Guyana chronicle 29 01 15

GUYANA

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

No. 104084 THURSDAY JANUARY 29, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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Given falling fuel prices…

GPL ‘undertakes’ reduction of electricity charges Page

President Donald Ramotar

Dissolution proclamation will be made

by February 9 – Dr. Luncheon

Cathy Hughes

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– at inaugural energy security summit in the U.S.

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Dr. Roger Luncheon

AFC happy with Gov’t’s decision on CSEC, CAPE 3 exam dates Page

Donor community commits to helping transform Caribbean energy sector

US Vice-President, Mr Joseph Biden with Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr Robert Persaud (Photos courtesy of The White House)

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‘BREAST GRABBER’ JAILED

– Berbice man gets six months jail for grabbing woman’s breast Page 2

Guyana presents UN with periodic review

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 29, 2015

Dissolution proclamation will be made by February 9 – Dr. Luncheon NOW that the Elections Proclamation has been signed, and scheduled to be gazetted soon, attention has been shifted to the next step – dissolution of Parliament – in the leadup to the May 11 General and Regional elections as announced by President Donald Ramotar.

And Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon yesterday disclosed that the Dissolution Proclamation will be made within the

constitutionally provided for timeframe, three months before Election Day. “You’re looking at dissolution three months, exactly, from the 11th of May… sometime by the 8th or 9th of February,” he said, during his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing, which was held at the Office of the President.

Additionally, concerns over why the dissolution of Parliament, which currently stands prorogued, have been bandied about since Presi-

Dr. Roger Luncheon

dent Ramotar’s announcement of Elections Day. However, Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, in a prior interview with the Guyana Chronicle, made it clear that the two announcements do not have to be made simultaneously.

“There is absolutely no obligation on the President to dissolve Parliament at the same time when a date for National Elections is announced,” he told the Guyana Chronicle in an invited

comment.

Nandlall explained that the two announcements can be made together, but it is not an absolute necessity that they must be.

He added that the Constitution states clearly that elections must be held within three months of the dissolution of Parliament. “Parliament has to be dissolved on a date within that three-month timeframe,” Nandlall said.

Once the proclamation of dissolution is issued, preparations for the next Parlia-

ment – the 11th Parliament – will commence.

The new 65 Members, relative to representation in the House, will be decided based on the outcome of the upcoming General and Regional elections and who those individuals are will be based on the names submitted, via a Candidates List submitted on Nomination Day, by the contesting political parties.

The 10th Parliament was convened on January 12, 2012. (Vanessa Narine)

‘BREAST GRABBER’ JAILED – Berbice man gets six months jail for grabbing woman’s breast BREASTreast-grabber, Kumar Balkarran, 17, of Canefield Settlement, East

Canje, was on Wednesday sentenced to six months imprisonment, by Magistrate

Sherdel Isaacs Marcus, after he was found guilty of sexual assault.

Police Inspector, Godfrey Player, who had prosecuted the case, had led evidence to prove that on August 7, 2013, the defendant, a labourer, had assaulted the 34-year-old old virtual complainant, sexually.

The complainant, a nurse, had moments ago left her home to resume the night shift at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

She was walking along Welfare Street, in East Canje, shortly after 21:00hrs, when the defendant, who was wearing a dark green hood, rode past in the opposite direction, grabbing her left side breast as he passed by.

The complainant, who identified her abuser as ‘Drupattie son’, called on him, and asked his reason for doing such an act. He did not respond, but rode off in the dark.

In her evidence, the nurse admitted that she did not know the suspect’s name, but that she knew his mother well.

As a result, she made a complaint to the parent, before reporting the matter to the Reliance Police Station, where charges were instituted.

The matter was initially heard before the court on August 12, 2013. But, adjournments were secured by the defendant and he sub-

sequently changed his lawyers. Further, another long adjournment was given after presiding Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus had gone on annual leave. In addition, summons was also served on the virtual complainant after she encountered difficulty in attending her court hearing.

In sentencing, the Magistrate took into consideration the length of time the case took, and imposed a six month sentence instead of the one year suggestion offered by the police prosecution.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 29, 2015

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Given falling fuel prices…

GPL ‘undertakes’ reduction of electricity charges THE Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) has “practically undertaken” a decrease of electricity charges, given the falling fuel prices and a request for a reduction in tariff by President Donald Ramotar, last week.

This disclosure was made yesterday by Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon, who said “the company has practically undertaken to have the electricity charges for consumers, across the board, to (be) adjusted downward.”

Luncheon said he was advised that GPL is “favourably disposed” to heed President Ramotar’s request for consideration of a decrease in electricity charges.

When asked about the value of the reduction, Dr. Luncheon said this has not been communicated to him as yet.

However, the Head of the Presidential Secretariat assured that a definitive announcement on the matter will be made soon.

The Guyana Government’s much lauded decision last week to significantly reduce fuel prices on the local

“The company has practically undertaken to have the electricity charges for consumers, across the board, (be) adjusted downward.” – HPS, Dr. Roger Luncheon

President Donald Ramotar

Dr. Roger Luncheon

market, amid reduced fuel prices globally, has resulted in appreciable benefits to consumers.

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, last Tuesday, announced significant reductions in local fuel prices as follows: gas price was reduced from $995 per gallon to $695, representing a 30 per cent reduction; diesel price was reduced by 30 per cent, from $985 to $694; and kerosene saw a reduction of 42 per cent, from $850 to $496.

Consequently, there have been queries as to whether the electricity costs borne by customers will also benefit

from the falling fuel prices.

As such, President Donald Ramotar, in an invited comment to this newspaper, disclosed that he has asked GPL to examine the possibility of reducing electricity rates to customers.

The President had told the Chronicle that GPL has promised to explore all the options, in light of the reduction of fuel prices, whereby electricity consumers can benefit from lower electricity rates.

GPL MAKING ADVANCES GPL, over the last few

years, has been making significant advances in its operations.

Guyana now boasts a modern integrated electricity grid, linking Berbice and Demerara, since the final component of the new system, the Guyana Power and Light’s Georgetown sub-station, Ruimveldt, was commissioned last December.

Completed under GPL’s US$38.9M Infrastructure Development Programme (IDP), the new system is expected to facilitate and upgrade voltage stability and efficient electricity distribution. The IPD was funded by the Government of Guyana and in part by a concessional loan from the Export-Import Bank of China.

However, Chairman of GPL’s Board of Directors, Winston Brassington, underscored the fact that the integrated electricity grid was not only done to meet international standards – in the interest of mitigating several challenges, including cost of

electricity to Guyanese – but is also a pre-requisite for the Amaila Falls Hydro Project (AFHP), which is a project that is considered important

by GPL. AMAILA NEEDED The hydropower project is touted to be able to provide Guyanese with a cheaper, reliable and sustainable electricity supply.

It involves the construction of a hydropower plant in the area of West-Central Guyana, where the Amaila and Kuribrong Rivers meet. Electricity produced there would be delivered to Georgetown and Guyana’s second largest town, Linden.

The AFHP is anticipated to result in substantial savings to the nation’s coffers, particularly in terms of foreign exchange and the purchase of heavy fuel oil.

President Ramotar’s consistent position on developing hydropower is that economies must serve the people, not vice-versa, and with

an expected saving of $9B in electricity subsidies, as well as savings on the $40B fuel bill, enormous contributions can be made to the infrastructural development, which is particularly needed in Guyana’s hinterland to aid and accelerate economic progress.

Mr. Ramotar has also stressed that, despite the disposition of the combined Opposition, the project is not dead. “We are very close to taking a decision on what direction to go to put Amaila back on stream,” the President has said.

Additionally, the potential benefits of a more stable and reliable source of energy through the advancement of hydroelectricity was also targeted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), last December, as an area for continued focus.

Guyana spent some $23B in fuel last year alone to ensure the provision of electricity to Guyanese.

(Vanessa Narine)

AFC happy with Gov’t’s decision on CSEC, CAPE exam dates THE decision to shift the dates for the upcoming Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), which had coincided with the May 11 General and Regional Elections, was welcomed

by Executive Member of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Cathy Hughes.

“I am very happy that the date… has been changed, because just the worry of elections would have been an impediment on our students, guaranteeing that they had a great opportunity of doing their best,” she told the Guyana Chronicle, in an invited comment yesterday.

She explained that the AFC is happy with the de-

Cathy Hughes

cision made by the Government so that these students do not have to carry that burden of sitting the exam “while people are voting next door, excluding every-

thing else that could happen during that period.”

According to her, her party’s primary concerns related to the students, parents and teachers, who would have spent “a good five years” preparing for these exams.

“The distraction of an election could have affected them in some way. The exams are fundamental to help our fifth form students move forward in life, and it also determines whether they go to university or further training,” Hughes said.

The AFC executive member stressed that the AFC is committed to ensuring that the students have the best opportunity of doing their best when they sit these exams.

Hughes added, “Even if

everything went perfectly well on elections day, which we think will happen, or what we hope will happen, we know that just the worry, just the fear of an elections on the same day of the exam would have been an impediment on our students, guaranteeing that they had a great opportunity of doing their best.

“So I am very happy, we the AFC do not want to deny any student anywhere in this country an opportunity to excel or do their best at any exam, so I’m glad the distraction of an election has been moved from them.”

When asked whether elections should have been pushed back instead, Hughes made it clear that the AFC’s preference is that

the elections be held as soon as possible.

“We want an election as soon as possible be-

cause it is absolutely necessary to take us out of a gridlock,” the AFC executive member said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday January 29, 2015

Two Israeli soldiers, U.N. peacekeeper killed in Israel-Hezbollah violence

(Reuters) - TWO Israeli soldiers and a Spanish peacekeeper were killed on Wednesday in an exchange of fire between Hezbollah and Israel, one of the most violent clashes between the two sides since a 2006 war.

The soldiers were killed when Hezbollah fired five missiles at a convoy of Israeli military vehicles on the frontier with Lebanon.

The peacekeeper, serving with a U.N. monitoring force in southern Lebanon, was killed as Israel responded with air strikes and artillery fire, a U.N. spokesman and Spanish officials said.

Hezbollah said one of its brigades in the area had carried out the attack, which appeared to be in retaliation for a Jan. 18 Israeli air strike in southern Syria that killed several Hezbollah members and an Iranian general.

“Those behind the attack today will pay the full price,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned later on Wednesday, in televised remarks as he met with security chiefs.

The Israeli military confirmed the deaths of the soldiers, saying they had been attacked while driving in unmarked civilian vehicles on a road next to the fence that marks the hilly frontier.

Seven other soldiers were wounded.

Israeli soldiers carry a wounded comrade on a stretcher near Israel’s border with Lebanon, January 28, 2015. REUTERS/JINIPIX Andrea Tenenti, spokesman for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which employs more than 10,000 troops, said the peacekeeper’s death was under investigation.

The U.N. special coordinator for Lebanon urged all parties to refrain from any further detribalisation of the situation, while Lebanon’s prime minister said his country was committed to the U.N. resolution that ended the 2006 war.

The 80-km (50-mile) frontier has largely been quiet since 2006, when Hezbollah and Israel fought a 34-day

war in which 120 people in Israel and more than 500 in Lebanon were killed.

Since the end of the war with Hamas militants in Gaza last year, Israel has warned of frictions

(BBC News) THE authorities in Jordan have offered to free an Iraqi prisoner for a Jordanian pilot held

by Islamic State after the group threatened to kill the pilot and another hostage.

On Tuesday, IS published a video where a man claiming to be Japanese captive Kenji Goto said Jordan had 24 hours to free the prisoner.

Otherwise both he and Jordanian pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh would die, he said.

Earlier, IS said it had killed another Japanese hostage, Haruna Yukawa.

It had demanded a $200m (£130m) ransom but there was no mention of the ransom in the new video.

IS has sparked fear and outrage over the past year with its brutal tactics, which include publicly putting to death journalists and soldiers.

Jordan has taken part in U.S.-led coalition air strikes against the group, which began in August. Moaz al-Kasasbeh was captured on 24 December after his plane crashed in northern Syria.

It is hard to see how IS would let both hostages go, BBC world affairs correspondent Paul Adams reports.

That leaves Japan and Jordan in a macabre contest, not of their own making, to get their citizens back, our correspondent says.

Jordanian government spokesman Mohammad al-Momani said his country was ready to release Sajida al-Rishawi, an Iraqi al-Qaeda militant sentenced to death in Jordan, if Lt Kasasbeh was released and his life spared.

The spokesman did not mention Kenji Goto.

Separately, Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judah said his country had asked IS for proof that the captured pilot was “alive and safe”.

Rishawi was convicted in relation to bomb attacks in the Jordanian capital, Amman, in 2005, which killed 60 people.

She was caught with an unexploded suicide bomb belt and confessed to planning an attack with her husband, who was killed.

Ukraine conflict: U.S. warns of more sanctions on Russia (BBC News) U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew has said sanctions against Russia could be extended because of the escalation of violence in east Ukraine.

He was speaking on a visit to Kiev, after European Union leaders said they would consider “further restrictive measures” on Russia’s government.

Pro-Russian separatists have pushed back Ukrainian forces in several areas in the

DATE: 28/01/2015 K

on the northern border and the possibility that Hezbollah might dig tunnels to infiltrate Israel. In recent days it has moved more troops and military equipment into the area.

IS hostages: Jordan offers prisoner for captured airman

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past week.

But the number of casualties has steadily mounted.

Shelling by Ukrainian forces killed 16 civilians in the rebel-held region of Luhansk and four in Donetsk, according to officials quoted

by Russian state news agency Tass on Wednesday. More than 100 others were reportedly wounded.

Ukrainian officials said the separatists had targeted 55 towns and villages in the past 24 hours. There were no details of civilian casualties but they said three soldiers had been killed.

A main focus of rebel attacks is the town of Debalt-

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seve, a road and rail hub near Donetsk, which separatist leader Eduard Basurin has described as a “wedge” between rebel-held areas.

Mr Lew said Washington’s first choice was a diplomatic resolution to lessen sanctions, but “we are prepared to do more if necessary”.

His remarks came hours after President Barack Obama spoke on the phone to German Chancellor Angela Merkel and issued a statement saying the two leaders were concerned about “Russia’s materiel support for the separatists”.

They “agreed on the need

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to hold Russia accountable for its actions”.

Russia denies involvement in eastern Ukraine, saying if any Russians are fighting there they are doing in a voluntary capacity.

EU foreign ministers will hold a special meeting in Brussels on Thursday to consider how to respond to the current escalation, including the killing of 30 civilians in the south-east Ukrainian city of Mariupol on Saturday.

“We note evidence of continued and growing support given to the separatists

by Russia, which underlines Russia’s responsibility,” EU leaders said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday January 29, 2015

Mexico insists 43 missing students are dead (BBC News) MEXICO’S attorney general says he can prove what happened to 43 students who disappeared in the southern state of Guerrero in September.

Jesus Murillo Karam said his team had interviewed 99 people including members of the criminal gang whom he alleges murdered the students.

Correspondents say it is the first time he has declared all the students dead.

Parents reacted angrily, saying that without proof, they would continue to believe their children were alive.

Mr Murillo Karam insisted that the students were killed by the gang and their bodies burnt at a rubbish dump - an explanation which relatives of the disappeared have rejected.

He said his team had 39 confessions from police and from members of the gang.

The remains of only one student have been identified so far after badly burnt bones were sent to a laboratory in Austria for DNA analysis.

The laboratory said it was impossible to identify any others because of the bad condition of the remains.

Mr Murillo said his information was based on 386 declarations from interviewees, 16 police raids and two reconstructions.

Relatives say there is still not enough proof to declare the students dead He said a key witness was Felipe Rodriguez Salgado, otherwise known as “El Cepillo”, a member of the criminal gang who is alleged to have taken part in the kidnapping, murder and disappearance of the students.

“The evidence allows us to determine that the students were kidnapped, killed, burned and thrown in the river,” said Mr Murillo.

He said evidence of gas, diesel and burnt rocks and steel from the inside of tyres at the scene proved this had taken place.

He also said forensic research showed the fire would have been hot enough to burn all 43 bodies - a view which

has been disputed by Mexican scientists.

Relatives of the disappeared have been sceptical about government explanations over what happened.

At an emotional news conference on Tuesday, parents accused the government of trying to end the investigation.

“We don’t believe anything of what they say,” said Carmen Cruz, whose 19-yearold son Jorge is one of the disappeared students.

“We are not going to allow this case to be closed.”

The lawyer representing the families, Vidulfo Rosales, presented a 10-point argument explaining why they believe

the investigation should continue.

Families say there has been a lack of conclusive forensic results.

Mr Rosales said that several key suspects were still at large and that, if detained, they could shed new light on the official version of events.

On Monday, relatives of the students led a huge march in Mexico City demanding government action and concrete proof of what had happened.

They maintain that the military based in Iguala would have known about the arrival of the students in the town and what happened to them.

Venezuela confirms defection of former security agent to U.S. CARACAS (Reuters) - VENEZUELAN officials confirmed on Tuesday the defection of a former bodyguard of Socialist Party heavyweight Diosdado Cabello but denied media reports his evidence to U.S. investigators implicated the powerful official in running a drug ring.

