Guyana chronicle 10 12 14

GUYANA No. 104037 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 10, 2014

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

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Cuba’s contribution to Region has been tremendous Page

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Sterling Products shooting...

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- President Ramotar

Police take three into custody 19 Page

PPP denounces Page 2 ‘blatant half-truths’ on radio frequencies - says allocations based on geography, not friendship New bacchanal at City Hall ...

Town Clerk, Treasurer Page 11 reduce PRO’s salary ––Mayor, Councillors outraged

PRO ROYSTON KING

PSC disappointed Page politicians refuse 16 - in interest to dialogue of nation

President Donald Ramotar being given a warm welcome by Cuba’s President, Raul Castro, on his arrival in Havana

IAC condemns alleged police brutality, magistrate’s abuse of power Page 23

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

Pedalled by mischief makers …

PPP denounces ‘blatant half-truths’ on radio frequencies - allocations based on geography, not friendship

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HE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said it has noted with deep concern, recent statements emanating from “certain misinformed political quarters and mischief makers” who are in the habit of spreading half-truths and distortions with respect to the assignment of radio frequencies.

In this regard, the Party said it has taken note of the persistent and wrongful accusations levelled against former President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, purporting that he “gave away Guyana’s patrimony” when he sought to approve spectrum space for radio broadcasts in Guyana.

The false accusation of “giving away to friends” needs to be addressed.

The PPP pointed out that approvals to broadcast via Radio were given to 10 persons or entities in 2011 after

the passage of the Broadcasting Act 2011. Prior to this date the only entity broadcasting via Radio was NCN. 1. Alfro Alphonso - Essequibo Coast 2. R.S. Christie - Berbice 3. Haslyn Graham - Linden 4. Hits & Jams Entertainment - Georgetown 5. Rudy Grant - East Coast Demerara 6. Telcor Inc - Georgetown 7. Wireless Connections Inc - Georgetown 8. National Communications Network - Georgetown 9. New Guyana Company Ltd - Country wide 10. Radio Guyana Inc - Country wide “With specific reference to Radio Guyana Inc. it should be noted that this approval was given in compliance of an order of Court in a matter that had been filed by Mr. Anthony Vieira prior to him selling his communications empire to Dr. Rangisinghi Ramroop,” the PPP stated.

It noted that Dr Ramroop is always referred to by the former President’s detractors as his ‘best friend’. “Well even Presidents deserve best friends, but the approval to operate a radio station given to Dr. Ramroop’s company

was not given by virtue of friendship. Instead it was by virtue of a Court Order,” the PPP said.

It said one needs to look at the other nine (9) approvals and judge whether it is not geography rather than friendship which was taken into account.

According to the PPP, “Mr Anthony Vieira, truly one of the pioneers of Television Broadcasting in Guyana, notwithstanding how many copyright infringement laws he may have broken, now by his writings and utterings, seems to want his cake having already eaten it.”

Mr Vieira now wants to be recognised as an expert on technical matters regarding Guyana’ spectrum availability, misquoting the Chairman of the GNBA in the process.

“The truth is that Mr. Vieira sold his interests in broadcasting for a hefty sum of money and is now desperately trying to remain relevant in the area of broadcasting,” the PPP chided.

The party also denounced “these blatant halftruths and distortions of the facts” and calls upon Guyanese to reject the attempts by the mischief makers who waste no time to utilise every opportunity to throw dust in the eyes of the unsuspecting public.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

Cuba’s contribution to Region has been tremendous - President Ramotar

THE contributions of Cuba and its people were lauded by President Donald Ramotar as he attended the Fifth Caricom - Cuba Summit in Havana. The Guyanese Head of State made specific mention of that country’s efforts to build the human capital of Guyana and its fellow regional member states.

He said, “We are very, very thankful for that solidarity that Cuba has given so unselfishly over the many decades”.

The news of Cuba’s planned increase for the number of scholarships for graduate and post-graduate studies for Guyanese was welcomed by President Ramotar during his address to the regional leaders on Monday.

He thanked President Raul Castro for Cuba’s con-

to trade with Cuba.

In this regard, President Ramotar recalled the constant advocacy of former President Dr. Cheddi Jagan during those times to engage with Cuba and to contribute to the building of the foundation of the relationship with the Caribbean and Cuba. Tribute was also given to the role that Cuba played in the liberation struggle of the African countries.

Mention was made of potential areas of cooperation, with the President calling for the regional countries and Cuba to build more research centres to foster independent advances in science and technology.

Referring to the $4 billion food import bill of the countries of the Caribbean Community, President Ra-

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It was also proposed by President Ramotar that the region cooperate towards affordable energy for development. President Ramotar further assured leaders that Guyana was happy to cooperate with the region in the setting up, in Guyana, of the Regional Centre for the Treatment of Physical Disabilities.

Acknowledging the importance of enhancing trade relations among the countries of Caricom and Cuba, President Ramotar committed to working with the rest of CARICOM and Cuba for the signing and early implementation of the Second Additional Protocol to the Agreement for Trade and Economic Cooperation.

Noting that the sugar industry plays a central role in the history of the countries of the Caribbean and recalling Cuba’s offer to assist the countries of CARICOM in this sector, President Ramotar noted See page 8

President Donald Ramotar (2nd left, front row) among Caricom leaders and Cuban President Raul Castro at the end of the Fifth Caricom-Cuba summit, yesterday tinued assistance to Guyana. He noted that the strong foundation of cooperation had indeed justified the decision taken 42 years ago to establish relations with Cuba - a decision which was the culmination of other related actions, in particular the role of the people of British Guiana as it was then, in breaking the blockade

motar noted that if Cuba was added, that would increase to more than $5 billion. He stated that building on the ‘Jagdeo Initiative on Agriculture’ and using the National Institutes in the member states and that of Cuba, were means to ensure more independence in terms of food security.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

CIA report details ‘brutal’ post-9/11 interrogations (BBC News) THE CIA carried out “brutal” interrogations of al-Qaeda suspects in the years after the 9/11 attacks on the U.S., a U.S. Senate report has said.

The summary of the report, compiled by Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said that the CIA misled Americans

about what it was doing.

The information the CIA collected this way failed to secure information that foiled any threats, the report said.

In a statement, the CIA insisted that the interrogations did help save lives.

“The intelligence gained from the programme was critical to our understanding of al-Qaeda and continues

Dianne Feinstein said it was time to face the “ugly truth”

to inform our counterterrorism efforts to this day,” Director John Brennan said in a statement.

However, the CIA said it acknowledged that there were mistakes in the programme, especially early on when it was unprepared for the scale of the operation to detain and interrogate prisoners.

The programme - known internally as the Rendition, Detention and Interrogation programme - took place from 2002-07, during the presidency of George W. Bush.

Suspects were interrogated using methods such as waterboarding, slapping, humiliation, exposure to cold and sleep deprivation.

Zimbabwe’s Mugabe sacks Vice-President Joice Mujuru over ‘plot’

PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe has sacked his vice-president, Joice Mujuru, after accusing her of corruption and plotting to kill him.

Mr Mugabe also dismissed seven government ministers in connection with the alleged plot, a statement

said.

Mrs Mujuru, once seen as a possible future leader of Zimbabwe, has denied plotting against the president.

State media and Mr Mugabe’s wife, Grace, have conducted a campaign against her for months.

“President RG Mugabe has exercised his executive powers to release the Honourable Joice Mujuru… with immediate effect,” said a statement issued by chief secretary to the cabinet Misheck Sibanda.

Mrs Mujuru’s conduct

Mrs Mujuru, 59, was once seen as a possible successor to Mr Mugabe

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had been “inconsistent with the expected standard,” it said.

The ministers whose sacking was announced on Tuesday included State Security Minister Didymus Mutasa - another long-time ally of Mr Mugabe - and Energy Minister Dzikamai Mavhaire, who was seen as close to Mrs Mujuru.

There was no immediate word on replacements.

The sackings come a week after Mr Mugabe denounced his vice-president at a party congress and removed her from her post in the ruling party, Zanu-PF. Mrs Mujuru responded on Tuesday by saying her loyalty to Mr Mugabe was “unquestionable” and it was “repugnant” and “ridiculous” to suggest she had plotted to kill him or wanted to remove him from office.

She said Zimbabwe’s state media had “continued to publish malicious untruths” about her and that she had “become the fly in a web of lies whose final objective is the destruction of Zanu-PF”.

Her accusers, she said, had produced “not a single iota of evidence” against her.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

Guantanamo six ‘will enjoy complete freedom’ in Uruguay (BBC News) SIX prisoners released from the U.S. detention centre in Guantanamo Bay will enjoy complete freedom in Uruguay, the country’s defence minister says.

Eleuterio Huidobro told Reuters news agency that Uruguay had not imposed or accepted any conditions when it agreed to receive the former inmates.

The six men arrived in Montevideo on Sunday after

The six former inmates were taken to a military hospital in Montevideo

Cutback in foreign travel (Trinidad Guardian) GIVEN the current financial crisis over falling oil and natural gas prices, Government Ministries have reduced foreign travel expenses, slashed performance bonuses and reduced spending for social functions. So said Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal as he responded to questions about cuts in expenditure mandated by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Finance Minister Larry Howai.

He also said the cutback in expenditure could also affect major infrastructural projects, including the com-

pletion of the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, one of the legacy projects of the People’s National Movement (PNM). Asked whether any other mega-projects will be put on hold, Moonilal said that would be decided after consultation with Howai and other members of Cabinet.

“The Minister of Finance is looking at the overall financial picture and expenditure policy but the various ministries will be cautious in expenditure, given the prices of global commodities,” Moonilal said. He noted, however, that projects being done by the Urban Development Corporation of T&T (Udecott), Estate

Management Business Development Company (EMBD) and Housing Development Corporation (HDC), would go on.

“We don’t foresee any of the major projects in the health, education and housing sectors being stopped. There are some expenditure points we may have to look at in terms of getting external support but we will have to take a cautious approach in the coming months. We are now in the process of reviewing projects and the expenditure strategies at this time,” he added.

Pressed as to which projects might be affected,

Moonilal said government could have to relook at its financing for repairs to the stadium. He noted that even though $1.2 billion had already been spent on the stadium, a further $200 million was still needed to complete repairs. “We did all technical work of assessment and it requires $189 million to complete that job so we have to source the funds.”

being freed by the U.S. They spent 12 years in jail for alleged ties with al-Qaeda but were never charged.

The former inmates four Syrians, a Palestinian and a Tunisian - were taken to a military hospital for health checks.

The Pentagon identified them as Abu Wael Dhiab, Ali Husain Shaaban, Ahmed Adnan Ajuri, and Abdelahdi Faraj, from Syria; Palestinian Mohammed Abdullah Taha Mattan, and Adel bin Muhammad El Ouerghi, from Tunisia.

Uruguayan President Jose Mujica said they had been subjected to “an atrocious kidnapping.”

Mr Huidobro told Reuters: “They will not be restricted in any way. Their status is that of refugees and immigrants.”

‘Black hole’ U.S. President Barack Obama has pledged to close the camp in Cuba, which was opened in 2002 as a place to detain enemy combatants in America’s war on terror.

About half of the 136 men still in Guantana mo have been cleared for transfer but have nowhere to go because their countries are unstable or unsafe.

In Latin America, El Salvador is the only other country to have given Guantanamo prisoners sanctuary, taking two in 2012.

One of the former detainees, Abdelahdi Faraj, published an open letter through his lawyer in New York thanking Mr Mujica for his decision.

“Were it not for Uruguay, I would still be in the black hole in Cuba today,” he said.

“I have no words to express how grateful I am for the immense trust that you, the Uruguayan people, have placed in me and the other prisoners by opening the doors to your country.”

Mr Mujica was himself held for over a decade in harsh prison conditions during Uruguay’s period of military rule in the 1970s and 1980s.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

BREAKING ALL FRONTIERS

IT is incumbent upon all national leaders to pursue the primary objective of transforming the unity of celebration of Christmas to transcend this one day and impregnate the continuous processes of endeavour and development. This must be done as a priority if this nation is to withstand natural and global forces that make our country’s survival, and the quality of our survival, vulnerable to external forces.

Our freedom is subjective, dependent on the not-so-tender mercies of the international power-brokers, who use Third World Countries as pawns on their chessboards in their eternal quest for resource-acquisition and domination.

The ostensible conference of freedom with the granting of the instruments of independence was a mere symbolic gesture, because constitutional delinquency then prevailed and the seven years development plan (see Dr. Jagan’s West on Trial for details) depended heavily on support from Britain, which never quite

relinquished its stranglehold on this nation’s economy, thus compromising its autonomy.

Kwame Nkrumah, defining neo-colonialism and the subjective independence granted to colonized countries in his book ‘Neo-colonialism, the Last Stage of Colonialism’ states: “The essence of neo-colonialism is that the state which is subject to it is, in theory, independent and has all the outward trappings of international sovereignty. In reality, its economic system, and thus its political system is directed from outside.”

Liberty is relative. When we are not allowed by those who have orchestrated themselves into guardians of this country’s purse-strings to determine the processes of this country’s revenue-management, then that subjectivity is comparable to national captivity, equating a Government and its people to mere pawns on an internationally-scaled economic chessboard.

Economic domination by foreign pow-

ers and resultant national subservience as the Guyanese workforce bends its knees before the inhuman conditionalities of external funding agencies, to which the human factor is an entirely negligible quotient in their fiscal programmes, ostensibly targeting human development, is irony indeed.

Factored into this equation are the forces fighting to divide this nation in primary pursuit of agendas configured toward self-aggrandisement.

So the Guyanese nation remains, in many ways, divided unto itself, blind to the reality that true freedom, economic and otherwise, does not fructify from destruction of the production systems, the infrastructural networks, and the social construct, but rather from a unity of purpose to reach a common goal – the goal of a nation united in the struggle for a liberated economy, which is the primary factor that would eventuate in national prosperity and optimum

social development.

It is only when this nation has broken the shackles of economic dependency can we realise our potential as a truly free people, with all the resultant implications, all resonating with upward-spiraling mobility and indicators.

Centuries after giving Socrates hemlock that nation still carries the stigma, but the ideas that that great philosopher expounded soars over the centuries and into the minds and souls of the world’s greatest thinkers.

