Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 05 04 2016

Crime down by 14% No. 104512

TUESDAY APRIL 5, 2016

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‌cops say public trust high

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Family members removing the casket with the remains of former Deputy Prime Minister Haslyn Parris from the St Anthony Roman Catholic Church, Friendship, East Coast Demerara following an emotional service (Delano Williams photo)

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5 bid to operate Use jail time to CADVA setting up become stronger Missing Persons Moco-Moco ‒ First Lady urges female 17 hydro plant prisoners 12 Database 12 P.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Haslyn Parris interred dations that were made and bring them into a legislative drafting by experts, and brought those to Parliament.

In all, we’ve done about 154 or 157 changes that were proposed to the Constitution.

“He has always been a person with a very meticulous method of work, and he insisted on the research; and when we couldn’t complete the research by ourselves, he insisted on us getting experts.

And that was the reason why,

Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister disclosed that they were to bring, under Chairperson Nigel Hughes, recommendations on how to proceed with the Constitutional Reform Process, to deal with some specific issues that they were going to deal with during the last election campaign.

Duncan, in brief remarks, spoke of Mr. Parris’s analytical skills, literary objectives, logic and philosophy.

Seated at front (from right) President David Granger; Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Barton Scotland and Minister of State Joseph Harmon

HIS EXCELLENCY President David Granger was among hundreds who, on Monday, converged at the St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church at Friendship Village, East Coast Demerara for a service of thanksgiving for the life of the late William Arnold Lennox Parris, former Deputy Prime Minister of Guyana.

Having celebrated his 75th birth anniversary just three weeks ago, Parris died on March 27, following a brief illness. Among the dis-

tinguished others who joined the bereaved family members in paying their last respects to the fallen political stalwart were: Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland; former President, Donald Ramotar; former Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds, as well as several members of Cabinet and other officials.

Celebrant was the Rev. Father Jerri Dias, SJ; the Organist was Dr. Wendy Rudder, and the Emcee was

Mr. Clem Duncan, a cousin of the deceased.

The eulogy was read by daughter of the deceased, Sarah Parris, and sons Damani and Yerodin Parris.

Amid the glowing tributes, Parris was remembered for his deep commitment to family, friends and colleagues; his generosity; his work on the Constitutional Committee, bringing benefit to Guyana and all Guyanese, as alluded to in a tribute by his close friend Tommy Payne, former Chief Archi-

Bereaved members of the Haslyn Parris Family

vist.

And Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo alluded to Parris as a very meticulous person. In a comment to the media at the Merriman’s Funeral Home, the Prime Minister recalled working with Parris on the Constitutional Reform process during the period 1999/2001.

“He was the Executive Secretary and I was the Chairperson… What we did was to bring the recommen-

in 2001, he produced a book: “What it Looks Like”, and so he was able to reformulate the 1980 Constitution into a modified version,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo said.

The Prime Minister recalled it was for that reason he had invited Parris, when he became Prime Minister, to serve on a new Steering Committee on Constitutional Reform. Mr. Parris served as a member of that Committee until the time of his death, the

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo offers condolences to the immediate family members of Mr. Haslyn Parris

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo signs the Book of Condolence at the Merriman’s Funeral Home

A relative, Joy Briggs, remembered Mr Parris as a gem -- talented and affectionate; one who was the perfect father to his children; lifetime mate for his spouse, and was well loved and respected in the family. Deeming him a patriotic son of the soil, she also spoke of his invaluable contributions to Guyana.

A respected academic and man of many talents, Mr. Parris was eulogized by Minister of State Joseph Harmon as having touched the lives of many; as one who placed a high premium on assisting in satisfying the needs of others, and indeed, the people of Buxton and Guyana. “The gifts that God gave him were utilised for the benefit of his people,” Minister Harmon proudly attested, adding as his farewell commendation, “You have marked well.”

Celebrant Fr. Jerri Dias declared: “He has left a legacy in the hearts of each of us.”

Another son of Buxton’s soil, Mr. Weygand Gardner, who had come to be accepted as brother to the late Haslyn Parris and was well received in the Parris family, shared stories of the late Haslyn’s many skills and talents: His

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Crime down by 14%

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2016

…cops say public trust high ON THE back of a 14% decrease in serious crimes, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) disclosed on Monday that public trust in the organisation has increased tremendously.

It has been pointed out that not only are the police getting more tips, but they are getting more accurate information and overwhelming support from witnesses to process cases in a shorter space of time.

The statistics for murder have decreased by 5% in the first quarter of the year, while incidents of robbery-under-arms have also dipped by 10%.

In a statement announcing crime statistics for the first quarter of 2016, the police said they employed a number of initiatives in contemporary times, and those have resulted in a decrease in serious crimes.

“Our implementation of social problem-solving strategies such as the Social Crime Prevention Programmes and the strong partnership we have forged with civil society are yielding dividends in public trust and the development of a stronger social fabric in the communities within Guyana”, The GPF said.

According to the GPF, one way in which public trust has manifested itself is illustrated in the investigations of high profile crimes, in that not only is the Police Force getting more information, “but, more importantly, we are getting accurate information, and the Force has also managed to get overwhelming support from witnesses to process cases in a shorter space of time.”

The GPF has said that this desirable state of affairs can be credited to support from the public, coupled with capacity building within the Criminal Investigation Department -- such as training in the Major Case Management Investigation Model, Crime Scene Processing, and Forensic Video Analysis from the Justice Educational System (JES); besides training in the areas of Advanced Crime Fighting with the use of Information Technology, and Advanced Fingerprint Science, which were also offered to investigators by the Government of India.

Additionally, ranks from the CID were exposed to Advanced Fingerprint Training and Crime Scene Investigation which were organised by the United States Embassy. The French Government also provided to intelligence operatives Intelligence Gathering training in the form of Surveillance Techniques. The investigators also benefited from Advanced Narcotics Investigation training and International Collaboration to Combat Financial Crimes, which were offered by the Russian Government, just to name a few.

Further, the CID has received additional human resource deployment, which has contributed to a higher quality of criminal investigations.

PIRACY In the area of sea piracy, the Force said, resuscitation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Piracy, coupled with the Inter-Agency Maritime Surveillance Programme,

has led to a number of initiatives which have impacted positively in the fight against piracy. There was no report of piracy for the first quarter of 2016.

The police said that the deployment of Mounted Patrols in Region 9 has positively impacted on the smuggling and cattle rustling activities at the border, to the extent that cattle rustlers, in changing their modus operandi, are putting themselves at increased risk of being arrested and prosecuted. Seven such persons were arrested and charged between the period January and March 2016.

Touching on the security situation in ‘F’ Division, the improved police inter-agency relationships in the entire division have resulted to improve delivery of service to that large geographical area of Guyana, resulting in a 44 % decreased in serious crimes for the first quarter.

“For the first quarter of the year, murder has decreased by 25%; robbery-under-arms in which firearms were used by the perpetrators has decreased by 100%; rape has decreased by 21%, and break-and-enter and larceny by 71%. There were no reports for the remaining serious crimes, except for robbery-with-violence, which recorded the same number for both years,” the police have stated.

ACCOUNTABILITY In the area of accountability, the police said, enhancement of its accountability systems, such as the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and the Office of Audit and Inspections (OAI), along with establishment of the Divisional

Based Management Information Units (DBMIU), which provide a weekly analysis of Crime and Traffic situations to the divisional commanders, are seeing not only an improved level of professionalism within the Guyana Police Force, but also a scientific level of improvement from divisional commanders.

“Finally, like our planning, preparations and deployment

that yielded an incident-free Local Government Elections, the Guyana Police Force has adopted a similar posture of planning and preparation for the celebrations for Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary. Additionally, the communities we serve can look forward (to enjoying) more positive engagements with the Guyana Police Force”, the GPF has said.

COMPARATIVE FIGURES OF SERIOUS CRIMES FOR THE PERIOD 1st JANUARY TO 31st MARCH, 2015/2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 5, 2016

Teen miner remanded Armed robber must serve 3 years for scissors killing Clestine Juan

THE 19-YEAR-old miner who is charged with fatally stabbing another teen miner with a pair of scissors in the North West District area several days ago was remanded to prison on a murder charge yesterday.

Ryan Albert appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that on March 29 at Yarakita Village, NWD, he murdered 19-year-old Dalton Emanuel.

The accused was unrepresented by a lawyer, and had no relative in court. Albert was remanded to prison and his matter was transferred to the Mabaruma Magistrate’s Court for May 18.

The tragedy reportedly said it occurred while the two miners

Murder accused Ryan Albert were involved in a heated argument on the day in question.

The argument quickly turned physical, and Albert is accused of arming himself with a pair of scissors and dealing Emanuel several stabs to his abdomen.

Emanuel was taken to the Mabaruma Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

of a quantity of valuables and cash to a total value of $151,000. He was sentenced to three years’ jail.

Wallace was also charged for the possession of a .38 revolver and six matching rounds of ammunition, which were found on him on June 17, 2015 at the junction of Light and Camp Streets when police apprehended him.

At yesterday’s proceeding, Wallace decided to change his not guilty plea to save the court’s time.

Magistrate Latchman recorded his guilty plea and sentenced hime to three

AN EAST Ruimveldt resident was yesterday sentenced to 9 years’ imprisonment by City Magistrate Judy Latchman, after being convicted on several charges, including armed robbery.

Dexter Wallace, 22, of Front Road, East Ruimveldt, was found guilty of the charge which read that while being armed with a firearm on June 15, 2015, at the junction of Oronoque and Anira Streets, Georgetown, he robbed Petal DeFreitas

years’ imprisonment each for the gun and ammunition possession cases. These sentences will run concurrently.

He was also fined $140,000.

The magistrate pointed out that she had granted him a light sentence after considering his age and his change of plea, but noted that it was a serious crime and there was a need to prohibit others from contemplating such offences.

According to reports, DeFreitas was walking on Oronoque Street when she was approached by Wallace, who subsequently held her at gunpoint and relieved her of

her belongings.

He made his escape but a report was made to the police. An investigation was launched, and on June 17, ranks of the Guyana Police Force apprehended Wallace at the junction of Light and Camp Streets, where they conducted a search on his person. During the search, the firearm and ammunition were found and the defendant was arrested and charged. It was also revealed that Ms DeFreitas positively identified Wallace while at the police station.

Young mother gets a second chance

A YOUNG mother was yesterday given a second chance to mend her ways after the person from whom she had allegedly stolen a cellular phone requested that the matter be discontinued against her.

Vidmatie Persaud, a 19-year-old shopkeeper of Water Street, Agricola, was charged with stealing

Vidmatie Persaud

a Samsung Galaxy worth $120,000 from Andrew Younge on March 3, 2016 at Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

However, before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan could proceed with the matter, Younge asked that the matter to be withdrawn.

“She is the mother of a young child, and her family

pleaded with me,” the victim informed the court.

The magistrate acknowledged the plaintiff’s request and reprimanded Persaud on the simple larceny charge. She bonded Persaud to 12 months of good behaviour. If she breaches the condition, Persaud will have to serve six months in jail.

Case of the leaking faucet

“THIS LADY always throwing water down on meh, and ah fed up tell de landlord pon she!”

This was the lament of a woman who brought her upstairs neighbour to the courtroom of Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

On Monday, 50-yearold Marceline Barrow was charged with breaching the peace of her downstairs neighbor, Johanna Harvey.

The incident occurred on Jan-

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uary 1 at their Brutus Street, Agricola home.

Present in court, Harvey expressed her frustration over the matter and insisted that Barrow’s action was premeditated, since water would frequently be leaking through the floor boards into her apartment.

“She gets the children running, plus all de time ya hearing heels clacking-clacking,” Harvey told the court.

B a r r o w, h o w e v e r,

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seemed shocked by the woman’s claims, and was quick to clear the air. “Ya Honour, on the day in question it was New Year’s and nobody was at home, and the water came with pressure from the pump and broke the pipe faucet.”