Spanish newspaper ABC and Miami-based El Nuevo Herald reported Cabello’s former security chief Leamsy Salazar had fled and was collaborating with U.S. authorities investigating allegations of Venezuelan officials’ involvement in drugs.

A ruling party legislator confirmed the defection of a former security agent for Cabello, a powerful and combative ex-soldier who heads the National Assembly and is the ruling party’s No. 2.

“He deserted from the armed forces in December and has emerged in the United States as a protected witness to defame, insult, and submit to public scorn the National Assembly’s president,” said Congressman Pedro Carreno, flanked by fellow “Chavista” legislators.

Nicolas Maduro’s government leapt to the defense of Cabello, saying international media in cahoots with the

United States were out to smear Venezuela.

“Imperialist hands are behind this,” Maduro said in a speech on Tuesday evening, referring to the claims against Cabello. “A hell of solitude awaits whoever betrays the revolution.”

The article, citing unnamed sources close to a U.S. investigation, said Salazar, who apparently worked for the late Hugo Chavez for nearly a decade, has evidence about Cabello’s role as head of an alleged military-run “Sun Cartel.”

Venezuelan officials have repeatedly denied accusations that such a cartel exists and demanded that evidence be shown.

U.S. officials, domestic political opponents and some foreign media have long accused Venezuela’s military of colluding with traffickers and allege that President Nicolas Maduro’s socialist government is, at the very least, turning a blind eye to the nation’s cocaine trade.

Maduro, elected in 2013 to replace the late Chavez, denies that, depicting the claims as a campaign to besmirch his leftist government, and justify aggression and coup-plotting.

Police beef up operations in St Catherine in response to murders

ST CATHERINE, Jamaica - COPS in the St Catherine North Police Division have reportedly intensified their operations in response to the recent spate of murders in the division.

Senior Superintendent Marlon Nesbeth, who heads the division, noted Tuesday that the police will be increasing their operational outputs to “unprecedented levels” in the interest of decent, law-abiding citizens, a release from the Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) said.

The senior cop has attributed most of the recent murders in the division to gang-related activities and has given the assurance that the police will be “occupying public spaces and dominating major thoroughfares in a bid to disrupt gang activities and deny gang members the opportunity to move about and commit crimes with impunity”.

Over the last few weeks, the police say there have been coordinated

operations throughout the division, which has led to the seizure of several firearms and ammunition and the fatal shooting of criminal kingpin, Michael ‘Tullus’ Morgan and his accomplice Ricardo Nicholas, otherwise called ‘Stinger’.

Morgan and Nicholas were shot dead in New Nursery, Spanish Town on Friday, January 23, when they reportedly engaged the lawmen in a gun battle.

Meanwhile, the police issued a warning to members of the public.

“It is a criminal offence to harbour criminals and if found culpable, they will face the full extent of the law,” the CCU release said.

“The police are urging the public to play their part in the fight against crime and support them in making Jamaica a safer place, by calling Crime Stop at 311, 811, police 119 emergency number or the nearest police station to report all crimes or suspicious activities in their area.”

Police operation

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday January 29, 2015

EDITORIAL The hotelier with his selfish ambitions

GUYANA’S experience has evinced some interesting persons, with some peculiar pretensions, within recent years.

They belong to that well-known category that whenever failing in their objective, they attack the Government. Of course, never nationalistic, they have their personal agenda of a narrow political type, which does not include the broader interests of this country, but rather pure selfish ambitions.

A perfect example of this ilk is hotelier, Mr. Robert Badal, a political aspirant, well-known member of the Alliance For Change (AFC), as well as one of its known financiers.

This was the businessman

who ascended to the heights of frenzy when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government announced that it was going to build Guyana’s first brand hotel, the Marriott. We recall his vehement criticisms as he questioned the wisdom of building such a hotel in Guyana, contending, among other things, that it would be difficult to satisfy occupancy levels, in addition to the fact that Government would not be able to recover its investment costs. Playing God, eh!

In other words, he was writing off this socio-economic investment, with its huge potential for attracting increased tourist arrivals to Guyana, even before its very foundations had been laid.

But Badal’s real issue with such a venture was its proximity to his Pegasus Hotel, and the competition that the latter would have from the Marriott.

He, like his Opposition cohorts, even questioned Government’s decision to undertake such a venture. He failed to comprehend the larger plateau of an administration taking the lead in promoting a sector that promises so much for the future.

But the Marriott is now completed, preparing for its grand and auspicious opening very soon, with the prognosis that business for this international five-star facility will be immediate and bountiful. Then suddenly

GUYANA

one of the greatest volte face ever – Badal offered to buy equity! And, this was despite his previous vitriol that such a hotel was not necessary!

Not surprisingly, Badal is now levelling accusations that the Marriott is ‘poaching’ staff from other hotels, including his Pegasus outfit, by offering higher salaries.

The name of the game is competition, and this is what Badal had feared from the moment of the initial announcement to build a Marriott Hotel. He knew that such a brand with its five star standards had all the potential to render his age-old holding (The Pegasus) obsolete.

Since Guyana operates a market economy, then what is wrong with the Marriott shopping staff from other such enterprises, at higher

salaries? So many would have departed from the precincts of the Pegasus because of poor working conditions, inclusive of wages. We stand to be corrected by recalling the Guyana Labour Union, a while ago, having to stage a protest within the grounds of the very hotel, on behalf of its members who were staff at the hotel.

The sad tragedy of the Badals of this country is that their patent selfishness, coupled with their political affiliations, is a constraint on their ability to comprehend what is best for Guyana’s development.

They pretend love for country; but their actual doings betray their anti-national motives.

Long live the Marriott!

An advice to the Opposition: Let’s heed call by holocaust survivors ‘Stop being so comical’ WHEN the President of Guyana prorogued Parliament, it was the Opposition’s mistaken belief that the Government was not in any way serious about the announcement of an election soon thereafter. They were so full of it thinking that after a few months the President would have had a change of heart and reconvene this noble house.

Their strategy was to lobby foreign sympathisers as well as local claptraps to pressure the Government to recall Parliament so that they can continue the masquerade show. The foolishness pervaded the tenth Parliament was tremendous, as the combined Opposition voting down every conceivable bill.

Everything that represented progress and prosperity for the people of this country was voted down. With an out of control Opposition this country was

going nowhere. Hence, in that confusion the President made the best move so far, that is, set a date for election.

Now, the Opposition was caught flatfooted at this and have been backpedaling ever-since. The lyrics for their newest tune is, “the election date must be changed...it would affect students writing The CXC.” What a joke! Since when are PNC/ APNU and its cohorts so concerned about the youths and students of this country? That party has a dismal record when dealing with youth affairs and student matters. APNU has an unenviable history of being in association with criminal youth activity making excuses for their heinous crimes. They use and abuse those who are criminally bent. So to come out making that statement exposes them in a bold faced lie; they are in the least interested in the development

of the youth.

And speaking of student affairs, who were the people who voted down student loans at the University of Guyana?

Everyone knows that this action was spearheaded by PNC/APNU. Thousands of students were affected by that horrible decision. It took a herculean task by a caring and considerate Government to restore those loans and as a result bring back decency and order at our tertiary institution. Don’t they think that the youth of this nation see these things?

Most certainly they do, and come Election Day they would make that educated decision as to who they want to govern their country.

In closing, let me issue a kind advice to the Opposition: ‘Stop being so comical.’

NEIL ADAMS

ONE of the greatest human tragedy inflicted on man by man took place seventy years ago in a concentration camp in Auschwitz, Poland.

Many of the survivors of that holocaust, now in their sunset years, have issued a call not to allow a repeat of the crimes that took place during those sordid years at a memorial ceremony held recently at the site where the holocaust took place.

Over a million lives were lost mostly Jews between 1940 and 1945 when Soviet troops liberated it.

It was undoubtedly one of the worst act of hatred

and inhumanity. Those who survived the holocaust were children at the time but the scars of that period remained fresh in their collective memories.

Regrettably, the lessons of Auschwitz has not been fully heeded as manifested in so many acts of terror and savage brutality inflicted on people in so many parts of the world. Despite the International Criminal Court in the Hague, crimes against humanity continue unabated.

This is why the call by the holocaust survivors must not be allowed to fall on deaf ears.

HYDAR ALLY

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday January 29, 2015

Donald Ramotar, a credible presidential candidate THOUGH I concurred with the confab for Donald Ramotar’s candidacy and eventually his election to the presidency, I had reservations.

I worried that he was naïve, pitching a message to bridge the political divide with a rapacious Opposition whose philosophy axis’ on an obstructionist creed. Clearly, the new dispensation had been worn as a badge of honour by those relentless in dousing the economic development and aborted concession politics.

I had a disquieting feeling that he had ignored the writing on the wall, pitching a message that the political line of demarcation would give way to nation building, an illusion, given the imperious Opposition had woven a political noose.

I worried he had ventured into political appeasement overdrive against the backdrop of a vengeance raged Opposition, imploring his parliamentary nemeses to rise above the political divide, knowing it had self-inoculated against the acquired taste for compromise.

Call it naivety or bipartisan perpetual endurance on the part of the President; I felt he relied too much on redemption politics from a power intoxicated Opposition, with predatory instinct on his heels, destined to bring about political casualty.

I was right. After three years, the comprised impaired Opposition has bludgeoned progress and came close to crippling development, putting into limbo legislations, economic reforms, developmental projects, and tampered social safety nets and shredded the fabrics of democracy. But he never relents, believing that the nation’s interests would triumph personal ones, though he never had a reciprocal partner. Instead, he was gifted an arsenal of “this is how we do it” approach from a self-confessed “economic hit squad” of the Opposition.

LEADERSHIP Despite the onslaught of anti-democratic underpinnings pivot upon obstruction, Ramotar emerged in his own organic political character, shaped and fortified by his ability to understand economic constraints, prospects and remained true to his political philosophy, with a keen sense in navigating the political culture with conviction and astuteness. In essence, Ramotar has defined his legacy in more tangible terms than is perceived, impacting on many fronts, and became the

quintessence - consequential president in contemporary Guyanese Politics.

Ramotar ’s character, ideals, and devotion to the Guyanese cause and struggle are well documented; his leadership abilities attested; his footprints in the sand of unwavering commitment to freedom and democracy never called into question; his patriotism, good governance, accountability and dedication to multi-ethnic/racial politics are sterling.

I will resume making the case of Ramator’s sterling leadership achievements, but I beg your indulgence to deviate to address a few unpalatable issues, emanating from the Opposition’s surrogates. Chiefly amongst the calculated mischief is the conjectured message to malign him as a burgeoning dictator, hoping that their demonising rhetoric, which failed to take root in Guyana, would now find refuge in the halls of the U.S. Congress. So far, they are the only consumers of their fermented brew.

In the other far corner are a few self-professed Jaganites, long expelled from progressive political thought, hissing from afar at what they perceived to be a departure from the founder’s ideals, lamenting the idea that the new political dispensation was a legitimate offspring.

The basic premise of this argument purports an imposter in a progressive suit - an attempt at an erroneous deception. Yet these strayed political vagrants cannot account for the economic resilience and continued majority support.

Way over in the deep end, drowning in infinite pen freedom, thanks to the government’s safe-guarding, the supposedly unbiased press employs brute force to eclipse independent thinking, and maligns the populace for rejecting its political dogma; adding to this perversion are paid pundits spouting from shared narratives, incessantly orate about corrupted state, stalled economics, and even insisting the nation has reached a brink of no return, sustaining such arguments with sensationalism and innuendos.

Undeniably, the notoriously lopsided, inexpiable attacks, deprived of objectivity, have been accepted by the Government as the natural extension in upholding democratic values, though much of the maligning tactics breached decency and misdirected. For voters, however, they don’t have to acquiesce to yellow-belly journalism.

Guyanese have learned

to be wary of the press and Opposition surrogates who ascribed racist motives to their behaviour and thinking, particularly when casting votes for a political party. For instance, the unprecedented attacks vilifying over fifty percent of the population as conscious racists, who aid in the systemic marginalisation of others, impaled aspersion on ordinary citizens’ freedom. What are the consequences of this character assassination? An opinion poll reveals a tantalising sneak peek.

Popular support Recent NATCA’s opinion poll reflects the populace dissatisfaction with Parliament as to be expected and rightly so: mad as hell with the political shenanigans in Parliament at the expense of their livelihoods. Voters don’t want to hear excuses; they want action. However, voters are well-informed as the poll revealed. They are aware of the fulcrums and the missing lynchpins.

Notwithstanding the political stalemate, respondents endorsed the President’s party solidly against its rivals, and endorsed him ahead of his competition. Showing great perceptivity of the Parliamentary debacle, voters also expressed resounding vote of confidence for the President’s economic stewardship, and for the country’s chartered course for progress and development. Thus, Ramator has emerged as a shepherd with a devout flock to reckon with.

At this stage, legacy affirmation for Ramotar is not premature. Though it would spike the political blood sugar of the sycophantic- punditocracy, who would seek to dim the light on policy triumphant over longevity, it would withstand objective scrutiny as it has been the tradition of American politics where Presidents Ford, Carter and Bush (41st) served one four year term each but had legacy policy broadcast in advance of maturity and demitting office. There is no reason to deny Ramotar the same privilege.

Most importantly, however, it is not whether the President and party have scored political points, or whether the media and Opposition’s heavy-handed tactics infringed on personal rights, or intentional demonising of constituent’s choice constitutes intimidation, though valid questions, but the provoking questions are: whether lives have been positively impacted by the chartered economic course;

can tomorrow’s generation stand on sound economic foundation with respect to employment, financial stability, real growth, development and higher living standard?

Undeniably, the answer is a resounding yes.

First, let’s dispose of the notion that Ramotar’s Presidency lays claim to his predecessor’s agenda and he is alien to innovations. It is political absurdity. Only a political neophyte would purport such assertion, knowing that the Party’s economic endeavours are not punctuated with personalities. Rather, the enormity of projects undertaken are pipelined slated for completion and require the same due diligence at various intervals, vetted for endurance and viability.

Policies One of the hallmarks of the President’s aggressive endeavours is the long-term commitment to mainstream the marginalised indigenous people into the fabric of the nation’s discourse, and sharing in its opportunities; on the financial front, investment confidence is running high; local financial institutions have extended its reach to the public with access to finance fueling entrepreneurial awakening.

On the foreign investment scene, the nation is a friendly investment option for investors, enjoying a swarm of foreign investments, owing to prudent macroeconomic policies, good governance and constant GDP growth over the years, notwithstanding international financial crunch; moreover, the nation escaped the most indebted nation status and elevated to middle income in a short period relative to other countries. And it is posed to make greater strides in that direction, credited to prudent economic choices; continued with rapid infrastructure development, the corner stone of development, building of roads, bridges, institutions, information technology, transportation, sea and airports, water harbours, all the aggregates that would sustain the needed development; effective sustainable management of environmental resources, environment protection consciousness, and the pursuit of renewable energy from hydropower are sensible and wise policy initiatives; the availability of house lots, access to educational institutions for advancement, coupled with needed ingredients for social development in access to portable water, subsidised electricity, sanitation, free education, student loans,

free medical care, job training and skill based training, and employment creation are all evident of a well- managed micro-economic policy agenda.

On the verge of breaking records in investment and production in rice, sugar, the mining, the manufacture, agro- industrial sectors are further demonstrations of confidence in the economy from domestic and as well as foreign investors.

Poised to have greater trade and commerce with its tri- nation neighbours, the nation extended its economic reach and partnership and deepened South to South trade and relations, bringing about greater economic opportunities. These pipelined and prospective developmental projects will help provide the boost needed to find greater market shares for Guyanese commodities and fuel employment. These endeavours are not coincident.

Most importantly, real income did not regress as it did in advanced nations. Consecutive wage increases afforded to civil servants-compared with Caricom/Caribbean sister nations, which retrenched work force, stalled wages, and in some instance, forced

labour concessions. This, too, is no accident but the realisation of the working class agenda.

Undeniably, Ramotar’s Presidency commenced a startling departure from his predecessors; political constrains, legislative setbacks, and recessed world economy, but yet he emerged to debunk the fallacy in the Opposition’s chorus of leadership inaptness. In essence, the fact remains that he craftily boxed the Opposition into cool storage, which they don’t yet grasp, and convincingly makes his own case for re-election as a viable and credible alternative as he did prior.

In any case, Ramotar unshackled the Opposition’s spiteful restraints and delivered as promised, achieved many gains, some major and other short term and could have done more for the nation that is ripe with possibilities but his detractors will seek to deny his successes. As the nation heads to the polls, the situation warrants the mantle of leadership and mandate to be reissued to Ramotar.

Let the second coming commence.

FAIUZE ALI

Tribute to Dr. Faith Harding FAITH Harding was Guyana’s leading Child Psychologist and a tireless advocate for child rights – especially on the banning of corporal punishment in schools and in homes. She trained counsellors and she, herself, counselled and cared for many child victims of rape and other sexual and physical abuses.

From the very early days of the Ministry of Education’s first Early Childhood Programmes and Nursery Schools set up in the 1970s, Faith was a trainer and advisor – always armed with the best and most current thinking and practice of childhood education and well-being.

