action set to continue tomorrow at the same venue from 10:30hrs, Grove Hi Tech sit at the top of the points table with 6 points followed by Diamond and Craig on 1 point each. Agricola and Herstelling Raiders are still to come off the mark.

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 6, 2015

GAPF gets lifting sets from Sport Ministry … C’bean Championship pulled from Guyana

By Leeron Brumell AN INVESTMENT of some $6M was made to the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) by government ahead of this weekend’s Novices and Junior Championships at the National Gymnasium.

The Ministry of Sport has presented to the Federation

government is pleased to be partnering with them.

“We expect as they’ve done in the past that they will care the equipment and now that we’ve given you three new sets what you used to do with one, now you do three times more.”

That aside, the Federation is not too pleased that the Caribbean Championships, originally set to be hosted

“They claim the travel, airfares and the budgets of the islands were unaffordable at this time.

I wouldn’t speculate on that, so we will no longer be holding the Caribbean championships this year.

However, we’ve been assured it will be held in 2016 in Guyana, March,” noted Green.

The federation

to go back to sponsors and prospective sponsors and have instead asked them to redirect any funds towards the Commonwealth P o w e r l i f t i n g Championships set for December in Vancouver, Canada.

For the lifters, who had qualified in December for this year’s championship, a local Champion of

Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony

Ministry looking for staff for Leonora Track facility

By LeeronBrumell THE Ministry of Sport will advertise shortly for persons to staff the Leonora Athletics Facility.

With a projected deadline to finally open the facility in March this year, Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony said the work is ‘still on track’.

He said the finishing touches to the Clubhouse and all other areas are ongoing. The Guyana Power and Light is installing power to the facility. The lighting towers have been erected.

The track has long been completed. However, because there were no full-time employees at the facility, the Ministry has not allowed clubs to use the facility.

Dr Anthony said the Staffing Structure that has been developed will cater for 19 persons.

“We might be moving one and two people within the ministry who would have the requisite skill to go over but there would be a set of vacancies that we would be advertising.”

Meanwhile, a staffing structure is also to be put in place for the Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal on the East Coast Embankment.

A number of employees required was however not given.

With the Olympic-size swimming pool completed, a shorter warm-up pool has been constructed, but it is not ready for use. The deck is yet to be put in.

“We just have a few days of work remaining,” said the Minister.

“Our biggest trouble there has been the consistency of the contractors.

Sometimes they come and sometimes they don’t come and that is what has delayed us, but the warm-up pool itself is functional; it’s operational, but we don’t want people to go there without the deck being completed.”

Dr Anthony said it’s not major work but his Permanent Secretary Alfred King and his team are working with the contractors to have it completed in the near future.

Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony poses with executives of the GAPF and some of the new equipment. President Peter Green is third left. three new Eleiko lifting sets – to facilitate the squat, deadlift and bench press competition lifts.

Each set comprises a squat/stand and bench rack that can be transformed to facilitate the respective exercise, a professional competition platform/stage and disc plates totalling some 2 400 pounds.

One set will be erected for Sunday’s competition that starts at 10:00hrs.

Of the sets, president of the GAPF Peter Green said, ‘This will enable me to have more impact when I go to Canada in December and bid for the Commonwealth championships to come to Guyana in the next two years.’

He said the gift was the fulfilment of a promise made over two years ago by Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony.

Eleiko is produced by a Swedish firm, and is the brand used at international competitions.

Dr Anthony said the Federation has rejuvenate d and expanded the sport over the past few years and

here in April was withdrawn by the North American Powerlifting Federation.

had already secured sponsorship to host the event but they were forced

Champions Championship with lucrative prizes will be held in April.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Garner to challenge Cameron for WICB presidency See story on page 37

Revising the GFF constitution is a work in progress – Corvaro

By Rawle Toney FIFA Head of Member Associations Primo Corvaro yesterday stated that the revision and bringing up to date the constitution of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to that of the rest of the world and parent body FIFA is a work in progress.

Corvaro, who along with CONCACAF’s Director of Legal Affairs Marco Leal is in Guyana to spearhead the GFF’s constitutional reform process, has over the last two days, been meeting with a selected group of legal minds and the Normalisation Committee at the Guyana Olympic Association, in an attempt to carry out an obligation by FIFA to reform all the constitutions of their member associations, in some cases making it specific to fit their circumstances in the sport.

Addressing the media, Corvaro pointed out that constitutional reform is not only subjected to Guyana, since it’s a process taking place around the world by FIFA and that they (FIFA/CONCACAF) “will try to find the common ground between what the reality is in Guyana and what is permitted, the principle that has to be implemented in all Association”.

Turn to page 35

FIFA Head of Member Associations Primo Corvaro (left) along with Chairman of the GFF Normalisation Committee Clinton Urling and CONCACAF’s Director of Legal Affairs Marco Leal addressing the media yesterday.

(Delano Williams photo)

Big overseas names snapped up in CPL 2015 draft See story on page 38

…Afridi, Jayawardene, Kallis, Malinga, Dilshan and Taylor ; Amazon Warriors pick up three Sri Lankan players

Lasith Malinga

Shahid Afridi

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

Jacques Kallis FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015