Guyana chronicle 16 08 14

guyana No. 103921 saturday august 16, 2014

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

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‘Economic success speaks volumes about good governance’

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– President Ramotar

President Donald Ramotar

Progress made in Gruesome expanding rice markets attack leaves -initial report received by President on 48-year-old Panamanian agreement mirrors success man dead ‘There’s no Teenager Page 2

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-suspect confesses to crime

raping of our forest’

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–President Donald Ramotar

Suspect Inderjeet Sewdat

Deceased Deochand Singh

drowns at Orealla Page

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Andrew Fayal Singh

68 arrested, cocaine, marijuana, guns 2 found during police searches Page

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guyana CHRONICLE saturday August 16, 2014

Progress made in expanding rice markets -initial report received by President on Panamanian agreement mirrors success

By Ravin Singh PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar, yesterday, informed the media that there has been progress in expanding Guyana’s rice export market, following an agreement with Panama and noted that the rice industry is expecting bigger success this year.

He explained that his recent trip to Colombia paved the way for a meeting with the President of Panama and since then, he has sent a delegation to Panama to seek more markets for rice.

He disclosed that after the team had returned, the initial report presented to him was one which recorded a successful mission by the delegation.

According to the President, the country has managed to get new markets for rice in Panama and is continuing to look for more markets in Central America and Africa.

He noted: “We are pursuing those markets aggressively in order not to restrict the growth in production in rice but to find the markets for the increased production that we have. “ This year rice production is expected to be about 600,000 tonnes which will be a big improvement Some 225,000 acres of rice have been cultivated with a projected target of 310,000 tonnes for the second rice crop this year.

Challenges in Sugar The President noted, however, that while the rice sector is progressing, the story in the

sugar sector is somewhat different, considering the challenges plaguing the industry.

He stressed: “The sugar industry has shown a better performance, but that doesn’t mean it is out of its difficulties that it had. But it shows

too that it has the potential to overcome the difficulties, once everyone works together in the same direction.”

The production in the first sugar crop was almost 80,000 tonnes of sugar, well over the established target and well above the production of the 2013 first crop.

“The second crop has started back and there are still some difficulties that they’re going through with unseasonal weather, the turnout that I spoke about before with work is still an issue and by information that we have about a

53 per cent turnout so we still have those difficulties,” the President said.

To this end, Mr. Ramotar stated that the move to mechanisation is becoming increasingly necessary. “It is important to us to go more and more into mechanisation in the sugar industry because of the labour,” he said.

Also, a $6B allocation, in the 2014 National Budget, for GuySuCo was approved by the National Assembly. The $6B is expected to cover expenditure that include mechanisation, through the conversion of 2,500 hectares of land to be suitable for mechanical operations, which will be done at a cost of $1.1B, tillage and replanting of 9,200 hectares, both efforts being consistent with improving cane production and yield, which will be done at a cost of $1B; factory upgrading of all sugar estates, including Skeldon, at a cost of $2B, and works to field infrastructure to improve field to factory access and purchasing of equipment, excavators, Bell loaders, tractors, etc. to account for the remainder of the allocation.

Sugar production came in at a dismal 186,500 tonnes for 2013, but the target for this year has been set at 219,000, a revised figure from 216,000 following the progress of the first crop.

Guyana has been taking steps to turn around the sugar industry and hopes to meet the 300,000 tonnes-target soon, with a projection that the sector will reach its 400,000-tonne goal by 2020.

68 arrested, cocaine, marijuana, guns found during police searches The Guyana Police Force early yesterday morning conducted coordinated searches in its three Divisions ‘A’ ‘B’ and ‘C.’ The searches also saw the police cordoning off several areas.

In ‘A’ Division-George-

town, East Bank Demerara a total of 26 buildings were searched according to the police. In Georgetown, Sophia and at Kaneville East Bank Demerara fifty men and six women were arrested pending investigations into various offences including robbery under arms, trafficking in Narcotics and break and enter and larceny.

During the searches also an unlicensed 16 gauge sawn-off shot gun was discovered in the home of a murder suspect who the police were up to late yesterday still trying to locate.

The man is suspected to be involved in the killing of Mark London on Thursday

morning in an attempted robbery.

In addition, the police searches in ‘A’ Division also netted 695 grammes of cannabis sativa and nine grammes of cocaine.

In the searches in ‘B’ Division-Berbice, six buildings were searched in the Alness, Limlair, Nurney and Salton area, Corentyne during which the police were able to recover an air rifle. According to a police press release issued yesterday, seven men have been arrested pending investigations into robbery under arms break and enter and larceny.

Meanwhile, on the East Coast of Demerara in ‘C’ Division a total of 26 buildings were searched in the Sophia, Vryheid’s Lust,

Cummings Lodge, Turkeyen and Better Hope South communities.

Those searches saw nine men and three women being arrested pending investigations into robbery under arms and break and enter and larceny. In addition, two motor cycles that are suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained have been seized by the police.

Yesterday, this newspaper was informed that the persons who were arrested were being profiled and their finger prints being taken. It was unclear up to late last evening if any of the prints of the persons who were detained matched those which were lifted from any crime scenes.

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guyana CHRONICLE saturday August 16, 2014

‘Economic success speaks volumes about good governance’

– President Ramotar

By Ravin Singh

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar yesterday at a news conference expressed satisfaction over the 3.2 per cent economic growth in the first half of 2014 and he contends that this success “speaks volumes” about good governance.

“What I want to emphasise is the fact that our economic growth, in the circumstances I would say, has been satisfactory - the 3.2 per cent growth when you take into consideration, the international environment at which we operate in,” he said.

The President added that Guyana’s economy is currently much more “resilient”, particularly given that the entire economy will not be in crisis if any one area faces trouble.

“That it is now far more resilient and more broad-based and in that way is growing stronger over the years,” he noted.

According to him, this is a laudable achievement especially given the global conditions that prevails in economies in North America and Europe.

“We already are hearing that Europe seems to be again, going through some difficulties, and North America, their recovery is far slower than was expected. So with that one factor, I would say that our progress has been satisfactory,” he said.

The Head of State highlighted too that Guyana’s progress to date is more impressive, considering the “lack of cooperation” and the current political atmosphere.

He said: “Internally, with the lack of cooperation that we’ve been having and the kind of atmosphere that the Opposition seems to want to create, the kind of attitude seems to be totally anti-developmental…I would say from that point of view, our performance has been very good and it has shown or demonstrated that our management of the economy has been to achieve this with all the circumstances I spoke about I think that speaks volumes about good governance.”

The President also pointed to the improvement in Guyana’s debt.

“An improvement in our debt situation, our foreign debt has come down in 2014 by one per cent and our domestic debt too has come down by some 11.8 per cent compared to the same period in the first half of last year, if you measure it from that point of view,” the President said.

He reiterated that Guyana’s economic progress is commendable.

The growth figures were released President Donald Ramotar last Saturday by Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, who stated that despite the challenges facing global and regional economies, as well as the new political situation locally, Guyana has been able to record economic growth.

Of the 3.2 percent growth, non-sugar Gross Domestic Product grew by 2 percent, while the local economy is now projected to grow by 4.5 percent in the full year 2014, with non-sugar growth now projected at 3.6 percent. According to the mid-year economic report, the rice industry continues to achieve an unprecedented production boom, with production in the first crop of 312,283 tonnes, 18.3 percent over last year’s record high first crop production of 263,868 tonnes.

Sugar production in the first crop of 79,995 tonnes was 66.5 percent above the 2013 level, while the forestry sector recorded robust growth of 38.1 percent, supported by the

introduction of new incentives to harvesters.

However gold declaration contracted by 17.2 percent at the half year.

The manufacturing output grew by 11.2 percent driven by increased levels of production for sugar and rice, with the construction sector recording an extremely strong 16.8 percent growth reflecting both public and private sector activity.

The wholesale and retail, information and communication, and financial and insurance activities recorded growth of 6 percent, 3.5 percent and 2 percent respectively.

Guyana’s overall balance of payments deficit improved to US$93 million, compared to US$145.6 million at half year 2013, excluding gold, while total exports grew by 4.3 percent to US$307.5 million in the first half of 2014.

Despite the many challenges, sugar exports returned US$34.4 million in earnings, a 26.4 percent increase, while rice export earnings increased to US$95.6 million, 14.9 percent higher than at June 2013. Timber export earnings rose to US$21.3 million, a 31.3 percent increase, as gold exports earnings contracted by 24.6 percent to US$226.7 million.

Further, net domestic credit by the banking system to the private sector grew by 2.9 percent.

Credit growth was driven by the mining, construction and engineering, and real estate sectors, which expanded by 10.3 percent, 7.6 percent, and 7.5 percent, respectively.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 16, 2014

crisis: EU condemns Boko Haram suspected Iraq ‘atrocities’by IS of abducting more than militants 50 Nigerian villagers (BBC News) RESIDENTS of a Nigerian village on the shore of Lake Chad say at least 50 residents are missing after a raid by suspected Boko Haram militants.

A witness told the BBC that 26 people were also killed during the raid on the village of Doron Baga on Sunday.

The remote region has poor communication links, meaning news of the raid Boko Haram militants have carried out a series of audacious attacks in recent years

took days to emerge.

Nigeria has been plagued by attacks by the Boko Haram Islamist group in recent years, particularly in the north-east.

In April, Boko Haram caused global outrage by abducting more than 200 girls from their boarding school in the remote down of Chibok in Borno state.

Houses burnt It is unclear exactly how many people were seized during the attack.

Some of the villagers tried to fight the attackers off, but they were unable to stop the raid, a village

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elder told the BBC’s Hausa service.

The militants then burnt down some houses and rounded up a group of 50 people, he said.

They were mainly women but also included some boys and girls, he added.

Other survivors say young men were also taken possibly to be turned into Boko Haram fighters.

Witnesses from the village told reporters about the attack after reaching the state capital of Maiduguri.

The Nigerian military has not commented on the attack.

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(BBC News) EU FOREIGN have condemned “atrocities and abuses” against religious minorities in Iraq, with Germany warning it cannot stand by and watch people being “slaughtered.”

The emergency meeting in Brussels left it to individual states whether they would arm Iraq’s Kurds against Islamic State (IS) militants in the north.

France and the US have already moved to supply the Kurds with arms.

IS violence has driven an estimated 1.2 million Iraqis from their homes.

After the talks, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he was flying to Iraq to meet Kurdish leaders and the government in Baghdad to discuss what support is most needed.

“We cannot just watch as people are slaughtered there,” he said after the foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels. “If the current threat level persists, I can’t rule out that we will have to deliver weapons.”

Iraq has appointed a new prime minister to tackle the crisis. Haider al-Abadi, deputy speaker of the parliament, took over from his fellow Shia Muslim politician Nouri Maliki on Thursday, ending a dangerous political deadlock in Baghdad.

One of Iraq’s most pow-

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erful Sunni tribal leaders, Ali Hatem Suleiman, has reportedly said he is ready to work with the new prime minister if he protects the rights of Sunnis.

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraq’s most influential Shia cleric, has already thrown his weight behind the new prime minister in Baghdad.

In another development, there are reports of fierce fighting with IS militants in the predominantly Sunni region of Anbar, west of Baghdad.

AFP news agency quoted a Sunni tribal leader, Sheikh Abduljabbar Abu Risha, as saying an “uprising” was under way against IS, while Anbar police chief Maj-Gen Ahmed Saddak said security forces were backing the fight to drive out IS. After meeting in Brussels, the EU foreign ministers said in a statement: “The EU remains seriously concerned about the deterioration of the security situation in Iraq, and condemns in the strongest terms the attacks perpetrated by [IS] and other associated armed groups.

“The EU also condemns the atrocities and abuses of basic human rights, in particular when committed against targeted religious minorities and most vulnerable groups.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 16, 2014

UN troops disperse Haiti protesters supporting Aristide

The protesters set up barricades of rocks and burning tyres

(BBC News) UN PEACEKEEPERS in Haiti have clashed with support ers of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in the Haitian capital, Portau-Prince.

Dozens of Mr Aristide’s supporters had set up barricades outside his home, fearing he could be arrested.

UN troops fired smoke grenades to disperse the protesters after a car carrying UN staff was attacked.

Mr Aristide faces charges of money laundering, but his supporters say the investigation is politically motivated.

On Wednesday, a judge issued an arrest warrant for him after he failed to appear in court for questioning about the charges, which also in-

clude corruption and drug trafficking.

However, Mr Aristide’s lawyer said his client did not go to court because he did not receive the summons.

A crowd of demonstrators, said to number around 150, blocked the route to his home with rocks and burning tyres on Thursday to prevent his arrest.

Some protesters threw stones at a car carrying UN personnel, forcing them to run to a nearby home.

“We can confirm that the UN security team rescued the two UN staff, and then peacekeeping troops cleared the protesters and their barricades, and retrieved the UN vehicle using smoke grenades and armoured ve-

hicles,” a UN official told the BBC. Correspondents say Mr Aristide is seen as a champion of the poor, and remains popular with many in Haiti.