She was a prominent figure in politics as well – a stalwart of the PNC in the 1970s & 80s and stood as a Presidential Candidate in 2011. In more recent times, she aligned herself more broadly with her professional and non-governmental peers and sat on many panels and associated advocacy initiatives on the matter of child rights and the upholding of the UN Convention on The Rights of The Child.

Faith Harding was always forthright and independent in her views, always providing food for thought and making a call for action and more action to be taken by the authorities in government, the private sector, NGOs and parents.

She made a significant mark in Guyana in her lifetime and her legacy will live on. WGEC pays honour and tribute to her and extends sincere sympathy to her family.

WOMEN & GENDER EQUALITY COMMISSION

8

A case of disobedience, ignorance among junior police ranks

MMU budget limit $20M – Dr. Luncheon THE completed budget, which outlines the funding needed for the resuscitation of the Media Monitoring Unit (MMU), will be sent to Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon today.

This was confirmed by the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Dr. Steve Surujbally, in an invited comment yesterday.

Meanwhile, Dr. Luncheon, who is also head of GECOM, as it relates to the Commission being a budget agency, acknowledged that there was a consensus regarding the resuscitation of the MMU. According to him, the budget for the unit’s operations, over an approximate timeframe of five months, is not expected to exceed a cost of $20M. “What I gathered is that the budget would not exceed US$100,000 for the five months of operations,” he told the Guyana Chronicle, yesterday.

The Media Monitoring Unit was established in 2006 and the GECOM Chair underscored an earlier commitment made by Dr. Luncheon to resuscitate the

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday January 29, 2015

Unit – a commitment that was endorsed by the three political parties based on the merits of the Act. “GECOM has already gone a far way in resuscitating the MMU,” the GECOM Chair assured in a prior comment.

Until the MMU is fully operational, the GECOM Chairman noted that any concerns from political parties regarding breaches can be communicated to the Commission for consequent actions to be taken.

“There will be some level of monitoring until the MMU comes on stream,” he said.

The Media Monitoring Unit’s objectives include monitoring of the media and reporting on breaches of the principles enshrined in the Media Code of Conduct and norms associated with international best practices in journalism. It also encourages equity, balance and fairness in news reporting. The MMU promotes the raising of professional standards in the media with regard to reporting on political, electoral, governance, and general social issues.

(Vanessa Narine)

DESPITE the decision of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) at the management level to share the numbers of its senior officers, namely, divisional commanders, deputy commanders, crime officers, traffic officers and sub-divisional officers, there continues to be reluctance on the part of some police ranks to share these numbers with members of the public.

In addition, the police have adopted a new measure where even the numbers of station sergeants are posted at police stations so that members of the public could make contact if they are not pleased with the level of service they receive whenever they visit a police station.

Since the implementation of the new measure, this publication has continuously tested the system and found that some police ranks either are disregarding the directive for them to share the numbers of the senior officers, or are not aware of the new directive.

This publication has found that when calls are made to some operations rooms and numbers are requested even for police stations, police ranks manning the telephones would grill callers about their names or where they were calling from.

If that information is not provided, the calls are sometimes disconnected by the ranks or the calls are passed on to other ranks without any explanation; sometimes the persons taking over will ask the nature of the call and provide the number or the calls are disconnected also.

The practice is especially widespread in ‘C’ Division, where if the name of the caller is not provided the calls are disconnected or met with “I am sorry I cannot give out the number for the officer.” This, despite the fact that numbers are in most cases posted at stations for members of the public to access.

The behaviour is not only very prevalent in operations rooms, but also at some police stations. The latest incident occurred on Wednesday, when this newspaper contacted the operations room of ‘A’ Division and the numbers for the Kitty and Alberttown Police Stations were requested.

The call was answered by a female who identified herself as Corporal Noble; the rank asked who was calling and this reporter responded, “A member of the public.” The policewoman then rudely asked, “So because you are a member of the public does that give me the right to give you the number of the police station?” to which this reporter responded in the affirmative.

There was silence for a few seconds then another female came on the line and identified herself as a Sergeant Halley. She enquired what the call was about and when told that “I am trying to secure a number for the Kitty Police Station and Alberttown Police Station,” the police ranks then provided the numbers.

This reporter then related to the senior rank what had transpired on the line before she answered the call and was also informed that the matter will be taken up with the divisional commander.

The issue of police ranks blatantly refusing to provide phone numbers to members of the public, numbers that have been released in the press by force administration, speaks volumes for the efforts being made by senior officers to create an environment for better relations between the members of the public and the force. This effort however continues to be undermined by some junior ranks who in most cases fail to see the bigger picture and the direction in which the force is seeking to go.

In addition, the force is seeking to have more of its work based on intelligence-gathering and would usually assure members of the public of strict confidentiality when such information is passed onto them; but it is not clear how effective that drive could be with the stubborn practice of ranks demanding the names of callers to police stations and operations rooms.

The Guyana Chronicle has in the past raised the issue of police ranks demanding the names of callers and their refusal to share numbers, with Crime Chief Leslie James, Commander Griffith and other senior officers in the past, but the practice continues unabated.

Grove woman who jumped from DHB had earlier visited hospital

Iraq was ‘BushWhacked’ for its oil

by George Bush HOW refreshing to read a letter from one Anthony Pantlitz saying that he was proud to be an American soldier (‘Proud to be an American soldier’, SN 26/01/2015).

Yet I feel that I must point out to the gentleman that the Iraqi Insurgents (as he called them) were/are fighting to defend their homeland from the aggressive Americans.

They chose this form of defense as they had no option after Iraq was ‘Bush-Whacked’ a second time. After George Bush (Senior) Bush-Whacked Iraq for its oil, George Bush (Junior) felt he had an obligation to America to get their (America’s oil) from Iraq.

Let me ask Mr. Anthony Pantlitz, where are the Weapons of Mass Destruction

(WMD)? We (as in America and Britain) know Saddam Hussein had WMD because we sold it to him!!!

Anthony Pantlitz is an American not Guyanese as when he became a ‘greencard’ holder he gave up his Guyanese Nationality.

What about me living in Britain? I have ‘dual nationality’ which I am allowed to have.

What would Anthony Pantlitz do should a foreign power seize control of America?

The answer is that he would do exactly what the Iraqis do.

Your War on Iraqis (Muslims) was not sanctioned by the UN, Anthony Pantlitz. Hence, it was illegal.

SEAN MCLEAN

By Leroy Smith PATRICIA Theresa Lowton, 58, a mother of four who resided at lot 366 Section ‘C’, Block ‘Y’, Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara has been identified as the woman who committed suicide by jumping from the Demerara Harbour Bridge on Tuesday afternoon.

The woman’s daughter, Simone Lowton, confirmed to this publication yesterday that she along with her niece and mother left their Grove home together at approximately 08.30 hrs on Tuesday.

She said that she had to take her niece to school while her mother was going to the Georgetown Public Hospital to have a blood test. The young lady explained that later in the day her brother and sister-in-law began looking for Mrs. Lowton who had failed to return home, as that is not usual.

The couple searched at various places for the woman, including at police stations, but there was no

The woman (extreme right) can be seen making her way onto the Demerara Harbour Bridge before jumping to her death in the river on Tuesday. sighting of her. Although they heard that a woman had jumped from the Demerara Harbour Bridge they paid little attention to the report since the woman had never indicated that she had suicidal tendencies.

However, after hearing what the woman was wearing when she approached the bridge, they became somewhat suspicious and were allowed to see some amount of footage captured by surveillance cameras.

The young lady said that her mother left home wearing

a brown skirt, striped top with a black shoulder bag and matching shoes. The woman’s body was identified yesterday at the Lyken Funeral Parlour.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted on the body tomorrow.

Mrs. Lowton had not been working for some time but she was a cleaner at a primary school in her community.

Her daughter recalled that the woman’s husband who was in the Guyana Defence

Force was fatally stabbed by a colleague during a fracas twenty-three years ago.

Sources have indicated to this newspaper that since the death of her husband, the woman was receiving psychiatric treatment from Dr. Bhiro Harry and unconfirmed reports also suggested that the woman was also a patient of Dr. Frank Beckles.

When the Chronicle visited the woman’s home yesterday, relatives and friends were placing calls to the woman’s children to offer their condolences.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 29, 2015

Bank of Guyana has contributed to strong financial system that exists today

...Finance Minister at 50th anniversary celebrations launch FINANCE Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh yesterday lauded the Bank of Guyana (BoG) for persevering over 50 years, noting that this achievement is not the only celebration of the bank, as its existence gave rise to the recognition of the need to create a central bank for the country which was soon to be independent. He said the bank has played a pivotal role in the country’s growth and contributed to the strong financial system which today exists.

Speaking at the launch of the bank’s new logo as a part of its golden jubilee anniversary celebration to mark its success over the past five decades, he added that post-independence, the bank has continued in serving the needs of the nation, and can today justifiably be proud in the role it has played.

The minister recalled his privilege of being able to work with the bank for almost 25 years and witnessing its evolvement and

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh addressing the gathering at the launch of Bank of Guyana’s 50th anniversary celebrations

growth.

The institution was established by virtue of the Bank of Guyana Ordinance No. 23 of 1965, and came into operation on October 16, 1965, seven months before the country gained its political independence.

Since 1998, the central banking legislation has been governing the bank’s operations. This, he pointed

out, has been continuously amended and strengthened to create a better legislative framework under which the bank operates.

Minister Singh recalled the global and regional economic crisis which brought many strong banking systems down. He noted that it is the establishment of strong systems for regulation and provision, the operation and

and economic challenges faced by developing countries, including Guyana, local forums, a national essay competition, display of the construction of the building, evolution of the currency, award ceremony to honour long-serving employees, and a family day for staff, among many other events.

Meanwhile, Dr Ganga said that though this is a time to reflect on the institution’s success, it is also an occasion to recommit to the Bank of Guyana’s Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga speaking to delivery of quality service the gathering at the launch of the bank’s 50th anniversary and to continue to boost the celebrations country’s economic development. maintenance and preserva- their hard work.

“The 50th anniversary tion of these systems, along According to the insti- presents not only the celebrawith the good and sound tution’s Governor, Dr. Go- tion of this milestone and the management of them, that bind Ganga, it is expected past achievements, but to also ensured their strength in the to host several other activ- look ahead and reposition most testing times globally, ities throughout the year as ourselves to meet the new regionally and domestically, a part of its celebrations. financial challenges of the as Guyana survived those These include the publica- 21st century as they unfold.” trying periods. tion of a book on the history Celebrations will be He said that he looks of the bank, the minting held under the theme ‘Proforward to the year-long of a commemorative coin, moting Financial Developcelebrations and urged the conferences with respect ment for Guyana’s prosperemployees to continue with to addressing the financial ity’. (GINA)

Parika stelling receiving $36M face-lift – part of $62M overall upgrading of Essequibo stellings THE Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) stelling at Parika, Region 3 (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) is being given a facelift worth $36M, General Manager of T&H.D, Ms.Marclene Merchant has disclosed.

The facelift is part of a wider programme of upgrading of T&HD stellings in the Essequibo being done at a total cost of $62M allocated to the T&H.D by the Government of Guyana.

Ms. Merchant disclosed that about seventy percent (70%) of the repair works at the Parika Stelling, Essequibo River have been completed.

These include installation of cluster piles and fenders at the waterside front to prevent ships from making contact with the stelling; mainte-

Repairs and upgrading of the T&HD stelling at Parika in progress

nance works on the main carriageway at the entrance and the painting and replacing of dilapidated beams and deck planks.

She said that throughout the duration of the project, access to the stelling by passengers, vehicles, speedboats and the department’s ferry vessels remained unimpeded.

Despite this , she said ,

the department is pleased that the works have been progressing at a fast pace and is expected to be completed in another two weeks.

The project commenced in November 2014.

Merchant disclosed that the T&HD also intended to complete the upgrading of the Parika stelling this year with the construction of passenger

accommodation there, since there is none in place at the moment.

Commenting on the other stellings, she disclosed that works to the tune of $10M were executed at the Leguan Stelling, where fender/mooring systems were put in place and there was replacement of dilapidated decking, beams and piles.

A total of $6M was spent on the Wakenaam stelling, where a fender/mooring system was put in place and the changing of decking and beams and passenger accommodation was also addressed.

As regards the Supenaam stelling, repairs to the tune of $10M have been effected to the mooring system and catwalk at the roll on / roll off facility and the fender/mooring system for the side loading and rails along the driveway.

Hope Robbery/Murder…

Defence makes no-case submission JUSTICE James BovellDrakes who held a voir dire to hear no-case submission by the defence in the Hope Robbery/Murder trial will deliver his ruling tomorrow.

Accused Shawn Anthony Thom and Orin David called “Plait Hair” or “Malik “ are indicted with having on the 21st day of August 2010 in the County of Demerara,

murdered Lakhram Bishundial, called “Mohan.”

State counsel Miss Natasha Backer in association with Miss Narissa Leander is prosecuting.

Defence counsel are Mr. Trenton Lake and Mr. George Thomas.

The ruling will be handed down on Friday morning.

Girl allegedly raped says:

Accused 'beat and raped me at his home' THE rape trial against Colin Mack began at the Demerara Assizes Tuesday before Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed jury.

The taxi driver is said to have had carnal knowledge of a young woman whom he had taken to his home on the 12th day of April, 2009 The accused is alleging that he had sex with the girl with her consent, but the victim who gave evidence yesterday is denying the claim.

Mack, who is represented by Mr. Peter Hugh in association with Miss Latchmi Rahamat, is claiming through his counsel that the girl is adding new details at the High Court trial.

In her examination in chief led by Prosecutrix Miss Mercedes Thompson, the victim related how she

was dragged up a stairway by the accused who took her into a backroom of his home and forced her to have sex with him against her will.

According to her she screamed, resisted and even bit him on the forearm during the ordeal.

The young woman who swore on oath that she had gone to the police station that night without her panty which was only given to her later, admitted under cross-examination: “I did put on my panty before I left for the station.”

Then when the lawyer enquired from her an explanation for giving wrong information to the judge and jury, the girl explained: “ I made a mistake.”

Miss Stacy Goodings is assisting in the prosecution.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 29, 2015

Guyana presents UN with periodic review GUYANA presented its report to the United Nations (UN), yesterday, as part of its obligations under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.

The UPR is a unique process that involves a review of the human rights records of all UN Member States.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon, yesterday disclosed that Guyana is represented in Geneva, Switzerland, by Foreign Affairs Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.

Speaking during his weekly post-Cabinet press conference, he explained Presidential Advisor on Governance, Gail Teixeira, and a representative from the Ministry of Legal Affairs were also expected to be part

Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

of Guyana’s delegation to the UN; however, prevailing weather conditions in North America prevented this.

“Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett was the sole delegate from Guyana at the UPR review of Guyana…

Minister Rodrigues-Birkett unexpectedly assumed total responsibility for defending the Guyana UPR submis-

sion,” he said.

He added that Guyana’s report includes updates on recommendations made in 2010 for Guyana to act on, as well as an update on current levels of compliance with UN stipulations.

“The report not only addressed Guyana’s compliance, but also addressed recommendations that had arisen in the period UPR event in 2010, where Guyana presented its previous report,” the HPS said.

The UPR is a country-driven process, under the auspices of the Human Rights Council, which provides the opportunity for each country to declare what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situations in their countries and to fulfil their human rights obligations. As one

GAWU/GuySuCo Skeldon Estate saga…

GAWU to pursue Daniel Stephen dismissal in court

– after Arbitration Tribunal closes sitting unjustly penalised and is deserving of our full solidarity,” the GAWU president has said.

After reviewing reports from the parties involved, arbitrator Mohamed Akeel declared the tribunal closed and Stephen dismissed. This decision led a baffled GAWU to seek legal advice, which has culminated in the Union taking the matter to court.

Komal Chand

THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) disclosed recently that after obtaining legal advice regarding the Arbitration Tribunal’s ruling in the matter of Skeldon Estate worker Daniel Stephen, who had an altercation with the Skeldon Estate Manager a few months ago and was consequently suspended from duty without pay, the Union has decided to take the matter to the courts for a determination.

“We remain convinced that our member (has been)

MASSIVE STRIKE The suspension of Stephen, some months ago, sparked a massive strike by the workers of the Skeldon Sugar Estate, stalling all operations at that entity.

Speaking in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, GAWU President, Komal Chand disclosed that the matter has been taken to court and put forward before Chief Justice Ian Chang.

“Justice Chang, after reviewing the files presented to him by the parties involved, declared that the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) is prohibited from treating Stephen as summarily dismissed rather than as an

employee suspended without pay, until the hearing and determination of a summons; in this cause, (it) is returnable for January 29, 2015 at 11:00am,” Chand said.

“Mohamed Akeel, the second named defendant, if (he) neglects to obey this order, will be liable to be penalised in a manner chosen by the Chief Justice,” Chand disclosed.

Chand said this now brings light to the decision made by the arbitrator, proving that it was wrong and uncalled for. Chand alluded to the fact that the arbitrator was not even authorised to make such a decision -- dismissing the worker. He noted that “the arbitrator was supposed to review the suspension of the worker and make a decision on whether or not to extend the suspension or dissolve it.”

In closing his remarks, the GAWU President added that this issue has been lingering for quite some time now, and it is about time the issue is resolved in a manner that would suit all parties involved.

of the main features of the Council, the UPR is designed to ensure equal treatment for every country when their human rights situations are assessed.

