guyana No. 103960 Wednesday september 24, 2014
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President tells Developed World…
‘Put your money where your mouth is’ Page
President Donald Ramotar shares a light moment with Commonwealth Secretary-General, Mr Kamalesh Sharma during a meeting to discuss a range of issues on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York
Trotman allegedly offered $1.7M to young man who accused him of sexual assault
Obama says...
Global climate deal must include emerging economies
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Page Jonny Welshman Jr.
Raphael Trotman
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 24, 2014
PM denies Administration played any part in allegations against Speaker – Trotman allegedly offered $1.7M to young man who accused him of sexual assault
22-year-old Jonny Welshman Jr. with a copy of the job recommendation he allegedly received from House Speaker, Mr. Raphael Trotman (Photo courtesy Guyana Times)
SPEAKER of the National Assembly, Mr. Raphael Trotman, has allegedly offered a settlement of $1.7M to a young man, who has levelled allegations of sexual assault. This was according to the young man, 22-year-old Jonny Welshman Jr., who first made the disclosure of assault on the popular social media site, Facebook. Trotman has since denied the claims, adding that the allegations have seemingly stemmed from a political plot. Acting President and Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Hinds, in an invited comment, rejected the assertions
Raphael Trotman
PM Sam Hinds
of a political ploy by the ruling party. “I know of us doing no such things,” he stressed. According to media reports, published earlier this week, the young man has
been subject to abuse from age 13 and his father is aware of the assault, but provided him no support. This, he stated, led to him not speaking up about the incident. Fur-
ther, he adds that the House Speaker later offered to support him in his search for employment, furnishing him with a letter of recommendation. However, he noted that the one promising opportunity, at the Pegasus Hotel, fell through. The Hotel is owned by Mr. Robert Badal, a reported major financier of Trotman’s party, the Alliance For Change (AFC). The young man adds that he has been receiving medical attention, in the form of counselling. He is represented by Attorney-at-Law, Ms. Jaya Manickchand, and the police are also involved in the matter.
Sattaur: AFC’s resignation call ‘borders on intimidation’ – vows to ensure Agency’s mandate is carried out to the letter THE Alliance for Change (AFC) yesterday called for
the resignation of Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Khurshid Sattaur. Penning a statement in response, Sattaur said the call is not only malicious but borders on intimidation. The resignation call was first made public by the Online news site, News Source Guyana. According to the News Source article,
quoting the AFC, “There is incontrovertible evidence as to the scandalous levels of this seemingly highly orchestrated illegal and vile campaign of fear and intimidation which reaches the highest level of government.” But according to the Commissioner-General, he is not aware of any such “incontrovertible evidence”. He then went on to say that
it is rather duplicitous of the AFC to be calling on the GRA, on the one hand, to ensure that taxes are collected from all in a fair manner, and yet, instead of standing up in support when such evasions are discovered, the focus is diverted to attack the Agency on perceived revelation of information purportedly emanating from the GRA. “The GRA wishes to assure the public that the GRA is mandated to uphold the public trust, and will continue to do so,” he said, adding: “I will continue to carry out my duties as outlined in the mandate of the Revenue Authority, since failure to do so would be tantamount to abdication of his responsibilities.” He concluded by say-
Mr. Khurshid Sattaur
ing: “It is unfair that in carrying out my mandate, it also requires me to exercise my mandate against persons who are intent
on bulliyism as a form of intimidation. However, this will not be condoned, and any such acts will be spoken against.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 24, 2014
President tells Developed World...
‘It’s time you put your money where your mouth is’ PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar yesterday urged world leaders at the United Nations Climate Summit’s Thematic Discussions on Climate Science to stop paying lip service when it comes to the issue of lowering carbon emissions and providing financing for climate change adaptation and mitigation. In closing remarks, the Guyanese Head of State, who co-chaired the discussions along with Mongolia’s President, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj,
urged that the entire world, and not just some countries, take Climate Change seriously. “The developed countries, who have been using most of the world’s resources anyhow, and who have been maybe the main polluters, have promised since 1970 to put 0.7% of their GDP towards assisting and fighting and reversing this climate change. It’s time they put their money where their mouth is,” he said to loud applause from the audience.
The President also called for closer partnership and collaboration among countries of the world in tackling the issue of Climate Change. He said science has already identified many solutions to the issue of Climate Change, but what is most needed now is commitment, political will, working together in making this a reality, and for us to make a contribution to our planet and to fulfill our responsibility to future generations. President Ramotar also spoke to the imminent chal-
lenges Climate Change poses to the world, and the need for all hands to be on deck to tackle the issue. “Climate Change is a reality, and it has been affecting many countries already, as we have heard here. In my own country,” he said, “it had a big effect on our economy. Up to the beginning of this Century, we had 120 days to do preparatory works in the sugar-cane industry. As of today, I am told that it is between 75 and 80 days only that we have had over the last
five years or so, which shows the impact it has had on our economy and the pressure it puts on small countries like ours (that are) trying to industrialize.” He, however, said that science and technology have been extremely important in pointing out these kinds of challenges, but he noted that the full benefits of science can only be realised by a combination of natural and social scientists as well as policy makers. He also spoke of Guy-
ana’s contribution that it has and continues to make in the global climate change fight. “Guyana has 85% of the country in pristine forest, and we understand how important it is. One of my colleagues talked about replanting the forest; I would say the big task is maintaining what we do have left in our society at this point in time, and here I think we can make a contribution,” he added. President Ramotar also spoke of the Guyana/Norway agreement.
President tells UN Climate Summit…
‘Solutions to Climate Change demand requisite political will’ By Vanessa Narine THE challenges of the prevailing climate change phenomenon will only be resolved if there is the political will to find the much needed solutions, President Donald Ramotar told world leaders yesterday. “There must be a strong focus on the reality that the solutions to climate change can only be realised with requisite political will,” he said while addressing the United Nation’s 2014 Climate Summit. According to him, the
knowledge and power to avert climate change related catastrophes exists, but the international community has been unable to muster the political will to tackle the problem in a meaningful way. “The international community is yet to summon the political will to turn this knowledge into meaningful action,” the President said. “We must use our presence as Heads of State and Government at this Summit to bring focus on the reality that the solutions to climate change can only be real-
President Donald Ramotar and the Guyana delegation at the Climate Conference yesterday
ised with requisite political will.” . CALL TO ACTION To this end, the Head of State issued a call to action, in light of the impending 2015 agreement deadline. “In the fifteen months to Paris, we must ensure that a number of things are done,” he said. The 2015 agreement is a new one that is expected to be adopted in 2015, at the Paris climate conference, and implemented from 2020. It is expected to take the form of a Protocol, another legal instrument or ‘an agreed outcome with legal force’, and will be applicable to all Parties. It is being negotiated through a process known as the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action. The remaining actions that have to be taken, according to the Guyanese leader, include deeper cuts in emissions by industrialised countries, as part of their
‘Developing countries are ready to take actions to develop along low-carbon and climate resilient paths, but the global financial system makes such actions difficult. Those countries most responsible for this climate change problem must take the lead in supporting those that are most vulnerable and least responsible’ -- President Donald Ramotar contribution to the 2015 agreement. M r. R a m o t a r s a i d , “Pledges since Copenhagen have been weak and insufficient and will see us falling significantly short of the goal we have set ourselves.” Secondly, he pointed to the willingness of developing countries to take action; a willingness that is restricted by limitations in resources. “Developing countries are ready to take actions to develop along low-carbon and climate resilient paths, but the global financial system makes such actions difficult. Those countries most responsible for this climate change problem must take the lead in supporting those which are most vulnerable and least responsible,” the
President said. Mr. Ramotar recommended the search for methods that will generate large flows of assistance to the developing world, or methods to provide better incentives for low carbon development. The Guyanese leader also highlighted the “tragic erosion” of trust since Copenhagen, with many developed countries failing to make their financial pledges a reality. “It is vital that the Green Climate Fund be capitalised urgently and at the scale required and furthermore that it be made fully operational no later than 2015,” he said. Finally, he referred to the fact that forests can offer up to 20 per cent of the climate solution, once the right financial incentives are
in place. The President said, “We cannot achieve the two degree goal without REDD+. The last COP in Warsaw delivered a REDD Plus decision for an international framework for payments. What remains now is for the financing to be made available to implement REDD Plus in forested countries. Such a financing scheme must include payments for ecosystem services.” GUYANA IS COMMITTED Additionally, Mr. Ramotar made clear Guyana’s commitment to advance effective action to both mitigate and adapt to climate change. “We are committed Turn to page 4
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 24, 2014
Harmon declares APNU-led protest marches a success – all that’s left to be seen is how ‘impactful’ they were
THE protest actions yesterday in different parts of the country by members and supporters of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have been declared a success. “They were successful; what is left to be seen is
‘The protests will continue until date for local government elections is set’ --APNU General Secretary, Joseph Harmon
rights. “We are still engaged in the education process,” he said. Harmon was firm in stating that APNU will con-
protest in Guyana with similar actions in New York. A small band of supporters held placards demanding local govern-
tution,” Harmon said. Yesterday’s protests followed the expiration of an ultimatum given to President Donald Ramotar by
A small band of protestors outside the Woodbine Ballroom in Brooklyn, New York (Photos courtesy of Aubrey Odle)
APNU members and supporters protest in front of the Office of the President
APNU supporters being addressed by party leader, Brigadier (Rt’d) David Granger
how impactful the protest actions were on the Government and its decision making,” newly appointed Party General Secretary, Mr. Joseph Harmon.told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday. According to him, APNU stands firm on educating the Guyanese people on their constitutional
ment elections, outside the Woodbine Ballroom in Brooklyn, New York, during a visit by President Donald Ramotar. “Our supporters in our overseas Chapters understand the importance of the Government fulfilling its constitutional obligations and are strongly opposed to breaches of the Consti-
tinue to “agitate” for the hosting of local government elections. “The protests will continue until date for local government elections is set,” he said, adding that the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) New York Chapter, which forms a major part of the APNU coalition, supported the
APNU Leader, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger. Mr. Granger had called on the Head of State to set a date for local government elections before September 15 or face the “mobilization of national and international” support by the party to ensure the elections are hosted. However, President Ra-
motar is holding fast to his position, in that he needs for Granger “to clarify what precisely” is his Party’s position before he can “properly respond” to his letter, since he, Granger, was saying one thing, and his Party another. Before the ultimatum, the APNU had made clear its support for the Alliance For Change (AFC)’s no-confidence motion, which, if passed with majority support, could see Guyana heading to an early general elections. In his reply, by letter, to Mr. Granger last Thursday, President Ramotar requested that the APNU Leader be specific as to what his Party wanted. Local government elec-
tions have not been held in Guyana since 1994. Prior to that, local government elections were last held in 1970. Subsequent to 1994, the elections could not be conducted because of the coincidence with the general and regional elections of 1997. Additionally, the House passed the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill 2013, which states that elections must be held on or before August 1, 2014. The August date was made via an amendment to the Bill, proposed by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), while the House was in Committee. However, this bill has not been assented to by the Head of State. (Vanessa Narine)
'Solutions to Climate...'
to action and have been acting for many years now,” he said. The President pointed to Guyana’s ambitious Low-Carbon Development Strategy, which was launched in 2009, as evidence of this commitment. Under the LCDS, a new development path has been set out; one that is based on deploying Guyana’s forests to mitigate global climate change, while using the benefits to enable low carbon development, improving climate change resilience and enabling national development. “The Guyana-Norway partnership has provided the impetus to move the LCDS
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forward, but more such partnerships are needed,” he said. Also, under the LCDS work has also been advanced in the area of renewable energy and in creating sustainable, low-carbon livelihoods for communities. The President said, “We have also mainstreamed climate change across the entire policy matrix. As a low-lying coastal state, we are particularly vulnerable to devastating climate change impacts. Adaptation activities and building resilience to improve our ability to cope are indispensable elements of our climate strategy.” However, he reiterated the need for firm financial com-
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mitments, which are essential to the success of Guyana’s ongoing efforts. “(These efforts) must be significantly increased to facilitate broad-scale deployment and allow their long-term sustainability,” he said. Mr. Ramotar expressed confidence that Guyana’s move to implement the menu of measures to mitigate and adapt to climate change will see the country averting a catastrophe. “We are far from achieving a less-than-two-degrees climate target, and our world is heading for climate catastrophe. If this continues, it will reverse development progress and destroy the lives and livelihoods of future generations,” he opined.
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Caribbean countries address climate change issues UNITED NATIONS, (CMC) – CARIBBEAN Community (CARICOM) countries yesterday took their concerns regarding the impact of climate change on their countries to the international stage and urged the global community to do more to ensure the survival of small island developing states. “Barbados is not prepared to ask others to do what we will not do ourselves. We therefore call on our global partners to stand with the most vulnerable and energise the enabling mechanisms including the Green Climate Fund and the Adaptation Fund to assist us in arresting the escalating and devastating impacts of climate change,” said Prime Minister Freundel Stuart. Addressing the special
President Donald Ramotar United Nations Summit on Climate Change, Prime Minister Stuart said that his island, which is classified as middle income, is denied access to concessional financing, and remains “vulnerable also to the adverse impact of
global climate change”. Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said it should be no surprise that the people of his country, like those of many small island developing states, are angry and frustrated. “They are angry because despite all their efforts to develop their economies, despite their efforts to build the infrastructure that would increase their productivity and withstand current impacts and slow onset events, despite their efforts to build the foundations of a better life for their children and grandchildren, the devastating effects of climate change destroy their work and set them back year after year, putting our sustainable development pathway off
Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart track.” Browne said there was also frustration because the governments of the nations that are among the worst offenders delay in making their contributions to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) launched three years ago to mobilise billions of U.S. dollars by 2020.
Guyana says external migration poses serious threat to its socio-economic development UNITED NATIONS, (CMC) – Guyana says external migration poses a serious dilemma for it, noting the country has experienced first hand the realities of the complex interrelationship between international migration and development. “We continue to explore appropriate initiatives to facilitate brain-circulation, including through the active contribution of the Diaspora to our national development,” Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodriques-Birkett told the 29 th special session of the United nations General Assembly on the follow-up programme of action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD)t.
She told the conference Monday that in the course of the 20 years since the ICPD, the threats to inclusive and sustainable development have increased in scope and severity. “Critical gaps in implementation remain. We concur with the clear perspective of the centrality of an understanding of the implications of population dynamics as a foundation and prerequisite for sustainable development. “Accordingly, the central vision and message of the ICPD bear even greater relevance today and must continue to animate our endeavours in elaborating a new development agenda,” she said.
The Foreign Minister said while Guyana was reaffirming and renewing its commitment to the ICPD Programme of Action and the outcome of its review, it has not been without challenges and much remains to be done. “Increased investment is crucial to build young people’s capabilities and to equip them with the skills to meet current labour demands. Early and life-long learning for our children, adolescents and youths and
the relevance of their education are important for nation-building. “Our review has made clear what has worked and clarified urgent imperatives in this new context for a systematic, comprehensive and integrated approach to population issues.”
