Guyana chronicle 09 02 15

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No. 104095 MONDAY FEBRUARY 9, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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Rodney brothers had grown suspicious of GDF ‘assassin’

PRESIDENT PREDICTS...

May 11 will rectify losses of unsupportive 10th Parliament

– COI to learn more when hearings resume today Page

– ‘Guyanese will support peace, progress, continued Page 7 economic growth’

Seelall, Hicken meet – at recommissioning of Agricola residents Community Centre Ground

INCLUDING VAT

Claims and Objections period starts today Page

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Mourners bid victims of religious rite tragedy emotional farewell Page

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Natural Resources Minister officially opens petting zoo

Agricola residents look on as one of their youngsters assists with the traditional cutting of the ribbon to formally recommission the ground (Photo by Samuel Maughn) Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 9, 2015

Patrons enjoy afternoon of delightful ‘pan’ music – at keenly-contested event at the Sports Hall

By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally WAVES of delightful steel pan music filled the air as patrons poured into the

Cliff Anderson Sports Hall yesterday to experience the Ministry of Culture and Republic Bank Steel Band Competition.

The packed-to-capacity Sports Hall was brought to life as Vijay Sharma, 12-year-old Queen’s College student, playing with the Pan

Wave Academy Steel Orchestra, opened the event, playing the first stanza of the Guyana National Anthem.

Sponsored by Republic Bank for the seventh consecutive year, the event saw this year’s competition being

hosted in two parts. Performances for the jazz ensembles, duet and soloists on one evening; and school bands and large bands were held yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

COUPLE FROM SWEDEN This newspaper spoke with a visiting couple from

Sweden, and they explained that they were looking for an event to attend and just happened to pass by the Sports Hall and hear the pan music. “We asked our driver to enquire if we can attend the event; we paid and we came in. We are enjoying every bit of this competition,” the couple said, adding that they love Turn to page 8 ►

St Rose’s High, under the ‘Small School Band’ category, entertained the judges and audience with a delightful performance

Performing under the ‘Large School Bands’ category, Bishops’ High School played their hearts out with keys on point, as well as moves

Buxton Pride Community Band stunned the audience with a breathtaking performance of moves and sound

A section of the crowd enjoying the foot-tapping steel pan music

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 9, 2015

Rodney brothers had grown suspicious of GDF ‘assassin’ – COI to learn more when hearings resume today

By Gary Eleazar WITH its life extended until the end of March, the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the 1980 explosion that killed political activist and then Working People’s Alliance (WPA) leader, Dr Walter Rodney will resume in earnest today for a marathon two-week session.

At the last hearing, held at the Law Courts in central Georgetown, the brother of the late Dr Rodney took to the stand to give his evidence-in-chief.

Donald Rodney, who was in the car on June 13, 1980 when a bomb exploded killing Dr Rodney, told the COI they both had grown suspicious of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Sergeant Gregory Smith, the alleged assassin who delivered a bomb instead of a ‘walkie talkie’, killing the world-renowned historian and political activist.

Rodney appeared before the Commissioners, and was led in his evidence-in-chief by his attorney, Keith Scotland, and gave his recollection of Gregory Smith and the ‘walkie talkie’ that turned out to be a bomb.

He was adamant that at the time, he had no reason to believe that the device was a bomb.

“As far as I know, it was a ‘walkie talkie’; that is what I understood from Walter and Gregory Smith.”

He was also adamant that it never occurred to his broth-

er, Walter, that it was an explosive being retrieved on the fateful night.

Donald Rodney identified Smith from a photograph printed on a book authored by the former GDF Sergeant, who had fled Guyana to nearby Cayenne (capital of French Guiana) after the suspected 1980 assassination of Dr Rodney.

Donald Rodney told Commissioners that he learnt of Sergeant Smith from his brother, Walter, who also told him of his rank and affiliation to the Army.

He said that his brother confided in him that Smith might have been unreliable, and this was compounded by the fact on more than one occasion when he attempted to uplift the walkie-talkie.

“I presume he based it on his experience,” Donald Rodney said. He told the COI that he had grown suspicious of the Army rank and his ability to deliver what was promised.

It was two weeks before the fateful night when Rodney for the first time uplifted a device from Smith to test it.

According to Donald Rodney, both he and his brother, Walter, went to the Russell and Howes Streets residence where he had met Smith before, and was given a device, and “I did not recognise it immediately as a walkie-talkie.”

In his description of the device to the Commissioners, Donald Rodney said what he collected was an electronic circuit set on a plywood base,

partially boxed around.

“At all times, Walter and I believed its circuitry to be part of a walkie-talkie,” Donald Rodney said.

The walkie-talkie would have to be synchronised with another unit in Sergeant Smith’s possession, according to Donald Rodney, though he confessed to never actually seeing it.

“I was sent to collect a walkie-talkie unit; I was given what I believed to be a walkie-talkie unit,” Donald Rodney said.

After receiving instructions from Smith on how to effect the test, he drove Walter to a location on Sussex Street where the test was conducted, after which the device was returned to Sergeant Smith.

The next time Donald Rodney would collect the device from Sergeant Smith was on the night of Friday, June 13, 1980, when it exploded in Dr Rodney’s lap killing him instantaneously.

Donald Rodney, who has always been recognised as the lone witness to the assassination, told the Commissioners that he never actually gave a statement to the police.

According to Donald Rodney, he verbally related the events of that night to Attorney-at-Law, Moses Bhagwan, who, in turn, provided the police with a typed statement.

Relying on this 1980 statement, Donald Rodney said that he collected Walter at around 19:30 hrs that fateful night from outside the St Rose’s High School on Church Street, where the two had agreed to meet.

Driving a four-door Mazda Capella, PBB 2349, Donald told the Commissioners that the decision was made to use his car, since Walter’s would be left for his wife to use otherwise.

According to Donald Rodney, when they arrived at the Russell and Howes Street residence where Sergeant Smith lived, the Army rank was surprised to see him.

“Smith was surprised to see me. He asked where Walter was, and I didn’t think he was expecting me; I believe he expected Walter,” Donald Rodney said.

He told the COI that the test, on this occasion, as advised by Sergeant Gregory

Donald Rodney in consultation with his Attorney-at-Law, Keith Scotland at the last hearing of the Presidential COI (Photo by Adrian Narine)

Smith, was to occur outside the walls of the Georgetown Prison.

On this occasion, the package collected by Donald Rodney was a wooden box that protruded out of the brown paper bag it was in.

Donald Rodney’s testimony was unceremoniously halted at this stage.

COI Chairman, Sir Richard Cheltenham, was forced to adjourn the hearings when problems developed with the

Internet connection, leading to numerous complaints from persons in and outside of Guyana unable to follow the proceedings.

According to the Chairman since the inquiry is mandated to be a public hearing, with members of the public having difficulty listening to the feed, it would be better to adjourn so that by the time the COI meets again the technical snafu would have been addressed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 9, 2015

Leaders scramble to avert ‘dramatic spiral’ in Ukraine

By Noah Barkin and Lesley Wroughton MUNICH, (Reuters) - THE leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France agreed to meet in Belarus on Wednesday to try to broker a peace deal for Ukraine amid escalating violence there and signs of cracks in the transatlantic consensus on confronting Vladimir Putin.

The four leaders held a call yesterday, two days after Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande travelled to Moscow for talks with Putin that produced no breakthrough in the nearly year-long conflict that has claimed over 5,000 lives.

After the call, Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko said progress had been made and that he was hopeful the meeting in Minsk would lead to a “swift and unconditional ceasefire” in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian separatists have stepped up a military offensive in recent weeks, seizing new territory.

A Ukraine military spokesman said on Sunday that intense fighting was continuing around the rail junction town of Debaltseve, with rebel fighters making repeated attempts to storm lines defended by government troops.

At a high-level security conference in Munich over the weekend, Merkel said it was uncertain whether further negotiations would lead to a deal with Putin but argued that all opportunities for a diplomatic solution should be pursued.

She came under sharp criticism from U.S. senators Lyndsey Graham and John McCain, both Republican hawks, for opposing the sending of defensive weapons to the Ukraine army to help it fight the separatists.

“The Ukrainians are being slaughtered and we’re sending them blankets and meals,” McCain said in Munich. “Blankets don’t do well against Russian tanks.”

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry sought to play down the differences with Europe.

“Will we remain united? The answer is absolutely, positively, unequivocally we are united, we will remain united,” Kerry told the conference on Sunday, describing any differences as tactical rather than strategic.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius (R) and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (top) arrive for the chairman’s debate during the 51st Munich More...

Credit: REUTERS/Michael Dalder tionalise the conflict, playing into the hands of Putin, who has painted the crisis as a western plot to weaken Russia.

MERKEL TO WASHINGTON Merkel, 60, flew to Washington on Sunday for talks

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with Obama. A Russian speaker who grew up behind the Iron Curtain in East Germany, she has taken the lead in pursuing a diplomatic solution to the conflict, speaking with Putin by phone dozens of times over the past year and meeting with him in Moscow, Sydney and Milan in recent months.

But German officials say Putin has shown little appetite for compromise and they acknowledge in private that he has repeatedly broken promises in the past.

One senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Russian leader might have little incentive to clinch a peace deal now, while pro-Russian rebels are making gains on the ground in eastern Ukraine.

“He can sit back and wait as the pressure steadily builds on Ukraine and its leaders,” the official said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who in Munich accused the West of turning a blind eye to ethnic cleansing

by Kiev-backed militias, said on Sunday that he expected the Minsk meeting to yield “important decisions”.

But German and French officials were more circumspect, and Putin said on Sunday after the call with Merkel, Hollande and Poroshenko that the Minsk meeting could only happen on Wednesday “if by then we have managed to agree on our positions.”

Sources told Reuters that Putin had forwarded a nine-page peace proposal to Merkel and Hollande last week before their visit which included a series of unacceptable demands, including the pullback of all Ukrainian weapons to new lines within the country.

Poroshenko made clear in Munich that any peace deal must be on the basis of a previous agreement clinched in Minsk last September.

Since that deal however, the separatists have seized large swathes of Ukrainian land, raising doubts about whether they will ever agree to pull back to the lines enshrined in the old pact. These so-called “demarcation lines”, the sealing of the international border and the withdrawal of heavy weaponry are at the heart of the negotiations with Putin.

If there is no breakthrough on Wednesday, European Union leaders meeting in Brussels the following day may signal their readiness to ratchet up sanctions against Russia, including targeting new sectors of the economy, like the banking sector.

In the meantime, EU foreign ministers meet in Brussels on Monday, when they are expected to endorse an expansion of visa bans and asset freezes to 19 more people, including a Russian deputy defense minister.

Officials say a final decision on tougher sanctions is not expected before the next summit of EU leaders in March.

Describing Putin as a “tyrant”, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond told Sky News that the Minsk talks were a last opportunity for the Russian leader to avert crippling new sanctions that would cause “significant damage” to the Russian economy.

French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, speaking on French television, said he feared a “dramatic spiral” in violence if dialogue with Moscow did not succeed.

“It’s a matter of hours and days. The moment that a break in these discussions ends in an impasse, I fear the worst,” he said.

Members of the Obama administration are also believed to be skeptical about arming Ukraine but the president faces intense pressure from a Republican-led Congress to act.

The Germans believe sending weapons to a depleted Ukraine army would not improve its chances against separatists armed with “unlimited” supplies of Russian military equipment.

They also fear that delivering arms would interna-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 9, 2015

Opposition leader seeks advice on ruling of Constitutional Court KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – LEADER of the opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Andrew Holness has asked a team of lawyers to research and advise him on the implications on the ruling handed down by the Constitutional Court on Friday in the matter of revoking senate appointments.

The court ruled that Holness was wrong when he used pre-signed, undated, resignation letters to remove two opposition Senators from the upper house.

In 2013, Holness, using pre-signed letters of resignation from all senators, appointed at the start of the life of the current Parliament in January 2012 and revoked the appointment of Senators Arthur Williams and Dr Christopher Tufton.

Williams, who had drafted the letters on the instructions of Holness while he was the Opposition Leader’s Chief of Staff, challenged the validity of the measure in the Constitutional Court.

