Guyana chronicle 08 10 14

GUYANA No. 103974 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 8, 2014

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

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The plot thickens...

Welshman’s attorney says his client was offered $3M – to say PPP/C engineered sexual assault allegations

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Great deals, new products a big hit at GuyExpo Pages

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Gov’t questions Opposition’s endorsement of Kaieteur News Page 3 Manickchand cautions...

Ease up on obsession with capturing everything on the phone

11 & 12

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Consumers body opposes GT&T request for landline rates increase Page

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Lightning kills 11 Colombian tribe members during ritual

At Digicel Guyana’s booth on closing night

APOLOGY TO OUR READERS

We sincerely regret the error in judgment demonstrated by the decision to provide front page and pictorial coverage of a purported sexual act involving two minors. While our intent was not to be unkind or malicious, in hindsight we

recognised that our actions may have been more sensational than helpful. We would also like to assure our readers that, while we have erred in this instance, the Guyana Chronicle will continue its efforts to maintain all the basic tenets of

professional, responsible journalism, while at the same time providing the Guyanese people both at home and abroad with responsible reportage of news. We sincerely regret any inconvenience or agitation caused to all especially those involved.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 8, 2014

Harmon vows...

Protest action will continue

Leader of APNU, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger is joined by supporters protesting outside the Office of the President yesterday

THE continuing protests staged by the main Opposition, A Partner-

ship for National Unity (APNU), continued yesterday with a line

of picketers outside the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul

Drive, Georgetown.

And the party’s General-Secretary, Mr. Joseph Harmon, contends that the party’s protests will continue.

Yesterday’s protests followed the expiration of an ultimatum given to President Donald Ramotar by APNU Leader, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger.

M r. G r a n g e r h a d called on the Head of State to set a date for local government elections before September 15 or face the “mobilisation of national and international” support by the party to ensure the elections are held.

However, President Ramotar is holding fast to his position that he needs Granger “to clar-

ify what precisely” is his Party’s position before he can “properly respond” to his letter, since he, Granger, was saying one thing, and his Party another.

Before the ultimatum, the APNU had made clear its support for the Alliance For Change (AFC)’s no-confidence motion, which, if passed with majority support, could see Guyana heading to early general elections.

In his reply by letter to Mr. Granger last Thursday, President Ramotar requested that the APNU Leader be specific as to what his Party wanted.

Local government elections have not been held in Guyana since

1994. Prior to that, local government elect i o n s w e re l a s t h e l d in 1970. Subsequent to 1994, the elections could not be conducted because of the coincidence with the general and regional elections of 1997. Additionally, the House passed the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill 2013, which states that elections must be held o n o r b e f o re A u g u s t 1, 2014. The August date was made via an amendment to the Bill, proposed by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), while the House was in Committee. However, this bill has not been assented to by the Head of State.

(Vanessa Narine)

APNU supporters marching back and forth on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive yesterday (Photos courtesy of Aubrey Odle)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 8, 2014

Gov’t questions Joint Opposition’s endorsement of Kaieteur News

– but APNU, AFC stand their ground THE Government of Guyana is questioning the grounds on which the Joint Opposition is lending its “unwavering support” to the Kaieteur News, and said as much in a statement issued on Monday evening.

Clearly aghast that the Daily’s publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, had the temerity to ask the Guyanese public to support his “unlawful” activities, the government listed as being among charges against him: Tax evasion of millions of dollars; attempting to pervert the course of justice by blackmailing his opponents to drop the charges; manipulating the Georgetown Municipal Council for non-payment of rates and taxes; stealing electricity from the GPL; and maligning people and threatening to expose private and personal matters of his “perceived opponents” in order to have his unlawful activities dropped.

CONFUSING THE ISSUE According to the statement, “As much as Mr. Glen Lall may wish to confuse the public that this is an issue of press free-

dom, in fact, the matters for which he seeks support have nothing to do with the right to freedom of expression.

“The call has been publicly supported by the APNU (A Partnership for National Unity) and the AFC (Alliance for Change).

Would Mr. Ramjattan and Mr. Granger now call on the Guyanese public to support Mr. Lall for the specific crimes he has been accused of?

“Aren’t the opposition parties condoning Mr. Lall’s illegal activities?

Aren’t they saying to “john public” that it is alright to follow Mr. Lall’s lead and be accountable to no one?

“One would have thought that the opposition political parties would have been more judicious and distanced themselves from supporting such unlawful activities, especially as they have grand designs of being in government one day.”

According to the Government, the Opposition parties are “so blind in their hell-bent onslaught” against the current Administration, that the APNU and AFC are willing to support “tax evaders” and “maligners” in order to bring

down the Government.

“One has to wonder if this is the kind government they will offer the Guyanese people? Once again the friends of the opposition are above and beyond the law merely because it is their friends,” the Government contends.

OPPOSITION’S STANCE Despite the Government’s queries, both Opposition parties are maintaining their positions.

General-Secretary of APNU, Mr. Joseph Harmon, told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, that as it relates to the question of “criminal behaviour”, this is a matter for the courts.

“We have made our position clear. Our view is that the GRA (Guyana Revenue Authority), which has said that it is investigating the paper, is being used to attack press freedom. This is how we see it; it fits into a pattern of muzzling the free press,” he said.

Meanwhile, leader of the AFC, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, contends that the charges of “unlawful activities” are baseless.

“They have charged him (Mr. Lall) on no evi-

‘As much as Mr. Glen Lall may wish to confuse the public that this is an issue of press freedom, in fact, the matters for which he seeks support have nothing to do with the right to freedom of expression’ – Government of Guyana

dence. I am surprised that this case did not go to the DPP for advice…this is what we call state terrorism, because the GRA is being used to target Mr. Lall,” he said.

He added that it is on this basis the AFC has expressed its support for the Kaieteur News and its publisher.

ISSUES In early September, Lall was alleged to have evaded taxes for over a decade now. Reports are that Mr. Lall, the owner of the Guyana National Media Publishing Company, is being investigated by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) for the importation of printing ink packaged as a CARICOM (Caribbean Community) product, which enjoys duty free concessions under the Revised Treaty of Chaguramas. Upon closer inspection, however, it was allegedly found that the origin of the inks was from overseas, and therefore in breach of the Treaty. As it relates to the progress of the investigation of the alleged tax evasion, the Guyana Chronicle has been

given to understand that the necessary verification requests are still with the relevant authorities in Trinidad and Tobago.

Prior to the tax evasion allegation, Mr. Lall was fingered in an alleged remigrant duty-free concession scam.

Six criminal charges have altogether been since filed against Lall; his wife, Bhena;, and Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan, who have all been implicated in the scam. The charges follow the seizure of two vehicles allegedly at the centre of a duty-free scam.

The two vehicles in question, PRR 8398 and PRR 8399, were handed over to GRA and impounded at the Authority’s warehouse at the end of August, after an hours-long standoff between GRA officials and the Brijnanans’ son, Navin Sankar, a high-ranking GRA employee. An investigation was then launched to ensure that procedures and policy, as well as the provisions of the law were adhered to. The criminal charges, this newspaper understands, stem from that investigation.

Also, in mid-September, both Lall and his wife were sued by Acting Town Clerk of the Mayor and City Council, Ms Carol Sooba, for the sum of $ 5,660,142.00 and $60,142 as unpaid rates and taxes for the years 2004 to 2013 in relation to their property at 24 Saffon Street.

The case is currently being heard at the Georgetown Magistrates Court. In a defence seen by this newspaper and filed by attorney-at-law, Mr Khemraj Ramjattan, the Lalls claim that they had a set off arrangement with the City Council, and they are not indebted for the taxes and that they repaid these taxes by publication of advertisements in the Kaieteur News. However, a source in the accounting department at City Hall denies any such arrangement. “There is certainly no document in writing to this effect,” the source disclosed.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e Kaieteur News has been slapped with countless lawsuits and injunctions for libel.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday OCTOBER 8, 2014

Turkey says Syrian town about to fall as Islamic State advances

Poland warns Russia it could face tougher EU sanctions over Ukraine (Reuters) - THE European Union will impose tougher sanctions on Russia unless Moscow’s policy in Ukraine changes, Polish Foreign Minister Grzegorz Schetyna said on Tuesday.

Since a ceasefire was agreed between pro-Moscow separatists and Ukraine’s government a month ago, most European leaders have focused on when the sanctions on Russia can be eased, with little discussion about making them tougher.

But breaches of the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine have renewed Western diplomatic pressure on Moscow.

Western states accuse Russia of giving military support to the rebels, an allegation the Kremlin has denied.

“If Russia does not change its policy, sanctions will be toughened and they will make themselves felt even more in Russia,” Sche-

Smoke rises near the damaged main terminal of the Donetsk Sergey Prokofiev International Airport during fighting between pro-Russian rebels and Ukrainian government forces in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, October 4, 2014. (Credit: Reuters/Shamil Zhumatov) tyna said in an interview with Polish broadcast Polsat News.

“All the European coun-

tries are speaking with one voice, together with Australia, the United States and Canada. The free world says ‘no’ to this kind of policy,” he said. “The Polish viewpoint is shared by other countries.”

Poland, a NATO member which has borders with Russia and Ukraine, has been

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more hawkish than many other EU states on how to react to Russia’s intervention in Ukraine.

Schetyna was appointed foreign minister last month. His predecessor, Radoslaw Sikorski, was elected speaker of the Polish parliament.

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(Reuters) – TURKEY’S president said the Syrian Kurdish town of Kobani was “about to fall” as Islamic State fighters pressed home a threeweek assault that has cost a reported 400 lives and forced thousands to flee their homes.

The prospect that the town could be captured by Islamic State, who are now within city limits, has increased pressure on Turkey to join an international coalition to fight against the jihadists.

Islamic State wants to take Kobani in order to strengthen its grip on the border area and consolidate the territorial gains it has made in Iraq and Syria in recent months. U.S.-led air strikes have so far failed to prevent its advance on Kobani.

Turkey said it was pressing Washington for more air strikes, although President Tayyip Erdogan said bombing was not enough to defeat Islamic State and he set out Turkey’s demands for additional measures before it could intervene.

“The problem of ISIS (Islamic State) ... cannot be solved via air bombardment.

Right now ... Kobani is about to fall,” he said during a visit to a camp for Syrian refugees.

“We had warned the West. We wanted three things. No-fly zone, a secure zone parallel to that, and the training of moderate Syrian rebels,” he said.

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He said Turkey would take action if there were threats to Turkish soldiers guarding a historic site in Syria that Ankara regards as its territory. But so far Turkey has made no move to get involved in the fighting across the border.

U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said Turkey had been generous in receiving refugees from Kobani but the international community needed to protect the town.

“What is needed now is concrete action,” he said, without elaborating.

France said it was vital to stop Islamic State’s advance on Kobani, and was discussing with Turkey what could be done. “A tragedy is unfolding, and we must all react,” Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told parliament.

But some analysts doubt the will exists among Western allies to take further action.

“It’s the coalition of the unwilling, each country is doing the bare minimum, particularly in Syria,” said Fadi Hakura at the London based think-tank, Chatham House.

From across the Turkish border, two Islamic State flags could be seen flying over the eastern side of Kobani.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said it had documented 412 deaths of civilians and fighters during the three-week battle for Kobani.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday OCTOBER 8, 2014

Mexico missing students: ‘No impunity’ vows Pena Nieto Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto has vowed to identify and punish those responsible for the recent disappearance of 43 students after clashes with police.

In a televised address, he

cers are being held in connection with the shooting.

“Like all the Mexican society, I am shocked by this situation and I can assure you that there will be no impunity,” Mr Pena Nieto

missing students. Results are expected within two weeks.

‘Criminal gangs’ The group of students had travelled to the area to take part in a protest over discrimination against rural

Some went into hiding and contacted their relatives after several days, still fearing for their lives.

State prosecutors said local officials and police officers could have links with

Parents of the students joined the search for their loved ones, but many fear the worst at this stage described the incident in the city of Iguala as “shocking, painful and unacceptable”.

Shortly after the speech, federal forces disarmed municipal police and took over security in the city.

The students went missing after a protest over job discrimination.

Police opened fire on their buses as they arrived in the city, in the state of Guerrero, on 26 September.

Twenty-two police offi-

wrote later in his Twitter account.

Concerns about the wellbeing of the missing students increased on Saturday, when clandestine graves were discovered on the outskirts of Iguala following an anonymous tip-off.

Twenty-eight burnt bodies have been retrieved from the pits.

Forensic experts are now trying to establish whether the bodies are those of the

teachers.

Iguala lies about 200km (120 miles) south of the capital Mexico City.

Three people were killed when police shot at the buses. Another three were shot dead in an incident that took place a few hours later, on 27 September.

Witnesses said that most of the survivors - all trainee teachers - were bundled into police vans before disappearing.

criminal gangs operating in Guerrero state.

Arrest warrants have been issued for the mayor of Iguala, Jose Luis Albarca, and his security chief who are both considered fugitives from justice.

Mexico correspondent Will Grant says the incident has highlighted the extent of the collusion between criminal groups and officials in much of the country.

Lightning kills 11 Colombian tribe members during ritual

(BBC News) ELEVEN members of a Colombian indigenous community have been killed by lightning during a religious ceremony in a remote, mountainous area in the north of the country.

Leaders from the Wiwa ethnic group were carrying out what was described as a spiritual harmonisation ritual when they were struck.

Another 15 people were injured.

Survivors were rescued by the army and airlifted to hospitals in the Caribbean city of Santa Marta.

Most of the victims are being treated for second and third degree burns.

The accident happened on Sunday night near the town of Guachaca, in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada mountains.

Some 60 tribe members were gathering inside a thatched building used as

Four indigenous communities live in the Sierra Nevada area a temple when it was hit by a lightning bolt, local media reported.

The building was burned to the ground.

“Our solidarity is with the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta indigenous communi-

ty,” President Juan Manuel Santos wrote on his Twitter account.

The Colombian indigenous agency (Onic) said it has been speaking to families to find ways of helping the community at this difficult

time.

The Wiwa carries out “spiritual harmonisation rituals” when they are faced with internal disputes or environmental problems, Onic explained in a statement.

Fuad caught up in airport Ebola scare ( Tr i n i d a d E x p r e s s ) HEALTH Minister Dr Fuad Khan summoned security and health officials to an emergency meeting Monday after he was caught in an Ebola bungle regarding safety and precautionary measures at the Piarco International Airport on Friday.

