Guyana chronicle 21 06 14

GUYANA No. 103865 SATURDAY JUNE 21, 2014

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

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APNU has essentially ‘rejected their own’ Bill Page

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-Ms. Teixeira

Keith Bernard wins Education grants to be Guyana Forensic disbursed during new school term Science Laboratory –Education Minister (GFSL) Logo Design 14 East Bank four-lane expansion set competition Page

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to meet year-end completion

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The winning logo design of the GFSL (Cullen Bess-Nelson Photo)

Remanded prisoner assaults virtual 24 complainant in court Page

Ongoing works on the East Bank four-lane expansion

Defendant Wesley Griffith

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

APNU has essentially ‘rejected their own’ Bill-Ms. Teixeira

By Vanessa Narine LEADER of the Opposition, David Granger, in a statement yesterday emphatically denied that President Donald Ramotar indicated Government was willing to pass the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill, with the party’s amendments – despite the current administration’s contentions that they were non-compliant with international standards.

The statement from A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) leader said: “Contrary to recent pronouncements by his Excellency the President Donald Ramotar nothing was offered to the combined opposition.”

Presidential Adviser on Governance, Ms. Gail Teixeira, told the Guyana Chronicle that APNU has essentially “rejected their own” Bill and Granger’s comments that the President “offered nothing” is untrue.

Three versions of two bills are currently before the Committee: the Government’s AML/ CFT (Amendment) Bill; APNU’s draft amendments to the Principal AML/CFT Act; and the Attorney-General’s (AG) counter-proposals, which addressed what were seen as problem areas in APNU’s amendment, the latter enjoying 80 per cent agreement, with the exceptions relating to governance and the roles of the President, Government Ministers and the National Assembly within the AML/ CFT framework – the only three sticking points.

PRESIDENT’S OFFER The President and Granger met on Wednesday afternoon and addressed the fact that the AG’s counter-proposals were not fully agreed on, at which point Mr. Ramotar made the offer to have the APNU’s draft amendments to the Principal AML/CFT Act supported, albeit with problematic areas, by the Government.

On Thursday, the President in a statement said:

Additionally, Mr. Ramotar in his offer restated his position that the passage of the AML/CFT Bill must not be linked to any conditionality.

“I also proposed that because of the urgency of the

TWICE REJECTED This is the second time the Government’s offer to reach a compromise was rejected.

On Monday, Teixeira, also the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee reviewing the AML/CFT (Amendment)

President Donald Ramotar “On Wednesday morning, I called the Leader of the Opposition, and he asked that we meet at 5:00pm on the same day.”

“I met with the Leader of the Opposition on Wednesday June 18, 2014 and I proposed to him that the Government was willing to pass the Bill with the Opposition’s amendments, even though we felt it was non-compliant, and even though we did not agree with it, that we would vote for it so that we can have a Bill before the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) meeting later in June, 2014.

“I also proposed to him that if CFATF (Caribbean Financial Action Task Force) and FATF were to find that the Bill had non-compliant provisions, that the Opposition would support amending the Bill accordingly….the Opposition Leader declined my offer.”

The Head of State bemoaned the rejection by Granger as unfortunate.

He said: “We have worked hard to get the legislation through, because we believe that the consequences could be very serious for our people. We said before that it was a patriotic duty to have this Bill passed, and spare you the Guyanese people the negative consequences of not doing so. Unfortunately, the Opposition seems to have put more importance on its own narrow political, Party agenda before the welfare and interest of our people.”

NO LINKAGES

ever, on May 29, after the announcement by CFATF, the AFC, in a statement, noted that it was willing to budge on its position and support Cabinet’s retention of its no-objection role.

Presidential Adviser on Governance, Ms. Gail Teixeira matter, that the Opposition would not link my offer to pass their Bill to their other demands: (1) My assent of all Bills passed by National Assembly; and (2) my support for the Public Procurement Commission being established without Cabinet retaining its role in granting no-objection to awards above $15M (GYD),” the President said on Thursday.

APNU had not only proposed three amendments, which were included in the party’s draft amendments to the Principal AML/CFT Act, but maintains its call for the President to give his assent to several Bills passed in the National Assembly, including the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill 2013, which states that elections must be held on or before August 1, 2014. The Head of State has already forwarded his explanation for his-non assent to the National Assembly.

On the other hand, the AFC, which is fully behind APNU’s position, is demanding the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), which the government has agreed to, providing that Cabinet retains its no-objection role in the process; but the latter position has been rejected by the AFC. How-

Opposition leader, David Granger

Bill, reported that Government last Friday indicated its willingness to compromise on the three “sticking points” that is holding up agreement on the Bill, but this was rejected by the main Opposition.

“We were rebuffed; we did not have the kind of response from APNU… We tried to have a meeting to reach compromise; something Government was clear that it was willing to do.

Unfortunately, it appears that APNU is either not interested or unable to accept our offer,” she said.

Teixeira explained that she went to great lengths to stress the urgency of having a Bill brought to the National Assembly, and pointed out that after the June 11 Select Committee meeting, there was only disagreement on three areas.

“What we have before the Committee is three versions of two Bills: The Government’s AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill; APNU’s draft amendments to the Principal AML/CFT Act; and the AG’s counter-proposals, which addressed the problem areas in APNU’s amendment,” she said.

Guyana is, to date, grappling with regional black-

listing which was implemented by the CFATF last November. It has also been referred to the FATF by the CFATF on May 29 last.

Moreover, it is saddled with a range of onerous measures in its financial dealings with Caribbean countries, which have been advised to safeguard their CFATF-compliant status in their dealings with Guyana.

Among those measures are the following: enhancing due diligence measures in their dealings with Guyana; introducing enhanced reporting mechanisms, or systematic reporting of financial transactions; refusing to establish subsidiaries or branches or representative offices in Guyana; and taking into account the fact that financial institutions from Guyana do not have adequate AML/CFT systems, and thus limit the business relationships or financial transactions with this country.

FATF’s next plenary meeting is slated for the period June 23 to 25, 2014 in Paris, France – two days away. The international body is likely to put Guyana up for review by its International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

Iraqi forces ready push after Obama offers advisers won the most seats but, with stalemate among Shi’ite, Sunni and ethnic Kurdish groups, the new assembly has yet to sit.

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani wrote in a Friday sermon that a constitutional deadline for convening to choose a new prime minister and government should be respected.

In office since 2006, Maliki has irritated Washington by the way he has alienated Sunnis and there has been speculation he has also lost the confidence of allies in Iran as Tehran and the United States look to end decades of mutual hostility to prevent anti-Western, anti-Shi’ite zealots taking over Iraq.

In the area around Samarra, on the main highway 100 km (60 miles) north of Baghdad, which has become a frontline of the battle with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the provincial governor, a rare Sunni

(Reuters) - IRAQI forces were massing north of Baghdad on Friday, aiming to strike back at Sunni Islamists whose drive toward the capital prompted the United States to send military advisers to stiffen government resistance.

President Barack Obama offered up to 300 Americans to help coordinate the fight.

But he held off granting a request for air strikes from the Shi’ite-led government and renewed a call for Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to do more to overcome sectarian divisions that have fuelled resentment among the Sunni minority.

Speculation that Maliki might be forced aside was heightened when the country’s senior Shi’ite cleric urged a speedy formation of a new government following the ratification this week of the results of a parliamentary election held in April.

Maliki’s Shi’ite bloc

supporter of Maliki, told cheering troops they would now force ISIL and its allies back.

A source close to Maliki told Reuters that the government planned to hit back now that it had halted the advance which saw ISIL seize the main northern city of Mosul, capital of Nineveh province, 10 days ago and sweep down along the Sunni-populated Tigris valley toward Baghdad as the U.S.-trained army crumbled.

Syria warns U.N. - Aid delivery without consent is an attack (Reuters) – SYRIA’S government warned the U.N. Security Council that delivering humanitarian aid across its borders into rebel-held areas without its consent would amount to an attack, suggesting it would have the right to retaliate against convoys.

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Members of the Iraqi Special Operations Forces take their positions during clashes with the al Qaeda-linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in the city of Ramadi June 19, 2014.

Credit: REUTERS/Stringer

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As the veto-wielding members of the council the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia - negotiate a draft resolution to boost aid access, Syria circulated to the 15-member council a letter from dozens of Arab and Syrian lawyers.

The June 18 letter, obtained

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by Reuters on Friday, argues against a bid by Western states for the resolution to be Chapter 7, which would make it legally binding and enforceable with military action or other coercive measures such as sanctions.

The humanitarian resolution text has been drafted

by Australia, Jordan and

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Luxembourg.

“The sole purpose of the initiative is to use United Nations auspices for the delivery of logistical backing to the terrorists,” the lawyers wrote in the letter that was sent to the United Nations by Syrian U.N. Ambassador Bashar Ja’afari.

2014/06/20

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

Prosperity for all, Jamaica back on human PM says in Labour trafficking watch list Day message ( Tr i n i d a d E x p re s s ) P R I M E MINISTER Kamla Persad-Bissessar said Thursday in her Labour Day message that since its election to office her Government has satisfactorily settled many problematic labour issues.

Persad-Bissessar said, “It is to the credit of the People’s Partner- Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar ship Government in non-energy sectors and that I can proudly attest to growth has been driven to the satisfactory settlement a large extent by aggressive of at least 75 collective la- fiscal stimulus programmes. bour agreements during our “Trinidad and Tobago entenure. Some of those issues joys a privileged internationhad been outstanding and al credit standing, confirmed problematic for years prior to by major global authorities our election to office. who base their findings on “Today, as we celebrate our relatively high income the rights of workers, we can levels, our large and diverbe grateful that our economy, sified energy sector, and the as our nation’s experts testi- expansion of economic activfy, is growing in sustainabil- ity in the non-energy sector. ity with foreign investment “I am delighted also to at its highest level in years. confirm that the Heritage and Our economy is expected to Stabilisation Fund has accumaintain a positive momen- mulated a balance in excess tum to the end of the calen- of 20 per cent of Trinidad dar year, 2014, with further and Tobago’s Gross Domesgrowth forecast for 2015. tic Product (GDP). We have “ M y G o v e r n m e n t , reason to be satisfied that, with the collaboration of as a people, we have arrived our workers, has increased at that level position in our economic diversification

unfolding history.

“Our projected plans indicate that approximately 30,000 new jobs are expected to be created over the next seven years if we continue on the smart track to success. Our Government is pro-labour and holds itself responsible for advancing the rights of all our workers. This is a shared responsibility and when workers and their representatives acknowledge their role in this regard we aspire and achieve together. Our Government’s goal as well as labour’s goal is the same: prosperity for all!

“As we celebrate this special holiday, on behalf of my Government, I should like to reaffirm my commitment to protecting the rights of all workers, as we work together to improve the work conditions and enhance the benefits of our most precious resource, labour; the true capital of our country. We will continue to govern fairly and manage the resources of our country responsibly and equitably in the interests of our entire population.

KINGSTON, Jamaica: JAMAICA is back on the Tier Two watch list in the 2014 Trafficking in Persons Report released by the US State Department today.

Jamaica had improved its position last year with a tier two ranking after it passed amendments to the Trafficking in Persons Act. The amendments to the Trafficking in Persons Act passed last year stipulated harsher penalties for offenders sentences of up to 30 years for offences such as forcing children to beg on the streets.

However, the US State Department says Jamaica is back on the watch list because despite implementing amendments to strengthen Jamaica’s anti-trafficking law, the government did not

demonstrate evidence it increased efforts to address human trafficking over the previous reporting period.

It says for a fifth consecutive year, the Government did not convict trafficking offenders or officials complicit in human trafficking and took insufficient action to address reports of official complicity.

In addition, it says the Government identified few Jamaican trafficking victims and failed to provide many of them with adequate assistance.

The report says Jamaican children subjected to sex trafficking in the country’s sex trade remains a serious problem.

According to the report sex trafficking of children and adults occurs on streets and in night clubs, bars, and

private homes throughout Jamaica, including in resort towns.

It says an alarmingly high number of children are reported missing in Jamaica and some of them are likely subjected to forced labour or sex trafficking.

Non-governmental organisations have reportedly expressed concern that children from poor families sent to wealthier families or local dons with the intent of a chance at a better life are highly vulnerable to prostitution and forced labour.

It says the Government must move to vigorously prosecute, convict, and punish trafficking offenders, including officials complicit in trafficking and identify and assist more victims.

Presbyterian heads vote for gay marriages, local United Church stands firm (Jamaica Gleaner) THE United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands says it will not be affected by the decision of the top legislative body of America’s Presbyterian Church to recognise same-sex marriages.

Several years ago, the Presbyterian Church in Jamaica merged with two other denominations to form the United Church in Jamaica and Grand Cayman.

However, according to a Senior Minister, Reverend Gary Harriott, the United Church of Jamaica and Grand Cayman is independent.

The amendment to the constitution of the American Presbyterian Church to recognise same-sex marriages is now awaiting the approval of the Presbyterian General Assembly over the next year.

However, the NBC reports that in a separate policy change that takes

effect this week, Presbyterian delegates voted to allow ministers to preside at gay weddings in states where the unions are legal and local congregational leaders approve.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE SATURDAY June 21, 2014

Enhancing social capital

THE Guyanese people are the legacy left by Dr. Cheddi Jagan – the Father of the Guyanese nation.

As long as this nation, as a collective, stands firmly in unity to carry on the work that Dr. Jagan dedicated all his adult life to, then the legacy of Dr. Cheddi Jagan will never die.

Detractors label him many types of “ists,” but Dr. Jagan was a humanist, who lived his creed on which he based his primary goal: ‘Development with a human face.’

This great leader never lost his simplicity, and his humane approach to problem resolution. His love for humanity crossed every border and transcended every divide to encapsulate the global community, within the concepts and the context of his ‘New Global Human Order.’ Although he was dubbed the ‘Mahatma of the Western hemisphere,’ because of the greatness of his soul, he never lost the common touch. Those who knew him can afford to ignore those who attempt to besmirch his character, because he will always walk taller in the corridors of Guyana’s history than anyone else ever can.

Acolytes of the great Dr. Cheddi Jagan can never let the “uninformed ramblings” of the inconsequential and insignificant derail the impetus of development

initiatives and goals of the People’s Progressive Party, the political party that he founded, which currently forms the Government of Guyana.

The Guyana Human Rights Association should take cognisance of the fact that human rights violations were factored into every aspect of the daily existence of every immigrant or emancipated slave, even after slavery was abolished, until the emergence of the People’s Progressive Party.

The struggles and accomplishments of the PPP are well-chronicled, and the truth shall prevail over those who are attempting to re-write the history to make white seem black, and vice versa.

It is incumbent on every member of the PPP’s youth arm – PYO, to embark on a dynamic thrust to re-affirm its commitment to solidifying its parent party’s base support – the grassroots people, because that is where its strength lies. The grassroots support is the foundation and the backbone of the PPP. Thus members should interact with them, be accessible to them in their times of difficulty, because this is the only way the group can build trust and discourage a landscape whereby the opportunists could infiltrate its ranks with their false promises and grandiose but impractical ‘solutions.’

The educational quotient in outreach programmes

GUYANA

EDITORIAL should not be minimised, because knowledge provides armour against the pathological liars who are glib with their tongues and promises, so there is an imperative to let the support base know the truth – and to know if, when and how help can be provided, and what are the dynamics and the implications involved.

If immediate help cannot be provided then they need to be told, and why, so that understanding and tolerance can re-build trust in the areas where the infiltrators have weakened with their misrepresentations and lies.

Dr. Cheddi Jagan always believed in cooperative efforts to build communities, so the PYO needs to follow the example he set and work with persons across every divide in the nation so that it sustains the primary goals always sought after by the founding leader of their group, to unite the nation through trust-building developmental initiatives within Guyanese communities so as to enhance the social capital of Guyana.

