Guyana chronicle 30 01 15

GUYANA

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

No. 104085 FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PRICE: $80

GGMC inks G$3B loan agreement with CH&PA

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Fisherman shot dead – another missing Pages

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Three remanded following 93lbs drug bust – in West Berbice

– to help develop housing sector

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Colin Mack rape trial

AG clarifies…

Gov’t had no role in promotion

of police officers charged for torture

INCLUDING VAT

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Anil Nandlall

Gopaul, Rohee recall dark days of the late 1970s as...

PNC Gov’t unleashed

Accused makes record three-hour unsworn statement from dock

‘never-before-seen’

violence, terror

– Rodney was a clear target

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee (left) in discussion with COI counsel, Latchmie Rahmat during yesterday’s proceedings

Colin Mack

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GGMC strike ends, workers to receive payout Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 30, 2015

AG clarifies…

Gov’t had no role in promotion of officers charged for torture

GOVERNMENT yesterday ‘nipped in the bud’ the erroneous notion being peddled in some sections of the media that it “participated, authorised or concurred” with promotions of Sergeant Narine Lall and Constable Mohanram Dulai – two police officers charged with criminal acts.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, made it pellucidly clear that “the Executive plays no part in the recruitment, promotion, appointment or discipline of members of the Guyana Police Force, other than the Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioner. Indeed, these are matters from which the Executive is specifically insulated by provisions of the Constitution and the Police Act.” LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Sergeant Lall and Constable Dulai were charged with torturing a 15-year-old boy, Twyon Thomas, in 2008 at the Leonora Police Station and were, consequently, the subject of an investigation that resulted in criminal charges being

- says PSC has constitutionally ‘enshrined independence and autonomy’ respectively.

Given the controversy surrounding their service, the promotion of the two ranks has resulted in much public commentary.

Sergeant Narine Mohanram Dulai instituted by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) against them.

Sergeant Lall (regulation number 14526) and Constable Dulai (regulation number 19028) were charged by the Director of Public Prosecutions and during the pendency of the trial before the Magistrate’s Court, both Sergeant Lall and Constable Dulai were interdicted from duty. These charges were subsequently dismissed for want of prosecution. In the result, the interdictions were removed.

Also, a Constitutional Motion was subsequently

NO ROLE BY THE EXECUTIVE H o w e v e r, M i n i s t e r Nandlall, in a statement yesterday, maintained that the Executive had “no part to play” in their promotions.

He said, “Article 212 L a l l a n d C o n s t a b l e (1) of the Constitution vests in the Police Service Comfiled by Thomas against the mission the power to make Attorney General in respect appointments to any offices in the Police Force of or of the same case.

Thomas was arrested on above the rank of Inspector, the 27th October, 2009, in re- the power to exercise discilation to an investigation of an plinary control over persons alleged murder of Ramenauth holding or acting in such Bisram, which had occurred offices and the power to sometime on or around the remove such persons from office. Article 212 (2) re26th October, 2009.

He alleged that he was sides similar powers in the taken to Leonora Police Sta- Commissioner of Police in tion and he was allegedly respect of officers in the tortured by Constable Dulai Police Force below the rank of Inspector.” and Sergeant Lall.

The Police Service The legal proceedings filed against the Attorney Commission consists of five General, culminated in an members, namely the Chairaward of damages, which was man of the Public Service Commission and four other duly paid by the State.

The Public Service Com- persons, nominated by the mission (PSC) and the Com- National Assembly, as stipmissioner of Police have since ulated by Article 210 of the promoted Sergeant Lall, reg- Constitution.

“In the discharge of its ulation number 14526, and Constable Dulai, regulation functions, the Commission number 19028, to the rank enjoys constitutionally enof Inspector and Corporal, shrined independence and

Dr. Roger Luncheon autonomy which is captured in the imperative language of Article 226 (1) ‘…in the exercise of its functions under this constitution, a Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority’,” the Attorney General said.

RATIONALE Additionally, Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon, during his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing, on Wednesday, explained the rationale behind the Commission’s decision.

He said, “The understanding that has been provided to Cabinet, essentially, clarified the decision, which is that the PSC, having satisfied itself that the matter was concluded, and whatever recourse to the law, to departmental charges, had completed its course, and the two individuals were no longer subject to disciplinary or legal challenges for the

Anil Nandlall torture charges that were laid against them.

“It is understood that the Commission acted from that perspective in addressing the otherwise, I would put, superb, adequate, functioning of these officers.”

Dr. Luncheon noted that the Commission felt that, all considered, there was no need to deny the two officers their promotions and, by extension, further impose disciplinary action against the two.

On that note, the Attorney General pointed out that the view of the Government expressed by Dr. Luncheon, related to the procedure, in respect of the promotions and was not a comment in respect of the merits or demerits of the promotions.

“In short, it was confined to the decision making process and not the decision,” Nandlall concluded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 30, 2015

GECOM moves to resuscitate Media – MMU’s operations detailed in project proposal Monitoring Unit – Funding to be provided by international donors

By Vanessa Narine FUNDING for the Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) will be made available via agreements with multiple international donor agencies, according to a senior Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) official.

The completed budget, which outlines the funding needed for the resuscitation of the MMU, was sent to Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon, yesterday.

Also, the Guyana Chronicle was able to secure an exclusive look at the Commission’s 2015 project proposal, which details the operations of the MMU, over a five month period.

The Unit’s activities, according to the document, will include: ● Daily monitoring of Guyana’s mainstream print and broadcast media for conformity to best practices associated with professional journalism; ● Informing media practitioners in a timely manner of instances of breaches; ● The production of period reports on the Unit’s findings on media practitioners’ compliance; ● Compiling archival information on local media purposes for referencing pur-

poses; and ● Providing informational and other support to GECOM’s Public Relations department.

These are in addition to other undertakings, which are outlined in a work plan for the Unit.

“The MMU intends to serve as a bulwark against the purveying of any form of extremism in the media that threatens to derail the electoral processes,” the project proposal said.

Additionally, the document underscored the objectives of the above stated

“The MMU intends to serve as a bulwark against the purveying of any form of extremism in the media that threatens to derail the electoral processes ” --- MMU Project Proposal – a relationship that results in peaceful elections; and to positively influence the process of self-regulation by local media practitioners. “(The goal of the MMU) is to contribute to the creation and maintenance of a media environment that is conducive to, and supportive of, the democratic processes in Guyana,” the project proposal said.

VITAL TO GECOM

keep partisan reporting of election-related issues to a minimum; rein in those elements of the media fraternity included towards irresponsibility and recklessness; promote equality, fairness and balance in news reporting; and to discourage the publication of media content that is racially inciting, socially and politically divisive, inflammatory, unsubstantiated, and generally against the national good,” the document

“It is GECOM’s informed view and our considered opinion, based on previous experience and the experience garnered from international best practice examples, that the holding of free and fair elections, and elections free from fear, is inextricably intertwined with the media (practices)….and to responsibly discharge their duties in a manner that is underpinned foremost by the national interest” --- MMU Project Proposal activities of the Unit, once it is fully back into operation, including to: promote the maintenance of the highest professional standards in the media during the upcoming General and Regional elections; nurture a responsible media environment that is supportive to the country’s democratic processes; facilitate the building of harmonious relationships between and among GECOM, the media, the Government, political parties and civil society

The document also points out that a vital aspect of GECOM’s preparations for the smooth running-off of the upcoming May 11 General and Regional elections is the timely resuscitation of the MMU, considering that the Unit encourages and influences responsible and democratic media behaviour in the lead up to the polls.

“The MMU’s value to GECOM and the nation is that it is a necessary tool during election periods to

said.

Given the MMU’s role, the project document also detailed the expected outcomes of the MMU’s undertakings.

Measurable qualitative improvement in media reporting of social, political, electoral and governance issued during the 2015 election period topped the list of the six primary expected outcomes.

MEDIA CODE Once the MMU is ful-

ly operational, as per the last three elections, media practitioners will be requested to sign onto a self-regulatory Media Code of Conduct, which will guide coverage and reporting of election related issues.

The Code itself, ac cording to the document, aims to contain the “excesses” of media manifested in previous elections, which contributed to pre and post-election violence.

It is also expected to assist in levelling the political playing field by encouraging balanced, equitable and fair coverage of the campaigns of all the political parties contesting the upcoming elections.

The document said, “(The aim of the Code) is to also position GECOM to be able to exercise some amount of influence over information communicated to Guyanese via the media, which is likely to negatively impact voter choice/preference or incite public mischief during the crucial election period. “…the Code of Conduct became an integral

part of GECOM’s arsenal of activities…amplifying focus on self-regulation among media houses throughout Guyana.”

The Media Monitoring Unit was initially established in 2001, but was revitalised in 2006 and since has come to be “accepted as an objective and credible arbiter” – as the document highlighted – of media practices. “ I t i s G E C O M ’s i n formed view and our considered opinion, based on previous experience and the experience garnered from international best practice examples, that the holding of free and fair elections, and elections free from fear, is inextricably intertwined with the media (practices)….and to responsibly discharge their duties in a manner that is underpinned foremost by the national interest,” the project document stressed.

In a prior comment, the GECOM Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally, had underscored an earlier commitment made by Dr. Luncheon to resuscitate the Unit – a commitment that was endorsed by the t h re e p o l i t i c a l p a r t i e s based on the merits of such a move.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 30, 2015

Malaysia declares flight MH370 disappearance an accident THE Malaysian government has officially declared the disappearance of Malaysian Airline flight MH370 an accident and says there were no survivors.

No trace of the Beijing-bound aircraft has been found since it disappeared on 8 March 2014.

Officials say the recovery operation is ongoing but that the 239 people onboard are now presumed dead.

The plane’s whereabouts are still unknown despite a massive international search in the southern Indian Ocean.

The declaration on Thursday should allow compensation payments to relatives of the victims.

‘DEEPEST SORROW’ Malaysian officials said the recovery of the missing aircraft remained a priority and that they had pursued “every credible lead.”

Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) Director-General Azharuddin Abdul Rahman said that it was “with the heaviest heart and deepest sorrow that we officially declare Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 an accident.’’ (BBC)

Relatives are still waiting for answers nearly a year after the crash

Mexico City gas truck explodes near maternity hospital

A GAS tank lorry has exploded outside a maternity and children’s hospital in Mexico City, killing a woman and a baby, the city’s Mayor said.

The explosion, on the western edge of Mexico City, was so large that much of the building was destroyed.

Officials initially said seven people had been killed, but Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera later revised the figure.

Dozens of people were injured by flying glass. About 100 people were believed to be inside the hospital at the time.

Rescuers are at the scene, searching for anyone who might be trapped under rub ble and twisted metal.

(BBC)

The blast destroyed large parts of the hospital

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Gunman arrested at Dutch news broadcaster NOS A GUNMAN has been arrested in a studio of Dutch news broadcaster NOS after disrupting the main evening news, reportedly demanding airtime.

Staff were evacuated from the building in the Media Park in the central city of Hilversum.

The man, smartly dressed and carrying a long pistol, paced around a studio that appeared to be empty. When armed police confronted him, he dropped the gun and was overpowered.

During the disruption to the NOS news programme, the channel broadcast a message reading: “In connection with circumstances, no broadcast is available at this time”.

The man’s motive is still unclear. The NOS footage shows him saying: “The things that are going to be said [pause] - those are very large world affairs. We were hired by the security service.”

A threatening letter the gunman allegedly gave to staff, warning of bomb and cyber attacks if he was prevented from going on air, has been published on the NOS website (in Dutch).

A reporter who spoke to the man said he had claimed to be from a “hackers’ collective”, AP news agency says. (BBC)

U.S. jobless claims drop sharply to near 15-year low (REUTERS) - THE number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits tumbled last week to its lowest level in nearly 15 years, adding to bullish signals on the labour market.

Though the decline probably exaggerates the jobs market’s strength given a holiday-shortened week, yesterday’s report suggested the economy was fairly healthy and weathering weakening global growth.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 43,000 to a seasonally adjusted 265,000 for the week ended Jan. 24, the lowest since April 2000, the U.S. Labour Department said. It was the biggest weekly decline since November 2012.

Airlines get more than 50 online threats since Jan. 17 THERE has been a spike in online threats made against airlines since January 17, when a bomb threat was made against a flight between Atlanta and Raleigh, according to a U.S. official.

Since that threat, authorities have received more than 50 threats made online against airlines. The official says most of the incidents are believed to be copycat incidents.

None of the threats have proven credible. The official, as well as other government officials CNN spoke with on Wednesday, point to the publicity these threats receive for the increase.

“We are continuing to investigate these threats with our law enforcement and airline partners as we do with all stated threats,” an FBI spokesman told CNN on Wednesday. “Threats of this nature can and do result in costly responses from a multitude of law enforcement and airport entities and greatly inconvenience travelers. Individuals responsible can be prosecuted federally.” (CNN)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday January 30, 2015

One bandit held during Survival Supermarket - two others robbery amidst exchange of gunfire believed on the run one of the bandits.

The businessman said that investigations indicated that the men entered the supermarket premises from the rear and used the fire escape stairs to reach the canopy and the top floor of the building where they forced their way into the store.

Using the interior stairs

of the supermarket, the bandits then proceeded to break the locks on doors and grillwork to make their way into the main office. Then the men grabbed cash and other items and were about to leave when they were confronted by the guards.

The bandits and guards exchanged fire and two

The 58-year-old man hides his face after he was handed over to the police

By Leroy Smith A 58-year-old bandit was handed over to the police on Wednesday morning while two others are said to be on the run with an undisclosed amount of cash and other items they took when they broke into Survival Supermarket on Sheriff Street.

The suspect in custody was apprehended by securi-

ty guards at the supermarket following an exchange of gunfire with his accomplices who managed to escape.

Speaking with the Chronicle on Wednesday afternoon, proprietor Parshuram Arjune said he received a call from his security guards at about 04:0hrs Wednesday morning informing him of the break-in at the supermarket and that they had nabbed

The Survival Supermarket on Sheriff Street where the early morning break-in took place

Employees stand outside the supermarket as the police conclude their investigations bags of loot got left behind day confirmed that the man as the men ran for their lives was cooperating with them leaving the 58-year-old ac- but while there are reports complice behind. He was that three men committed apprehended and handed the act, he maintained that over to the police. it was only him and a TrinPolice sources yester- idadian national.

Security guard allegedly shoots fisherman dead --days after threatening his life A SECURITY guard attached to Pritipaul Paul Singh Investments has found himself in extreme difficulty after he allegedly shot and killed a father of seven just three days after threatening to murder the man.

Dead is 45-year-old Elvin Pollard of 385 Crane Playfield, West Coast Demerara, who was shot in the shoulder, groin, neck and other parts of the body, according to his son, 17-yearold Alvin Pollard.

The youngster was able to see his father’s body before it was removed from the scene of the crime.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle at their West Coast Demerara home yesterday afternoon, the teenager explained that his father and mother left for the Fisheries at approximately 05.15hrs that morning, which is the time they always leave to go and ply their trade.

The young man said that his mother went about securing fish, while his dad went to organise a “dip”- which is used to catch fish-- promising to return.

The young Pollard said that approximately 09.30hrs his father and the security guard

who three days earlier had threatened to kill him, ended up in an argument and the man shot his father and killed him.

Another person from the facility who spoke with this publication before speaking with the dead man’s son also related that the security guard had threatened another employee of the company while they were having an argument at the entrance to the company.

Asked why the security guard would want to kill his father, the young Pollard said that the persons who go to dip for fish would usually have to pay the security guards money to carry out the exercise and each security guard would demand a different price.

He contended that the security guard who shot his father has long been demanding that the now dead man pay him $3500 in order to dip for fish, but the man was reluctant as he said that he works alone and had seven children to maintain.

Other persons who pay fees of $4000 and $5000 usually do so when working in pairs, this publication was told.

Pollard explained that despite the threats from the security guard, his father

did not go with fear to the worksite. He said that he knows the man who shot his father but not by name. A woman who operates in the vicinity of the facility told the Guyana Chronicle that the man who shot Pollard is known to be a “hot head” and would usually operate like a bully with his gun in hand while carrying out his duties.

When the Chronicle visited the home of the Pollards, it was observed that the family is living under some very harsh conditions in a one -bedroom shack. The man and his wife’s children range from ages 19, 17, 13, 11, 10, 4 and 14 months old.

Yesterday, the police said that the man was shot to his chest and that they have the shooter in custody. Some of Pollard’s children outside the humble home they share in Crane

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 30, 2015

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Signposts of development visible throughout Guyana WITH the signing of the Proclamation Order by President Donald Ramotar, declaring May 11, 2015 as the date for national and regional elections, the ante is now increased for what is going to be perhaps the most important franchise exercise, since the historic October, 1992 national poll.

And with the dissolution order imminent, the constitutional steps for finalising what is billed to be the ‘Mother of all Elections’ would be fully completed.

And even though politics is adversarial, with no quarter asked or given by all the competing political parties, the entire nation will be justified in expecting a campaign to be conducted within the confines of the electoral laws, which includes a peaceful atmosphere.

For this election, it is the issues that must count, because what is at stake is

the future of a nation that has made incredible development strides, for the past twenty two years. For this, the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government must take full credit.

Against the background of inheriting a country with a collapsed economy, in which every social sector had ceased to function, or had been obliterated, the PPP/C Government, against so many odds, including a defeated People’s National Congress (PNC) and its destabilising strategies, began the uphill task of reconstructing a shattered nation.

As alluded above, its challenges were numerous, but it stayed the course, while gradually rebuilding Guyana, and restoring the hopes of its people.

Guyana is now a success story, lauded by international multi-lateral institutions, and even many of its detractors, for its astounding recov-

ery, and socio-economic achievements, that has transformed a country, positioning it for modernisation.

Billions of dollars have been invested in our social sectors: new bridges, roads, culverts and highways have been constructed and rehabilitated; access to potable water in over 700 communities throughout Guyana; new hospitals, diagnostic centres, and health centres built and refurbished, new medical services now available to citizens; an entire Education system, that receives the largest slice of the annual budget, gradually overhauled, and producing vastly improved scholastic results; a visionary housing programme that has brought into being close to two hundred housing schemes, in which tens of thousands of working class Guyanese are now proud home

owners; a national security system that is in the process of being modernised for better law enforcement capabilities; increased wages and salaries for the nation’s workers; increased old age pensions; an economy that is now in its eight year of consecutive economic growth, and redounding in material benefits to so many. And the list goes on, and on.

Our Amerindians and their communities, for so many decades the victims of criminal neglect, are now genuinely a part of the national development process.