Enchaining our potential for true freedom – a liberated economy, freedom of expression - in effect all the freedoms that constitute democracy, would forever keep us a captive nation.

Slavery and domination are relative, and to be a truly free people we need to allow the concept of unity and peace inherent in the spirit of Christmas to prevail over our prejudices and myopia so that we can break all frontiers in our development dimensions.

SOCIAL ISSUES SMORGASBORD

AS Guyanese attempt to recover from devastation of the flood and to grapple with preparations for the upcoming festive season, we hope that everyone would be each other’s keeper and do whatever it takes in the event of observing any signs of suicidal mindset.

Please do not dismiss any such signs and please do not say it’s not your business because we all have the responsibility to save lives and we should do for others what we would want them to do for us.

It has been noted that suicidal behaviour escalates during festive seasons and so The Caribbean Voice appeals to all and sundry to be on the alert as you go about your daily routines. Also, please do remember that regardless of the problem, and no matter how things seem bleak, suicide is not the answer.

In this respect we must emphasise that no one should take for granted any behaviour that is remotely different from the usual or the regular. And please do not make assumptions about or dismiss such behaviour. Instead, if it’s not what it should or could be, take action and get

help. Let your actions be proven wrong but the life of a loved one remains safe than to do nothing based on assumptions and then become a ‘suicide survivor’.

We urge all to please also pay attention to families that have already suffered at least one suicide as copycatting, also called the ‘Whether Effect’ or suicide contagion, is very much a significant issue.

Meanwhile, The Caribbean Voice strongly supports the suggestion that the recent 73 social work graduates from the University of Guyana, be placed in schools. This would also be in keeping with our proposal to the Hon. Minister of Education, which she endorsed at a meeting TCV held with Minister Priya Manickchand.

Thirdly, The Caribbean Voice continues to be puzzled by the continuing proliferation of talk shops held by the Ministry of Health, in relation to mental health. Surely, by now everyone knows exactly what needs to be done? Thus, rather than talk the mental health strategy (programme) to death, should the ministry not spearhead the actual formalising of the programme

and its ASAP implementation, in collaboration with all possible stakeholders? This can begin with the draft, apparently now completed, being made available to the public, including stakeholders, for discussion and input.

Fourthly, it is imperative that the Ministry of Agriculture act to restrict the easy access to agri-poisons. Perhaps the Sri Lankan model can be analysed to consider its applicability, as is or in some modified form, to Guyana. This is what is done in villages in Sri Lanka: 1. Sale, of highly toxic pesticides, is restricted and this has indeed led to a reduction in suicides.

2. Individual lockable boxes for storing pesticides have been introduced in farming households. Essentially this is a safe storage area in the village, a building, where farmers have individual boxes to store their pesticides. Access to the building is controlled by a village elder, and farmers can get their pesticides between 7am to 7pm.

3. A lot of awareness training about pesticides and suicide has been done and is continual. In fact, selected individuals

have been identified for villagers to turn to or report any problems or concerns.

Meanwhile, we call on all Mashramani participants, especially parades, floats and artistes, to find ways of incorporating social issues into their presentations. The Caribbean Voice and its strategic partners stand willing to provide slogans, if necessary. At the same time, with election campaigning seemingly in the air, we appeal to all political parties to include social issues on their campaign platforms and to be proactive in both stipulating their policies as well as in providing information about what can be done and urging people to become involved in addressing these issues.

Also, The Caribbean Voice is proposing a pre-Mash nation-wide, anti-violence candlelight vigil, the evening before. The fact is that suicide, domestic and child abuse, incest and rape, alcoholism and drug addiction, teenage pregnancy and dysfunctional relationships are all acts of violence against self or others.

So the candle light vigil aims to focus See page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

THE THIRST FOR POWER THE outright rejection by the main political Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), of an invitation from President Donald Ramotar to dia-

Let it be known that it is those very citizens whom the APNU and the AFC have ignored, and disrespected, by refusing to have dialogue, that will pass final judgment on their stewardship.

Their final day of Reckoning soon cometh! logue on matters critical to the national wellbeing, should serve as the final proof to the nation, that the only thing that is paramount to that party, is the acquisi-

tion of power.

The junior parliamentary party, the Alliance For Change (AFC) is cast in that same mould as well, since it is the party which proposed a ‘No Confidence Motion’, would have commenced the train of events, that brought us to the current status quo.

Again, it is emphasised that in any situation where the national wellbeing is at stake, the only sensible recourse is to dialogue, underpinned with a consensual mind, for positively beneficial outcomes, where in the end – the nation wins.

But if, as has been the track record of the parliamentary Opposition in the currently prorogued Tenth Parliament, that egos and selfish ends are all that matters, then national progress becomes threatened.

All must be reminded that for genuinely patriotic outcomes, personal political ambitions cannot ever be a part of considerations towards effecting solutions to challenges

that will stymie national advancement. As far as both opposition parties, the APNU and the AFC, are concerned, such definitely proved a stumbling block, but of their own

All must be reminded that for genuinely patriotic outcomes, personal political ambitions cannot ever be a part of considerations towards effecting solutions to challenges that will stymie national advancement. make, towards finding consensus with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on matters vital to the national interest. If nothing else, their greedy grab of both the

Speaker’s and Deputy Speaker’s chairs, did pre-view an early warning of what these two national wreckers of a political party really meant because of their combined one seat majority – grabbing power at all costs.

By refusing dialogue, these two Opposition parties have clearly shown that the national interest does not form any part of their consideration as far as our beloved country is concerned. Also, they have torn up a blueprint which no doubt, had been requested by citizens, inclusive of their own constituents. This is definitely an anti-people position, contemptuous in every respect.

However, let it be known that it is those very citizens whom the APNU and the AFC have ignored, and disrespected, by refusing to have dialogue, that will pass final judgment on their stewardship.

Their final day of Reckoning soon cometh!

Dialogue is best way to SOCIAL resolve current conflict ISSUES ...

From page 6

on all these social pathologies and to embrace as many organisations and entities as possible, including government agencies and ministries; women’s, youth and sports organisations; religious and educational institutions including churches, mandirs and mosques; political parties, community based organisations and NGOs and all else. The idea is to have a candle light vigil in every community and every village and each vigil can select its own focus and include inter-faith prayers for peace and non-violence.

Thus, TCV appeals to all and sundry, to join this effort. In the upcoming weeks more information would be forthcoming. Meanwhile please feel free to contact us on Facebook at ‘The Suicide Epidemic’, via email at caribvoice@aol.com, NCarter2@ecommunity.com or bibiahamad1@hotmail.com or call Bibi Ahamad at 6216111 or 223-2637.

Finally, we regularly see posts stating ‘we have to do’ this, that or the other, but the posters are not generally among those who ‘do’. In effect it would seem that they don’t consider themselves as part of the solution. If this is the case with you we urge you to remember Mahatma Gandhi’s admonition to ‘be the change you want to see’. The other problematic is that far too few people and entities operate in the mental health arena in Guyana to impact individually, yet there is a great deal of reluctance to work collectively.

The Caribbean Voice implores a collective and collaborative approach as the best way to impact positive change. Please touch base with us or other entities and join forces to create the necessary impact.

THE CARIBBEAN VOICE

-differences need debate and nothing beats a conversation

THE Guyana Central Arya Samaj (GCAS) calls on the political parties to work together in the best interests of our nascent nation to address the issues associated with the prorogation of Parliament and the ongoing political stalemate. The current political standstill is the concern of all regardless of political affiliation.

The entire nation is interested in the future of our homeland. People want to see a better Guyana and are willing to offer a helping hand to resolve the political impasse that has been serving as an impediment to development.

The sooner the political conflict is resolved, the better it is for the nation. It is our organisation’s fervent desire that the political parties and their supporters pursue a peaceful path that leads to reconciliation and that would further the goal of development and prosperity of our nation. The current parliamentary impasse that led to the prorogation of Parliament in order to prevent an early death of the assembly, affects development and also put people on the edge especially when there is idle conversation about ethnic issues.

There is need for peace and harmony instead of threats of violence and race talk, with such bantering negativity impacting on development.

The country cannot make progress under such condition and every effort must be made to quickly end the prorogation as well as to find a long term solution that afflicts the nation so as to make everyone happy. The GCAS makes itself available to play a constructive role in ending the impasse that characterised our body politics. Dialogue is the best way to resolve the current conflict. Differences need debate. Nothing beats a conversation.

What harm is there in a conversation that seeks to

narrow differences. Talking with one another can help to resolve conflict or at a minimum to help better understand each other’s position and compromise. Our religious organisation urges the parties to put aside their differences and enter into meaningful negotiations to find a workable solution to the political problem at hand. The parties must resolve their differences in a spirit of compromise utilising godly measures of peace and goodwill that reflect the message behind the holiday season. The parties must compromise. Democracy is about respecting and incorporating the views of the majority as well as the minority.

The parties must recognise that they are the representatives of the people chosen democratically by the population. They must act maturely and not like little wayward children, and they must be willing to compromise to find a way forward to the current impasse. Instead of fighting each other, their energy should be spent on meeting the needs of the people and concentrating on development strategies. The GCAS would have preferred the reconvening of Parliament to address the issues at hand. That not being possible, the GCAS welcomes the announcement by the President to dissolve the Parliament early in the new year and hold elections that will hopefully resolve the standstill that has plagued Parliament for the last three years. We call on the President to announce a date for election at the earliest. We call for a peaceful campaign.

VISHNU BANDHU GCAS President

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

Cuba’s contribution ...

From page 3

the vast experience of Cuba in its sugar industry’s development and innovations. He thus explained that Guyana was willing to benefit from Cuba’s expertise in the development of the local sugar industry.

The close of the two-day meeting yesterday saw Caricom signing the ‘Declaration of Havana’ which reaffirmed the region’s commitment to several issues facing regional member states.

The declaration recalled the previous ‘Declarations of Havana (2002), Bridgetown (2005), Santiago de Cuba (2008) and Port-of-Spain (2011)’, and recognised their significant contribution towards the strengthening of the relations between regional nations.

It stressed awareness of the importance of working together for the sustainable development of regional countries, “that allows us to build more inclusive societies and to address our vulnerabilities as small developing States, in particular Small Island Developing States, especially in the environmental and economic spheres.”

The declaration reiterated the need to pool efforts in order to improve the productivity, infrastructure, air and sea connectivity of the member countries, as well as to broaden economic and trade relations through the implementation of the revised Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement between CARICOM and Cuba. It recalled the importance of the consolidation of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) as “a mechanism of political coordination and promotion of the unity and integration of our region, as well as the significance of its direct efforts in the eradication of poverty, hunger and inequality within and amongst its member states.

The 2014 Declaration of Havana called for an immediate end to the economic, commercial and financial embar-

go imposed by the United States Government against Cuba and, especially, to its extra-territorial nature and the financial persecution of Cuban transactions, whose severity increases daily. The declaration called for the removal of Cuba from the List of States Sponsoring Terrorism, “prepared and published unilaterally by the U.S. State Department”.

It also called for a change in how middle-income countries in the Caribbean region, having achieved significant advances in fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals, are viewed by international financial agencies and donor countries.

The Caribbean region still faces enormous challenges in their path to development, including those derived from the nature of being small islands and those related with climate change.

In this context, a call was reiterated to adopt indicators that suitably reflect the realities of middle-income countries and, in particular, the specific problems of the Caribbean States, “considering that the current criteria referring to average incomes, especially the criteria of per capita income indicators, do not reflect the multi-dimensional effects of poverty, inequality and vulnerability.”

The historic agreement also signalled support for the strengthening of SouthSouth cooperation, implementation of the revised Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement, updating of Cuban economic model, its Foreign Investment Law and the Special Mariel Development Economic Zone, recommitting to the Republic of Haiti’s socio-economic recovery, a Regional Strategic Agenda to address Disaster Risk Management The Sixth Caricom-Cuba Summit will take place on December 8, 2017, in Antigua and Barbuda and the Fifth Ministerial Meeting in Havana in June 2016. (GINA)

President Donald Ramotar among Caricom Leaders at the Fifth Caricom-Cuba summit in Havana

President Donald Ramotar with Caricom leaders and Caricom Secretary General, Irwin La Rocque

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

In spirit of festive season ...

Education Minister interfaces with Region 5 students EDUCATION Minister, Priya Manickchand, in her drive to reach out to the children of Guyana during the festive season, visited the Bath Primary, Cotton Tree Primary and Belladrum Primary schools within Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice), spreading the Christmas cheer.

On Thursday, December 4, the minister visited the Belladrun Primary, where the Ministry of Education hosted a Christmas Concert. Having enjoyed the students’ performances, the minister noted that there is a time for hard work and also a time for hard work to be rewarded. The Education Ministry also distributed little treat bags to the children.

Minister Manickchand noted that this is

the season for togetherness and sharing, and she said that as part of the MoE Christmas plan, students are being rewarded for their hard work and good performance during the year.

She emphasised: “You should not slack up on your studies. Enjoy the holidays, but remember that education is a major part of your lives.”

On Friday, December 5, she visited the Bath Primary; and on Monday, December 8, the Cotton Tree Primary. At each school, students presented their cultural items and the Education Ministry entertained the students with performances from actors attached to the Theatre Guild. (Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)

Education Minister Manickchand being ushered into the proceedings by students of the Belladrum Primary

Minister Manickchand is flocked by students of the Bath Primary

Guyanese busted with cocaine in Antigua facing charges GUYANESE Chandradav Laklan, 29, who ingested 2lbs of cocaine in pellets, was busted after he exited a Caribbean Airlines flight from Guyana at the V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua on December 5, 2014.

The man was taken to the Mount St. John Medical Centre, where an

X-ray showed 98 pellets, weighing a total of 2lbs, concealed in his body.

A report by the local Antigua Chronicle said Laklan was arraigned for possession of cocaine, possession with intention to supply, and being concerned in the importation and supplying of cocaine.

(Michel Outridge)

Minister Manickchand poses with students of the Cotton Tree Primary (Photos compliments of Education Ministry)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

GPSU takes new approach to wages, salaries impasse

By Derwayne Wills

NEARLY one week after the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) issued a 48- hour ultimatum to the Government to negotiate public servants’ wages and salaries or face “further action,” that union has sought support from key players in Guyana’s economy.

While the union has chosen to adopt a different approach from taking to the streets as was done in the late 90s, a more cautious GPSU has decided to engage the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), and possibly the Private Sector Commission (PSC)in dialogue.

