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T&T investors poised for agricultural ventures here No. 104040 SATURDAY DECEMBER 13, 2014

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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Minister Leslie Ramsammy (right) and T&T Agriculture Minister Devant Maharaj addressing members of the media (Sonell Nelson)

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BARBADOS’ CURIOUS ‘POLITICAL SHOW’

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AFC begins coalition talks with APNU

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Investors from Trinidad and Tobago at the meeting

Decomposed male corpse found at Windsor Forest Page

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$1.6B in 'Because we care' $10,000 cash grant distributed

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Hydar Ally launches book 'Pragmatism or Opportunism?

Guyana’s Foreign policy Behaviour (1964-1985)' Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

Minister Dr Anthony, PS Alfred King, Tourism Ambassador Hugh Ross fete NOC inmates at special luncheon YOUTH, Sport and Culture Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, in an address to a large number of students and staff of the New Opportunity Corps at the special Minister’s Luncheon on Friday, called for persons to talk about the positive things the institution has been doing.

He said some people take the inconsequentialities and magnify them into major issues, completely ignoring and/or downplaying the great positive work being done by the staff and communities around the New Opportunity Corps (NOC).

The Minister said the NOC is a correctional institution for juveniles, and has had successes over the past years. He pointed to persons

who were discharged from that institution and are now leading better lives.

Giving one example, Minister Dr Anthony said he remembered once going to Linden for the opening of a new hospital, and a young lady came up to him after the programme ended and said, “Sir, don’t you remember me?” He said he had a little difficulty to place her, but she said, “I was at the NOC, and while at the institution I was allowed to go to school, and I wrote CXC examination and passed six subjects. Now I have a job and (am) doing well for myself.”

The minister said people need to talk positive things like that about the NOC. He said the students of

the institution who participated in the National Drama Festival this year also did excellently. He commended them for their brilliant performance, and he complimented everyone who worked to train them in drama.

The minister said that now that the institution has a little track record, he expects it to be in the competition next year, and he hopes it would continue to do well.

Minister Anthony said the NOC is also doing excellently in providing live music from steel pans. He said the institution is always providing rich steel pan music at all National events in the region

VISION Minister Anthony told the students of the NOC that they have many options to become what they want in life. He called on them to think carefully about what they want in life, to have an objective and to work hard to achieve it. He called on each student to have a vision for the next five years, and to work step by step towards achieving it.

The minister said his ministry would help students to achieve their goals because the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture is there to help anyone who wants to turn a new leaf and develop themselves, once they cooperate. He said the bright spark in every student can be developed.

The minister said the work the ministry does at the institution is to change lives, and that is happening with positive results. He said the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture is strong and can take criticism.

Region Two Chairman Mr Parmanand Persaud, in his address, said the regional administration is fully behind the good things that are happening at the NOC. He pledged that, within a week, the administration would send a bulldozer to grade down a semi-forest at the back of the NOC, so it can be developed into farming land that students could cultivate.

G u y a n a ’s w o r l d r e nowned body builder Mr Hugh Ross, who is now a Tourism Ambassador, told

students that they must not feel depressed or cast away being at the facility. He told them their future is what matters, and he called for them to use the opportunity at NOC to reflect on their lives. According to the Sportsman of the Year, there is nothing conceived that cannot be achieved.

On his arrival at the institution, Minister Anthony was given a welcome that included masquerade drumming and flouncing by some students, causing the atmosphere to come alive with the Christmas spirit. Minister Anthony and the Permanent Secretary Mr. Alfred King distributed lunch to the students. (Rajendra Prabhulall in Essequibo)

Judge issues Suspects being sought for warrant for shooting at Sterling Products Ltd arrest of carnal knowledge accused JUSTICE James Bovell Drakes has issued a bench warrant for alleged rapist Muntaz Yassim, who has repeatedly been absent from his trial at the Berbice Assizes.

At the first calling of the matter on December 1 last, the accused had pleaded not guilty to two indictments of rape allegedly committed on a girl when she was 11 years old and again when she was 12 years old. The cases had been adjourned to December 4 because of the unavailability of Defence Attorney Perry Gossai.

But on the new trial date, the accused was a ‘no show’, and as a result, the first bench arrest was issued, and the matter was adjourned to De-

cember 11.

Again, on December 11, Muntaz Yassin failed to attend his court hearing, resulting in the presiding judge issuing a second warrant for his arrest.

Particulars of the first count indictment Yassim faces allege that between January 1 and December 22, 2006, he had carnal knowledge of a girl aged eleven years. The second count alleges that between December 22, 2006 and November 20 2007, he had carnal knowledge of the same girl when she was 12 years old.

The accused, who lives at New Street, Cumberland, East Canje Berbice, has pleaded not guilty to the indictment.

THERE has yet been no clear word on who might be responsible for the shooting death of security guard Wilfred Steve Stewart and the injury of an Indian national during Monday’s attempted robbery at Sterling Products Limited at Providence, East Bank Demerara, but the police are actively pursuing investigations in this case.

Speaking with this newspaper yesterday, police sources confirmed that persons were arrested and questioned based on intelligence which the police had been able to gather from persons with respect to the crime. However, those persons have since been released, even as the po-

lice are looking to the public for assistance in identifying the masked men who stormed the business place with rifles.

The police had, earlier this week, arrested three persons and impounded a car which they believed was used to commit the deadly crime.

The gunmen had attempted, on Monday night, to enter a money safe inside the East Bank Demerara building, but were unable to open same, hence they fled the scene, stealing the service weapon of their victim whom they had shot and killed.

Eyewitnesses who spoke with this newspaper did indicate that immediately after barging into the compound on Monday night, the men

opened fire on the security hut in an attempt to maim, injure or kill Stewart, who is usually the person carrying the weapon during guard duties at the location.

At time of his death, Stewart was supposed to be on leave but was nevertheless asked to work, a request to which he agreed. Stewart, who had been working with the Security Service of the Beharry Group of Companies for the past fifteen years, has left two children and a wife to mourn his passing.

A post-mortem examination performed on Stewart’s body on Wednesday found that he had been killed by a single gunshot wound.

Dead: Security Guard Wilfred Stewart

Camp St prisoner remanded for narcotics possession CITY Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday remanded Camp Street prisoner Rudolph Nurse, 39, on a narcotics charge to which he initially pleaded guilty.

Particulars of the charge detail that on December 7, at Camp Street Prison, Georgetown, Nurse had in his possession eight and one-half grammes of cannabis-sativa

(marijuana).

However, based on the explanation he gave the court, a not-guilty plea was recorded on his behalf.

Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones told the court that, on the day in question, Prison Officer Kevon carried out a search on Nurse and found seven plastic parcels in his crotch. The said substance was weighed in his

presence and further investigations were carried out.

The unrepresented Nurse told the court that he has three children to support and has been serving a four-year jail term on a break-and-enter charge. He said that he has been working outdoor, and has never been caught smuggling anything or involved in any fight in the prison.

The police officer did not ask him any question, and the record book shows exactly what he said. He added that he goes to church often.

Nurse said, “My Worship, I work very hard and I never involve in any drugs”.

Nurse was, nevertheless, refused bail, and the matter was adjourned to January 8, 2015. (Geeta Rampersaud)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

T&T investors poised for agricultural ventures here

By Navendra Seoraj FURTHER to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2013 between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) concerning cooperation in the area of food security, the respective Ministers of Agriculture met on Thursday to discuss the approach to this venture.

Speaking at a press briefing yesterday to update the media and the general public on what the approach will be, were Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy and T&T’s Agriculture Minister, Devant Maharaj, along with other officials from the Trinidadian delegation to Guyana.

Dr Ramsammy noted that following the meeting on Thursday, a team of 15 potential Trinidadian investors engaged with local colleagues and technical staffers of the Ministry of Agriculture have been visiting some of the potential sites for farming, particularly the Intermediate Savannahs and the Canje Basin (Berbice).

Ramsammy noted that the potential site visits are expected to continue until some or all the potential investors develop proposals for possible investments and from then, deeper dialogue with relevant government agencies will come into play.

He stated that the group of investors is from a larger group of people from T&T

who are interested in possible investments in food production in Guyana.

He added:“The meeting was rewarding on Thursday because the investors learnt more about the potential in Guyana and the framework under which they will be hosted here in a partnership.”

Ramsammy added that the land the investors are seeking will be leased to them unless during their scoping exercise they develop other models.

He noted that right now the model mimics the Citrus Growers Association which is situated in Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibp); apart from that the Ministry will be open to any other proposals made by the

investors.

GUYANA’S BENEFITS “The Trinidadians are not expected to bring labourers, because that is an issue in Guyana; therefore there will be mechanised farming, making ample opportunities for technical professionals in Guyana,” Dr. Ramsammy said.

He noted that Guyanese will be given job opportunities for operating equipment and also in the management of the potential businesses.

Ramsammy noted that for example, most of the persons leading the Citrus Growers Association project in Guyana are Guyanese.

Apart from that, some of the potential investors have met with their local counter-

parts in order to hopefully form partnerships and in turn further enhance cooperation between the two countries.

Ramsammy disclosed that these potential Trinidadian investors are not expected to compete with local farmers and if this happens, measures will be put in place to stop this.

T&T’S OVERVIEW Maharaj noted that the meeting on Thursday saw a fruitful discussion with technocrats of the Agriculture Ministry, who were led

by Dr. Ramsammy.

He stated that the investors he brought were very impressed with what was presented yesterday, and it represents great potential for both countries.

Maharaj recalled that two years ago when the MOU was signed, they had identified six commodities which include, corn, fruits and soya beans among others.

“We are hoping to encourage farmers to actively cultivate in Guyana, because this is connected to our foodimport bill, which totals to T&T$4B yearly,” Maharaj said.

He added: “There are hopes that this initiative would be able to reduce our food- import bill and enhance our food security, while also addressing the matter of food inflation; as it begins to take root and germinate, it will address these matters in a direct and frontal approach.”

MARAD, MoHA, Coast Guard officials receive oil spill training

The Guyanese team (from left to right): Clive McDonald, La Verne Vyfhus, Geoffrey Babb, Akousa McPherson and Ronald McIntyre, with Facilitator Paul Lattanzi of the UNEP

A FIVE-MEMBER Guyanese team comprising Geoffrey Babb, Pilot/Inspector of Shipping (MARAD); La Verne Vyfhus, Administrative Officer,

Safety Division (MARAD); Akosua McPherson, Public Communications Officer (MARAD); Clive McDonald, Commander of Emergency Scenes (MoHA);

and Ronald McIntyre, Sub-Lieutenant, Guy-

ana Defence Force Coast Guard (GDF) recently participated in a sub-regional workshop on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC) in Paramaribo, Suriname.

The workshop was organised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the Maritime Authority of Suriname (MAS), the Regional Activity Centre/ Regional Marine Pollution Emergency, the Information and Training Centre (RAC-REMPEITC) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and was held during the period November 17-20, 2014.

Participants were also drawn from Belize and the host country, Suriname.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Michel Amafo, Direc-

tor of (MAS) highlighted his country’s status with respect to the ratification and implementation of the IMO Conventions. Mr. Paul Lattanzi, IMO Consultant and former Commander of the US Coast Guard, delved into the subject of developing a Cross Border Environmental Plan for Guyana and Suriname based on global standards. Other trainers dealt with topics such as the OPRC Convention, Oil Spill

Preparedness, Net Environmental Benefits, and the Readiness Evaluation Tools for Oil Spills (RETOS).

At the end of the workshop, participants were given certificates of participation.

This workshop has brought us further along in our quest of being prepared to deal effectively with an oil spill in Guyana’s waters, MARAD said. (Michel Outridge)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

Syrian rebel ‘hell cannons’ kill 300 civilians: monitoring group (REUTERS) - SYRIAN rebels using improvised mortar bombs made of cooking gas canisters killed 311 civilians between July and December this year, a monitoring group said on Friday, condemning the use of the wildly inaccurate weapons.

Two-thirds of the deaths, or 203 people, were in the northern city of Aleppo where the so-called “hell cannons” have been fired on government-held districts of Syria’s second city.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which tracks the violence using sources on both sides, said that 42 children and 25 women were among the dead in Aleppo. It said more than 700 people had also been wounded during that time.

Syria’s official news agency SANA said on Thursday that “terrorists” fired 11 of the improvised bombs in the southern city of Deraa, wounding several civilians.

The canisters are packed with explosives, fitted with a guide fin and fired by large cannons.

Syria’s war started with a pro-democracy movement that grew into an armed uprising and has inflamed regional confrontations. Some 200,000 people have died, the United Nations says.

Chemical weapons have been used, the international chemical weapon watchdog says, and the United Nations says that President Bashar al-Assad’s forces have dropped improvised and indiscriminate barrel bombs on Aleppo.

A locally made shell is launched by rebel fighters towards forces loyal to Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad at the frontline in al-Breij district of Aleppo December 10, 2014. Credit: Reuters/Sultan Kitaz

Pope declines Dalai Lama meeting in Rome (BBC News) POPE Francis will not meet the exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama because of the “deli-

jeopardise efforts to improve relations with China.

China describes the Dalai Lama as a separatist and reacts angrily when foreign dignitaries meet him.

The Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 after Chinese troops crushed an attempted uprising in Tibet.

He now advocates a “middle way” with China, seeking autonomy but not independence for Tibet. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

“Pope Francis obviously holds the Dalai Lama in very high regard but he will not be meeting any of the Nobel laureates,” a Vatican spokesman said. He added that the Pope would send a video message to the conference.

The Dalai Lama told Italian media that he had approached the Vatican regarding a meeting but had been told it could create inconveniences.

The Vatican and the Chinese government are at odds over control of the Catholic Church in China cate situation” with China, the Vatican says.

The Dalai Lama, who is visiting Rome, had requested a meeting.

A Vatican spokesman said that although the Pope held him “in very high regard,” the request had been declined “for obvious reasons.”