Barrow noted that her son had to break into the apartment to stop it from flooding.

Upon hearing both sides, the magistrate informed the women of their right as ten-

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ants to have ‘peaceful enjoyment’ of the premises.

“I advise that you take the landlord to court and claim for any damages, or seek further advice,” Magistrate McLennan told Harvey, and scolded them to “live good with each other.”

Barrow was placed on self-bail and the matter was transferred to Court 12. The magistrate bonded both parties to be of good behaviour.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 5, 2016

Bandits beat, rob elderly woman, daughter

AN ELDERLY woman and her daughter were terrorized on Monday morning in their Prospect, East Bank Demerara home by two armed bandits.

The 73-year-old pensioner, still nursing injuries to her head and arms; and her daughter, declined to relate the horrific incident when approached by Guyana Chronicle. However, this newspaper was told that at about 02:30h on Monday,

the elderly woman and her daughter were in one of the rooms in the upper flat of their two-storey house when they heard a suspicious noise emanating from the lower flat of the building. Leaving her mother behind in the bedroom, the daughter, who is said to be in her 40s, ventured in the hall, and much to her surprise, all of the lights were off.

The woman, Guyana Chronicle was told, wasted

no time in putting on the lights, and it was when she proceeded to check the inner stairway that she was grabbed by the armed bandits and thrown to the floor.

But the 40-plus-yearold woman reportedly put up a fight, removing one of the bandits’ masks in the process. “They had a knife all along, but after she put up a fight. One of them pulled out a gun and said,

Encouraged to stay out of trouble A 23-YEAR-OLD drinks seller who was charged with armed robbery was given another chance yesterday, after he made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

City magistrate Faith McGusty warned Aubrey Hyman that “bucket a go ah well every day, one day e bottom a bust,” after she informed him that the charge against him was dismissed. She encouraged him to stay out of trouble.

The charge which was read to him stated that on March 29, 2016, at Laing Avenue,

he, along with another person, armed with a gun, robbed Ackeem Herod of one IPhone valued $60,000 and $4,000 cash. Hyman denied the allegation after the Administration of Justice act was applied.

Police prosecutor Sean Blackman objected to bail based on the nature of the offence committed and the value of the article.

Blackman pointed out to the court that, on the day in question, the defendant approached the virtual complainant as he was leaving his girlfriend’s residence. He

said the defendant and another person pounced on him and robbed him of the said articles mentioned in the charge.

An identification parade was conducted at Golden Grove Police Station, where the defendant was positively identified by the virtual complainant.

However, Herod did not want to continue with the matter against Hyman, since the accused’s relatives had compensated him for the articles he was accused of stealing. The matter was therefore dismissed.

Guyana supports Barbados at CELAC THE recently concluded Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) on April 1, in the Dominican Republic, saw Guyana striking a chord at regional integration.

CELAC aims to unite all of the Latin American and Caribbean states in order to strengthen the political, social and cultural integration of the region, improve its quality of life, stimulate its economic growth, and advance the well-being of all its people.

“The Barbadians put together a declaration on correspondent bank, an area that has been of great concern to them…we worked and provided some support to Barbados,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge told the Government Information Agency (GINA).

This move was seen as significant, as often times mustering unanimity poses a challenge in these groupings. CELAC members would discuss an area of particular interest to a member state; however the rules for a decision that is not unanimous poses a challenge to moving

Minister Carl Greenidge forward discussions and the work of the group. “You really don’t want a situation in which 30 countries agree that they should go forward in this direction, one country doesn’t agree and the whole group is held back because of one country,” Minister Greenidge explained.

The ideal situation would be that the country with the reservation lays it on the table and the decision goes ahead. “If they (the objecting country) want to give reasons for the reservation, the rules would be put in place to enable that to take place in an orderly fashion because in the past, we’ve had difficulties,” Minister Greenidge, explained.

In the past, issues existed in

Ecuador over Honduras, in relation to the question of the Paris 21 Agreement, where a country was refusing to allow the outcome of that agreement to be mentioned. Taking this into consideration, it was agreed by member states that they should revisit the rules of procedures to put in place mechanisms that will allow for orderly decision-making.

“Some member countries, including Guyana, have sought to have a discussion with a view to arriving at some conclusion and a decision that would enable the group to deal with areas where there is no unanimity,” Minister Greenidge said. CELAC is a regional bloc of 33 Latin American and Caribbean states. It was formed at the Unity Summit, which consisted of the 21st Summit of the Rio Group and the 2nd Latin American and Caribbean Summit on Integration and Development (CALC), in the Mayan Riviera, in Mexico on February 23, 2010. The Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs convenes twice a year or more frequently if necessary. (GINA)

‘if you only scream, I will shoot you in your mouth’,” a close relative told this newspaper.

According to him, while the daughter was being held at gunpoint, the mother opened the bedroom door.

“When she opened the door, one of the bandits threw her back on the bed and punched her to the face and left eye,” he reported as he pointed out that the 73-year-old woman now suffers from a puncture

to the head, which required about five to six stitches.

Her right arm is now in cast as well.

The bandits, in attempting to gain access to the house, had reportedly removed the louvre panes from a section of the lower flat windows of the building.

Upon entering the house, the bandits, reportedly strapped with their tool kit, proceeded to remove the grill work from the door leading to the upper

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flat of the building. However, it was not long before they located the key to the upper flat.

During the entire ordeal, the bandits demanded cash and jewelry. After finding $50,000 and a gold bangle, the thieves made good their escape, leaving their bag with tools behind.

Neighbours were quickly alerted, and police, when contacted, responded within 10-15 minutes.

Robbed while caught in traffic jam S.Alleyne

A 25-YEAR-OLD plumber was on Monday remanded to prison after he made his appearance before city magistrate Dylan Bess.

Robert Gibson pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on January 4, 2016, while armed with a gun, he robbed Sherwin Ford of one Samsung cell phone valued $75,000 and $119,000 in cash.

The police prosecutor objected to bail because a firearm was used, and because of the prevalence, nature and gravity of the offence committed.

According to the facts, on the day in question, there was a traffic jam in the vicinity of West Ruimveldt, and the virtual complainant was caught in the traffic. The defendant approached the virtual complainant’s car, pointed a gun at him and robbed him.

Bail was denied, and the defendant has to return to court on April 19, 2016.

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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

Towards a stable society

IT IS not by accident that a society sets out to put in place laws. Even moreso, it is not by chance that independent nations such as ours, having emerged from political domination and oppression, have put in place a system of laws to which all are subject. Though the focus here is not to engage in discussion on the laws of other lands, given that such understandably are shaped by the realities in those societies, the nexus is drawn insofar as respect and enforcement of the laws, domestic and foreign, are key to maintaining a stable and cohesive society. A stable and cohesive society creates the environment for growth and development.

The World Justice Project, an independent, multidisciplinary organisation working to advance the rule of law around the world and in bringing to bear internationally accepted standards, has defined the rule of law [as] a system in which the following four universal principles are upheld: (1) the government and its officials and agents, as well as individuals and private entities, are accountable under the law; (2) the laws are clear, publicised, stable and just; are applied evenly, and protect fundamental rights, including the security of persons and properties; (3) the process by which the laws are enacted, administered, and enforced is accessible, fair, and efficient; and (4) justice is delivered in a timely manner by competent, ethical, and independent representatives and neutrals who are of sufficient number, have adequate resources, and reflect the makeup of the communities they serve.

To the extent that the rule of law reigns in societies, it is not surprising that those societies exhibit more progress.

This is so because citizens know that, regardless of their diversity, socio-economic status, political title/influence/ connection or ‘entitlement’ status, if they do the crime, are caught and found guilty, they will have to do the time.

Thus it is not surprising to hear reports of the ordinary man and woman, as well as the connected and influential, being placed before the court and, once found guilty, sentenced.

In such societies, upholding the rule of law is equivalent to a badge of honour, which is also rewarded by the public, who hold such persons in esteem.

This is not to say that persons may not deliberately set out to violate the law, fully aware of the consequences that follow. But it makes the point that even when there is ignorance of the law, or when one feels emboldened to violate the law, by upholding the principle of the rule of law the society’s well-being is safeguarded.

Where the law is allowed to rule, people not only cultivate a sense of security, but with security comes assurance.

In the instance of the weak/powerless, s/he stands a better chance of not being exploited by the mighty/powerful,

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 5, 2016

Justice must take its course Dear Editor,

FURTHER police work will now have to be done in Region Two, where I live, in a case which resulted from an out-ofcourt Agreement of Settlement by a Justice of the Peace (JP), with a claim from the victim that it was initiated by a detective corporal.

The recipient in the document is school teacher Rajesh Singh, who, after being paid a hefty $250,000, was subsequently charged for having obtained that amount of money by false pretence.

During the continuation of the hearing, before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the last sitting of the Suddie Court, the JP, Boodnarine Ramnarine, who drafted and attested to the Agreement of Settlement, and Detective Corporal Terry Beharry, who was the investigating rank in the matter, testified. At the conclusion of their testimonies, the Magistrate made

an open statement that there was evidence bordering on fraud and perjury, and he urged Police Prosecutor Inspector Haimwant Ramsaywak to get senior detectives to conduct an investigation before an adjournment was taken for April 7th.

The magistrate warned that anyone found culpable would be dealt with condignly. Prior to then, on the day of the commencement of the trial, the victim, Badewattie Persaud, a brother and a detective sergeant also give evidence. All the witnesses were cross-examined by Defence Counsel Mr A. R. Bacchus.

The victim related to the court that during a visit to the Suddie Police Station on a given date last December, while her two brothers were in custody, she learnt that Singh had made a report against them, accusing them of being involved in a fight with him at a wedding function. During the fight, Singh is alleged to have suffered the loss of a gold chain and

a band at a given value of $270,000., but he was prepared to accept $20,000 for a settlement.

In her evidence in chief, Badewattie Persaud said the investigating rank initiated the settlement, of which she was not in favour, and he insisted that her brothers would be charged and placed before the court. After the officer had injected in her fear that her brothers could end up in jail for three to six months, she had no option but to make the settlement as compensation for the missing jewellery.

For reasons best known to the investigating rank, this matter was a complete ‘write off’, as ‘dead and buried’ at the station level; but after information surfaced that Singh was in possession of his jewellery, the victim felt she had been unfairly treated, and she contacted the Divisional Commander, who must be commended for having done an excellent job in the interest of justice.

The matter was resur-

rected, and, from statements taken, the file was sent to the DPP’s office for advice, which was given for Singh to be charged for the present offence.

To the best of my knowledge, the police rank, fully cognizant that the proper forum to effect a settlement is at the courts, for financial gains linked to corruption, violated the law with impunity.

This problem could well have been avoided had the investigating rank confined his behaviour within the ambit of the law, which does not allow for settlements to be made at the station level.

As far as I am aware, justice was never designed to be put on sale, with the police making a mockery of the system. Justice must be allowed to take its course, with no shortcuts introduced, as was done here.

Respectfully, BALIRAM PERSAUD

Constructive criticisms, please Dear Editor,

I HAVE read, with a great deal of interest in the last few days, the comments about Brian Tiwarie; and I wish to invite the public to examine a few acceptable facts.

The first fact is that no man is perfect. There is good in the worst of us, and there is bad in the best of us.

The second concept is that Jesus came into this world to save sinners, not the righteous.

The third concept is that this current Government has

declared openly that it has been elected to serve ALL the people of Guyana, whether they are PPP/C, WPA, PNCR or AFC; or belonging to any other group.

Now, if one tries to apply these concepts to the comments made about Brian Tiwarie, one has to ask whether those comments are fair; because, what is wrong with a person being a strong PPP/C supporter but deciding to support the current Government? Isn’t this not what the present Government is about?

One of the criticisms is

because redress can be sought and protection under the law demanded.