GPSU’s First Vice–President, Mortimer Livan, in an invited comment yesterday said that his Union is currently in dialogue with their members and will be approaching both the GTUC and the PSC. He confirmed that a panel discussion was held which included himself; GTUC’s President Norris Witter and the GPSU’s Senior Industrial Relations Officer, Dennis English, but he did not specify the outcome of the discussion.

Representing close to 20,000 public servants, the GPSU during its heyday in the 90s had called a series of industrial actions against the Government; those moves to industrial action were widely supported by public servants then. It could be recalled that in 1999, the GPSU successfully organised a 57-day strike which ended with a move to arbitration that gave public servants pay increases of 31.6 percent in 1999 and 26.6 percent in 2000.

However, that union has lost some of its clout as more recent strikes were affected by poor turnouts that meant very little for the bargaining power of the negotiating body. When Government increased wages and salaries in 2013 without support from the GPSU, the union called for protest action. This was met with little support as reports indicate that some 50 or so persons marched through the streets of Georgetown.

Recently, the GPSU joined with staffers of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to stage industrial action against the management of the commission for wage increases. This prompted swift action for dialogue, which saw an agreement forged between the GGMC and the GPSU. Following the agreement, industrial action by the GPSU and GGMC workers still continued as the GPSU demanded across- the- board increases for GGMC staffers. The commission’s management agreed, following a second meeting with

After Government’s announcement of five and eight percent increases for public servants in 2014, GPSU’s President Patrick Yarde rejected the hikes, stating: “The arbitrary imposition of five to eight per cent is an insult, and is rejected by this union.”

While the GPSU has said that no negotiations were held for 2014 with the Public Service Ministry (PSM), Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon maintained, “negotiations have never ended,” adding that what has happened is an inability by both sides to reach an

in prior years, where the differences [between the PSM and GPSU] are considerable.”

In an effort to explain why there continues to be such contention between the Government and the GPSU, Dr. Luncheon said: “I think where the breakdown has been occurring over the years is that the negotiations have failed to produce a response, particularly one that enjoys the support of both sides.”

The union has appealed to President Donald Ramotar to act on his promises.

This position was expressed in a detailed letter to the President, dated December 1,

Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon

GPSU First Vice-President, Mortimer Livan

GPSU President, Patrick Yarde

the Board of Directors,to approve the payment of an interim 8% for all staff for the fiscal year 2014.

The union, however, advanced a different position that would lead to the resumption of duties, and this was not supported by the GGMC management or the Ministry of Labour, the latter being the third party in the November 2014 negotiations for the end to the two-day industrial action.

agreement.

Yarde then issued a 48- hour ultimatum for the Government to return to negotiations or be faced with “further action.”

That 48- hour period has expired.

“A successful negotiation is achieved when the outcome is embraced [and] is acceptable to both sides,” according to Luncheon. “The course of the negotiation in 2014 has been somewhat similar to the course

2014, wherein the union expressed “utter disbelief in the announcement.”

The 12-paragraph letter states at the 11th paragraph: “Unless you are prepared to honour your commitments and take action to reverse this travesty, you will leave us no choice but to stand in defence of our rights guaranteed under the Constitution of Guyana, as well as international treaties to which the Government of Guyana is obligated.”

Prosecution closes today in stepfather murder trial ––Defence to begin

THREE voir dires ( trials within trials) conducted by Justice Madame Dawn Gregory to determine admissibility of caution statements, ended with the judge finding that all three statements given to the police by the accused were voluntary.

As a consequence, the statements were admitted into evidence.

The accused facing trial for the murder of their step-father are Bibi Shamiza Khan, also called “Sham”; Hoosman Khan called “Strongman”; and Bibi Farida Khan called “Pum” have been indicted for the murder of Motilall Singh

on September 7, 2009.

In their caution statements which were read to the jury, the accused related that following a broken relationship between their mother and step-father overseas, the mother sent money to them with instructions that they should use that money to hire someone to kill their step-father Motilall Singh, who was at the time on a visit to Guyana.The statements gave accounts of places they had visited and the persons they contracted in their search for a killer.

State Lawyers Ms Natasha Backer and Ms Mercedes Thompson are prosecuting.

Senior Counsel, Mr. Bernard Dos

Santos, is defence counsel . The original trial had ended with a hung jury.

One of the witnesses who testified yesterday was Keith Boodram, a former policeman, driver/vendor and rum shop owner.

Boodram admitted that initially, the police had picked him up as a suspect in the crime.

But after he had given a statement which revealed that Bibi Farida Khan had asked him to carry out the killing of Singh for a certain sum of money, to which he replied: “Me nah in dat.” But the witness added: “Just as I was driving off, Farida threw a package of money in the bus. I counted it and it amounted

to US$700. I used the money on my business, but I did not take part in the killing.”

Boodram was made a witness for the prosecution.

In answer to Mr. Dos Santos under cross-examination, the witness said that he was not known as a killer and could not tell why the Khans should seek his help to kill their step-father.

Mr.Dos Santos submitted to the witness and others that the police had been involved in a conspiracy to get the accused to sign untrue statements in order to prove the case The trial continues.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

New bacchanal at City Hall ...

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Town Clerk, Treasurer reduce PRO’s salary ––Mayor, Councillors outraged

By Derwayne Wills WHAT started off as a seemingly uneventful statutory meeting of the Georgetown City Council, quickly turned into a state of affairs that could be termed “the new normal.” Pandemonium reigned when Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green hinted at what he called the “arbitrary cutting” of salaries and stipends by the City administration, headed by acting Town Clerk, Carol Sooba.

This revelation prompted Mayor Green, through the city’s councillors, to request a formal analysis, “so that we could demand a written explanation to what appears to be an improper administrative action.”

But Acting Town Clerk, Carol Sooba, who was fingered in the matter along with City Treasurer, Ron McAlmont, is adamant that her decision was one that could stand up to the scrutiny of the law.

Sooba is of the view that Royston King’s current matter before the courts was sufficient grounds for issuance of the order to make deductions to the embattled PRO’s salary.

“I understand that deductions were made at the behest of the Treasurer’s Department for the PRO. I’m wondering if we could have an explanation for that.

This is unprecedented,” Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green said as he de-

manded an explanation.

In a court document dated August 25, 2014 seen by this publication, it was noted: “Royston King on the 13th day of July 2012, at Georgetown, in the Georgetown Magisterial District, county of Demerara, in the state of Guyana, wrote a letter to the Beacon Foundation and signed same purporting that he was the town clerk acting, which position he did not hold at the said time.”

Mayor Green questioned whether the instruction from the town clerk’s office was in writing, but while McAlmont responded in the affirmative, he could not produce those letters.

This sparked some murmuring among the councillors, who were shocked by the discovery.

“Was there reasoning given in that letter from your recollection?” the mayor asked as the treasurer responded: “I cannot remember all the details, your Worship, but it also was a part of the officer’s personal file based upon the directive of the town clerk.”

Almost incitingly, Green asked for clarification on whether the treasurer “acted on the instruction of the acting town clerk to deduct monies, lawfully due, to Mr. Royston King the Public Relations Officer, is that what you’re saying to us?”

“As I said, that instruction came from the town clerk acting!” he said again.

Becoming the focus of the meeting,

McAlmont was grilled on whether he had offered any advice to the town clerk about the legality of the decision.

McAlmont explained: “A memo... was presented to the treasurer in the first instance and I had written the town clerk based upon that. It was just a memo and the documents that were required, the police report and all of that came via the file to institute that deduction.”

Green interrupted the treasurer with the question: “Did you seek to advise the person who gave you those instructions about the financial regulations or the possible impropriety of such action, or whether it was based on any regulation that you know...?”

“No, Your Worship, I did not,” he responded. “Based upon the memo that came first, I had written the town clerk indicating that deduction on a mere memo cannot be done to make any deductions as it relates to any staff or as it relates to this case, Mr. King, and as such those[sic] information were[sic]submitted for the discussion.”

The information which McAlmont spoke of were documents coming out of the police report and subsequent court order.

Mayor Green requested copies of the correspondence between the acting town clerk and the treasurer as well as the regulations which authorised the issuance of the instructions.

Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase- Green rose to emphatically declare: “There is no matter with Royston King, Public

Relations Officer against this Mayor and City Council. This council did not order anyone to take Mr. Royston King to court for forging any document, because he sat there and we appointed Mr. King to the office of town clerk.”

In 2012, following the administrative leave of former Town Clerk, Yonette Pluck, the Mayor & Councillors had appointed Royston King to act in the capacity of town clerk, a decision which did not stand up to scrutiny against the legislation governing officers’ appointments for the Georgetown municipality.

The mayor, during Chase-Green’s remarks, had urged the deputy mayor to stay within the confines of what the treasurer has presented since according to him, “Interdiction is an entirely different ballgame.”

In light of this, Councillor Ranwell Jordan stood up to move a motion to reinstate the payments of the embattled Public Relations Officer, Royston King.

This was met with full support of the other councillors.

With acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba given 24 hours to present a detailed report on the deduction from King’s salary, a motion to adjourn that day’s statutory meeting was moved also by Councillor Jordan with a condition that no other business of the Council be considered until the motion which he had proposed has been approved and acted on. This too was supported entirely by the Council.

Digicel launches over 20 attractive handsets ––to ‘make Christmas better’

DIGICEL Guyana on Sunday launched their Christmas handset offers, unveiling more than 20 attractive and affordable handsets starting from as low as $3,500, VAT inclusive.

Among the handsets launched were the new Samsung Note 4, the Samsung S5 and S5 Mini. These handsets are the newest releases from Samsung. Prices on some of these selected handsets are slashed by as much as 48%, giving customers the opportunity to get that great Smartphone they’ve been wanting all year in time for the holidays, a Digicel press release stated.

Also available in this promotion is the new DL900, Digicel’s very own Android handset. With this promotion customers will be excited to know that with every handset purchased, they will get the much needed POWERSEED portable battery charger absolutely free, according to the release.

With the continuing expansion of its network across Guyana, Digicel prides itself on delivering the best to their customers, ensuring that everyone can benefit from

access to internet, calls and SMS at affordable prices to enhance their everyday lives.

For customers on a tight budget who want the smart phone/android experience, Digicel has the Samsung Ace 4 Lite for the promotional price of $18,000 – the handset comes fully installed with the Android 4.4 Kitkat operating system.

Nalini Vieira, Head of Sales, said: “With prices starting as low as $3,500 and the latest addition to our own range of Android phones the DL750 and the new range of Samsung handsets, we are continuously delivering on our promise to offer value for money, and at the same time offering the best smartphones at the lowest prices in Guyana during this Christmas season.”

Customers are therefore urged to visit their nearest Digicel store to purchase a handset and get a free POWERSEED portable charger, while stocks last. Also included in the promotion is the Blackberry Passport, the Nokia N220 and range of Alcatel and Blu handsets.

On November 14th Digicel launched their ‘Gold Hunt’ Christmas promotion where customers top-

ping up $500 or more get the chance to be one of 2,000 weekly winners of free credit, or they can collect three gold bars to enter the grand prize draw to win $6,000,000 every three weeks, the release added.

Police destroy marijuana field

––in Canje Creek eradication exercise POLICE ranks conducting a drug eradication operation at Calabash Creek in the Canje River in East Berbice came upon a field, about one acre in size, with approximately 1,500 cannabis sativa (marijuana) plants, in height between one foot and four feet.

The plants were destroyed, but nobody was arrested.

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Jags Aviation launches Christmas package

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

––with tours to Kaieteur, Orinduik Falls

JAGS Aviation Airline on Saturday launched their newly implemented Christmas package which will last through December to January 31.

The Christmas package includes a tour to the majestic Kaieteur Falls, the wonderful Orinduik Falls and then a Christmas lunch at the BK International Quarries in Bartica.

In honour of the launching, media personnel were given a tour of the sites which are included in the package, but unfortunately due to the inclement weather, the tour was unable to take in the Quarries and instead ended at the Orinduik Falls.

Speaking yesterday during the tour, Director of Jags Aviation Airline, Briony Tiwari stated that the tourists will have a chance to travel on the airline’s newest aircraft which is the Cessna Grand Caravan 208B EX. The aircraft has a seating capacity of 13 seats and is very spacious and comfortable to ensure a comfortable flight during the tour.

She stated that before the official launch they recently had three trips to Kaieteur with the new aircraft and were given a positive response from the persons who participated in the tours.

DAGRON TOURS Tiwari noted that for the Christmas package, they have partnered with Dagron Tours to make this venture a possibility.

“The partnership between the two companies was set up because sometimes persons normally call for seats too, hence working with a tour operator (Dagron) will see the tour always having an adequate amount of passengers.”

OTHER VENTURES The Director of Jags also disclosed that apart from the Christmas package, they are working on developing a Ranch House for 2015, which will be located in Madhia.

The ranch house will be set up so that instead of going to Bartica after the tours to Kaieteur and Orinduik, or rather than going to the Quarries, tourists could go to the Ranch which is closer to both falls.

Tiwari added that they have been continuously striving towards contributing to the development of tourism in Guyana, and will continue to do so.

The Mighty Orinduik Falls (Photos by Sonell Nelson)

Man shot at friend’s home –PM set during ‘gunplay’ dies for today AFTER more than two weeks of being hospitalised in an unconscious condition in the High Dependency Unit (HDU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, the Kitty resident who was shot and injured at a friend’s home on November 21, 2014, has died.

Devon Howell, 21, of

Lot 87 Da Silva Street, Kitty, Georgetown, an electrician, succumbed without regaining consciousness at about 03:30 hrs on Monday morning, relatives said yesterday.

This publication was told that Howell usually frequents the home of his friends at D’Andrade Street and while there it was reported that

they were playing with a gun when it went off.

Based on reports, the group was taking turns to play around with the weapon when it accidentally went off discharging a round which struck Howell in the neck.

His mother, Allison Howell, said the bullet exited her son’s neck but caused major

An aerial view of the majestic Kaieteur Falls

Members of the media who were a part of Saturday’s tour with Director of Jags Aviation Airline, Briony Tiwari (seated centre) damage which left him in an unresponsive state.

A post-mortem is expected to be conducted today and relatives said Howell will be laid to rest next Tuesday since they are awaiting the arrival of overseas relatives.