Dr. Luncheon said, “The routine is fairly simple. The working group examines Guyana’s report, with the assistance of the Guyanese delegation…(the activity) is held during a session of any one day, in which case for Guyana it is today (yesterday). “…that engagement allows members of the international community, nation states, participating parties, NGOs (non-governmental organisations), both local and international, to join in the review of Government’s report, which spans a period from our last review to, I believe, October or November

of 2014.”

Dr. Luncheon noted too that by tomorrow preliminary outcomes of the UN session are expected to be released. “We are told that

by Friday, a transcript will be formally provided,” he said.

Once Guyana’s report is accepted by the Human Rights Council, it will form part of the deliberations at a subsequent meeting, scheduled for June, after which the contents of Guyana’s report will be made public.

“Once the review is acceptable to all, it is then submitted to the UN Human Rights Council, where, in June this year, Guyana and the Council will meet, confirm mutual satisfaction and Guyana’s official report to the UPR will be then made available publicly,” he said.

The UPR was created through the UN General Assembly on 15 March 2006 by a resolution which established the Human Rights Council itself. It is a cooperative process which, by October 2011, has reviewed the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States. Currently, no other universal mechanism of this kind exists. The UPR is one of the key elements of the Council which reminds States of their responsibility to fully respect and implement all human rights and fundamental freedoms. The ultimate aim of this mechanism is to improve the human rights situation in all countries and address human rights violations wherever they occur. (Vanessa Narine)

421 industrial accidents from reported in 2014 …down 530 in 2013 MINISTER of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul has emphasised that in 2015 his ministry would be working closely with employers in the construction sector to ensure that the health and safety of construction workers employees is a priority.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Dr. Gopaul disclosed that 421 industrial accidents were reported in 2014, which compared favourably with 530 in 2013; this represents a reduction of 20.56%. The ministry continues to make the prevention and investigation of industrial accidents a high priority; Dr. Gopaul explained and added that fortunately, a mere nine or 2.13% involved fatalities.

“Our focus for 2015 will be to minimise or to rid [industry] completely of fatalities that occur because of negligence; so we will be working very closely with the employers of all the sectors especially within the construction sector,” the minister related. The ministry, he noted, will be visiting these work sites to make

sure that the sites and employees are equipped with the right gear and equipment necessary to perform their duties.

The minister said that as the ministry moves to eliminate and prevent accidents and deaths within workplaces in 2015, “We must also note that the incessant development of production and use of chemicals in workplaces represents a real challenge for the society and the need for keeping certain chemicals off the market is urgent.”

Dr. Gopaul noted too that finding an appropriate balance between the benefits of chemical use and the preventive and control measures of potential adverse impact on workers, workplaces, communities and the environment must represent a permanent concern and, at the same time for the government, employers and workers and their organisations.

The minister further revealed that the health and safety body is placing emphasis on the use of chemicals in places of work, and

the use of necessary gear to protect workers; he added that workers should not be dismissive of protective equipment, but instead should pay more attention to the use of such equipment.

Continuing, the minister said that the ILO has either banned or severely restricted 35 chemicals in the European Union and went on to cite numerous examples that he encountered during his years working in the sugar estates, of how chemicals could be misused and become detrimental.

Gopaul urged workers to report all accidents that occur at their workplaces to the ministry, and explained that it is mandated by the ministry that employers report same. “The time has come, especially in the construction industry, for safety equipment to be utilised effectively and it is the obligation of those who contract out [work], to have these necessary steps placed in the contracts and also to have workers covered by insurance to protect us as well as our workers.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 29, 2015

Central Corentyne Chamber calls for lowering of passenger fares – commends Gov’t for reducing fuel prices THE Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce in Region 6 (East Berbice/Courentyne) has commended Government for its move to reduce gasoline and diesel prices by 30% and kerosene by 42%, and has called for a lowering of passenger fares.

A release from the Chamber yesterday said that this action taken by the Administration should be welcome news to the Guyanese public, as it comes in the wake of a significant drop in the price for crude oil on the world market.

It said: “The ball is now in the court of the providers of transportatlon services, such as owners of minibuses, hire cars, water taxis, and trucking services.

“It is hoped and, perhaps, expected that the thousands of commuters across Guyana who use the services of these transportation providers would also benefit from the cut in fuel prices through the lowering of passenger fares.

“After all, providers of transportation services will now be enjoying substantial savings on fuel costs.

“Reduced passenger fares would ease the costof-living burden on thousands of commuters across the country and reduced cost of living translates into greater disposable income and increased spending power.

“There is greater circulation of money and the country’s economy thereby receives a shot in the arm.”

With the cut in fuel prices, a reduction in passenger fares for commuters would result in a win-win situation for all, the release from the Chamber added.

Trotman pedophile allegations...

File is back with the DPP – Crime Chief THE file containing the details of sexual abuse allegations brought against Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, has been returned to the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

This was confirmed by Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Chief Leslie James who spoke to the Guyana Chronicle Tuesday.

According to him, he has completed the additional work as requested

by DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack and signed off on the file yesterday.

The sexual abuse allegations were levelled against Trotman by 22-year-old Johnny Welchman Jr., who made the disclosure first via a post on the social media site, Facebook, last September. According to the young

Raphael Trotman

man, Trotman sodomised him when he was 12-yearsold.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, since the allegations were made, has been most empathic in his denial of claims that he sexually assaulted the young man.

Subsequently, he moved to the courts to obtain a gag order and filed a $50M lawsuit against the 22-year-old.

Last November, he secured

an injunction from acting Chief Justice Ian Chang, which prevents Welshman from addressing the issue until the authorities have concluded their work on the matter.

The day after Chang’s ruling, November 12, Welshman attempted suicide and was reportedly rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC). He was treated for consuming a large amount of chlorine tainted liquid and sent home.

The young man was being represented by Attorney Peter Hugh. This newspaper understands that he is currently without legal representation.

Once investigations into the matter are completed, the DPP is expected to pronounce on the possibility of charges being brought against Trotman.

Teleperformance building at Robb and Camp Streets to offer customer-care services shortly – to employ more than 1,500 persons

By Navendra Seoraj TELEPERFORMANCE (RCF) on Tuesday last announced that it will be opening a customer-care facility in Guyana very soon.

According to a press statement, Teleperformance, with headquarters in Paris,

ble overall environment; therefore, we are pleased to expand our operations into Georgetown, Guyana not to just build a facility, but also to build a great long-lasting relationship with the local community.”

Balagna further stated that they are not just making an investment in capital, but

location choices for US services delivery.

In closing, he assured that “Teleperformance is really excited to welcome our new Guyana team to our family and we remain humbled to be the clear worldwide number one player in our field, thanks directly to client partner selection decisions; we remain totally committed to deliv-

“Teleperformance also thanks the entire Guyanese Government at both the national and local levels for their great support in making this possible,” Jeff Balagna France, is the global leader in multichannel customer experience.

The company which will be housed in the six-storey building at the corner of Robb and Camp Streets, is expected to employ more than 1,500 persons, which in turn would benefit Guyanese who are in need of jobs.

A source told the Guyana Chronicle that the entire building has been leased to Teleperformance.

Teleperformance’s new multichannel contact centre will enhance its existing industry, leading near shore capabilities in providing high-quality customer care, sales, and technical support solutions to North American clients in English.

Meanwhile, its expansion to Guyana boosts its already unmatched global delivery operating worldwide footprint, serving over 150 world markets.

This expansion also demonstrates sustained and robust demand among its clients for near shore contact centre support for U.S.-based consumers, the release stated.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of EWAP, Jeff Balagna, “The Caribbean is a key part of the growing near shore trend to support customers in North America”.

LASTING RELATIONSHIP “With English as the official language of the country, Guyana offers an educated workforce, strong infrastructure and a sta-

A view of the Teleperformance building, at the corner of Robb and Camp Streets

they are also investing in the people of Guyana.

“Teleperformance also thanks the entire Guyanese Government at both the national and local levels for their great support in making this possible,” he said.

STRATEGIC MOVES M o r e o v e r, C E O o f Teleperformance Group, Paulo César Salles Vasques stated, “Teleperformance is continuing to make strategic moves in delivery locations and specific markets to optimise results for our clients and shareholders”.

“We have consistently maintained a significant overall global industry lead based on our footprint, financials, scale, management, research and innovation capabilities,” he said.

Vasques disclosed that their move to Guyana specifically supports Teleperformance’s rapidly emerging US market leadership position by adding another high quality delivery option for their clients who have diverse needs and who want

ering superb value results, excellence and complete, innovative solutions for our clients everywhere in the world and from anywhere we serve them.”

TELEPERFORMANCE GROUP Teleperformance, the worldwide leader in outsourced multichannel customer experience management, serves companies around the world with customer care, technical support, customer acquisition and debt collection programmes. In 2013, it reported consolidated revenue of €2,433 million ($3,236 million, based on €1 = $1.33).

The Group operates around 135,000 computerised workstations, with more than 175,000 employees across around 270 contact centres in 62 countries and serving more than 150 markets. It manages programmes in 63 languages and dialects on behalf of major international companies operating in a wide variety of industries.

12 First sugar crop of 2015…

Routine maintenance works ongoing at all sugar factories THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is in process of putting several measures in place to ensure a successful start to the first sugar crop of 2015. These include ongoing routine maintenance works at all sugar factories.

GuySuCo’s Industrial Relations Head, Mr. Jairam Pitam, also told the Guyana Chronicle that, by the end of February, all the sugar factories are expected to be up and running.

“Uitvlugt is expected to start operating in the first week of February; Wales Estate will start in the second week, and, by the end of the month, all remaining factories will be operational,” he said.

GuySuCo operates eight estates, located as follows: Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara; Wales, West Bank Demerara; Enmore and La Bonne Intention, East Coast

Demerara; Rose Hall, Albion and Skeldon on the Corentyne Coast in East Berbice; and Blairmont, West Bank Berbice.

Asked about the target for the first sugar crop of 2015, Pitam explained that a final decision in this regard is still to be made.

“No decision on target has been made as yet; but by early February, we are expected to have a figure to work with,” he said.

Last year, Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy had indicated that the 2015 target would be “significantly higher” than the 2014 target of 216,000 tonnes.

“We look forward to 2 0 1 5 , w h e n t h e t a rg e t (would be) set significantly higher than the 216,000-tonne target (that had been set) for 2014. I am confident that 2015 will be another successful year in terms of the targets and

efficiency of production,” he had said.

In 2014, GuySuCo recorded a production of 216,147 tonnes -– the first crop having surpassed the 75,000-tonne target, bringing in about 80,000 tonnes.

The calamitous drop in sugar prices on the global and preferred market scene, which challenges all sugar industries, coupled with the dramatic fall in earnings and, by extension, cash flow; and the prevailing weather conditions were among several of the difficulties that affected the local sugar industry during 2014.

The industry saw a dismal sugar production level in the past years, but Guyana has since been taking steps to turn around its sugar industry, and hopes to soon meet a 300,000-tonne target.

There is also a projection that the sector would reach a 400,000-tonne goal by 2020. (Vanessa Narine)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 29, 2015

Mother of four gets three years for trafficking cocaine CITY Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday sentenced a mother of four to three years in prison on a drug-trafficking charge.

Twenty –five- year – old Ocia Leung, a cosmetologist of Albouys Street, Albouystown, made her first appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry last June and had pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on June 14, 2014 at Albouys Street, Albouystown, she had in her possession 4.3 grammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

According to prosecutor Shellon Daniels, a party of police officers from the Narcotics Branch, acting on information went to Leung’s residence around 08:20hrs on the afore-mentioned date, where they contacted Leung and her reputed husband, John Rowidge.

The police said that the ranks searched the premises and the drug was found in the ceiling of her toilet.

Leung had reportedly confessed that the drug was hers and they were arrested and taken to CID Headquarters, where the drug was weighed.

They were both charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, but Rowidge was acquitted, since the court had found that there was no evidence linking him to the drug.

Leung was defended by Attorney-at-Law Ronald Burch-Smith, who asked the court not to impose a custodial sentence, since Leung has four minor children, ages three, five and six, as well as a 22-day-old baby.

The magistrate in addition to the three-year sentence; fined Leung $30,000.

North Ruimveldt man charged with obtaining money under false pretence A THIRTY- six-year-old construction worker yesterday appeared before C h i e f M a g i s t r a t e P r iya Sewnarine-Beharry charged with obtaining money under false pretence.

Sherwin Landry, of Lot 249 Ozama Street, North Ruimveldt, pleaded not guilty to the charge, particulars of which alleged that on 31 October in Georgetown, he conspired

with person or persons unknown to him, to obtain $2,650,016 by false pretence through a Republic Bank cheque purportedly from the treasury department of the Mayor and City Council.

Police Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru did not oppose bail for Landry, but requested that reporting conditions be attached.

Landry was represented

by Attorney Mark Waldron,

who told the court that his client had been authorised by a man (name unknown) from Linden to collect the cheque from the Mayor and City Council.

The defendant was made to post bail in the sum of $125,000 and will have to report to the officer in charge at the Brickdam Police Station every Friday. The matter will be heard again on February 20.

Police correct speculations Friendship accident in Kaieteur News on victims remain Sergeant Alwyn Hoyte matter ‘Out-of-Control’ bush truck…

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) said it is cognisant of a publication made in the Kaieteur News edition of January 27, 2015, under the caption “All disciplinary matters against ‘stripped’ Inspector were dismissed”, the GPF wishes to address a number of speculations made in the article.

The police in a press release stated that, firstly, Sergeant Alwyn Hoyte was charged on the basis of recommendations made by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) arising out of an investigation into alleged misconduct.

Disciplinary proceedings were instructed by the then Commissioner of Police.

And secondly, with regards to his promotion, the Police Service Commission had requested the personal file of Sergeant Hoyte.

The file was retrieved from the custodian, the Staff Officer ‘Administration’ 1, by the Assistant Commissioner ‘Administration’ who dispatched it to the Police Service Commission.

Thereafter, Sergeant Hoyte was appointed to the rank of Inspector by the Police Service Commission.

The Commissioner of Police (acting) subsequently informed him of the appointment by way of letter.

The Police Service Commission then rescinded his appointment and Sergeant Hoyte was also informed by way of a letter.

At no time prior to the dispatch of Sergeant Hoyte’s personal file to the Police Service Commission, nor after the dispatch of the file, were there any discussions between any member of the Police Service Commission and the Administration of the Guyana Police Force in the persons of the Commissioner of Police (acting) and the Assistant Commissioner ‘Administration’, regarding the promotion of Sergeant Hoyte.

The decision of the Police Service Commission to appoint, as well as to rescind the appointment, of Sergeant Hoyte to the rank of Inspector were made independent of the Force Administration, the release concluded.

hospitalised

SEVERAL persons injured in the accident involving minibus BPP6035 and an “out- of- control” bush truck GLL 8377 on the Friendship Public Road, East Bank Demerara, on Monday, yesterday remained warded at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), with victims still being wheeled into and out of the main operating theatre for surgery.

Bearing the brunt of the injuries is driver of the minibus, Troy Boyer, 40 of Soesdyke, also on the East Bank of Demerara. Boyer, who was pinned under the bus and had to be cut free by rescue work-

ers, was however in a stable condition. His condition is being closely monitored.

Both his arms are broken and in cast, from shoulder to lower arm, while his right leg is also fractured and in cast, among other injuries suffered.

Meanwhile, at mid-afternoon, Rachael Raphael and other members of her family were still being taken into theatre for surgery. They suffered multiple fractures, as well as facial injuries and had to undergo orthopaedic and maxillo facial surgeries.

Some of the injured are the Raphael sisters: Elvina Raphael, 31; Ramona Raphael 15; Debbie Balgobin, 33;

Padmini Balgobin; Odetta Nelson, 36, and Richlin Ralph.

The accident happened shortly after 10:00hrs, when the bush truck, GLL 8377, coming out of a yard at “Friendship short-cut,” ploughed into minibus BPP 6035, sending the vehicle laden with passengers flying over a river barrier. The bus was said to have toppled thrice before landing dangerously at the water’s edge. Persons on the scene said hadn’t it been for the mangrove trees planted at the riverside, the bus would have descended headlong into the river with everyone on board.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 29, 2015

Man sentenced to three years for wounding reputed wife MARTIN Mckennon, who wounded his wife with a bottle after a domestic dispute, was sentenced to three years in prison by Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, when he appeared before her at the Georgetown Magistrates Court on Monday, charged with unlawful and malicious wounding.

The charge read that on November 9, at Meadow Bank, Greater Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded the Virtual Complainant (VC), Josephine Armstrong with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or to cause actual bodily harm.

Police Prosecutor Inspector Michael Grant told the court that the couple has a history of domestic violence. Around 18:30 hrs that day, the victim was returning home when she was confronted by the defendant who was holding a bottle. They got into a quarrel, which caused the defendant to become annoyed.

The defendant used the bottle along

with an object unknown to the VC to inflict several wounds and lashes upon the victim’s face and body. Consequently, she suffered severe wounds to her face and left hand, and was later admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). A report was made to the police and Mckennon was arrested and charged.