Correspondents say the Vatican does not want to

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The Dalai Lama won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

PM distances self from media gifts (TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday distanced herself from the now controversial distribution of vouchers to “special journalists” at her annual media Christmas function last week, saying it was done without her knowledge. She made the comment while in Tobago for yesterday’s Cabinet sitting and distribution of toys, saying she gave no instructions for cash vouchers to be distributed at the event, which was held at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s.

The issue became public earlier this week after a media report claimed the Government had sought to buy out journalists at the function by surreptitiously giving out the vouchers, worth $1,000 and redeemable at Massy Food Stores, to selected journalists.

The vouchers were reportedly handed out in envelopes to the journalists, some of whom later confessed to their colleagues when questioned about it. Some of the recipients have since provided photos of the vouchers to the media. The vouchers were accompanied by a pam-

phlet which conveyed compliments of the season and featured the PM’s photo and signature.

But asked about the gesture yesterday, Persad-Bissessar, while not flatly denying that the vouchers were given out, said if it did occur she was not aware of it since she did not authorise such an activity. “I gave no such instructions. If it was done, it was not on my instructions at all.

“Certainly, no monies came out of the Office of the Prime Minister for that purpose, nor from the Ministry of the People and Social Development,” she added.

Minister of Trade and Communication Vasant Bharath also claimed the report was false.

Media Association president Curtis Williams, who had earlier condemned the act although admitting he had no evidence it did occur, last night welcomed Persad-Bissessar’s statement that she did not give any such instructions. “My concern however is whether there is any credibility in the story,” he said. Williams said he did not expect any journalist who received the cash voucher “would come forward.”

Some of the vouchers which were distributed to certain members of the media during the Prime Minister’s media appreciation function last week

Nicaraguans protest against canal plans (BBC News) THOUSANDS of people have marched through the streets of Nicaragua’s capital, Managua, to protest against a canal project that will link the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The demonstrators said their land was being taken away to make room for the planned $50bn (£31bn) project.

The waterway will be 278km (172 miles) long and will be deeper and wider than the Panama Canal.

Work is due to start this month and be

completed in five years.

The protesters waved flags and chanted anti-government slogans. Most had come from villages along the planned canal route.

Government officials said in November that the canal would have a minimal impact on the environment and that it would create 50,000 jobs in one of Central America’s poorest countries.

But protests along the canal route have increased in recent weeks with thousands of people concerned that their property would be

Work on the first phase of the construction of the canal is due to start on December 22

appropriated without proper compensation.

The project is expected to include two ports, an airport, a resort and an economic zone for electricity and other companies.

There have been questions raised about

the finances underpinning the project and allegations that Wang Jing, the Chinese businessman behind the plan, lacks experience in developing and financing big infrastructural projects.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Keeping faith with the people IN 2010 the Board of Industrial Training celebrated its 100th year of existence at a ceremony held at the Umana Yana in Kingston.

Held under the theme ‘A Century of Empowering Youths with Technical and Vocational Skills for Life,’ the ceremony featured presentation of awards to long-serving masters and staff.

Among the companies to receive awards were Guyana National Industrial Corporation, the Guyana Sugar Corporation, Guyana Power and Light, and Transport and Harbours Department.

In excess of a century after its establishment the Board has come a long way in empowering youths, with partners like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) also coming on board to provide training to young people.

That anniversary was a milestone of life and history, according to former Chairman, the late Dr. Dale Bisnauth, who noted that the Board could not have reached such an achievement without the contributions of the persons who have served over the years.

The Board of Industrial Training (BIT)

was established in 1910 under the Industrial Training Act Chapter 39:04, Laws of Guyana. At the time of its promulgation, the Industrial Training Act was described thus: “An Act to provide for the promotion of Industrial Training.” As such, the focus of BIT was formal Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), as it relates to apprenticeship within the industrial sector.

These apprenticeship programmes have four-year duration, with provisions made for shortened two - year programmes in special cases where the applicant would have had previous technical training.

Training is offered in various engineering fields, such aspects as mechanical, electrical and building construction, with funding sometimes provided through collaboration with the private sector and other Non-Governmental Agencies.

They also aim to ensure that the nation is provided with an adequately trained workforce in both industrial and commercial sectors of the economy.

One such programme that is currently under execution through funding by the

Government of Guyana, and which receives the co-operation of the public and the private sectors is the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE), which commenced in September, 2005 and which has benefited over thousands of youths to date. They have been trained and certified at the semi-skilled level through this project.

NTPYE, a countrywide initiative, is the vision of former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and was launched as part of the Administration’s policy to reduce the level of unemployment and better the living standards of citizens. Youths from 15 to 25 years from the 10 administrative regions have benefited from training and have acquired jobs through the Ministry of Labour’s Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency.

BIT expanded its role in 2009 through training programmes for single parents, with the aim of providing marketable skills as a means of creating or increasing income generation. Hundreds of persons have been trained under the single parent programme in employable skills that

are in demand on the labour market and many graduates have received a grant to assist in the establishment of small businesses.

The parents were trained in Childcare, Care for the Elderly, Pharmacy Bond Clerk, Medical Records, Health Care, Cosmetology, Sewing, Catering, Office Procedures and Information Technology. They also received the necessary equipment to begin their trade.

The initiative is part of Government’s strategy to reduce the level of unemployment and improve the living standards of its population. Added to this is the Women of Worth (WOW) programme, which provided loans and training to unskilled women so that they could be empowered financially and in all the variables that could facilitate wealth-creational activities.

The Government is keeping faith with the people; and although Guyana is a long way from reaching its optimum potential, with much left to be done, this nation has come a long way from the days of the PNC’s (sic) Economic Recovery Programme.

Yesu Persaud once again promoting himself in the media YESU Persaud has once again used his fading public profile to promote himself in the media. Some have said that the ailments associated with old age may be creeping up on him and therefore he may not be conscious of what he is saying.

I have often wondered about the honourary doctorate he received from Warwick University. How and why he was chosen?

Notwithstanding the thoughtful intellectualism of Dr. David Dabydeen, who nominated Persaud, I have always believed that there is more to the awarding of the Honourary title to Persaud than what has been shared

with the public. It’s a well-known fact that money influences all sorts of decisions, including the decision to award an honourary degree. Presumably this must have been the case with Persaud and Warwick University.

I recall a letter in the media a few years ago which asked the following question: 1. Has DDL or Demerara Bank ever made donations or any form of financial contributions to Warwick University and if so, how much in total, and over what period?

2. Were shareholders ever consulted, or informed of these donations?

3. Have these donations been treated as a tax deductible expense in the accounts of those companies?

If donations of any sort were made then the award should have been given to the source of the funds: the company which donated the money or the shareholders of those companies as it is their money that contributed to the University.

Moreso, if donations were made from the companies (or more precisely from shareholder funds of these companies), why was the Yesu Persaud Centre not named after the respective companies? After all

it would help to promote Guyana on the international stage.

And if donations from either DDL or Demerara Bank were made to Warwick University, the obvious question is, why not donate the money at home to the University of Guyana?

Persaud has made many public presentations, and has contributed significantly towards his own self-promotion but it seems his patriotism and sense of accountability are lacking.

PAT HANUMAN

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

AFC’s rush into delusions of grandeur - afflicted by red carpet fever

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) finds laughable the AFC’s claim that it is “ready to lead a pro-democracy alliance of progressive forces against the PPP.” Who are these “progressive forces”? Are they the same forces that voted against the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project, the Specialty Hospital, the new and expanded Airport, the Marriott Hotel, and the Amerindian Development Fund? Are they the forces who opposed the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) project, and the ‘Because We Care’ cash supplement?

This is clearly a rush into delusions of grandeur by the AFC which, from all appearances, have obviously been afflicted by red carpet fever.

It will be interesting to see who will join in such an alliance with a Party that has already drawn up a ‘Hit List’ comprising PPP leaders, who have announced openly their commitment to “fry, fire and jail corrupt PPP Officials.”

Who knows what the results of the elections will be?

The AFC, as if lost in illusions, went on to brag that it will make “the elitist clan in the PPP face the music” with the threat that it will not “escape the fire.”

The AFC must know that fire can be a good servant but a bad master.

Moreover, the AFC’s statement to the effect that it would “destroy PPP strongholds” is symptomatic of the “scorched Earth” military philosophy which the AFC seems to have adopted from the PNC. Now they are consummated as ONE! In this connection, it is hardly likely that anyone else but the usual suspects will be rounded up to join in such an unholy alliance to “destroy” the PPP. It is perhaps a matter of coincidence that only a few days before the AFC made these public disclosures, Mr. David Granger publicly stated that should his Party come to power, he would “punish persons…who have been alleged to have committed illegal or criminal acts.”

What is obviously emerging from these ominous bleating is a well-orchestrated and coordinated but vengeful agenda led by the political Opposition.

The PPP has been attacked by the Opposition in general and the APNU in particular for exposing the macabre nature of this agenda, especially, targeting certain leaders of the PPP and Government Officials.

The PPP is of the view that this vengeful political agenda formulated by the

Opposition runs counter to Guyanese political traditions and political culture and smacks of the politics of the malcontented, practiced in other jurisdictions where the political culture differs fundamentally from what obtains here in Guyana.

Moreover, the expression of such political intentions is reminiscent of the McCarthyite period in the U.S. and domestically, of the Burnhamite era with which

Granger has been associated historically.

The PPP has noted with interest the initial comments by David Granger in connection with the AFC’s “Leadership” aspiration as being “premature” and “a bit presumptuous.”

On the question of Leadership of and within Alliances, the PPP has accumulated a wealth of experience as - prior to the 1992 elections in the context of the Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (PCD) Alliance, which included five (5) political parties namely the People’s Progressive Party, the Working People’s Alliance, the Democratic Labour Movement,the People’s Democratic Movement and the National Democratic Front.

In that Alliance, the question of Leadership never arose; it was for all intents and purposes a collective leadership with collective decision making and with collective action taken at all levels of the Alliance.

Former President Desmond Hoyte, on one occasion, when the PCD wrote requesting a meeting with him to discuss electoral reforms, sought to be divisive by requesting in his response that the PCD “name its Leader” before he could agree

to meeting with the Alliance.

Later, when some in the PCD sought to push for a “consensus candidate” to lead a joint slate with a view to possibly contesting the 1992 elections, the Parties in the PCD went into negotiation mode, not only amongst themselves, but with local and external stakeholders.

From the very outset, Moses Bhagwan representing the WPA argued that the PPP should not contemplate having the consensus candidate for while it may have received forty-six percent of the popular vote at the free and fair elections held in 1964, since then, its support would have dwindled.

Other arguments advanced by some stakeholders were that a Guyanese of East Indian extraction would not be acceptable to Afro-Guyanese particularly those in the Disciplined Services and that a communist would be unacceptable to the business community and the ABC countries. The long and short of the extended negotiations was that Dr Jagan was unacceptable as a consensus candidate.

Faced with this situation, at one of the meetings between the PCD and the local stakeholders, Dr Jagan announced that since he was found to be unacceptable, he was prepared to withdraw his nomination and proposed in his place Dr Roger Luncheon.

The response was astounding! Dr Jagan’s withdrawal was welcomed, but Luncheon’s nomination to be the consen-

sus candidate was rejected on the ground that “Luncheon is Black but Red…” Negotiations in the PCD were taking place on another Front; this had to do with a Joint Programmatic Platform.

As Convenor of the Committee formulating the Joint Programme, the PPP

proposed that the Joint Programme be made public. This was opposed by other parties in the PCD. The Programme never saw the light of day.

These two events contributed in no small way to the eventual demise of the PCD. Compounding the situation was the advent of the 1992 elections campaign when all the Parties went their respective ways and with the PPP going to the polls for the first time as the PPP/Civic alliance.

These are rich and valuable experiences the PPP gained during that historic period.

For Mr. Carl Greenidge to complain that “the PPP’s view is that they are dealing with political inferiors or elections’ losers rather than parte-parole”.

And further that the PPP has “a perverse approach to negotiations” is not only highly inaccurate but incorrect, dismissive and misleading.

Mr Greenidge must know that he is not the only one in Guyana who was “afforded considerable and extensive exposure at the highest levels in the arena of negotiations” whether in Europe or North America. The PPP/C Administration was active in five (5) theatres of external negotiations at the WTO, the FTAA, ACP-EU, Canada-Caricom and Brazil-CARICOM. Clement Rohee held Ministerial responsibility on behalf of CARICOM for negotiations at the WTO and with the EU on Sugar.

Mr Greenidge must take note of the PPP’s experience vis-à-vis the PCD. There are many lessons to be learnt especially as the major political party in the proposed alliance, which the AFC has already signalled its interest in leading thus denying the APNU the role which its supporters would expect them to play.

Rather than beating up on the PPP and labelling the Party as “lacking in negotiating skills” the APNU would be best served were it to learn from the PPP’s experiences within the PCD, our differences notwithstanding.

As for the AFC “bigging-up itself” to be the Leader of a grand APNU-AFC Alliance, this is nothing but an attempt to get out of the PNC-UF coalition-syndrome. As the old folks would say, the AFC is beginning to “smell its own perspiration.”

CLEMENT J. ROHEE General Secretary, PPP

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

$1.6B in 'Because we AFC begins coalition talks with APNU previous position that AFC as care' $10,000 cash –a contradicts single party is more of a threat to PPP/C grant distributed

By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally EDUCATION Minister Ms. Priya Manickchand has disclosed revealed that $1.6B have been distributed under the “Because we care” $10,000 cash grant and the programme has been deemed a complete success.

Speaking at a press briefing held at National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD) in Kingston Georgetown Ms. Manickchand gave a review on the ‘Because we care’ cash grant programme where she stressed that “the PPP/C (People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government have always said that whenever the economy does well we reinvest it into our people.”

The initiative was announced during the 2014 national budget presented by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, and up to 188,406 families of nursery, primary and secondary school children from public schools were expected to benefit.

Parents of children attending public schools started receiving the $10,000 cash grant from October this year. The Ministry of Education used various means to distribute

Education Minister Priya Manickchand during her press conference

the grants in the different regions, within the hinterland and riverine areas.