Their communities are specifically developed under the Hinterland Development Programme series, that aims to make Amerindian locales economically self-sufficient, and with the broader intention of integrating these well deserving people within the mainstream Guyanese

nation.

Guyana now boasts Amerindian doctors, pharmacists, medical technicians, agriculture scientists, headteachers, graduate educators, policeman, military personnel, including officers, and other professionals that are now playing their part in nation building.

This is what the PPP/C Government will be defending as they campaign for another term of office. It is a record of which it can be proud, and can defend without contradiction, for the many benefits that has been accrued to the nation; such as being a respected nation once again.

In other words – the PPP/C Government has given Guyana the best socio-economic life in its entire history.

Neither political Opposi-

tion party, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) nor the Alliance For Change (AFC), can deny these numerous signposts of social and economic development that are visible everywhere throughout Guyana.

Let these two parties that have wasted three years of valuable national time be reminded, that governments are judged by their works, and rewarded accordingly.

No right thinking citizen will risk his/her improved material life in the hands of perceived anti-national Opposition parties, whose record since 2011 has been one of obstructing the development agenda of the nation.

Just who both these parties will be seeking to hoodwink during their campaigns, is best understood only among themselves.

Moses fraudulent ascension in the AFC

IT must be noted with extreme interest that Moses Nagamootoo’s political ambitions have pervaded the AFC’s strategies and policies since the 2011 General Elections.

The Budget cuts, the assassination of vitally important bills and projects and its inputs into violent and racially motivated protests at Linden and Agricola were all done in pursuance of that man’s ambition to depose of the PPP/C Government and to install himself as the President of the land.

From the very inception of Nagamootoo’s entry into the AFC, the Constitution of the AFC was spuriously cast aside in order to fa-

cilitate him on the AFC’s Candidates’ List. He had to be given a Member of Parliament status as soon as he joined the AFC, just a few weeks before the 2011 elections.

Long-standing members were thrown aside to make way for him. For instance, hardworking Party members such as Latchmin Punalall and her husband, Dr. Punalall were collateral damages in Khemraj Ramjattan’s scheme of things.

This is in direct violation of the Constitutional provisions and an insult to these long-standing members.

Then in the 2012 AFC’s Conference, Moses Nagamootoo was again propelled forward. This time in

direct violation of Articles 4 Sub-section(c) and Article 7 Section (8), he was made the Vice-Chairman of the AFC. Again, the Constitution was willfully violated and the election obscenely rigged to facilitate Nagamootoo. Long-standing stalwarts of the AFC, such as Gerhard Ramsaroop and others never stood a chance.

The internal machinations of the AFC were skewed in favour of Nagamootoo.

Then at the Conference the AFC Leader soundly and comprehensively kicked the Constitution when he unconstitutionally endorsed Nagamootoo

as the AFC’s Presidential candidate. This is in direct violation of Article 18, Sections (1) and (2).

Let us now go back to the launching of the AFC. The AFC leaders at that time made an unwritten convention that became the guiding principle in the nomination of its Presidential candidate.

They said the Presidential candidate’s position will be rotated between a Black and an Indian person - between Ramjattan and Trotman. We saw that Trotman became the first Presidential candidate in 2006 and then Ramjattan in 2011. Now in 2015, that founding principle is being violated so that once again

Nagamootoo is propelled closer to fulfilling his political ambitions. This time he is the Presidential candidate of the AFC. But wait, it does not stop there!

Realising that the AFC has a snowball’s chance in Hell to win any election in this country and in order to increase the probability of Nagamootoo’s ascension to the Presidency, the AFC is proposing a coalition with the PNC (APNU) whereby they are proposing that the man be made the Presidential candidate of the APNU/ AFC Coalition.

The above illustration is clear that the AFC’s goals are to satisfy their lust for power and vengeance.

I want to now draw to

Moses Nagamootoo

the readers’ attention to the AFC’s Action Plan (2nd Edition) to illustrate that the only change that the AFC’s leadership is interested in, is the change to fulfill their own selfish political agenda.

In that document, Mr. Ramjattan, the AFC’s Presidential Candidate strongly and convincingly

See page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday January 30, 2015

The time has come to walk the walk and leave the talk behind RECENT letter contributions to a section of the print media tend to indicate that there is a cadre of rémigrés and others still resident in ‘Region 11’, whose extended sojourns in a less inhospitable environment have prepared them as matriculants of the esoteric science of solution methodology for the protean vicissitudes they perceive afflict their motherland.

Their signal achievements, so far, have made them more or less relevant but unproductive, with no measurable dimension to the areas of deficiencies articulated by them, i.e., criticism in abundance without tangible results. It would appear that their most formidable platform is the clichéd corruption chisel as the tool of redemption of our society; nothing innovative in form or substance.

At a minimum, resident Guyanese welcome their

Charles Ramson return and contribution and we all wish to benefit from the fountain of their acquired foreign wisdom in the now twilight of their lives. We expect them to roll up their sleeves, not figuratively but literally, in good old fashioned baring of their lower arms, shovel tightly clasped, digging deeply in the muck of the residue of the virgin land abandoned by them at a

time of want, under-development, insecurity and detritus.

We expect them to leave untouched those developed parts to their fellow Guyanese who remained at home, and by their dedicated toil, sweat and blood, gave our countrymen (and women) hope, encouragement, pride and visibly measurable relief from the quagmire of bankruptcy and pervasive disillusionment of a past regime.

It is not too late for them to leave their imprint in the sands of Guyanese prosperity, if not for themselves, for their children’s children, as Guyanese are wont to pontificate. Offering a brew of unspecified change, mixed with the narcotic of elusive hope but failing to present any credible investment portfolio rings hollow upon the concrete progress of the recent past.

Surfing on the crest of a wave of a recently established democratic polity, these agitators opportunis-

tically bemoan the developmental elision associated with an incomplete transition from the deprivation of the past to the progressive trajectory of the present.

Multilateral financial institutions have acknowledged with metronomic synchrony that Guyana’s economic image continues to meet with fiscal approbation and remain structurally resistant to global fissures at a time when otherwise less vulnerable states had demonstrated an allergic sensitivity, consistent with a lack of vigilant oversight and prudent administration.

Guyana’s teflon robustness, it may be fair to state, has been achieved through the superlative efforts of its dedicated paladins and its reliance on a diverse economic strategy which its executive management team has so perceptibly embraced.

No doubt, as happens elsewhere, Guyana’s marketplace combines brain

Arrest warrant issued for Albouystown minibus driver over DUI charge OMADATT Chickery, of 27 Hill Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, was stopped and tested with a breathalyzer on 2014-12-21 while driving minibus BSS 2635 on the Courtland Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol. He was charged but failed to appear at the Albion Magistrate’s Court on 2014-12-23. An arrest warrant has been issued for him by the court.

2. Nartram Motee, of Lot 307 Canefield, East Canje, Berbice, was stopped and tested with a breathalyzer on 2015-0112 while driving motorcar PJJ 3428. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol. He was charged and appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate Court on 2015-01-

--three others fined $7,500 each

Nartram Motee

13 where he pleaded guilty and was fined $7,500.

3. Sybert Park, 27 years, of Liverpool Village,

Omadatt Chickery

Corentyne, Berbice, was stopped and tested with a breathalyzer on 2014-12-30 while driving motorcycle CF 7250 on the Fort Canje Public Road, Berbice. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol. He was charged and appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate Court on 201501-06 where he pleaded guilty and was fined $7,500.

4. Tirendra Totaram, of Lot 61 Grant 1803, Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, was stopped and tested with a breathalyzer on 2015-0104 while driving motorcar PNN 7746. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol. He was charged and appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate Court on 2015-0107 where he pleaded guilty and was fined $7,500.

with brawn and in Hebbian learning, the idea that “neurons that fire together, wire together” producing a visible neuronal avalanche of cascading activity.

Consequently, with our joint efforts, fused in unison, the juggernauth of development could accelerate at a geometric pace along the rails of destiny, with the expectation that our final destination will be the green-eyed envy of States equally or better resourced in nature and intellect.

Constancy must be the hallmark, not only of our aspirations but our endeavours, if the impossible is to become possible and more so, probable in the shortest possible time. History is only made by an addiction for work, long hours of study, labour and at times, the flash of inventive innovation.

This is evident whether the field of endeavour is athletics, science, management, farming, construction, medicine, law, engineering, or any other means by which production and productivity can be measured. As proud Guyanese, we owe this much

Tirendra Totaram

JUSTICE CHARLES R. RAMSON S.C.,O.R (Retired Attorney-General + Minister of Legal Affairs)

Moses fraudulent ascension in ..

From page 7

Sybert Park

to be free from the clutches of our former imperialist masters.

With elections imminent, it may not be imprudent to invite these prophets of good governance, development and prosperity for Guyana as their primary purpose to form a political party or hitch their wagon to the train of existing parties, to contest these Elections.

In so doing they stand a chance to implement the programmes designed by them for the benefit of us all. No single contestant can meet the rigorous constitutional criteria for entering the contest, come May 11th, 2015. The time has come to walk the walk and leave the talk behind.

Patriotic Guyanese may wish to take a leaf out of the book of sacrifice, produced by the likes of Samuel Archibald Alexander Hinds, O.E, and/or Ashni Kumar Singh, PhD., among others.

stated that, “The Alliance For Change is the key to unlock us from the divisive racial politics of the past…Over four decades of the PNC and PPP Governments have left us all bruised, weary and hopeless…We must acknowledge the sins of our past….”

These sentiments were echoed by the Prime Ministerial Candidate in the same 2011 AFC’s Action Plan.

He stated emphatically that, “I am convinced that we are wiser from the mistakes of the past…For 45 years Guyana has had the same parties making turns in all the wrong directions, disappointing and betraying its citizens….”

The AFC and its leader-

ship have made abundantly clear that they are going to be different from the PNC and the PPP and by implication that they will never coalesce with either of them, so why is the AFC willing to form a coalition with the PNC who have comprehensively bankrupted this Nation?

The AFC has continuously violated its own Constitution and its founding principles. Can this nefarious band of Bacchus’ disciples, chameleons, charlatans, hypocrites, opportunists, and power-hungry vipers be allowed to get into power? The answer is a resounding NO! HASEEF YUSUF AFC Councillor –Region 6

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 30, 2015

No truth to Boodoo Regulation of public being PPP/C GECOM’s transport system Commissioner under consideration

THE naming (in another section of the media) of former Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Gocool Boodoo, as the ruling party’s choice of a replacement Commissioner to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has been debunked by a senior party official.

“Naming Mr. Boodoo is an attempt to stir up controversy,” the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) top official told the Guyana Chronicle, yesterday.

The opening for a new PPP/C Commissioner was created after the resignation of Dr. Keshav ‘Bud’ Mangal, on Monday.

Dr. Mangal cited illhealth as his reason for leaving. The 77-year-old has been serving as a Commissioner since 1990.

The PPP official told this newspaper that discussions on a replacement are ongoing and a decision is expected to

Gocool Boodoo

be made soon.

Boodoo’s name has been associated with some controversy, following the end of the 2011 General and Regional Elections. As such, GECOM declined to renew his contract, citing concerns that were raised by the Opposition over a computing mistake that was made in the allocation of seats in the

2011 elections. The mistake, to GECOM and sitting Commissioners’ satisfaction, had been rectified. Also, Boodoo’s late submission of notice of his intent to seek renewal of his contract affected his prospects of being reappointed to the position.

He was replaced as CEO by Keith Lowenfield early last year.

Meanwhile, GECOM Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally, in an invited comment, stated that he is yet to be informed about who will replace Dr. Mangal.

The remaining PPP/C Commissioners represented at GECOM are Mohamood Shaw and Athmaram Mangar.

The naming of a replacement is not expected to be delayed for too long, given that May 11 has been named as the date for a return to the polls, by President Donald Ramotar.

Montrose fisherman missing at sea since Wednesday F O R T Y- Y E A R - O L D fisherman, Sadeia Santora, called ‘Old Dog’, of Montrose, and a father of four, has been missing since Wednesday when he reportedly fell from a fishing trawler in the Atlantic Ocean somewhere between Melanie and Buxton, East Coast Demerara.

The missing man’s mother, Drupattie Santora, told the Chronicle during an interview yesterday that she was at work when she received news that her son is missing.

“I was at work when I got a call from my daughter saying that my son fall overboard. She say de boss man call she and tell she dat he fall overboard and dem ain’t finding he,” the woman recounted sadly.

Santora, of 176 Fifth Street, Montrose Seawall, East Coast Demerara, left the Meadow Bank Wharf on the East Bank on Wednesday morning to head out to sea when the incident occurred.

The man’s mother said he has been working at sea all his life and has four children, ages 18, 9, 7 and 5. The children are not living at their father’s East Coast home since he and their mother have separated.

MISSING: Sadeia Santora

This publication was also told by the man’s relatives that his employer visited them on Wednesday night and spoke highly of the father of four. They said that the missing man had also spoken well of his employer and he never reported that the boss or the crew were unkind to him.

Sadeia Santora’s sister, Urmilla Santora said her brother went missing somewhere between Buxton and Melanie as they were heading out to the high seas.

This, she said, is according to the other crew members on board at the time.

Urmilla said she was informed that the rest of the men were in the cabin and her brother was sitting on

the icebox.

Asked if the man consumes alcohol, the woman responded in the affirmative but stated that her brother does not drink when he has to go at sea.

If it is confirmed that Sadeia Santora has drowned, he will be the second child that his mother would have to bury in the past three years.

In 2012, another one of the woman’s son, Patrick Santora, was killed during what was reported to be a triangular love affair. His reputed wife was arrested but was subsequently set free by the court for want of prosecution.

Mrs. Drupattie Santora said that the new tragedy is very hard for her since the missing son lived all the years with her and was her bread winner.

“Well this is hard for me, I am still grieving for the other one and now this one gone, he was my bread winner. It is very hard and tough right now, he lived here with me all the time and when he come from sea he does just sit and take a little drink; he don’t trouble nobody,” the woman recalled with tears in her eyes. (Leroy Smith)

– Dr. Luncheon

Dr. Roger Luncheon

THE possibility of regulating the public transport system, as well as other areas currently benefiting from the falling fuel prices, may be the way to go in light of the fact that these sections seem disinclined to facilitate a ‘flow through’ of benefits to Guyanese consumers.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, said “The regulation of the sector seems much more promising than the Government being involved in the sector competing with private interests.”

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh last Tuesday

“When fuel prices go up, there is a demand for increases in fare, but when fuel prices fall, it’s like pulling teeth to get fare increases to be rolled back” - Dr. Luncheon announced significant reductions in local fuel prices as follows: gasoline was reduced from $995 per gallon to $695, representing a 30 per cent reduction; diesel was reduced by 30 per cent, from $985 to $694; and kerosene saw a reduction of 42 per cent from $850 to $496.

Since the announcement, public transport operators, although benefiting from reduced fuel prices, have not facilitated a reduction in the fares commuters pay.

Dr. Luncheon said, “In quite a few areas, operators and owners of public transport, they have indeed reduced fares… however in other areas, other categories of operators and owners have adamantly refused to countenance any change in their fare structure.”

ONE-WAY ENGAGEMENT The fact that public transport operators justify an increase in fares when fuel prices go up was underscored by the Head of the Presidential Secretariat, and he noted that there seems to

be a “one-way engagement” between fuel prices and fare structures.

“When fuel prices go up, there is a demand for increases in fare, but when fuel prices fall, it’s like pulling teeth to get fare increases to be rolled back,” he told reporters at his post-Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday.

Dr. Luncheon stated that the current Administration was hopeful about “leveraging” the changes in fuel prices to other non-regulated sectors in the private sector.

According to the HPS, apart from the public transport system, there has been a ‘flow through’ in other areas, notably a 13 per cent decrease in cooking gas and a drop in aviation fuel by the Guyana Oil Company Limited (GuyOil) at its Timehri station.

The Guyana Government’s much lauded decision last week to significantly reduce fuel prices on the local market, amid reduced fuel prices globally, has resulted in appreciable benefits to consumers.

Dr. Faith Harding’s funeral today TRIBUTES and reflections on the life and work of Dr. Faith Harding are expected to flow today as relatives, friends, politicians, social activists and others pay their final respects to the former government minister who passed away last week Friday at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Georgetown after a brief illness.

Dr. Faith Harding served as a government minister in the People’s National Congress (PNC) administration and held several key positions in government during the administrations of the late Presidents Forbes Burnham and Desmond Hoyte.

Last evening the women’s

Dr. Faith Harding

branch of the PNC/R held an ‘Evening of reflection’ for Dr. Harding at its headquarters, Congress Place, Sophia, Georgetown.

Dr. Harding, 67, leaves to mourn her husband Patrick Harding, son Patrick Hard-

ing Jnr., two grandchildren and her daughter-in-law and several other relatives and friends.

Today the body of Dr. Harding will be opened for viewing first at the Merriman Funeral Home at Lime and Bent streets at 11:00hrs, then later at the Christ Church in Waterloo Street at 13:00hrs before a funeral service scheduled at the same church at 15:00hrs.

Relatives of the former politician have requested that those desirous of walking with floral arrangements for the funeral should take fresh flowers as the family would like to honour Dr. Harding’s love for fresh, colourful flowers.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 30, 2015

Gopaul, Rohee tell Rodney COI of the dark days of the late 1970s...

PNC Gov’t unleashed ‘never-before-seen’ violence, terror – Rodney was a clear target

By Gary Eleazar THUGS, goons, political crisis, violence, discrimination, marginalisation, party paramountcy and dictatorship were among the many adjectives punctuating the fourth day of hearings at the High Court Buildings yesterday, when the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the 1980 assassination of Dr Walter Rodney of the Working Peoples Alliance (WPA) continued.

Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul and Home Affairs Minister Mr Clement Rohee were the most recent witnesses to appear before COI Chairman, Sir Richard Cheltenham, and Commissioners Seenauth Jairam and Jacqueline Samuels–Brown

Led in his evidence-in-chief by COI Counsel, Latchmie Rahamat, Dr Gopaul said, “I have not witnessed violence of that nature before unleashed on Guyanese by members of the Guyana Police Force,” even as he implicated the House of Israel. The Labour Minister, in his submission to the COI and under cross-examination, spoke of a massive WPA public meeting which was held at the Bourda Mall, where Dr Rodney, the now slain Party Leader was targeted for violence, specifically by the police.

Dr Gopaul told the COI that at the Public Meeting, none of the speakers that preceded Dr Rodney were interrupted or harassed.

But as Dr Rodney was be-

the rallies.

The Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, who also took the stand yesterday, attested to Dr Rodney’s relationship with the founder of the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Cheddi Jagan.

In fact, Minister Rohee told the Commissioners of the numerous meetings be-

VIOLENCE UNLEASHED During the course of the COI, the then Forbes Burnham-led Peoples National Congress (PNC) Administration has come in for increasing flack over the perceived abuse of the State Apparatus, specifically the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana National Service, as well as Service Commissions among other State bodies.

Dr Gopaul, during his recollection of the use of the State machinery during the 1978 and 1980 period, told Commissioners of the use of Guyana Police Force ranks to dismantle WPA meetings, in addition to the use of private enforcers, namely members of the infamous House of Israel led by US fugitive from justice, Rabbi Washington.

ing invited to the microphone to speak, the crowd erupted with chants of “Peoples Power! Peoples Power! No Dictator!”

According to Dr Gopaul, it was at this time that the police ranks moved in and grabbed the microphone from Dr Rodney. And the ever-rebellious Dr Rodney, using a large cardboard folded in the shape of a funnel, proceeded to use it as a loudspeaker to continue to address the crowd that had gathered.

According to Dr Gopaul, the police then began lobbing cannisters of teargas indiscriminately, causing people to scatter.

To his mind, Dr Rodney had been a clear target of “raw violence”, as there was no mistaking that the State was after him.

Though the foregoing event occurred in late 1978, it was a scenario that would repeat itself time and again as the PNC continued to target

PARASITIC BOURGEOISIE

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee (left) in discussion with COI counsel, Latchmie Rahmat during yesterday’s proceedings

Dr Rodney.

UNCHECKED TYRANNY Given all that he knew and had lived through during the period, Dr Gopaul, under cross-examination, told the

From left Commissioners Seenauth Jairam, Chairman Sir Richard Cheltenham, and Jacqueline Samuels- Brown debate a point before making a ruling (Photos by Adrian Narine)

and give their perspectives on the political climate during the 1978 and 1980 period.

a longstanding member of the PPP, who would have been active politically for the greater part of the period under probe, and as such is capable of giving perspective to that particular era in Guyana’s political history.

Commissioners that when he learnt of Dr Rodney’s death, he had a strong belief that the PNC Leader (Forbes Burnham) and or ranks in the police and military had a hand in it.

By this time, he said, the country had descended into unchecked tyranny, and Dr Rodney’s death was all part of the oppression of the State against the people standing up for the rule of law.

In summarising the period 1977 to 1980, Dr Gopaul said they were the years “of massive victimisation and terror against the people of this country.”

He posited that Dr Rodney’s death in 1980 caused a setback in the movement that had been evolving against the Burnham-led government.

The working-class people of Guyana had already been weary of the 1977 strike in the sugar belt, where hundreds of people were incarcerated on trumped-up

charges in relation to the burning of sugarcane in the canefields, according to the Labour Minister.

That period, he said, saw “ruthless force” being used by the Police, paramilitary forces and organisations such as the House of Israel acting against any person perceived to be a threat against the State.

“Nobody was spared,” Dr Gopaul said.

RODNEY-JAGAN ALLIANCE Dr Gopaul, under oath, also testified to having no knowledge of the WPA amassing weapons of any sort; neither did he ever hear Dr Rodney preach of violence at any of his rallies.

Dr Rodney, he said, was very close to the likes of respected Guyanese politicians Eusi Kwayana and the late Dr Cheddi Jagan. “And I never heard them talk about violence.”

Granted, he said, there was the usual political rhetoric and slogans like “Peoples Power!” and “King Kong must go!” But never was there any talk of violence at

Labour Minister Dr Nanda Gopaul makes a point to the Commissioners during his evidence-in-chief

tween the two popular leaders, many of which were held at the PPP’s headquarters, Freedom House.

Minister Rohee told the Commissioners at the Inquiry that while Dr Rodney and Dr Jagan both shared a fundamentally similar political ideology, they would sometimes differ on tactics.

Rohee, who currently serves as Minister with responsibility for the security sector, gave first-hand testimony of abuse at the hands of the Police, some of whom he said he still works with to this day.

Minister Rohee told the Commissioners that he is

Attorney-at-Law Basil Williams examines a photocopy of a 1979 newspaper clipping before it is tendered as evidence at the inquiry

During that period in Guyana’s history, he said the PNC government, through its abuse of the State apparatus, had alienated itself from the good graces of the population.

Drs Jagan and Rodney, he said, had a broad vision of what to do to bring about a change in Guyana, and as such were more or less aligned.

The broad vision, he said, was to bring about a change from the PNC Burnham-led Government, and to improve the wellbeing of the ordinary, working-class people.

According to Rohee, things had reached to a point in Guyana where it was no longer a matter of race, but rather about class.

Dr Rodney and Dr Jagan both understood that the class system had to be reconfigured, and that the working-class had to have a say in the administration of the affairs of the country. And as such, the two set about charting a course to achieving this objective, inherently securing a much-needed better life for all Guyanese.

According to Rohee, it boiled down to a matter of class, where the “bureaucratic and parasitic bourgeoisie” Turn to page 10 ►

10

‘Respect our education!’

UG students demand

– in strong message to administration

By Ravin Singh STUDENTS of the University of Guyana (UG) yesterday sent a strong message to the administrative body of the institution by covering the UG billboard with a black banner which reads: “Respect our education #UG Revolution”.

Following a sit-in strike,which commenced on Monday last, by UG staff over the collapsed negotiation process with the administration, the UG Students’

The University of Guyana billboard which now reads ‘ Respect our Education #UG Revolution’

Students dressed in black in mourning of the deplorable state of Guyana’s premier tertiary institution

Society (UGSS), led by President Joshua Griffith, organized a student rally on the same day to decide on a way forward.

The rally proved fruitful in gaining the collective decision to write to the administration requesting a meeting of the council by today and this was respected. The meeting is expected to be held today according to an assurance

by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi.

Despite this, however, the staff continued their sitin industrial action and were pleased to announce that yesterday’s protest was one of the largest the University has seen by its staff.

In the afternoon also

they hosted a discussion forum in the George Walcott Lecture Theatre (GWLT) where the UGSS once again met with the student body, comprising a few hundred, to decide on the way forward and to demand respect by the current administration and council.

The contributions which were regarded as invaluable saw students voicing their concerns regarding the need for unity in the student body in pressing the administration for improvements which have been long overdue at the institution.

According to the UGSS President, now is the time that the students need to stand up and demand what is rightfully theirs. “This is our time, this is when we stand up,” the UG student

leader urged.

His sentiments were further echoed by Sara Bharat, a current UG student, who also underscored the need for students to unite against the oppression which has plagued the institution over the years.

Support in this regard was received from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP), Christopher Jones who envisioned hope for the university through the current revolution.

Following this, the students, led by Griffith, marched to the billboard situated at the intersection of UG Road and the Railway Embankment Road, where they covered it with a black banner bearing the words: “Respect our Education #UG Revolution”.

As hundreds gathered and mourned the deplorable state of the university’s facilities, and a lack of respect for their education, revolutionary chants could be heard from some distance.

The UGSS President was also keen to add that if the meeting of the council does not bring about a positive result, the sit-in industrial action by the staff will continue, and the student body will lend its support in this regard.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 30, 2015

Employer allegedly shoots miner for accepting other job RELATIVES of a 42-yearold man are counting on police investigators to apprehend and bring to justice a man whom they said cold-bloodedly shot and killed their relative after an incident at No Man’s Land, Port Kaituma, in the North West District on Wednesday afternoon.

Dead is Devon Moore of 146 Back Street, Stewartville, West Coast Demerara, who was shot by a man with whom he was working for some time now in the interior, but met his demise after he decided to leave his current employer and take up employment with another man.

Speaking with this publication yesterday afternoon was Andre Moore, the deceased’s younger bother. He said that the family has been receiving many conflicting reports surrounding the death of his brother, but there is a particular story that is sticking with relatives.

He said that another brother telephoned them and said that their other brother, Andre, was involved in a matter with someone else and that he had been shot; relatives received the call on Wednesday afternoon.

According to Andre, they were told that two weeks ago Devon Moore decided to leave the man with whom he was

which was spearheaded by the two parties against the 1978 Referendum.

“The decision by the PNC to hold a referendum was a period we saw the unleashing of violence,” he said. In his recollection of the level of intimidation that marred the era, Rohee surmised that one in every 35 persons were armed, and pointed primarily to the Police Force, Defence Force, National Service, Peoples’ Militia and the House of Israel among the other

numerous State-sponsored agents armed with illegal weapons.

PARAMOUNTCY OF PARTY There was a general dissatisfaction among the people of Guyana, according to Rohee, who spoke to the violation of basic human rights, inclusive of the right to live, free speech, expression and association among other freedoms.

Things had been on a

working and began working with another employer. When Devon left the job however, an excavator operator also left with him and joined the new employer.

The move angered the first employer of the two men and he showed up at the new camp and requested that the excavator operator return to his original worksite, but the man refused. The employer then returned to his camp, armed himself with a firearm and again returned to the camp where the two men found employment and opened fire on Devon Moore, who was shot to the groin.

The brother said that they are not familiar with the persons involved in the matter, but was told by persons that the shooter has since fled the scene and remains in hiding; the police also confirmed that

GGMC inks G$3B loan agreement with CH&PA – to help develop housing sector THE Guyana Geology and Mines Commission yesterday signed a G$3B Loan Agreement with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) to help develop the housing sector.

Both parties said in a joint statement issued yesterday that the signing follows CH&PA’s submission of an investment proposal to the Commission earlier in the month requesting a loan in the sum of G$3B for a period of one year.

According to the statement, “The Board of Directors of the Commission met and deliberated on the

PNC Gov’t unleashed...

were oppressing the working-class.

Referencing the PNC administration, Rohee said, “They were like parasites, feeding” on the State and its resources. He was adamant that the PNC Government arrogated power onto itself illegally, through rigged elections.

Speaking of the work the WPA and PPP did together; Rohee spoke of the establishment of the Committee for Defence of Democracy,

Dead: Devon Moore

in a press release.

Yesterday morning family members travelled to the interior location and escorted the dead man’s body to the city, where it was taken to Lyken’s Funeral Parlour. Andre said that from all appearances, his brother might have been shot with a shotgun.

Asked when last he had seen his bother, the man said the last time Moore came out of the area was some time back to attend a funeral for another relative. Andre explained that his brother had been working in the interior for approximately 13 years and might have travelled out four times since he is known to spend very lengthy periods in the interior.Prior to his employment in the hinterland, Moore had worked at the Guyana Sugar Corporation.

Yesterday when this publication visited the home where the man had lived, several relatives were at the home as they reflected on the life of their loved one. Moore is survived by his other siblings, relatives and friends. Both his parents are dead.

Yesterday too, the police confirmed that they are conducting investigations into the matter and explained that a team of investigators has been dispatched to the are, even as they continue the hunt for the suspect.

proposal submitted, and it was noted that the interest rate being offered by CH&PA was 5%, which was 3.2% more than what was currently being earned via the commercial banks and other investment options open to the Commission.

“More so, the loan is for a period of one (1) year, with interest calculated using the reducing balance and in the event of CH&PA fails to repay the entire amount by the deadline, the Commission has the right to increase the interest rate to 7%.”

It said that having concluded that the proposal was

From page 9

downward spiral in Guyana under the Burnham policies, and as such, when Dr Rodney arrived on the local political scene, the time was ripe for the struggle and advocacy, according to the Minister, who also spoke to the principle of party paramountcy.

He explained that under the Burnham-led government, the PNC flag would be flown conspicuously alongside the Golden Arrowhead at public buildings, including the Courts.

Under party paramountcy, Rohee told the Commission, many public officials, including members of the armed forces, had to swear allegiance to the PNC. DONALD RODNEY The COI was adjourned as Minister Rohee was giving his testimony, and he is slated to return at a future date in order to complete his evidence-in-chief, and to undergo cross-examination.

“financially prudent and sound,” the GGMC Board “agreed to the granting of the loan, subject to the terms and conditions enshrined in the Loan Agreement and any additional guarantees required by the Commission.”

The CHPA project, the statement said, “is pivotal to the realisation of the Government of Guyana strategic target of allocating 30,000 lots under the Adequate and Affordable Housing Programme in order to maintain momentum in the provision of service land in several areas on the East and West Demerara.”

When the Commission resumes today, it is expected that the brother of the slain WPA leader, Donald Rodney, will take the witness stand.

Dr Walter Rodney was killed instantaneously on the evening of Friday, June 13, 1980 when a bomb exploded in his lap while he was seated in the passenger seat of his Mazda Capella motorcar, PBB 2349, on John Street in the vicinity of the Georgetown Jail.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 30, 2015

MoE to conduct training for private schools

THE Ministry of Education, through its planning unit, has begun training for private schools in Region 4, and commenced training in Region 6 on Wednesday.

According to a statement from the ministry, the programme is intended to update its database on private schools and to conduct a series of training sessions with them, so that they could provide the information that will be required by the new Education Bill.

A proposed Education Bill, the first of its kind since Guyana gained independence, according to subject Minister Priya Manickchand, was tabled in the National Assembly on June 19, 2014, and was read for the first time.

The current Education Act came into being since 1876 and was last amended sometime in 1976. The proposed Bill, on the other hand, is intended to repeal the Education Act, reform the legal framework for education in Guyana and provide an effective system of education related to the needs of the people.

The Education Bill 2014 provides for the inspection of private educational institutions with a view to their being granted a permit

to operate; establishment of Parent Teachers Associations (PTAs) and granting permits issued by the ministry for the institution or school.

This Act will apply to every private educational institution or private school providing all or any of the following educational services at pre-primary education; primary education; secondary education; special education; instructional services in general education at the tertiary level; instructional services in vocational education; and training at the secondary, tertiary and adult levels.

According to the statement, training has begun with private schools in Region 4 -excluding Georgetown -- and commenced in Region 6 on Wednesday. Dates for the start of training sessions with private schools in Georgetown and other regions will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Ministry of Education is therefore inviting all private educational institutions to make contact with the Department of Education in their respective regions to ensure that their school is on the list of participants.

Popeye’s robbery update...

Police issue wanted bulletin for escaped, wounded bandit THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) yesterday issued a wanted bulletin for Nicholas James who is wanted for questioning in relation to a matter of Robbery Under Arms committed at Popeye’s Restaurant on January 25, 2015 and for Escaping from lawful custody on January 27, 2015.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Nicholas James is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 2256411, 225-8196, 226-9941, 226-7065, 911 or the nearest police station.

All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Name: Nicholas James Age: 23 years Ethnic Origin: African On January 25, 2015, James and three other accomplices entered Popeye’s Fast Food Outlet on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, and robbed the restaurant after which he was shot and injured by an off-duty cop, who was there making a purchase.

It happened at about 7:30 pm while customers were

Small Business Bureau hosts inaugural Grant Awards ceremony today THE Small Business Bureau (SBB) within the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce is poised to hold its first-ever Grant Awards & Partnership ceremony today.

Chief Executive Officer of the SBB, Derrick Cummings, related his pleasure in announcing that the SBB has made tremendous strides in fulfilling its mandate as set out in the Small Business Act No. 2 of 2004.

He noted that this eventthe first of its kind- marks a significant milestone in Government’s contribution to the small business sector.

The Government of Guyana, via the Low Carbon Development Strategy/Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (LCDS/GRIF) facility has made available to the SBB the sum of US$10M to be utilised over a period of four years for the purpose of funding and comprehensive training of small business entrepreneurs.

According to Cummings,

Small Business Bureau CEO, Derrick Cummings

the Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) Development and Building Alternative Livelihoods for Vulnerable Groups Project, which was launched in October 2013, has been crafted to enable the best utilisation of the funds.

The project is administered by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and is monitored by the Ministry of Finance with oversight by Office of the President, and

Soldiers injured in Garden of Eden collision SEVEN members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were injured yesterday morning in an accident on the Garden of Eden Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

They were conveyed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) where they

are being treated for various injuries.The accident occurred when a truck and a bus collided.

The victim who sustained the most severe injuries had his left hip dislocated and an open fracture of the left tibia. Another victim had his left forearm fractured and will

undergo elective surgical reduction on Tuesday, February 3. Another who complained of experiencing neck pains was referred for x-rays to ascertain whether there is spinal injury.

A few other persons were also referred from the GDF’s medical corps for x-rays.

Alberttown man remanded for robbery with violence

Wanted fugitive, Nicholas James

making various purchases when the group of gunmen arrived and held up the cashiers.

Three of the robbers escaped but one was not so lucky; he was shot in the buttocks and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he underwent a surgical operation but however, managed to escape while under police guard at the institution on Tuesday.

During the incident, several gunshots were discharged, damaging the glass section of the edifice.

executed by the SBB. A mutual guarantee fund and training component are disbursed through the Partner Financial Institutions and Partner Training Institutions respectively. He noted that the SBB directly administers a grant scheme to deserving recipients.

“To date, over 900 clients have accessed training and 18 have benefited from the low interest of 6% per annum, with the mutual guarantee facility to the tune of over $90M,” he said. It was added that more than 60 grants of approximately G$20M have been approved for disbursement and 167 jobs have been created and sustained as a result of this intervention.

The Grant Awards & Partnership Ceremony will start at 9:30 a.m. at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) to demonstrate this achievement. The SBB functions as the executing agency of the Act and secretariat of the SBB.

A THIRTY–year–old Alberttown man was yesterday remanded to prison by Magistrate Fabayo Azore when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court charged with robbery with violence.

Joseph Barker of Fifth Street,Alberttown, Georgetown, denied the charge which read that on January 17, 2015 at Fifth Street, Alberttown,

through the use of personal violence, he robbed Ravi Rajkumar of his bicycle valued $10,000 and $2,000 in cash.

Police Prosecutor Inspector Michael Grant told the court that on the day in question around 11:00 hrs that day, Rajkumar was on his way home when Barker confronted him. Grant said that the defendant cuffed and kicked the victim about his body before

relieving him of the articles.

Grant noted that during the attack, Rajkumar whipped out a knife and retaliated by inflicting several stab wounds on Barker, who then made good of his escape. Subsequently however, Barker sought medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital, but the police were alerted and he was arrested and charged.

The prosecutor told the

court that investigations are ongoing in several matters of a similar nature and more charges are likely to be laid against Barker. Grant opposed bail due to the nature and gravity of the offence, as well as the penalty it attracts.

Barker begged the court for leniency, stating that he is the sole breadwinner for his family and that he is still receiving treatment for his wounds that are still oozing.