The remorseful Mckennon pleaded guilty while telling the court that “It’s a mistake I made.”

For her part, the woman told the court that she and the defendant have been together for over 11 years and he was never a bad man to her and begged the magistrate to be lenient.

In her response, the magistrate read to her the medical report of all the permanent disfigurement she had received through the attack by her reputed husband.

The magistrate was unmoved and told the defendant that he was fortunate not to have been given a stiffer sentence.

Kwakwani farmer unlawfully killed female cow, court told A KWAKWANI farmer who denied killing a cow valued at $150,000 was yesterday granted $50,000 bail when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

It is alleged that Ter-

rance Subhan, on January 25 at the Kwakwani Airstrip, unlawfully and maliciously killed one brown female cow, property of Nand Johnson.

With no objection from Police Prosecutor

Inspector Michael Grant, bail was initially granted in the sum of $75,000, which was later reduced to $50,000. The matter has been transferred to the Kwakwani Magistrates Court for February 20.

West Ruimveldt woman granted bail for fraudulent conversion A MERCHANT was yesterday ordered to post bail in the sum of $ 100,000 when she appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a charge of fraudulent conversion.

Roxanne Ray of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that be-

tween February 1 and February 28, 2013 at Georgetown, she was entrusted with a quantity of jewellery valued $1.8M by Monty Spencer to keep and return, but instead converted the jewellery to her own use and benefit.

Police Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru did not object to bail, but asked that reporting conditions be attached.

R a y w a s t h e re f o re granted bail with the condition that she report to the subordinate officer in charge of the Fraud Division at the Brickdam Police Station every Friday. The prosecution was ordered to file statements and the case was transferred to Magistrate Ann McLennan's court for February 16.

Young Surinamese accused of robbery under arms

A TWENTY-year-old Suriname hotel assistant manager who is accused of robbing a man at gun point and carting off over $750,000 in jewellery and cash was refused bail by Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Nickosi Gritten, of Lot 29 Laing Avenue, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates Court to answer to the charge of robbery under arms.

Gritten denied the charge which alleged that on April 9, 2014 at Georgetown, being in company of another while armed with a gun robbed Derrick Hinds of a $400,000 gold chain, one gold ring valued $4250.00 and $100,000 in cash.

Defence counsel Ronald Burch-Smith told the court that his client has a ninemonth- old daughter and was charged for possession of ammunition that is currently before the court.

Burch-Smith added that during last week, Gritten was arrested by the police as a suspect in the murder of a man, and was tormented by the police into confessing to the crime. In addition, he said that his client has been in custody for over six days.

Further representing his client, the attorney asked that Gritten be granted his pre-trial liberty and said that the defendant is prepared to abide by any judgment that the court may impose.

Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones objected to bail on the grounds of the nature and gravity of the charge and the penalty which the charge attracts.

In addition to his objection, he noted the Gritten had given the police a conflicting address of 47 Norton Street, Lodge, and also a false date of birth which did not match that given to the court.

Jones further told the court that the defendant had even given an oral confession to a murder to Assistant Superintendent of Police, Cummings. This matter, he added, is currently at the chambers of the director of public prosecutions (DPP) awaiting legal advice.

The prosecutor also disclosed that even though no identification parade was conducted by the police and that Hinds has known the defendant for several years.

The 20 year old was remanded to prison and will make his second court appearance on February 9.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 29, 2015

APNU/AFC coalition will need Houdini’s magic to convince electorate Rohee says...

…Cites lack of trust, PNC hegemonic tendencies

By Vanessa Narine GUYANA does not have a

good history when it comes to coalition politics. And given the notable distrust

in the political arena, and on the basis of past political experiences, a coalition

only for the sake of unseating the ruling party may end in failure.

Those were the sentiments of General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Mr. Clement Rohee, during his weekly press conference held Monday at Freedom House.

“It would take more than the magical powers of Houdini to convince the Guyanese electorate that an AFC/APNU (Alliance for Change/A Partnership For National Unity) coalition would fare any better this time around, especially in an environment characterised by lack of trust and hegemonic tendencies on the part of the PNC,” he said.

PNC’S TENDENCIES Expounding on these “tendencies”, Rohee alluded to Guyana’s post-colonial history, when only three political parties had the opportunity to govern -– the PPP, the People’s National Congress (PNC), and the United Force (UF).

He said, “The UF was a junior coalition partner following the elections of 1964. That coalition lasted for a mere three years, until the UF was unceremoniously booted out from the coalition government, but not before the PNC had taken full control of the state machinery which included the Elections Commission. “…the first coalition government involving the PNC and the UF ended in an abysmal failure, even though the coalition succeeded in the removal of the PPP from office in 1964 in what a former British Prime Minister dubbed ‘a fiddled constitutional arrangement’.”

The PPP General Secretary added that there were also earlier attempts at a coalition between the PPP and the PNC, in the early 1960s, which failed because of the hardline positions taken by the then PNC leader, Forbes Burnham.

Rohee said, “Mr. Burnham refused to agree on parity terms in Cabinet offered by the PPP, and opted instead to align himself with foreign vested interests and local reactionary elements to destabilise the PPP government.

“After the PNC rigged

taking place. Notably, APNU has made it clear that since President Donald Ramotar’s announcement of May 11 as Elections Day, it has gone into campaign mode, with Granger as the Coalition’s presidential candidate and Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine as the prime ministerial candidate -– pending the outcome of talks with the AFC”.

The AFC has recently indicated that it would lead any alliance with APNU. Clement Rohee

itself into power in successive national and regional elections, there were attempts to form a broad national front government with an agreed programme initiated by the PPP. This attempt once again failed after the PNC dismissed the PPP as a ‘minority’ party, even though the whole of Guyana knew differently.”

R o h e e c h a rg e d t h a t the PNC regime’s “obsession” with power knows no bounds. “Apart from the blatant disregard for the fundamental rights of the Guyanese people to elect a government of their choice, the regime embarked on a reign of terror in which several Guyanese were harassed, victimised, jailed, and in some cases murdered, as the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry so painfully revealed,” he said.

The PPP General Secretary pointed out that the “very players” who once held “key and strategic positions” during that repressive period are once again in the political spotlight.

LEFT TO BE SEEN Acknowledging the continuation of ‘secret talks’ between APNU and AFC, which are aimed at a pre-election alliance, Rohee said, “It is interesting to see how these secret talks will play out under the leadership of former military strongman, David Granger.”

“Would the APNU play second fiddle to the AFC, which, apart from being the new kid on the block, is lacking in seniority and mass appeal?” he asked.

Rohee added: “Already there are rumblings from the rank and file in both political camps regarding the secretive manner in which the talks are

AFC REMINISCENT OF PNC The PPP General Secretary said, “The ‘leader or nothing’ position advanced by the AFC is reminiscent of the stance adopted by the PNC Founder Leader Forbes Burnham during the mid1950s, when he made a grab for the leadership of the PPP; and again during the 1960s, when he refused to become part of a national unity government, but chose instead to team up with Western vested interests and local reactionary elements to remove the PPP from government. “…the AFC seems determined to have its way in having the number one spot in the presidential race, even though it is by far the junior party in terms of membership and influence,” Rohee said.

ONLY STABLE PARTY Rohee used the opportunity to stress that, in the decades since Guyana’s independence; the ruling party is the only party that has demonstrated political stability.

He said, “The PPP/C is the only political party that has demonstrated political stability, with a strong Civic component that has endured over the years. The PPP/C formula has remained unchanged since the restoration of democracy on October 5, 1992. The PNC, by contrast, has experimented with several combinations and permutations, changing from PNC to PNCR then to PNCR1G, which eventually morphed into APNU.” Rohee made it clear that the ruling party is poised once again to be returned to power, this time with a comfortable majority of the votes, as the Opposition parties are still struggling to find a way out of the conundrum in which they have now found themselves.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 29, 2015

Colin Edwards of Rock View Resort gains GTA Certificate of Conformity – first interior lodge and resort to achieve 100% compliance

THE Ministry of Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) have again set a precedent by issuing a Certificate of Conformity to Colin Edwards from Rock View Eco-Tourism Resort Limited, the first interior lodge and resort to achieve 100% compliance.

The Tourism Ministry and the GTA have been striving continuously to prepare local businesses to become more competitive and to ensure that the establishments meet the necessary requirements expected by any tourist or visitor, whether they are locals or from overseas.

GTA’s Director Indranauth Haralsingh, in presenting the Certificate of Conformity to Colin Edwards, noted that this is the second tourism business, to date, and the first interior lodge and resort to achieve 100% compliance.

“We want to take this opportunity to congratulate Rock View Lodge for this achievement and for following through with the process. This is a significant achievement and should set the precedent for other businesses,” Haralsingh said. The other business to achieve this conformity is Wilderness Explorers, a tour company.

CONFORMITY TO SET STANDARDS He noted that with the growth of the tourism sector, conformity to set standards and regulations should be the focus of tourism establishments, even as they employ the best marketing and promotional strategies.

The GTA Director highlighted the benefits of registration and conformity of one’s business and made a special appeal to businesses that have not yet registered.

He urged them to recognise the importance of the exercise and the many benefits of being in compliance.

Colin Edwards receives his conformity certificate from GTA’s Director Indranauth Haralsingh

One of the cabins at the resort

GET REGISTERED “The first step is to be registered. You may have various reasons but no business is too small to be registered, especially if people are putting all their faith and trust in you,” he declared.

Haralsingh noted that the tourism regulatory body has so far recorded an 86%

registration rate for local tourism businesses and have now reached the licensing phase for some entities.

He explained, “We have a total of 28 such entities (In-

terior Lodges and Resorts), so far we have had 86% registration rate which is a favorable indicator of their businesses’ willingness to

Turn to page 20 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday January 29, 2015

Donor community commits to helping transform Caribbean energy sector --at inaugural energy security summit in the U.S.

PARTIES to the just-concluded inaugural energy security summit, among them the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM), have agreed a menu of measures primarily intended to help transform the Caribbean’s energy sector.

The pact was agreed Monday in Washington DC at the conclusion of the Summit, convened and hosted by U.S. Vice-President, Mr Joe Biden as part of a proposed Caribbean Energy Security Initiative he had announced back in June 2014, while on a State visit to Trinidad and Tobago.

Guyana was represented at Monday’s meet by Prime Minister, Mr Samuel

Kingdom; The United States; Canada; Colombia; France; Germany; Mexico; New Zealand; and Spain, together with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat; the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB); the European Union (EU); the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group; International Renewable Energy Agency; the Organization of American States (OAS); and the World Bank Group.

In a joint-communiqué issued Monday via the White House Office of the Press Secretary, the parties said: “We state our commitment to support the Caribbean’s transformation of the energy

systems of Caribbean states; to share lessons learned through new and expanded regional information networks; and to report progress in relevant fora.”

Also included in the agreement is the implementation of a number of measures “in accordance with national laws,” among them the: “Comprehensive, planning-based and research-driven approaches to energy transition, including implementation of pilot and demonstration projects, based on successful models, so that individual clean-energy projects are part of a fully integrated, climate-resilient energy transition plan towards clean sustainable

Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr Robert Persaud and Prime Minister, Mr Samuel Hinds at the Caribbean Energy Security Summit Hinds, who has portfolio responsibility for Energy, and Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr Robert Persaud.

Among Caribbean signatories to the landmark agreement were: The Governments of Antigua and Barbuda; Aruba; The Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Curacao; Dominica; The Dominican Republic; Grenada; Guyana; Haiti; Jamaica; St. Kitts and Nevis; St. Lucia; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Suriname; and Trinidad and Tobago.

Other parties to the pact included the Governments of the United

Prime Minister, Mr Samuel Hinds; Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Ms Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr Robert Persaud at the Caribbean Energy Security Summit energy for all.” sustainable and clean energy According to the par- that provides legal certainty ties, where Caribbean coun- for investors and improved tries are concerned, it is predictability in price and imperative that they pursue supply for users.” “... necessary and specific Other parameters are: reforms, including recom* “Where viable, alignmendations from the 2013 ment of national legal and CARICOM Energy Policy regulatory approaches to and the outcome of the 2015 facilitate greater clean enDominican Energy Pact, ergy investment throughto support policy and reg- out the Region, provided ulatory environments that that countries can access facilitate the introduction of finance and other resourcnew technologies favouring es on affordable terms,

Parties at the Summit

to set the stage for future electrical interconnection in keeping with the goals of Connect 2022. * Where technically and commercially feasible, promote and develop affordable: (i) no- or lower carbon electricity generation through wind, solar, geothermal power, hydropower, bioenergy, ocean energy, energy recovery from waste, and other clean energies; and (ii) energy efficiency measures. Recognising also, that alternative fuels, such as natural gas, can play a useful bridging role. * Open, transparent, competitive and criteria-based processes, including liberalisation where cost effective, to procure energy investment and facilitate access to finance for cleaner and climate resilient energy projects and infrastructure. * Data and energy information exchange and coordination with, between, and among countries and stakeholders to minimise duplication and enable the monitoring and evaluation of energy projects to maximise the impacts of efforts towards fully integrated, low-carbon and climate-resilient energy transition plans.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday January 29, 2015

Invaders encroach on NA Council lands --Council orders intruders to leave

LAST Sunday, a group of approximately 200 people invaded vacant land at Savannah Park, resulting in the subsequent order from the New Amsterdam municipality for them to get off the land.

At a hurried press conference at the council’s chambers on Tuesday, Deputy Mayor Mr. Harold Dabydeen said the municipality cannot sell the land to persons until it is

meeting, a decision was also taken to have notices publicised in all the daily newspapers. Signboards with the No Trespass signs will also be erected on the land.

“I hope good sense will prevail and all individuals will peacefully remove their obstacles from the land,” retorted the deputy mayor, whose statements were made in the presence of the Town Clerk, Ms Sharon Alexander, Coun-

Lumber to be used for fencing being transported to the perceived abandoned land which is owned by the New Amsterdam municipality surveyed, and the council gets permission from the Ministry of Housing to distribute it.

According to him, if one needs land from the council, they must come with clean hands. “By clean hands, I mean that what is going on there is dirty work--trespassing. In law you say you come with “clean hands.”

However, Dabydeen noted that persons are of the opinion that the municipality has abandoned its land. “We have not abandoned our lands; what we are seeing here, is indeed ridiculous, pure lawlessness.

Persons have invaded the land.

You cannot get what is not yours. The land belongs to the council,” he argued.

Subsequent to the invasion, at Monday’s statutory

Franso Gallay Meanwhile, at the site, the invaders, very adamant in their position as to not vacate the land, armed themselves with cutlasses and chainsaws as they cleared the overgrown bushes, and marked their lots.

They told this reporter that they had applied for land for years and are yet to get a response. Others claimed that they have received houselots at Chesney Village on the Corentyne, which are distant from their places of employment and their children’s schools.

“A lot of persons need lands. They are single parents.

They are persons who are still

bless the child that has his own,” they retorted.

Since the invaders commenced work on the land, a letter expressing interest in the land and signed by S. Benjamin and a Mr. Campbell, along with a list containing 201 names was submitted to the council earlier.

But the deputy mayor responding to questions by the media; said that the council is in possession of several applications.

However, processing has not commenced due to the conflict between the council and the Government over the industrial site.

“We wanted the industrial site, whereby we could collect rates, but Government had a different decision and so there was a division and because of this division the land remained as it is.”

In the meantime, Ms. Alexander said, persons desirous of purchasing land from the Town Council must first make an application to the municipality.

“If land becomes avail-

Three arrested after 41 Kg ganja bust in West Berbice

AN alleged drug dealer was intercepted with 25 parcels containing 41kg 945g [92.75 lbs] of suspected cannabis sativa following a drug bust at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, on Monday.

In a police release, it said that around 19:25hrs on Monday, January 26, 2015, ranks of a mobile police patrol conducted a search on a motor car at No. 9 Village, WCB, in which 41 kilograms 945 grams of cannabis sativa (marijuana) was found.

The driver was arrested and his vehicle detained by the police. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of another man and a woman and the seizure of a further 255 grams of marijuana. The two men and the woman are in police custody assisting with the investigation.

However, following investigations by this newspaper, it was discovered that when the 32- year-old taxi driver was questioned, about the multi -coloured bag which contained several plastic- wrapped parcels, he claimed that it was owned by a fisherman

from Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice.

The driver subsequently telephoned the fisherman informing him of his predicament and urged the fisherman to meet him at the Fort Wellington drying floor.

This newspaper was informed that $800,000 was earmarked for bribing the police officers.

Meanwhile, at the drying floor at Fort Wellington, the fisherman and his girlfriend, a customer representative of a telecommunication company, arrived and were quickly taken into custody by the sleuths.

At the Fort Wellington Police Station, a search carried out on the 24-yearold female revealed that she had $700,000 in her handbag, while her partner had US$900 in his possession.

Further, the couple reportedly confessed to sharing a common-law relationship. The revelation led ranks to their home, where a plastic -wrapped parcel was found in a chair cushion. A scale was also seized.

The suspects remain in custody.

Farmer drowns in canal in Golden Fleece backlands --after epilepsy attack

Deputy Mayor Harold Dabydeen (in tie) speaking to the scores of persons who had descended on the Town Council’s lands aback the Tutorial Academy Secondary School, in New Amsterdam, Berbice. cillors Jennifer Conway and Joseph Anthon, along with Municipality Sergeant Beaton.

living at their grandparents’ residence…We need our own.