We have come a far way DURING my school days I was often lucky to be a part of quite a few school trips to Enmore, when our school took part in proceedings on Enmore Martyrs’ Day. This year, I followed the commemoration via radio, and I think that much more could have been done. We must not allow Enmore Martyrs’ Day to be downplayed at all. On this note, I make reference to two important addresses on the day: one from the President, and the other from the Labour Minister, Mr. Nanda Gopaul.

Mr. Editor, there was first the focus on the need to ‘fight to remove obstacles to development.’ This is so vital. I instantly thought of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill. The Opposition and other enemies of the State have nothing to object to in the Bill, and yet the APNU/AFC combination, because of a one-seat majority in the National Assembly, will not allow this all-important Bill to be passed.

This is the height of being vindictive and counter progressive. Already, the consequences of not passing this Bill are being felt.

I know we had a very dismal pre-1992 era, and people are still reeling from the effects of the then dictatorship, but we now have come a far way, in terms of democracy. We now have freedom to express our views and live our lives in the way we want to. The Housing Sector is booming and we are making great strides in education and healthcare. We really need to pass this AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill. What I see here, from the Opposition, is a calculated move to block progress and development; this is how badly the members therein want to make the ruling Administration look bad. They will stop at nothing.

I recall how these slain workers, way back in 1948, struggled and gave their lives for better working conditions. I am happy to note that today workers in Guyana are well protected, under special Labour Laws, allowing for minimum wages and fixed number of working hours. This kind of approach is unprecedented and it allows for motivation towards building the country.

Prior to this kind of thing, the situation in

Guyana used to be “very oppressive” back then in the colonial era, when housing, education, health and just about everything were dictated by plantation owners. This got even worse under the PNC, during its tenure, leading up to 1992. Life in Guyana became most bitter and the country actually fell into abject poverty.

I am now happy to mouth off my agreement that “today much has changed” and that there is a “... commitment to advancing developments in the interest of the Guyanese people.”

I repeat that some areas have come a long way, and with promise to go even further; and these are education, health, housing, and agriculture. In some instances, this country is seen as a model. That is why I call on the good-minded people of this nation to come out and condemn the Opposition for what is happening with the AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill.

I have no apologies for deeming the Opposition as one that is ‘an obstacle to progress.’

CEDRIC LORD

GUYANA CHRONICLE SATURDAY June 21, 2014

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PNC repentance necessary for atrocities PREJUDGING black slave descendants as automatically wrong has now become confirmed as the norm within Guyana, or so it seems. The same has always been applied to Indo-Guyanese and many other targets by similar prejudgment, regardless. Where else can we find such abundant notoriety, especially in the 21st century, as in Guyana?

For boldness to become so self-evident by a “foolishness” to selectively rush to label black people as readymade Judas-traitors suggest there may be more behind it. Like no credible PNC admission of election rigging in Guyana there can be no exceptionally clearer evidence and reasons why no official confession, repentance and atonement would be forthcoming for the PNC’s many original sins.

They believe they did no wrong and with sincere requests for apology and reconciliation rejected, it completes the circuit for whatever is new.

Examine Mr. Paul Jacobs’ letter in the KN of 6-15-14 titled, ‘The Robert Gates factor’ in which the apparently eminently displeased objects to the people’s witness, Mr. Robert Allan Gates, at the Rodney Commission of Inquiry (COI) being allowed unsupervised emancipation to facilitate his closure of the brutal murder of another black man who was beloved worldwide. That explanation, which accommodated Mr. Gates’s presence with his cathartic testimony as given by the COI’s lawyer, Mr. Glenn Hanoman, was found inconsequential and dismissed in Mr. Jacobs’ own words as “factious, not even fit for fools like me.”

Why would any civilised mindset imply that a remorseful black former policeman and credible witness should instead bare his soul in chains and handcuffs, encircled by security guards with guns and bullets can only be reflective of an unfathomable debilitating norm, which continues to keep the black mind shackled by what they have always been accustomed to, but not exclusively owned.

How more will the PNC rejoice when such a shameful alternative spectacle occurs, but is hastily targeted to focus and divert attention away from the dignified courtroom closure of Dr. Rodney’s murder? Blaming such a Jacobean implied alternative as the best approved method to facilitate the witness in cahoots with an allegedly insensitive PPP/C Government, can be no more deliberate design to chisel away at Rodney’s legacy by diversionary set up.

Even the academic theoretical excellence which has not

placed the WPA’s celebrated Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine’s into “inebriated luxurious elevated occupancy” as the authentic Indian representative and the future PNC Prime Minister, could not anymore become eclipsed by his own personal sacrifices and astuteness; or could it?

He hired his jailer, Mr. Gates, as his personal bodyguard when he was in custody at the police station by paying five times more than the original salary which the policeman earned monthly. Now with Dr. Rodney’s stuffed head mounted in display above the WPA’s altar-mirror in a house of ill repute due to his alleged heirs pursuit, in pauperised prominence, of a political perverse prostitution of poor people’s plight, with pitiful promises of pointless possibilities, provisionally on payment, whatever can be so positive next to expect, please? If it is to experience Sophia’s finest complete services, in all “equality, ” can someone, anyone, kindly ask: “Mirror, mirror, on the wall, what’s behind this free for all? Whatever may be the painful enslaved mentality, which has not found adequate relief for the last three centuries since slavery’s abolition in 1838, cannot amicably be resolved by apologies in Guyana, or be expected to benefit by acquiring a new and improved, lesser tarnished reputation by constantly destroying or degrading anything, including Guyanese remorse, in constant enraged fury.

How much is Linden more blessed or worse today than before PNC rule with PNC people still in charge? Which investors are rushing at the behest of the powerless rabble rousers to make life in Linden better? Demanding economic relief in shared governance by race entitlement through a new forever interdependency, especially from those on whom all violent savagery is sporadically targeted, cannot be realistic.

Even voluntary acquiescence in mass self-destruction visiting assured extinction onto a unique cultural presence, by their ethnic cleansing, cannot ever become justified under any circumstances, especially so in today’s Guyana’s democracy.

What underlies Mr. Jacobs underlying motives or ire to implicitly dismiss Dr.Walter Rodney’s gifted life’s worth, as lesser Guyanese, when he is definitely no evil Pan Africanist black man: In comparison to Mr. Gates felony, could be an affirmation of certain confidence in complete black self-sufficiency, or is it the usual claim by historical entitlements? The answer is best summarised by Mayor Hamilton Green’s old time values, which famously reminded us in the 21st century that’s “It’s all about the

Natural Resources Sectoral Committee is free to visit the Bai Shan Lin worksite FOLLOWING is a letter from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr. J. McKenzie, responding to an article published in the Kaieteur News on Thursday, June 19, 2014: In response to your article “Bai Shan Lin ‘disrespects’ National Assembly” dated June 19, 2014, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MNRE) wishes to clarify the notion that it is hindering the Committee from visiting the Company’s operation.

1. The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment would like to explicitly state that Bai Shan Lin is a private company and the Ministry has no authority to determine who visits their locations. The Natural Resources Sectoral Committee is free to pursue its request to visit the worksites of the said company.

2. The Ministry was requested to provide vehicular and other logistical support in the letter dated May 30th, 2014 from the Chairman, Mr. Odinga Lumumba, MP. In the MNRE response dated June 3rd, 2014, it was pointed out that this request could not be accommodated at this

point in time due to ongoing compliance and enforcement activities by various agencies. It’s important to note that at no point did the MNRE hinder the proposed visit of the Committee.

3. The Ministry has always fully cooperated with the Natural Resources Sectoral Committee and in fact appeared before the Committee with its agencies on November 20, 2013. Prior to our appearance, a comprehensive package detailing the agencies’ work programme and projects was submitted to the Committee on November 5, 2013.

4. Additionally, it should be noted that all information requested for the said Company emanating from the Sectoral Committee meeting was provided.

The Ministry remains committed to supporting the work of the Committee and will encourage full respect for its work by all stakeholders.

MR. J. MCKENZIE Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment

money,” in his own words.

Why Mr. Jacobs trashes the candid explosive testimony from the black former policeman cum bodyguard and double agent is certainly because he would rather Mr. Gates’ damaging eyewitness evidence be swiftly dismissed as insignificant, in spite of the bodyguard’s torn tormenting loyalties of conscience in June 1980 (when Dr. Rodney was killed). Instead Mr. Jacobs would rather the tormented bodyguard be judged by “yesterday’s 2013” fresh additional currency of ill fortunes, still awaiting judgment by court appeal, since the black man, as Mr. Jacobs reminds us, “was convicted and sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment by a Magistrate in August, 2013, for obtaining G$6,000,000 by false pretence from twelve persons.”

So what? The black man, a former policeman, must get his misfortunes again flung into his face for our benefit?

The WPA in 2010 disclosed Dr Rodney was stockpiling weapons and they were kicked upstairs by the PNC to the master bedroom to become Guyana’s future Prime Minister!

The PNC killed Rodney, will not apologise, and still has a democratic right to be elected! How conveniently can anyone loudly trumpet anti-ethnic sentiments among Guyanese to destroy their self-worth and aspirations in buttressing well known “stereotypes”?

Afterwards the entire black brigadier battalion can about turn and lavish themselves within Guyana’s democratic freedom to surreptitiously fuel and divert black people’s rage into the usual repetitious forever misery of self-destructive violence, as ignited by the AFC in Linden and Agricola.

Was Mr. Jacob’s letter a contrived, clever or most sincere endorsement of the black human aspirations for their betterment? Pray do tell whether or not “It’s all about the money” as old people with wisdom remind Guyana so that our local Tom Cruise’s screaming affirmation to Cuba Gooding “I like black people” remains priority least it be forgotten: And no apologies. But freedom in a democracy permits the choice of association to everyone by race, religion, gender, etc, with whomever they respect and admire by all the criteria being well known. Pity Mr. Barrington Braithwaite remains enslaved in more than one way, destroying everything in his prejudices and cannot realise his original sins have already divided the baby, whilst he constantly hacks the limbs and attempts to sanctimoniously perform mass lobotomy for total victory. Repent, reborn, or go to hell.

SULTAN MOHAMED

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

First piece of Open Air Education Museum unveiled at grants to be disbursed Indian Monument Gardens during new school term

By Sandy Agasen

NEWLY appointed Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr. Venkatachalam Mahalingam, along with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Frank Anthony, and Chairman of Indian Anniversary Committee and The Indian Monument Fund, Dr. Yesu Persaud, yesterday unveiled the first piece of the Open Air Museum at the Indian Monument Gardens, Camp Street, Georgetown.

they made towards the development of this country.

Mr. Mahalingam reiterated that there will be improvements in the trade relationship between Guyana and India for their mutual benefit.

Dr Anthony noted the tremendous contributions made by the Indians to the development of this country. He stressed that the upcoming generations need to be aware of their culture and aims to get more people involved.

“The bond between Guyana and India is strong but it can

–Education Minister

THE $10,000 grant to be given to the parent or guardian of each school age child in the public school system will be handed over at the beginning, or after the beginning, of the new school year or term.

This was revealed by Education Minister Priya Manickchand in the National Assembly on Thursday. Giving an oral reply, in response to a question posed by A People’s Partnership for National Unity (APNU) member Amna Ally about the mechanism to be used to disburse the $10,000 per child, as promised in Budget 2014, and when the sums will be distributed, explained that using this method, Ministry officials would be able to capture all the registered students, including new incoming nursery students, and new students who did not attend nursery school but went to Grade 1.

She added that the Education Ministry will be informing stakeholders of the mechanism to facilitate the payments. “Guyana is so diverse geographically, and different services are available at different places, we want to make sure however we disburse this, it is the most effective and efficient way to the parents.”

According to Ms. Manickchand, around 188,000 school age children, will benefit from their parents or guardians obtaining the grant. Additionally the ministry is fully prepared to commence the distribution of school uniform vouchers, in the coming week, she said.

The Ministry is consulting with parents, with one such exercise completed two weeks prior at Queen’s College (QC) with its Parent Teachers Association, to ascertain the best way for them to receive the Education Grant, the minister explained.

She stated that the parents of QC students have agreed to use the Mobile Money Service provided by GT&T, to have their funds disbursed, “So we will be consulting with other parents across the country, we just consulted with five of the nine sub-districts in Region 9 Upper Takutu/ Upper Essequibo) over last week to find how those parents would best like to receive the money”.

It is envisaged that the grant can be used to meet costs, such as transportation, and will provide added impetus to raising enrollment and attendance rates, in addition to having the effect of increasing the disposable incomes of the parents of school aged children. This initiative will benefit the families of the 188,406 families of the students of public nursery, primary, and secondary schools, and will cost a total of $2 billion (GINA)

The Indian High Commissioner, Mr. Venkatachalam Mahalingam (left), Frank Anthony (centre) and Dr. Yesu Persaud (left) after they unveiled the first piece in the Open Air Museum (Adrian Narine photo) It was the High Commissioner’s first official appearance since his accreditation here.

Mr. Mahalingam noted that the relationship between the two nations has grown since formal ties were established. He recalled that he arrived in Guyana 10 days ago and on his second day presented his Letters of Credence to President Donald Ramotar and called for more efforts to enhance cooperation in several areas.

He noted that although separated by a large distance, both nations have commonalities in a colonial past, predominantly agricultural, rural-based, multi-cultural societies and also hold common views on important issues.

He spoke of the indentured labourers and the contribution

get stronger,” Dr Anthony stressed.

He disclosed that this is the first museum of its kind to be erected in Guyana.

Dr. Yesu Persaud in welcoming the High Comissioner spoke of the close relationship between Guyana and India and encouraged the High Commissioner to strengthen the trade relationship between Guyana and India.

The purpose of the Open Air Museum is to enlighten the public on their roots and culture; how they came here; the way of life and how it all started.

Inscribed in the plaque were the words: “Honouring the East Indians who arrived in British Guiana between 1838 and 1917. 500 ship voyages with 238,909 Indentured Indian Immigrants…”

Motor cyclist dead from collision with door of parked car at Goedverwagting, ECD POLICE are investigating a fatal accident that occurred on the Goedverwagting Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara at about 22:30 hours on Thursday resulting in the death of 58-year-old Wallace Nurse of Sparendaam, ECD. Investigations revealed that Wallace Nurse was driving

motor cycle CC 9486 when he collided with the open door of a parked car, and was pronounced dead on arrival at the GPHC. The driver of the motor car is in police custody assisting with the investigations. (Michel Outridge)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

At ACP-EU meeting in Kenya

Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister plugs for modalities to reinstate lost funds

By Vanessa Narine FOREIGN Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett yesterday addressed the issue of sugar at the 39th Joint Council of the African/ Caribbean/Pacific- European Union (ACP-EU) meeting being held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Highlighting the need for the Council to monitor the “Accompanying Measures for Sugar Protocol (AMSP)” countries in a manner that no financial resources are lost as a result of the EU’s own financial regulations, Ms. Rodrigues-Birkett said: “It is most unfortunate that, in spite of our calls, some 100 million euros are lost. This is a significant amount, and we urge the EU to seriously examine modalities and mechanisms for this amount to be reinstated.

“There is also need, not only to display flexibility in implementing the AMSP to allow full utilisation of allocated resources through reallocation amongst Foreign Affairs Minister beneficiary Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett countries, but also to consider reallocating such funds which may be decommitted by any beneficiary in respect of any unimplemented project to other projects proposed by the beneficiary.”

NEW SUPPORT MEASURES She said that in view of the new challenges which the ACP sugar-supplying states are likely to face with the end of the EU quotas in 2017, the EU should seriously consider putting in place new accompanying support measures to enable the ACP sugar producing countries complete the necessary reform to render their sugar sector competitive.

The minister said, “We are nearing the end of the ACP sugar research programme, which benefited from EU support. This programme has been welcomed by the ACP industries, and has been of great value to them.”

Minister Rodrigues-Birkett added that the current difficult context brings new challenges and raises new questions, which should be addressed to ascertain a sustainable future for our sugar industries.

She said, “In that regard, we have launched a call for proposals for a new Research and Innovation Programme. To date, 50 proposals had been received from 18 countries in the ACP and in Europe, thus indicating a great interest for such programmes. It

is of note that many proposals have been prepared jointly by ACP and EU research centres.”