Bail was refused and the case will be called again on February 2 before the chief magistrate.

Man held for Survival Supermarket robbery refused bail A MAN who hails from 12 Kersaint Park, La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara, was yesterday remanded to prison by city Magistrate Fabayo Azore on a charge of break and enter and larceny.

Milton Eastman was not required to plead to the indictable charge which read that he, together with others on January 27-28 at Georgetown, broke and entered Survival Supermarket,Sheriff Street,-

Campbellville, Georgetown and stole 37 .32 live rounds of ammunition and one matching magazine valued at $25,000 along with $6M in cash, property of Parsram Arjune.

Police Prosecutor Inspector Michael Grant explained that about 23:30hrs on Tuesday, January 27, Arjune secured his businessplace which is protected on a 24-hour basis by security and went home. On January 28 about

03:15hrs, one security guard on duty at the premises heard a strange noise and saw three strange people in the building.

Grant said that the police were alerted along with the owner; when they arrived, the intruders discharged a loaded firearm and made good their escape, while Eastman was confronted by the guard who apprehended him.

The prosecutor noted that $2Mwas recovered by the police, and was lodged at the

station. It was also pointed out that Eastman gave to the police the names of the other two accomplices when he was questionned.

Grant opposed bail on the basis of the nature and gravity of the offence, and because of the penalty it attracts. Another factor was the amount of money and articles involved.

Bail was refused and the case will be called again on February 2 before the chief magistrate.

12 Colin Mack rape trial

Accused makes record three-hour unsworn statement from dock

RAPE accused Colin Mack took nearly three hours to deliver his unsworn statement in his defence from the dock yesterday,thereby created a record.

Journalist George Barclay, who has been practising in the courts for quite some time, disclosed that the event yesterday before Justice Navindra Singh was a record.

The accused rambled from time to time during the period and sometimes sat down and turned around in the dock as he demonstrated to the court what he said happened that day.

The only problem is that owing to the lack of suitable accommodation for the press as provided in the Court of Appeal and the Magistrates’ Court, members of the media were too far away to get the essence of what he was trying to put over.

However, the Acting Registrar Mr. Raschid Mohamed has promised to put things right.

The accused Colin Mack is accused of having carnal knowledge of a young woman on 10th of April 2009 in the County of Demerara.

RAPE ACCUSED: Colin Mack

The young woman had told the police and the court that the accused had beaten and sexually assaulted her at his home.

Mack’s trial began at the Demerara Assizes on Tuesday before Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed jury.

The taxi driver is said to have had carnal knowledge of the young woman whom he had taken to his home on April 10, 2009.

The accused claimed that he had sex with the girl with her consent, but the victim who gave evidence on Tuesday denied the claim.

Mack, who is represented by Mr. Peter Hugh, 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 bac room 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.”

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 the prosecution.

When the trial resumes at 10 ‘o’ clock this morning, Mr. Hugh is expected to begin his address to the jury.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 30, 2015

Rethinking the Millennium and Sustainable Development Goals A WORKSHOP was held on January 28, 2015 at the International Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

The workshop was entitled ‘Rethinking the Millennium and Sustainable Development Goals’, where Professor Baris Karapinar presented the findings of a stakeholder survey conducted a few years ago.

Professor Karapinar is Project Coordinator at Boğaziçi University, Istanbul and was previously affiliated with the University of Bern in Switzerland. The workshop was chaired by Dr. Prem Misir. Minister of Housing and Water Mr. Irfaan Ali also graced the workshop with his attendance as a member of the head table panel.

As part of an international research project, coordinated by the University of Bern in Switzerland, which aimed at investigating national policy priorities in five developing countries – namely Guyana, Malawi, Nepal, Sierra Leone and Turkey – Professor Karapinar conducted an attitude survey including a choice experiment. His findings shed light on how various policy stakeholders perceived developmental challenges, and how they identified their own priorities and goals.

Professor Baris Karapinar

These goals included both the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals concerning education, HIV and AIDS and poverty and the Sustainable Development Goals on biodiversity, clean air and forest protection.

In this workshop, Professor Karapinar discussed how respondents from Guyana and other sample countries perceived developmental challenges and priorities. He also presented the findings of the econometric analysis of how the respondent’s “demand for development” is influenced by cost and income considerations.

Moreover, he showed how non-monetary factors such as the respondent’s professional affiliation, education and gender, are found to exhibit strong influences on certain development areas.

His findings suggested that, despite the recent efforts to

widen the scope of international development goals, it may be difficult to change local stakeholders’ development priorities. He further discussed the policy implications of the findings. One example is where Guyana and Nepal saw the SDGs as ‘necessary’, whereas other sample countries saw some SDGs as a ‘luxury’.

At the end of the workshop, Dr. Misir noted that the attitudinal survey was a cross-sectional study design which addressed attitude at one point in time, and indeed such attitudes may change over time.

Guyana, Malawi, Sierra Leone, and Nepal showed similar priorities on the following Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): poverty, fighting disease, and primary education.

Guyana, Malawi, Sierra Leone, and Nepal also expressed similar priorities on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): renewable energy, climate adaptation, and clean water.

With the exception of Turkey who expressed priorities on the following MDGs: poverty, primary education, and gender equality and priorities on the SDGs: renewable energy, disaster preparedness, and soil protection.

Many Guyanese financing home construction without bank loans – Habitat for Humanity HABITAT for Humanity (Guyana) on Tuesday last held a public forum on the emerging evidence from Guyana on access to affordable housing finance and its impact on breaking the cycle of poverty.

Habitat undertakes a housing programme every year, whereby they assist less fortunate persons to obtain affordable housing.

Additionally, since 1995, they have assisted more than 5,000 individuals to acquire their own homes.

Each year, the NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation) assists approximately 500 less fortunate families, some of whom will receive new homes or have repairs done on their homes.

Habitat’s National Director, Rawle Small, explained that when looking at housing,

one has to look at all the other surrounding factors, noting that: “It could affect education because of improper spaces for children to study, it can affect their performance at school, likewise health, if substandard materials are used, if you don’t have proper ventilation, for example if you are living too close to a dumpsite, these can affect your health.”

He also noted that studies have shown that when families are in adequate living space, family interaction tends to improve, so children and parents spend more time together. Therefore housing is a critical aspect of development, not just from an economic point of view, but also from a human development point of view.

The organisation conducted a study with ques-

tionnaires being distributed to random persons in randomly chosen areas. The report focused on critical issues pertaining to affordability and access to finance in the housing sector. Marlon Bristol, a consultant with the organisation, was tasked with compiling and analysing the relevant information.

Bristol related during an interview that the focus of the research was done within two sectors of housing: accessibility and affordability and the emerging findings from the research.

According to the consultant, the definition that was used during the research was “the poor which we defined as low- income households where people locally earn at or below $60,000 monthly.” While conducting the research via questionnaires,

Marlon Bristol, a consultant with Habitat for Humanity, and Director of Habitat for Humanity Guyana, Rawle Small

he noted that “we found that a lot of those who own their own home are doing so by cash, which means they are using alternative approaches to fund the building of their homes. Only about 30% or less of those who own their own homes in the study were found to have taken a formal loan.”

He related that the research was conducted in Regions 3,(Essequibo Islands-West Demerara);4, (Demerara-Mahaica); 5,(Mahaica-Berbice); and 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice). “Thirty per cent of the villages in Habitat’s database amounted to 13 communities where a minimum

of 30 questionnaires per communities were done,” Bristol added.

The finding, Bristol explained, suggests that Guyana has not begun to explore many of the available international best practices to expand affordable housing and accessible finance, notwithstanding many improvements in the low- income housing sector.

In fact, the housing sector has been a key pillar of growth in the economy.

Two critical observations, he concluded, from the evidence gathered are the progressive housing and micro-finance, insurance and other guarantees, and the creation of an affordable housing stock so firsttime buyers in the future market have economic space.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 30, 2015

MLG&RD to work towards improving municipal services in 2015 IN 2014, the six municipalities across Guyana made significant strides in providing services to citizens despite limited human and financial resources.

According to a recent press release, the ministry, in reviewing the performance of the municipalities in the collection of rates and taxes in 2014, overall, there was improvement in revenue collection but this was not significant. This continues to be a worry for the ministry, since within each municipality there are millions of dollars outstanding.

Further, in 2014, the ministry implemented the Fiscal Transfer Act for the first time to determine the allocation of subventions to municipalities. The Fiscal Transfer Act takes into consideration land mass, population size and percentage of budgeted revenue which the council collected during the previous year. This method also makes allocations based on the performance levels of municipalities. In 2013, a total of $65M was allocated to the municipalities while in 2014, a total of $77M was allocated from which the Fiscal Transfer Method was applied.

Among the six municipalities, a total of $13,157,223 was utilised on road rehabil-

spent significant time trying to remove roadside and illegal vendors, but vendors continue to refuse to utilise the markets.

Due to illegal vending, municipalities suffered from loss of income; market vendors refused to pay their fees since the person vending illegally are the ones to benefit the most. On the other hand, roadside and illegal vending also has an adverse impact on the environment since the vendors dump refuse indiscriminately around the parameters of the markets and this is an additional expenditure for municipalities.

IMPROVEMENT TO MARKET INFRASTRUCTURE Several municipal markets saw upgrades through a project implemented by the ministry with funding from the India Brazil South Africa Cooperation (IBSA). Anna Regina benefited from the construction of a fence, installation of security lights, drains and raising of the market floor.

At New Amsterdam, works are currently in progress at the back for the construction of enclosed, additional market space. Rose Hall market benefited from construction of a fish shed, water reservoir and installation of security cameras. Linden saw repairs

Minister Whittaker and others discussing municipal issues

the vendors, but also hire car operators and minibus operators.

SOLID WASTE In 2014, the ministry embarked on the establishment of Sanitary Landfill Sites within each administrative region except for Georgetown, which waste is disposed of at the Haggs Bosch Landfill Site.

The site was funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) as part of the ministry’s Regional Solid Waste Management Programme. As a result of this initiative, municipalities in the regions were no longer responsible for the collection of residential and

–

2013 2014

Subvention Subvention Anna Regina, Region No. 2 $ 9,000,000 $ 11,476,744.

Georgetown, Region No. 4 $ 20,000,000 $ 22,000,000 Rose Hall, Region No. 5 $ 8,000,000 $ 9,526,163.

New Amsterdam, Region 6 $10,000,000 $ 10,668,604.

Corriverton, Region 6 $8,000,000 $ 11,476,744.

Linden, Region No. 10 $10,000,000 $ 11,851,744. itation projects while a total of $25,566,648 was utilised on drainage improvement projects.

CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED The ministry experienced the most difficulties with the Georgetown municipality, since the council did not submit its 2014 work programme in a timely manner. In Berbice, the ministry also experienced major challenges with the Corriverton and Rose Hall municipalities, since the contractors who were awarded contracts (such as roads and drainage) under the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) failed to deliver their services; as a result, the councils were only able to spend 80%of their subvention in November.

ROADSIDE VENDING Roadside vending remains a challenge. Municipalities

to the constabulary office, washroom, and stall area and chain link fence. Very shortly, re tendering will be done for works to be done on the Corriverton Market.

In addition, under the Georgetown aspect of the Clean-Up My Country Programme, the Le Penitence market drains were de-silted; electrical lights were installed around the market; the sanitary block was rehabilitated, and a footpath along Saffon Street, a tarmac and fence along Saffon Street and Independence Boulevard were constructed. For the Bourda Market, 14 street lights were installed along Robb Street, Alexander Street, North Road, Regent Street and Orange Walk; internal drains were de-silted along with the Orange Walk and North Road canal. For the Stabroek Market, 12 street lights were installed which are not only benefiting

commercial waste; however, they are responsible for the collection of market waste and open/public places.

To further address the issue of illegal dumping, the ministry, under the CleanUp My Country Programme, embarked on a Bulk Waste and Community Clean-Up Programme which saw several hundred tons of waste removed from communities within the municipalities. For the enhancement of human resources, the Georgetown Municipality Solid Waste Director benefited from the participation at a Solid Waste Management workshop in Jamaica.

ILLEGAL BUILDING STRUCTURES Complaints of Illegal construction and expansion of buildings were numerous, Turn to page 15 ►

14 IRO’s Pastor McGarrell

Elections will determine our children’s future – calls for mature conduct

By Raymon Cummings PASTOR Ronald McGarrell of the Inter-Religious Organisation is calling on all Guyanese to conduct themselves with a high level of maturity, bearing in mind that the elections, whatever the result, will determine the future of Guyana and ultimately their children.

Pastor McGarrell made this plea as the date for National and Regional Elections has been announced, and the political parties have started their campaigning and strategising for possible victory.

In that light, he said that it is important that all Guyanese work together to ensure

stability at this crucial time in our history.

McGarrrell was at the time responding to queries from the Chronicle as comments were being solicited from organisations as Guyana prepares for the May 11 poll. He pointed out that while the organisation had not decided on a position and he was speaking on his own behalf, he was certain that every God-fearing, patriotic Guyanese would share his sentiments.

Efforts to obtain a comment from the Catholic Diocese, who had called for the end of the prorogation, was unsuccessful. Catholic Bishop Francis Allen had stated

Pastor McGarrell

in November last year, following the announcement

by President Donald Ramotar, that prorogation had put Guyana in “uncharted territory” and had called on all Guyanese to ensure that the times were navigated peacefully, honestly and respectfully with a view to the early resumption of the parliamentary democracy.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 30, 2015

GGMC strike ends, workers to receive payout

By Raymon Cummings WORKERS of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) returned to work Wednesday following the signing of an agreed Terms of Resumption between the GGMC and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), the union representing the workers.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday following the intervention of Chief Labour Officer, Mr Charles Ogle.

The Chronicle was advised that Tuesday’s meeting chaired by Ogle was held at the Ministry of Labour, Brickdam office. The management of GGMC was represented by Board Chairman Clinton Williams and Commissioner Rickford Vieira and the GPSU President Patrick Yarde represented the workers.

RETROACTIVE PAYOUTS While the details of the Terms of Resumption have not been made public and both the union and the commission are tightlipped on the specifics, this publication

understands that the workers will benefit from retroactive payouts for the years 2013, which is equivalent to one and a half months pay, and additional payout for 2014 in keeping with the S V Jones and Associates recommendations.

The payout was one of the factors which caused the strike in November 2014, when an eight percent acrossthe-board increase was paid to all employees, and the subsequent follow-up action in January 2015. The 2014 payout is part of the compensation package proposed by the S V Jones Associates, following a job evaluation and human resource development survey undertaken in 2008.

The union had complained that though the recommendation had been approved by the Board and action was being taken by the management to implement it, attention was only being given to some aspects of the approved recommendation and no effort was being made to address the issues of salary increases for the workers.

The union had pointed out that the possibility existed for some anomalies being cre-

ated by the implementation of the increase. They had, however, pointed out to management that notwithstanding those anomalies the payment should go ahead.

Labour Minister Nanda Gopaul had last week urged the parties to engage in meaningful dialogue as they sought to find a resolution to the industrial dispute. A number of meetings were also held between the GGMC, GPSU and the Labour Ministry officials following the action taken by workers.

The Labour Ministry had conducted an investigation at the end of which the CLO wrote to the union claiming the strike was illegal. Union President Patrick Yarde had replied to the CLO rejecting his assertion while other unions including the National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Workers (NACCIE) and the Guyana Workers Union (GWU) had registered their support for the workers.

Meanwhile, an assessment of the losses suffered by the Commission in the three weeks that the workers were off the job is still to be made.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 30, 2015

MLG&RD to work towards improving...

From page 13

particularly in Georgetown.

These illegal constructions posed major challenges during the Georgetown aspect of the Community Clean-up Programme. It was noticed that in every community, persons constructed bridges in such a way that drains were blocked or re-directed and this is also a contributor to flooding in the city.

MOVING FORWARD IN 2015 Based on the challenges and threats that were encountered in 2014, the Municipal Services Division in 2015 is working to increasing performance level of the municipalities in the following areas: INCREASE IN THE COLLECTION OF REVENUE More stringent measures will be implemented to ensure municipalities increase their revenue collection. Some of these measures include establishment of a Debt Recovery Unit, taking defaulters to Court and the continuation of payment plans.

IMPROVING SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT The Municipal Councils will be encouraged to work closely with the Solid Waste Contractors and have joint robust Public Awareness Programmes to educate the public about the proper disposal of waste and the impact of illegal dumping. In addition, measures will be put in place to ensure that contractors maintain a rigid schedule of collection.

Further, the Solid Waste Management Bill which has to be tabled before the the National Assembly and passed will be a boost to Local Authorities. This Bill will strengthen the power of the local authority to exercise more stringent measures in dealing with persons who are caught littering. Coupled with those measures, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development will assist the municipalities with Litter Wardens within their jurisdictions.

INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING AND CAPACITY- BUILDING OF MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES The Municipal Services Division will continue to build the capacity of Municipal Officers and Councillors to ensure that they execute their duties in a more efficient and effective manner. Training programmes will be developed based on weaknesses identified in 2014. Some areas

of focus will be Fiscal Transfer, Communication, the role Councillors and administrations and meetings.

TIMELY IMPLEMENTATION OF BUDGET 2015 AND SUBVENTION WORK PROGRAMME 2015 The Municipal Services Division will continue to review the monthly financial reports of the municipalities to ensure they spend within their approved Estimates. Intensify visits to Municipal Councils to inspect financial records.

MUNICIPALITIES TO HOLD QUARTERLY BUDGET REVIEW For the better management of subventions, the ministry is working towards implementing of a District Tender Board. In addition, the ministry is also working towards projects being monitored on a quarterly basis.

REDUCING ROADSIDE VENDING With the improvement to existing market structures, Councils will be implementing measures which will allow vendors to utilise the market structures. Measures that will be put in place are Council will re-engage vendors; final notice will be served for removal. Failing to remove, Council will then seek assistance from the Guyana Police Force and the Ministry of Public Works in cases where the Town Constabulary lacks the capacity to remove street vendors.

ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTIONS AND EXTENSION OF BUILDINGS AND RECLASSIFYING OF BUILDINGS To strengthen this area, MLGRD will seek assistance from the Ministry of Health to have Environmental Health Officers in place at the five Town Councils. This will assist these Municipalities greatly due to the rise in the building sector .

GREATER COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT IN DEVELOPMENT WORKS Councillors will be encouraged to meet with citizens more frequently so as to keep them abreast with the Council’s plans.

Greater Collaboration with the private sector which by extension can increase development within the townships.

