Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 05 05 2016

No. 104542

THURSDAY MAY 5, 2016

Price: $80

(Vat Inclusive)

All clear

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-House passes anti-money laundering Bill

Ogle aircraft owners defy efforts to 5 rename airport

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‘Stabroek 20 front’ to be ‘civic square’

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- Riverside esplanade included in $400M plan to restore wharf area

13 PSC wants urgent meeting with President on crime Page

Determined MINISTER within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings attended yesterday’s session of the National Assembly in a wheelchair.

Minister Hastings has been ill for a few days now and was a patient at the Georgetown Hospital. She arrived at the Public Buildings in an ambulance and was lifted up the stairs before she was wheeled to her seat. (Adrian Narine photo)

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By Ravin Singh

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

-House passes anti-money laundering Bill

THE National Assembly last evening passed contentious legislation against money laundering, but the opposition says it will be without teeth, given the absence of the Financial Intelligence Unit.

The Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) (AML/CFT) Bill went through all three stages of the parliamentary process at yesterday’s sitting of the House to be passed.

It absorbs the final recommendation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and paves the way for Guyana to apply to exit the FATF process.

The Bill was presented

by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs,

Basil Williams, who highlighted Guyana’s obligation to becoming an AML/CFT compliant regime.

Having gone through a history of struggle in the House, between government and opposition, Williams noted that the APNU+AFC administration inherited a situation of “great reticence” to fight against money launderers and an even greater reluctance to counter the financing of terrorism.

The opposition’s Anil Nandlall, a former Attorney General, called for the Bill to be sent to a Special Select Committee for consideration and deliberation.

“We on this side will not sacrifice, we will not compromise, we will not ostracise the parliamentary process, the institutions of this House, through its var-

ious committees and resort to some office outside of parliament for consultation,” Nandlall said.

He then weighed in on the Bill, offering that it was “vulgar,” given the absence of a Financial Intelligent Unit (FIU) which is the supervisory body responsible for enforcement and monitoring of money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

Attorney General Williams said the former PPP government had continually failed to remedy the many deficiencies in the Action Plans it had agreed to with both the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and FATF in or around 2011 and 2014 respectively.

During this time, Guyana was featured on three of four CFATF Public State-

Attorney-General Basil Williams ments, all of which identified Guyana as a jurisdiction with strategic AML/CFT deficiencies that had not made sufficient progress in addressing the deficiencies, or had not complied with its action plan developed with the CFATF to address the deficiencies.

However, the minister noted that despite this, Guyana has been making significant progress in addressing the action plan items; and as such, FATF, in all its publications regarding Guyana, commended the country for its efforts and encouraged Guyana to continue to implement its action plan.

To exit the CFATF follow-up process, Guyana has to satisfy these five core recommendations, the final one featured in this Bill. And with the third round of evaluation in process, the AG noted that it is important for Guyana to exit the process and be removed from the grey list now since the fourth round looms.

“We have shown the political will to implement the recommendations of these regimes. We will continue to try to save this country after all these years of neglect,” Williams said.

But the successful passage of the Bill was not only credited to work by the gov-

ernment, but stakeholders who had contributed during a two-phase consultation process. However, the opposition PPP had failed to attend these consultations and the opposition’s spokesperson on Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall sought to defend this in the House.

He explained that the party was made aware that consultations were being held to draft the amendment to include the outstanding recommendations by FATF. However, he told the House that he had requested of the person who sent the invitation to also send the recommendations so the party could be informed before attending the consultation.

This, according to Nandlall, was done after the consultations, which explains the absence of the PPP. The former AG noted that seven clauses, which are more than 80 percent of the Bill, confers responsibility on the FIU and on the director of that body, but both are non-existent. “The whole exercise will be in futility, because of the absence of the FIU,” he said.

But this was challenged

by Williams, who told the National Assembly that Nandlall was speaking as if the director of the FIU will not be appointed within the

next month or year.

“What we are proposing is a situation where we are preventing the Minister of Finance from employing and handpicking the director of the FIU. We’re giving them security of tenure by having the Parliament appoint them” the AG said.

Nandlall also highlighted that Section 68 (3) of the Bill stipulates that the court “shall immediately” grant a freezing order. Furious, he argued that what this basically does is usurp the powers of the judiciary to consider whether there is reasonable grounds to freeze a person’s assets.

“You cannot take functions of judiciary and give it to executive. You cannot mandate that a judge shall seize” he said.

But Williams rebutted this contention, noting that Nandlall’s reasoning is flawed, since there will be no directive to “seize” any assets given that this is not featured in the bill.

He added also that the government’s intention to present this Bill to FATF later this month will prove futile, since it was supposed to be at least eight weeks in advance for all participating countries to examine.

“Which country will leave what they are doing at the last minute to look at this?”

Nandlall questioned.

Nevertheless, the former AG reiterated his call for the Bill to be taken to the select committee, where he believes it will take only a week to be examined in its entirety. “It will only take about two weeks. Let us cleanse this bill of its impurity” Nandlall said.

Williams stressed however that there is no need to take the Bill to the select committee, since only “complex bills” are examined there, and this bill is not a complex one. He described this move by the PPP to take this Bill before the committee as a “delaying tactic.”

Thereafter, the AML/ CFT Amendment Bill 2016 was read for the third time, after which the Committee of Supply approved the clauses and the Bill was passed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

Speaker sends Edghill to Committee of Privileges

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- Teixeira requests same for Trotman, Nagamootoo

By Ariana Gordon OPPOSITION Member of Parliament (MP) and Shadow Finance Minister Juan Edghill was on Wednesday sent to the Committee of Privileges by Speaker of the House Dr Barton Scotland, while requests were made for two members of the governing side to be sent also to the same Committee of Privileges.

The Speaker’s decision to send the MP to the Committee of Privileges followed a heated discussion between the government and opposition sides of the House on the issue.

MP Charrandas Persaud tabled a motion calling for People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) MP Juan Edghill to be sent to the Privileges Committee because of statements he made in the National Assembly last December that are deemed inaccurate by the governing side.

Edghill last December told the National Assembly that the increases given to government ministers totaled over $200M annually. However, the motion which was seconded by MP Jermaine Figueira refuted Edghill’s claim.

VIOLATION Persaud believes the statement misrepresented the salary increases allotted to the governing side and noted that Edghill’s refusal to withdraw violated his privileges and the Standing Orders.

Edghill had moved a motion requesting that the salary increases paid to government ministers be annulled. However, the motion was voted down by the government side.

The Opposition MP had said, “A government having assumed office, after five

weeks, have increased salaries for themselves in an astronomical manner and exorbitantly and moreover without indicating to the public and to the people of Guyana their intention of doing so. Nowhere on the campaign trail, nowhere in the public discourse did any member of the now government tell the people of Guyana that they will increase salaries for themselves at such a rate, but they told the people of Guyana they will increase salaries for nurses, and teachers.”

Persaud maintained that Edghill’s statement violated the privileges of the National Assembly and as such “brought the House into disrepute.”

Speaker and Chairman of the Committee of Privileges, Dr Barton Scotland in response to the motion tabled by Persaud said he was in receipt of the complaint lodged and as such had sent the matter to the Committee of Privileges. The Speaker’s ruling on the matter did not allow for Opposition MP Edghill to respond.

OPPOSITION’S APOLOGY REQUEST Meanwhile, in a different twist, Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira via a written motion submitted to the Speaker, requested that Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Raphael Trotman apologise to the House for misleading the National Assembly and the public that Guyana no longer has productive forests.

In February, Trotman reported that all of Guyana’s productive forestry resources were shared out and the government was moving to repossess some of the leases.

The Minister of Natural Resources and the Environ-

Privilege: Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira pleads with Speaker of the House Dr Barton Scotland to send Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo to the Committee of Privileges on Wednesday as Minister Trotman looks on ment also said that the PPP government was guilty of a criminal act, which poses grave security risks.

“All 100% of productive forests was shared out prior to us assuming government,” the Minister told the National Assembly.

Teixeira in her missive to the Speaker said Trotman deliberately misled the nation and said the percentage quoted by the Minister would hinder Guyana’s relationship with Norway.

The Opposition Chief Whip noted that information published on the Guyana Forestry Commission’s website contradicts what Minister Trotman told the House in February.

“During the 2016 Budget debate, the Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Minister Raphael Trotman, speaking on his sector stated on the floor of the House that “we were met with an alarming situation, where we discovered that 100 per cent or all of our productive forest was allocated by the past government. Vice President and Prime Minister Moses

Nagamootoo repeated this statement…they both asserted that all of Guyana’s productive forest was allocated by the previous PPP/C governments, mainly to foreign investors,” the letter to the Speaker stated.

“I am calling on you, that we send Mr Trotman to the Committee of Privileges,” said Teixeira.

She noted that there are verified reports in the public domain that demonstrate that the statement by Trotman and repeated by Nagamootoo are “untrue and have caused much embarrassment to the country and the Guyana-Norway partnership.”

to insist that Trotman be sent to the Committee of Privileges. “I am calling on you, that we send Mr Trotman to the Privileges Committee…he is again misleading this House based on his utterances made today…The figures he has given--- unless he takes down the data on the Guyana Forestry Commission, then the information is false,” she asserted.

Teixeira also called for Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo to be sent to the Committee of Privileges on the grounds that both he and Trotman presented false information to the National Assembly and by extension the public.

FORESTRY COMMISSION DOCUMENT Trotman in his defence noted that he did not mislead the House or the public and said he quoted from documentation received from the Guyana Forestry Commission. He also volunteered to make the document available to the Opposition for perusal.

But Teixeira again stood

PRINCIPLES OF EQUITY “My name has been inadvertently dragged into this issue and I wish to say that this is unfortunate,” said the Prime Minister, who noted that in invoking privilege, the Opposition Chief Whip ought to reflect on the principles of equity.

“The principle says you must come with clean

hands…There was no attempt to mislead the House, no attempt to lie,” he added, noting that there is no need to apologise as nothing wrong was done.

Minister Trotman, like the Prime Minister, reiterated that there is no need to apologise for that which was said in February. “On the contrary, I respectfully submit that the Honourable Gail Teixeira be sanctioned for abusing the process of the August National Assembly by bringing an obviously spurious and vexatious allegation before you,” said Trotman.

But despite, the position taken by Trotman and Prime Minister Nagamootoo, Teixeira maintained that the PPP government did not give away all of the country’s productive forests. “It is not true that 100 percent or all of our productive forests was allocated by the past government,” she said affirmatively.

TWO OPTIONS Despite the back and forth, the Speaker of the House would only say that the Opposition Chief Whip has two options - one to address a complaint to him and “deal with it from there”, if she is unconvinced by Trotman’s explanation or collect the documentation volunteered by Minister Trotman and examine same.

He made no decision as to whether the Prime Minister and the Minister of Natural Resources would be sent to the Committee of Privileges.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

Bosai fined $1.5 million over oil spill

THE Bosai Minerals Group and the Ministry of Natural Resources have agreed to work with the Region 10 administration to restore the environment after an accidental oil spill over which the company has been fined $1.5 million.

Yesterday, representatives of Bosai met Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and a team including Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) representatives Mr. Kemraj Parsaram, Director of Compliance Enforcement and Ms. Aminah McPherson-Damon, Legal Advisor, to discuss the company’s liability for the accidental release of waste oil into the waterways from their facility in March, 2016.

The spill made its way into the Demerara River, affecting surrounding drainage waterways in Region 10.

The issue arose on March 29, 2016, when a report was received by the EPA through the Ministry of Natural Resources about the release of waste oil from the Bosai facility into the Demerara River.

On March 30, an investigation was conducted by the EPA in collaboration with the Regional Democratic Council of Region 10, to determine the source of the spill and the remediation that was needed.

Following the investigation, Bosai was found responsible and the company accepted responsibility for its negligence that led to the environment being adversely affected.

The EPA set out to determine the penalties that Bosai was liable to pay. Following the outcome of the meeting, and as part of the agreed menu of measures to address the environmental impacts of the spill, and to build better community relations, General Manager of Bosai, Mr. Robert Shang accompanied by Maj. Gen. (ret’d) Norman McLean committed to clean and maintain the area between Bosai’s north gate and Washer Pond Road including, clearing of verges and drainage work, and will also provide a four-year

The Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment at a meeting with Bosai officials Wednesday scholarship to a student from Region 10 to pursue a degree in Environmental Science at the University of Guyana.

The company is also keen to avoid any recurrences and has undertaken to work

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closely with the Regional Democratic Council of Region 10 to realise its immediate commitments as well as to expand its contribution to the region.

One initiative that is

planned is the erection of an arch in recognition of the 100th anniversary of Bauxite mining in Guyana.

Minister Trotman is planning to visit the Region 10 Regional Democratic Coun-

cil and the Bosai facility in the near future, and will continue to work with all parties, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, to help safeguard the environment in all regions.

The police prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that the defendant was a flight risk since she lives at the border between Guyana and Venezuela.

He told the court that on the day in question when the police conducted the search, the drugs were found on the defendant’s private property and not at her business place.

He further informed the court that Leandro, who was cautioned, had admitted to ownership of the cocaine and

also told the police about its source.

The defendant’s lawyer told the court, however, that his client who is a businesswoman was at her place of business when the police came and conducted a search. He stated that she had just completed selling customers when the police arrived and more than one person was there when the drugs were found.

The matter was transferred to Court 1 for May 13, 2016.

Eteringbang businesswoman remanded over cocaine trafficking

AN Eteringbang woman was on Wednesday remanded to prison when she appeared before the court charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Businesswoman Marlin Leandro, 39 years, made her appearance before City Magistrate Judy Latchman where she denied the allegation of being in possession of 2.6 grams of cocaine.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

Ogle aircraft owners defy efforts to rename airport

By Svetlana Marshall THE NATIONAL Air Transport Association (NATA) has appealed a decision of the High Court, which paves the way for the Ogle International Airport to be renamed the Eugene F. Correia International Airport.

But even if that fails, Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram said the “Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is always an option.”