The businessman has needed assurance to invest, in that the law will bring to justice those who rob him; equally as he knows that if he fails to respect the law, the consequences will overtake him. The Police Force, tasked with the responsibility to “Serve and Protect”, is better able to discharge its duty under assurance that the law will safeguard the law-abiding and violators will be held to account.

Elected and appointed members of the legislature, executive, or other constitutional office, in taking the oath of office and having pledged to serve consistent with the law, are to be

why was Brian Tiwarie granted a Diplomatic Passport.

Well, the answer is clear: he is the Honorary Consul of Spain in Guyana, and as such is automatically entitled to the Diplomatic Passport.

While it is a good thing to openly comment on Government’s policy, one has to consider a number of matters, such as I have mentioned herein, so as to ensure that criticisms made are constructive.

The Opposition party in Guyana seems to make an issue of matters, even those that are acceptable. It does

not assist the current Government to achieve unity, prosperity, and good living in Guyana.

What is wrong if the current Government accepts from the Opposition someone who is willing to make a contribution by supporting this Government to ensure that the entire Guyana achieves racial harmony and unity for the development of a peaceful and prosperous Guyana?

Respectfully, JONAS M.F. CODDETT

equally held to account, consistent with the rule of law.

For the rule of law is premised on the legal doctrine that it is the law that should govern a nation, and that a nation should not be governed by arbitrary decisions of individual government officials.

Guyana must reach that stage where it matters not whether one is in government or opposition; is a member of a dominant race or a minority group; wields political or financial influence or has no influence whatsoever; has political or economic connection or is totally unconnected to any stream of influence; whatever the diversity and whatever the distinction, the rule of law must be applicable to all.

Rock lobbed at officer during prison riot -- inmate testifies

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 5, 2016

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By Ariana Gordon

A ROCK was lobbed at Deputy Prison Chief Gladwin Samuels during the deadly prison riot, inmate Trevor Williams told a commission of inquiry looking into the episode.

Testifying for the first time before the commission, Williams also said there was some uneasiness between Samuels and officer in charge of the Camp Street Prison, Kevin Pilgrim, on the March 3 riot.

Hailing from Mabaruma in Region One and currently residing in the Capital ‘B’ Division, murder accused Trevor Williams said Samuels told Pilgrim to “shut up”, as he (Samuels) was in charge.

Williams also recounted that a rock was thrown at Samuels from within the Capital ‘B’ Division of the prison.

“I don’t know who throw the rock by Mr Gladwin Samuels from Capital B,” he said, as he recounted what happened that day.

Williams said Samuels had instructed him to step out of Capital B, but he was afraid to comply because Samuels was brandishing a gun.

“While I was standing, he said he want to see the man who pelt him,” the prisoner stated. He explained that while he was standing at the door, Pilgrim instructed the prisoners of Capital ‘B’ to use the stairs of Capital ‘A’.

“Mr Gladwin Samuels told Mr Pilgrim to shut up because he (Mr Samuels) was doing this exercise, and he told us to use Capital ‘B’ step.”

Shortly after receiving instructions from the hierarchy of the prison, Williams said, he saw “black smoke” emanating from Capital ‘A’ Division, and heard inmates hollering for help as the fire was already spreading in the building.

Asked whether he had seen prison officers running to the assistance of the prisoners, Williams replied,

Murder accused Trevor Williams testifying on Monday “The prison wardens were shields and fight… No, sir!” in the prison yard, and some Collison stated. were standing on the step.

Pieters then told ColAfter the fire, then I saw lison that video evidence the Fire Service people and suggested that he did reother inmates go and try to sist arrest, and Collison get out the inmates from responded, “I would like to Capital ‘A’.” see the video.”

The 23-year-old said a “I suggest you were not saw was used to open the compliant… actively reback door located within sistant,” said Pieters. “I Capital ‘A’, through which was not resisting…I never persons were removed. fought with the officers…I “I was standing beside complied,” Collison rethe gate, and one fire fight- sponded, as he maintained er come down and I ask he that he had done nothing if anybody get burn, and wrong. he said 16 people, and all The attorney suggested dead,” Williams recounted. that Collison had threatened Collis Collison, who has and cursed prison officers been in and out of prison on the day in question. “You since he was 14 years old, were cursing… threatened also appeared before the the officers’ lives?” said three-man Commission on Pieters. “No sir, I never Monday. This being his threaten no officer, sir,” second time testifying be- responded Collison. fore the panel, Collison The attorney then put it said he was targeted by to the prisoner that he had ranks of the Prison Services been hostile towards SamuTask Force. He explained els. “That’s a lie sir, a total that he was searched, after lie,” responded Collison. which he saw a group of The prisoner contendapproximately nine officers ed that prison officers had approaching him. dropped him on the ground Collison alleged that the and he had hit his head, men beat him and threw which he said had led to him to the ground. He was him being unconscious. handcuffed and his feet “They drop me…I fell and were chained. He said that knock myself hard…I lost contrary to what Counsel consciousness…No officer for the Joint Services had was available at the time to put to him, he was not in assist me,” Collison said as any way fighting with the he noted that he did not reofficers, nor did he resist ceive medical treatment afbeing arrested. ter regaining consciousness.

“I was never fighting Pieters then suggested with any officer…I can’t see that Collison had resisted 8-9 officers with batons and the officers because he did

Collis Collison reviewing his written statement to the Commission on Monday in the presence of an officer of the Guyana Police Force

not want to be removed from the Georgetown Prison.

“You actively resisted because you wanted to be in the same position you are in today. You didn’t want to get moved from the Georgetown Prison.

Isn’t that why you created the scene that you did?

You knew that when they took you to recess they were going to move you to another jail. You knew that, didn’t you?” Pieters questioned.

“I’m telling you I don’t know,” responded Collison, who has been deemed a ringleader in Capital ‘A’ Division. “I didn’t hear no

inmates cussing or threatening the officers. I never fight the officers, sir; I am speaking the truth…Everything I am speaking here and the day before is the truth,” the prisoner stated firmly.

The CoI into the Georgetown Prison Riots continue today.

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Guyana looks to tap into smaller cruise ship market THE arrival of cruise liners to Guyana is being promoted by the Ministry of Tourism to advance the local tourism sector, according to Director General of the Ministry, Donald Sinclair.

Following a tour of the international cruise ship the Noble Caledonia, which docked in Port Georgetown on Monday, Sinclair told the Government Information

Agency (GINA) that these “cruise visits are becoming more routinised.”

The Noble Caledonia docked at the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC) wharf with 88 passengers. Sixty (60) of them visited the Kaieteur Falls, and the remainder undertook a tour of Georgetown. The vessel, whose arrival was facilitated by Wilderness

Explorers, departs Guyana this evening for Suriname.

It is also expected to dock in French Guiana.

While Sinclair admitted that Guyana is not benefiting from a lot of cruise ships, he expressed: “Our hope is to expand the space for cruise visits as part of our tourism product. Smaller vessels are being anticipated, as the tourists/passengers will be

provided with customised experiences during their stay in Guyana.”

Meanwhile, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh, who also toured the vessel, pointed out that there has been an increase in the number of cruise liners in the country.

Haralsingh told GINA: “Most of the passengers

on the ship…come ashore.

With a cleaned up city and so many dramatic improvements, I think that the message that will be going out is that, hey, this is a great, fascinating and very friendly, warm hospitable place to visit.”

In December 2015, cruise ship the Minerva visited Guyana.

The presence of these

cruise liners in Guyana’s waters will not only give those on board the opportunity to experience the country’s beauty, cuisine and culture, but advertises Guyana as a destination worthy of re-visiting.

Guyanese will also benefit from the opportunity to showcase its products and services to a wider market.

(GINA)

Haslyn Parris...

From page 2

love for the trumpet; his excellence on the piano; his obsession with the Mighty Sparrow; his love for Jazz, and the prolific short story writer he was. Touching on Mr. Parris’s humanitarian nature, Gardner recalled he had helped many people in diverse ways, but had said nothing about it. In fact, so concerned had he been about other people’s welfare that he had eventually became a Justice of the Peace and Commissioner of Oaths to Affidavits, so as to be able to represent people’s causes.

And in the eulogy jointly presented by Sarah, Damani and Yerodin Parris, Mr Parris was hailed as one who had had a lifelong interest in music. They recalled how he had regaled the family on the trumpet on Boxing Day

holidays and had them clamouring for more.

That apart, having grown up in the countryside community of Buxton, Mr Parris had been handy as a cook, was a master with woodworking tools, carpentry, joinery, photography and even ceramics; and while at Linden, had ventured into fishing and hunting as part-time hobbies.

Sarah has pleasant and cherished memories of her father’s involvement in games such as chess, checkers, draughts, table tennis, among others for which he had a passion, and very often played with the family. Born to Jack and Rhoda Parris, Haslyn, whilst growing up in Buxton, was baptized at St. Anthony of Padua R.C. church at the tender age of four. As a teenager, he attended Queen’s

Seated at front: Former President Donald Ramotar. Former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds is seated next to Mr. Parris’s daughter, Sarah

College, and later secured two scholarships: The University College of the West Indies Scholarship, through

which he pursued studies as a Trumpeter in Jamaica and secured a BS degree in Mathematics.

He later returned to teach Mathematics at his alma mater, Queen’s College.

He was later to pursue

studies at the London School of Economics, and by 1967 had successfully completed a Master’s Degree in Economics and Statistics. Parris, who was later to become Deputy Prime Minister of Guyana in the 1980s, demit-

ted that office in May, 1991 and served on many Boards and Commissions, among which were the Herdmanston Commission and the Constitutional Reform Commission.

He has also written many books since 1991.

The body of the late Haslyn Parris being removed from the church following a thanksgiving service

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Mothers continue cry for justice

By Navendra Seoraj CRIES for justice are prevalent in many cases; however, persons going missing without a trace or offenders disappearing into the wind leave a damper in the hearts of the families affected.

Six years after these tragic events occurred, the mothers of the still missing Babita Sarjou and the deceased Leeloutie “Pinky” Seeram have now joined forces with the Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness (CADVA) Group in calling for justice for their daughters.

At the Pegasus Hotel on Monday, both mothers, Champa Seonarine (Sarjou’s mother) and Lata Inderdeo (Seeram’s mom), along with CADVA members, expressed their dissatisfaction at the lack of urgency in following-up on their respective cases.

Sarjou’s disappearance in 2010 was marked as a case without a trace, and CADVA has since been working closely with members of her family to persuade Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar AliHack, to reopen investigations into the case. In 2012, they requested the assistance of then Attorney Khemraj Ramjattan, who is now Guyana’s Minister of Public Security.

Seeram was allegedly killed in 2010 by her husband in an alleged domestic homicide back in March 2010. She is survived by two children, and the prime suspect has since been on the run.

Speaking with the media, the mothers pleaded for justice. Seonarine noted that she had, several times, tried approaching the police, to no avail, while Inderdeo had a similar lament about her attempt to gain justice.

Their plea for justice is poignant, given that it has been almost six years since the two incidents have occurred and nothing has

happened.

CADVA’s Chief Operations Officer (COO), Dianne Madray, echoed the cry of the mothers, as she noted that, “I, too, have had sleepless nights, wondering where would a woman like Babita Sarjou disappear to, and why a husband kill his wife…. We are working hard to bring these and other cases to the attention of the necessary officials, as we hope to deliver justice.”

A meeting, she said, was held with the DPP and the Assistant DPP on Friday, March 18, where the mothers were again informed that

passed on to the Commissioner of Police for his response to my written request,” said the COO. Madray said she is not aware of any response being received up to Monday. Moreover, she said: “On behalf of the family, we requested copies of both files, including statements, to further our own investigation, of which we have reasons to believe lead officer Mitchell Novah Caesar has compromised the initial investigation and/or investigation CADVA’s COO, Dianne Madray, speaking to members of the media

Missing: Babita Sarjou and her family in happier times

the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is responsible for these investigations, but has not sent the file to the DPP since her first request.