The meeting was held at the ministry’s head office at Park Street, Port of Spain, and was attended by officials from the National Security Operations Centre (NOC), Civil Aviation, Office of Disaster Preparedness and the Immigration Division.

Special Branch police officers and health officials were also in attendance.

The Express learned that the meeting was prompted after the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) falsely indicated that a Nigerian VIP national aboard American Airlines (AA) flight 1663 that was en route to Trinidad from Miami was a possible Ebola case, causing a scare.

The identity of the VIP national, who was a First Class passenger aboard the AA flight, has been withheld for security reasons.

Khan, who was returning from attending The 2014 Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organisation (WHO) con-

ference in Washington, DC was also aboard the AA flight.

Sources told the Express that as soon as the VIP national exited the aircraft he was whisked away to a room to be examined for the deadly virus.

The airport security and health officials then attempted to isolate the other passengers, including Khan, who was also seated in the First Class cabin, causing panic and alarm.

Khan, sources said, became upset as he felt the matter was being mishandling and intervened to restore calm.

Examinations conducted on the VIP national showed that he had no signs or symptoms of the Ebola virus and as a result the man was allowed to leave the airport.

Contacted Monday, Khan confirmed that the incident took place.

He said a committee led

by Dr Adelle Chin was set up to deal with the international health regulations and the protocol of entry to T&T. “From what I observed the airport workers need proper training to handle matters like these. Not because someone has a Nigerian passport means that they should be flagged.

Proper procedures must be followed to avoid embarrassment,” Khan said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday OCTOBER 8, 2014

EDITORIAL Vehicles are weapons if used indiscriminately THEY kill themselves and others, but while their personal choice to drink and drive, or to drive recklessly endangers their own lives, there is the irredeemable fact that their choices many times destroy many lives – innocent lives of victims either killed or crippled who are their direct victims; or the indirect victims left to mourn and oftentimes made destitute because of the deprivation of the earnings of the breadwinner – indirect victims such as children, parents, wives, husbands, or other loved ones.

Losing someone to illness, while painful, is mitigated somewhat by their protracted suffering over a period so that the end is not unexpected; but losing someone who is healthy and productive, especially

a provider and a protector, generates pain so immeasurable that the grieving relatives and friends sometimes carry that pain – to a greater or lesser degree, to their graves, with no closure for their grievous loss during their lifetime; especially if the legal system fails to give them justice, as it often does.

If one peruses the newspapers over a period of time he will see that an accident is caused, or happens, almost every day.

These include minor ones where there are no reported casualties. There are many collisions that go unreported as a mutual decision by both parties in an effort to avoid the perceived humbug of bureaucratic processes, but the horrific carnage continues unabated, despite many campaigns by the police to curb lawless-

ness on the roads.

‘TRACOR,’ conceived and implemented by former Commissioner of Police, Laurie Lewis, was the forerunner of many current initiatives aimed at curbing the lawlessness on Guyana’s roads and reducing fatalities and accidents that prove so costly in terms of human and other resources.

‘Mothers in Black’ is a grouping started by Denise Dias, who uses this medium to transform the meaningless death by accident of her beloved daughter, Alicea, into a meaningful, even if tragic, catalyst for restructuring and enforcement of traffic laws.

The group have achieved some degree of success, but they are not resting on their laurels, because they recognise that

this is an ongoing struggle, and they are continuing to lobby at various fora with the ultimate intent of making Guyana’s roadways a relatively safe avenue for purposes of intra-country travel.

However, while laws may be passed to guide motorists these laws are not often adhered to, with much indifference shown by some traffic policemen, especially some rogue elements in the Force, who turn a blind eye to infringements in exchange for rewards in cash or kind.

Passengers are still held ransom to unscrupulous, uncaring drivers and conductors of minibuses, who continue to play vulgar music at unendurable decibels, despite the ban.

Some drivers are always high on some substance -

GUYANA

either drugs or alcohol, and until random testing is done for both, instead of merely alcohol, this dangerous habit will continue, with the impaired judgment of errant drivers continuing to contribute in a large measure to the carnage on the roads.

Bus fares have been erratically increased by operators, taxi fares are at a maximum – even for short drops, and the threats and abuses that are directed to hapless passengers who cannot afford the higher prices, and also to schoolchildren, is criminal and should carry some degree of penalty.

A sense of humanity does not seem to exist in the souls of many minibus operators, who pass by with near-empty buses, leaving schoolchildren and the elderly stranded, sometimes in pouring rain or blazing

sunshine.

And it is the very rare driver who stops at marked crossings to allow pedestrian traffic across roadways.

Even rarer are drivers who allow courtesy to prevail and stop to allow pedestrians to cross roadways where there are no crossings.

An irresponsible decision to drink and drive, a moment’s inattention, jumping a traffic light, or any other infringement or violation of the traffic laws can catalyse unendurable pain and immeasurable loss, and the destruction of the countless lives whose survival systems are obliterated by the deaths or incapacitation of the victims.

Changing the laws will have scant effect unless it is accompanied by effective implementation, as enforcement is necessary to curb lawless road users.

Taxpayers are gouged to support the dissolute AT the GuyExpo opening, the President vowed to make Guyana even more investor-friendly and the hub of the Caribbean and South America.

President Ramotar said that, currently, there are projects that are ongoing, amounting to some US$2.5B, and spread over different sectors of our economy. He also reiterated his call for the Amaila Falls project, noting that cheap electricity would assist persons in saving almost 40% on their current electricity bills. He raised the point of transportation and the country’s need for improvement in this regard, noting, however, that new roads are needed to make certain areas accessible.

The President is calling for all the right things, but stopped short of calling on the free-loaders at Linden to pay their fair share

for electricity while the hydro project gets back on board. Why should all other Guyanese pay for those in Linden?

Visitors should go up to Linden to see how they live in total comfort, then fly over Linden at nights and see how it is lit up like you are flying over a mini New York, or a mini Toronto.

It is a sin for those shameless Lindeners to cry depression while they have others paying for them.

The President touched on new roads, which is all good and well, but the President’s people that are hired to overlook some constructions are falling asleep, or are unable to ask questions, or are downright dumb not to know when wool is pulled over their eyes.

Let me give one example.

For the past two years, I think it is Courtney Benn Construction that was hired and paid to take a trench and make it into a concrete gutter between Middleton Street in Campbellville and McDougal Avenue in Kitty.

In the process of doing so the construction company broke up McDougal Avenue big time.

It got so bad that only a few weeks ago residents took it upon themselves to fill that massive hole in the road with some excess bricks and rocks that the construction company left there.

Up to this day none of the residents in the Kitty area know what this construction company was trying to accomplish, but they did damage a newly-built road and went their

way, leaving residents to take care of things so their vehicles can access McDougal Avenue.

How a company can be paid to do one thing while damaging another thing makes no sense whatsoever.

If anyone thinks this is a lie then just go ask residents in Owen St Kitty, McDougal Avenue and Station Street in Kitty of what took place there about two years ago.

The proof of the damaged road is still there for all to see, and the trench they took and made into a concrete gutter is blocked big time.

This is why the water in the alleyway between Station Street and Owen Street in Kitty is always there; and it stinks and is filthy -made for mosquitoes’ breeding ground.

T. KING

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday OCTOBER 8, 2014

On sustaining a Don’t be fooled by the so called ‘peaceful protest’ developmental path THEY stood there with placards silent, imperceptibly quiet in protest, trying to force the Government’s hand to call Local Government elections. The main political Opposition party APNU has been holding these protests in the major municipalities across Guyana. Their objective, at least so it seems, is that the Government would be pressured to the point where it will have to call Local Government Elections.

Some writers call this a clear

sign of lunacy on the main Opposition: Why stand there and waste time in a protest that is not going anywhere? Judging from past activities of the party when on the agitation path, they are asking the question: Where is the action? They expect the usual violent display of burning, looting and shooting, but none of the above is forthcoming, so they are forced to conclude that this is very idiotic and very strange development.

But there is nothing strange

about the PNC/APNU’s protest, because this is just a precursor as to what will eventually happen.

Violence and mayhem like we have never seen is about to be unleashed on this nation come next election.

This latest display of calm is just a facade or a veiled display of the real event that will come after.

I will close by saying a detailed account of what is about to happen will be communicated to you shortly.

NEIL ADAMS

A little learning can be a dangerous thing IN every society there are persons who crave public attention and in order to catapult themselves in the limelight, they select certain targets, be it in Government or outside of Government, and probe relentlessly until they discover that which they perceive will give them the public attention about which they are obsessed.

It is beyond dispute that Christopher Lallbachan Ram is one of such persons and the Ministry of Legal Affairs has become his latest target. Unfortunately for him, his probings and public disclosures of the results (sic!) have been largely unworthy of publication in the newspapers in the form of news items. As a result, he has now resorted to the forum of the letter column in his quest to draw attention to himself.

Quite frankly, the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Ministry of Legal Affairs is quite flattered and indeed humbled by the attention it is receiving from Mr. Ram. All we ask of him in his public relations work for us is that he be accurate and fair. A little reading, especially of the law, will do the trick.

His latest disclosures were published in the letter columns of the Stabroek News, dated October 7, 2014. He wrote on two issues: the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority and the Judicial Review Act. As regard the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority, Mr. Ram, presumably having no comments of his own to offer, piggybacks on remarks made

by Mr. Leon Rockliffe that

were published in the press.

Perhaps it is apposite that we address Mr. Rockliffe’s concerns once and for all.

The transformation of which Mr. Rockliffe is critical encompasses the following:1) the conversion of the Deeds Registry from being a Department of Central Government to being a statutory body corporate with functional autonomy, managed by a board comprising representatives of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Finance, the Private Sector, the Guyana Bar Association and the Berbice Bar Association; and 2) the conversion of the staff of that entity from being public servants, to employees of the newly created authority.

Prior to this transformation, consultations were held with various stakeholders, including above mentioned entities. More significantly, because of his known views Mr. Rockliffe was consulted by the Honourable Attorney General & Minister of Legal Affairs on more than one occasion. Indeed, Mr. Rockliffe was kind enough to acknowledge this publicly. The truth of the matter is

that Mr. Rockliffe’s views were taken into account, but were in the minority.

The unfortunate reality is that even the Bar Association which, presumably, represents their interest did not see it fit to nominate either Mr. Rockliffe or Mr. Ram to represent them on the board. They chose Mr. Rafeek Khan instead. As they say, the proof of the pudding lies in the eating. The public feedback received from the changes made at the Deeds Registry has been overwhelming. In short, the system has become far more efficient.

As regards the Judicial Review Act, Mr. Ram boldly accuses the Attorney General of frustrating “the decision of Parliament by his failure to bring the Act into operation.” Again, a simple reading of the Act would have saved Mr. Ram much public embarrassment. Section 3(1) of the Act provides: 1.

“An application to the court for relief against an administrative Act or omission shall be made by way of an application for judicial review

in accordance with this act and with Rules of Court.”

It is either that Mr. Ram has not read this section; or he did so but did not understand what it means or, worse yet, is shockingly unaware that the Rules of Court currently in force do not provide a procedure for an application for judicial review. The procedure for same is contained in the new Rules of Court, which are in draft. The Act, therefore, cannot be brought into operation without the promulgation of the new Rules of Court, and that is a responsibility which does not reside with the Attorney General & Minister of Legal Affairs.

As an attorney-at-law one would expect that Mr. Ram would be acquainted with these elementary matters or, at least, will seek the guidance of his seniors at the Bar before he makes such embarrassing public disclosures.

A little learning can be a dangerous thing.

INDIRA ANANDJIT Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Legal Affairs

By David DeGroot THIS week I want to spend some time on deeply retrospective resolutions and hope that, in the final analysis, my conscience will be filled with that feeling of quiet equanimity.

The appeal to my country men and women will be for them to be seriously aroused and also reflect on the path our country appears relentlessly heading toward.

There is clear danger ahead. There is the frightening thought that the return of the days of rice flour and all the deprivations associated with those horrible days can again be experienced.

We need to be dispassionate as ever, to summon the ability to be focused on what is best for Guyana, because propaganda is irrelevant and must be eschewed; and racial consideration is sinful and must be so regarded.

The obligation to be principled must be embraced and should be guided by our conscience. We have to be satisfied that our free will was what piloted our decision to support one party above all others.

Performance is what matters most and, to my mind, we have had previous examples of governance over the past forty years: And what was the situation regarding these forty years.

Dispassionately, in the immediate past twenty years we have experienced and enjoyed the kind of forward movement never before recorded in the short history of our country becoming independent from Britain in 1966.

We ended up in absolute shambles during the first twenty odd years. Today, Guyana stands proudly amongst rapidly-developing nations, enjoying peaceful development in all areas of social and economic advancement.

We can traverse the length and breadth of the country without much hassle in a matter of days, rather than the olden days of serious jeopardy.

Linkages have been created by the sheer force and logic of a people determined to explore all avenues of achieving wealth.

This is a perfect example of what it takes to build one’s country. Facilitating measures have had to be put in place by an understanding Government.

And so, our country marches on, refusing to be stifled by reactionaries determined to hold back any or all progressive measures to move the country forward. But we are fortunate to have experienced, by their determined demonstration with a one-seat parliamentary majority how hopelessly and quickly our proud country can become, once again, with an incipient Government in their hands.

Our resolve must be absolute, our task is noble - to keep our country on a continuing fast development path towards a modern state-of-the-art country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 8, 2014

The plot thickens...

Welshman’s attorney says his client was offered $3M – to say PPP/C engineered sexual assault allegations

JOHNNY Welshman, who has levelled accusations of sexual assault against Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Raphael Trotman, was offered a $3M settlement, on the condition that he publicly states that the Ruling Party asked him to make the allegations.

The explosive disclosure was made by Welshman’s attorney, Mr. Peter Hugh, in a statement released yesterday.

“I am informed by my client that despite the filing of the libel suit and a matter being investigated by the Guyana Police Force, Mr. Johnny Welshman has been approached with offers of settlement in the sum of three (3) million Guyana Dollars, on the condition that he makes a public statement that the PPP/C asked him to make these allegations.

When he refused to accept any settlement or to lie and say that the PPP/C asked him to do anything, his life was threatened,” Hugh said.

According to the attorney, the threat on Welshman’s life has since been reported to the police.