Holness, in his initial response to the court’s ruling said the judgment would not affect the present composition of t he Senate but since then the validity of that assertion has been challenged.

In a statement on Saturday, Holness said it was “never my intention to act unconstitutionally.”

He said he acted on the advise of attorneys-at-law, including Williams “in whom I had reposed the utmost trust and confidence as persons competent in advising me on constitutional matters,” “My overriding consideration, as Leader of the Opposition, was in discharge of my duty to safeguard the spirit and intent of the constitutional provisions which provide for the protection of the Constitution from changes which may not be in the best interest of the Jamaican people. My action therefore, in accepting the advice of the claimant, regarding resignation of Senators, in that manner, was to ensure the effective administration of the government for the people……”

Holness described the situation as a regrettable one that had caused embarrassment to all involved.

Meanwhile the Attorney General, Patrick Atkinson, has been asked to take a look at the implications of the ruling Atkinson, has been asked to guide the upcoming sitting of the Senate to avoid embarrassing those at the centre of the matter.

Concerning the fate of opposition senators Ruel Reid and Dr. Nigel Clarke, who replaced Williams and Tufton, the President of the Senate, Floyd Morris says he will await word from Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen.

Guerrillas invite Miss Universe to talks with government REBELS from Colombia’s FARC militia have invited the newly crowned Miss Universe to assist their peace negotiations with the government.

In a statement published on their website, the group said they were taking up an offer made by Colombia’s Paulina Vega in her quest to win her title.

Ms Vega, 22, has so far not responded to the offer.

The rebel army has been in talks with the government for the past two years.

It has waged an anti-government guerrilla war for the past 50 years.

Representatives of both sides are trying to strike a deal but the talks in the Cuban capital, Havana, are deadlocked.

Agreement has so far been reached on issues of land reform and

Paulina Vegas had expressed her desire for peace bringing the Farc into formal poli-

tics, but a final peace deal remains.

During interviews prior to being crowned Miss Universe, Ms Vega had spoken of wanting to see peace in Colombia.

In their statement, Farc rebels said they welcomed her “willingness” to travel to Havana, adding: “We invite you to materialise your visit to update you about the development of the peace talks.”

The BBC’s correspondent in Havana, Will Grant, said it was surprising that the group would act on Ms Vega’s sentiments.

Some 220,000 people, most of them civilians, are estimated to have been killed since the Marxist-inspired Farc rebels launched their armed struggle in 1964.

(BBC)

Appointment of PCA Director cannot be revoked by the President – says former AG PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – FORMER Attorney General Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj says the appointment of the Director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), David West, cannot be revoked by the President.

Lawrence in an open letter to President Anthony Carmona on Friday, said it would be an error in law if he heeded a call from Prime Minister Kamal Persad Bissessar to revoke West’s appointment.

“It would therefore be erroneous in law for Your Excellency to revoke the appointment of the director without the conditions of the act being satisfied for the removal of the director from office. Your Excellency does not have the power and the jurisdiction under the act to revoke his appointment,” Maharaj contended in his six-page letter.

In an address to the nation on Monday, the prime minister urged the President to revoke the appointment because West

failed to disclose that he was a witness in the defamation lawsuit involving former Attorney General Anand Ramlogan and Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley.

That allegation is currently the subject of a police investigation.

Maharaj, in his letter, informed Carmona that Section 12 of the PCA Act sets out the specific grounds by which the appointment of the PCA director can be revoked.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 9, 2015

Guyana Editorial

The President’s timely charge to the GDF COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF of the Armed Forces, President Donald Ramotar, has adjured the Guyana D e f e n c e F o rc e ( G D F ) t o a c t professionally, especially in light of the pending General and Regional Elections on May 11 of this year.

The President, in delivering the Charge at the Guyana Defence Force’s annual conference at the Officers’ Complex at Camp Ayangana, stressed the imperative of ranks eschewing political affiliation for professional conduct in order to prevent and forestall any violence that may erupt upon elections, stating “… my fervent hope is that the climate is one of peace where good sense will prevail, even as contesting political parties and their supporters, as is their democratic right, vigorously conduct their campaign.”

He warned “… forces of reaction and fragmentation must not be allowed to fester in our society.

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

The President was not issuing such warnings in a vacuum, because almost every election in Guyana has been marred by eruptions of violence that ensued in much distress and destruction in the nation.

The overt and covert threats, in and out of Parliament, and the veiled instigation to violence of supporters by leading members of the Opposition, as well as some rabid anti-Government columnists, professional protesters and reporters, are engendering great fear in communities that have traditionally been victims of the Opposition’s rhetoric and actions.

The reason that President Donald Ramotar was forced into opting for his last recourse to safeguard the nation from the fallout of an abrupt dissolution and issue a proclamation of prorogation, ironically meant to guard

the bastion of democracy – Guyana’s National Assembly - was because the joint Opposition’s actions would have left no room for negotiations, as Parliament would have been dissolved with immediacy through their no-confidence strategy to depose the Government. The President’s proclamation, through rights vested in him by Article 7:1 of Guyana’s Constitution, has given the nation a window of many opportunities – not least for continuity in development.

However, the very real fear that the Opposition’s actions and utterances would devolve into violence is an extant reality of an ongoing cycle that has its genesis in the infamous x-13 Plan, allegedly crafted by Hamilton Green and Forbes Burnham, with support from external forces; and continuing throughout Guyana’s history in various guises.

Approximately eight years ago, during the height of the “Buxton Resistance” and the PNC “Slo’ Fiah, Mo’ Fiah” campaign, four GuySuco workers were kidnapped and murdered aback of Buxton; sleeping babies from an adjoining community were slain, along with their parents and older siblings; a sitting minister of Government was gunned down in his home, together with his siblings and security guard; people having a recreational drink at a bar were gunned down; businessmen were scythed down like so much chaff, while entire blocks of business entities were either looted or burned flat.

One May morning, before dawn, Premchand Barran and his 10-yr-old son, Mervyn Barran, from Enterprise, were executed in the backdam where they went to catch shrimp. Not far from them, Mr. Dhanpaul Jagdeo, from Non Pareil, was found. Each was executed.

One policeman who persevered in investigating the murders, police detective Harry Kooseran, was gunned down. The PPP adjured its supporters not to retaliate, so the Opposition’s plan to ignite a race war was averted, but the pressure continued.

The list of atrocities was endless and spiralling out of the control of the governmental construct.

The security sector heads, as evidence showed through taperecordings and other subsequent revelations, were complicit in these criminal and murderous forays by one section of the Guyanese community against the other.

During that period in time, the inflammatory Opposition’s rhetoric and actions reached to the extent where they labelled murderous thieves and rapists as freedom fighters and even draped the body of the notorious Lindon “Blackie” London with the Golden Arrowhead – giving him hero status. This action was never condemned by the Guyana Human Rights Association and the Opposition collective of ‘NGOs’, including the PNC/APNU/WPA women’s arm – Red Thread, which has much clout with the foreign ambassadorial delegates through intermingling on the cocktail route.

The police ranks were helpless to intervene in the wanton slaughter and destruction countrywide, because they too came under fire, being gunned down on the streets as they performed their duties, or even while they performed personal tasks during their off-duty periods.

This period of several dark and tragic times of Guyana was precipitated by ruthless powerhungry opportunistic politicians who do not care if they ‘bruk up’ the country in their relentless bid for power; and the communities through which they directed their murderous campaigns were their own strongholds, which were destroyed at many levels, including lost lives during Opposition-driven intermittent periods of violence and mayhem in the land.

Greenidge’s rampages against Indian and Chinese businesses eerily recall, and can be interpreted by their supporters as identifying targets for destruction, the calls by the youth

arm of APNU for the boycott of Indian-run businesses, as well as businesses of African Guyanese who eschew race politics to work on developmental projects driven by Government, the pillorying of African leaders in Government whom they call “houseboys”, even against bureaucratic technocrats merely doing a job within the Government construct, and the racist rhetoric against GuySuCo workers and conscientious Guyanese of all ethnic compositions are warnings of the dire consequences of such blatant and open calls for insurrection in the nation.

Greenidge’s open threat to the life of the President, with his reference to King Charles, who was beheaded after he had dismantled Parliament, is high treason, and in any other country he would have immediately been placed behind bars.

Responsible Guyanese citizens have felt constrained to issue a timely reminder and warning of the consequences of these inflammatory racist rhetoric and actions by the joint Opposition and their satellites.

Those who lived through and experienced the horrors of those years are terrified of this trend to the incitement of violence and hatred, as exemplified by the utterances of Opposition leaders and Freddie Kissoon’s diabolical raging against sitting Ministers of Government, because of the potential for the destructive elements who could once again be unleashed upon the country.

Thus, the President’s charge and warning to GDF ranks is timely, and should be heeded by the ranks of the joint services, who should not see opportunistic, powerhungry politicians as their “kith and kin”; but make right choices for their real “kith and kin” – their children, whose future they could jeopardise if they opt to abandon their professional responsibilities and allow anarchy to prevail in the country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 9, 2015

President predicts ...

May 11 will rectify losses of unsupportive 10th Parliament ––‘Guyanese will support peace, progress, continued economic growth’

By Gary Eleazar IT WOULD have been better if the 10th Parliament was more supportive of Government programmes, but nonetheless, May 11 will rectify this.

This is the conviction of Head of State, President Donald Ramotar, who will be up for re-election come May 11, having led a minority government for just over three years.

The President was at the time speaking, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief, at the Opening Ceremony of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)’s Annual Officers’ Conference on Thursday last, where he debriefed his subordinates on political developments here in light of an imminent election.

In providing his recap, the President said that Guyana has been spared the worst of the numerous international crises, and that this had been accomplished through the good governance of the social-economic sector.

He reminded those gathered at Base Camp Ayangana for the Officer’s Conference that over the past nine years, the country has experienced continuous economic growth, accompanied by an increase in the provision of social services.

President Ramotar reminded his audience too that Guyana is close to attaining several of the Millennium Development Goals, such as Universal Secondary Education, “while our housing programme has great success, allowing young people to own their own home.”

It was at this juncture that the President indicated that the successes could have been even greater, had the 10th Parliament been more supportive of Government’s developmental plans and projects.

President Donald Ramotar (at podium, right) addressing GDF Officers and Special Invitees on Thursday last The 10th Parliament, which was elected in November 2011, saw the Peoples Progressive Party Civic, while winning the largest plurality of votes, lose the Majority in the National Assembly by one seat.

This situation, the Administration has argued, led to obstructionism on the part of the Poltical Opposition -- A

Commander-in-Chief, President Donald Ramotar (left) in conversation with Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips (Photos by Adrian Narine)

Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC)— eventually leading to the holding of General and Regional Elections almost two years ahead of its Constitutionally due date.

“The 11th Parliament will be elected on the 11th of May of this year; this I am sure will rectify this situation… I have every confidence in the collective intelligence of the Guyanese people,” President Ramotar said, adding: “I therefore know that they (the Guyanese electorate) will support peace, progress and prosperity, and for the continued upward trajectory of our economy.”

The President also seized the opportunity to caution the Army Forces to be vigilant in the event of any untoward developments during the election season.

He told the Army’s top brass, “As we approach elections, my fervent hope is that the climate is one of peace; [where] good sense will prevail, even as contesting political parties and their supporters, as is their democratic right, vigorously conduct their campaign.”

Reminding the chieftains of the Armed Forces of their role when it comes to the nation and its security, the Commander-in-Chief cautioned that an election can be divisive in a multi-ethnic society, since ethnic insecurities can be aroused.

The President was stern in his edict, and warned that in such an election climate, “forces of reaction and fragmentation must not be allowed to fester in our society.”

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

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

Having emphasised the need for the Armed Forces to play its part in any event that may require their input in the maintenance of law and order, President Ramotar directed: “Any attempt to create a feeling of insecurity and fear among our citizens, or in any segment of our population, based on rumour, subjective gutter politics or worse, must be publicly frowned upon, and action taken by the Security Forces to arrest any such tendency.”