The implementation of Market Maintenance Plans which will improve the services at the facilities for both stallholders and shoppers.

Drafting of new By-Laws to assist in the effective functioning of the Council.

15

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 30, 2015

Elderly ‘trunker’ refused bail A KNOWN elderly “trunker” appeared Tuesday before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and was remanded for breaking and entering a car with intent to commit a felony.

Walter Campbell, 60, of Lot 18 Water Street, Georgetown, denied the allegation when the charge was read to him at the Georgetown Magistrates Court.

It is alleged that on January 27 at Church and Cummings Streets, Campbell, with intent to commit a felony, broke the right window of motorcar PLL 1869, property of Roy Caesario.

The court also heard that on the same day, Campbell broke the said window of vehicle number PLL 1869; the value of the window was set at $35,000.

Police Prosecutor Inspector Michael Grant explained that on the day in question,Caesario parked his car and went into the GT&T location to transact business. While Caesario was in the building, a passer-by saw Campbell break

the window and enter the car.

Grant said that the passer-by then alerted another public-spirited person and together they apprehended the defendant and held him until the car owner emerged from the store.

Campbell’s attorney, George Thomas, told the court that his client is the sole breadwinner for his family, which includes four children. The lawyer said that at no time was his client in the car and because of the allegation, his client was badly beaten.

He then requested reasonable bail for his elderly client, since he does not pose a possible flight risk.

Inspector Grant objected to bail on the grounds of the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offence and the penalty attached to the charge. He explained that the defendant has other matters of similar nature pending and is known to the police.

Campbell was refused bail, and will remain on remand until February 6, while the chief magistrate ordered statements to be filed.

TV personality accused of stealing money from clients’ accounts TELEVISION personality Kirk Adrian Clarke appeared Tuesday before city Magistrate Ann McLennan, pleaded not guilty to allegedly stealing money from two Republic Bank accounts, and was granted bail in the sum of $50,000.

It is alleged that between 22 March to 22 July, 2012 at Georgetown, 40-year-old Clarke of 137 Second Street, Alberttown, stole from Gregory Fraser’s Republic Bank account a sum in excess of G$88,800.

The Court also heard that between January 14 to 15, 2013 at Georgetown he also stole from Shawn Ramsay Fraser’s account, G$83,960.

Representing Clarke was Attorney Adrian Thompson, who told the Court that the matter per-

tains to import sand sales of Harris International and said the defendants had an agreement with his client for the import of goods.

Thompson noted that the police had sent the matter to the DPP for advice, and was only now being put before the court after the matter had been reported over two years ago Clarke, the lawyer noted, has an unblemished record and is a father of four, while requesting reasonable bail; he told the court that his client had been placed on $20,000 station bail.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones did not present any facts to the court.

Bail was granted in the sum of $25,000 for each of the larceny charges.

Clarke is slated to make his second court appearance on February 4.

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 30, 2015

GFS sees drop in loss of lives, fires started by children

By Michel Outridge CHIEF Fire Officer, Marlon Gentle in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle has disclosed that last year there was an increase in fire calls by 13%, so they recorded more than 2,000 fire calls to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) that resulted in buildings being destroyed, which show a 6% decrease for the comparative year 2013.

He added that there was a significant increase in buildings that were slightly damaged, and that was attributed

to quick responses by the GFS to save those buildings, resulting in minor damage.

DECREASE IN FIRES Gentle said, “We have seen a decrease in fires started by children and also seen decrease in electrical fires and more importantly, we have seen a decrease in lives lost compared to last year.

However, at the same time more calls were made to the GFS of a humanitarian nature in terms of accidents and rescue, we responded to 27 road accidents in 2014, we extracted persons trapped in

vehicles and also did some work with ambulances in outlying areas in transporting injured to hospitals.”

He disclosed that they received 1,776 calls in 2013 and for 2014 they recorded 2,005; 115 buildings were completely destroyed in 2013 and for 2014 they tallied 108.

The Chief Fire Officer noted that in 2013 they had 23 buildings severely damaged and 27 for last year while the GFS recorded 36 buildings slightly damaged in 2013 and for 2014 they had 86 with an increase of 58%.

He pointed out that in

2013, 14 persons lost their lives in fires, including 10 children, and for the 2014 they had 12 persons, with six children.

Gentle said that in 2013 they recorded five persons injured in fires with 363 homeless while in 2014 they had six injured with 316 being rendered homeless and the major causes of fires were carelessness, unsafe use of electricity, arson, both in buildings and vehicles.

He stated that for fire causes the GFS had 44 internal electrical fires for 2013 while in 2014 they recorded

31 and external saw 396 in 2013 and last year they had 287.

Gentle added that as for rubbish/outdoor vegetation fires for 2013, they had 673 and in 2014 they tallied 1,113, as for carelessness they had 57 fires in 2013 and 24 in 2014.

Regarding children playing with matches, in 2013 they had 14 cases while in 2014 they recorded four and malicious setting of fires saw 83 in 2013 and last year they had 67, he said.

The Chief Fire Officer noted that for unknown

Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle

fires they tallied 35 in 2013 while they had 19 last year and for radiated heat fires saw 50 in 2013 and 20 last year.

Bermuda national jailed,fined $1.48M for drug trafficking

BERMUDA national, Njela Fublar, 23,was on Tuesday fined in excess of $1.48M and was sentenced to four years imprisonment by city Magistrate Ann McLennan on a drug- trafficking charge.

Fublar pleaded guilty to the charge which detailed that Saturday January 24, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara, she had in her possession 551 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones told the court that on the day in question, at about 05:00hrs, Fublar was an outgoing passenger with Caribbean Airlines flight DW 542 bound for the JFK Airport in New York. While she was at the search point, an officer of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) found a pellet

in her purse and when it was examined, it was found to contain the illicit drug.

The 23 year old was then medically examined and it was discovered that she had cocaine pellets in her stomach. The woman was immediately taken into custody and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) where she was given a laxative to excrete the said drug.

Fublar expelled a total of 67 pellets in her stool, and was subsequently discharged and taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) while the drug was kept under guard. The drug was weighed in her presence and the 67 pellets amount to

551 grams. Further investigations were carried out and the defendant was charged for the offence.

Fublar, who resides at 64 Roberts Avenue, HM 15, Devonshire City, Bermuda,said that she fixes and sells electronic equipment for a living, but she does not have a local address.

The woman told the magistrate that “she is willing to help with the investigation to find the men who leased her [the] drug.”

Magistrate McLennan noted that the street value for one gram of cocaine is $G900, thus, in addition to her four-year sentence, she was fined a total of $G1,480,700.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 30, 2015

Colonel Wilbert Lee heads GDF’s prom

--joined as a Private, worked his way up CHIEF-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips has announced that His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief has approved the promotions of 83 Officers and 436 Other Ranks effective from January 1, 2015, in accordance with the Defence Act, Chapter 15:01 of 1977.

The GDF made history this year with the largest recorded number of Officers being promoted to the rank of Colonel at the same time.

However, leading that list is Lieutenant Colonel Wilbert Lee, Base Commander of Base Camp Stephenson, who was promoted to the rank of Substantive Colonel.

It is also the first time in the Force’s history that four female officers were

promoted collectively in the senior officers’ bracket.

In comments, the newly-promoted Substantive Colonel Wilbert Lee told the Guyana Chronicle that first of all he expressed thanks to God for his blessings and was very elated.

He added that it came as a surprise but nevertheless he was grateful since he spent 36 years in the Force having joined as a Private and worked his way up, noting that the journey has been long and difficult but he managed with assistance from the Almighty.

The senior officer stated that he has a first Degree in Communications; Masters Degree in Strategic Defence Studies, Masters in International Relations; Degree in Theology and is pursuing a Doctorate in

Transnational Leadership.

Wilbert Lee is the Assistant Pastor attached to the First Assembly of God Church located at D’urban Street, Georgetown and is also responsible for the youth ministries.

Mr. Lee hails from Sandvoort, West Canje, Berbice.

The GDF said Lieutenant Colonels Jawahar Persaud, Cargill Kyte, Patrick West, Nazrul Hussain, Ann McLennan and Lieutenant Colonel Paul Arthur were promoted to the rank of Acting Colonel.

Commander Gary Beaton, who heads the Force’s Coast Guard will now wear the rank of Acting Captain Coast Guard, the equivalent to Acting Colonel.

Acting Lieutenant Colonels Dwain Jervis, Trevor

Bowman and Kenlloyd Roberts were confirmed in their rank while Majors Collin Henry, Mark Thomas, Courtney Byrne, Natasha Stanford and Lorraine Foster have been promoted to the rank of Acting Lieutenant Colonel.

Ten Majors, have been confirmed in their rank, while Substantive Captains Tyrone Smith, Marvin Chichester, Lancelot Lynch, Christine Bradford-Porter, Lloyd Glen, Clifton Sam and Nigel Langhorne have been promoted to Acting Major.

Nine Acting Captains, including one female, are now confirmed in their rank, while 14 Substantive Lieutenants have been promoted to the rank of Acting Captain with effect from January 1, 2015.

Eight Acting Lieutenants have been promoted to Substantive Lieutenant, while six Second Lieutenants have been promoted to Acting Lieutenants.

In the Coast Guard, Acting Commander (CG) Orin Porter, Acting Lieutenant Commander (CG) Roger Nurse as well as Acting Lieutenant Paul Castello, have been confirmed in their rank while Substantive Sub Lieutenants Shennel Europe, Raul Williams, Quincy Agard and Andre Kwang have been promoted to Acting Lieutenants (CG). Five Acting Sub Lieutenants have been confirmed in their rank and Midshipman Eweart Andrews is now an Acting Sub Lieutenant.

Meanwhile, four hundred and thirty-sixty Other Ranks have been promoted.

Of this number, 96 have been confirmed in their

rank while 272 have been elevated in rank. Heading this group are Warrant Officers Class Two Marlon Daniels and Raul Rodney who have been promoted to Acting Warrant Officers Class One. Warrant Officers Class Two; Marvin Pilgrim, Sekou Mitchell, Christopher Harmon, Bryan Ferdinand, Ray Herman, Andre Worrell, Wilfred Semple and Selwyn Douglas were confirmed in their appointment. The remaining 253 Other Ranks were promoted through ranks ranging from Acting Warrant Officer Class Two, to Acting Lance Corporal.

Other promotions in the Coast Guard saw Acting Senior Petty Officer Wayne Nurse being elevated in rank to Substantive Senior Petty Officer.

Meanwhile, three Acting Petty Officers were confirmed in their rank while seven Substantive Leading Ratings are now Acting Petty Officers. Four Acting Leading Ratings are

Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips (centre) with, from left, newly-promoted Colonels Paul Arthur, Nazrul Hussain, Cargill Kyte, Jawahar Persaud, Patrick West, Ann Mc Lenan, Gary Beaton and Wilbert Lee (Photos courtesy GDF)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday January 30, 2015

19

motion’s list now confirmed in their rank.

Additionally, six Substantive Able Ratings have been promoted to Acting leading Ratings while eleven Acting Able ratings have been confirmed in their rank. Ordinary Ratings Vinton Blair, Denwin Adams and Quincy Burton have been promoted to Substantive Able Ratings and ten other Ordinary Ratings have been elevated to the rank of Acting Able Rating.

At a simple yet significant Badging Ceremony held Monday afternoon, the newly-promoted Senior Officers were decorated with their new badges of rank by the Chief-Of-Staff, who was assisted by Colonel Administration and Quartering, Captain Coast Guard, John Flores.

The Officers were congratulated by the other Senior Officers present and the recently promoted Majors were welcomed to the Corps of Senior Officers.

In brief remarks Brigadier

Phillips pointed out that promotion recognises all Officers and Other Ranks for their performance, professionalism and service within and outside of the GDF. To this end, he referred to Colonels Jawahar Persaud and Ann Mc Lennan who hold other positions outside of the GDF but in continued service to the country.

Persaud is the current Accountant General while McLennan is a sitting Magistrate.

He alluded to the efforts being made by the Officers towards the development of the Guyana Defence Force and called for continued professional service to the country.

The Commander-in-Chief and Chiefof-Staff have extended congratulations to all the newly- promoted Officers and Other Ranks.

Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips as he decorates newly-promoted Col. Wilbert Lee with his new badge of rank

Children Mash competitions in full swing

Some students doing a dance piece at the National Cultural Centre last year THE Children’s Mashramani programme under the watchful eyes of the Education Ministry is in full swing as competitions in Region 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) have started.

This year’s competition is being held under the theme: “One People, One Culture, One Celebration.”

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Drama Coordinator at the Allied Arts Unit, Lorraine Barker-King, explained that all activities have been planned and are ready to be executed. She related that all regions except for Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) will be participating in competitions at their levels and then on to the final competitions slated for February 12 to 14 in Georgetown.

“There are no issues that we have encountered about financing of any project; I know that the regions would assist with their regional competitions and then we will provide accommodation and meals for Regions 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 when they come to Georgetown to participate,” she said.

According to Barker-King, a new addition to this year’s children’s costume parade will be students being placed at different parts of the road to perform gymnastics during the pa-

rade. “Students from South Ruimveldt Secondary, Lodge Secondary and North Georgetown Secondary schools will be placed at three different points on the route for the float parade and will be entertaining patrons with gymnastics,” she said.

It was explained also that there will be no choir presentations done during the Mashramani activities as it was decided to have these competitions done during Education Month slated for September. The drama coordinator also related that they have not secured a sponsor for the float parade as yet, but letters of request have been already dispatched and the department is now awaiting positive responses.

The Children’s Mashramani activities officially became the responsibility of the Ministry of Education in February 1992 and the Unit of Allied Arts within the ministry was tasked with implementing programmes to showcase the talents of Guyanese children .

The competitions are held at the regional and national levels for primary and secondary schools. Children at the nursery level also participate in some of the activities, but only at the regional level.

The Children’s Costume Parade was introduced in 1996; this parade wraps up the series of activities and involves approximately 4000 plus children from schools and youth groups throughout Guyana. It is a collaborative effort among the Ministry of Education, the private sector and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

Students during the Children’s Costume Parade last year

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 30, 2015

TEL # 616 -0301/ 699 -6156

Carlsberg Happy Hours are back with a bang!!!

-Mahendra Ramkellawan kicks off ‘Carlsberg Fantasia’

CARLSBERG Beer and Southland International Inc. explode tomorrow at Club Harmony (Parfaite Hamonie, WBD) NO one returns with a ‘resounding bang’ like the Carlsberg Crew.

Last year they swept Guyana by storm, unleashing their ‘Carlsberg Fever’ with a scorching intensity.

And they are set to do just that and more in 2015… And it begins from this very weekend!!

Well, folks, to kick off things, Carlsberg Beer and Southland International Inc. explode tomorrow at

Club Harmony (Parfaite Hamonie, West Bank Demerara) from 9pm. And it seems like these folks are takings things to the limit, since Chutney Sensation Mahendra Ramkellwan is back to perform at this signature event.

He will be joined by belly dancing queen turned singer, ‘Sandella’, and ‘Johnny’, alongside the Caribbean Hot Shots Band.

The happy hour starts from midday, and would be a precursor to the live show which commences at 9pm.

On this same date, fans can check out the ‘Sawaiya’ location at Anna

Regina, Essequibo Coast for another Happy Hour Saga with music provided by ‘Chiney Asassin’. Similar action is set to be staged at ‘Bandar’s Place’.

Then On Sunday, February 01, the Carlsberg Hotties will move to Club Altitude in Sandy Babb Street, Kitty in the city, where fans can enjoy a half price offer on ‘sushi’ with 3 Carlsberg Beer for $1000. Do ensure you enjoy the Superbowl Experience’ there.

So Guyana, look out!! Carlsberg is again readying to take you by storm!!

MAHENDRA RAMKELLAWAN

Naya Zamana – A Royal Twist to be staged at NCC on January 31 THE National Cultural Centre is the place to be on Saturday, January 31st, when the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha presents its magnificent production Naya Zamana – A Royal Twist.

The show has all of the elements to make it a truly

Royal Twist follows renowned actress Riya Patel’s (played

by Dr. Indhira Harry) journey from stage to direction.

Riya’s dream is to present the epic love story of Salim and Anarkali of the Mughal era.

This story is intertwined with her own personal experiences,

an original one which she has penned.

Dr. Persaud has said that this year’s production has allowed her space to let her imagination run riot in crafting a script which conjures up the splendour and romance of a bygone era, as well as the dra-

spectacular extravaganza. Superb dance, music and drama combine with breath-taking and elaborate sets, special lighting effects, and glamorous and dazzling costumes in this not-to-be-missed presentation.

Meticulous attention has been paid to every detail.

Presented in story form, A

which include a surprise visit from the past in a grand Naya Zamana production that covers two eras.

Director and Choreographer of the production, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, has been working long hours with the 60-member cast to achieve the perfect visuals for her story,

ma of present day.

With numerous dance styles being featured, a fabulous soundtrack, talented cast, majestic sets and dazzling costumes, the production is bound to sparkle in every way.

Costumes and sets are designed by Trishala Persaud, and Cloud Nine Inc. has been

roped in to add spectacular lighting for the production.

Playing the lead roles are Dr. Indhira Harry, as actress turned director Riya Patel; US-based choreographer and dancer Noman Ahmad, as the debonair Sid Sharma; Zahrah Alli as the famous Mughal dancer Anarkali; Arun Subramaniam as Prince Saleem, and Nazim Hussain as Emperor Akbar.

Winner of the E-Networks Emerging Voices Competition, Vishale Sukram, will also be part of the production.

The cast of Naya Zamana is super excited to present this special installment of Naya Zamana, one of Guyana’s most awaited dance and theatrical productions. The producers are particularly inviting those who have never been to any Naya Zamana to come and experience the Naya Zamana magic.

This year, the production celebrates its 20th Anniversary.

Tickets for the show cost $3500, $3000 and $2000, and are on sale at the Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud Dharmic Kendra in Prashad Nagar; Red Mango on Robb Street; E-Networks at Camp Street and Port Mourant, Berbice); Bhagwans on Water Street; Payless Variety Store at Vreed-en-Hoop; and at the National Cultural

Centre. Patrons can also call 227-6181 or 219-1900 to

secure tickets from the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 30, 2015

Bombshell’s Hottest Babes…

GET ON BOARD THE PULSE PARTY TRUCK FOR MASH 2015

GABRIELLA PATRAM: Beautifully simple, simply beautiful

GABRIELLA PATRAM

OUR babe this week brings a refreshing difference to the platter with her aura of simplicity that almost evokes a cocoon of innocence around her.