“These threats upon M r. We l s h m a n ’s l i f e could well be constituted as attempting to pervert the course of justice, and I trust that the police will investigate these threats to my client’s life, and unearth the individual or individuals responsible,” he said.

CONSPIRACY THEORIES We l s h m a n ’s a t t o r ney added that since the allegations were made, “grand conspiracy theories” have been peddled.

“There seems to be tactical accusations of grand conspiracy theories implicating Mr. Johnny

‘Mr. Johnny Welshman has been approached with offers of settlement in the sum of three (3) million Guyana Dollars on the condition that he makes a public statement that the PPP/C asked him to make these allegations’ – Johnny Welshman’s attorney, Mr. Peter Hugh Welshman in a plot by a political group to bring into disrepute the character and reputation of Mr. Raphael Trotman, by publishing accusations in the print media and on a social network,” he said.

Hugh pointed out that his client is not affiliated with any political party.

“I believe the assertions and claims that Mr. Johnny Welshman is politically motivated are meant solely as a distraction from the very serious allegations made by Mr. Welshman,” he said.

The Attorney also questioned the Speaker’s actions in support of the claim of a political plot.

“If Mr. Raphael Trotman initially thought that Mr. Johnny Welshman’s allegations were a political plot by a political party, then why didn’t he come out immediately upon hearing of the allegations and expose this plot?” Hugh said, adding: “Why was a public statement only made by Mr. Raphael Trotman and his supporters after the matter was reported to the Guyana Police Force?

Why is there so much effort to connect Mr. Johnny Welshman to a political party in dealing with the allegations he made?”

Hugh’s contention is that the assertions that the allegations are grounded in political plays are being made before the Police investigation is completed, and can only be viewed as an attempt to intimidate Welshman, and discredit him as having some motive for reporting the matter to the Police.

“The public chastisement, embarrassment or humiliation of a complainant by the alleged perpetrators, their servants, agents, supporters, sympathizers or anyone in my humble opinion is an attempt to tamper with a witness and in some cases may amount to an attempt to pervert the course of justice,” Hugh said.

DISCREDITING WELSHMAN Welshman’s counsel also addressed claims that he is mentally unstable, among other efforts to discredit him.

Said Hugh, “Mr. Raphael Trotman claims that Mr. Johnny Welshman is mentally unstable, and is only making wicked assertions, yet he would recommend a mentally unstable young man for a job, with not one, but with two reputable businesses operating in Georgetown.

“It could reasonably be inferred that up until a report of the allegations was made to the Guyana Police Force, Mr. Raphael Trotman did not hold the view that Mr. Johnny Welshman was mentally unstable.”

As to the matter of a settlement, Hugh enquired, “…why would M r. Raphael Trotman entertain and engage in talks of settlement, and offer Mr. Welshman a sum of money if he honestly believed that Mr. Johnny Welshman was a mentally unstable young man making wicked accusations, and being used as a pawn in a plot by a

political party.”

What’s more, he said the fact that Trotman has even moved further to secure an Interim Injunction restraining his client, whether by himself, his servants or agents from publishing or attempting to publish whether in print or any electronic media any material relating and or pertaining to allegations of sexual assault.

Noting that Trotman himself is featured in the local media on the same subject, Hugh said, . “This seems to me to be attacking someone who cannot respond, reply or defend himself. In fact, since the granting of the Interim Injunction, Mr. Raphael Trotman has gone on the offensive in the media, and has been openly attacking and attempting to discredit Mr. Johnny Welshman.

“Several individuals posting in the social media who may or may not be affiliated to Mr. Trotman and/or the Alliance for Change (AFC) have been attacking Mr. Welshman, and publishing scandalous, degrading and offensive material which could be libelous in its own right. Why is the victim of an alleged sexual assault being treated in this manner?”

CONVENIENT BANDWAGON ACTIVISM Welshman’s attorney noted that sexual violence is often a traumatic and damaging experience, and that no civilized society ought to allow a complainant to be degraded by public chastisement, embarrassment or humiliation in their quest for justice.

“The alleged allegations made by Mr. Johnny Welshman against Mr.

Johnny Welshman

Raphael Trotman

Raphael Trotman were of a sexual nature which allegedly occurred when Johnny Welshman was a child. A child is considered a vulnerable victim and is afforded protection by our laws and our Justice system,” he said.

Hugh slammed non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and groups who claim to represent and champion human rights generally, for their silence on the matter.

He said, “These NGO’s and groups rush to the aid and offer counselling to victims even more so when the victim is a child, indigenous person or part of a another vulnerable group. I am greatly displeased with what appears to be convenient and bandwagon activism.

“Is it that these NGO’s and groups are fearful of challenging influential people in our society who seem to behaving in a manner contrary to what these NGO’s and groups claim to stand for?

“Is it that these NGO’s and groups reserve their activism for victims whose alleged attacker is not affiliated with particular political parties or who do not hold prominent offices or positions in society? I am saddened.”

The attorney noted

that any victim of an alleged sexual assault must b e o ff e r e d p r o t e c t i o n pending the outcome of the criminal investigations.

He said, “Mr. Johnny Welshman is entitled to the same protection other victims are afforded.

Is he being denied the protection of his rights and afforded protection simply because of who he alleges his attacker is?

“Justice must never be premised or appear to be premised on who is the alleged perpetrator of an offence regardless of their station, position, office or affiliations. Every citizen must be equal before the law. All alleged victims of domestic, transgender and sexual violence must be afforded equal access to justice and equal protection of the law regardless of their socio economic, racial or gender differences.”

The 22–year–old m a n ’s a l l e g a t i o n s i s that Trotman sexually assaulted him when he was 12-years-old.

The allegation was first made public via an entry on the popular social media site, Facebook.

Since the allegations were made, the House Speaker has been most empathic in his denial of claims that he sexually assaulted the young man in question.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday OCTOBER 8, 2014

In light of calls from CAB…

Regional stakeholders hold same position on AML/CFT Bill - Dr. Ganga

By Vanessa Narine THE call by the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB) on Monday for Guyana to pass the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill is a reiteration of the same message from other regional stakeholders.

This was according to Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr. Gobind Ganga, who also told the Guyana Chronicle that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Central Bank Governors made the same call at a meeting in July.

“At the 42nd Bi-Annual Meeting of CARICOM Central Bank Governors, this was the call,” he said.

The CAB in its statement said, “The passage of the AML bill is not only about Guyana, but also about the international financial sector as a whole in order to protect all financial systems, within the region, from ongoing money laundering and terrorist financing risks. We are only as strong as our weakest link.”

LOCAL CALLS Additionally, in January

the Bankers Association in Guyana brought to the attention of the Administration, problems being encountered as a consequence of this country being blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).

After failing to comply with CFATF’s requirements, Guyana was blacklisted regionally and referred to FATF last November.

The combined political Opposition had voted down the AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill last November 7, ignoring pleas from the Government to support the bill.

As a result of missing that deadline, the CFATF issued an adverse public statement, calling on member states which fall under its jurisdiction to take the necessary measures for protecting themselves from the risks that Guyana poses, as a potential money-laundering and terrorism haven.

Consequently, several Central Banks in the Caribbean issued advisories, warning their respective commercial sectors of Guyana’s current position and calling on their constituent members to protect themselves from whatever risks are emanating from Guyana.

A month later, the Guyana Bankers Association reiterated its call for action on the critically important Bill,

Dr. Gobind Ganga with the Association’s Head, Mr. Amit Kumar, stressing the need for a strong AML/ CFT legislative framework as fundamental to their continued functioning.

According to Kumar, in a prior comment, the stated implications of the non-passage of the Bill, include the fact that: * Bank-to-Bank relationships and business between Guyana’s commercial banks and foreign banks may be halted for an unpredictable

amount of time. This includes relationships with commercial banks in sister CARICOM territories. The

Anil Nandlall foreign banks may opt not to do business at all with Guyana’s banks if Guyana’s AML/CFT laws do not meet the standard required by the requisite AML/CFT bodies (in this case the CFATF) and are thereby inadequate to provide those institutions with the requisite level of comfort to conduct business with local banks; * Adequate access to foreign exchange in a timely manner may be affected; * Members of the public

may experience difficulty in sending or receiving money from overseas through commercial banks and cambios if the correspondent banking relationships with foreign banks are jeopardized, as there may be no bank-to-bank relationships to foster this activity; * Payments in a timely manner to persons overseas for provision of goods and services may be affected, and * The “Letter of Credit” issued by banks in Guyana may not be accepted by overseas banks, resulting in numerous problems and complications when conducting business with these entities.

TOO MUCH TO LOSE Dr. Ganga maintains that Guyana cannot afford to be labelled by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as a country without strong AML/CFT legislations. “We have too much to lose. This bill should have been passed a long time ago,” he stressed.

The BOG Governor was part of a high-level team, led

by Attorney-General (AG), Mr. Anil Nandlall, which met with the Americas Regional Review Group (ARRG) in Miami on September 29, as mandated by FAFT.

Following that meeting, Guyana has now embarked on a process of putting in place alternatives to address the technical deficiencies in its existing legal and financial legislative architecture for the assessment of FATF. “Were we able to pass the Bill then we would not have had to go through this process, but because we did not pass that Bill we now have to look at alternative mechanisms to satisfy the technical requirements,” the AG said in a comment on the current state of affairs.

FATF has appointed a special body comprising representatives from the Americas to work with Guyana for the purpose of making a presentation of Guyana’s case to that body’s plenary meeting on October 18-24 in Paris. This high-level team will send its work plan to Guyana along with other issues that they may identify for addressing for consideration by FATF. Essentially, the final report that will be prepared

by Guyana under the supervision of the AARG will be Guyana’s case to FATF at its October plenary.

33 years on...

Rohee: Continued frequency of media PPP renews call for justice infractions warrants regulatory body

in Air Cubana tragedy THE following is a statement issued late yesterday by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on the 33rd Anniversary of the notorious Cubana Air Disaster which claimed the lives of 11 Guyanese among its 73 victims.

“The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends solidarity with the Government and people of Cuba on the 33rd Anniversary since the bombing of a Cuban Airliner in which eleven Guyanese were killed.

“Six of the Guyanese who perished in the disaster were

Guyanese scholars on their way to pursue studies in Cuba.

“Cuban Flight 455 never made it to its destination after it was brought down by a terrorist attack on October 6, 1976 in what could be considered as the deadliest terrorist act committed in this hemisphere.

“A total of 73 persons lost their lives when the airline exploded. It is now an established fact that the bomb was planted in the airline by two Venezuelan mercenaries during a journey from Trinidad to Barbados.

“The PPP has also taken

note of the fact that two of the confessed murderers, Luis Posada Carriles and Orlando Bosch, with close links to the CIA, continue until this day to walk freely in the streets of Miami.

“The PPP calls on the United States authorities to take measures to bring to justice all those who were responsible for this atrocity including theintellectual authors of the crime. Justice delayed is justice denied and itis never too late to dispense justice especially in the face of overwhelmingevidence to implicate those involved.”

By Telesha Ramnarine GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Clement Rohee yesterday said the ongoing frequency of media infractions in Guyana necessitates the establishment of a regulatory body for the media in a manner much faster than one could have imagined.

At the party’s weekly news conference at Freedom House, in Georgetown, Rohee said factions of the media have strayed from the fundamentals of journalistic norms and practices and are providing “political fodder”

for the political Opposition.

“These growing infractions bordering on libel, slander, distortions and character assassination by sections of the media, have in turn contributed to the lowering of our cultural standards.”

As such, he said the PPP reiterates its call for the relevant authorities to examine the establishment of a media regulatory body to curb the excesses and to make it more accountable, objective and responsible.

“It is wrong that every other institution is expected to function utilising the ideals of professional conduct guided by specific norms and

practices, while the media escapes [sic] scrutiny due to the absence of a formal mechanism to judge their performance and to impose sanctions in cases where there are infractions.

“While the media plays an important role in society, this should never be mistaken to mean it can do as it wishes without inviting appropriate criticisms and sanctions. The PPP is therefore encouraging the relevant authority to carefully examine this matter and to swiftly move to establish a regulatory body for the media in Guyana,” Rohee said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday OCTOBER 8, 2014

Manickchand cautions...

Ease up on obsession with capturing everything on the phone every activity.

“These things can really stay with you for the rest of your lives, whatever the activities are, ease up on the use of the phone and the obsession of capturing everything on the phone and sending it across the world,” Minister Manickchand cautioned.

By Leroy Smith EDUCATION Minister Priya Manickchand has called on persons, especially young people and school children, to refrain from abusing their gadgets, especially cell phones, which have the potential to cause them long-term embarrassment.

The Minister was at the time responding to the videos which went viral on social media over the weekend with four children from a city secondary school who were engaging in sex acts which were recorded while they were still in school uniform.

According to the Minister, with the advent of social media and the click of a button to send data to the entire world, persons need to be more cognisant of what they do, where they do it and if recording every episode of

Priya Manickchand their lives is necessary.

She said that the decision which is usually made to upload photographs and videos of almost every single move does have the potential to damage both personality and image for the rest of their lives even as she cautioned that the cell phone and other mobile devices ought not to be utilised in

COUNSELLING On Sunday, the Education Minister told this newspaper that the incident involving the four children is being investigated and the ministry will be seeking counselling for the children involved. She said the sharing and reposting of the video was very disturbing as was the actions of the children.

This newspaper was told that the incident took place away from the school premises and was done at the home of one of the female

students. The matter which was first brought to the attention of the Ministry on Thursday last is now under active investigation.

Over the weekend the video was circulated on the social media and went viral with several hundred likes and comments.

POSITIVELY IDENTIFIED In the video one of the female students was sitting on a male student and appeared to be engaging in penetrative sex while the other student was seen on the video performing oral sex on another male student. All four children were positively identified to this newspaper by persons who are familiar with them, their

school and the classes they are in.

Over the years there have been several videos of schoolchildren in their uniforms performing sexual intercourse with each other, both in Guyana and other Caribbean countries. The situation is one that the Region’s education ministries have been battling to bring under control.

Sex tape exposé...

Human Services Ministry condemns ‘the further exploitation of children’ THE following is the full text of a statement issued yesterday by the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, through its Child Care and Protection Agency, condemning the use of sexually explicit images involving children in a recent article carried by the Guyana Chronicle.

“THE Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security has observed with absolute disgust the publication of images of children involved in sexual act in the Guyana Chronicle and on social media.