“The GCF is yet to receive any funds that can be disbursed to developing countries. Yet, we, the small and developing countries of the world, are being pressed to undertake climate actions by the very culprits of climate change,” he added. Guyana warned that the world is far from achieving a less-than-two-degrees climate target and is heading for climate catastrophe, if this continues, warning “it will reverse development progress and destroy the lives and livelihoods of future generations. “We possess the knowledge and the power to avert this catastrophe - but the international community is yet to summon the political will to turn this knowledge into meaningful action,” said President Donald Ramotar, adding that the summit provides an opportunity to bring focus on the reality that the solutions to climate change can only be realised with requisite political will. Ramotar said that in 2009, Guyana launched one of the world’s most ambitious Low Carbon Development Strategies (LCDS) setting out a new development path that is based on deploying its forests to mitigate global climate change while using the benefits to enable low carbon development, improving climate change
resilience and enabling national development. “The Guyana-Norway partnership has provided the impetus to move the LCDS forward but more such partnerships are needed,” Ramotar said, adding that under the LCDS Guyana has advanced work in renewable energy and in creating sustainable, low-carbon livelihoods for communities. Oil-rich Trinidad and Tobago said it fully appreciates the position adopt by countries negatively affected by climate change. “Already our coastal and in-land regions are showing signs of the impact,” Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar told the summit, adding “we therefore support more determined collective action on climate change to achieve the pathway of keeping global temperature increase below 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2020.” She said Port of Spain also equally support the “very ambitious but achievable goal of net-zero global emissions before the end of the century. “Such support is no longer mere decisions that we make by the policies we implement; rather, they are crucial to securing the safety and survival of our people and the stability of economies like Trinidad and Tobago.”
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EDITORIAL
GUYANA
GuyExpo 2014
- ‘Transformation: Partnering for a Better Guyana’ Guyana’s largest Trade and Investment Exposition, GuyExpo, will be held this year from 2nd to 5th October. This event, which began in 1995 and showcases locally produced goods and services, became an annual event in 2004 and is now the longest sustained exhibition in the Caribbean. In that year, the organisers noted the growth and interdependence of international trade and opened the exhibition to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and other regional exhibitors. GuyExpo is now a national event and takes a permanent place on the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce’s Annual Calendar of Events.
Through GuyExpo, stronger focus is placed on the development of small and medium sized enterprises, which ensures that local businesses enjoy the level of growth and expansion that is needed for them to remain competitive at the regional and international levels. Both new and returning exhibitors recognise that participation at GuyExpo is one of the best ways to expose their business and to have the opportunity to display and showcase their products and services faceto-face with potential new customers in their target market, thereby giving them numerous benefits and advantages. One of the major focus at this Trade show is about creating linkages; many busi-
nesses see this as a platform and they return, while many have started as micro business, have expanded and no longer participate. Scores have benefitted in this way. Patrons also walk into the venue already very interested in various products and services. This is their very rare chance to be faceto-face with the decision makers. At this year’s GuyExpo, some 400 exhibitors, 70 overseas delegates and over 100,000 local and overseas visitors are expected, during the four days of the expo. According to the organisers, a company, product or service will be exposed to over 2000 persons per hour! These prospective clients are able to interact with businesses in an environment
that is comfortable and friendly. GuyExpo 2014 has attracted overseas participants coming from various countries including Argentina, Bangladesh, Barbados, Brazil French Guiana, India, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America (USA) and Suriname. In short, the event plays an integral role in the exhibitors’ marketing mix, while serving as a driving force behind the economy, taking into account the need to have merging markets. As part of the activities this year, Go-Invest in partnership with the GuyExpo Planning Committee will be hosting a Business Investment Forum from 9:30 hrs -12:00 hrs, and a Business Networking Forum from
13:00 hrs -16:00 hrs at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) on October 3rd. Here there will be presentations from Go-Invest on incentives as well as presentations from leaders in other sectors including Agriculture, Tourism and ICT. Already there has been feedback from countries including French Guiana, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados that are interested in finding products for export. These linkages will be facilitated at the Networking Forum and if businesses are not present at this time, they have another opportunity to meet at the Expo in a designated meeting area. There are many success
stories in relation to how local businesses have been able to take advantage of the linkages GuyExpo has created, and the impact of Guyana’s premier trade fair is reflected in a number of exhibitors, overseas and local, that continue to participate and the thousands of patrons that flock the exhibition site for this event. With the good management of past exhibitions, the annual event is now self-sufficient, and much improved, as the Government in collaboration with the private sector has raised the expo to the standard it is at today, boasting new features, themed pavilions, quality exhibits and wholesome entertainment.
To solve domestic violence, first understand its root causes YOUR Editorial of September 22, 2014 titled ‘Wanted: A holistic approach to Domestic Violence’ concludes that unless such an approach is adopted, the efforts at stopping domestic violence would fail. I disagree. Domestic violence is growing world-wide because no-one is addressing its root cause. For any problem to be addressed successfully, one must first understand what led to the problem in the first place. For example, in medical care, studies are performed to measure correlations between lifestyle behaviour and certain illnesses. So, from such studies, we know that reductions in the incidents of lung cancer require a decrease in the accumulation of nicotine in people lungs from
smoking tobacco products. We know that the excessive use of common salt leads to high blood pressure and that the consumption of fatty animal products to poor heart health. Basically such studies help us understand the root causes of health issues and by addressing them, we are able to improve the health of the nation and world population. Unfortunately, domestic violence has become such an emotional issue that a rational approach is being overlooked. Instead we end up with newspaper banners exclaiming: ‘Stop Domestic Violence’, commercials by movie celebrities for us to “no longer” stay on the sidelines, and a frenzy of cases, such as the one involving Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens football team, for
communal disciplinary action to what appears to be private matters, as in the Rice case, the now Ms. Rice didn’t see fit to exercise her option of filing a police complaint against her then fiancé. In this example, not only did Mr. Rice lose his very lucrative job, but the Commissioner of Football and the Ravens Owner are in danger of losing theirs for tardiness in taking “appropriate” action against him. Despite the continuation of this frenzy, nothing will change. The pendulum seems to be swinging in the direction discouraging relationships, perhaps an unintended solution to domestic violence. “Feminists” are pushing for solutions to sexual assault on campuses by influencing States in the U.S. to pass laws redefining
rape to include sex with a drunken female and requiring consensual sex to require an affirmation every step of an encounter known as “Yes Means Yes”. The backlash will come when mothers realise that their promising sons that they sacrifice so much to send to university are instead being incarcerated for copulating with females.
Let us be clear – domestic violence is basically directed against women. Although by no means scientific, a reading of the local newspapers would have us believe that much of this violence comes from male alcohol abuse, and female infidelity issues. If these are some of the root problems, then they have to be addressed to reduce, if not
end domestic violence. Our Country’s Social Services in conjunction with the Social Department at the University of Guyana should embark on determining these root causes and addressing them if we are not to waste a lot of time and resources on treating symptoms and reactions. LOUIS HOLDER
The ramifications of a no confidence motion THE no-confidence motion tabled by a member of the AFC is not an entirely surprising phenomenon, judging from the fact that its leader is obsessed with power. Certainly, he sees this no-confidence motion as a sure way to win an
election; that is his firm belief. However, I do not quite understand the logic behind his assumption, because a no-confidence motion does not mean an automatic end of the ruling party, it is just sim ply a m otion that has to be debated and
nothing else. If that motion is successful, which I doubt, then there will be an election. We are s o m e w a y a w a y f ro m that stage of the game. However, let us, for discussion purposes, delve
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 24, 2014
Freddie Kissoon’s mind is as unkempt as his appearance FOR the readers of Kaieteur News to truly understand the mindset of columnist Freddie Kissoon, it is necessary for me to repeat the definition of a word that I believe accurately describes this writer. The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines the word ‘pompous’ as: “Having or showing the attitude of people who speak and behave in a very formal and serious way because they believe that they are better, smarter, or more important than other people.” According to Google, ‘pompous’ means affectedly and irritatingly grand, solemn, or self-important - “a pompous ass who pretends
he knows everything.” Undoubtedly, Freddie Kissoon has his fan-club, whose members read his daily rants in criticising the government and besmirching the characters of decent members of the PPP/C Administration. The Minister of Education and our Executive President are constantly in his line of fire. His recent salvo aimed at President Donald Ramotar is another indication that Kissoon is in need of some serious help. The man’s mind is as unkempt as his appearance, for only a person that is psychologically disturbed, will allow such hatred, fabrication of lies, and distortion of facts to occupy his thoughts
One cut, Two cuts One cut, Two cuts, Three cuts, Four, She stops herself… “No, no more” But lying in the bath tub, Blade in her hand, Remembering how she had it all planned, A little note, on her bed, Left untouched, While it read: “When I’m gone, don’t mourn my death, for I am much better off dead. Mom and dad, I love you so, it’s not your fault I just wanted to go. I needed to leave this hurtful world, I was never a ‘happy’ girl I faked a smile for all to see, If they only knew how much I grieve, So when you find me, please don’t cry, It’s not your fault I wanted to die.” She wipes her eyes, And looks down at her wrists, Covered in cuts and blood pouring from it, Her face was filled with so much hurt Blood had now covered her shirt. So this was it, She thought to herself, If only those kids could see her here, She hears their constant mockery and jeer, “Slut”, “Fat”, “Ugly” It keeps replaying inside of her head, More and more she yearns to be dead. One cut Two cuts, Three cuts, Four, Cuts until she can’t anymore, Lying in the bathtub, lifeless, Still as a dummy, Tell me; Are your jokes still funny?
BIBI NERIZA RAMLALL (13 years old)
on a daily basis. His latest ‘beef ’ with the President of Guyana is that he spends too much time traveling and meeting people…two functions that come with the territory. In a recent letter, Kissoon wrote, “This week he addressed an education event, then opened the GT&T sponsored refurbishing of the UG labs, then Friday the man was on a plane to New York.” What is wrong with that? President Ramotar is a working president that is committed to serving all the people of this country. The Presidency may have given him the power to accomplish a lot more, but Donald Ramotar has always been a people’s person. To his credit, he never allowed the pressures that come with the presidency to deny ordinary Guyanese access to him. Meeting with the international communi-
ties and visiting the United Nations as he’s doing now, is an absolute necessity for any Head of State. That’s how he meets other Heads of State; that’s what brings development and investors to Guyana; that’s how treaties are established to protect our citizens and our sovereignty. That’s how foreign markets are open to Guyanese goods and services. As a student of politics, these are things that Freddie is aware of, yet he is prepared to stifle his conscience just to let the government look bad to those mindless suckers who believes everything he writes. Let there be no doubt, despite some personal reasons, Freddie Kissoon has a political agenda that’s as clear as daylight: He trying his best to get rid of the PPP/C Administration. And even if he has to shamelessly
lie through his teeth to ignore growth and development under the PPP/C, and to besmirch the characters of good and decent people, he will do so. One must ask, why? Is he being paid by the Opposition to keep up these relentless attacks on the government? It certainly appears so to me. Does Freddie feel that his constant attacks on the government are his way of repaying those who helped finance the mansion he lives in? That’s certainly another possibility. But whatever the reason, there is no justification, except perhaps someone suffering from a mental disorder, to decry his own race and country, and the government that protects his right to freedom of speech. Questions must also be asked: Is it benefitting Kaieteur News to allow a rattlesnake like Kissoon the use of
its pages to disseminate lies and misinformation; to continuously use disparagingly remarks to decry the country we all love and its citizens; and to inflict personal attacks on members of the Administration when I was told on several occasions by the editor, Adam Harris, that it is the policy of Kaieteur News not to allow personal attacks on anyone? Why is Freddie Kissoon an exception to this policy? Like so many others, I have restrained myself from responding to the filth that is spewed on a daily basis in the Freddie Kissoon Column in Kaieteur News. But every now and then, Guyanese need to be reminded of Freddie’s political agenda, and the danger of allowing him to poison the minds of those who read his column. HARRY GILL
The ramifications of ... From Page 6
into the possibilities of an election. For the convening of national elections one has to ask that pressing question: Is the Opposition ready for an election? My observation tells me they are not. This is the real issue here - the preparedness to face an electorate. As it stands, the mover of the motion is a sitting duck where popularity and credibility with the people are concerned. His party is riddled with disunity and all across this country there are damaging reports of the party’s corrupt practices. The problem is not just internal rifts among the top brass, but the mixed signals conveyed to the people who have to vote for them. At this juncture I must pause to highlight the shocking accusations of sodomy and pedophiliac behaviour made out against AFC founder leader Raphael Trotman. Certainly these latest developments will erode whatever confidence the people have in that party. I would deal with that matter in a subsequent letter.
Back to our no-confidence discussion: Ramjattan’s rabid obsession with power has caused him to table this motion, because he really wants to rule Guyana. He did not stop to think of all the ramifications he has to surmount to get there. For starters, he would not be considered for the post because that rotating leadership system of the AFC promptly disqualifies him. For this reason he mooted the idea of Moses Nagamootoo as the presidential candidate. The strategy here is to use Moses to capture the much-needed Indian vote - something that is not going to happen. Now, let us not forget that Ramjattan is making all of this maneuverability in a party that is dictated by a ‘Black Hierarchy’; Trotman and Nigel Hughes are the heavyweights in that party; so this emotional, over-ambitious, power-rush of his is certainly spinning out of control. Further to his plight is the fact that with 7 seats in parliament, the AFC is in no position to speak with any
authority in anything where the leadership of this country is concerned. For any single entity to challenge the PPP/C, or pose a threat, you must secure at least 30 seats in the house, and that is not forthcoming in the foreseeable future by any one party when you look at the trend of general elections in this country. Meantime, the PNC/
APNU, which should be the main broker in this mess, is not interested in general elections, while they too grapple with very deep-seated problems of their own. Finally, I must say that a no-confidence vote in the government is an ill-conceived, ill-advised move by the AFC. NEIL ADAMS
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Obama says global climate deal must include emerging economies
United States President Barack Obama speaks during the Climate Summit at United Nations headquarters in New York, September 23, 2014 (CREDIT: REUTERS/MIKE SEGAR)
by valerie volcovici (Reuters) - U.S. Pres ident Barack Obama said on Tuesday a new global agreement on climate change must include strong commitments from emerging economies and move past the rich-poor country divide that has h a m p e re d p ro g re s s i n United Nations negotiations. Obama addressed the U.N. climate change summit with a statement meant to build political momentum for a global deal on climate change in 2015 and a list of commitments his administration has made to address. He said a “global compact” needs to include strong commitments from some of the world’s emerging economies because the amount of greenhouse gases they emit increases as their economies grow. “This time we need an agreement that reflects economic realities in the next decade and beyond,” Obama said.
