Guyana chronicle 24 05 14

GUYANA No. 103837

SATURDAY MAY 24, 2014

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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IDB seeking innovators from Guyana for community projects - to fund innovative community-based projects of up to

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CCI commissions Tetra Pak Recycling Plant New initiative Page 10 launched to strengthen campaign against HIV/AIDS

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Unemployed teen remanded after 19 Page

‘REMANDED’: Anastasia Latoya Crawford

marijuana, cocaine bust

LIAT’s 70-seater turbojet aircraft lands at Ogle 2 Airport Page

BK lost over $50m

on East Bank road so far due to delays

Unions threaten closure Page 7 of UG over jobs

Nagamootoo 9 and AFC wallow in double standards Page

INAUGURAL FLIGHT: LIAT’s largest ATR 72 aircraft touches down at the Ogle International Airport, from Barbados

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- PPP

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 24, 2014

LIAT’s 70-seater turbojet aircraft lands at Ogle International Airport

By Michel Outridge

LIAT Airline, yesterday,

welcomed the inaugural flight of its largest ATR 72 aircraft from Barbados to

extension to widen the runway and the requirements certified by GCCA and the Eastern Caribbean Authority which governs LIAT to facilitate such large aircraft.

He pointed out that the aircraft is a turbo jet and Ogle International is fully capable of accommodating any 70-seater and it is up to standard with the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), in terms of security requirements.

INAUGURAL FLIGHT: LIAT’s largest ATR 72 aircraft touches down at the Ogle International Airport, from Barbados Ogle International Airport, East Coast Demerara.

It was the first since LIAT converted its fleet from the smaller Dash 8 300 aircraft to the larger ATR 42s and 72s.

The ATR 72 can accommodate up to 70 passengers

and is the biggest passenger commercial aircraft, to date, to land at Ogle International.

Ogle International Airport recently acquired the GCCA certification as a Code 3C terminal which can service 70-seater planes.

Consultant/Spokesman

Kit Nascimento told reporters that it was the initial commercial flight by the ATR 72 aircraft replacing the Dash 8 300.

He stated that the configuration is for 66 passengers but accommodates 70, making it the largest to land at Ogle.

Nascimento added that Ogle International Airport is certified to facilitate any 70-seater aircraft with the

STRAIGHTFORWARD FLIGHT Pilot Christopher Cameron said, following the arrival, that it was “a straightforward flight.”

He said the runway conditions were good, the aircraft handled it very nicely but noted that there was a lot of excitement about the aircraft landing at Ogle.

Cameron remarked that the plane performed well and there was no problem with it.

The flight arrived with 42 passengers and there were no issues about landing nor does he foresee any problems with takeoff.

Also present yesterday was Chief Executive Officer Anthony Mekdeci among other airport officials when the aircraft landed at Ogle.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 24, 2014

CCI commissions Tetra Pak Recycling Plant

By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally THE Caribbean Container Inc. (CCI) commissioned its Tetra Pak Recycling Plant yesterday at its head office and factory at Farm, East Bank Demerara.

In 2013, CCI entered into a joint venture with Tetra Pak wherein both compa-

the importation of cardboard, and is currently extending its private initiative for local waste cardboard collection.

Previously, CCI depended on fifteen private suppliers and a number of local businesses to collect and sell materials to the company.

The company has since started to collaborate with private

from non-traditional ways.

“This is when we decided to approach Tetra Pak. This company then provided to CCI the main recycling equipment, and we undertook mainly controls and motors; and today we launch this plant”.

Minister of Natural Resources and the Environ-

only good for the environment, but also for the economy. In recent months, we have taken steps to move waste from a stage where it is a burden to one (where it) is a commodity; and very soon, in the National Assembly, we will table the Solid Waste Bill, and this will be done by the Ministry of Local Government,” Minister Persaud said.

He reiterated that there are a number of anti-littering activities being conducted presently, awareness at different levels is carried out, and soon after the Solid

Waste Bill would have been passed, Guyana would see different incentives being offered to move waste from a burden to a commodity.

“Just recently, under the anti-liter regulations, in one week 36 businesses in Georgetown were issued citations to be closed because of non-adherence; and this will be taken across the country”, Minister Persaud declared.

He concluded his remarks by reiterating the Government’s support for CCI’s initiative and for its grand step in the right di-

rection to make solid waste economically viable.

CCI, an integrated paper recycling and corrugated box manufacturing entity, is a ‘green’ business, operating in line with the concept of sustainable development. In 2006, it managed to avoid foreclosure and commenced a major restructuring programme.

The company recycles approximately 4000 metric tonnes of old corrugated cardboard annually, with supplies from the domestic solid waste stream as well as from other Caricom jurisdictions.

Patricia Bacchus, Managing Director of CCI during her remarks at the launch nies are keen on sustainable development and best environmental practices.

Speaking at the launch, Patricia Bacchus, Managing Director of CCI, related that the recycling plant was an initiative of the late Ronald Webster, Chairman of CCI. She noted that even though the company was commissioning a new plant, it faced one major impediment relative to utilising its

waste collection entities, and has placed collection bins at different places.

Presently, there are collection bins at the Stabroek Market Square and at the Lusignan Dumpsite; and bins are in the process of being set up in Lethem; at West Demerara, and in Berbice.

“The company is currently in discussion with the Ministry of Local Government to have points set up in

Patricia Bacchus, Managing Director of CCI, explaining part of the process to Minister Robert Persaud production capacity, and that impediment is the shortage in local supply of old corrugated cardboard. As a consequence, the company has had to procure and import cardboard from overseas.

CCI is embarking on different strategies to curb

Georgetown for the collection of cardboard waste, and it is (the company’s) hope for a favourable response”, Bacchus noted.

She explained that there was need to find another way to optimise production and recover fibre or material

ment, Mr Robert Persaud, commended CCI and assured them of the Government’s support in their initiatives to create new niches and adhere to the necessary policies.

He explained, “Not so long ago, we wondered how (to) utilise waste, how (to) manage it and make it not

Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, with Patricia Bacchus, Managing Director of CCI, during the plant tour

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GUYANA CHRONICLE SATURDAY May 24, 2014

WPO hosts forum to condemn capture of Nigerian schoolgirls --bigger issue is violation of the rights of girls and women

By Vanessa Narine “INJUSTICE anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This quote from Dr Martin Luther King, Jr., summed up the consensus at a public forum organised by the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) to make pellucid its condemnation of the kidnapping of 276 Nigerian girls, and to express solidarity with the people of that embattled nation.

The militant Islamist group which kidnapped the girls from their school in Chibok in the north-eastern state of Borno on April 14 – ‘Boko Haram’, headed

by Abubakar Shekau -- has promised to sell the girls and

marry them off. Some 53 of the girls have since escaped their captors.

The captive girls are thought to be held in a remote and forested area of the state close to the border with Chad and Cameroon.

The WPO session, held at Red House yesterday, saw the support of approximately 50 persons. Ms. Sheila Veerasammy, General-Secretary of the WPO, the women’s arm of the ruling party, noted that the bigger issue at hand is not only the kidnapping of the young school girls, but the violation of the rights of girls and women.

This sentiment was reiterated by representatives of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG),

the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) and the Christian Community.

MR CLEMENT ROHEE

GHDS’s Pandit Devnarine Singh pointed out that children, the wealth of any country, have the right to be protected; not assaulted by adults.

Reverend Kwame Gilbert added his condemnation of the acts of the Boko Haram group on behalf of the Christian Community.

He stated that the role and value of women are too often misconstrued, but, like the Quran, the Bible states

REVEREND KWAME GILBERT

PANDIT DEVNARINE SINGH

nese women must stand in solidarity with women and girls, regardless of the geographical and other borders.

“We have a duty toward them,” Deen said.

She also expressed the CIOG’s vehement condemnation of the act, and rejected the assertions being peddled that the kidnapping and other atrocities are in any way related to the teachings of Islam.

clearly that women are in no way relegated to any position of inferiority.

Gilbert added that women have historically contributed to the improvement of human development, and that empowerment through education is quintessential.

“This is an act against humanity,” Reverend Gilbert stressed, and that point was adumbrated by the General Secretary of the People’s

Progressive Party (PPP), Mr Clement Rohee, who also was present at the public forum.

Rohee said the expression of solidarity from peoples across the globe is a reflection of humanity and the impression on their psyches when the atrocities involving young girls were made public.

He called on those at Red House to grasp the magnitude of the incident by looking at it through “local lens”, with the local context in

Zahora Deen from the CIOG made it clear that Muslims the world over are guided in their daily lives by the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad,

A section of the audience at yesterday’s public forum. They turned out to make clear their expression of solidarity with the Nigerian people (Cullen Bess-Nelson photos)

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and nothing in either source indicates approval of maltreatment of women.

“Women have a right to education and to work,” she stressed as she referred to several practising Muslim women who have scaled professional and academic heights locally and internationally.

Deen also declared that the principles of Islam teach respect for all, and peace as well as equality for women.

She posited that Guya-

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mind, and recognise the impact of expressing solidarity.

Rohee said the ruling party has, over the years, expressed its solidarity with many “just causes”, including human rights and the fight for independence, among other things.

The General-Secretary also stated that expressing solidarity with the Nigerian people is important, given the increasing integration of the world and the globalisation move.

“What happens in one country affects others…we have to think local and act global,” he said.

The latest report from Nigeria, according to the BBC, was that teachers countrywide have held a day of protest in support of the girls, and the teaching unions said they were also marching in memory of the 173 teachers killed by militants.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE SATURDAY May 24, 2014

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Security guard at Uitvlugt Estate resigns during investigation - following disappearance of four bearings worth more than $3M

By Ravin Singh GUYSUCO’s Industrial Relations Director, Jairam Pitam, as part of the GuySuCo team investigating happenings at the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate, yesterday revealed that following the launch of an investigation into the disappearance of four bearings worth more than $3M, a security guard who was questioned and had failed to provide appropriate answers subsequently tendered his resignation.

Pitam’s disclosure came as workers questioned how the four costly bearings, each weighing between 600 and 700 pounds and collectively valued in excess of Gy$3M, could disappear.