The minister noted that prior to the start of the programme the Ministry had been consulting with parents in various communities to garner suggestions and recommendations as to how the grants should be distributed.

She however, noted that almost 95% of the parents who were consulted with chose to have their vouchers encashed at Western Union. “More than 50 consultations were done country wide to determine whether persons wanted cash or a voucher similar to

the uniform voucher, 99% of persons preferred cash vouchers because of the wider options they would be able to exercise” she said. The programme, was launched on October 11, 2014 in Bartica.

As the Education Minister continued to give details on the culmination of the programme she noted that as of December 8, 135,969 cash grant vouchers were distributed where some 135,689 have been encashed. She alluded to the fact that some 280 vouchers that were collected were not encashed and this she said “was country wide.” She noted too that within the hinterland and riverine areas some 30,374 children received their grant in cash, since it would have been difficult to have them encashed in those communities. There are four more areas outstanding to receive their cash grants and the Education Minister noted that

by December 13 this exercise should be completed.

Manickchand emphasised that the programme was incredibly successful but it had its challenges which were easily overcome and in some of the other areas additional attention will be placed.

THE Alliance For Change (AFC) is constantly shifting position in relation to forming a coalition with the main opposition grouping, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), but the latter grouping has confirmed the commencement of talks with the AFC in regard to coalition, and has disclosed that it is now awaiting a proposal for the two parties to form a coalition to contest upcoming regional and general elections.

At a press conference held at the office of the Leader of the Opposition on Hadfield Street, Opposition Leader Brigadier (rtd) David Granger, confronted with a question regarding negotiations between AFC and APNU in regard to forming a coalition, responded: “Yes, we have [begun talks]”, and went on to disclose that his party has been in constant contact with the AFC, and they “will be meeting in a few days” to facilitate the presentation of a proposal from AFC to APNU in regard to the coalition between them. Discussions will also be facilitated through this forum, he said.

Prior to this disclosure, AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan had told the Guyana Chronicle in an invited comment: “We will be dealing

Opposition Leader David Granger

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

with it shortly; I don’t want to make any further comments,” referring to the coalition proposal.

Against this backdrop, though, the same AFC leader had told the Guyana Times earlier in the week, “It is nothing of the sort,” which was taken to mean that the two parties had not yet discussed the matter or sought to engage each other in discussions.

In another twist to the plot, Ramjattan, through a Facebook post in the group ‘Alliance For Change,’ had stressed that AFC, as a single party, poses more of a threat to the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) than if

they were to form a coalition.

Asked to comment on APNU’s strength as a single party, as compared to the strength of a coalition, Granger had disclosed at his November 21st Press Conference that he is of the belief that a coalition between the two Opposition parties stands a better chance of putting the ruling PPP/C party out of power.

The uncertainty in positions and the constant shifts in their declarations come at a time when President Donald Ramotar has announced that general elections are likely to be held in the first quarter of the upcoming year.

Demerara Bank launches Signature Credit Card

By Michel Outridge WHILE launching the Demerara Bank Limited Visa Credit Card for their 20th anniversary celebration on Wednesday night at the Pegasus, Jerrett Morgan, Investment Supervisor, said the Signature Credit Card is the first of its kind to be launched here and it is a high-end card with a concierge service and an exclusive website which caters for all the travelling and other needs of customers.

He added that the Classic Credit Card (CCC) is being offered in Guyana, so it’s not a new card on the local market, however, at Demerara Bank, better services on which the bank prides itself will be offered.

Morgan stated that the CCC is offered across the local market, while the Signature Credit Card (SCC) was launched on Wednesday; the latter offers newer services for affluent travellers, business people and others, who would like that unparalleled service.

He pointed out that the SCC is a local and international high-end card, which is new to Guyana. There is prestige that comes with it and the benefits are good for travellers, since it will assist them in recovering lost baggage, etc.; it will also be valuable for enabling access to money for emergencies, such as in the case of a lost wallet.

Morgan told reporters that if one wants to be pampered, then the Signature

Credit Card is ideal.

The investment supervisor explained that the SCC has more exclusive benefits with a website for customers; and it is mind-boggling for some, since it offers concierge services for overseas travel such as hotel bookings, medical emergencies and stranded customers.

The card caters for all those scenarios and more.

Morgan added that the SCC will impact the local economy, but needs more promotion and will see Guyana moving more to the use of plastic because it is safer.

He explained that credit cards are safer to walk with than cash and there are easy monthly payments, since it is a revolving facility at Demerara Bank.

Morgan said with the

credit card you can pay back; however, there is a minimum, you can pay whatever you spend on a monthly basis because you will incur charges and have to repay, but there is a grace period.

He noted that with the credit card there is no interest added to your account and he recommends the use of plastic and posited that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Morgan said credit cards can be utilised for making payments to employees and point of sale transactions and urged people to move away from having too much cash on their person.

Demerara Bank launched its most widely used payment card around the world, that is, the Visa Credit Signature card on Wednesday

night at Pegasus, Kingston, Georgetown.

The credit cards can be used at any merchant, bank or ATM, locally or internationally, wherever a visa logo is displayed.

The visa signature card is the first of its kind with its exclusive customer service, added protection and prestige to match one’s lifestyle.

Visa Classic The Visa Classic offers 24/7 support and covers Visa travel accident insurance, travel assistance whenever you use your credit card to travel abroad.

Demerara Bank Ltd Investment Officer, Jerrett Morgan during his Visa credit card presentation on Wednesday night at the Pegasus

Visa Signature The Visa Signature is a high-end credit card that offers higher protection for a distinct lifestyle.

With the Classic Credit Card its limit is $100,000 to $1M with the Signature Credit Card it is $2M and above.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

Hydar Ally launches book 'Pragmatism or Opportunism? Guyana’s Foreign policy Behaviour (1964-1985)'

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By Shivanie Sugrim H Y D A R A l l y, w h o i s active in local politics, last Wednesday evening launched his book: “Pragmatism or Opportunism?

Guyana’s Foreign Policy Behaviour (1964-1985),” which saw presentations from a number of distinguished Guyanese alongside His Excellency Donald Ramotar.

Among the attendees was the Russian Ambassador to Guyana His Excellency, Nikolay D. Smirnov, alongside a number of Government officials that praised Ally for his academic, yet profound and noble work.

The ceremony that was

Left: Hydar Ally sits alongside His Excellency Donald Ramotar; Minister of Home Affairs and General Secretary of the PPP Clement Rohee; Former Minister of Local Government Harripersaud Nokta; and Minister of Labour Nanda Gopaul at the launch of “Pragmatism or Opportunism? Guyana’s Foreign Policy Behaviour (1964-1985)” at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre on Wednesday evening

Hydar Ally’s recently launched book

held at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, saw spectacular praises from various ministers who delivered insightful remarks.

Former Minister of Local Government Mr. Harripersaud Nokta; Minister of Labour Dr. Nanda Gopaul; Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsarran alongside Minister of Home Affairs and General Secretary of the PPP Clement Rohee, all called for Ally to produce another collective history of Guyana’s foreign policy behaviour from 1985 to present.

Former Minister of Local Government, Nokta, underscored that Ally in his writing has given “much food for thought” and his perspective in the book provides insights to his own experiences as someone who has come from a working- class background.

Additionally, he further bemoaned that under the People’s National Congress

(PNC) dictatorship, Ally and his family had struggled and as such, joined Dr. Cheddi Jagan in the fight for democracy in Guyana.

M o r e o v e r, M i n i s t e r Gopaul elaborated on the importance of Guyana’s foreign policy knowledge.

“This piece of work can be considered truly academic,” stated Minister Gopaul. He further added that pragmatism or opportunism have been written and captured in Ally’s book with a vivid view to give readers an understanding of our foreign policy during a very sad period in Guyana’s history.

The minister emphasised that Ally should therefore cover Guyana’s foreign policy from 1985 to the present, when not only remarkable economic progress will be displayed, but also foreign policy based on principles adopted by the People’s Progressive Party administration.

“The cover of the book exemplifies of a Hydar’s thinking,” stated Minister Rohee in his remarks. He then lamented on Ally’s strive to always seek to strike an equilibrium or balance in his analysis of social political and economic development. He added that the book covers a complex time in our history and is quite reader friendly. Sharing similar sentiments with Minister Gopaul, Minister (Rohee) exemplified on Ally’s quest for covering Guyana’s foreign policy behaviour from 1985 to present.

On the contrary, President Ramotar took the initiative to trace Guyana’s foreign policy during Dr. Cheddi Jagan’s rule and his noble theories that are being sought today. Meanwhile, Ally captured four phases in his book from the period 1966 to 1971, 1966-1976, 1976-1980 and lastly the series of events

after 1980, particularly the economic woes of the country thereafter; he supported his arguments with several studies and research accumulated by other researchers and academics.

Hydar Ally is a regular columnist for the Mirror newspaper and has written numerous articles on a variety of subjects, some of which have been accumulated in a publication titled: “Insightful Views on Guyana” with a written preamble by former President of Guyana, Mrs. Janet Jagan. He is a trained school teacher and has taught at the Cummings Lodge Secondary School and also did part-time lecturing at the University of Guyana and the Cyril Potter College of Education. He is the holder of a Masters Degree in Political Science and a Graduate Diploma in Development Studies from the University of Guyana.

Logger drowns in Pomeroon River A 64-YEAR-OLD logger, James George, has drowned in the Pomeroon River.

According to reports, the logger was seen at

the busy Monday market at Charity consuming alcohol with friends. Reportedly, the logger did not return home Monday afternoon and relatives

who became worried reported the logger missing at Charity Police station.

Reports said as the police started a search for the missing logger,

residents of the St Monica community some 65 miles up the river found the bloated body of the logger floating in the river on Wednesday around

13:40 hrs.

Police rushed to the scene, collected the body and transported it to the Charity hospital mortuary.

A post-mortem is expected

to be performed on the body to determine the cause of death.

A police investigation is under way. (Rajendra Prabhulall in Essequibo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

Digicel Guyana fetes PRRC children in annual Christmas Party DIGICEL Guyana yesterday held its annual Christmas Party for children of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre at Carmichael Street, Georgetown, and dozens were feted with a sumptuous lunch, and given goodies and toys.

Santa Claus was present, as were Mrs. Claus and their elves, who distributed toys to the children during a lively programme in which songs and dances punctuated the

event.

Staffers of the telecommunications giant, including Head of Marketing, Jacqueline James; Public Relations Manager Vidya Bijlall-Sanichara, and Events and Sponsorship Manager Gavin Hope, were on hand to assist and ensure every child present received equal attention.

PRO Manager Vidya Bijlall-Sanichara yesterday told the media that, for more than

five years, Digicel has been engaged in spreading Christmas cheer at the location, to enrich and brighten the lives of children there.

Beverages and others goodies were given to the children yesterday as they meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and their famous elves.

On October 28, 2014, DIGICEL Guyana officially handed over the newly refurbished Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre (PRRC),

during a ceremony which was graced by the presence of Digicel executive PJ Mara, accompanied by senior managers of the cell phone giant.

In remarks, Head of Marketing, Jacqueline James, giving a background to the project undertaken by Digicel, said that, over the past three years, the company has developed a healthy relationship with PRRC, in which the company refurbished the entire dining area and equipped

it with furniture as well.

She added that as part of Digicel’s Christmas cheer, PRRC children were feted, and they will no doubt have a similar experience this year as the festive season approaches.

James explained that Head Rehabilitation Officer PRRC, Cynthia Massay, had approached Digicel Guyana for further assistance to refurbish the entire building, since the company supports

the welfare and education of children, including the differently-abled, ensuring that they have a safe and comfortable environment in which to learn.

She told the gathering that the company re-floored the physiotherapy room; repainted the entire building; refurbished the ramp; repaired the roof; fixed the windows, and refurbished the washroom facilities.

(Michel Outridge)

Santa and his helpers pose with Digicel Head of Marketing, Jacqueline James, as they presented toys to children of PRRC yesterday

PRRC inmates playing with their new toys, compliments of Digicel Guyana, during a Christmas party held yesterday

CJ grants 18 petitioners $6.350M bail pending completion of their cases

Workers of a private security firm appeal to Labour Ministry to intervene on their behalf

ACTING Chief Justice Mr. Ian Chang, SC, yesterday granted 18 petitioners bail in the sum of $6,350,000 pending determination of their cases.

Particulars are as follows: For possession of narotics for the purpose of trafficking, Wayne Mc Nebb was granted $125,000 bail; Brian Matthews was granted $650,000 bail; Marlon King, $900,000 bail; D o o d n a u t h B e h a r r y, $300,000 bail; Telly Mor-

gan, $380,000 bail, and Carl Lashley, $350,000 bail.

For assault causing actual bodily harm, Elvin Rashley was granted $400,000 bail, and C. Gonsalves was granted $100,000 bail.

For causing death by dangerous driving, Otis Jameson was granted $800,000 bail, and John Bookanlal was granted $100,000 bail.

For possession of firearm & ammunition, Lance Da Silva was granted $250,000 bail; Coddett

Gonsalves was granted $900,000 bail; and O. Dameson, $75,000 bail.

For robbery under arms, Keitzel Brazilio was granted $100,000 bail, and Ryan Jones was granted $300,000 bail.

For simple larceny, Brendar Charles was granted $400,000 bail.

For threatening language/assault, Andre Wilson was granted $20,000 bail.

And for threatening grevious bodily harm, Romona Persaud was granted $200,000 bail.

WORKERS of the private security company Home Safe Security in Region Six are experiencing an injustice in relation to their earnings.

The workers told the Berbice media that they do not have a representative body to address their concerns, and so opted to relate their issues in the press with the objective of having them addressed.

In addition, because they operate in an atmosphere of fear of being victimized should their identity be revealed, they endure the undeserved treatment from their employers and hope for the better.

The security company, which mainly serves governmental agencies, is yet to pay its workers for the month of November. The preceding month’s salary [October] was paid on November 17. Additionally, the company, with more than 100 employees

on its payroll, is yet to pay a week’s leave passage.