He was Haiti’s first freely elected president in 200 years of independence, but was ousted following an uprising in 2004.

He spent seven years in exile in South Africa before returning to the country in 2011.

UN peacekeepers were deployed to restore order after the 2004 uprising, and more than 10,000 uniformed personnel remain on the ground.

The mission has drawn controversy, including allegations of excessive force.

174 households must move for San Fernando Waterfront project (Trinidad Express) SOME 174 households are to be relocated from along the Lady Hailes Avenue and King’s Wharf, San Fernando, if the San Fernando Waterfront Redevelopment project is to become a reality.

The Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development hosted a public presentation on the draft Waterfront Redevelopment feasibility study at San Fernando City Hall Auditorium on Wednesday, where consulting team, Deloitte Caribbean & Bermuda Limited and Affiliates listed a number of projects to be undertaken.

Relocation of residents

and fisher folk were listed as high priority projects as the intention is to reclaim 3.8 hectares in the area of the present jetty.

Several people raised concerns, asking about provisions for dislocated fisherfolk and why the City Corporation was not listed as being a part of the development.

The team was also told it had neglected the Sea Bathers Association, and there would need to be a relocation of the Water Taxi terminal and scout house.

In response, Minister of Planning and Sustainable Development Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie said the fisherfolk seem to be the most

anxious of all the groups and was put in the category of 2-5 years with the option of severance or to continue fishing.

Tewarie said the City Corporation will be included.

However, he said, institutions like UDeCOTT (The Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited) and NIDCO (National Infrastructure Development Company Limited) are capable of doing the kind of construction and management which would be required. He said it would make little sense to develop the city without the city council being a part of it.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 16, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Holistic approach needed to stamp out crime CRIMINALS would always look for the next prey and no one is safe from them; and until a combined effort by all stakeholders is made to eradicate this real plague that has infested the Guyanese society, the country would forever be held to ransom by these lawless, amoral creatures who choose to live as predators, rather than law-abiding citizens of the land.

It is a terrible indictment on the judiciary that armed robbers who violate the persons, properties, homes, and bodies of the citizens of this land are rapped on the knuckles and set free to continue their predatory practices once more – and

the negligible amounts of bail which release them to once more steal, and even kill, makes a mockery of the rights of the victims, the security of the nation, and the efforts of members of the joint services, who often lay their lives on the line to apprehend perpetrators, only to see them walk the streets shortly after, openly in search of defenceless prey.

On the other side of the coin, persons who are not violent, and who pose no real extended threat to the wider society are locked up with hardened criminals in environments and conditions that could very well transform them into real enemies of society, thereby

inflating a rapidly expanding criminal network.

Governmental institutions, such as hospitals and health centres, schools, community centres, et al – even sidewalks, could be kept in pristine condition if petty criminals could serve their time doing community work instead of being clothed, fed, and housed at the expense of taxpayers.

Every day the courts could churn out a labour force to weed yards and parapets, clean drains and canals, paint and wash public buildings, etc. Volunteers could oversee these felons to ensure that they perform creditably, or else their term of community service could be extended.

Many school yards, rather than providing an avenue for healthy play and exercise, are hazards to the health and welfare of the nation’s children, so parents or retired grandparents could provide oversight services for cleaning/rehabilitation/ renovation of schools and schoolyards.

The judicial system could even invite the private sector to be partners in such an initiative, because there are many within Guyana’s entrepreneurial corridors who would welcome a restoration of standards within the various communities.

We need to get the hardcore, inhumane, and

murderous criminals off the streets, regardless their age. A thirteen-year-old or a thirty-year-old pulling the trigger of a gun at pointblank range still results in the death of the victim.

For all those who protest police exercises to find and prosecute criminals, let them be warned that they, or a loved one, could be the next victim. The police should also prosecute, to the full extent of the law, all who support and protect those who prey on others. Many are the beneficiaries of the crimi-

nal activities and share, in equal measure, the spoils of the predators, so they should also share in the punishment.

Guyanese, as a collective body, should support our security forces in their attempts to eradicate the criminal elements from the society and once more restore law and order, to the extent where citizens of, and visitors to, this country could walk the streets and enjoy the sanctuary of their homes unmolested and free from fear.

Kaieteur News continues The truth about Walter to partner with Opposition Rodney’s death is vital to demoralise investors

IT seems rather strange that the Kaieteur News is collaborating with the PNC=APNU in targeting the Bai Shan Lin Chinese Logging Company, spending nearly $1M just to have an Aerial view of the company’s operations in Region 10. Did the KN take such interest in the provision of such resources to the police for the capturing of the murderers who savagely

killed its press men a few years ago and their families for decent compensations?

Certainly the monies that were paid for the aerial View of Bai Shan Lin’s operations in Region 10 could have been handed over to the families of KN’s press men who were mercilessly killed. The KN needs to tell the people of Guyana why this was not done.

But KN has created his-

tory as a single newspaper in Guyana, devoting over twenty-five misleading pages in one week on the Bai- Shan Lin Company.

I am calling on Bai Shan Lin to stand firm as ever and not be intimidated by the publication of erroneous information about the company. It is KN’s wicked scare tactics.

EDWARD JILKES

IT brought tears to my eyes when I opened the newspapers on August 12, 2014 and read that (People’s National Congress) PNC was demanding the Government to put an end to the Walter Rodney COI, because of how much money it would cost to conclude it, as if Guyanese don’t deserve the truth about what led up to that dreadful day on June 13th, 1980 when Dr. Rodney was assassinated, and more so, Mr. Rodney’s family, friends and relatives deserve the truth to finally

be revealed.

Being a real life Harvey Dent (Two Face) to the Guyanese people just when elections come around for the sake of our votes is one thing, but trying to deny justice and the truth to our people is more detrimental and damages our intelligence, and the PNCR has being consistent in keeping the truth from us.

By trying to deny the family of the late Walter Rodney the truth about his death is simply denying them peace of mind, and also denying

Guyanese from knowing the truth about the unprincipled actions that took place while the PNC was in government many years ago.

“The truth and only the truth shall set us free” and being a tax paying Guyanese citizen, I personally don’t mind that my hard working tax dollars are going towards providing the truth to me and my fellow citizens. We deserve the truth, just as Rodney’s family do.

LANCELOT ADAMS

Lumber company exploiting Amerindians THERE is a certain lumber exporting company on the Linden Highway by the old glass factory that exploits Amerindian loggers.

Here is how the compa-

ny operates. Amerindians turn up at the company’s operations site with the forest produce for sale. Half of this produce is unfairly graded - as not of good quality. The unsuspecting

Amerindians would then be only paid for half of their produce while the other half remains at the Company’s site. It therefore remains anyone’s guess what becomes of the other

half that is adjudged not of good quality.

This is barefaced exploitation by the lumber exporting company and it is important that the Office of the President, Ministry

of Labour and the Guyana Revenue Authority conduct an investigation into this unscrupulous practice.

I am also advising International buyers who buy forest products from

the company that they are helping to support the exploitation of indigenous people in Guyana, which must not be tolerated.

EDWARD CHARLES

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 16, 2014

Kaieteur News engaged in ´a programmed hatchet job´ OVER the past few days, Kaieteur News – a daily newspaper, previously known for its keenness and professional investigative journalism, has been engaged in what can be justifiably called “a programmed hatchet job” against a foreign investor – Bai Shan Lin – from China. The reason why this newspaper dedicated so much of its resources, energy and time to this effort can only be known by its editor, owner and publisher. Suffice it to say that their motivation was neither patriotic nor altruistic because the overwhelming percentage of its so-called exposé came from a trough filled with half-truths, innuendos, misinformation and sensationalised departure from fact, the truth and the extant law.

I feel constrained to get involved not to defend Bai Shan Lin – they have enough resources to do so for themselves-, but because I am a stakeholder in the forestry sector. I played the leading role in the establishment of the community logging associations in Guyana. I am aware of the large number of persons in Region 10 who benefit directly from the Chinese involvement in the forestry sector in Region 10, and I know that this kind of journalism displayed by Kaieteur News can and will be damaging and discouraging to any future foreign investment into the sector, which investment is necessary and vital for its development.

So the record must be set straight.

Firstly, Guyanese must

decide what kinds and levels of investments we will accept and encourage in our extractive sectors – mining and forestry. In mining we have several foreign players – Bosai and Rusal in bauxite, a foreign company in manganese, several foreign companies in gold and diamond and all of these companies have one thing in common: they bring in maximum investment in order to reap maximum volumes to derive maximum profits, most or all of which they repatriate to their countries of origin. This has always been the nature of foreign direct investment and it will always be so.

Secondly, Guyanese decided in 2009 through their elected representatives in parliament, the way the forestry sector is to be managed, monitored and exploited by all players local and foreign, the laws did not make a distinction. In 2009, the Revised Forest Act became Law and was supported by all parties in Parliament. So the structure of the Forestry Sector, the way it is managed and monitored, and the way it is utilised was settled way back in 2009 by the Guyanese people, through their elected representatives.

The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) is charged, under law, with the responsibility of monitoring our forests and policing the Forest Act. The GFC is managed by a Board of Directors whose chairman is one of Guyana’s finest public servants and whose officers, from the Commissioner down to the junior staff, are some of the finest, patriotic and dedicated public servants

you will find in Guyana. To imply or to state blandly that the GFC allows Bai Shan Lin or any other stakeholder in the Forestry sector to operate in breach of the laws and regulations, without proof or evidence, is to falsely malign and impugn the character of the fine Guyanese men and women who manage the GFC from the Board right down. This is bad, unpatriotic and downright shamelessly wrong!

Let me state some facts: 1. Bai Shan Lin is not the only Chinese player in Guyana’s Forestry sector 2. The ship/boat shown in photographs by Kaieteur News does not belong to Bai Shan Lin; it belongs to another Chinese investor 3. Many of the logs shown by Kaieteur News as belonging to Bai Shan Lin, in fact belong to other stakeholders and loggers 4. In Region 10 alone, logging associations exist in almost every community – 2 in Linden, 2 in Kwakwani, 1 in Aroaima, 1 in Ituni, 1 in Coomacka, 1 in Rockstone, 1 in #47 Miles Mabura Road and 1 in Three Friends Mines Demerara plus all the Amerindian communities have their own concessions. These associations and communities have concessions totalling in excess of 1 million acres and benefit in excess of 2,500 persons directly.

5. Each concession is allowed to harvest at the rate of 0.1m3 per acre per annum which means that in Region 10 alone, small stakeholders and Amerindian communities can harvest and sell a total of 100,000 m3 of logs annually.

What has been happening is that because of no access to investment funding to acquire machinery – tractors, skidders, loaders, trucks and bulldozers – the small operators have been struggling and could have harvested at best only about 20% of their allowable cut and the remaining 80% is not added to the next year’s quota, so the sector, as far as the small players were concerned, was stagnated and moribund, and the main objective of the community logging associations, which is to improve the lives of members and their families was defeated and remained unattainable.

6. The advent of the Chinese – Bai Shan Lin and others – changed this reality and small loggers can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. Here’s why: under the Forest Act, any logger can fix the price for his logs at the stump i.e. on the ground where it is felled. He then legally and lawfully rents equipment from whomsoever and takes his logs to market; he then deducts the rental charges and pockets the rest – minus royalties and felling charges. For the first time in the history of the Forestry sector in Guyana, the small logger can log his concession and make a profit without the heavy burden of acquiring machinery, and that is precisely because of the hundreds of trucks, skidders, loaders and bulldozers brought into the country by Bai Shan Lin and other Chinese investors!

7. To say, as Kaieteur News has printed, that hundreds of containers of logs are shipped out by Bai Shan

Lin is sensationalised googlebygook and only meant to mislead and scare the uninformed.

Here are the facts: a. The maximum volume allowed in a 40-foot container is 18m3 b. Region 10 alone has an annual allowable cut of approximately 100,000 cubic metres so Region 10 alone can legally and lawfully harvest, sell and ship 5,556 40foot containers per annum, or 15 containers per day every single day of the year c. Less than half of this volume is presently being shipped out of Region 10 at the moment. d. The average price being paid by buyers (and there are many Guyanese buyers too) at this time is US$60 per cubic metre at the stump and at least 90% of this ends up in the hands / pockets of the small logger. Can Kaieteur News imagine the economic spin-off and value to Region 10 if the entire allowable cut is harvested and sold?

Politicians must be careful and mindful how they jump on other people’s bandwagon. How can a policy to import machinery and equipment to be used in the Forestry sector, thereby helping the small loggers – especially in your constituency – be a bad policy? Guyana is still a primary producing and exporting economy: more ships coming to Guyana to carry out bauxite is a good thing; more dredges in the Gold and Diamond mining sectors is a good thing; more sugar and rice exported is a good thing; when did more timber exports become a bad thing?

Community logging associations were established through political struggle, picketing demonstrations and protest marches – I led that struggle – with two objectives: 1. To ensure that forested land was given to communities and, 2.