Workers lambasted the estate management, maintaining that removal of each bearing required the manpower of between four and five persons; and Pitam explained that after the investigation had been undertaken, the security guard, who was under much scrutiny, failed to provide substantial answers and so opted to resign from the employ of GuySuCo. Pitam explained that the guard was summoned to appear before the investigating team once more, but failed to appear. “He never reported

back, and tendered his resignation,” Pitam explained.

The Industrial Relations Director also explained that the current situation at the estate, where several workers had been dismissed, is being investigated.

He noted that yesterday’s meeting between the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo); the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE); and the Guyana Agricultural

Mr Jairam Pitam,Industrial Relations Director at GuySuCo and General Workers Union (GAWU) to discuss the dismissal of the workers came to an inconclusive end at the Ministry of Labour, and has consequentially been rescheduled for June 17.

Pitam said there has been only three reported cases of dismissal; two being fore-

men and one a supervisor.

He also said that the report by workers that GuySuCo is “spitefully” dismissing workers as their retirement approach, so as not to have to pay them gratuity and pension, is “plainly wrong.”

He explained that the two dismissed foremen are in their thirties, which is nowhere close to their retirement age, and he added that their years or service do not yet qualify them for gratuity.

He assured that GuySuCo has historically never dismissed any worker without substantial reason, and said the corporation would never engage in that practice at any time in the future.

“GuySuCo will never deny workers their benefits in that manner (through dismissal) without causable reasons,” Pitam avowed.

Following the workers’ recent dismissal, co-workers proceeded on strike to register their disapproval of the estate management’s decision, but GuySuCo, in a recent statement, disclosed that although the corporation realises that approximately half of the junior staff establishment attached to the field and factory has been on strike demanding reinstatement of their colleagues, GuySuCo wishes to advise the striking employees that it would not review its position, because of the seriousness of the offences allegedly committed. The Corporation also called on the striking workers to immediately cease their industrial action and return to work.

GT&T’s CEO Mr R.K. Sharma and Culture Minister Dr Frank Anthony shake hands after signing the MOU yesterday

GT&T, Culture Ministry agree compilation of Castellani House collection at $10M price tag

By Leroy Smith

THE artworks at the National Art Gallery at Castellani House in Georgetown will soon be compiled for publication, compliments of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), whose management signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to expend some $10M for compilation of the work of sculptures and other artists at the National Art Gallery over a three-year period.

This signing took place yesterday at the Cara Lodge in Georgetown, and the compilations will be done in publications titled Panorama, A Portrait of Guyana.

The first sets of publications will contain 52 pieces of artwork, and according to Chief Executive Officer of GT&T, R.K Sharma, the company is extremely excited about the entire arrangement.

Sharma said the publications will be glossy and will be of high quality. The first set of books would be available by November of this year.

According to the GT&T CEO, the company realised that many persons are not fascinated about art and sculpture, and there is always a sparse gathering showing up for exhibitions and other art-related activities.

Sharma said the publications are a way of taking the art to the nation and having them become aware of the richness therein.

He said that when the issue of the publications was first discussed, there was much excitement on both sides, and from then to yesterday, the energy has been building.

Meanwhile, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Dr. Frank Anthony said the Government has long recognised the role that GT&T plays, especially with regard to culture, sports and investments in youth.

Dr Anthony said his ministry would formulate a committee to oversee the compilation and publication of the books.

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GUYANA

EDITORIAL Spousal murder and substance abuse

Abuse, especially domestic abuse, is spiralling out of control to the extent where there has been an inordinate loss of lives over the recent years because of domestic violence. The abuse of substances – socially acceptable such as alcohol, as well as illicit ones such as hard drugs have risen in direct correlation with what now seems to have become an epidemic - spousal murders. There seems to be no end in sight and various interventions to address this social ill seem ineffective, as the headlines continue to highlight the continuum of spousal murders.

One of the suggestions made is to make a report to the nearest police station, but the police seem to be untrained in addressing the social ills of the nation.

Those whom are supposed ‘To Protect and Serve’ most often have provided the catalyst for a tragedy to occur by their attitude, attention – or lack thereof, and plain don’tcare-a-damn behaviour when a complainant drums up the requisite courage (most often with great difficulty) and lodges a complaint.

Many victims of continuous abuse are killed because of the complacency of the members of the Police Force who refuse to investigate complaints and lay charges, or take the actions necessary to protect the victim from further abuse.

Guyanese have stopped being our brother’s (and sister’s) keepers because, in many communities, neighbours witnessing a continuum of, and escalating instances of abuse, refuse to become involved. They prefer to enjoy the enfolding tragedy, even adding to it with malicious rumour-mongering and strife-making, because the titillation of feuds and wars within families find a corresponding resonance in the dark nuances resident in every soul, and the average person refuses to rise above their more decadent equivalencies to achieve a higher plane of thoughts and actions, enough to maybe intercede – and probably save, a family from ultimate destruction.

And one wonders what part the church bodies and religious leaders play in melding communities into units cohesive enough to fashion strategies for interventions within families and the general society, in efforts to divert energies into more productive and peaceful approaches to conflict resolution – even to the point of empowerment.

The acceleration in violence-prone conflicts within families and societies is spiraling out of control, to the extent where many lives have been lost, with many more dislocated, and there seems to be no end in sight.

Unless there is a holistic, proactive approach, where all stakeholders in the nation are made aware that this cause and this fight is a national one because, more often than not, it is our children – the future generations of our nation, who are the statistics of domestic violence, every effort made– valiant and committed as they may be, will prove woefully inadequate, because domestic violence is a national tradition entrenched in the Guyanese psyche.

GUYANA CHRONICLE SATURDAY May 24, 2014

THE GREATNESS OF SMALL THINGS

SOMETIMES we take small things and little acts of kindness for granted, actions which can mean a whole lot to people, especially during times of distress and need.

These thoughts dawned upon me as I mourned the passing of my own wife a few days ago. My family and I were overwhelmed by the outpouring of grief and condolences by people from all walks of life, in particular, those who knew her both in terms of her professional and personal life. Scores of people turned up at her funeral service which was kept very simple at her own request.

Every individual leaves on his or her passing a kind of legacy which may, or may not, be very well articulated or defined depending on the person’s stature or prominence in society. Great leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and Cheddi Jagan have left legacies that have impacted on the minds and consciousness of millions of people at a global level.

Others, in their own quiet and simple ways have made their contributions at a local or community level but together they have, in one way or the other, helped to shape the thinking and consciousness of a countless number of people in ways sometimes they themselves may not be aware of.

Many are what sociologists refer to as role models of reference groups to which people, in particular young people, aspire to be.

My wife, the late Bibi Yasmin Ally, was an embodiment of those principles and values. She spent her entire adult life in the teaching profession starting out in her teenage years as a pupil teacher and rising over the years, first as a trained teacher, then as a trained graduate teacher reaching the highest rank in the teaching profession as a Trained Graduate Headmistress before being promoted to ranks of the officer corps as District Education Officer.

During that period she would have moulded the minds of thousands of children, many of whom today have risen to positions of prominence. Yet she always remained a humble and simple person who never looked forward to rewards except that which would come to her as a matter of course.

If there is one thing that she valued very highly, it is the enduring values of humility and simplicity. Because of the nature of her illness, she was aware of the inevitable and started to make preparations for her departure.

One such act was to dictate her funeral announcement in which, in her usual thoroughness as an experienced teacher, she inserted the names of all those who she felt was sufficiently close to her to be highlighted. Those included her husband, her two children and of course her two grandchildren, her relatives and friends.

She was careful enough not to mention designations in the death announcement. Consistent with her philosophy of humility, designations were not material enough for public consumption. Her own designation as a former District Education Officer and as Headmistress and teacher of the several schools in which she taught was not something she wanted to put in the public domain. Nor did she want to be known as the wife of a Permanent Secretary, or the mother of a son who represented the country at the IDB in Washington or the mother of a daughter who presided over two Magistrate courts at Vigilance and Cove and John on the East Coast of Demerara.

She was a believer in the Holy Koran and “instructed” that she be buried according to Muslim rites. She wanted to be buried as soon as possible after death and not to delay her burial by waiting on relatives who reside overseas. Our son who was in Washington at the time barely managed to make it mere hours before her departure to her final resting place at the Ogle cemetery.

She placed a very high premium on public service and never stayed away from work unless it was impossible to so do. She worked up to the last day of her illness and had to be taken home from her office after it became clear to everyone at her workplace that she could not continue any more.

It is the small things in life that matter or what someone once referred to as the ‘greatness of small things’. I take this opportunity to convey my thanks to the several persons who attended her funeral service and who expressed words of comfort.

I wish in particular to thank His Excellency President

Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar, Prime Minister Mr. Samuel Hinds, former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, PPP General Secretary Mr. Clement Rohee, former Speaker of the National Assembly Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, the several Government Ministers and Senior Government Officials who showed up at the funeral and expressed words of comfort and condolences.

My gratitude is extended also to the members of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana, the Imam and members of the Ogle Jamaat, the Doobay Renal Centre, the doctors and staff of the Woodlands and Georgetown Public Hospital for the medical services rendered to her during her period of illness and to the numerous others who assisted in one form or another.

HYDAR ALLY

Noise nuisance destroying peace and health of citizens PLEASE permit me to bring a matter to the relevant authorities before it becomes a cancer in our society.

The Ease Chalet has recently opened a Fun Park on Aubrey Barker Road between the Festival City Entrance and Exit.

While I applaud the initiative to create opportunities for recreation in the community I contend that it cannot be at the expense of the corporate responsibility of the entity or the rights of the citizens who live in the area.

Every business that emerges in a community must be committed to the overall development of the community, or conflict is bound to arise between that business entity and the community. To ensure conflict areas are kept to a minimum, the owners of that business entity must orient its staff to the corporate responsibility of the business community to the general community.

All this seem to have been lost on the Ease Chalet, because from its opening it has now become our new noisy neighbour. It has played its music at indiscriminate hours and at indiscriminate decibel levels with absolutely no regard for the students in the community, some of whom had to endure its din while preparing for Common Entrance and some of whom are currently preparing for CXC and University of Guyana examinations.