Every woman is concerned about the ‘finer things of life’, but Gabriella does not make that her major concern or priority. She knows all men are not perfect; and, rest assured, hers will be specially made for her, and will love her till the end of time.

To say this diva is attractive is an understatement, and she knows this all too well. But does she walk around with her nose stuck up in the air, flaunting her fabulous assets? Certainly not!!!

Hers is an air of free-spirited fervor which adds an even more glitzy detail to her smashing good looks, and her

lack of ‘vain indifference’ makes her an even more appealing and desirable beauty.

Gabriella enjoys dancing, reading, travelling, and engaging in fruitful conversations with intelligent, considerate and creative individuals. She is a truly career-minded woman, and aspires to become quite a phenomenon in the international fashion world in the near future.

I know you ‘woman hounding’ males are already salivating and your heads are probably doing a spin in sensual anticipation; but let me warn you that Gabriella is not looking for Mr. Dynamite in any meaningful sort of way. She is just gracing our pages with her delightful presence

Chutney competition contenders in full gear for this weekend’s show-down

AS we gear our minds towards Mashramani celebrations 2015, Pulse Entertainment is giving ‘partyholics’ a once-in-a-lifetime experience with some of the wildest, most provocative concept parties that will set the tone for the grand costume and float parade, come February 23.

This year, be sure to pencil the dates into your calendar as soon as they are announced for the concerts leading up to Mashramani. There will be live performances by the best in the soca arena, but the icing on the cake will be the Pulse Entertainment party truck, titled “Heartbeats”. With this new invention, Guyanese are encouraged to be on the road, and moreso be on the Pulse Party Truck and have a blast.

Fete through the streets of Georgetown in style as Shall Marshall, Olatunji, Parliament, DJ X-Bass and DJ Ryan add some steam to the engines.

It will definitely be a live, heart pumping concert through the streets of Georgetown, and each and everyone can participate by just signing up today.

Patrons can party in comfort with the fully shaded trucks, comprising a beverage bar, food, and non-stop soca vibes all day long. Pulse Party Truck menu will be prepared by Dixie Lee Chicken, 704 Evolve, and Miami Subs.

Standard party packages cost $5000 while the VIP party package costs $10,000. The Celebrity party truck package costs $20,000 For details on sponsorship packages, contact the Pulse Entertainment Office at 223-8998, or via email at pulseent@hotmail.com

Joke of the Day! When Susan’s boyfriend proposed marriage to her, she said: “I love the simple things in life, but I don’t want one of them for my husband.”

They are ready and rearing to go!

ONE of the annual competitions in the Mashramani celebrations – the Chutney Monarch Competition – will be held at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground on the Essequibo Coast in Region 2 tomorrow.

A visit to the Shakti Stings’ Campbellville Bandroom yesterday saw contestants in high gear as they readied themselves for the

competition on Saturday.

A few of the competitors arrived yesterday from the USA. Each of the competitors has assured that his/her performance would be exciting, and each is very enthused to showcase his/her talents whilst simultaneously entertaining the Guyanese public.

This year will see 18 enthusiasts contesting for the crown, held by 2014

Monarch Pooran Seeraj.

Seeraj’s competitors are Roger Hinds, Harresh Singh, Dennis Tatpaul, Anant Hansraj, Harvey Gobin, Ravi D. Mohan, Bunty Singh, Steve Ramphal, Bow Tie (Canada), Fiona Singh, Savithri Li, Wanita Willie, Sonia Narine, Halima Khan, Chris Ken, Dennis Domar Singh and Merissa Deodat.

The chutney artistes will be accompanied by the

Shakti Strings Band. The music for each singer was arranged by Avinash Ramchand.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport wishes to extend best wishes to all the contenders who are participating in the competition.

The Bombshell is also pleased that several Guyanese chutney singers who reside overseas are in the competition.

Today’s Quote ...

Better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 30, 2015

‘Ancient County’ to roast You Shouldn’t Do That!!!

Wilful waste will under Carib Soca create dire want Monarch heat tomorrow in time to come

ITS organizers suggest that, from all indications, the 2014 Carib Soca Monarch is promising to be one of the biggest events in that competition’s history.

Come Saturday, January 31, East Berbice will be treated to sensational performances and fantastic renditions from some of Guyana’s premier musicians in the genre of soca. $1.5M will be up for grabs this year -- the same as was up for grabs last year -and Coordinator Nigel Worrell has highlighted that “just about every Soca artiste for the past 10 years has come out of the Soca Monarch, which is now the institution for every Soca artiste, and is used as a launching platform for greater things”.

To the contestants, some of whom are seasoned to the competition, ANSA Mc AL’s Nigel Worrell said: “Regardless of if you win or lose in this competition, you can be a winner based on what you take out of it.

Winning sometimes doesn’t always have to be on top, but

IN some countries, citizens are literally dying of thirst, and are longing for that precious, life-saving commodity called water.

Thus it leaves me perplexed trying to figure out why so many Guyanese continue to waste this precious liquid, even as the GWI continues to plead with us all to save water.

I was most annoyed when I visited the village of Clonbrook just recently and discovered that, at one resident’s home, the water was left to flow for hours from a hose that was not fitted with a tap to turn it on or off.

There was a tub with clothing set nearby, so it appeared as if someone was preparing to wash some laundry. The sad thing is that they never did, up to the moment I departed

Some of the Artistes and organisers at a press conference hosted at ANSA McAL’s Beterverwagting (BV) Head Office, ECD. you can take a lot out of it to move forward with.”

Worrell noted that it was a tedious task selecting the best from 32 entries, only 18 could have been selected, to be exact; but he pointed out that those selected were a cut above the others.

Apart from the lucrative first prize of $1.5M, second place winner would be awarded $500,000 and third

place winner $250,000.

Te competitors are listed in the order in which they will appear on stage on Saturday: Timeka ‘Lady T’ Sinclair, Levar ‘Azhula’ Gittens, Jermaine ‘De Venom’ McBean, Onassis ‘Ryan T’ Croker, Jory Hector, Kemmyanna ‘Kemmy’ Garnett, Quacy ‘Avalanche’ Coates, George ‘Chiney’ Abrams,

Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts, Ashanti ‘AJ’ Hostad, Ernesta ‘Nesta’ Nelson, Jonathan ‘Lil Red’ King, Adrian Dutchin, Mark ‘Ilaman’ Amar, Orlando ‘Bonesman’ Johansen, Devon ‘Zagga B’ Lewis, and Jumo ‘Rubber Waist’ Primo.

Defending Champion Kwasi ‘Ace’ Edmonds will feature in the finals, set for February 14 at the National Park.

Y3K to represent Gt in NY

GUYANESE performing Group Y3K is set to represent this country and the Caribbean at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on February 7, on behalf of the international women’s advocacy group, One Billion Rising.

The local youth band has been featured at a number of events throughout the country, and will be performing its original song, “Revolution Girl”, to an international audience as an “artistic rising of the revolution

Y3K singers

on violence against our women”.

According to the group Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness (CADVA), Y3K will be the only group representing the Caribbean at the One Billion Rising New York event.

One Billion Rising is a global campaign which aims to end violence against women through artistic expression. This group has been in existence since 2012.

Look how dese people wasting our precious water.

that village. I visited at 10:00 hrs and left at 14:00 hrs, and the water was still flowing from the hose and running into a drain nearby.

I bellowed until my throat was aching, but no one answered or ventured out of the house to respond.

I walked into the yard and tried to find a tap, but there was none to turn the water off. I even looked for a piece of fabric to plug the hose, but there was none in the yard, and I dared not touch any of the filthy plastic and other materials that were lying around in the yard. So I had no other alternative than to leave, but not before telling a boy who was watching his daddy’s cattle nearby to tell the owners to plug that pipe the moment they arrived home.

My warning to the irresponsible members of that household is to cherish the facility of running water delivered to your home, and to avoid wasting that water.

Remember, “wilful waste does bring woeful want in time to come.”

Seventh Miss Guyana Renaissance Pageant set for April FOLKS are greatly anticipating the 7th leg of the Miss Guyana Renaissance Pageant, slated for April 04, 2015 at the National Cultural Centre.

This uniquely different pageant caters for the mature professional Guyanese woman aged thirty years and older. It also serves as a catalyst to re-educate the public about the value, accomplishment, dignity, leadership skills, and cultural awareness of mature Guyanese women.

The contestants will compete in categories of Talent, Corporate Attire, Formal Wear, and a Question-and-Answer segment to determine the winner.

In addition to a $100,000 cash award, the queen would receive promotional prizes, a North America and Caribbean trip, a weekend at one of Guyana’s tourist resorts, participation in Continuing Education Programmes, opportunity to make guest appearances at televised media forums (locally), and in the USA and the Caribbean; and so much more!

The delegates would also be paying courtesy calls on several senior citizens’ homes in Guyana running up to actual pageant night.

The winner of the 2012 leg of this pageant was Dr. Vivienne Mitchell-Amata.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 30, 2015

Local website enthusiasts make corporate advertising easier WITH every intention of making corporate advertising easier and much more affordable, a group of ‘website specialists’ has formulated a new initiative which carries all the feature of the other social web pages, but tops them all with a forum that allows the user to advertise and market his/her business, services and products for free!!!

The new team is taking Guyana by storm, and is presently involved in extensive campaigning to rake in those well deserving entities and individuals who so rightly should be allowed free commercial opportunities.

This week, we feature just a few of the splendid opportunities made possible by ‘Wafugee’.

All you have to do, folks, is to visit http://www.wagugee.com and building your profile is made so much easier. So what are you waiting for folks? Log on and enjoy the endless opportunities this website has to offer.

Here is just a bite of your endless website thrills...

1. Wafugee Classifieds.

2. List items you have for sale in the marketplace; such as, vehicles, machinery, equipment and surplus construction items, to name a few. Your search experience is refined for more exact search by the use of several layers of filters. A general filter allows search-by-item category as in Machinery, Vehicles, Furniture, Mining, Agriculture, Services, etc. and you can simultaneously upload an item in up to three categories. Another by name of the item; another by keywords, such as latest on this market, most viewed, most liked, most discussed; another by time line, as in all time, this month, this week and today; and another by address, as in country, district and street. These filter layers allow Suppliers to hit target markets the first time every time, bringing their stuff on the first page of search results of Consumers that have unique tastes and preferences.

You can also post several pictures of your listings, a short description and a more detailed description, including features, specification and price. Choose everyone to see your listing as your preferred setting. Say where this item is

located, using our Google Map tagging feature.

Viewers will easily see the Supplier who has created this Listing, and can comment and share this item by posting it on their wall, on a friend’s wall, invite and email friends, bookmark this item in other popular social sites, print this item, as well as contact the seller right here in one convenient and seamless effort.

2. Wafugee Business Directory. Businesses can list in wafugee Business Directory by their names, logos, categories, websites, customer service emails, slogans, bios, addresses, phones, faxes and opening hours; tag your business address in Google Map by drag, and drop the map marker to your address, allowing customers to physically see the business’s location in map and satellite views. You can create an album to highlight milestones of your business in pictures.

You can also add documents; Wafugee supports several file types, including .avi .bmo .doc .fly .gif .jpg mov .mp3 .mp4 .mpeg .mpg .pdf .png .ppt .psd .rar .swf .txt .wav .xcl .zip. You can add products and services you supply to this account; and Wafugee offers several features, including add news, events, manage your followers, create an advertising campaign, manage your news, photos, documents, locations, events and products, create your Business Page to post and share with your Customers deals and promotions, upload pictures to promote your products, and open a store in the Wafugee “Store” module, if you haven’t done so as yet. Organizations and Institutions can also use the Wafugee business directory to reach out to their members and the public.

Consumers can search for businesses by categories; keywords; address, including country, city and within a certain distance range from your location, by tagging your address in our Google Map Tool. Customers can follow a Business; share information about this Business by messaging; email to friends and contacts, and bookmark in several popular social sites, including Facebook, Myspace, Reddit, Google, Twitter, etc

Bombshell’s hottest dudes…

Darryl Wiltshire is the essence of ‘masculinity’ WITHOUT breaking a stride, we come again this year with a hot, fresh and tantalizing serving of ‘male morsels’ dipped in the alluring aura of ‘primitive raunchiness’, and just waiting for you

ladies to dig in and appease your wanton appetites.

First on the platter, and ready for the taking, is the very aggressive, raunchy and irresistible Darryl Wiltshire, who raves that

Tel # 695 -7004

Get in de soca fevah wid ‘Lil Red’ Mash Up D Place - By Lil Red (2015 Soca Monarch) Intro Its a celebration after hard work Its a celebration after hard work Joey ya ready, well alright we come to mash up d place OAOA!!!, leh we go, ROJO!!!

Chorus Mash up D place, Mash up D place Mash, Mash, Mash, Mash, Mash up D place Mash up D place, Mash up D place Mash, Mash, Mash, Mash, Mash up D place Stomp the stage, leh we Mash up D place Wine ya waist, leh we Mash up D place Jump and wave, leh we Mash up D place OAOA!!!

Verse 1 We causing destruction, mashing up over here So free up ya heart, do what you want, drinking water or beers Hot and sweaty, wining till i soak down to meh underwear We don’t care, don’t have no fear, just mashing up D place this year Ah tell them is we own, is we own And they cant tell we what to do Yes Mashramani is we own, is we own Right now i gon stomp on the ground Jump all around and mash up D town, eh Chorus Mash up D place, Mash up D place Mash, Mash, Mash, Mash, Mash up D place Mash up D place, Mash up D place Mash, Mash, Mash, Mash, Mash up D place Stomp the stage, leh we Mash up D place Wine ya waist, leh we Mash up D place Jump and wave, leh we Mash up D place OAOA Verse 2 Republic day... yeah We celebrating since 1970 23 rd of February... yeah Some people call it carnival GT call it Mashramani Costume like rainbow on the road Sexy gal them wining looking good Big truck base line banging on the road Nuff people watching the passing float We in the zone, aint going home, till tomorrow Chorus We come out to Mash up D place, Mash up D place Mash, Mash, Mash, Mash, Mash up D place Mash up D place, Mash up D place Mash, Mash, Mash, Mash, Mash up D place Stomp the stage, leh we Mash up D place Wine ya waist, leh we Mash up D place Jump and wave, leh we Mash up D place OAOA!!!

Darryl Wiltshire

his “masculine charm and sensual stamina” are too hot a combination for the ladies to handle.

Well, ladies who truly love a challenge and want to be heroines have here an opportunity to unleash their suave charisma on this poor soul! You never know where it would lead!

But I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t warn you: Getting close to this dude is at your own risk. For, my Bombshell divas, “I think he get ah gyal-fren ahready, and rumour has it dat she venomous and would throttle any female who dares to come within striking distance of her ‘most prized possession’.

If perchance I’ve succeeded in scaring you off, ladies, then you might want to try again next week; I’m pretty sure the next dude will be disarmingly available.

23

Bridge Guyanese every, mash it up Put ya hands in the air, mash it up Like you dont care, mash it up Any time,any where,mash it up Guyanese every, mash it up Put ya hands in the air, mash it up Like you dont care, mash it up ROJO!!!

Verse 3 Stomp on the stage and mash it up Jump on the stage and mash it up Pump on the stage and mash it up Bounce on the stage and mash it up Stomp on the stage and mash it up Jump on the stage and mash it up Pump on the stage and mash it up Bounce on the stage and mash it up THE END Written By Jonathan ‘Lil Red’ King

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Mother, businessman implicated in human-trafficking

By Jeune VanKeric THE mother of a 16-year-old girl, along with an East Canje businessman, are among persons who are being investigated as the main players in a human-trafficking matter.

The teenaged victim had been deceived and coerced into prostitution by the person she thought would have protected her: Her mother.

The scheme unravelled a few days ago, after the teen became “fed up” with the many relationships she was forced to endure .

It started when she was 14 years old after her parents were separated .To generate an income, her mother operated a shop in the village and sold rum. Men would gather to consume the alcoholic beverages, and the minor was made to satisfy the sexual appetites of the much older men, after being taken to various locations in the New Amsterdam and East Canje areas.

During the two-year ordeal, the teen was enslaved in her home, locked in, and abused by her mother. For months, she endured assaults and isolation. Terrified, she submitted to the orders of her mother.

But, just after her 16th birthday, she ran out of the house and made contact with her father who lived along the West Coast of Berbice .

The teenager told her father that she wanted to see him, and during their subsequent meeting, she disclosed what she had endured in his absence.

Thereafter, medical practitioners confirmed that she had been sexually violated, and the matter was reported to the Child Protection Agency .

Meanwhile, the file has been sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for further advice.

Trafficking in persons and human trafficking refer to situations when someone

obtains or holds a person in compelling service.

Sexual trafficking has devasting consequences for minors, including lasting physical and psychological trauma, disease including HIV/AIDS , drug addiction, unintended pregnancy , malnutrition, social ostracism and death.

In August 2013, Candace Abigale Anderson along with her common-law husband, Wesley Hart, alias “Stone,” of Lot 76 Middle Street, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, was sentenced by Magistrate Adela Nagamootoo to 10 years imprisonment on a charge of trafficking in persons .

The couple was found guilty of trafficking four under-aged girls who were recruited from Berbice and transported to Itaballi and Oko backdam in the County of Essequibo. There, the girls were harboured for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Three remanded following 93lbs drug bust TAXI driver Puran Persaud, aged 32, of Lot 62 Rosignol, West Coast Berbice, along with 41-year-old fisherman Puran Ramoo of Lot 38 Bath Settlement, WCB and his 24-year-old girlfriend Liana Ramsundar, a customer service representative of a telecommunications company, were yesterday refused bail and remanded to prison until February 26 when they appeared before Fort Wellington Magistrate Rhondel Weaver, charged with being in possession of cannabis sativa (marijuana) for the purpose of trafficking.

The prosecution’s case is that Persaud was intercepted with 25 parcels containing 41kg, 945g (92.75lbs) of what is suspected to be cannabis sativa following a drug bust at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice on Monday, January 26.

A police release detailed that at about 19:25h 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 kilogrammes, 945 grammes of cannabis sativa (marijuana) were found. The release said the driver was arrested and his vehicle detained by the police.

The release continued that subsequent investigations led to the arrest of another man and a woman and a seizure of a further 255 grammes of marijuana. The two men and the woman are in police custody assisting

- in West Berbice

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 30, 2015

Aries A rush of intense love and romantic passion for a special someone might turn your mind toward marriage. The wedding of a friend may contribute to these thoughts. Your partner may still have doubts about moving to the next level of commitment, even though there’s no question that he or she truly loves you. Be patient and hold your tongue. You will know when the time is right.