The minister said the proposals would be examined by the ACP Scientific Committee in conjunction with the private sector, to ensure that the programme is industry-oriented and able to assist in improving the competitiveness of the sector.

“I have no doubt that you will agree that research and development, at both field and factory levels, will contribute significantly to supporting the ACP sugar sector in its bid to improve its competitiveness. I am confident that you will ascertain that this new Research and Innovation Programme is endowed with adequate resources to ensure that benefits are fully realised from the results obtained so far,” Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said.

COHERENT POLICIES The minister called on the Council for coherence in development, agricultural and trade policies, and in ascertaining that EU lives up to its commitments contained in both EPAs and the Cotonou Agreement.

“The ACP sugar-producing countries will remain open to discuss with EU and EC officials on the most appropriate ways and means of pursuing the above issues…it is equally important to ascertain that ACP preferences are not eroded as a result of market access concessions which the EU is likely to give to third parties…these concessions will create market imbalance and further depress market prices.

It is also crucial to ensure that our preferences are maintained to the maximum extent possible in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations,” Rodrigues-Birkett said.

The minister also attended the 99th Session of the ACP Council of Ministers, from June 17th to June 18th, 2104. She called on the ACP group to give full support to the upcoming Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), to be held in Samoa in September 2014, and moreso, the issues that affect SIDS. Minister Rodrigues-Birkett posited that 2014 is designated as the International Year of SIDS, to call attention to the peculiar issues affecting those States, and she said that if meaningful progress is to be made to address these issues, it must be done this year. As such, the support of the ACP, whose membership consists of many SIDS, is extremely important.

Additionally, following some clarification, and in keeping with the principle of rotation and the equitable distribution among the ACP groupings, it was decided that the next Secretary General for the term 2015-2020 would come from the Caribbean Region. The Caribbean, in the person of Sir Edwin Carrington, last held this position from 1985 to 1990. The current Secretary General, His Excellency Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, hails from Ghana in the West African Region.

Accompanying Minister Rodrigues-Birkett to the ACP and ACP-EU Council Meetings was Guyana’s Ambassador to Brussels, Dr. Patrick Gomes, who also chairs the Ambassadorial Working Group on the Future Perspectives of the ACP.

APNU has displayed how little it understands its constitutional role IN what should have been a feeling of great relief by the nation, knowing that with the final passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, that their country would not be blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), President Ramotar’s address to the nation, announced an extension of the perfidy that has come to symbolise opposition politics since the convening of the Tenth Parliament.

OBSERVER must confess to being utterly puzzled, and so must all Guyanese, at this latest display of the A Partnership for National Unity(APNU) deliberateness at spiteful politics, that reveals just how little they have understood their constitutional role, much less the magnanimity as displayed by the President.

How on earth the Opposition leader Granger can claim that the President offered nothing when they met? Magnanimously, the President offered to have the Bill legislated with APNU’S proposed amendments, even though it was felt that these were non-compliant. There was also a proposal that should both CFATF and FATF found the amendments to be compliant, that the Opposition would support amendments, in accordance with such findings.

It was quite clear that as President, Donald Ramotar took the responsible line, of seeking to have the legislation completed, even though there was the likelihood of the Bill being found to be non-compliant, as alluded above. Therefore, Granger’s claim of the government not offering anything is without foundation.

What has surfaced, not surprisingly, is that of an opposition that does not understand what “bridging the political divide” is all about, particularly in the crucial circumstances where the nation stands to suffer. Has APNU given thought to the grave consequences of its fossilised stance? And if it thinks that once Guyana becomes blacklisted, that its very constituents, for example, would not be affected, then it ought not to be recognised as Peoples’ Representatives.

OBSERVER has been pondering this aspect of the political opposition, as to the mental make-up of opposition Members of Parliament – where is their sense of nationalism? Does it exist? And if it does, why is it not coming forth at this most serious hour that is fast approaching for the nation?

Patriotic leaders are known for the unselfish decisions taken in the very best interests of the nation that they serve. At that most important hour, they think only about the well-being of their country and people.

Thus Granger’s deceiving, urgent talk about wanting to see the Bill legislated, is as hollow as the party he leads, symbol of the Palm Tree!

For those who have been shouting to the high heavens about compromise – let it be said that it had been offered by the government, but totally rejected by Granger. Surely, a leader of such chronic shortsightedness, should not lay claim, nor aspire, to national leadership. For leading a country, is totally different to leading an army.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

Government remains “resolute” about hydropower generation in Guyana – Dr. Luncheon

By Telesha Ramnarine THE current state of the Amaila Falls Hydropower project has much to do with what the parliament and political opposition has done to the project, but the administration is “resolute” in bringing about hydropower in Guyana.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon said so Wednesday, during his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President in Georgetown.

“The parliamentary opposition and what transpired in parliament is what has brought us to this state we are in with both the road and the project itself. If this process had been dealt with the way we expected;if they had performed in a credible, suitable fashion, these whole questions about delays would not be on the table,” Luncheon told reporters.

Meanwhile, government recently took the opportunity presented by the Opposition to stress its call for cheaper energy through

the advancement of the Amaila Falls Hydropower project.

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Keith Scott had questioned the 2014 budgetary allocation for the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL), given the shortcomings in reliable and efficient delivery of energy to the Guyanese people.

Government Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, in heckling the MP, said, “Now you see the light,” as she called for the Opposition’s support for the hydropower project.

In 2013, Government had hoped to have been well underway towards realising the Amaila Falls hydropower project, through which Guyana would have become self-sufficient in electricity generation.

However, funding for the project was slashed by the Opposition in last year’s budget. But Government has since strengthened its commitment to deliver hydropower to the Guyanese people.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon

Slated to be the nation’s most ambitious undertaking, the project is touted to be able to provide Guyanese with cheaper, reliable and sustainable power supply. The project involves the construction of a hydropower plant in the area of west-central Guyana, where the Amaila and Kuribrong rivers meet.

Electricity produced at the plant will be delivered to Guyana’s capital, Georgetown, and its second largest town, Linden. The project is expected to result in substantial savings to the nation’s coffers, particularly in terms of foreign exchange and the purchase of heavy fuel oil.

Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a Guyana-Brazil Joint Technical Group has been concluded, which mandated the group to identify concrete actions and timelines for the construction of a hydroelectric plant in the Mazaruni and the transmission lines necessary to export electricity to Brazil and further afield.

GGB issues reminder on penalties for hoarding gold Decline in declaration costs Guyana US$100M in foreign exchange-Ganga

By Clifford Stanley THE Guyana Gold Board(GGB)has issued a reminder to all players in the gold mining industry of the stipulations of the Guyana Gold Board Act and the penalties that can be incurred if they are found hoarding gold.

The reminder comes on the heels of a 20% drop in declaration of gold produced for 2014 to date in comparison with the corresponding period last year.

The decrease in declaration is suspected to be largely due to hoarding by producers.

LOSSES During a recent panel discussion, Chairman of the GGB, Gobind Ganga said that with the decline in gold declaration Guyana has lost about US$100M in foreign exchange and approximately $1.5B less in royalty and taxes.

This current situation, Ganga had said, is very threatening to Guyana’s economy since gold has been helping the country’s fiscal policy to provide for

Chairman of the GGB, Gobind Ganga

economic sustainability.

“So with this decline it’s going to have an adverse effect, not with respect to the exchange rate per se in the immediate future, but later down the road it will have the effect.”

In a media release on Thursday the GGB identified miners, shop owners in mining districts, dealers and persons trading in gold, and persons purchasing gold with a Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) permit as the main players who all need to ensure that trading of gold is done within the confines

of the Laws of Guyana at all times.

Miners, the GGB reminded, are required by law required to sell all gold produced to the Board or any authorised gold dealer within 28 days of obtaining such gold.

All shop owners in mining districts are required to sell all gold in their possession to the Board within 14 days of obtaining such gold.

All persons licensed by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to advance money or supply goods on credit to miners for payment in gold are required to inform the Board of the receipt of gold within 10 days of receiving such gold and to sell all gold so received to the Board.

They are also required to record every transaction in a book kept for that purpose, stating the amount of money advanced or the description, amount and cost of goods supplied, and amount of gold received as payment for the said goods.

And they are required to produce that book for inspection by any officer or person authorised by the

Board.

The GGB said that where there is reasonable suspicion that an offence has been or is being committed and evidence of the commission of the offence is to be found at any premises, an officer authorised by the GGB may, with a warrant, search the premises in question, or any other place, at any time, within one month after the date of the warrant.

The “officer” may be any of the following per-

sons: Officer of the GGMC, every member of the Police Force; every mines officer under the Mining Act and every person employed by the GGB and authorised by the General Manager of the GGB. If an officer has reasonable cause to suspect that any person is unlawfully in possession of, or removing any gold, an officer may stop and search any person and any vehicle or other mode of transportation in that person’s possession

or control; or any vehicle which that person is in and any package under that person’s control.

If any gold is found on that person, vehicle or package, the officer may seize and detain the gold and arrest the person until he can be brought before a magistrate and be dealt with according to law.

The GGB said that the reminders are aimed at ensuring that the gold mining sector efficiently serves the national economy.

Two more die by road accidents on ECD and WCD

By Alex Wayne

THE police have reportedly arrested a man and seized an abandoned vehicle in connection with the discovery of the body of 51-year-old Mustak Alli of Annandale South, East Coast Demerara on the Courbane Park roadway, also on the East Coast of Demerara.

Alli’s body has since been taken to the Lyken Funeral Parlour, where an autopsy would be performed to ascertain the cause of his death.

Police ranks are treating Alli’s death as a

‘hit and run incident’, and reports reveal that sleuths are planning to review footage taken from a nearby surveillance camera to help with their investigations.

Meanwhile, 56-year-old Imran Mohamed was reportedly struck and killed by a lorry on the De Willem Public Road, West Coast Demerara, when he tried to cross the road on his bicycle.

He was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), but later succumbed to his injuries.

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

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

FBI wraps up five-day training with local CID ranks

By Leroy Smith

RANKS from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from the United States on Friday wrapped up a five-day training exercise with ranks attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Guyana Police Force.

The training saw 35 participants who were split into two classes where they went through training on several fronts but with the main focus being on investigating and interviewing. The training formed part of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.

The Crime Scene Investigation and interviewing and interrogation course was done by two facilitators from the FBI office in the United States of America.

The training covered areas of active listening which gives the interviewee the sense that they are being listened to and what they are saying is of importance to them, encouraging suspects

Force Training Officer, Paul Williams, addressing the gathering

and witnesses to talk, the type of questions which should be asked, how to protect suspects and witnesses, studying statements and being able to detect deceit.

One of the facilitators of the course told the graduating

ranks that it is expected that they will use the opportunity of the training to be better able to carry out their investigating techniques. There was a call for the development of a mechanism between the FBI and CID so that there is

US Ambassador, Brent Hardt presents a certificate to the lone female of the training

A group of the participants pose with the US Ambassador and senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force (Photos by Leroy Smith)

a structured approach in the development of interviewing techniques.

The course which started on July 16 also saw the Force Training Officer Senior Superintendent, Paul Williams, taking part. In his remarks at the closing ceremony on Friday, Williams said that the training was very timely and does fit into the entire process of the Modernisation plan of the Force which is adopting several new ways of effective policing.

United States Ambassador, Brent Hardt, who said that even this may be his last official CBSI event he is attending and giving remarks as Ambassador before his departure, explained that the training was testimony of the United States Government’s commitment towards making the Caribbean a safer place.

He also added the training proved that it was just one of a series of successful similar training held by the US for the Police Force over recent months.

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Prison officers detained for marijuana smuggling

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

MARAD extends safety campaign to Mahaicony Creek –distributes children’s life jackets

By Alex Wayne

THE smuggling activities of two prison officers were brought to an abrupt end yesterday when their colleagues arrested and handed them over to police authorities for smuggling marijuana into the Georgetown Prison.

Sources say 492 grammes of marijuana were discovered shortly after the accused officers had entered the prison gate at about 7.40 am. The two officers reportedly attempted to escape, but were intercepted and apprehended by some of their colleagues.

Head of the Police Criminal Investigations Department, Senior Superintendent Leslie James, said charges would swiftly be instituted against the officers.

He indicated that authorities are indeed focusing on deterrence, since it’s appalling that prison officers, who are expected to carry out their duties honestly and efficiently, could allow themselves to become involved in such illegal activities.

Students being outfitted with lifejackets.

A TEAM of Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) officers and Regional Chairman, Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice), Mr. Bindrabhan Bisnauth, visited the Mahaicony Creek area on Wednesday to sensitise boat operators on the importance of having their boats inspected and certified, and the value of lifejackets and other safety practices.

In a press release MARAD said that the visit was initiated by Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, following reports received about poor conditions of boats and laxity in operational practices in the area.

The people in riverine communities such as the Mahaicony Creek depend upon marine transportation. However, most of the boat operators are unlicensed, MARAD noted.

Meanwhile, as part of the effort to promote safety on Guyana’s waterways, a total of 74 children’s life jackets were distributed to schools in the Mahaicony Creek area.

The schools are Gordon Table Nursery and Primary School, Karamat Primary School and Mora Point Nursery School.

At the Gordon Table Nursery and Primary School, the teacher, Ms. Laurain McLennon expressed her gratitude to

MARAD for the donation of 25 children’s life jackets and assured the team that she would ensure the children of her school wear their jackets whenever travelling on a boat.

Head teacher of the Karamat Primary School, Mr. Lalto Paul was very grateful for 33 life jackets for the children in light of concerns he expressed about unsafe practices by boat operators in the area. He also spoke about the timeliness of the donation and thanked MARAD for the initiative.

Similar sentiments were also expressed by the head teacher of the Mora Point Nursery School, Ms Bindoo Inshan as she received 16 lifejackets for the students of her school.

The Regional Chairman in brief remarks to the boat operators, encouraged them to equip their boats with lifejackets, and to ensure that their passengers wear them at all times while traversing the waterways.

He repeated one of MARAD’s themes that “lifejackets save lives.” Then in closing, he thanked the team from MARAD for the donation of the children’s life jackets.

MARAD will continue its safety campaign to other regions of Guyana in keeping with its mandate of promoting maritime safety.

CJ grants 13 a total of $2.36M bail pending determination of their cases

By George Barclay ACTING Chief Justice Mr. Ian Chang, SC, yesterday granted 13 petitioners bail totalling $2.36M, pending determination of their cases.

Particulars follow: For possession of firearms without a licence, Junior John was granted $250,000 bail.

For possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, Shonett Jeffrey was granted $175,000 bail; Ron Hagos was granted $250,000 bail; Stacy

Robinson, $40,000 bail; Malik Khan, $325,000 bail; Oliver Franklin, $450,000 bail; Elbert Richards, $400,000 bail; and Winston Peters, $150,000 bail.

For threatening behaviour, Dhaniram Hardat was granted $40,000 bail, and Mahase Mangar was granted $75,000 bail.For disorderly behaviour, Paul Marciano was granted $40,000 bail.

For assault, Frat Khan was granted $15,000 bail; and for malicious damage to property, Lazeen Azeez was granted $150,000 bail.

GUYANA CHRONICLE SATURDAY June 21, 2014

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East Bank four-lane expansion set to meet year-end completion MINISTER of Public Works, Robeson Benn recently announced that the East Bank Demerara four-lane highway is set to meet its year-end completion date, alleviating much of the current traffic delays and improving safety.

The East Bank fourlane project is divided into three lots. The first is being done by Dipcon Engineering; lot two by General Earth Movers in association with Geico Construction and General Construction Services; and Lot three B.K International.

During a recent interview, Benn noted that despite the challenges, works are ongoing on the four-lane extension.

With regards to the issue of the removal of utilities, Benn explained that the schedule for the removal of utilities did not match that of works for certain reasons. He said that this issue was related to the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) Company, and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), and they are currently working on overcoming

this problem.