At the time of penning this letter, at 11:54 pm, it is hosting a karaoke and is announcing that it will be hosting that activity Monday and Thursday nights. This, in my opinion, is inconsiderate, especially when there are so many schoolchildren living in the area who need to study and get adequate rest.

I think that this noise nuisance needs to be addressed now before, like so many other things in our society, it becomes foisted upon our community until we accept it. It needs to be addressed because it constitutes an abuse of the rights of the members of the community to peace and quiet after a hard day’s work, to be able to listen to their own televisions; and it also constitutes an assault on the young people in the community who deserve a chance to be able to excel academically.

JAMES T. MILLER

GUYANA CHRONICLE SATURDAY May 24, 2014

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Unclaimed remittances of Indentured Indians

A LETTER written by Associate Professor Lomarsh Roopnarine in your Thursday May 22 edition caught my eye and, upon perusal of same, I ask your co-operation in publishing my letter, which provides some information that may help to provide some elucidation in the Professor’s quest.

According to Dwarka Nath (A History of Indians in Guyana) a Committee was formed by the then Government in 1966 (year of Independence) to decide on how these funds would be utilised. It is understood that the Committee recommended that 3 cultural centres for the benefit of Indians, whose ancestors had opted not to be repatriated but to stay and build this country, to be established in the three counties. In December of 1969, representatives of the 5 main Indian organisations were invited to hear of the then Forbes Burnham Government’s proposals. They were told by the Minister of Health, whose ministry was responsible for the funds, of the intention to establish a National Cultural Centre for all races, and not East Indians alone. This did not find favour with the representational organisations.

Among those Organisations “consulted” were the Mahatma Gandhi Organisation/Gandhi Youth Organisation, the President of which was Shri Raghunandan Misir, but the General-Secretary, late Dr. Balwant Singh (Snr.) was given the task of representing the MGO/GYO.

The Organisation instructed Dr. Singh to convey its vehement objection to the government’s proposal and Dr. Balwant Singh (Snr.) began an energetic lobby and campaign against this injudicious use of the funds and called for East Indians to voice their opposition to the construction of the National Cultural Centre with the Indian Repatriation funds.

The Burnham Government proceeded with their plan, notwithstanding the strident opposition of a majority of East Indians, even after the construction and opening of the NCC, Dr. Singh and the GYO continued to advise East Indians to boycott it, with a fair degree of success.

I am not aware of how much of the funds was actually used in that construction, but I would like to ask the Professor to request the precise information he seeks from the Government through the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, from the National Archives, as I am not hopeful that the Indian High Commission in Guyana can assist with any useful information.

On the eve of our 48th Independence anniversary, this letter may serve as a reminder to our younger citizens of a sordid chapter in our history.

CHRISTOPHER PERSAUD Former Senior Vice President, Gandhi Youth Organisation

Study needed on Berbice Bridge tolls

TWO things stand out at the heart of the matter in any attempt to revise the Berbice Bridge tolls. The bridge is a public utility funded by public/private capital that serves the masses and, secondly, it enjoys a monopoly as the only means of crossing the river.

Given the very nature of its mode of existence and the concomitant strategic importance the bridge plays in the scheme of our national transportation, the regulating role of the Government can and will be justifiable in recommending a revision of the toll to the Bridge Company.

As a norm, throughout the world, public infrastructure projects like roads and bridges do have low rates of return.

That is why private capital does not normally invest in them. It was indeed a forward step in Local Private Entities investing in the bridge. They should, in return, expect a decent profit for their investment.

Bearing all these factors in mind, I would humbly suggest that the President of our Republic appoint a three-member panel of economists from the Government, Private Sector and University of Guyana to do a comprehensive financial study of the bridge and make their recommendation as to whether the toll can be revised, maybe in a phased manner.

REGGIE BHAGWANDIN

Unions threaten closure of UG over jobs

By Derwayne Wills PRESIDENT of the University of Guyana (UG) Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) Dr. Patsy Francis said, yesterday, that the union will call for the institution’s closure if the current impasse is not averted.

She declared that, “under no circumstance” will the endorsement of the cutting of jobs at UG be supported by the unions.

Francis made the remarks during a press conference hosted by unions operating at the tertiary institution to address suggestions by the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Professor Jacob Opadeyi, on the possible cut of staff and programmes seen as being “not economically viable.”

With Francis were Senior Vice-President of UGSSA, Dr.

Melissa Ifill and President of the UG Workers’ Union, Mr. Bruce Haynes.

Francis maintained the positions of both the UGSSA and the UGWU to “close the university” through industrial action, if there is any fallout as a result of the current disputes which has put a few departments of the premier institution in jeopardy.

According to the UGSSA President, the UG Administration is expected to come up with alternatives to the currently proposed plan of actions by the VC. She added that Professor Opadeyi has indicated, in no uncertain terms, that he is going to reduce various departments and, similarly, do away with jobs from different sections.

DRASTICALLY AFFECT

From left, UGSSA Vice-President, Dr. Melissa Ifill; UGWU President, Mr. Bruce Haynes; and UGSSA President, Dr. Patsy Francis at yesterday’s press conference

Francis lamented that such a decision would drastically affect both the UG Berbice Campus (UGBC) at Tain, Corentyne, as well as the Institute of Distant and Continuing Education (IDCE) at Turkeyen.

She noted, too, that the Administration has been engaged, for some time, in making top heavy solutions instead of addressing the core issues of the University.

Francis criticised the hiring and recirculating of high ranking university officials who have produced very little, in comparison to the 600 other members of staff who are, often, bereaved by untimely payment.

Ifill concurred that the unions are dissatisfied with the current modus operandi of both the Administration and the Council of the University. She observed that there are many departments and programmes which can deliver more than they are delivering at this moment but have not been consulted in any meaningful way.

The UGSSA Vice-President reiterated the call for reformation of programmes rather than cutting them and urged that there are others not heavily subscribed to but are needed for the development of any society.

President of the UG Students Society, Richard Rambarran, however, has supported the proposals advanced by the Vice-Chancellor, arguing that the financial viability of programmes offered is critical to the sustainability of the University.

Rambarran said it is those very programmes that often contribute to the deficit at the university where the tuition of two or three persons in pursuit of a programme cannot afford to pay the lecturers given the current rates of tuition.

The Unions and the Administration have long remained at loggerheads regarding the operationalising of the University. Last March, disgruntled heads of the UGSSA and the UGWU, in the presence of a Court martial, served a writ on the Vice-Chancellor who was sued for the untimely payment of gratuity and allowances to staff members.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE SATURDAY May 24, 2014

Miss World (Guyana) delegates paid a courtesy call on President Donald Ramotar at the Presidential Complex in Georgetown, yesterday (GINA photo)

Guyana and Argentina strengthen bilateral cooperation in Tourism Sector

THE local tourism sector will be boosted with the implementation of a three-phase programme to be executed by the Ministries of Tourism of Guyana and Argentina.

Argentina is considered a leading tourism destination in South America.

Minister of Tourism (ag), Irfaan Ali, and Ambassador of the Argentine Republic, Luis Martino, informed the media, yesterday, of initiatives to enhance the tourism sector through training in tourism and management of protected areas.

Following Argentina’s participation in last year’s GuyExpo, that country’s Tourism Minister visited Guyana and held fruitful discussion on mutual beneficial projects for both countries. The Argentine Tourism Minister, during his visit in December, met with the Ministers of Natural Resources and Tourism, and the private sector.

During a media briefing, which was held at the Ministry of Tourism’s Boardroom, Minister Ali said, “I am very delighted to be here as this demonstrates the further collaboration and partnership between these two countries, extending not only our friendship, but our economic collaboration for the betterment of the people of our countries.”

Minister Ali said this initiative in relation to tourism started some time ago in 2011 when the Government announced a strategy to expand Guyana’s products in South and Latin America.

“We made it clear that a number of steps were needed to ensure that we enter into this exciting and large market which has tremendous potential. Our strategy was to first ensure we have the infrastructure that will allow access to the market, including flights and air capacity and to commence training for institutional capacity,” Minister Ali said.

The training and marketing capacity, the Minister said, would help Guyana in marketing promotions and product development hence the successful negotiation to have Copa Airlines fly to Guyana.

Speaking on the area of training, the minister pointed out that only recently several front line staff from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) benefited from courses in conversational Spanish. He said the ministry is partnering with a number of other South American countries including Argentina, for locals to learn conversational Spanish while more training for staff within the tourism sector is ongoing at

the Venezuelan Institute.

Other spin-off benefits from this collaboration will include student exchange programmes, trade shows, national park management, and private sector cooperation.

“We can take lead from Argentina; they have some of the finest regulations and best practices, best capacity for the management of national parks and we can learn from them, this can be used as a starting point,” Minister Ali said.

Meanwhile, the Argentine Ambassador, in his remarks, said this was a good opportunity to renew the link between Guyana and Argentina.

“Indeed it is really an opportunity to highlight a new episode on the path of further integrating and cooperating in the area of tourism and protected areas between the two countries.”

The Ambassador stated that in 2013, Guyana and Argentina began developing projects of technical cooperation for mutual benefits in the area of tourism and protected areas.

The Argentine Tourism Ministry has approved financing through the Argentina Fund of the Horizontal Cooperation which will see the manifestation of a three-phase project.

This will cater for, “ a visit to take place in Argentina with

Guyanese expertise with two GTA representatives, they will take part in a week-long exchange with expertise and technical staff. They will travel to other parts of the country to visit places, and to share knowledge and successful practices in order to develop capacity.”

The second phase deals with the hosting of a Spanish course for GTA staff and translation of promotional material to enable Guyanese representatives to participate in the International Tourism Fair in Argentina.

The third phase of the project deals with protected areas and technical assistance.

“All these initiatives follow into the broad goal of increasing the depth and scope of the technical cooperation between Guyana and Argentina, in this particular case in tourism and environmental protection and natural resources, and we are hoping this represents the kick-off of a very fruitful and sustained cooperation relations,” the Argentine Ambassador said.

This is the second recent initiative embarked on in the area of tourism linking Guyana with South America.