PROMISE On March 14, 2016, Madray met with Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, who said he would also ensure that the file is

Criminal Session opens today ONE hundred and fifty-three (153) cases are listed for hearing at the Demerara Criminal Session, which opens in Georgetown today.

The event will be marked by the traditional ceremonial parade with the Police Band and 60 ranks of the Tactical Services Unit.

The three judges who will preside at the session are Justices Navindra Singh, Jo-Ann Barlow and Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Of the 153 cases Mr. Singh has been assigned 62, Justice Barlow 51 and Justice Sewnarine-Beharry 40.

The cases will include over 29 murders, 18 manslaughters, rape and carnal knowledge cases.

located.

“An official letter was submitted to his office on March 28, 2016; and on March 29, a response was given that my request would be

ana Police Force, which is responsible for these criminal investigations, work in alliance and with due diligence with the Office of the DPP,” she said.

“I strongly believe this is not done with any type of urgency or respect (for) these families, like in the Sarjou case. In our request to Minister Ramjattan, we also call on his office to place disciplinary actions against Mr Caesar, and remove him from cases that could compromise the standard of the law enforcement in Guyana.

“Mr Ceasar needs to be set as an example that we cannot allow the criminal justice system to take for granted and forget that this was a human being and her rights were violated when her voice could not be heard and was silenced,” Madray said.

She noted that, in Guyana, there is no law for missing persons, and she said they are hoping, in memory of Babita Sarjou, to get Lata Inderdeo shows members of the media a a bill passed with the photograph of her daughter, Leeloutie ‘Pinky’ intent of calling it the Seeram Babita Sarjou Missing Person’s Law. This is of suspected domestic homicide. still a work in progress.

“At this time, CADVA hopes “We need to take a case like the that, together, the Office of the Sarjou case and set precedence, so DPP and Office of Ministry of that change can come and police Public Security can together help officers who handle these cases in finding closure for the family of place urgency and follow a protoBabita Sarjou. col within a designated timeframe, “It is imperative that the Guy- not six years later,” Madray said.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2016

A different side of mining ‒ young men battle to support their families

By Ariana Gordon CONTRARY to the many coastlanders’ claims of persons going to mining districts across the country to “make fast money”, a few young miners working in North Fork Backdam have said they had no other option.

Poverty has left them

in desperate situations, and with not many jobs available where they come from, they felt their only resort was to “wuk in the bush”.

Speaking with Guyana Chronicle on Saturday, 17-year-old Delwin Rogers, who hails from the mining town of Linden, disclosed that his lifelong dream is to become an architect. He is

unsure how he would realise his dream, but hopes that one day that dream would be fulfilled.

The teenage miner left his mother’s home to work in the interior after leaving school to “help out” with the home situation.

He said things are not easy with his family, and he accordingly has made a

conscious decision to work in the hinterland.

“They ain’t got wuk in Linden. Right now, most of these youths ain’t getting work on the road, so you have to look for money and come where the money deh,” he told Guyana Chronicle boldly.

The young man has a younger sister, and he said he wants his family, which includes his mother and younger sister, to be comfortable. He said that while it is hard work, he will remain committed to the task, as he has goals he wants to achieve.

Rogers, who has been working in the interior for approximately nine months, describes life there as “nice”.

But while he said “it nice here, yeah,” the teenager has no intention of spending the rest of his life in search of gold.

DREAMS “I have dreams…I would like to become an architect or an artist,” he said, noting that while his life has deviated from the path he had wanted to take, he is thankful. “Things really ain’t pan out how it supposed to go. I really ain’t had the money to go and further my studies… so I now looking to achieve meh own thing,” Rogers explained.

The young man disclosed that he earns approximately $60,000 per week while in the backdam. With that kind of money, he would be in a better position to save enough money to go back to school and fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming an architect.

“I earning meh own money, and I gonna achieve meh studies…I gonna go far,” he told Guyana Chronicle.

Acknowledging that being a miner is not easy, the young man said that with determination nothing is hard. He noted that challenges inevitably confront those living away from home, but he said challenges do not distract him from his goals.

“It is hard work… it depends on where you going to work,” Rogers added.

Asked what advice he would give to other youngsters, who may be losing hope because of poverty, the 17-year-old said: “I’d say to them ‘stay in school, stay away from bad company, take in your education, further your studies and…be your own boss’.”

Twenty-four-year-old

17-year-old Delwin Rogers stands in a shop at North Fork Backdam, Potaro, Region 8

Romain George, like Rogers, had found himself in a situation in which he had to assume the responsibility of taking care of his younger siblings. He told Guyana Chronicle that his parents died and he had no choice but to search for an honest means of earning an income.

The Kildonan Village, Corentyne resident said he started working in North Fork only four months ago, and while it is extremely difficult, he cannot stop as he has to provide for his younger sister and brother, who are in school.

“Since my mother and father died, the only alternative was try it in the interior,” George said. “Pon the road ain’t get enough money for me to look after me lil brother and small sister. I had to come in the interior and work and send a piece of money to mek sure he and she going to school,” the miner stated.

NOT EASY The young man said life is difficult, and being poor is not easy. He now acts as mother and father to his siblings to the best of his ability. George has an older sibling, who is 27 years old.

She also assists in taking care of the younger ones.

“Life is work hard every day…got to work hard every single day… waking up six in the morning and working till six pm,” he told Guyana Chronicle.

All George wants is to see his siblings through school, so they can enjoy a

comfortable life.

Like Rogers and George, there are many other young men, and in some cases women, who believe that they are unable to find jobs on the coast, and so their best option is to seek employment in the interior.

Another miner told the Guyana Chronicle, under condition of anonymity, “The situation is sad, because these young people have their whole lives ahead of them, but lack of money, support and proper guidance have forced them to come here, seeking greener pastures.” The miner noted that he has seen situations wherein some young persons who go to the interior to work send all the money they’ve worked for to their families, while they stay without.

“It is not easy for them, you know; it really and truly isn’t. People think that all miners are money-grabbing beasts, but the fact of the matter is (that) we have families to maintain, just like everybody else; and if there aren’t jobs for us, then what should we do? It is better that these youngsters come into the bush than commit crimes and be in jail,” the miner explained.

Having worked in several mining districts across the country, the miner said it is his hope that youngsters like Rogers and George are provided the assistance they need to lead successful lives.

“All they need is support…with that they will progress. They are young,” the miner explained.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Students up in arms against UG administration …protest issues plaguing Turkeyen Campus

By Alva Solomon

UNIVERSITY of Guyana (UG) students on Monday picketed the administration of the Turkeyen Campus on a number of issues affecting them, including the university’s silence regarding the alleged non-accounting for a sum of $148 million.

Led by University of Guyana Students Society (UGSS) President Joshua Griffith, the students gathered in front of the Administrative Office at about 10:00hrs and protested the issues openly.

Griffith disclosed that the UGSS has invited President Granger to meet with it as a body at Turkeyen. He noted that since the May 2015 change of government, a number of promises made to improve the conditions at UG have not been fulfilled.

“We are committed to ensure there is continued disruption until justice is served to students,” he said.

Griffith said students from each faculty were demonstrating their lack of confidence in the administration of UG. The main issues of contention include the absence of grades, no laboratories for health science

Students on the protest line at the Turkeyen Campus on Monday

In addition, he noted, students from the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences (SEES) are in dire straits, as their classrooms have been transformed into offices.

Moreover, he said, there is the issue of the noise generated by the playing of dominoes on campus near to classrooms. He said this problem has occurred be-

The UGSS has posted a table on social media in which it alleges that, for the academic year 2014-2015, UG’s finances were in the vicinity of $228 million. Of that sum the university has spent $80 million, and the student body wishes to know what has become of the additional $148 million. Students have expressed concern over the tertiary institution’s be-

UGSS President Joshua Griffith demonstrating on campus

students, non-functioning air conditioning units, accreditation matters faced by medical students, and the absence of laboratory exercises for Chemistry students.

He said the Education Faculty students are currently experiencing a host of problems in regard to timetables, since many students are unable to obtain releases from their employers to attend classes during the day.

cause the administration has converted recreational areas for such games into classrooms without consulting the students.

Griffith said one of the more important issues of the protest is the UG administration’s lack of accountability, and he noted that students are not satisfied that money which is also derived from fees is not being spent properly.

trayal regarding fees. They say no consideration was given to a petition for refund of the fees, and there has been no consultation was the student body on the facilities’ fees.

Griffith disclosed that the UGSS has written to President Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, and Finance Minister Winston Jordon as it

seeks to initiate discussion on the issues facing students. To date, he said, only delayed responses or notices that the

Government officials are unavailable have been received.

The students plan to take their protest outside

the Office of the President today at 11:00 hrs. “If they don’t come to us, we will go to them,” Griffith declared.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Use jail time to become stronger

‒ First Lady urges New Amsterdam women prisoners FIRST Lady Sandra Granger has urged female inmates at the New Amsterdam Prison to see the experience of incarceration as an opportunity to become better and stronger individuals.

Speaking to the women following a tour of the facility, Mrs Granger said, “When we learn from our experiences and we start to look at ourselves, we can become stronger and we can see where we need to go….

(Incarceration) is an experience that you have gone through, and I hope that it is something that will help to make you stronger as you go back out into society.”

The First Lady also called on prison officials and

non-governmental organisations that work to rehabilitate inmates to ensure that a wider range of skills-training is offered to the women, such as carpentry and masonry, so that upon completion of their sentences they will be able to

earn a living.

The First Lady also promised those inmates that she would try to assist them in areas that they require help, because while they may be incarcerated, their lives have value and they are still capa-

ble of making positive contributions to society.

“You still are individuals…. You might be [here] right now, but some of you will be leaving shortly, and you should be able to go back to your communities with your heads held high,” Mrs Granger said. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Two inmates at the New Amsterdam Prison show First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger some of the items that they have made, when she toured the prison’s sewing room First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger meeting some of the inmates at the New Amsterdam Prison

A section of the New Amsterdam Prison

CADVA setting up Missing Persons Database THE Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness (CADVA) is setting up a ‘Missing Persons Database (MPD)’ to prevent these cases from becoming dormant or ‘things of the past’.

“Break your silence and become a survivor” is the slogan being touted by the group for this project. The group intends to link the MPD with the Guyana Police Force, so that updates can be available to the public at the click of a button.

Addressing the media at the Pegasus Hotel, CADVA Chief Operations Officer (COO) Dianne Madray said: “Working closely with the Sarjou family (the family of the missing Babita Sarjou) over the last five years, we have decided to propose a Missing Persons Database….

We are currently seeking sponsorship within the diplomatic corps, so that we can complete this database and launch it online on Friday, November 25, 2016, right here at the Pegasus Hotel.”

CADVA’s COO, Dianne Madray

The goal of the initiative, she said, is to create a reliable and modern electronic database that will be used to Turn to page 17 ►

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Lawyer, inmate clash as Prison riot CoI continues

Kenneth Griffith at the three-man CoI on Monday

THE Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Georgetown Prison riot continued on Monday with the lawyer representing the joint services and one of the inmates clashing over testimonies delivered at the hearing.

This hearing also signalled the resumption of proceedings after a week’s break to obtain an extension in the time allotted for the completion of the inquiry. The commissioners, attorneys and members of the public heard from Kenneth Griffith, an inmate of the Capital ‘C’ Division of the penitentiary.

An emotional Griffith alleged to the Commission that it was Deputy Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, who instructed his juniors to lock the main access to the Capital ‘A’ Division of the Camp Street facility while it was on fire.

The murder accused recounted what he alleged that Samuels, who was sent on leave pending investigation of the Prison riots that resulted in the deaths of 17 inmates, had said. “He ask if they light any fire, and they said no, and then he said ‘well, if y’all ain’t light no fire, then lock them in deh and let they…burn.”