On April 22, 2016, three of NATA’S nine members – Air Services Limited, Roraima Airways Limited and Wings Aviation Limited – applied to the Commercial Division of the High Court for an injunction to be filed against OAI to prevent the renaming of the airport.

However, the injunction was subsequently discharged by the Judge in Court on May 3.

Speaking on the issue, before a full house of reporters at the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Wednesday, Ram disclosed that NATA has appealed the High Court’s decision, but a date for the commencement of the appeal has not been set.

It was explained that redress is available under the Company’s Act, which speaks to the issue of “oppression of the minority.”

In this scenario, the court can issue several orders in-

NATA President Annette Arjoon-Martins addressing the press in the presence of other members of the association cluding the redistribution of lation by the Chairman, Mr. anti-competitive tactics at the shares or the implementation Michael Correia, the Correia secondary airport. of a new governance struc- Group of Companies also Upon learning of Presiture. now own 67% of the shares dent David Granger’s sugAs NATA awaits the de- of this company (OAI). As gestion that the airport be cision of the Court of Appeal, a result, Ogle International renamed, NATA wrote OAI it is calling on the Gov- Airport has now become Chairman informing him of ernment to reconsider its a member of the Correia its non-support. NATA’s decision to rename the Ogle Group of Companies,” she membership collectively International Airport, the Eu- posited. owns and operates over 40 gene F. Correia International According to the NATA aircraft at the Ogle InternaAirport, contending that such President, of the original tional Airport and represents a move will give the Correia five directors only two were 90% of the aviation industry.

Group of Companies an even “allowed” to remain. “It was “This was due to our colmore unfair advantage over never the intention of the five lective experience of abuse, the other operators. founding shareholders/direc- dominance and oppression In a lengthy statement, tors that one of the aircraft by the Correia Group and NATA’s President, Annette operators should ever control OAI,” Arjoon-Martins exArjoon-Martins explained the airport. It was also never plained. In 2013, an anthat OAI was incorporat- the intention of the Govern- ti-competitive complaint ed in 2000 with five equal ment of Guyana, when they was made to the Competition shareholders, each owning signed the lease agreement and Consumer Affairs Com20% of the shares, all of with OAI in 2000, that one mission against the company. whom were directors of the single operator would con“As Chairman of OAI, company. trol the airport in 2016,” Mr. Michael Correia sold the But the situation, accord- Arjoon-Martins contended. idea of the President’s proing to Arjoon-Martins, took NATA is now of the posal to the board members a turn for the worse when the opinion that the GovernCorreia Group of Companies ment’s decision to rename secured control of more than the airport after Eugene F. 50% of the company.

Correia would only result in “ F i f t e e n y e a r s l a t e r the Correia Group of Comthrough a series of manipu- panies employing more of its

as a Presidential initiative.

He gave no consideration whatsoever of its detrimental impact to the nine aircraft operators, which compete with his companies. He cared even less that seven of these operators have no representation on the board of OAI, which his family and associates dominate…

“His influence stretches beyond the boundaries of the airport as he caused our regulatory agency on October 28, 2015 to expeditiously effect the name change of the airport without the knowledge of either the two Ministers in the Ministry of Infrastructure…In that instance it was also cleverly hidden in renaming two local airstrips at the same time,” she posited, noting that NATA’s appeal was successful in having the name change withdrawn.

Supplying the press with letters as evidence of their action, Arjoon-Martins explained that a letter was subsequently dispatched to President Granger on October 29, stating NATA’s objection.

The President responded on December 2.

Based on the letter sent by the President and discussions with the Minister of Public Infrastructure David

Patterson, Arjoon-Martins said the members of NATA were of the opinion that the Government and OAI was not proceeding with the name change until they would have gotten a hint on April 14, that an instruction was issued for the airport to be renamed.

When legal recourse was sought NATA found out that on April 17 Minister Patterson had given his no objection to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority to effect the name change.

“Placing the Correia name on the airport would give them a distinct competitive advantage over the nine aircraft operators, who represent 90% of the industry,” NATA President reiterated, while pointing out that the Master Lease between the Government and OAI mentions the words “fair and equitable access” no less than 40 times.

As such, NATA is renewing its calls for Minister Patterson to review the Master Lease, which includes the establishment of an Airport Review Panel. The organization is also calling on the Government to ensure that the long overdue National Airport Authority is established.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com

Editorial

Guyana, our homeland

ARRIVAL Day is often associated with the arrival of East Indians to these shores on May 5, 1838, but it is really a celebration of all the ethnic groups who came, and over time, in one way or the other, contributed to Guyana’s development.

The Portuguese came in 1835 and the Chinese in 1853.

Both of these ethnic groups have contributed tremendously to Guyana’s rich cultural tapestry and have given her some of the best in business and other spheres of national life.

Notably, Guyana’s first President Arthur Chung was of Chinese descent, while industry captain and politician Peter D’Aguiar was of Portuguese origin. These are just two of many other prominent Guyanese of these two ethnic groups who have provided outstanding service to this country we call home.

Their foreparents came as indentured labourers, but persevered and today enjoy reputable standing in society. The Chinese today are owners of restaurants, supermarkets and are involved in the import/export business.

The descendants of the Portuguese who came from Madeira on May 3, 1835, apart from being wealthy property owners and businesspersons, have also enjoyed a vibrant presence in the arts, sport and politics.

The East Indians, the other group which came in May, have also enjoyed a dominant presence in practically every aspect of national life. Quite naturally, being the larger and more dominant of the two other groups, greater attention has been paid to the East Indians who through sacrifice, thrift and industry, have been able to transform their lives.

East Indians are still largely involved in rice and sugar cultivation today, and are among the most wealthy and established business people in Guyana. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP), which is largely Indo-Guyanese based, has attained the seat of power more than once. It has also been credited for improving the economic fortunes of Guyana for the time it held the seat of power, and has given Guyana several outstanding leaders, Dr Cheddi Jagan being foremost among them.

Arrival Day is therefore an occasion, not for one, but for all the groups that came to these shores to celebrate their cultures and contributions to making this land called Guyana, a better place. It is a time for all to unite and to celebrate the struggles of our foreparents, who laid down their lives for our freedoms -- freedoms they never had.

It is also a time that we take positive inspiration from our history. Oftentimes, we tend to hark back to the past to justify our actions or positions or beliefs we hold or want to perpetuate, but not often our history is used to unite and inspire us that we should be one people.

If this is done more often, Guyana will become more united as a nation with less animosity among our ethnic groups, especially Africans and East Indians.

How many know, under the leadership of renowned trade unionist Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, East Indians and Africans were allies in the fight for better wages and an eight-hour

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

Imran Khan responds to Guyana Times attacks on PM Nagamootoo Dear Editor,

IT is not my orientation to give credence to the constant harangue of the Guyana Times and its surrogates within the Ramroop Media Group directed towards Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and other well known select members of the Coalition Government’s Cabinet.

Permit me however, to make a rare exception on this occasion to respond to the falsehoods and misinformation contained in a letter penned by one “Tiana King-David” which appeared in the May 4th edition of the Guyana Times.

The falsehoods and misinformation contained in the “letter” have been relentlessly repeated by the PPP-aligned Guyana Times.

The publication has dedicated a considerable amount of space and obvious time and effort towards perfecting the positioning of such misinformation in its onslaught directed towards the Prime Minister.

It can only be deduced that the publication and its handlers are of the conviction that the Prime Minister is such a high-value political target that he must be constantly and uninterruptedly serviced with their energies and attention. When the attacks are not by way of “news articles,” editorials and columns they are by way of letters under dubious pseudonyms.

Therefore, the Guyana Times neurotic preoccupation with the Prime Minister is instructive of the publication’s, and its backers’, view of the subject of its unrelenting idée fixe. These attacks are not coincidental or uncalculated, they are part of a well orchestrated opposition- piloted plan to systematically pillage the reputation of the Prime Minister, and those of select other Cabinet colleagues of the democratically elected Coalition Government.

The facts are: 1. In 2014, under the then minority PPP government, the sum of GY$23M was voted for in the National Budget for the acquisition of a 4x4 vehicle for the then Prime Minister Mr. Samuel Hinds.

2. The records inherited by the Coalition Government show that that sum was instead used for the purchase of a vehicle which was assigned to the Ministry of Finance under then Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh. The legality and prudence of such an act is to be determined by those possessed of the expertise and authority to so do.

3. In the 2015 budget, the sum of GY$22m was allocated for the purchase of the vehicle for use by the Prime Minister. This was necessitated by the fact that the vehicle purchased in 2014 ended

up not at the Office of the Prime Minister, but at the Ministry of Finance.

4. The Prime Minister does not have “a fleet of more than 20 vehicles.” Any such claim, as was made by “Ms. King-David” is an untruth.

5. The Office of the Prime Minister has 11 vehicles in total.

Four are assigned to the Prime Minister. Two of the four are used by security personnel.

6. Of the vehicles inherited from former Prime Minister Sam Hinds, several were found to have been malfunctioning and in very poor condition. On a recent trip the headlights on one of the inherited vehicles came loose and fell out. Another of the vehicles was in such poor condition, that it encountered extreme difficulties in navigating the elevated section of the Berbice Bridge.

7. The official residence of the Prime Minister was received in a state of disrepair and was not fit for human occupation. Remedial works are being completed. All of these works were executed in a transparent manner. Any imputation of an absence of accountability is without merit.

8. The Prime Minister’s salary was increased only marginally to take it above that of the Attorney General to correct an anomaly which existed under the PPP government. This was a virtual accounting increase, as, the fact is, the Honourable Attorney General’s take home salary (as that of his predecessor Mr. Anil Nandlall) is greater than that of the the Prime Minister. This is for the simple reason that the Prime Minister’s salary attracts the deduction of taxes, while the AG’s does not.

These are the facts. The people of Guyana will determine what they deem to be the ulterior and/or barefaced agenda of Guyana Times and its surrogates.

The loose language, misinformation, skilful and selective use of cherry-picked bits of information while deliberately excluding other pertinent facts have become the trademark of the newspaper which styles itself as the Beacon of Truth. From the evidence of its content, along with its raw obsession with the Prime Minister, the Guyan Times may wish to consider whether it should not modify its slogan to ‘Being of Untruth’.

Yours faithfully, IMRAN KHAN Press Secretary to Prime Minister Moses V. Nagamootoo

Don’t neglect the restoration of the wharf behind the Stabroek Market Dear Editor,

PLEASE don’t neglect the restoration of the wharf behind the Stabroek Market.....

It is indeed a brilliant de-

cision to have the Stabroek Market area cleaned, cleared and restored and at the same time, I hope this venture is not only for the month of May and it returns to what it used to be.

working day. And in 1839, there was a significant test of national unity when ex-slaves testified in court that the Indian indentured labourers were treated precisely the same way as Africans under slavery.

Africans also challenged the anti-education principles of the 1876 law that provided limited education to the Indians. They demanded that Indian languages be introduced in schools and

Maintenance is the key factor.

On the other hand, I hope the office of the Mayor and City Council can act fast and have the parking and vending facilities sorted out,

because it is not showcasing a positive image to the world as we celebrate Guyana’s 50th Independence Jubilee..

T PEMBERTON

the Court of Policy, comprising members of many ethnic groups, made Crown lands available to both Indians and Africans.

So as we celebrate Arrival Day 2016, let us celebrate our common struggles for a better life and resolve to work together to solve the differences among ourselves. It is the duty of all, but more importantly our politicians to lead this process, as we prepare to celebrate 50 years as an Independent nation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

Show me the evidence renaming Ogle will create a marketing windfall for the Correia group

Dear Editor,

OVER the past few months, I have noticed that the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has woken from their years of slumber, with a strident voice on several issues. Most notably, the DDL/GRA settlement and now, their opposition to the proposed renaming of the Ogle International Airport, as the Eugene F. Correia International Airport. I am pleased that the PSC has done so as it represents an important and critical partner in our economy and driver for national development.

However, the PSC has to be very careful lest it opens itself to justifiable attacks

that it is very self-serving and cares little about its most important partner in Guyana, the Guyanese people.

It also cannot escape attention that several of the PSC’s leaders have benefited from the largesse of the previous administration with large swathes of prime property below fire-sale price, land at Pradoville 2, acquisition of state properties at below market price etc., while at the same time serving as chairpersons of various state boards. Some may argue that this was a conflict of interest, and maybe the reason for the then muted murmurs and silence from Waterloo Street.

President Granger’s announcement that he proposes to rename the Ogle Airport

after Eugene Correia has been criticised by operators out of the Ogle Airport who asked him to reconsider. The PSC has also issued a press release.

From what has been reported, President Granger met with some representatives of the National Air Transport Association, and he formed the opinion that their protestation was based on “small-mindedness, driven by petty-minded persons and maliciousness.”

President Granger is not an intemperate person with a proclivity to launch scathing attacks against individuals, but a bridge-builder and we have to therefore conclude that his characterisation of those opposed to the renam-

ing, in such harsh terms, is grounded in reality and not fiction. Juxtaposed against his views is what is being peddled as an inalienable right of the other operators, as they are the majority stakeholders at Ogle.

No sir! The majority stakeholders in the Ogle Airport are the citizens of Guyana, who are the patrons and they are represented by a duly and democratically elected President. Moreover, it is absolutely disrespectful for a leading player in the PSC and also an operator out of Ogle, Captain Gerry Gouveia, (Roraima Airways) to condescendingly state that President Granger is not a businessman and doesn’t understand branding. In other

words, the use of the Correia name would provide an undue advantage.

This is logic based on Capt. Gouveia’s fantasy and not business. Like him, I am businessman equipped with academic and professional accomplishments that challenge this irrationality. Market share is based on your individual brand and each market participant carves out its own niche based on their business plan and focus. Is he saying that the Corriea name would create a marketing windfall to the Correia group? Show me how? Where is the empirical evidence to support this?

Capt. Gouveia is also reported to have stated that the decision to rename the Ogle

Airport was solely made by President Granger and makes a mockery of democracy.