Guyana signed an agreement with the Chile Government in the area of eco-tourism and poverty reduction through a South-South initiative, recently. (GINA)

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority Mr Indranauth Haralsingh, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic His Excellency Luis Martino and Tourism Minister Mr Irfaan Ali during yesterday’s media briefing

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Nagamootoo and AFC wallow in double standards

- PPP

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said it has noted the recent diatribe emanating from the mouth of Alliance for Change (AFC) member, Mr. Moses Nagamootoo, with regard to press freedom in Guyana.

“His ranting and raving in response to comments made on Press Freedom in the Caribbean and Guyana makes it pellucidly clear that Nagamootoo’s pronouncements and his penchant to deliberately misrepresent and misinform, continues unabated,” the PPP said in a statement yesterday.

According to the ruling party, Nagamootoo and the AFC have never hesitated to demand accountability and the shouldering of responsibility from public officials despite the transparency that prevails in Government.

“It is mind-boggling therefore why Nagamootoo would take the position that Government is ‘obsessed with state control of the media and muzzling free expression’,” the PPP stated.

It said such gross misinterpretation is unbecoming of a University graduate though not unusual for an opportunistic politician, performing as it were on a platform of double standards. By his utterances, the PPP said Mr. Nagamootoo is openly advocating that the media act irresponsibly and not be held accountable like every other estate in the national jurisdiction. The PPP views this as an act of gross irresponsibility on the part of Nagamootoo.

In addition, Nagamootoo and his Party, as evident in a Stabroek News’ article of Thursday, May 15, 2014, boldly proclaimed that the AFC is against any form of regulation of the media. Further, in the said article he noted that, “AFC believes that our media ought to continue the search by self-regulation of credible standards

of journalistic ethics and responsibility…..(sic?) we do not need to regulate the press, to make laws that could fetter it, that could muzzle it…..”

“Given this foolishness, the PPP must ask why then would Nagamootoo and the AFC want to impose regulations on NCN and GINA? Why would they want to muzzle these State entities by denying them funding to continue operating and for the wellbeing of Staff? Why would Nagamootoo conveniently refuse to accept that the denial of funds to these two entities is a wanton attack on press freedom? Herein lies the brazen double standards of Nagamootoo and the AFC,” the PPP posited.

The PPP, in the past, had Moses Nagamootoo called for the establishment of a Media Oversight Body in an effort to curb “gutter journalism” in view of the prevalence of wanton misinformation and fabrication by some private media houses. “Such a body would help guard against public malpractices in the media. Our position remains the same. Given Nagamootoo’s inflexible position, it can only be concluded that he and the AFC supports perpetration of malpractices of misinformation, fabrication and personal attacks on Party and government officials by sections of the private media,” the PPP stated.

“This support for Media lawlessness is not surprising since innocent Guyanese were beaten and robbed

following the AFC instigated mob violence at Agricola and Linden on which Nagamootoo and the AFC remains ominously silent to this day,” the PPP said.

The PPP said it strongly believes that accountability and responsibility cannot be confined to one section or estate in any society. Account must be taken of the fact that internationally unfortunate incidents were precipitated as a result of irresponsible practices and a lack of accountability by Media practitioners. The genocide in Rwanda is a painful example.

The PPP also said that Nagamootoo’s tenure as a former Minister of Information was “an abysmal failure”.

“Today his failures continue to manifest themselves in his inability to comprehend the issues at home and abroad. Further, his failure is compounded by the bitter and blind hatred he has developed for the PPP since he failed to convince his party colleague that he is Presidential material.

“Our Party reiterates that as a government we will continue to demonstrate our commitment to the preservation of press freedom, freedom of expression and all other freedoms which were restored when we assumed Office in October 1992.”

The PPP said it’s track record on press freedom is unmatched in the history of our nation. It said the overwhelming evidence of four television stations, one radio station, and two daily newspapers when the party took office in 1992 to some twenty television stations, over ten radio stations and four daily newspapers today, is incontestable. “This, along with the open and free environment created by the PPP Government which has instilled confidence for ubiquitous internet blogs, online news services, newspapers columnists and television commentators to operate without fear of censorship, remains an indelible hallmark of our dedication to the tenets of press freedom,” the party augued.

“Moreover, it is reflection of a complete transformation from the denial and oppression of press and other freedoms when the People’s National Congress (PNC) regime was in government. History will vindicate the PPP/C Government’s efforts to free Guyanese and journalists from the shackles of oppression and suppression under the PNC with whom the AFC is now in bed,” the PPP concluded.

BK lost over $50m on East Bank road so far due to delays CONTRACTOR, BK International Group, has reportedly lost over $50M on the East Bank FourLane expansion as a result of delays caused by utilities that have not been removed in a timely manner since the signing of the contract and the commencement of work in 2012.

BK Group, in a statement yesterday, said it has noted the responses of both GWI and GT&T to its concerns that their water pipes and telephone cables, respectively, continue to hold up the completion of road work at the Diamond section of the East Bank Four-Lane expansion.

“Both companies have resorted to giving project histories, with varying degrees of inaccuracy, while charging BK Group with damaging their facilities,” the Group stated.

BK, however, said it will not be drawn into a public argument over the history of the project.

Moblissa man dies from strike to head received in argument POLICE are investigating the murder of Davanand Daniels, 37, of Moblissa, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, which allegedly occurred in his home community at about 16:45 hrs on May 22 when another man struck him to his head with a piece of wood during an argument.

He succumbed while receiving medical treatment at the Mackenzie Hospital.

Police yesterday said the suspect is still at large.

- says cables and pipes continue to delay road work - calls on Public Works Ministry to push GT&T and GWI “The bottom line for BK is that water pipes and telephone cables remain in place today delaying the completion of the road works even further,” the company said.

“In an effort to clarify statements made by our Project Engineer, Julian Archer, we wish to reiterate the facts presented to the media during the site visit on Monday,” BK stated.

Mr. Archer said that there were two problems affecting the completion of the project, (1) the removal of GT&T cables, and (2) the removal of GWI pipelines. Mr. Archer added that numerous complaints were made in an effort to have the pipes and cables removed.

Both GWI and GT&T point to the Ministry of Public Works as the source of the delays in the removal of the utilities but the BK Group said its “emphasis was not on blaming either company, rather our focus was to highlight these delays given the cost to us as contractor and the continued inconvenience to commuters”.

The BK Group said “immediate removal of the pipes and cables will ensure that there is no damage to critical infrastructure, that citizens are not inconvenienced, and that the road work will be quickly completed to the benefit of our citizens and visitors”.

It said the Ministry of Public Works needs to ensure that this is done.

GT&T SHUNS BLAME Meanwhile, GT&T said it will, from tomorrow,

relocate aerial as well as buried cables to facilitate construction works on the East Bank Demerara Four-Lane Highway Project. It however, denied reports it was contributing to any delays in road works as claimed by BK. In fact, GT&T said it has suffered extensive damage to its network facilities owing to reckless work practices by the construction firm, which is still to pay the costs for associated relocation works and damage.

On Tuesday, BK International took members of the media on a tour of the project worksite, explaining how GT&T and the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) have stalled work on the project. However, the phone company said it was deeply concerned with the claims and categorically denied “these spurious allegations”.

In a statement detailing all the transactions and discussions surrounding the road project, GT&T said it has an obligation to protect the integrity of the national communication infrastructure in the interest of all of its users.

“GT&T remains committed and ready to cooperate with the Ministry of Public Works and all of its contractors in the interest of national development.

However, there needs to be reciprocity. If works are to proceed in a timely manner, all parties will need to adhere to established procedures and protocols and timelines established in agreements,” the telephone company said.

GWI, earlier in the week, had also denied any blame.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 24, 2014

New initiative launched to strengthen campaign against HIV/AIDS

By Shirley Thomas

THE United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-supported ‘Advancing Partners and Communities’ (APC) Project, in collaboration with Guyana Business Coalition against HIV and AIDS (GBCHA), on Thursday, launched a campaign to expand and strengthen collaboration between Guyana’s business sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) responding to the threat of HIV/AIDS. The initiative was hosted at the DDL High Street, Kingston Georgetown building, previously occupied by GHARP I and II and subsequently by APC under the theme ‘Working Togeth-

Director of PANCAP, Mr. Derrick Springer delivers the feature address at the ACP-GBCHA launch at DDL Building on Friday (Cullen Bess-Nelson photos)

over the years, Lewis remarked that Guyana’s Private Sector response serves as a model for partnerships aimed at reducing the spread of HIV and the associated stigma and discrimination.

She thanked all stakeholders for their continued support, as the coalition endeavours to sustain the gains realised so far, to zero out new infections; HIV-related deaths and stigma and discrimination.

“We have had much success and much work remains,” she acknowledged.

DISTINGUISHED GATHERING Among the distinguished gathering were Ms. Falomi Harris, Chief of Party, Advancing Partners & Communities (Guyana); Dr. Oleksander Chericas, USAID Health Team Leader; Director of PANCAP Coordinating Unit, Mr. Derrick Springer; Dr. Shanti Singh, NAPS Programme Manager; Suzanne French, Executive Director, GBCHA; Edris George USAID and other development partners from across the UNAIDS spectrum.

Not least were those on the front lines, Ms. Folami Harris aptly alluded to as the ‘Guests of Honour’ on that occasion.

She said: “Our Guests of Honour today are those men and women from businesses across Guyana whose awareness of the national need, whose relationship with the Guyanese people and whose commitment to Guyana and Guyana’s development brought them here [today].

She said there were some 44 representatives from small and large businesses wanting to find out more about how they can build a stronger, healthier and more productive Guyana.

IMPRESSIVE DECLINE Harris was heartened at the achievements of the National HIV response, noting, for example, an impressive decline in the rate of new HIV infections at the end of 2013, under Guyana’s Prevention and Treatment Programme.

For the year under review, there were 758 recorded new infections, as compared to 1,258 in 2006. There has also been

Ms. Tracy Lewis, GBCHA Chairperson addresses the gathering er…Achieving Zero: Zero New Infections; Zero AIDS-Related Deaths; Zero Stigma.’