Mama get, Papa get, God

Demarcations at Savannah Park, New Amsterdam

able, they will be contacted.

The chief valuation officer will first have to value the land, before the council decided on the cost per houselot.

Then we will have to get the permission from the Local Government Ministry to sell the land…. “We have sent a request to the ministry about our intention since last year, and we are yet to get a response.”

It was noted that if persons do not move off the land, an injunction will be filed in the court debarring the invaders from squatting on the lands.

A FIFTY-one-year-old farmer was discovered dead floating in a drainage canal in the Golden Fleece backlands on the Essequibo Coast around 17.00hrs on Tuesday afternoon.

According to reports, the farmer Khemraj known as “Derick,” who was suffering from epilepsy and alcoholic problems went to the backlands on Tuesday afternoon to check on his rice field and while returning home suffered an attack of the disease and fell down on the dam. Reports said the father of two, who was alone, probably rolled on the dam during the epilepsy attack and fell into a nearby drainage canal and drowned.

A daughter of the farmer, Ms. Reshma Khemraj, said her grand-mother, Patsy who lives a short distance from where her father fell into the canal saw a body floating around 5:00 pm and raised an alarm.

She said neighbours ran to the scene and discovered that the body in the canal was that of Khemraj her father. According to Reshma, her father’s hat and slippers were found on the parapet of the canal.

The police were informed and they rushed to the scene. The body of the farmer was retrieved from the canal and taken to the Suddie Funeral Parlour. An investigation is under way. (Rajendra Prabhulall)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday January 29, 2015

Thousands expected for Chutney final at Anna Regina --19 contestants to compete for national crown

THOUSANDS of Essequibians are expected to flock the Anna Regina Community Centre ground Saturday night to watch the final of the National Chutney Competition, organised and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in collaboration with the Region 2 Administration.

A release from the regional administration said preparation of the venue and stage is almost complete for the competition, which is expected to at-

tract several thousands from across the region and country. Region 2 Chairman, Mr. Parmanand Persaud said he is very happy that the administration is hosting the final of the competition. He said every arrangement will be in place so the competition could be run off smoothly without any hiccups.

The National Chutney Competition which is an annual event and a part of Mashramani activities will showcase Guyana’s rich chutney music and

Five-time National Chutney King, Haresh Singh, performing at last year’s competition

talents of gifted singers.

Reports said this year ’s competition has attracted contestants from the United States and Canada and is expected to be a very hot chutney showdown for the crown. The winner of the competition, who will wear the chutney crown will receive a sum of $600,000 and a trophy, while the second runner-up will get $420,000 and a trophy also.

The third runner-up will receive $265,000 and a trophy. According to reports, the best newcomers will

each get $115,000.

At this year’s final, Region 2 will be represented by five-time Chutney King Haresh Singh.

According to reports, the former King is looking to win the crown for the sixth time with his song: “Me dulahin run away.” Haresh said the song was written and composed by him and will be a hit at the final on Saturday night. Another contestant representing the region is Dennis Thatpaul.

He will be performing his own song, “Naomi gal.”

Dennis, who has appeared at several previous chutney finals, said he is confident of winning the crown this time with his song.

First-time contestant, Ravi D will also be representing the region this year along with newcomer Dennis Damar Singh. The overseas contestants are Anant Hansraj of Miami, Florida; Chris Ken of New York; Bowtie of Canada; Jaylall of Florida, USA; and Sexy Merissa of New York. (Rajendra Prabhulall)

Family feud leads to theft, stripping of minibus A ROUTE 41 minibus was yesterday morning discovered in a lonely street in ‘E’ Field (red road) Sophia partly stripped of its parts.

The bus was reported stolen on Monday morning after the person to whom it was entrusted woke up to discover the vehicle missing from his yard.

Wilbert Archer told the Guyana Chronicle that he parked the bus in the yard at approximately 03:00hrs on Monday morning at South Ruimveldt, but later discovered it missing when he woke up to pray and found the gates to his property wide open.

He related that the bus was the last of three vehicles to be parked in the yard. The man said that he immediately contacted the owner of

the vehicle and they visited the East La Penitence Police Station where the matter was reported.

The vehicle, BRR 2860, is registered to one Weston Mervyn Pickering of Republic Drive, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara. However, his mother is said to be the person taking care of that and other vehicles which the family owns.

When this newspaper visited the Turkeyen Police Station where the bus was taken after it was discovered, it was observed that several fixtures including its headlamps, mirrors and other items from inside were missing. Those parts however are said to be engraved with the registration number of the vehicle.

One woman from ‘E’ Field So-

phia, reported to this newspaper that she saw the minibus in her street on Tuesday and thought that it belonged to someone in the area until she began hearing rumours that the vehicle was stolen. The woman said that the bus was parked in front of the home of another resident and persons were stripping it of its parts.

The police were then informed and before they could have arrived at the location, persons had already made off with some of the items they removed from the vehicle and the police immediately moved to have it transported to the station and the owners were informed.

Information reaching this publication suggests that the bus was stolen and vandalised by a relative

The bus parked in the Turkeyen Police Station compound yesterday of the owner of the bus, who has a family feud with another relative. This is not the first time that the family has suffered damage to and loss of their vehicles.

On Wednesday, police sources indicated that the matter is still being investigated, although they had not been provided with the names of possible suspects up to press time.

Also on Wednesday, the owners of the

minibus contracted a towing truck and removed the vehicle from the Turkeyen Police Station over to the East La Penitence Police Station where it was photographed and fingerprinted.

The police are also looking to see if any of the prints will match the ones lifted from another vehicle owned by the family which was vandalised sometime back and from which the computer box was removed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday January 29, 2015

Colin Edwards of Rock View ... participate and improve their quality of service and standards.”

Alluding to the benefits to be derived from achieving 100% compliance, Haralsingh explained that the GTA will be separating these businesses and will provide a listing

on their website. “This will determine who gets support in terms of both local and international exposure.”

“The GTA’s Act and these regulations say that you need a license to operate any one of these businesses - we will not want our visitors to have a tour-

From page 15 ism experience with an unregistered and unlicensed business,” he emphasised.

Rock View’s proprietor, Colin Edwards acknowledged the benefits of the company’s achievement and urged other entities to follow suit and to take the challenges in their stride.

He noted that this achievement is not without challenges but he still encouraged tourism businesses “to stay focused on delivering the highest quality of goods and services to their clients and to recognise the importance of meeting the criteria set out in the regulations.”

OASIS IN RUPUNUNI SAVANNAHS In 1992, Colin Edwards, a gregarious Englishman with a vision, bought Rock View in order to fulfill a dream of building an environmentally-friendly lodge and working farm that would also benefit surrounding communities.

He started with arid and rundown ranching lands and has created an oasis in the Rupununi savannahs.

Gardens flourish, cattle graze freely, flowering and fruit trees abound, and numerous jobs have been created for local community members.

The GTA has given the assurance that it will continue to monitor and evaluate hospitality institutions across the country in an effort to ensure that the tourism industry keeps on growing and expanding.

Aries Relax and enjoy sensual pleasures on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day as the Taurus Moon enhances the fun of the occasion. A focus on your career zone keeps you busy and eager to make a start with plans and projects. Don’t be tempted to bite off more than you can chew on Thursday, though. Try to pace yourself. The Full Moon over the weekend may coincide with a need to relax, but hitting the sales might also be on your mind.

Taurus You’ll enjoy New Year’s Eve and the start of 2015 with the Moon in your sign to nurture your gourmet palate and love of all good things in life. The action speeds up as the week progresses. On Thursday you’ll be eager to put ideas into action that you’ve been mulling over in the holiday week. Come the weekend, career opportunities may coincide with enhanced networking and a willingness to reach out to the right people. The Full Moon on Sunday encourages sharing.

Gemini You’ll make use of the holidays to get your bearings and relax, but once January 1 rolls around you’ll be ready to explore the potential that 2015 has in store for you. Money matters still count for a lot, and you’ll be eager to organise things so you don’t have to contend with any unnecessary worry. Venus and Mercury hike into your travel and adventure sector over the weekend, encouraging you to explore alternative ideas and experiences. Something good may happen if you do.

Cancer Although your social life still sparkles and New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day bring plenty of fun your way, you’re ready to enter a new phase. Saturn in your lifestyle sector may act as a catalyst, encouraging you to consider taking up a healthier lifestyle and looking for work that reflects your mission and purpose in life. Over the weekend the Full Moon in your sign may coincide with a feeling of accomplishment because of something you’ve achieved.

Leo Perhaps your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, get fit, and feel fabulous. If so, the planets are in the right place to help you with your goal. This is a good time to plan a new diet or fitness routine and start as you mean to carry on. With Saturn in your zone of leisure and pleasure, you may want get involved in a competitive sport or get serious about a hobby for which you have natural talent. Romantic opportunities beckon over the weekend.

Virgo The focus on your pleasure and leisure sector continues, so you could decide to take an extended vacation this week. Whether or not you’re at work, take any opportunities to have fun and enjoy yourself. You’ll benefit in more ways than one. A Mars/Jupiter link encourages you to consider meditating regularly in order to release stress and develop inner peace. The weekend could become a gadget fest if you’re hoping to find a bargain at the sales.

Libra New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day could be busy times for you, as you’ll be entertaining and making sure everybody has a good time. The presence of Mars in Aquarius is still calling to you to get involved in the things you love best. Indulge yourself in a favourite hobby or engage your senses by enjoying a massage or spa treatment. Whatever you get up to, fully surrender to it. Romance looks possible as Venus sashays into Aquarius, encouraging you to flirt.

Scorpio You’ll enjoy mixing and mingling with old and new friends on New Year’s Eve and January 1. Use this chance to rebuild connections that may have been in danger of disappearing.

You’ll also enjoy entertaining people at your place, playing host and watching pals cut loose and be completely themselves. With Saturn now in your zone of personal finances, you’ll be eager to explore ways to enhance your income. If you get an intuitive hunch about how to do this, follow it.

Sagittarius You may feel a subtle inner pressure to get things done now that Saturn is in your sign.

Use this opportunity at the start of the year to review priorities. Meditate and make use of periods of introspection to discover the goals and plans that are most meaningful to you.

Later this week your zone of communication livens up as Venus and Mercury move in. If you like gadgets, you may want to add a few to your collection.

Capricorn You’re in your element this week! You’ll enjoy New Year’s Eve and January 1. If you’re planning ahead, take into account any goals that enhance self-expression. If you have an artistic skill or other ability, factor it into your daily schedule so you can develop and use it. Personal finances seem to be important to you this week, as a planetary lineup in Aquarius inspires you with ideas and ways to earn extra cash. The weekend’s Full Moon might enhance romance.

Aquarius Although you’re still in a phase in which it helps to relax and recharge, there is a lot to do.

Continue to pace yourself this week. Enjoy spending New Year’s Eve at home with pals and family - it could be a night to remember. As Saturn edges into your social sector, you may get choosier about the people with whom you associate. You’ll also get a sense of who your friends really are. Romantic options sparkle when Venus sashays into your sign on Saturday.

Pisces You’re going to have a great time this week, especially over New Year’s Eve and January 1.

The party isn’t over yet, and you seem to be taking full advantage of the chance to hang out with friends and loved ones. You’ll also want to achieve a key ambition as Saturn moves to your career sector. Start now to research your options, get the knowledge you need, and make a plan. It’s going to be an exciting ride. Love may blossom over the weekend.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday January 29, 2015

Windies end ODI series on ...

From Backpage raced to his half-century off 49 balls, whipping off-spinner Deonarine behind square for four to reach the landmark.

He then marched imperiously to a fine hundred off 92 deliveries in the 36th over, with a couple to long-off off seamer Carlos Brathwaite.

Amla finished the series with 413 runs at a phenomenal average of 206.5, to be voted Man-ofthe-Series. He passed fifty every time he batted in the series.

Rossouw, meanwhile, was brutal. He started slowly, gathering just 15 runs from his first 29 balls but then accelerated to reach his half-century from 60 deliveries.

He then needed only 23 more balls to each three figures as he ripped into the Windies bowlers. In one over from Russell – the 30th of the innings – he carted three sixes and a four in plundering 28 runs off the bowler.

Such was their domination, the Proteas accelerated from a position of 150 for two after 27 overs to score 211 runs off the last 15 overs.

West Indies then had a nightmare start when the badly out-of-form Chris Gayle wafted at the first ball of the innings - one adjudged a wide - and given out caught behind on review.

Deonarine and Smith were enterprising, adding 77 off 74 deliveries for the second wicket and taking West Indies along at over six runs an over.

The left-handed Deonarine faced 50 balls and

SOUTH AFRICA innings (Max: 42 overs) Q. de Kock c Carter b Holder 4 H. Amla b Russell 133 F. du Plessis c Cottrell b Russell 16 R. Rossouw c Carter b Russell 132 D. Miller c wkp. Ramdin b Holder 23 JP Duminy not out 18 F. Behardien not out 5 Extras: (lb-7, w-20, nb-3) 30 Total: (5 wkts, 42 overs) 361 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-59, 3-306, 4-330, 5-345.

Bowling: Holder 9-0-77-2 (w-3), Brathwaite 9-0-46-0 (w-2), Russell 8-0-85-3 (w-5, nb-3), Sammy 7-0-59-0, Deonarine 2-0-19-0.

WEST INDIES innings C. Gayle c wkp. de Kock b Abbott 0

counted five fours and a six while Smith hit three fours and a six off 28 balls before falling lbw in the 13th over to left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso, missing one that came on with the arm.

Deonarine was run-out 11 balls later to leave the Windies on 81 for three in the 15th over but Samuels and Ramdin kept the Windies in the hunt with a productive stand of 91 for the fourth wicket.

Samuels struck the ball cleanly, hitting a four and four sixes off 47 balls while Ramdin was good for a four and two sixes in his run-a-ball innings.

With the required run rate climbing to near 13 an over, Samuels improvised and paid the price, bowled

by Abbott as he backed away to give himself room to hit through the off side in the 28th over.

His wicket marked the end of the Windies resistance, as they lost two more quick wickets for just five runs in the space of nine deliveries, to stumble to a 177 for six at the end of the 29th over.

Russell came out swinging, rattling off a cameo 24 off 12 balls with four fours and a six, and single-handedly taking 19 runs from Abbott’s sixth over, the 30th of the innings.

However, once he got a faint edge behind off the first ball of the next over as he missed a steer to third man off Parnell, the Windies collapsed again losing their final four wickets for 34 runs.

Sammy made 27 off 25 balls before he was last man out, chopping on to slow bowler Farhaan Behardien.

N. Deonarine run-out 43 D. Smith lbw b Phangiso 31 M. Samuels b Abbott 50 D. Ramdin c Amla b Parnell 40 A. Russell c wkp. de Kock b Parnell 24 J. Carter c Abbott b Parnell 0 D. Sammy b Behardien 27 J. Holder c Rossouw b Parnell 0 C. Brathwaite c de Kock b de Lange 1 S. Cottrell not out 0 Extras: (lb-2, w-8) 10 Total: (all out, 37.4 overs) 215 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-77, 3-81, 4-172, 5-176, 6-177, 7-196, 8-196, 9-214.

Bowling: Abbott 7-0-59-2 (w-3), de Lange 8-0-34-1 (w-3), Parnell 9-0-42-4 (w-2), Phangiso 8-0-53-1, Behardien 5.4-0-40-1 (w-2).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday January 29, 2015

Djokovic, Wawrinka set up epic showdown, ill Serena through

By Greg Stutchbury

MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Top seed Novak Djokovic and champion Stan Wawrinka set up ‘The Djoker v The Man 3.0’ at Melbourne Park after impressive quarter-final victories yesterday, while an ill Serena Williams moved a step closer to her 19th grand slam title.

The American, however, will first have to overcome the pure hitting of Madison Keys after the 19-year-old ended the fairytale run of Serena’s older sister Venus, despite suffering from a thigh injury that hampered her movement.

With many suggesting prior to the tournament it could signify an epoch-

… Madison Keys ends fairytale run of Venus WIlliams

al shift in both games, the teenager represents the up-and-comers in the semifinals after Djokovic and Wawrinka crushed the last hopes of ‘Generation Next’ in the men’s draw.

Djokovic, seeking to become the second man to win a fifth Australian Open title, beat Canada’s Milos Raonic 7-6(5), 6-4, 6-2 in the late match on Rod Laver Arena, hours after Wawrinka had easily dispatched fifth seed Kei Nishikori 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(6).

“Definitely expecting a marathon like the last couple of years. I’m sure

best tennis if you want to push him. So far I’m playing great. I’m confident with my game.”

Madison Keys that both of us will give in a courtside interview. our best to perform our “We always ask for the best tennis,” Djokovic said best of each other.”

It will be the third successive year Djokovic and Wawrinka have met at the Australian Open, with the man winning those epic clashes ultimately going on to clinch the title.

As defending champion in 2013, Djokovic prevailed 12-10 in the fifth set in their fourth round clash.

Last year Wawrinka won the fifth set 9-7 in their quarterfinal, indicating fans tomorrow should be set for another epic encounter.