To ensure that the forested land, once given, is used by communities to enhance and improve their lives and livelihood. The first objective began to be achieved when Government gave to Region 10 Forest Producers Association 44,000 acres of forested land at Mackouria on the Essequibo River in 2001. To date, over 700,000 acres of forested land is now controlled by community logging associations. The second objective is now being achieved, thanks to the facility of using surplus Chinese and other equipment.

Bai Shan Lin and other large and small Chinese corporate citizens must understand, however, that they cannot operate in a community in Guyana and be separate and aloof from that community, destroy its roads and other infrastructure without contributing to its repair and upkeep.

Bai Shan Lin, especially in Region 10, because of its size high visibility, must culturally adapt and participate in the life of the region, contribute to development in sports, health, agriculture, education, etc.

In short, put aside a small portion of your budget to spend on becoming a good, exemplary corporate citizen.

PHILLIP G. BYNOE

President needs to strengthen his working class credentials PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar is nearing t h re e y e a r s i n t o h i s presidency and seems to face in the immediate future the possibility of early elections. His background in the P.P.P is a tale of struggling on behalf of the working class. It is this element of his character that he needs to bring to the presidency at this crucial juncture. He

has to reinforce and strengthen his working class credentials.

Steps that I humbly suggest that can be taken to do so are as follows: 1. Stop the yearly public service wage increase of five percent close to Christmas and allow the true spirit and intent of collective bargaining to take its course. The right to collective bargaining by the

unions was a lifelong struggle of Cde Cheddi Jagan. Demand that the Unions and Ministries conclude their negotiations in a timely and fair manner so the workers can enjoy their wage package.

2. Reduce P.A.Y.E or income tax by 13% for this year with a continuous yearly reduction of 5% until it reaches zero.

The Value Added Tax of

16% is a fair and justifiable tax but if done in tandem with income tax is virtually a double taxation. The VAT is based on the principle that the more you spend and consume the more you should be taxed therefore who consumes more pays more.

3. Reduce by 50% the tolls on vehicles used by the working class to cross the Berbice Bridge. Cars and mini buses tolls are too high and this places a bur-

den on the movement of the working class. The bourgeoisie can take of themselves in the other category of vehicles.

4. Decentralise the issuance of documents such as birth certificates, passport, building certificates and business licenses to the other two counties. It is cruel and unjust hardship for citizens of Berbice and Essequibo to have to come to Georgetown for these everyday documents.

5. Voluntarily put a

cap on your presidential benefits. This is the moral and right thing to do and if you do need guidance or a point of reference to set the limits, just reflect on the way Cde Janet Jagan lived her life after demitting office in 1997 as President.

Remember the working class does not want to go to the barricades no more; they want to go to Disney World.

REGGIE BHAGWANDIN

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guyana CHRONICLE saturday August 16, 2014

‘There’s no raping of our forest’ –President Donald Ramotar

By Ravin Singh

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar yesterday asserted that despite the “vicious attack” on foreign investment in the country, there is “no raping of our forest” by foreign logging company Bai Shan Lin. The Head of State was at the time responding to questions by the media on the operations of the Chinese logging company, Bai Shan Lin which has been targeted by sections of the media and labelled as operating illegally in the country.

According to the President, he is convinced that there’s an orchestrated attack on having investments in the country while disclosing at the same time that this pattern has been shown from the beginning of last year.

He questioned the attack on similar projects by the Opposition which bore no fruitful explanations as to why these projects were not supported.

“How do you explain the attack on the Amaila Falls project by the Opposition… “How do you explain the expansion of the airport… How do you explain the attack on the specialty hospital… How do you explain the attack on Marriott Hotel?” he questioned while noting that the country does not even possess a five star hotel.

As such, Ramotar is contending that there is an obvious link with sections of the media which has taken an Opposition’s position and are now moving their attack to investors in the society.

“I am not speaking for Bai Shan Lin but I’m telling you that the Ministry of Natural Resources was summoned to the standing committee of the National Assembly, they answered every single question, not a single question was left unanswered; nothing as far as I am aware and has been reported to me has been done in any illegal way,”

the Head of State assured.

He further explained that all of these arrangements are the same across the board with everyone else that goes into these kinds of arrangements, stressing that “there’s no raping of our forest.”

However, he disclosed that the export of logs is still way below what we can export based on some of the regulations of the laws that we have. “But we have this constant attack against investment, particularly Chinese investments in the country which I really find to be totally anti-national and the target is our economy. That is what it appears to be” he noted.

“I am convinced from all of the reports that they have given me, that not a single law has been breached, that we are not exporting logs above what our programme of sustainable forest calls for legally and from a sustainable point of view. In fact, the figure that I’ve seen, we are way

“The export of logs is still way below what we can export based on some of the regulations of the laws that we have” below where we should be to have a sustainable forest development in our society,” the President asserted.

He concluded by noting that the constant attack is “ridiculous” and there is an obvious pattern to attempt to attack and scare local as well as foreign investors in our society.

Outlining its position, Bai Shan Lin recently maintained that it had started its work in 2007 and rejected the notion that their operations were permitted under unregulated conditions and outside the provisions of the law.

According to a recent statement by the company: “Over the period 2011- 2013, the company applied through the GFC’s forest allocation process and has been granted two State Forest Exploratory Permits.”

S u ch p er mits amounted to some 344,849 hectares, for which applications were from public advisories by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). The company noted that through various partnership arrangements, Bai Shan Lin “has invested substantial financial and capital resources into these operations.”

The company also boasted that in keeping with President Donald Ramotar its social responsibility to the region, Bai Shan Lin “has employed close to 200 local Guyanese in various areas of operation, including in harvesting, heavy duty equipment operation, field teams and administrative personnel.”

‘We are not going to let the students suffer’

–President Donald Ramotar

By Ravin Singh

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar yesterday assured that despite the cut of the student loan subvention from an initial $450M to a restored $225M by Finance Minister Ashni Singh, he will not allow the students of the prominent tertiary institution, the University of Guyana, to suffer.

The President’s remarks came yesterday at a press briefing after he was questioned as to whether any preparations were made so as to absorb the impending fee increase and provide student loans for those attending the institution that would require them to pay their tuition fees.

He said that the issue of the loan subvention is one which is currently engaging the administration and one which involves “active consideration.”

According to the President, the issue will be resolved in time for the new academic year, but has initially posed a problem because of the cut to the loan subvention by the combined Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC).

Added to that, the President alluded to the

fact that the efforts by the Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh to restore some amount of the loan subvention has landed criticisms.

“The budget was cut and it was one of the things we are being criticised about, so the important thing is that we have restored it and we have to look at additional sources or we have to make a decision how we will deal with this,” President Ramotar stressed.

He continued that the issue is close to done at this point in time and emphasised that “we are not going to allow the students to suffer unnecessarily.”

President As it relates to recent Donald Ramotar threats made by the current Vice- Chancellor of the university, Jacob Opadeyi to shut the campus down within the second week of the first semester in the new academic year, the President assured that the matter will be resolved before the next two weeks.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi earlier this week threatened a shutdown of the entire campus in the second week of the first semester if the Ministry of Finance does not address the issue of access to student loans. Opadeyi asserted his authority as “CEO” to enforce what he dubbed “plan B” for the university, adding that the institution will not remain open only for those students who can afford to pay. “ T h e re a l i s s u e s that confront us today is the uncertainty about the access to the student loan for our Vice Chancellor of the students; up till this University of Guyana, afternoon the student loan office is not able Prof. Jacob Opadeyi to make a statement whether student loans are available for students or not, right now registration has started and this may impact on our ability to actually go into operation for this academic year,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 16, 2014

Three Guyanese jailed for 34 years for importing cocaine into Ghana THREE Guyanese who imported 414 kilogrammes of cocaine into Ghana have been sentenced to a total of 34 years’ imprisonment with hard labour by the Fast Track High Court in Accra.

Percival Junior Court, 53, an engineer; and Samuel Monty, 47, and Singh Princhad, both seamen, were on Thursday found guilty of engaging in criminal conspiracy, importation of narcotic drug without lawful authority, and possession of narcotic drug.

Court and Monty were sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment on each count, while Princhad was slapped with a 10-year jail term.

The presiding judge, Mr Justice Clemence J. Honyenuga, ordered that the vessel which was used to ship the drugs to Ghana on November 19, 2013, the MV Atiyah Ex-Alisam, with registration number 000471, be confiscated to the state.

The trial judge said the prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Mr Asiamah Sampong, was able to lead evidence to prove that the convicts had conspired, illegally imported, and had possession of the narcotic drug.

The convicts looked on pensively in their white shirts as the trial judge read the judgement, which lasted two

JAILED: Percival Junior Court (left), Samuel Monty and Singh Princhad leaving the courtroom

hours. The drug had a street value of $60 million when the convicts were apprehended.

The court took into consideration Princhad’s health status before sentencing him.

His lawyer had prayed the court to deal leniently with him because he was suffering from hypertension, diabetes and an ear infection.

In passing sentence, Mr Justice Honyenuga said the court took into consideration the plea for mitigation from the lawyers of the convicts, the number of months they

had been on remand, the sentences passed on their co-conspirators, the nature and gravity of the offence, and the value of the narcotic drug.

On January 7 last, the court sentenced Miller Ronald O’Neil, the captain of the vessel, and Seth Grant, a Ghanaian based in Brazil, to a total of 35 years’ imprisonment on the same charges.

O’Neil was sentenced to 20 years in jail, while Grant would spend the next 15 years there.

In its two-hour judge-

ment, the court held that the prosecution was able to prove that the convicts had a “coordinated and well-calculated travel arrangement to carry the cocaine to Ghana”.

It said the convicts knew the nature and quality of the drug they possessed.

Dismissing the defence put up by the convicts, it held that issues bordering on narcotic drugs bounded on possession and not ownership.

The trial judge said the convicts had confessed committing the crime in their statements to the police, and

noted that those statements could have been relied on by the court without any evidence being adduced.

That notwithstanding, the court held that the position of the convicts in court contradicted their statements. Justice Honyenuga accordingly described the defence put up by the convicts in court as an “afterthought”.

Touching on Court’s explanation of acting on the orders of someone without knowing the exact nature of the goods carted into the vessel, the court held that ignorance was not an excuse.

Citing legal authorities to reinforce its decision, the court held that “not all orders are legal”, and maintained that obeying illegal orders from a superior officer did not absolve one from an offence.

The court said the statements of the accused persons were proven to have been given voluntarily, and that the prosecution had led “overwhelming evidence” to prove the guilt of the convicts beyond reasonable doubt.

The prosecution, it noted, led incontrovertible evidence to prove that each of the convicts dealt directly with the owner of the cocaine, nicknamed Fatman, who has since absconded.

The court said there was evidence to the effect that the

convicts stopped on the high seas to offload the 414 slabs of cocaine into the vessel.

During the third week of November 2013, the Narcotics Control Board received information concerning the suspicious movement of the MV Atiyah Ex-Alisam, which was heading towards Ghana. According to the said information, the vessel was from Georgetown, in the Republic of Guyana.

As a result, the security agencies, including the Ghana Navy, the Police Service and the National Security, were alerted.

The vessel was eventually intercepted by the Western Naval Command in Takoradi on November 19, 2013. A search on the vessel revealed 21 fertiliser sacks smeared with engine oil but containing 414 slabs of a compressed substance.

A field test conducted indicated that the substance was cocaine.

At time of the arrest, O’Neil, the captain, said the drug was to be delivered in Ghana, but he could not mention the name of the recipient. He said the drug was to be delivered on the high seas for a fee of $50,000, while the rest of the crew was to receive various sums of money. (Asif Hakim, credits to Graphic Online News)

Probe still ongoing into ‘channa bomb’ incident at Carol Sooba’s home

By Michel Outridge THERE has been no development regarding the probe of last week’s attempted channa bombing of Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba’s home, although the matter is being pursued by sleuths.

Sooba yesterday told this medium that the police have taken a report from her, and she is awaiting word on the progress of that probe.

She also said that security at her home and office remains intact, although persons have been trying to terrorize her with persistent threats.

Police reported that at about 01:30hrs on August 06 last, two Molotov cocktails were thrown onto the premises of acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba’s Dun-

Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba

can Street, Campbellville, Georgetown residence while she was at home with several relatives; and her security was also present when a dark coloured motor car pulled up in front of her house and someone hurled the two channa bombs into her yard.

The incendiary devices caused slight damage to the

facade of Sooba’s two-storey wooden house, a PVC pipe in her yard was also scorched, and several window panes from the guard hut were shattered.

When this publication visited the scene last week Wednesday morning, shards of broken glass bottles littered the ground, and a visibly shaken Sooba greeted the media and offered a comment.

The acting Town Clerk believes this action was another well planned move to frighten her, since she was expected to make a court appearance that very day.

After a ruling from Chief Justice Ian Chang stated that Sooba was the de facto Town Clerk and she could remain in that position until her appointment was challenged by a quo warranto, Public Relations

Officer of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), Mr Royston King, went ahead and filed the quo warranto, subsequent to Sooba and himself approaching the

Court of Appeal to quash the ruling of the Chief Justice.