Where was the good old Captain, when the Timehri Airport was being renamed to the Cheddi Jagan Airport?

To suggest that HE President David A. Granger is the only person engaged in the decision-making is insulting.

From the little that I know of the President, he is a listener to people and consults and he would have consulted with his advisors before the pronouncement. To suggest otherwise smacks of pettiness, small-mindedness, personal, maliciousness and very disappointing.

Yours sincerely, JEROME KHAN

China supports and advocates the “dual track” approach initiated

by ASEAN member states to handle the South China Sea issue THE South China Sea Islands have been China’s territory since ancient times. The Chinese people were the first to discover, name and develop these islands. It was the Chinese government that first exercised sovereignty over them, a practice that has been continued in a peaceful and effective manner without interruption. In 1939, Japan invaded and illegally occupied the Xisha Islands and Nansha Islands during the war of aggression against China. After World War II, in accordance with the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, the territories Japan had stolen, including Taiwan and the Penghu Islands, Xisha Islands and Nansha Islands, China reaffirmed sovereignty and strengthened jurisdiction by compiling their official names, publishing maps, setting up administrative units and stationing troops. Before the 1970s, it was widely recognised by the international community that the South China Sea Islands belong to China and no country ever challenged this.

In 1968, a survey conducted by an affiliate of the UN Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East indicated rich oil and gal reserves in the South China Sea. Starting from the 1970s, the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia began to invade and illegally occupy China’s Nansha islands and reefs. This is the root cause of the South China Sea issue.

The crux of China-Philippines disputes in the South China Sea is the territorial dispute caused by the Philippines’ invasion and illegal occupation of some islands and reefs of China’s Nansha Islands since the 1970s in violation of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing state-to-state relations. With the evolution of the new system of the law of the sea, there have also arisen the disputes on maritime delimitation.

By taking advantage of some provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea(UNCLOS), the Philippines unilaterally initiated the arbitration in January 2013 in an attempt to deny China’s territorial sover-

eignty and maritime rights and interests and to cover up its invasion and illegal occupation of some islands and reefs of China’s Nansha Islands. This violates its agreement with China enshrined in bilateral documents and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea(DOC) on resolving disputes through negotiations and consultations.

It also violates the provisions of UNCLOS, abused its dispute settlement procedures and infringed upon China’s rights under UNCLOS to independently choose dispute settlement mechanisms and procedures. The arbitration is

thus illegal and null and void.

The Chinese government does not accept or participate in it, and will never recognise the so-called “award.”

China is a victim on the South China Sea issue.

Nonetheless, in order to uphold regional peace and stability, the Chinese side has all along exercised great restraint, handled the South China Sea issue in a responsible and constructive manner and committed itself to resolving the relevant disputes through negotiations and consultations, to managing the disputes by establishing rules and mechanisms, to seeking win-win outcomes through

joint development and cooperation, and to upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as peace and stability in the South China Sea. China supports and advocates the “dual track” approach initiated by ASEAN member states to handle the South China Sea issue, i.e. while the relevant disputes are to be resolved through negotiations and consul-

tations between the states directly concerned on the basis of respecting historical facts and according to international law. China and ASEAN member states will work together to maintain peace and stability in the South China sea.

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China Georgetown

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

Gov’t releases full details of D’Urban Park THE government has released full details of the funds and contractors relating to the construction of the D’Urban Park Development Project, justifying why such a huge facility is necessary in Guyana.

A lengthy statement from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Wednesday responded to several criticisms, noting that while the National Stadium at Providence hosted the inauguration of President David Granger almost a year ago, it had caused major traffic disturbances.

The government is of the view that the Stadium does not have the capacity to host Guyana’s Golden Jubilee celebrations and as such, the D’Urban Park is needed.

“During the inauguration, the stadium was filled to its capacity of 16,000 persons. This event also caused major traffic disturbances and safety concerns, as noted by the police and fire departments, who cautioned against a similar activity at this venue. It is anticipated that our Jubilee celebrations will be wit-

nessed by more than double the number of persons who attended the inauguration last year, thus leading to greater demand of space,” Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson said in the statement.

D’Urban Park, when completed, is expected to hold 30,000 occupants and has a greater capacity than those of all other comparable sites, including the National Park, the National Stadium, and any other public place, the statement revealed.

It was further noted that the Stadium’s cricket pitch and outfield are also unable to be used due to the regulations of the International Cricket Council.

“Additionally, the centrality of D’Urban Park was taken into consideration. Its central location makes it more easily accessible to a greater number of citizens who do not possess vehicles. There are also enough facilities to accommodate parking via Homestretch Avenue; Hadfield Street; two parking lots at D’Urban Park; the National Cultural

Procurement procedure

N

ine contractors are currently on board of the D’Urban Park Development Project as the Ministry of Public Infrastructure progresses smoothly towards its deadline.

Sixteen firms were shortlisted from the ministry’s prepared list of shortlisted contractors to bid for the construction of timber- framed bleachers with steelframed roof, as part of the D’Urban Park Development Project.

As per procurement regulations, interested bidders were invited and were required to respond in writing, indicating their intention to provide a bid. Further, they were required to present sealed bids, which were delivered to the Officer of the Coordinator of the Works Services Group, as well as visit the site.

Selection criteria were based on a number of areas, including attestation of site visit; access to line of credit, no less than GY$4M; and commitment to provide requisite staff for two shifts per working day.

of general public discussions over the years and preceded this administration.

In fact, every government going back to the late 70s has made varying proposals to the upgrade of this area. Most of the different concept designs were made available to this administration and it is from these designs that the artistic impression of the completed D’Urban Park, which has been on public display via signboards around the park for several months, was conceptualised,” Patterson argued.

Centre Tarmac; the National Sports Hall; and the National Communications Network Tarmac.”

Patterson is of the view that the aesthetic and sanitary transformation of the D’Urban Park area – compared to what existed over the past two decades – make for a healthier and more wholesome community.

He said that the configuration of the Park will also allow it to accommodate a variety of public events beyond the Jubilee celebrations, including the Mashramani float parade;

religious ceremonies; food fairs and educational exhibitions; musical concerts; medical outreaches; physical training and gymnastic displays and other public rallies.

He clarified that some of the structures being erected, such as the bleachers and pavilion, are permanent, while others are temporary and would be relocated to various community centres around the country.

It was noted that the exact locations where stands will be relocated will be determined by the appropriate

ministries. The permanent structures can be used for several activities beyond the Jubilee celebrations.

CONSULTATIONS WERE HELD Meanwhile, Patterson made it clear that government held consultations with the residents of the community at the Salem Church located in Hadfield Street before the Park became a reality.

“Furthermore, the subject of the upgrade of D’Urban Park has been a matter

FUNDING Patterson revealed that the works will be executed in a phased manner and the current works being done by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is the completion of Phase I. The costs for the several phases have yet not been determined. However, the sum of GY$150M has been allocated in the first instance for the completion of this Phase I. It was noted that this sum was sought and received approval upon MPI’s assumption of responsibility of D’Urban Park and the Ministry promised to update on final costs upon completion of the project.

As it relates to the source of funding prior to the ministry’s assumption of responsibility, Patterson revealed that all donations were made to a registered company, which is under a separate head outside of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

HICCUPS The minister admitted that the project had its hiccups, pointing out that when the ministry assumed responsibility, there were some noted defects on the structures, such as

Please see page 9

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

An artist’s impression of the D’Urban Park Development Project

Gov’t releases full details ...

From page 8 the shrinking of the timber, loose joints and poor finishes.

He revealed that these defects are presently being corrected by the contractors, based on the reviews done by MPI’s engineers.

On review, the total capacity of the seating per stand, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure decided to increase the factor of safety (FS) to three.

Patterson made it clear that the ministry’s responsibility over D’Urban Park will not reduce or detract its funds for other scheduled projects.

He explained that in a subhead under “Agency 322 Public Works: Chart of Account 1214900 Infrastructural Development”, the sum of GY$150M has been provided from the Contingencies Fund to assist in this project. The GY$72.889M voted under this subhead by Parliament will not affect the approved scheduled projects.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

Speaker urges professional conduct from MPs

By Ariana Gordon

SPEAKER of the National Assembly Dr Barton Scotland yesterday reminded parliamentarians of the need to conduct themselves professionally and in accordance with the Code of Ethics relative to their positions.

“The Office of the Speaker of the National Assembly must be held in strict regard by all Honourable members at all times,” said Dr Scotland.

The Speaker made it clear that he will not tolerate disrespect and will move to take action against persons who act untoward to that which is expected.

He said too that even if members of the House are dissatisfied with the ruling of the Speaker, it is important that respect is shown. The Speaker stated that numerous complaints were put before him and he intends to address

those complaints.

“The dignity and respect must be upheld by all honourable members at all times,” said the Speaker.

Dr Scotland noted with disappointment comments attributed to a “junior” member of the National Assembly placed on social media criticisng the work of the House.

“When a very junior member of this House makes use of the electronic media to attempt to lampoon certain honourable members of this house…if you make comments of the speaker or the holder of that office then the honourable member is either unaware of his duties and obligations towards this house or the honourable member acted in a reckless and carless regard of those transgressions.”

Earlier this year, People’s Progressive Party Civic’s (PPP) Member of Parliament Nigel Dharamlall had posted

strong criticism of the Speaker on his Facebook page.

Dharamlall had said that the Speaker would “go down as the most disgusting speaker” of all time.

The Opposition MP stated that he believes the Speaker is biased and as such operated in a manner contrary to his post.

Dr Scotland said he was informed that the posts by the “junior” MP were removed and stressed that “the honourable members be more committed to the maintenance of dignity in this house.”

At the start of Wednesday’s sitting of the House some eight weeks after suspension, the Speaker said he is in receipt of several complaints by members of the House and will move to address all matters brought before him.

Additionally, Dr Scotland said the frequency to which parliamentarians meet

is cause for concern. “I have been pondering on whether the frequency of our meetings leave honourable members satisfied,” he said.

The Speaker during the 36th Sitting of the 11th Par-

Dr Scotland noted too that June will mark one year of the 11th Parliament and as such he deems it fitting that the operation of the House be assessed.

Opposition Chief Whip

Speaker of the House Dr Barton Scotland in conversation with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo during Wednesday’s sitting of the National Assembly liament made it known that it is his intention to address the issues raised at an “appropriate time” to enter into consultation with the governing and opposition sides of the House on the frequency of meetings both in the House and the Committees.

Gail Teixeira who was vocal during Wednesday’s sitting said she was not at all pleased with the infrequency of meetings and sessions.

In March, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo lashed out at the Opposition party for failing to attend Parlia-

mentary Management Committee meetings among others. The Leader of the House described the situation as unfortunate, while noting that PPP had complained about lack of sittings of the National Assembly.

“The work of Parliament is not only in the National Assembly, lots of work has to be done at the level of committees and this is being affected,” he had told the Guyana Chronicle.

Nagamootoo said the Parliamentary Management Committee constitutes a very important function of the parliamentary system and should not be taken lightly. He said too that the opposition has not been attending some of the other committees.

He said the attacks by the PPP on the adjournment of the National Assembly until May 4 was “disingenuous,” given that that party while in power “strangled Parliament for nine continuous months between July 2014 and April 2015 by proroguing Parliament, then dissolving the House when the PPP was faced with a no-confidence motion.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

Preparations for GuyExpo heighten

WITH the country’s premier trade and investment exposition a week away, there is now a hive of activity at the Sophia Exhibition complex.

Carpenters and other construction workers are busy setting up the exhibition spaces for the event.

Tameca Sukhdeo-Singh told reporters yesterday that for the past few years they have expended more than $100M to host GuyExpo and this year the budget was reduced.

As such, the GuyExpo is seeking sponsorship and so far, this year’s 3-day event will cost about $70M. She was at the time speaking to reporters during a presentation ceremony at GuyExpo Secretariat, Sophia Exhibition Site.

Sukhdeo-Singh said 301 exhibitors have been reg-

istered and they are being urged to pay to secure their booths since space is limited.

She explained that heightened security is being organised for the venue, with both Police and added private security and traffic control cops in place.

Sukhdeo-Singh stated that while parking space has been improved in the compound, persons are still being asked to carpool – to use one vehicle rather than visit the event on any given night in several vehicles.

She added that carpooling will limit the time it will take to get to the venue, in addition to the fact that parking spaces are very limited.

When questioned about measures being put in place to cater for rain, since GuyExpo is usually held in the

dry September period, Sukhdeo-Singh said that they have sand-filled the booths and plywood is added in booths so that patrons will not step in mud.

She stated that gates will be opened from 14:00h to midnight for the three-day event. There will also be 10 gate prizes each night.

Sukhdeo-Singh told reporters that this year’s event will limit the amount of entertainment events.

In addition, she said that four workshops are being put together to enlighten businesses on product packaging, marketing and access to financing, in an effort to assist them to produce a business plan, as a guide for their business development.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of GuyExpo Dawn Holder-Alert said that the present

cost for this year’s event is $70M and they may have to revise that cost because of a budget cut, also as they are depending on sponsors.

She added that they have a fluctuating budget and the cut was due to the lack of finance in which the subject

Ministry, the Ministry of Business, does not have the money to spend on GuyExpo this year.

Holder-Alert said they are seeking sponsorship to pull off the 3-day event, but they haven’t had much support since there are too many

activities for the 50th anniversary.

She disclosed that the projected profit this year is down by 35% and with the budget cut they are working towards not owing suppliers for their services.

Repairs being done to a booth at National Exhibition Centre, Sophia

Ansa McAl Trading Limited booth being repaired for GuyExpo 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

Displaced Stabroek vendors say new spot bad for business VENDORS outside Stabroek Market, in Georget o w n , y e s t e r d a y c o mplained that no specific details were relayed to them by City Council officials as to when they would be moving into the new location, south of Public Buildings.

Furthermore, almost all of the vendors who spoke to this newspaper outside of Parliament Building yesterday afternoon voiced their concern that the new location will kill their business.