Relatives yesterday told this publication that Howell was a premature baby and his single parent mother really tried with him and his sister and how he met his end is very difficult for them.

Howell’s grandmother added that his death is hurt-

Devon Howell (Inews photo) ing the family but at least they know he is in a better place since he was suffering

so much.

Since the shooting incident Howell never regained consciousness and has been in a ‘vegetative’ state ever since but relatives were still hopeful he would get better.

A l s t a i r Wo o l f o r d , a GDF soldier, reportedly told sleuths that he accidentally shot Howell.

The 20-year-old accused was remanded to prison by Magistrate Ann McLennan when he made his first court appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

GFS still probing cause of De Hoop rice bond blaze

SINCE the rice bond fire on December 4 at De Hoop, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, when the storage area with rice and paddy to be shipped overseas was destroyed, resulting in millions of dollars in losses, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has said that the probe is still ongoing to determine the cause of the blaze.

Divisional Commander, Compton Sparman told this publication that they are awaiting word from investigators before making a pronouncement.

Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle told this publication that the GFS responded to a fire call at about 02:25 hours from the police. The Mahaica Unit responded but by then the entire zinc bond, which housed cargo rice, paddy, pesticides and equipment, was engulfed.

He added that the zinc shed bond collapsed after it was gutted by the blaze and fire fighters concentrated on saving the two other buildings in the compound and they were backed up by Onverwagt Fire Station and GuySuCo unit.

Gentle related that they ably contained the inferno to that zinc shed bond despite mechanical problems encountered with their water pumps after it took in silt and rice/paddy dust from the nearby canal where they got water.

The Chief Fire Officer stated that the zinc shed bond is the property of Deonarine Sukhlall and noted that poor storage contributed to the fire since the area was overstocked.

Deonarine Sukhlall’s rice storage bond after the blaze

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

20 Agricola youths complete police-sponsored cookery class TWENTY youths from Agricola, East Bank Demerara, among them a lone male, graduated last Saturday from a twelveweek basic cookery class which was sponsored by Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud through his ‘A’ Division Commander Clifton Hicken.

At a simple “taste and eat” function, the graduates treated the management team of the Police ‘A’ Division and several persons from the community who had gath-

ered to share in the proud moment.

The event was held at the Agricola Industrial Arts Centre, the venue of the twelveweek course, where one of the cookery class tutors, Ziska Williams, expressed her gratitude on behalf of her students and the entire community of Agricola.

She used the opportunity also to request that the young people be given an opportunity to attend advance cookery classes to elevate their skills.

And the request was granted by Commander Hicken who encouraged the teacher to seek other children from the community who would want to join the elementary cookery class.

There are currently twenty-six persons who have expressed an interest in being part of the new classes which would commence in January, according to Williams.

GRADUATION SOCIAL Meanwhile, Commander Hicken announced that the

Senior officers of ‘A’ Division sample the delicacies prepared by the Agricola elementary cookery class.

Graduates with Commander Hicken and his management team last Saturday (Photos by Leroy Smith) Residents of the community are invited to sample the food on display police would like to show their appreciation of the dedication displayed by the graduating class and so today a social will be held in their honour when they will receive their certificates and stipends, compliments of the Guyana Police Force.

On Saturday those present at the event were treated to beverages, deserts, finger food, and other delicacies which were all prepared by the young people under the supervision of their two tutors, Ziska Williams and June Taylor.

Tutor, Ziska Williams (with microphone in hand) recalls working with the young people

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

Government Ministers urge nation to vote on merit –to beware of racist platforms

GUYANESE are being urged to be cautious of the racist platforms and screens that are being put forth during the run-up to general and regional elections, and to vote on merit, as racism would only serve to exacerbate the historical wounds that exist.

Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister, Mr Anil Nandlall, accompanied by his Cabinet colleague, Labour Minister, Dr. Nanda Gopaul on the National Communications Network’s ‘Political Scope’ programme Monday evening made these statements. The two officials examined the decision of President Donald Ramotar to announce general and regional elections early in 2015, following the prorogation of Parliament.

RACIST PLATFORMS The Attorney-General noted that when his Party pointed to the fact that the Alliance For Change (AFC) was aligning with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), it was they who were accused of racism. He pointed out however, that the decision not to have Khemraj Ramjattan and Moses Nagamootoo speak at the recent APNU rally at the Square of the Revolution was inherently racist.

Citing another example, he said, “They (the Opposition) go to the sugar workers and say the Government is giving Linden free electricity, but sugar workers are not going to be paid increases in salaries. When the sugar workers are paid increases in salaries now, they go back to the bauxite workers and say we are only paying sugar workers increased salaries; we are not paying you increased salaries. There is racism; it’s innate in this type of political strategy.”

He expressed the hope that persons are educated enough to see beyond these racist platforms and screens that are being erected by these political parties at this time. Guyanese politicians and leaders should be seeking to heal these problems and not worsen past wounds, he emphasised.

The Attorney General called on the leadership of all parties to have their supporters vote on merit, not on race. He reminded that “we (PPP/C) have a track record to defend. A track record that shows this country has moved from a state of bankruptcy to economic viability if not prosperity. Eight years of consecutive economic growth, a stable dollar, reducing interest, increasing salaries, and social benefits for people annually. That is our track record”.

REJECTION OF PEOPLE’S FRANCHISE The President’s decision to prorogue and the move towards elections, almost two years before constitutionally mandated, were on reflection a ‘déjà vu’ moment, Minister Nandlall reminded of what occurred in 1997. That year saw elections being called two years before they were due to be held. Notwithstanding this, the PPP/C was re-elected to office by a comfortable margin. This was described as a “rejection of the franchise of the people” as both occasions similarly resulted in the life of the Government being curtailed, in terms of its five-year term of office.

If the no-confidence motion that the AFC was pushing, with support from the APNU had succeeded, Dr. Gopaul said Government’s business would have halted, and Christmas would not have been the same. The AFC had intended to push through the no-confidence motion at the November 10 sitting, but the President issued the proclamation to prorogue the 10th Parliament.

“The tenseness, the type of mudslinging and the type of attacks which take place on innocent people…I believe that if the PNC or the APNU and the AFC were serious about all their talks about shared governance and national governance and inclusive governance, these actions would surely not give one the impression that they are serious”.

SHEER UNREASONABLENESS He added that a national government cannot be built on intimidation and threats and coercion, but only through dia-

logue, sensible proposals and true intelligence. He described the Parliament since the Opposition gained a one- seat majority as “sheer unreasonableness”.

It was noted that the prorogation, which forestalled the joint Opposition’s attempt to force a no-confidence motion against the Government, was aimed at allowing for dialogue between both sides of the National Assembly.

The idea of having dialogue however, was put into some context by Minister Nandlall, who said that despite both sides often calling for it, it was the Opposition which, when Government advanced the concept, often fell short. He noted that the Opposition would either refuse, citing a myriad of excuses such as key members being overseas or otherwise absent, or bring to the table unreasonable demands.

Asked about the Opposition’s call for, or its attempt to force early elections, particularly during the festive season which would have been dampened by political campaigning, Minister Nandlall said the Opposition cares less about the views of Guyanese since it has rejected transformational projects such as Amaila Falls Hydro project, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion and cuts to three consecutive national budgets.

“Having a political campaign in the middle of the Christmas season would have been the least of their concerns because they were gunning to move a no-confidence motion according to them within the first hour of the parliamentary sitting of November 10. That would have catapulted Parliament into dissolution and elections would have followed

soon, within three months, right now we would have been campaigning.”

Minister Gopaul added that the fulminations by the joint Opposition showed that they were “caught with their pants down” because they ought to have known the options available to the President, especially since there are lawyers in their midst.

POLITICAL GRANDSTANDING The Labour Minister said that recent statements emanating from the AFC leadership, which intimated that those found wanting and guilty of corruption would be “fried”, were political grandstanding since he was confident that no-one in the PPP/C was or could ever be found guilty of corruption.

“They can mouth all sort of things, but nothing can be established against this PPP administration, nothing has ever been established. Nothing has ever been established to point to the fact that there is one iota of corrupt practice by any member of the Cabinet, at any point in time during the 20-odd years of the PPP”.

The Integrity Act is there, the minister added and many of those in the Opposition are yet to comply. He also referenced the Audit Statement, from the Auditor General’s office, on Government expenditure that is scrutinised by the Parliament, and noted if any corruption was perceived then the Opposition would have been “jumping all over it’. There may be corruption at other levels of Government, he opined but stressed, “Corruption is not being practiced by the PPP/Civic administration”. The laws and process of natural justice oftentimes makes prosecution of those suspected of this practice difficult, he added.

Mention was also made of the impressive infrastructural developments across Guyana, in every sector, by Minister Nandlall.

For Minister Gopaul, he observed that it would be remiss to forget that Guyana had never graduated 250 doctors simultaneously, but such a feat was achieved in 2013, hence the human resource development capacity building, as he too enumeratAttorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall makes a point ed the signal achievement of while Minister of Labour Dr. Nanda Gopaul listens. The moderator is Head of the PPP/C Administration. the Government Information Agency (GINA), Neaz Subhan (GINA)

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PSC disappointed politicians refuse to dialogue - in interest of nation THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) said it is “disappointed in the lack of interest exuded by our politicians” in the Commission’s proposal to dialogue in the interest of the nation.

The PSC, however, acknowledged that the announcement on Saturday last by President Donald Ramotar that elections will be held early in 2015, even though he has not specified a poll date, has removed some degree of uncertainty regarding the Prorogation of Parliament.

The PSC was established in 1992 and is aimed at creating a greater union among businesses

and private sector organs.

Finding itself under the microscope for its neutral positions on the prorogation of parliament, the PSC has come under close scrutiny by elements that have deemed its neutrality as being supportive of President Ramotar’s decision to prorogue the 10th Parliament to extend its life.

Only recently, the PSC in a public statement, called for an end to the November 10 Prorogation of Parliament, as well as the end to a No-Confidence Motion which was presented by the Alliance For Change (AFC) to Clerk of the Na-

tional Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs.

The motion, which would have received full support from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), if passed would have seen the Government being forced to resign with a move to general elections three months from the date the motion was passed in the National Assembly.

“There is still room for the life of the 10th Parliament to be preserved once the prorogation comes to an end and the No-Confidence Motion is stayed to make room for a meaningful attempt to dia-

logue on the important issues that will persist even after elections are held,” according to PSC Chairman Ramesh Persaud.

With political gridlock existing between the Government and the Opposition, with the latter bluntly refusing to have dialogue, the commission in its statement said: “We are also disappointed in the lack of interest exuded by our politicians in our proposal to dialogue in the interest of the nation.”

The PSC’s statement further read: “The commitment by all political parties to prematurely end the life of the 10th Parliament by having early elections is not a positive move in achieving the inclusionary democracy envisioned in our Constitution.”

Proposals from the PSC were forwarded to President Donald Ramotar; the Alliance For Change Leader Khemraj Ramjattan; and the A Partnership for National Unity Leader, Brig. (Rt’d) David Granger.

The private sector umbrella body has cautioned political leaders that “elections are not the totality of democracy.” This they said as they urged leaders to engage each other “in a spirit of negotiation and compromise for the benefit of the people they serve.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

Police:No arrests yet in Mango Landing murder/robbery POLICE in ‘F’ Division have not yet been able to arrest anyone following the death of East Coast businessman Linden Mc Almont who was shot and killed during a gunpoint robbery at his Mango Landing grocery shop on Monday morning.

His wife Maureen Mc Almont was robbed of jewellery when three bandits raided the shop.

Speaking with this newspaper, investigators from the division confirmed that statements were taken from persons in connection with the incident but arrests are yet to be made.

According to reports, the police are looking for three men who invaded the couple’s shop in the wee hours of Monday morning and shot the father of three while demanding cash and jewellery from him. They were able to rob his wife Maureen of her earrings, wedding band and a bracelet.

Fifty-year-old Linden Mc Almont of 72 Robindra Street, Annandale, East Coast Demerara was found with a gunshot wound to the head in a sitting position in a room where he and his wife operated a shop. The discovery was made by the man’s wife after the bandits who were masked left the location.

And today Maureen and Linden Mc Almont would have celebrated their third wedding anniversary. The two have no children together but Linden is said to be a father of three.

On Monday the Guyana Chronicle was informed that Maureen Mc Almont had just returned from purchasing some items when one of her workers approached her at the vehicle and told her that

men, who were purportedly the ‘police’, had just gone with her husband into the shop. The woman reportedly questioned why her husband would be of any interest to the police but she remained in her vehicle.

However while sitting there one of the three bandits approached the car, kicked the door, shattering the window in the process and began demanding cash and gold from her. The bandits were specific in requesting that the woman hand over her wedding band and earrings.

They were also given a gold bracelet which the woman had.

Not being satisfied the man continued to request more gold and jewellery from the woman who told him that she recently returned to the area and business was slow.

She was then taken into the shop which they operated and directed to a storeroom where she was locked away.

By that time her employee had sprinted from the area to seek cover after he realised that the husband and wife were being robbed.

While being locked in the storeroom the woman heard several shots. After the bandits left the couple’s worker returned to the shop and freed the woman from the locked storeroom and she was told that her husband had fled from the bandits.

However after waiting a while and not seeing her husband return, the woman decided to reenter the shop and entered her bedroom where she found her husband dead in a sitting position with what appeared to be a bullet wound to his head.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out on the body before weekend.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

Desmond Trotman, CDC seeking injunction re: Atlantic Hotel Inc. D E S M O N D Tro t m a n a n d t h e Committee for the Defence of the Constitution (CDC) have filed a Constitutional Motion against the Attorney-General, National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited, Atlantic Hotel, Inc and Winston Brassington, in relation to the Atlantic Hotel Inc. According to the summons, all concerned parties are expected to attend the Chief Justice’s Chambers on December 17th at 10:30 hrs to hear an application by the plaintiffs for the following Order: An injunction restraining Atlantic Hotel Inc, the fourth defendant by itself; officers, directors, servants or agents or otherwise whomsoever, howsoever, from issuing and registering under the provisions of Section 233 (1) of the Companies Act

a debenture in favour of Republic Bank Limited, as advertised in the Guyana Chronicle of November 29, 2014, in respect of the following properties: Firstly, the sum of US$10,999,999 on the immovable property described as Tract Alpha ‘2’ in the schedule; secondly, the sum of US$15,999,999 on the immovable property described as Tract Alpha ‘3’ in the schedule; and thirdly, in the sum of US$2.00 on the immovable property described as tracts lettered ‘P’ and ‘R’ in the schedule.