Taurus Today you could experience a strong desire to clear your psyche of past traumas that limit you. You may decide to register for a seminar or workshop of some kind. If you sign up today, all signs are that you will not only attain the results you want but you will also meet some interesting new people. Among them could be a potential love partner. Go for it, and have fun.

Gemini Love, passion, romance, and marriage - your mind will focus on these matters all day even if there’s no special person in your life right now. If you are involved, don’t be surprised if talk of a long-term commitment creeps into your conversations with your beloved. If you aren’t involved, someone new and exciting could appear on the scene. When you go out, make sure you look your best.

Cancer The approach of a very special visitor might cause you to thoroughly clean your house. Afterward, you could look for new and interesting ways to dress it up with some new plants, throw pillows, or other decorative touches. This can be tiresome, but definitely worthwhile. When your friend arrives, he or she will feel at home. Work hard and then make yourself look great.

Leo Romantic novels and movies could be more appealing than usual today. You’re in an especially intense mindset. If you’re involved, your relationship could be near the point where it has to move ahead or end. Chances are it will move ahead. If you aren’t attached, your loving nature will attract more than one potential partner into your aura. Be prepared, and expect the unexpected.

Virgo Your financial situation could get a strong boost today. This might be due to a contract you’ve just signed, perhaps involving some work you will do on your own rather than for an employer. The project may have strong personal significance. The creative arts could be involved, as well as technology. Be prepared for a busy month, but it will be a great one. Go for the gold!

Libra Today you may decide to study healing. You could read about alternative methods regarding diet, herbs, aromatherapy, massage, or acupuncture. You might decide to learn some hands-on methods. Whether or not you ever practice any of these professionally, learning about them should transform your life for the better on both physical and emotional levels. Make the most of it.

Puran Persaud

Puran Ramoo

with the investigations.

However, investigations by this newspaper revealed that when Persaud was ques-

to meet him at the Fort Wellington drying floor.

The fisherman and his girlfriend allegedly turned up at the Fort Wellington drying floor and were quickly taken into custody by the ranks. A search carried out on the female at the Fort Wellington Police station unearthed $700,000 in her handbag, while her partner had US$900 in his possession.

The police allege that the couple also confessed to sharing a common-law relationship, which caused ranks to visit their home, where a parcel wrapped in plastic was found in a chair cushion.

A scale was also seized.

This newspaper was informed that $800,000 was offered as an inducement to bribe the police officers.

The accused, however, denied all charges levied against them in court.

Liana Ramsundar tioned about the multi-coloured bag which contained several plastic-wrapped parcels, he claimed it was owned by a fisherman from Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice. He subsequently telephoned the fisherman to inform him of his predicament, and urged him

Scorpio Today you might decide to sign up for an advanced course of some kind. This might include world religions or perhaps meditation. Stay out of bookstores, both physical and online. You might spend a fortune on books on your chosen subject. The effect of this is likely to be more profound than a simple accumulation of knowledge. Prepare to be transformed.

Sagittarius A group of friends may invite you to attend a festival or workshop involving the creative arts or metaphysical studies, or perhaps both. You might resist at first, but once you get there you will find the subject and instructor captivating.

Afterward, you won’t want to talk about it. You will be too preoccupied with your thoughts. Write them down. You will want to remember them later.

Capricorn If you’ve considered a career in healing, psychic, or spiritual studies or the creative arts, today the opportunity to make that dream a reality could come your way. A close friend could open the door for you. Your own psychic and artistic abilities should be operating at a very high level, so don’t be intimidated.

You’re good at what you do and are likely to remain so.

Aquarius Romance could be on your mind today. This could be due to a recent wonderful encounter with a love partner. Since then, listening to romantic music may have enhanced your feelings. You will want to schedule another meeting, but you might hold back because you don’t want to seem pushy. Go ahead and call your friend. You might be pleasantly surprised by the response.

Pisces A very beautiful, romantic dream could inspire exalted artistic activities today.

You might want to paint, draw, write, compose music, sew, or cook up a new recipe. Whatever you do, you won’t do it simply for your own amusement. You will want to show your work to others and seek their opinions and approval.

Your business acumen could be as active as your artistic side.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 30, 2015

Golden Jaguars leave today for International Friendly against Barbados

By Rawle Toney BASKING in optimism for success on Sunday, February 1, the Golden Jaguars, Guyana’s senior National football team will depart today for Barbados where they will play the island’s National unit in an international friendly at the Barbados National Stadium.

The Guyanese, behind head coach Jamaal Shabazz are hoping to use Sunday’s game as a catalyst for a productive 2015 on the pitch.

Christopher Nurse, who is considered one of the country’s most successful captains, will once again be given the hand band against the ‘Bajans’ while Canadian Emery Welshman will have his first International cap after being selected in the 18-man squad.

Trinidad and Tobago’s ProLeague side Central FC goalkeeper Akel Clarke and Derrick Carter are the chosen custodians while the defence will be managed by Solomon Austin (Western Tigers), Jamaal Smith (Caledonia AIA), Colin Nelson (Slingerz FC), Kris Camacho (Alpha United), Joshua Brown (Slingerz FC) and Dwain Jacobs (Slingerz FC).

Trayon Bobb (Caledonia AIA), Daniel Wilson (Alpha United), Vurlon Mills (Slingerz FC), Eusi Phillips (GDF), Calvin Shepherd (Slingerz FC) and Clive Nobrega (Slingerz) FC along

with Nurse are the midfield players.

Welshman, the former Toronto FC forward, is joined by Alpha United’s Sheldon Holder and Caledonia AIA’s Pernell Schultz.

“We selected the players who we thought are more match-ready in terms of fitness and the ones who would adapt to the tactics given the short period. It’s a good blend of youth and experience with more than half the squad under 25. At this point there are no more foreign or local players. The selected squad is in fact the Guyana National Team,” Shabazz said, speaking on the team’s selection.

Shabazz, who was at the helm of Guyana’s football during its most successful period, further lauded the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Normalisation Committee, who, he said, “ensured all the players were paid their per diem stipends before they left camp. This is a huge sign of their commitment to players’ welfare and professional approach.

The unity and togetherness shown by the players during the camp made it impossible to tell who was foreign-born, foreignbased or local-based”.

Meanwhile, the Trinidadian reaffirmed the game against Barbados holds relevance, noting “the game will reveal the truth about where Guyana football is at the moment.

Because of the heights we want to take Guyana football to we need to keep it real as to where we are right now”.

With Guyana also in World Cup preparation mode, Shabazz believes “the Barbados game will not lie, it will tell the truth in the results and the score line. The Guyana public is tired of deception and spinners of the truth. Before we can go anywhere we first got to know where we are.

This game on Sunday will tell us that”.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 30, 2015

Murray books fourth final, Serena to face Sharapova and earned a gentle rebuke from French chair umpire Pascal Maria.

The Scot returned to the court a raging bull, throwing Berdych from side to side and returning every baseline rocket with interest.

The late match followed on from some fierce

Serena Williams

By Ian Ransom MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - After three heartbreaking trips to the final, Andy Murray secured another shot at Australian Open glory by overhauling Tomas Berdych yesterday after women’s top seed Serena Williams set up a blockbuster title-decider with Maria Sharapova.

Edged in a marathon first set, Murray fired up after a frosty exchange with the hard-hitting Czech and blazed to a 6-7(6), 6-0, 6-3, 7-5 victory under the lights of Rod Laver Arena.

The sixth-seeded Scot will contest his first grand slam final since his emotional triumph at Wimbledon in 2013. His next opponent will be decided in today’s semifinal between world number one Novak Djokovic and champion Stan Wawrinka.

Murray’s clinical disposal of Rafael Nadal’s conqueror sent an ominous signal to his eventual challenger and thrilled the

centre court crowd, after the women’s semifinals were earlier wrapped up in straight sets.

With his former assistant coach Dani Vallverdu sitting in Berdych’s player’s box, Murray made redundant any plans the two might have hatched by taming the Czech’s monster serve and cutting him to pieces in the baseline exchanges.

“I changed tactics a little bit (after the first set) but also I was getting more comfortable with the conditions and Tomas’s ball,” Murray said courtside on a chilly, breezy night.

“I made him do most of the running ... which was important.”

Murray sealed the match with a thumping ace down the ‘T’ after three hours and 26 minutes.

Arguably the match was won when the rangy Czech poked the Scottish bear at the change of ends after winning a tense first set.

Glaring at Murray, the Czech muttered a few words

Maria Sharapova skirmishes earlier in the day when top seed Williams brushed aside teenager Madison Keys, the latest member of ‘generation next’ trying to steal her crown.

Williams was pushed hard by her 19-year-old challenger in a duel between two of the game’s hardest hitters before triumphing 7-6(5), 6-2 to reach her first Melbourne Park final in five years.

NEXT TORCHBEARER Keys burnished her credentials as the next torchbearer for American tennis, defiantly saving eight match points as her opponent roared in frustration before Williams sealed the contest with an ace down the middle.

“She’s obviously a great player,” Williams said

Participating schools receive balls from sponsor AS THE 3rd Petra/Milo Under-20 Football tournament prepares to kick off tomorrow at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue, Nestle Milo Brand Representative Renita Sital made another call for parents to support the tournament.

The tournament, according to Sital, is one which must be supported - comments which she said are not coming as a sponsor, but as a fan of the competition.

Siltal’s plea was made at the handingover of balls to the 32 schools which will aid in their preparation throughout the tournament.

Meanwhile, co-Director of Petra Orgnisation, Troy Mendonca, speaking on

courtside, still suffering a cold and breaking into coughs.

“I think she’s going to be winning this tournament very soon and lots of other grand slams.

“I was really happy to see her do so well and be such a great sport at the same time.”

Williams, who retains her world number one ranking by reaching the final, will face the woman she has tormented for over a decade, 27-year-old Sharapova, who trounced Ekaterina Makarova 6-3, 6-2 in the first semifinal.

Five-time grand slam champion Sharapova will

the appointment of a Technical Director by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Normalisation Committee, said, “This is indeed a great move by the Normalisation Committee so whatever efforts we make, hopefully will be incorporated into the plans of the GFF.” THE four matches scheduled to be played on opening day are: Freeburg versus Charlestown at 11:00hrs and that will be followed by the clash between North Georgetown and Mae’s from 12:20hrs.

Queen’s College will then tackle School of the Nations at 14:00hrs and in the final game at 15:30hrs Kingston square off against Tucville.

Andy Murray

be hoping a 15-match losing streak against her American nemesis, stretching back to 2004, will have no bearing come tomorrow.

Sharapova, a 2008 champion at Melbourne Park, lost to Williams in the 2007 final and again in the final at the 2013 French Open.

Most streaks are eventually broken and Sharapova, fit and in ominous form, took heart from her win over Makarova.

“I think my confidence should be pretty high going into a final of a grand slam no matter who I’m facing and whether I’ve had a terrible record, to say the

least, against someone,” she said.

“It doesn’t matter. I got there for a reason. I belong in that spot.”

As with her quarterfinal trouncing of Eugenie Bouchard, Sharapova’s game-plan was devastatingly simple - winding up the forehand and bludgeoning anything remotely short of the baseline.

Sharapova will be busy before tomorrow’s final, working out how to beat Williams.

“I think her power and her aggressiveness, I think that’s always made me a little bit too aggressive, maybe going for a little bit more than I had to,” said the Russian, whose overall winloss record against Williams stands at 2-16.

“She’s great at making players hit that shot that you don’t necessarily have to go for.

“It’s been a really difficult matchup for me but I am a competitor.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 30, 2014

Record-breaker Sangakkara sets up Sri Lanka win with unbeaten 113

Scoreboard

… gets record for most dismissals in ODIs

(REUTERS) - Kumar Sangakkara scored an unbeaten 113 and then returned to break the world record for the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in one-day internationals as Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 34 runs in the seventh and final match in Wellington yesterday.

Sangakkara’s 21st oneday hundred anchored Sri Lanka to 287 for six after the visitors opted to bat first on winning the toss.

New Zealand, who won the series 4-2, never recovered from losing early wickets in their chase and were all out for 253 in the 46th over.

The hosts were reduced to 42-3 in the 12th over and barring a 74-run stand between Luke Ronchi (47) and Daniel Vettori (35) for the seventh wicket, Sri Lanka always looked in control.

Kane Williamson topscored for New Zealand with 54 while Kyle Mills hit a 17ball 30 towards the end.

The 37-year-old Sangakkara, who is expected to retire from international cricket after the World Cup, passed Adam Gilchrist as the most successful wicketkeeper when he caught Corey Anderson off the bowling of Shaminda Eranga.

He later added another catch to the tally when he pouched Tim Southee off Thisara Perera, taking his career total to 474 dismissals with 378 catches and 96 stumpings in the 50-over format when he played as a wicketkeeper.

Australia’s Gilchrist achieved 472 dismissals in 287 one-day matches.

“The entire team has been working very hard. The hard work has paid off with some good performances out in the middle,” man-of-thematch Sangakkara said at the presentation.

“I just try to do the basics as well as I can.”

Earlier, Tillakaratne Dilshan (81) and Lahiru Thirimanne (30) gave Sri Lanka a good start, adding

Kumar Sangakkara’s unbeaten 113 off 105 balls leads Sri Lanka to a 34-run victory against New Zealand in Wellington.

71 for the opening wicket before the latter fell leg-before to Anderson.

Sangakkara walked out at number three and then added 104 for the second wicket before Dilshan was out caught by wicketkeeper Ronchi off paceman Southee.

Sri Lanka lost a few quick wickets but Sangakkara held the innings together

and brought up his century with a crisp pull-shot off Mitchell McClenaghan.

The stylish left-hander hit 14 boundaries in his 105-ball knock.

Anderson finished with three wickets for 59 runs for New Zealand.

The World Cup, which is co-hosted

by New Zealand and Australia, runs from February 14 to March 29.

Africa Nations Cup ...

Racing Tips

Guinea through, Mali out after drawing of lots GUINEA have reached the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals at the expense of Mali after the drawing of lots.

Michel Dussuyer’s side will face Ghana on Sunday following the draw at a Malabo hotel.

Guinea and Mali had finished level in Group D after they drew all three pool matches 1-1.

It is the first time lots have decided a team’s qualification in the tournament since 1988, when Algeria profited at Ivory Coast’s expense.

This time, Ivory Coast finished top of Group D in Equatorial Guinea after beating Cameroon 1-0 - the only match in the group not to finish in a 1-1 draw.

One representative from Guinea and Mali took part

in yesterday’s draw, which involved selecting balls from a bowl.

Mali’s football association president Boubacar Diarra went first and pulled out the ball that placed them third in the group.

Amara Dabo, financial director of the Guinea sports ministry, then drew the ball that confirmed his side in second place.

Guinea coach Michel Dussuyer and Mali boss Henri Kasperczak had both said before yesterday’s draw that lots were an unfair way of deciding who went through.

“Mali do not deserve to be eliminated in this way, just as we do not,” Dussuyer said.

Kasperczak added: “We have to solve the problems

SRI LANKA innings L. Thirimanne lbw b Anderson 30 T. Dilshan c Ronchi b Southee 81 K. Sangakkara not out 113 M. Jayawardene c Ronchi b Southee 14 S. Prasanna lbw b Mills 1 D. Chandimal c Ronchi b Anderson 5 T. Perera c Mills b Anderson 20 N. Kulasekara not out 12 Extras: (lb-2, w-9) 11 Total: (for 6 wickets, 50 overs) 287 Fall of wickets: 1-71, 2-175, 3-203, 4-209, 5-231, 6-253.

Bowling: K. Mills 8-1-42-1 (w-2), T. Southee 10-0-50-2 (w-1), M. McClenaghan 9-0-47-0, D. Vettori 8-0-52-0 (w-1), C. Anderson 9-0-593 (w-2), G. Elliott 4-0-24-0 (w-2), K. Williamson 2-0-11-0.

NEW ZEALAND innings M. Guptill lbw b N. Kulasekara 0 T. Latham b Eranga 6 K. Williamson c M. Jayawardene b Dilshan 54 R. Taylor b Chameera 11 G. Elliott c Chandimal b Chameera 24 C. Anderson c Sangakkara b Eranga 29 L. Ronchi b N. Kulasekara 47 D. Vettori b Prasanna 35 K. Mills run-out 30 T. Southee c Sangakkara b Perera 1 M. McClenaghan not out 5 Extras: (lb-5, w-6) 11 Total: (all out, 45.2 overs) 253 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-11, 3-42, 4-101, 5-121, 6-141, 7-215, 8-218, 9-225.

Bowling: N. Kulasekara 9-0-552 (w-3), S. Eranga 9-1-34-2 (w-1), S. Prasanna 9.2-0-30-1 (w-1), D. Chameera 8-0-60-2, T. Perera 5-0-421 (w-1), T. Dilshan 5-0-27-1.

America racing Tips

Velvet

12:15 hrs Todd

Aqueduct

Irish Racing Tips

Catterick

Race 1 Samus

Dundalk

Race 2 Supsa

13:35 hrs Viaduct Joey

09:10 hrs Turtle Cask

Race 3 Xixixi Race 4 Cosmo Blue

10:45 hrs Definitly Red

15:35 hrs Moving On Up

11:20 hrs Argent Knight 11:55 hrs Russborough

South Africa Racing Tips

16:05 hrs Robin’s Choice 16:35 hrs Thirteen Diamonds

Greyville

17:05 hrs Luimneach Abu

Chepstow

11:55 hrs Jet Fuel

English Racing Tips

12:30 hrs Buffalo Bill

09:20 hrs Chosen Well

Lingfield

13:05 hrs Karella

09:00 hrs Tarooq

09:50 hrs Sail By The Sea

13:35 hrs Silver Honey

09:30 hrs Feb Thirtyfirst

14:10 hrs Artistically Done

10:00 hrs Singular Quest

14:45 hrs Cherry Tripper 15:15 hrs Bomi

10:35 hrs Encapsulated 11:10 hrs Mojawiz

15:45 hrs Black

11:45 hrs Vejovis

Race 6 Royal Currier

of qualification without a drawing of lots.”

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), which organises the tournament, said that alternative systems to separate teams would be considered in future.

CAF media director Junior Binyam said: “We have to stand by the regulation but also think about how we can improve it.

“It’s not fair to have a team going out like this. It really is the worst decision

- to have to make a decision this way - because everybody expected it would be decided on the field.”