A pregnant Munifa McPherson, whose due date was given as around May month-end, explained that the wholesale market will pose a real challenge to her and the rest of the vendors.

“If we go there, business will be real slow for us because the wholesale market is before there (the new location) and that will slow up our business for the whole morning till that wholesale market done. People won’t leave the wholesale market to go and buy at the retail market.

People will buy from the first market before they go there.”

McPherson said she

bought over $100,000 worth of gifts to sell on Mother’s Day, but she is not sure if

care for.”

Another vendor, Roxanne Peters, said she has three children and six grand-

dor who preferred to remain anonymous said.

Vending for 16 years now outside Stabroek Mar-

“It shows me that this was not properly planned because if you wanted us to move, you would have prepared the place so we could have had a smooth transition.” - Vendor

Lauren Stephens she will be able to sell any of them. “On Mother’s Day, I don’t sell fruits. I have bills to show I bought gift sets to wrap. I already invested more than $100,000 and I don’t know how I am getting to sell these goods. All my money would go down the drain. I can’t sell this back must be until next year Mother’s Day.” The woman, who has been vending in the vicinity for 12 years, said she intended to accumulate some money to care for her and the baby after she gives birth.

“Now I can’t sell at all. I also have a three year old son to

children to care for. She too complained that no business would be done at the new

Roxanne Peters location. “No one can do business there. People won’t go in there to buy anything.”

“I am surprised and very disappointed,” another ven-

ket, she said if the City Council wanted to move them, they could have made proper arrangements to have them relocated. “They just gave us a couple days’ notice. You are leaving us out of business. It shows me that this was not properly planned because if you wanted us to move, you would have prepared the place so we could have had a smooth transition.”

Lauren Stephens, another vendor, told this newspaper that she is currently in debt over perishable items she would have purchased, but was unable to sell. “Two buckets of cherries, 50 pounds melon, two dozen papaw, oranges, bananas….

Mr. King personally told me

vote for him and we would get a proper market. I vote

has since outlined some of the works that have already been completed on the new site.

Public Relations Officer, Ms. Debra Lewis, said the plan was already drawn out for the new location to accommodate the more than 175 vendors. She said although they were now in the process of installing lights, 24-hour security has already been put in place, along with Munifa McPherson toilet facilities.

Furthermore, some 11 this last time for the first time truckloads of garbage have in 46 years to get a proper been removed from Stabroek change and now bread out of Market.

“Council doesn’t my mouth and I can’t even get some crumbs. Wuh these want to put anyone out people hear? How are we of business, but it’s imgoing to celebrate this jubilee portant that the area be reorganized and the area without money?”

The woman, who has two be beautified so that all school-aged children to care citizens, whether they live for, also complained about in Georgetown or out can the new location. “They (the enjoy. That is a legacy that wholesalers) coming out has been handed down to from 2 am. We dead. There us from our foreparents and we should all work tois no business.” gether to restore the beauty of that particular area, and M&CC Appeal Meanwhile, the Mayor we want vending also to be and City Council (M&CC) done in a legitimate way,” yesterday appealed to ven- said Ms. Lewis. (Telesha dors to remain patient, and Ramnarine)

PSC wants urgent meeting Judge to sum up evidence in Mocha schoolgirl murder with President on crime

THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) has written President David Granger requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the country’s crime situation.

In the letter, which the PSC issued to the media, it was stated that the Commission and other members of the business community are “deeply disturbed” over the current situation, especially as the country gears up to celebrate its Golden Jubilee.

The PSC made it clear to the President that the situation is eroding investor confidence at a time when Guyana wants to attract the diaspora and other visitors

Chairman of the PSC, Norman McLean

this country can no longer live in fear of their lives and a more aggressive strategy is needed to curb the high-profile crimes which are headlined daily,” the

“We firmly believe that the citizens of this country can no longer live in fear of their lives and a more aggressive strategy is needed to curb the high-profile crimes which are headlined daily.” to join in the celebrations.

“The Private Sector Commission has met twice with the Honourable Minister of Public Security and with the Commissioner of Police to no avail. We firmly believe that the citizens of

letter to the President stated.

The PSC acknowledged that the current crime situation is not a recent phenomenon and recognised that the ability of the Police Force to solve crimes has

improved.

“We are, however, of the view that we are in dire need of an approach which is focused on the prevention of crime and that this approach must be communicated widely. We are therefore seeking an urgent audience with you,” the letter to the President concluded.

The PSC’s letter comes a day after statistics by the police force revealed that there was a 19 percent decrease in serious crimes at the end of the first quarter of this year, when compared to the same period last year.

According to the statistics, there was a nine percent reduction in reports of murder; nine percent decrease in gun-related robberies; eight percent decrease in armed robberies; 38 percent decrease in robberies with violence; 38 percent decrease in robberies with aggravation; 18 percent decrease in rape; and 22 percent decrease in break and enter and larceny.

By George Barclay JUSTICE Jo-Ann Barlow yesterday overruled the defence’s no-case submissions in the Mocha school-girl murder case and called on the two accused - Jevon Wharton, 25 and Charles Collin Cush, 23, to appear for the defence.

The no-case submissions were decided by defence lawyers Maxwell Mc Kay and D. Kissoon on Tuesday following the close of the case for the prosecution.

The Prosecution conducted

by State lawyers Shonette Austin and Siand Dhurjon built their case on witnesses who testified to the effect that nine-year-old school girl Seda Stoby was on her way to school at the Mocha Primary, walking along a dam when she was kidnapped, raped and allegedly murdered by the killers, in order to escape the crime.

The accused pleaded not guilty but made caution statements to the Police, admitting the crime.

In Court, they denied certain aspects of the statement, and claimed that although their signatures were on the document, they only answered yes

and no, and the entire document was not theirs.

One of the witnesses, Dr Mohan Persaud told the jury that the Number one accused had abrasions and lacerations on his penis while the number 2 accused had abrasions on his penis and back.

Persaud had examined the men, after they had been picked up by the police in 2007.

The accused were aged 16 and 14 at the time when it is alleged that they held up the girl while she was on her way to school.

When questioned by Prosecutor Mr. Siand Dhurjon, Dr Persaud said that the injuries on the boys’ penises were consistent with them having sex with someone when there was a lack of lubrication.

In answer to defence counsel, the doctor also said that the lacerations and abrasions, could have been due to masturbation.

The father, Mr. Eric Stoby, and a search party began a search for the girl after she left her Mocha home for school that Friday morning and failed to return that afternoon.

According to him it was not until the afternoon of the second day that he found his

daughter in a swollen condition in a muddy dam with little water not far from an aqueduct .

She was dead and partly naked with her feet spread apart, Mr. Stoby had said.

The alleged murderers picked up by the police as suspects included Jevon Wharton who was then, 16, and Charles Collin Cush, 14.

Following the investigations, during which the accused are alleged to have made caution statements admitting the crime, both young men were indicted with murder.

This is their second trial.

Their first trial ended with a hung jury, which was unable to reach an agreement.

The accused began their defence yesterday with sworn statements from the witness box, in which they maintained that they are innocent.

They were subjected to vigorous cross-examination from the prosecutors.

The trial will continue on Friday when, according to the judge, the defence will end and lawyers on both sides will conclude their addresses to the jury.

The judge is expected to sum up her evidence to the jury next Monday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

ARRIVAL DAY MESSAGES

Those who came endured hardships for our freedoms - Government of Guyana ON THE occasion of Arrival Day 2016, the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana recognizes all the people of Guyana for your resilience, fortitude and unwavering dedication to nationhood.

The peoples who came to this blessed land, many under unspeakable circumstances, have each toiled and sacrificed and endured hardship for us to have

achieved as we have and for us to be, this year, celebrating 50 years as an independent, sovereign and free nation. We stand on the shoulders of those who have fought and struggled for the freedoms we now enjoy.

On Arrival Day we celebrate the coming of our peoples to this land and we also celebrate the “coming together” of our peoples in this land. Our ancestry is diverse; our destiny is inextricably and irrevocably intertwined. We are, as our motto instructs, one people, one nation with one destiny.

From a common history of inhumane conditions our peoples persevered and cooperated in forging a cultural mosaic into a tightly woven rainbow nation of diverse peoples with a united spirit and common destiny.

Arrival Day affords us too, an opportunity to reflect on our triumphs and challenges. On this Arrival Day, in the year of our Golden Jubilee, we reaffirm the Guyanese spirit of tolerance, inclusivity and brotherhood and a unified vision for a progressive, prosperous and cohesive Guyana for all its peoples.

The Arrival: Their Legacy - GAWU MAY 5 is officially designated “Arrival Day,” which brings into focus the arrival of immigrants to Guyana.

Importantly, the day affords us the opportunity to reflect also on British colonialism, the slave system and the indentureship policy that followed it.

May 5 is generally associated with East Indian immigration and their indentureship to the then British Guiana beginning in May 1838. Our history acknowledges that other immigrants were brought to this land – the Madeiran Portuguese in May 1835, the Chinese in 1853, as well as a few other ethnicities during that phase of colonialism. We gather from the research done of this period that the colonialists brought also labourers from Malta, Ireland, Germany and England. These indentured labourers as with the system of slavery, were brought to do the back-breaking work on the sugar plantations.

As indentured labourers, they were forced to live in atrocious conditions, often symbolised by the cramped,

derelict ranges to collective living which we know as logies. An inhumane relationship existed between them and the plantocracy.

Some accounts put those who came under the indentureship system from India to be 240,000 between 1838 and 1917, quite significant for that time.

These labourers, like the slaves, were linked essentially to sugar. Their history in intertwined with the history of sugar. Today, descendants from those times are still linked to the industry with many, even in this 21st Century, still facing harsh conditions and threats to their livelihoods as presently indicated by developments regarding Wales and LBI Estates.

The immigrants were all mere producers of wealth for the plantocracy of the British Empire in the process of which they endured heart-rending suffering and exploitation. In time, off-spring of the immigrants and indentured labourers moved into the professions, commerce and trade and agriculture. They made a major contribution in the struggles for freedom, in the struggles for democracy and in the various tasks to build Guyana,

which became their home and in which they have lived now for more than 170 years. Their religions, cultural expressions and values add to our diversity and spiritual richness.

Our people, all of them, should take pride in seeing Guyana today as an independent country and who are being, in spite of the many challenges, motivated by a deep interest in our all-round development to ensure dignity, decent living standards, and a sound foundation – economic and social primarily – for the generation that follows us.

On this “Arrival Day”, we remember our forefathers and the pains they withstood as they reached out for a better life. Several generations separate us from them. Since then many changes have occurred that impact our lives today.

Still though the journey towards steady improvements in our lives, to consolidate our nationhood, to forge unity and to build a just and prosperous country continues.

In our observation of this 5th May, let us do so confident that our aspirations will be realised.

GAWU joins with all Guyanese to celebrate, once again, Arrival Day.

Embrace the sacrifices of our ancestors - ViraatSabhaa

TO commemorate Arrival Day without highlighting the sacrifices and achievements of the East Indians in Guyana is to disregard history. Every ethnic group was created by cosmic intelligence and with a purpose.

This was evident when John Gladstone, the father of the Britain Statesman, applied for permission to recruit East Indians to serve in British Guiana as Indentured Labourers.

Mr. Gladstone’s aspiration of satisfying the needs of the Sugar Industries was dampened as a result of shortage of labourers.

Africans, Chinese and Portuguese were imported to satisfy the demands of the Industry, but their efforts were inadequate. The success of the Sugar Industries depended mainly on resources that are durable and effective. The East Indians were considered synonymous with sugar. This was evident in Mauritius. As such on 13th January, 1838, the Whitby and Hesperus were chartered to transport from Calcutta, India, 238 immigrants who arrived in British Guiana after a voyage of 112 days, on the 5th May, 1838. On arrival, the male adults engage themselves to willingly and diligently execute their

duties as labourers in the Sugar Plantations.

It was the investment in East Indians that strengthened the industry, which altered the landscape of British Guiana.

When human resources are properly tapped into, it can secure tremendous success.Guyana has undoubtedly benefited from all the immigrants that were imported.

Portuguese and Chinese mainly occupied the Business and Trade positions and the East Indians and Africans secured Agriculture and other Industries. Guyana, like Trinidad and Suriname benefitted tremendously from the selfless sacrifices of East Indians.

East Indians embraced a culture of securing adequately for the future. They believed in hard work and the proper dispensation of wealth. Their ability to survive with minimum necessities is beyond comprehension.

They believe in struggles and have the capacity to overcome crisis. In Guyana, East Indians transcended their limitations in the form of food, clothing and housing, to become independent.

Today, East Indian occupies position in every aspect of national development. From Indenture-ship, the East Indians have evolved to gain prominence in the various divisions of growth and expansions. Their sacrifices, if not parallel has surpassed the contributions of every other ethnic group in

Guyana. Every professional position, such as Politics, Medicine, Law, Business, Education, Engineering, Arts & Crafts, Sports, Agriculture and other Industries, the East Indians of Guyana occupied with great esteem.

East Indians are thrifty and has the ability to survive hardship and struggles with faith and endurance. The East Indians of Guyana always believe in fostering good relationships. Their relationship with other ethnic and religious groups is demonstrated in every aspect of social coherence.

To observe arrival day is to remember and embrace the sacrifices of our ancestors and to include their memories in our everyday life. How could we forget our heroes in the fields of Politics, Medicine, Law, Academics, Sports and Business etc?

It is therefore necessary to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of our ancestors who had influenced our existence.

It is through their hard work, efforts and sacrifices that we are enjoying the fruits of their actions and similarly, Viraat Sabhaa encourages all Guyanese to continue to work, build and sacrifice so that generations unborn will enjoy the fruits of our action.

The Viraat Sabhaa encourages all our citizens to observe this occasion with deep pride and purpose.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

Integrity Commission’s accounts overstated - Audit Office finds

IMPROPER record-keeping, irregularities and misappropriation of funds prior to 2008 has resulted in the Integrity Commission’s account on the statement of financial position, valuing $1.469 million.