“It must be ambitious because that’s what the scale of this challenge demands.” Obama said that prior to taking the podium, he met with China’s vice premier Zhang Gaoli and they agreed that the world’s two biggest emitters “have a responsibility to lead.” China surpassed the United States in 2007 as the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter. Following Obama’s remarks, Zhang said China would aim to cap emissions or have them peak “as early as possible.” The issue is critical to U.N. negotiations. Some Chinese government advisers said this could happen after 2030. The minister also said China would double annual financial support for a fund specifically created for developing countries to help other developing countries become more resilient to climate change. Leaders mostly did not disclose specifics about the plans they are due to unveil next year, ahead of Paris climate talks scheduled for
December 2015. In response to a request by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for some indication of country plans, Prime Minister David Cameron said the UK is aiming to cut its greenhouse emissions by 80 percent by 2050 and to push the European Union to target a 40 percent reduction from 1990 levels by 2030. Some leaders announced financial commitments to help smooth the path to a 2015 agreement, with French President Francois Hollande saying his country would inject US$1 billion into the Green Climate Fund. South Korean President Park Geun-hye pledged to contribute up to US$100 million to that fund and Mexico said it would kick in US$10 million. “We will push everyone, large and small, rich a n d p o o r, i n t o a 2 0 1 5 global agreement in Paris that will deepen our initial efforts and break through challenges,” said Marshall Islands President Christopher Loeak.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 24, 2014
Labour Minister attends high-level policy meeting in Korea THE challenges related to achieving effective protection against unemployment in Latin America and the Caribbean is the focus of discussions at the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB’s) 2014 Labour Markets and Social Security Regional Policy Dialogue underway in Seoul, South Korea. Joining the discussions on Guyana’s behalf is its Labour Minister, Dr. Nanda K. Gopaul. The IV Regional Dialogue for Labour Policy and Social Security was organised by the bank’s Labour Market and Social Security Unit for from September 22-26, and brings together a select group of international experts and high-level government officials in charge of labour and social security issues. South Korea has implemented a comprehensive protection system against unemployment and now has an “Employment Insurance System”, to guarantee
Labour Minister Dr Nanda Kishore Gopaul participates in IDB’s high level labour and social security policy meeting in South Korea
the protection of unemployed workers, promote employment, and improve the professional capabilities of workers. Hence, included in the policy dialogue is a presentation of South
Korea’s protection system against unemployment, a visit to an employee attention centre and a firsthand look at features of an integrated employment promotion system.
PPP: City Hall ‘church service’ was ‘a calculated prelude’ – to Granger’s call for protest action THE ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said yesterday it is convinced that the recent hosting of what was purported to be a “church service” by City Mayor, Hamilton Green and his followers was no mere coincidence. The Party said in a statement that it has every reason to believe that the event was a calculated prelude to Opposition Leader, Mr David Granger’s call for protest action. The mere fact that the “service” had been planned for after the Opposition Leader had indicated his Party’s intention to take action by protesting is indicative of a deliberate attempt to rile-up public dissent in a planned way. Granger, on September 9, issued President Donald Ramotar an ultimatum saying he either set a date for Local Government Elections by Monday September 15, or face whatever consequences his A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) had up its sleeve. President Ramotar’s tacit refusal to give in to Granger’s demands has since resulted in
the latter calling on the public to take to the streets to back demands for holding Local Government Elections. The PPP is contending that the “church service” and Granger’s call are intended to be used as support-gathering mechanisms to instill fear and instability under the guise of calling for Local Government Elections as reflected in the Granger ultimatum. “This intention to once again hurt Guyana and Guyanese through protest action comes on the heels of a proposed No-Confidence Motion against the Government, and the ‘church service’ must be seen in this context,” the PPP said in its statement, adding: “The lawlessness and wanton disrespect that ensued during that supposed attempt to ‘worship’, brought to the fore the well established characteristics of the PNC through the protests engineered by the PNC. Its negative impact to people and property is well documented, and all Guyanese must remain vigilant and guard against such disruptive events.” The Party seized the opportunity to commend Head of the City Constabulary,
Mr. Andrew Foo; Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Gordon Langevine and their team for the action taken to avoid further chaos during the “church service”. Tension mounted last Monday at City Hall, after persons were barred from entering the compound where a prayer session, followed by a meeting organised by the Mayor and certain Councillors were scheduled to be held. The Chief Constable, who is solely responsible for security at City Hall, had related however that to the best of his knowledge, a prayer service was scheduled to be held in the morning but the Constabulary would have received information that it was likely that among the persons who would have gathered, would be some “disruptive elements.” Foo noted that it is against this backdrop that he had decided to implement security measures, making it known that the decisions made was based on the fact that the constabulary had received certain information. “It’s based on the fact of what the Constabulary has received in terms of information,” he said.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 24, 2014
The farming world is the landscape that encapsulates our history
Dharamkumar Seeraj THE farming world is the landscape that encapsulates our history; the broadest, deepest parameters of our survival in every context; the infrastructure of our social fabric; and the basis of our economy. Plants are the lungs of the world, and their fruits provide nutritional and medicinal sustenance for every species of animal – either directly or indirectly. The creator blessed this country with lush rainforests and unique, multitudinous species of flora and fauna; and Guyana’s food producers have converted this abundance into a plethora of products that add significantly to the world’s food chain. Farmers feed the world, they clothe the world and, even if indirectly, they house the world; but in a large measure they are unappreciated and neglected. Farming is not generally conducive to wealth-creation as it is currently managed by world leaders, who almost always put farmers on the back burner when it comes to prioritising support for industries in a global context; and even – especially within nation states. The UN committed to ‘halving’ hunger by 2015, at a time when there was an estimated 800 million hungry people across the globe. Today the estimates are graphed at an approximate 854 million, which is about 17%
of the world’s population. Despite the UN’s promises, world hunger is inexorably increasing. God has provided abundantly for mankind, but world leaders are directly responsible for laying waste the Lord’s bounty. They are culpable for every man, woman, or child who dies of hunger. World leaders are, to misquote, “beating their ploughshares into swords.” If farmers are empowered and supported, world hunger will automatically be eradicated as a natural consequence, which will hallmark the attainment of one of the primary Millennium Developmental Goals (MDGs). The free-market system and the imperative of maintaining the integrity of our international protocols – especially not compromising WTO-compatibility because of the sword of Damocles of trading sanctions levied against our export commodities, which Guyana can ill-afford, constrains our Government in the granting of subsidies to farmers. However, the support to the agricultural sector has been sustained and has been reflected in budgetary allocations. Because of dramatic recession that has impacted on third-world economies the price of rice, one of our major agricultural exports, which contributes signifi-
cantly to agriculture GDP, has plummeted on the world marketplace, which is creating insecurities in the industry. Sadly, the distress to farmers has been exacerbated by political opportunists and propagandists who have been peddling misinformation and outright lies to the farmers. At a press conference, held at the Tower Hotel on Wednesday, 4th March 2009, General-Secretary of the RPA, Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj, outlined the variables contributing to the decline of paddy prices. At that and other fora he also spoke of the many interventions the Government has made to minimise cost of inputs and other overheads in the production of the commodity, which include, inter alia, 1) waiver of
in specific areas for 2007; 4) exemption from VAT of fertilizers, pesticides, harrows, ploughs, and other machinery used in rice cultivation and production. D & I structures and facilitating mechanisms are being attended to nationwide on a continuous basis. The RPA constantly lobbies for protection of farmers, and the Government has proven itself very receptive, and has made the many interventions over the years to protect/empower the farmers. In efforts to provide farmers with alternative incomes Government has been supporting farmers in diversification initiatives with training, the supply of livestock, and the provision of infrastructural mechanisms, such
Farmers feed the world, they clothe the world and, even if indirectly, they house the world; but in a large measure they are unappreciated and neglected. CET on fertilizer imports; 2) reduction of C-tax/excise on fuel; 3) waiver in D&I rates
as the RPA’s experimental integrated rice/fish project at Crane in Region 3.
Jagnarine Singh Infrastructural development discover new strains of rice is being ramped up, and in view that could withstand the variof the decelerating prices being ables that detrimentally affect offered for paddy, the Govern- rice cultivation. ment has invested millions to No PPP Government has sustain the viability of the indus- ever abandoned the farming try during times of crisis, until community and the continthe dynamics in the industry uum of support and interstabilised to make rice produc- ventions provided to the agtion profitable once more. riculture sector has assured Even bankers have been farmers that Government amenable to flexible configu- will continue to address their rations that are not punitive to concerns and has alleviated farmers who have been affect- their fears, which have been ed by the dynamics of climate fuelled by divisive elements change and other natural and pursuing their own nefarious external factors. agendas. GRDB’s Jagnarine Singh Guyana’s food securisaid that the Burma Rice Re- ty is assured at all times, search Station has boosted because the Government production and continually test is prepared to support its new lines and engage in other agricultural sector to the areas of research in efforts to optimum.
Prison Service puts emphasis on reintegration By Shivanie Sugrim THE Guyana Prison Service has been very active in hosting a number of programmes at its five prison locations countrywide in order to enhance the welfare of its inmates, according to Reverend Fay Clarke, Officer-in-Charge of Welfare and Corrections. The programmes are diverse since they aim to foster societal cohesion among inmates while focusing on strengthening their mentality as a whole. Aside from cliché programmes there are circular programmes such as mechanical engineering, ap-
--OIC, Welfare and Corrections
Reverend Fay Clarke prenticeship, court training and anger management among others that the Prison Service is providing for inmates. Moreover, as part of the listed programmes, the pris-
ons have participated in the literacy competitions that were hosted by the National Library, and have seen such improvements that it is now a priority to foster literacy for all inmates in Guyana. The Officer-in-Charge of Welfare and Corrections in the Guyana Prison Service said: “I think when one compares Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean, the Guyana Prison Service under the Ministry of Home Affairs has been proactive in recognising the need for a new approach in prison management with an emphasis
and focus on reintegration.” Meanwhile, the Welfare and Corrections Department is seeking to collaborate with stakeholders who are interested in participating in the programmes offered by the Prison Service. The objectives of these programmes are to expand prisoners’ retraining opportunities, develop synergistic economic and social activities to not only benefit the prisoners but also their families and to better motivate inmates who would be less likely to riot or become involved in planned escapes.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 24, 2014
Man’s decomposed body found in his Albouystown apartment --the second such find in 36 hours
By Leroy Smith RANKS of the Ruimveldt Police Station were called to the scene of an Albouystown apartment building early last evening to investigate what appeared to be the decomposing body of an occupant of one of the apartments. Upon their arrival, the police entered the apartment by removing a chain which was wrapped around the door to the apartment. They discov-
ered the decomposing remains of a man known as “Buttery”. Residents reported last seeing the man on Saturday, and it was not until persons liming around the area began smelling something strange yesterday that it was realised that the man had not been seen for about three days. The police were summoned, and they discovered his body lying on his bed in a very untidy apartment littered with clothing, lighters, cigarette butts,
newspapers and empty bottles, among other things. The police are treating the man’s death as resulting from natural causes because they reportedly found no marks of violence on his body. When this publication visited the area last evening, one man was overheard commenting that the man may have died as a result of the lashes he had received sometime last week. The resident did not go into details about what lashes
he was talking about, and who might have beaten the man. A post-mortem is expected to be performed on the remains on Friday. This is the second body to be discovered in the space of 36 hours. On Monday, the badly decomposed remains of a male was discovered near a cemetery at Cummings Lodge, with its head in a plastic bag a short distance away. Investigators removed the body from the area with its discovered head on a car mat.
The body was clad in what appeared to be a long black pants even as the jersey that the individual was wearing at the time he met his demise began rotting on his remains. Investigators are said to be working on the theory that the man might have been murdered somewhere else and dumped at the location. Recently, the police were also called to the discovery of yet another decomposed body -- this time a female -- which is widely believed
to be that of missing secondary school teacher Nyozi Goodman. While Goodman’s mother has said that the remains which were discovered are those of her daughter owing to items which were found next to the body that relatives identified as belonging to the woman, the police were still forced to send samples of the remains to Trinidad and Tobago to come to the unmistakable conclusion of whose remains the body is.
AFC colleagues question veracity of Ramjattan’s ‘buy-out’ claims WHILE Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, is standing his ground that the ruling party attempted a “buy-out” of three Members of Parliament (MPs), many of his Party colleagues are saying differently. Up to yesterday, two AFC MPS, namely Ms Valeria Garrido-Lowe and Mr. Trevor Williams, were on record as saying they were never approached by the
Trevor Williams People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) with any such offer. At a press conference last Thursday, Ramjattan said his Party had been “reliably informed” that the PPP/C Government, against whom a No-Confidence Motion has been filed, has plans to “buy out” at least three parliamentarians, at $30M each, to vote against the Motion when it comes up for debate next month. Since that press conference, he has indicated that the MPs to whom he referred are from the main Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). “It is an incontrovertible
Khemraj Ramjattan fact,” he told the Chronicle in a prior interview. “I am not going to reveal the source; I cannot do that,” he stressed. Pundits in the political arena are now questioning the legitimacy of Ramjattan’s allegations, in light of the emphatic denial of such a proposal from his own Party’s MPs, as well as those from the main Opposition, APNU. APNU Leader, Mr. David Granger, in commenting on the AFC Leader’s assertions, rejected them totally. At an APNU press conference last Friday, he was emphatic in expressing his confidence that no APNU MP would fall prey to the alleged “buy out” by the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP). Also, the APNU leader highlighted that he was unaware that there was even an offer to “buy out” MPs by the PPP. “I don’t know who made it up, or where it came from,” the Opposition leader told reporters, adding that there has been no discussion between the People’s Progressing Party and APNU to hold off the no-confidence vote. The National Assembly comes out of recess on October 10, and when a sitting
is called, the no-confidence motion, tabled by the AFC, will be up for debate. The first page of the Motion reads: “Be it resolved that this National Assembly has no confidence in the Government.” If the Motion is passed, the current administration will be expected to be disbanded in preparation for a return to the polls. As stated in Section 106 (6) of the Constitution: “The
Garrido-Lowe Cabinet and President shall resign, if the Government is defeated by the vote of the majority of all Members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” This is made even clearer in Section 106 (7), which states: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office, and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall, by resolution, supported by no less than two-thirds of all elected members of the National Assembly, and shall resign after a new President takes the oath of office following the election.” The last time general elections were held in Guyana was in November 2011. (By Vanessa Narine)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 24, 2014
GuyExpo update...