“The Ministry, through its Child Care and Protection Agency, notes that these acts have exposed a tremendous need for more to be done by parents, teachers and our society as a whole to ensure that our children understand and practise moral values that would prevent them from making poor decisions.

“However, some sections of the media sought to exploit this issue in the press and shared images that have gone viral. The recent media report in the October 7, 2014 edition of the Guyana Chronicle, will also serve to unsettle other children.

Imagine their sense of diminished pride and the glaring suspicion that everyone around them must be aware of this most sordid affair!

“The racial identities of the children, the school they attend, and the compromising acts being performed are obvious in the images. The

lives of these children and their families are certainly in turmoil over this unfortunate situation, and now they have been further humiliated by the publication of these images, both on the Internet and in the print media. The impact of such an action will affect their self esteem, and may have serious consequences upon their lives in the future.

“The Ministry, through the Child Care and Protection Agency, unequivocally condemns such irresponsible behaviour from media operatives who ought to know better. Media personnel have continuously received training on the ethics of journalism, the legal implications, and the importance of safeguarding the identity and integrity of our children.

“The Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security and the Child Care and Protection Agency hereby call on the Guyana Chronicle to publicly apologise for the publication of these images.

“The dissemination of these images have negatively impacted upon the efforts and progress made

with respect to child protection in Guyana. The upgrading of our laws to cater for electronic and cyber crime is much needed to address such issues.

“Guyana is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child which clearly addresses the issue of human rights of our children. Article 17 of the Convention delineates the responsibilities of mass media organisations, including ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of children and adolescents. Similarly, Article 34 speaks of the need to “protect the child from all forms of sexual exploitation…”

“Our local laws also clearly state acceptable standards for media publications of sexual content. It is therefore appalling that these have been blatantly ignored by media personnel, particularly the Guyana Chronicle newspaper.

“Every Guyanese, including members of the media, have a duty and a responsibility to protect our children. We must take this responsibility seriously!”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 8, 2014

Great deals, new products a big hit at GuyExpo

Global Technology’s CEO, George Melville explaining iNet to potential customers

DURING GuyExpo many patrons poured into the Exhibition Site at Sophia to be a part of the great deals and new products being offered by both local and international groups.

And Digicel Guyana yet again was not a let-down to its consumers, with many deals every night. The company promoted deals from as low as $3,500 for a mobile telephone, with one month free data plan and a chance to win nightly prizes. Speaking with Public Relations Manager, Vidya Bijlall-Sanichara, she said that 2014 is the seventh year that Digicel Guyana is participating in GuyExpo and has always benefited from the event.

She noted that because of the large crowd that gathers over the four nights “our staff

is given the chance to either assist existing consumers or to be able to educate others on why this service is the better one.”

HERE TO STAY Sanichara said that one major reason for Digicel Guyana continuing its participation is to cement their presence in the telecommunications market and to also show Guyanese that they are committed to the country. “We want Guyanese to understand that we are here to stay, we are not going anywhere,” she emphasised.

SATELLITE SERVICES iNet Communications is part of the Global Technology Group and is a licensed telecommunications provider in Guyana. iNet

has recently started to offer similar networking solutions to corporations. Global Technology is currently Apple’s only authorised reseller in Guyana. Mala Harichand, sales representative at Global Technology, explained that at present the company is providing satellite services to remote locations and villages in Guyana.

“This service is not dependent on a telephone line or fiber optic cables,” she said. The company’s main focus is on gold and diamond miners, remote schools and hospitals, resorts, ranches and farms. “We currently have services in Regions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10. And some of these areas are Bartica, Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, Mahdia and Lethem among Turn to page 12

11

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 8, 2014

Great deals, new products...

From page 11

Digicel Guyana filled with patrons

others,” she said. She also noted that most persons who are acquiring the iNet services are first-time users.

INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION

Trinidad National Flour Mill partnered with Desinco Trading to distribute ‘Command Performance Premium Dog Food’. When Guyana Chronicle visited their booth, a representative explained

that ‘Command Performance’ was created with dog lovers in mind. “Both varieties of the product provide the right nutrients that will lengthen your dog’s lifespan and the food offers 30 percent more protein than other brands.”

She also observed that the prices are very competitive and are available from 2kg to 22.5kg bags.

Cosmetics BeautyWorld from Brazil is only six months old and has taken Guyana by storm. Maisa Da Silva, owner of Cachaça 86 and Cosmetics Beauty World, said that business has been excellent and their products are going “like hot cakes” but her main goal at the expo was to let persons become aware of the products. She noted that persons wanted to buy the products at the expo but she prefers them to visit her store that is located on South Road.

“Business is excellent and we are only here for six months now,” she noted and her authentic Brazilian products range from hair and skin products as well as an array of cosmetics.

Part of the Surinamese delegation, Associatie Van Surinaamse Fabrikanten

Trinidad’s ‘Command Performance’ dog food distributed by Desinco Trading

Cosmetics Beauty World staff members assisting eager patrons

(ASFA), a group of companies that marketed their products during GuyExpo is in high praise of the opportunity that they were given.

A representative from Coropina, a line of fruit juices and peanut butter, explained that the company’s line can be used as a simple fruit juice or a part of a cocktail. He said that the company is blown away by the response of Guyanese and they will definitely

be looking for a distributor here in Guyana. Another section promoted their dishwashing and seasoning products and also echoed their partner’s sentiments.

Beepats also collaborated with a section of the Surinamese delegation, Consolidate Industries Cooperation (CIC), to distribute Ozon soap powder and detergents.

It was noted that during

the expo this group had deals that attracted a large group of patrons, especially housewives. Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, staff of Beepats noted that this collaboration is now seven years old and going strong.

The Beepats Group saw it fit to market this brand of product at GuyExpo because of their confidence that “our product is one of the best.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday OCTOBER 8, 2014

Consumers body opposes GT&T request for landline rates increase --says GT&T failed to add US$90M to landline earnings

By Clifford Stanley THE Guyana Consumers Association (GCA) has submitted additional arguments to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to show that the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) company is earning much more on its landline services than it is stating and therefore its requests for rate increases are totally unjustifiable.

According to GT&T’s application made earlier this year, the US-owned company wants increases in charges for applications, installations, transfers, additional jacks, wake-up calls, 3-way calls , voicemails, call forwarding, reconnection fees, and for peak and non-peak calls.

The rate increases requested range from between

20-60 percent on the current charges.

In a supplement to an earlier memorandum detailing its objections to rate increases by the GT&T, the GCA argued that if all the landline earnings are added to the earnings stated by the GT&T, then the present charges and rates should be drastically reduced rather than increased.

The GCA argued that GT&T had failed to add some US$ 90M to its landline earnings ; this money being the interest obtained from the landline revenue used to finance its cellular services .

At least US $1.5 million per annum as rental from the Internet for the use of the landline fibre-optic and copper wires ; at least G$828 million per annum earned by the landline fibre-optic and copper lines to transmit

mobile traffic, plus billions of dollars from the sale of the undersea cable were other income which GT&T should have added to its stated landline earnings.

The huge depreciation gains from the landline assets which have a book value of nil had also been omitted in the computation of the landline revenues which GT&T used to justify its request for a rate increase in its services.

The GCA asserted that these and other earnings by the GT&T must be attached to the present rates to arrive at a true picture as to the full earnings of the landline services.

The GCA added: “Throughout the filing of its application for a rate increase, the GT&T has been saying that the costs of the landline services exceed

the revenues earned. But the joker in the pack (of cards) is simply that the other landline earnings have not been added to the landline rates given.

“If the full earnings of the landline services are taken into account, then the GT&T would have been compensated many times more than the increased rates for which they are asking. If the PUC takes the full income of the landline into account then GT&T’s request would have been more than met and there would be no reason or cause to increase the present landline charges and rates,” the GCA stated.

In this regard, the GCA also called on the PUC to

ensure that the GT&T institutes a system of segment accounting and disaggregation – a much more transparent system of accounting, it said.

The GCA said that by not having a system of segment accounting and disaggregation of accounts, many areas of GT&T’s financial activities remain unseen , unknown, generally opaque and open to question.

“By insisting on such accounting,” the GCA stated, the truth of their income and expenditure will be easily and clearly seen.”

Advancing other reasons for rejecting the application, the GCA warned that any increases at this time could disturb or distort the

market as the telecommunication industry is about to be liberalised, allowing new players to enter.

“Any increases granted would introduce monopoly rates into the new liberalised structure and would immediately distort it before it has a chance to function.”

The GCA stressed: “With liberalisation, the market shapes rates; rates are not shaped before so as to preempt the market forces.”

The market forces, the GCA said will accomplish price or rate equilibrium and all parties will gain from this once they allow the free market to function unimpeded.

Turn to page 14

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 8, 2014

PPP commends Minister Ali, team for an ‘excellent’ GUYEXPO 2014

By Telesha Ramnarine MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Irfaan Ali and his GUYEXPO 2014 team have been commended by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) for the “excellent work” they

have done in staging this year’s event.

“The People’s Progressive Party extends its heartiest congratulations and highest commendations,” Party General Secretary Clement Rohee said yesterday at the party’s weekly press conference.

“An event that was initiated some 19 years ago by the PPP/C Government and nurtured over the years has today bloomed into a magnificently organised event and one which has demonstrated that Guyanese skills are of a most impressive and innova-

tive standard.

“Undoubtedly, Guyana’s largest exposition GUYEXPO has been hailed as a leading Caribbean Expo and one with the longest record of running,” Rohee said.

Having visited and interacted with the thousands

of patrons who attended the opening night of Guyexpo 2014, Rohee said the party is of the view that GUYEXPO 2014 has wowed the Guyanese people and set the stage for one of the most anticipated weekends on the annual calendar.

Rohee said the PPP also commends the GUYEXPO organisers for putting in place special transportation arrangements as well as the Guyana Police Force for the constructive security and traffic arrangements of GUYEXPO.

Consumers body opposes Police shoot, lay up GT&T...

‘Interior’ double-murder From page 13

“This is the major object of liberalisation, and there is massive literature supporting this position.”

Additionally, the GCA warned that giving GT&T a splurge of Guyana dollars by the steep landline rate increases would lead to immediate conversion to US dollars and the weakening of the Guyana dollar.

It noted that this phenomenon had occurred before when Atlantic Telecommunications Network (ATN/ GT&T came into Guyana when one of the first things they did was to convert the hundreds of millions of Guyana dollars into US dollars thereby depreciating the

Guyana dollar by 10%.

The GCA also noted that GT&T’s application for the rate increases was based on the fear that a new telecommunication law was likely to be approved by Parliament

by August 2014.

“In these circumstances, GT&T had said it considered the rate increases filing critical to its financial viability going forward and essential to rational introduction of competition.”

Today the GCA noted, the parliamentary majority have declared that their priority is a No Confidence motion and general elections thereafter and therefore there is no urgency for passing of

any telecommunication law

by Parliament.

The GCA said that from all indications, it will take a year or probably longer before the telecommunication law will be considered by parliament.

“It would be apposite for GT&T to withdraw their application until Parliament is ready to pass the Telecommunications Act; and the PUC should require the company to do so,”the GCA supplementary to its memorandum to the PUC said.

The hearings by the PUC on the GT&T application for increased landline rates continue today at Duke’s Lodge in Kingston.

suspect STEVEN Mohamed, a 26-year-old resident of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara who was shot and injured by the police on Monday night during an armed confrontation was wanted by the police for two murders and robberies committed at two interior locations.

Crime Chief Leslie James yesterday confirmed to the Guyana Chronicle that Mohamed was wanted in connection with the murders of Joseph Nurse on September 18 and Quacy Thompson on July 17, at two separate

– in exchange of gunfire interior locations.

The Crime Chief said that the man was also wanted in connection with several incidents of robbery under arms. On Monday when the police, acting on information received, showed up at a Friendship, East Bank Demerara location where the man was spotted he opened fire on them, forcing them to return fire.

Mohamed was shot twice, in the leg and the shoulder, which rendered him immobile and he was immediately arrested and taken to the Hospital where,

up to late yesterday, he was still under police guard.

At the scene on Monday, the police were able to recover a .38 revolver and three live rounds along with two spent shells.

The police had stated recently that they will go after criminals using different approaches and the use of force would only be employed as a last resort.

There have been no complaints so far with respect to the manner in which the police handled the situation last evening. (Leroy Smith)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 8, 2014

GECOM Commissioner plugs pilot for PCOS machines

By Derwayne Wills

AS the curtain comes down on the much-anticipated University of Guyana Students’ Society Elections, GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander is confident that the use of electronic vote counting machines, similar to those used for the student elections, would be of some benefit to the process at general elections.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Commissioner Alexander, in his capacity as Registrar of the University of Guyana, failed to comment on whether the technology would make its way to the national level in Guyana but he said instead that “GECOM will be observing the use of these machines.”

Alexander did, however, put his faith in the technologically advanced

system in reducing the time needed to count votes at the end of polls.

Commenting on the use of such machines at the national level, he disclosed that in Guyana there are some 3,000 polling stations which operate on polling day.

At a recent press conference at the Education Lecture Theatre (ELT) of the University of Guyana, Turkeyen, representatives from the DELIAN Project, a Canadian non-profit organisation, demonstrated the use of the electronic vote counting machine.

Managing Director of the DELIAN Project, Allan Best, explained that the machines carry “two memory cards.” Within these memory cards, he said, is “where the actual images are recorded.”

Best further said that the machine produces a receipt-like tape which shows the results of the

polls. The machines, however, are not limited to this system, but also have a transmission capability.

“If you are using transmission capability... the actual results... are sent to the Central Server of the Election Management Body.” In his presentation, Best spoke on the request by the Electoral Office of Jamaica for the PCOS machines to be used at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica in March 2014, as a “pilot similar to what’s happening here.”

Best was making a comparison in the use of the machines for the UG Students’ Society elections to the Student Guild elections at the UWI campus in Jamaica.

Placing focus on the use of the term “pilot”, this publication inquired whether there was any indication from the Jamaican authorities that the

A student looks on as the Elections Coordinator inserts her ballot into the PCOS machine

machines would be further used at the national level.

The Managing Director failed to respond; instead reaffirming that the only feedback received was an intention to use the ma-

chine for the next Student Guild elections at the Jamaican UWI campus.

He added that if the island were to undertake such a venture, then it would require the in-

volvement of the Private Sector in cushioning the economic cost.