The Audit Office in its report as at December 31, 2014, noted that this amount has since been brought forward on the statement for the years 2008 to 2013.

However, the statement of the financial position as at 31 December 2014, showed a reduction of this amount by $699, 207.

“This movement has not been justified with any evidence or basis for the reduction in the suspense account. As a result, the auditor is unable to confirm that the movement was appropriate and/ or the accuracy of the amount reported in the financial statement,” the Audit Office said.

The Commission explained that prior to 2008, due to improper record-keeping some of its assets had to have an estimated value in order to prepare the fixed asset register.

It said due to the revaluation of these assets, the suspense account was decreased.

The Audited Financial Statement of the Commission also has found that the cash flow of the entity as at December 31, 2014, was overstated by some $264, 135.

An amount of $124,814 represented the reconciled bank balance as at December 31, 2014, but on further examination into the accounts of the Commission, the Au-

dit Office revealed that the cash and cash equivalent on the statement of cash flow is $388, 949, giving an unknown difference of $264,135.

The Commission acknowledged the error and promised to resolve the matter. The Audit Office also noted that the amount of $1.795 million was reported as non-current assets of the Commission.

This amount included the value for the office equipment and furniture and fixtures.

“A physical verification done on the respective assets revealed that three assets that are obsolete remained on the fixed-assets register. The inclusion of the three assets in the register results in an overstatement of non-current assets by the sum of $67, 257, since these assets are not in use or provide economic benefit to the Commission.”

To correct this situation, the Audit Office recommended that the Commission update the

register to accurately reflect the assets providing economic value to the Commission.

It also recommended that the Commission seek to have assets repaired or brought back into economic use or to dispose of same.

The Commission again acknowledged the shortcoming and said it would take the recommendation into consideration.

This aside, the auditor found that an amount of $505, 842 was included as deferred income statement of comprehensive income, and as a result, the non-compliance with IAS 20.

An explanation or basis for this inclusion could not be ascertained.

The Commission acknowledged the error and also promised to fix this shortcoming.

The Integrity Commission was established on September 24, 1997, and consists of a chairman, and no less than two nor more than four

other members. Its vision is to improve public confidence in the integrity of holders of public office.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

1,257 suspicious transaction reports in 2014 - but after examination only 15 required follow-up action THE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has reported that during the period 2013-2014, some 1,257 Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) were received from Licensed Financial Institutions (LFIs), money transfer businesses and cambios, but after initial analysis, only 15 required follow-up action.

Motive being investigated in Parika businessman’s murder THE police are investigating the motive behind the murder of Parika fuel dealer, Seeram Singh on Saturday last, as evidence implicated a deportee who was identified as the gunman.

Singh, 52, called “Brother See” of Lot 40 Parika Outfall, East Bank Essequibo, was stabbed to his torso and shot to the hip and head.

The deportee and two others including a female are in police custody.

According to police sources, the deportee who is known along the East Bank Essequibo was identified on an ID parade as being the trigger man who attacked the fuel dealer. It was noted that gunpowder residue was found on the deportee after a swab test was done on his hands. Checks at his home also discovered incriminating evidence.

The police are confident that their investigations are bearing fruit.

Relatives of the fuel dealer are still adamant that Singh was executed.

Police will be preparing charges for the deportee soon.

Singh was walking along the roadway at Parika Outfall, when a man came up from behind and shot him in the back.

Dead: Seeram Singh After the businessman fell, the shooter reportedly stood over him and shot him to his chest and head before taking away some two of his gold chains. A .32 live round and a bullet casing of similar calibre were found at the scene. The businessman’s wallet, cellphone and gold rings were not taken.

Police arrested the victim’s ex-lover, who had allegedly threatened to kill him after he had dumped her and started seeing other woman. Police sources confirmed that when Singh was killed, he was speaking to the same woman on his phone.

The FIU in its annual report for 2014 pointed out that in early 2013, a new suspicious transaction reporting format accompanied by specific guidelines followed several guidance and feedback sessions with reporting entities.

These sessions were related to risk assessment and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) procedures when dealing with usual, complex and large volumes of transactions.

Towards the end of 2013, the FIU recognised that the reporting entities were continually reporting as suspicious transactions, activities that were either unusual, complex or above predetermined thresholds.

As a result, it initiated a series of awareness and guidance sessions on a one-on-one basis in those instances where these occurrences were most prevalent.

From the awareness sessions, STRs reduced by 56.8 per cent in 2014.

In 2013, some 878 STRs, involving 654 subjects were received from reporting entities. According to the FIU, multiple STRs were received on 224 subjects or 25.5 per cent of the total STRs reported.

The total value of the 878 STRs amounted to approximately US12.5 million.

Some 73 STRs from 67 subjects were received from LFIs during 2013, the value of which was some US$4.1 million.

“In addition to the 73, there were 13 that were withdrawn by the LFIs for review and further analysis due to the lack of information that referred to or created a suspension of money-laundering, terrorist financing or proceeds of crime,” the FIU said.

There were 41 or 56 per cent involving cash transactions and 16 or 21.9 per cent involving other financial instruments; 55 or 73.3 per cent which related to General Financial Transactions; 14 or 19.2 per cent which involved International Money Transfer transactions; and two involved cambio

transactions.

Some 19 or 26 per cent involved businesses and 54 or 74 per cent involved individuals.

The money transfer businesses accounted for the highest number of STRs of all the categories of reporting entities.

During 2013, 721 or 82.1 per cent of all STRs were received from money transfer businesses, which involved 526 subjects.

These 721 were valued at US$5.3 million.

The FIU said all of the 721 STRs from money transfer businesses involved individual subjects. The cambios filed 84 STRs, which involved 61 subjects. These STRs were valued US$3.1 million and involved individuals. After an initial analysis, none of the 84 warranted further analysis or follow-up action by the FIU. In 2014, some 379 STRs involving 304 subjects were received from reporting entities, the total value of which amounted to some US$9.9 million.

Also in 2014, the total STRs received from all reporting entities reduced by 499 or 56 per cent when compared with 2013. The subject of these STRs also reduced from 654 in 2013 by 350 or 53.5 per cent to 304 in 2014.

The value was US$12.5million in 2013, which also represented a reduction of US$2.6 million or 20.8 per cent when compared with US$9.9 million in 2014.

The FIU’s vision is to eradicate money- laundering and the financing of terrorism from Guyana by providing effective intelligence to ensure its mission is achieved.

The mission of the unit is to provide critical and effective intelligence aimed at protecting the integrity of Guyana’s financial system by the detection, deterrence and suppression of money- laundering and the financing of terrorism, through collaboration with law-enforcement agencies, regulators and international counterparts.

RPA must be more vibrant in representing farmers – Holder AGRICULTURE Minister Noel Holder has urged the Rice Producers Association (RPA) to step up to the plate in its representation of rice farmers across the country and stop looking to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) for handouts.

Responding to complaints by long-standing RPA President Leikha Rambrich that the RPA is no longer receiving reimbursements for services offered to rice farmers in the rice belt, Minister Holder said there is no provision for this in the law.

According to a release from the Ministry of Agriculture, Minister Holder said that the RPA should be more vibrant and proactive in its representation of farmers.

“This was in direct response to the RPA president’s reference to the discontinuation of a $2.5 million subsidy paid over to the RPA on a monthly basis under the previous administration,” the release stated.

The Agriculture Minister made the remarks during a recent meeting with rice farmers and other stakeholders of East Berbice at Skel-

Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder don, the release stated.

And farmers lamented what they described as poor and in some cases no representation by the legally man-

dated farmers' group.

“Minister Holder urged the RPA to engage in a membership drive and a formalisation of its representation - this was after more than half the farmers present at the meeting indicated that they were not members of the organisation, having never filled out any membership forms or paid any fees in this regard,” the release noted.

It was further stated that government is reviewing a 10-point plan submitted by the RPA on the way forward for the rice industry.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

Mexico and Iwokrama to partner on management of protected areas - to boost economic activities

MEXICO’S National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) is implementing in collaboration with the Iwokrama International Centre (IIC), a conservation project to enhance the sustainable economic activities in natural protected areas in Guyana.

The project focuses on the exchange of experiences and best practices to boost economic activities such as eco-tourism, commercialisation of organic products and handicraft, and indigenous communities’ engagement in the conservation of the natural, protected areas. This project is part of the Mexico-Guyana Bilateral Co-operation Programme.

Two experts from CONANP, Erika Morales and Manuel Juandiego, visited Guyana from April 24 - 29 and shared the progress achieved and strategies devised in Mexico’s 177 natural, protected areas with Project Managers from IIC, Vanessa Benn and Dr Raquel Thomas-Caesar and with the Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission, Damian Fernandes.

The goal of the meeting was to create an opportunity for exchange, where participants were able to present the innovation schemes and areas of opportunity for both Mexico and Guyana.

The Mexican experts visited Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre, where they had the opportunity to learn about Iwokrama's programmes, including business development and the involvement of the Amerindian communities in the co-management of Iwokrama, in a meeting with the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) at Bina Hill, Annai. They also interacted with students of the Bina Hill Training Institute.

A visit to Surama Village provided them a first-hand look at the model community tourism product that has been successfully developed there.

The Mexican experts discussed the current work being done at Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, involving the engagement of local communities for the production of honey, handicraft and articles for export to certain niche markets.

CONSERVATION ACTIONS This co-operation project presents the opportunity to develop a partnership between Mexico and Guyana to promote a series of conservation actions in protected areas that favour the preservation of the ecosystems and result in ecological, social and economic benefits to local, national and international communities.

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At Iwokrama River Lodge : From left are Dr Raquel Thomas-Caesar, Mr Ken Rodney, Ms. Erika Morales, Mr Adit Sharma and Ms Vanessa Benn

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

These two youngsters are eager to start working with the computer

IT, skills trainin for Victor FIRST Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger has officially declared open an Information Technology (IT) and vocational skills training programme for the youths of Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara.

The event was held on Tuesday at the Golden Grove, Nabaclis, Haslington Community Centre, which is also the venue of the 13-week training programme.

A release from the Ministry of the Presidency noted that apart from IT training, the participants, which include high school students and out-of-school youths, will also benefit from remedial Mathematics and English courses, as well as sessions on sexual and reproductive health, office ethics and micro-enterprise development.

According to the release, Mrs. Granger said the programme is a comprehensive one, which aims to ensure that participants are given valuable lifeskills to prepare them for the world of work. She also spoke of how vital IT is for advancement in today’s world.

“You will be learning not only how to communicate using IT, but also how to conduct yourself in the workplace… It is a workshop, which we hope will give you the tools to shape your lives and be everything that you want to be,” the First Lady is quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, Regional Vice-Chairman, Demerara-Mahaica (Region Four), Mr. Earl Lambert, said the initiative

Digicel Events and Sponsorship Manager, Louanna Ab GuyExpo 2016 Chairperson, Dawn Holder-Alert

Digicel back

DIGICEL Guyana yesterday donated $2M to towards the country’s trade and investment exposition, GuyExpo.

GuyExpo 2016, will be held at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia from May 12-15.

This year, GuyExpo will be held for three days under the theme, “50 years: Guyana means business, promoting enterprise, driving productivity.”

Digicel Senior Events and Sponsorship Manager, Louanna Abrams, told reporters that the cell phone

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

ng programme ria youths fits into the administration’s overall vision of creating a more technology-savvy and educated population and urged the participants to make the most of this opportunity.

“You at this young age are given this opportunity and so you should grasp it with both hands… education is important and this programme will open many doors for you,” he said.

The release noted that similar sentiments were expressed by one of the facilitators, Mr. Desmond Saul, who encouraged the youths to use the skills they learn during the next 13 weeks to enhance themselves, their families and their communities.

The classes will run until August 2 and sessions will be held three days per week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 15:30hrs to 19:30hrs.

The participants will be assessed on a weekly basis for the duration of the programme and at the end of the 13 weeks, they will be awarded with a certificate which is accredited by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

The youth development programme is the brainchild of the First Lady and is aimed at empowering youths, particularly those who, for various reasons, did not have a chance to complete their formal education.

In September last year, a similar programme was successfully implemented in Buxton-Friendship.

brams yesterday presented the sponsorship cheque to

ks GuyExpo

giant is pleased to be a sponsor of GuyExpo 2016, as they have done for the past eight years.

She stated that Digicel is one of the exhibitors this year and they are very excited to be a part of the 50th anniversary celebrations events.

GuyExpo 2016 Chairperson, Dawn Holder-Alert said she is grateful for the continued support from Digicel, while Tameca Sukhdeo-Singh welcomed Digicel on board.

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First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger looks on as Facilitator, Mr. Fitzroy Young, explains some ground rules to the participants during the orientation

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016 An artist’s impression of the proposed $400M new Stabroek Wharf

‘Stabroek front’ to be ‘civic square’

- Riverside esplanade included in $400M plan to restore wharf area WHILE a $400M plan is on the cards to repair the Stabroek wharf, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has said it has plans to design the front of the Stabroek Market into a “civic square” acting on recommendations by Professor Akhtar Khan.

Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan on Wednesday in an invited comment confirmed to the Guyana Chronicle that the Council is particularly interested in adopting the area which once accommodated vending and minibuses to make it into “a place of recreation for citizens”.

Duncan said in a post on social media last night that all city markets will be rehabilitated under the new Council, and the Stabroek Market project is a massive multi-million dollar one which encourages sustainable development.

“We aim to improve the quality, economic growth, convenience and sustainability of the environment in which we live and work, together with the participation and involvement of the residents of Georgetown,” the Deputy Mayor stated.

The Deputy Mayor said the Council’s undertaking to move the vendors from the Stabroek Market bazaar was one in accordance with Professor Khan’s plan, which suggested “a solution to street vendors, within the urban context: size and location with a standard model be introduced, demarcation of stalls is necessary, some re-location programme [should] be developed, [and] the area in front of Stabroek Market to be designed as a civic square to be used as a place of recreation for citizens.”

While difficult days are ahead, Duncan said “tough decisions have to be made. But I believe we have the fortitude as a city to make them and to move Georgetown forward”.