The case was, however, adjourned to a later date.

This latest attack on

Sooba came days after Mayor Hamilton Green had ordered Chief Constable Andrew Foo to pull security personnel from Sooba’s residence.

Guyanese ship capsizes near Corentyne River mouth

-two crew members reported missing THE Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) reported on Wednesday, August 13, that at approximately 21:00 hours on August 12, the Guyana regi s t e re d m o t o r t a n k e r Swift Dolphin reported-

ly capsized off the coast in the vicinity of the mouth of the Corentyne River.

A press release said the tanker was proceeding from Paramaribo, Suriname to Georgetown, Guyana with four crew

members on board; two were rescued, while the other two are reported missing.

S e a rc h a n d re s c u e efforts are ongoing to locate the two missing crew members. (Michel Outridge)

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guyana CHRONICLE saturday August 16, 2014

Concerned Newtown residents denounce City Engineers’ Dept inactivity on building code violations

By Derwayne Wills

RESIDENTS of D’Andrade Street, Newtown in Georgetown have called for the urgent intervention of the City Engineers’ Department of the Georgetown Municipality to address gross building code violations.

A concerned resident in the community raised alarm that the owner of the building had not only violated building code regulations but also posed threats to safety, health and the environment to the surrounding areas.

This publication made efforts to contact the owner of the building and was instead directed to the daughter. When questioned on the alleged illegalities of the works, the daughter was most uncooperative and hostile towards the questioning reporter.

And even donned under false pretences, one Attorney-at-Law who, while in conversation with the reporter, divulged that contrary to what was previously indicated, he is not the legal representative of the individual.

After contacting the mother of the unruly daughter, who also identified herself as the owner of the premises, this publication learned that the works to be completed at the residence in question included a three-storey concrete building to be used for commercial purposes.

BUILDING, HEALTH HAZARD From observations, it was noticeable that there

was a high probability that there were several building code violations-specifically, in regards to the proximity between the two structures, the distance of the back building from the fence, and the distance between the septic arrangement, the back fence and the back building.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed that the resident had intended to utilise one septic tank for both structures. It was further made clear that at one point, the septic tank which was located at the front of the building was removed and instead a pipe dumped faecal matter directly into the back alleyway.

When concerns on the inactivity of the City Engineers’ Department in dealing with building code violations was raised with the Acting City Engineer, Mr. Ron Eastman, he made it clear that he is aware of the specifics of the case in D’Andrade Street, Newtown.

He further disclosed that the matter was discussed “at length” with the concerned resident, adding that, “an officer of the Department was sent to investigate the matter.”

When further questioned on whether the official had in fact visited the site, Eastman responded in the affirmative.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD What was even more alarming with this case was that the contractor, on advice from the owner of the premises, had

dumped materials accumulated through the foundation work into the back alleyway. Large deposits of mud were completely cast over what appeared to be concrete drainage works in the alleyway behind the premises.

Residents in Garnett Street, Newtown, which is parallel to D’Andrade Street also complained of flooding in their backyards where previously this was not the case. They disclosed that this was entirely as a result of the blockage of the alleyway drainage.

One resident in D’Andrade said he no longer enjoys the full access of his residence because of build-up in the drains in front of his premises.

The female, who identified herself as the owner made clear to this publication that the materials would be removed from the alleyway, however, when the Guyana Chronicle returned to the site two days later, it was found that the alleyway was still clogged and a zinc fence had been erected barring any view into the operations within the premises.

She maintained however, that all permission was granted by the City Council through an approved building plan to erect the structure which has now taken shape.

This case was brought to the attention of Acting Town Clerk of Georgetown, Ms. Carol Sooba on Tuesday, and she assured and indicated that the Council will be investigating the matter fully.

Gruesome attack leaves 48-year-old man dead

-suspect confesses to crime

June Bailey Van-Keric A family feud has resulted in the death of a 48-yearold man at Free Yard, Port Mourant last Wednesday.

Dead is Deochand Singh, known as Michael Singh and Mike, a car driver. He received multiple stab wounds to the neck before being tossed into a pool at his residence.

The gruesome attack took place just after 20:30 hrs, moments after Singh had returned home from a wake.

The dead man’s wife Mandrani said he left home at 17:30 hrs to attend a wake in the neighSuspect Inderjeet bourhood. Just moments Sewdat before she had telephoned him, urging him to return home as he had stayed out late the previous night.

In the meanwhile, the 20-year old suspect allegedly had planned the fatal assault on his stepfather with whom he

had a grievance for over five years.

The grumble stemmed from the fact that the now deceased had fathered a child with the suspect’s then 15-yearold sister when the family lived in Venezuela.

This newspaper was informed that after the teen delivered the child there were constant arguments and the family returned to their homeland, leaving the newborn and her mother behind.

However, from all indications the suspect never forgave his stepfather for his actions which brought the family unnecessary reprisals.

Additionally, residents claimed the now deceased was always a fraudster as he used to make counterfeit notes. He was accused of drafting his stepson into his schemes. The suspect’s older sibling is currently facing a fraud related charge at the Whim Magistrate Court.

Meanwhile, the suspect, who is currently in police custody, has since confessed to the crime.

He has revealed that after his stepfather left home for the wake, he [the suspect] knew that the older man would have consumed alcohol, making him an easy prey.

Shortly before 20:30 hrs, the suspect waited and ambushed the unsuspecting Singh, at the front gate. Being armed with a piece of wood, he inflicted a lash on the man’s head, resulting in the 200-pounder falling to the ground. It was after the fall, that the suspect, using a knife, inflicted 18 stab wound to Singh’s body. Fourteen of those wounds

were inflicted on the neck, before it was slashed. Thereafter, the body was thrown into a pond in the family yard.

However, an eyewitness telephoned the cops after efforts were made to conceal the body.

Minutes later, ranks from the Whim Police Station, swooped on the premises, where the suspect was arrested and the body was retrieved.

It was after the police swooped down at Free Yard, Port Mourant, that the widow knew what had happened.

The remains of Deochand Singh was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital where he Deceased Deochand Singh was pronounced dead on arrival.

The suspect Inderjeet Sewdat is in police custody assisting with investigations.

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guyana CHRONICLE saturday August 16, 2014

City Councillor Devi-Ross says Sooba’s defence fabricated -Sooba says will not descend to ‘that level’

By Ravin Singh

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Councillor Kamla Devi-Ross labelling Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba as “vindictive” has made damning revelations that the acting Town Clerk once asked her “Don’t you know to fabricate things?”

At City Hall’s Statutory meeting held last Monday, Councillor Devi-Ross’s outbursts in the Chambers saw her questioning the spending of money for a suite for the Town Clerk’s Office, among other issues, such as the parking of the Council’s vehicle and the allocation of City Constabulary officers at Sooba’s residence.

But the Acting Town Clerk has denounced all the questioning, and has justified her actions in a press conference. According to Sooba, the money spent on the suite for her office was budgeted for by the Council, and as such her spending could not be deemed illegal.

She also explained that the City vehicle had been parked at her home only once, and that for security purposes, and she has not been using it for months. Sooba further explained that DeviRoss’s attack is a consequence of her not assisting Ross with some personal favours Ross had asked of her office as Town Clerk.

On Monday last, however, Councillor Devi-Ross maintained that Sooba’s response as carried by the media was “vindictive” and sought to tarnish Ross’s reputation. “It is not truth!” Ms. Ross reiterated.

Ms. -Ross said she does not speak to the Town Clerk ninety per cent of the time, and when she speaks

to her on the phone, “she [Sooba] would just slam the phone on you.”

She noted that she does not need any favours from the Town Clerk, because she can negotiate for herself.

“I have been a trade unionist for some time.

I know how to negotiate,” Ross said.

According to her, the acting Town Clerk has also “slandered” her name, saying that she is an AFC member.

Ross explained that she was not aware that it was a personal matter involved when Sooba had allegedly taken $500,000 to pay her lawyer. “My understanding is that we pay lawyers for collecting our taxes. I did not know that this was a personal matter,” she noted.

The councillor stressed that because of this she has been abused by the public.

This led to her calling Councillor Garrett, who advised her to get a lawyer’s letter. “I had to go in my pocket to get a lawyer ’s letter to send to the girl who was molesting me that I spending money along with the Town Clerk,” Ross explained.

Ross went on to explain, “One day I put my bag here [in the chambers] and I went outside to answer my p h o n e . T h e To w n Clerk came behind me and said, “Come and see Mr. McGowan in your bag”. I come and I ask Mr. McGowan why he went in my bag. I did this and Mr. McGowan sent me a lawyer’s letter. When he sent me that law-

saturday august 16, 2014 –– 09:00 hrs sunday august 17, 2014 –– 10:00 hrs

yer’s letter, I confronted the Town Clerk (and asked) ‘Is it true that Mr. McGowan went into my bag?’

Her reply was, “Don’t you know to fabricate things?”

Ross is contending that Sooba’s remarks which came from her press conference were “fabrications” because of Ross’ opposing the unnecessary spending and her questioning the approval of the budget by the council.

This week, the Acting Town Clerk rebuffed statements made by the Councillor to the effect that she (Sooba) had “fabricated” these allegations and had accused McGowan of going into her bag. She also explained that she (Sooba) would “not descend to that level,”

and that it was not surprising to her that Ross was allowed to make her declarations during the ‘announcements’ in the statutory meeting, when she (Sooba) was not allowed to rebut. “ M r. M a y o r, I don’t know what she talking about GPL and tenants. I stand because I believe in fairness; I don’t believe in bullyism and I don’t believe in dishonesty. So I can’t see how she can say that because she (Sooba) not giving me favours.

I never asked her for favours, I never! I’ve forty-five years membership in the PPP, and I never come and ask the PPP a favour.

Why I gonna come and ask her for a

Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba favour? I know how to handle my own issues. So Mr. Mayor and councillors, I asking at this forum here (to) let the councillors speak the truth!” Councillor Ross urged.

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guyana CHRONICLE saturday August 16, 2014

Cabinet grants no-objection to $78M Lusignan prison contract Telesha Ramnarine CABINET last Tuesday granted its no-objection to a contract worth more than $78M that would see the progression of works on the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon made the announcement at this week’s post-Cabinet press briefing at the

the Strategic Management Department. These include a person to head the department, a policy analyst, and two technical officers — one to deal with prison management and the other for planning and research and resource mobilisation.

This notwithstanding, work has already began on modernising the GPS as a whole.

A Standing Orders Committee has been established to compile standing orders for the

The Lusignan Prison Office of the President, in Georgetown.

According to him, phase two of the construction of the prison, which is specifically for the Trade Shop, is at a cost of $26.2M, while Phase Three construction is at a cost of $52.8M. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs is working to overhaul the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) as an institution, moving it away from one that focuses solely on incarceration to one with a correctional purpose.

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee had said the Lusignan Prison in particular would be transformed into a modern facility and that this strategic plan has already been completed and sanctioned by the Cabinet.

The Ministry is presently looking to fill vacancies for the impending establishment of

institution and various boards, all of which include civilians.

These Boards are: the Guyana Prison Service Recruitment Board, Guyana Prison Service Training Board, Guyana Prison Service Agricultural Development Board, and the Guyana Prison Service Sentence Management Board.

Last year, out of its $129M capital works budgetary allocation, the Guyana Prison Service spent $122M on improving infrastructure, including construction of the brick prison at Camp Street; phase two construction of the Lusignan Prison, phase one rehabilitation of trade shops and procurement of cell locks.

These projects are all intended to provide a more secure environment for both prison officers and inmates.

Teenager drowns at Orealla

By Jeune Bailey Van-Keric A four-day church outing ended tragically when a teenager lost his life after he ventured into the murky Corentyne River for a swim.

Dead is 14-year-old Andrew Dyal Singh, of Number 71 Village, Upper Corentyne.

On Monday the teen accompanied by other members of the Praise Tabernacle Fellowship Church of Bloomfield, left their homes for a four-day trip to Orella, an Amerindian reservation up the Corentyne River.

However, the following day while exploring the community the group ventured to an area commonly referred to as “Chalk Hill”, which has a creek in close proximity.

According to team leader Samuel Singh, they were heading down the creek, when Andrew ran ahead reaching the waterway.

“We were all going down the hill towards the creek and Andrew ran down starting to take off his clothes and I told him to be careful as he went into the water, he was the tallest so he went far out.”

He recalled that Andrew along with other boys were initially playing in the water, when he [Andrew] shouted that he was drowning, but those nearby thought it was a prank.

“After a while we saw him struggling, but by the time we realised that he needed help it was too late. We stood helplessly as we looked at the water as it pulled him. None of us knows how to swim.”

Samuel Singh recalled that a professional diver from the village was quickly summoned, and after the teen was retrieved from the waterway, he failed to respond to the Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation[CPR].

Meanwhile, at the deceased home his mother was inconsolable and was unable to communicate with media personnel.