Upgrades well advanced as Opening Night draws nigh – Ten countries confirm participation By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally GUYEXPO 2014 Public Relations Manager, Chevon Lim says that upgrades are underway, and designed to cater to the needs of all who will be attending the event, with several changes to the Tourism Village, Kids Zone and the new addition of a Media Centre. GuyExpo 2014 is slated for October 2-5 at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia. Lim announced that 80%
of the booths at the Sophia Exhibition site are already booked, which she said is evidence of the tremendous interest the event is generating. The PR Manager said, “This year, a big focus remains on attracting overseas buyers; we are not encouraging our business to only be transactional. For this reason we have a team working along with the GuyExpo Committee, working inside and outside of Guyana. We can confirm participation from ten countries. They will not only be here as exhibitors but
as buyers because we want to create the linkages here.” The PR Manager noted that as Guyana’s premier trade fair and investment show looms closer, construction work is underway to ensure that the expectations of exhibitors and participants are met, in keeping with the high standards expected of the event. She also explained that this year the designs will be in keeping strictly with the theme. “The aim is for everyone to understand the design concept for GuyExpo 2014.
A floral layout ‘Guyana Blooming’ was conceptualised to represent Guyana’s blooming industry sectors responsible for the economic transformation of our flourishing country,” she said. Patrons will be enthralled by the ‘Historical Walk’ at the entrance to the site. According to Lim, “this represents the new paths Guyana continues to blaze while opening up new frontiers of development from the year 1980-2014. Photographs will be placed along this walkway portraying this vigorous de-
velopment throughout recent years.” ADEQUATE PARKING Adequate parking for an event of this magnitude has always posed a problem and as part of the strategy to ensure the successful staging of this event, Lim emphasised that this issue has also been addressed. “We are anticipating over 100,000 persons over the four days of this event and we want to ensure that we are prepared to make this an event that they are sure to
remember and enjoy,” she said. Lim also explained that they have Pavilion Managers to manage the flow of patrons to avoid congestion. “We have listened to our exhibitors and our consumers and we are catering to their needs,” she declared. Spectators can also look forward to wholesome entertainment, thorough steel pan music, fashion displays, talent showcases, kids’ entertainment and a mouth-watering spread of creole and international cuisine at the food courts.
Hague murder...
Suspect claims he consumed poisonous substance By Leroy Smith SUDESH Lakeram reportedly told police investigators and doctors that he’d consumed a poisonous substance after murdering his former reputed wife, 23-year-old Rajkumarie Persaud at her Hague, West Coast Demerara apartment Sunday morning. The Guyana Chronicle was on Monday informed that Lakeram, who was handed over to the police by his employer on Sunday, after he fled to his East Bank Demerara workplace after committing the act, reported that he drank poison. When investigators from the West Demerara Division arrived at the
In custody: Sudesh Lakeram
Providence Police Station to escort him from there, he was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital for a medical check-up.
Police sources have since confirmed that doctors have flushed out the man’s stomach and declared that he is out of danger, but that they need him to remain at the hospital where his condition can be monitored. Police, however, were trying to have the man out of the facility and into their custody so that they can proceed with taking statements and sending the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice. The file also would have to contain the report of a post-mortem examination that is expected to be performed today. On Sunday, Lakeram reportedly stabbed the mother-of-one several
The deceased Rajkumarie Persaud and her son in happier times
times about the body in her one-bedroom apartment hours after he had showed
up there seeking to rekindle a relationship which the woman had severed.
They were seeing each other for about eight months before they had a break-up. According to relatives, the reason for the break-up was not known, since the couple never really spoke with persons about their relationship. On Sunday the woman’s aunt responded to her screams and subsequently discovered that her niece was lying in a pool of blood even as the suspect was seen fleeing the area. Lakeram worked as a dental technician at an East Bank Demerara Dental Clinic and it was there that he fled and confessed to his employer who turned him over to the police. The matter is still being investigated.
EPA to host public consultations on biosafety legislation By Clifford Stanley THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting a public review of draft laws aimed at protecting Guyana from the threats to food safety, animal life, plant life and health posed by Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and invasive alien species. The EPA disclosed that draft National Biosafety/ Biotechnology and Biose-
curity legislation has been completed and the agency will be hosting a series of public consultations on the document to facilitate public review and discussion pending its finalisation. The public consultations are to be held within the ten administrative regions from September 24, 2014 to October 15, 2014, the EPA disclosed A reliable source disclosed yesterday that concerns worldwide about the
potential risks from the use of modern biotechnology had led to the formulation of biosafety regulations. “Biotechnology has made significant strides towards the development of, for example, better health care, enhanced food security through sustainable agricultural practices, improved supplies of potable water, more efficient industrial development processes for transforming raw materials, support for sustainable
methods of aforestation and reforestation, and detoxification of hazardous wastes,” the source disclosed. But there are also serious concerns about elements of biotechnology including the genetic engineering of living modified organisms intended for direct use as food or feed or for processing (LMOsFFP). The concerns range from ethical considerations to potential risks to human
health and the environment, particularly given the relatively small amount of experience with the application of biotechnology to date, and the fact that any adverse effects may only be manifested over the long term, the source disclosed. Biosafety or biological safety refers to efforts to reduce and eliminate the potential risk resulting from biotechnology and its products. Guyana became a par-
ty to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) on August 29, 1994, subsequently signing on to the supplemental agreement the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) which entered into force on September 11, 2003. The areas of emphasis of the biosafety legislation are agricultural biotechnology, environmental biotechnology, food (processing) biotechnology, health bio-
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 24, 2014
International Coastal Clean-up attracts hundreds of volunteers
Participants clearing the seashore of debris on International Coastal Clean-up Day (ICC) last Saturday
‘We need to heed the call to take bold action and work to stop the flow of trash…’ — Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr Robert Persaud Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr Robert Persaud and Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds participating in the ICC activity last Saturday (Photos by Adrian Narine)
By Shivanie Sugrim HUNDREDS of volunteers accompanied by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud gathered along the seawalls in Georgetown last
Saturday to participate in International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) Day. Spearheading the exercise, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) spread awareness by collaborating with various schools, communities, youth groups and most important-
ly non-profit organisations (NGOs) to clear the coast of debris. The activity commenced from the Pegasus Hotel and extended towards the Camp Street seawall, and was also done in Regions 2, 3, 6 and 10 from around 06:30 am with over 200 volunteers
who participated alongside government officials. The coast was cleared of debris and other unwanted substances due to the determination of the participants. Minister Persaud highlighted the issue of marine litter around the world and particularly in Guyana since it leads to health issues in humans and wildlife as well as problematic shipping by creating navigation hazards. He underscored that plastics and Styrofoam products are prominent forms of trash in Guyana since they are usually “tossed along the seawalls by persons who were
most likely at the seawalls on an outing…” According to the Environment Minister, it is now left to citizens to ensure that Guyana’s waterways and oceans are free of trash by simply performing actions such as disposing waste in bins or “legally designated locations.” Meanwhile, the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) as well as Pick-it-up Guyana, among other NGOs, paved the way for other participants with their team-work by ensuring the shores are ‘trash-free.’ Meanwhile, approxi-
mately 650,000 volunteers uplifted 12.3 million pounds of garbage along coastal beaches and other surrounding channels in 92 countries as well as other locations in 2013. International Coastal Clean-up Day culminates on the third Saturday in September each year where hundreds of volunteers from countries around the world spend a day tidying the coast as well as educating the public on marine litter and its consequences to humans as well as wildlife.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 24, 2014
Demico House pavement still a favourite haunt of known rogues – in spite of heavy police presence
PASSERSBY are complaining about the almost daily robberies that occur along the pavement on the western side of Demico House, a stone’s throw from the Police Outpost near Stabroek Market. One passerby told the Guyana Chronicle about being robbed twice, the last occasion being on Sunday.
She said she was going to buy groceries when a man, who was liming at a ‘chickchick’ board outside Demico House, snatched her bag and ran. Among items she had in her bag at the time, she said, were her cell-phone, $55,000 in cash, and some important documents. One eyewitness told the
Chronicle that after the robbery was committed, two other men who were also by the ‘chick- chick’ board went around the block where they linked up with the thief and split up the money. Another passerby said that the men who would be gaming at the ‘chick-chick’ board or playing ‘threecards’ would often use a va-
riety of ruses to get passersby to engage in the gambling games. He said that he was stopped and asked to play, and when he refused, the men robbed him of $5,000. “I don’t know why the management of Demico don’t remove these people from their premises. This is overbearing, every day they does be snatching people
phones, money and jewellery. Something needs to be done,” the man said. When contacted, ‘A’ Division Commander, Senior Superintendent Clifton Hicken said he will be looking into the matter, and do whatever is necessary. He also said that numerous complaints were made to the Stabroek Police Outpost,
and that several persons have been arrested and charged. “We will work hard to end those type of stuff in this Division, and once the evidence is there, the accused will be charged and put before the courts,” Hicken said. Efforts to contact Demico House management for a comment have proved futile.
Global Shapers put smile on faces of 500+ hinterland children
– with generous donation of much-needed school supplies
society, and projects are being undertaken to create a wider impact within the country. The hub is united by a common desire to channel the members’ tremendous energy and enthusiasm into building a more peaceful and inclusive world. The Global Shapers
Global Shapers members delivering stationery supplies to students in the hinterland
By Shivanie Sugrim OVER 500 students in Regions 1, 8 and 9 have benefited from the Global Shapers Community ‘Head Start! Stationery Drive’ micro-project at the start of the 2014-2015 academic year. Two teams of Global Shapers from the Georgetown hub embarked on a journey to three hinterland communities: Matthews Ridge - Region 1, Fairview -Region 8 and Shulinab Region 9 in early September. Their mission was to distribute school supplies to approximately 500 or more students in both nursery and primary schools. This initiative was intended to provide students in remote communities in Guyana’s hinterland with stationery supplies for the new academic year. The drive has received overwhelming support from donors and sincere appreci-
ation from the beneficiaries and so the Georgetown hub has decided to undertake an annual stationery drive since this marks the second initiative hosted by the Global Shapers Community. This micro project came about after recognising the need in the hinterland communities due to socioeconomic and geographic limitations. This year’s project team, led by Georgetown Shaper, Hubert Forrester, created stationery kits, including backpacks, pencils, rulers, erasers, sharpeners and books for both nursery and primary students and delivered these supplies during the opening week of school. Last year the Georgetown hub provided ‘back-toschool’ supplies to over 400 young students in Matthew’s Ridge, Kurupukari and Cashew Island through its HeadStart! Stationery Drive which was made possible by the generous donations from supporters, both national and
international. This year’s supplies were provided by the generous donations of individuals, organisations and businesses, in and out of Guyana. Meanwhile, the Georgetown hub has extended their sincere gratitude to some of their corporate sponsors for supporting this initiative: Mobile Money Guyana, Civil Defence Commission, Top Brandz Distributors, W&T George Group of Companies, Miss Guyana Universe Katherina Roshana, RK’s Security, Hand-in-Hand Group of Companies, Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Company, ScotiaBank, California Stucco Guyana Inc., Environmental Protection Agency, Fitness Express, Mobile Wizard, Everything Makes Craft, and S4 Foundation. The Global Shapers Community, Georgetown Hub, was established on December 27, 2013. The hub has highlighted several issues within the Guyanese
Community is a worldwide network of more than 350 city-based hubs developed and led by promising young leaders between the ages of 20 and 30, who want to build on their achievements and entrepreneurial drive to make a positive contribution to their communities. Together,
they embody the “community of the future,” bringing together empowered youth in a community that is diverse. Global Shapers Community is an initiative of the World Economic Forum and is independent, neutral, non-political and not-for-profit.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 19, 2014
Mash 2015 preparations well underway
–Entries for theme, events suggestion invited THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports has announced the start of preparations for Mashramani 2015, and is inviting suggestions for the Mashramani Calendar of Events, as well as the theme for next year’s celebrations. According to the ministry, the 2015 Calendar of Events is currently being prepared, and Guyanese are welcome to suggest other activities that will bolster the celebrations. Suggestions for a theme for Mashramani 2015 are also invited and must reflect the
spirit of the festival. The ministry has said that entries are welcomed from Guyanese only and must be addressed to the Mash Coordinator, Mashramani Secretariat, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, 91 Middle Street, South Cummingsburg. Entries for both the theme and for likely events can also be emailed to the ministry at mashsecretariat@gmail.com. Also contact can be made with the ministry’s focal point person, Mr. Lennox Canterbury at
226-4764. The deadline for both entries is September 26, 2014. Additionally, entry forms for the Mashramani competitions can be downloaded from the ministry’s website, www.mcys.gov.gy, or uplifted from its Middle Street office. Last year, Guyana celebrated its 44th Republic Anniversary under the theme, ‘Cultural Folklore, Celebrating 44’. (Vanessa Narine)
EPA to host public... From page 11
technology and industrial biotechnology. The primary objective is that through the development of the National Biosafety/Biotechnology and Biosecurity Legislation, appropriate measures will be taken to minimise any potential risk. The biosafety legislation also sets a platform for the wise implementation of biotechnology initiatives for the safe and sustainable use of Guyana’s enormous per capita biodiversity wealth. BIOSECURITY LEGISLATION The biosecurity leg-
islation will focus on p r e - b o r d e r, b o r d e r a n d post-border activities designed to keep out new pests, to maintain and monitor framework for pest management agencies for industry and individuals to take collective action against pests as well as a framework for managing intentional introduction of new organisms including GMO’s. The ultimate aim is socio-economic enhancement and poverty alleviation without jeopardising the health and welfare of citizens, the source said.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 24, 2014
Tourism Ministry mulls setting up bottle plant here THE Department of Industrial Development of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (MinTIC) is looking at the feasibility of establishing a bottle manufacturing plant to meet the needs of local agro-processors. The Department recently invited tenders for a study on this project, saying that the need for such a facility was adumbrated by stakeholders
during field work done for the preparation of sector profiles of medium and large scale operations in the manufacturing sector. During the research exercise held last year, several recommendations were made to promote the growth of the manufacturing sector, one of which was establishment of a bottle manufacturing plant. A MinTIC publication disclosed that that ministry is now forg-
ing ahead to determine the feasibility of this project, particularly because of its mandate of lending support to the industrial development thrust of the country, and promoting development of various products and services. Expressions of interest for a related study were invited from qualified persons, with the closing date being September 12th last. (Clifford Stanley)
MARAD appeals for help to recover stolen navigation aids THE Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has expressed its outrage at the continuous stealing and vandalism of its marine aids to navigation. A press release said in September 2013, two buoys were stolen. The buoys had been placed in the Essequibo River near Kaow Island, to mark the Rattlesnake Rock. It stated that in April 2014, the Modder Bush buoy
was stolen or otherwise removed from its position in the Essequibo River near Leguan Island. MARAD also noted that the lights on two have been stolen as they were moored in the river near to Leguan, Wakenaam and Hogg Islands. The aids to navigation in Guyana are floating buoys and fixed beacons which are strategically positioned
in or near the waterways to guide mariners safely. They also mark wrecks and other dangers to navigation, MARAD said. Even though MARAD has launched an investigation into the disappearance of these aids to navigation, it is soliciting help from members of the public with any information that will lead to the recovery of its aids to navigation.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 19, 2014
Medical show with call-in feature to air –also on RCA, Radio Guyana 89.5 FM, the on Channel 28 Learning Channel
By Navendra Seoraj
CARRIBEAN Surgery Incorporated, in collaboration with Television Guyana Inc. (TVG 28) and Guyenterprise on Sunday launched a new health programme called ‘Health for Life’ at TVG. The show will consist of 14 programmes, which will start at 15:00 hrs and last for
one-and-a-half hours. This show will be aired on Television Guyana Inc., Channel 28, Channel RCA (Essequibo) and via Radio Guyana Inc. 89.5 FM. Arrangements are also being made to have the programmes broadcast on the local Learning Channel 80. MEDICAL SHOW This medical show is
the first of its kind to be broadcast on television in Guyana and it is produced and hosted by Dr. Surendra Persaud. Dr. Persaud will every week introduce a new colleague of his who is a specialist in his field of medicine. The first hour of the show will deal with prevalent health problems and concerns in an easy-to-
listen format. The second half-hour of the show will be a live call-in programme, whereby members of the public will get the chance to ask questions via telephone, email, text messages and Facebook. The first programme yesterday featured ‘Fever in Children’ which was dealt with by Dr. Rohan Jabour.