While vendors have been asked to move, the relocation process is a bit rocky, with hurt vendors taking to the streets in protest, even as City Hall begins preparation of the venue and are registering vendors for occupation of stalls.

While some believe the removal of vendors “from the periphery of the Market is a policy callously implemented,” the Deputy Mayor said: “Yet quite the opposite obtained; knowing full well the livelihoods at stake and the many families to be affected, made the decision that [is] much more difficult.

No one wants to make such dark decisions, yet tough decisions have to be made if we are to move Georgetown forward in the way in which, in the end, we can all be proud.”

Duncan yesterday apologised to the vendors for being unpunctual in providing the services at the new area promised temporarily by the council for the efficient running of the city’s business.

“I believed that we should have exerted greater efficacy on getting the proposed area ready for our vendors who are such an important part of the character of our city. Setbacks occur in everyday life, yet punctuality in providing the service(s) we promised is of paramount importance to the efficiency of the Georgetown municipality. For the delays in getting the proposed location ready, in my personal capacity, I offer the city and affected vendors in particular my unreserved apology.”

Along the water’s edge, Duncan said part of Professor Khan’s elegant plan, which the city is taking into consideration, is the construction of a riverside esplanade.

“Provision should be made for a riverside promenade extending from America Street’s stelling to Schumaker’s.

This will provide the public an opportunity of enjoying

Please see page 21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

Ban on import of old cars takes effect

THE ban on the importation of old vehicles took effect from Sunday, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has reminded.

The restriction is on the importation of motor cars, vans, buses, Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and pickups eight years and older (from the date of manufacture to the date of importation). This measure was announced by Minister of Finance Winston Jordan during the presentation of the 2016 National Budget. It was subsequently presented in Parliament in February and assented to on March 14, 2016, the GRA asserted.

The proposed restriction on these vehicles had been strenuously protested by some auto-dealers and the opposition, People’s Progressive Party. For its part, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) had said that it viewed the move by the APNU+AFC

government to implement a ban on importation of vehicles as “unnecessary” at this time and will have a negative impact on many. The commission had also urged the administration to “seriously” review and reconsider taking such a route, since it would most likely place undue pressure on low and middle-income earners.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had also called on the Government to back down from the move, saying that it ensured that persons from the lower middle-class and the poor, many of whom purchase vehicles on terms, as well as auto-dealers, do not suffer the gravity that the announced move will have on their lives and livelihoods.

However, President David Granger had said that the ban on importation of used

tyres and old vehicles are in the best interest of the country. The President had said developed countries will not be allowed to treat Guyana like a “junkyard.”

He explained that while everyone has a right to represent his/her own interests, it must be understood that he (the President) is representing the national interest.

“The auto-dealers have a right to express concerns, because they feel their profits will be affected, but the Government has to think about the whole country.

The point is when you bring in old vehicles, old tyres, old equipment, that [vehicle] is less efficient. It pollutes the atmosphere; it is more costly, because it requires more maintenance and more spare parts; and you get less life out of it,” President Granger had said in response to a question

Stabroek front ...

From page 20 the scenic views of the river.”

Duncan said “Georgetown is a historic colonial city that must be modernised if it is to survive the 21st Century. Part of the M&CC’s remit is administrating vending in the city along with its five municipal markets.”

He said while city vending, in particular, is governed by the Municipal and Districts Councils Act, the very Act dictates that “vending is restricted to small amount of items and the Act abhors fixed structures, at a base level you ‘walk and sell’.”

According to Duncan, quite the opposite has developed over the years and the Council is reaffirming its influence while collaborating with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) in restoring Georgetown as the Garden City of the Caribbean.

He said too the citizens should understand that the lack of political will had, over the years, prevented several development plans for Georgetown, as conflicting issues had developed.

posed on the subject.

He also said that the environment and the people suffer, and Guyana can ill afford to be on a treadmill trying to replace old equipment. “New equipment lasts longer, and we don’t want developed countries treating us like a junkyard, selling equipment which they can’t use themselves. If they are not going to put up with it because it is inefficient and

smokey, why should be put up with it?”

He had said he is not by any means attempting to shut the auto-dealers up, but he noted that “I have a national interest to protect; they have a personal interest to protect.”

On January 29, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had announced that as of May 1 this year, there would be a restriction of the importation

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of used and/or reconditioned vehicles, and only those under eight years old from the date of manufacture would be allowed into the country. This restriction shall be enforced from May 1, 2016.

This ban will not apply to vehicles used in the manufacturing or agricultural sectors, according to legislation the Finance Minister has tabled to back up the plan.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

City warns container operators…

Movement of trucks restricted by city by-laws - new locations earmarked for minibus, taxi terminals

CONTAINER truck owners and operators are being advised that there are laws in place to guide their movement around roadways in Georgetown, according to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) in a press release Wednesday.

In promising greater enforcement of city traffic laws, Town Clerk Royston King said that the administration is finalising proper enforcement mechanisms for traffic regulations and is therefore reminding all operators to adhere to the laws governing their vehicular operations.

He said the M&CC is governed by the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01, which provides the council with much jurisdiction over the city, and its management.

According to city by-laws, City Hall has full responsibility for the management of traffic in the city. In specific reference to large vehicles traversing the city, the law says, “… it is unlawful for any person to drive or propel any vehicle, the weight of which laden or unladen shall exceed three tons…”

SPECIFIED STREETS AND HOURS The regulation also states the specified streets and hours for which these vehicle types shall use city roadways. These heavy-type vehicles are permitted to use city roadways: High Street, extending from Lamaha to Young Street, Main Street extending from Church to Lamaha Streets and Brickdam extending from Avenue of the Republic to Vlissengen Road be-

tween the hours of 18:00hours to 06:00 hours (6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.). Any other route has to be notified by the Town Clerk’s office, Gazetted and published in the newspapers.

The Council urges all relevant persons to adhere to the law and welcomes them to make contact with the municipality for further advice.

BUS SHUTTLING SYSTEM Meanwhile, the municiRoyston King pality has requested patience and tolerance from commuters as they work to regularise a meaningful minibus, taxi system. The Town Clerk and his officers are currently working on plans for a bus-shuttling system that will see all mini-buses and taxis exiting the city centre and busy commercial hubs.

Currently, minibuses and taxis are parked some distance beyond their former Stabroek Market parks, but the traffic congestion situation is still very evident, the release noted.

The Town Clerk said that the public will soon be eased of this situation, “since it is clear that the city, particularly the commercial hubs, can no longer take the influx of commuters, vehicles, shoppers, vendors, taxi drivers and minibuses.”

“The administration is thus focusing its attention on arranging parks for minibuses outside of these hubs.” The areas which include Industrial Site, the East Ruimveldt Market area, Upper Water Street, the Railway Embankment area, and Council lands at Woolford Avenue, among other locations, will house terminals for minibuses heading to particular destinations. Persons heading to the city will be shuttled.

Recognising that a shuttling system would require additional fees from commuters, the Town Clerk said that this matter is being taken into consideration.

Chief Constable Andrew Foo opined that Georgetown is now being allowed to breathe. His ranks are responsible for the enforcement of the city by-laws and according to Foo, “they will now be playing a greater role in helping to ensure the proper management of the city.”

Citizens are reminded, however, that a general cleanup and beautification campaign is ongoing in the city. The work seeks to address wanton and disorganised vending, traffic congestion, illegal or unapproved construction and continuous disregard of Council by-laws, the release concluded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

Naresh Kumar and his wife in happier times

Father of two dies in accident

A FATHER of two died Tuesday evening after he reportedly lost control of the car he was driving and crashed on the Schoonord New Access Road, West Bank Demerara.

Dead is Naresh Kumar, 36, of 298 Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara. The Guyana Chronicle understands that Kumar was on the way home when the accident occurred at approximately 21:50hrs.

According to reports, he lost control of his Mazda Axela car, PSS 2326 on an S-turn heading into the housing scheme just off the Demerara Harbour Bridge. Reports are that the vehicle toppled several times.

Kumar was pronounced dead on arrival at the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

At the time of his death, Kumar was employed as a driver/ salesman at Building Materials Depot on the East Bank of Demerara.

This newspaper was reliably informed that Kumar turned up at work on Tuesday morning and informed his employers that he no longer wished to work with the company, “because he felt something bad will happen.” However, Kumar’s wife said he was fired when he showed up to work.

Meanwhile, this newspaper understands that Kumar was the victim of a hijacking Friday last while driving his employer’s canter truck in the vicinity of Clonbrook, East Coast Demerara. Reports indicate that the hijackers placed him inside the enclosed tray of the canter, but he managed to escape after the vehicle stopped and the door opened.

He then visited the Cove and John Police Station to make a report when he was taken into custody pending investigations. After the 72-hour detention period, he was released Monday night.

The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Pensioner struck down by canter at Diamond A PENSIONER who was struck down by a canter truck Tuesday evening has died at the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital, Diamond.

Dead is 83-year-old Keturia Dalgetty of 216, Samatta Point Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD). According to relatives, Dalgetty suffered from amnesia and would sometimes wander around the village.

Reports disclose that around 18:55 hrs, a canter truck, GFF 9553, stopped in Fifth Street, Diamond, and was facing north when the driver reversed, striking the pensioner down.

She was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. The driver of the canter is in police custody and an investigation is in progress.

The Mazda Axela car at the La Grange Police Station after the accident

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

Dataram in court again B A R RY D a t a r a m , h i s common-law wife Anjanie Boodnarine, together with Kevin Charran and Trevor Gouveia, who were all charged with possession of narcotics, made yet another appearance before City Magistrate Judy Latchman as the trial into the allegation continued on Wednesday.

Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) prosecutor, Kunyo Sandyford-Thompson, in her previous appearance, made submissions for

City Magistrate Judy Latchman to summon television

BARRY DATARAM news reporter Travis Chase and his video operator to the witness stand to testify against self-confessed drug trafficker Barry Dataram in court.

On Wednesday, the magistrate stated that she would allow the CANU prosecutor to put forward her evidence before she makes a ruling on whether the summons would be granted.

However, Attorney-at-Law Glenn Hanoman,

who is representing the defendants, told the court that, “The court should not get involved in the prosecution’s case…”

During an exclusive interview with HGPTV’s Travis Chase in February, Dataram admitted his own involvement in the drug trade, but added that he had never been convicted for a criminal offence. “Yes, I do drugs. I wouldn’t lie, but I have never been convicted,” Dataram had declared.

He had been arrested several times, but escaped even the clutches of United States law enforcement after an extradition attempt failed.

As the trial continues, CANU officer Anthony Yarde gave further evidence in the cases. His evidence was followed by the prosecution making a submission for 692 white envelopes containing samples of the drugs to be collectively tendered and marked as exhibits in the hearing.

The matter was adjourned until May 20, 2016.

Thursday May 5th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Friday May 6th, 2016 - 05:30 hrs Saturday May 7th, 2016 - 05:30 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

Surinam Airways introduces third weekly Guyana/Miami flights SURINAM Airways has announced that it will introduce a third weekly flight between Guyana and Miami from May 12, 2016.

According to a release from the Air travel company, the airline’s North America manager, Henk Fitz-jim, said that the flight will be a permanent fixture on the airline’s scheduled service to Guyana and is in response to the growing demand by the Guyanese-American community as well as “the satisfaction which the Guyanese community has enjoyed by flying Surinam Airways, since we began this route to Guyana in April 2012.”

The third flight is scheduled to be on Thursday of each week, which adds to the airline’s Tuesday and Saturday service which leaves Guyana at 11.30 am, arrives in Miami at 4:00pm and leaves for Guyana at 5:30pm, arriving at 10:00pm.

“This is a very convenient schedule for passengers in both directions, since they can make connections coming into Mi-

ami either from Guyana or from cities around the US on their way to Guyana.

It does not require any overnighting.

“So the convenience of the flights coupled with our excellent customer service and competitive fares have made Surinam Airways the first choice of Guyanese travelling to and from Florida,” Fitz-Jim said.

The airline will use its Boeing 737 300 series aircraft for this service offering 118 economy and eight business-class seats. The airline permits passengers one free piece of checked baggage not exceeding 50 pounds and charges $15 for a second piece of luggage.

Meanwhile, it was also announced that Fitz-Jim and a team from the airline will be in Guyana, as part of a trade and investment mission next week to discuss with Guyana Government and private-sector officials plans for the airline’s expanded involvement in the Guyana market.

Surinam Airways is a sponsor of several events and activities in Florida to

mark Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary, including next week’s trade and investment mission.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

Webb could face lifelong ban as FIFA opens proceedings

FORMER FIFA vice-president Jeffrey Webb could face a lifelong ban from football following a report from the investigatory chamber.

FIFA has opened adjudicatory proceedings against disgraced former official Jeffrey Webb, who could now face a lifelong ban from football.

The former CONCACAF chief and vice-president of FIFA pleaded guilty in the United States in November to one count of racketeering conspiracy, three counts of wire fraud conspiracy and three counts of money-laundering conspiracy.

Webb was one of a number of officials arrested in a police operation last May, as part of an FBI-led investigation into widespread

corruption in world football’s governing body.

FIFA’s Ethics Committee launched its own investigation into Webb’s conduct and submitted a final report on April 26. A lifelong ban from all football-related activities has been recommended.

“The adjudicatory chamber of the Ethics Committee, chaired by Mr Hans-Joachim Eckert, has opened formal adjudicatory proceedings against Mr Jeffrey Webb based on the final report submitted by the investigatory chamber,” a FIFA statement released yesterday read.

“The adjudicatory chamber has carefully studied the report of the investigatory chamber, under the chairmanship of Dr Cornel Borbely, and

decided to institute formal adjudicatory proceedings against Mr Webb, formerly the president of CONCACAF, a vice-president of FIFA, a member of the Executive Committee of the Caribbean Football Union and the president of the Cayman Islands Football Association.

“The final report was transmitted to the adjudicatory chamber on April 26 2016, with a recommended sanction of a lifelong ban from all football-related activities for violations of articles 13, 15, 18, 19 and 21 of the FIFA Code of Ethics.