According to the affected guards, in a meeting held during the first week of December, they were told that although they would be expected to work during the entire month, they would receive payment for just 12 days. They are consequently appealing for assistance to receive their entire salary for November and December, along with an updated NIS payment.

Guards said they are deeply affected by their employer’s constant late payments, and they sometimes suffer electricity disconnection as a result.

One guard said: “In addition, I had to pay late fees for my child’s CXC examinations, because the money was paid late. Sometimes we have to borrow money to survive…we cannot continue to do so…we want our money, including our over-

time…. They don’t pay our overtime, time and a half, and double pay for Sundays and holidays. We have to work regularly and consistently over a period of seven weeks to receive payment for one month. As a result we have to face disconnection of electricity, repossession of hire purchase items, we are forced to credit foodstuff, and face many embarrassing moments because of this constant late payment.”

The workers are calling on the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to urgently intervene and stop this advantage being taken on them. They also ask that the Labour Ministry ensures that the workers are given a fair wage along with overtime, time and a half and double when due.

Further, they are asking that the company pays the workers on time -- on or before the end of each month.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

Comfort Sleep fetes children of National Rehab Centre

By Shirley Thomas

KIDS at the National Rehabilitation Centre (formerly Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre) on Wednesday had a fun time when Comfort Sleep hosted their annual Christmas party at the facility.

It was a time of great excitement, and merry laughter and cheers erupted as Santa Claus and his entourage – Barney, Dora and others made a surprise touch-down at the party and interacted with them freely.

Adding to their amusement, Barney opted to dance with a few of the kids and they delighted in this offer.

But what was strange was that, even though Santa has been around from time im-

memorial, the vast majority of kids are still scared and become withdrawn on coming face to face with him.

On the contrary, the looks of the contemporary cartoon characters such as Sponge Bob, Barney and Dora never seem to intimidate or drive them away. In fact, even the very young babies seemed quite comfortable in Barney’s arms.

At the party, the children were treated to lots of food and drink and Santa presented each of them with a toy.

Assisting in the distribution were donor, Mr. Dennis Charran and his wife, Mrs. Sabita Charran, Amanda Chung, Administrative Manager Deodat Narine, Customer Services Supervisor, and others.

Meanwhile, at the commencement of the party, rehabilitation officer of the Centre, Mrs. Cynthia Massay and donor, Mr. Dennis Charran both greeted the children and their parents who had come to share in the fun and extended best wishes to them for a merry Christmas.

Meanwhile, another party was held simultaneously in the compound. That party was for the children attending the Harold B. Dass Special School, and was organised by the school’s administration and sponsored by Ansa Mc Al, with gifts for the children donated by Republic Bank.

The newly refurbished school for children with disabilities has on record some 65 and a teaching staff of 10, including headmaster, Mr.

Santa and his colleagues touch down at the kids’ Xmas party

This cutie receives her gift from Santa as her mom looks on

Children of Harold B. Davis Special School having their share of fun at their party, also held on Wednesday

Anand Mangru. The teaching staff is complemented by ancillary staff comprising

two nurses; one cleaner and porters.

A second party was

scheduled to be held yesterday for the school, this time, sponsored by DIGICEL.

The party for children of the National Rehabilitation Centre (formerly Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre) sponsored by Comfort Sleep in progress on Wednesday

Sponsors Sabita and Dennis Charran, flanked by Amanda Chung; Santa Claus (right) and Mrs. Cynthia Massay and Deodat Narine

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

MoU signed between T&T and Guyana would greatly benefit entire Caribbean He said the Trinidad Citrus Growers Association is already operating in Guyana in Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice), and it has earned the right to hold 1,000 acres of land, but, thus far, only 200 acres are under cultivation, although further expansion is expected in 2015.

Maharaj noted that pulping and juicing facilities, which will benefit both countries, are slated to come on stream in the expansions that would take place in 2015.

“Additionally, Trinidad imports 99% of its citrus fruits from Belize and Costa Rica, and we don’t see why we can’t import it (that same amount) from Guyana, because the Trinidadian investors are ready to put their

money where their mouth is,” Maharaj said.

POULTRY BENEFITS Maharaj also stated that when the MoU was signed in 2013, six commodities were identified for development, among which are corn, citrus fruits and soya beans. He said that corn in particular is being used for many purposes, and is in great demand on the World Market.

He noted that one of the main uses of corn within the Caribbean region is to make chicken feed, and the Caribbean particularly has a great demand for poultry meat. Therefore, he assured, if this venture is a success, the prices of corn and, furthermore, the prices of poultry would be kept under control, thus

DEVANT MAHARA benefiting not just Guyana and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, but also the entire Caribbean.

(Navendra Seoraj)

Mason who would not ‘tek leff’ sentenced to three months jail for threatening children mother CITY Magistrate Annette Singh yesterday sent Mark Singh to spend Christmas behind bars after he appeared before her and pleaded guilty to employing threatening behaviour against Sujata Persaud, the mother of his four children, on December 11 at Charlotte Street, Georgetown.

The 40-year-old mason told the court that he and his child mother had a misunderstanding and that he was sorry for his wrong doing. He begged the court for a good outcome to his matter, stating that he and his child-mother had been in a relationship for over 21 years.

The court was told that on the day in question, Singh went to 184 Charlotte Street, where Persaud resides, at around 17:30hrs, and told her that he was going to chop her neck off. She became afraid and reported the matter to the police station. The matter was investigated, and the defendant was

arrested and charged.

The court was also told that Singh habitually assaults and abuses Persaud. The VC explained that Singh had previously been charged for unlawfully assaulting her, and after he had been released from prison, he had been served with a protection order on December 10.

The VC informed the court that she is scared for her life, and believes that if she sees Singh anywhere on the road, he might kill her. She noted that he used to live with her at the said address, but after the last court matter, she told him to move out and get on with his life, because she was fed up with his behaviour and did not want him around her anymore.

Singh was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, which commences as the festive season approaches. (Clestine Juan)

Man accused of brandishing sword at Croal St placed on $10,000 bail TWENTY-SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Lester Caldera of North Sophia, Georgetown appeared yesterday before City Magistrate Ann McLennan, charged with having a sword in his possession on December 9 at Croal Street Georgetown.

Represented by Attorney-at-Law Paul Fung-A-

Corentyne man hospitalised with multiple injuries ––after being run over by police motorcycle

-T&T Agri Minister Maharaj TRINIDAD and Tobago’s Minister of Agriculture, Devant Maharaj, has said that Trinidad and Tobago has benefited immensely from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Guyana’s Agriculture Ministry and its Trinidad & Tobago counterpart.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Ministry of Agriculture at Regent and Vlissengen Roads in Bourda, Georgetown, Maharaj noted that everyone thought the initiative would remain an unachievable fine-sized goal, but they were proven wrong; and in fact he noted it reflected upon the Jagdeo Initiative, which was visionary at that time and is now stretching out in a tangible way.

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Fat, Caldera pleaded not guilty to the charge, and his attorney requested reasonable bail for his client.

The prosecutor did not object to the granting of bail, which was subsequently set at $10,000, and the case was set for recall on December 17, in Court 11.

(Clestine Juan)

A 54-year-old security guard of Hampshire, Corentyne Coast, is warded at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), suffering multiple injuries after being struck down by a police patrol motorcycle on the Hampshire public road last Thursday.

Rajendranauth Gopaul said he was crossing the road a short distance away from his home on Thursday afternoon, when the police rank driving his motorcycle failed to stop at a major road and ploughed into him.

He suffered a fractured left leg; injuries to his neck; a blow to his head and jaw; cuts to his forehead and nose, among other things.

Gopaul is unable to see out of his left eye. He is also unable to eat solids and is being fed only fluids through a straw or tube.

The injured man said he was picked up by villagers and rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital The injured before being transferred Rajendranauth Gopaul to the GPH.

GDF PARTNERS WITH KAIKAN COMMUNITY AS part of its ongoing efforts to foster good civil-military relations with communities, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Monday December 8, 2014, made a series of tangible donations to the community of Kaikan, located on the Wenamu River, near the Venezuela border.

Chief of Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips and a corps of senior officers, along with a medical team visited the location and handed over one 30hpYamaha outboard engine; a solar power system; one complete computer system for use by the school as well as five volleyballs for the community’s volleyball team.

Brigadier Mark Phillips, at the simple handing-over ceremony, noted that the initiative forms part of a wider commitment by the GDF to adopt the school and so, provide continuous assistance in any way possible.

Meanwhile, the medical team extended services to close to 40 persons who received treatment for a variety of illnesses.

The army has embarked on a similar initiative with the community of Cashew Island located at New River, where it has been providing assistance to the school there and catering to the education of the children of that small community. Cashew Island is located in close proximity to Base Camp Jaguar, near the Suriname border.

The GDF attaches importance to the education of the country’s youth which falls into a greater thrust of ‘Service’ to the nation and part of its role which specifies that it contributes to the economic development of Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

93.1Real Fm gives back to loyal listeners

WITHIN less than a month into the launch of its newest initiative, 93.1RealFm gave back to over 20 loyal listeners during its first promotion draw which got under way yesterday (December 12th, 2014).

Listeners were given the opportunity to come into the 103 David Rose Street, South Ruimveldt studio to uplift their cash prizes and interact and mingle with their favourite radio announcers.

The initiative which began on November 17th 2014 will continue until December

31st. On selected days, persons are eligible to win the grand prize of $93,100.The radio station intends to not only give back to its listeners, but to also make persons feel a sense of belonging and gratitude.

Some players even had the opportunity of cashing in on the prize more than twice, as the initiative allows players to play as many times as they would like. Listeners would be required to call in and name the artiste played back to back during given times, and also the time at which the songs were played.

Some of the winners of the Loyal Listeners with the Chief Executive Office Officer Maxwell Thom, announcers and staff of the 93.1RealFm Chief executive officer of the station, Maxwell Thom, congratulated the winners and promised that there will be bigger and better things in store for them in the near future.

The winners expressed their satisfaction at the game

show and urged listeners who might not have had the chance of winning as yet, to keep playing.

Mrs.Leslyn Benjamin one of the winners commended the initiative. Benjamin was one of those lucky persons who cashed

in on winning three times.

Other winners included Joshua Lyib, ShevonAgard, Tamika Lewis, Pamella Klen, Miriam Hinds,Weslyn Waterman ,Christine Bridgelall ,KhadijahKaven , Zaimab A karm and others.

NICIL, Royal Investments legal battle adjourned -C.E.O Yassin still in the box

WHEN the legal battle between National Industrial & Commercial Investments Ltd(NICIL) and Royal Investments Inc.(RI) continued recently, Mr. Tony Yassin Chief Executive Officer, (C E O) was cross-examined.

In answer to questions, he disclosed that Mr. Reaz Khan, the brother of Kaieteur News boss Mr Glenn Lall,had made

a bid to secure Guyana Stores, Ltd., when government moved to privatise it in the late 1990s.

However, negotiations were subsequently terminated and handed to the current owner.

The ongoing court case is between the company and National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) over an outstanding

US$2 million owed to the state for the sale of the business entity.

The matter is being heard before Justice Madame Roxanne George.

Under further cross-examination, Yassin disclosed that four persons had participated in the tender on behalf of Royal Investments Incorporated-himself and others.

In response to questions posed by NICIL’s Attorney Rafiq Khan, Yassin told the court: “At the time that I had the discussion with Winston Brassington,Winston Brassington was discussing with Reaz Khan that he Reaz Khan was not the preferred investor and then they called me in as a participant in the tender process [and told me] if I was willing to close the sale it would have to be concluded in the name of RI and that the total shares would be transferred to me.”

When the matter resumes on January 29,2015, Mr. Yassin’s cross- examination will continue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

Culture Ministry reports 95% achievement in 2014 THE Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports has disclosed that it has achieved 95% of all of its intended activities for 2014 expending close to a $1B that was allocated.

Speaking at a press briefing held in the Ministry’s boardroom to highlight achievements for 2014, Permanent Secretary Alfred King explained that the Ministry is poised to announce that “to date we have achieved 95% of all our intended activities and before the close of 2014 we would have completed all activities.” He added that the Ministry’s $1B budget allocation has been utilised in the manner it was slated to and before the end of 2014 the allocations would have been completely utilised.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, explained that the Ministry on a yearly basis is tasked with the responsibility of making a reality a number of festivals and national observances, where in 2014 they were additionally tasked with commemorative activities for Enmore Mar-

tyrs Day on June 16.

He noted that “we had a very elaborate celebration of our republic anniversary which would have included the various song festivals such as soca, calypso and chutney.” There we also exhibitions of the history of Mashramani at the National Museum educating especially children and at Castellani House an art exhibition “and of course our float parades,” he said.

Mashramani 2014 was launched under the theme, “Cultural folklore, celebrating 44,” and with this in mind, the Ministry Of Culture, Youth and Sport put a different twist on things for 2014, introducing a commemorative intelligence section to the usual social aspect of the celebration. A folk concert was slated for February 6 at the National Cultural Centre where the history and folklore of our ancestors were showcased and a concert for the elderly, to bring to life past and present aspects of the celebration of Mash was also done.

Professor Clem Seecharran from London conducted the Republic Lec-

Permanent Secretary Alfred King and Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport Dr Frank Anthony during the recent press briefing

ture Series workshop on February 20 at the Umana Yana under the theme of ‘Developing and Understanding Cultural Industries,’ as a way of earning with their skills and talents.

According to Dr Anthony, the republic anniversary celebrations for 2014 was a success but there are aspects that more emphasis can be placed on. “We had the exhibitions at the national museum and also had a number of regional activities and when we met with the broad stakeholders

group they identified some other things that perhaps we can do in 2015.”

The Culture Minister explained that preparations are already on the way for the Mashramani celebrations in 2015, “in fact the central Mashramani Planning committee has started its work since September 2014 and are well ahead in their planning for Mash 2015.”

Anthony noted too that the Ministry is working on resuscitating music especially steel pan in schools.

During the 2014 Mashra-

mani activities the Minister alluded that the contribution made by Republic Bank will assist in training some 175 children in the steel pan art form.