The Joint APC-GBCHA drive is being undertaken with the aim of expanding and reinforcing partnerships involving businesses and NGOs, as the new alliance seeks to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS and to prevent new infections.

Meanwhile, initiated concurrently was the GBCHA’s signature event, the ‘Annual Awards for Business Excellence.’

Addressing that forum, Executive Director of GBCHA, Ms. Tracy Lewis said the occasion was an unparalled opportunity to publicly recognise the unique and vital contributions made towards health and wellness by the Business Sector.

She added that, this year, the GBCHA has modified the award categories to acknowledge and support this work.

Coincidentally, the GBCHA, yesterday, celebrated its sixth anniversary. Buoyed at the success of the GBCHA-led action

Prime Minister Denzil Douglas of St. Kitts and Nevis and Secretary General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin La Roque.

Springer said: “Given the complexity of HIV and its widespread impact, diverse resources, skills and partnerships are needed for us to achieve a truly multi-sectoral response, shared responsibility and solidarity.”

He observed that strong partnership is critical to implementing health and wellness programmes, particularly those that are designed to target vulnerable populations.

“Partnership is about trust and respect. I would like to underscore that building successful partnerships between the business sector and NGOs require investment of time and an understanding that partnerships are equal,” he affirmed.

The PANCAP Director noted that there have been several good examples of Business-NGO partnership here in Guyana, which have provided lessons that can guide this initiative.

ACP Chief of Party, Ms. Folami Harris addresses the gathering at the launch of ‘Working Together…

Achieving Zero’

Key stakeholders at the ACP-GBCHA Launch

a marked reduction in the number of AIDS-related deaths.

Against this backdrop, the ACP Chief of Party, reflecting on what has so far been achieved in the bid to ‘Achieving Zero’ alluded to a scenario (in the wider community and quite outside of this setting) where much work had been put into achieving an end but, woefully, the failure of one link in the chain (the concluding factor) to play its part, resulted in the exercise being reduced to nought and returning to its original state.

Giving kudos to the stakeholders for what has been achieved in the national response and commenting on the negligible distance remaining before reaching the finishing line, she cautioned: “Let this not be the fate of the epidemic, my friends. We are so close to the finish line. We, all of us are the anchors, only together can we finish this race to zero new infections,” she cautioned.

Meanwhile, Director of the Coordinating Unit, Mr. Derrick Springer brought greetings on behalf of the Chair of PANCAP,

“Although businesses have not been rigid in setting reporting requirements, the NGOs have benefitted from capacity building on good governance for sustainability and must, therefore, be proactive in reporting their business partner,” he stated.

Alluding to the Nassau Declaration (2001) which states: ‘The Health of the Region is the Wealth of the Region’, Mr. Springer said it underscored the importance of health to development.

CRITICAL TO SUCCESS “I believe that businesses understand that a healthy workforce and environment are critical to success when faced with global health challenges like HIV and AIDS.” To this end, the PANCAP Director said failure to respond appropriately would result in business development being crippled, industries losing competitive markets and See page 11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 24, 2014

Following suicide prevention research…

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American University offering 200 scholarships to build bridges THE American University of Research (a research, consultant and analysis institute), is offering 200 scholarships to Guyanese to undergo a six weeks ‘Youths and Parents in Transition’ training programme.

The course will be conducted at the institution’s Sheriff Street, Georgetown headquarters, beginning today.

This offer is the result of a recently concluded suicide prevention research on the Essequibo Coast and the university’s ongoing investigation around Guyana, a release explained.

The release said, in its determination to create a transformation in the thinking and behaviour of individuals, the University has formulated this new initiative to continue its work, which is the offering of the 200 free scholarships to youths and parents of all ages.

“We have found there is a great difference in the way parents and youths communicate, which contributes to conflict in their relationship. In light of this, we have put together a training programme that will meet the needs of both youths

Dr. Eton Simon, President of the American University presenting the results of a Suicide Intervention Project conducted on the Essequibo Coast earlier this year. With him is Ms. Jennel Williams, Project Officer and parents in helping them to communicate more effectively and to get their needs met,” said Dr. Eton Simon, President of the American University in Guyana.

According to Project Officer, Ms. Jennel Williams, the training will continue until they have given out all 200 scholarships which they are positive will be completed soon as individuals realise the urgent need for such training.

She said it is a self-development programme and will be very interactive, with no written exams or assignments,

New initiative launched ...

From page 10 economies crumbling under the heavy weight of HIV and AIDS. He said, in the context of the HIV response, there has been much discussion regarding political will but contended that technical leadership serves as a catalyst for building will in the business sector, increased collaboration and sustainability.

It was also Springer’s contention that “the architects of this initiative must be commended for demonstrating the technical leadership required for building/strengthening a closer working relationship between two very important sectors as Guyana seeks to encourage shared responsibility in the context of country ownership.”

He added that the business sector needs to preserve human resources that are needed to meet delivery needs and to achieve production and productivity and called on NGOs to seize the opportunity to learn from businesses by engaging them as active participants in the response, particularly leveraging their comparative advantage in influencing behaviour.

“I am confident that Business and NGOs can work together to achieve Zero New Infections; Zero AIDSdeaths and Zero Discrimination. The time to act is now!” the PANCAP Director maintained.

except for each individual observing their own thoughts and behaviour.

Areas which will be discussed throughout the six week include: * Learning Effective ways in Communicating; * Understanding human behaviour and mental process; * Developing self-awareness and self-empowerment, and * Learning how to identify negative thoughts and abnormal behaviour.

The programme is scheduled to start today (Saturday, May 24) with late registration up to May 31, for this first phase. Classes will be held on Saturdays at the University’s location.

Due to the overwhelming cost of sponsoring this free

training, the University is asking participants to offer a small fee to cover materials and certificate, the release said.

It added: “This is a chance of a lifetime. It is the season for all Guyanese to come together, share our experiences and, most importantly, transform our lives for the good of ourselves and family. American University of Research encourages all organisations and individuals to accept this opportunity for indeed sometimes opportunities come once in a lifetime.”

To accept the free scholarship, persons can contact American University of Research on telephone number 227-1028, email auopsinternational@gmail.com or visit Lot 135 Sheriff and Fourth Streets, Campbellville, Georgetown.

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Unemployed teen remanded after marijuana, cocaine bust

- told court she was offered US$15,000 by Mark ‘Polo’ to transport the illegal substance to Barbados

By Geeta Rampersaud NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD Anastasia Latoya Crawford of Lot 29 Fort Street, Kingston, was yesterday remanded to prison following a drug bust, last Wednesday, at Ogle International Airport, East Coast Demerara.

The unemployed defendant appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya

traffick.

Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor Oswald Massiah told the Court, on that day around 13:00 hrs, the defendant was an outgoing passenger to Barbados on Liat Flight 512 carrying a suitcase and a haversack.

The suitcase was checked by a CANU officer but nothing of evidential value was found. However, the haversack contained nine taped packets and one of them he punched in her presence contained suspected marijuana and the defendant was told of his suspicion and cautioned.

REMAINED SILENT The Prosecutor said Crawford remained silent for a while and then broke down in tears. Shortly after, she and the narcotics were transported to the CANU Headquarters for further in-

‘REMANDED’: Anastasia Latoya Crawford

Sewnarine-Beharry charged with two counts of trafficking in narcotics.

She pleaded not guilty to both, one of which said that on Wednesday May 21, at Ogle International Airport, she had in her possession 5.574 kilogrammes (kgs) of cannabis sativa (marijuana) for the purpose.

Crawford also denied that, on the same day, she had 2.286 kgs of cocaine to

vestigations and questioning.

Eight of the remaining

‘WANTED’: Mark ‘Polo’

packets were searched and three of them had cocaine, the Court was told.

According to the prosecutor, when questioned, the defendant said she had been offered US$15,000 by someone called Mark ‘Polo’ to transport the illegal substance to Barbados and received an advance of G$50,000, with the remainder to be received on her arrival in the Caribbean island.

CYAs to benefit from CSME Public Ed forum

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Youth Ambassadors will discuss the workings of, and opportunities that reside within, the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) from 29 - 30 May in Georgetown, Guyana.

The event titled, the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (CYA) CARICOM

Below rates for May 23, 2014

Currency

Buying

Selling

G$/US$ G$/GBP$ G$/CAD$ G$/EURO$ G$/BDOS$ G$/EC$ G$/TT$

205.98375 346.58826 188.88054 280.52927 101.86969 75.45903 31.68723

208.43594 350.92275 191.05904 284.07734 102.89094 76.21551 32.00490

Single Market and Economy Advocacy Workshop, is being executed as part of a wider public education programme coordinated by the CARICOM Secretariat, to increase the understanding of specific categories of people on the CSME. Supported by the European Union’s 10th EDF Caribbean Integration Support Programme, the workshop was devised to ultimately increase participation in the CARICOM flagship programme.

In Georgetown next week, the Youth Ambassadors will examine issues pertaining to the CSME spawning regional opportunities for national skills and talents, integrating the OECS and Belize into the CSME, and free movement.

The CARICOM Secretariat, is therefore, pleased to invite the media to cover the Opening Ceremony of this forum.

The defendant was represented by attorneys-at-law Mr. Euclin Gomes and Mr. George Thomas, with the former requesting reasonable bail for their client.

But the application was denied, on the ground that no special reason was advanced to the Court and the case was transferred to Sparendaam Court for May 27, pending report and fixture as Crawford is on remand in prison.

Since then, a wanted bulletin has been issued for ‘Polo’, of Cooper Street, Albouystown, also in Georgetown and CANU is requesting information on his whereabouts.

For Saturday May 24, 2014 -14:00hrs For Sunday May 25, 2014 -14:30hrs For Monday May 26, 2014 -14:30hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE SATURDAY May 24, 2014

Fort Island to get ad

- Minister Benn instructs that works com

AN additional river defence structure will be built on Island by the Ministry of Public Works to preserve one of G ana’s historical landmarks - Fort Zeelandia – which is loc 16 kilometers from the mouth of the mighty Essequibo Ri According to Chief River and Sea Defence Officer, Mr K Samad, “We are in the process of mobilising the materials manpower.”