However, his father, Basil Dayal Singh, reflecting on Andrew said his only son was a willing, peaceful and joyful individual, who loved serving God.

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guyana CHRONICLE saturday August 16, 2014

Repairs to Linden/ Lethem road begin

Maintenance to critical sections of the Linden/Lethem road has started with works scheduled to be completed by mid-September. The work is intended to cut travel time by four hours.

Currently, it takes approximately 16 hours to commute to Lethem from Georgetown using a minibus.

The critical sections will be resurfaced with lateritic material and compacted.

The contractors employed for this project, which is being executed in phases, are: Troy Resources; Omai Gold Mines (OGM); Demerara Timbers Limited (DTL); Mekdeci Machinery and Construction (MMC) and Vevakanand Dalip Enterprise (DALIP).

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn stated that

for sustainable works to be carried out on the road – the weather had to improve. “Any works before this would have been lost to the rains,” he said.

He added that the Ministry intends to establish toll stations on the critical hinterland roads to support the year-round maintenance efforts required and to limit abuse of the road from the aspect of load carriage and safety. It is also proposed to establish a basic toll with escalation for overloading and wet passage conditions.

The Linden/Lethem road is one of the projects that falls under the hinterland road rehabilitation programme. For 2014, the Ministry has set aside GY$1.08B to facilitate repair to roads countrywide.

GDF hosts U.S. medical doctors NINE military doctors from the USA on Thursday toured the Guyana Defence Force Medical Corps at the end of their two-week visit to Guyana. The visiting group consisted of four USAF Aerospace Medical Residents, two Preventative Medicine physicians (one Army and one Navy), two prospective Flight Surgeons, and their Team Leader, Specialist in Infectious Diseases, Dr. Mary Bavaro.

Welcoming the visiting medical team, Colonel Administration and Quartering, Captain (CG) John Flores, conveyed a warm welcome on behalf of Chief of Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips and noted that it was always a good thing when the Force had such erstwhile visitors. He noted too, that such visits presented an opportunity for sharing important information. He then invited the team to tour the Medical Corps fa-

cility at Base Camp Ayanganna and expressed warm felicitations that their stay in Guyana was going to be fruitful.

Officer Commanding Medical Corps Major Parmeshwar Netram accompanied by the Force’s Medical Officer Dr. Frederick Deane and other Medical Corps Staff, escorted the team through a tour of the facilities.

Apart from Captain Bavaro, the other members of the team are students of Military Tropical Medicine at the Uniformed Services University (USU) in Bethesda, Maryland. In order to fulfil the requirement for their mandatory field exposure, the team requested to visit Guyana. The Guyana Defence Force is pleased to have facilitated a visit to its facilities since it places a very high premium on military to military co-operation with Guyana’s allies.

A section of the Linden/Lethem road

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KFC, PIZZA HUT reopening delayed

By Shirley Thomas CUSTOMERS of the four Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and lone PIZZA Hut outlets in the city were disappointed to find that the promised Thursday re-opening of the outlets had not materialised.

Managing Director of the local KFC franchise, Mr. Deo Singh, had told the Guyana Chronicle last Saturday that the five outlets had been closed in order to effect their maintenance and upgrading. On Thursday August 7, he assured that the services would have been restored by Thursday August 14, 2014.

The outlets found closed on Thursday morning are: KFC on Water Street Stabroek; Vlissengen Road; Mandela Avenue; Bagotstown, and PIZZA Hut on Vlissengen Road.

On Thursday last Singh apologised for the entity’s failure to meet this commitment, and explained that work has not been progressing as fast as he had anticipated. He added that the workers are working diligently, with a view to having the job expedited in a timely manner and to the satisfaction of management and customers.

Singh has assured that the

250 employees temporarily off the job will not be made to suffer financially, since the period will be treated as ‘leave with pay.’

About 30 employees who are not presently entitled to leave are currently assisting the cleansing workforce within the stores, and would be paid for their services, he said.

Management has reiterated its apologies to customers for any inconvenience caused as a result of the closure of the outlets, and has promised to keep the public updated on the issue of the franchise’s reopening.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 16, 2014

Aries - March 21 - April 19 Everyone is a bit more sociable right now -- and even the meekest among us are a lot more willing to try something new, at least once. Now, you've never needed any prodding when it comes to experimentation, so you'll be even more impetuous, impulsive and risk-loving than usual. Sure, it's hard to believe, but it's true, and you'll enjoy every minute -- especially now that you have a playmate who's equally game.

Taurus - April 20 - May 20 No other sign enjoys shopping like yours. Ask any astrologer -- or any Taurus. Of course, you've probably been trying to go easy in that department since you're still trying to pay off the credit card bills from this time last year, but now, your skills are needed. You've been called upon to teach a shopping-challenged friend how to compare, haggle and be in the right place at the right time to scoop the absolute best deal.

Gemini - May 21 - June 21 All of a sudden, you're feeling quite emotional -- and even showing your feelings in public. This isn't what you're usually known for, so you may be a bit embarrassed, but don't stop yourself. We all need to express our feelings. When you feel your eyes begin to well up with tears, let them fall -- even if it's a song that inspired them.

Cancer - June 22 - July 22 With the way you're feeling now -- secretive, but with a burning need to tell someone what's on your mind and in your heart -- there's really only one thing to do. Get to your most trusted confidante and tell them you'll need at least an hour. You know that once they hear your voice you won't even have to ask them to listen.

Leo - July 23 - August 22 Your friends -- the ones who've been tried and true for years now -- are expecting you to join them tonight. Unfortunately, you're tempted to go along with your curiosity, which has been piqued by an unusual invitation from a whole new crew -- and someone you find absolutely delectable. This is where it gets interesting. The only way to do this is to find the time -- and energy -- for both. Can you do it? Ha! Was there ever any doubt?

Virgo - August 23 - September 22 You're due for some serious changes on the job, and you'll see a hint of what's coming soon -- but there's no need to worry about it. The higher-ups who've had their eyes on you are already quite pleased. In fact, next week could be the time for a big, fat raise or a brand new title. Better make plans for the celebration now, because it's due to be a big one.

Libra - September 23 - October 22 Ready for yet another day of romance, sidelong glances and sweet stuff in general?

Sure you are. It's your sign's job, and you'd better prepare yourself, because this could well continue for quite some time -- especially if you've just been introduced to someone via a family member. See how important it is to keep an open mind? The last time they tried to fix you up, it turned out to be disastrous, but this time -- well, this time can obviously end up quite differently.

Scorpio - October 23 - November 21 Prepare yourself for your authority figures -- the elder ones, in particular -- to be especially demanding, for at least a day or so. Oddly enough, you'll also need to make some time to tend to the needs of your family members. No, this won't be easy -- so you'd better get started. Make lots of lists, and don't be afraid to ask a friend for help.

The KFC outlet on Water Street, Stabroek

Sagittarius - November 22 - December 20 You're in that mood -- the one that makes your friends either avoid you or cancel their appointments to spend all their time with you, depending on their general dispositions. You're after nothing less than entirely new experiences, and you're not afraid to speak your mind to anyone who suggests that you should be less reckless -- regardless of whether they're offended or shocked by what you say or do. What fun!

Capricorn - December 21 - January 19 You can feel it, can't you? It's time to spend some money -- a lot of it. Now, impulse shopping is the very last thing on earth your sign will ever be known for. However, for the next day or so, instead of being a friend's 'designated Visa chaperone,' you may need to hire someone to play the part for you. Careful, though: If you surrender your plastic to someone who's truly dedicated, you'll have to do some fancy talking to get it back.

Aquarius - January 20 - February 18 Celebration is the name of your sign's game today. That said, you should also expect for all your sign's 'usual' traits to be doubly potent: Rebelliousness, outrageousness and an even more eager willingness to shock and amaze the masses in any way you can. Talk about a good time! Oh, and you've also got a heavenly pass to startle your family right now -- which, honestly, has always been your favourite pastime.

Pisces - February 19 - March 20

PIZZA Hut has been temporarily closed for business

You've definitely had your hands full lately -- full of secrets. Now, you've always enjoyed intrigue, but there comes a point when secret meetings, secret admirers and secret conversations get to be a bit too, well, 'secretive' -- especially if you're duty-bound to keep quiet about it. Fortunately, there's no one more trustworthy, or more compassionate, than you are. Those qualities will guide you now. That, and your conscience.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 16, 2014

‘Trini’ confidence trickster also conned employee complice. Ali was reportedly staying at a guest house at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, but had managed to elude a patrol from the Brickdam Police Station by the time they arrived at the location.

Well placed sources have indicated that while the patrol failed to examine Room 102, in which Ali was staying with some friends, he was actually inside when

The bogus business cards used by Ali and Baboolall to con several unsuspecting persons across Guyana

By Alex Wayne BUSINESS operatives, taxi drivers, beverage dealers, and even former employees continue to come forward with stories of being robbed

by Trinidadian confidence trickster Daniel Ali, who, with Guyanese accomplice Steven Baboolall, is still on the run from the law.

An irate Jillian Moore, formerly employed by the Trinidadian as a cook while he operated a beverage garden and fast food restaurant at Uitvlugt Public Road, West Coast Demerara, yesterday contacted this publication to disclose that she had commenced working with Ali in April 2014, but had walked off the job at the end of July 2014 because of his dishonest attitude and his inability to pay her weekly wages for a three-week period.

She said he always kept telling her to ‘hold on’ as he sorted out his finances, and he refused to pay her the $30,000 he had owed her as wages for the three weeks she had worked with him.

Moore said Ali had asked her to borrow $40,000 from a friend of hers to enhance his business, and had entered into a written agreement to return the amount to the creditor with an additional $20,000 as interest, but that agreement had suffered the fate of all the other agreements he had made. As a result, Moore has been forced to pay the creditor, and is presently doing so in weekly

portions.

Moore said that when she walked off the job in July, Ali had promised to bring her the amount he had owed her, but he turned up a few days later, begging her to return to the job, and had even promised to hike her wages. As expected, the woman refused his offer, and has since been unable to get Ali on his cellular phone, since it is always turned off and goes to voice mail. The last phone number the con man was using was 677-3191.

Ali currently owes his landlord (Mr. Bruce) over four months’ rent (amounting to almost $400,000) and has not made any effort to contact the man to settle his account.

The illegal exploits of Ali and Baboolall were discovered early last month when several car dealers from whom they had rented cars turned up at various police stations to report that they had neither returned the vehicles nor could be reached via their cellular phones.

Swift action by the police had resulted in Baboolall being apprehended and placed in police custody, although he was later released on bail.

He has since not been seen, and has failed to return to the Leonora Police Station, where he was instructed to report on a weekly basis.

The duo is reportedly hiding out at a home in Canal No. 2 (West Bank Demerara), where they are allegedly being accommodated by an ac-

they visited, and had paid the male security guard there to tell the police that he had vacated the premises.

The activities of Ali and Baboolall became noticeable when they moved into an apartment at Lot 57, Roraima Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara, earlier this year and were observed spending lavishly and driving several expensive cars.

The queries of curious neighbours were met with explanations that the couple had come from Trinidad, was very wealthy, and was here to invest in a catering business.

When a strange man hanged himself in the yard of the very building they were renting, and police began to frequent the location, Ali and Baboolall hurriedly abandoned their apartment, and were soon after operating a catering business at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara.

While there, the landlord discovered several bogus ‘business cards’ they had printed which dictated that they were owners of a car rental instead of the food business they were operating. The landlord also discovered several receipts and contracts worded and signed

by Baboolall, dictating sale of the vehicles they had rented and later sold. These items were turned over to the police to assist with their investigations.

Police are still investigating the matter.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 16, 2014

Irate drunk sets house Police get approval to increase afire after assaulting strength by 1546 ranks mate at Good Hope, ECD T I M E LY re s p o n s e b y the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) early yesterday morning averted a major disaster at Phase Two, Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, when a man in a drunken stupor set his house alight in a domestic dispute turned violent.

When this publication arrived on the scene, fire fighters responding to the call at approximately 07:30 hrs had already doused the blaze, but the inside of the modest wooden cottage had been scorched and

items appeared to have been scattered about the place as if a fight had occurred.

No one was at home, but residents said that constant drunken quarrels and fights are a feature of the residence, which is occupied by a man, his wife and children. They said he had been drinking again during the morning hours, and was very loud as he began assaulting his spouse.

In a fit of rage, he set the place alight, and armed himself with an axe to chop

up his wife, who escaped from the house.

Villagers described this behaviour as normal, and said they did not pay much attention to the happenings until they observed smoke billowing from the house, whereupon they summoned the GFS, fearing a massive inferno.

The GFS came in for loud praise for its quick response to the summon, but the man went into hiding when the police showed up at the scene.

(Michel Outridge)

THE Home Affairs Ministry (MoHA) has succeeded in receiving Cabinet’s approval to increase the establishment of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) from 3,410, which has been the case since 1977, to 4,956.