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

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 9, 2015

President: ‘Region Nine has great agriculture potential’ PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar, after recently visiting several communities in Region Nine, said it is clear that this the largest administrative region has great prospects in agriculture.

“It has huge agricultural potential; it has huge possibility for agro-industrial development, and a big possibility within agriculture itself and in the livestock area,” the President said on his return to the city.

After visiting a cattle ranch in Meriwau, President Ramotar said that it is a clear indication that people are becoming more aware of the needs and opportunities in Region Nine, which spans the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo.

Meriwau in July 2009 received a Presidential grant

from the government for cattle rearing, and another from the President’s Youth Choice Initiative, which was also used to purchase cattle.

While livestock initiatives seek to develop the economies of the villages, the President said the Meriwau ranch has far more potential, if the resources are utilised and marketed properly.

The ranch has been aiding the development of the community, through the provision of beef, at a subsidsed cost, to the region’s Schools’ Hot Meal Programme.

The Meriwau cattle ranch, he said, could also support a vibrant craft and leather operation, once the necessary infrastructure is in place.

Recently, the President said, he visited another com-

munity in the Rupununi, which has a small restaurant, and this speaks to services that are being developed in remote communities.

This, the Head of State said, shows very clearly that the services there are developing well, and there is also the growing need for stocks to meet the constant demand, as well as for other services.

“Moreover,” he said, “the cattle industry itself has possibility of not only producing beef, but leather and other things that can be targeted for producing handicraft, so there is huge possibility for development within this area.”

The President said his administration remains committed to providing the necessary infrastructure, which will aid in bridging the development gap between the

President Donald Ramotar makes a point to one of the technical personnel at the Meriwau ranch, Region Nine

coastland and hinterland.

However, while noting that there is much more to be done in the region, the Head of State observed that Lethem, which is the main centre in the Rupununi, has drastically improved. “Lethem is comparable to many other parts of Guyana, as far as services are concerned,

in shopping and different areas.”

Speaking of development in communities in the Rupununi Savannah, the President said that bringing those communities on par with the coastland would take some time. However, in the interim, the administration continues to put key

infrastructural measures in place in all sectors.

He noted, it is the policy of the current administration, to enhance the social sector, and by lifting the standard of education in the interior, Guyana is moving in a direction of providing equal opportunities for all people. (GINA)

Claims and Objections period starts today – Chief Elections Officer says GECOM ‘ready to go’

By Vanessa Narine THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)’s Claims and Objections period starts today at over 100 advertised locations.

“We have satisfied all the legal and statutory requirements, and we are ready to go,” says Chief

Elections Officer (CEO), Mr Keith Lowenfield.

As he explained, the Claims and Objections period is the “Step One” in the Commission’s workplan for the conduct of the upcoming May 11 General and Regional Elections.

MOBILE UNITS

Patrons enjoy afternoon...

He added that in addition to the fixed GECOM locations, there will also be several mobile units that will be in operation, particularly to facilitate access to eligible voters in the hinterland areas.

“We are satisfied that we are ready to go at these locations, and with our

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music, and are amazed at the skills and talent the children possess.

During his brief remarks, Manager of Corporate Operations at Republic Bank Limited (RBL), Denys Benjamin, noted that this is the seventh year the RBL has sponsored this event and the company is very pleased with the growth that this competition has seen over the years.

MUSIC LITERACY According to Benjamin, the Republic Right Start Pan Minors Music Literacy programme saw 130 youths benefited from the music literacy programme. This pan programme also exposed a

wider cross-section of Guyana’s children to the steel pan art form, thus enabling them to appreciate a style of music that forms an important part of Guyana’s cultural heritage.

The programme, which commenced in 2010, teaches the necessary skills for playing the steel pan and acquiring the knowledge of the rudiments of music. He noted that RBL remains committed to this programme and takes pleasure in being a part of the competition.

In the small school bands, the audience was entertained by foot tapping renditions from St Rose’s High, Lodge Secondary, Dolphin Secondary and West Demerara

Secondary schools. Buxton Pride, North Ruimveldt Secondary, Pan Wave Academy Steel Orchestra and The Bishops’ High School performed under the large school groups’ category.

The large band category saw performances from Parkside Steel Orchestra, Buxton Pride Community Band, Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steel Orchestra.

Judging from the feisty participation and responses from steel band enthusiasts and many supporters who attended the event, all enjoyed a great evening.

mobile units,” Lowenfield told the Guyana Chronicle, adding that persons registered with GECOM, and those who will be 18 years old by April 30 this year qualify as voters at the upcoming polls.

SEVENTH CYCLE The Claims and Objections period is the next step after a continuous cycle of registration, the last one being the Seventh Cycle of Continuous Registration.

Some 6,003 persons took advantage of the Seventh Cycle of Registration, which ended on December 31, 2014. There were also 1,163 changes and corrections to existing registration information that was done during the Seventh Cycle of Continuous Registration, as well as 1,248 transfers.

The Seventh Cycle of Continuous Registration commenced on November 30, 2014, and allowed persons the opportunity to register for the first time; conduct transfers; and make changes to their registration details.

Prior to the start of the Claims and Objections period, the Preliminary List

of Electors (PLE) was published to allow for review by eligible voters.

The PLE’s publication, as well as several other operational undertakings, had to be completed before a date for the Claims and Objections period was named.

The Claims and Objections period is necessary to finalise the Official List of Electors (OLE), which will facilitate voting on Elections Day.

DATE SET President Donald Ramotar last month ended the wait of the Guyanese people with the much-anticipated announcement on the way forward to bring an end to the current political impasse: A move to early general and regional elections on May 11.

The move by the President to set a date will have a bearing on several processes. Once a date is set, it will translate into the dissolution of Parliament, which currently still stands suspended under the November prorogation proclamation; political parties will then kick into campaign mode.

Also, with the President’s announcement of a date, GECOM now has its timelines with which to work.

GECOM Chief Elections Officer, Mr Keith Lowenfield

Meanwhile, the GECOM PRO, in a prior statement, disclosed that logistical and administrative preparations have long begun in “earnest” for the professional and transparent management of the impending general and regional elections.

“The Commission now awaits the announcement by His Excellency, The President, of the date for General and Regional Elections, after meaningful collaboration with GECOM,” Richard François had stated.

The last General and Regional Elections were held in November 2011.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 9, 2015

Mourners bid victims of religious rite tragedy emotional farewell – at cremation service at Ruimzeight

Dead: Billy Narine

Dead: Radika Persaud

Dead: Ravin Persaud

Dead: Annapina Persaud

By Leroy Smith

tives and friends paid their final respects to the four family members who perished one week ago while performing a religious rite.

Yesterday, the bodies of Annapina Persaud, 9; Billy Narine, 12; Ravin Persaud, 15; and Radika Persaud, 53, were cremated at the

IT was a very emotional scene yesterday when parents, siblings, other rela-

Ruimzeight Cremation Site, at Ruimzeight, West Coast Demerara.

Relatives and other mourners fought to hold back the tears as the ceremonies were conducted in accordance with Hindu

tradition.

On Monday last, the Vergenoegen family was plunged into deep mourning as the bodies of four family members were fished out of the Atlantic Ocean off Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo, hours after they had gone there to perform a one-year ritual for another member of the family who died last year.

On Tuesday, Dularie Bhigman, sister-in-law of Radika Persaud, and aunt of the three deceased children, said she went to Radika’s house on the day of the tragedy but she was getting ready to leave to go to the seaside.

Radika reportedly asked Bhigman not to go anywhere, since she would be

returning shortly; she left for the seaside, a short distance away, with her niece, nephew and son.

Bhigman said that when night set in and they hadn’t returned, she sent her daughter to look for the missing four, since it was unusual for them to be down at ‘the seaside’ so late.

She said it was only after going to the seaside herself in search of them, that she saw bubbles coming from the water, followed by her nephew’s lifeless body. The others were recovered shortly thereafter.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and BK International have provided the family with financial assistance to ensure that the four received a decent send-off.

Natural Resources Minister officially opens petting zoo – facility to help build understanding of Guyana’s biodiversity

Some youngsters in the presence of Minister Persaud take part in cutting the ribbon to declare the petting zoo open

By Navendra Seoraj UNDER the Three-Parks Initiative geared at enhancing biodiversity conservation in urban areas for the protection of Guyana’s ‘green spaces’, the long-anticipated petting zoo at the Zoological Park was declared officially open yesterday by Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud.

Minister Persaud in the presence of visitors and staffers of Zoological Park yesterday declared the petting zoo open, noting that “What we seek to do with the zo-

ological park is to create a family friendly environment, particularly for children, so that they can interact and understand more of the rich biological diversity our country possess.”

OVER $35M SPENT “Under the Government of Guyana’s care we were able to benefit from an excess of $35M which was expended in the development of the petting zoo; this is Government’s gift to the children, as we seek to enhance the Zoological Park,” he said.

The Minister further stated that the intention through

the petting zoo is to make visitors, in particular children, more comfortable, and also to give them a chance to interact with some of the animals, such as donkeys, horses, rabbits and so on which dwell right here in Guyana.

“This initiative is not only intended to educate the public, but also develop a level of awareness on how it is important for us to care, to respect and have an interest in our environment, in particular the flora and fauna,” said the Natural Resources Minister.

Recognising that this is a relatively new component for Guyana, Minister Persaud

pointed out that during the construction of the petting zoo “there was a level of misunderstanding and uncertainty on what we meant when we spoke about a petting zoo.”

But he noted that gradually many persons who came to the zoo, have recognised that there was need for improvement and appreciated what was being done to have the petting zoo as a component of the Zoological Park.

PAST INCONVENIENCE Apart from that, Minister Persaud also alluded to the fact that some of the facilities were more or less rundown, which made it very inconvenient for visitors and also staffers.

BIRD-WATCHING TRAILS Emphasising that under the Three Parks Initiative there were some improvements to the Botanical Gardens facility, some of which included developments to the Kissing Bridge, Seven Ponds and also the enhancements of the bird watching trails, which the Minister disclosed is one of the garden’s main tourist attractions.

Meanwhile, Minister Persaud disclosed that they are appealing to citizens to support them in caring the Zoological Park. He called on citizens to safeguard the zoo because millions of dollars

Visitors feed some of the animals which are housed in the newly-open petting zoo

have been spent in maintaining and developing the Zoological Park.

Gratitude for the maintenance and development of the zoo not only goes to the Government, but also to some corporate persons and individuals who stepped forward and assisted, so that “we can ensure that the animals are housed in a safe, decent and visitor-friendly way.”

ZOO-TO-ZOO EXCHANGE Moreover, he highlighted that just recently they concluded a zoo to zoo exchange programme “which will see

us having new animals and species which can’t be found in Guyana or South America; emphasising that these animals are expected to come from as far as Africa and Asia.”

He added that the animal population at the zoo will increase in the coming months because the agreement in the zoo to zoo exchange programme was already signed.

This, Minister Persaud said, is another step towards enhancing the Zoological Park, and such efforts are expected to continue as long as they have the support of citizens.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 9, 2015

Missing Montrose fisherman’s remains recovered from Atlantic Ocean

By Leroy Smith THE badly decomposed and almost skeletal remains of Sadeia Santora, called ‘Old Dog’, was recovered from the Atlantic Ocean in the vicinity of Ruimzeight, West Coast Demerara yesterday afternoon.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed that the man’s relatives were out playing cricket in their home village, Montrose, when they received a call from someone who was attending a cremation ceremony saying that the skeletal remains of a male was fished out of the water.

Dead: Sadeia Santora

The dead man’s sister, Sharon, said that her brother had tattoos on his arms, but those were now all gone as

His grieving mother as she spoke to the Guyana Chronicle

his flesh was decomposed.

She said they were, how-

ever, able to identify his remains because of the trousers that he was wearing at the time.

Asked how their mother was dealing with the news, the young woman said she has not taken it well, since this is the second son she has lost in three years.

Two Wednesdays ago, Santora reportedly fell off a fishing vessel into the Atlantic Ocean between the East Coast Demerara villages of Melanie Damishana and Buxton while his workmates were in their cabin.