Other topics that are scheduled to be covered include “Vaccinations for Children, Kidney Stones, Lower Back Pain, Hypertension, Diabetes, Fibroids, Infertility, Pregnancy Planning, Cancer Screening, Cardiac Screening, Asthma in Children and Benign Prostate Cancer.” Work on the production of this programme began
in the past two months and a quality and authoritative show is assured as doctors working in Guyana deal with issues that affect people’s lives here. The main objective of the programme is to inform a countrywide audience about common medical issues and conditions about which they have questions and concerns.
MARAD to host marine exhibition tomorrow – for World Maritime Day THE International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has designated September 25, 2014 World Maritime Day, under the theme: “IMO Conventions: Effective Implementation.” As part of its observances, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) will tomorrow be hosting a marine exhibition. A press statement said it will showcase various activities in the maritime sector,
including some shipboard tasks, navigational aids, etc and also illustrate local efforts to effectively implement the Conventions. During the course of the day, MARAD will be giving special awards to the captains and bowmen of the small passenger vessels (speedboats), who have performed commendably, and were recommended by their peers. Additionally, the owners of the best maintained boats will
also be similarly recognised. The general public is invited to join the officers of the Department in the maritime industry. A special invitation is extended to schoolchildren. The exhibition will be held in the compound of the Transport & Harbours Department’s (T&HD) Head Office on Battery Road & Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown. It will be open to the public between the hours of 10:00 and 16:00 hrs.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 24, 2014
Cop freed of Patentia Secondary student’s murder By George Barclay
QUACY John, the policeman who was on trial for the murder of a secondary school student on the West Bank of Demerara, has been acquitted. Kelvin Fraser, a student of Patentia Secondary School, was shot dead when a police patrol entered the compound of the school on June 7, 2010, to quell a ruckus by young men who were reportedly smoking and selling drugs. But during the hearing, the jury had heard that the lone eye witness had died and that the accused cop had said that the gun went off accidentally while there was a struggle for the
weapon between John and Fraser, whom it is said had grabbed the gun. Assistant Supt. of Police Elston Baird, one of the witnesses for the prosecution told the court that on June 8, 2010, he and other officers visited the Wales Police Station where PC Quacy John was on close arrest as a result of the Patentia shooting the previous day. According to Baird , he identified himself to John saying that he was stationed at the Office of Professional Responsibility and also told him that he was there to assist in conducting the investigation into the alleged shooting of Kelvin Fraser.
He enquired from John whether he would take him to the scene, and John obliged. The accused took the party including Cpl Grannum and Assistant Commissioner Jameer to Third Street, Patentia. No caution was given to John. Witness said that the accused pointed out to the party where the alleged incident had occurred. The witness added, that the policeman said: “ The young man was running and I told him to “freeze” and he stopped running. I told him to come over a drain where I was standing. He came. I was holding the gun in my left hand around the middle, the nozzle was
pointing upwards. “I was holding him with my right hand and he grabbed the gun and we started a struggle and the gun went off,” witness said the cop told him. ASP Baird said that no one in his presence ever put the allegation of murder or manslaughter to the
accused, because they were not investigating murder or manslaughter. In answer to defence counsel Mr. Glenn Hanoman, witness said that the investigation was completed in 4 or 5 days after the 8th of June, 2010. Baird, in answer to a further question, said that
at the end of the fifth day he was unable to appraise himself what the evidence constituted and concluded that Assistant Commissioner Jameer the most senior person on the scene might be able to make an appraisement. Miss Diana Kaulesar conducted the case for the prosecution.
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Aries March 21 - April 19 Don’t be surprised if money comes from an unlikely source. It could be a surprisingly good return on an investment or a bequest from a relative. Pay attention to any dreams that seem to repeat. They may hold a lesson about understanding your life path. You may receive an unexpected visit from a dear friend you haven’t heard from in years. All in all, this is a great time. Taurus April 20 - May 20 This is a good time to forge new relationships. Be open-minded if someone you know approaches with a proposal. Do your homework and examine the potential risks, but this is a fine period in which to pursue something new. Success and good fortune are coming. Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities. You may hear some important news from your love interest. Gemini May 21 - June 21 You’re feeling your power and strength today. You’ve worked hard to get into good physical shape. Similarly, you’ve exerted a great deal of energy in your work life and it’s paying off. With today’s planetary energy, you can also expect greater intimacy in your personal life. Enjoy this special time. Cancer June 22 - July 22 The time is right to pursue training for a particular skill or finish a degree in a field of interest to you. Presently, great success and good fortune are indicated when you assert your considerable energy and focus on the subject matter. If you’ve been considering honing your communication skills, consider a writing course. Perhaps you want to organise a long-desired trip. Leo July 23 - August 22 Circumstances are favourable for you if you’re contemplating investment in real estate. Any sort of investment looks good for you right now. Be ready to receive a young visitor at home today. You may benefit from a significant piece of mail or phone call. Even if you hadn’t planned on it, you may want to visit an older friend or relative tonight. Virgo August 23 - September 22 Did you forget to take two aspirin before you fell into bed last night? This morning you may feel in a fog, but it should lift around midday. You could be surprised by some heartening news from a friend or relative regarding a difficult situation that is now being resolved. Enjoy the boost of energy that this good news gives you. Libra September 23 - October 22 If it’s true that you reap what you sow, you’re in for a great harvest in the coming months. Your hard work and focus will start to pay off handsomely with promotions and raises just when you may have given up on being acknowledged for all you do. Hang on to your great energy, passion, and enthusiasm. Doors are about to open for you. Get ready to walk through them. Scorpio October 23 - November 21 You’re highly esteemed in your profession because of your strong business acumen and no-nonsense approach to problem solving. Recent successes may be preparing you for the next leap in the progression. Be open to opportunities involving the Internet that present themselves. Remember, there’s no glass ceiling online. Today may be peppered with all sorts of communications from friends. Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 Opportunity may knock for you today from an unlikely source, perhaps total strangers! Use your intuition to follow potential leads. Real estate, particularly residential, looks especially promising for realizsng financial gain for you right now. Follow your hunches and see what develops. Don’t let your caution bog you down at the moment. It could be surprisingly wonderful Capricorn December 22 - January 19 Expect to receive interesting communications today. You might hear from a long-lost friend and have a chance to catch up on the news. Perhaps you’ll hear something about success in reaching a goal you’ve been striving for these past few months. Expect some company. Have a great time exchanging ideas on everything from politics to child rearing. Aquarius January 20 - February 18 You’re in a great position to reap the rewards from all your past hard works. In the coming weeks you’ll be able to realise important gains in your career and personal projects. Not only should you see significant advancements in your work life but you’ll also achieve greater personal happiness. You have great momentum, so keep it up and you’ll realise your goals. Pisces February 19 - March 20 With the current celestial energy, you might be going on a trip. It may be for business, pleasure, or both. It’s likely that this trip will achieve certain goals. Perhaps you’re aiming for a promotion. Chances are you’ll be successful in your ambitions. Or, you may be ready to set out on your own and start a new business. It’s an excellent time for this, too.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 24, 2014
Guyana’s deforestation rate continues to hold steady Study finds...
By Clifford Stanley
I N T E R I M re s u l t s o f a study on the deforestation rate of Guyana’s forests in 2013 show that forest harvest has had, and continues to have, a very low impact on forests, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment has stated. Interim results on 2013 deforestation, which are part of Guyana’s 4th Annual Assessment of Deforestation and Forest Degradation, have indicated a decrease in the rate of deforestation from 0.079% as the annual rate for 2012, to 0.068% as the reported rate for 2013, the Ministry stated in a media release. Total deforestation for 2013 amounted to 12,702 hectares, as compared to 13,664 hectares for 2012, constitut-
ing a decline of 2,177 hectares. The Ministry based its disclosures on the figures of the 4th annual assessment done under the Monitoring Reporti n g a n d Ve r i f i c a t i o n System (MRVS) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) through its programme for Reducing Emissions through Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+). The results are being finalised at this stage, and will be incorporated into the MRVS Year 4 Report, which is expected to be released shortly. The findings and methods of the recently concluded Year 4 assessment, the Ministry said, will be subjected to two layers of independent assessment. The first assessment is to be done by a team of
Wednesday, September 24, 2014 - 05:00 hrs Thursday, September 25, 2014 - 05:00 hrs Friday, September 26, 2014 - 05:00 hrs
accuracy assessors, who will be working to establish the statistical accuracy, uncertainty levels and precision of the reported results, including the deforestation rate; and the second assessment will take the form of an independent third-party verification conducted by a company contracted by the Government of Norway, the Ministry disclosed. The Ministry attribut-
ed the decrease in deforestation to mining activities which may be utilising new technology and/or more responsible and low-impact mining practices. It said that a significant other causative factor has been the intensified monitoring activities by the natural resources sector and its agencies, in working with operators in the sector. T h e r a t e o f d e f o r-
– between 0.02% and 0.08% in last 23 years
estation over the past 23 years has remained fairly stable between the range of 0.02% and 0.08%, and stands to compare quite favourably with the global average deforestation rate (computed across 85 developing forested countries as report by FAO), which is recorded at 0.52%. This rate also compares very favourably with Guyana’s Reference Level as agreed under the
Guyana/Norway Bilateral Agreement on Forest and Climate, which is set at 0.275% (computed as the mean between Guyana’s historic rate of 0.03% and the global rate of 0.52%). “Forest sector deforestation continues to be at a very low level of 330 hectares, and justifies the assertions that forest harvest has had, and continues to have, a very low impact on deforestation…”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 24, 2014
Digicel makes donations to S DIGICEL Guyana last Thursday visited St. Cuthbert’s Mission, and gifted pupils and students of the Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools backpacks, water bottles, teaching aids and lunch bags as part of their community project. Speaking at the handing-over ceremony, Digicel Guyana Sponsorship and Events Manager, Gavin Hope, said that as a corporate company they have the community in mind and more so, the development of children; as such, they decided to visit the village and interact with students, teachers and others. He added that their visit with the celebration of Amerindian Heritage Month and is optimistic that their collaboration will be fruitful in the future. Students of Grades seven and eight were presented backpacks with water bottles and in response the head teacher, Hoace Gray, said she is very pleased with the donation and looks forward for many more such initiatives. Meanwhile, a short distance away, the pupils of St. Cuthbert’s Mission Primary School was equally glad to be the recipients of familiar tokens yesterday.
St. Cuthbert’s Mission Nursery School pupils with their donation pose with teachers and Digicel Guyana Communication Manager, Vidya Bijlall Sanichara (Photos by Michel Outridge)
The head teacher David Fraser said that the gift is very timely and welcomed the gesture and was grateful to Digicel for their presence in that community. At the Nursery School,
a similar exercise was conducted in which teaching aids were equally distributed to four and five year olds. On behalf of the school and students, the Acting Head Teacher Zippora Wil-
NATI student dies ..... Car crashes after driver was attacked by bees THE Life of New Amsterdam Technical Institute student Merve Melville, was snuffed out, having lost control of a motor vehicle, after being stung by Africanized bees. The saga commenced after the teen responded to shouts of help emanating from his aunt Ingrid Melville, called Patsy , aged 58 years. On Sunday morning, at Number Eight Village, West Coast Berbice, the woman had ventured to an unoccupied nearby house of a relative, in an effort to have it cleaned, when she come under the vicious attack of the bees. Consequently, the nineteen year old second year student ran to the rescue of his maternal aunt, and, with another aunt Oslyn, quickly assisted her into motor vehicle PPP 3869 which was intended to transport her to the Fort Wellington Cottage Hospital, a few villages away. As fate would have it, the bees were not left behind, but had accompanied the fleeing trio , and retaliated by injecting its poisonous stings on the teen forcing him to lose
Merve Melville control of the vehicle which slammed into a utility post , a short distance from his home. As the injured woman managed to open the vehicle door and plunged into a nearby trench, the accompanying sibling fled calling for help. But Merve Melville, a provisional driver, was pinned behind the wheel and had sustained severe injuries from the impact. As a result, he was unable to move, and it was sometime after that he was rescued form the badly damaged vehicle and taken into another vehicle which transported them to Fort Wellington Cottage Hospital, where Ingrid was admitted and remains a patient . However, Merve, was transferred to the New Am-
sterdam Hospital, where, his condition was analysed but medical practitioners opted to have him transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he succumbed on Monday morning. Meanwhile, at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute, his classmates undertaking the motor vehicle repair course, were stunned and shocked at the young’s man’s passing. His lecturers Devon Thomas , Mr. Beharry , and Dutchie Sookram, along with his peers have all described the now deceased as ‘an easy going guy’ who will be greatly missed. The group, thereafter travelled to Merve Melville’s West Coast Berbice home, where they expressed sympathy to the bereaved. Merve was the only child of Dawn Melville, a nurse attached to the National Psychiatric Hospital. Meanwhile, Ingrid Melville, is unaware of her nephew’s demise, as she has questioned her visitors as to whether he had left for school.
liams thanked Digicel Guyana for the donation. A team comprising Events and Sponsorship Manager, Gavin Hope and Communications Manager, Vidya Bijlall Sanichara last
week visited the Amerindian Heritage Village, Karrau, in Region 7, where students of the Primary and Nursery schools received gifts as well. In the Digicel Guyana
Community Project, several other far-flung communities will be visited as well. St. Cuthbert’s Mission is an Amerindian village on the Mahaica River in Demerara/Mahaica, Region 4.