“During the course of these adjudicatory proceedings, Mr Webb will be invited to submit his position with regard to the final report of the investigatory chamber, including any ev-

Ultimate Arm Wrestling III launched DUBBED the ‘Arm of War’, the third edition of the Ultimate Arm Wrestling championship was officially launched yesterday at the 704 Sports Bar in Alberttown, Georgetown.

The 704 Sports Bar has teamed up with a number of business entities to host the two-day event which is set to commence on May 14, with its first preliminary round. The event concludes on May 21.

At the launching, it was revealed that the event will have challengers in the ladies open category while the men’s side is divided into four

categories - 0-159lb, 160-180lb, 181-199lb and 200lb and over.

It was also revealed that over $500 000 will be up for grabs, and registration forms will be available at all leading gyms in Georgetown and at the 704 Sports Bar. Meanwhile, Manager of 704 Sports Bar, Roy McArthur, disclosed that the event is another way of giving sports fans more entertainment.

He said the organisation decided to host the tournament for the third time, because of the tremendous growth of the sport.

“We have seen over

the past two years the kind of interest Arm Wrestling was shown, and based on that we have decided to have it a third time. We are looking to extend with the inclusion of foreign participants next year,” McArthur pointed out.

To date, Gizmos and Gadgets, Ansa McAL and Tec Pro Guyana have confirmed their partnership with 704 Sports Bar for this year’s event.

The event is expected to have all of its previous champions, with 704 aiming to provide insurance for all players in case of any mishaps. (Rajiv Bisnauth)

From back page

The total direct impact of the 2015 tournament for the T&T economy was stated as US$15.40M. This was broken down into the direct spend by CPL which was US$3.84M, accommodation and general expenditure was listed at US$5.63M, and value produced by the T&T Tourist Board branding at matches was put at US$5.93M.

The proposal also outlined to all governments that a total of 93 929 fans attended the matches in T&T and as a result 551 jobs were created.

In addition, a television audience of 27.3 million persons viewed the games, and a 5 703 nights were spent by non-local spectators at the hotels in T&T.

It seems T&T ...

here.

SMG Insight, the firm hired to audit last year’s CPL, reasoned that by hosting last year’s event, T&T got significant economic and social benefits, which included the direct spend by CPL from hotel to local vendors, travel, media and advertising.

idence (art. 70 par. 2 of the FIFA Code of Ethics), and may request a hearing (art.

74 par. 2 of the FIFA Code of Ethics).”

In his guilty plea to U.S. judges late last year, Webb

admitted he had “abused” the position of responsibility he held at the top of the game.

“I abused my position to obtain bribes and kickbacks for my personal benefit,” he

said.

“I believed that such offers were common in this business. I deeply regret my participation in this illegal conduct.” (Sportsmax.com)

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

Real Madrid tame Man City to set up Champions League final against Atletico (REUTERS) - Real Madrid reached their 14th European Cup final and ended Manchester City’s hopes of a maiden title after securing a 1-0 victory in the second leg of their Champions League

last-four clash yesterday.

Zinedine Zidane’s side will face city rivals Atletico in the final for the second time in three seasons after a first-half own goal from Fernando was enough to secure a narrow win

that barely reflected Real’s dominant display.

After last week’s goalless first leg stalemate, Madrid, chasing a record-extending 11th European title, opened the scoring after 20 minutes

Gareth Bale celebrates scoring the first goal for Real Madrid. (Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine) at the club with club football’s when Gareth Bale’s cross was deflected into the top corner by the City defender.

The victory opened the door for Real Madrid boss Zidane to end his first season

most coveted prize, while ending City manager Manuel Pellegrini’s hopes of signing off from the club with European silverware.

City had made a bright

start but their early momentum was halted in its tracks as captain and centre back Vincent Kompany was forced off with a muscle injury after nine minutes, handing the initiative to the hosts, who quickly went on the offensive.

City looked slightly overawed as they handed territory to Real Madrid who punished them when Bale picked up Dani Carvajal’s pass and aimed a cross towards the far post that was deflected by Fernando past Joe Hart into the top corner.

The linesman’s flag prevented City falling further behind when Pepe stabbed into the net only for his effort to be ruled out for offside, while City’s only glimpse of goal in the first half came when Fernandinho’s effort clipped the post.

Ronaldo says his place in history is assured

(REUTERS) - Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo is confident he will go down in history as one of the sport’s best players, helped by his status, as the Champions League’s all-time top scorer.

The three-time FIFA Ballon d’Or winner has netted 93 goals in Europe’s elite club competition, including five hat-tricks. His closest rival is Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, who is 10 goals behind him in the Champions League scoring charts.

“I don’t doubt that I will go down in soccer history.

Whether people like it or not, the numbers speak for themselves. I will be up there with the rest,” Ronaldo, 31, told the UEFA website

Cristiano Ronaldo (www.uefa.com) in an interview.

“Some like it more, some like it less, but I have no doubt that I’m already in the history of football.

“I always felt that I was a special player ... I’ve always

worked hard, believed in my potential and I’ve developed more and more as a player, as a person, as a human being.”

Ronaldo has 16 Champions League goals this season, the most by any player in a single campaign, which has propelled 10-time European Cup winners Real to a semi-final with Manchester City.

“It’s a privilege to know that I’m the leading goal scorer of all-time in the Champions League. Obviously, I feel very happy at having achieved that,” the 31-year-old said.

“It’s a special competition and a competition that Real Madrid love. I’ve been lucky enough to win it twice and obviously I want to win it more -- hopefully again this year.”

WADA suspends South Africa laboratory

SOUTH Africa’s Doping Control Laboratory has become the fourth lab to be sanctioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in the past month.` Bloemfontein joins Beijing and Lisbon in being suspended from carrying out any WADA-related anti-doping activities, while Moscow’s lab had its accreditation revoked in April.

The decision leaves 31 WADA-accredited labs in the world, but none in Africa.

WADA said the laboratory may apply for reinstatement before September 30.

The body did not disclose the reasons for the South Africa facility’s suspension, which can be appealed against at the Court of Arbitration for Sport within 21 days of Bloemfontein being notified. (BBC Sport)

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

Black Caps move to top of T20 rankings NEW Zealand have risen to the top of the ICC Twenty20 rankings for the first time and West Indies slipped to third despite their World T20 triumph in India.

The Black Caps were beaten by England in the semi-final of the World T20 back in March, but have now nine of their last 11 matches in the shortest format.

New Zealand are level on points with India, but their total is 0.21 higher than MS Dhoni’s side

when the ratings are calculated beyond the decimal point.

The Windies drop a place and are 10 points behind New Zealand and India largely due to the results from the 2012-13 season - when they won their first World T20 title - no longer counting.

South Africa replace World T20 runners-up England in fourth spot, with Australia sixth ahead of Pakistan and New Zealand have replaced India at the top of the Twenty20 Sri Lanka.

World champions Ausrankings, while Australia are still on top of the world in ODIs

… Aussies still at top of ODI rankings

tralia remain top of the ODI rankings, but their lead has been reduced to 11 points by second-placed New Zealand.

The Proteas leapfrog India into third, with Sri Lanka fifth ahead of England, Bangladesh, the Windies, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The ICC confirmed on Tuesday that Australia had stretched their lead at the summit of the Test rankings to six points over India, with South Africa dropping to sixth.

Raptors force OT at buzzer, but Heat pull out Game 1 win THE Sports Xchange) - Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was impressed with his club’s mental toughness on Tuesday.

After Toronto guard Kyle Lowry forced overtime by hitting a half-court, buzzer-beating 3-pointer, Miami opened the extra period on a 8-0 run and hung on for a 102-96 victory over the Raptors.

The Heat took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semi-final series.

Game 2 is on today in Toronto.

“Kyle Lowry’s three, as soon as it left his hands, I think everyone in the building kind of had an idea that would go,” Spoelstra said. “From that point on, I was extremely proud of the group.

“To get knocked down on

the canvas like that, the air punctured out of your body, to show the mental resolve to come back and take control of overtime -- that’s great mental toughness that I think we showed from there.”

Goran Dragic had a gamehigh 26 points for Miami, and Dwyane Wade added 24 points, six rebounds and four assists. Joe Johnson chipped in with 16 points and seven rebounds.

The Heat started the fourth on a 7-2 run to build a 10-point lead. Toronto responded with a 12-4 surge late to pull to within 83-81.

Dragic appeared to kill the Raptors’ momentum by sinking a 3-pointer with 40.6 seconds remaining, and Miami led by six after Josh Richard-

son sank two free throws with 19 seconds left.

“Obviously, in the fourth quarter with them coming back, we did a lot of things wrong that we need to correct going into the next game,” said Wade, who had seven points in overtime.

Jonas Valanciunas led Toronto with 24 points and 14 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan chipped in with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Terrence Ross added 19 points off the bench.

The loss drops to Toronto 1-9 in playoff series openers.

Lowry struggled all night, going 0-for-5 from 3-point range prior to the game-tying shot. He finished 3-for-13 from the field for seven points

in the loss.

Despite the struggles, the Raptors believe he will break out of the slump, which had him averaging 13.9 points per game in the opening-round series against the Indiana Pacers.

“Even though he didn’t shoot the ball well, he was effective down the stretch,” Raptors coach Dwane Casey said. “He got stuff done. I thought his bulldog tenacity set the tone for us defensively.

“We know he’s not shooting the ball well, he’s not making plays with shots that he normally makes.

“Just like a hitter (in baseball), hitters go through slumps. He’s there, but we have to believe in him, we do believe in him, and he’s going to come out of it.”

Regional clubs/franchises to benefit from IPL release fees

THE West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is reporting that it will soon pay an outstanding amount of US$617 750 to regional franchises and clubs who have players in the Indian Premier League.

These release fees will be paid in relation to West Indies players who participated in the 2013-2014 and the 20142015 IPL seasons. Each player’s franchise and club will receive their agreed amounts equivalent to a one third share.

This was revealed recently following the announcement that the BCCI and the WICB have resumed bilateral ties.

The payment of the fees is part of an agreement between the WICB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) whereby the BCCI pays WICB an amount equal to 10 per cent of each player’s salary participating in the league.

The agreement was authenticated when the WICB created a window for April to May, for its eligible players to participate in the IPL. Based on the three-way split, the value of what the WICB retains is approximately US$308,875 which it reinvests to-

wards its comprehensive development programme.

Additionally, the WICB has instituted a player production amount and since the WICB/WIPA negotiations on new MOU/CBA, it was agreed that five per cent of player retainers is to be paid to the franchises and clubs.

The split is 40 percent to the franchises and 60 per cent to clubs. That amounts to US$174 220 for the financial year which ended September 30, 2015.

“The Board is always developing new ways and means to incentivise its players. We are also hoping that the franchises and clubs utilise the allocation in keeping with the high-performance programme the board has been implementing, and for the players to be ready for international competition,” said WICB president Dave Cameron.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) continues to review all leagues around the world with a view to put in place regulations for participation in other authorised international leagues on the cricket calendar. The disbursement is generally made shortly after the end of the stated financial year. (Sportsmax.com)

Added DeRozan: “I tell him all the time, good or bad, I have the utmost confidence in him. I don’t care if you miss 15 shots, I’m going to stand behind him just like if he’s making 15 shots in a row.

He’ll come around.”

Miami shot 57.9 percent in the third quarter to erase a twopoint halftime deficit and take a 68-63 lead into the fourth.

Dragic had 10 third-quar-

ter points, helping the Heat build a five-point lead. Wade added nine third-period points, moving into 16th place on the NBA’s all-time postseason scoring list.

Ross, who averaged just five points per game through the first seven games of the playoffs, led the way with 11 second-quarter points off the bench, helping the Raptors to a 43-41 lead at the break.

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34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

HACC launches latest cricket magazine

By Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada – Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) launched its latest magazine in spectacular fashion last Saturday night at the Ace of Arts Restaurant & Bar, North York Toronto, with members expressing the view that it was far superior in quality and content to previous issues..

The launch also formed part of the club’s annual Spring Dance but a somewhat sombre atmosphere dimmed the festivities as news broke that Johnny Bujan had died tragically in a traffic accident in Trinidad & Tobago.

Obviously saddened by the unexpected news, HACC president Narchand ‘Archie’ Mohan was almost in tears as he disclosed the news of Bujan’s demise.

The late Bujan, who hails from Trinidad and Tobago but lived in Ontario, Canada,

HACC members, including president Narchand ‘Archie’ Mohan (extreme left, back row) display the club’s latest cricket magazine. served on several occasions as manager of the Canadian national team and was also the co-owner of Brampton Masters Cricket Club in the Toronto District.

He was mainly responsible for recruiting several Guyanese and Caribbean players to the league, including the likes of former

Guyana national captain Damodar Daesrath, former West Indies player Royston Crandon, Darwin Christian and Loaknauth Ramsuchit, among others.

In his message, Mohan pointed out that the unprecedented and historic sixth consecutive Premiere League victory in the Scarborough Cricket

Association (SCA) tournament was a testimony “to all those who have total belief, trust and love for this great club.”

According to Mohan, it should also be noted that “during our six-year reign, HACC had fielded different teams and still came out successful, which demonstrated our determination

Russell’s magical spell hands KKR seven-run win ANDRE Russell came up with a magical last over to help Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) grab a seven-run victory over Kings XI Punjab in an Indian Premier League (IPL) contest at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata yesterday.

The victory also propelled the hosts to the top of the table with 12 points from nine games. Russell ended with figures of 4-20 from his four over, as Glenn Maxwell’s scintillating 42-ball 68 went in vain.

Chasing KKR’s 164-3, the visitors got off to a disastrous start with Marcus Stoinis (0) heading back in the fourth ball of the very first over. The Australian tried to lift the Andre Russell delivery but was only able to chip it to Piyush Chawla at mid-off.

Kings XI were dented further as Manan Vohra (0) and captain Murali Vijay (6) departed in quick succession with the score reading 13-3.