The men had earlier that day left the Meadow Bank

Wharf to go to sea to ply their trade. The dead man is survived by his four children, siblings, mother and other relatives and friends.

Since his disappearance, relatives and friends had launched massive searches for him but came up empty handed.

Santora resided at 176 Fifth Street, Montrose Seawall, East Coast Demerara.

In 2012, a brother, Patrick Santora, was killed during what was reported to be a triangular love affair. His reputed wife was arrested, but was subsequently set free by the Court for want of

prosecution.

The man’s mother has said that this latest tragedy is very hard for her, since Sadeia had not only lived with her all the years, but was also the breadwinner of her home. “This is hard for me; I am still grieving for the other one, and now this one gone. He was my bread winner; it is very hard and tough right now.

He lived here with me all the time, and when he come from sea, he does just sit and take a little drink; he don’t trouble nobody,” the woman recalled with tears in her eyes.

Seelall, Hicken meet Agricola residents – at recommissioning of Community Centre Ground

Commissioner Seelall Persaud greets a lad shortly after entering the Community of Agricola

By Leroy Smith COMMISSIONER of Police, Mr Seelall Persaud and ‘A’ Division Commander, Assistant Com-

missioner of Police Clifton Hicken yesterday conducted a walkabout at Agricola, where they met with residents and listened to their concerns.

The two top-ranking police officers were accompanied around the community

by Deputy Commander of ‘A’ Division, Mr Dion Moore and the Sub-Divisional of-

Commander Hicken, Deputy Commander Moore, O/c No.2 Sub-Division Parashram walk with the Top Cop into the heart of the community

ficers who all turned out to witness the recommissioning of the Agricola Community Centre Ground which was developed by the Guyana Police Force with help from several partners.

Following his walkabout, the Top Cop was asked by this newspaper about the issues and concerns which were raised by the residents.

However, he was quick to point out that the residents did not indicate that they had any major problem, although this might have been due to fact that it was the first time he was interacting with them at the community level.

Seelall noted that he is aware that Commander Hicken does have a very good relationship with the community, and that the residents would from time to time share their concerns with him. Those concerns, he said, would usually be passed

on to the administration of the Force.

Following his walkabout, the Commissioner of Police addressed residents at a simple ceremony to recommission the Community Centre ground, during which he called on them to ensure that they maintain the facility, and allow it to be used in a proper manner.

He reminded those in attendance that the Force started out on a social intervention approach to crime prevention, and it was found that while law enforcement can deal with the issues of crime, it cannot deal with it comprehensively, hence the need to have social intervention.

He made reference to the projects which have been ongoing in Albouystown, which was the pilot project. Seelall said that looking at the history of Agricola, the police force and the community ought to see the need and importance of the partnership

which they enjoy at present as communities are shaped by what the residents within them do or do not do.

He made reference to the community leaders and the decision of the force to focus its community based partnerships by engaging the religious leaders, then moving to work with the business sector who has been assisting the community with related projects.

The Top Cop charged Agricola residents to utilise the ground to have many competitions and ensure that it never gets back to the state it was before the rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, Commander Hicken, in brief remarks, noted how very pleased he was with the interactions between the police force and the Agricola community. He also pointed to the need for a feedback mechanism to allow the police and the community to become aware of where additional focus is needed.

Commissioner of Police, Mr Seelall Persaud kicks off the first ball in the Police vs Agricola Football match yesterday (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 9, 2015

CARICOM urged to implement unified energy framework THE 55th Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on Energy and the Environment opened Thursday at the CARICOM Secretariat at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown with Jamaica’s Minister for Land, Water, Environment and Climate Change, Robert Pickershill, calling on CARICOM to move closer to implementing a unified energy framework.

Believed to have brought together Energy and Environment Ministers in the Caribbean for the first time, the meeting sought to closely examine the real nexus between energy and climate change, and their contributions towards the sustainable development of the Caribbean Community.

Pickershill told the gathering that member states have common development challenges. He noted that one of the major challenges, particularly for energy projects, is the size of Caribbean nations.

“Small energy projects are less attractive to blue

This, he said, would require coordination of policies, even as he underscored the importance for CARICOM to move ever closer to implementing a unifying energy framework, and pursue uniformity and integration regulations so as to enable more transformative energy projects and make the Region attractive to the right kind of investments.

Jamaica’s Minister for Land, Water, Environment and Climate Change, Mr Robert Pickershill

chip investors and engineering procurement and construction,” he contended.

Pickershill said it is important for the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) to focus on regional approaches to energy projects that can overcome these challenges.

OIL PRICE UPSWING Pickershill said there is a possibility the Community could take advantage of the current ebb in energy enterprises and the ongoing prominence of climate change in international forums to invest in energy transformation so as to insulate the Region from the inevitable upswing from oil prices that will come.

CCREEE, he said, could be the lead institution in implementing this transformation.

It is well recognised that energy transformation and climate resilience are quite complex matters, he said. For instance, consider the nexus around issues of climate

change and water. Climate change affects water availability, water availability is important for the production of energy or hydroelectricity for cooling conventional generation and treatment and distribution of water.

COMPLEX RELATIONSHIP With climate change affecting energy demand for water, pumping and treatment demands are often satisfied by inefficient and polluting sources. This, coupled with the unavailability of water, takes a toll on agriculture, reinforcing the complex relationship between water and climate change, he said.

“Climate change and energy water concerns must be central aspects at the highest levels of all public and private policy-making development plans,” he noted. “To achieve sustainable development, our countries must, inter alia, improve the efficiency of water delivery, transform their energy systems through energy security, improve macro-economic indicators and reduce pollution, build climate resil-

ience of the water and energy sectors through improved infrastructure and greater efficiency, and capitalise on opportunities for efficiency in the use of energy and water,” Pickershill detailed.

Renewable deployment and the scale of energy efficiency are traditionally viewed as important to the mitigation of greenhouse gases’ emission. The importance of renewable energy in climate change adaptation and resilience building cannot be over-emphasised, Pickershill said.

He explained that by deploying renewable energy in farming and rainwater harvesting applications, farmers tend to be resilient to the effects of climate change.

Pickershill said that through smarter use of energy and improved energy performance in buildings and equipment, businesses can save money and increase their competitiveness, which in turn would increase their adaptive capacities.

He added that smart grid technology can improve the resilience of the power grid, and reduce the severity of

outages associated with extreme weather, while also allowing for increased capacity of the grid to absorb outages.

“That is why adaptation through sustainable energy development can and should be pursued,” he advised.

“As leaders, we must recognise the importance of co-operation and optimisation within our respective governments as well as within our Community.

“We must take comprehensive and coordinated action to maximise the benefits of our efforts,” Pickershill urged.

The dialogue at the Special COTED meeting on Energy and the Environment aims to identify strategies and mechanisms for investments that would assist the Region in realising sustainable energy development, while adapting to climate change.

CARICOM Deputy Secretary-General, Ambassador Manorma Soeknandan, reported that the Special COTED on Energy on Wednesday was “quite productive”. (Tajeram Mohabir)

Alternative medicine institute offering certificate, diploma courses

Karawak residents support call for PPP/C return to office

THE Guyana Association of Alternative Medicine (GAAM) and the Guyana Association for Alternative Medicine Institute (GAAMI), located at 32-33 Dr. Miller Street, Triumph, East Coast Demerara, on Saturday held an orientation exercise for new students, and also introduced a scholarship programme.

Dr. Iamei Aowmathi, Executive Director of GAAM and GAAMI/Bakja Health Movement, Holistic Care and Convalescence Service, in and outpatients, said the organisation has been practising herbal medicine for more than 25 years.

He added that they use all local plant products to make their own herbal medicines and held their 1st graduation exercise in 2012 with eight students.

Dr. Aowmathi said further that they offer certificate and diploma courses in their well equipped facility and they are accredited by the Guyana Accreditation Council and there is a Board of Directors with eight members.

He stated that they have

By Rajendra Prabhulall

Dr. Iamei Aowmathi outside the GAAMI facility with others Saturday (Photo by Michel Outridge)

four employees and they also provide a variety of services, including for the elderly and physically challenged at a minimal cost with herbal treatment for diabetic patients and those with skin diseases.

Dr. Aowmathi also operates the Bakja Health Movement which consists of the mosque, a cafeteria, a boutique and a home for the elderly.

He sees about 20 patients per day with appointments and they operate with professionalism in which a patient is firstly diagnosed, consul-

tations are held, they are referred to a laboratory for tests and are treated accordingly and monitored.

They have accommodation for the elderly besides a laboratory, a kitchen, a library, classrooms, a computer room, treatment rooms, medicine rooms and other facilities to cater to the herbal needs of all.

Dr. Aowmathi said, “Holistic medicine should be utilised as preventative medicine, especially in the field of herbalism.” (Michel Outridge)

RESIDENTS of Karawab Amerindian community in the Upper Pomeroon River have supported a call made

by Region 2 Chairman Parmanand Persaud for the ruling PPP/C party to be given another term in office to continue the massive development that has transformed the country during the last 22 years.

Regional Chairman Persaud who visited the community, located some 75 miles from Chairty, on Friday to commission two projects told residents that the party deserves another term in office because of development that can be seen in every area across the country. The statement by the Chairman was met with thunderous applause from the large gathering of residents in the community center.

Persaud reminded Amerindians that the Government has always delivered on its promise and Karawab has benefited significantly in terms of development under the PPP/C Government. The

Karawab residents at meeting with Region Two Chairman, Mr Parmanand Persaud

Chairman said the community has its own primary and nursery schools, pavilion, health center, solar power electricity and community kitchen.

Residents who have pledged their continued support to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic said they have witnessed massive development not only in their community but across the country. They said the Government has done well and deserve a another term to continue developing the country.

One resident said more could have been achieved under President Donald Ramotar leadership but the two Opposition parties APNU and AFC with their one-seat majority has blocked several important projects that would have benefited all Guyanese.

He said the PPP/C must return to the Government with a bigger majority in Parliament to complete the stalled projects and Karawab residents will give full support to the ‘cup’.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 9, 2015

GPHC to launch retinopathy screening, laser treatment – for diabetic patients soon THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is set to introduce retinopathy screening and laser treatment for diabetic patients soon.

According to a GPHC release, the programme is expected to be launched on February 19, and the initiative which is a component of the Guyana Diabetes Care Project will be the first of its kind in the public system.

The programme is expected to last for three years but based on the success of

the project, further planning to extend it will also be considered, the release stated.

Meanwhile, Consultant Ophthalmologist in the Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Coordinator of the Guyana Diabetes Programme, Dr. Shailendra Sugrim disclosed that once the programme is launched the initial setup and planning will commence.

He said that by mid-year, official screening and treatment will begin after equipment procurement, human

resource training and other project details have been completed.

SCREENING CENTRE Dr Sugrim further noted that to enhance the programme a screening centre will be established at the GPHC which will be accessible to all diabetic patients.

Screening will be done by taking photos of the retina (eye nerve).

“These pictures will then be graded and patients will be informed if they are

suffering from diabetic retinopathy or not and if they require treatment or not,” he said Moreover, a laser centre will also be established at the GPHC and like the screening centre, all patients who need laser treatment will be allowed access. He said, “This is a pioneering project as it will be the first time that the public system will be offering laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy.”

The project has multiple stakeholders and the

primary funding agencies are World Diabetes Foundation and Orbis International while the local stakeholders are the GPHC and the Ministry of Health.

DIABETES Diabetes is a chronic disease ailment which affects about 14% of the Guyanese population. It can affect the eyes and cause diabetic retinopathy, a condition where the blood vessels of the eye nerve (retina) become damaged and causes bleeding in

the eye nerve.

This leads to blurred vision and blindness if not treated early, hence the need for screening of all patients with diabetes to identify persons suffering with diabetic retinopathy and to initiate early treatment for them.

Dr. Sugrim said, “We estimate that about 19,000 diabetic patients in Guyana suffer with diabetic retinopathy and of these about 5,000 have sight-threatening disease that need treatment.”