“You know when you play Novak, especially in semifinal in a grand slam, you have to play your best game,” Wawrinka said.

“You have to play your

PARTY POOPER American teenager Keys proved to be the ultimate party pooper with her victory over Venus while at the same time indicating the mantle of American women’s tennis should be in safe hands when it is moved on from the two sisters.

Serena and Venus had been hoping to provide fans with the first all-Williams sisters clash at a grand slam since the 2009 Wimbledon final in the semifinals.

Keys, who was inspired at four years old to take up the game after seeing Venus play at Wimbledon, refused to succumb to sentimentality and demonstrated the ball-striking and power-hitting, which had destroyed players of the calibre of double Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, in a 29-minute first set.

An adductor injury that forced her out of the Wimbledon third round last year, just days after she had stormed to the Eastbourne title, however, flared up again in the second set, which brought back some desperate memories.

“It was definitely a

flashback to Wimbledon for me,” Keys said of the injury that forced her to take an injury break while trailing 4-1 in the second set.

“It was quite an overwhelming moment and scary ... and I had the nightmare of ‘I don’t want this to happen again’.”

Keys, now coached by former number one Lindsay Davenport, however, showed her maturity and mental toughness once she settled, to overpower Venus and battle through the injury to advance to her first grand slam semifinal.

“It’s definitely an amazing moment,” she added.

“I’m enjoying those moments for little bits of time and then refocusing and thinking about the next round.”

Keys’ chances of making the final have improved with the world number one battling the effects of a cold after a virus hit several players at the tournament.

“I’ve been sick the past few days,” a hoarse-sounding Serena told reporters after her 6-2, 6-2 destruction of last year’s finalist Dominika Cibulkova.

“It’s just getting worse and worse. I heard it’s a virus going around with a lot of the players. I think I caught it.”

Ronaldo handed two-match ban for kicking opponent (REUTERS) - REAL Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo has been given a twomatch ban following his dismissal for kicking out at an opponent during their La Liga clash with Cordoba last Saturday, the Spanish league said yesterday.

Ronaldo was unable to make an impact in the match and his frustration saw him first lash out with his hand at Jose Crespo, which the referee missed, and then minutes later kick out at Edimar for which he was sent off.

Real won 2-1 thanks to a late Gareth Bale penalty and Ronaldo apologised on

Cristiano Ronaldo Twitter after the game.

The Portugal winger has been suspended for Real’s next two La Liga

matches against Real Sociedad and Sevilla but will be available for the derby with Atletico Madrid.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday January 29, 2015

Scorchers defend Big Bash title in gripping final THE fourth season of the Big Bash League got the final it deserved at the Manuka Oval in Canberra yesterday as Perth Scorchers sealed their second consecutive BBL title in one of the most thrilling T20 matches you could ever wish to see.

Scores: Perth Scorchers 6 for 148 (Marsh 73; Lee 3-25) beat Sydney Sixers 5 for 147 (Henriques 77) by four wickets.

In the end, 35 matches came down to one over, and then just one ball and one run as Scorchers scrambled a single off the last delivery of the match to complete their chase of Sydney Sixers’ 5 for 147 with four wickets standing.

Scorchers required eight off the final over, bowled by Brett Lee who was playing his last professional match.

An outrageous scoop-shovel four from Michael Carberry off the first ball of the over halved the equation before a two and a

Perth Scorchers celebrate their BBL title victory in Canberra, yesterday. one off the following balls left Scorchers just one short with three balls remaining.

An amazing match still had one final twist left in it as Lee bowled Nathan CoulterNile and Sam Whiteman with two searing yorkers, followed by his vein-throbbing chainsaw celebration one final time.

The two wickets left the Scorchers requiring one run off one ball. Sporting the-

atre has rarely seen better.

The ball, full and fast, was squeezed out onto the leg side by Yasir Arafat who hurtled towards the other end.

The ball was pinged in from midwicket on the bounce where Moises Henriques stood over the stumps.

As Arafat stretched for the crease the ball crashed into the palms of Henriques and out the other side, spilling away behind him as

Time to oust Blatter and modernise FIFA says van Praag AMSTERDAM, Holland (Reuters) - Michael van Praag, the president of the Dutch Football Association (KNVB), yesterday named six countries who are backing his campaign for the FIFA presidency.

Speaking at a news conference to formally launch his challenge to incumbent Sepp Blatter, the erudite 67-year-old said he had nominations from Belgium, Sweden, Scotland, Romania, the Faroe Islands and the Netherlands and had sent them to FIFA. He also said he would only stand for one fouryear term if elected, adding the time had come for Blatter to step aside.

“FIFA is doing badly and has lost all credibility,” he said. “FIFA is constantly under suspicion of conflicts of interests of nepotism, of corruption. FIFA has its back to the future.

“I have nothing against Mr Blatter,” he continued.

“In fact I like him a lot as a person.

“However, someone who has led an organisation for so many years, and who has become the personification of its poor

van Praag said he would advocate a bigger World Cup if elected, find a place for Blatter in an advisory role, fight the scourge of match-fixing and “hold on to the good things FIFA has achieved”.

But, he added, “I want to do things differently to Mr Blatter, I only want to hold the presidency for a single term of four years.

“This is because I want to make room for a new generation as quickly as possible because I want to make full use of my time in office and not waste any time on a possible re-election.

“I know from experience in business as well as football, big steps in reforming an organisation can be taken in four years. And modernisation is what is needed so badly and it will begin with normalisation.

OUTSIDE CHANCE “As soon as a football Like most of the other organisation gets into politcandidates, van Praag may ical difficulties, a so-called only have an outside chance normalisation committee is of ousting Blatter, but he set up to solve the problem. likened himself to a small “It is time FIFA applied team playing a big side in this tool to its own organa cup competition saying: isation, because FIFA is “Everyone expects the small stuck in a headlock. FIFA team to lose but sometimes is doing badly and has lost they win.” all credibility.” image, can no longer be the face of a modernisation operation for a new FIFA. It is impossible.” van Praag is one of five men intending to bring an end to Blatter’s tarnished 17-year reign as president along with Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein of Jordan, Jerome Champagne of France, fellow Frenchman David Ginola and Luis Figo of Portugal.

Italian-Dutch agent Mino Raiola, whose candidature was regarded as a publicity stunt, withdrew from the race yesterday.

Candidates need five FA nominations to officially stand for election as president of world football’s governing body with the nominations closing at midnight Central European Time (23:00hrs) today.

his hands, with no ball in them, broke the stumps even as Arafat bolted past him and the Scorchers players and staff charged onto the ground.

They are the first team to defend their BBL title, and with four final appearances and four Champions League T20 appearances they are becoming one of the most successful T20 teams in history.

The Scorchers chase had been on a far more serene course earlier with an opening partnership of 70 between Michael Klinger

and Shaun Marsh putting the Scorchers well on track for victory. However, the required run-rate, which began at 7.4 never once fell below 7.5 for the entire innings. Klinger and Marsh had provided a platform but they had left their team with work to do. The partnership was ended in the twelfth over when Klinger was caught by Sean Abbott off Lee. Adam Voges then joined Marsh and added 43 runs before he fell for a 13-ball 20. Again, it was a useful partnership but there was still work to be done. As long as Marsh was there, though, you sensed Scorchers would be okay.

Henriques’ decision to throw the ball to Nathan Lyon in the penultimate over was a bold one, but it was justified by the first ball when he ended Marsh’s anchoring innings, a 59-ball 73 - the batsman holing out on the midwicket boundary.

Tw o b a l l s l a t e r t h e Scorchers’ chase was pegged back further when Ashton Turner was also caught on the midwicket boundary.

The new man Coulter-Nile thumped a huge six off the

final ball of the over to set up the jaw-dropping final over.

It was Henriques who in the end made the mistake that cost Sixers a tie and a Super Over, but earlier it was his wonderfully paced 77 off 57 that was to thank for them getting as many as they did.

Sixers, having chosen to bat, got off to a terrible start when they were 2 for 7 after three overs, and then 4 for 49 after 9.2. Michael Lumb, Riki Wessels, Nic Maddinson and Jordan Silk, the men to fall.

However, Henriques, who scored 35 from his first 38 deliveries, rebuilt the innings alongside Ryan Carters, who finished 35 not out off 25.

Scorchers, a strong and well-practised bowling side, again bowled brilliantly, but Henriques’ patience was rewarded when he accelerated to score 42 from his final 19 deliveries including two sixes and three fours.

He was dismissed off the final ball of the innings.

Sixers, having scored 4 for 53 off the first ten overs, managed 1 for 94 off their final ten overs to set up the Scorchers pulsating chase.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday January 29, 2015

Rowe finding his footing, elsewhere KINGSTON, Jamaica – The last time anything positive and in public was said about Lawrence George Alphonso Rowe was some 33 years ago.

Under lights ‘Down-Under ’, Jeff Thomson had served a ‘loosener’ to his namesake. Hardly ever getting one, the batsman clicked his heels and punched straight. Bill Lawry’s pigeons scurried, and the other camp’s crowd ‘oowed-andaawed’.

“A glorious shot this, by Jeff Dujon,” Alan McGilvray hailed it. Finding an illustrious comparison, he then mumbled into his microphone: “Only Lawrence Rowe could have timed that better.”

Things returned to normal service last Saturday night at the South Florida Conference Centre in Margate, Fort Lauderdale, when

a glitterati of West Indies cricket stars were singing from the same hymn book.

“I’m seeing great evidence of him helping the youth,” said Sir Wesley Hall, a man who gets around with a cane these days, but one of the men, who seemed delighted to have made the long haul - in his case from his faraway Barbados.

“You can give back not only to the place where you come from, but also give back to your adopted country,” Sir Wesley noted instructively, of the non-profit Lawrence Rowe Cricket Legendary Foundation, which targets underprivileged children in the South Florida area.

And then there was Sir Garry, who, when he made his way to the podium, as he did to cricket middles all over the world, the crowd elegantly rose to their feet

NOTABLE DATES

GUYANESE light heavyweight Ray Alberts was TKOed in the eighth round by Etienne Obertan on January 29, 1993.

The fight took place in Obertan’s home town of Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe, and was one of four bouts Alberts had that year. He lost three and won the other.

Alberts turned pro in March 1986 and on his debut TKOed Simeon Thomas in the third round. His nine-year career would see him once challenging for a world title.

On December 21, 1993 he clashed with Gary Delaney in London, England, for the World Boxing Board light heavyweight title.

Delaney needed only three rounds to force referee Roy Francis to halt the contest and award him a win via TKO. Alberts ended his career in May of 1995 with an unsuccessful bid for the World Boxing Association Fedilatin title. His record comprises 19 victories (11KOs) and 10 defeats.

ADRIAN Dodson is one of a handful of Guyanese boxers never to compete as a professional on home soil. Dennis Andries, Steve Frank and `Vicious’ Vivian Harris are also members of that small group.

A southpaw super welterweight Dodson defeated Algerian Rachid Serdjane on January 29, 1997.

The fight was held at York Hall in London, England.

Dodson earned the victory after Serdjane was disqualified in round five for ungentlemanly conduct.

The Algerian failed to rise from a low blow. Dodson was undefeated in 18 fights when he met World Boxing Organisation super welterweight champion Ronald `Winky’ Wright.

The fight was held in December 1997 and the Guyanese retired at the end of the fifth round. He later challenged for the Commonwealth title in October 1999 but was disqualified in the 12th round for biting Alain Bonnamie.

Dodson won the lowly regarded International Boxing Organisation on March 3, 2001 following a third round knockout of Paul Jones. He lost the title in his first defence which occurred the following month.

while pounding on their tables. “This weekend has been wonderful.” And, said the man who has travelled the world attending banquets such as that one: “It’s one of the best I’ve been to in a long time.”

‘The Garf’ then briefly rolled back the clock to touch on still the most regal entry into Test cricket.

“I captained Lawrence in his first Test match,” said Sobers to the, by then, hushed crowd. They wanted to hear more about what took place at that Test match staged at Sabina Park in February 1972, against New Zealand.

“And I saw Rowe play one shot, that I’d never before, nor ever after, seen.”

The crowd of over 300 began again to pound their dining tables as if at Gordon House.

“Such was the timing and the elegant placement.”

But back to the order of business: “Lawrence worked hard to put this on and I know that he will be successful,” said Sir Garry, in a commanding tone, which seemed to have suggested: ‘Enough-wasenough’.

Then there was Faoud Bacchus, Gordon Greenidge, Lance Gibbs, Larry Gomes, Desmond Haynes, Alvin Kallicharran, Collis King, Desmond Lewis, Deryck Murray, Albert Padmore, Sir Andy Roberts, all of whom Rowe had greeted at the Sheraton Suite in Plantation, the night before.

“I’m pleased to be among my teammates once again,” said Rowe, the one-time batting genius, choked up

Former Jamaica and West Indies batting stylist Lawrence Rowe (right) raps with fellow former West Indies cricketers (from left) Brian Lara, Sir Garfield Sobers and Lance Gibbs (partly hidden) during last Saturday’s fund-raising dinner of the Lawrence Rowe Cricket Legendary Foundation at the South Florida Conference Center in Margate, Fort Lauderdale. and batting for the Legends, with emotion.

- and by his own people, and stole the show with a scintilAnd it was Deryck Mur- in his own homeland. lating 108 in 20 of the allotted ray who gave the keynote It was in October of 2011 30 overs. It virtually sealed address on Saturday night in that Lawrence and Audrey the victory over the Cavaliers Margate. He, too, was full of suffered ignominy. on a chilly night under lights, respect for Rowe, and full of Unless he or she comes at the Central Broward Repraise for his cause. with a box of money in- gional Park and Stadium.

But how could he have tow, Jamaica has not always Lara, by his presence for forgotten the scene at Kens- done well, when it comes to the weekend extravaganza, ington Oval back in March acknowledging, much less represented the younger bri1974, on hand for the West In- dignifying the works of its gade, the likes of Carlisle dies-England Test? He didn’t. own. It does not bury hatch- Best, Merv Dillon, Daren “Kensington Oval nev- ets easily.

Ganga, Wavell Hinds, Nixer saw a crowd like that,” “For what you are now on McLean, and Ricardo reflected the West Indies doing (referring to Rowe’s Powell, the latter who now vice-captain at the time, foundation), it shows that resides in Texas. and one of Rowe’s batting you are not only a great West Every man deserves to partners during his legendary Indian, but a great man,” said find his own way back to his triple-century.

Brian Lara, when his turn own redemption.

“This means the world to to speak on Saturday night And if one road is him,” said Rowe’s wife Au- came. blocked, there’s always an drey, who knows what it is to And it was Lara, who on alternate route. (Jamaica see Lawrence beaten down the Sunday which followed, Observer)

Guyana Jaguars in practice match from today THE Guyana Jaguars will recommence their PCL Regional 4-Day practice preparations with a 3-Day match at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Ground lasting from today to Saturday.

Play will start at 10:00hrs each day and shall consist of all applicable 4-Day Regional Match rules. The match is being used to assist the players in effectively making the transition from One Day matches to the longer version of the game.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

F u r t h e r, d u r i n g t h e course of the match, the players will simultaneously benefit from the availability of the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground for specific individual and group exercises.

The Guyana Jaguars are leading the 2014/2015 WICB PCL Regional 4-Day Tournament standing with 57 points.

The teams for the match will be selected from the following players: Veerasammy Permaul,

Devendra Bishoo, Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Ronsford Beaton, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Trevon Griffith, Keon Joseph, Raymon Reifer, Rajendra Chandrika, Paul Wintz, Vishaul Singh, Raun Johnson, Anthony Adams, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Amir Khan, Steven Sankar, Kevon Boodie, Gudakesh Motie, Ricardo Adams, Jason Sinclair, Kemol Savory, Krisendat Ramoo, Shemroy Barrington, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Robin Bacchus, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shemron Hetmyer and Kemo Paul.

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday January 29, 2015

WICB proposes ‘cricketing solutions’ in letter to BCCI ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – The embattled West Indies Cricket Board has insisted on a “cricketing solution” to the current impasse with the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI), and has called for a meeting between the two boards within the next two months, as it battles to stave off the US$42 million pay-out demanded by the BCCI. In a letter sent to its Asian counterpart on Tuesday, a copy of which was obtained

by CMC Sports, WICB president Dave Cameron said the WICB was open to “bi-lateral or multi-lateral discussions”

WICB president Dave Cameron has written to the BCCI proposing ‘cricketing solutions’.

on the matter and proposed the two boards submit to mediation and “other suitable form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as may be appropriate.”

The correspondence came on the deadline set by the BCCI for the WICB to respond to its multi-million dollar claim arising from the controversial abandoned tour of India last October.

“Our position in law remains as set out in our letter dated November 7 2014.

Without admitting any liability to the BCCI, we reiterate

our willingness to participate in bi-lateral or multi-lateral discussions, or in mediation or such other suitable form of ADR as may be appropriate, as the alternatives would be of no benefit to either Board or the larger cricketing community,” Cameron wrote to BCCI honorary secretary Sanjay Patel.