The summons was taken out by Mr. Rex H. Mc Kay, SC; Mr. Neil Boston, Mr. Christopher Ram, Mrs. Betina Glasford and Mr. Brenden Glasford, Attorneys-at-Law for the plaintiffs. (George Barclay)

Stray Catchers very active in police ‘A,’ ‘B,’ ‘C,’ and ‘D’ Divisions THE Home Affairs Ministry (MoHA) has reported that a total of 198 animals were impounded in ‘A,’ ‘B,’ ‘C’ and ‘D’ Police Divisions during the month of November 2014.

The Georgetown Unit accounted for 38 animals,

Toshao at St. Monica/ Karawab Toshao resigns TOSHAO Kenrick Lewis of St. Monica /Karawab Amerindian community, some 65 miles up the Pomeroon River in Region 2, has resigned because of domestic problems.

Reports said the matter was raised at the statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council yesterday by APNU Councillor Mr Prince Shepherd, who said he learnt that the Toshao and several Councillors of the St. Monica/ Karawab Amerindian community had resigned. However Regional Chairman Mr Parmanand Persaud, in answering the Opposition Councillor, said it is true that the Toshao had resigned because of domestic problems.The Chairman assured members of the RDC that the resignation of the Toshao had nothing to do with the village council.

He also said that no Councillor had resigned.

comprising 16 cows and 22 goats.

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

A total of nine animals was impounded in ‘A’ Division; 161 in ‘B’ Division; 10 in ‘C’ Division; and 23 in ‘D’ Division.

Training sessions were

held for stray catchers in order to address the following issues: Conduct and Appearance on Duty, the Pounds Act, the Cattle Stealing Act, and the Roads Act. The MoHA has also advised cattle owners to ensure that their animals are branded, so as to facilitate their redemption after they had been impounded.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014 – 05:00hrs Thursday, December 11, 2014 – 08:30hrs Friday, December 12, 2014 – 09:00hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

MoHA clarifies work of Strategic Management Department

THE Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) notes the frequent questions related to the work of the Strategic Management Department (SMD) within the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and offers the following statement in the interest of clarity and to dispel certain misinformed positions taken by misguided sections of the media.

The reform process of the GPF was determined to be of major importance for the effective performance of the organisation, particularly in the area of its community relations. To this end, a Strategic Management Department (SMD) was established as the primary technical driver for the implementation of the Force’s five-year strategic plan.

It should not be forgotten that the GPF in its 175 years of existence has never undertaken a task of such complexity and magnitude.

Therefore, the mere formulation of a forward-looking document which addresses both operational efficiency and organisational cultural reforms is not only a step in the right direction, but is an indication of a commitment on the part of the MoHA, dedicated to bring the GPF in line with modern police forces globally.

The SMD has assessed and submitted proposals in pursuit of the objectives of the plan, and has been providing technical assistance in the development of action plans in this regard.

The MoHA has been in the forefront of this effort and appreciates the combined efforts of all the players actively involved in this initiative. Principal among the major interventions in that regard has been the recent commissioning of a management audit of the Strategic Management Department (SMD).

Arising from the findings of that review, seven recommendations were made which will assist in enhancing the work of the department. These recommendations have since been communicated to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for their implementation, which will be monitored by the ministry, the release added.

The MoHA is satisfied that some work has been done and others are ongoing with reform and modernisation as

the focal issues. Among the initiatives which are proposed in the short term are (i) a Multi Stakeholder Forum; and (ii) a Citizen Perception Survey. It is hoped that both of these mechanisms among others, will inform a better understanding of the perceptions, expectations and potential contributions that stakeholders can provide to the police in fulfilling their constitutional mandate in serving and protecting our people.

However, it should be noted that these interventions will be in vain and doomed to failure in the absence of ownership and the demonstrated commitment of the entire process on the part of the GPF. The MoHA recognises that any institution steeped in a certain operational mode will sometimes quite unwittingly display signs of resistance at influential levels.

In the case of the GPF, although reforms are in themselves desirable, care must be taken that our expectations of a quick fix do not take root in unrealistic ways.

Results will not come overnight. At the same time, citizens and the MoHA quite rightly expect that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will take all reasonable steps to address the contentious issues of serious crime rates; road traffic safety; police misconduct; domestic violence; and others which impact negatively on the society.

The MoHA will continue to support all efforts at reforming the GPF for the benefit of all Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

Sterling Products shooting...

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Police take three into custody POLICE were last evening questioning three men whom they picked up after five gunmen stormed Sterling Products Limited at Providence, East Bank Demerara, Monday evening.

The arrests were made early yesterday morning, after the police conducted searches at the home of the three men; a Toyota 212 motorcar was also impounded by the police as part of the investigation.

The police had received information that the men might have been involved in the armed attack at the Providence business when a security guard was shot dead and a quality assurance chemist suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.

Immediately after the incident on Monday night, police went to an East Bank Demerara community after they received information that a car load with the five men had gone in that direction but the initial cordon and search operation failed to net anyone.

The police up to yesterday were again reviewing blurred video footage from the crime scene as they seek to put the pieces together. Police sources said that based on the footage, they were able to ascertain the number of persons

who had entered the business premises and that they all came in one vehicle.

Another news report had incorrectly reported that ten men had stormed the business place, but a senior police source has since refuted this.

On Monday evening security guard Wilfred Steve Stewart, a 40-year-old father of two, from Graham’s Hall, East Coast Demerara, was shot and killed after the gunmen entered the premises. From all indications, the gunmen first turned their attention to the security guard who was carrying a firearm.

After shooting him, the bandits attempted to make their way into the building to the Accounts Department but were unable to break into the money safe as the alarm went off.

They then hurriedly left the premises but not before taking away the firearm from the guard who was already dead and they fled farther up the East Bank Demerara.

Meanwhile, senior managers of Sterling Products Limited yesterday paid a visit to the home of the murdered security guard, where they spoke with his widow and children. They also visited the injured chemist, Mario Gohill, 31.

The scene at Sterling Products Limited on Monday evening following the shooting

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

One Laptop P

A telling s with imm This Linden resident receives her laptop from Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill

T

HE One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) Project breathes of far-sightedness, success and initiative; every Guyanese should sing a paean for this venture.

At the end of 2014, the statistics will show that approximately 50 per cent of the entire OLPF Project quota will have been completed.

This project proves an old adage to be quite true and relevant: “Dreams are today’s answers to tomorrow’s questions” and these words ratify the thinking of Edgar Cayce (considered the father of Holistic Medicine). The quote also encapsulates this ingenious

programme, laughed at initially by jealous doubters, but now the great debunker of critics and the ‘wonder-additive’ to a better life for so many Guyanese.

The genesis of the One Laptop Per Family Programme goes back to January 21, 2011, when it was launched at the Guyana International Conference Centre. The objective was and still is about providing ‘at-home’ Information and Communications Technology (ICT) opportunities for an estimated 90,000 Guyanese families.

The programme was launched by then President Bharrat Jagdeo, who envisaged at the time, the

These Mora Point residents head home with their laptops

‘enhancing of lives’ for the beneficiaries of these laptops, but with a stirring, people-oriented caveat.

PURPOSE & SCOPE “The people who are collecting these laptops are not getting them free…you don’t have to pay for them, but it requires commitment in terms of time and effort and community work and with a promise to help others…This is a national project. It is a project that helps you to help others,” President Jagdeo said at the project’s launch.

As for its scope, this project’s overall intention is to aid in Guyana’s goal of ensuring that all of its 180,000 households have computers.

This means that the project’s 90,000 computers are really aimed at benefitting some 50 per cent of selected households, bereft of any.

So the project did not start, nor is it being advanced, in a sporadic, hap-hazard manner, leaving to chance those who really need the laptops. The qualified households fall into various categories, and thus, those whose present amenities already include laptops will not be surfeited. The ‘idea-inherent’ is about bringing parity to Guyana as a nation, giving its people an equally comfortable playing field, and catering for its few minority groups, namely the hinterland citizens and the impaired.

An important point to this Jagdeo mindset is that laptops form part of routine and mundane living. The immediate past erstwhile president felt that, “… regardless of the educational background and income level of families, all children must have comparable levels of performance…” and so the necessity of these gadgets; they are not novelties and toys (any more), but form the base for almost everything in life.

Take the case of the connection between classrooms and homes - it should be noted that the plan is that Government and GT&T collaborate, so that families with the laptops can access the internet, and this brings in the aspect of school, since the internet is the great

avenue for important and necessary information.

When entire families receive a single item, that item becomes a hub for mutual fellowship. The project then embodies this ‘unifying’ concept. It adds a great human and cohesive element to each laptop; giving it an immeasurable value.

At the subliminal and higher levels, it seeks to unite families, bridge any existing gap between school and home, and inform about the inter-relatedness of various sectors in Guyana; no wonder, at it’s launch, the overriding motif was that of the OLPF Project’s being one that was most ‘national.’

SCORCHING REBUFF If people take for granted this project and skeptics still scoff at it, the word of irrefutable rebuke comes from two groups of people - the mostly Amerindians from Guyana’s interior, and the few from the disadvantageous coterie of the infirmed. For too long, Amerindians and the handicapped people have been objectified, making them feel as some distant ‘other’. That is no more!

Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), already earning millions, is not just about forest management and global concerns. These are important issues and maybe meant for the esoteric.

The LCDS incorporates the element of the solar panel, largesse from Government to the Hinterland communities.

This panel allows for electricity in the family, and this is where ICT takes off, for a people, whom many still consider archaic, and the Opposition still fails to

cater for (as was reflected in the cutting of the Amerindian development Fund (ADF) from Budget 2014).

Government, through this OLPF initiative, also takes into account another fringe group, for years never quite prioritised. In a great show of deference (and maybe compensation for years of neglect), the OLPF Secretariat recently distributed a second set of laptops to the Guyana Society for the Blind (GSB).

No ordinary doing too, as these laptops are tailor-made for the group; the unit possesses the requisite computer software, that is, Job Access with Speech (JAWS) that allows for visually impaired users, to read the screen of the laptop, using either a text-to-speech output, or a refreshable Braille display.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

Per Family Project…

success story mense good Two Amerindian women with their laptops

These OLPF recipients going through some training

Keyboards and headphones were also given to the recipients.

CULMINATION The logical boast from President Ramotar is that Guyana is likely to achieve the status of ‘Developed Country’ in his life time. Is he far-fetched?

The answer is a resounding ‘no’. The reason is that upon culmination of the project, a number of things will fall into place - LCDS’ benefits; Electrification of Hinterland communities; and high level of efficiency in Guyana’s telecommunications sector.

This third aspect is tipping for explosion. The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph’s (GT&T’s) Suriname Guyana Submarine Cable System (SG-SCS) is bringing the prospects of a

new generation of opportunities in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector; and Digicel Guyana has already begun taking steps to improve the delivery of service to Guyanese customers.

This makes Guyana, with its eight successive years of economic growth, a major world force. Already, investments are multiplying both locally and internationally, tourism is a budding and expanding sector, and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport is racing towards global expectations.

These mean that Guyana must be on par where ICT is concerned. So far so good-the near end of the OLPF Project will tie up all the ongoing and loose ends, making Guyana an enviable country

and one to be celebrated.

(A GINA Feature)

Members of the Blind Institute with laptops given to them by the One Laptop Per Family

This mother and her child from Parika after receiving the laptop

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

Angoy’s Avenue homes to be electrified very soon

By Jeune Vankeric

AS it transforms itself from a farming area to the largest soon-to-be- regularised squatting community locally , Mount Sinai, commonly referred to as Angoy’s Avenue, is now electrified.

However, power is yet to be accessed in homes.

The power supply, via lines on utility poles

was switched on yesterday, even as 102 residents seek the intervention of the Regional Chairman David Armogan to furnish them with letters to be taken to the local office of the Guyana Power and Light, where the utility company will commence processing their applications for power in their homes.

Armogan said that while he is pleased with the development in the community, he is optimistic that with the electrification of the community, there will be a complete elimination

of electricity theft .

Mount Sinai is recorded as an area where there are high incidents of electricity theft through illegal connections.

On June 29, 2011, a two-year-old toddler, Jayo Lewis, came into contact with a live wire which was illegally connected to his home at MaI Mai Dam, Mount Sinai, commonly referred to as Angoy’s Avenue or ‘Cow Dam.’ The palms of his hands were burnt. Meanwhile, Arrmogan said, the process of having the eastern fringe of the New Amsterdam township regularised is continuing, with officials of the Ministry of Housing meeting with residents who are being briefed on the process, prior to having their land surveyed and purchased .

Chatting randomly with residents of this community, this reporter was informed that the initiative of regularising and electrifying the community was most welcome, as it was long overdue.

Ms. Louisa Wills remembered living in the community, dubbed ‘ Cow Dam,’ in which her child, 41, was born.

“It was leased cultivation lands,” she recalled.

However, land owners began exploiting their tenants by regularly increasing rentals , which resulted in the formation of the New Haven Co-op Society. Representatives of the group got an audience with the then People’s National Congress administration , who took away the lands, through compulsory acquisition. Subsequently, the society was asked to pay $190,000 in order to have ownership of the lands, but as the monies were being accumulated to be paid , the Government changed with the People’s Progressive Party returning to power.

Consequently, there was a large influx of persons into the area, resulting in the Society moving to the Courts where an injunction was filed against Central Housing and Planning in an effort to prevent outsiders from occupying lands designated for institutions and recreation park. However, after two hearings, matters were stalled and the society was deemed to be defunct.

But, earlier this year, following political consultation, APNU parliamentarian Joseph Harmon, representing the New Haven Society, had the injunction withdrawn, resulting in the commencement of the regularisation process.

Meanwhile, Community Officer Mr. Phillip Rose noted that the injunction being filed for over 19 years had prevented residents from legally accessing electricity and potable water.

It was through the intervention of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds that residents were afforded increased access to water.

Initially, persons had to dig holes to access water, and whenever it rained, the water became contaminated. Subsequently, pipe lines were installed to meet the growing demand of the expanding population.