FFTP donates to Chest Clinic – and Guyana Society For The Blind FOOD for the Poor (Guyana) Incorporated (FFTP), recently donated a variety of items to the Chest Clinic

and Vector Control Unit of The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and a quantity of

sun-glasses to the Guyana Society for the Blind.

Director of the Vector Control Unit, Dr. Rehad

Rahman, said that he was very happy to receive the items on behalf of the institution as it would be of tremendous assistance to the less fortunate, while Dr. Linda D’Oliveira-Henry, Director acting, of the Georgetown Chest Clinic, added that she is always grateful for the support FFTP provides to the clinic. She further stated that she hopes the collaboration with FFTP will continue, so that the needy and patients who cannot afford the cost of the items, would benefit.

Chief Executive Officer of FFTP, Mr. Kent Vincent, in response to the doctors’ remarks, said that FFTP will continue to support the health sector. The donation of NEXT vitamins, which is a dietary supplement, manna rice pack and soya proteins would assist those in need of additional nutrients in their diets. Additionally, he said that through the clinic, the items will be channelled to the various regions of the country.

Mr. Cecil Morris, Presi-

dent of the Guyana Society for the Blind and Vice-President of the Blind Cricket Association expressed great appreciation for FFTP’s huge donation of sunglasses. He thanked FFTP for consistently attending to the needs of the institute.

Mr. Vincent responded by saying that the donation of the sunglasses was to assist the society with its work and programmes.

He reiterated that FFTP is pleased to help all those in need.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 9, 2015

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Survey works ongoing for upgraded WCD/ EBE corridor

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 9, 2015

A section of the West Coast Demerara public road at Crane Village ACTUAL construction works on the West Coast Demerara/East Bank Essequibo roadway from Vreed-en-Hoop to Hydronie have not yet started, but efforts under the contract, which had a January 2 commencement date, are ongoing.

Chief Roads and Bridges Officer, Ron Rahaman, told the Guyana Chronicle that “Survey works have started on the ground and we are also having discussions on the work plan. The contractor is also right now setting up a site office.”

According to Rahaman, the contract has been advanced 20 per cent, a mobilisation advance, as stated in the contract.

Efforts are being advanced under an agreement between the Ministry of Public Works and BK International and Surrey Paving Aggregate Company Limited for implementation of the US$46.7 Fourth Road Project – financed by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

The project is expected to specifically focus on increasing the efficiency and safety of road transportation along the West Coast Demerara/ East Bank Essequibo corridor.

At the contract signing, Public Works Minister Robeson Benn disclosed that the objectives of the project will be achieved through six components that would be implemented: Road Works; Road Safety Awareness; Capacity Building; Road Works’ Supervision, Monitoring and Evaluation; and Project Management.

He added that works would result in pavements being rehabilitated; the road being widened to separate pedestrians and cyclists from motorized traffic; traffic lights and road markings being installed and additional highway lights being provided; the Groenveldt Bridge being replaced; and utilities being relocated while extension culverts would be constructed.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC ADVANCES Benn also pointed out that infrastructural development has a multiplying effect on socio-economic advances in the country, particularly in rural communities.

“There has been significant growth,” he said, adding that constrained infrastructural development poses real challenges to growth.

Benn’s Ministry, as per the CDB agreement, will be tasked with maintenance, which was identified by the CDB as a risk to the sustainability of the completed works.

The Government will also be expected to report annually on their maintenance works, particularly since the project monitoring and evaluation component of the agreement is key to ensuring the standard and quality of such undertakings.

Additionally, a project management team will be supported by a steering committee and the Ministry, all of whom report to the CDB. The Project Coordinator is Kester Hinds, while the CDB focal person is Glen MaCarvell.

The project has several components including the actual road works, road safety awareness at the level of the schools and community, capacity building, engineering services and project monitoring and evaluation.

(Vanessa Narine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 9, 2015

Sea turtle put down at Zoo ––after sustaining severe injuries at sea

IT WAS decided Saturday to ‘put down’ a badly mutilated adult female Olive Ridley sea turtle which had sustained her extensive injuries after she had been caught between two ships. She could not be saved although rescued by some fisher folks, brought to shore and taken to the Guyana Zoological Park.

The animal had been spinning around aimlessly for some time after it had been caught in a fisher’s net. One of its legs had been broken, and one of its flippers had been amputated while the other had been almost cut off.

It had also sustained a broken back and severe internal injuries.

imal further severe injuries.

He said, “There is no way this turtle can survive.

We decided to bring it to the Zoo, and we would have to put it out.”

He told reporters that the Olive Ridley turtle is the most indigenous species of turtle in Guyana, but, for the past three years, these animals have encountered flotation problems, being hit by trawlers because they feed on sea bob and prawns, sustaining injuries and being unable to dive anymore.

He implored fisher folks to check their nets and avoid fishing in nesting areas of sea turtles, but he noted that, in some cases, the fishing nets are placed on the ocean

This badly injured Olive Ridley sea turtle had to be ‘put down’ Saturday (Photos by Michel Outridge) The body of the Olive Ridley was donated to the Guyana Zoological Park Saturday for experimental purposes and for testing after it had been ‘put down’, seeing there was precious little that anyone could have done to save the animal’s life.

Mr Romeo De Freitas, Country Coordinator of the Marine Project/Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society, told reporters that the sea turtle was between 25 and 30 years old, and had apparently been caught in a fisher’s net. He said a cord had apparently been wrapped around it legs and flippers for some time, and that is what had anchored it.

De Freitas said the Society had received a report that the turtle had been caught and rescued by sailors, but when the Society’s members got there, they discovered that the turtle had been badly injured.

From general observation, he said, it appears as though the turtle had been caught in a net or fishing line, after which its left side flipper was severed while its right side flipper was three-quarter way severed.

De Freitas said the turtle could therefore not swim, and had been spinning around in the Demerara River current sandwiched between two ships, which caused the an-

floor and would unavoidably take two to three hours to be manually hauled in.

Meanwhile, Mrs Annette Arjoon-Martins of the National Wildlife Management Steering Committee said she received a telephone call from Romeo De Freitas of the Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society, which does conservation work with sea turtles at Shell Beach, informing that an adult sea turtle weighing about 1,000 lbs had become entangled in a fisherman’s net, and through its resistance efforts, the net had amputated its flipper and it had received other serious injuries.

She pointed out that, with help of the Protected Areas Commission’s Mr. Damion Fernandes, the zoo’s vehicle and staff were procured to go down to the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNIC) wharf to transport the turtle to the Guyana Zoological Park, where a team of technical people were on standby to see if they can save the animal’s life.

Arjoon-Martins said a lengthy delay at the wharf ensued, since port officials had to get clearance to release the sea turtle. Accordingly, there was some ‘red tape’ that had to be dealt with, but the experience constituted a learning opportunity for the future, so they do not end

up waiting for an hour and a half for the animal to arrive, whereas the turtle could perish within that time.

She said she had been very heartened by everyone’s quick response, which is a great sign that a team of people had been mobilised immediately after receiving the call.

Arjoon-Martins said the effort was a collaboration among several organisations, including the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), which went down to the wharf and looked at the turtle in terms of retrieval and saving; and Calvin Bernard from the University of Guyana (UG) also played a significant part in Saturday’s activity. She said the experience augurs very well for the safety and health of our marine mammals.

She added that from the two whale incidents that occurred in January and December 2014, a team which has been working with advice from experts from within the Caribbean has been formed, and she is totally impressed by the level of local and regional collaboration, which augers well for everyone.

Arjoon-Martins said it is important to know that sea turtles have annual nesting seasons lasting from March to August, and that sea turtles are already 10 miles offshore mating, and that one female sea turtle comes back to shore eight times during that season

to lay her eggs.

She appealed to fisher folks to check their nets more often, because sea turtles, like humans, need to breathe air to survive once they get

remote 90-mile-long stretch of beach, is located in the North West Region of Guyana. It is the only place is Guyana where four of the world’s eight endangered

The name ‘Shell Beach’ is a generic one, encompassing nine beaches with names such as Iron Punt, Luri, Kamwatta, Foxes, Almond, Gwennie and Tiger. Those

While at the Guyana Zoological Park, Romeo De Freitas and Annette Arjoon-Martins displayed the injuries the sea turtle received caught in nets; and if they are not released, they drown very easily.

Arjoon-Martins noted that oil exploration industries also carry out seismic tests in their operations, which impact marine life; and she asked that those activities be curtailed during marine nesting seasons.

Shell Beach, a relatively

species of marine turtles -- the Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Green (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), come to lay their eggs.

These massive reptiles usually arrive under the cover of darkness from March to August every year.

names have been given by the local fishermen, who have used the area for hundreds of years. These beaches are composed entirely of shells in various degrees of fragmentation and pulverization.

The billions of shell fragments, washed ashore by tidal influences, act as natural nurseries for the eggs of the sea turtles.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 9, 2015

Electoral Assistance Bureau gearing up for elections THE Council of Management of the Electoral Assistance Bureau (EAB) is in the process of finalising arrangements for the commencement of its 2015 Elections Monitoring and Observation Exercise.

These arrangements, the

EAB said, include the setting up of administrative capacity and the equipping of the office, the location of which will be announced as soon as it is open to the public.

The EAB said it expects to receive funding for its Elections Monitoring Programme

from international partners in the coming weeks.

“As soon as the EAB is in a position to fully commence operations, more details of the programme will be announced,” the agency said in a release said.

The EAB is a Guyanese,

non-partisan, non-profit, non-governmental organisation that was formed in June 1991 with the main objective of assisting in the establishment, maintenance and preservation of democracy, particularly in regard to the election process.

The EAB has functioned in the main as a citizen-based election monitoring organisation during both regional and national elections in Guyana since 1991.

Over the years, well respected citizens have served on the EAB’s Council of Management, including Dr Makepeace Richmond and Ms Eileen Cox (both deceased), and Messrs Nigel Hughes and Miles Fitzpatrick.

In previous elections, the EAB had received sponsorship from the Anglican Church, the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana, the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union, the Guyana Bar Association, the Guyana Central Arya Samaj, the Roman Catholic Church, the Guyana Medical Association, the Guyana Council of Churches, the Consumers Advisory Bureau, the Guyana Consumers Association, and the Private Sector Commission.

It had monitored the 1992 National and Regional Elections, the 1994 Local Government Elections, and the 1997 and 2001 National and Regional Elections. The programmes undertaken included

testing of the voters’ lists, voter education (1992 and 1994), media monitoring campaign (1997), and monitoring, and fielding local observers at polling stations(1994 and 1997).

The contribution made by the EAB to the restoration of democracy in Guyana has been noted in the US Congressional Record, and has been attested to as well by the Carter Centre of Emory University; late President Dr Cheddi Jagan and Guyanese themselves.

Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Dr. Steve Surujbally, told this newspaper that the Commission has been in touch with some of the organisations that normally field observer missions to Guyana.

He disclosed that these include the Organization of American States (OAS), the Commonwealth, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).

The GECOM Chairman added that the local organisation the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has approached the Commission for accreditation.

Monday, February 09, 2015 - 05:30 hrs Tuesday, February 10, 2015 - 08:30 hrs Wednesday, February 11, 2015 - 09:00 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 9, 2015

Murdered schoolgirl had been sexually assaulted, jury hears

By George Barclay

THE jury in the Neesa Gopaul murder case heard on Wednesday that the 16-year-old Queen’s College student, who was killed in 2010 at Madewini on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, had also been a victim of sexual assault; and that her stepfather Jarvis Small and mother Bibi Gopaul were her alleged murderers.

Justice Navindra Singh is presiding at the trial. Lawyers for the prosecution are Mrs. Kaulesar-O’Brien, Miss Stacy Goodings and Miss Mercedes Thompson; while appearing for the defence are Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos, Miss Zanno Frank and Mr. George Thomas.

Bibi Gopaul and Jarvis Small are jointly charged with the brutal murder of Neesa Gopaul, allegedly committed more than four years ago.

The pretty 16-year-old had allegedly told the police that her stepfather, murder accused Jarvis Small, had had sex with her. The girl was subsequently reported missing following that report, and her dead body had been found in a suitcase with dumbbells attached at Madewini, Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

Among other things, the defence is saying that the police cannot convincingly claim that the accused were Neesa’s murderers, nor can the police say where the murder had been committed.