Police to conduct By Asif Hakim JUST after passengers using various routes would have been asked to pay higher fares during busy hours on week days,
‘A’ Division Commander, Senior Superintendent, Clifton Hicken, with help to ease the transportation woes, would be conducting a sting operation on every park during busy hours.
Hicken told the Chronicle that once a fixed fare is set for any route, no bus operator has the right to raise that fare. He said the sting operation on the park would not involve officers
Commander of ‘A’ Division, Senior Superintendent Clifton Hicken
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 24, 2014
St. Cuthbert’s schoolchildren
St. Cuthbert’s Mission Secondary School students show off their gifts from Digicel
sting operations at every bus park stationed there, but different officers would be working on different days. “Putting different officers to work (on) different days will help passengers a lot. This is because bus operators will not know who is on the sting. They might see one undercover police today, but that doesn’t mean the same one will be there tomorrow, so there is no way a friendship can be built,” the commander said. Hicken also said that after the relevant authorities would have fixed the transportation problem, anyone caught asking for higher fares would be charged and put to face the full force of the law. “Whether it be the Tourism Ministry, Transport Ministry, United Minibus Union…once they put a fare to various routes, no bus operator has the right to ask for higher fares,” Hicken said. Only last Thursday, Tourism Minister (ag), Irfaan Ali held a press conference with
the United Minibus Union as he sought to sensitise the public on the Government’s position that there is no fare increase, and the current situation which commuters face is unacceptable. Speaking during the press conference at the Tourism Ministry’s boardroom on South Road, the acting Tourism Minister noted that the Ministry has been monitoring the present situation of fare hikes and unfair treatment of commuters by minibus operators for several months now. “Over the past months, we have been receiving many complaints from commuters in relation to the imposition of fares that were not sanctioned by the ministry or any authority that has jurisdiction in terms of the setting of fares,” Ali said. The Minister noted that the ministry has con-
The Route 44 bus park
sistently issued notices that clearly outline the fares to be paid by commuters, and also outline the fares that were not to be paid
by commuters; “and still we have been receiving hundreds of letters expressing concerns over fare hikes, especially from
the Georgetown zones, 31 (Georgetown to Wales) and 32 (Georgetown to Parika) route zones.” The Georgetown/Pari-
ka route fare has been fixed collaboratively between the United Minibus Union, the Tourism Ministry and bus operators.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 19, 2014
‘A’ Division gives Agricola children hope for a better tommorrow – with formation of ‘Agricola Chosen Generation Police Youth Group’
By Leroy Smith
THE Guyana Police Force on Saturday last, through its ‘A’ Division, officially formed two youth groups, in Agricola and Grove respectively, catering for close to 100 children. Both activities were done with simply planned programmes and saw the senior command of the division, including the commander, deputy commander and sub-divisional officers attending. The first stop was at the Saint Anne’s Primary School in Agricola, where girls and boys gathered to present a programme in observance of the launching. Among those addressing the children and other police ranks were head teacher of the school, Ms. Melissa Isaacs, and Deputy Commander ‘A’ Division, Dion Moore. In his address to the gathering, the Second–in-Command told the children that they are entering another chapter in their lives and that it was only they who could
deprive themselves of realising their true potential. He also told them that they were being transformed through the formation of the “Agricola Chosen Generation Police Youth Group,” and that being part of the youth group should see them developing added skills in a coordinated approach, which will help make them into the leaders of tomorrow that society accepts with open arms. He pledged the support of the Guyana Police Force, particularly the ‘A’ Division team. Being part of youth groups does help emotionally, physically, spiritually and educationally, according to Moore, who urged the young people to ensure that they make the best of the opportunity which entails lots of voluntary work on the part of those assisting the process. Race, religion or political views should not form the basis on which decisions are made within the group, as each child comes with his and her own unique beliefs
The children of the newly-formed youth group pose with police ranks and facilitators of the group. Among those seated are St Anne’s Primary’s headmistress, Ms Melissa Isaacs (second left), and ‘A’ Division Deputy Commander, Dion Moore (right)
and represents varying backgrounds, the deputy commander added in his address. The knowledge gained, and time invested in bringing the children to this stage of the group’s formation, coupled with the projected outcome, should be valued by parents, police, community and the children themselves, Moore asserted. Meanwhile, in her ad-
dress, Ms Isaacs, who has been facilitating the work of the police in the community for some time now, said that the launching of the youth group was indeed a welcome move, following weeks and months of working with the children of the area and the police. She committed to giving the facilitators of the youth group and the police she and
her teachers’ support. Since the police began engagements in the community of Agricola, the Saint Anne’s Primary School has been the focal point for all gatherings and meetings. Several of the children who have been enrolled into the youth group are from the school, while others live within the commu-
nity. Commander Hicken and other senior ranks were also at the event on Saturday, and Hicken also addressed the children, outlining the overall objective of the decision of the police to engage the community, and the relationship and cooperation the police expect to develop and get from working with the community.
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Cricket Guy Inc. to oversee new franchise system By Calvin Roberts WITH the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) getting ready to roll out a full Professional First Class Franchise System, in which a cadre of 90 players will be engaged in a professional cricket structure on a day-to-day basis all year round, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) yesterday at the Everest Cricket Club pavilion brought its stakeholders up to date with the system. Present at yesterday’s update were GCB president (ag) Faizal Bacchus, secretary Anand Sanasie, Marketing Manager Raj Singh and members of the four teams who are currently competing in the GCB senior Inter-county tournament. Using a Microsoft PowerPoint programme to better educate his audience on the soon-to-be-implemented system, both Sanasie and Singh who were assisted by the GCB’s Territorial Development Officer Colin Stuart, said the GCB has set up a body called Cricket Guy Inc. (CGI) which will oversee the smooth operations of the franchise system on behalf of the WICB.
“Just last week, the WICB and the players body, West Indies Players Association (WIPA), signed a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and this means that all players who sign onto the franchise, will be having certain obligations they have to meet. They will be paid for commitment to their careers and development which will be more structured and carefully monitored, while they will be held accountable to their employers, franchises and most importantly, themselves.” “Cricket Guy Inc. is the name of the company which will be overlooking our franchise which has been set up to administer the WICB four- and oneday tournaments each year, commencing from November and running until March. It is the duty of CGI to ensure the 15 players selected to represent this franchise are developed and prepared, while CGI will be implementing programmes and activities, following which a report on each player’s development will be forwarded to the WICB from CGI, who will develop a database for such purposes,” added the trio. According to the presenters, players need to understand their roles in the new system and must adhere to their contractual obligations, amongst which they are asked to maintain maximum fitness and training standards all year round. “When you are fulfilling your contractual obligations as requested, it is left up to us to ensure certain things are put in place, such as organising youth cricket at all levels from Under-15 to U-19, female cricket as well as T20 competitions and other developmental programmes you will asked to be a part of.” They stated that the WICB and Caribbean Premier League (CPL) have signed an eight-year agreement, which will see the latter pay to the former, $45 000 per month
during the term life of their contract, while CGI will be tasked with locating other sponsors and shareholders for its franchise. At the moment, CGI is waiting to sign the tripartite agreement between themselves, WICB and WIPA, which should be done during the course of this week, even as the GCB has already identified 10 of its 15 players. “Yes, we have identified 10 of our 15 players, with another 15 being thrown into the pool from which the remaining five players will be selected for our franchise and those who are involved in the draft, must sign a letter of commitment, which has as one of its clause, the player’s willingness to relocate to another country. When all of this is done, then you the players will be issued with retainer contracts which you will sign and be held accountable to, come what may, since the new franchise system will see you being paid for commitment and development to your careers, which will now be more structured and carefully monitored,” said Singh. Prior to the GCB’s update, several prominent individuals within the Caribbean including business executive and Director of the WICB Don Wehby, said the professionalisation of First Class cricket in the West Indies will revolutionise the game in the region. The WICB has committed to partner with the six territorial boards to fund six First Class Franchises in the region which will compete in the annual Regional First Class and Super50 tournaments. Each franchise will retain 15 players who will work as a unit on a day-today basis in each territory under a Head Coach and support staff, with the six franchises being based in Barbados, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Windward Islands and Guyana.
Bolt targets sub-19 ... From back page Similarly the closest he has come to beating his own 100m mark was the 9.63 seconds he ran to defend his Olympic crown two years ago. In an interview with Al-Jazeera, Bolt also offered a partial defence of the six positive doping tests returns by Jamaican athletes - including Asafa
Powell and Veronica Campbell Brown - in 2013. “There were mistakes but there weren’t any serious drugs,” he said. “It is still bad: the drug scandal. But it was a good thing it wasn’t like they were deliberately going out of their way to take drugs.” (BBC Sport)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 24, 2014
United need massive investment on new players, says Neville By Mike Collett LONDON, England (Reuters) - Manchester United, who spent £150 million on new players in the summer, might need to spend another £100 million before they can compete for the Premier League title, according to former defender Phil Neville. United’s defenders have been savaged in the media after squandering a 3-1 lead to lose 5-3 at Leicester City on Sunday but Neville, who won six Premier League titles with United, said he was not surprised at what happened. “I know United have spent £150 million,” Neville told BBC Radio 5 live. “I think there’s another two transfer windows of similar amounts of money needed -- maybe £100 million -before they can even think about winning the title. “There are still key positions in the team that need filling. “I think the centre-back position is obviously the key area,” Neville added. “Holding midfield or centre midfield needs addressing too.” The imbalance in the United team was glaringly obvious on Sunday with Robin van Persie, Angel di Maria, Ander Herrera, Radamel Falcao and Wayne Rooney looking dangerous going forward. But United’s defending was shambolic, leaving new coach Louis van Gaal
Racing Tips South Africa Racing Tips Durbanville
Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville needing to fix the problems urgently if United are going to launch any kind of bid for the top four positions, never mind the title, this season. To add to his problems, Jonny Evans went off injured leaving the ground on crutches and with his foot in a protective boot, while young defender Tyler Blackett, who has played in all five league matches at centre-half was sent off and will be suspended from Saturday’s game against West Ham at Old Trafford. United signed forward Di Maria, midfielder Herrera, defenders Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind in the summer but did not sign a top-class centre back to replace the departed Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic. Neville, who was on the
coaching staff at United last season, said there was a good reason for that. “That squad needed quality, not just run-of-themill players, they needed world-class players, and there were no world-class centrebacks out there,” he said. “I think that’s why in the next two transfer windows United might still be looking for that world-class defender. “I am certain Chris Smalling will come good and I have full faith in Phil Jones as well. They’ve bought a lot of foreign players, you don’t get rid of your English spine.” United have made a worse start to this season than they did a year ago when David Moyes was starting his short-lived stint as manager. After five games last season United had seven points and were eighth in the table, five points off the lead. They are currently 12th with five points and one win from five games, leaving them eight points behind early pace-setters Chelsea. If that was not bad enough, they also crashed to one of their most humiliating defeats when League Two (third tier) side Milton Keynes Dons defeated a team containing David de Gea, Evans, Adnan Januzaj, Anderson and the now departed Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez 4-0 in the Capital One (League Cup) a month ago.