According to the Culture Minister during a press conference held in July, “training will take place with students in Regions 4 (Demerara/Mahaica), 5 (Mahaica/Berbice), 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne) and 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice), and the ministry is happy that so many persons have expressed interest in learning to play the steel pan.”

He also alluded to the fact that the Ministry is looking into having three string instrument bands set up where the ministry will ‘loan’ the instruments to the groups, this is set to take off in 2015.

The responsibility for Independence celebrations and Arrival Day was also a great success the minister noted.

“This year we saw many more groups participating in Emancipation activities,” Dr Anthony noted while he also explained that the Ministry

is poised in assisting many groups to make their activities a reality. “What we do, groups would send us a proposal, we would look it over and assist with funding so the groups can achieve their activities, and this year we saw many more community groups,” he explained.

The Ministry distributed some $8.125M to eightyeight organisations from across Guyana as it relates to their Emancipation activities. It was explained at the time of the ceremony that, “In 2005, when we first started, there were three groups that conducted some outreach and community programmes; and since then, this exercise has grown. We now have some 88 groups conducting similar programmes to keep the culture alive.”

The Ministry also took part in Amerindian Heritage Month activities where the primary focus was on the language preservation. Commemorative activities for Enmore Martyrs Day in June are a new responsibility for the Ministry, Dr Anthony noted. (Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)

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Decomposed male corpse found at Windsor Forest

THE decomposed remains of a male of African descent were discovered yesterday morning at the Windsor Forest Foreshore, WCD, at approximately 09:10 hrs.

Sources report that the body, clad in short black jeans and bearing several tattoos imprinted on the chest and arms, was in an advanced state

of decomposition when it was spotted trapped between some rocks by persons traversing the area yesterday morning.

The body bore no marks of violence, according to police sources, who confirmed to this newspaper that up to late yesterday they were still trying to ascertain its identity.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

ARIES Your heart and emotions are on the same page, but they may not be on the page you want them to be. It could be that you’re reminiscing about an event from the past. What was once a happy set of encounters now leaves you feeling like there are thorns in your side. Focus on the present and let the past become history.

TAURUS Let your sensual, nurturing instincts shine through. Rely on your sixth sense.

If things start to get rough, remember that you have the ability to keep your cool. Not only is this an extremely important tool but it’s also essential to maintaining any sort of stability in the situation. Keep your footing at all times. Your sanity depends on it.

GEMINI A solid grounding is apt to be extremely important to you today. Hearts may be broken or won, depending on how well you play your cards. Keep in mind that the slow and steady contender is most likely going to win this race. All the talk in the world will get you nowhere. Today is about quality and action.

Shoddy efforts will yield shoddy results.

CANCER Regardless of how much the storm seems to be raging out of control, you will be able to handle it. Have confidence in your grounded nature. There’s a reason why you take the time to address the details and carefully plan your moves. Today is one day when you will see the rewards of your diligent actions, especially in love, beauty, and your deepest emotions.

Saturday, December 13, 2014 –– 10:00hrs Sunday, December 14, 2014 –– 11:00hrs Monday, December 15, 2014 –– 12:00hrs

LEO Hold on to your hat, and be ready for some action. You’re coming to a critical point in your emotional cycle when your heart feels heavy. You may feel pinned down by a huge weight, like you’re being sucked into quicksand. Grab a branch and pull yourself out. Rise above the current situation with the help of a lofty perspective.

VIRGO In a string of intense emotional dramas, the last thing you need is one more.

Unfortunately, it looks like you’re going to get just that. Once again, an incredible romantic scenario is coming to a head, and your emotions are in turmoil. Hold still, wait for the hit, and then proceed. If you have the feeling that you’re going to blow up at someone, simply walk away from the situation.

LIBRA There’s a great deal of grounding energy in your world today, which might work to smother your fire. Whatever happens, don’t let the embers burn out.

One of the assets you bring to the group is a strong dynamism that gives people the courage to change. Be a fighter in the ring. Remember that at the end of the day, you need only be satisfied with the performance of one person - you.

SCORPIO Take pressing matters to the hilt today, especially when it comes to romantic issues and emotional needs. You have all the data you need to make a valid point. You have a whole battalion of facts to back you up, so fire at will. Your feelings are strong and intense. Don’t ignored them under any circumstances.

Go with your gut instincts before you trust anything else.

SAGITTARIUS As you try to express your opinions today, you may have the feeling that someone is kicking sand in your face. Like a kid on the beach, you have nothing but the raw elements to use to defend yourself. Use one of your greatest gifts - the power of your mind - to combat the opposing force. Your ability to outsmart others will be your most powerful tool.

CAPRICORN Your boat is likely to be rocked today, to the point where you and all of your belongings could go overboard. Be prepared to swim ashore. Grounding and stability are the keys to maintaining a healthy attitude, especially when it comes to ever-fluctuating emotions. Issues regarding the home and people’s possessions are likely to surface in a dramatic manner. Listen to your heart for the answers.

AQUARIUS Calm down and get centred. This is an extremely sensual day that’s likely to pique your emotions. You’re apt to receive input from each one of your senses, so keep these channels open and available for new information that’s trying to break through. Don’t be hasty. You’re better off taking a reserved, receptive approach today.

PISCES Today is your day to shine in every way. There’s a concentration of energy in your favour, so act boldly and without hesitation. Your emotions are leading the way, and your heart is barely a half a step behind. Follow these forces like the Pied Piper. Let this be the start of a wild ride on a whole new roller coaster of adventures. The time is right for you to lead.

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

FITUG dismayed by GPL position son for GPL to walk away from the meeting which the employees of the most important utility Company in the country eagerly want to take place with a view to having the Union’s wage/ salary claim settled with the employer. Counterpart employees of GPL in the Public Service are to receive five (5) and eight (8) per cent wage/salary increases retroactive to January THE Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) said it deprecates the ill-advised decision of the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) to abort a sensitive meeting on December 09, 2014 with the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) –

an affiliate of FITUG – to discuss the long-delayed meeting to address wage/ salary hike for GPL employees for year 2014.

“The Federation understands that NAACIE went to attend the meeting with two (2) members of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) as advisors and that was the sole rea-

SILWFC employees receive 20 per cent salary increase THE fourteen employees of the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund Committee (SILWFC) after much effort to have their jobs evaluated by GAWU over recent years have succeeded in having the exercise lasting from September to November, 2014.

Resulting from the exercise, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund Committee (SILWFC) on (Thursday) December 11, 2014 at the headquarters of SILWFC signed a memorandum of agreement which encompasses the results of the job evaluation exercise and a salary increase for 2014, both accounting for an overall salary increase averaging twenty (20) per cent to each employee.

GAWU and SILWFC also agreed to higher meals and shoe allowances and an enhanced end-of-year bonus to each employee.

The Agreement was signed by Deolatchmee Ramotar, Jairam Petam, Kenneth Joseph and Carvil Duncan representing SILWFC and by Komal Chand, Aslim Singh, Amla Persaud and Mitra Devi Ali representing the Union. It was countersigned by the Deputy Chief Labour Officer, Nadia Samuels.

SILWFC is a legal entity which provides sugar workers with interest-free house and house-repair loans within stipulated ceilings. It is also mandated to assist in the maintenance of proper internal roads and sanitation, in communities where sugar workers reside.

01, 2014 in keeping with the recent decision of the Government,” the umbrella trade union body said.

It added: “In negotiations, at whatever forum, any team has the inalienable right to decide on its team composition including its chosen advisors as was the case of NAACIE at the scheduled NAACIE/ GPL meeting on December 09, 2014. FITUG believes

such an insignificant matter which has so far stymied NAACIE and GPL from meeting could trigger unnecessary industrial action by the employees of the company.”

“FITUG takes the opportunity to call upon the GPL to return to the bargaining table without any pre-condition with respect to the composition of the Union’s delegation.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

16th batch of aircraft maintena engineers graduate from AHW

STAFFERS of the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School (AHWAES) yesterday turned out another batch of certified aircraft maintenance engineers during its sixteenth annual graduation exercise at Ogle

International Airport yesterday afternoon.

The venue was the Wings Aviation Ltd. Hangar .

Twenty students graduated from the three -year programme and Mirza Wazid a student sponsored by

the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was the best graduating student of.

One of the graduands is a Barbadian national The graduation programme included addresses

by Prime Minister Samuel

Hinds, Chairman of the AWHWAES Captain Ronald Reece and Executive Manager Mrs. Nalini Chanderban.

Those who attended included the graduands, other students now in the early sategs of their training,

Best Graduating student Mirza Wazid delivering a vote exercise. friends and relatives, Staffers of the school, senior aviation officials and other special invitees including members of the Diplomatic Corps and Parliamentarians .

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds urged the graduands to realise that countries are built by people and to understand that it was their duty to build Guyana to beyond the point where his generation, the older generation has taken it.

He said: “ Ensure that you have a proper attitude , the proper understanding of your country , its position; where it is at the moment and the challenges that you have to take up to make to advance this country .�

He urged that even if they chose to leave they would con-

tinue to operate wherever they go in a way that brings good reputation to Guyana.

Captain Ronald Reece said that an educated workforce is a tremendous asset to any country and particularly a developing country like Guyana.

He urged the graduands to remain at home and help to develop the local aviation industry .

He also called for an acceleration of efforts by all stakeholders including Government to modernise the sector to reach the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Executive Manager of the AWHWAES Mrs. Nalini Chanderban s aid that the school is at the moment the only fully licensed aeronautical

Some of the graduands at the 16th annual graduation and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School (A (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

ance BARBADOS’ CURIOUS WAES ‘POLITICAL SHOW’ –– cabinet minister gives ‘ultimatum’ to the PM

By Rickey Singh - in Bridgetown IN Caribbean party politics it’s not surprising for disagreements between a Prime Minister and cabinet colleague to occasionally hit media headlines.

But it’s quite a rarity, if not unique, for the head of government to be publicly severed an ultimatum by one of his ministerial colleagues.

of thanks at the close of the engineering school in CARICOM central and northern south America.

She disclosed that next year the school will introduce training for the B2 licence which includes jet training since the larger world market includes big jets.

“This is no ordinary school, “ she said, adding that the school can rightfully boast to being the premier aircraft maintenance organisation in the region.

Of the twenty graduands seven were sponsored : five

by Leeward Islands Air Transport ( LIAT) airlines , one by the Guyana Defence Force and one by the Caribbean Aviation Maintenance Services (CAMS) Limited based at Ogle.

exercise of the Art Williams AHWAES) at Ogle yesterday

Barbados Minister of Agriculture, Dr David Estwick But that’s the scenario which has surfaced in Barbados where Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, learnt from a private memorandum, now made public, that he either take action to correct a problem identified by the Minister of Agriculture, Dr David Estwick, or he (Estwick) would quit the cabinet.

Dr Estwick, a former Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, continues to display a surprising level of political innocence in relation to the workings of politics and government in a Westminster-style democracy.

Consequently, his repeated missteps in public confrontations with Prime Minister Stuart must be quite unsettling for even his faithful St. Philips-West constituents, not to mention the amusement he unwittingly provides for political detractors and opponents.

Some eleven months ago, against the backdrop of the 2013 Christmas holidays, Dr Estwick had begun to send more than mixed signals about his disagreements with the government’s fiscal and economic policies and, more surprisingly, Prime Minister Stuart’s leadership style.

‘ALTERNATIVE’ PACKAGE However, to make a long spicy political story short, Dr Estwick got his requested day in court, so to speak, with Prime Minister Stuart conceding to his demand to present at a cabinet meeting an

alternative package of fiscal measures to that of Finance Minister Chris Sinckler’s that could also help address the problem of impending retrenchment of public sector workers confronting the government Whatever transpired in the process between Finance Minister Sinckler’s controversial approaches and Estwick’s “alternative proposals”, staggered retrenchment of public sector workers has been the norm during 2014.

And while all who live in Barbados continue to face the harsh realities of rising food prices and general cost of living, Dr Estwick has now come forth, with customary passion, to hit the headlines with his new confrontational challenge to Prime Minister Stuart.

‘FED UP’ ESTWICK This time - on the eve of the Prime Minister’s official visit this past weekend to Cuba to participate in the fifth CARICOM/Cuba Summit in Havana, Estwick chose to disclose - as reported in last ‘Sunday Sun’ (Barbados newspaper) - how “fed up” he is over the non-implementation of instructions given by him (with Mr Stuart’s knowledge), on the Barbados Cane Industry Restructuring Project.

Estwick’s anger was shown in a seven-page letter sent to the Prime Minister with a warning that “this is the last time I will raise this matter with you….”.

It must be quite embarrassing for the Prime Minister’s leadership to be publicly chastised –for the second time - by Estwick. Yet, Stuart could either choose to ignore his controversial cabinet colleague’s challenge and, instead, leave him to make the next move, consistent with

Mr. Freundel Stuart, Prime Minister of Barbados his ultimatum.

On the other hand, rather than face cabinet dismissal Dr Estwick could quit his portfolio and remain, if so disposed, as a DLP parliamentarian. This could be uncomfortable for the Prime Minister but

“…it’s quite a rarity, if not unique, for the head of government to be publicly severed an ultimatum by one of his ministerial colleagues. But that’s the scenario which has surfaced in Barbados where Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, learnt from a private memorandum, now made public, that he either take action to correct a problem identified by the Minister of Agriculture, Dr David Estwick, or he (Estwick) would quit the cabinet.”

That letter, which in effect constituted Estwick’s clearest public ultimatum to Stuart, could well turn out to be his last crossing of the proverbial sword with the leader of the governing Democratic Labour Party and second-term Prime Minister.

After all, if Estwick is fully conscious of the depth of the fiscal/economic challenges confronting the government ahead of Christmas and next year’s coming national budget, as well as feeling there has really been no improvements in personal, or official ‘working’ relations between him and the Prime Minister, then this may be the appropriate time to part company with a Stuart-led DLP administration.

the voting status quo in the House would remain a majority of two for the governing DLP in the 30-member Parliament.