At Euro 2008, UEFA had ruled that Turkey and the Czech Republic - who went into their final group match against each other with identical records - would have been separated by a penalty shootout had they drawn.

Turkey won the match 3-2. (BBC Sport)

14:35 hrs Acroleina

10:10 hrs Moonlight Maggie

15:05 hrs Maira

Race 5 Take Issue

Guinea coach Michel Dussuyer

14:05 hrs Togoville

09:40 hrs Frederic

Race 7 Deficit Hawk Race 8 Conzig

12:25 hrs Simply Sam

10:20 hrs Mackerye End 10:55 hrs Strange Bird 11:30 hrs Garde Fou 12:05 hrs Fourovakind 12:35 hrs Amber Gambler

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 30, 2015

Amir vows to return a reformed player after reprieve (REUTERS) - Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir vowed to put behind a spotfixing scandal and return as a reformed player after the International Cricket Council (ICC) gave him an early reprieve yesterday for a return to domestic cricket.

“This is the best day of my life as the last five years have been a big lesson for me,” Amir told Reuters.

“I don’t just want to get back as a top cricketer but also as a better human being who has reformed himself.”

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Amir were all banned for spotfixing during Pakistan’s tour of England in 2010, particularly for bowling deliberate no-balls by prearrangement during the fourth Test at Lord’s.

The trio, who also served jail sentences in Britain, were given minimum five-year bans by an ICC tribunal while Butt was also given a twoyear suspended sentence.

“I need just a month or so to get back to match fitness but it is yet to be decided when and with which team I will resume playing cricket,” Amir said.

With the first class matches in Pakistan over this season, Amir only has the possibility of either playing the non-first class Grade Two tournament or in the super eight T20 event after the World Cup. The 22-year-old sought everyone’s support in his comeback bid.

“I promise I will not disappoint them and I will try to allay their concerns with my behaviour and performance on the field.

“I am also ready to play my role in helping players understand why it is important to play cricket according to its spirit.”

Amir’s five-year ban was scheduled to expire on September 2 but ICC’s anti-corruption unit (ACSU) chairman Ronnie Flanagan exercised his discretion

According to a revised anti-corruption code, a banned player can appeal to ICC’s ACSU to allow him to resume playing domestic cricket before the end of his ban.

The PCB decided to

NOTABLE DATES

Mohammad Ami to allow him to return to domestic cricket with immediate effect.

“The ACSU Chairman was satisfied that Amir had cooperated with the ACSU by fully disclosing his part in the matters that led to his disqualification, admitting his guilt, showing remorse and cooperating with the Unit’s ongoing investigations and

GSCL Inc. Republic Cup bowls off tomorrow THE Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. Republic Cup bowls off tomorrow with matches at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and Everest grounds.

The tournament will be played in the Over-40 and Open categories.

The drawing took place on Wednesday afternoon at GNIC Sports Club and the six teams that will battle in the Over-40 division for a top prize of $200 000 and a trophy were placed into two zones with teams in Zone A battling their Zone B counterparts.

The top four teams will advance to the semis; the runners-up will take home a trophy and $100 000.

Four teams will play each other in the Open segment with the top two teams going through to the final. The winners will pocket a trophy and $150 000 and the runners-up a trophy and $60 000.

The Over-40 Zone A is comprised of Amazon XI, Industry Superkings and Regal Masters while Zone B comprises Tropical Spring Masters, Floodlight and Parika Defenders.

In the Over-40 at 09:30hrs at DCC tomorrow, Regal will play Floodlight on pitch one and Amazon XI will face Parika Defenders on pitch two. At 13:00hrs, Regal will battle Tropical Spring on pitch one and

help Amir with his appeal but ruled out helping Butt and Asif with any relaxation.

Former Pakistan legspinner Danish Kaneria is also serving a life ban since 2012 for spot-fixing.

Floodlight will take on Amazon XI on pitch two.

At Everest at 09:30hrs Industry Superkings will challenge Tropical Spring on pitch one and at 13:00hrs Superkings will play Parika Defenders on pitch one.

On Sunday at 09:30hrs at Everest, Regal will take on Parika Defenders on pitch three and at DCC Superkings will face Floodlight on pitch one and Amazon XI will tackle Tropical Spring on pitch two.

The semi-finals of this category will be played from 13:00hrs on Sunday at Everest.

The team with the most points will take on the fourth-place finishers while second-placers will play third.

In the Open segment tomorrow at Everest at 09:30hrs, Regal will match skills with Wolf’s Warriors on pitch three and Speed Boat will face Farm on pitch two.

At 13:30hrs at the same venue, Farm will take on Regal on pitch three and Speed Boat will entertain Wolf’s Warriors on pitch two.

On Sunday at Everest at 09:00hrs Regal will battle Speed Boat on pitch one and Wolf’s Warriors will tackle Farm on pitch two.

The finals will be contested on February 8 at Everest.

by recording messages for the ACSU education sessions,” the governing body said in a statement.

Left-arm paceman Amir was marked as a great prospect for Pakistan in his early days and at the age of 18 he became the youngest bowler to capture 50 Test wickets during the controversial Test match at Lord’s in 2010.

FEATHERWEIGHT boxer Joseph Ignatius Murray defeated Bahamian Cornbread Williams on January 30, 1989. It was the 10th fight of Murray’s career and took place in Nassau, Bahamas.

Williams never fought again. Murray was born on May 6, 1967 and had his first professional fight in October 1987 when he KOed Keith Anthony in the first round. He won the Guyana featherweight title in December 1990 following a fourth round TKO of Lalta Narine.

Three years later, Murray produced what is regarded as the best performance of his 13-year career. The orthodox boxer became the World Boxing Council FECARBOX super featherweight champion after pounding out a points decision win over Jacobin Yoma.

Murray lost five of his last six fights, one of the defeats being a third-round TKO at the hands of an undefeated `Sugar’ Shane Mosley. `Joey’ as Murray was affectionately called by fans, had his final bout on December 26, 2000. His record comprises 19 wins (10 KOs) and six defeats.

NOTABLE DATES

ANDREW `Six Head’ went into a fight against Tony Saladin with a clean record and came out with it improved.

The rising star needed less than three minutes as he TKOed the American in the first round. The fight was held on January 30, 1998 at the Holiday Inn in Newark, New Jersey and was one of four Lewis had that year.

Lewis represented Guyana at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and turned pro in February of the following year. He was undefeated in 20 fights when he challenged James Page for the vacant WBA welterweight title in February 2001.

Page was dropped twice in the fight as the Guyanese won by TKO in round seven. The victory earned Guyana its first world title and Lewis instantly became the darling of local sports.

His feat urged then President Bharrat Jagdeo, who watched the fight in Lewis’ home town of Albouystown, to declare a national holiday.

Lewis relinquished the title to Ricardo Mayorga in March 2002. He then had three battles with compatriot `Deadly’ Denny Dalton. The first held in October 2005 ended in a technical draw while the second had a bizarre finish.

Lewis was leading on all three judges’

ANDREW `Six Head’ Lewis cards in the fight held at the National Park on April 22, 2006 However, he retired in the seventh round claiming the need to use the toilet. He blamed his urgent need to use the washroom on stomach discomfort brought on by a pre-fight milkshake given to him by trainer Maurice `Bizzy’ Boyce.

Lewis won the national super welterweight title in April 2007 following a unanimous points decision over Dalton.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 30, 2015

Representing Guyana takes priority - Lumumba ALPHA United’s participation in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club championship takes priority over involvement in any local tournament hence the club’s recent withdrawal from the Mayor’s Cup competition.

This was disclosed by club president Odinga Lumumba who declared that at present Alpha United cannot be a part of both competitions.

“We can’t do both competitions. Our priority then would be to represent Guyana so we have opted to play in the CFU tournament,” Lumumba said.

The club has written to Mayor’s Cup organiser Lennox Arthur, the Guyana Football Federation and the Georgetown Football Association advising of the withdrawal. The CFU competition is scheduled for March.

“At this stage the CFU tournament is much more important than the Mayor’s Cup.

I think that in Guyana there needs to be better organising and scheduling of tournament dates.

There is no structure,” Lumumba stated.

Last year Alpha United topped Group Three of the CFU competition allowing them a place in the CONCACAF Club Championship.

Guyana’s leading club was one of 24 teams invited to participate in the Mayor’s Cup which started in 1981. This year’s competition will mark the 80th birth anniversary of Georgetown’s Mayor Hamilton Green. It is not yet known how the withdrawal would affect the local tournament.

The Mayor’s Cup will see teams compete from January 31 to February 22 for a first prize of $1M. The team placing second is guaranteed $300 000 while thirdand fourth-place finishers will receive $200 000 and $100 000 respectively.

THE Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) has outlined a packed calendar of events for 2015 in what promises to be an exciting year for the sport. This is according to the Board’s president Philip Fernandes.

The prestigious Farfan and Mendes Men’s First Division League leads off the 2015 season with the opening match scheduled for next Monday at the GCC ground, Bourda.

The GHB will then stage its annual

(Friday January 30, 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; 2236055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 26 teams (2) Christchurch (March 5, 1992) Today’s Quiz: (1)Which Test playing nation has contested the least number of ODI games to date?

How many?

(2) When and where did Shiv Chanderpaul and Carl Hooper once hit centuries in the same ODI? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Odinga Lumumba Fruta Conquerors have won the title four times while Sunburst Camptown took away the crown thrice. Alpha United, Pele, Victoria Kings, Western Tigers, Police, GDF, Thomas United and Slingerz are the other teams to have won the competition.

GHB outlines calendar of events for 2015

Guyana Hockey Board president Philip Fernandes

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

Bounty One Day opening tournament at the Providence National Stadium on February 15 and this tournament will feature all adult players as it comprises competitions for both men and women.

The John Fernandes Insurance Services Ltd Second Division League is scheduled to begin on March 2 and the Board is attempting this year to stage a women’s league commencing sometime in March which will be a welcome addition to the list of activities.

The action then moves indoors as the Brydens Superclassic is set for the end of May at the National Gymnasium, followed by the Noble House Goals Galore competition at the same venue in July.

September sees a return to the outdoors with the Banks Night Hockey Tournament, which is held at Thirst Park. The juniors will receive focus in October with the Star Party Youth Indoor Championship. This competition features both junior club sides and schools and is one of the highlights of the year.

The year concludes with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) National Indoor Championships in November and the Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival in December and this is the year’s biggest attraction as it draws top teams from around the region.

Meanwhile, the GHB’s Annual General Meeting is scheduled for next month with this year being a non-voting year, since the constitution provides for the elected executive to remain in place for two years.

Hinds set to defend NSC 40-mile road race title LINDEN’S racing cyclist Orville Hinds is all set to defend the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) sponsored 40-mile pre-Mashramani cycle road race title he won last year in the West Demerara area.

The race, which is scheduled for Sunday, will see Hinds and his cycling counterparts journey from the Demerara Harbour Bridge on the West Bank of Demerara to Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo before returning to the place of origin for the finish.

Last year, Hinds clocked one hour 30 minutes 59.92 seconds in winning the event and this year, he is expected to receive ample support from the rest of his Team Evolution team mates in Michael Anthony, Marlon `Fishy’ Williams and co-founder of the team, Stephen Fernandes.

The event which gets under way at 08:00hrs is open to all local cyclists including females and will see Team Evolution at full strength since Fernandes who missed the first two races of the 2015 cycling season is back in the country after business commitments overseas and he (Fernandes) will be out to make his presence felt.

The former national hockey player (Fernandes), though he is a veteran, has the strength, stamina and ability to support the other three members of the team.

The Roraima Bikers’ challenge will be

Orville Hinds spearheaded by outstanding rider Alanzo Greaves and this makes the event very interesting and one to witness.

The first six finishers will be rewarded for their efforts as well as the first three juniors, veterans, ladies and mountain bikers.

Raul Leal, Robin Persaud and Richard Charles will also be seeking to make a successful defence of their Junior, Veterans and Mountain Bike titles respectively.

When the 2015 cycling season opened last Saturday with the 22nd edition of the Ricks and Sari 11-race programme in the National Park, Williams won the feature 35-lap event in fine style to seal Team Evolution’s first victory since its formation one month ago.

The following day, Anthony, also of Team Evolution, made it two in a row for the team when he won the Benjamin’s Cycle Sports Shop 50-mile road race in Berbice. Hinds placed fifth in that event.

Director of Sport Neil Kumar is expected to witness the race and also make the presentation of prizes to the respective winners.

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 30, 2015

Bristol gives `The Punisher’ thumbs up

Seon Bristol CLIVE `The Punisher’ Atwell has another Guyanese in his corner, who is convinced that he will come out the winner of a fight against Jamaican Sakima Mullings.

Boxing aficionado Seon Bristol has now joined former WBA welterweight champion as a believer in an Atwell conquest.

“The better prepared fighter would win this fight. If you ask me if I think that Atwell is going in superior in preparation then my answer is an unhesitating yes,” said the USA-based Bristol. “I think he has all the tools to defeat Mullings and has fought superior quality opponents.”

Atwell and Mullings clash on February 21 in the main bout of a fivefight card promoted by the Guyana Boxing Board of Control. The fight is in the super lightweight category, an unchartered division for Atwell who has been a featherweight most of his career.

Bristol said that he does not foresee the upward movement in weight posing a problem for Atwell.

“My experience as a boxer, trainer and manager has taught me that going up in weight can affect your power. However, punching power alone does not win a fight.

Your ability to counter, slip punches and all-round skills provide other avenues for

Sensei Eudoxic excels in U.S. tourney, pays courtesy call on Minister Benn

Miller to replace Narine for World Cup

ROLAND Eudoxie, a Guyanese Sensei in Martial Arts, on Wednesday paid a courtesy call to Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, to convey his appreciation for the financial support afforded him by the Ministry to participate in an international championship.

The Action Martial Arts Championship was staged in New Jersey, USA from January 23 to 25 and the 31-year-old Eudoxic secured first place in Stick Fighting and third position in Board Breaking.

According to a release, Eudoxic was also inducted into the Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Honour, for outstanding dedication to the Arts.

The Sensei in an invited comment said, “I am pleased that the Ministry assisted me in pursuing my passion. I want to wholeheartedly say thanks to the Minister and his staff.”

Eudoxie has been involved in the sport for 17 years, and will be launching Tang Soo Do International Guyana - a martial arts organisation on February 9 at the National Gymnasium.

is going to be the winner.”

The Atwell/Mullings bout headlines a card that will mark the return of CABOFE middleweight champion Edmond De Clou. The Lindener has been absent since sustaining a broken jaw in a fight against Dereck Richmond in October 2013.

Also making a return is middleweight Sharon `Stone’ Ward, another Lindener, who will clash with American Lorissa Rivas.

CABOFE Bantamweight champion, Dexter Marques, faces Quincy Gomes in a six-round catch weight contest while Travis Fraser will make his professional debut against Barbadian Charwyn Estwick.

GTTA scouting for new talent on Sunday Nikita Miller

Sensei Roland Eudoxie displays his spoils with Minister Robson Benn at his office on Wednesday.

victory. Atwell is a better boxer with better technique,” Bristol said.

Pointing to another aspect in the orthodox Guyanese boxer’s favour Bristol explained that while the job of ascending to another division could be considered easy, Mullings has the harder task of having to reduce weight.

“Mullings is coming down from welterweight to super lightweight. In my opinion that is more difficult than putting on weight. When I sum up all these things, there is no way that I can see Clive Atwell losing this fight. I’ll go on record as saying that it wouldn’t be an easy fight for both fighters but when the smoke clears Atwell

CLIVE `The Punisher’ Atwell

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Seasoned left-arm spinner Nikita Miller has been named to replace Sunil Narine in the West Indies World Cup squad.

The 32-year-old Jamaican has not played for West Indies in nearly a year but has the experience of 45 One-Day Internationals, wherein he has taken 40 wickets.

In the recent Super50 tournament, Miller took just six wickets at an average of 15, as Jamaica went out in the semifinals.

Narine was named in the World Cup squad earlier this month but pulled out on Tuesday, citing the need to continue work on his bowling.

The champion off-spinner has been doing remedial work on his bowling ever since being reported for having a suspected illegal action during the Champions League Twenty20 in September last year.

West Indies are currently en route from South Africa to the World Cup, which is set to bowl off in Australia and New Zealand next month.

They have been installed in Group B which includes Ireland, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, South Africa, India and United Arab Emirates.

The World Cup runs from February 14 to March 29.

THE Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) is looking for new talent this weekend.

ON Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall it will stage a competition for Cadets 15 years and under and Juniors 18 years and under for both boys and girls. Play starts at 09:00hrs.

After the tournament, the association will meet to shortlist players who will then continue training ahead of the Caribbean Cadet/Junior Table Tennis tournament set for April in the Dominican Republic.

Sunday’s play will be run in two stages.

Groups will be drawn up with players going through a round-robin system.

The matches will be played utilising current ITTF rules; 11 points per game; with a best-of-five or best-of-seven set and two points alternate serve.

The top two players of each group will qualify for the final stage. In the quarterfinals for the juniors, the winner will be decided after a best-ofseven set, while the cadets will be a best-of-five.

The deadline for entries is today.

Meanwhile, On Sunday, February 8, the GTTA will have a ‘fitness check’ for national and future national table tennis players, as part of GTTA selection criteria, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall from 14:00hrs.

Flashback: Young Table Tennis players in action at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Bristol gives `The Punisher’ thumbs up See story on page 35

Golden Jaguars leave today for International Friendly against Barbados See story on page 30

The Golden Jaguars at yesterday’s practice session at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ground (Adrian Narine Photo)

... Shabazz reiterates losing is not an option

‘Super Over’ returns for World Cup final (REUTERS) - A ‘Super Over’ will be used to determine the winner of this year’s World Cup if the final ends in a tie, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed yesterday.

The tiebreaker, in which a team nominates three batsmen to face six deliveries from a rival bowler, was in place in the 2011 final but was scrapped in the lead-up to next month’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

“The ICC Board reinstated the use of a Super Over in the event of a tie in the World Cup final,” cricket’s governing body said in a statement yesterday.

The ICC is also allowing captains to enter the February 14-March 29 tournament with a clean slate regarding minor over-rate offences.

“All captains will enter World Cup with no over-rate ‘strikes’ against their names and they will only be suspended from playing in a match if over-rate offences are committed during the event,” it added.

Petra/Milo Under-20 football tournament …

Participating schools receive balls from sponsor See story on page 31

Milo Brand Representative Renita Sital (centre front row) poses with Petra Organisation co-Director Troy Mendonca (on her immediate left) and students at yesterday’s presentation ceremony.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015