In addition, accessibility to electricity was not forthcoming for those who were without the relevant documentation, as the utility company insisted that documents of ownership must be produced.

As a result of this decision, Guyana Power and Light lost millions of dollars through constant acts of electricity theft, and even a child ‘s life, was lost during the process. Compounded with the denial of electricity, students living in the community were often refused access to schools because of the muddy streets they had to traverse.

Consultations were held with then President Bharrat Jagdeo whose advice led to the formation of the Citizen Development Committee, and a subsequent release of $10M to assist in road development . Furthermore, support was had from the Guyana Sugar Corporation and the regional administration, under Mr. Kumkarran Ramdas, resulting in proper drainage.

Then the Municipal Council offered no support, as the area was un-regularised and the residents were not tax payers.

However, during 2013, following a meeting with Minister Infraan Ali, persons were informed that the injunction had been removed, paving the way for development.

Residents of Angoy’s Avenue are pleased with the new wind of development coming their way, and long for the moment when they can operate their electrical appliances without hurrying to disconnect on seeing the vehicle transporting GPL workers and ranks from the Guyana Police Force.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

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IAC condemns alleged police brutality, magistrate’s abuse of power

THE Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) has noted with grave concern the death of Mr. Asif Rahim following an alleged beating while in custody at the Leonora Police Station, West Coast Demerara. His shocking death has plunged his family into profound grief, leaving four children and a mother without a father and a breadwinner.

In a press release yesterday, the IAC said it would be difficult to fathom the tremendous challenges Mr. Rahim’s wife and his four children would now endure following his tragic demise.

In addition to the death of Mr. Rahim, the IAC is also concerned with the impropriety perpetrated against Ms. Seerojanie Singh allegedly by Magistrate Alex Moore during the hearing of a case at the Sparendaam Court. Ms. Singh made known publicly the indignity she allegedly suffered during that case hearing.

The IAC forthrightly condemns these acts allegedly perpetrated by those who are supposed to protect against such actions. It

therefore becomes worrisome when those tasked with such responsibility would allegedly indulge in such inhumane behaviour.

This can only lead to an intensification of the erosion of trust in some who are charged with the responsibility to protect and serve.

The IAC feels compelled to question whether these acts were deliberately intended to target Indians. While the IAC would shudder in disbelief if that were the case, these acts must not be allowed to go unnoticed.

The organisation therefore calls on the relevant authorities to leave no stone unturned in determining the truth. Moreso, the IAC urges swift and thorough investigations into these horrific incidents.

The IAC remains adamant that the right to due process by every citizen must be observed by those entrusted with such responsibility and calls on civil society to emphasise same.

The IAC would like to take this opportunity to express deepest condolences to the late Mr. Rahim’s family in this time of grief.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

Warner sparkles with 145 on emotional day for Australia … captain Clarke retires hurt on 60

By Ian Ransom ADELAIDE, Australia (Reuters) - David Warner paid moving tribute to Phillip Hughes in compiling a brilliant century, but Australia’s joy was tempered with another injury to captain Michael Clarke on an emotional opening day of the first Test against India yesterday.

Warner’s sparkling 145 from 163 balls had the hosts off to a flying start at a sundrenched Adelaide Oval, and though India captured a flurry of late wickets, Steven Smith added an unbeaten 72 after tea to push Australia to 354-6 at stumps.

A day that began solemnly with a slew of tributes to Hughes ended with grave concerns over the fitness of Clarke, who retired hurt on 60 with a lower back injury.

Having raced to be fit for the match after suffering a third hamstring strain in three months, Clarke’s

Steve Smith bats on the first day. new injury will raise questions over his management, and whether sentimentality trumped sense in his selection for the match.

Batsman Virat Kohli, who replaced the injured Mahendra Singh Dhoni as India captain, lost the all-im-

portant toss and watched his bowlers toil for the most part on an unhelpful wicket.

After Warner was caught in the deep when slogging debutant leg-spinner Karn Sharma, Smith and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh added another 87 runs before

the latter was caught behind off the bowling of paceman Varun Aaron.

Nightwatchman Nathan Lyon was bowled for three

by Mohammed Shami before wicketkeeper Brad Haddin was caught behind for a duck, bringing the day to a close.

Warner took to the Indian pacemen with gusto, clubbing a four off the first ball and crunching another 18 for the day.

The pugnacious 28-year-old was fielding when Hughes was struck down by a short ball in a domestic match and he paid tribute to his former team mate on several milestones.

“I was proud of the guys firstly just to be able to walk on to the ground today,” Warner told reporters.

“For me to knuckle down and score a 100 was fantastic.

“It’s one of those things that you have to keep soldiering.”

Ansa McAl Stag Beer Super 16 KO ...

From Back Page

process.”

Urling sees the investment from Ansa McAl as important, stating that an injection of corporate support is key to the development of the game in Guyana, and

the sustainability and longevity of the leagues/ clubs/players.

The GFF Normalisation Chairman also mentioned the Committee’s plan to put together once again; an elite National team (Golden Jaguars) as Guyana begins preparation for the FIFA

2018 World Cup. President of the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) Aubrey Hutson lauded Ansa McAl’s kindness in facilitating the process of inclusiveness of allowing everyone to be involved.

General Secretary of

the East Bank football Association (EBFA) Franklin Wilson said that the tournament pays dividends to the teams who over the last year were competing among themselves and would give them all a chance to match their skills against other teams.

Irving, LeBron wear ‘I Can’t ...

From Back Page before games on Sunday, including St Louis Rams guard Davin Joseph, Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush and Cleveland Browns cornerback Johnson Bademosi Entertainer Jay-Z, a former part-owner of the Nets who still attends some games, also gave some of the shirts to the team.

“D-Will brought it to the guys that wanted to wear it and support the cause, and the ones that wanted to wear it wore it,” Garnett said. “I think it is important.”

James said he and Irving did not discuss their plans to wear the jerseys beforehand. Irving went to warm up first, and at that point James was still saying it was only a “possibility” that he would be wearing it.

“We’re our own men, and we didn’t talk about it,” James said.

“When we saw each other wearing the shirts, we looked at each other and just gave the nod. It goes from there.”

The statement from the players came before a game that was attended by Britain’s Prince William and his wife, Kate, as well as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

“I respect Derrick Rose and all of our players for voicing their personal views on important issues but my preference would be for players to abide by our on-court attire rules,” Silver said.

Players are required to wear attire of Adidas, the league’s official apparel provider.

A recording of Garner’s arrest showed him gasping, “I can’t breathe” during the fatal encounter, and thousands have protested a grand jury decision not to indict the officer since the announcement last Wednesday.

Over 200 protesters gathered outside the Barclays Center on Monday night, chanting “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” and “I can’t breathe.”

Irving said his thoughts were with Garner’s family.

“What happened is a tragedy, I feel terrible about it, but my emotions are just more or less condolences for the family,” Irving said.

AUSTRALIA 1st innings C. Rogers c Dhawan b I. Sharma 9 D. Warner c I. Sharma b K. Sharma 145 S. Watson c Dhawan b Aaron 14 M. Clarke retired hurt 60 S. Smith not out 72 M. Marsh c Kohli b Aaron 41 N. Lyon b Shami 3

B. Haddin c Saha b Shami 0 Extras: (lb-4 nb-2 w-4) 10 Total: (for 6 wickets, 89.2 overs) 354 Fall of wickets: 1-50, 2-88, 3-258, 4-345, 5-352, 6-354.

Bowling: M. Shami 17.21-83-2 (w-1), 17-1-95-2 (nb-2, w-3), I. Sharma 20-4-56-1, K. Sharma 23-1-89-1, M. Vijay 123-27-0.

Australia remembers, then revels in resumption of game

By Ian Ransom

ADELAIDE, Australia (Reuters) - Chris Rogers’ straight bat to India paceman Mohammed Shami may not have scored a run from the first ball of the first Test yesterday but the reassuring crack of leather on willow raised a collective sigh of relief from the Adelaide Oval crowd.

The defensive stroke marked the resumption of cricket in Australia, two weeks after the game was brought to a jarring halt by a short ball that struck Phillip Hughes in the head, costing his life and rocking the sport to its core.

Hughes was farewelled last week in the funeral at his home-town in Macksville, New South Wales, but his loss was still raw in his adopted city of Adelaide.

A day of brilliant sunshine began solemnly with a slew of tributes before play. Both teams wore black armbands and the crowd applauded for 63 seconds in recognition of Hughes’ last score before he was felled during a Sheffield Shield match.

The day ended after taking spectators on an emotional roller-coaster, with David Warner’s stirring 145 tempered by grave concerns over the fitness of captain Michael Clarke.

Adored by the public for his leading role in consoling Hughes’ grief-stricken family and team mates, Clarke was given a standing ovation as he walked to the wicket.

In tandem with Warner, he had coasted to 60 before retiring hurt with a lower back injury, casting a renewed gloom over the stadium.

Uncertainty over Clarke’s chances of leading the team for the rest of the four-Test series and the one-day World Cup on home soil next year will inevitably linger.

RECORD CROWD But compared to the tumultuous days that followed Hughes’ head injury, the captain’s latest setback was merely depressingly familiar rather than shocking.

The largely empty eastern stadium was a reminder the match was hastily arranged after a schedule re-jig to allow time to mourn Hughes.

But 25 000, a record first day crowd against India at the ground, still came on a work day, some for only the first session to remember him and others without leave.

“It’s terribly sad. I saw Hughes play here only a few weeks ago,” said a middle-aged salesman named Craig, who declined to give his surname, fearing his boss might discover he had skipped work.

Younger fans sizzled sausages in the leafy car-park, sipping cold beers before the toss at 10:00hrs local time. The grounds outside the members’ stand were packed with picnickers.

The terraces stood as 28-year-old Warner, who was fielding for New South Wales when Hughes was struck, celebrated his 50 and 100 by raising his head and bat to the sky.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

Taylor concerned for Clarke’s future FORMER Test captain Mark Taylor says he’s concerned for the future of Michael Clarke after the Australia skipper injured his troublesome back at the Adelaide Oval.

Clarke grimaced when he swayed to avoid a bouncer from India quick Ishant Sharma during the second session of this first Commonwealth Bank Test, before retiring hurt with his score on 60.

Cricket Australia said Clarke was in “considerable pain” when he left the ground and confirmed that he has received injections in his lower back. His condition will be assessed by medical staff this morning.

It’s the latest in a long line of injuries for Clarke in 2014, most of which are related to

the chronic back complaint that he’s battled for most of his career.

Clarke had been racing to be fit for the now rescheduled first Test in Brisbane after he tweaked his left hamstring during the Carlton Mid ODI series against South Africa last month.

The tragic death of Phillip Hughes saw the summer schedule re-jigged, and Clarke subsequently proved his fitness on Monday, despite Cricket Australia’s earlier wish that the 33-yearold should have some match practice for taking on the Indians.

Taylor said it was hard to be critical of the decision to play Clarke, given he’d batted comfortably for 115 minutes

… says it’s hard to criticise decision to allow him to play

Michael Clarke sinks to his knees with back pain on the first day of the first Test at the Adelaide Oval. broken down with the same yesterday before the injury struck.

“He made 60 and obviously batted for quite a long time, so in a fitness test situation he wouldn’t have batted that long,” Taylor told cricket. com.au.

“So he obviously would have passed fitness tests and what have you.

“So whether he should have played or not, people will probably turn around and say ‘no’ because he’s obviously

injury.

“I think in this situation, no one’s had any cricket for two weeks so it’s been very hard for him to prove his fitness.

“He probably would have got through a grade game because he may not have batted as long and might have taken it easy.”

Clarke’s injury woes this year began in March, when he bravely posted a century against South Africa in Cape

Town despite suffering from what was later diagnosed as a fractured shoulder.

He tweaked his left hamstring in a training session prior to the ODI tri-series in Harare in August after the long flight from Australia via Johannesburg. His comeback lasted just one match and was forced to retire hurt against Zimbabwe after re-injuring the hamstring mid-innings.

That setback ruled him out of the ODI series against Pakistan in October and while he made it through the Test series in the UAE unscathed, albeit suffering in form from a lack of match practice, he injured the same hamstring against the Proteas on November 14.

That complaint had him in doubt for the first Test at the Gabba, which was due to start on December 4, and Cricket Australia had requested that the skipper prove his fitness in a tour match in Adelaide that preceded the Test.

Clarke had also raised the possibility of testing himself in Sydney grade cricket, but all concerns for his fitness were pushed into the background in the wake of Hughes’ passing.

But with the ICC Cricket World Cup starting in February ahead of the 2015 Ashes series in the UK, Taylor says the fact Clarke has broken down again in such an innocuous manner was a cause for concern.

“Absolutely, I think we’re all concerned,” Taylor said.

“It’s an injury that continues to flare up at the moment.

“It flared up in Zimbabwe and then in Perth and now again here a month later. So that’s a concern.

“I know Clarkey would be working like a Trojan to make sure it’s right. He’ll be doing all kinds of exercises and training to get that part of his body as fit and strong as he possibly can.

Four-team T20 Festival for Universal Anniversary Celebrations GCB continues outreach in Berbice

FOR the past eight years, the Vickram Seubarranmanaged Universal DVD Store and Universal Solutions has hosted a T20 Festival to coincide with its anniversary celebrations, doing so with the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) and the first division clubs in the Ancient County.

This year, Seubarran, who stewards the Port Mourant Cricket Club (PMCC), will, for the ninth anniversary celebrations, host a two-day T20 Festival on December 14 and 21, at the PMCC and Albion Community Centre grounds respectively, from 09:00hrs each day.

The four teams, who will all be branded with Universal outfits, have been named and they are Berbice Titans, Universal Solutions Tigers, Universal President’s XI and Universal Warriors and were drawn from all 10 first division clubs in the Ancient County.

Players such as discarded national middle order batsman Rajiv Ivan, the vast-improving Kandasammy Surujnarine, Raun Johnson, Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai and Eugene La Fleur will suit up for the Titans who will be led by Devendra Thakurdeen.

Lloydel Lewis will be at the helm of the Universal President’s XI and will have within his lineup, Arthley Bailey, Shiraz Ramcharran, Sherwin Murray and Krisendat Ramoo to call on for support, even as Anthony D’Andrade will turn to the likes of Seon Hetmyer, Devon Clements and Jason Sinclair, who are all part of the Universal Solutions Tigers unit.