Best stressed too that the NGO he represents is not equipped to deal with such a demand.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 8, 2014

‘A’ Division Commander...

Police Anti-crime Unit banned from performing traffic-related duties Several members of the Anti-Crime Unit

THE Anti-Crime Unit are to participate in intelligence-led activities and not in traffic-related duties, according to ‘A’ Division Commander, Clifton Hicken, in response to reports received by members of the public.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recognised the concerns raised by members of the public from whom they have received numerous complaints; members of the Anti-Crime Unit, it has been reported, are involved in more traffic-related du-

ties than intelligence – led activities.

As such, ‘A’ Division Commander, Clifton Hicken told this publication that the difference in their approach will soon be recognised, because they have been banned from executing regular traffic duties.

He said they can still stop and search any vehicle at any given time, but they are not supposed to make impromptu traffic stops asking motorists to produce their documents and so forth, as regular traffic ranks, whose duties entail all

Engineer fined for uttering forged document, conspiracy to commit felony A 29-YEAR-OLD engineer of Lot 20 Dennis Street, Georgetown, was yesterday fined $100,000

by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on charges of uttering a forged document and conspiracy to commit a felony.

Johnny Maraso pleaded guilty to both charges, one of which said that on October 3, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, with intent to defraud, he uttered to a police officer one Cuban passport, numbered H125967, in favour of himself, with one false Guyana employment visa purporting to show that same was issued to him, knowing same to be false.

The other charge said that between August 1 and 29, at Georgetown, he conspired with person or

persons unknown to forge one Guyana employment visa, purporting to show that same was issued to him by the Government of Guyana.

He was represented by attorney-at-law Mr. Paul Fung-a-Fat. He told the court that his client’s only objective is to work in Guyana and assist his family.

Defence counsel asked the court to take into consideration that his client is married with two children and his salary scale is low.

Counsel requested that his client be fined instead of having a custodial penalty imposed, since he had already spent six days in prison and does not speak English. He said that his client is willing to apply through the right channels.

traffic-related issues.

The senior superintendent added that they are aware of what was happening and they have put measures in place; those ranks on the GPF-issued motorcycles dressed in dark- blue uniforms are members of a special unit,

set up to deal with crimes in specific areas of the city.

He said the ranks have since been thoroughly briefed on their duties and instructed not to participate in regular traffic duties.

It was long observed that members of the Anti-Crime

Unit have been harassing motorists on a daily basis, according to reports received by the top brass of the GPF, which prompted a meeting for a change and review of their duties.

Meanwhile, Crime Chief Leslie James said if

ranks of that unit are observed performing other duties instead of patrolling hotspots and engaging in intelligence-driven probes as they relate to crimes such as armed robberies, etc., they should be reported.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday OCTOBER 8, 2014

Report cites improved attitudes, behaviour towards homosexuals, people with HIV

Dr. Jocelyn Lehrer, Senior Technical Specialist, with stakeholders at the meeting

By Clestine Juan THE findings of a report on the rapid assessment on HIV stigma, discrimination and gender-based violence in Guyana was made public yesterday at a stakeholders’ meeting hosted by representatives of theUnited States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Advancing Partnering and Communities Project.

Dr. Jocelyn Lehrer, Senior Technical Specialist – Gender, Violence and Health International Center for Research on Women, stated that that report was conducted gathering information on programmatic and capacity needs of Non-Governmental

Organisations (NGOs) with the aid of the Advancing Partners and Communities to implement proper services for key populations as well as the structural problems faced by these organisations during the meeting, held at Grand Costal Inn. The finding was synthesised from both interviews and focus group discussions with staff from 13 NGOs and nine key stakeholders from the Government of Guyana and respected development agencies.

Also addressing the stakeholders was Mr. Nicholas Persaud, from the Advancing Partners and Communities Guyana, who give background data on stigma, discrimination and gender-

based violence. Persaud said that according to the Red Thread organisation, 26.6% of women in a relationship reported personal experience of physical abuse; 2.1% verbal abuse and 65.8 had suffered sexual abuse.

Among the stakeholders at yesterday’s forum were local health sector officials and representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Also present was Chargé d’Affairesof the local United States Embassy, Mr. Bryan D. Hunt.

In brief remarks, Hunt said that there are significant implications for the continued spread of HIV. They re-enforce prevailing gender, race and socio-economic inequities that hinder

Mr. Nicholas Persaud of he Advancing Partners and Communities Guyana during his presentation yesterday access to the resources made available for prevention.

Additionally, he noted that the United States government will continue to support the Guyana government in its efforts to end gender-based violence and HIV-related stigma and discrimination, in order to improve the lives of every Guyanese by advancing social equality for those affected by HIV and for those who are still relegated to the margins for society. This is the pathway to achieving zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS- related deaths.

REPORT’S FINDINGS Included in the report’s findings are:

* Despite the growing acceptance of people living with HIV by the general population, people are still being subjected to high degrees of shaming and blaming in their communities. * In institutional settings, attitudes and behaviour of staff towards people living with HIV (PLWH), homosexuals and sex workers have improved. * Women in Guyana face high levels of violence, particularly intimate- partner violence which increases their vulnerability to HIV infection. NGOs are struggling to meet the needs of clients experiencing violence and have requested training, tools and resources. * Homophobia and the

illegal status of same-sex sexual behaviour seriously impede progress in reaching those affected with these services. Additionally, the report shows that many of those men live on the “down low,” maintaining marriages and families while having sexual encounters with men in secret.

Moreover, homophobia and harmful gender norms inhibit help-seeking for intimate- partner violence among these men.

The aim of the project is to build a platform to improve and address HIV stigma and gender-based violence programming among NGOs and key governmental and developmental partners.

GFS to highlight fire prevention awareness

By Michel Outridge

Chief Fire Officer, Mr Marlon Gentle

THE Guyana Fire Service (GFS) will be rolling out a series of events to highlight fire prevention awareness during its Fire Prevention Awareness activities 2014 which is being held under the theme: “Fire Safety - A National

Priority, Get Involved Now” from October 5 - 25.

The week of activities started on Sunday with a church service at Carifesta Sports Complex.

Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle said that Fire Prevention Day - a fire safety fair will be held at GFS HQ, where passersby

will be given the opportunity of extinguishing fires using a fire extinguisher along with other fire safety educational activities on Thursday.

He stated that on Friday all stations will be opened for visits by members of the public and visits from schools, companies and

other organisations.

The Chief Fire Officer noted that on October 13 they will have a morning radio programme and visits to schools will continue.

He pointed out on October 14, a Fire Safety Fair will be held at the National Park Tarmac, Thomas Lands, Georgetown and

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday OCTOBER 8, 2014

Habitat (Guyana) marks 20th anniversary --with panel discussion on housing

By Navendra Seoraj IN honour of Habitat for Humanity Guyana’s 20th Anniversary and World Habitat Day, a panel discussion was held yesterday on the topic “The role of affordable housing in breaking the cycle of poverty” at the Theatre Guild of Guyana.

Present at the event yesterday were representatives from the European Union (EU), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), GT&T, and students from St. Joseph High School and St. Stanislaus College.

The discussion follows a survey on the importance of housing which was recently carried out by Habitat for Humanity Guyana.

According to Director of Habitat for Humanity Guyana, Rawle Small, the discussion was aimed at helping a lot of current and prospective home owners and policy makers, and other actors within the market to look at what is happening in the housing sector from a market point of few.

AFFORDABLE HOUSES Habitat for Humanity Guyana undertakes a housing programme every year, whereby they assist less fortunate persons to get houses at affordable prices.

Since 1995 they have assisted more than 5,000 individuals in getting a home.

Mr. Small further stated that the housing programme this year will see approximately 40 houses in

Regions 3, 4 and 10 being constructed.

Each year they assist approximately 500 less fortunate families, some of whom will receive new homes or have repairs done on their homes.

FINANCIAL LITERACY Training for financial literacy and hydroponics farming in partnership with partners for the Americas will also be offered to some of these families.

Director of Habitat for Humanity Guyana, Mr. Rawle Small (left) collects the cheque for $1M from a GT&T representative

For over 17 years the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) has been partnering with Habitat for Humanity Guyana to make the housing programme possible.

This year GT&T handed over $1M to Habitat for Humanity Guyana, which will be used in the housing programme.

Small added that when looking at housing, you have to look at all the other sur-

living space, family interaction tends to improve, so children and parents spend more time together. Therefore housing is a critical aspect of development not just from an economic point of view, but also from a human development point of view.

Meanwhile, Habitat for Humanity Guyana is calling on other organisations to support this venture and assist in making the lives of the less fortunate better.

Models of the houses which will be built during the housing programme

GFS to highlight fire ...

The Guyana Fire Service Headquarters

rounding factors, noting that “it could affect education because of improper spaces for children to study, it can affect their performance at school, likewise health, if substandard material are used, if you don’t have proper ventilation, for example if you are living too close to a dumpsite, these can affect your health.”

He also noted that studies have shown that when families are in an adequate

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the following day the fair will be held at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara.

Gentle said that on October 17 they will have a radio programme (Let’s Gaff) and a Fire Safety Fair at Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground, West Coast Demerara.

The highlight of the activities is the Caribbean Association of Fire Fighters on October 19 with the arrival of the Caribbean Association of Fire Fighters (CAFF) executives followed by the CAFF executive meeting at Regency Hall and the arrival of CAFF Games delegates, executives’ courtesy calls with Ministry of Home Affairs and Chief Fire Officer on October 22, he said.

On October 23, Gentle stated that CAFF will have a field trip (visits to fire stations/interaction with fire fighters) and on October 24 CAFF Games will begin.

He said the curtain will come down on October 25 with a cocktail reception at Water Chris Hotel and on October 26 the CAFF delegates will depart Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 8, 2014

OAS meeting underscores critical need for shift to sustainable energy – as Gov’t struggles to push Amaila Falls project forward A S S I S TA N T S e c r e tary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, joined ministers and high-level authorities on energy in the Caribbean in Miami yesterday to address energy and climate challenges in preparation for a meeting of ministers

in 2015 under the umbrella of the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA).

And he contends that there must be a shift in the energy paradigm to initiatives that are more sustainable.

Mr Ramdin opened the discussion, stressing that the shift toward sustainable

energy is critical.

The focus on sustainable energy sources by the OAS comes at a time when the current Administration is involved in its own fight to advance the much-touted Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP).

Slated to be this nation’s most ambitious undertaking,

the Amaila Falls project is touted to be able to provide Guyanese with a cheaper, reliable and sustainable electricity supply. It involves the construction of a hydropower plant in the area of West-Central Guyana, where the Amaila and Kuribrong Rivers meet. Electricity produced there would be delivered to

Georgetown and Guyana’s second largest town, Linden.

The AFHP is anticipated to result in substantial savings to the nation’s coffers, particularly in terms of foreign exchange for the purchase of heavy fuel oil.

Additionally, the potential benefits of a more stable and reliable source of energy through the advancement of hydroelectricity was also targeted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), last December, as an area for continued focus.

PARLIAMENTARY FIGHT The allocation of $1.3B for the provision of the Amaila Falls access road and related structures was effectively given the green light from the Parliamentary Committee of Supply, in its review of the Ministry of Public Works 2014 budgetary allocation, in April this year.

When the allocation was put to the vote, Members of Parliament (MPs) on the Government’s side of the House voted in support of the ministry’s capital expenditures, which included the Amaila project.

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) voted ‘No’, while the Alliance For Change (AFC) abstained.

It was this abstention that allowed the project to go through.

On July 18, 2013, the combined Opposition in Parliament defeated the Hydroelectric Power (Amendment) Bill in the National Assembly, and in August the Government took the legislation back to the House and received the backing of the Alliance For Change (AFC,) but A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) voted down the bill and motion.

COMMITTED President Donald Ramotar’s consistent position on the matter is that economies must serve the people, not vice-versa, and with expected savings of $9B in electricity subsidies, as well as savings on the $40B fuel bill, enormous contributions could be made to

infrastructural development, which is particularly needed in Guyana’s hinterland to aid and accelerate economic progress.

At one of his press conferences, the Head of State disclosed that the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is “still on board” for the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP).“We are working very hard to bring this back on stream,” he said.

Mr. Ramotar stressed that the project is not dead, despite the challenges in the National Assembly relative to securing support for funding of the project.“We are very close to taking a decision on what direction to go to put Amaila back on stream,” the President said.

SIMILAR CALLS In July, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, at the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) 35th meeting of the Region’s heads, underscored the renewable energy potential of Guyana.

Also, the President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Warren Smith, at the Bank’s 44th annual meeting in the latter part of May this year, noted that the possibility of Guyana being able to export surplus hydropower to the Caribbean, as well as the potential benefits for the local economy.

Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Ramesh Persaud, has also been vocal on the issue and recently called for the development of Guyana’s hydropower capacity, particularly given that a cheap energy supply could increase Guyana’s competitiveness in the several emerging sectors; it is more economical to establish “energy farms” as compared to paying “significant costs” for fossil fuels.

Yesterday’s OAS meeting also included discussions of the policy implications of energy trends in the Caribbean, energy and climate goals of the attending member states, and visions and goals for the 2015 ministerial meeting, among other issues.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 8, 2014

Farmers welcome this year’s focus on Caribbean Week of Agriculture

FARMERS in the Caribbean on Monday welcomed the attention being placed on family farming, but cautioned against the absence of women and youth, shifting goalposts and ignoring cultural elements in the development of policies for the sub-sector.

The advice was provided from the floor at a seminar titled; “Caribbean Agricultural Transformation: the Role of Family Farming.” It was the first activity of the 13th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) now underway in Paramaribo, Suriname. Its aim was the promotion of dialogue and shared knowledge and experiences on family-farming and its role in revitalising agriculture and rural economies. A definition of the way forward on policy action on the transformation of agriculture through family-farming is the expected outcome of the seminar.

M r. S o r e s h A l g o e , Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries of Suriname, gave the feature address at the opening of the seminar which was chaired by Ms. Desiree Field-Ridley, Officer-in-Charge of the Directorate of Trade and Economic Integration at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat.

Presentations by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), focused on the role, challenges and new vision for family-farming in the Region.

Presentations were also made on best practices and lessons from Central America and Brazil.

Farmers and representatives of farming and agriculture organisations had

their say during an interactive segment following the formal presentations.

One farmer pointed to the competition family-farmers faced from the use of lands for housing and industry. He added that sustainable land development had to be done in tandem with the production of food.