The Commission’s Counsel, Excellence Dazzell, questioned Griffith on what exactly was said by Samuels. “He asked his officers if they light the fire, because it was around the said time that we start seeing smoke coming from Capital ‘A’. He was standing in the yard and he went seeing the fire, that is why he asked the officers if they light the fire,” Griffith responded.

The prisoner, who has been on remand for three years, said that based on the information provided to Samuels by his juniors, Samuels was prompted to say: “Well y’all ain’t light no fire…lock

the door.”

Asked whether he is aware of other occasions when prison officers may have lit the fires, the prisoner responded in the negative.

“In your estimation, why would Mr Samuels ask the officers if they lit the fire?” asked Dazzell.

“This is my speculation: probably he knew they had not light the fire…how the fire was lit I cannot say…whether it was the inmates or what; but whatever source the fire was lit by, he asked his officers and they said no. Maybe it had nothing to do with him and his officers,” Griffith expounded.

Samuels is currently on six weeks’ leave, dating back to March 3. It is unclear whether his leave will be extended, given the extension of the CoI to an additional two months.

The prisoner recounted pleading with Samuels to open the door. According to Griffith, Samuels was at the time leading the Prison’s Task Force Unit during the search of the inmates.

“I said, ‘Mr. Samuels, is people like yuhself up there!’ and he walk away…I don’t know if the other officers were intimidated by the gun in his waist, but they didn’t move,” Griffith told the Commission.

The prisoner recounted seeing black smoke emanating from the Capital ‘A’ Division at that time, and he said he heard inmates from that Division shout “Murder! Murder!”

“The guys upstairs at the time was shouting for: ‘Murder! Y’all open the door!’”

Griffith said, as he noted that he heard lots of running upstairs of Division ‘C’.

“After a while, the noise from upstairs eased down,” he said, as he noted that it may have been an indication that the men had died.

Griffith noted that it was not until after the officer in charge of the Camp Street Prison, Kevin Pilgrim, had spoken to the officers that they picked up hoses and ran up the stairs. The prisoner said the officers’ belated action caused their efforts to be unsuccessful.

By the time the door was opened, the prisoners were already burnt, Griffith said.

He cast blame on Samuels.

He said, “When they bring out the inmates, I see they skin dropping off…then they bring out Paddy…a very dark person…he was pink, pink, pink. [This was] all because Mr Samuels tell the officers to lock the place.”

The prisoner contended that the Director of Prisons is responsible for the Prison facility, and “he has done many searches and it never happened in that manner.”

Griffith could not state how the fire started, but noted that, whatever the cause of the fire, lives should not have been lost.

The inmate’s story did not change despite suggestions put to him by attorney for the Guyana Prison Ser-

vice and the Guyana Police Force, Selwyn Pieters. Under cross-examination by Pieters, Griffith maintained that it was Samuels who was responsible for the deaths of the 17 prisoners on March 3.

In a fiery exchange between Pieters and Griffith, the prisoner told Pieters, “You are being paid to lie”. This statement was objected to by Chairman of the CoI, Justice (retired) James Patterson.

The attorney for the joint

services asked Griffith to describe the attire worn by Samuels on March 3. The prisoner, in response, said Samuels was dressed “task force uniform”, which was indicated by a green pants and green jersey.

He noted that the face of the Deputy Director of Prisons was not masked.

The prisoner was then asked to describe the shoes Samuels wore. “I didn’t look to see what shoes he was wearing,” said Griffith, who noted that Samuels’s shoes at the time were not important.

“I would suggest you did not see Samuels leading the task force,” Pieters told the

prisoner, to which Griffith responded, “Your suggestion is wrong.”

Pieters, in a very feisty tone, maintained his argument, and this apparently aggravated the prisoner, who yelled, “He was there! Samuel was there!”

The attorney then said, “I suggest that Samuels was not wearing green pants and jersey.”

“Your suggestion is wrong,” said Griffith, who then called on Pieters to produce video evidence of his suggestions. “I suggest you bring the video footage…” the prisoner stated.

14

Together again

By Akola Thompson

WITH Timmintra back in Guyana and Joachim continuing his part-time job at the supermarket located in St. George’s, it seemed as if the young couple had finally given up on each other. Timmintra admitted that she had also held this view for a short time, as she was slowly being convinced that Joachim would forget her and would never leave his home to be with her.

However, on May 18, 2012, two months after Timmintra would have been sent back to Guyana, Joachim, finally saving enough money, left his shores without telling anyone, but a few close friends, to go to an entirely foreign one to be with

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 5, 2016

his partner. Having grown up not knowing his father, Joachim said, being absent from his child’s life was never an option for him, as he knew first-hand how being fatherless felt. The thought of not being there for his child, he said, was not an option, as he had grown up without a father and knew how it feels.

When Joachim arrived, Timmintra said, she was ecstatic, as it was only upon his arrival that she realized, “he really wanted us to stay together.” She added, “He is a good man, and I love him. Although we have bad times, we make it through by praying.”

Soon after Joachim’s arrival, the couple, eager to show that they could stand on their own, moved into an apartment of their

own in Charles place, New Amsterdam. It was not much, as the apartment was both unsanitary and unsafe, the boards being rotten and the doors unable to be closed properly; but with limited means, they had no other option.

In a new country, in which it was illegal for him to work, it was a long while before Joachim was able to gain a job to continue supporting his now growing family.

Realising that things were not getting better, the young couple admitted that they thought of having an abortion, as the situation they had found themselves in was becoming increasingly stressful. “We had no money,” said Timmintra, “and Joachim wasn’t getting a job easy. We felt like we

could just do it and pretend it never happened, but when we realized I was already 3 months pregnant, we were afraid to take any chances; and that is when Joachim told me God wants it and we will face it.”

Finally, he was able to begin work at a bakery across the street from where they were now living. His work entailed kneading bread, but the money was never enough to cover all their expenses, and they were struggling to survive.

“For days, we would eat white rice and potatoes because we could not afford anything else,” explained Joachim. The only help which came their way was through their landlady, Noreen Ramjas, who would bring them food, give them advice,

‘Essequibo Flavour’ for Golden Jubilee

Region Two REO, Rupert Hopkinson THE Golden Jubilee Celebrations are just 52 days away, and the Region Two Administration is planning a grand event to mark this momentous occasion.

Guyana obtained Independence from Great Britain on May 26, 1966.

Region Two’s Regional Executive Officer (REO), Mr Rupert Hopkinson, has said that celebrations on the Essequibo Coast will be one to remember for a lifetime.

Billed as “The Favour of Essequibo”, the grand event is set for May 22 and 23 at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground. It will feature products and exhibitors only from Region Two. “This will become an annual event, and will provide an opportunity for visitors to explore more in the region.

We hope that it will spark more business activities and encourage more young people to go into entrepreneur-

ship, while at the same time bring all the people of the region together, celebrating our achievements in unity and harmony,” Hopkinson told the Guyana Chronicle.

The Events Organising Committee has been meeting with the business community, cultural organisations, and other stakeholders in the region in preparation for the big celebrations. The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has also given its full support for the event, Hopkinson said.

He also indicated that the Region Two Administration would assist in funding the setting up of booths in the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground, and transportation will be provided for exhibitors coming from riverine communities.

“This event is not to maximise profits for the organisers or the Regional Administration; rather, it is an

opportunity to provide small enterprises (with) the exposure to grow and develop.

Unlike what used to happen at previous expos in the region, no company from Georgetown, or outside of Region Two, especially the big companies, will be allowed to compete with the small businesses on the Essequibo Coast.

“This is also about the future of business in Region Two. It is about showcasing the cassava bread, Cassareep and pepper sauce producers

Parks at Fear Not, Cotton Field, Good Hope and Anna Regina. Works commenced on constructing these parks a few weeks ago, but it is unlikely that all will be completed on time for the Independence Celebrations.

and producers of other goods that are indigenous to Region Two,” Hopkinson stated.

The REO is hoping that, in the future, “The Flavour of Essequibo” will gain traction and as much attention as the Rupununi Rodeo and Bartica Regatta.

The region is also hoping to roll out a number of unity parks, which will feature the Independence

15

nst the odds (Part 2) GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 5, 2016

and help around the house; and from Timmintra’s mother.

With Timmintra three months pregnant at the time, the two decided that they would be better off if they got married and moved back to Grenada.

So, in June of 2012, they took their marriage vows before each other in a small church in Berbice, and never regretted their decision, as they knew they wanted to be together for the rest of their lives.

Still strapped for money, however, the couple, just a few weeks later, opted to sell their wedding bands, which were gifted to them by Timmintra’s mother, so as to raise money to fly back to Grenada. They still were not in possession of their marriage certificate, and Timmintra was sent back to Guyana on the next flight out of Grenada.

Back in Grenada, out of a job and still alienated from his family, Joachim officially dropped out of college to get a full-time job to raise money to again return to Guyana. By the

time he would have returned, Timmintra would have already gained her Grenadian citizenship, but on the day they were scheduled to leave Guyana, Serena, their now three-yearold daughter, was born.

Not long after, they returned to Grenada with no hassles and began to build their life together.

Soon after, they each gained employment to ensure they would have a stable income.

Wishing to complete her CSEC examinations, Timmintra related, she now attends classes and has hopes of writing several subjects this year.

The couple stated that while they still have many challenges, as they are not able to be together a lot due to their different work shifts, school, and having to find somewhere for Serena to stay, they are making it work.

Timmintra stated that while young couples would most likely face many problems in the beginning and throughout their relationships, they should always strive to pray and communicate, whether it is good or

bad. She said she still considers herself lucky, as she was never sure whether her husband would stay.

She believes that it is really the person one is which makes the difference in what kind of mother one will be, regardless of age; and she believes that if one truly wants the best for one’s family, one will get it.

She opined also that part of the problem comes from young boys who run from their responsibilities, and she said that if young boys would only understand what young girls have to go through and try to help those young girls, then things would not be as bad as they are for young girls.

She hopes that throughout her life her daughter would continue praying, and never be afraid of doing what is necessary to make herself happy; and she hopes that, unlike her, her daughter would be able to better pursue her career.

Recognizing that many young fathers shirk their responsibilities, Joachim has

urged young fathers not to be scared of parenthood, as the experience would provide them with wisdom and strength to face the world.

“It will teach you to be a better man, and make your child a happier one,” he said.

He added, “Always treat the

mother of your child -- and your wife -- with love, and support her, as she is most likely going through much more than you can imagine.”

Timmintra and Joachim, admitting that their dreams of becoming an accountant and geologist respectively were put

on the back burner when they realized they were going to be parents, stated that they would not do anything different if they had a chance to do it all again. The only thing they would wish to change would be the intensity of the trials they had had to go through.

Minister Cummings attends Global Fund Summit

THE Global Fund recently held a forum for principal administrators within health sectors throughout Latin America & the Caribbean; and Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings, having attended the summit, has hailed the experience as both enlightening and rewarding.

This two-day forum was entitled “Risk Forum: Effective risk management for sustainable transitions from Global Fund-financed pro-

grammes”, and its objectives were as follows: (1) Dialogue on the Global Fund’s sustainability and transition policy, and its integration with risk management; (2) Prioritise risk factors associated with sustainability and transition from Global Fund-financed programmes in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC); (3) Share current approaches and good practices among LAC implementers (particularly civil society), the Global Fund Secretariat and partners, to

mitigate sustainability-related risk factors; and (4) Discuss alignment opportunities across partners’ sustainability plans and strategies.

“It is always a challenge for countries to transition smoothly from internationally-funded projects, and sustain them effectively to the benefit of the people they benefit. Being able to explore ways to identify, reduce, and ultimately avoid the risks associated with transition and sustainability will better position the Ministry

of Public Health to practically engage in transparent and accountable actions in the continuity of essential projects,” the Minister said in a press statement issued from the Ministry of Public Health.

The presentations and discussions at the forum were focused mainly on sustainability and transition: Global Fund Policy and associated processes; Global Fund transition experiences; risk management approach, and tools to effectively sustain Global

Fund-financed programmes; Key risks, and mitigating actions associated with sustainability and transition.