He said the Minister of Public Works Mr Robeson Benn instructed that the work be started in one month’s time.

GUYANA CHRONICLE SATURDAY May 24, 2014

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dditional river defence structure

mmence in one month’s time

Fort Guycated iver.

Kevin s and

n has

Public Works Minister Robeson Benn, earlier this week, visited Fort Island, which was the site for the Ministry of Public Works’ monthly managers’ meeting. The meeting was held in the historic Court of Policy (circa 1752) building.

In addition to that, other vulnerable areas that require intervention on the island will be corrected, he said.

Minister Benn, earlier this week, visited the island, which was the site for the Ministry of Public Works’ monthly managers’ meeting. The meeting was held in the historic Court of Policy (circa 1752) building.

Meanwhile, amidst the ruins of Fort Zeelandia, Minister Benn opined that educational tours should recommence on the island.

“Fort Island is rich in history. Students from all levels of the school system should be able to walk through history, something that they could never experience in the classroom,”

he stated.

To this end, Minister Benn said he intends to continue discussions with the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony on how to proceed with ideas for regeneration of activities on the island.

Fort Zeelandia and the Court of Policy were built during the period of Dutch occupation in the 1700s. The two structures were part of a large colonial settlement that extended along the north eastern section of the island.

In 1999, the Fort and the Court of Policy were declared National Monuments by the Government and are maintained by the National Trust of Guyana.

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Culture Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, and Indian High Commissioner (ag.), Mr. Tirath Singh, with Indian playback singer, Kalpana Patowary, and the rest of the ‘Bhojpuri’ Troupe, yesterday

For Independence celebrations…

Bhojpuri Music and Cultural Troupe from India here

By Telesha Ramnarine

THE Bhojpuri Music and Cultural Troupe from India is here in time for the country’s Independence celebrations and the treat to the Guyanese people, compliments of the Guyana and Indian Governments.

The visitors, led by playback singer, Kalpana Patowary, and her husband, Parwaz Khan, arrived in the country yesterday morning with the rest of their team comprising Saroj Mazumdar, Amar Nathram, Bijay Chouhan and Raja Das, all musicians.

They paid a courtesy call on Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, at his Main Street, Georgetown office, just after arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, where Acting Indian High Commissioner, Tirath Singh, was also present.

Patowary, in brief remarks, said the visit is a very emotional one for her as she thinks about how the Indians left behind, in India, their own land and family to come to Guyana.

Minister Anthony said he was very pleased to welcome the travelling group and expressed confidence that, by means of their performances, they will thrill their audiences.

He informed them that, in May, Guyana observes a number of significant events including Arrival Day which signifies the coming of Guyanese ancestors from different parts of the world.

VERY APPRECIATIVE “The music and culture is very much alive here. People do not speak the languages here but we are very appreciative of the music and the films,” Dr Anthony told the visitors.

He said the group will be performing first at the Indian Monument Gardens in Georgetown, which features a beautiful monument of a ship that signifies the first one that brought Indian indentured immigrants to Guyana. The sculpture was done in India.

The troupe will also perform at State House in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Dr. Anthony pointed out, as well, the significance of that location where, not far from there, the original set of Indian indentured immigrants landed.

The Acting High Commissioner explained that Kalpana is a versatile playback singer, well-known as the Bhojpuri Queen. She has done more than 9,000 songs in India and has been singing in 25 Indian dialects.

The diplomat thanked the minister for making this initiative possible.

Kalpana and her team arrived in Guyana from Suriname, where they have just completed a number of successful concerts.

GUYANA CHRONICLE SATURDAY May 24, 2014

WALTER RODNEY COMMISSION of INQUIRY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

The Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry comprising Sir Richard Cheltenham, K.A., Q.C, Ph.D, as Chairman, Mrs. Jacqueline Samuels-Brown, Q.C. and Mr. Seenath Jairam, S.C., will be convening Public Hearings as follows When – 27th, 28th , 29th and 30th May, 2014, and 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th June, 2014 commencing at 09:30 hrs daily.

Where – Supreme Court Library Building, Victoria Law Courts, Avenue of the Republic & Charlotte Street, Georgetown, Demerara Purpose The purpose of the hearings will be for the Commission to receive testimony and evidence from interested parties to enable it to(i) examine the facts and circumstances immediately prior, at the time of, and subsequent to, the death of Dr. Walter Rodney in order to determine, as far as possible, who or what was responsible for the explosion resulting in the death of Dr. Walter Rodney; (ii) inquire into the cause of the explosion in which Dr. Walter DR WALTER RODNEY Rodney died, whether it was an act of terrorism, and if so, who were the perpetrators; (iii) examine the role, if any, which the late Gregory Smith, Sergeant of the Guyana Defence Force, played in the death of Dr. Walter Rodney and if so, to inquire into who may have counselled, procured, aided and or abetted him to do so, including facilitating his departure from Guyana after Dr. Walter Rodney’s death; (iv) examine and report on the actions and activities of the State, such as, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana National Service, the Guyana People’s Militia and those who were in command and superintendence of these agencies, to determine whether they were tasked with the surveillance of and the carrying out of actions, and whether they did execute those tasks and carried out those actions against the Political Opposition, for the period 1st January, 1978 to 31st December, 1980; (v) examine, review and report on earlier investigations and inquiries done on and into the death of Dr. Walter Rodney; Subsequent Hearings – The Commission will be accepting original and followup statements from interested parties during the life of the Commission and will be setting subsequent hearing dates to facilitate the commission and attendance of witnesses.

Witness Statements – All persons wishing to testify on these and subsequent hearing dates are asked to submit statements of their intended testimony in writing to the Commission. Persons who wish to testify but may need assistance in composing their witness statements will be assisted by the Commission Secretariat and are invited to contact the Secretariat at the address, telephone number or email as set out belowWALTER RODNEY COMMISSION of INQUIRY Top Floor, Supreme Court Library Building, Victoria Law Courts Avenue of the Republic & Charlotte Street Georgetown, Demerara Tel: (592)227-7729; email walterrodneysecretariat@ gmail.com

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GUYANA CHRONICLE SATURDAY May 24, 2014

IDB seeking innovators from Guyana for community projects

- to fund innovative community-based projects starting from US$300,000 to a maximum of US$750,000 THE Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is seeking proposals from Guyanese Civil Society and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) to fund innovative community based projects starting from US$300,000 to a maximum of US$750,000.

According to a statement from the bank, project proposals should focus on highly innovative solutions that will solve community problems and support community-based development.

“CSOs and NGOs will have the opportunity to pitch and present their most innovative solutions to the IDB, and the winners will get the IDB’s support to incubate, develop or scale up those solutions,” the bank stated.

It said this year’s Call for Proposals places emphasis on the IDB Strategy for Social Innovation in the two categories: ‘Financing Productive Development of Microenterprises’ and ‘Strengthening Prevention Against Community Violence’.

The IDB said project solutions must focus on innovative approaches that will target poverty reduction and social development ac-

tivities that respond directly to the needs of socially and economically disadvantaged people, stimulate wide-spread civil society stakeholder group participation at the community level and pilot partnerships

28th May and, applicants can submit their questions by email to nexso@iadb.org.

The IDB will start a competitive process to accept innovative project concepts from June 10th. The IDB said it will only accept proposals

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Aries March 21 - April 19

For you to turn down an invitation, it takes something as life-or-death as a natural disaster.

No matter where you’re going, you insist on getting there first, mingling with absolutely everyone and leaving first, too -- so that you can be the first to ring the next doorbell, of course! For most of us -- like your current companion, for example, it can be an exhausting pace. Be merciful and walk just a little slower.

Taurus April 20 - May 20

You’ve been holding onto a secret for several days, at least. It probably has nothing to do with the person you’ve been seeing so much of lately, but because you’ve spent so much time together, they might think there’s something wrong. You don’t have to let the secret out to clear the air -- in fact, you don’t even have to get close to discussing what’s really on your mind. Just let them know they’re in the clear.

Gemini May 21 - June 21

That recent confusion about where to go from here professionally passes quickly if you give it a chance. If you can’t quite seem to pin your boss or client down to a definite time for that big meeting, be patient. While you’re waiting, distract yourself with something easy you can pull off with only half of your brain operating, while you mull over the really important stuff.

Cancer June 22 - July 22

Believe it or not, your unshakable feeling of dread seems to actually be getting better. This morning, you wake up feeling like it might actually be on its way out for good -- then some fool says or does something to make you worry. Don’t give fools any power over you, your mood or your relationships with loved ones. You need to take charge.

with CSOs as implementing agencies to reach groups currently not being reached by other programmes.

Those eligible to apply are local and international civil society organisations that are legally constituted and registered in Guyana with a minimum of five years, with registration under either the Friendly Societies Act, Companies Act or Trust Deed, and the ability to prove their financial soundness by evidence of the latest ‘External’ audit report of the financial statements, no later than 2011.

The IDB said it has posted call documents on its website and started accepting questions for clarifications from 15th through the

received until 11:59 p.m.

(Guyana time) June 24th, 2014 or the day it reaches 500 received concept solutions, whichever is earlier.

It said, too, that the IDB Guyana Country Office will host briefing sessions in Georgetown, Berbice and Linden between May 27th and June 6th. Eligible organisations interested in participating in the briefing session are advised to contact the IDB at the following contact details below.

Readers can access the IDB’s full Call for Proposals information and guidelines by following this link: http://www.iadb. org/en/topics/civil-society/ call-for-proposals-civil-society-jpo/home,4216.html

Leo July 23 - August 22

Most people don’t like power struggles -- and some dislike them so intensely that they do just about anything to avoid them! Unfortunately, they get tossed in your path on a regular basis anyway. Whether you like them or not, they’re a terrific way to learn to defend yourself. Keep that in mind when someone starts pushing your buttons for what seems like no good reason.

Virgo August 23 - September 22

It may seem that you’re being led astray by someone you love. It might even seem like they’re trying to make a fool of you. There’s just one person who can determine what’s really going on, and that’s you. Do yourself a favour before you finish up the investigation: Be sure you’ve got all your facts straight and that you’re not just rehashing an old grudge, or any old incidents that involve jealousy.