A total of 1,546 ranks would now be added to the Force’s strength in an upward adjustment that has become necessary because of the additional functions

ana, the current strength of the Force has been deemed inadequate to man the existing and new police stations that are to be constructed, the Home Affairs Ministry release has said.

The follow-up administrative procedures that a re re q u i re d t o m o v e the process forward are being undertaken, the release has declared.

(Michel Outridge)

Lightning strike causes total shutdown of Demerara/Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS)

By Michel Outridge

Inside the house after the fire yesterday

that the Police Force has had to perform over the years, a Home Affairs Ministry press release has said.

The statement noted that those added GPF responsibilities have resulted in the Force creating additional specialised units.

Further, because of the development of new housing areas and the expanded economic activities in the interior and in other areas of Guy-

THE Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) has issued an advisory stating that, at about 07:58 hrs yesterday, the link between Garden of Eden and Sophia was disconnected, when both sections of the two transmission lines from Golden Grove and Garden of Eden were struck by lightning.

Simultaneously, the advisory continued, transmission lines linking the Demerara and Berbice systems from Onverwagt to Canefield also

tripped.

The sudden loss of generating capacity from its Garden of Eden (GoE) station and the capacity available from the Skeldon factory resulted in overload and trips on machines at the New Kingston Station, GPL stated.

Consequently, a total shutdown within the Demerara Interconnected System ensued, while one feeder from Canefield to Auchlyne was taken out in East Berbice, the advisory said.

GPL said the first set of

customers - sections on the East Bank of Demerara -was repowered at 08:45hrs, and the link with Berbice was re-established at approximately 09:00 hrs. By 09:45 hrs, power had been restored to all consumers.

GPL hereby apologises for the inconvenience caused, the advisory intoned. “Customers are again encouraged to report any localised fault(s) in their areas, as the company may not be aware of same,” the advisory concluded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 16, 2014

Human Services Minister keeps promise to Community Based Rehabilitation Programme of Region 6 with donation of cash and kind

By Sandy Agasen HUMAN Services and Social Security Minister Ms Jennifer Webster yesterday made a significant contribution to the Community Based Rehabilitation Programme at Port Mourant, Corentyne, East Berbice, Region Six when she donated a cheque for $600,000 together with two travel walkers, two large wheelchairs and three portable sewing machines.

In making the donation in the boardroom of the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Minister Webster said the donation was in fulfillment of a prior commitment made

by the ministry after the Amended Budget 2014 was passed in April.

“We are fulfilling our commitment in continuing our support for persons with disabilities in our society, and to support the Community Based Rehabilitation groups in Guyana,” she said.

COMMITMENT Minister Webster added that the Social Security Ministry is committed to supporting persons in Region Six (East Berbice/C/ tyne) annually with a transportation allowance. “This allowance will assist with the travelling of members and persons with disabilities to get around regions and

to attend the Community Based Rehabilitation meetings and trading conducted at the facilities,” she explained.

M i n i s t e r We b s t e r pointed out that this contribution is made on behalf of the ministry and, by extension, the Government of Guyana. “We will continue to support people with disabilities in their quest to further improve their livelihood; and in this regard also, we had given commitment to the group also to provide two walkers, and also I had committed to give you three sewing portable machines, so I am fulfilling my commitment,” she indicated.

Minister Webster (second right) presenting the donation made to the Community Based Rehabilitation Programme of Region 6 to Centre Administrator Bridgette Chichester (third right), and Programme Coordinator Mark Adams (third left), in the presence of Director of Social Services, Mr Wentworth Tanner (left); Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Human Services Ministry, Mr Patrick Findlay (second left); and the Permanent Secretary of the Human Services Ministry, Ms Lorene Baird (right)

Motor cyclist dies Police recover unlicensed 12-guage shotgun as Hog Island murder investigations continue after being struck by van

By Michel Outridge

-on Bath Public Road, WCB

POLICE investigations are being conducted into a fatal accident involving a van and motor cyclist Suraj Chandradai of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice on August 13 last.

Investigations have so far revealed that the 35-year-old Chandradai allegedly drove out of an access road onto the main

road and into the path of the motor van which struck him down, at about 15:10 hrs on the day in question.

He was rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital in Region Five, but succumbed while receiving medical treatment.

The driver of the motor van is in police custody assisting with the investigations.

AS investigations continue into the murder of Rudolph Persaud on Hog Island, Essequibo on August 11 last, police recovered, on August 12, an unlicensed 12-gauge shotgun in a clump of bush-

es in the vicinity where the incident occurred.

Police report that at about 21:00 hours on August 11 last, 51-year-old Rudolph Persaud of Hog Island, Essequibo and Roy Williams, 21, of Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD) were walk-

ing along a dam at northern Hog Island when shots discharged in their direction hit Rudolph Persaud to his abdomen and neck, while Roy Williams was hit to his chest.

They were taken to the Suddie Hospital, where

Rudolph Persaud was pronounced dead on arrival and Roy Williams was admitted for medical treatment.

A man and a woman have since been arrested and are in police custody assisting with the investigations.

Black Bush Polder man injured in robbery attack

THIRTY-TWO-YEAROLD Jerry Babulall of Johanna South, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice was with his mother and wife in his motor ve-

hicle travelling along the Adventure Access Road, Corentyne, when, at about 14:00 hours on August 12, two armed men attacked and held them at gunpoint

before robbing them of a quantity of jewellery, three cell phones and $165,000, before escaping in a motor car.

During the incident, Jer-

ry Babulall sustained a gunshot injury to his right hand, and has consequently been admitted to hospital.

Police investigations are in progress.

Chinese national chopped in head in presumed attempted robbery A MAN who presumably had robbery as his motive chopped a Chinese national in his head yesterday afternoon in the vicinity

of Lucky Dollar, at Avenue of the Republic and Robb Streets in Georgetown.

Police summoned arrived quickly on the scene,

and requested the driver of a motor car to help by taking the injured Chinese national to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the

Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).

The injured man arrived at that medical institution at 18:01 hrs, by

which time a team of other Chinese nationals who had heard of the incident swooped down at the hospital and initiated a trans-

fer of their colleague to the Balwant Singh Hospital, where he has been admitted in critical condition.

(Shirley Thomas)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 16, 2014

Hetmyer named MVP as Guyana lands Regional double

By Calvin Roberts PUGNACIOUS Guyana and West Indies Under-19 opener, 17 year old Shimron Hetmyer was yesterday named the Most Valuable Player (MVP), when the curtains came down on this year’s West Indies Cricket Board Regional Under-19 50 overs championship at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

Points leader Guyana and the second placed Windward Islands turned up at the Camp Road based venue to contest the final, but an early morning shower which took place

just before the players took the ground to conduct their warm-up session, left the outfield water logged.

After several inspections by the three umpires which included former first class player Deighton Butler, the contest was called off at 14:00hrs, with Guyana being declared the winner according to the playing conditions, since they topped the points table with an unblemished record, having won all six of their matches.

The win yesterday culminated a fine season for the youths from the Land of

Battle looms ...

(From Backpage)

too much about theirs.”

Amazon Warriors may do well to be reminded of the Tridents last outing, when they crushed Tallawahs here by 88 runs, in the final preliminary game.

When the two teams met during the Barbados leg of the tournament, Amazon Warriors came away with a narrow seven-run victory and Pollard is aware his side can leave nothing to chance.

“They beat us at home a

few weeks ago, so we know we will have to bring our ‘A-Game’ on Saturday to win,” he said.

“They do have dangerous bowlers in the form of (Sunil) Narine and (Krishmar) Santokie, however, when the bad ball comes, we will look to capitalise on it and it should be an exciting match.”

Both teams are packed with match-winners. Amazon Warriors boast opener Lendl Simmons whose 426 runs at an average of 53, have been the most in the tournament. His opening

-50 over final rained out

Many Waters, as they had less than two weeks ago adorn themselves in glory by claiming the three day version of the tournament for the first time in seven years.

Yesterday’s win also made the Guyanese the third team after Windward Islands and Jamaica, to land the double crown at the youth level, a feat that was hailed magnificent by Director of Sport within the National Sports Commission, Neil Kumar during his brief address at the presentation ceremony.

“This tournament was indeed a highly successful one

and we need to congratulate the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) who organised such an efficient and well organised tournament, while I wish to say to the Windward Islands team, you have come a far way and continue to strive for excellence, while to the Guyana team, congratulations on your success, you truly played as champions.”

Acting president of the GCB Fizul Bacchus said he was thankful for the confidence the WICB expressed in the GCB to have them

host the tournament, while he congratulated the Guyana team for being victorious in both formats of the tournament, which was a success as well for the GCB. WICB Cricket Operations Officer Rawle Lewis thanked everyone for their sterling contribution over the past 28 days towards making the tournament a success, even as he too expressed congratulations on behalf of the WICB to Guyana for landing the double and Windward Islands for reaching the finals.

partner, New Zealander Martin Guptill has scored 351 runs, and together they have formed a formidable partnership at the top of the order.

Santokie has taken 14 wickets with his superb variations with the new ball and while Narine has picked up just seven wickets, he has conceded under four-and-ahalf runs an over.

Tridents have opener Dwayne Smith who has struck two centuries en route to gathering 294 runs, while Shoaib Malik’s 351 runs have been invaluable. Pollard has not quite fired, with just 200 runs from nine innings but as proven in

the final preliminary game with a whirlwind 63, he can win any game on his day.

Seamer Ravi Rampaul’s 18 wickets have been the most in the competition and fellow pacer Rayad Emrit has taken 11 scalps in support. Both will be key to the Tridents attack.

Head coach Robin Singh said Tridents were prepared, especially after the long rest which came after they avoided the playoffs.

“Preparations have been good this week and we have welcomed the break after playing so many games in quick succession at the end of

the group stages,” said Singh.

“We have some players who have done really well throughout the tournament such as Jason Holder and Kieron Pollard, but we will be looking to prepare all of our players to be their best in the final.”

The CPL bowled off on July 11 and featured 27 matches, with the top team qualifying for the final and the remaining three in the standings qualifying for the playoffs.

SQUADS: BARBADOS TRIDENTS (from) – Kieron Pol-

Apart from his MVP award, Hetmyer also received trophies after being named the Batsman of the Tournament for his 331 runs scored and Batsman with the Highest Individual Score, following his 123 against the Windward Islands in the penultimate round at Albion last Tuesday.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Akiel Seetal won the Best Bowler award for his 15 wickets, even as Jamaica’s Romain Morris was named the Best Wicketkeeper with the Most Dismissals, before Guyana’s skipper Brian Sattaur stepped up to receive the championship trophy from Lewis.

lard (captain), Jonathan Carter, Shane Dowrich, Kirk Edwards, Rayad Emrit, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Neil McKenzie, Kyle Mayers, Jeevan Mendis, Ashley Nurse, William Perkins, Ravi Rampaul, Raymon Reifer, Shoaib Malik, Dwayne Smith.

GUYANA AMAZON WARRIORS (from) – Denesh Ramdin (captain), Sunil Narine, Mohammad Hafeez, Veerasammy Permaul, Christopher Barnwell, Lendl Simmons, Martin Guptill, Krishmar Santokie, Steven Jacobs, Ronsford Beaton, Trevon Griffith, Corey Anderson, Navin Stewart, Leon Johnson, Robin Bacchus.

England in control as India’s Dhoni plays lone hand * India captain scores 82 to prevent complete collapse

By Ed Osmond LONDON, (Reuters) - England’s four-pronged pace attack bowled India out for 148 before the hosts reached 62 for no wicket in reply to take control of the fifth and final test on an absorbing first day at The Oval yesterday.

Only a battling knock of 82 by India captain MS Dhoni saved the tourists from complete collapse and his last-wicket partnership of 58 with Ishant Sharma was by far the largest stand of the innings.

England captain Alastair Cook and Sam Robson gave the home side a solid start and, leading the series 2-1, they are in a strong position to clinch it.

“To bowl them out for under 150 is fantastic, and the way the boys batted at the end was brilliant,” England all-rounder Chris Woakes told reporters after completing testbest figures of three for 30.

“Dhoni played pretty well. When he’s in that sort of mood he’s pretty good at it. But we would have taken that at the start

Skipper MS Dhoni started opening up with the tail for company, England v India, 5th Investec Test, The Oval, 1st day, August 15, 2014 of the day. The pitch was a little bit helpful for us today and we got the re-

wards for it.”

Cook had little hesitation in choosing to field

after winning the toss on an overcast morning in south London and India were soon in trouble.

James Anderson struck in the first over of the match, dismissing Gautam Gambhir for a golden duck when the left-hander tried to leave an outswinger and edged the ball to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.

Cheteshwar Pujara never looked comfortable, crawling to four off 19 balls before he was bowled by Stuart Broad, who was named in the England side despite breaking his nose in the last test.

Virat Kohli hit the first boundary off the bat after 55 minutes of play but, on six, he left a straight ball from Chris Jordan and was adjudged lbw.

Ajinkya Rahane, on nought, got a leading edge in Jordan’s next over and the bowler held a sharp return catch to reduce India to 28 for four.