Some observers feel that if Estwick honestly feels he has had enough of disagreements with Stuart’s leadership, both at the level of party and government, he could well quit as cabinet minister and, like former Prime Minister and leader of the Barbados Labour Party, Owen Arthur, sit as an independent in the House and leave the DLP to govern with a one-vote majority until new general elections. But that’s almost three years away.(Rickey Singh is a noted Guyana-born Caribbean journalist based in Barbados)

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

32 new Cuban doctors join local healthcare system G U YA N A a n d C u b a share an excellent relationship and the two countries have been collaborating on several aspects of development, one of which i s h e a l t h c a re . T h i s partnership has seen

several interventions that have advanced the local health care system.

In this regard on We d n e s d a y 3 2 n e w members of the Cuban Medical Brigade were oriented on their posts

in health care facilities countrywide.

At the orientation ceremony which was held at the Regency Hotel, Hadfield Street, Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran welcomed the medical prac-

titioners and highlighted the fact that Guyana shares an old relationship with Cuba, which was further strengthened in 2006 when a team from Guyana headed by former President Bharrat Jagdeo visited the coun-

Cuban Ambassador, Julio Gonzalez Marchante, addressing the gathering at the event

Dr Midalys Otero Hernandez, Director of Cuba Medical Brigade, speaking to the doctors

try. Following discussions, Guyana was given the largest assistance from Cuba in the area of medicine with hundreds

“it is v er y cr itical to remember some important people like Cheddi Jagan.

As he turned his at-

The Cuban doctors at the orientation

of scholarships.

He noted that the largest concentration of Cuban doctors has over the years been based at the diagnostic centres and the Ophthalmology Hospital. However, these individuals are now deployed countrywide especially in the hinterland areas.

In addition, he also noted that the stipend is small but constraints have to be taken into consideration as the Ministry is working on increasing it.

The minister also pointed out that Guyana is becoming a hub for medical conferences.

Cuban Ambassador, Julio Gonzalez Marchante also shared the sentiments of the minister in highlighting that the countries share a deep relationship. He added that he can remember hearing about the relationship since in the 1950s as he noted that

tention to the doctors he said: “The challenge is for you to learn the language… and despite the challenge you must learn the culture of the Guyanese people and ensure that you deliver the best quality of care to the people of Guyana.”

Ambassador Marchante, also lauded the country’s approach to dealing with the Chikungunya virus outbreak, as he highlighted to the doctors, examples of the Ministry’s work.

Dr Midalys Otero Hernandez, Director of Cuban Medical Brigade noted that Guyana has 170 doctors from Cuba who are based in many areas in six of the country’s 10 administrative regions.

She added that the relationship the two countries share has been longstanding and offered that it will continue for even a longer period.(GINA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

Poor ...

From Back Page

the score reading 3-1 in favour of NRMSS. In the first encounter, Souvenir scored in the 1st and 4th minutes, Gonsalves did the same in the 15th and 41st and coupled with solitary strikes from Joel Morrison (20th) and Imran Khan (25th), handed Bishops’ High a 6-1 victory over Queen’s College, whose lone goal came off the boot of Kevin Wills (46th).

First-round action is set to culminate on Monday, with St Mary’s taking on Christ Church in the first match from 13:00hrs, followed by Queenstown clashing with St John’s College in the feature fixture from 15:00hrs.

The winners of the tournament will pocket $200 000, while the team placing second are guaranteed $150 000 with third- and fourthplace finishers receiving $100 000 and $75 000 respectively. All matches will be played at the Ministry of Education ground, including the final and third-place playoff, next Sunday, December 21.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

Second ton for Warner puts Australia in charge

By Ian Ransom (REUTERS) - Red-hot opening batsman David Warner punished a wasteful India with his second century of the first Test yesterday as Australia seized control of the match at the close of play on day four.

The combative left-hander, who scored an emotional 145 in the first innings, added another 102 to help fire Australia to a 363-run lead at a sun-drenched Adelaide Oval.

Steven Smith added a half-century to his own first innings ton to push the hosts to 290-5. He was unbeaten on 52 at stumps, with wicketkeeper Brad Haddin on 14, and Australia in position to make an early declaration on the final day.

Warner gazed at the sky in tribute to batsman Phillip Hughes during his firstinnings knock and repeated the gesture yesterday after raising his sixth hundred in his last 11 Test innings.

Two of those hundreds also came in the same Test on tour against South Africa earlier in the year.

Hughes, who died two weeks ago after being hit by a ball during a domestic match, famously became the

… Australia in strong position with 363-run lead

David Warner breaks into his trademark leaping celebration after reaching his second hundred in the first Test in Adelaide. youngest player to score two centuries in a match when he achieved the feat against South Africa in Durban in his second Test in 2009.

“Definitely it was in the back of my mind,” Warner said of Hughes’ record. “He was giving me some luck out there today, which is fortunate enough for myself.”

Warner got himself out attempting a frivolous re-

Nathan Lyon celebrates his five-for against India on the 4th day.

Recent form of Australia batsman David Warner (REUTERS) - Australia opening batsman David Warner scored his sixth century in 11 Test innings on day four of the first Test against India, yesterday. Here is a list of Warner’s recent scores.

Australia v India, Adelaide - 145 & 102 Australia v Pakistan, Abu Dhabi - 19 & 58 Australia v Pakistan, Dubai - 133 & 29 Australia v South Africa - 135 & 145 Australia v South Africa - 70 & 66 Australia v South Africa - 12 & 115

verse sweep and was bowled by leg-spinner Karn Sharma as the Australians picked up the tempo in the last session.

Mitchell Marsh smashed 24 runs, including three sixes, off one over from Sharma but chanced his arm once too often to be caught slogging in the deep after a cavalier 40 off 26 balls.

Injured captain Michael Clarke could not repeat his first-innings heroics when he scored 128 despite a painful back strain and was caught behind for seven off the bowling of Varun Aaron.

WAR OF WORDS Warner was reprieved on 66 when Aaron bowled him only to be recalled when television replays showed the paceman overstepping the crease on his delivery.

A match that had proceeded in good spirit suddenly became tetchy. Aaron gave Warner a big send-off after rattling his stumps and the Australian retaliated after his let-off.

Umpires Marais Erasmus and Ian Gould intervened to stop the opposing players from arguing and had to do so again after Smith and Rohit Sharma exchanged words following a hopeful lbw appeal after tea, which also fired up India captain Virat Kohli.

Warner also survived a big shout for caught behind off Aaron’s bowling and was dropped in the gully when on 89 off Mohammed Shami.

Earlier in the day, India were bowled out for 444, with Australia spinner Nathan Lyon finishing with 5-134.

“He was hitting it (the rough) virtually every delivery,” Warner said of the bowler’s encouraging performance. “That’s going to be the key for us.”

A former groundsman at Adelaide Oval, Lyon captured three early wickets as India, who resumed on 3695, lost their last five wickets for just 45 runs.

The highest victorious run-chase in Adelaide was Australia’s 315-6 against England in 1902, though the hosts will remember ruefully how South Africa managed to bat through an entire fifth day with only six wickets in hand to save the match in 2012.

AUSTRALIA 1st innings 517 for 7

9-422.

decl. (S. Smith 162 n.o, D. Warner

Bowling: M. Johnson 22-6-102-2

145, M. Clarke 128)

(nb-2), R. Harris 21-6-55-1, N. Lyon

INDIA 1st innings (o/n 369-5)

36-4-134-5, P. Siddle 18.4-2-88-2 (w-

M. Vijay c Haddin b Johnson

1), M. Marsh 11-4-29-0, S. Watson 53

S. Dhawan

5-1-13-0, S. Smith 3-0-19-0.

AUSTRALIA 2nd innings

b Harris

25

C. Rogers c Ro.

C. Pujara b Lyon

73

Sharma b K.Sharma

V. Kohli c Harris b Johnson

115

A. Rahane c Watson b Lyon

62 43 25 4 34 0 3

52

b Ro. Sharma

40

not out

14

nb-9, w-5)

21

wickets, 69 overs)

290

Fall of wickets: 1-38, 2-140, 3-168, 7

Total: (all out, 116.4 overs)

not out

Total: (for 5

Extras: (lb-4 nb-2 w-1)

7

Extras: (b-1, lb-6,

V. Aaron not out

b Aaron

B. Haddin

I. Sharma c Smith b Lyon

33

M. Marsh c Vijay

M. Shami c Watson b Siddle

b Shami

S. Smith

K. Sharma b Siddle

102

M. Clarke c Saha

W. Saha c Watson b Lyon

b K. Sharma S. Watson

Ro. Sharma c & b Lyon

21

D. Warner

4-213, 5-266.

Bowling: M. Shami 11-2-42-1, I. Shar-

444

ma 14-3-41-0 (nb-6), K. Sharma 16-2-

Fall of wickets: 1-30, 2-111, 3-192,

95-2, M. Vijay 6-0-27-0, Ro. Sharma 12-

4-293, 5-367, 6-399, 7-406, 8-422,

2-35-1, V. Aaron 10-0-43-1 (nb-2, w-1).

Jamaican PM praises Alia Atkinson for record swim PRIME Minister Portia Simpson-Miller has lauded swimming sensation Alia Atkinson for her World Record Swim at the 12th FINA World Swimming Championships in Doha, Qatar on December 6.

“She is the pride and joy of the entire Caribbean,” the Prime Minister said of the world record holder in a release.

Simpson-Miller added: “I extend heartiest congratulations to our spectacular athlete, Alia Atkinson, Jamaican sportswoman, Olympian, gold medallist and joint world record holder for the 100-metre breaststroke.”

The PM was in Cuba when she heard of Alia’s achievement in Doha.

Simpson-Miller said that heads of government from across the Caribbean celebrated with Jamaica as if Alia was their own.

Alia made history by becoming the first black woman to hold the world record in any international swimming event in 40 years.

“On behalf of the people and Government of Jamaica, I wish Alia continued success in her swimming career and God’s

richest blessings on her life, her parents and mem-

South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 07:55 hrs Cosmic Burst 08:30 hrs Casey’s Raine 09:05 hrs Cap Alright 09:40 hrs Mister Matchett 10:15 hrs Jet Supreme 10:50 hrs Power King 11:25 hrs Come Fly With Me 12:00 hrs Aquila Jet English Racing Tips Doncaster 07:55 hrs Roc D’Apsis 08:30 hrs Zeroshadesofgrey 09:05 hrs Kashmir Peak 09:40 hrs Grandads Horse 10:15 hrs Peace And Co 10:50 hrs Virak 11:25 hrs Serenity Now Lingfield 08:20 hrs Tothemoonandback 08:55 hrs Sea Wall 09:30 hrs Summery Justice 10:05 hrs Lightentertainment 10:40 hrs Tigre D’Aron 11:15 hrs Native Display

bers of her family,” the PM said.

Cheltenham 08:15 hrs Stars Over The Sea 08:50 hrs Champagne West 09:25 hrs Solar Impulse 10:00 hrs Caid Du Berlais 10:35 hrs Blaklion 11:10 hrs The New One 11:45 hrs Lac Fontana Irish Racing Tips Tramore 08:10 hrs Valyssa Monterg 08:45 hrs Duty Dance 09:20 hrs Speed Demon 09:55 hrs The Bold Beckey 10:30 hrs Company Coming 11:05 hrs Mallards In Flight 11:40 hrs Altipix American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Indian Nobility Race 2 Ocean Knight Race 3 Stalagmite Race 4 Fear Race 5 Le Deluge Race 6 Via Strata Race 7 Chapman Race 8 Vyjack Race 9 Moonlight Fantasy

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

Kenya visit will change perception - PCB THE Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hopes Kenya’s visit to Pakistan can serve as a step towards the resumption of international cricket in the country.

Pakistan has not hosted a Test, ODI or T20 international since March 2009, when terrorists attacked Sri Lanka’s team bus in Lahore.

Kenya landed in Pakistan on December 10 with Steve Tikolo, their greatest player, now serving as their head coach. Kenya reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2003, but have fallen sharply since, to the extent that they lost their ODI status in January. They are bringing over a depleted side to Pakistan, without players such as Collins Obuya, Tanmay Mishra, Seren Waters and Irfan Karim.

There is a general feeling that Pakistan could

have invited Afghanistan instead, with the prospect of more competitive cricket than a series against Kenya. For the PCB, though, the move to invite Kenya was as much about ‘perception’ as it was about competition.

Afghanistan have toured Pakistan recently, playing a short one-day series in 2011 and a T20 game against Pakistan. And last month Afghanistan’s players have close ties to Pakistan, many of them having been born and raised in refugee camps in the outskirts of Peshawar. A couple of them even had their weddings in Peshawar.

Inviting a non-Asian team, in that context, is seen as making a little more of an impact on the international community’s perception of Pakistan’s ability and

suitability to host international cricket.

“It would be unfair in the extreme to assume that due attention is not being given to Afghanistan,” Subhan Ahmed, the PCB’s chief operating officer, told ESPNcricinfo. “We have signed and are implementing an elaborate MoU with the Afghanistan Cricket Board which facilitates and supports Afghan cricket in every which way.

“But Kenya’s visit has its own importance because it is the first full non-Asian team to visit Pakistan after March 2009. This tour will help in changing the perception about security in Pakistan. We hope that tours by other full-member teams will follow after this.”

Kenya’s players and staff are ensconced within three tight security layers. Move-

Cool Williamson guides Kiwis to win over Pakistan (REUTERS) - Kane Williamson’s assured unbeaten 70 guided New Zealand to a comfortable four-wicket win over Pakistan in the second one-day international in Sharjah yesterday to level the series at 1-1.

Chasing 253 for victory, New Zealand started well through a century-opening partnership between Dean Brownlie (47) and Anton Devcich who made 58, his first limited-overs international half-century.

But Brownlie fell to

Shahid Afridi and Devcich was run-out before Ross Taylor, Tom Latham and Corey Anderson fell in quick succession to leave New Zealand struggling on 167 for five.