Libra September 23 - October 22

You’re undeniably sociable -- it’s what you’re most famous for! That combines well with your ability to soothe troubled waters, no matter how many others have tried and failed before you arrived. Use those skills to add yet another successful outcome to your resume.

This time out, the others saying this dispute just can’t be solved may be right. Don’t beat yourself up if it turns out that way!

Scorpio October 23 - November 21

If anyone knows that nothing ever happens until all conditions are right, you do -- so when someone close calls to vent because things aren’t progressing as they want, try to get that point across. You could also remind them that they’re not alone and that other peoples’ agendas can interfere with their own. If this is the hundredth time you’ve had to say this, just tell them to grow up!

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21

Weird variables that come into play when you meet someone fascinating never mean much to you or get in the way of getting to know them. You tend to drop what you’re doing and give them your full attention immediately. That’s due to happen now -- just be sure not to hurt anyone’s feelings in the process! The person you’re supposed to be devoting that attention to might feel left out.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19

Put the phone down -- you don’t need emergency psychological care, and you’re not going to give anyone the impression that you do just because they spot a tear in your eye for the first time. It’s okay -- whether it’s nostalgia (a likely cause) or frustration, you have every right to let your feelings show. Just because you have the right, that doesn’t mean you’re comfortable with it -- but at least try it out.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18

It’s never easy to fool you, as you’re far too smart. You can spot a phony a mile away, regardless of how sure they are that they’ve perfected their technique. At the moment, though, you still need to be careful of misplacing money -- literally, figuratively or via some bizarre bookkeeping error. Call someone who isn’t quite so involved to check over your figures. It couldn’t hurt!

Pisces February 19 - March 20

It’s another emotional day for you -- and another day of feeling powerless to keep your face from betraying each and every emotion that flows through you. The good part is that everyone who loves you also loves your ability to feel so intently. It’s not just endearing, but also enviable. For most, letting feelings show is even more of a battle than herding cats.

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Atwell faces Mexico’s Gonzales for WBC Featherweight title tonight I‘m going back to Guyana with the world championship knockout - Atwell

GUYANA’S Clive ‘the Punisher’ Atwell will always be remembered by many as the amateur fighter who ruled with an iron fist – literally – having won bronze in the 2007 Pan American Games that was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in the Bantamweight division and also having an illustrious career.

Today, the 25-year-old will seek to set a new legacy as he faces Mexico’s Jhonny Gonzales for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Featherweight title tonight at the Convention Centre in Acapulco, Mexico.

At the Pre-fight Press Conference, Atwell said, “I’m a boxer and classy high quality so I ‘m going back to Guyana with the world championship. I have the strength and power to win by knockout.”

The Mexican media believed that Atwell seemed

a little too ambitious for thinking he can put Gonzales to sleep.

Gonzalez, who also holds the International Boxing Organisation Featherweight title was his usual self, only mentioned that he wants to “get into the ring and feel active. I feel motivated and very happy. I have no inactivity to hurt me, was training in a good way and I’m ready to defend the world championship”.

The 32-year-old Mexican is regarded by many pundits of the sport as one of the best fighters in his division and he has a record that substantiates those claims, winning 55 of his 63 fights and losing only eight times in his career that stretches back to 1999.

For Atwell, some believe that the world’s number 12 ranked shot at the world title was rightfully deserved while some claim his management should’ve waited a little longer before pursuing any title.

Atwell has been showing vast improvement since making his smooth transition from amateur to professional in 2010.

Atwell won his first belt – the vacant Guyana Featherweight title – in dramatic fashion by knocking out Rudolph Fraser in round two of twelve at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Four months later, he won the vacant WBC Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) light welterweight belt, stopping Trin-

Blake, Fraser-Pryce lead ...

From Backpage

one of the five relays.

Jamaica will be heavy favourites in the 4x200 where Olympic silver medallist Warren Weir will lead the line, with the Americans again challenging with a team spearheaded by Wallace Spearmon and Walter Dix. The 4x400 should also create a stir, with the United States, Jamaica, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and several European teams expected to produce strong performances.

With World 400m champion LaShawn Merritt in the squad along with silver medallist Tony McQuay, the Americans will be seen as distinct favourites.

However, hosts Bahamas have entered a strong team led by world indoor silver medallist Chris Brown, and which includes Demetrius Pinder, Michael Mathieu and Ramon Miller.

“When you look up at a big meet, usually you see the Jamaican flags and the American flags,” Brown told media here.

“This weekend we’ll still have the Jamaicans, but there will be plenty of our own flags as well. We’re looking to put on a show here and bring some heat.”

Fireworks are also expected on the women’s side of the draw where sprint queen, Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, will do battle in the 4x100 and 4x200 relays.

In the 4x100m, Fras-

er-Pryce will be joined by the championship-winning team from last year’s World Championships in Moscow – Carrie Russell, Kerron Stewart and Schillonie Calvert.

The American team of Alexandria Anderson, Tianna Bartoletta, LaKeisha Lawson,

English Haydock 08:35 hrs Glenard 09:05 hrs Out Do 09:40 hrs Hot Streak 10:10 hrs Joyeuse 10:45 hrs Chatez 11:20 hrs Wrangler 11:55 hrs Indy Goodwood 08:50 hrs French Navy 09:20 hrs Mirsaale 09:55 hrs Wahaab 10:30 hrs Exentricity 11:05 hrs Continuum 11:40 hrs Mon Brav 12:15 hrs Palerma Beverley 09:00 hrs Thankyou Very Much 09:30 hrs Make On Madam 10:05 hrs Willbeme 10:40 hrs Denzille Lane 11:15 hrs Basem 11:50 hrs Jacbequik 12;25 hrs Ewell Place Irish Racing Tips Curragh 08:45 hrs As Good As Gold

idadian Prince Lee Isidore with a 12-round TKO. The boxing world began to take notice of the smarttalking Agricola resident who seems to only know how to win via the knock-out route.

Atwell’s victory over Columbia’s Rafael Hernandez later not only landed him the vacant WBC Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) Featherweight title but also a World ranking, placing him in some very elite company.

He then went on to win his next three fights in regular fashion – by TKO – and soon after came the opportunity to face Gonzales and a chance to etch his name in Guyana’s rich boxing history.

Babara Pierre, Stacey-Ann Smith are expected to play catch up.

In the 4x200, Jamaica and the U.S. are likely to go headto-head again, but Nigeria, Trinidad and Tobago, and Great Britain will be striving to cause an upset.

The World Relays will see 500 athletes from more than 40 countries compete for total prize money of US$1.4 million.

09:15 hrs The Great Wall 09:45 hrs Darwin 10:20 hrs Kingman 10:55 hrs Peace Burg 11:30 hrs John Constable 12:05 hrs Harley’s Harley South Africa racing Tips Kenilworth 08:15 hrs Princess Eleanor 08:55 hrs Emerald Albert 09:35 hrs Valerio 10:20 hrs Grasp Your Destiny 11:00 hrs Cardinal Scottsville 08:40 hrs Harry’s Son 09:20 hrs Via Africa 10:00 hrs Tevez 10:40 hrs Guest El Grande American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 St Moose Race 2 Suave and Smooth Race 3 Anmaat Race 4 Bio Pro Race 5 Hot Squeeze Race 6 Brandini Race 7 Mississippi Duel Race 8 Cousin Michael Race 9 Abaco

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 24, 2014

Kings XI confirm pole position with tenth IPL win KINGS XI Punjab ensured they finish top of the table with their tenth win of the season, handing a comprehensive defeat to Rajasthan Royals.

The result kept the final playoff spot open, with Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad’s hopes alive, along with Royals’, going into the final round of matches.

(Scores: Kings XI Punjab 179 for 4 (Marsh 40) beat Rajasthan Royals 163 for 8 (Faulkner 35*, Karanveer 2-16, Dhawan 2-25) by 16 runs All of the Kings XI top six, without the rested Glenn Maxwell, contributed to push them to 179 for 4 after they were asked to bat.

Virender Sehwag and Manan Vohra provided the initial boost, Shaun Marsh and Wriddhiman Saha kept them going in the middle stages, and David Miller and George Bailey powered

Leg-spinner Karanveer Singh finishes with impressive figures of 2 for 16 in four overs on his debut. away to a big finish.

Barring a short-lived starting surge from Karun Nair, Royals were never allowed to get ahead in the chase. Ajinkya Rahane and Sanju Samson were tied down, before Rishi Dhawan broke through with the wickets of Rahane and Shane Watson off successive deliveries.

Leg-spinner Karanveer Singh, on IPL debut, struck twice in successive overs as Royals slid to 83 for 5 at the start of the 14th over, a position from which there was no coming back.

Kings XI pulled ahead early when Sehwag started with three successive boundaries in the first over off seamer Vikramjeet Malik, who was

playing his first match of the season. Sehwag fell soon for 18 off 8, and Manan Vohra took over.

Vohra was in superb touch again, a smooth pickup off Watson ending up way over the deep midwicket boundary. But Vohra ran himself out in careless fashion after Kings XI had built a solid base of 53 for 1 in six overs.

There was little let-up in the scoring though as Wriddhiman Saha pulled and paddled Pravin Tambe for consecutive fours. Saha and Marsh kept finding at least a boundary an over against the leg-spinners Tambe and Tewatia. Even as Kings XI motored past 100, Marsh fell against the run of play, lofting Malik to long-on, before there was a short delay due to a drizzle.

Only 20 runs came in four overs after the break, and Kings XI also lost Saha to a well-judged take on the straight boundary from

Simmons among the runs as Mumbai win

MUMBAI, India – West Indies batsman Lendl Simmons once again played a key role as Mumbai Indians beat Delhi Daredevils by 15 runs to remain in the hunt for a playoff spot in the Indian Premier League yesterday.

Playing at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai piled up 173 all out off 19.3 overs after being sent in, and then restricted Delhi to 158 for four.

The victory carried Mumbai fifth in the standings on 12 points, with a single match left to play in the preliminary round.

Simmons struck a measured 35 to follow up his maiden Twenty20 century earlier in the week, posting 87 off 48 balls for the first wicket with Australian Mike Hussey who hit the top score of 56.