TAME PROD Opener Murali Vijay bat-

ted 92 minutes for 18 runs before he prodded tamely at a full delivery from Woakes and edged a catch to Joe Root at third slip.

India struggled to 43 for five at lunch and Stuart Binny edged an Anderson outswinger to Cook at first slip before Dhoni and Ravichandran Ashwin shared a seventh-wicket partnership of 24.

Ashwin was superbly caught by Joe Root low down at third slip off Woakes for 13 and Bhuvne-

India 1st innings M. Vijay c Root b Woakes 18 G. Gambhir c Buttler b Anderson 0 C. Pujara b Broad 4 V. Kohli lbw b Jordan 6 A. Rahane c&b Jordan 0 M. Dhoni c Woakes b Broad 82 S. Binny c Cook b Anderson 5 R. Ashwin c Root b Woakes 13 B. Kumar c Buttler b Jordan 5 V. Aaron c&b Woakes 1 I. Sharma not out 7 Extras (b-6 lb-1) 7 Total (all out, 61.1 overs) 148 Fall of wickets: 1-3 G. Gambhir,2-10 C. Pujara,3-26 V. Kohli,4-28 A. Rahane,5-36 M. Vijay,6-44 S. Binny,7-68 R. Ashwin,8-79 B.

shwar Kumar (5) slashed at a wide ball from Jordan and edged through to Buttler.

Woakes caught and bowled Varun Aaron for one before Dhoni went on the attack, reaching his 50 with his 10th four and disdainfully driving Jordan over extra cover for six.

India took tea on 125 for nine and Dhoni continued to spray the ball around the ground in the final session.

He hit 15 fours and batted for over three hours before pulling Broad straight into the hands of Woakes at long leg.

Kumar,9-90 V. Aaron,10-148 M. Dhoni Bowling: J. Anderson 17-4-51-2, S. Broad 15.1-4-27-2, C. Jordan 14-732-,C. Woakes 14-7-30-3, M. Ali 1-0-1-0 ENGLAND 1st innings A. Cooknot out 24 S. Robson not out 33 Extras (b-4 w-1) 5 Total (for no loss, 19 overs) 62 Fall of wickets: To bat: G. Ballance, I. Bell, J. Root, M. Ali, J. Buttler, C. Woakes, S. Broad, C. Jordan, J. Anderson Bowling: 7-1-25-0 (w-1), B. Kumar 7-2-12-0, V. Aaron 3-0-14-0, S.Binny 2-0-7-0

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 16, 2014

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Pakistan dig in despite Herath’s five-wicket haul (REUTERS) - Rangana Herath again put Pakistan in a spin with a five-wicket haul but half-centuries from Sarfraz Ahmed and Ahmed Shehzad guided the tourists to 244 for six at the close of the second day of the second Test yesterday.

Pakistan trail Sri Lanka, who lead the two-test series 1-0, by 76 runs after the hosts were bowled out for 320 in their first innings.

Herath took the wickets of experienced pair Younus Khan and captain Misbah-ul-Haq in seven balls after tea to reduce Pakistan to 140-5, but Asad Shafiq (42) and Sarfraz (66 not out) added 93 for the sixth wicket before Herath separated them towards the end of the day.

He bowled Shafiq between bat and pad with an arm ball as the batsman prodded forward to finish the day with figures of five

immediate target tomorrow is to run down the deficit on us and revert the pressure back on Sri Lanka.”

Earlier, Pakistan left-arm paceman Junaid Khan completed his fifth five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka but not before the hosts’

Rangana Herath kept chipping away at the Pakistan line-up to take five for 98. pressure,” Herath told re- the series after successfully reviewing a lbw dismissal for 98. porters.

Herath is the leading “We need to bat very off Dilruwan Perera when he wicket-taker in test cricket well in the second innings. had made 24.

“I played my natural for the calendar year with 47 There is some help for the wickets. spinners but not that much, game and this is what ex“We need to get them still it is the second day. By actly (coach)Waqar Youout for under 300 then we the third and fourth days it nis told me to do,” said Sarfraz. have a 20 plus lead and should take spin.”

“We are here to play posif we can get more runs Sarfraz reached his third we can put them under consecutive half-century of itive cricket and to win. My

Brazilian promises to light up CONCACAF Champions League

By Rawle Toney AS Alpha United prepare to face Portland Timbers in their second game of the 2014/15 CONCACAF Champions League, one of its imports, Brazilian Caio Oliveira is promising to ignite the tournament with some ‘samba’ and also help the Guyanese club to progress to the next phase.

The 27 year-old who hails from Sao Paulo is a defender whose game mimics that of Brazilian stars Marcello (Real Madrid) and Maicon (A.S Roma) says that playing in a tournament of this magnitude is something that he will take pride in but his ultimate goal is to see Alpha United past their USA opponents.

Alpha United will play the Major League Soccer (MLS) club in a historic game this coming Tuesday at the Guyana National Stadium and the game will mark the first time a professional unit from the USA will be playing in Guyana.

“I feel good and im happy for the opportunity

Caio Oliveira of being in Guyana and playing in this tournament.

I’ve been receiving good treatment and im actually excited to play next week,” said the defender who was speaking exclusively with Chronicle Sport through his interpreter.

Brazilian players are widely regarded as some of the best in the world and asked if this will add any significant pressure to his game and doing well with Alpha United, Oliveira said “yes, but it’s a challenge im happy to accept.

It means I will have to play well all the time but it will take a team effort to help the team reach far and we

will take it one day at the time”.

With stints in China, the Brazilian has also played with ABC Futebol Clube from Natal in Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Branco Football Club and União Bandeirante Futebol Clube.

“I think that a lot will be expected of me, not because im Brazilian, but I think because of my experience I’ve had but I think im ready to play. I don’t know much of the tournament, but I know that it’s going to be difficult but I like our chances” the 27 year-old defender said.

Oliveira and another Brazilian, Ramires Morello will don the Alpha United uniform next Tuesday and in an invited comment, the club’s coach Wayne Dover said that the Brazil duo, both of whom are defenders, will add depth to his side since the players are also solid in attack; something he says is an important area in the club’s game plan as they face the Americans.

SRI LANKA 1st innings (Overnight: 244-6) U. Tharanga c Az. Ali b Riaz 92 K. Silva c S. Ahmed b J. Khan 41 K. Sangakkara b Riaz 22 M. Jayawardene lbw b Ajmal

4 A. Mathews c S. Ahmed b Riaz

39 L. Thirimanne c S. Ahmed b J. Khan

20 N. Dickwella lbw b J. Khan 24 D. Perera lbw b J. Khan 0 D. Prasad lbw b J. Khan 13 R. Herath c Y. Khan b Rehman

17 C. Welegedara not out 27 Extras (b-8 lb-7 nb-6) 21 Total (all out, 99.3 overs) 320 Fall of wickets: 1-79 K. Silva,2-144 K. Sangakkara,3-167 M. Jayawardene,4-177 U. Tharanga,5-215 L. Thirimanne,6-249 N. Dickwella,7-249 D. Perera,8-261 A. Mathews,9-284 D. Prasad,10-320 R. Herath Bowling: J. Khan 27-6-87-5, W.Riaz

tailenders frustrated them to add 59 valuable runs in the morning.

Pakistan’s hopes of finishing off the Sri Lankan innings quickly were stalled

by Dhammika Prasad (13), Herath (17) and Chanaka Welegedara (27 not out).

20-3-88-3 (nb-6), A.Rehman 19.34-53-1, S.Ajmal 33-5-77-1 PAKISTAN 1st innings K. Manzoor c Dickwella b Herath

23 A. Shehzad c Dickwella b D. Perera 58 Az. Ali c Mathews b Herath 32 Y. Khan c Dickwella b Herath 13 Misbah-ul-Haq c Dickwella b Herath 5 A. Shafiq b Herath 42 S. Ahmed not out 66 A. Rehman not out 1 Extras (lb-3 nb-1) 4 Total (for 6 wickets, 70 overs) 244 Fall of wickets: 1-47 K. Manzoor,2-110 Az. Ali,3-122 A. Shehzad,4-131 Y. Khan,5-140 Misbah-ul-Haq,6-233 A. Shafiq To bat: S. Ajmal, W. Riaz, J. Khan Bowling: D.Prasad 9-2-27-0 (nb-1), C.Welegedara 15-2-51-0, R.Herath 25-3-98-5, A. Mathews 7-1-13-0, D.Perera 141-52-1

Top Belize club expelled from CONCACAF Champions League B E L M O PA N , B e l i z e , (CMC)-Football’s governing body FIFA has launched a probe into the state of the sport in Belize after the country’s leading football team was expelled from the 2014-2015 CONCACAF Champions League.

The operations of the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) are currently under scrutiny after Belize Premier League champions Belmopan Bandits were removed from the league.

The decision to eject Bandits was taken after confederation inspectors ruled that the pitch at the FFB stadium was unplayable.

FFB President Ruperto Vicente says FIFA has already contracted a local company to assist the federation to put its finances in order.

“What is going to happen here in October, in fact right now, FIFA is in the process of evaluating everything that we are doing,” Vicente told a news conference here.

“The way we deal with our finance; in fact, FIFA has contracted a local company to assist this federation in dealing with its finances”.

CONCACAF inspectors who examined the

FFB President Ruperto Vicente playing surface at the FFB stadium on Sunday found that the conditions did not meet the regulations for Champions League standards.

Belmopan were scheduled to play their first game in the competition, at home, on Friday August 22 against El Salvador’s Isidro Metapan.

The FFB Stadium had received $1.8 million from FIFA for an upgrade which included improved lighting, seating for 5,000, separate shower stalls and changing rooms for participating teams and referees.

The failure to bring the pitch itself up to standard is seen here as a huge disappointment in a country which has no alternative venue that could be used.

FFB President Vicente and his executive members

have been criticized in some circles here over the state of the pitch and the expulsion from the Champions League of the Bandits, three times winners of the Belize Premier League.

Belmopan Bandits will be replaced in the competition by Costa Rica’s Club Sport Herediano.

Meantime the country’s football chief has announced that FIFA is to take control of the sport in Belize for two years as part of a major restructuring.

Take-over plans involve a stakeholder workshop, the hiring of a manager to run the league and the funding of a secretariat.

“FIFA is coming in October and FIFA is going to hold a workshop with all the stakeholders, especially the owners of the teams in the league, and FIFA is going to restructure the league and FIFA is going to manage the league for the next two years,” Vicente explained.

“For two years FIFA is going to manage the league, they are going to pay a manager for the league and they are going to pay for the secretariat for the league so that the league is properly managed for the next two years”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 16, 2014

ITTF Level One Coaches course commences at Gymnasium

By Tamica Garnett

IN what is seen as a big step in local table tennis development, the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) yesterday began one of two coaches training and certification courses at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.

Both coaching sessions are being conducted by well versed table tennis instructor, and ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) Latin American Development Officer, Ramon Ortega Montes.

The first course, an ITTF Level one coaching course which began yesterday, will run for four days ending August 19, while the second, an ITTF Level two coaching programme will immediately follow, running from August 21 – 26.

Ramon Ortega Montes Beginning work with the level one trainee early yesterday morning, an enthusiastic Montes shared that he will be looking to change the mindset of the participants so they can come to understand that the focus needs to be on the players they train.

“The idea is to teach them how to teach… to let them think as coaches, because many times most of them

who were players, or still are players, they think as players so they will teach what someone taught them, so the more difficult thing is to change this way and to try two things; first to let them think as a coach, thinking only of the player and not of themselves, and second try to teach very good technique from the beginning,” Montes said.

For Montes, who hails from Spain, his main objective is to ensure that by the end of the session, those receiving their certificates are categorically competent in the skills necessary to be a level one ITTF certified coach.

Certified as an ITTF Trainer since 2008, Montes comes highly recommended, with experience of conducting training programmes in several countries within the Caribbean region.

Limacol CPL announces top prize for Man of the Tournament 2014

THE Limacol Caribbean Premier League yesterday announced details of its Man of the Tournament prize which will see the winner walking away with a piece of land in Beaumont Park, St. Kitts, worth over US$400,000.

Beaumont Park is a 350 acre property located on the slopes of a mountain with lush tropical vegetation in the north west of the island, only 30 minutes from the international airport.

This prize will see the winner take ownership of a piece of land in one of the most exclusive developments in the region, which includes one and two bedroom apartments as well and two and three bedroom villas and boasts unique amenities such as a racing track, polo club, spa, casino, a boutique hotel and restaurants.

Speaking on the announcement, Limacol Caribbean Premier League CEO, Damien O’Donohoe, said; “This is a most amazing prize for the Man of the Tournament and testament to the support of the people and businesses across St. Kitts and Nevis for CPL, for which, on behalf of the entire CPL family, I would like to extend my sincerest thanks.”

Vice President of Beaumont Park, Arthur Sharpe,

“He’s very recommended, indeed that’s a very good plus for us working with him. The certification programmes are becoming rigorous so it’s not just you come a couple of days and you be certified, you have to develop and show competence that you can actually do the drills, coach persons, work with groups, demonstrate techniques and all those technical and tactical aspects, so we’re very happy to have him.”