“Take care of the land and, as the saying goes, it will take care of you,” he told participants at the seminar.

Another participant pointed to the case of Haiti, where there were one million family-farms with five million people benefiting directly from farming. There was no specific policy targeting family-farming, he lamented, even as the country was totally dependent on those farmers for land management and sustainability.

Caribbean Week of Agriculture is a roving regional agricultural event. During the week, policy-makers, experts and institutional actors from the Caribbean, come together to discuss strategic issues regarding the future of agriculture in the Caribbean. On Tuesday, officials began meeting in preparation for the Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), which will be convened on Friday. Focus will also be placed on Tuesday on agricultural health and food safety.

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Dr Ramsammy: Second rice shipment for Panama being readied

Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

TWO containers with the first shipment of rice left for Panama on Tuesday and the second monthly shipment is being readied, according to Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy.

“We are hoping that the ship arrives this coming week,” he told the Guyana Chronicle, further explaining that the shipping arrangement

Wednesday, October 08, 2014 - 09:30hrs Thursday, October 09, 2014 - 11:00hrs

is a “Free On Board” (FOB) one, with Panama arranging for the ship to transport the rice.

The monthly shipments see the exporting of 5,000 tonnes of white rice to the Central American country.

Panama’s rice imports currently stand at 150,000 tonnes annually, in addition to their own rice production and the rice deal, which was signed by the Panama’s Vice-Minister of Agriculture, Estebana Giron Dias, and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) General Manager, Mr. Jagnarine Singh, will see Guyana exporting 50,000 tonnes, of the 150,000 tonnes, to Panama.

The remaining 100,000 tonnes, according to Dr. Ramsammy, could be supplied by Guyana’s private sector, since the two Governments agreed on levelling the playing field for Guyanese companies to be able to bid to supply the remaining tonnage. At present, Panama’s private sector controls the local food market, making it an open market.

On this note, the Agriculture Minister, in a prior comment, had indicated that Guyana’s private sector has been successful in competing with USA suppliers in Panama. In totality, Guyana will see close to 30,000 tonnes of rice being shipped to the Central American country.

With the new export markets secured in 2014, Guyana is expected to export between 475,000 to 500,000 tons for 2014 and to reach about 550,000 tons in 2015.

The actual export target for 2014 was 460,000 tons. The export in 2013 was 394,000 tons, from a production of 535,212 tonnes, which was far above the original target of 413,000 tonnes.

Aries Your fantasies could come true now, especially when it comes to relationships. This could be the moment you’ve always dreamed about, so get ready. The attractive, romantic person in the corner has been keeping an eye on you all night. Your blood is pumping faster than ever. Remind yourself that all dreams can come true on a day such as today.

Taurus While you normally like all of your romantic relationships to be extremely nurturing and comforting, you may find that this isn’t always possible. There’s a disconnect between you and a close partner right now that could be hard to rectify. Time is really the only thing that’s likely to resolve this sort of problem. Remember that all of your relationships can’t always go exactly according to plan.

Gemini A creative project that you’ve been working on may be coming to a climactic peak now. Discuss your progress with others and feel free to hold an informal critique in order to get honest feedback on your work. A piece of art should stir some sort of reaction inside another person. Consider ways in which you can challenge the people around you with your talent.

Cancer An unexpected package could arrive, possibly shipped from far away. The circumstances could be rather strange. Friends or relatives that you might not expect could suddenly show up, and you could spend a frantic hour or two organising an impromptu party. This can be very gratifying, but don’t wear yourself out. Everyone should have a good time no matter what Leo Take your loved one out for a romantic dinner tonight. Escort him or her on a magiccarpet ride to fantastic places that encourage a playful mood and carefree attitude.

Consider having a bottle of wine at a playground. Decorate your house with candles and burn some incense. Create a mood that will calm the nerves and soothe the soul.

Your sense of romance is right on target.

Virgo When it comes to romantic relationships, you might find that you’re playing more of a game of hide-and-go-seek than a combined effort toward friendship, trust, and honesty. It could be that you’re purposely trying to hide in order to test the stamina of your opponent. You might want to take a new approach now, one that involves an effort toward connecting instead of distancing.

Libra You’re apt to be somewhat fickle when it comes to love and romance right now.

The key for you now is freedom. The problem with this mindset is that it might be misinterpreted. Your partner may think you simply aren’t interested in him or her anymore. Remind your partner that it’s OK to love someone while also needing time and space to do things on your own.

Scorpio You may be confused when it comes to matters of the heart. Perhaps you feel cheated when the object of your desire doesn’t give you complete attention at all times. The fundamental security of your being is your responsibility, not someone else’s. Find a way to incorporate your dreams into the dreams of others instead of always working toward goals at opposite sides of the spectrum.

Sagittarius Your fairytale imagination of how your romantic life should run is hooking you up with many different opportunities. Whether you realise it or not, the optimal situation you seek is within your grasp. Make sure that you aren’t trying to manipulate a certain person into becoming the person you want him or her to be. If you’re unhappy in your relationship, perhaps you need to find someone new.

Capricorn Your dreams work out quite nicely in your head, but the problem now is how to turn them into some sort of real life scenario. Be careful of taking too intellectual of an approach. When it comes to relationships, things don’t normally happen logically or rationally. You’re going to have to leave a great deal up to chance, so just learn to deal with things as they come.

Aquarius Love and personal relationships are likely to take on a much dreamier and more romantic tone now. Your eyes are apt to sparkle as you speak or even think of the person you care about the most. The unmistakable glow that surrounds you is likely to attract others to your side even if you aren’t in the market for a romantic relationship right now.

Pisces When it comes to relationships with others, be careful about insisting that everything be done only your way. It could be that you have such high expectations of your partner that he or she will never be able to live up to your standards. Basically, you’re setting the stage for failure by demanding that the person for you be of a certain make and model.

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INDIA VERSUS WINDIES - IN NUMBERS DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - India are at number one in the Reliance ICC Team Rankings for One-Day Internationals at the moment with 113 ratings points, while West Indies are down at number eight with 96 points.

The visitors will, therefore, be desperate to put that situation right when the two teams face off in a five-match ODI series in India, starting with the first game in Kochi today (October 8).

That aside, of course, both teams will be giving the contests extra attention as it is with these matches that the preparations for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will kick off and with there being just over 50 One Day Internationals left across the world before the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup on February 14, every match is crucial as the build-up gathers pace.

Below is a look at the West Indies versus India contests in numbers: 112 - India and West Indies have met in 112 ODIs

South Africa Racing Tips Durbanville 08:20 hrs Captain Romanov 08:55 hrs Silver Image 09:30 hrs Bold War 10:05 hrs Balance Sheet 10:40 hrs Elusive Wave 11:15 hrs Moika Dancer American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Talladega Race 2 Screen Play Race 3 Coral Beach Race 4 Sabbatical Race 5 Amber Morning Race 6 Saint Joseph Race 7 Analysis Race 8 Bay of Plenty Race 9 Maura’s Pride Irish Racing Tips Navan 08:55 hrs Chiclet 09:25 hrs Sweetest Taboo 09:55 hrs Silver Concorde 10:25 hrs Gussy Goose 10:55 hrs Giovanni Canaletto 11:30 hrs Nancy Rose

with the West Indies leading 59-50 with one tie and two no-results.

25 - West Indies won 25 of their first 30 games against Indies between 1979 and 1989. In the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, both teams have been placed in Pool B. 12 - India have the upper hand of late though, as they’ve won 12 of the 17 ODIs between the two teams since the beginning of 2011, losing the other five.

18 - Virat Kohli has made more ODI centuries than anyone else in the world since the start of 2010 with 18 three figure efforts.

4 - Ravindra Jadeja is in fourth place in the ICC Reliance ODI Rankings for bowlers, having picked up 14 wickets at 20.92 in his last seven matches.

4.32 - Bhuvneshwar Kumar was one of India’s brightest sparks in the recent ODI series in England, with an economy rate of 4.32, and entered the top 15 in the rankings after that.

64.66 - Dwayne Bravo is in great form with an average of 64.66 in his last ten ODIs

12:00 hrs Callistan 12:30 hrs Felix Mendelssohn English Racing Tips Ludlow 09:00 hrs Sternrubin 10:00 hrs Makethe Mostofnow 10:30 hrs Gaye Memories 11:00 hrs Ballincurrig 11:35 hrs Sunblazer 12:05 hrs Vintage Vinny Towcester 09:10 hrs The Kvilleken 09:40 hrs Kitchapoly 10:10 hrs Kalimantan 10:40 hrs I C Gold 11:10 hrs Taroum 11:45 hrs Georgian King 12:15 hrs Pied Du Roi Nottingham 09:20 hrs Spiriting 09:50 hrs Polar Vortex 10:20 hrs Stoked 10:50 hrs Bold 11:25 hrs Black Granite 11:55 hrs Artful Prince 12:25 hrs Beltor 13:00 hrs Automotive

and a strike rate of 97.73.

196 – Dwayne Bravo also needs just four more wickets to become the third West Indian to complete 200 career ODI wickets after Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose. He has 21 wickets from his last 11 games at an average of just 19.

247 - The number of ODI appearances for India captain, MS Dhoni. If he plays

the first three games of the series, he will complete 250 career ODIs. 47 - Just 47 more runs and Dhoni will become the sixth Indian to score 8 000 ODI runs.

12 - Suresh Raina is just four games away from becoming the 12th Indian to play 200 ODIs. 49 - Marlon Samuels is 49 short of becoming the

tenth West Indian to score 4 000 ODI runs.

6 - Kieron Pollard is six runs short of becoming the 19th West Indian to score 2 000 ODI runs.

98 - Jerome Taylor and Kemar Roach both have 98 ODI wickets and need two scalps to become the 15th and/or 16th men to take 100 ODI wickets for West Indies.

Windies players threaten to strike on the eve of the series against India KOCHI, India (CMC) - West Indies cricketers are threatening strike action on the eve of the One Day International (ODI) series against India, regional media reports have said.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) was warned that players may withdraw their services for the opening ODI scheduled to start 04:00hrs Eastern Caribbean time Wednesday, the Nation Newspaper reported.

The threat of strike comes less than three weeks after WICB and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) signed what has been termed a landmark memorandum of understanding and collective bargaining agreement (MOU/CBA).

It appears that the players are not happy with some of the clauses in the new MOU/ CBA. The WICB is yet to issue an official statement on the dispute but according to reports, several players were not privy to many key sections of the agreement signed on September 18 by WICB president Dave Cameron and WIPA president and chief executive officer Wavell Hinds.

“We have a signed agreement with the players’ association,” The Nation quotes Cameron as saying. “If there is some issue within the players’ ranks, that is another matter.”

At the centre of the players’ issues are decisions taken that significantly result in a decline in income.

It is understood that under the terms of the new MOU/CBA, a portion of the revenue, previously divided among West Indies players, would now be shared by the wider membership of WIPA. Additionally, the players would no longer be entitled to a 25 per cent share of income the WICB secured from International Cricket Council events.

In their correspondence to the WICB the players have been quoted as saying that they would take drastic action, if their issues were not resolved.

Windies hoping to avoid ...

From Backpage

a three-nil series win over Bangladesh and we played good cricket.”

West Indies are starting the series against India on the back of two defeats to India-A and without two of their big stars, Chris Gayle and Sunil Narine.

Gayle is recovering from injury and will miss the fivematch series while Narine was called back home after the Champions League T20 banned him from bowling, calling his action illegal.

However, the return of Marlon Samuels is expected to provide a boost to the

middle order which has been fragile against the Indian spinners.

Additionally, the arrival of three key players, Dwayne Smith, captain Bravo and Andre Russell, who all campaigned in the Champion League Finals, could add impetus to the West Indies momentum.

“Our cricket looked good in the last series and now this is the series that will be the test to see where we really at,” said Bravo.

“In India is always difficult but at the same time we have players who have done well here. I look forward to it.”

The match begins 04:00hrs Eastern Caribbean time Wednesday and the teams will be: India (from): Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (capt. & wkp.), Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Amit Mishra, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami.

West Indies (from): Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Darren Bravo, Denesh Ramdin (wkp.), Marlon Samuels, Kieron Pollard, Darren Sammy, Dwayne Bravo (capt.), Jason Holder, Sulieman Benn, Ravi Rampaul and Kemar Roach.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 8, 2014

Funds ground table tennis team THE UNAVAILABILITY of funds has crushed the hopes of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) of sending a team to this year ’s Latin American Mini-Cadet and Pre-Cadet Competition, scheduled to start tomorrow in the Dominican Republic.

GTTA secretary Linden Johnson reported that the Association came nowhere near the $2M needed to send the team of nine players and two officials.

Khalil Ninvalle

The team included Pre-Cadets boys Khalil Ninvalle, Terrence Rausch, Amrit Mookram and Tariq Saunders, with the girls being Celina Jackman and Amika Phillips, while the selected Mini-Cadets were Kaysan Ninvalle, Niron Bisu and Joshua Khan.

Johnson said the association will now turn its attention to the Caribbean Mini- and Pre-Cadet tournament to be staged in Puerto Rico from December 16 to 20 of this year.

Linden Johnson

UDCA Andrew Forsythe-sponsored T20 Cricket C/ship

Mohammed grabs hat-trick as Dora cruise … West Watooka, Young past Christianburg Warriors & Coomacka also win

By Joe Chapman

BISHAL MOHAMMED took a hat-trick for Dora who whipped hosts Christianburg when the two teams clashed in the opening game of the Upper Demerara Cricket Association’s (UDCA) Andrew Forsythe/Spence T20 cricket competition last Saturday at the Christianburg Community Centre ground.

Put in to bat first, Christianburg were bowled out for 93 off 14.3 overs with Extras top-scoring with 30, Ricardo Anderson struck 25 and Ronald Anderson 18, as

Mohammed took 5 for 15 off four overs which included the hat-trick.

In reply Dora scored 94 for four off 12.3 overs with Lawrence Rampersaud knocking up 55 and Lloyd Roberts 27, as Terrence Fiedtkou took 3 for 21 from 3 overs for Christianburg.

The following day and at the same venue, West Watooka defeated BOSAI by four wickets. BOSAI batting first were bowled out for 79 off 12 overs. Wayne Bethune was the top scorer for BOSAI with 13 as Adrian Stewart, Michael Austin and Chris Spencer each took two

wickets.