The fourth team, Universal Warriors, can be considered the strongest one on paper, as it includes players of the calibre of skipper Royston Crandon, Dimitri Cameron, Balchand Baldeo and Yogindra Harrinarine.

But as we all know, it is not the name of the player that wins matches but whoever turns up to play with his ‘A’ game on the day, that helps the team triumph and with $200 000 at stake for the winners. Anything is possible when it comes to T20 cricket.

Admission is free to the venues both days and the runnersup will pocket $100 000, while the teams placing third and fourth will not walk away empty-handed, as Seubarran will be rewarding them with $50 000 each for their efforts.

Apart from the cricket, side attractions such as Granny Ivelaw and her dancing girls, musical entertainment, trampoline and bouncy castles will keep the spectators, who are expected to throng the venues, active, even as the players themselves entertain on the field.

... donates gear kit to Skeldon Estate Cricket Club

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) countrywide cricket outreach programme continues in Berbice as president of the Board, Drubahadur donated a complete cricket gear kit to Skeldon Estate Cricket Club on Sunday at the Port Mourant Cricket Club ground.

Drubahadur thanked Linden Murray, Community Development Officer at the Skeldon Estate, for accepting his invitation and coming out to receive the gear. He noted that Skeldon and the Upper Corentyne area continue to produce young talented players for Guyana, and it is only fair that the GCB assist the clubs to groom these players. He added that Berbice has many clubs and the GCB is trying to assist as many of them as possible.

The president stated that

GCB president Drubahadur (left) hands over the kit to Skeldon CDO Linden Murray, in the presence of BCB head coach Julian Moore. the members of the GCB are happy with the performance of the various national teams this year and they are committed towards working with cricket clubs across the country to discover and nurture new young talents along with those that are already in the system.

He reminded all present at

the ground, that members of the Board visit the County often to find out about the challenges and concerns of cricket clubs.

Drubahadur also thanked the Government of Guyana, Guysuco and the Port Mourant Cricket Club president Vickram Seebarran for the

Real set Spanish record for consecutive wins of 19

MADRID, Spain (Reuters) - Real Madrid set a Spanish record for consecutive victories in all competitions of 19 when they beat visiting Ludogorets 4-0 in Champions League Group B yesterday.

Real surpassed the previous record they jointly held with Barcelona, who

won 18 matches in a row between October 2005 and January 2006.

Real, the European champions, last failed to win when they were beaten 2-1 by city rivals Atletico Madrid, in a La Liga game in September.

Brazilian side Coritiba hold the overall record for

most consecutive wins in all competitions, according to Guinness World Records.

The South Americans won 24 straight games between February and May 2011 spread between the Paranaense state championship and the Brazilian Cup. Real’s 19 wins have come in La Liga (11), the

wonderful development that has taken place at the Port Mourant Cricket Club ground.

He asked Murray to make sure the players at Skeldon make full use of the gear and cherish them. He added that the GCB will continue to assist them with the hope that the club will continue to show interest in developing players.

Murray thanked the GCB president for recognising that the Skeldon Estate Cricket Club needed gear.

He assured Drubahadur that he would ensure that the cricketers make maximum use of the gear and care them. He added that he is looking forward to such assistance in the future which would go a long way in strengthening the programme of the club.

Champions League (six) and the King’s Cup (two).

Barca hold the record for the most La Liga wins in a row of 16 set under Pep Guardiola in the 2010-11 season.

La Liga leaders Real can make it 12 straight victories in Spain’s top flight when they play at Almeria on Friday before heading to the Club World Cup in Morocco.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

Rampaul not among World Cup probables FAST bowler Ravi Rampaul has been left out of West Indies’ 30-man provisional squad for the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Rampaul played two ODIs during the 2014-15 tour of India in October before the series was cancelled because of a dispute between the West Indies players, the WICB and WIPA. The squad includes six uncapped players: left-arm seamer Kenroy Peters, leg-spinner Imran Khan, off-spinner Ashley Nurse, 19-year-old fast bowler Marquino Mindley, left-hand opener Evin Lewis and all-rounder Jonathan Carter.

Squad: Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Sheldon Cottrell, Miguel Cummins, Narsingh Deonarine, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Imran Khan, Leon Johnson, Evin Lewis, Nikita Miller, Marquino Mindley, Sunil Narine, Ashley Nurse, Kenroy Peters, Veersammy Permaul, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Devon Smith, Jerome Taylor. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Windies play warm-up game against SA eleven starting today JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (CMC) - West Indies players are eagerly looking forward to the first outing on their two-month tour when they come up against the South Africa Invitational XI in a threeday warm-up match, starting today.

According to skipper Denesh Ramdin, the Windies will use all 15 players in the squad for the match which will be played at Willowmore Park in Benoni.

“We will try to use everyone in all departments,” said Ramdin in an interview with WICB Media after yesterday’s gym session.

“Our batters should try and bat as long as possible and if we have to bowl try to give all the bowlers a good run to see where we are as a team because it’s very important that we acclimatise in these conditions”.

The visitors were kept indoors yesterday due to rain and the captain is

Denesh Ramdin

hoping they can get a full match as they prepare for the upcoming three-match Test Series against South Africa.

“The couple days that we practised there was a lot of bounce, a lot of sideways movement. There was a lot of grass on the pitch. I think our batsmen coped quite well last couple days that we had and our bowlers bowled in

the right areas,” said Ramdin.

“Once we get play we should be able to go out there and execute some of our plans”.

Ramdin was a member of the West Indies team that scored their first Test series victory over South Africa seven years ago.

For West Indies to repeat the accomplishment,

Ramdin says, batsmen and bowlers need to step-up their game.

“It was a very wholehearted team effort and hopefully we can do that again in this series,” said the Windies skipper.

“It is very important our batsmen put runs on the board so our bowlers have something to bowl with and on the flipside of that, bowlers need to bowl well and fielders need to take catches”.

First ball is 10:30hrs daily (04:30hrs Eastern Caribbean Time, 03:30hrs Jamaica Time).

Squad: Denesh Ramdin (captain), Sulieman Benn, Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Braithwaite, Shiv Chanderpaul, Sheldon Cottrell, Assad Fudadin, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Leon Johnson, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Devon Smith, Jerome Taylor and Chadwick Walton.

TTCB wants answers after second straight Red Force defeat Ravi Rampaul

NOTABLE DATES

AT the ripe age of 41, and in the twilight of his career, former world-rated middleweight Wayne Harris tackled Canadian Matt O’Brien on December 10, 2005.

Harris had been fighting for 21 years as a professional and was 13 years O’Brien’s senior. The six-round fight was held at the Montreal Casino in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

On that cold night O’Brien won by a unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the fight 60-53. The lanky Harris, elder brother of former WBA junior welterweight champion Vivian Harris, had one more fight the following year before retiring from the ring.

Harris started his career on Boxing Day in 1984 with a fifth-round knockout of Rockford Abrams. He then won bouts against Cliff Jones, Maxie Sargeant, Simeon Thomas, Mortimer Cornell and Albert Brown respectively before running into a brick wall named Lennox Blackmore in June 1986.

A former Commonwealth lightweight champion Blackmore served up Harris his first defeat (TKO in 9th). In May 1993 Harris joined the small list of Guyanese to have fought for world titles when he lost to Reggie Johnson with the WBA crown at stake.

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) is demanding answers after The Red Force crashed to their second straight defeat of the WICB Professional Cricket League at Queen’s Park Oval on Monday.

Red Force suffered an innings and ten-run loss to leaders Guyana Jaguars despite a responsible half-century from Akeal Hosein in the fourth round of competition.

TTCB president Azim Bassarath says T&T’s losing trend cannot continue and that an executive meeting has been called to discuss the problem.

“I want to let you know that I and my executive are not happy with the performance of the team,” said Bassarath. “We have an executive meeting on Tuesday and I am hoping to discuss the matter.”

Starting the final day needing 294 to make the visitors bat again, T&T were

dismissed for 234, in the lead up to the scheduled tea time.

The left-handed Hosein carried the fight for the hosts with 64 while Nicholas Pooran made a dashing 47.

Bassarath says every member of the team is expected to attend the executive meeting being convened.

“We are going to meet with the management of the team and try and get every single player involved in that meeting, so we can find out

what is going wrong with our national senior team,” he said.

“We have never performed this badly for the past seven or eight years and I think that it is time that we take the bull by the horns and do what is necessary to ensure that we get the best out of our players.”

Jaguars remain at the top of the standings on 57 points while T&T, meanwhile, gained one point to be on 24 overall.

Saints tackle Charlestown today in Premiership Inter-School football THE quest for the $200 000 first prize in the Premiership Sports Promotion inaugural Georgetown Under-17 Schools football competition begins this afternoon, with two matches at the Ministry of Education ground.

A strong St George’s will tackle Dolphin Secondary starting at 13:00hrs in what is expected to be a red-hot affair. St George’s are known as the kings of the north and would be going all out to stop the invasion of the boys from the south.

The second match of the double-header is set to take the temperature higher when, St Stanislaus College collide with Charlestown Secondary at 15:00hrs.

Both teams are of equal strength hence an entertaining

match is promised.

Sixteen schools from the capital city have been invited to compete in the tournament that will be played on a knockout basis.

The schools participating are: St George’s, Charlestown, St Stanislaus, East Ruimveldt, Tutorial, Lodge, North Georgetown, Bishops’, Queen’s College, Tucville, North Ruimveldt Multilateral, St Mary’s, Christ Church, Queenstown and St John’s College.

The team placing second are guaranteed $150 000 while third- and fourth-placers are worth $100 000 and $75 000 respectively. The final is scheduled for Sunday, December 21. All matches would be played at the same venue.

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

Milerock and Uitvlugt emerge as new champions

By Joe Chapman MILEROCK Under-13 and Uitvlugt Under-16 teams triumphed when the Kayo’s Academy and Rickland ‘Tallo’ Hutson 4th Youth Challenge Football Fiesta was played at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground last Saturday.

Playing in the ten-team Under-13 category Milerock were triumphant after beating Uitvlugt in the final with the Most Valuable Player being Milerock’s George Stephens while coach Errol Dainty of Milerock was the Best Coach winner. Jonathan Copeland of Net Rockers was adjudged the Most Discipline Player.

Uitvlugt’s Malcolm Dainty was named the Highest Goals Scorer with four goals with female footballer from West De-

Under-16 champions Uitvlugt display their silverware. merara Queens’ Tiana Smith named the Most Outstanding Female player

and Botofago collected the prize for the Most Disciplined Team.

In the semifinals of the Under-13 ten-team tournament Uitvlugt beat Net

Rockers 1-0 and Milerock got past Kayo’s Academy.

The Under-16 category saw 12 teams compete for the top prize. The West Demerara side carted off top honours, with a 1-0 win in the final against Net Rockers.

The Most Valuable Player in the Under-16 tournament was Terrence Accra of Uitvlugt with another West Demerara player Keiron Duke who scored one of the goals against Net Rockers in the final and Jesse Marshall of Retrieve Lions were joint Highest Goalscorers with three goals.

Uitvlugt had beaten Silver Shattas in their semifinal while Lions got past Demerara Queens 2-0 in the other semifinal.

The Best Goalkeeper was Kevin Fraser also of Uitvlugt, who were also adjudged the Most

Disciplined Team.. Best Coach prize was taken by Joel McKinnon of Kayo’s Academy.

The winners in both categories won trophies and medals. The MVP of both competitions received bicycles and among the sponsors were Andrew Major of New Era Entertainment.

The female West Demerara Queens football team, who impressed during their performance in the tournament, will be rewarded with a trophy and medals compliments of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation.

There were three female teams in the Under-16 competition, the Little Divas of Georgetown, West Demerara Queens and a Linden side.

Amog the sponsors present were: Collin Aaron, Monette McKinnon and Aubrey Major (Jr)

Leewards Hurricanes to file complaint over loss

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) - Leeward Islands Hurricanes are protesting after losing to Jamaica Franchise by four wickets in the fourth round of the WICB Professional Cricket league (PCL) on Monday.

Coach Ridley Jacobs has complained that Hurricanes lost the match because the ball was changed on the third afternoon of the match.

Reports suggest that the ball was missing during the tea interval and another ball was unknowingly used in its place for the start of Sunday’s final session.

“There was a problem with the ball before tea yesterday (third day),” said Jacobs.

“The umpires misplaced the ball, came with a different ball and that changed the complexion of the game.”

The original ball was 16 overs old, while the replacement ball was said to have been used for 34 overs.

Jamaica, whose batsmen struggled against the original ball, entered the break at 42-3 before the older ball was employed for the post-tea session.

In that time, the Jamaicans recovered to close the day on 160-4, just 35 runs shy of the 195 needed for victory.

“At 42 for three heading into the tea interval, our guys were fully up to it and confident of restricting Jamaica to

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Wednesday December 10, 2014) 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 Monday’s quiz: 32.65 runs per innings 5 catches Today’s Quiz: How many runs Sir Gary Sobers scored in Tests?

Where and when Desmond Haynes made his ODI debut?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

under the 195. We had them 35 for five in the first innings, the same Jamaica batting, so we thought that we had a good score, which could have won the game,” said Jacobs, a former West Indies wicketkeeper.

“It so happened that the ball we were bowling with before tea was 16 overs old, and

the ball the umpires came out with after tea was 34 overs old.

That’s a big difference. The ball that we had first was doing a lot, and the ball they gave us did not do anything. That is the reason why we lost the game”.

The umpires were Trinidad and Tobago’s Danesh Ramdhanie, Jamaica’s Christopher Taylor,

with Jamaica’s Athol Hamilton performing third-umpire duties.

Jacobs says Leeward Island Volcanoes intend to lodge an official complaint to the WICB. “There will definitely be an official complaint, as that should not be happening in any cricket game,” he added.

Leeward Islands suffered their fourth defeat in a row and collected just three points from the match to remain rooted at the bottom of the standings on ten points.

Jamaica grabbed 16, to move to 50 points overall, on the heels of the Jaguars who lead with 57 points.

Preparations running smoothly for Rose Hall have not come on board.

Town Showdown boxing card He said despite this, his PREPARATIONS are well on stream for this weekend’s Mark Thom Promotions’ `Rose Hall Town Showdown’ three-fight boxing card on Saturday at the Rose Hall Community Centre, Berbice.