Additionally, there were also some issues with respect to the shortage of certain construction materials.

Benn further noted that works are also ongoing on the East Coast four-lane project and an update will be made public soon.

In 2013, Government invested $11.3B to continue the construction of the East Bank Demerara and East Coast Demerara fourlane highways, Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) access road, rural, community and hinterland roads, additional street lighting, and the rehabilitation of the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

The 2014, budget provided the sum of $13.7B to improve roads and bridges network, of which $12.9 billion will be spent on roads and $844.2 million on bridges.

With the completion of the East Bank and East Coast Demerara

Ongoing works on the East Bank four-lane expansion four-lane expansion projects, the traffic congestion, especially at peak hours will be reduced significantly, thus allowing for a smoother and faster traffic flow. (GINA)

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Keith Bernard wins Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL) Logo Design competition

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

The winning logo design of the GFSL (Cullen Bess-Nelson Photos)

By Michel Outridge

Rohee presenting the award to the GFSL winner, Keith Bernard, while Permanent Secretary, Angela Johnson, and GFSL Director, Delon France, look on

HOME Affairs Minister Clement Rohee yesterday awarded Graphic Artist Keith Bernard for winning in the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL) Logo Design competition sponsored by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA).

The activity took place in the MoHA’s Boardroom.

Rohee said that with the GFSL logo having been designed, things have moved a step closer to commissioning of the facility, which is almost completed.

He added that there is a timeline for completion of the facility, but there has been a delay in progress, although the basic staff are in place and are waiting to occupy the building and take up their positions.

Rohee disclosed that many entries had been submitted in the GFSL logo design competition, but the panel of judges deemed Keith Bernard’s entry most appropriate and fitting.

In presenting Bernard with his prize, Rohee roundly congratulated him for the effort he had put into his entry.

Responding, Bernard said the concept is very simple, and he came up with the idea after doing much research.

He said the logo design comprises a magnifying glass, a DNA strain and a fingerprint; and he deemed the concept most fitting because it was all about forensic science.

Graphic Artist Keith Bernard owns the company called Pixel Plus Creations.

The logo design competition was advertised in the local media for three weeks, after which entries were received by MoHA, and the winner was selected by a panel of judges drawn from the private sector, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the University of Guyana.

Director of the GFSL, Delon France, expressed gratitude to the competition winner, and to Minister Rohee and others who have supported the initiative.

He noted that the opening of the GFSL will certainly boost the crime-solving capacity of the security sector, and he stressed the importance of forensic science in solving crimes.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

National Choral Festival to promote more choral singing

By Shivanie Sugrim

MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, has said that the National Choral Festival aims to address the decline of capable

Moreover, throughout his declaration at the launch of the National Choral Festival last Wednesday, he highlighted the development of choral singing in Guyana as the Ministry sees itself as the ‘facilitator’ of this

the upcoming festivals.

There has also been a proposal to launch an Indigenous Song Competition since, as Guyanese, “we find it challenging to differentiate between the nine indigenous languages.”

This initiative would hopefully commence this coming September, given that it is “Amerindian Heritage Month”.

Another project the Ministry has earmarked for this year is

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, launching the National Choral Festival

The Messengers delivering their choral rendition at the launch of the National Choral Festival at the Umana Yana on Wednesday

singers in Guyana.

He noted that the primary aim of this festival is to promote more choral singing in Guyana, so that it can progress from national to international, which will ideally enhance the tourism sector.

process.

More importantly, Minister Anthony noted that 2016 would be Guyana’s 50th anniversary as an independent nation, and he said the Ministry will be formulating a cultural programme to add glamour to the event.

Since there is a dwindling of folk songs in Guyana, the minister proposed a solution by which there should be a distribution of folk songs in schools, so that children can become familiar with them as they mature.

Additionally, the Ministry would be working on special projects this year to support local talents nationwide.

The first is to look into the different genres of music, including gospel, with the aim to cater for recruitment of 50 groups for

the establishment of at least ten bands throughout the country, so as to make music a legacy in Guyana.

The National Choral Festival, having been launched on Wednesday, will be hosting workshops and training sessions until its finals on October 15th this year.

According to the Music Development Officer, the fes-

tival seeks to form new groups which would participate in all the festivals, and build capacity for existing groups and their technical competences.

There were excellent performances by the reigning choral groups: “Messengers” and the “Woodside Choir.”

The National Choral Festival is one of the avenues to reach new talents in Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

City Council ignores Minister Whittaker’s advice to consult citizens on use of subvention

By Derwayne Wills

THE Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown (M&CC) have failed to act on the advice offered by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Norman Whitaker, to consult with the citizens of Georgetown on how the $21M+ Government subvention should be

spent.

In an invited comment to the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Whittaker noted that the M&CC has not yet submitted budgetary proposals for the $21M+ Government subvention, and he said this was due to the Council not being able to establish a duly constituted statutory meeting because certain councillors refuse to recognize Carol Sooba as the

Acting Town Clerk.

The minister said, “I’m not going to make available (to the M&CC) any portion of that money without the consultation of the people.

And budgetary proposals have to be approved by the Council.

The M&CC have, on numerous occasions, flouted the law in attempts to establish an executive mayoralty

which bypasses the constitutional provisions of the Minister of Local Government on the regulation of daily affairs of the municipalities in the absence of the Local Government Commission.

Minister Whittaker asserted that he does not support the position of an executive mayor because there ought to be a division between the City Council, which is reposed with the power to make policy, and the Administration, which is headed by the Town Clerk.

“We should only seek to work together,” he said.

Acting Town Clerk and Chief Executive Officer of the City Hall Administration, Ms. Carol Sooba, in an invited comment to this publication, said: “The Minister advised that the Mayor and Council should engage citizens on what they think the subvention should be used for,” adding, “the Mayor and Council decided that they should not take the advice because they are a duly

elected council; [but] they are not functioning as they ought to.”

Sooba recalled that, in 2013, the proposals also had not been submitted on time because of “confusion.”

“They wanted to include provision for local Government elections and a whole lot of things that are not budgetary,” Sooba said.

She mentioned that the Finance Committee had met in late 2013 to discuss the budget proposals, for which the Council offered recommendations as they participated in the budgetary discussions.

“When the report was put up for the statutory meeting to pass the budget, they [the Mayor and Councillors] refused,” the acting Town Clerk related.

Budgetary proposals for subvention from the Central Government are discussed at the level of the Finance Committee chaired by City Councillor Mr. Junior Garrett. The proposal is then

drafted into a report, which is approved by the Council during the duly constituted statutory meeting in the presence of the Mayor, City Councillors, and the Town Clerk.

“Myself and Councillor Garrett advised the Minister what happened”, Sooba said.

She added, “They continued with the business, and they held another meeting which sought to make adjustments [for extra allocations to be] included in the budget. They wanted to include $15M for pensions and increased allowances.”

The acting Town Clerk observed that, during that time, the budget proposals were submitted but were not approved by the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development because of the illegality of the additional budgetary allocations which the M&CC had annexed to the proposed allocations.

“The councillors were Turn to page 25

GUYANA CHRONICLE SATURDAY June 21, 2014

CORRECTION THE Guyana Chronicle in its Thursday June 19 edition, under the headline ‘GECOM to end 6th registration cycle on Saturday registers 13,023 new persons so far,’ inadvertently stated that there were 16,062 per-

sons transferred.

The correct number is 1,662 transfers that were done in the sixth registration cycle, owing to issues related to change of address.

This newspaper apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Demerara Criminal Assizes may have five courts sitting next month

By George Barclay EFFORTS are being made to bring on stream three more judges in the June session of the Demerara Criminal Assizes, according to reports.

This, it is said will provide five courts sitting at the Assizes in the month of July- two of the judges

are likely to come from the Court of Appeal. They are expected to cut the backlog of some 241 cases that were listed at the beginning of the June session, where only three judges are assigned, a high ranking court official disclosed to the Guyana Chronicle.

Plans for strengthening the jury system are already

in force as summonses are being sent out for new jurors to serve in the additional courts.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Police Outpost which is understaffed has already made requests for more ranks.

And it was pointed out also that another judge who was in a different County may join those in Georgetown.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE SATURDAY June 21, 2014

Irate prisoner sacks counsel and gets adjournment in ‘Mango Man’ murder trial

By George Barclay

ANGRY murder accused, Mark Williams, who had been on trial in the high profile Lusignan Massacre case and was freed caused an uproar on Thursday in another murder case.

Williams, known as Roydon Durant, and also called ‘Smallie’ is charged jointly with two others with having on August 30, 2007, in the county of Demerara, murdered Kumar Singh, called ‘Mango Man.’ Williams on Thursday sacked his State-assigned defence counsel Raymond Ali and declared that he wanted a fair trial but doubted that this was possible with the present judge and prosecutor in his current trial. He then applied for an adjournment to enable his family to retain Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Roger Yearwood as his defence counsel.

But before all this had occurred, Williams had refused to attend court and his co-defendants Sherwin Nero, called

The three accused in the ‘Mango Man’ murder case. Mark Williams, known as Roydon Durant, called ‘Smallie’ (in front) sacked the assigned lawyer and complained that he would not get a fair trial before Judge Navindra Singh and the present prosecutor Co-defendants Sherwin Nero, called ‘Cuffy’ and Andrew Philander, called ‘Junior’ and ‘Gadget’ in background ‘Cuffy’, and Andrew Philander, called ‘Junior’ and ‘Gadget’ had appeared in court escorted by heavily armed Tactical Services Unit (TSU) ranks and members of the Brickdam-based Dragon Alpha Squad.

After consultations among court officials, the police and prisons it was determined that Williams who was absent must be brought to court.

As the party returned with him, the siren of the police escort vehicle could be heard. And then shockingly the accused appeared in a short multi-coloured pants and a white T-shirt. And he had already told his lawyer who had approached him for instructions, “Keep away from me. I don’t want to see you.”

On the first occasion last week a jury was empanelled to try this case. On the resumption yesterday the judge had received an application from Mr. Ali asking for leave to withdraw from the case since the accused was hostile and had asked him to leave when he sought his instructions for the case.

The judge then sent the jury out of sight and hearing while he communicated with the accused and Mr. Ali. At this stage, the judge granted leave to Mr. Ali to withdraw from the matter and told the accused that since he and the other co-defendants are all charged jointly, they would have to be tried together.

The judge aborted the trial and the accused who has been in custody for a long time will be further remanded until the next session.

The jury were discharged without giving a verdict but were asked to return on Monday when it is hoped that they would be empanelled in another matter.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

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Seventy-four year old placed on $100,000 bail for discharging firearm

A 74-year old man of Goorahoo Street, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara charged with discharging a firearm was yesterday ordered to post $100,000 bail.

Maxi Chung pleaded not guilty before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry to the charge that said on May 8 at Georgetown, with intent to maim, harm or disfigure he discharged a loaded firearm on Ganesh Ramrattan.

According to the Prosecution, on the day in question Ramrattan was drinking in a bar, when the defendant came in and was offered a drink by Ramrattan. The men are known to each other for several years and subsequently, engaged in a conversation.

Chung resides overseas and during conversation started to bad talk Guyana, when Ramrattan brought to his attention that he was born in this country. He became annoyed and they both had an argument, when Ramrattan walked out of the bar and went to his car.

Chung then followed him and discharged the alleged weapon directing it to Ramrattan’s leg.

Chung, who was represented by Attorney-at-law Mr. Jainarine Singh told the Court that his client has been a licensed firearm holder for over 34 years and never had been in any trouble.

Meanwhile, Ramrattan, a miner of Lot 238 North half Pike Street, Campbellville, was also charged with unlawful wounding.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge that said on the same day at Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Chung.

Police Corporal Bharat Mangru, prosecuting, did not object to bail and the case will resume on July 18.

Albouystown man receives three-year sentence, fined $37,000 for drug trafficking FAZIL Ali of Lot 61 Barr Street, Albouystown, Georgetown was yesterday sentenced to three years’ imprisonment together with $37,000 fine on a drug trafficking charge.

He made his appearance before Magistrate Judy Latchman on June 17 and was refused bail on the grounds that no special reason was given to the Court.

The 19-year-old unemployed man pleaded not guilty to the charge offence that said on May 15 at Albouystown, Georgetown he had in his possession 75 grammes of cannabis-sativa (marijuana) for the purpose.

Police Inspector, Joel Ricknauth, prosecuting, said, acting on information the Police went to the home of the prisoner to conduct a search. With his permission, a search was conducted in his presence and a transparent plastic bag was found under his mattress.

The Prosecutor said the defendant told the ranks that he bought the prohibited substance to make a hustle.

The trial commenced on June 17 and he was found guilty as charged for the offence.

Magistrate Latchman informed the accused that it was found that he had knowledge and physical control of the narcotics.

The Magistrate took into consideration several factors which include his age, first offender, the prevalence of the offence and the quantum involved.

The prisoner did not wish to say anything as it relates to the sentencing but told the Court that, he was supposed to look after a Police Clearance for a job he was seeking.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

GTM, GPHC collaborate to host Health Fair 2014

By Sandy Agasen

MEMBERS of the public turned out in their numbers yesterday at the Robb and Hincks Streets offices of the Guyana & Trinidad Mutual (GTM) Group of Insurance Companies in Georgetown, to benefit from a number of free health services offered by a health fair spearheaded by the GTM, in collaboration with the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Promoting health and wellness among the general populace is on the

GTM list of priorities, and the one-day fair provided opportunity to a number of people to access check-ups on their blood glucose levels, and to avail themselves of breast examination, HIV testing, body mass index, blood pressure testing, diabetic foot care, eye examination, hand hygiene, and occupational health and safety tips.

Assistant Director of Nursing Services at the GPHC, Mr Owen John, said that, for the past two years, this health fair drew members of the public from all age groups, as well as staff of the GTM.

Scenes from the GTM/GPHC Health Fair 2014

Finance Minister restores half GSPCA appeals to owners of unwanted pets to bring them of the UG loan subvention

By Derwayne Wills

FINANCE Minister Dr. A s h n i S i n g h re s t o re d $225M to the University of Guyana’s Student Loan Fund through a $4.6B financial paper presented to the National Assembly Thursday.

Howbeit, the amount restored represented only half the originally allocated sum of $450M. The loan subvention provided for, under the Loan Agency of the Ministry of Finance, was cut from the 2014 budgetary estimates by the combined Opposition -- A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC).

This first financial paper for 2014 contained provision for sums to be utilised to pay additional stipends and tuition fees for Government of Guyana-sponsored students.

In a recent interview, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, had noted that if the National Assembly does

not restore the loan subvention for the University of Guyana, a severe crisis would ensue that would place students in a dire situation.

The Vice Chancellor was hinting at the inevitable increase in student tuition, which would have been compounded by the National Assembly’s failure to provide loans for current and prospective students already not in the best of financial circumstances to afford their tertiary education.

The University of Guyana Senior Staff Association, in a battle with the UG administration, had contended that the University’s governing body must devise a plan which would see restoration of the $450M student loan subvention, thus offsetting the impending call for increase in tuition.

President of the UGSSA, Dr. Patsy Francis, had urged the UG administration, as well as the council of the University, to which Vice-Chancellor Professor Jacob Opadeyi is an

integral member, to lobby the relevant politicians to have provisions made for the University in the requisite supplementary funding to the Ministry of Finance’s Loan Agency, to curtail the looming impasse.

In the Committee of Supply of the National Assembly, during the 2014 budget debates, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) voted against funding for several Finance Ministry programmes, including the $450M allocated to the University for student loans.

Over the years, a vast majority of the student population at the country’s premier tertiary institution has benefited from student loans; and a large percentage of prospective and current undergraduates depend on this loan to fund the education that would qualify them to make substantial contributions that are integral to the country’s development.

to the organisation

By Shivanie Sugrim THE Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) has indicated that in order to

He declared that the public should assist in combating this issue, since animals are vital to man’s life.

More importantly, due to the steady unwanted animal

issue of straying unwanted animals.