“We would like to propose that we (WICB and BCCI) meet at the earliest available opportunity but in any event within the next 60 days, as we remain of the view that the issues between us may best be resolved through dialogue, facilitated or otherwise, with

St Kitts and Nevis gets T20 franchise KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – St Kitts and Nevis will host the newest Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise for the 2015 edition of the tournament, organisers have announced.

The venue, only added to the roster for last year’s campaign, will become the seventh franchise holder, joining Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago and St Lucia.

“We have had a wonderful relationship with the government since we first started planning for CPL games in 2014 and we are now able to bring a team to St Kitts and Nevis,” said CPL’s chief executive officer Pete Russell.

“This is a fantastic op-

CEO of the Caribbean Premier League Pete Russell portunity for the country as fans get the opportunity to support their own team … we all look forward to the unrivalled passion that will

again be evident at the Warner Park Stadium.”

St Kitts did not feature in the inaugural tournament in 2013 but was surprisingly handed several games last year, including the semifinals and the final.

Sports Minister Glenn Phillip described the move as a hugely successful one for the country economically, and said hosting a franchise would be an even more significant boost for local businesses.

“Last year the government of St Kitts and Nevis was delighted to support the CPL by hosting the semifinals and final as well as a series of neutral games,” he said.

“That partnership reaped great rewards as St

Kitts and Nevis enjoyed a significant return on investment. Overall the economy benefited to the tune of $26M, which comfortably exceeded our expectations.”

He added: “Hosting the games highlighted that St Kitts and Nevis is home to some of the most passionate cricket fans in the region and having our own franchise team here will be a source of great pride for the people of St Kitts and Nevis, while also benefiting local businesses, as fans from around the region and overseas make the journey to watch the games at the Warner Park Stadium.”

CPL is the Caribbean’s premier domestic Twenty20 tournament.

Ice-man Eriksen sends Spurs into League Cup final LONDON, England (Reuters) - Christian Eriksen was Tottenham Hotspur’s ice-man as they suppressed a late revival from third-tier Sheffield United to reach the League Cup final 3-2 on aggregate yesterday.

Tottenham, who will face Chelsea in the final at Wembley on March 1, appeared to be cruising when they took a first-half lead through Eriksen’s stunning free kick which took their aggregate advantage to 2-0.

Sheffield United teenager Che Adams came off the bench, however, to turn the tie on its head with two goals in two minutes, giving his team a 2-1 lead

and levelling the aggregate score.

Eriksen ensured fourtime winners Spurs avoided playing extra time when he found space on the edge of the lower league side’s box with two minutes remaining and calmly slotted home.

“Sheffield United definitely gave us a big fight.

They gained confidence after they scored their first goal, the second one was a bit lucky but we came back at the end,” Eriksen told Sky Sports.

Eriksen’s opener on 28 minutes was a moment of supreme quality.

The Dane whipped a stunning free kick from the

right side of the area into the far top corner off the post with the hosts’ keeper Mark Howard rooted to the spot.

The lower league side, whose cup pedigree has upset five Premier League sides in the last 12 months, laboured to claw a way back into the match, but the more they pushed on the likelier it looked that Spurs would add to their tally.

Yet two minutes of madness turned the tie around and left Tottenham facing a scrap they would not have seen coming.

Adams came off the bench on 74 minutes and kept his head to finish calmly past Vorm with his

instep, sparking the home crowd into life and adding spice to a cup tie that had seemed to be heading to a predictable conclusion.

His second goal had an element of good fortune as his deflected effort from the edge of the area looped away from Spurs keeper Vorm.

With their tails up, United looked favourites to grab the winner, but their hopes of reaching a first final were dashed by Eriksen’s precise finish.

“It was just a bit of quality that made the difference,” Sheffield United manager Nigel Clough said. “Eriksen’s two goals tonight were superb.”

the aim of jointly coming up with appropriate ‘cricketing solutions’ that will meet the legitimate interests of all stakeholders including the BCCI. “We reiterate our position that Indian courts lack jurisdiction in this matter given the parties’ agreement to submit disputes of this nature to binding arbitration.”

The WICB letter is in response to one sent by the BCCI last week stating that it had waited long enough and could no longer hold off on the multi-million dollar claim.

If no response from the WICB was forthcoming by the stated deadline, the BCCI said it would “initiate legal proceedings in the appropriate forum against the WICB without further intimation”.

The BCCI had initially made the claim last November and given the WICB until the middle of that month to indicate how the matter would be settled.

Regional Caribbean grouping, CARICOM, subsequently intervened to ask for a 40-day grace period, which was granted.

However, in its letter sent Tuesday, the WICB pointed out that the BCCI’s most recent correspondence had not acknowledged the

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informal negotiations which had gone on between the two boards, or the formal proposal it had submitted last November.

“We are surprised that your letter makes no reference to our letter dated November 7 2014 or the matters to which it refers, including our formal written proposal for progressing matters,” Cameron said.

“Your letter also makes no reference to the numerous earnest but informal discussions which have taken place between our respective Boards exploring possible solutions, including various ‘cricketing solutions’ that are practical and fair to the BCCI and all stakeholders.”

The BCCI are claiming damages for the abandoned tour, with media rights, estimated at just over US$35 million, making up the bulk of the costs.

When the tour ended abruptly, there was still a One-Day International, a Twenty20 and three Tests to be played.

A furious BCCI subsequently said it held the WICB responsible, accusing the Caribbean board for “complete disregard” for legal commitments.

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30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday January 29, 2015

NSC Sports Awards 2014

Guyana Ruggers nominated in six categories, Jeffrey leads Sportsman nominations

By Leeron Brumell

T

HE Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), its players and officials have been nominated in six of the 14 categories for the National Sports Commission’s 2014 awards.

The winners are to be decided upon and announced when the NSC committee, comprising media houses and other stakeholders in sports, meet at the Cliff Anderson on February 20.

For the coveted Sportsman-of-the-Year award speed racer Kristian Jeffrey leads the nominees, while 2013 and multiple winner of the female award squash player Nicolette Fernandes finds herself in the running as well.

The GRFU’s senior team has been nominated for Sports Team-of-theYear with five votes from

various associations. The seniors are multiple winners of the NACRA 7s title and have for the first time won the NACRA 15s. They are the only country to lay claim to both titles.

Together with this nomination – National coach Theodore Henry has been nominated for the Sports Male Coach. He has the nod of four associations.

There are three other nominations in this category. National captain Ryan Gonsalves has two nominations for the Sportsman-ofthe-Year award.

Three-time Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding flyweight champion Devon Davis also has two nominations in this class, but having one more nod over both these athletes is motor-racer Kristian Jeffrey; the youngest Caribbean motor-racing champion and the first Guyanese to win the crown.

The GRFU has been

nominated as the Sports Association-of-the-Year – five associations have recognised their efforts. They have also been nominated as the Most Improved Association for 2014. Two bodies have chosen them.

The union’s president Peter Green also finds himself on the list of nominees for the Male Sports Official-of-the-Year, but he’s tied up there with Deputy Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Sport and Boxing Association president Steve Ninvalle.

The Sportswoman-ofthe-Year category has Nicolette Fernandes, Bodybuilding/Fitness and track and field athlete Alisha Fortune, basketball player Jenille Ifill, Female football referee Mauress Skeete, Guyana and West Indies fast bowler Tremayn Smartt and middle distance athlete Cassie George. George has also been nominated in the Junior

NSC Sportsman-of-the-Year 2014 nominee Kristian Jeffrey Sportswoman division.

The Wiltshire girls, Larissa and Akeila, are also in line for the Junior Sportswoman-of-the-Year title; the former leading nominations with two picks.

Badminton player Priyanna Ramdhani and tennis player Nicola Ramdyhan round off the nominees in the category.

South American youth 400m record-holder Jason Yaw is out-front with four nominations for the Junior Sportsman-of-theYear award. The seven other nominees have one vote to their names.

Calvin Thomas is the only athlete nominated for the Special Award for Persons with Disabilities.

When the panel meets it will also vote on the Male & Female Sports Officials and Sports Journalists in the Print & Non-Print divisions as well as Photographer.

NSC Junior Sportsman-of-the-Year 2014 nominee Jason Yaw

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday January 29, 2014) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 205 ODIs; 227 wickets (2) Wavell Hinds & Fidel Edwards Today’s Quiz: (1)How many teams have now been engaged in ODI cricket?

(2) When & where did the WI and SA play their first ODI against each other?

Flashback: Guyana’s National 7s Rugby Team

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday January 29, 2015

The will of Parliament cannot be frustrated and defeated by the whims and fancies of the WICB – AG

By Rawle Toney THE battle for who are the custodians of the game of Cricket in Guyana has taken a new twist, after Chief Justice Ian Chang issued an order Nisi against Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony, following an affidavit which was filed by the Essequibo Cricket Board was heard.

“IT IS ORDERED that an Order or Rule Nisi of Certiorari be issued, directed to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport to show cause why a Writ of Certiorari should not be issued, quashing the decision of the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport to appoint Dr Winston Mc Gowan as Cricket Ombudsman, pursuant to Section 17 of the Guyana Cricket Adminis-

Attorney General Anil Nandlall tration Act No. 14 of 2014 on the ground and for the reason that the said decision to appoint Dr Winston McGowan as Cricket Ombudsman pursuant to Section 17 of the Guyana Cricket Administration Act No. 14 of 2014 is unlawful, ultra vires, irrational, unreasonable, wholly in excess of jurisdiction, unreason-

able, null, void and of no legal effect, in breach of the Guyana Cricket Administration Act No. 14 of 2014, in breach of and a denial of the principles of Natural Justice and legitimate expectations unless good and sufficient cause is shown to the Court why this Order Nisi should not be made absolute, the order stays.”

According to the Cricket Administration Act (Schedule 1, Section 7), the “elections to the Executive Committee of the GCB in respect of the first elections shall be held in accordance with Section 17 on the date appointed in writing by the Minister, acting in consultation with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB)”.

Part VII, Section 17 of the Act states that “the Min-

ister, after meaningful consultation with the WICB, shall be responsible for the appointment of a Cricket Ombudsman, who shall be responsible for the verification of the Register of Clubs and for performing the functions of Returning Officer for the first elections of the membership”.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall in an invited comment by Chronicle Sport yesterday, pointed out that “pursuant to the said section, Minister Dr Frank Anthony wrote to the president of the West Indies Cricket Board on October 9 2014. No response was received. As a result, the Minister proceeded with the appointment of Dr Winston McGowan”.

“It is important to note that the West Indies Cricket

Board was consulted while this Bill was in the National Assembly, at the Select Committee, and they agreed in writing that they will play a role in the appointment of the Ombudsman. In those circumstances, they were included in the Bill, in the manner outlined in Section 17,” the Attorney General said.

“I do not subscribe to the notion that the wilful refusal or inadvertent omission of the West Indies Cricket Board to participate in the appointment of the Ombudsman can render an appointment made without their participation, unlawful or illegal,” said Nandlall, who also holds the portfolio as Minister of Legal Affairs.

President of the Guyana Cricket Board Drubahadur

had lashed out at the Cricket Administration Act, calling it fraught with numerous inconsistencies and contradictions and will create more chaos than which currently exists in the gentleman’s game, but, Nandlall said: “The truth of the matter is the Minister requested their input in accordance with Section 17 of the Act and they ignored it. In my humble view, it cannot be the law; the will of Parliament cannot be frustrated and defeated by the whims and fancies of the West Indies Cricket Board. Those who believe that the law is so fickle are mistaken.”

How the Government intends to handle the situation moving forward is not yet known, especially following the Chief Justice’s ruling last Monday.

Guinness Greatest of the Streets ‘West Side’ Edition

Another night, another heartbreak for several teams DEN Amstel, Admiral United, Pouderoyen Showstoppers, Raiders, West Side Ballers and Patentia Street Ballers were the latest teams to record victories when action in the Guinness Greatest of the Street ‘West Side’ Edition football tournament continued on Tuesday evening at the Pouderoyen Tarmac.

Watched by a mammoth crowd; even greater than that of the opening night last Friday, the players did not disappoint as they competed for the tournament’s $300 000 first place prize.

Den Amstel Football Club fixed themselves as one the top teams, favoured to win the inaugural tournament with a 2-1 win over Showtime in what was named one of the night’s most exciting match-ups.

Delon Lanferman put the eventual winners in the lead in the 5th minute but five minutes later Mark Boyce equalised for Showtime.

Both sides came close to scoring, but it was Kester

Part of the action last Tuesday at Pouderoyen Dundas who, in the 18th minute, scored the game winner for Den Amstel.

Admiral United also secured a 2-1 win over Uitvlugt on penalty kicks. The

two sides had ended regulation play 1-1 thanks to goals from Admiral United’s Devon Jansen (3rd minute) and Uitvlugt’s Owen McGarrell (12th minute).

It took sudden-death penalty-shootout to see Pouderoyen Showstoppers win 3-2 over Jetty, thanks to a scoreless regulation.

The sixth matchup of the night saw Pouderoyen Showstoppers squeak past Jetty 3-2 on sudden-death kicks, after normal time ended 0-0. The opening

round of spot-kicks failed to separate the two teams as both sides missed from the mark.

Raiders joined the night’s winning teams with a 2-1 win against Majee Street. Adrian Birch and Sean Swan were the scorers for Raiders and Majee’s long strike came from Morvin Henry.

Demerara Speedboat’s woes in the tournament continued as the team suffered another angonising defeat this time at the hands of Patentia Street Ballers, 4-3 on penalty kicks after finishing nil-all in regulation.

Brothers United, the team who won the very first game of the tournament were beaten 2-1 by De Kinderen Village and Golden Stars defeated Vergenoegen AllStars 2-1. In the other results, West Side Ballers defeated Samaroo Dam 3-1 Meanwhile, Vergenoegen Rice Mill Tarmac will host tonight’s final round group fixtures, with eight games set to be played with a 19:30hrs kick off. (Rawle Toney)

Sport CHRONICLE

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

The will of Parliament cannot be frustrated and defeated by the whims and fancies of the WICB – AG See Story on Page 31

Windies end ODI series on losing note after Amla, Rossouw pounding As the South Africa innings progressed, Hashim Amla brought out a full range of shots that are not often seen from him as he, too, made a century to cap a prolific ODI series.

C

ENTURION, South Africa (CMC) – West Indies ended their tour of South Africa on the same miserable note on which they started, slumping to a deflating 131-run defeat in the fifth and final OneDay International here yesterday.

Chasing a mammoth 362 for victory in a match reduced to 42 overs per side because of rain which delayed the start, the Windies always faced an enormous task and despite a few fireworks, collapsed to 230 all out off 37.4 overs at SuperSport Park, to concede the series 4-1.

Marlon Samuels topscored with exactly 50, Narsingh Deonarine chipped in with 43 while Denesh Ramdin got 40 and Dwayne Smith, 31.

However, none of the Windies batsmen carried on for the big score needed as seamer Wayne Parnell snapped up four for 42 to keep South Africa on top.

Pacer Kyle Abbott finished with two for 59.

Sent in, South Africa were propelled by superb hundreds from the unre-

lenting Hashim Amla who stroked 133 off 105 deliveries and Rilee Rossouw who smashed 132 off just 98 balls.

With the Proteas in a spot of bother at 59 for two in the tenth over, Amla and Rossouw combined in a scintillating record third-wicket stand of 247, to get their side up to 361 for five.

Amla struck 11 fours and six sixes to post his 19th one-day hundred while Rossouw’s second ODI century was punctuated by nine fours and eight sixes.

Holder knocked over Quinton de Kock cheaply for four with the score on six in the second over, getting the left-hander to top edge a pull to Jonathan Carter at point.

Amla added a handsome 53 for the second wicket with Faf du Plessis who made 16 before also falling to the short ball when he failed to keep down a pull at Russell and top edged a catch to Sheldon Cottrell at fine leg.

However, that was the last sign of major success for the Windies. Amla

See Page 25

Centurion Rilee Rossouw celebrates his 83-ball hundred, the second century of the series from him to give South Africa’s selectors some tricky decisions to make at the World Cup .

Leacock/Fenty cop Men’s Trophy Stall Open Doubles Title THE pair of Leyland Leacock/Nicholas Fenty claimed victory in the Open Category of the 2014 Trophy Stall Doubles tournament.

The win at the weekend brought to a close the rain-interrupted tournament, which was scheduled to be completed in December.

Leacock/Fenty got past Khalif Gobin & Williams Spangler 6-4, 6-2 at Le Resouvenir Courts on the East Coast of Demerara.

The first set was closely contested with both teams holding the advantage at various times, but with the set at 4-all, Fenty and Leacock broke and sped away

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to win 6-4. They seemed more determined in the final set and took an early break and went on to win 6-2.

A few days earlier, in the Over-35 Men’s Doubles category; Godfrey Lowden/Omar Persaud put aside Sam Barakat/Lineu De Paula 6-3, 6-4 and Albert Razick/Bo Arbogast 7-6(8/6), 6-4. Razick/ Arbogast returned to the court to beat Barakat/De Paula 6-1, 6-1.

In the Mixed Open Doubles Category the Leyland Leacock/ Afruica Gentle pair defeated Orande Dainty/Aretta Dey 6-4, 6-2 to grab the title.

The closing ceremony for the tournament will be held on Saturday, January 31 at 16:00hrs at the National Racquet Centre Tennis Courts.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015