Replying West Watooka made 80 for six off 12.4 overs as Clayton Vanhersel with 28 and Leon Prince 24 were the top scorers, even as Marlon English took 3 for 1, bowling for BOSAI. In Group B action on Sunday at the Maria Elizabeth ground Young Achievers won the toss and put Muritaro Young Warriors in to bat. They made 218 for 6 off their allotted 20 overs as Denzil Peters hit 70, Nick Estwick 45 and Annan Chattergoon 38 for the Warriors.

Kishan Jones with 2

for 29 was the best bowler for the Young Achievers who in reply were skittled out for 112 in 17 overs as Shurland Peters got 32 and Joel Jones 18. Muritaro’s Delon Jones took 3 for 26 and Nick Estwick 3 for 30.

In the other game at the same venue Coomacka Exodus defeated Royal Champions as the Coomacka side, put in to bat, made 133 all out in 14 overs.

Extras accounted for the top score with 38 Andrew Richmond made 18 and Joshua Ettienne,

Keith Simmons and Kurstan Thom each mustered 11.

For the Royal Champions John De Agrella had the best bowling returns taking 3 for 18 from 3 overs as the Royal Champions could manage only 51 all out off 12 overs.

Apart from the extras accounting for 16 of the runs, no player was able to get into double-figure score.

The Coomacka Exodus’ best bowling performance was recorded by Joshua Ettienne with 4 for 11 off 3 overs, as Ateba Edmonds

grabbed 3 for 10 from 3 overs and Kurstan Thom 2 for 9 from 3 overs.

The competition will continue over the weekend with five more games.

In Group A action BOSAI take on Dora Saturday from 11:00hrs and on Sunday Uprising Young Stars meet Amelia’s Ward at the Christianburg ground.

In Group B Young Achievers will clash with Coomacka at 09:30hrs and Royal Champions face Muritaro Young Warriors at 13:30hrs at the Maria Elizabeth ground.

Mohamed guides Everest Masters to victory over Media XI LED BY a fine all-round performance by Shaheed Mohamed, hosts Everest Masters defeated the Guyana Media XI by 35 runs in a T20 match played last Monday at the Camp Road-based Everest Cricket Club ground.

Mohamed slammed six fours and two sixes to guide Everest Masters to 131-8 off their allotted overs, after they won the toss and opted to bat first, before returning with the ball to grab 5-11

Shaheed Mohamed

as the Media XI were sent packing for 96 off 18 overs in reply.

Mohamed shared in a third-wicket stand of 32 with Hemraj Garbarran to steady their innings after they were reduced to 9-2 on a difficult pitch in hazy conditions. Garbarran counted two fours and one six in scoring 30 while Ronald Jaisingh chipped in with 15.

Pacer Jermaine Neblett was the pick of the bowlers with 3-13 from four

overs while Ravi Persaud claimed 2-18 and Ishaka Jackman 2-33 for the Media XI, who despite losing the early wicket of Ravi Persaud 11 (2x4), threatened their opponents’ target until the introduction of Mohammed.

The Media XI lost wickets at regular intervals in their chase and Jackman, who added 26 for the eighth wicket with Keon Blades, cracked three fours in a top score of 32 while Blades

scored 16 (1x4), Neblett made 12 (1x6) in support to Persaud 11 (2x4). Jaisingh supported Mohamed with 2-21 while Johnny Azeez took 1-23.

At the presentation ceremony which followed, Mohamed was given the Man-of-the-Match award while Everest received a trophy and the club was presented with $100 000 cheque by Truck Masters for their 100th anniversary.

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 8, 2014

Sarwan excited to join T&T Red Force PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - Former Guyana and West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan has expressed excitement after being drafted by Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at the inaugural West Indies Cricket Board Professional Cricket League Draft Ceremony, at Accra Beach Hotel, Barbados last Monday morning.

Sarwan will be wearing the Red Force colours for the very first time at the WICB Regional Four Day Tournament which bowls off on November 4 and the Guyanese batsman, during an interview on the SportsMax

Ramnaresh Sarwan

Zone yesterday, said he was delighted to be reunited with former coach Gus Logie, now in charge of the Red Force.

“I’m pretty excited, it’s a great opportunity,” Sarwan stated.

“I have always been well received in Trinidad, so representing Trinidad is a great privilege and honour. To have Gus Logie as the coach, who has coached me since I was fifteen, I know I would be very comfortable and I’m excited to be a part of team,” the right-hander continued.

He went on to speculate that the reason he was overlooked by Guyana at yester-

day’s draft was because of ill-feeling towards him by a certain Guyanese official.

“I knew they were not going to pick me because there is a lot of feud. There is one individual who doesn’t really like me. Obviously I knew that was going to happen, I was prepared for it so it wasn’t a situation where I was surprised or anything like that,” he explained.

The 34-year-old said his main goal is to be healthy and fit and score big hundreds to get back in contention for the West Indies team.

“My main objective is to try and get myself fit to try

and play in the 2015 World Cup,” he exclaimed. “The key for me is to try and get myself ready for the regional tournaments and I’ll make a very big statement there and then we would go from there.”

Sarwan acknowledged that with his experience, he will have to play a mentorship role to some of TT’s young batsmen and is looking forward to the role.

T&T play their first game on November 11 against Barbados Franchise at the Queen’s Park Oval, Portof-Spain. (First published in The Trinidad & Tobago Newsday)

T&T pleased with draft pick for Pro League PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - Chief cricket selector Alex Burns says Trinidad and Tobago are satisfied with their picks from last Monday’s draft for the inaugural West Indies Professional Cricket League.

T&T’s selections include former West Indies Test batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan, one of only two cricketers who will play for teams based

outside the country of their birth.

“We are anticipating that a lot of players will be away on West Indies duties and we tried to compensate for that,” said Burns, Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) chairman of selectors.

“Having seen Sarwan in the draft and knowing our position, we thought it best to include him. We think he

still has a lot to offer and we are happy we could acquire his services.”

The draft picks selected will now join the 10 players retained by each regional franchise, forming 15-man squads to contest the newly revised first class championship which bowls off November 14 and runs until March 23, 2015.

During the draft in Barbados, Regional franchises

ignored the non-territorial options available with the exception of the Sarwan pick and Guyana’s decision to select Barbados all-rounder Raymon Reifer.

“Under the circumstances, we are satisfied with the selections,” said Burns.

“A lot of the teams stuck to players from their respective islands and a couple of the teams were expressing

some disappointment (after the draft) that they did not get Sarwan. I think someone of his experience will definitely be an asset”.

Sarwan, who has played 87 Tests, 181 Oneday Internationals and 18 Twenty20 Internationals, is expected to be big boost to T&T who open their campaign against arch-rivals Barbados at Queen’s Park Oval.

The other players chosen

by Burns and head coach Gus Logie are Akeal Hosein; Yannick Ottley; Jeremy Solozano and Brian Charles.

“Charles and Solozano have both represented the West Indies Under-19 and they have a lot of potential and this will give them a good opportunity to develop further,” Burns added.

Swann labels Pietersen book ‘fiction’ (REUTERS) - FORMER England team mate Graeme Swann began the backlash against Kevin Pietersen’s new book on Monday by labelling it “the biggest work of fiction since Jules Verne”.

Speaking at an awards ceremony at Lord’s, Swann denied accusations that he was part of a clique of bowlers guilty of what Pietersen called “mocking, ridicule, bullying”.

The South Africanborn batsman also included wicketkeeper Matt Prior in his criticisms of England Test players.

“I expected it to be the biggest work of fiction since Jules Verne and that seems to have happened.

Graeme Swann

The one thing I will say is that I immediately realised it was codswallop when I read the character assassination of Matt Prior,” Swann

was quoted as saying in the Telegraph.

“Tragically I don’t think Kev realises the one person who fought tooth

and nail to keep him in the side is the one person he is now assassinating: Matt Prior.”

Pietersen wrote in the book, ‘KP: The Autobiography’, that Prior was a “schoolyard bully who was also the teacher’s pet”, and accuses him of “backstabbing”.

But Swann, the offspinner who retired in December 2013, added: “Kevin has been quite clever because the guys still playing he has left alone and he hopes to get back in again one day.

“He has picked on people who he thinks can’t answer back. If that (bullying) was the case a lot of people would have flagged it up

Kevin Pietersen

before.”

The England and Wales Cricket Board, whose managing director

Paul Downton is also heavily criticised in the book, declined to comment.

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 8, 2014

Sammy sees reasons for optimism IT WILL TAKE a major upset for the West Indies to prove more than whipping boys when their tour of India gets under way today with the first of five one-day internationals, but Darren Sammy is hoping Indian Premier League (IPL) experience can make the difference for the tourists.

The West Indies were in India last year, losing all three Tests and two of the three ODIs, and memories of that series have led to a rather limp build-up to this with the general assumption being that a similar result is on the cards.

But while the difference

in the Tests was clear to see, Sammy pointed out that they were much closer in the 50-over format of the game, only losing the series on the final day.

“We have got a lot of guys who are match-winners and hopefully we get a chance to execute that,” Sammy said in a media briefing.

“The last ODI series here we lost 2-1. We went into the final ODI 1-1. It could have gone any way.

Hopefully, this time around it would be even more keenly contested and finally we can beat India in India.”

Tours of the sub-continent can prove a challenge for so many teams given the

Darren Sammy change in conditions, but Sammy reckons the extensive IPL experience within the West Indies team gives them a significant boost.

“In terms of knowing the conditions, IPL has been a massive asset to us,” he said.

“Most of our guys have

played here and they are used to the conditions here.

It is good to come back and know what you are going to be faced with, but with that said it is a different time, too, to the IPL. The pitches could be different.”

However, the absence of Chris Gayle and Sunil Narine hardly helps, and the West Indies will need to be at their best to pull off a result.

For India, the biggest danger would be to pay too much attention to the upcoming World Cup, with this their last ODI series before they head to Australia.

Opener Rohit Sharma is missing again through

injury, giving a further chance to Ajinkya Rahane after his first ODI ton came in the series win over England, and India will be keen to resolve the question of their opening pair before this series is over.

“We want to see the bigger picture here,” captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said.

“We want to do a few things because you don’t want to go to Australia and say ‘we should have done this, we should have done that’. We will see what our cricketers can offer ... but it is important to start well and look to win the series.”

(EUROSPORT)

Nadal to play in Shanghai Schumacher could ‘live a relatively normal life’ despite appendicitis (REUTERS) - Rafael Nadal will play in this week’s Shanghai Masters despite being diagnosed with appendicitis which will require surgery, the world number two said yesterday.

The Spaniard went to hospital on Sunday after complaining of stomach pains and was given antibiotics which seem to have worked as the 28-year-old, after two days of resting in his hotel room, had a 45-minute practice at the Qizhong Tennis Center.

“I was in the hospital on Sunday,” said Nadal who begins his Shanghai campaign against compatriot Feliciano Lopez today.

“Yesterday the nurse came to my room to give me

Rafael the treatment again. Today I was at the hospital in the morning again. I had again the antibiotics. It seems like everything is under control now.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

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)39 (2) 11 centuries Today’s Quiz: Who is the first player to register a double-century and a hundred in the same Test?

Who is the first WI to score an ODI at home (in the WI)?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Nadal “I’m not going to go for surgery. That’s great news for me today. That’s why I’m here practising for 45 minutes and trying to play tomorrow (today). But obviously I am not in my best condition.

“The positive thing is I am feeling better today than yesterday. Yesterday I felt a little bit better than the day before. I hope tomorrow I will feel better than today.”

Nadal said he would consult his doctors back in Mallorca before deciding when to remove his appendix.

“I have to talk with my doctors when I get back home. It is true that the doctor here told me that (eventually) I have to take it out. Because when you have it once, the normal thing is that it is going to come back. Sooner or later I have to take it out.”

(REUTERS) - MICHAEL Schumacher might be able to “live a relatively normal life” after recovering from a ski accident that left him fighting for his life, according to FIA president Jean Todt.

The German F1 legend spent several months in a coma in a Grenoble hospital after hitting his head while skiing off piste in Meribel at the end of 2013.

He underwent nearly three months of treatment in an outdoor section of the hospital known as Jardin des Sens, or Garden of the Senses, shielded from view.

It specialises in the recov-

Michael Schumacher ery of severely traumatised neurological patients by exposing them to water, scents and other elements.

Schumacher was moved

back home on September 9 and received round-theclock care, and despite initial reports from medical experts claiming that the racing legend would “remain an invalid for the rest of his life”, FIA president Todt has now stated that the 45-yearold will be able to “live a relatively normal life”.

“We may assume that Schumacher can live a relatively normal life within a short period of time,” Todt told French radio station RTL. What we can say is that he will probably never again drive a Formula One car. He fights. His condition improves, which is very important.”

Beckenbauer: Publish FIFA corruption findings FRANZ BECKENBAUER has added his voice to calls for FIFA to publish the Garcia Report into allegations of World Cup bidding corruption.

Beckenbauer was on the FIFA executive committee which awarded the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectively.

U.S. attorney Michael Garcia, FIFA’s chief ethics investigator, has compiled a report into the bidding but FIFA president Sepp Blatter has said publication would breach witness confidentiality.

The former Germany captain and coach, who was temporarily suspended in June for failing to comply with Garcia’s questions before then agreeing to do so, told the Securing Sport conference in London: “I don’t see any reason why it shouldn’t be published but that’s a decision for FIFA but personally there is nothing to hide and if you have nothing to hide then you can publish and divulge it.”

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 8, 2014

CAC hat-trick for Davis FORMER Mr Guyana, Devon Davis, takes gold in the Flyweight division of the 42nd Central American and Caribbean Amateur Bodybuilding Championships in St Martin, but more importantly, he makes it a hat-trick of victories at the event.

He first won gold in 2012, when he claimed the Mr Guyana overall crown, defended the title in 2013 and did the same this past weekend, where he was the lone Guyanese bodybuilder to strike precious metal at the championships.

Current Mr Guyana, Kerwin Clarke, missed a podium place in the Welterweight class, finishing fourth after securing a bronze medal last year.

Overseas-based veteran Bruce Whatley and former national sprinter-turned-bodybuilder Rawle Greene, both heavyweights, and Alisha Fortune in the body beautiful class, did not make it past the pre-judging round. The local athletes will return home tomorrow.