In 2009, the society spayed and neutered 339 dogs and 119 cats; vaccinated more than 6,000 such an-

The building that houses the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) is located at 65 Robb St. and Orange Walk, Georgetown

reduce the number of stray animals which die in Guyana, the public should take responsibility for transporting its unwanted animals to the animal shelter.

GSPCA President, Oliver Insanally, told this publication: “The straying of animals is a very cruel act, as such animals live very difficult, tragic lives, and can suffer painful deaths.”

pregnancies and hit-and-run accidents, land and air pollution is threatened, whereas sometimes there is traffic congestion on the roads due to these stray/unwanted animals (mainly dogs).

The GSPCA has long implemented a free spay-andneuter programme which it is hoping the public would take advantage of to solve the

imals, and provided shelter to 590 cats and dogs. The GSPCA is highly committed to nurturing animals that are in dire need of attention, with minimum cost to the owners, given that it is a non-profit organization and is always open for donations to enable the organisation to provide better care for the sheltered animals.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

Minister Persaud flays AFC’s Ramjattan for reckless attack on Wildlife Bill

By Derwayne Wills

MINISTER of Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr. Robert Persaud, has blazed Alliance For Change (AFC) leader and Member of Parliament, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, for what he called “reckless and irresponsible” assumptions with “a naked attack on the integrity of the hard-working technical staff” who have aided in the formulation of the Wildlife Import and Export Bill of 2014.

Comments made following the second reading of the 2014 Wildlife Bill in the National Assembly on Thursday sparked

was something fundamentally wrong with the Bill, the honourable member would have highlighted the inadequacies.”

He added: “If we believe that something is inadequate or that something is missing, we will table an amendment so that we can enrich, enhance, and better the piece (of legislation).”

Minister Persaud called on the AFC Leader to recognise that “this is a place where we expect rational and constructive input.”

“This is not a place where we come and ‘gaff’, and talk what we feel like saying and make all sorts of wild and reckless accusations.

“I will present the notes

Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr. Robert Persaud

AFC Leader and Member of Parliament, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan

debate in the House. The minister had noted that the legislation would bring Guyana into compliance with the regulations of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES); but Ramjattan, in the National Assembly, refuted that there had been any meaningful consultation with the relevant stakeholders of the wildlife sector.

Minister Persaud, in his response, chided: “The honourable member does not, and cannot, speak for stakeholders who operate in the wildlife sector.”

Persaud, discontented with Ramjattan’s position, stated: “I would expect (that) if there

of the various meetings, and I will present the actual modification which was made by stakeholders and those (that) were submitted to the Drafting Section of the Attorney General’s Chambers, where those particular notes were taken into account”, Persaud responded.

Minister Persaud contended that Ramjattan’s willingness to impute motive and dishonesty to the Government’s development of the Bill is both “reckless and irresponsible.”

Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Raphael Trotman, in addressing Ramjattan’s outlandish claims, called on the AFC Member of Parliament to “refrain from making presumptions and or potential

accusations or connotations in the absence of evidence”.

The Speaker said, “If the Bill is to move to the special select committee, then concerns may be raised, ventilated or satisfied; but desist from being pre-emptive.”

In an invited comment to the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Persaud outlined the benefits of the Bill and noted that it would affect the regulatory ability of the state to manage the importations and exportations of flora and fauna.

“For us, it is a matter of urgency, because the trade itself can be affected. We don’t want our exports in any way to be affected, as well as our efforts to set up a robust regulatory framework for our importation

and exportation of flora and fauna,” Persaud said.

AFC Member of Parliament Khemraj Ramjattan had made a call for the Bill to be moved to the Special Select Committee for deliberations.

Minister Persaud said in the National Assembly, “This should not be a Bill that has generated any level of controversy, but perhaps I erred; it went beyond the point of controversy and to the point of hysteria, and at times we had the paranoia flare of the honourable member [Ramjattan] that proceeded me; and I am disappointed!”

SMUGGLING AND REVENUE The provisions of the Bill are set to address security con-

cerns of the Government to ensure that the trade of wildlife is not used to smuggle other items.

“We have not been able to quantify the extent of smuggling, but we know that there might be opportunities lost; we want to maximise those opportunities”, the Environment Minister declared.

He said that, in recent times, there has been an increase in income earned from the exportation of flora and fauna, and this has been calculated at some 17 percent of the value of such exports, representing $151M of earned revenue in 2013, as compared to over $140M earned in 2012.

In highlighting provisions made for advancement, Minister Persaud noted, “There are modern provisions (included in the Bill), and we don’t want to continue to have a backward wildlife sector; but, instead, a wildlife sector that can do much more in a way that brings economic as well as ecological and environmental benefits.”

Minister Persaud was alluding to such provisions as: monitoring and managing the individuals who trap the animals; regulating holding facilities for such animals; and monitoring the conditions under which the animals are kept.

“Right now, there are no regulations that govern that (the foregoing)”, Persaud asserted.

The Minister said there is also the issue of wildlife ranching, which would be

the best method of acquiring wildlife for exportation. “Instead of depending on going and extracting from the natural habitat, why not create a ranch, whether you are looking for labba or agouti. We are now trying to promote this, but you have to set up a framework to do that”.

The Minister said the laws of Guyana in this regard are archaic, and the current Bill, which is before the National Assembly, would allow for these modern provisions, which other countries have adopted, according to CITES regulation.

Guyana became a signatory to CITES in 1977. The Wildlife Import and Exports Bill is intended to develop effective methods for management, extraction, and trade of wildlife in Guyana. The absence of such a Bill has found Guyana vulnerable on managing and regulating persons involved in the local trade, to ensure that such activities do not affect the Government’s ability to ensure proper management of wildlife resources.

The Bill was moved to the special select committee after being read for the second time by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine. The motion was seconded by AFC Member of Parliament Khemraj Ramjattan, and was voted unanimously by the House to be sent to the Special Select Committee.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

Remanded prisoner assaults virtual complainant in court

A REMANDED prisoner on a robbery with violence matter yesterday lunged from the docks and attacked the virtual complainant (VC) in one of the Courtrooms at the Georgetown Magistrates Court.

Nineteen-year-old Wesley Griffith of Lot 283 Thomas Street, McKenzie Linden, appeared in Court before Magistrate Judy Latchman for another hearing of his matter, that involves a 50-year-old self employed man of at Lot 14 North Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Particulars of the charge said on June 26, 2013 at Lot 14 North Sophia, he robbed Deryck Halley of one motorcycle, one Blackberry cellular phone valued $52,000, one nokia cellular phone valued $25,000 and cash $30,000 house keys, together valued $ 277,000.

Speaking with the victim outside of the Courtroom, he told Guyana Chronicle that last year he was at his home when the defendant attacked him leaving him to suffer with injuries and robbed him of a motorcycle and several

other articles.

He said that yesterday he was at the Court for another hearing of the matter and soon after the Court was adjourned and the Magistrate stepped in her chambers, Griffith jumped out of the docks and knocked him to the ground.

Halley noted that this took place around minutes after 11 hours, when the prisoner dealt him several cuffs and kicked him about his body. He said at the time of the incident Griffith was not wearing any hand or foot cuffs.

According to the VC, only Police Prosecutor Joel Ricknauth was present in Court and immediately ran to his rescue.

He said there was no other police rank present in the Court and the Prosecutor pulled the defendant off him and told him to go back into the docks. He claimed that he fainted a few minutes after the incident and two other persons helped him to revive.

Halley said he was advised to make a report at the Brickdam Police Station regarding the attack. MeanDefendant Wesley Griffith while, speaking to the media, the victim was waiting on the ambulance to go to the hospital.

In terms of what took place, the victim said he believes there should be more security measures in Courtrooms and that prisoners should be handcuffed all the time, while being in court. He said what just happened to him could have resulted in a more serious situation.

He expressed that he was fearful for his life, since he was nearly kill by the defendant about a year ago and now another attack in a Courtroom.

According to the VC, the Court system is a “joke,” because what happened in the end is just a pat on the back and two years jail.

The victim said he feels very insecure returning to the Court for a next hearing; and is also afraid for his life because when the defendant comes out of jail he may try to attack him again.

Halley said the matter was first called before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and was then transferred before Magistrate Judy Latchman. He said yesterday is the third Court hearing.

A Police rank that was present in the court when the incident took place, told this publication that after the Court was adjourned the Prosecutor remained seated at his desk writing up files.

During the time Griffith attacked Halley, the Court orderly assisted and escorted Magistrate Latchman into her chambers and another Police rank was occupied placing prisoners down the court chute. There were also other prisoners in the docks and also two other ranks in plain clothes that assisted.

Griffith has an ongoing $5M Amelia Ward’s armed robbery matter at McKenzie Court with three other men.

Ruel Williams, 32 of Lot 657 Industrial Area, McKenzie; and Nellon Brummel, a 27-year old porter of Lot 27 Lower Kara Kara; all of Linden and another man.

The six charges involving him and three other men took place on Friday January 31 at South Amelia’s Ward, Linden, where they robbed a family under arms of a car, cash and jewellery.

However, the matter involving Griffith and Halley will be called again on July 16.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

GPL still mum on electrocution of nine-year-old Goed Fortuin boy

By Michel Outridge THE Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) remains mum regarding the progress of their probe into the May 6, 2014 incident in which nine-year-old Satyanand Balkarran was electrocuted at his home at Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara while taking a bath outdoors when he came in contact with live electrical wires.

Speaking to this publicationon Thursday, disgruntled grandfather of the schoolboy, Lakeram Balkarran, said that since his grandson was killed the power company has not come forward to tell them anything and they are quite fed up waiting and relatives are requesting that the power company make a pronouncement.

He explained that a few days after the incident GPL showed up and disconnected

the electricity from their neighbour’s property which is situated at the rear and even took away their meter and service after it was found that they were stealing electricity.

The grieving man added that after GPL disconnected the electricity from their neighbour ’s house, they were blamed and the neighbour then resorted to pelting their house with bricks and cursing them.

The man stated that they even made complaints to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) as well as GPL but so far they have heard nothing to date as it relates to the probe. However, Balkarran is asking for justice for his grandson.

The dead boy’s mother, Debbie Ramash, lamented to the Guyana Chronicle in a previous interview that GPL acted after her son lost his life but no official of the

utility has contacted her.

The sorrowing woman recalled that despite numerous previous complaints that the pole supporting the cables was resting atop their zinc fence, GPL took no action but subsequent to her son’s death, employees from the power company have visited her residence several times.

The Goed Fortuin Primary School pupil was electrocuted on May 6 while having a bath near the zinc fence in a section of the yard where he lived.

Balkarran apparently came into contact with exposed live wires and fell to the ground upon being electrocuted. He was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, GPL said yesterday it is still investigating the circumstances.

City Council ignores Minister Whittaker’s advice to...

From page 16

not entitled by law to pensions and increased allowances. [That] would have

to be approved by the Local Government Minister,” Sooba asserted.

Saturday, June 21, 2014 - 12:30 Sunday, June 22, 2014 - 13:30 Monday, June 23, 2014 - 14:30

On May 6, 2014, during an illegally constituted Extraordinary Meeting of the Mayor and Councillors, Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green and Councillors had sought to remove Carol Sooba as the Town Clerk, and installed Public Relations Officer (PRO) Royston King illegally.

At that meeting, a motion was moved by Councillor Gregory Fraser, and seconded by Councillor Eon Andrews, to remove Councillor Garrett as the Chairman of the Finance Committee because, they contended, he had “exceeded his authority and abused the position.”

The Council moved to replace Garrett with Andrews, who had seconded the motion. The motion was not carried because Sooba, acting in the capacity of Town Clerk, had not been present.

“Garrett is an accountant by profession, and he was supportive of [myself and] the administration, and so he would not get involved in any illegality. Because of that, they needed to have that committee not functioning, because they needed a financial crisis. Garrett, however, was not legally removed, since there was no substantial evidence to prove the claims (laid against him),” Sooba stated.

Aries Divide your time between deciding what you want to be when you grow up and who you want to be right now with your sweetie. It’s never easy, but it’s extra-hard for the time being. You have all the energy you need to handle it all, but you still have to dig down to find the answers, which might not come easily. You’ve still got to give it a shot. While you’re at it, take extra care of your heath.

Taurus Talking you out of anything takes energy and time -- so much time, in fact, that bringing along a distraction is a good idea for the arguer. They need to be prepared to watch the paint dry and the grass grow while waiting for your answer. You’re proud of that, too -- so when someone close starts making noises that they’re going to change your mind, give them a break. Tell them it’s not happening -- it’s only fair.

Gemini You and someone special have been deliberately not engaging with a certain issue for quite some time now. It’s related to monogamy, and you’ve been dancing around it because you’re not exactly sure where you’re going yet. Wait for a bit longer and let yourself learn more. Intimacy doesn’t happen overnight, of course. Things often work themselves out if you can step back and give them a little room. Now that you’re at least sharing time together, anything is possible.

Cancer All your people have been telling you that things should get better if you can just hang tough and keep a positive outlook. The weird thing is that (just this one time) they’re right, so you can stop fretting and just forget about the million tiny things that have been keeping you awake every night for far too long. It may also be that a power nap is in order.

Leo Finding ears to hear you out has never been a problem for you, and it certainly isn’t right now. You wake up in an shockingly chatty and entertaining mood, ready to knock the socks off of anyone who happens to be nearby and unwilling to run away. It all adds up, too -- who would ever turn down the opportunity to hear you when you’re all amped up and flying high?

Virgo You’ve nearly had it with all the interference, meddling and random comments about what you ought to be doing with your life. You’re getting ready to let the right people know -- at high volume. Before you do so, remember that their intentions are probably good, and if so, you don’t want to hurt their feelings. You’ve been accused once or twice of getting a little too involved in others’ problems?

Libra Someone close who’s been bugging you lately is still pushing your buttons in a big way. They may be pushing them so hard that you’re starting to feel a sort of respect for their effort, even if it’s just because they’ve perfected the art and have spent so much time practicing. If you’re feeling exhausted, don’t give up yet. You’re allowed to feel mad at this point. Just give yourself some time off and do whatever you want.

Scorpio You need straight talk -- nothing more and certainly nothing less -- so good luck to anyone who thinks that they can embellish or exaggerate to win you over. You know all about subtlety -- it’s more your thing than theirs -- and you definitely know when someone is trying to work you. You recognise the signs right away, and you don’t hesitate to offer up helpful tips on how to do it right with their next mark.

Sagittarius Discipline and prudence have never really been at the top of your priority list. You love spontaneity, and you need to keep taking smart risks, so when the chance to do both pops up, you don’t look back -- though why would you want to? There’s a tough, reliable safety net in place thanks to your good energy, and it’s designed to protect you from everything but werewolves, unicorns and lawyers.

Capricorn Some folks in your circle are mumbling stuff that basically amounts to fighting words.

You’d recognise the sound anywhere, but you’re not really intimidated. In fact, you may already be thinking about how to mop up once it’s over. You know you’re going to win if you’re dragged into the argument. You probably even know how exactly how long it should take to completely outfox the competition. Don’t feel guilty -- it’s not your fault you’re better at this than they are!

Aquarius Don’t worry about making it through the day, because even if some big problem pops up thanks to mixed-up energies, you’re still able to pull out at least one of your own hidden talents to handle it. This natural flexibility comes in handy, especially when you’re dealing with relatives or neighbours who seem like more trouble than they’re worth. Let them go for now -- they’re on their own path, and all you can do is get out of the way.

Pisces You’re ordinarily sweet as pie -- mellow, friendly and pretty much willing to do whatever it takes to get along with people. When an underdog gets involved, though, you do whatever it takes to help out, no matter what the cost. When someone in need -- or in trouble -- crosses your path today, warn your people to make way. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

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Gayle onslaught canters ...

From Backpage

of-the-match Kraigg Brathwaite, who was unbeaten on 12, and ended the match in just 13.2 overs.

His blitzkrieg also erased any hopes New Zealand had of a shock result after their lower order rallied admirably in the extended first session to lift the total to 331, before the innings ended 13 minutes after the scheduled lunch break.