The person who took the

witness stand yesterday was Detective Superintendent Terrace Paul, who is now officer-in-charge of the Criminal Investigation Department in Berbice. He told the jury that during September 2010 he was stationed at Leonora Police Station. At about 8:00 hrs he was on duty when the number 2 accused, Bibi Gopaul, and her sister, Bibi Redman, turned up at the station and requested audience with him.

He said he invited them into his office, offered them a seat, and in the presence of the number 2 accused, her sister Bibi Redman told him that her niece, Neesa Gopaul, who is the daughter of the Number 2 accused, had been sexually assaulted by her stepfather

Jarvis Small, known as Barry, the number one accused.

Witness said the Numbers 1 and 2 accused subsequently went to a JP to have the matter settled. They produced a witness who gave a statement to the effect that the previous claim made by the girl, of being sexually assaulted by the No. 1 accused, was faulty.

Witness said that on September 18, 2010, at about 16:00 hrs, he was driving his vehicle along the Anna Catherina, West Coast, Demerara public road when he saw the

number 2 accused in a motor car going in an opposite direction. The Number 1 accused was sitting in the front seat, and Neesa Gopaul and her smaller sister were sitting in the rear seat.

Superintendent Paul said that on September 25, 2010, at about 7:00 hrs, he was at work when the accused visited the police station.

According to him, she made a report about a missing person and left.

Witness said that on October 30, 2010, at about

6:00 hrs, he was on duty when he received certain information. As a result, he went to a house not far away, where he met the No. 2 accused. He said he cautioned her, telling her that he had reason to suspect that between September 23rd and October 3rd, 2010, she, in company with the No. 1 accused, murdered her daughter Neesa Gopaul.

Witness said he cautioned her and she began to cry.

The hearing is continuing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 9, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 9, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 9, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 9, 2015

Racing Tips FRENCH RACING TIPS Bordeaux Le Bouscat 08:30 hrs First Moon

09:05 hrs Bora Des Obeaux 09:35 hrs Alko 10:05 hrs Barton Creek 10:40 hrs Tamezzo 11:10 hrs Almix Prail 11:40 hrs Anda Singer SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Fairview 08:30 hrs Terrybelle 09:05 hrs Sanfoneiro 09:40 hrs Facinating Filly 10:15 hrs Serene Response 10:45 hrs Howami ENGLISH RACING TIPS Plumpton 09:50 hrs Twentytwo’s Taken 10:20 hrs Allez Encore 10:50 hrs Seventh Sky 11:20 hrs Great Choice 11:50 hrs Knight Of Pleasure 12:20 hrs Sadma 12:50 hrs King Kayf WOLVERHAMPTON 10:00 hrs Rat Catcher 10:30 hrs Symphony Of Kings 11:00 hrs Tryster 11:30 hrs Dana’s Present 12:00 hrs Akula 12:30 hrs Dark Wonder 13:00 hrs Indian Affair 13:30 hrs Telegraph CATTERICK 10:10 hrs Nautical Twilight 10:40 hrs Itstimeforapint 11:10 hrs Dewala 11:40 hrs Saint Are 12:10 hrs lack Joy Rover 12:40 hrs Shotofwine AMERICAN RACING TIPS Philadelphia Park Race 1 Hooked Forever Race 2 Deacon Purr Race 3 So Valor Race 4 Rock Shaft Race 5 Big Gally’s Answer Race 6 Mr. Mostly Race 7 Congressionalstorm Race 8 Great Drive Race 9 Lataam

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 9, 2015

New skipper Holder says captaincy no burden SYDNEY, Australia, (CMC) – Jason Holder has dismissed the idea the captaincy could prove a burden during the upcoming ICC World Cup. The 23-year-old was appointed captain for the recent South Africa series after just two years at the international level, and also leads the Caribbean side into the World Cup campaign.

However, Holder said while the role was a challenging one, he had not been unprepared for the undertaking.

“Well, it’s a huge thing for me, obviously. I’m 23 years old. I’m the youngest captain ever, so it’s a big thing for me. Obviously the bigger picture is for the team to do well in this World Cup and starting the World Cup well and carrying the momentum through,” Holder told a media conference on Sunday.

“I’ve seen myself to be a leader in most teams I’ve put myself into. Having said that, I’ve led teams before. I led West Indies Under-19s, I was vice captain on the West Indies ‘A’ team, so it’s not something that I’m fresh or not accustomed to.

“Having said that, it’s a big stage on the international stage. It’s just about adjusting and getting that relationship between your players and myself, and just trying to get the best for West Indies cricket.”

Holder assumed the captaincy role at a critical point, following on from the controversial abandoned tour of

India in October. He replaced Dwayne Bravo who had acted as players’ spokesman during the contracts fracas with the West Indies Cricket Board and players union, WIPA. Understandably, the Barbadian said the decision to accept the captaincy was not a straightforward one.

“No, obviously I had to think about it. It’s a delicate time on that stage,” he noted.

“So I gave it some thought and spoke to a few players around the dressing room, and it came up to be my decision.”

Holder leads West Indies into their first warm-up match for the World Cup against old foes England, hoping his side can find the consistency that has deserted them in recent years, and which was evident in their 4-1 loss to South Africa last month.

“It’s an important game.

It’s a good gauge to see where we’re at. Obviously we had the tour of South Africa …so it’s just finding our combination and getting things ready.

Just fine tuning a few things and going into this year,” Holder explained.

“We’ve no doubt been inconsistent. There is no doubt we haven’t played the best cricket of our ability.

Having said that, I think we have some real batters on our team. We have match winners on any given day.

“It’s about putting a complete game together and being consistent throughout this tournament.”

Harding, Denny propel ...

From Backpage ple on the ‘West Side’, but so hyped was last night’s finale, persons even travelled from the capital city to witness the action which turned out to be the event’s biggest upset.

Showstoppers had to settle for $150 000 as they were frustrated by the defensive-minded West Side Ballers.

Being more skilful, tactical and more equipped with firepower Showstoppers tried everything in their power, with their two star players Marvin Josiah and Dexroy Adams being contained for the first time in the tournament.

Meanwhile, in the thirdplace playoff, Patentia Street Ballers not only walked

away as 3-2 sudden-death penalty-kick winners over Raiders, but they also pocketed $100 000.

Kelvin Roberts (Patentia) and Dexter Marshall (Raiders) scored for their respective teams who had ended regulation and extra time 1-1. Raiders eventually settled for $75 000.

Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste said that his company, Banks DIH Limited, is more than overwhelmed at not only the level of play, but the response and support shown by the people in the West Demerara area.

It was the first time the nationwide tournament was held on the ‘West Side’ and Baptiste made it clear that it will be an annual fixture henceforth.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 9, 2015

Spirit of Imran needed to steer Pakistan to glory, says Shoaib KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters) - Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq needs to adopt the uncompromising attitude Imran Khan employed in 1992 if the class of 2015 want to emulate that triumph at this year’s World Cup, former pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar said.

Very few would have tipped Pakistan to win the showpiece event 23 years ago but Imran’s young team fought back from imminent elimination in the opening round to defeat England in the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

“The Pakistan team is passing through a very difficult phase after having also lost Muhammad Hafeez.

The onus is now on Misbah to set the tone with frontline performances,” Shoaib told Geo News channel.

“Imran lifted a deflated side in 1992 to win the World Cup with some great frontline performances. I hope Misbah can do the same with this troubled side.”

The talented but unpredictable side are not favourites this time either and their preparations have been hit by injuries to several bowlers,

including all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez and paceman Junaid Khan, and the unavailability of leading spinner Saeed Ajmal due to an illegal bowling action.

Ajmal was cleared to bowl again yesterday after passing biomechanic tests but having pulled out of Pakistan’s World Cup squad in December he can only be called into the squad if another player withdraws injured.

Former captain Muhammad Yousuf described Pakistan’s plight as “a crisis situ-

ation” while Rashid Latif said the team was capable of going deep in the tournament if Misbah rallied his men together.

“There is still a load of talent in this squad and don’t write them off,” Latif said.

“Misbah has to make the players believe they are still capable of beating anyone.”

Pakistan begin their Wo r l d C u p c a m p a i g n against arch-rivals and defending champions India in Adelaide on February 15.

The February 14-March 29 tournament is being held in Australia and New Zealand.

Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan lifting the World Cup in 1992.

Warner, Maxwell tons expose India’s bowling frailties (REUTERS) - David Warner and Glenn Maxwell struck blistering centuries as Australia flexed their batting muscles to expose defending champions India’s bowling limitations in a World Cup warm-up match in Adelaide yesterday.

Opting to bat first, Australia piled up 371 in 48.2 overs and bowled out India for 265 in a dominant display to explain why they are considered favourites for the World Cup beginning on Saturday.

They dominated India in all three departments even though the tournament cohosts did not last a full 50 overs in what was possibly the only blemish in their 106-run win.

Left-handed Warner (104)

played his natural game, racing to his a century in 80 balls.

Maxwell (122) did even better, needing 53 balls to reach the 100-mark, his second 50 coming in just 19 balls.

There was momentary discomfort for Maxwell, whose attempted hook off Umesh Yadav resulted in an inside edge that crashed onto his helmet and he also needed medical attention on his lower back after reaching 50.

Maxwell retired to allow his team mates to get some batting practice but not before plundering 27 runs from a Yadav over and hitting three sixes in a row.

India, having lost paceman Ishant Sharma to a knee injury earlier in the day, had a scare when Mohammad Shami (3-

NOTABLE DATES

LIGHTWEIGHT boxer Lennox Blackmoore wilfully disregarded the rules which governed being a proper host when he TKOed Trinidadian Fitzroy Guisseppi on February 8, 1976 in Georgetown, Guyana.

The bout was scheduled for 10 rounds but referee Bill Brown had seen Guisseppi absorb enough punishment and called an end to the fight at two minutes 25 seconds of the final stanza.

Blackmoore, an orthodox fighter, who at one time was considered one of the best counter punchers in the business, won the national lightweight title in June 1975 after knocking out nemesis `Tiger’ Green in the 14th round.

He was 13-1 when he met Jonathan Dele on October 1, 1977 in Lagos, Nigeria and claimed the Commonwealth title by defeating the Nigerian via points decision. In June 1981 Blackmoore became the second Guyanese to challenge for a world title, following in the footsteps of Patrick Ford.

However, his hopes for success were short-lived as WBA super lightweight champion Aaron `The Hawk’ Pryor was in a no-nonsense mood. Pryor won the bout by TKO in round two.

Blackmoore participated in his last professional battle in June 1986. He is now a world-rated trainer in the USA.

Glenn Maxwell unleashes a reverse sweep during his century.

83) left the field with a split webbing but returned soon after to resume bowling.

Their batting on a good track could not offer much

relief, however, with only Shikhar Dhawan (59), Ajinkya Rahane (66) and Ambati Rayudu (53) managing to impress.

Batting mainstay Virat Kohli dragged a Mitchell Starc delivery onto his stumps and the Australian nonchalantly took a one-handed

blinder on the edge of the boundary to dismiss India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for a golden duck.

“It was a very good performance,” said Australia standin skipper George Bailey before pointing out areas his team could still improve.

“Early wickets tonight would have been nice, just to blow the game out of the water. As great as our batting was, we were probably one wicket down too many and you’d like to see Mitchell Starc catch with both hands,” he quipped.

Dhoni said he was still looking for the final 11 players for next Sunday’s tournament opener against Pakistan.

“It’s a very long tournament and what we have seen is the team that does well is the one that comes from the bottom and slowly picks up momentum,” he added.

Blind leaves it late to rescue a point for United LONDON, England (Reuters) - Daley Blind’s injury-time equaliser rescued a 1-1 draw for Manchester United against West Ham United yesterday but a point was not enough to regain third spot in the Premier League.

West Ham created the better chances in a goalless first half as Enner Valencia forced two neat saves from David De Gea before James Tomkins had a shot blocked by the Spanish stopper.