Australian Glenn Maxwell and Wriddhiman Saha then got together to pull off a rescue act. They were helped by some wayward bowling from KKR and after the first six overs Kings XI had put on 37-3.

The Saha-Maxwell partnership yielded 40 runs but then the Kings XI wicketkeeper dragged a Chawla googly onto his stumps.

With David Miller by his side, Maxwell carried on piercing the gaps and hitting the big sixes. He tonked his countryman Brad Hogg 17 runs in the 12th over. Gambhir suddenly looked worried with the flurry of boundaries and might have been thinking if they had missed a trick by leaving their star spinner Sunil Narine out.

Even KKR co-owner Shahrukh Khan looked worried and was seen having an intense chat with former India captain and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly.

Maxwell ensured the rivals remained worried for a little longer as he kept smacking the long ball.

Finally, he was out leg-before-wicket in the 16th over trying to reverse-sweep Chawla. Miller also was holed out in the deep soon after.

But Axar Patel’s two consecutive sixes in the 18th over ensured his side were in touching distance of the total.

However, the game turned on its head thereafter as Morne Morkel gave away just 10 runs off the penultimate over.

With 12 needed of the last six balls, the Kings crumbled under pressure and ended up with 157-9.

Earlier in the evening, Gautam Gambhir and Robin

Uthappa’s terrific 101-run stand helped Kolkata get to a fighting total.

Uthappa top-scored with 70 while Gambhir contributed 54 runs to the total. None of the Kings XI bowlers was able to take a wicket as all three scalps were run-outs.

The Knights skipper looked fluent from the outset on a strip that was assisting the bowlers and took on the likes of Mohit Sharma and Marcus Stoinis smashing them to the ropes. At the end of the powerplay, the home side had managed to get to 40-0.

Uthappa then stepped on the gas and tried hitting the long ball.

He succeeded finally in lofting Axar Patel for a straight

six in the 9th over. Gambhir too joined in by clubbing a Swapnil Singh full-toss into the stands.

Thereafter, it was all about picking the singles and running hard for the twos. The duo also hit the occasional boundaries as the 100 came up in the last delivery of the 12th over.

However, a little later Gambhir, who had just completed his half-ton, was runout as he misjudged a single.

Maxwell who was fielding at cover threw the stumps down with a direct throw.

Uthappa was about to follow his captain into the dug-out but he was dropped at 50 by Mohit at long-on after an indecision with teammate David Miller.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday May 05, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Robin Uthappa-660 runs (KKR) (2) Mohit Sharma-23 wickets (CSK) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who struck the highest individual score in IPL 2014?

(2) Who had the best bowling figures in a single game of IPL 2014?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

not to depart from the journey of success.

“To all the members of this unique family, thanks again for making us so proud of your continued success and reaching the heights where none have gone before. Once again, our support last season was also beyond imagination and for this I am extremely grateful and look forward to the same in years to come.”

Provincial Member of Parliament Bas Balkissoon extended congratulations to the club, pointing out that being champions for a sixth consecutive year was a true reflection of the team’s dedication and hard work. He also commended the club for its dedication to promoting and competing in cricket tournaments. “The club’s achievements are a direct result of great leadership skills and the passion to succeed.”

Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Michael Coteau, who was unavoidably absent but sent a message, congratulated the club on the remarkable achievement while applauding the hard work and dedication that led to the impressive feat.

Coteau disclosed that as the Minister responsible for Sports, “I value the important role amateur competition has in promoting vitality and active living in our communities. As cricket’s popularity in Ontario continues to grow,

success stories like this one help promote the sport and draw fans from across the province.”

HACC’s chief executive officer (CEO) Eon Gunraj reminded the players that a championship title is not a given, since the SCA has some of the most competitive teams and that the club had conceded their first loss in mid-season in almost two years. “We did struggle in some games but managed to regroup and take it one at a time all the way to the end.”

Skipper Hemnarine Chattergoon once again expressed sincere thanks to the management of the club for the faith shown in him, allowing him the privilege to be at the helm. Chattergoon described the 2015 season as one of the most trying ones but despite the setbacks “our players rallied once more to emerge as the undisputed kings of the Premiere League.”

Apart from the several messages, the magazine features biographies on most of the players. It was edited

by HACC manager and Guyana Chronicle freelance writer Frederick Halley with contributions from former Guyana Chronicle and Guyana Times sports journalist Ravendra Madholall. Mohan’s teenage daughter Ashmini Mohan did an excellent job in designing the magazine.

Renegades could re-sign Gayle for Big Bash

WEST Indies batsman Chris Gayle could re-sign for Melbourne Renegades in Australia’s Big Bash, despite last season’s sexism controversy.

Gayle, 36, was fined by the club in January after asking journalist Mel McLaughlin for a date during a live interview, saying: “Don’t blush, baby.”

“We know it was wrong,” Renegades coach David Saker told BBC Sport.

“All I try to do is pick a squad to win a series. I probably don’t look at those things.”

The former England bowling coach added: “If the hierarchies above us or the people in higher positions than myself come down on that, they do.”

During his exchange with McLaughlin after a match in Hobart, Gayle also said: “To see your eyes for the first time is nice. Hopefully we can have a drink afterwards.”

The Renegades described the comments as “completely inappropriate and disrespectful” and fined him A$10,000 (£4,900).

Gayle, part of the West Indies team who won the World Twenty20 in April, later apologised but said the reaction was “out of proportion” after former players and Cricket Australia condemned his remarks.

“I think what happened afterwards was a bit of a beat up,” Saker added.

“A lot of people put their two bobs-worth in that probably didn’t need to.”

Gayle will return to Somerset next month to play in the T20 Blast, having scored 328 runs in three appearances for them last summer.(BBC Sport)

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 5, 2016

Ninvalle satisfied with outcome of Caribbean Schoolboys/Junior boxing c/ships

PRESIDENT of the Guyana Boxing Association GBA), Steve Ninvalle, expressed satisfaction with the overall results of the just concluded Inaugural Caribbean Schoolboys/juniors championships held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on April 29 and 30.

In an invited comment via telephone, Ninvalle said the tournament was a success both administratively and re the vision GBA has for the development of the sport in the Caribbean Region.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport also informed that come next month, an eight-member team will travel to French Guiana (Cayenne)to participate in a Creole tournament from June 29 to July 3 and French-speaking Caribbean countries will be a part of the tournament.

Ninvalle, a former sports journalist said he expects the Schoolboys and Juniors tournament which was inaugurated last week here in Guyana will be an annual event and, hopefully, Guyana will host the tournament once again next year.

“We achieved what we had

… Eight-man contingent for French Guiana’s Creole tournament

The young boxers with their coaches and the officials pose for a Cullen Bess-Nelson photo on Saturday night. hoped to accomplish in every sphere,” Ninvalle revealed, adding “One major accomplishment was we started the longest journey which started with one step by starting a Schoolboys and Junior tournament for boxers in the Caribbean.”

Ninvalle revealed that the GBA will be writing the

America Boxing Federation to make the tournament an annual one as the GBA’s main focus is on the development of Guyana and by extension, the region’s youths in the fistic sport.

According to Ninvalle, the tournament was well received by the administrators from the

other participating countries – St Lucia and Jamaica, and he expects other countries from around the region to come on board for next year’s tournament.

He said from reports he received, from his Caribbean counterparts, the tournament went well and was well organised and the whole idea of

Windies, Australia, South Africa Tri-series

Tickets for Guyana’s leg to go on sale shortly

By Rajiv Bisnauth TICKET sales for the Guyana leg of the tri-series featuring Australia, South Africa and West Indies are likely to commence in a week’s time. This is according to Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Anand Sanasie.

The 10-match event will take place over a three-week period from June 6 to June 26, with Guyana scheduled to host the first three One Day Internationals (ODIs), at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence There South Africa will take on the West Indies on June 3. Australia battle West Indies on June 5 and South Africa will go up against Australia on June 7.

However, in an invited comment yesterday, Sanasie confirmed that the ticketing process is in its finalising stage, and as such, will go on sale shortly.

“Currently the WICB is using a new ticket company, the same company CPL is

Anand Sanasie using, but ticket sales will commence in a week’s time,” Sanasie revealed.

Asked to comment on the prices, Sanasie indicated that the prices will not be much different from the last time Guyana hosted One Day International cricket.

The last international match in the country was played on July 16, 2013 when West Indies defeated Pakistan by 37 runs in an ODI. Prior to that, there were 12 ODIs at the venue, which was built to host matches in the Cricket World Cup in 2007.

The national stadium has

also hosted two Test matches (March 2008 and May 2011) and seven T20 Internationals, the last of which was in May 2010.

Guyana has not hosted more than two international teams at the same time since the ICC World Cup in 2007, but Sanasie, who is also a director on the WICB, further pointed out that all the logistics are currently been looked at.

Just recently a high level delegation from the GCB met with Minister responsible for Sport Nicolette Henry, Director of Sport Christopher Jones and Permanent Secretary Alfred King to discuss among other things availability and usage of the Guyana National Stadium, partnership between the GoG and the GCB, and security of the players and delegations throughout their stay in Guyana.

Minister Henry had indicated that the Government supports cricket and, in particular, the tri-series that coincides with Guyana’s Jubilee Independence year.

Meanwhile, the second

leg tri-series will be held in St Kitts while the final four ODIs, including the final, will be held in Barbados.

Australia most recently toured West Indies in June last year, sweeping a twomatch Test series to retain the Frank Worrell Trophy.

But their last limited overs matches in the Caribbean came in March 2012 when they played five ODIs and two T20Is, along with three Tests.

The two sides split the ODI series - with two wins each and a tie in the third ODI at St Vincent and the T20 series as well.

South Africa demolished the hosts on their last tour of the West Indies in 2010, sweeping two T20Is and five ODIs before claiming the three-Test series with a 2-0 score line.

Their last encounter with South Africa came in Australia at the World Cup in February last year when AB de Villiers struck the fastest 150 in ODI history to pave the way for a 257-run South Africa win.

giving young boxers foreign competition was the main goal.

The Creole tournament billed for French Guiana next month-end is expected to attract boxers from Guadeloupe, Martinique, Dominica and St Lucia among other countries.

Asked how Guyana was invited to be a part of the tournament when it is one for French-speaking Caribbean countries and Guyana’s main language is English, Ninvalle said, “We were invited in light of being the vanguard for the development of schoolboys and junior boxers in the Caribbean. He noted that when Guyana hosted the Caribbean Championships last year, that tournament attracted the participation of 13 Caribbean countries and thus, the French Guianese boxing administrators

thought it fit to have Guyanese boxers at the schoolboys and junior levels be a part of the event.

According to Ninvalle, the Guyanese will travel to French Guiana overland and it is expected that St Lucia as well as Guadeloupe will be here to join the local contingent and travel overland as it is more cost-effective than travelling from their homelands to French Guiana by air.

Meanwhile, the GBA president would like to thank Demerara Distillers Limited for its support to amateur boxing over the past five consecutive years as well as COURTS Guy. Inc., DelMur Shipping, Dr Shawn Legall, the National Sports Commission, Ministry of Education and president of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control, Peter Abdool, for their unwavering support.

WIFBSC Short Range C/ships 2016 – Antigua

Jaguar edge Lion in latest team practice match, another match set for today

TEAM Jaguar edged Team Lion by three points when members of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) members’ practice continued ahead of this month’s West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council Short Range Championships in Antigua, May 16-22.

The four-man team shoot was held to assist members to improve their competitiveness ahead of what is anticipated to be a very competitive Caribbean championships with the likes of Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and Bermuda keen on wresting the title from the defending champions, Guyana.

Competition was at the 300, 500 and 600 yards ranges on a day that was overcast, resulting in eventual rain which saw a halt in proceedings at the 500 yards range for about one hour before the action resumed.

Team Jaguar member Leo Romalho enjoyed a near-perfect day having dropped just a single point at the three contested ranges. Caribbean Individual champion Lennox Braithwaite was also in good form dropping four points while National vice-captain

Lennox Braithwaite and Team Lion member Dylan Fields was five points off a perfect day.

Coaching Team Jaguar to victory were Braithwaite and Paul Slowe while at the helm for the Lions were Fields and local Individual champion, Ransford Goodluck.

Fullbore captain Mahendra Persaud was unavoidably absent from last Sunday’s shoot but is expected to be out today when another team shoot would be held.

Webb could face lifelong ban as FIFA opens proceedings

(See Story on page 31)

Former CONCACAF chief and vice-president of FIFA Jeffrey Webb

Ultimate Arm Wrestling III launched

(See Story on page 31) Al Dowding, two-time defending champion (left) and Ian Edwards, two-time second-place finisher go through the motion of arm wrestling in the presence of representatives of the sponsors.

It seems T&T has outbid us

By Stephan Sookram

S

HATTERED are the dreams of Guyanese cricket fans as the announcement came yesterday that Trinidad and Tobago outbid Guyana for the semi-final and final of the 2016 edition of the Caribbean Premier League.

Chronicle Sport cornered the Minister of Education with responsibility for Sport, Dr Rupert Roopnarine, who confirmed that Trinidad and Tobago had outbid Guyana to host the Caribbean showpiece.

“The state of play is that it seems as though Trinidad has outbid us and they (officials) are having those discussions,” were the words of Dr Roopnarine, who was in a rush to enter the Parliament Chambers yesterday.

The notion comes just

- Minister Roopnarine on CPL finals

Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel celebrate after winning the 2015 Hero CPL final at Queen’s Park Oval..

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

weeks after Guyana had confirmed interest in the tournament’s ultimate three matches with an aim to adding a bit more to the flair and celebration of the Golden Jubilee year.

It had been rumoured that the Twin Island Republic been putting up its hand to host the tournament even as Guyana had announced interest.

What is unclear at this time is the amount that Guyana’s closest Caribbean island posted in order to snivel the finals away, though the rumoured asking price a few weeks ago indicated that the CPL committee was looking for US$2M. At this point, however, what is clear is that the semi-finals and final of the CPL 2016 will not be held See page 31 THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016