Wicketkeeper BJ Watling finished unbeaten on 66 while overnight partner Mark Craig scored a superb 67, the pair sharing a vexing 99-run, ninth-wicket stand which left West Indies captain Denesh Ramdin bereft of ideas.

After resuming at their overnight 257 for eight, New Zealand added another 74 runs, helped by a short rain break but mainly by negative tactics by skipper Ramdin who set the field deep from as early as the first over, allowing both batsmen to pick off singles and ease any pressure.

Craig, who bowled poorly in the match, compensated in an innings lasting 167 balls, three hours and which included nine fours.

Wa t l i n g , m e a n while, remained un-

flappable throughout, striking just four fours in a knock that required 216 balls in 6-1/2 hours at the crease.

New Zealand were also aided by two dropped chances in the third over of the morning from fast bowler Jerome Taylor when the left-handed Craig was missed off successive deliveries in the slip cordon – first by Sulieman Benn and then

by Gayle.

Boundaries resulted from both chances, allowing Craig to move into the 40s and bring up his maiden half-century in his second Test, two overs later.

With West Indies clearly running out of ideas and patience, fast bowler Kemar Roach finally got the breakthrough in the third over following the first drinks break, when Craig was taken behind by Ramdin, driving.

Trent Boult, who made eight, joined Watling to add another 20 runs for the final wicket, spending 40 minutes at the crease and once again helping to frustrate the Windies bowlers.

They were a few overs away from carrying New Zealand to the safety of lunch when Boult played at a ball from fast bowler Shannon Gabriel he should have left, giving Ramdin his fifth catch of the innings.

Roach was the best bowler with four for 74 while Gabriel (2-66), Taylor (2-73) and left-arm spinner Benn (2-78), were the other wicket-takers.

West Indies were no doubt nervous when rain held up the start of their run chase but once the skies cleared, Gayle quickly put all their anxieties to rest with his aggressive approach.

He flicked the first ball of the innings from seamer Tim Southee for four before taking another two leg-side boundaries in the bowler’s next over.

It was left-arm pacer Boult, however, who felt the real weight of Gayle’s bat, conceding 20 runs in his third over, the sixth of the innings.

Gayle cleared the sightscreen with the third ball of the over, smashed the fifth ball over long off for another six before clearing long off again for the third six of the over.

Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi also came under attack in his first over which cost 17

NEW ZEALAND 1st innings 221 WEST INDIES 1st innings 460 NEW ZEALAND 2nd innings (o/n 257 for eight) T. Latham c Brathwaite b Benn 36 B. McCullum lbw b Taylor 3 K. Williamson c wkp. Ramdin b Roach 52 R. Taylor c wkp. Ramdin b Gabriel 36 J. Neesham c & b Benn 7 BJ Watling not out 66 H. Rutherford lbw b Taylor 13 I. Sodhi c wkp. Ramdin b Roach 14 T. Southee c Edwards b Roach 15 M. Craig c wkp. Ramdin b Roach T. Boult c wkp. Ramdin b Gabriel 8 Extras: (b-9, lb-2, w-1, nb-2) 14

English Racing Tips Ayr 08:50 hrs Zuzinia 09:20 hrs Pretzel 09:55 hrs Lawmans Thunder 10:35 hrs Muharrer 11:15 hrs Bispham Green 11:50 hrs Swan Song 12:25 hrs Jaeger Train Newmarket 09:15 hrs Red Bubbles 09:50 hrs Camelopardalis 10:25 hrs Waveguide 11:05 hrs Made With Love 11:40 hrs Peterkin 12:15 hrs Tanzeel 12:50 hrs Finn Class Ascot 09:30 hrs Dick Wittington 10:05 hrs Arab Spring 10:45 hrs Telescope 11:25 hrs Aljamaaheer 12:00 hrs Annunciation 12:35 hrs Tiger Cliff Irish Racing Tips Down Royal 09:35 hrs Boughtforasong

runs, as Gayle belted him first over long-on and then over mid-wicket for sixes, raising his half-century and West Indies’ fifty in the eighth over.

Windies then cantered to victory, with Gayle cutting slow bowler Kane Williamson to the point boundary to achieve victory at 14:42hrs.

The third and deciding Test bowls off at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown next Thursday.

Total: (all out, 152.2 overs) 331 Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-84, 3-108, 4-121, 5-153, 6-176, 7-193, 8-212, 9-31.

1Bowling: Taylor 30-8-73-2 (nb-1), Roach 28-6-74-4 (w-1), Gabriel 22.2-3-66-1 (nb-1), Benn 58-20-78-2, Gayle 13-3-29-0.

WEST INDIES 2nd innings (target: 93) C. Gayle not out 80 K. Brathwaite not out 14 Extras: (lb1)

1 Total: (without loss, 13.2 overs) 95 Bowling: Southee 4-1-21-0, Boult 3-0-27-0, Sodhi 2-0-21-0, Craig 3-017-0, Williamson 1.2-0-8-0.

Series: Three-match series level 1-1.

10:10 hrs Jack Naylor 10:40 hrs Relentless Pursuit 11:10 hrs Urban Moon 11:45 hrs Vintage Noveau 12:20 hrs Henson 12:55 hrs Zarawi South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:35 hrs Nahoon Beach 09:10 hrs Jetscreen 09:45 hrs Kingston Mines 10:20 hrs Red Rain 10:55 hrs One Cool Cat Kenilworth 08:50 hrs Stratocruiser 09:25 hrs Aqua 10:00 hrs It Is Written 10:35 hrs Careful Hiker 11:10 hrs Dangerousb Liaison American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Spanish Armada Race 2 Aesthetique Race 3 Alpaca Fina Race 4 Royal Jest Race 5 Jimmy Soul Race 6 Piquant Race 7 Sweet Acclaim Race 8 Love to Score Race 9 Merry Meadow

36

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

Broad hat-trick and fiery Plunkett lift England (REUTERS) - Stuart Broad became the first England player to bag two Test hat-tricks and Liam Plunkett grabbed his maiden five-wicket haul as Sri Lanka were shot out for 257 on the first day of the second Test yesterday..

The home side, in reply, reached 36 for nought at the close of play at Headingley with captain Alastair Cook unbeaten on 14 and Sam Robson 21 not out.

Broad became the fourth player in history to register two Test hat-tricks and neither the all-rounder, his team mates nor the crowd realised it because the first wicket came from the last ball of one over and the second and third arrived from the first and second delivery of the next.

The fast bowler steamed in for his third ball with a vociferous crowd roaring him on, seemingly unaware he had already achieved three wickets in successive

Liam Plunkett takes the applause for his maiden five-wicket haul at Headingley yesterday.

Stuart Broad claims his second Test hat-trick in the 2nd Investec Test at Headingley, yesterday.

deliveries.

Plunkett also took two wickets in two balls earlier as Sri Lanka, who were put in to bat at the start of play, failed to make the most of a fortunate innings of 79 from the inform Kumar Sangakkara.

“I had no idea it was a hat-trick,” Broad told Sky Sports television. “I was listening to the guy that came on the tannoy and I was thinking ‘why is he mentioning the last ball of the over before?’, and it clicked it might be a hattrick.

“It was an excellent bowling performance all round. There’s always pressure when you win the toss and bowl, you sort of think it should be 200 all out but we’re pleased with 257.”

Broad, who also snatched three wickets in three balls against India in 2011, joins Australian pair Hugh Trumble and Jimmy Matthews and Pakistan’s Wasim Akram as the only players to pick up two Test

hat-tricks.

First-Test centurion Sangakkara was Broad’s first victim when his loose drive was expertly caught in the gully by Ian Bell, playing in his 100th Test, to leave Sri Lanka on 228 for six.

Plunkett then removed Dhamikka Prasad for a duck after he gloved a bouncer to keeper Matt Prior.

B ro a d c a m e b a c k for the next over and had Dinesh Chandimal snapped up at slip by Cook for 45 before Shaminda Eranga feathered an edge through to Prior for another duck.

Sri Lanka had lost four wickets for one run in nine balls but England were frustrated by a last-wicket partnership of 28 until Plunkett ended the innings by removing Nuwan Pradeep for 13.

AWKWARD THROW Sangakkara, going in at number three, was almost run-out for a duck earlier when Prior failed to gather an awkward throw from Broad and was unable to break the stumps cleanly with the left-hander out of his crease.

The Sri Lankan maestro continued to lead a charmed life and was dropped by Prior on 27 before Moeen Ali also put him down on 57.

Mahela Jayawardene (22) was the second of Plunkett’s victims when he edged the Yorkshire paceman, playing on his home ground, to Chris Jordan who took a good

SRI LANKA first innings D. Karunaratne b Plunkett K. Silva c Prior b Anderson K. Sangakkara c Bell b Broad

M. Jayawardene c Jordan b Plunkett L. Thirimanne c Robson b Plunkett A. Mathews c Ballance b Anderson D. Chandimal c Cook b Broad

D. Prasad c Prior b Plunkett R. Herath not out S. Eranga c Prior b Broad N. Pradeep c Prior b Plunkett

28 13 79 22 0 26 45 0 14 0 13

low catch.

Lahiru Thirimanne then fell first ball, fending a fierce delivery from Plunkett to Robson at short leg, before Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews survived the hat-trick bid.

Sri Lanka were in big trouble at 161 for five when Mathews was dismissed by James Anderson for 26 but Sangakkara and the recalled Chandimal steadied the ship, sharing a partnership of 67 for the sixth wicket.

Broad, however, dramatically swung the game back in England’s favour with his hat-trick.

“I’ve got the match ball but I’ll cut a bit off the seam for him,” said Plunkett. “He didn’t realise he had even got it, he was at mid-off and he chucked me the ball when the announcement came.

“I don’t think anybody realised. Nobody really thought about it but a hattrick’s a hat-trick so congratulations to him.”

Plunkett was brought back into the fold for the first Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s after a seven-year absence.

“Eighteen months ago I’d have never dreamt of this again, to get back in the Test team,” he said. “I think it’s important for me to show I can bowl at Test level and I’m happy I did that.

“It would have been nice to get a hat-trick but I was just trying to smash the top of the stumps. Cook made the right decision and we’d take 257 any day.”

The first Test of the two-match series ended in a draw.

Extras: (b-8, lb-7, w-2) 17 Total: (all out, 69.5 overs) 257 Fall of wickets: 1-37, 2-56, 3-108, 4-108, 5-161, 6-228, 7-229, 8-229, 9-229.

Bowling to date: Anderson 19-549-2, Broad 15-3-46-3, Jordan 164-58-0, Plunkett 15.5-2-64-5 (w-2), Ali 3-0-16-0, Root 1-0-9-0.

ENGLAND first innings A. Cook not out 14 S. Robson not out 21 Extras: (nb-1)

1 Total: (for 0 wicket, 15 overs) 36 Bowling to date:: Pradeep 5-1-160, Eranga 6-3-9-0 (1nb), Herath 3-1-7-0, Prasad 1-0-4-0.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

37

Lance Armstrong must face U.S. doping lawsuit, judge rules

By Jonathan Stempel (REUTERS) - A U.S. judge on Thursday rejected Lance Armstrong’s bid to dismiss a federal whistleblower lawsuit claiming that he and his former cycling team, which had been sponsored by the U.S. Postal Service, had defrauded the government through a scheme to use banned, performance-enhancing drugs.

U.S. District Judge Robert Wilkins in Washington, D.C., said the complaints brought by the government and Armstrong’s former teammate Floyd Landis were “rife with allegations that Armstrong had knowledge of the doping, and that he made false statements to conceal the doping and the attendant obligation which would have resulted if the government had known of the doping.”

Armstrong, 42, was stripped of his seven victories at the Tour de France and banned for life in 2012 by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency after it accused him in a report of engineering one of the most sophisticated doping schemes in sports.

Armstrong admitted in January 2013 to doping, and faces several civil lawsuits that could drain the cancer survivor’s wealth accumulated when he was among the world’s most popular and successful athletes.

Damages in the case before Wilkins could top $100 million, court papers show.

Robert Luskin and Elliot Peters, two of Armstrong’s lawyers, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

They have argued that the Postal Service benefited from the valuable exposure it got from its sponsorship, and that the lawsuit had been brought too late.

Paul Scott, a lawyer for Landis, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

U.S. Department of Justice spokesman Peter Carr declined to comment.

Landis, who lied about his own doping before confessing, originally brought the lawsuit in 2010 under a federal law, the False Claims Act, that lets whistleblowers pursue fraud cases on behalf of the government, and obtain rewards if successful.

The Justice Department joined the case in February 2013, hoping to recover some of the estimated $40.5 million that the Postal Service paid from 1998 to 2004 to have Armstrong and his teammates from the now-defunct Tailwind Sports Corp wear its logo during races.

Court papers submitted by Armstrong’s lawyers this month show the government has been seeking to recoup more than $105 million from Armstrong, Tailwind and former team manager Johan Bruyneel.

This sum reflected triple damages under the False Claims Act for claims made after June 10, 2000, which was 10 years before the lawsuit began, the papers show.

In Thursday’s decision, Wilkins also denied Bruyneel’s request to dismiss the lawsuits against him.

Rebecca Worthington, a lawyer for Bruyneel, was not immediately available for comment.

The case is Landis vs Tailwind Sports Corp et al, U.S. District Court, District of Columbia, No. 10-00976.

Lance Armstrong

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

Increased quotas for SA domestic cricket

By Firdose Moonda IN an effort to quicken the rate of transformation in South African cricket, domestic teams will be subject to increased quotas from the 2014-15 season.

CSA’s board approved a new quota that will require franchises to field at least five players of colour, of which two must be black Africans. Provincial teams will have to have six players of colour in their XIs, including at least three black Africans.

For the last decade the six franchises were expected to name four players of colour in their starting XI and provincial teams had to have five, while the black African component is a relatively new aspect of the system.

Shortly after the start of last summer, CSA introduced this target within a target, which was initially proposed as a two-black-Africans-perfranchise quota. CSA backtracked on that in October 2013, only to enforce it a season later.

“It is a fact that we have still not succeeded in unlocking the vast cricket talent among black African people and next season we will expect the affiliate and franchise presidents, CEOs and their coaches to assume direct responsibility

to do so.” Haroon Lorgat, the CSA chief executive said.

The increased focus on black African players comes as South African cricket struggles to explain the shortage of players from the country’s majority race group, to both its fans and government. Although the Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula retracted a demand that all national teams must have 60% people of colour, he had specific meetings with five federations, of which cricket was one, to discuss transformation.

South Africa’s Test team last fielded a black African player in January 2011, when Lonwabo Tsotsobe played against India. Tsotsobe remains the only regular black African player in the limited-overs teams, although he will miss next month’s tour of Sri Lanka as he recovers from ankle surgery.

At lower levels, South African cricket is more representative. The Under-19 team that was victorious in February’s World Cup was the most transformed team in South Africa’s history. The squad of 15 included eight players of colour with four black Africans. The South Africa A team to tour Australia this year has nine players

of colour in the 15-man four-day squad with five black Africans, and ten players of colour in the one-day squad with four black Africans.

Among the franchises, all teams managed to field at least four players of colour throughout the 2013-14 season, and three - Cobras, Lions and Dolphins - fielded five players of colour on average.

Cobras and Warriors were the only two franchises whose black African contingent was one player, while Lions, Dolphins, Titans and Knights regularly fielded two black Africans. This suggests they should all be able to meet the new quota comfortably, though Cobras and Warriors may go shopping for black African talent elsewhere.

Other decisions taken at CSA’s board meeting were to revamp the second-tier of domestic cricket - the provincial structure. As reported

by ESPNcricinfo in May the number of first-class matches played by teams will decrease, with cost-cutting the focus in this level of the game, which is still without a sponsor.

“It is critical for us to re-engineer ourselves to ensure future sustainability and growth, and in this process

Lonwabo Tsotsobe is the national set-up. we will search for a new sponsorship to launch this competition in the coming season,” Lorgat said.