The Hammers’ perseverance paid off at the start of the second half when Cheikhou Kouyate scored a neat volley after juggling the ball in the box.

United struggled to break West Ham down but Radamel

Falcao squandered an opportunity when through on goal and Robin van Persie had a shot well-saved by Adrian.

But with time running out West Ham failed to clear their lines and Blind was on hand to guide the ball home from the edge of the box.

A draw for United keeps them fourth on 44 points from 24 matches, one behind Southampton, while West Ham remain eighth with 37 points.

Earlier yesterday, West Bromwich Albion came from two goals behind to draw 2-2 with struggling Burnley, while Peter Crouch’s late equaliser for Stoke City was enough to rescue a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 9, 2015

Atwell/Mullings should be artistic affair -Daniels THE upcoming fight between Guyanese Clive Atwell and Jamaican Sakima Mullings should be an artistic event with the smarter and better conditioned fighter coming out the winner.

That is the opinion of Atwell’s coach Lennox Daniels who has declared 100 percent confidence that his fighter will be the victor.

“It is going to be a very interesting fight and an artistic battle. The smarter and more conditioned fighter will prevail and I have no doubt that at the end Clive Atwell is going to win,” Daniels said yesterday, after a training session at the Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis gym.

“I am pleased at the rate we are going. Right now we have achieved 75 percent of the condition needed for the fight.

Coach Lennox Daniels and Clive Atwell “We have another 10 more to do. If I were to days to get to 100 percent judge Clive’s condition now and will get there easily. as against that for previous We have sparred 46 rounds fights I would have to say so far and still have some that he is now on par with

the best he has achieved,” the coach declared.

Atwell and Mullings clash on February 21 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in the main bout of a card organised by the Guyana Boxing Board of Control.

The Jamaican was originally scheduled to match gloves with former WBA welterweight champion Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis but the latter sustained an injury to his collarbone paving the way for Atwell to come in as a replacement.

Since 2011, Mullings has defeated Guyanese Winston Pompey, Howard Eastman, Revlon Lake and Dereck Richmond. The trend has forced the promoters to seek out Atwell in an effort to bring a halt to the “eye pass”.

The forthcoming bout is to be contested in the

super lightweight (junior welterweight) division and Atwell would be moving up from featherweight.

However, Daniels, a veteran coach, has assured that his charge is well prepared for the upward shift in division and would be packing speed and power on fight night.

“It’s not the first time that he (Atwell) is going to be competing as a super lightweight. He has done that before and did very well. We are doing our work in the gym. We have been doing rigorous training. This fight is going to show just how good a boxer Clive is,” said Daniels.

“We have been studying several of Mullings’ fights and we understand his style,” Daniels added.

Atwell sparred 12 rounds yesterday and is scheduled to continue today.

GSCL Inc. Republic Cup …

Daniels explained that the amount of rounds would decrease from this afternoon with the final sparring session set for Friday.

The Atwell/Mullings contest headlines a fivefight card that heralds the return of CABOFE middleweight champion Edmond DeClou, who has been absent since sustaining a broken jaw in a fight against Dereck Richmond in October 2013.

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

CABOFE bantamweight champion Dexter Marques faces Quincy Gomes in a six-round catch weight contest while Travis Fraser will make his professional debut against Barbadian Charwyn Estwick.

Amazon, Floodlight, East Coast Masters in winners’ lane AMAZON, Floodlight and East Coast Masters recorded victories when the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL Inc)/Republic Cup commenced last Saturday with action in the Over-40 category at Everest Cricket Club.

Amazon defeated Parika Defenders by seven wickets.

Parika Defenders batted first and were bowled out for 154 in 18.3 overs. Asif Ahmad made 55 and Ashmeel

Bacchus 29. Basdeo Persaud claimed 4-37 and Raghunandan Narine 2-25. Amazon replied with 156-3 in 18.2 overs.

Randolph Pereira slammed 67 not out, Narine made 46 and Linden Mc Phoy 30.

East Coast Masters beat Parika Defenders by 64 runs. East Coast Masters batted first and racked up 261-5 in 20 overs. Jagdesh Persaud struck 145 and David Harper 40. K. Persaud had 3-38. Parika Defenders

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday February 09, 2015) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) England (2)West Indies Today’s Quiz: (1) How many ICC 50/60 over World Cups have been held to date?

(2)Who made a century in the first ever World Cup final?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

replied with 179-9 in 20 overs. Mohamed Rafeek scored 65; Persaud took 4-21, R. Mohan 4-33 and P. Singh 3-33.

Floodlight trounced Amazon by 66 runs. Floodlight batted first and posted 251-6 in 20 overs. John Sumair cracked 57, Patrick Khan 49 and Wayne Jones 43. Raghunandan Narine took 3-16.

Amazon replied with 185-8 in 20 overs. Narine stroked 76 and Perreira 57. Ramesh Narine claimed 2-8.

Floodlight beat Regal Masters by 47 runs. Floodlight scored 166 all out in 20 overs taking first strike. Sumair made 33 and Jones 22. Troy Kippins and Mahendra Arjune had two wickets each. Regal

NOTABLE DATES WELTERWEIGHT Winfield Braithwaite came from a family of boxers. He was a first cousin to Patrick and Reggie Ford two household names in local boxing.

Braithwaite became the darling of local boxing when he won a gold medal at the 1978 Commonwealth Games held in Edmonton, Canada.

He defeated James Douglas of Scotland in the light welterweight final to claim the only gold medal that Guyana has won at the Games. On his return home, Braithwaite was feted and had a motorcade through the streets of Georgetown.

On February 9, 1982 Braithwaite defeated American Jimmy `Shot Gun’ Muse. The six-round fight was staged at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA and the Guyanese was ahead on points when it ended.

Braithwaite tackled Derek `Teacher’ McKenzie in September 1979 but the fight ended in a draw. He now resides in the USA.

were bowled out for 119 in reply. Kippins got 23; I. Mohamed snared 4-13 and Narine 2-14.

East Coast Masters defeated Tropical Spring Masters by four wickets.

Tropical Spring Masters

made 119 all out, batting first. K. Tuknauth scored 38 and S. Boodhoo 24.

Jagdesh Persaud grabbed 6-26. East Coast Masters responded with 121-6 in 20 overs. M. Mohanlall led with 28 not out.

Badminton season to start today THE badminton season is expected to start today with the annual Gumdac Open Doubles Tournament to be held at the Queen’s College auditorium.

The tournament will be the first of many planned for the Guyana Badminton Association’s 2015 season.

Players have been in training since the early part of this year and the tournament will see the country’s top and upcoming players in action, as they prepare for the year’s much bigger events.

Some of these events include the Pan American Junior set for Mexico, the Caribbean Championships in Dominican Republic, the World Junior Championships in Peru, while the Guyanese will compete against some of the top ones in the Caribbean when Guyana hosts the Easter Junior International, which expects players from Trinidad, Suriname and French Guiana.

In other plans on the front burner, the GBA will visit schools as part of its developing programme to spread the sport. This month the programme will start in the County of Berbice.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 9, 2015

Chanderpaul, bowlers put Jaguars in sight of win

KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Shiv Chanderpaul stroked his 129th first class half-century and fast bowler Keon Joseph grabbed two wickets as leaders Guyana Jaguars closed in on yet another victory in the WICB Professional Cricket League here yesterdayy.

The veteran West Indies left-hander hit a top score of 77 to help lift Jaguars from a dodgy position of 54 for four, to 202 all out in their second innings on day three.

Joseph then struck two telling blows as the hosts, set a target of 340 for victory, stumbled to the close at

Sabina Park at 105 for six.

Heading into today’s final day, Jamaica still require a further 235 for victory with four wickets remaining, leaving Jaguars in pole position for the major points.

The day could have gone so much differently for Guyana, were it not for the intervention of the 40-year-old Chanderpaul.

Leading by 137 on first innings, Guyana started the day hoping for a big innings and got one from the dependable Chanderpaul who held the innings together with a typically responsible knock.

In his 337 th first class

WICB Professional Cricket League Guyana vs Jamaica Guyana Jaguars 1st Innings 314 Jamaica 1st Innings 177 Jamaica 2nd Innings (overnight 54 for four) S Hetmyer c wkp Baugh b Dawes 0 V Singh c wkp Baugh b Mindley 14 *L Johnson c wkp Baugh b Bernard 33 R Reifer c wkp Baugh b Mindley 0 S Chanderpaul c wkp Baugh b Bernard 77 C Barnwell lbw b Jacobs 28 +A Bramble c Blackwood b Brown 4 V Permaul c Bonner b Brown 5 D Bishoo c Campbell b Jacobs 5 R Beaton c Miller b Mindley 10 K Joseph not out

8 Extras (b14, lb4) 18 TOTAL (all out, 69.5 overs) 202 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-19, 3-21, 4-54, 5-105, 6-124, 7-138, 8-150, 9-190, 10-202.

Bowling: Mindley 21-6-51-3, Dawes 18-7-44-1, Bernard 6.5-1-24-2, Blackwood 1-0-1-0, Jacobs 11-2-35-2, Brown 12-3-29-2.

Jamaica Franchise 2 nd Innings (target: 340) N Bonner lbw b Joseph 1 J Campbell c Permaul b Beaton 8 J Blackwood c Reifer b Joseph 7 H Miller c Barnwell b Reifer 7 *T Lambert c Hetmyer b Bishoo 29 D Bernard Jr not out 16 +C Baugh Jr lbw b Permaul 1 D Jacobs not out 24 Extras (b6, lb1, w3, nb2) 12 TOTAL (6 wkts, 38 overs) 105 Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-11, 3-17, 4-50, 5-71, 6-72.

Bowling: Beaton 7-2-19-1, Joseph 6-320-2, Reifer 5-1-13-11, Barnwell 4-3-4-0, Permaul 8-5-9-1, Bishoo 8-1-33-1.

Position: Jamaica require a further 235 runs for victory with four wickets intact.

Barbados vs Leewards Barbados Pride 1st Innings 406-6 decl.

Leeward Islands Hurricanes 1st Innings (overnight 84 for five) A Richards c C Brathwaite b Best 0 S Peters c Hope b Best 17 M Hodge c Chase b C Brathwaite 8 *D Thomas c Corbin b C Brathwaite 0 O Peters b Warrican 6 +J Hamilton c and b C Brathwaite 66 A Saunders c Best b Warrican 16 R Cornwall st Dowrich b Warrican 0 H Walsh Jr lbw b Warrican 3 G Tonge b C Brathwaite 7 Q Boatswain not out 0 Extras (lb6, w1, nb6) 13 TOTAL (all out, 46.2 overs) 136 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-16, 3-25, 4-37, 5-50, 6-110, 7-114, 8-124, 9-135, 10-136.

Bowling: Best 10-2-35-2, Cummins 6-1-16-0, C Brathwaite 10.2-0-18-4, Nurse 5-0-19-0, Warrican 13-4-33-4, Chase 2-0-9-0.

Leeward Islands Hurricanes 2 nd Innings A Richards lbw b Cummins 7 S Peters c Corbin b Best 0 M Hodge c K Brathwaite b Cummins 4 *D Thomas c wkp Dowrich b Cummins 4 O Peters c Edwards b Best 0 +J Hamilton c (sub) S Brooks b C Brathwaite 14 A Saunders run out 10 R Cornwall c Best b Warrican 9 H Walsh Jr not out 17 G Tonge c Corbin b Warrican 0 Q Boatswain lbw b Warrican 0 Extras (b1, lb5, nb9) 15 TOTAL (all out, 34 overs) 80 Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-15, 3-26, 4-27, 5-27, 6-46, 7-57, 8-74, 9-74, 10-80 Bowling: Best 6-2-12-2, Cummins 8-1-24-3, Warrican 10-3-17-3, C Brathwaite 5-4-8-1, Nurse 5-1-13-0.

Points: Barbados Pride 16, Leeward Islands Hurricanes 1.