Williamson and Luke Ronchi (36) shared a sixth-wicket partnership of 58 to put the tourists back on course and the experienced Daniel Vettori (13 not out) helped steer his side to their target with four overs to spare.

Opener Mohammad Hafeez top-scored for Pakistan

with 76, including a six and nine fours, as the hosts recovered from a poor start in which they slumped to 20 for three.

Pakistan captain Misbahul-Haq then chipped in with 47 runs and Haris Sohail made 33 to lift their side to a respectable total of 252.

New Zealand seamer Matt Henry returned figures of four for 45 in his third one-day international.

The third game in the five-match series is in Sharjah tomorrow.

Kane Williamson punches forward in his unbeaten 70.

Kenya’s players and staff are under heavy security cover. (AFP) ment has been restricted between the Gaddafi Stadium and the National Cricket Academy with the entire area cordoned off from the general public who will have to take an alternate route to get to the venue.

“The purpose is to demonstrate that we have the will and resources to organise cricket befittingly,” Subhan said. “It is to give the visitors the comfort of a secure environment. As we move forward, there will be relaxation at various levels in the security but

it will be gradual and not immediate.

“That said, the perception that the Kenyans have been cooped up in a secure environment and just brought out for cricket over nearly two weeks is erroneous. On every free day, social activity and entertainment opportunities have been organised for the Kenyan squad.

For instance, one day there is lunch at the governor’s house then there is a visit to an elite college, shopping, dinner in the old city and also a bonfire. I am

positive that apart from good cricket, the Kenyans will take back home happy and fond memories of Lahore and our hospitality.”

Till June this year, Pakistan had been pushing hard to invite the full members but toned down their expectations thereafter.

The PCB began lobbying among the affiliate and associate countries instead.

Ireland could have been the first team to visit Pakistan but an attack on the Karachi airport postponed their visit.

Pakistan are currently in talks with a few cricket boards in Europe, with Netherlands among them. ESPNcricinfo understands the Dutch high commissioner is among the high-profile guests invited to the Gaddafi Stadium to witness the Kenya series.

“The revival of international cricket will be a slow process. Kenya’s visit will definitely give other teams the confidence of sending their outfits here and fortify our claims of there being a sea-change in the security situation,” Subhan said. “Also, we are already in contact with a few other countries in this regard and we are expecting a positive outcome.”

(ESPNcricinfo)

Abbott takes eight wickets on return following tragedy

SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Sean Abbott, the Australian fast bowler who delivered the ball that killed Phillip Hughes, has made a remarkable return to cricket, helping New South Wales beat Queensland yesterday.

The 22-year-old Abbott has been receiving counselling, and the support of the cricketing world, after he bowled the bouncer that struck Hughes on the neck last month.

Hughes died in a Sydney hospital two days later, triggering a massive outpouring of grief in Australia, and devastating Abbott, a former team mate and friend of Hughes.

Abbott attended his funeral and was consoled by Hughes’ family and other

Sean Abbott records his best ever bowling figures. cricketers, who urged him to resume playing.

Still stricken by grief, he made his return this week at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the same venue where Hughes was fatally injured.

After a slow start in which he took two wickets in Queensland’s first innings, Abbott hit his stride yester-

day, showing why he is regarded as one of Australia’s rising talents.

With the match seemingly heading to a draw, Abbott produced an extraordinary spell to capture 6-14 as Queensland collapsed to 99 all out in their second innings and NSW wrapped up victory.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

Jayawardene and Afridi set to become the most experienced players in 2015 World Cup … UAE names oldest and youngest players of the tournament in its provisional squad

Mahela Jayawardene

Shahid Afridi

SRI Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene and Shahid Afridi of Pakistan are in line to become the most experienced players in ICC Cricket World Cup history, after they were named in provisional squads for the tournament that starts on February 14.

The two players made their World Cup debuts at the ICC Cricket World Cup 1999, and have appeared in every event since then.

While Jayawardene featured in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 and 2011, as well as the semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003, Shahid Afridi was a member of the Pakistan side that played the final at Lord’s in 1999.

He captained Pakistan at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 when Pakistan reached the semi-final.

If the two players are named in the final line-ups, likely to be announced around January 8 2015, then they will join the exclusive company of Wasim Akram, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Aravinda de Silva, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Sanath Jayasuriya, Jacques Kallis, Imran Khan, Brian Lara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Thomas Odoyo, Ricky Ponting, Arjuna Ranatunga and Steve Tikolo, who have each played in five ICC Cricket World Cups to date.

Pakistan’s Javed Miandad and India’s Sachin Tendulkar, with six ICC Cricket World Cups each, share the record for the most appearances at ICC’s pinnacle event.

Interestingly, this will be the first ICC Cricket World Cup which will be held without either Javed Miandad or Sachin Tendulkar. Javed Miandad played from 1975 to 1996, while Tendulkar represented his country from 1992-2011.

Miandad featured in semifinals in 1979, 1983 and 1987, final in 1992 and quarter-final in 1996, while Tendulkar appeared in the 1996 quarter-final, and 2003 and 2011 finals.

Besides Jayawardene and Shahid Afridi, seven other players are in line to appear in their fourth World Cup: James Anderson, Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum, Younis Khan, Robin Peterson, Kumar Sangakkara and Daniel Vettori.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is returning the ICC Cricket World Cup for the first time since 1996, has named the oldest and youngest players of the tournament in its 30-player provisional squad. Khurram Khan at 43 is the oldest players (born June 21, 1971) while Yodhin Punja, who turned 15 on April 24, 2014, is the youngest player.

The provisional squads are: Australia (squad submitted but has opted not to release the names) AFGHANISTAN – Afsar Zazai, Aftab Alam, Amir Hamza, Asghar Stanekzai, Dawlat Zadran, Fareed Ahmad, Fazal Rahman, Gulbadin Naib, Hamid Hassan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Izatullah, Javed Ahmadi, Karim Sadiq, Merwais Ashraf, Mohammad Mujtaba, Mohammad Nabi, Mohammad Shahzad, Najeeb Tarakai,

Najibullah Zadran, Nasir Jamal, Nawroz Mangal, Noor Ali Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Samiullah Shinwari, Shabir Noori, Shafiqullah, Shapoor Zadran, Sharafudin, Usman Ghani and Yamin Ahmadzai.

BANGLADESH – Abdur Razzak, Abul Hasan Raju, AlAmin Hossain, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Arafat Sunny, Imrul Kayes, Jubair Hossain, Liton Kumar Das, Mahmudullah, Marshall Ayub, Masrafe Bin Mortaza, Mohammad Elias, Mohammad Mithun, Mohammed Sahid, Mominul Haque, Muktar Ali, Mushfiqur Rahim, Naeem Islam, Nasir Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Shabbir Rahaman, Shafiul Islam, Shakib Al Hasan, Shamsur Rahman, Shuvagata Hom, Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed, Taijul Islam, Tamim Iqbal and Ziaur Rahman.

ENGLAND - Alastair Cook (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Sam Billings, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Jack Brooks, Jos Buttler, Steven Finn, Harry Gurney, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Eoin Morgan, Stephen Parry, Samit Patel, Liam Plunkett, Boyd Rankin, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Taylor, James Tredwell, James Vince, Chris Woakes and Luke Wright.

IRELAND (squad submitted but has opted not to release the names) India – Varun Aaron, Ravichandaran Ashwin, Stuart Binny, Shikhar Dhawan, Ashoke Dinda, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Kedar Jadhav, Virat Kohli, Dhawal Kulkarni, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Amit Mishra, Manish

Pandey, Axar Patel, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Parveez Rasool, Ambati Rayudu, Wriddhiman Saha, Sanju Samson, Ishant Sharma, Karn Sharma, Mohit Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Manoj Tiwary, Robin Uthappa, Murali Vijay, Kuldeep Yadav and Umesh Yadav.

NEW ZEALAND - Corey Anderson, Hamish Bennett, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Neil Broom, Dean Brownlie, Colin de Grandhomme, Anton Devcich, Grant Elliott, Andrew Ellis, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Ronnie Hira, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, James Neesham, Rob Nicol, Luke Ronchi, Hamish Rutherford, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori, BJ Watling and Kane Williamson.

PAKISTAN – Ahmad Shahzad, Anwar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Bilawal Bhatti, Ehsan Adil, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Junaid Khan, Kamran Akmal, Misbah Ul Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Talha, Nasir Jamshed, Raza Hasan, Saeed Ajmal, Sami Aslam, Shahid Afridi, Sharjeel Khan, Shoaib Malik, Sohaib Maqsood, Sohail Tanvir, Sarfraz Ahmed, Umar Akmal, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Younus Khan and Zulfiqar Babar.

SCOTLAND (24 player announced) - Preston Mommsen (captain), Kyle Coetzer (vice-captain), Richie Berrington, Frederick Coleman, Matthew Cross, Joshua Davey, Alasdair Evans, Hamish Gardiner, Gordon Goudie,

Majid Haq, Moneeb Iqbal, Michael Leask, Matt Machan, Calum MacLeod, Gavin Main, George Munsey, David Murphy, Safyaan Sharif, Ruaidhri Smith, Robert Taylor, Andrew Umeed, Craig Wallace, Iain Wardlaw, Mark Watt SOUTH AFRICA - AB de Villiers (captain), Hashim Amla (vice-capt.), Kyle Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, Marchant de Lange, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Rory Kleinveldt, Ryan McLaren, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Justin Ontong, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Andrew Puttick, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Mthokozisi Shezi, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Morne van Wyk and David Wiese.

SRI LANKA – Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Shaminda Eranga, Lahiru Gamage, Rangana Herath, Mahela Jayawardene, Dimuth Karunaratne, Tharindu Kaushal, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Farveez Maharoof, Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, Ajantha Mendis, Jeevan Mendis, Dilruwan Perera, Kusal Perera, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Pradeep, Dhammika Prasad, Seekkuge Prasanna, Ashan Priyanjan, Lakshan Sandakan, Kumar Sangakkara, Sachithra Senanayake, Ramith Rambukwella, Lahiru Thirimanne, Upul Tharanga and Kithuruwan Vithanage.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE) – Ahmed Raza, Ahsan Ali, Amjad Ali, Amjad Javed, Andri Raffaelo, Asadullah Shareef, Chirag Suri,

Chelsea will not make any signings in January - Mourinho CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho says he has no plans to sign any new players during the January transfer window.

Mourinho believes that his current squad can deal with the workload of competing in four competitions.

“We cannot be better than first in the League, top of our Champions League group and

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho

in the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup,” he said.

The Blues face Hull City in the Premier League today without injured goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Petr Cech will replace the 22-year-old Belgium international, who has a “minor” muscular injury.

Cesc Fabregas is suspended, but Serbia midfield-

er Nemanja Matic returns from a ban after missing the 2-1 defeat at Newcastle last weekend.

Chelsea will play six matches in the 20 days between today’s Premier League clash with Hull at Stamford Bridge and the visit to Tottenham on January 1, and Mourinho says he intends to rest his senior

players during the Christmas period.

“I don’t think any one player will play all these six matches,” he said, “The ones who play all matches will have to go to five, but I have to give them one rest.”

The former Porto, Inter Milan and Real Madrid manager has granted his Europe-

Fahad Alhasimi, Faizan Asif, Fayyaz Ahmed, Irfan Sajid, Kamran Shahzad, Khurram Khan, K. Karate, Manjula Guruge, Mohammad Naveed, Mohammad Shahzad, Mohammad Tauqir, Nasir Aziz, Noor Ul Amin, Rohan Mustafa, Rohit Singh, Salman Farooq, Saqib Ali, Saqlain Haider, Shaiman Anwar, Swapnil Patil, Usman Mushtaq, Umair Ali and Yodhin Punja.

WEST INDIES - Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Sulieman Benn, Jonathan Carter, Sheldon Cottrell, Miguel Cummins, Narsingh Deonarine, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Leon Johnson, Imran Khan, Evin Lewis, Marquino Mindley, Nikita Miller, Sunil Narine, Ashley Nurse, Veerasammy Permaul, Keon Peters, Keiron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Dwayne Smith, Lendl Simmons, Devon Smith and Jerome Taylor.

ZIMBABWE - Sikandar Butt, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Brian Chari, Elton Chigumbura, Justice Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Luke Jongwe, Neville Madziva, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Hamilton Masakadza, Winstone Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Timycen Maruma, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Natsai M’shangwe, Solomon Mire, Peter Moor, Tawanda Mupariwa, Cuthbert Musoko, Richmond Mutumbami, John Nyumbu, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Brendan Taylor, Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams and Cephas Zhuwao.

an-based players a two-day break next week after the Capital One Cup quarter-final against Derby County at Pride Park on Tuesday.

Mourinho said: “It allows the players from England, Belgium, France and Germany to go and have a nice dinner with their families - it is the only two days I can give them because they need to be back on Friday to play on Monday (at Stoke in the Premier League).” (BBC Sport)

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

Smith aiming to continue his Former captain prolific trend in South Africa believes T&T squad needs more youth

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (CMC) – Prolific opening batsman Devon Smith is backing himself to be among the top scorers for West Indies on their tour of South Africa after leaving the Caribbean as the leading scorer in the WICB Professional Cricket League (PCL).

Smith marked his comeback to the West Indies team with a classy century on the second day of the three-day fixture against the South African Invitational XI, at Willowmore Park on Thursday.

The experienced lefthanded opener made 174 before he retired out as West Indies amassed 508 – to earn a first-innings lead of 383 against the youthful team.

“I feel good. I think I was in good touch for the first round of the first class season.

I had the most runs before I left home so I think this trend continued from where I left off,” said Smith.

“I am a little more mature now so I think my game play

Devon Smith is different than before”. the West Indies team and try Smith played shots all and cement my place on the around the ground and faced team,” he said.

277 balls and hit 25 boundar“Application. I try to apies and a six in 425 minutes. ply myself as long as possible He featured in a massive to the wicket and I think I am third-wicket stand of 360 with a bit more selective in my Marlon Samuels, who made shot-playing and I am cona boundary-studded 203 on a centrating on my game more. good batting surface.