The last session provided opportunities for groups to discuss and agree on the key risks and mitigating actions associated with sustainability and transition.

The current investment of the Global Fund in the Caribbean Region for the period 2014-2017 is US$225,141,154 for three diseases. They are: HIV ($156,994,451), TB

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings (in green), with other participants at the summit

($37,381,405) and Malaria ($30,765,707).

The forum was convened by The Developing Country NGO Constituency (DCNGO), with technical and funding support from The Global Fund, German BACKUP Initiative (GIZ), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), in collaboration with the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Scotland welcomed in London as new Commonwealth Secretary-General PATRICIA Scotland, QC, began her first day in office as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations. Nominated for the post by Dominica, she is the first woman to hold the post.

To the rhythm of a steel band, the sound of a gospel

choir, and the flair of Quadrille dancers, hundreds of guests welcomed the new Secretary-General at Commonwealth Headquarters in Marlborough House. They included well-known figures from the world of politics, sports and broadcasting.

The event was hosted

by Garth Crooks, the former English footballer, and included performances by singer Heather Small of M People, tenor Franz Hepburn and actor Hugh Quarshie.

“I am determined that we are going to work together on tackling violence against women and girls;

deal with the existential threat of climate change; promote trade and good governance; champion the health, well-being and human rights of our citizens; and ensure young people have the opportunities they need for the future,” said the Secretary-General in

Patricia Scotland, QC

her first official address in London.

Arriving straight from a visit to the Caribbean, she was escorted into the Commonwealth Headquarters by the Caribbean High Commissioners, and was introduced by Dominica’s acting High Commissioner to the UK, Janet Charles.

The new Secretary-General shared her vision for the Commonwealth: “… working and acting as one people – one family – we can make a different future,” she declared.

In her speech, she described herself as “a classic child of the Commonwealth” - born in the Caribbean and brought up in London. She highlighted her journey of “firsts” – from being the first black woman to join the Queen’s Counsel in the United Kingdom to the first woman to hold the position of UK’s Attorney General to the first woman to become Commonwealth Secretary-General.

She said she had been “rather sad” at being first, and looked forward to supporting new generations of female leaders.

She highlighted tackling

domestic violence as one of her top priorities. She described the problem as “literally stealing our futures”.

She underscored that allowing women to be abused and disregarded would continue to hamper the health and wellbeing of societies.

Born in the small village of St Joseph in Dominica, she said, she knew only too well about the threat of climate change. She urged members of the Commonwealth to work together and make good on commitments agreed upon at the global Paris Climate Conference last December.

“We can show the world about building resilience and finding innovative solutions,” she declared.

Boosting Commonwealth trade and creating better opportunities for young people, who make up 60% of the Commonwealth population, she commented, would also be at the top of her agenda.

“I am confident that we can change things for the better. I want the Commonwealth to be a voice for everyone who shares our common values and hopes,” she concluded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 5, 2016

5 bid to operate Moco-Moco hydro plant THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI), in keeping with the Government of Guyana’s plan to develop a ‘Green Economy’, has solicited Expressions of Interest from suitable firms for the rehabilitation and operation of the Moco-Moco Hydropower Plant.

Under a Build/Own/Operate/Transfer (BOOT) struc-

ture, power will be supplied to the grid of the Lethem Power Company under a negotiated and agreed Power Purchase Agreement, the MPI said in a release. The ‘Expression of Interest’ (EoI) was initially published in January 2016, and the submissions were opened on Thursday, March 31st, 2016 at the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA). A total of five sub-

missions were received from regional and international companies. These companies are ‘CHEA - Centrias Hidreletricas da Amazonia LTDA – ME’ (Brazil); ‘NCGET’ (Russia); ‘Torque – EPCM’ (Barbados), and two from ‘McVantage Products’ (USA).

The process, facilitated by Mrs. Seema Greene, Head of the Administrative

and Human Resource Departments of GEA, and Mr. Valmiki Ramtahal, GEA’s Internal Auditor, was attended by representatives of three of the bidding companies: CHEA - Centrias Hidreletricas da Amazonia LTDA –ME; Torque – EPCM; and McVantage Products. The EoIs will be evaluated by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Mahender Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of GEA, expressed gratitude to the bidders for the time and effort that went into preparing

the submissions.

The 500 kW Moco-Moco hydropower station was built in the year 1999, and went out of operation in the year 2003 due to a landslide along the penstock alignment. The Government of Guyana has declared the rehabilitation of the station to be a priority project in order to strengthen the Lethem Power Company, which supplies the vicinity of Lethem, and to substitute the diesel consumption with renewable energy with the aim

of improving performance of the company through cost effective solutions and the maximum possible annual energy production.

The rehabilitation of the Moco-Moco hydro power station is yet another initiative of the Government of Guyana as part of a holistic approach to sustainable economic growth, which demonstrates its commitment to creating a climate resilient economy and establishing a green economy.

Moco-Moco-bidders: Bidders from CHEA - Centrias Hidreletricas da Amazonia LTDA –ME; Torque – EPCM; and McVantage Products during the opening of the tenders

CADVA setting up Missing... track and report on missing persons’ cases and be linked to a centralised system.

Through this system, CADVA is hoping to address a number of issues. Among them are records- keeping done with handwritten documents, as the current data is not reliable because it can be lost or falsified easily; trace the evidence or investigation history of a case; avoid the strenuous task of going through piles of files; and actively monitor such cases.

Madray said Guyana needs to replace the current antiquated system of record-keeping with a modern, updated electronic system that will prevent data tampering.

“This will also allow the families of the victims to get the latest status with a click of a button through a web interface available to the public, given that currently too many families still live with the uncertainty of not knowing what happened to their loved ones,” she said.

There is a perception that the police investigation and follow-up of missing persons’ cases have been poor. There are also reports that sometimes cases are compromised through bribery of corrupt police officers.

This matter has been discussed with Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, First Lady Sandra Granger, and Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack. CADVA is of the belief that it is time

for Guyana to move forward and embrace new policies and changes, which will help the country move to a new era with systems that will create a stronger public safety approach and, at the same time, safeguard the security of all

From page 12

women.

Their mission is to provide a safe environment where individuals can converge, listen, share, and receive vital information on combating domestic violence.

Tuesday, April 5, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Wednesday, April 6, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Thursday, April 7, 2016 - 05:00 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 5, 2016

Ming cops F4 Podium finish

By Stephan Sookram

A RIVER cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.

This is the view of American journalist Jim Watkins, and a view that was reinforced when overseas- based Guyanese Calvin Ming rose to the podium in last weekend’s F4 Championship in Mexico.

Fourth-round action in the FIA Mexican series was held at the Pegaso Circuit in Toluca, Mexico and started on Friday with free practice, where Ming was just a shave off the fastest time of the day and looked in the prime to qualify among the frontrunners.

However during Saturday morning qualifying, the car suffered from fuel starvation and he only managed to qualify in P10 with the problem being subsequently traced back to low fuel pressure, and the fuel pump was replaced.

The torrid day of racing continued for the young Ming when during the warm-up for race #1 on Saturday afternoon, the car suddenly lost power again, and had to pit.

By the time the technicians reset the computer, Calvin was not allowed to proceed back onto the grid and had to start the race from pit lane.

Unfortunately, the power loss problem continued, and he had to abandon the race after a few laps, and sit it out in the paddock, observing his team mate Axel Matus drive to a P2 finish.

The ‘Ram Racing’ engineers and technicians did not waste any time in the lead up to Sunday’s race as they quickly traced the problem to a porous fuel pressure line inside of the fuel tank which was later replaced.

Because Calvin did not complete race one, he had to start race two on Sunday morning from the back of the grid in P13, setting him the arduous task of literally out-manoeuvring and out-witting 13 top drivers.

At the end of the 30-minute race, the Guyanese had managed to gain 10 positions for the 3rd spot, securing a podium finish, much to the applause of his team.

For race three during Sunday afternoon, his mechanics decided to change the gear ratios, to give him a better set-up for overtaking, since he had to start from the back of the pack again, for the reasons given earlier.

He made a good start and managed to gain 4 positions by the end of lap #2. However, a racing accident shortly thereafter, resulted in the car’s front wing assembly being damaged, forcing him to return to the pit to have it replaced. He subsequently re-joined the race several laps down.

A release from team owner and Calvin’s father Stanley Ming, read, “All in all, it was a good weekend experience.”

Ming now moves on to Atlanta tomorrow, to start preparing for the opening round of the Formula 1600 championship series. He has been retained under the Team Pelfrey banner.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 5, 2016

West Indies’ triumph of imagination and spirit

By Mark Nicholas THE first thing is to loudly applaud West Indies cricket on a golden day. The women were magnificent. The men more than matched them.

The finish was a miracle: a thing of devastating power, of a certain beauty, and of destiny.

The second thing is to say that the West Indies cricketers who beat England in Kolkata yesterday and triumphantly lifted the World T20 play smart cricket that is both entertaining and hard to resist.

There were scatty, improbable turning points that swung the match this way and that - so many of them that it was hard to keep track. In the end, the very fact that West Indies pulled it off was the most epic thing about it.

The third is to offer an unreserved apology to Darren Sammy, a man I hold in the highest regard, to his team and to the coaches around them for the throwaway phrase I used in a recent column on these pages.

I would have made the same apology whatever the results of the day, but I do so now in the knowledge that the people of the Caribbean will have celebrated long into the night and well into yesterday.

The spirit of the romantics will be with them and from thousands of miles away the rest of us can almost taste the rum, feel its punch and dream of the day when we return to the lapping shores of those incomparable islands.

Clearly, the West Indies team is not “short of brains”.

I wrote this in a piece that was mainly about India and MS Dhoni and, partly tongue in cheek, exaggerated a likely “triumph” - as in the ancient history of the Roman Empire. In picking a winner, I could see no further than the hosts.

I suggested England were a threat and maybe Australia and South Africa too. In three short and ill-conceived sentences I paid lip service to the other teams, casually remarking that West Indies were “short of brains but have IPL history in their ranks”. I did not say West Indies were “brainless” or had “no brains”, as has been misquoted elsewhere, but I did say something unworthy of the game and disrespectful to a great cricketing legacy.

My thought was based a) on what I had seen in Australia, first during the World Cup and then during the recent Test matches against the Australians, when the admirable Jason Holder received

Darren Sammy and Co:, long may they rejoice (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) scant support from influential players around him, and then b) on the fact that many West Indians know their way around the IPL, which must be useful.

But it was a throwaway, not a considered judgement, and frankly, pretty damn lazy because it did not take account of the different personnel.

I regret it and apologise for it.

At Hampshire I played with two of the most intelligent cricketers of all-time. Andy Roberts led the thinking of a truly great collection of West Indian fast bowlers.

I caught my first first-class catch off him at first slip and I swelled with pride at having my name associated with his on a scorecard. Then I had 13 years with Malcolm Marshall, my best friend in cricket. I also had the privilege of giving the eulogy at his funeral in Barbados - the saddest occasion.

I grew up as a disciple of Sir Garry Sobers and, as a kid, played the game with my collar turned to the sky and as much adventure as my limited talent allowed. When I was taken to Lord’s in 1973, Sobers made 150 and Rohan Kanhai much the same. It was intoxicating stuff.

The same must be said of the performance Sunday by Sammy’s team - it was intoxicating stuff. Samuel Badree’s legspin was delivered with commitment and revs: the overspin did for Jason Roy and the disguise did for Eoin Morgan.

Sammy handled his attack with imagination and moved his fielders as if they were chess pieces closing in on a hapless opponent’s board. In the field, West Indies looked organised and driven.