Godfrey Munroe, president of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) remarked yesterday.

Munroe further noted that the development of the table tennis coaches across Guyana will not only play a central role in the development of the players, but in the decentralisation of the

sport as well, with a number of persons outside of Georgetown taking part in the event.

“We’re paying keen attention to coaching because coaching is the key pillar on which our development thrust lies. It lends to the institutional strength, so we see this as a very critical move that we are making.

The coach has to mould the mind, has to develop the players. Especially, we’re trying to pay more attention [to coaching] as we try to decentralise, some of the participants we’ve got are from Linden, Corriverton, and we have from as far as Bartica, Region 3 as well as Georgetown,” Munroe remarked.

Additionally, Munroe took the opportunity to point out the coaching

courses were only the beginning of a number of developmental collaborations that the Association is hoping to have with the ITTF, and other local sporting stakeholders to develop table tennis in Guyana .

“We’ve been engaged in some of the other developmental aspects, which we’ve discussed with the Minister, and Director of Sport, and the Guyana Olympic Association in terms of what avenues and what kind of opportunities the ITTF has for other developing countries such as Guyana.

One of the key things that we’ve outlined is that the ITTF has free footage for television that they’re willing to provide to TV stations so that if they have a spot they could share it,” Munroe revealed.

Guyana players make it to six CAREBACO finals GUYANA’S Priyanna Ramdhani picked up a bronze in the mixed doubles, while a win against Mackenzie Howard propelled her into the finals of the girls’ Under- 13 singles, as the Guyana players made it into six finals when the Caribbean Regional Badminton Championships (CAREBACO) continued at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium University of Technology in Kingston, Jamaica.

Ramdhani, who is also in the girls’ Under-15 doubles finals, defeated her Bajan opponent 21 – 9, 21 – 5 in the under 13 singles.

However, it was not all

wins for the national champion, as she and her Jamaican team mate Zane Reid lost in the semi-finals of the mixed doubles. Ramdhani and Reid lost to Jamaicans Adam Taylor and Shezelle Mctyson 16 – 21, 19 – 21, in one of the most exciting matches of the day, leaving Ramdhani and Reid to settle for a bronze in the event.

In the Under- 15 doubles Ramdhani is paired with Barbados’ Amanda Haywood and the two overcame Jamaicans Karie Dawson and Taliah Richardson 21-13, 21-8, to make it into yesterday’s finals.

On the boys side, Narayan

Ramdhani maintained his top form as he took on Jamaica’s number two seeded player Dejon Wright in a boys’ under 17 semi-finals match up. Backed by a supporting crowd Narayan defeated Wright 21 – 8, 21 – 10.

Narayan is also in the finals of the boys’ under 17 doubles where he is teaming up with compatriot Jonathan Persaud. Narayan and Persaud made it into the finals after they proved too much for Trinidadians Jerome Charles and Renaldo Sinanan. The number one seeded team Narayan and Persaud defeated their opponents 21-18, 21-19.

Oscar award helps Drogba get No 11 Chelsea shirt back Limacol Caribbean Premier League CEO, Damien O’Donohoe, Sharpe will present the prize to the winner said; “We are thrilled to welcome the Limacol CPL during the post-match to St. Kitts and be able to presentation following the showcase our beautiful is- Limacol CPL final game land to the rest of the world. today.

The Man of the TourWe are proud to be offering nament winner is decided this top prize to the Man of the Tournament, a chance by a closed voting system to be part of the one of the by each of the six team most exclusive develop- mentors, Sir Viv Richards, ments on the island and with Sir Curtly Ambrose, Sir that, a chance to enjoy St. Andy Roberts, Courtney Kitts for many more years Walsh, Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge. to come.”

LONDON, (Reuters) - Didier Drogba praised an Oscar performance after the returning Chelsea great was handed the iconic number 11 shirt he made famous during his first spell at Stamford Bridge.

Drogba displaces the Brazil international who has taken the number eight shirt vacated by departed Chelsea great Frank Lampard after the club released their squad numbers for this season on Friday.

“I am very pleased to be able to return to the number 11 shirt and I am very grateful to Oscar for allowing me to make this change,” Drogba, who last donned the number when he scored the winning penalty in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in 2012, told the club website.

The influential Ivorian forward wore the 15 shirt during pre-season, the number he originally had when he first signed for Chelsea from Olympique de Marseille in 2004.

“Didier is a Chelsea legend and a senior player. I am happy for him to take the 11 and for me to take the eight,” Oscar said. “Lamps is another legend at this club and I hope I will be as successful in the shirt as he was.”

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, returning to Chelsea after a loan spell at Atletico Madrid, has been given the 13 shirt while new signings Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa and Filipe Luis will wear numbers four, 19 and three respectively.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 16, 2014

31

Boyce & Jefford Track and Field Classic begins today at MSC ground

By Tamica Garnett TWO time champions Police Progressive Youth Club will not be taking anyone lightly when they come up against five other local teams, in addition to participation from international athletes, as they battle for the ultimate title at the Boyce & Jefford Track and Field Classic, which begins today at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground from 12:00 hrs Wi t h t h e d e f e n d i n g champions, Running Brave, bowing out of the championships, the team title for the prestigious event is up for grabs and all those participating in the two- day event are hoping to walk away with that $600, 000 prize that goes to the top team.

Those not managing to cop the top spot can still walk away with heavier pockets as the second, third, and fourth place finishers will walk away

Flashback: Last year’s winners the Runner Braves. with $400, 000, $250, 000 and $150, 000, respectively.

Other lucrative incen-

tives can be had from the international events where the top three individuals will

BCA pays tribute to former player George Linton BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - George Linton, the former Spartan captain and Barbados leg-spinning all-rounder, who also represented the Barbados and West Indies Under-19 teams, died on Thursday at the age of 58 after a recent illness.

Linton also served as a Barbados junior and senior selector.

NB: It has been confirmed

by George Linton’s family that his correct date of birth is November 12, 1955 and NOT 1956 as is reported by international cricket websites Cricinfo and Cricket Archive, among other websites.

Following is a tribute from the Barbados Cricket Association: The Barbados Cricket Association was sent into a state of shock this morning when the news of the passing of George Linton was received.

George (or Georgie as he was familiarly called) bowled leg-breaks and googlies and was a genuine all-rounder, being a more than capable batsman. He represented Barbados at both youth and senior level in the West Indies Cricket Board’s regional competitions and also represented the West Indies at youth

George Linton has been hailed for his knowledge of cricket and familiarity with players at all levels of the game level.

He was a dominant force on the domestic scene, representing his Club Spartan in the Division One competition for many years and was one of the Five Cricketers of the Year in 1980. In his latter years he tormented batsmen in the Intermediate Division with his unplayable deliveries, often laughing at how he “outfoxed’ them, especially the youngsters who tried to take advantage of “a fat old man”.

Georgie did not confine himself to playing the game, He was, for over twenty-five years, one of the senior cricket

coaches at the National Sports Council and also coached the Combined Schools team, as it was called at the time (now Barbados Youth), as well as the national youth team.

In addition, he made a substantial contribution as a selector of the national youth as well as senior teams, including being at different times Chairman of both Selection Committees.

It is difficult, if not impossible, to find any cricketer in Barbados in the last twenty-five years who did not pass through Georgie’s hands, and once given a name he could recite the school which the boy or girl attended and give detailed information on the individual. He was a veritable storehouse of information on Primary Schools’ cricket.

Portly in appearance and affable by nature, Georgie had an inimitable sense of humour and it is hard to find a more likeable personality anywhere in the cricket world.

His knowledge and his contribution to cricket in Barbados will be sorely missed.

The President, Board of Management, Staff and Members of the Barbados Cricket Association extend sincere condolences to his sorrowing relatives.

(BCAcricket.org)

receive $50 000, $30 000, and $20 000 respectively.

The international events

are the female triple jump and male long jump, the female 1500m and 200m, as well as the men’s 400m and 800m races.

Apart from Police the other local teams registered to participate in the worthwhile meet include the Guyana Defence Force, the Christianburg/Wismar Secondary track and field club, Enmore, Mercury Fast Laners, and Upper Demerara.

Police has a minute advantage in numbers, fielding the largest team with 37 athletes scheduled to participate; GDF walking in with 35 athletes, while Christianburg/ Wismar has 32, MFL has 20 and with 17 athletes Upper Demerara is the only other team with athlete numbers in the double digits. Enmore will come through with the participation of 6 athletes.

With notable athletes like Winston George and women’s 100m and 200m defending champion Alita

Moore, Police is entering with a lot of confidence, but still won’t be letting their guard down lest they end in second place for another consecutive year.

“We are not going to take anybody lightly, we are going there to compete.” coach for Police, Lyndon Wilson, declared yesterday in an interview with Chronicle Sport. “I would have liked the defending champions to be there, it would’ve made the win all the sweeter. We have studied what went on last year so we know we will win, that is why I would have liked the defending champions to have been there.”

After winning their first title in 2011, Police went on to defend that title in 2012, however, last year they blundered and found themselves dethroned by the Running Braves, which ended with a 26 points lead.

The competition is expected to play out in front of a packed house, with admission for the event set at a reasonable $500 entrance fee.

GOA supports Cuba bound boxing coach

THE Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) yesterday continued their alliance with amateur boxing after they handed over an unclosed amount of cash to the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) to aid in Coach Sebert Blake’s participation in an AIBA course in Cuba.

Blake, one of Guyana’s top handlers, will arrive in the Spanish speaking Island on August 20 and participate in the event which concludes on August 27.

The course caters for coaches who are aspiring to become a ‘Three Star Coach’ and presently, they are only six coaches in the Caribbean with such distinction with Guyana’s Terrence Poole being among the selected few.

At a simple presentation yesterday, GOA’s President KA Juman Yassin recalled supporting Blake on his stint in Hungary last year and stated “I think it’s only fitting we continue his development so he can do us well‎” Blake, upon thanking the GOA for their continued investment in not only

GOA President KA Juman Yassin makes the presentation to coach Sebert Blake while GBA President Steve Ninvalle looks on. his career, but Amateur Boxing said that he intends to do well at the event which puts him closer at realising his dream of one day coaching a fighter at the Olympic Games.

President of the GBA Steve Ninvalle said that it’s “extremely pleasing to have the GOA on board with us again. The GOA has been a major factor in the development of amateur boxing and

I think that Yassin has a soft spot for the sport in his heart.

In the region there is only six three star coaches and once Blake returns successful Guyana will have two of them.”

According to GBA, the National Sports Commission and the Ministry of Sport have also contributed significantly towards the efforts of them sending Blake to Cuba.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Boyce & Jefford Track and Field Classic begins today at MSC Story on ground SeePage 31

Hetmyer named MVP as Guyana lands Regional double -50 over final rained out

See Story on Page 28

We are the champions! The victorious Guyana Under-19 team completes a short jog with the Golden Arrowhead, while skipper Brian Sattaur safely grasp the West Indies Cricket Board Regional Under-19 fifty overs trophy.

(Photo by Adrian Narine)

Battle looms as Amazon Warriors, Tridents square off in CPL final today BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – Guyana Amazon Warriors will try to compensate for last year’s heartbreak, when they clash with a buoyant Barbados Tridents in the final of the Caribbean Premier League here today.

The two teams took contrasting paths to the final – Amazon Warriors battling through the playoffs and Tridents booking a direct spot – but this will account for little when they pit their strengths against each other Guyana Amazon Warriors captain Denesh in the 4 pm contest at Warner Ramdin (left) and Barbados Tridents skipper Park here.

Kieron Pollard, say they mean business Amazon Warriors, in ahead of today’s CPL final. particular, will be high-

ly motivated, especially against the backdrop of their loss in the final of the inaugural tournament to Jamaica Tallawahs.

They have already remedied this in part by beating Tallawahs in Thursday’s second playoff but a win in the final will put the finishing touches on an impressive campaign.

Amazon Warriors coach Roger Harper is mindful of not repeating the same mistakes of last year, which saw them falter in Port of Spain.

“This time around we will be looking to produce our best cricket when it counts,” he stressed.

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“We will not necessarily be looking to do anything different to what we have done previously in the tournament, but we will think about the Barbados Tridents today (Friday) and fine tune our plans so we are ready for tomorrow.”

Amazon Warriors finished second on 12 points with a 6-3 record that was shared by the top four finishers. Tridents, however, topped the standings courtesy of a superior net run rate and booked their spot in the final.

After watching Tallawahs beat Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel by four wickets on Wednesday, Am-

azon Warriors promptly greeted them in the second playoff with a resounding ten-wicket defeat – the first ever in CPL history.

The performance sent a stern warning to Tridents but their skipper Kieron Pollard said his side were not fazed.

“The Warriors played very well last night, but I am not worried,” said Pollard.

“We will do our preparation and get ourselves ready for playing them, but we are going to concentrate on our strengths rather than worry

See Page 28

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2014