One area that does

the only black African not have that problem is women’s cricket. Thanks to a deal with financial services company Momentum, the number of contracted players will

cricketer regularly in increase from six to 14, which will mean South Africa has a fully professional women’s squad for the first time. (ESPN Cricinfo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

39

Demerara and Berbice to clash in final round today

WITH DEMERARA scoring a remarkable 10-wicket victory over Essequibo in their first round and Berbice having their contest against the Essequibians washed out, today’s final round clash in the Guyana Cricket Board Under-17 Inter-county tournament between Demerara and Berbice at the Everest Cricket Club ground, should be an interesting affair.

Demerara captain Ronaldo Renee

When Demerara played Essequibo in the first round at the Enmore Community Centre ground, their fast bowlers led by Shurfane Rutherford and Travis Persaud, decimate d the Cinderella County batting for 106, despite Kemo Paul’s even 50.

Skipper Renaldo Renee, who backed the bowlers with a responsible and unbeaten 65 that overshadowed Paul’s innings, and Raymond Perez

steered their side to 107 without loss off 19 overs to complete the commanding win.

Today, the duo will be looking to continue the same form against the Ancient County team, with ample support in the batting department coming from national Under-15 skipper Bhaskar Yadram, Rutherford, Malcolm Hubbard, Ronaldo Ali Mohammed and Timothy McAlmont.

Ewart Samuels, Samuel

McKenzie, Rutherford, Travis Persaud, Hubbard, Sagar Hetheramani and Ashmead Nedd will take charge of the Demerara team’s bowling, with Nedd expecting to be a thorn in the Berbicians’ flesh, with his left-arm orthodox spin on a track that offers assistance.

Not to be outdone, Ritesh Omroa, Randy Wade, Brandon Persaud, Sylus

Tyndell, Jaleel Jafar and Adrian Sukhwah will all seek to lead Berbice’s charge against the home team, with the aim of pulling of an upset victory.

Zaheer Mohammed and Yosef-Yisrael are the men in charge of this contest, which is expected to bowl off at 09:30hrs, with Edward Bowen executing the duties of third official.

(Calvin Roberts)

Media XI to face PMCC in 2nd Gaskin Memorial matchup tomorrow BOUYED by their impressive win over the more illustrious Enmore Over-40 unit, the Calvin Roberts-led Media XI will venture to the Ancient County of Berbice tomorrow, where they will take on Port Mourant Cricket Club’s (PMCC) second division team in the second Gregory Gaskin Memorial cricket match.

Tomorrow’s encounter, a 30 overs-a-side contest, will bowl off at 11:00hrs and

… May be annual affair

at stake will be trophies for the victors, runners-up and man-of-the-match, while the organiser is looking to make the contest an annual affair between the two sides.

John Ramsingh, Avenash Ramzan, Keon Blades, Ravi Persaud, Imran Mohammed, Daniel Singh and Rajiv Bisnauth, just to name a few, will set up the Media XI’s batting

lineup, with support from Roberts, Kizan Brumell, Esaun Griffith and Jermaine Neblette.

The Media XI bowling will hinge around Neblette, Brumell, Mohammed, Persaud, Blades and Roberts, while former national Under-19 off-spinner Steven Latcha is expected to play as a guest player for the Media XI. The home team’s chal-

4TH MACKESON STOUT ‘KEEP YOUR FIVE ALIVE’

Action culminates at Cliff Anderson tarmac tonight AFTER four nights of pulsating Futsal football, action in this year’s fourth annual Mackeson Stout-sponsored ‘Keep Your Five Alive’ tournament, will culminate tonight from 20:00hrs at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall tarmac, with the playing of the two semifinals, followed by the final.

Defending champions Sparta Boss, who were made to fight against Albouystown in one of their preliminary round matches before they came away with the win via penalty kicks, will take on Tiger Bay, while Alexander Village and West Front Road will meet in the second semi.

Diminutive striker Devon Millington, along with Dennis Edwards, Eusi Phillips, Jermaine Richardson and Sheldon Shepherd, will lead Sparta Boss’ charge for a place in the final, but can expect stern resistance from Dennis Caldeira, Rensford

Devon Millington

Coleridge and Solomon Austin, who will be looking to do the same for the Tiger Bay lineup.

In the second semifinal, Hubert Pedro, Randolph Wagner and Jamal Pedro will lead West Front Road’s charge for a final spot, even though players of the calibre of Shem Porter, Leon Yaw, Phillip Rowley and Dellon Williams, will be doing the same for Alexander Village on the other half of the playing area.

Teams are asked to note carefully, that only those who have been registered

on the registration form provided will be allowed to compete, with no alterations allowed during the course of the tournament, only in the case of injury which must occur during the playing of the competition.

Spectators will also have the distinct opportunity of winning prizes while competing in the Axe ‘Take and Shoot’ competition, for which fabulous prizes will be up for grabs, compliments of DeSinco Trading, along with the regular Mackeson giveaways.

Apart from Ansa McAl, DeSinco Trading, Colours Boutique, C l a i r a n n ’s B o u t i q u e , Clear Water, Star Party Rentals, White Castle Fish Shop, and HJTV and its 94.1 Boom FM, just to name a few, are some of the sponsors who have made this year’s tournament, which has over $500 000 in cash and prizes up for grabs, a possibility.

lenge will be managed by Arif Chan, Joshua Ramsammy, Manoj Looknauth, Vivekanand Jagjit, Joshua Dhanai and the Cameron siblings in Nicholas and Dimitri Cameron. The Media XI team wish to thank the management of PMCC for hosting them on this venture.

Gaskin died two years ago

following an accident with his super bike at the South Dakota Circuit and prior to his death, he was the Chairman of COP Security Services which dissolved and became Sentinel Security Services. He was also a certified Attorney-at-Law. The Media XI will come from: Calvin Roberts, John Ramsingh, Daniel Singh, Ravi Persaud, Avenash Ramzan, Dun-

can Saul, Esaun Griffith, Imran Mohammed, Kizan Brumell, Clifton Ross, Steven Latcha, Jermaine Neblette and Keon Blade.

PMCC from: Arif Chan, Joshua Ramsammy, Dimitri Cameron, Joshua Dhanai, Manoj Looknauth, Nicholas Cameron, Daniel Samaroo, Ryan Singh, Vivekanand Jagjit, Tony McKenzie, Collis Greene and Haresh Jaipaul.

40

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

Anti-corruption unit answers to ExCo

By Daniel Brettig A REVIEW of the ICC’s anti-corruption and security unit (ACSU) is expected to result in the game’s independent watchdog reporting to the game’s new recommendation committee ExCo, currently headed by the Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards.

The question of the ACSU’s independence has swirled ever since a review of its operations was mooted last month, to be conducted by representatives of the game’s “big three” India, England and Australia, alongside the ICC chief executive David Richardson.

While the conclusion of the review process is still some months away, ESPNcricinfo understands that the unit’s line of accountability will be shifted away from ICC management and its CEO Richardson to ExCo and Edwards, who will hold the post until his CA chairmanship concludes later in 2015.

ExCo was created as part of the raft of changes ushered in by the boards of India, England and Australia earlier this year, described by its architects as “the sole recommendation committee on all constitutional, personnel, integrity, ethics, development and nominations matters”.

The ACSU will also, by extension, be reporting into the executive board of the ICC, of which the currently suspended BCCI chairman N Srinivasan will himself preside over as chairman when, as is expected, all constitutional changes to the ICC are ratified at the governing body’s annual conference in Melbourne next week.

Part of the conference will be a report on the ACSU’s activities presented

by Sir Ronnie Flanagan, the unit’s chairman. Flanagan has said that the independence of the unit had to be maintained at all costs.

“What is very important, and what was important to Lord Condon when he cre-

Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards is the current head of ExCo.

‘Rusty’ Woods to return to competitive golf next week (REUTERS) - Tiger Woods, out since late March after having back surgery, will return to competitive golf at next week’s Quicken Loans National at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, the former world number one said yesterday.

Woods said he expected to be rusty but was excited to be returning.

“I’ve just started to hit full shots but it’s time to take the next step,” Woods said on his Facebook page. “I will be a bit rusty but I want to play myself back into competitive shape ... excited for the challenge ahead.”

The June 26-29 PGA Tour event is hosted by Woods and benefits the Tiger Woods Foundation.

“I think everyone’s surprised it’s next week because I don’t think anyone had a clue, but he knows his body better than anybody,” two-time U.S. Open champion Lee Janzen told Golf Channel.

But Woods agent Mark

Tiger Woods Steinberg said, “His doctors and trainers have given him the go-ahead. He has been listening to them every step of the way.”

Woods last played a competitive round on March 9 when he tweaked his back on the final day at the WGC-Cadillac Championship in Miami and finished five over par for the tournament, tying

for 25th after a closing 78.

Three weeks later he underwent a procedure to alleviate a pinched nerve in his back that had troubled him for months.

Canadian golfer Graham DeLaet had similar surgery in 2011. “It was a long road back for me,” DeLaet said.

“It took me a full year before I really felt I could compete

out here. I’m sure he’s got a great team around him and he wouldn’t be making that decision if he didn’t feel healthy.”

Wo o d s m i s s e d t h i s year’s first two majors, the Masters and U.S. Open, as he recovered and there was speculation that he could also miss the year’s third major, the July 17-20 British Open at Royal Liverpool in Hoylake, England.

The 38-year-old American has missed six major championships due to injury, and he remains stuck on his career tally of 14 wins in golf’s blue riband events.

He has been increasingly plagued by injuries in recent seasons as the wear and tear of years on the tour have begun to take a toll.

Woods has not won on the PGA Tour since a seven-shot triumph at last August’s Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio.

He was a two-time winner at Congressional when the tournament was called the AT&T National,

ated the ACSU (in 2000), was the independence of the body,” he said last month.

“So, in terms of how the game is structured and all the governance arrangements that is something we steer clear of. What we insist upon is our independence, and I am certain that in any review that independence will be maintained. I am fully confident of that.”

The roles of both Flanagan and the ACSU head YP Singh are expected to be placed under scrutiny by the review. Flanagan’s part-time status has also been questioned.

At the April round of ICC meetings in Dubai, a formal review into the function and functionality of the ACSU was commissioned.

A proposal for the future of the ACSU was discussed at meetings surrounding the central board gatherings of the ICC and IDI (ICC Development International, the current commercial arm of the ICC). The proposal pushed for a dramatic re-

duction of the size of the central ACSU in favour of closer links between the anti-corruption teams of Full Member nations.

While the proposal is understood to have been met with a decidedly mixed response by representatives of several nations, the commitment to a review of the workings of the ACSU was encouraged by the widely held view that the issue of corruption in the game has changed shape considerably since the unit was set up.

At the time of its inception in 2000, under the control of the retired Commissioner of London Metropolitan Police, Lord Condon, corruption was seen as primarily an issue for international games broadcast on satellite television.

However the explosion of T20, and thus the number of opportunities for matches to be illegally influenced, has encouraged boards to initiate their own units, which may now work more cohesively together.

Murray has Djokovic in his sights after Wimbledon draw LONDON, England (Reuters) - A potential semi-final with number one seed Novak Djokovic looms for defending champion Andy Murray following the Wimbledon draw yesterday.

Second seed and French Open champion Rafael Nadal has been named on the same side of the draw with seven-time winner Roger Federer of Switzerland.

Murray, who ended Britain’s 77-year wait for a men’s singles champion in 2013, is seeded third for the grasscourt championship two places above his world ranking and will meet David Goffin of Belgium on centre court on Monday.

Should he reach the final four he could meet Serbian Djokovic, who will face Andrey Golubev of Kazakhstan, also on Monday.

Nadal opens his campaign against Slovakia’s Martin Klizan on Tuesday,

Andy Murray and faces a potential tricky second round match-up with Czech Lukas Rosol, who beat him in the second round two years ago.

Fourth seed Federer opens against Paolo Lorenzi of Italy, also on Tuesday.

In the women’s draw, world number one Serena Williams could meet French Open winner Maria Sharapova in the last eight after they were drawn in the same quarter.

Five-time winner Williams meets Anna Tatishvili in the first round, while Sharapova plays British wildcard Samantha Murray.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

41

Costa Rica stun Italy to reach last-16, England out

By Toby Davis RECIFE Brazil (Reuters) - Costa Rica buried predictions of their early demise to emerge into the knockout stages of the World Cup for only the second time with a 1-0 Group D win over Italy yesterday that sent England crashing out.

Forward Bryan Ruiz headed powerfully home a minute before halftime to leave Costa Rica fans dancing in the sunshine at Recife’s Pernambuco arena and mocking those who thought they would be the sacrificial lambs in one of the tournament’s toughest pools.

The watertight defence and quick-fire counterattacks that helped unpick Italy ensured they are going to be a handful for any future opponents, while they could even be dark horses to go deep into the knockout stages.

“Today is very special,” said ecstatic coach Jorge Luis Pinto.

“We knew today we could make history and we

Bryan Ruiz of Costa Rica celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group D match between Italy and Costa Rica at Arena Pernambuco, yesterday in Recife, Brazil. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) have been able to do so.

That’s what I told my players today, ‘let’s respect the past because it is very positive, but today let’s change history.

“We have played a historic team, so of course we feel really proud, our team feel proud, our country feels proud.

“I am very demanding as a coach and I know this is sometimes hard for my players, but today they have given everything.”

Costa Rica top the group

with six points, having beaten Uruguay in their first game, while Italy, three points adrift, now need at least a draw from their final game against the Uruguayans, also on three points, to go through on goal difference.

In making the last 16 for the first time in 24 years, the Central Americans ensured England became the latest team to make a surprise early exit, leaving at the group stages for the first time since 1958.

While Costa Rica may have caused a stir in becoming the first team to make it out of the group, there has been nothing fortuitous about the way they have gained results.

Apart from a brief wobble 30 minutes into the first half when Mario Balotelli wasted Italy’s best efforts, their rigid organisation made them almost impenetrable at the back.

Balotelli is one of the most feared striking talents in the world but he spent most of this match in the pocket of 26-year-old Columbus Crew defender Giancarlo Gonzalez who skilfully marshalled the Costa Rica backline.

PAST TITLES “You do not win matches just because of the titles you have won in the past,” Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said.

“Costa Rica worked very hard to get here in excellent shape; they were very organised and are going to go far.

“It is not a surprise. I said to my colleagues that

the team is well-equipped with highly-qualified players. I said it would be a challenging group.”

The midday sun reduced the early stages to shadow boxing, with Italy hogging the ball but strolling round the pitch at walking pace while Costa Rica were busy but cautious.

Costa Rica’s back-five pushed high up the pitch to compress the space as Italy sat back and looked to hit on the break, a tactic which almost paid dividends on the half-hour mark as Balotelli was sent clear by a superb through ball from Andrea Pirlo.

But the striker, who headed the winner in Italy’s opening win over England, miscontrolled the ball with his first touch and then tried and failed to lob keeper Kaylor Nevas with his second.

As the first half was drawing to a close, Costa Rica showed why they can pose such a threat.

In the space of three minutes, Oscar Duarte headed fractionally over, Joel Camp-

bell had a penalty appeal waved away by Chilean referee Enrique Osses and Ruiz headed them in front.

Junior Diaz floated a beautiful cross to the far post and Ruiz arrived to head it in off the underside of the bar and over the line, with the decision to award a goal confirmed on the big screen.

Italy brought on Antonio Cassano at halftime, but Costa Rica expertly took the sting out of the match, reducing their opponents only to glimpses of goal, while they continued to look threatening on the counter.

The final whistle prompted ecstatic celebrations from the travelling Costa Rica fans, while the players rushed into a huddle. Pinto took stock on the sidelines, collecting his thoughts.

“I was thinking about many things,” he said. “(I was) thanking God, thinking about all those who helped us to achieve this result ... and everyone who has supported us.”

Rampant France run riot against Swiss

By Mark Gleeson SALVADOR, Brazil (Reuters) - France took their goal tally in two World Cup games to eight as an explosive frontline toyed with neighbours Switzerland and delivered a rampant 5-2 win that put them on the brink of progress to the knockout round.