His heart bled at the injustice and at the misjudge-

ment of his men, so he looked to repair these wrongs. Those of us who have let him down took a hammering The West Indies Cricket Board were harsh when they took the Test match and oneday international captaincy away from Sammy. He has the ability to unite. Without sounding like I am running for cover, I wrote that at the time. I also wrote in favour of Dwayne Bravo’s team that walked out on their tour of India.

I advocated the BCCI bailing out the WICB to keep the tour alive. Sammy’s interview with ESPNcricinfo just a short while back is required reading. He has given much to the cause of West Indies cricket and thankfully has two T20 World Cups in return. This is a man long on brains.

Alongside him are others.

First among equals is Bravo, the craftiest bowler in the tournament and the best at the death. He has a fast arm for a bowler of little more than medium-pace, and this arm never appears to change its speed of rotation or release.

He uses his fingers and wrists to vary pace and impart entirely different revolutions on the ball. The wicket of Ben Stokes was a masterpiece of this modern art, the art of confusion. Stokes was left in the dark by a delivery that was perfectly well floodlit.

Another cricketer who seems a step ahead is Carlos Brathwaite, both with bat and ball. He has the happy knack of making his own luck, primarily because he appears to play the game without an iota of fear.

He is a strong man, of mind and matter, and an ideal role model to set before the young cricketers of the Caribbean.

Some of his interviews bely his age and experience; it is like he is an old soul. His calm, his range and his extraordinary hitting in the final over are born of sporting passion, never say die, and a rare and priceless ability to find these attributes when they most matter.

Finally to Marlon Samuels, who has been on the wrong end of many an observer’s written and spoken word. There is something about Samuels that gets under the skin of opponents and audiences alike. But he played an immense, unarguable hand Sunday: an innings of courage and intelligence that kept his team in the game. He is a lovely batsman to watch, a player given flow and fabulous timing by the person who hands out these gifts.

In his interview at the end of the match a deeply emotional Sammy let it pour out. His heart bled at the injustice and at the misjudgement of his men, so he looked to repair these wrongs.

Those of us who have let him down took a hammering. Fair enough too. But for all of that, what really matters is that West Indies won. Of late, the game has been bereft of West Indian style and celebration. It is the most missed story in sport.

A future can be built around the professional thinkers and performers we saw yesterday. But they need to be engaged. They need to be on the park. It would be terrific if the WICB responded in a way that helped mobilise the momentum, enthusiasm and brilliance we saw Sunday in other formats of the game.

For lots of reasons, I shall never forget the World T20 final of 2016. Neither will Sammy. I wish him and his men nothing but joy. (ESPN Cricinfo)

`King’ Carlos onslaught hailed as `four balls that stunned the world’ (REUTERS) - Carlos Brathwaite’s four consecutive sixes that carried West Indies to victory over England in the World Twenty20 final capped what former players and journalists described as one of the sport’s greatest matches yesterday.

With the West Indies requiring 19 runs for victory off the last over, the Barbadian needed just four of Ben Stokes’ final six deliveries to seal a four-wicket victory at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on Sunday.

“Anyone who was here witnessed one of the great T20 matches. It was won, it was lost, then won, then lost. No side really deserved to lose it,” former England captain Nasser Hussain wrote in his Daily Mail column after West Indies chased down England’s 155 for nine on a difficult batting surface.

Fellow former England skipper Michael Atherton wrote in The Times: “It was a stunning end to a stunning tournament that showcased the best of the modern game -- a game in which England played a full part for once.”

The Daily Telegraph described Brathwaite’s onslaught as “four balls that stunned the world” with its correspondent Jonathan Liew writing: “It was one of the most remarkable victories ever known.

“A match that will resound well beyond the boundaries of this stadium,

well beyond the boundaries of Twenty20, as a finish for the ages.”

While Brathwaite’s incredible display of power-hitting allowed the Caribbean side to become the first to win the World Twenty20 title twice, there was plenty of sympathy for England bowler Stokes, who was on the receiving end of the late mauling.

England skipper Eoin Morgan said: “Ben is going to be devastated. Cricket can be a cruel game, it will take its toll over the next couple of days but we share the pain, we share the success.”

Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene, one of the greatest batsmen of recent times, also had sympathy for Stokes saying on ESPN that he was punished by Brathwaite because his deliveries were not quite accurate enough.

“But I feel sorry for Ben Stokes -- and a lot of the bowlers in this day and age,” he added.

Meanwhile, former Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee was full of praise for the victors and their approach towards Twenty20 cricket.

He told ESPN he had written about their batting prowess in his newspaper column before the tournament began and said it was that power that secured victory in the end.

“There has never been another six-hitting team like this one, and that turned out to be the clincher,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 5, 2016

Messi, Suarez and Neymar are not machines, says Luis Enrique

By Richard Martin BARCELONA, Spain (Reuters) - Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez have scored 107 goals between them this season but after Barcelona’s celebrated trio failed to find

the net in the defeat by Real Madrid, coach Luis Enrique defended them by declaring “they aren’t machines”.

Luis Enrique said he was not concerned about the physical state of his all-star attacking line despite their

Mahadeo tipped to be named Cricketer-of-the-Year FORMER National Under-19 cricketer Khemraj Mahadeo is tipped to be named Cricketer-of-theYear when the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) hosts its 26th annual awards ceremony at its headquarters on April 17.

Mahadeo, who represented the Rose Hall Town Bakewell second division team had an outstanding allround performance last year, and is expected to head the 43 awardees to be honoured for outstanding performance and service to the Club.

Patron of the Club, H.E President David Granger, is expected to deliver the feature address and share out the awards.

Club President Keith Foster, Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster and immediate past Patron Beverly Harper will also be part of the ceremony, with Harper been presented with the highest award of the RHTYSC, the Dolphin Award of Excellence for her outstanding contribution over the years.

Among the awardees are female cricketers Shemaine Campbelle and Erva Giddings along with junior cricketers

below-par performance in Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat.

Although Real halted their 39-game unbeaten run, the 45-year-old coach said he retained full confidence in his side as they prepared to host Atletico Madrid in the first leg of an all-Spanish Champions League quarter-final today.

Messi (37), Suarez (43) and Neymar (27) have 107 goals between them in all competitions this season but Barca’s only goal on Saturday came from defender Gerard Pique.

“They aren’t machines, they are the best players in their position but they aren’t unbeatable or unsurpassable,” Luis Enrique told a news conference yes-

terday.

“I think all my players are in perfect condition. We had forgotten what it was like to lose but when you do you remember how difficult it is to win and we all hope the defeat serves as a stimulus to win again. Looking at how we have done in the last few months, I’m optimistic.”

Pique reaffirmed his coach’s belief in the three South American forwards.

“Our three attackers are on another level, from another world. I’m not worried about them at all, it’s impossible for us to have more faith in them, they have brutal qualities and we’re so lucky to have them at Barca,” he said.

The Spain international

was also adamant his team would bounce back from the defeat to Real, but said Atletico would pose his side even more problems than Zinedine Zidane’s men did.

“We’re not scared of them but they are having a spectacular season, they are the second best team (in La Liga) and it’s going to be even harder for us than Saturday,” Pique said.

Diego Simeone’s robust side have conceded only three goals in eight Champions League matches this season, the joint-best record in the competition alongside Real. They also have the meanest defence in La Liga, letting in 15 goals in 31 games -- 11 fewer than Barcelona.

Atletico pipped Barca to the La Liga title in 2014 and knocked them out of the Champions League in the same season en route to the final.

They are six points behind Luis Enrique’s side in La Liga and warmed up for their trip to Barcelona by thrashing Real Betis 5-1 on Saturday.

However, Pique reiterated his confidence in his own team, who have beaten Atletico in all six matches under Luis Enrique.

“We’ll see how they approach the game but it’s all down to us, we need to move the ball around quickly and for the fans to put pressure on them,” he said. “If that happens we’re practically unstoppable.”

Khemraj Mahadeo Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Keith Simpson, Brandon Prashad, Chanderpaul Govindan and Slyus Tyndall.

Longstanding executives, members and founders of the club, Keith Hicks and Ravindranauth Kissoonlall, will also be honoured.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster disclosed that $1M worth of prizes and trophies will be shared out.

Meanwhile, Len’s Craft Optical of Croal Street, Georgetown and the Management of F+H Printery have come on board with financial contributions towards the awards ceremony.

NOTABLE DATES

GUYANESE middleweight Brian Muller secured his eighth professional fight on April 5, 1980. Muller won an eight-round contest against American Gary Coates via points.

It was the second of three fights that Muller had that year. The first was a second round technical knockout (TKO) of Clarence Howard in March.

Both fights were staged in the USA. However, Muller returned home in December of the same year to challenge fellow Guyanese Mark Harris and lost by split decision.

To this day many boxing aficionados still dispute the decision. Muller remains one of the best junior middleweight/ middleweight products from Guyana.

A master of the game, the southpaw would be remembered for epic battles against Reggie Ford, Albert Browne and the legendary Lennox Beckles.

After defeating Ford in 1983, Muller campaigned only outside of Guyana and lost two of 11 fights. His seven-year career which started in 1979 produced 20 wins (11 KOs) three defeats and one draw. Muller now resides in Las Vegas, Nevada..

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar (R-L) during training before UEFA Champions League soccer match against Bayer Leverkusen (Reuters/Ina Fassbender)

Inter-Secondary School U-15 cricket …

Persaud spins Canje Secondary into the quarter-finals CANJE Secondary School advanced to the quarter-finals of the Dalchand Rambharose Inter-Secondary School Under-15 cricket competition in Berbice.

They ended Zone D on 12 points after securing first innings from Berbice High School in their final preliminary game.

At the Cumberland ground, Berbice High School elected to bat first, enjoyed an opening stand of 20 between Jason Rishiram (10) and Joel Campbell (7).

However, off-spinners Javon Persaud and Antho-

Javon Persaud

ny Williams shared three wickets between them to reduce Berbice High to 21-3.

Abdul Ramsammy and Robert Suntgolam then added 43 valuable runs for the fourth wicket after which Persaud struck again, removing Suntgolam for 11 at 64 for 4.

Ramsammy continued and in the company of Ajay Nadisan took the score to 105 before Ramsammy went for 37.

Berbice High did not

progress, however, and lost their last five wickets without adding a run on the board. Persaud ended with 5-18.

In reply Canje Secondary lost an early wicket at 11-1, but Berbice Carl Gilgeous and Zeynul Ramsammy put on 70 for the second wicket before Ramsammy went for 30.

Gilgeous went on to score 43 which was largely responsible for Canje Secondary reaching 106-5 when the match was called off.

Bowling for Berbice High, Devin Moses took 2-30.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 5, 2016

WICB seeks to iron out differences with senior players FOLLOWING World Cup trophy wins by the West Indies women’s and men’s Twenty20 teams in Kolkata, India, on Sunday, West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president Dave Cameron said the board intends to find common ground with its top players so as to have them available to represent the region in all formats of the game.

This is with the intention of building upon the rich legacy of the Caribbean team.

The WICB had been at loggerheads with members of the T20 team in the weeks leading up to the World Cup with the main issue of contention being the wages the players were earning for the competition when compared to what they earned at the last tournament in 2012.

Captain of the team Darren Sammy said the players were getting what amounted to an 80 per cent reduction in wages from the 2012 tournament. The play-

The West Indies celebrating their World T20 victory on Sunday ers were being paid US$6900 per match whether that player was in the starting XI or not.

The players were also being guaranteed 80 per cent of the US$1.6M purse and 50 per cent of any money earned from sponsorship.

During an exchange of

correspondence the West Indies captain relented and suggested that the matter go before mediation at the conclusion of the competition.

The issue is expected to be addressed in May when the Board will host its annual review (retreat) with the players, WIPA, selectors and the

technical team to review player, management and technical plans. This will be done after the Indian Premier League, said president Cameron.

“There are players who are currently committed to playing in the T20 cricket leagues around the world and we are aware of that

schedule, hence the plan to meet at that time,” Cameron said.