Lendl Simmons

The enterprising Trinidadian right-hander faced 25 balls and counted five fours before he was caught in the deep, mis-timing an attempted big hit off South Africa leg-spinner Imran Tahir and slicing a catch to Wayne Parnell at cover.

A late call-up as a replacement for the injured Jalaj Saxena, Simmons now has 315 runs from just six innings.

Captain Rohit Sharma then chipped in with 30 but

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday May 24, 2014) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: 66 runs (CSK vs Kings XI Punjab) 40 matches Today’s Quiz: Who top-scored in the IPL 2010 final?

How many runs he scored?

How many sixes were struck in the IPL 2010 final?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Mumbai lost their last eight wickets for 33 runs, as their innings tailed away badly.

Simmons’ Windies teammate Kieron Pollard blasted the first ball he received back overhead for six off spinner JP Duminy but managed just 11 before edging a full-length delivery from left-arm seamer Jaydev Unadkat behind in the 15th over.

In reply Duminy topscored with 45 from 29 balls while England stroke-maker Kevin Pietersen hit 44 from 31 balls. However, Mumbai’s bowlers strangled the Delhi batsmen, and they were always behind the eight-ball.

Delhi lie bottom of the table and have already been eliminated from playoff contention.

Cook praises ‘fantastic’ Jordan

LONDON, England (CMC) – England captain Alistair Cook has hailed the performance of Barbadian all-rounder Chris Jordan, and says it made the difference in his side’s comprehensive 81-run win over Sri Lanka on Thursday.

Jordan, who was born in Barbados and played first class cricket for the island as recently as last year, smashed an unbeaten 38 from 13 balls and returned to snare three for 25 with his pace, as England took a 1-0 lead in the five-match one-day series.

“It was a fantastic performance,” Cook said afterward.

“To come in and whack it like he did – he hit a really clean ball, against a very good death bowler (Lasith Malinga) – was a credit.

“That extra 30-odd we got in the last two overs gave us that momentum swing we really needed.”

Jordan entered the contest in the 36th over after the England innings was reduced to 39 overs because of a rain interruption, and proceeded to dominate the Sri Lanka attack.

He belted five fours and two sixes in an unbroken 54-run, seventh-wicket stand with Jos Buttler (26 not out), allowing England to gather a whopping 93 runs from the last seven overs.

When Sri Lanka batted, Jordan rebounded from a weak start to claim the key wickets of Tillakaratne Dilshan for 33, and Dinesh Chandimal for eight.

“He probably didn’t start off as well in the first two overs (with the ball),” Cook said.

Rahane off Tewatia. At 133 for 4 after 17 overs, Kings XI were still in need of a final assault, and Miller and

Bailey provided it. James Faulkner was taken for 23 in the penultimate over as 46 came off the last three.

GFF boss Matthias ...

From Backpage

Congress have the ability to approve or disapprove, it seems that they are folks within the Congress, who are bent on doing much more than they are constitutionally required to do.

“Some members it appears are not only very interested in approving the budget, but seeking to declare and design who must be in charge of spending the money.

It is most ridiculous, most

unfortunate that for an entire year, persons were spending their effort and energy in not seeking to help football develop, but seeking to derail the process; disguised as Presidential caucuses, in their very nature, characteristics of coup.

We would have none of that,” said Matthias.

A contacted Lumumba, when told of Matthias’ declaration, said, “I will have to get on to the others and see where it goes.”

Lara, Botham to feature in all-star charity

BASSETERRE, St Kitts CMC – West Indies batting star Brian Lara and legendary England all-rounder Sir Ian Botham have been named as captains for an all-star charity Twenty20 clash, set to take place during this year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

The game, scheduled for August 12 at Warner Park here, is expected to bring together a several cricket celebrities, past and present, and will serve as a key plank in the buildup to the CPL final, four days later at the same venue.

British media personality Piers Morgan has already been confirmed to play for the XI led by Sir Ian. “I know how important cricket is to everyone in the Caribbean, and CPL has done a lot to reignite the region’s love for the game,” Sir Ian said.

“St Kitts is an amazing island of rare beauty, full of wonderful people and I’m excited to give something back to the country, through this charity match, as well as getting the chance to watch the closing stages of the CPL.” Lara, who quit international cricket in 2007, holds the West Indies record for the most Test runs, and also holds the record for the highest scores in Test and first class cricket.

The Trinidadian said he was looking forward to the contest and to the start of the CPL, which bowls off July 11 in Grenada.

“I’ve seen first-hand the impact CPL has had on the region. Players and fans love it, it’s great for our upand-coming talent, and it provides an economic boost as well,” the former West Indies captain said.

“I’ve always believed in the importance of giving back to the Caribbean, and this match will be a great way to do that. It’s going to be fun to play with and against some old friends and reignite some old rivalries.”

The game will form part of a hectic period in St Kitts as Warner Park will host the final six preliminary games of the CPL starting from August 7, and will also play host to the semi-finals carded for August 13 and 14.

The CPL is in its second year and features six teams – defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs, last year’s losing finalists Guyana Amazon Warriors, Antigua Hawksbills, Barbados Tridents, St Lucia Zouks and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel – playing 30 games across eight venues.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Ninvalle pleased with works completed so far (See on synthetic track Story on page 39)

Blake, Fraser-Pryce GFF boss Matthias willing to resign lead defence of if found guilty of any wrongdoing Jamaica’s honour … challenges accusers to public debate

By Rawle Toney

IT’S BEEN exactly one year, one month and eleven days since Christopher Matthias was elected president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), following a closely-fought battle against Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major.

But most of his time in office has been spent either trying to shape the image of the GFF or defending himself against those who feel that having him as president was bad for the sport, which is considered number one in the world.

At the highly anticipated GFF General Congress, a ‘No-Confidence’ vote was moved against Matthias but several highly publicised factors kept it from actually being passed, forcing that meeting to be postponed.

The meeting was observed by officials from world governing body FIFA and its affiliate CONCACAF and both parties had expressed dissatisfaction at the way it was abruptly ended and advised that it be reconvened within 40 days.

Sunday June 1 is the date

GFF president during yesterday’s Press Conference (Sonell Nelson photo) tentatively given by GFF when its highest decision-making body will all sit once again and, based on the happenings over the last couple of weeks, the “get Matthias out” campaign will surface again.

However, yesterday Matthias, at a specially arranged Press Conference at the GFF Campbellville office, sent shockwaves through the local fraternity, announcing that he’s willing to resign from the office of the Federation if found guilty of any wrongdoings.

But, it’s not that easy.

“I take this opportunity to invite the members of the

Congress and of the federation, who feel aggrieved with any matter, to choose among themselves a leader, who will join me on any national programme of his choice, paid for by the GFF and for us to put to the Nation at large, the issue that they would’ve indicated being the only issue and for the Nation to judge who is correct,” Matthias said.

Matthias gave a 48-hour ultimatum to his accusers, stating, “If they’re interested, they will contact the GFF office and let’s set it up. As I said, I will simply walk away” “I respectfully ask for them to address the issue in

a timely manner, and more over, to indicate to them, that we either have meaningful and professional dialogue in the interest of football to be settled once and for all or we go public as they seem interested in, to the nation and if I, as president, am found to be incorrect as to the issue which was addressed on May 15, I would resign with immediate effect because I would not be a fit and proper person to lead the development of this nation’s football,” the GFF president noted.

Meanwhile, Matthias also pointed out that should he also be deemed correct in the way he has chosen to run the GFF, he would “equally ask Mr Odinga Lumumba, Mr Vernon Burnett, Mr Frankie Wilson, Mr Alfred King, Mr Wayne Francois, Mr Wayne Dover, Mr Sampson Gilbert, Mr Aubrey Hudson, Mr Joseph Wilson to step down – since they would’ve been woefully deceitful in trying to deceive this nation.

While the members of See Page 38

Atwell faces Mexico’s Gonzales for WBC Featherweight title tonight (See Story on page 35)

(See Story on page 26) Guyana’s Clive ‘The Punisher’ Atwell (left) and Mexico’s Jhonny Gonzales after weigh-in ahead of the WBC Featherweight title fight Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

Yohan NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) – Superstar Usain Bolt will not be present but the IAAF World Relays are still expected to provide plenty excitement when the event is staged at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium here this weekend.

Bolt is yet to turn out on the international circuit this season and his absence, while creating a void, also leaves the door wide open for others to dominate at the inaugural showpiece.

The Jamaica sprint relay men’s squad is usually anchored by the multiple World and Olympic champion but will be no less of a threat when they square off with the likes of the United States, Great Britain and hosts the Bahamas.

“Usain, unfortunately he can’t be here, but he sends his regards to everyone and he’s expecting someone to step up and fill his spot,” Blake told a press conference yesterday.

Blake, Bolt’s training partner, is likely to take the spotlight. He is the emerging star from the Caribbean island that has produced a plethora of great athletes, and is widely regarded as the heir-apparent to Bolt.

He is therefore likely to lead the Jamaica squad who will be heavy favourites to win the signature 4x100. Jamaica are the world record-holders with a time of 36.84 seconds,

Blake set at the London 2012 Olympics, and are winners of the last two Olympic titles.

Add to that the last three World titles and it is difficult to bet against them, even without Bolt present.

Blake, in his typical calm style, said he was anxious to line up at the event and promised Jamaica would not disappoint.

“I just want to keep the train going. I love relays myself and a good performance here would be a good return to competition for me,” he said. “It’s good to come here.

They’ll see the best of us.”

Blake will look to compatriots Shane Bailey, Kemar Bailey-Cole, Nesta Carter and Andrew Fisher, as he seeks to defend Jamaica’s honour in the sprint relay.

Their biggest threat, as usual, is expected to come from the United States whose team comprises the likes of Mike Rodgers, Trell Kimmons, Calesio Newman, Charles Silmon, Marvin Bracy and Rakieem Salaam.

While the sprint relay is expected to headline the showpiece, there will also be battles in the 4x200 metres, 4x400 metres, 4x800 metres and 4x1500 metres relays.

Thirty-six different countries have teams entered in at least See Page 35

SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014