12:10 hrs Fortuninna
Goodwood
12:40 hrs Shanakilla
09:05 hrs American Artist
13:10 hrs Counterbid 13:40 hrs Iftiraaq
09:40 hrs Dissolution
11:45 hrs Sinndar’s Man 12:15 hrs Velator 12:45 hrs Island Heights
14:10 hrs Shinning
10:15 hrs Starlit Cantata
English Racing Tips
10:50 hrs Grandeur
Belmont
Redcar
11:25 hrs Rainbow Rock
Race 1 Ave’s Halo
08:45 hrs Hills And Dales
11:55 hrs Parisian Pyramid
09:15 hrs Beach Samba
12:25 hrs Pucon
Race 3 Sweet Sweet Afleet
09:50 hrs Boldbob
Perth
Race 4 Miss Lech
09:25 hrs Pumped Up Kicks
Race 5 Lady Kreesa
Lyon La Soie
10:25 hrs Toto Skyllachy
10:40 hrs Lexa King
11:00 hrs Fredricka
10:00 hrs Moss Street
Race 6 Writingonthewall
11:10 hrs Abayo
11:35 hrs Past Forgetting
10:35 hrs Solway Dornal
Race 7 Golden Rifle
11:40 hrs Sempreverde
12:05 hrs Mister Uno
11:10 hrs Crown Theatre
08:20 hrs Roventas 08:55 hrs Bandana Girl 09:30 hrs Sussex Song 10:05 hrs King’s World 10:40 hrs London Theatre 11:15 hrs Silvane Spring French Racing Tips
12:35 hrs Exotic Guest
American Racing Tips
Race 2 Flag On the Play
Race 8 Zindaya Race9 Hushhushmushmush
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 24, 2014
Sharma Solomon must support the genuine cricket officials in Upper Demerara THE RECENT sham presentation by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) to Bayrock Cricket Club highlights the desperation of the Anand Sanasie clique to create even further confusion in Demerara cricket towards maintaining their illegal control of both the Demerara Cricket Board and the GCB. Cricket in Upper Demerara is administered by the duly constituted Upper Demerara Cricket Association (UDCA) which was founded in 2000 and which remains the sole legitimate authority for cricket in Upper Demerara. It seems therefore that mischief is afoot when Sanasie can turn up in Linden to make a presentation of cash and cricket bats to Bayrock without acknowledging the UDCA as the parent body in that region. It is the very Sanasie who for years rigorously opposed the UDCA’s claim for membership of the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) and even refused to recognise the existence of the UDCA. In a move that could only be described as callous, the Sanasie group submitted to Parliament a voluminous document deliberately crafted to block the inclusion of Linden in Demerara Cricket through the Guyana Cricket Administration Bill (GCAB). As a staunch Lindener and a long-standing cricket fan, I am particularly disturbed that Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon and the president of the Bayrock Cricket Club, Lancelot Easton, accepted the cheque and bats on behalf of a previously unheard of Upper Demerara Cricket Committee. I believe that both Sharma Solomon and Lancelot Easton are allowing themselves to be
used by Sanasie and his cohorts, who seem bent on winning favours in Linden now that the Cricket Bill has been passed and signed off by President Donald Ramotar paving the way for UDCA to officially become the fifth constituent member of the DCB. Easton’s position is perplexing especially as he is a past president of the UDCA and his club Bayrock was a founding member of the UDCA in 2000. In a remarkable turnabout, for reasons best known to him, Easton has supported Sanasie and Rohan Sarjoo’s position that the entire Upper Demerara Region 10 of forty-five thousand persons must fall under the direct control of the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association, headed by Rohan Sarjoo. It is important to note that Rohan Sarjoo was a part of the presentation to Bayrock. Sharma Solomon, in dealing with and supporting the Sanasie clan, is therefore alarming, having regard to the fact that Solomon’s party, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) supported and voted in favour of the Cricket Administration Bill and, by extension, the inclusion of Upper Demerara as a legal and constituent member of the DCB. And, ipso facto, the UDCA for the first time ever will belong to the structure of Guyana Cricket thereby eventually righting a long-imposed injustice to the Region. The good people of Linden may want to question why their Chairman, Sharma Solomon, would want to support in any way a person (Sanasie) who campaigned unrelentingly for the exclusion of Region 10 from Guyana Cricket. Any funds or cricket equipment allocated for cricket in Upper Demerara must be channelled
through the legitimate body, the UDCA. It is disappointingly evident that Sharma Solompn and the good office he represents have been unwittingly used to further Sanasie’s selfserving agenda. Sanasie has earned for himself the dubious reputation of disbursing monies received from the WICB for cricket development in Guyana only to those entities and individuals who either support him or over whom he can have control especially in relation to delegates at elections of cricket officials. It is important to note that, as he doles out the WICB monies to only his favourites, the Berbice Cricket Board, the East Coast Cricket Board and the Georgetown Cricket Association have, for over four years, not received any monies nor one cricket bat from the GCB while players from these areas consistently make up the national teams at all levels. The Berbice Cricket Board is justifiably referred to as the best-run and most productive cricket board in Guyana and the Georgetown Cricket Association as the best-run Association. Mr Sharma Solomon, as an APNU member and the Chairman of Region 10, may want to re-examine his involvement in that presentation charade and to clear his name as I hold the view that he was deliberately misled on the cricket issues as they relate to Upper Demerara. Failing which, he may be accused of acting against the best interests of the good people of Upper Demerara who have fought the Sanasie and Rohan Sarjoo group to end the isolation of Linden and Upper Demerara Cricket. What is so very wrong with our cricket over the past four years is the poor
crop of administrators who continue to use every conceivable trick and sham to stay in control of Guyana cricket. Sharma Solomon and
Lancelot Easton must set the example to ensure that the people of Upper Demerara, including and especially the cricket officials, are mindful that they do not fall prey
to Sanasie’s wiles and his mastery of the art of divide and rule. Henry Farnum Cricket Umpire
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 24, 2014
Hurricanes surge to 86-run win A CALCULATED performance with bat and ball helped Hobart Hurricanes rout Northern Knights by 86 runs in Raipur, keeping their chances of taking a knock-out spot alive. (Scores: Hobart Hurricanes 178 for 3 (Blizzard 62, Malik 45*) beat Northern Knights 92 (Styris 37, Hilfenhaus 3-14, Bollinger 3-22) by 86 run)s While Knights’ decision to bowl first after winning the toss seemed to have provided them with an advantage - given their recent form and knowledge of conditions in Raipur - Hurricanes made it work in their favour with key contributions from Tim Paine, Aiden Blizzard and Shoaib Malik. Blizzard and Malik added 100 runs for the third wicket and combined the dexterity of their strokeplay with smart batting in dew-heavy conditions to propel Hurricanes to 178 for 3. Tim Southee and Trent Boult have been one of the most successful new-ball pairs in the tournament so far. Prior to this game, the pair had 13 wickets between them at less than 10 runs apiece but the rest of the Knights bowling line-up had not quite matched them effectively. Five overs into their innings, Hurricanes appeared to be in a rut but Paine switched gears dramatically once the threat of Southee and Boult had been dealt with and the likes of Scott Kuggeleijn, Ish Sodhi and Jono Boult stepped in. Where the first five overs of the innings had seen the Hurricanes hobble to 20 for 1, the next five saw them accumulate 45 swift runs to quickly catch up with a healthy scoring rate. Dew became an important factor as the game progressed and with the Knights bowlers struggling for grip and control, it became easier for Malik and Blizzard to build on Paine’s efforts. As in the game against Cape Cobras, Aiden Blizzard was the lucky recipient of a reprieve, this time from Sodhi who failed to hold on to a caught-and-bowled chance. Blizzard was on 2 off 3 balls and he took his time settling into the partnership, allowing Malik to steer the
Man-of-the-Match Ben Hilfenhaus’ personal T20 best of 3 for 14 derailed the Knights chase. innings initially. The second half of their century stand - which came off 50 balls - had Blizzard pulling out the shots, and
he stormed to his fifth T20 fifty during an over in which he stroked five fours off Trent Boult. By the time Boult and Southee returned to the attack, towards the end of the innings, there was little they could do to stop Hurricanes from amassing 76 off the last five overs. While Blizzard spent some time settling down at the crease, Malik kept the innings going with deft footwork and quick wrists. The batsman had had a disappointing run with Hurricanes, but the form that had made him one of the top run-getters in the recent Caribbean Premier League came to the fore as he carved boundaries square on either side of the wicket and in the third-man region. Hurricanes’ bowling strategy paid off equally well as they opened the bowling with Ben Hilfenhaus and Joe Mennie. The ground staff in Raipur had worked hard to remove some of the dew during the innings break and it was imperative for Hurricanes to get the early wickets, to break into a middle order of a line-up that had been largely bolstered by the form of its top order. Mennie, in his third game for the side, provided the first breakthrough and he had some help from Ben Laughlin who pulled off an astonishing catch at point. Then Hilfenhaus rattled the Knights chase, striking twice in an over to remove Kane Williamson – out, playing a slog - and Daniel Flynn. A couple of overs later, BJ Watling missed a full toss and was adjudged lbw and despite Styris’ efforts at stitching together partnerships, the team couldn’t recover from a position of 19 for 4. Hilfenhaus finished with his best T20 figures of 3 for 14, while Mennie, Xavier Doherty and Doug Bollinger also chipped in with wickets. Styris became the second allrounder, after Kieron Pollard, to score more than 4 000 runs and take more than 100 wickets in T20s during his 27-ball 37 and that perhaps was the brightest spark on an otherwise disappointing day for Knights. (ESPN Cricinfo)
Four fall foul of Pakistan’s new fitness crackdown
Shahid Afridi (REUTERS) Four Pakistan international cricketers have been docked part of their salaries in a crackdown on fitness standards, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed yesterday. The PCB has penalised Shahid Afridi, Umar Akmal, Abdul Rehman and Hasan Reza for failing to reach the levels of fitness required under their contracts. “Yes, we have started this process and in the initial stage Afridi, Akmal, Rehman and Reza Hasan will have 25 percent of their monthly salaries deducted as a penalty,” the PCB’s media manager, Agha Akbar, told Reuters. He said the board had also introduced a system of rewarding those players who excelled in the fitness tests. “In the first stage Shaan Masood and Umar Amin will get a 17.5 percent increase in their salaries for four months as an incentive, while national team captain Misbah-ulHaq, Bilawal Bhatti and Ahmed Shehzad have also been given a 10 percent increase for working hard on their fitness,” he said.
Cook set to stay as England ODI captain v Sri Lanka Alastair Cook is expected to remain captain when England name their squad today for the one-day series in Sri Lanka, which starts in November. Several former players have called for Cook, 29, to be replaced following series defeats by Sri Lanka and India. England play seven ODIs in Sri Lanka, starting on 26 November. They contest a tri-series against India and hosts Australia in January before the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand starts in February
Batsman Cook was appointed one-day captain in 2011 and led England to the top of the International Cricket Council ODI rankings the following year. England have lost their last four ODI series at home, although they reached the final of the Champions Trophy on home soil in 2013. Cook has captained England in 63 ODIs - a record for his country - and is 13th on the list of England’s all-time run-scorers, with 3,085 at an average of 37.62 and strike rate of 77.57.
However, former England spinner and team-mate Graeme Swann said in August that Cook should not play one-day cricket, while ex-captain Michael Vaughan said he should not lead the 50-over team. Ashley Giles, the ex-England limitedovers coach, told the BBC this month that it was “too late” to sack Cook so soon before the World Cup, although exEngland batsman Geoffrey Boycott said: “It’s never too late.” Cook has captained England in 63 ODI’s, winning 34 and losing 24.(BBC Sport).
Alastair Cook
The PCB organised a month-long fitness camp in Lahore in June, after which players were given specific targets. In further tests in early September, four national team players failed to meet the required targets, according to Akbar. Contracted players in the top payment category, which includes Afridi and Misbah, currently receive around $4 200 a month from the board. Pakistan are down in sixth place in the ICC’s Test rankings and Waqar Younis, the team’s head coach, admits they no longer have the individual bowling firepower to win matches single-handedly. The former fast bowler and Test captain, who took more than 800 international wickets, says bowlers will need to work as a unit to win matches in future. “The days of Wasim (Akram), Waqar, Shoaib Akhtar, Saqlain or Asif are gone. We don’t have individuals now who can win matches on their own like we did in the past,” he said on the Geo Super sports channel.” Waqar said he was satisfied with the current Pakistan bowlers, whom he described as capable, but he added: “They will now have to work as a unit to win matches. They will have to make use of modern technology.” Waqar said the suspension of top offspinner Saeed Ajmal for an illegal action could prove a blessing in disguise. “With the World Cup round the corner, it is an opportunity for younger bowlers to take Ajmal’s place,” he said. “Secondly I think in his absence senior players like Muhammad Hafeez and Shahid Afridi have to take more responsibility.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 24, 2014
Americans play too much before a Ryder Cup - captain Watson By Tony Jimenez GLENEAGLES, Scotland (Reuters) - Captain Tom Watson believes the United States team are often drained by having to play too much competitive golf in the lead-up to a Ryder Cup match. Europe have a proud recent history, with seven wins from the last nine editions, and Watson says the money-spinning U.S. FedExCup playoff series that is held before the biennial team event serves as an added complication to the American squad. “I am concerned about how much these players are playing before they reach the Ryder Cup,” the eighttime major winner told a news conference yesterday. “I’m very concerned about that.” Watson said he raised the issue with PGA of America president Ted Bishop and PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem two years ago. “These players are playing seven out of eight tournaments or eight out of nine tournaments,” added Watson. “They are tired.
Tom Watson That’s too much golf. “If they could rectify that by a change in the date or the way these tournaments are played prior to it that would be great for the Ryder Cup.” Earlier yesterday, European stalwart Graeme McDowell said a change to a three-year cycle of matches might benefit the American players in order to break up the pattern of competing in either the Ryder Cup or the Presidents Cup every season. “I’ve spoken to a few of them and they are of the
belief that this needs to be every three years so they can play a Ryder Cup and a Presidents Cup and have a year off,” said world number 18 McDowell. GLOBAL SPECTACLE “This event has become such a global spectacle and such a huge emotional week we want them to be as into it as we are.” Watson, however, did not share McDowell’s view. “I still like two years,” said the U.S. skipper. “I think that’s just right.”
Watson gave the first clue on his thinking about pairings for Friday morning’s opening fourballs when he sent his 12-strong team out to practise in three groups of four, matching rival captain Paul McGinley’s strategy earlier in the day. U.S. Masters champion Bubba Watson was grouped with Matt Kuchar, Webb Simpson and rookie Jordan Spieth. The experienced Jim Furyk accompanied rookie Patrick Reed, former U.S. Masters winner Zach Johnson and Hunter Mahan while five-time major champion Phil Mickelson partnered rookie Jimmy Walker, Rickie Fowler and Keegan Bradley. “The players are out there feeling the golf course - a few of them for the first time,” said the visiting captain. “I told everybody: don’t worry about your golf swing too much today. It’s early. Just kind of get a feel for the golf course. “You’ll see a lot of chipping and putting and that’s what I would be doing if I was a pro in the Ryder Cup, the same thing.”
Stag Beer/EBFA Div.1 League – Rd 2
Grove Hi Tech beat Soesdyke Falcons 4-0; Agricola/ Warriors match abandoned GROVE Hi Tech moved a step closer to sealing championship honours in the Stag Beersponsored East Bank Football Association division-one league when they brushed aside Soesdyke Falcons 4-0 in the opening game last Sunday at the Grove Playfield. Led by their captain Domini Garnett with a hat-trick, Grove eased to their 11th win in 12 matches with two games in hand and seem set to win the league. Soesdyke kept the home team at bay for almost the entire first half but their resistance eventually snapped with two minutes to the halfway mark and it was Garnett who rocked the nets with the first of his three in the 43rd minute. That was all that Grove needed and they never looked back as the Soesdyke side failed to keep it tight in the final 45 minutes letting in three more goals. Garnett scored again in the 52nd and 63rd minutes and Devon Joseph tucked in one in the 59th minute. Sunday’s other game was
abruptly abandoned as a result of a fracas between opposing players from Agricola Red Triangle and Kuru Kururu Warriors. The former were leading 3-2 at the time when referee Wilton Bobb was forced to halt the game in the 66th minute. The players at the centre of the melee are Agricola’s Gordon Grant and Joseph Walker of the Warriors. The EBFA is awaiting the Referees’ report before deciding on the fate of the players at the centre of this unfortunate incident which brought the game into disrepute. Agricola had taken the lead in the 23rd minute through Grant, their leading marksman, but goals in the space of three minutes handed the Warriors a 2-1 lead, with Franklin Medouze scoring in the 27th and Christopher Fraser, three minutes later. Agricola fired back to equalise and take the lead with goals from Winston Rawlins (55th) and Lumumba Hinds (60th) before the game was abruptly halted much to the disappointment of the fans and EBFA officials.
Company formed to run Red Force Fernandes will be hard-pressed to defend DeSinco cycle race title business under new franchise system STEPHEN Fernandes will be hard-pressed on Saturday to make a successful defence of the DeSinco Trading-sponsored feature 35-lap cycle race when national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed runs off the 14th Annual programme around the inner circuit of the National Park beginning at 09:00hrs. Fernandes, who won the feature event last year with a time of one hour 24 minutes 17.31 seconds, will have to be wary of a host of cyclists, including Michael Anthony, Paul DeNobrega, Raynauth Jeffrey, Marlon `Fishy’ Williams, Hamza Eastman and Orville Hinds, who have all been performing creditably since the 2014 cycle season started.
Anthony recently won the gruelling Victor Macedo Memorial 70-mile road race which was staged along the East Bank Demerara and the Linden/Soesdyke Highway on Sunday. In winning the overall event, Anthony also carted off the junior title. Eastman, on the other hand, won a 35-lap race in the National Park two Saturdays ago and returned last Saturday to win the Irene Benjamin’s 75th Birth Anniversary 60-mile road race in Berbice. Apart from the duo, DeNobrega, Williams and Jeffrey have all been performing exceedingly well, so Fernandes, who is of a veteran’s age but competes against his
younger counterparts, will really have to ride if he is to come out victorious. On Saturday also, Raul Leal will be defending his juvenile 10-lap title which he won last year with a time of 26 minutes 35.70 seconds, while Raymond Newton, who won the veterans’ five-lap event last year in 11 minutes 37 seconds, is expected to get stiff competition from Junior Niles, Kennard Lovell and Linden Blackman among others. Richard Charles won the five-lap race for mountain bikers last year in a time of 11 minutes 56.04 seconds, but chances are he might not be able to make a successful defence of his title this time around.