“We want to see how we can find common ground in ensuring that the best players in the region are available for selection for West Indies teams.”

The WICB president said he is aware of the challenges of having the senior players commit to representing the West Indies but also understands that they will have to play an important role in paving the way forward.

“We are fully aware of the financial rewards on offer in the lucrative international T20 leagues, but we believe deeply in the importance of cricket to the people of the region and of West Indies cricket’s place in world cricket.

It is therefore a priority to have all of our players competing and available for selection.

We will also engage the ICC on this so that we protect not only the rich heritage and legacy of West Indies Cricket, but

also its future.”

Meantime, Cameron praised the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the World Twenty20 hosts for a most memorable 2016 ICC World Twenty20 tournament. “(The) tournament was of the highest quality and the Indian fans and others from around the world came out in full support of cricket,” he said.

He praised both teams for winning the respective world titles describing it as “an allround success”.

He did, however, apologise for what he said “could be deemed inappropriate, comments made by the West Indies male captain Darren Sammy in a post-match interview and would like to apologise on behalf of the WICB, to the millions of fans who witnessed.”

He has pledged to enquire the reason for Sammy’s comments and will have the matter addressed.

(Sportsmax.com)

Family deny alleged Messi involvement in tax scheme

By Richard Martin BARCELONA, (Reuters)-Barcelona forward Lionel Messi’s family have denied Spanish media reports following the leak of the ‘Panama papers’ that he was involved in a tax evasion scheme.

Governments across the world began investigating possible financial wrongdoing by the rich and powerful yesterday after a leak of four decades of documents from a Panamanian law firm that specialised in setting up offshore companies.

The so-called ‘Panama papers’ revealed the financial arrangements of global political and public figures.

While holding money in offshore companies is not illegal, Messi, 28, was on Sunday accused by online Spanish newspaper El Confidencial of creating a company with the aim of evading tax.

Reuters could not independently confirm this.

His family yesterday issued a statement denying the allegations.

“In light of stories released by different media outlets which attribute Lionel Messi to the creation of a company designed to ‘set up a new web of fiscal fraud’, the Messi family wishes to make it clear Lionel Messi has not carried out any of the acts he has been accused of

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday April 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) 2 times (2012 & 2016) (2) 1 time (2016)

Today’s Quiz: (1) Which team has contested most finals in ICC T20 Men’s World Cup? (2) Which team has contested most finals in ICC T20 Women’s World Cup? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

and accusations he has designed a new web of fiscal fraud and created a money laundering network are false and damaging,” the family said in a statement.

“The Messi family has instructed its lawyers to analyse opening legal proceedings against the media outlets that have reproduced this story.”

Reuters could not immediately reach Messi’s lawyers Cuartrecasas Goncalves Pereira.

BARCA BACKING His club have given Messi’s family their backing.

“Barcelona wishes to ex-

press the club trusts the arguments the Messi family have made public and that from the moment the documents linking Leo Messi with ‘the Panama papers’ were made public, Barcelona have shown their support and solidarity to the player and all his family,” the European champions said in a statement.

“The club has put all its judicial, fiscal and administrative means at the disposition of the family should they need to clarify their position and repute in this case,” the statement added.

A tax fraud case against

Messi is to be heard in a Barcelona court between May 31 and June 3 after the World Player of the Year and his father Jorge were accused by the tax office (Hacienda) in 2013 of defrauding the Spanish state of 4.2 million euros ($4.5 million) from 2007-09.

Revenue was hidden using shell companies in Uruguay, Belize, Switzerland and the United Kingdom to avoid paying tax, according to the prosecutor’s office.

Reuters was unable to determine if or how this case relates to the details provided in the

Panama papers.

Last October, a Spanish court ordered that Messi and his father stand trial. The state attorney has proposed jail terms of up to 22 months if they are found guilty.

Messi and his father, who has denied the accusations, paid five million euros to the tax authorities as a “corrective” measure after being formally charged in June 2013.

Messi is preparing to play for Barca in today’s Champions League quarter-final, first leg at home to Atletico Madrid.

Slingerz FC beat Buxton United 2-0, Alpha United stun Pele 5-0 SLINGERZ Football Club beat Buxton United 2-0, while Alpha United `hammered’ Pele 5-0 when action in the STAG Elite league continued on Sunday evening at the Guyana Defence Force ground, Camp Ayanganna.

Julian Wade netted Slingerz’ two goals in the 5th and 58th minutes respectively, while in the feature game, King Solomon Austin, William Europe, Colin Nelson, Delon Lanferman and Daniel Wilson netted one goal apiece in the 34th, 52nd, 64th, 80th and 90th minutes respectively.

Part of the action in Sunday night’s STAG Elite competition According to a release, minute of the game for using a red card. during the Slingerz ver- abusive language, in the feaThe two players will sus Buxton United match, ture game, Pele’s Jermaine now have to sit out two Rondell Assanah of Buxton Fordyce was cautioned twice matches each before being United received marching (yellow card), the second of eligible to represent their orders (red card) in the 65th which caused him to receive team again.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 5, 2016

Agricola, Craig School to clash in EBFA/ Ralph Green U-11 final on Saturday AGRICOLA Red Triangle downed Grove Hi Tech via penalty kicks after battling to a 0-0 scoreline in regulation and extra time while Craig School halted the surge of Friendship All Stars 5-0 to book a date in the final of the inaugural Ralph G re e n - s p o n s o re d E a s t Bank Football Association Under-11 League.

Contesting last Satur-

day’s semifinals at the Grove Playfield, the young Agricola lads held their nerves to rally for a 4-2 penalty-kicks win in a match that saw both sides coming close to scoring but did not during regulation and extra time.

While Grove held the early momentum, as the match progressed Agricola upped the ante as they took the attack to Grove. Scoring from the spot for the winners

were Floyd Boyce, Raheem Williams, Jamal Fyffe and Kevon Cato.

The only players on target for Grove were Tyrese Jones and Jamal Cordis as one shot went wide of the mark while the other was saved by goalkeeper Adam Wilson.

Craig Primary were too solid for Friendship All Stars to handle as they ran away 5-0 winners handing the

latter their first loss of the league which relegates them to the third-place playoff with Grove.

Joshua Moore set up the huge win for Craig Primary with two goals in as many minutes when he hit the target in the 4th minute from the penalty spot and one minute later from a well-placed shot that rocked the back of the net.

Sheldon Wickham emulated his teammate with another double in the 12th and 14th minutes. The other goal was scored by Romeo King

in the 15th minute. Tried they did but Friendship just could not find their earlier scoring form, even as their star player Shavi Atkinson tried his best but could not breach the Craig defence.

Saturday’s third place match will see Grove and Friendship match skills from 10:30hrs to be followed by the final between Agricola and Craig.

The presentation of prizes will follow after the final when new champions will be crowned. Last year’s champs Herstelling Raiders did not make the

final-four cut.

The Ralph Green Lien Trophy is at stake while the top three clubs will receive gold, silver and bronze medals while the fourth-placed club will get participatory medals.

There will also be five individual trophies that will go to the Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, Most Valuable Player, Most Disciplined Player and Most Promising Player while Certificates of Participation will be presented to each player of the six teams.

Windies Women players benefit from WBBL stint

Goalscorers: Joshua Moore (left), Sheldon Wickham (centre) and Romeo King.

Over $4M budgeted for staging of Mayor’s Cup football tournament

By Michael DaSilva

A BUDGET of over $4M has been allocated to stage the 2016 edition of the Mayor’s Cup Football Tournament, scheduled to get underway on May 1, and the organisers are appealing to corporate Guyana to come on board and lend support.

According to the tournament’s organiser Lennox `Mullen’ Arthur, 32 teams have been invited to participate in this 22nd edition of the tournament which had its genesis when former Georgetown Mayor was elected to office at City Hall and the tournament has grown over the past 21 years.

Asked in whose honour this year’s tournament is being played, Arthur, a former national footballer and founder of the Pele Football Club without hesitating stated clearly that the tournament is a Mayor’s Cup tournament, regardless

of who is the Mayor of the capital city.

Arthur stated that the tournament over the years has not catered to Georgetown teams alone since clubs from other areas of Guyana have been invited to participate and have been doing so for a number of years.

According to Arthur, teams from Berbice, Linden, East Bank Demerara, East Coast Demerara and West Demerara will join Georgetown teams during the tournament.

Arthur disclosed that the sum of $4.4M is required to host a successful tournament but to date the organising committee is yet to acquire even half of the amount.

The former national coach said the total prize money is $2M, but he also has to pay the Guyana Referee Council for its service as well as pay for the use of the facilities where the matches will be played.

Arthur is appealing to

the Government of Guyana and corporate Guyana to come forward and assist financially.

One of the rules of the competition states that no premier league teams or players that fall in that group will be allowed to participate. This he said, will allow any of the invited teams to come out on top, this he said “means that any underdog team stands a chance of winning the $1M first prize money and trophy.

The second-, third- and fourth-place teams will receive $500 000, $300 000 and $200 000 respectively.

According to Arthur, all the venues to be used to stage matches have all been written to and he has already received approval for the use of all of them which includes Georgetown Football Club ground, Victoria ground (East Coast Demerara) and Den Amstel ground (West Coast Demerara).

WORLD T20 champions West Indies Women say their time in the Women’s Big Bash League helped their development.

The full impact of the Women’s Big Bash League became clear on Sunday when West Indies credited the new competition, after upsetting the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars in the World T20 final.

Much has been made of how the WBBL helped Australia gain an insight into players from around the world, but the same can be said in reverse, as West Indies showed in Sunday’s decider in Kolkata The WBBL has also exposed the likes of opener Hayley Matthews, named p l a y e r- o f - t h e - m a t c h i n the World T20 decider, to high-quality coaching.

Matthews, who played for the Hobart Hurricanes in the WBBL, struck three sixes in her knock of 66 off 45 balls, which put West Indies on track for an eight-wicket victory with three balls remaining.

“Coming from playing in Australia, it helped me to already know a lot of the bowlers a lot better (and) what they’re coming at me with,” the 18-year-old said.

“Also working with my coaches in Australia, they really helped me a lot with my batting. Also my patience and even my confidence.

“I do think that really

Indian legend Saurav Ganguly presents Player-of-the-Match prize to Hayley Matthews, watched by BCCI Secretary Anurag Thakur and ICC CEO Dave Richardson on Sunday. (WICB Media) helped a lot.”

“It’s a good question. We West Indies skipper Sta- certainly learnt a lot about fanie Taylor, who scored other internationals and I 59 to finish both as lead- guess they learnt a bit about ing run-scorer and play- us as well,” Lanning said. er-of-the-tournament, ex“But I don’t think there’s pressed similar sentiments. any secret in international “It actually helped us. cricket anymore. Every game Hayley’s quite young and I is pretty much on TV and think it was good exposure everyone can see it.” for her to go and build (to) Coach Matthew Mott what she’s actually do- conceded there was a noing now,” said Taylor, who ticeable drop in the Southhelped steer the Sydney ern Stars’ intensity followThunder to the maiden ing the WBBL, when they WBBL title in January. lost the T20 series against “She matured. You could India and New Zealand. see that out there in the way “We managed it quite that she played.” well. I think we did come out Matthews and Taylor of the WBBL quite tired,” both suggested they were Mott said. keen to return to the WBBL. “We had a couple of Australia captain Meg games against India and Lanning was unsure how they played really good much the new league led cricket. to the three-time defending “But you could see the champions’ downfall. group was quite tired.”

Windies Women players benefit from WBBL stint See story on page 27

`King’ Carlos onslaught hailed as `four balls that stunned the world’

Carlos Brathwaite’s brutal assault inspired the West Indies to win the World T20 twice.

(See story on page 24)

Ben Stokes is consoled by Joe Root.

Ming cops F4 Podium finish

Calvin Ming hoists his third place trophy while standing on the podium for last weekend’s FIA F4 Championships in Mexico.

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

(See story on page 23) TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016