Windward Islands Volcanoes 1st Innings 400/8 T&T Red Force 1st Innings (Overnight; 129/4) E Lewis c Smith b Peters 28 J Solozano c Fletcher b K Peters 15 K Ottley LBW Johnson 5 Y Cariah c D Smith b S Shillingford 50 J Mohammed* c Fletcher b Peters 3 Y Ottley c Ambris b Matthew 19 S Katwaroo+ c Smith b Peters 18 I Khan c Sebastien b Peters 1 D St Clair not out 12 M Richards c Ambris b Shillingford 0 S Gabriel c S Ambris b S Shillingford 11 Total: 177 All Out (67.4 Overs) Extras: (b4, lb6, w4, nb1) 15 Fall of Wickets: 1-45, 2-46, 3-56, 4-67, 5-113, 6-152, 7-152, 8-154, 9-155, 10-177.

Windwards Volcanoes 1st Innings Bowling: D Johnson 16-1-60-1, M Mathew 19-5-34-1, K Peters 18-721-5, S Shillingford 11.4-1-42-3, L Sebastien 3-1-10-0.

T&T Red Force 2nd Innings (Trail; 223) E Lewis not out 4 J Solozano not out 1 Total: 6/0 (3 Overs) Extras: (lb1) 1 Windwards Volcanoes 2nd Innings Bowling: D Johnson 1-0-1-0, S Shillingford 1-0-1-0, L Sebastien 1-0-3-0.

Veteran left-hander Shiv Chanderpaul ... top scored with 77.

match, Chanderpaul picked up from his overnight six, facing 184 balls in 260 minutes at the crease, and striking 11 fours and a six.

Along the way, he put on 51 for the fifth wicket with Chris Barnwell who stroked a breezy 28 from 29 balls, an innings that gave Jaguars impetus.

When Guyana lost four wickets for 45 runs before lunch to slide to 150 for eight, Chanderpaul combined with Ronsford Beaton (10) to add a crucial 40 for the ninth wicket and further frustrate Jamaica.

Chanderpaul was eventually last out, caught at the wicket off seamer David Bernard Jr. Fast bowler Marquino Mindley was the best bowler with three for 51 while Bernard (2-24) and leg-spinners Odean Brown (2-29) and Damion Jacobs (2-35), all finished with two wickets each.

Jamaica then suffered a collapse to crash to 72 for six before Jacobs and Bernard came together in an unbroken

seventh wicket stand which has so far yielded 33, and held up the rampant Guyana outfit.

Jacobs was unbeaten on 24 from 35 balls with four fours while Bernard was on 16 from 47 balls in nearly an hours at the crease, opting to play the sheet anchor role.

Beaton had earlier gotten the breakthrough when he had John Campbell caught

by Veerasammy Permaul at point for eight with the score on nine in the third over of the innings.

Joseph, who has two for 20, then claimed the prized wickets of Nkrumah Bonner (1) and Jermaine Blackwood (7) to put Jaguars on top.

The right-armer trapped Bonner lbw in the sixth over with the score on 11 and in his next over, knocked over Blackwood to a catch by Raymon Reifer, as Jamaica slumped to 17 for three.

Captain Tamar Lambert tried to dig in with a top score of 29 off 65 balls with five fours but was fifth out with the score on 71 with much work left to be done.

Peters bowls Barbados Pride take Windwards to points lead after Leewards demolition first innings points

Kenroy Peters finished five for 21.

Fast bowler Kenroy Peters bowled Windward Islands Volcanoes to first innings honours over Trinidad and Tobago’s Red Force in their WICB Professional Cricket League

Regional 4-Day match at the Beausejour Cricket ground. .

The Red Force, replying to the Volcanoes 400 for eight declared, were bowled out for 177 late in the afternoon, the only session of play yesterday’s penultimate day.

Yannic Cariah was the only fighter for the Red Force with a determined 50.

Peters finished with impressive figures of 5 for 21, off 18 overs. He was supported by off-spinner Shane Shillingford who took 3 for 42.

The Red Force, trailing by 217 runs, will resume today’s final day on 6 without loss.

Ty r o n e T h e o p h i l e scored a century, 136, in the first innings for Windward Islands.

Carlos Brathwaite BARBADOS Pride have taken over sole leadership of the WICB Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day Tournament.

The Pride thrashed Leeward Islands Hurricanes by an innings and 190 runs, on day three of their 5th round match at Kensington Oval, in Barbados, on Sunday.

The Pride, with 16 points from the game, moved to 60 points, three more than Guyana (57) and Jamaica (50).

Resuming at yesterday’s third day on 84 for 5, the Hurricanes were blown away for 136.

Carlos Brathwaite led the bowling for the Pride with figures of 4 for 18.

He was well supported by Jomel Warrican, who took 4 for 33, and West Indies pacer Tino Best who ended with 2 for 35.

Jahmar Hamilton was the only Hurricanes batsman to offer any resistance with 66.

Akeem Saunders chipped in with 16.

The Hurricanes, forced to follow-on, were sent packing for a mere 80 runs. Warrican picked up 3 for 17 and Miguel Cummins 3 for 24.

H a y d e n Wa l s h 1 7 , Hamilton 14 and Saunders 10 were the only Hurricanes batsmen to reach double figures.

Barbados Pride had earlier made 406 for six declared, thanks to Shane Dowrich’s unbeaten 136.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 9, 2015

Ivory Coast win African Nations Cup on penalties

Ivory Coast’s Yaya Toure celebrates his team’s victory over Ghana after the final of the 2015 African Cup of Nations soccer tournament in Bata , yesterday.

Credit: REUTERS/Mike Hutchings

By Mark Gleeson B ATA , E q u a t o r i a l Guine,(Reuters) - Ivory Coast finally won the African Nations Cup after a decade of close calls as they edged neighbours Ghana 9-8 on penalties after a goalless draw following extra time in yesterday’s final at Estadio de Bata.

Goalkeeper Boubacar Barry converted the decisive spot kick to deliver the trophy for a country who had been heavily fancied for the previous five tournaments but flopped in all of them.

It was a second title for Ivory Coast whose only previous success came when they also beat Ghana in a similar post-match

marathon shootout 11-10 in Dakar in 1992.

Their triumph came on a night when 22 people died outside an Egyptian soccer match after security forces barred fans from entering the stadium, the public prosecutor’s office said.

Most of the dead were suffocated when the crowd stampeded after police

Frank Watson Memorial Football

GFC, Western Tigers, Santos, Black Water and Black Pearl advance THE Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground was once again the hub of activity as action continued in the 2015 Frank Watson Memorial football tournament, with wins for Western Tigers, Santos and Black Pearl, along with the home side.

While the Under-15s featured on the opening day of the knock-out tournament, the Under-17 players took to the pitch, yesterday, Playing against Flamingo, the home side GFC

won 3-1, thanks to goals from David Coates and Matthew Harrison in the 23rd and 25th minute respectively, while an own goal in the 12th minute helped in the final score.

Darrell Qualis’ goal in the 13th minute was all the losers had to cheer about.

Orin Osborne’s 26th minute goal was enough to see Western Tigers past Riddim Squad while Santos FC depended on penalty kicks to get past Renaissance.

The two sides ended

regulation goalless, but Santos eventually won 7-6 in the penalty shootout which went down to sudden-death kicks.

Houston Stars were a ‘no-show’ for their clash against Black Water who won by default and Black Pearl defeated Sunburst Camptown 1-0.

After the weekend, both GFC and Santos saw their Under-15 & U-17 units advance while Renaissance were not so lucky as their teams made their exits.

used teargas to clear the supporters trying to force their way into a league match between two Cairo clubs, Zamalek and Enppi, doctors and witnesses said.

The trouble highlighted the problems facing African football and overshadowed the thrilling climax to the Nations Cup tournament in Equatorial Guinea, who stepped in as hosts after Morocco was stripped of the hosting rights.

A total of 22 kicks were needed to settle the 2015 title with the Ivorians missing their first two attempts.

It came down to the keepers to settle matters after all the outfield players had taken a penalty each with the score at 8-8.

Barry, who was only playing because of injury to Sylvain Gbohouo, saved from Ghana goalkeeper Razak Brimah and then, after requiring treatment for an injury, got up to slot home the decisive spot kick.

Victory for the Ivorians also handed Frenchman Herve Renard the distinction of becoming the first coach to win the Nations Cup with different countries after success with Zambia in 2012, when they edged the Ivorians

in a shootout.

FEW CHANCES Two hours of action delivered few chances as the tired-looking teams fought out an error-strewn midfield battle, although Ghana’s Christian Atsu came close to scoring with a snap shot that hit the post after 26 minutes.

Yaya Toure had the game’s first effort on goal after 10 minutes but his free kick went straight into Brimah’s arms.

Gervinho fed Max Gradel with a clear chance on the right of the attack soon after but he blasted a hurried shot wide.

Ghana’s first effort was inches away from a goal as Andre Ayew weaved across the penalty box before feeding Atsu, whose first time shot hit the upright before bouncing back into play.

An Ivorian mistake gave Ghana the first chance of the second half with Atsu speeding away before passing inside to Asamoah Gyan, who was off target with his effort.

Gyan had been doubtful for the final with a pelvic injury but passed a late fitness test.

Mubarak Wakaso blasted over the top with a strong

effort from well outside the penalty area midway through the second half as the midfield stranglehold kept chances to a minimum.

However, Atsu’s strong running down the right tested the Ivorian defence again when he provided Gyan without another chance after 72 minutes but it was blocked.

As the game approached 90 minutes a scramble in the Ghana penalty area, after Brimah could only parry the ball, gave Ivorian substitute Seydou Doumbia a half-chance but he too was thwarted by a quick defensive recovery.

Doumbia missed another half-chance at the start of the second half of extra time when striker Gervinho found a second wind and the game had to go to penalties to separate the teams.

G h a n a ’s a g o n i s i n g shootout defeat means they are still waiting for their first Nations Cup success since 1982.

Morocco were stripped of the tournament having asked for a postponement amid concerns over the spread of the Ebola virus and have been banned from the next two African Nations Cups.

Ann’s Grove disarm GDF, Slingerz through to Mayor’s Cup quarterfinals IN 1980, the British Rock Band ‘Queen’ released one of their biggest singles, ‘Another one bites the dust’. The song, even 35 years later, is played as theme song for the most upsetting moments in sports.

Last Saturday at the Georgetown Football Club FC) Ground, Ann’s Grove FC and their supporters sang the versus of Queen’s hit loudly when they created one of, if not the biggest upsets in this year’s Mayor’s Cup football tournament.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF), one of the better teams in Georgetown, fell 4-3 to Ann’s Grove in a jaw-dropping upset, while Slingerz FC, the finalists

Julian Wade of the previous tournament, made light work of Mahaica Determinators, winning 2-0.

The loss for the Army came as they prepare to com-

pete in this year’s Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Championship and had wanted to use the tournament as part of their preparation but apparently, had no idea that the East Coast Demerara-based club had a plan of their own.

Meanwhile, the star-studded Slingerz FC unit saw debutant, Dominica national striker Julian Wade leave a mark in his first competitive game in Guyana.

Wade, along with National player Vurlon Mills, was on target for the ‘West Side’ team who will now move on to play Golden Grove in the quarterfinals on Friday, February 13 while Agricola Red Triangle will tackle Ann’s Grove.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Ivory Coast win African Nations Cup See story on on penalties Page 27

Harding, Denny propel West Side Ballers to Guinness title

By Rawle Toney ON a night when the tournament was watched by thousands of football-crazed fans at the Pouderoyen Tarmac, West Side Ballers, the known underdogs, did what many said they couldn’t do, that is, to defeat Showstoppers, and doing so in convincing fashion.

Captain Anthony Harding saved his best performance in the tournament for last, scoring the game’s opening goal in the 19th minute, while playing a pivotal role in Morgan Denny’s 39th minute strike as West Side Ballers won 2-0 over Pouderoyen Showstoppers to win the $300 000 first prize and to show they are certainly made of more, on Saturday last.

It was the biggest crowd in the tournament which had enjoyed amazing support from the peo-

Champs! West Side Ballers captain Anthony Harding collects his team’s spoils.

See Page 23

New skipper Holder says captaincy no burden

Massive crowd support seen at the final

See Story Page 23

West Indies World Cup captain Jason Holder 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

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015