In an imposing display of swift, attacking football in a game packed with opportunities the French sent out a stark warning of their potential and could even afford a smile at the close when the referee’s whistle blew for time and denied them a sixth.

Karim Benzema also had a penalty saved as he shared goals with four other players, Olivier Giroud, Blaise Matuidi, Mathieu Valbuena and Moussa Sissoko.

The Swiss grabbed two consolations efforts in the last nine minutes but they took little gloss off the French victory.

France sit firmly atop the Group E standings and will be assured of reaching the second round if yesterday’s later match between Ecuador and Honduras ends in a draw.

“We are going to continue,

we really want to shake everything round and we are going to ask the French to support us. There is an enormous satisfaction with the result.

We have been very efficient, there is no doubt about that,” said coach Didier Deschamps.

The feast also cemented Salvador’s new-found status as the “goal city” of the World Cup, taking the tally at the Fonte Nova arena to 17 in three games.

Given an average of five per game from the first two encounters, it was no surprise the 51 003-strong crowd were jeering any backward movement in the opening quarter-hour but they did not have to wait long before the floodgates opened.

Giroud rose with conviction to head home Valbuena’s 17th- minute corner to quickly repay the Deschamps’ decision to put him back in the starting line-up and it also give France their 100th World Cup goal.

SLOPPY SWISS Sloppy Swiss play swiftly delivered a second 66 seconds later. They had three

Blaise Matuidi (C) of France celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with his teammates during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group E match between Switzerland and France at Arena Fonte Nova, yesterday in Salvador, Brazil. (Photo by Stuart Franklin - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) touches from the kickoff before Valon Behrami played a stray pass to Benzema, who accepted the gift with glee before feeding Matuidi to score.

A needless trip on Benzema by Swiss centre back Johan Djourou just past the half-hour mark brought a penalty but Benzema’s spotkick was saved and Yohan Cabaye crashed the follow-up against the crossbar.

The third came within 10 minutes, however, as Giroud ran deep from his

own half on a swift-counter attack to set up Valbuena for the third and France were

comfortably in command at halftime.

Substitute Paul Pogba’s exquisite 67th-minute pass with the outside of his boot allowed Benzema to turn and score the fourth through the goalkeeper’s legs as he netted a ninth goal in France’s last eight matches.

The striker-turned-provider for Sissoko, who weighted his shot perfectly past the sprawling Diego Benaglio for the fifth goal five minutes later.

Benzema might be excused blame for allowing Blerim Dzemaili’s free kick to slip under his foot as he jumped out of the way while positioned in the wall as Switzerland got their first in the 81st minute.

Granit Xhaka’s goal six minutes after was arguably the best of the seven, as he swivelled to score from close range.

But by then Ottmar Hitzfeld’s side had been thoroughly demolished.

“It’s no secret that the French can play football,” he said.

Benzema thought he had added a sixth in stoppage-time but the referee blew the final whistle moments before his volley hit the net in a reminder for the home audience of the controversy in 1978 when Welsh referee Clive Thomas denied Zico a winner for Brazil against Sweden in similar circumstances.

FIFA drops linesman who ruled out Mexico ‘goals’ RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - A linesman who ruled out two goals for Mexico in their opening World Cup match against Cameroon has been taken off the refereeing team for an upcoming game, world soccer’s governing body FIFA said yesterday.

Colombian assistant referee Humberto Clavijo controversially disallowed two first-half ‘goals’ for Mexico for offside in a game they eventually won 1-0.

A FIFA spokeswoman said the decision to replace Clavijo for tomorrow’s Group H match between South Korea and Algeria had been taken by the organisation’s refereeing committee. He will be replaced by Ecuadorean Christian Lescano.

42

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

Enner Valencia double gives Ecuador vital win

Ecuador’s Enner Valencia shoots to score a goal past Noel Valladares of Honduras (R) during their 2014 World Cup Group E soccer match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba, yesterday. (REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh) ing likely elimination.

16.

Honduras did at least Valencia gave Ecuador a France top the group

By Keith Weir 2-1 win over Honduras with six points while EcuaCURITIBA, Brazil (Re- in World Cup Group E dor and Switzerland each uters) - A goal in each yesterday to boost their have three. Honduras have half from striker Enner hopes of making the last now lost twice and are fac-

Minister Anthony implores Sports ...

From Page 43 the region.

The Minister expressed his overall pleasure with the result of the workshop noting that it could very well be just one of many training tools to come.

“We’re happy about the outcome. Grace (Jackson) and her team did an excellent job, and we want this partnership to continue. We’ll be working out some future workshops like this one.

This is a collaborative effort and we want to continue such engagement. ” Anthony said.

A sentiment that was later reverberated by Jackson, who noted that she was

have the satisfaction of scoring their first goal at a World Cup finals since 1982 when striker Carlo Costly drove home after 31 minutes to put them 1-0 up.

Their advantage was short-lived because Valencia levelled the score only three minutes later. The striker slid in at the far post after a shot from defender Juan Carlos Paredes was deflected across the face of goal.

Honduras thought they had taken the lead again on the stroke of halftime. Costly headed against the bar and his fellow striker Jerry Bengtson bundled the rebound over the line but his effort was ruled

out for handball by Australian referee Benjamin Williams.

Valencia, no relation of Ecuador’s captain Antonio Valencia, grabbed his second goal of an entertaining game with a downward header from a freekick after 65 minutes.

He was also on target in Ecuador’s 2-1 defeat by Switzerland in their opening game.

Ecuador, who reached the last 16 in 2006, face the rampant French in their last group game while Switzerland meet Honduras. France beat Switzerland 5-2 earlier yesterday.

Honduras, at their third finals, have yet to win a World Cup game.

Trophy Stall donates prizes for Buddy’s Pools competition

very enthusiastic about being a part of helping to build Guyana’s sporting culture in the future as developments progressed.

For his part, the Prime Minister during his address commended the MYCS for the hosting of the event.

Closing remarks were also made by presi d e n t o f t h e To u r i s m and Hospitality Association, Kit Nascimento, and Kumar.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday June 21, 2014) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALLBourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: 431 Test wickets 21 ODI captains Today’s Quiz: Put these in order beginning with the man who has most Test wickets against NZ: Curtly Ambrose, Colin Croft, Michael Holding, Lance Gibbs Which New Zealand player has taken most ODI wickets against the WI to date? How many?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

In photo, Stephen Persaud of Trophy Stall yesterday presented the trophies to Buddy’s Administrative staff member Ms Melisa Dharry.

BUDDY’S On Cue Pools competition serves off tomorrow. The duel for

supremacy will take place at Buddy’s Pools Hall and Trophy Stall of Bourda

Market will be donating the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 21, 2014

43

Minister Anthony implores Sports Administrators to put plans into action (Stories by Tamica Garnett MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony yesterday implored the group of sports administrators to put their plan into action, after the faction presented four plans for furthering Guyana’s sporting development at the closing ceremony of the MYCS-sponsored National Sports Management Workshop, which was held at the National Resource Center on Woolford Avenue.

Presenting before an audience that also included Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds, Director of Sport Neil Kumar and Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Bishop Juan Edghill, the 42 sporting officials were divided into four groups each tasked with designing a plan for a specific sport area; namely Participation in Sports post-High School, Building a Sports Culture in Guyana, One Day Single Sport Event and Multi Sport Event’.

Presentations were so

… as Sports Management Workshop concludes

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony (sixth from left) and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds (seventh from left), pose with the members of the winning group that presented ‘Building Sports Culture in Guyana’ at the National Sports Management Workshop.

impressive that they stirred the Minister to beseech the groups to move their plans to the implementation stage, noting that he was looking forward to seeing these plans come to fruition.

“A lot of people who have ideas are afraid to implement them; they

are afraid to put them into action. So I would like to see that you get yourself as a collective … and get it done. You have the plans already, get it done; so that in a year from now we can add another event to our sports calendar. You have bonded together because

of the ideas that you have generated. The challenge is for you to get together and actualise them. Too many times we speak and nobody articulates it anywhere else.” Anthony said in his address yesterday afternoon.

Those who participated in the three-day programme

which began last Wednesday, were presented with participation certificates, handed out by the Prime Minister.

A special prize for best presentation was given to the second group that presented under the heading ‘Building a Sports Culture in Guyana’, which included

sport administrator Nicholas Fraser and Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) president, Grace McCalmon.

The sporting administrators were given the plans to design at the end of the workshop which was facilitated by Jamaican Olympian Grace Jackson and four-time Olympic medallist Ato Boldon.

The design planning followed day two of the seminars at which the administrators were given vital insight into how to go about developing and sustaining a sports culture in Guyana.

Anthony noted his particular admiration for the plan that designed the hosting for a multisport event, as well as touching on the area of sport integration in schools. The Minister particularly touched on the area of athletics in schools, noting the need for a shift of the national schools competition to better align with junior competitions held across

See Page 42

Olympian Grace Jackson looks forward to returning to Guyana JAMAICAN Olympian Grace Jackson, who was one of the facilitators of the National Sports Management Workshop, said she looks forward to continuing to play a part in helping Guyana to shape its sporting culture, after feeling truly connected with the group of sporting administrators, who attended the three-day w o r k s h o p t h a t c o ncluded yesterday at the National Resource Centre.

“I think it has been a fabulous three days. I am inspired and I make a commitment to continue this … I will (be back), I feel a sense of commitment ... I delivered and I feel connected; I can identify

Jamaican Olympian, Grace Jackson delivers her remarks at the closing ceremony of the National Sports Management Workshop.

areas in which I can help, as a consultant, (while) allowing Guyana to do the work.

I see areas in which I can say ok, let me help you to do this quicker because I have either the expertise or the know-how.” Jackson said when addressing the press following the closure of the ceremony.

Jackson was all smiles as she spoke of how entertaining it was to interact with the 42 Guyanese sporting administrators who attended the full three days of the workshop, which she facilitated alongside Trinidad’s four-time Olympic medallist Ato Boldon.

Jackson reminded her audience that Guyanese sports administrators need to better understand the role that they play in

being the developers of sports in Guyana, noting that the government still needed to play a role in motivating the sporting administrators.

“There seems to be a focus, they believe, that the minister must do, it is not the minister that must do, the minister must inspire the others to do.

“He asked for this workshop to be put on, what he’s trying to do is to get the persons who have the knowledge and the know-how to be able to do the things that need to be done. He will give them the support. I think it was very clear in his message that he wants these plans that were put on the table to be looked at later and to be able to be executed.” Grace said, speaking of four

plans that the sporting administrators yesterday presented.

The presentations were well received by the sports administrators and an audience that i ncl uded t he Mi ni s t er of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dr Frank Anthony, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, and the Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Bishop Juan Edghill.

The attendees were tasked with putting together the plan following two days of seminars on designing an effective sports culture in Guyana. The workshop touched on key issues such as sports and corporate sponsorship, how to market sports, and sports and the media, among other areas.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Gayle onslaught canters Windies to victory PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – A stunning onslaught from Chris Gayle helped ease West Indies frustration as the Caribbean overcame rain and determined lower order New Zealand batting, to win the second Test by ten wickets and level the three-match series 1-1 here, Friday.

Set a paltry 93 for victory after the Black Caps doggedly extended their second innings up until lunch on

Man-of-the-match Kraigg Brathwaite receives his prize for hitting his maiden Test century in West Indies first innings. (WICB photo)

a dramatic final day, West Indies sped to 95 without loss with the left-handed Gayle slamming a trademark, whirlwind unbeaten 80 from 46 balls.

The Jamaican, in his 101st Test, belted seven fours and six sixes, reaching his half-century from a mere 28 deliveries – the second fastest fifty by a West Indies player in Tests.

He overshadowed man-

See Page 35

Chris Gayle hits a towering six during his robust unbeaten 80 on Day 5 of the 2nd Test between West Indies and New Zealand at Queen’s Park Oval, Port-of-Spain. (WICB Media Photo/Ashley Allen)

GITC too good for St Winefride’s

By Calvin Roberts INDEBTED to a double f ro m S h e m a r Wi l s o n , Georgetown Industrial Training Centre (GITC) stamped their authority over St Winefride’s Secondary to come away with a 6-1 victory, when action in the Georgetown zone of this year’s fourth annual Digicel Inter-Secondary School Football Championships continued yesterday.

Playing at the Ministry of Education ground, Wilson rocked the net in the 41st and 83rd minutes and received support from Joel Pollard (33rd), Stephon Hopkinson (52nd), Shane Morris (74th) and Egbert Nedd (78th), after Stephon Reynolds opened the scoring for St Winefride in the 22nd minute.

At the Police Sports Club, Eve Leary ground, Morgan Learning Institute blanked The Business School 7-0, thanks to Wayne Murray’s hat-trick, while at the Victoria Community Centre ground Beterverwagting Secondary needled Golden Grove Secondary 1-0.

Morris started purposefully for GITC, when he made a spirited run into St Winefride’s box just after the opening whistle, only to be denied by their custodian Delroy Hinds, who was later given marching orders for unsportsmanlike behaviour.

St Winefride’s scored,

… Morgan Institute, BV Secondary also win

The opening goal of the contest between St. Winefride’s and GITC is scored by Stephon Reynolds (#11 red) who beats GITC custodian Azariel Davis (green top) with the wellplaced shot, as is captured by Chronicle Sport’s Adrian Narine. unmarked Nedd, who made when Reynolds rocked opportunity to regain the half. no mistake in finding the They scored goals at will, back of the net, while Wilson GITC’s when the ball came lead several times, but selfloose from their custodian ish play from their strikers with Hopkinson scoring the completed his double with Azariel Davis, who failed to saw them denied, as Davis first within seven minutes of his 83rd minute strike, unhold on to a corner kick from regained his composure af- the second half, following derlining his side’s superiorithe boot of Andrew Holder. ter the equalising goal was which Hinds was ejected. ty over their opponents when Morris, who was a thorn in the final whistle sounded.

Sparked by their lead, scored by Pollard. complacency stepped in and A penalty kick, that was St Winefride’s flesh throughAt Eve Leary, Murray St Winefride’s allowed GITC awarded to GITC after Hinds out the encounter along with scored in the 17th, 24th and to run all over them like a brought down Morris in Pollard, won another penalty 59th minutes which, along pack of wolves, following the box,, was converted by and scored same himself with solitary strikes from which Pollard scored the Wilson in the 41st minute, to make it 4-1 in the 74th Sherwyn Haynes 34th, Traequaliser when he beat Hinds handing his team a 2-1 lead minute. vis Brandis (59th), Bobby Four minutes later and Vaughan (76th) and an own on his far post with a well- at lemon-time and after the placed shot from the right break with the wind on their well directed corner kick goal from Vaughan Pilgrim hand side of the box in the backs, GITC asserted them- from Morris, who assumed in the 28th minute, guided 33rd minute. selves and controlled the the role of custodian for his Morgan Learning Institute St Winefride’s had the run of play in St Winefride’s team, found the head of an to the win.

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At Victoria, Osafa Campbell’s solitary strike that was scored in the 22nd minute, was all Beterverwagting needed to overcome a spirited Golden Grove Secondary, who will go back to the drawing board early to prepare for next year’s tournament.

At Charity in Essequibo, Wakapoa Secondary went under to Charity Secondary 3-0, with an own goal in the 29th minute and a double from Richard Cariah, scored in the 31st and 34th minute, accounting for the victors’ goals.

In the second match of the day there, Cotton Field came away with a 6-2 victory over 8th of May, thanks to five strikes from Hosea Peters after Raphael Cook opened the scoring in the 10th minute of play.

Not to be outdone, even though they were facing a losing battle, 8th of May had much to smile about, after De Angelo Pitman opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, following which Cook snared the equaliser, before Peters put Cotton Field ahead, for which Ronsville O’Neil scored the equaliser for 8th of May. After that, it was all Peters who scored his remaining four goals in the 33rd, 55th, 63rd, 70th and 75th minutes, in the second half which had resumed with the scores locked at 2-2.

SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2014