P O R T- O F - S PA I N , Trinidad (CMC) - A new company has been formed to run the affairs of Trinidad and Tobago cricket under the new franchise system soon to be introduced by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). Red Force Trinidad and Tobago Limited is the trading name of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) president Azim Bassarath has announced. The WICB has instructed its six territorial boards to form companies to run the affairs of the teams as part of restructuring. “We have the six officers of the board who will run the company. We have intentions of bringing
Azim Bassarath in skilled persons an attorney and an accountant,” Bassarath told the Express. “There was some discussion that the WICB directors should be seeking the interests of the WICB in each of the companies. More than likely a director from the WICB will be named in
each of the companies.” Bassarath, a WICB director, has expressed confidence in the ability of his board to make a success of the new enterprise. All six franchises will be given US$45 000 per month to fund their operations but will be required to raise revenue as well. “It is our intention to go that way. We can get involved in other types of activities in order to sustain the company,” the president said. “All the boards have indicated they were ready to go. Everything will roll into place on October 1”. The new regional season under the new franchise system is due to begin in November.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 24, 2014
GCB INTER-COUNTY 4-DAY
Jason Holder
Confident Developmental XI face Demerara … Second round action bowls off today By Calvin Roberts BUOYED by their sixwicket victory over Essequibo in the first round, a confident Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Developmental XI, led by national all-rounder Steven Jacobs, will face Demerara in one of two second-round matches of this year’s GCB senior Inter-county four-day tournament which bowls off today. This contest will take place at the Everest Cricket Club ground, while in the other contest, Berbice and perennial whipping boys Essequibo, will go headto-head at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground. Both matches bowl off at 09:30hrs each day. At Everest, the Developmental XI, who came under some questionable umpiring decisions against Essequibo in their first innings, will be looking to West Indies Under-19 openers Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Shimron Hetmyer to give them a solid start with the bat, reminiscence of their second-innings performance against the Cinderella County boys, when chasing 268 for victory. The middle order will be bolstered by Jacobs, Chandrapaul Hemraj, David Latchaya, Yatesh Dhanpaul, the vastly improving Kemo Paul and Kemol Savory, while Kellon Carmichael, Steven Sankar and Niall Smith will bolster the lower order, if the management decides to go with the same 11 for this match. Yes, Demerara have three of the four centurions from their first-round matchup against Berbice within their ranks, but once Jacobs can get his boys to bowl a tidy line and length and reduce the free-scoring ability of the Garvin Neddcoached Demerara lineup, then this contest can be an interesting one. Carmichael will be expected to share the new ball with either Smith or Paul in windy conditions, taking the sheen off same for Jacobs, Dhanpaul and Sankar to do their magic with spin, especially on a
track that offers assistance to spin bowling. Nevertheless, the Vishal Singh-led Demerara unit will look to the skipper, first-round double centurion in opener Rajendra Chandrika and national opener Trevon Griffith, their three centurions, backed by Christopher Barnwell, Shemroy Barrington, Robin Bacchus, Zaheer Mohammed and Joseph Perry, to post a good total if asked to bat first.
unbeaten on 132 to become the fourth centurion. Anthony Bramble, skipper Narsingh Deonarine, Herman Latcha, Veerasammy Permaul and Keon Joseph who batted wisely and cautiously during his 69run third-wicket partnership with Surujnarine on the final morning, will all lend support with the bat. In Joseph and Raun Johnson, Berbice have the best new-ball pair in the country, with backings
and this year, he finished the limited overs version of the tournament with 11 wickets, having taken 5 against Demerara who won their first-round contest by the skin of their teeth, four against the Under-19s and two against Berbice. Yet, he was bypassed for the best bowler award, an obvious mistake acknowledged by those in authority, while in his side’s first-round game against the Developmental
Demerara wicketkeeper Joseph Perry is caught by Chronicle Sport photographer Adrian Narine paying keen attention as Berbice opener Kandasammy Surujnarine plays a forward defensive stroke, during the drawn first-round encounter between the two teams. Their bowlers will be led by Barnwell and Paul Wintz, while Bacchus, Mohammed, Amir Khan, Raj Nannan and to a lesser extent Griffith, can lend valuable support in the bowling department. At DCC, the Ancient County will be forced to make changes to their lineup, as national allrounder Royston Crandon, who was embroiled in an on-field altercation with Barrington in the first round, has been handed a onematch suspension by the Disciplinary Committee of the GCB. Apart from that, Devon Clements and Jason Sinclair both failed with the bat, as Jonathan Foo’s miserable run continues while Kandasammy Surujnarine, who was involved in a match-saving 163-run fourth-wicket partnership with Crandon, finished
coming from Romario Shepherd-DeJonge, who should be having a run at the Essequibians - a team that is susceptible to fast bowling. Permaul, Deonarine, Latcha and former West Indies Under-19 leftarm orthodox spinner Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai, will take charge of the spin bowling department with support from Clements and Foo, if selected. There is no doubt that when it comes to the possession of a strong mental fortitude, skipper Anthony Adams stands head and shoulders above his teammates in the Vibert Johnson-coached Essequibo lineup. Year after year, he has led their bowling without much of a frown, even when the national selectors continue to bypass him
XI, he ended with eight wickets, after taking 7 for 34 in the first innings that routed the opposition for 128. With such attributes, openers Kevon Boodie and Royan Fredericks, along with Ricardo Peters, Ricardo Adams, Mark Gonsalves, Parmesh Parsotam and Shivendra Hemraj, will need to come good with the bat against Berbice and post an insurmountable total one that will enable Mark Tyrell, Brian Herbert, Hemchand Persaud, Anthony Adams and Fredericks to bowl at, if they intend to have their team produce a much better showing, in comparison to what was seen in the second innings of their firstround game against the Developmental XI.
Holder urges patience from Caribbean fans MOHALI, India (CMC) – West Indies fast bowler Jason Holder wants Caribbean fans to have patience with the regional side as they continue to struggle at the highest level. Once considered the best side in the World during the 1980s and early 1990s, West Indies have plummeted over the last decade to sit at number eight in the ICC Test team rankings. The 22-year-old Holder, widely viewed as key to any future revival, said with the team currently struggling, the focus was on returning to the pinnacle of world cricket again. “Back then we were very competitive, very dominant. In the recent past we haven’t been that good and we have been inconsistent,” said Holder, currently in India representing Barbados Tridents in the Champions League Twenty20. “Obviously people who watched cricket back then expect the high standards and honestly we haven’t been giving that in the last few years in West Indies cricket. So there is
disappointment in a sense. “But I just hope that they could bear with us. We are in a rebuilding phase in a way and we will get there as soon as possible.” Holder has played just one Test – against New Zealand in his native Barbados back in June, where he managed to score a half-century on debut. And while he still considers himself a bowling all-rounder, he said he has been putting in plenty work with the bat in the nets. “I guess I will be a bowling all-rounder. But I practise my batting a lot, I love it and it is something I would never neglect,” Holder said. “I focus a lot on my batting. I try to keep things well balanced between my batting and my bowling. When I am on my own I tend to go into the nets and hit a lot of balls at home. And when I get a chance within teams, I try to top it with a little bit more. “The more I bat and the better position I get in and feel well balanced, that’s better for me when I go into a game.”
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday September 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 Tuesday’s quiz: (1) 36 (2)Javed Omar (vs ZIM, Bulawayo, 2001) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many wicketkeepers have captained the WI in Tests? (2) Who is the first Bangladeshi to score a Test match hundred? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 24, 2014
Our Own, Wakenaam share honours in OMSL finals By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – Our Own Sports Club made it three wins in a row while firsttimers Wakenaam had a successful debut when the first and second division Over-40 finals of the Ontario Masters Softball League (OMSL) were contested last Sunday at Littles ground, Scarborough here on Sunday. Playing before a bumper Sunday afternoon crowd and in a festive atmosphere after early morning showers had threatened to derail the much-anticipated clashes, fans were treated to two entertaining encounters despite both being lowscoring affairs. In a repeat of the finals for the last two years, Our Own once again got the better of Guyana Sports Club (GSC), winning by four wickets while Wakenaam registered a five-wicket victory over Essequibo Cricket Club. Winning the toss and opting to take first strike, GSC were off to a disastrous start, losing the wicket of Richard Driffield to the first ball of the innings after seasoned campaigner
and the league’s most economical bowler Mahendranauth ‘Bobby’ Parasnauth knocked back his middle stump. It was soon 14 for 2, with Parasnauth again in the action, uprooting the stumps of Jito Narine (four). Worse was to come for GSC, as they lost the prized wicket of former Guyana all-rounder Sunil Dhaniram (six), comprehensively bowled by Troy Gobin, whose first over went for nine. Top scorer Ray Moosaie added some impetus to the innings with a fine knock of 25 which included a six and three fours but failed to beat a direct throw from former Canadian national Desmond Cholmondeley as GSC slipped further into trouble at 46 for four in the 12th over. Three further run-outs, one of them resulting from another spectacular throw from Jaimini Singh, did little to help GSC’s cause as they ended on what seemed an insufficient 89 all out at the expiration of their 20 overs. The wily Parasnauth finished with two for 12 and Gobin two for 16 from their allotted three overs. Our Own’s reply was almost identical to GSC’s
as Jaimini Singh, the former Essequibo allrounder, succumbed to the second ball of the innings for a duck, skying a catch to deep midwicket after Orin O’Neil had taken a single off the first ball.
the innings with an array of attacking and at times defensive batting. Seeram departed for a quick-fire 23 which included two towering sixes and with the demise of Cholmendeley for a
MVP Troy Gobin (right) collects his MVP award from OMSL statistician Ed Pestano.
It was soon two for two as Fazal Shakoor held a stunning caught-andbowled chance to send O’Neil packing before Gobin and Shivnauth Seeram, who both represented Guyana at the Under-19 level, steadied
The victorious Our Own Sports Club players pose after their third consecutive championship win.
first-ball duck, Our Own were shakily placed at 37 for four in the eighth over. Skipper Parasnauth, with a calm head, however, joined Gobin, the two adding an invaluable 21 for the fifth wicket and by the time the former departed for 13, 20
runs were still needed for victory. Gobin, who was later named MVP for the winning team, followed with 13 adrift of the winning target, his fine 33 laced with two fours and a six. The seventh-wicket pair of Jesh Parasnauth and Mohan Singh ensured no further alarms as victory was achieved in 18.3 overs much to the delight of Our Own supporters. Shakoor, who had caused the early damage, finished with the impressive figures of four for nine. In the second division encounter, Wakenaam created quite a storm by becoming the first side to gain championship honours in the initial attempt, turning back the challenge of Essequibo Cricket Club in a clash of teams from the Ancient County. Chasing 89 for victory, after Essequibo were limited to 88 for nine in their allotted 20 overs, Wakenaam were in a spot of bother at 40 for five in the ninth over before Chintaram Ramroop (28 not out) and Muntaz Hamid with an unbeaten 27 sealed the deal with an unbroken sixth-wicket partnership of 50. Jeetendra Harrilall (two for 10) and Omar Shamshudeen (two for
16) were Essequibo’s best bowlers. Earlier, Essequibo were indebted to 28 not out from Anand Sukhdeo and 21 from captain Pradeep Gopiechand as Ahmad Bashir (three for nine), Ivan Narine (two for seven), Muneshwar Monasar (two for 10) and Hazaar Abdool (two for 15) shared the bowling honours. The championship victory by Our Own marked their third consecutive and their 45th on the trot over the last three years, prompting skipper Parasnauth to express his delight over his team’s performance and to praise the efforts of the sponsors and many supporters over the years. He also had kind words for the league for its brilliant organising abilities. At an impressive presentation ceremony, which followed and was presided over by OMSL president Jai Singh, players from all four participating teams were recipients of medals while the MVPs, runnerup teams and winners collected trophies. The league’s presentation dinner and dance is set for October 18 next.
First-timers Wakenaam celebrate their emphatic victory.
Sport CHRONICLE
Our Own, Wakenaam share honours in OMSL finals
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See story on page 39
Cricket Guy Inc. to oversee new franchise system … GCB gives details at press briefing See story on page 33
A section of the audience which attended yesterday’s briefing on the soon-to-be-implemented franchise system for regional cricket, organised by the Guyana Cricket Board and held at the Everest Cricket Club pavilion.
Richardson keen on Windies head coach position Bolt targets sub-19 seconds 200m world record USAIN Bolt believes he can lower both his 100m and 200m world records and aims to be the first man to break 19 seconds for the longer distance. The 28-year-old Jamaican set both current world records, 9.58 seconds for 100m and 19.19 seconds for 200m, at the 2009 World Championships. Despite winning five Olympic and World individual sprint titles since, he has yet to improve on
those times. “Everybody wants to see the 100m go but the 200m is for me,” he said. “If I can get a perfect season where I’m working well, without any injuries, with no time off, I’ll definitely have the chance to break the 100m world record. “The 200m is my personal focus. One of my biggest goals is to try to run sub-19, pushing the barrier a little bit will be great for me.”
Bolt’s 2014 campaign was disrupted by foot and hamstring injuries and he only ran in three races - including a leg for Jamaica’s victorious 4x100m relay team at the Commonwealth Games before bringing his season to an early end. Bolt’s quickest 200m time since setting his world record in Berlin was the 19.32 seconds he clocked at London 2012. Turn to page 33
ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) - Former West Indies cricket captain Sir Richie Richardson has expressed an interest in the vacant position of head coach of the regional squad. Richardson, the current team manager, is interested in replacing Ottis Gibson who resigned recently after discussions with members of the West Indies Cricket Board executive. Richardson said he would not hesitate to accept if offered the top coaching position. “I’ve always said I would never say no when I am asked to do a job for West Indies cricket. I love West Indies cricket that much, so whatever I am asked to do I will say, yes,” said Richardson, a level three England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) coach. “It’s very difficult to say, ‘No I am not going to do it’ so if the board approaches me and asks me to coach the team; obviously, I’d seriously think about it ….” Richardson has also dismissed reports that he has been acting in the position since Gibson’s departure. Former player Stuart Williams has
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Richie Richardson is interested in becoming Windies head coach. been occupying the top coaching spot since the WICB and Gibson parted ways last month. “We all know exactly what we have to do and everything just continued to run smoothly,” said Richardson whose contract as manager ends in 2016. “The only difference is that it’s a bit more work for myself and also for the coaches because we are one personnel short, but we rallied and we’ve always been a very good team. We’ve always worked well together and we continued in that vein.” West Indies will tour India from October 3 to 30. WEDNESDAY, September 24, 2014