I am a bit more focused than The Grenadian cricketer before.” disclosed that he has amended Smith, 33, has been in his approach to batting and superb form this season, says he intends to use the tour amassing 334 runs at an of South Africa as an oppor- average of 55, including a tunity to cement his place on score of 145, to lead Windthe West Indies team. ward Islands to victory over “I think it’s a good chance Leeward Islands in the third for me to pull myself back on round of the PCL.

GFA/Banks Beer matches billed for today and Monday THE 2014/2015 Banks Beer Cup, organised by the Georgetown Football Association, continued with matches last night. Play will also be on today and Monday at Camp Ayanganna and Tucville grounds.

Last evening at Camp Ayanganna ground, Police took on Black Water FC at 18:30hrs while at 20:30hrs Alpha United came up against Northern Rangers.

Both are Group A matches.

Today in Group B, Hous-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday December 13, 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 yesterday’s quiz: 79 Tests; 309 wickets Desmond Haynes-148 (WI vs AUST, Antigua, 1978) Today’s Quiz: Where and when the first tied Test was played?

Put these in order beginning with the team the WI f irst engaged in ODIs: Australia, India, England, Pakistan Answers in tomorrow’s issue

ton Stars will clash with Fruta Conquerors in the first match of a double-header card starting at 18:30hrs, while the second game will showcase Georgetown Football Club (GFC) against Western Tigers at 20:30hrs at Tucville ground.

Two Group C matches are scheduled for Monday at Camp Ayanganna featuring Riddim Squad against Beacon FC at 18:30hrs while at 20:30hrs Santos will do battle with Sunburst Camptown.

In latest results: Guyana Defence Force defeated Black Pearl 3-1 with Tyson Carmichael (42nd minute) Nigel Braithwaite (76th) and Clifford Garraway (92nd) scoring for the GDF while Mark Correga netted for Black Pearl in the 53rd minute.

Pele also scored a 3-1 win over Flamingo with Omallo Williams (23rd), Jumane Somerset (68th) and Godfrey Powers (83rd) scoring for Pele while Sheldon Gorrick netted for Flamingo in the 45th minute.

FORMER Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies Test player Daren Ganga wants younger players playing for Trinidad and Tobago, as he believes this will grow cricket in the region faster.

Ganga, who made his debut for the West Indies at 19 years old, knows how experience at a younger age aids in the development.

“We have highly-talented cricketers in T&T but what I would like to see is that more and more younger players given the chance to represent this country.

“This is the only way we will be able to move forward. We have not won a regional first-class title in many years and it is obvious that we are not doing something right.

Former T&T captain Daren Ganga We need better development programmes and a lot more focus on youth.”

After four rounds of the WICB Regional 4-Day tournament, Trinidad and Tobago have only won one game and sit in the bottom three of the table.

Ganga says, “Youthful

exuberance makes a big difference in cricket and when you give these opportunities from early, they will be grateful. Yes, they will make mistakes but there will be people around them to give them moral support. They will bounce back.”(Sportsmax.com)

Honduras appoints Jorge Pinto head coach FORMER Costa Rica head coach Jorge Luis Pinto is the new head coach of the Honduras National football team.

The 61-year-old Colombian is best remembered for taking Costa Rica to the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup where they only conceded two goals before losing on penalties to the Netherlands.

The Catrachos of Honduras finished fifth in September’s Central American Cup and Pinto’s first assignment with the team will be to help them qualify for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup via a home-and-away playoff with French Guiana, which is expected to be played in March 2015.

Pinto will also be looking to help Honduras qualify for the 2016 Copa Centenario if they qualify for the

Jorge Luis Pinto CONCACAF Gold Cup. If Honduras do qualify then Pinto would be the head coach for three countries in a Copa America tournament as he coached

Costa Rica in the 2004 edition and he was the coach of Colombia in the 2007 Copa America tournament. (SPORTSMAX. COM)

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 13, 2014

Teams announced for 9th Universal T20 Festival

By Calvin Roberts FOLLOWING a simple but hearty launching at the Albion Community Centre ground yesterday morning, the four teams for this year’s ninth annual Universal Solutions and Universal DVD Club T20 Festival were announced, following which a practice game was held.

National middle-order batsman Royston Crandon, Devindra Thakurdeen, Lloydel Lewis and Anthony D’Andrade have been tasked with the responsibility of leading the Universal Warriors, Berbice Titans, Universal President’s XI and Universal Solutions Tigers respectively.

Prior to the announcing of the teams, Chief Executive Officer of Universal DVD Club and Universal Solutions, Vicram Seubarran, congratulated the players for turning up at such short notice, even as he urged them to play the game in the true spirit that it is meant to be,

not forgetting discipline as the watchword.

“As you are aware, the Universal DVD Club and Universal Solutions will be celebrating its ninth anniversary this year with the T20 Festival being a part of our proceedings. Last year we did the same programme, but it was organised by the Berbice Cricket Board and this year, we wrote the BCB and with the help of head coach Julian Moore and the scorebooks available, we called up the players and placed them in four teams, evenly matched,” said Seubarran.

Moore, Kwesi Maltay, Michael Franco and Winston Smith have been tasked with the responsibility of coaching the four teams, who will be engaged in two semifinals this Sunday at the Port Mourant Community Centre ground from 10:00hrs.

The winners will clash in the final that is set for next Saturday at the Albion Community Centre ground under lights, following a female exhibition encounter between

… Rain curtails practice fixtures

From left, Anthony D’Andrade, Lloydel Lewis, Devendra Thakurdeen and Shawn Pereira proudly display the uniforms that will be used by players of the four teams in the Festival tomorrow.

Berbice and Demerara and the third place encounter between the losing sides from tomorrow’s semifinals.

In the first match of the

day, Universal Solutions Tigers will oppose President’s XI, followed by Berbice Titans against Universal Warriors in the second game from

13:00hrs.

Players such as Joemal LaFleur, David Latchaya, Dimitri Cameron, Shawn Pereira and Damion Van Tull

will lend support to Crandon, even as Seon Hetmyer, Kevon Jawahir, Arif Chan, Daniel Lewis and national Under-19 fast bowler Nial Smith will give valuable support to D’Andrade.

The hard-hitting duo in Jonathan Foo and Kandasammy Surujnarine, Eugene LaFleur, national fast bowler Raun Johnson and up-and-coming left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai will don the orange coloured top for the Titans.

With players of the calibre of Arthley Bailey, Linden Austin, Krisendat Ramoo, Manoj Looknauth and Keon DeJesus in the lineup for Lewis’ Universal President’s XI, they can pose a strong challenge to the Universal Solutions Tigers in their semifinal encounter.

Meanwhile, rain washed out the practice game that had commenced between President’s XI and Universal Solutions Tigers with President’s XI 28 without loss in four overs - Lewis 14 and Brentnol Woolford 11.

Smith, Permaul dominate early exchanges in PCL BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Windward Islands Volcanoes opener Devon Smith and Guyana Jaguars left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul dominate the aggregates, at the Christmas break in the inaugural WICB Professional Cricket League (PCL).

The left-handed Smith has already amassed 334 runs from three matches at an average of 55. He has struck one hundred, an attractive 145 against Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the third round, and has also counted

two half-centuries.

Called up as a late replacement for the injured Chris Gayle on the Test tour of South Africa, the 33-year-old has carried on his good form there, pummelling 174 in the threeday tour match which ended in a draw yesterday.

Test discard Narsingh Deonarine lies second in the run-scoring charts with 309 runs at an average of 42, thanks to centuries against Leeward Islands in the opening round and Windward Islands in the second round.

Notable Dates

DECEMBER 12, 1979 would forever be remembered by boxing enthusiast in Guyana.

On that day local featherweight Patrick Ford knocked out Cecil Hernandez in the 10th round. Hernandez would later die of injuries sustained in the fight that was held in Guyana.

Ford had been crowned World Boxing Association FECARBOX champion in his previous fight. He later became the first Guyanese to challenge for a world title but lost a controversial 15-round decision to WBC Salvadore Sanchez in September 1980.

Gairy St Clair scored a points win in eight rounds over Ugandan Jackson Asiku on December 12, 2003. The fight was held at the Badgery’s Pavilion in New South Wales, Australia. Asiku would have sweet revenge six years later.

He dropped St. Clair twice in the battle for the IBF Australasian featherweight title on his way to winning by a ninth round TKO.

However, the 31-year-old left-hander has struggled over the last two matches, with just 23 runs from three innings.

Wi n d w a r d s o p e n e r Johnson Charles is the only other batsman with over 250 runs, having scored 262 runs at an average of 50.

This has been fuelled largely by a knock of 151

– his maiden first class hundred – in the last round against Barbados at Arnos Vale.

Jamaica’s Tamar Lambert (223), the Leewards’ Austin Richards (213) and t h e Wi n d w a r d s ’ A n d r e Fletcher (203) are the only other batsmen to crest the 200-run mark.

Meanwhile, Permaul tops the bowling charts

Rain ends Windies warm-up BENONI, South Africa (CMC) – Persistent thunderstorms forced the abandonment of the final day of West Indies’ three-day tour match against the South African Invitational XI here yesterday.

The adverse weather, which occurred overnight and lasted into the morning, wiped out any possibility of play from early, at Willowmoore Park.

West Indies’ bowlers would have been disappointed not to get another run out, especially with the contest the only warm-up game heading into next week’s first Test in Centurion.

The Invitational XI were expected to resume at 17 without loss in their second innings.

West Indies, however, dominated the first two days, piling up 508 in response to the hosts’ 125 all out.

Marlon Samuels hammered an entertaining 203 while opener Devon Thomas, a late call-up as a replacement for the injured Chris Gayle, got 174.

There was also a five-wicket haul from left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell.

with a whopping 32 wickets at an incredible average of ten runs apiece. He had back-to-back ten-wicket match hauls in the second and third rounds, including eight-wicket innings bowling performances on each occasion.

With spinners again dominating the competition, Permaul’s teammate leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo has taken

21 wickets while Trinidad and Tobago Red Force’s Imran Khan, also a leg-spinner, has taken 21 scalps.

The other bowler with 20 wickets is Windwards left-arm spinner Alston Bobb.

The PCL resumes with the fifth round on February 6 next year, following the staging of the Super50 one-day championship.

Sport

Teams announced for 9th Universal T20 Festival

PSP U-17 SCHOOLS FOOTBALL C’SHIPS

Plans set for Inter-Guiana boxing

CHRONICLE

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

Poor officiating mars NRMSS win over Richard Ishmael

… Bishops’ stop Queen’s College

This NRMSS player (white top) controls the ball against his smaller opponent from Richard Ishmael, during their matchup in the PSP Georgetown Under-17 Inter-Secondary School tournament, yesterday. (Photo by Sonell Nelson) half, deep into NRMSS’ box what was deemed an evenly chances in three minutes, and was brought down by the

By Calvin Roberts balanced encounter. with their strikers looking defence, forcing the referee This was after Bishops’ for power instead of place- to point to the spot without P O O R O F F I C I AT I N G High, through double strikes ment, at times when well hesitation, with McLaren marred the feature fixture in yesterday’s Premier- from Tyrese Souvenir and positioned in front of their placing the ball in the far ship Sports Promotions Romario Grovesnor, defeat- opponents’ goal area, even corner to breathe new life (PSP) Georgetown Inter- ed a less fortunate Queen’s as Matthew Harrison, who into his team’s chances.

However, the poor offiSecondary School Under-17 College lineup 6-1 in the later scored a double in the ciating from the referee saw football fixture between first encounter of the day’s win, missed two clearcut opa handled ball from Harrison portunities to score. eventual winners North double-header.

The NRMSS versus After the goalless first being ignored, to which he Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary (NRMSS) and Rich- Richard Ishmael affair was half, Harrison scored in the scored his team’s second ard Ishmael Secondary at looking one-sided in the 37th minute from an off-side goal off the rebound in the the Ministry of Education first half which was played position but this was ignored 47th minute and 10 minutes ground which the former mostly in the Woolford Ave- by the referee and his assis- later, Deshawn Jones made nue-based Richard Ishmael’s tant; a goal that was nullified it 3-1 from a goal-mouth won 3-1.

Playing in soggy condi- half, but NRMSS have only from the penalty spot by scrimmage.

Despite their efforts to tions caused by the inclement themselves to blame as they Closson McLaren in the 41st pull one back, Richard Ishweather that prevailed over missed several goal-scoring minute for Richard Ishmael. mael found it hard to achieve The penalty came about Georgetown and certain parts opportunities within the segafter Steve Norville made a and the whistle sounded with of Guyana yesterday, the two ment that ended nil-all.

In fact, they missed five solo run from inside his own sides took the field to contest See Page 31 Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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GUYANA and Suriname have kicked off plans to stage a Tri-Nation tournament that would include French Guiana.

This was disclosed by Guyana Boxing Association president Steve Ninvalle following a meeting with Suriname president Remie Burke on Wednesday.

The two boxing association presidents met and discussed a wide range of matters that can be beneficial to both countries during Burke’s one-day visit.

Present at Wednesday’s meeting were, GBA Technical and Tournament Director Terrence Poole, National coach Wincell Thomas, Chairperson of the Referee and Judges Commission Ramona Agard and Referee and Judges Commission secretary Nicole Yhap.

“Guyana has been tasked with planning the way forward for the realisation of an Inter-Guiana boxing tournament. Suriname has asked that it be held here during next year. We are now in the process of contacting French Guiana; then to decide on a date that is mutually suitable,” Ninvalle reported.

Friday is the deadline for Guyana to dispatch a letter outlining plans for the tournament. The GBA boss disclosed that the possibility of inviting Suriname to next year’s Goodwill Tournament was also explored.

He added that Suriname has requested assistance in the areas of coaching and referee/judging. “We have asked that the Suriname association document this request. Guyana stands ready to assist in whatever way possible.

In photo, from left are: GBA president Steve Ninvalle, Terrence Poole, Nicole Yhap, Ramona Agard and Suriname president Remie Burke.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2014