Cricket Guy Inc. sets the record straight on Sarwan

Devon Davis

BCB/BBCI FIRST DIVISION

Motie spins web around RHTGG batsmen as Albion take title

IN A FINAL which had high expectations of being competitive and the first time a Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) final was being played under lights, hosts Albion Cricket Club, on the back of left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai’s five-wicket haul, made light work of Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets last Saturday, to take the BCB/ Berbice Bridge Company Inc. first division 50-overs title.

The home team dismissed RHTGG for 116 in 36.1 overs, as Motie took 5 for 22 off 7.1 overs, before coasting to 120-2 off 27 overs to complete the win and take the $100 000 first place prize and trophy, leaving their opponents to settle for $50 000 and a trophy.

As was expected, the home team employed an all-spin attack against

Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai

their opponents and saw Narsingh Deonarine commencing the damage early, when he removed Delbert Hicks (24) and Keon Sinclair in quick succession to leave RHTGG tottering at 63-3 in the 23rd over.

Motie was brought on two overs later and immediately had Rajiv Ivan dismissed for 15, as the visitors slumped to 89-4, before he accounted for the dismissal of Shawn Pereira, Royston Crandon (29), Vidal Crandon and had the last man Troy Mathieson caught on the long boundary to complete his five-wicket haul.

Deonarine finished with 2-21 off his seven overs and Shiraz Ramcharran 2-22 off nine for Albion, who were asked to bat for 55 minutes before the interval, during which time they lost Anthony Bramble (0) who was bowled off the second ball of the innings by Mathieson to be 1-1.

Deonarine, an out-offavour West Indies batsman, joined Kandasammy Surujnarine and immediately announced his presence with three boundaries in

one over.

Surujnarine then joined in the run-scoring, but later fell leg-before to Eon Hooper for 22 just before the interval, which was taken with the hard-hitting Jonathan Foo and Deonarine at the wicket for the home team, frustrating the RHTGG bowlers.

With 23 overs completed and a further ten runs needed for victory, Deonarine and Foo played some excellent shots but on the less-than-perfect Albion outfield they did not reach the boundary and the batsmen refused to run, creating a stir among the crowd.

Foo eventually was no longer patient and hit a four and a six in successive balls to end the frustration for RHTGG and the contest, with Deonarine unbeaten on 64 (7x4) and Foo 35 (2x6, 1x4).

THE NEW Guyana Franchise Company, Cricket Guy Inc. (CGI) wishes to correct some very misleading and inaccurate statements emanating from former West Indies Test player Ramnaresh Sarwan made during an interview on SportsMax last Monday, following the WICB Professional Cricket League players draft held in Barbados and was also published in the T&T Newsday yesterday.

Firstly, CGI would like to congratulate both Sarwan and the T&T Red Force franchise for their new partnership which undoubtedly we trust would rebound to the best interest and future of West Indies cricket.

For T&T Red Force, they have selected one of the most talented players in the West Indies and for Sarwan, he has joined one of the most professional entities in the West Indies and our wholehearted felicitations to both parties!

The WICB has embarked on a new journey with this Franchise system which is aimed at professionalising the game throughout the Caribbean with the specific aim of having the best players on show right throughout the extended season of five months.

This is a brand new innovation to us in the West Indies and would take time for everyone to get accustomed to its operations. Through this system, it is hoped that the good to excellent players will shine through while the non-committed ones will be weeded out by themselves.

In other words, the success of the players all would be measured by their hard work, attitude, discipline and dedication that they make to their chosen career and profession. Cricketers now can truly say that they have a profession with the implementation of this system and 105 players throughout the Caribbean are now being paid to toil their trade rather than just 15 who the WICB would normally contract.

There are several other benefits to this new franchise system which will slowly evolve and eventually be appreciated by everyone.

It was indeed sad to see and hear one of greatest cricketers in the WI publicly launch such a vicious assault on an unnamed official of CGI without any evidence whatsoever to support his wild assertions.

It should be noted that CGI had a public launching of the new Franchise system on Tuesday, September 23 at the Everest Cricket Club pavilion at which event almost 100% of the Inter-county players attended the seminar with the notable exception of Sarwan.

The CGI Selection Committee chose its original 10 team members from the players they had available, while Sarwan had called the Board about 2 weeks prior to say that he was not fit to participate in both the Inter County 50 Overs and four-day format administered by the Guyana Cricket Board in August and September.

He further stated that he would have been fit in a month’s time which would have coincided with the start of the Regional WICB season.

Sarwan last represented Guyana in Trinidad at the NAGICO Super50 tournament during the month of February 2014, then travelled to Jamaica with the 4-day team and declared himself unfit just prior to the start of our first Regional 4-day match against Jamaica.

Be that as it may, the selectors of the CGI thought it wise to include Sarwan in the draft with the hope that he would have proved his fitness as stated above and by this very action, the selectors had him within their radar.

It was indeed unfortunate for CGI not to have had the chance to select him prior to the Red Force and it is most regrettable that he should make such a remark. For the knowledge of everyone, the WICB has indicated that all 15 players for each franchise will be drafted from the pool next year and this was discussed at length at the franchise launching at Everest, which Mr Sarwan missed.

The CGI would like to start its operations on a sound and professional footing and urge players not to get too personal and emotional in their outbursts as only 15 players can be selected by each franchise and not everyone can be selected but the WICB has ensured that more players are now being contracted as professional cricketers.

“We are all aware that, unfortunately, Sarwan had previously lost/cut short his contracts with the Kings XI Punjab in the IPL, his CPL contract with the Amazon Warriors and more recently with the English county team, Leicestershire, while he was also not awarded a WICB retainer contract this year.

“We wish the 15 retained players for the Guyana Jaguars all the best in the forthcoming Regional tournaments and trust that they will rise to the occasion as West Indies cricket is poised for very interesting times. In addition, players not retained are still eligible to be selected to play in matches on a Pay for Play basis.

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 8, 2014

Boxing: Old Days versus the Young EVERY NOW and then, it gets a bit agonising to listen to some so-called boxing aficionados fuming about what they believe were the good old days of local boxing. It would seem like nothing good has come out of the post-Millennium era if one were to carefully sift through the utterances of these Old Timers Every reader must have heard the cheese-to-chalk talk. The boxers from the 60s, 70s and 80s had it all and none of those from mid 90s and onwards could compare with the old timers.

Say names like Lennox Beckles, Cliff Anderson, Patrick and Reginald Ford, Lennox Blackmoore, Kenny Bristol, Winfield Braithwaite, Brian Muller are revered and it is tantamount to blasphemy to

Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis compare any of the younger fighters with this bunch.

The Old Timers would complain about the Young Brigade not knowing the difference between a fish hook and a left hook and an uppercut and Connecticut.

In some instances that may be true.

However, what would happen if some of the tables were turned and the Old Timers are asked to rate the achievements of their `hallowed’ posse against those of the post-millennium crew.

Would it be food for thought or a conversation stopper?

Maybe that’s what the Young Brigade should trumpet in their defence since Guyana’s Golden Era of boxing happened between February 2001 and October 2002. At no other time in history did this country earn so much from boxing in such a short period, as three Guyanese world champions were crowned.

To add more credentials to the point, please be reminded that two of the three members of the Young Brigade were undefeated at the time of winning world titles.

Vivian Harris The other had one loss.

It was on February 17, 2001 in Las Vegas, Nevada, that a 30-year-old `Strong Dance’ from Albouystown named Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis terrorised James Page with speed and power on his way to a seventh-round TKO. When at one minute 13 seconds of the round referee Kenny Bayless waved to halt any more punishment to

Page, Guyana became the proud owner of a spanking new World Boxing Association welterweight belt.

It’s first ever. In the good old days Lennox Blackmoore and Patrick Ford both gave gallant performances but were unable to break the world title jinx.

Such was the celebration back home when Lewis won that then President Bharrat Jagdeo immediately awarded a national holiday.

Fast forward to October 11 2002 in Italy where 27-year-old Wayne `Big Truck’ Braithwaite thumped home boy Vincenzo Cantatore for 10 rounds before the referee saw enough and stopped the fight.

Braithwaite, a hard-hitting native of Plaisance on the East Coast of Demerara, carted off the World Boxing

Council cruiserweight title and while there was more celebration back home, the best was left for last.

Just eight days later in Houston, Texas a gangly junior welterweight aptly called `Vicious’ Vivian Harris, who had one defeat to his name, needed only two rounds to dispatch Diosbelys Hurtado to secure the WBA title.

In that process the 24-year-old Harris became the youngest Guyanese to claim a coveted world title and as a reward, the Government gave each member of the Young Brigade a plot of land and $5M to assist in building a house.

So, the next time you hear talk about the good old days, just remember that there were better days that are not so old.

Three ounces of gold for the taking

… DeNobrega to defend Kadir Mohamed Title

PAUL DeNobrega copped the coveted ounce of gold in last year’s second instalment of the Kadir Mohammed Memorial 80-mile cycle road race. Almost a year later, he is set to defend his title when the third edition of the gruelling race gets under way on Sunday.

Like last year, cyclists face the starter’s whistle on Homestretch Avenue; proceed along the East Bank

Highway onto the Linden/Soesdyke Highway to return to Homestretch for the finish, with a total of three ounces of gold up for grabs. The overall winner gets one ounce of smelted gold.

This year’s winnings total some seven hundred thousand dollars.

DeNobrega took victory in 3 hours 12 minutes 39 seconds last year. Reg-

istration for Sunday’s race begins at 07:00hrs, with the race expected to get start 30 minutes later.

The race, which is sponsored by Kadir’s Enterprise, Bartica, is expected to see most of the nation’s top cyclists in the saddle as well as all the juniors who recently returned from Suriname.

Five of the top cyclists in Alanzo Greaves, Geron Williams, Marlon Williams,

Raynard Jeffrey and Hamza Eastman have been shortlisted to represent this country in Puerto Rico at the weekend, so their participation in this Sunday’s 80-mile race is not yet known.

Chronicle Sport has been told that sponsorship for the riders to Puerto Rico is an issue. It is not known at this stage, if Guyana will be able to field a full-strength team

to the Caribbean Championships.

On Sunday, first-toeighth places in the open category will receive prizes, first-to-fourth in the Junior division, first-to-third in the veterans Under- and Over-45 year classes, while the firstand second-placed Juveniles will be rewarded.

Kadir Mohamed was a sports enthusiast who passed away a few years ago. His daughter Bibi A. Mohamed and family have

sought to honour his memory by organising the event.

They hope it will develop the talent of the seasoned cyclists as well as attract new blood to the sport, particularly in the Bartica community.

The Kadir Mohamed Memorial 80-Mile cycle road race will serve as a warm-up for the eighth annual `Ride for Life’ five-stage cycle road race, which will be staged from October 16 to 19.

EDFA/STAG BEER LEAGUE

Sparta upstage Ann’s Grove, as Victoria maintain lead ACTION in the East Coast of Demerara Football Association (EDFA)-organised, Ansa McAl Limited Stag Beer-sponsored first division league tournament continued last weekend at the Victoria Community Centre ground, where Mahaica Determinators, Sparta United and Victoria Kings all recorded victories.

On Saturday, a Kapil Sookram 88th-minute strike was all Mahaica Determinators needed to get past Golden Stars in their fix-

Calvin DeSouza ture, which was keenly contested between both teams.

Sunday’s double-header

saw Sparta United of Haslington upstaging a game Ann’s Grove 3-1, with Leon Clarke scoring the opening goal of the contest in the 20th minute for Sparta - a lead they held until five minutes into the second half, when Jamal Blair got the equaliser for Ann’s Grove.

A Cordell Marks penalty kick that was scored in the 65th minute, handed Sparta the lead and they doubled it when Jamal Inniss found the back of the net in the 80th minute, to

come away with the shocking 3-1 victory.

In the feature matchup of the evening points leaders and hosts Victoria Kings maintained their supremacy on the tournament with a crushing 4-0 win over Buxton Stars who struggled to come to grips with the possession play that was being displayed by the home team.

Dewayne Stephens opened the scoring with his 28th minute goal, before Winston Pompey, who has been harassing and destroy-

ing defences of teams on behalf of the Kings, had a brace in the 30th and 50th minutes, while Calvin DeSouza sealed the win with his 55th minute strike.

Meanwhile, after 10 games played, Victoria Kings are six points ahead of Buxton United and Mahaica Determinators in the pole position, sitting comfortably on 24 points in comparison to their 18, while BV/Triumph United have 14.

Ann’s Grove and Golden Stars have 11 points each, followed by Buxton Stars on

10, with Sparta United filling the rear position on 8 points.

The action will continue this weekend at both the Buxton and Victoria grounds, with Buxton Stars facing Ann’s Grove from 16:00hrs at Buxton on Saturday, while on Sunday, another double-header will whet the appetite of football fans in Victoria, where BV/Triumph United and Mahaica will clash from 16:00hrs, followed by the feature matchup between Victoria Kings and Golden Stars from 18:00hrs.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Cricket Guy Inc. sets the record straight on See Story on Sarwan Page 34

Windies hoping to avoid repeating errors against India

West Indies’ Denesh Ramdin (left), Kemar Roach and Jerome Taylor conduct a stretching at Wankhede Stadium last Saturday (WICB Media photo) we played against them. considered the top ODI side, series.

The things we did well. The KOCHI, India (CMC) are due to meet in the first “We were going into things we did not do well, to Captain Dwayne Bravo of five ODI matches at the the third game which was try and make sure we don’t wants West Indies playNehru stadium here in Kochi one-all and we always put make those same mistakes ers to avoid the errors today. ourselves into a position to again.” that forced them to lose L a s t y e a r, t h e t w o win the game but sometimes The confidence of Braa One-Day International teams were tied on one we are never able to finish vo’s men has been bolstered (ODI) series against India victory each before India it off,” recalled Bravo, who following a three-nil ODI last year as the two teams pulled off a five-wicket win leads the ODI team. series win over lowly ranked begin a new ODI series on in the third and final ODI “So we are going to try Bangladesh earlier this year. the sub-continent. to clinch the three-match to use last year’s game when However, while acWest Indies and India, 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

exercise during West Indies training session knowledging stand-out performances during that overall series from the likes of Denesh Ramdin and Darren Bravo who both scored centuries, Bravo has admitted that the series against India will represent a big test for his team.

“It is good to be back.

We are always looking forward to playing India .They

are the number one, one-day team in the world,” said Bravo.

“Leading up to such an important tournament as the World Cup, we will try and use these games as preparation and to really test ourselves to see where we are at. We just came off

See Page 30 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014