According to Thom, contracts have already been signed and the Berbice fighters are raring to go.

Thom told Chronicle Sport that the three Berbicians appearing on the card – Derick Richmond, Kishawn Simon and Richard Williamson - are all confident of winning their respective bouts against their more exposed Georgetown counterparts.

The feature bout brings together Williamson and Dilan Allicock in a 12-round contest for the vacant super bantam-

weight title of Guyana, while the main supporting bout will see Revlon Lake take on Simon in a eight-round junior welterweight contest.

For the opening bout Richmond will face Romeo Norville in a super middleweight contest over six rounds.

Richmond, who was born in Barbados but has been living in Berbice for most of his life, has so far fought six professional fights. He won three of those fights via knock-out, lost two with one being a knock-out and drew the other.

Richmond’s opponent (Norville) has four fights under his belt. He won one, lost two by the knock-out route and drew one.

Lake is the most experienced fighter on the card with 20 fights to his name.

He won six with four of the victories via knock-out, he

lost 12 of his bouts with eight of his losses being knockouts and he drew two.

His opponent, Simon won two of his four fights with one being a knock-out win. He lost the other two.

For the feature bout, Williamson, who has to date fought 38 rounds in nine fights, won four of his contests, two by knock-out and lost five. Two losses were by knock-outs.

Williamson’s opponent (Allicock) on the other hand fought as a professional twice.

He won one by knock-out and lost the other by knock-out.

Meanwhile, the card’s promoter, Thom, said he is very dissatisfied with the response he received from some of Guyana’s large companies who verbally gave their commitment to the sport but up to yesterday

card will go on as he received financial and other support from business places in Berbice.

He said to date he has already expended $1.3M to stage the card and even if he does not make that back from ticket sales, it will not deter him from staging another card in the Ancient County.

He explained that he is a Berbician by birth, migrated to the United States in 1983, but has been coming home on a regular basis.

Thom would like to thank Luxury Flats Apartments, Inicom, August Beverages, Jeansville Hide Out, Maximum Sport, Leisure Inn, Mohamed Construction and Castle Hotel for their support.

The weigh-in of the boxers will be done on Friday evening.

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 10, 2014

ROHAN AND RAMCHAND AUTO SPARES SOFTBALL

Regal blow away Wolf Warriors to take open title

FOLLOWING their heart rendering two-run loss in the final of the Guyana Softball Cup IV early last month, Regal XI rebounded to avenge that defeat by inflicting a humiliating 65-run loss on their nemesis Wolf Warriors, to bring the curtain down on the Rohan and Ramchand Auto Spares Open conpetition at the Demerara Cricket Club ground last Sunday night.

Batting first, Regal XI posted a challenging 215 for 7 off their allotted 20 overs, following a 100-run first-wicket partnership between Richard Latiff and Keon Joseph, with Latiff topscoring with 80 (8x6, 2x4), after posting his 50 from 24 deliveries.

Joseph was the perfect partner to Latiff, contributing 18 during their side’s first-wicket stand, while Safraz Esau 26 (1x4, 1x6) and Ricky Sargeant’s unbeaten 23 (2x6, 1x4), contributed to their team’s final total, after they lost some wickets midway their innings.

… Floodlight are Over-40 champs; Trophy Stall Angels take female title

The victorious Regal XI lineup took time out to display their winnings, after defeating Wolf Warriors in the final.

Amir Nizamudin captured 2-29 and Mark Harold 2-42 for Wolf Warriors who, in their turn at the wicket, were reduced to 11-2 before Amrit Rai and Safraz Karim added 67 for the third wicket

to steady the chase.

Karim was dismissed for 30 (3x4, 1x6) and his side lost a few more wickets, but Rai got a useful partner in Leon Leander and they tried to keep their team in the hunt with a

David Warner dedicates Test century to late Phillip Hughes DAVID Warner dedicated his ‘best’ Test hundred to late team-mate Phillip Hughes after racking up three figures for Australia on day one against India.

Warner posted 145 at The Adelaide Oval yesterday in The Baggy Greens’ first match since Hughes passed away after being struck on the neck by a bouncer from Sean Abbott in a Sheffield Shield game.

The right-hander raised his bat to the sky when reaching 50, 63 - the score Hughes was on when he received his fatal blow - and his ton.

Wa r n e r w a s p l a y i n g against Hughes when he was hit and also scored his maiden Test hundred, against New Zealand in Hobart in 2011, while in the same side as the fallen 25-year-old.

“Out of the 10 (Test centuries) that I’ve scored now, that was probably the best,” said Warner. “I owe that to him (Hughes). It’s been an emotional week for all of us and I know he’ll be proud of us.

“I knew the little man up there was with me at the other end and it all fell into place. I like to do a little bit of a celebration but that was definitely for him today.”

On paying tribute to

56-run fifth-wicket stand in the face of consistent bowling from the eventual winners.

When Rai holed out in the deep for 41 (3x6, 2x4), the scoring rate for his side was increased and they found it hard to get there, even though Leander remained unbeaten on 32 (2x4, 2x6) and Nizamu-

din contributed 20.

Pritvnauth Motilall and Latiff took two wickets each for 22 and 25 runs respectively, to restrict the opposition to 150 for 6 when their overs expired, handing Regal XI the win to avenge their Guyana Softball Cup IV loss.

In the Over-40 category, tournament favourites Floodlight overcame Mike’s Wellman by eight wickets in a lop-sided final, bowling out Wellman for 131 in 9.4 overs and replying with 132 for 2 in 15.3 overs.

Terrence Daniels topscored with 26, Hardat Heranadan 23 and Nigel Estriado 19 for Wellman, even as Imtiaz Mohamed snared 4-18, Richard Persaud 2-17 and Reaz Husein 2-23 for Floodlight who in their reply saw Ramesh Narine hit seven sixes and six fours in his 84, while Persaud contributed 37.

In the third-place playoff for the Over-40 category, Slingers beat Parika Defenders by 36 runs, posting 149 for 3 with Mohammed Rafeek topscoring with 64, to which Parika Defenders replied with 113-8 in 10 overs, led by 25

Cheerful Pele leaves hospital after health scare

By Tatiana Ramil

David Warner raises his bat to the sky in tribute to Hughes.

Hughes, including the 63-secHughes when he moved on ond applause before play comto 63, Warner said: “It was menced in Adelaide. something that was in the “Being there on the day back of my mind. It’s going that it happened, it was quite to be a special number for all tough,” he added. “The memoof us for many years to come ries are still stuck in my head.

“It was a bit emotional.

“I spoke a lot to Michael Michael (Clarke) said to me to Lloyd, our (sport psycholotake my time and I did. I had a gist), and the support of everybit of a tear in my eye there. For one on social media, the group however long my career goes, around us and my fiancée it’s going to be special for me.”

Candice, has been amazing.

Warner admitted he has “It was quite tough early found it extremely difficult on there, with the 63-secto deal with Hughes’ death, ond applause and getting having been fielding for New through that national anSouth Wales against South them. That was probably Australia when the incident what set me off. happened.

“Coming out and playing And the 28-year-old said the way I did, there was a he played with “instinct” lot of adrenaline there. It against India yesterday folwas all instinct, that’s how I lowing a series of tributes to play.” (Sky Sports)

from Hakim Mohamed.

In the female division, Trophy Stall Angels maintained their supremacy as the team to beat, when they thumped Mike’s Wellwoman, scoring 80 for 8 and reducing their opponents to 74 for 6.

Zola Telford and Latoya Smith had two scalps apiece for Angels.

At the presentation ceremony that followed, Ricardo Adams (Open), Wayne Jones (Over-40) and Latoya Smith (Female) were named the Most Valuable Players while Patrick Khan and Sadik Yusuf (Farm), Diaram Persaud and Narine Bailey of Wolf Warriors were rewarded for taking five-wicket hauls.

Adams (Wolf Warriors), Harrinarine Dilchand (Uprisers), Patrick Khan and Nizam Khan (Challengers) and Ejaz Mohamed (Uprisers) received prizes for scoring centuries in the Open division, even as John Samir (Floodlight), Danny Gangadin (Fishermen), Jones (Floodlight) and N. Chand (Industry) were the centurions rewarded from the Over40 category. (Calvin Roberts)

SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - A cheerful Pele left hospital yesterday after a month of treatment for kidney stones and a urinary tract infection, joking that he was fit again and preparing to play for Brazil in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The 74-year-old former Santos and Brazil striker spent several days in intensive care this month but said he was not afraid of dying thanks to his home town of Three Hearts.

“I got the chills but I’ve felt that before and I was not to know it was an infection,” he said of the moment a few weeks ago when he was taken to hospital. “I was worried. But I can’t say I was afraid of dying because I am a man of Three Hearts.

“Rest assured, I am already preparing for the Olympics,” he joked at a news conference shortly before leaving the hospital.

Pele “In the Olympics three over-age players are permitted and I am one of them.”

Doctors said Pele would have to spend a week to 10 days taking it easy and would undergo physiotherapy.

Pele had surgery on his hip last year and was walking gingerly as he left the hospital.

He now devotes most of his time to business ventures and underwent surgery to remove kidney stones on November 13, but was readmitted 10 days later with a urinary tract infection that required dialysis. At one point, he was

moved into a hospital wing used for more intensive care.

Pele only has one kidney having had the other removed in the 1970s when he played for New York Cosmos.

The three-time World Cup winner, who is widely regarded as the greatest ever football player, thanked his doctors and the fans who sent him good wishes.

“I would like to thank all those who sent messages, from China, Pakistan, almost every country in Europe, I didn’t know that they were all paying attention to my situation,” he told scores of reporters and a national TV audience.

“It is very gratifying.”

Pele won World Cup medals with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970 and 45 titles, including two world club championships, with Santos. He scored 1 091 of his 1 281 goals for Santos and last week, while in hospital, signed a life-long contract with the club.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Regal blow away Wolf Warriors to take open title See Story on Page 39

Ansa McAl Stag Beer Super 16 KO tournament launched

… Three associations to battle for $1.5M first prize in finals on January 1

By Rawle Toney THE East Coast, East Bank and Berbice Football Associations yesterday teamed up with distributing giant Ansa McAl to launch their Stag Beer Super 16 knock-out football tournament with kicks off this Sunday at the Number 5 Ground in West Berbice.

Cougars Football Club will lock cleats with Soesdyke Falcons and Mahaica Determinators and Golden Stars from the East Coast are set to compete in the t o u r n a m e n t ’s o p e n i n g matches in Berbice.

Six teams will represent the East Coast of Demerara, while East Bank and Berbice will send five teams each to the tournament.

Victoria Community Centre ground will host two days of matches in the tournament, the same for Number 5 Ground and Buxton Community Centre, while

EDFA General Secretary Franklin Wilson collects the tournament’s first place trophy from Ansa McAl’s Marketing Director Troy Cadogan while other stakeholders of the game look on. ever-long commitment to the Beer Champions League was be awarded to the winners; Grove will host one day’s sport of football in Guyana in the pipeline, using the top an upgrade of $500 000 action and the grand final and the fact that under its teams from the East Coast, from the proposed $1M and super concert billed Stag Beer brand, Ansa McAl East Bank, Georgetown and first place prize that was for Blairmont ground in has sponsored all the leagues West Demerara Football As- presented by the competing Berbice. played in Region 4 and on sociation Stag Beer League associations.

Marketing Director of the West Side. but “things didn’t work out Ansa McAl, Troy Cado“Second place $500 According to Cadogan, according to plan”. gan, said that the tourna000, third $300,000 and the idea of hosting a Stag Cadogan said $1.5M will fourth place $100,000 will ment shows his company’s

SBA president due today

PRESIDENT of the Suriname Boxing Association (SBA) Remie Burke will arrive in Guyana today for talks with members of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Burke is expected here this morning and will meet with a delegation from the GBA this evening.

He is scheduled to spend two days in Guyana which would facilitate discussion on a wide range of matters pertaining to boxing and cooperation between the two South American countries. In the last year Suriname has been pushing for closer ties with Guyana In one instance, the secretary of the SBA wrote seeking a team of boxers and referee/judges to participate in a tournament in the Dutch-speaking country in August.

However, Burke later contacted GBA president Steve Ninvalle explaining that there had been a split in his executive and he was unaware the tournament.

This forced the GBA to dispatch a letter to world governing body AIBA seeking clarification on the way forward. AIBA has since ruled that Guyana desist from participating in any programme with Suriname which did not have the blessings of Burke.

The SBA president will this evening meet with Ninvalle, national coach Wincell Thomas and GBA technical and tournament director Terrence Poole.

be the prize money given

by Ansa McAl. We (Ansa McAl) will also be giving a preparation fee of $50 000 to each of the 16 teams so they will have something in the ‘kitty’ before the tournament actually starts,” Cadogan pointed out.

Stag Beer Brand Manager John Maikoo saw yesterday’s tournament launch as “momentous” since it embodies all that the brand stands for and as such, stated how elated he was in playing a part in bringing joy to the participating teams and its players at this time of the year.

Chairman of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Normalisation Committee Clinton Urling said, “We (GFF Normalisation Committee) are happy that football is being played once again in Guyana and we are happy to facilitate the

See Page 35

Irving, LeBron wear ‘I Can’t Breathe’ shirts

By Brian Mahoney NEW YORK, NY - LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and multiple Brooklyn players wore “I Can’t Breathe” shirts while they warmed up for Monday night’s game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Nets.

Kevin Garnett and Deron Williams were among four Nets wearing the shirts in support of the family of Eric Garner, who died July 17 after a police officer placed him in a chokehold when he was being arrested for selling loose, untaxed cigarettes.

“It was a message to the family. That I’m sorry for their loss; sorry for his wife. That’s what it’s about,” James said after the Cavaliers’ 110-88 victory. “I think everybody else gets caught up in everything else besides who’s really feeling it, and that’s the family. That’s what it’s about.”

Chicago star Derrick Rose wore one before a game Saturday and James said Sunday he wanted one. He got it from Nets guard Jarrett Jack, who provided them to players on both teams. A few NFL players had the saying written on different items of gear and See Page 35 shirts during pregame warm-ups

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Taking a stand: LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers wears an “I Can’t Breathe” shirt during warm-ups before his game against the Brooklyn Nets.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014