Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 08 04 2016

Three more towns No. 104515

FRIDAY APRIL 8, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

‒ All gov’t services to be decentralised; all regions to have own flags P.3

Students participate in Thursday's health fair to observe World Health Day (Delano Williams photos)

Beat diabetes

‒ Hundreds of youths start 50 days of activism P.7

Murder of Non Pareil pensioner…

Daughters charged 2

P.

Three charged 15 in Charlestown vendetta killings P.

Fish exports total $15B annually

‒ Holder says Guyana committed to sustainable practices P.16

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2016

Murder of Non Pareil pensioner…

Daughters charged Police say Nalini Manikam, 18, used an axe to kill her father

A 12-year-old girl and her teen sister were among four persons charged with the murder of the 64-yearold Non Pareil pensioner who was found dead on the Coldingen Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara, last Sunday.

The four persons appeared before Magistrate Zamina Ally-Seepaul at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s

Veeram Dias Lall, 24, is believed to have been the mastermind behind the murder

Court where they were charged with the murder of Roger Manikam.

They were remanded until May 6.

Those charged were the pensioner’s daughters Nalini Manikam, 18, her 12 year-old sister, Veeram Dias Lall, 24, all of Non Pareil; and Devon Browne, 25, of Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara.

Dead: Roger Manikam

The 12-year-old is being held at the Juvenile Detention Centre in Georgetown.

At court, there was a battle of words between families. The court heard that Lall, who is the boyfriend of the 18-year -old was the mastermind behind the murder. It was also disclosed that the two girls admitted to the murder during an interrogation by investigators.

Devon Browne, Nalini Manikam, the 12-year-old daughter, and Veeram Dias Lall

The court heard that the eldest daughter lured her father to the kitchen where she delivered the fatal blow to the man’s head, using an axe. According to the prosecution, with the help of Lall

they then wrapped the body in construction plastic and dumped it on the Railway Embankment at Coldingen.

Browne was the person who helped to transport the body.

The girls had initially claimed that they were verbally and physically abused by the man and also later claimed that they were also sexually assaulted by him.

City councillors hold orientation consultations

By Svetlana Marshall THE curtains will come down today on three days of orientation for councillors of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council.

Since Tuesday, Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan and other councillors have been engaging in an edification programme on the eight divisions of the council, and the laws governing municipalities across Guyana under the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01.

The City Constabulary, the Engineer’s Department and the Treasurer’s Department were among the areas that councillors covered, in addition to the Markets, Human Resources, Public Health and Municipal Solid Waste Departments.

The departmental heads, roles and responsibilities, and vision on the way forward are also being placed in the spotlight.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK Notably, on day one, attorney-at-law Roger Yearwood examined the Council’s legal framework, much to the satisfaction of those present. For some of the more veteran councillors,

the principles governing the Municipality of Georgetown is nothing new, as they are familiar with the system.

POLICY MAKING On Day Two (yesterday), Mayor Chase-Green sat down with Guyana Chronicle for some time to explain that the council is a policy making body. And she noted, “The work of the town clerk is to implement the decisions made by the council.”

The mayor said that the first two days of the orientation, so far, have proven to be very fruitful, as councillors displayed their willingness to work collectively for the good of the city.

The orientation for the councillors of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council in session at Cara Lodge Hotel

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2016

Georgetown Prison head ‘unfit’ ‒ former prisoner testifies

By Ariana Gordon FORMER prisoner of the Georgetown Prison, Patrick Narine yesterday told the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Camp Street jail riots and fire deaths that the Officer-in-Charge of the penitentiary is ‘unfit’ to be its head.

Narine, who served 37 months in jail on a trafficking in narcotics charge, told the three-man Commission comprising Chairman, Justice (retired) James Patterson and Commissioners Dale Erskine and Merle Mendonca that Superintendent of Prisons Kevin Pilgrim’s behaviour towards prisoners disqualified him from being the best candidate to run the Georgetown Prison.

The former truck driver and vendor during cross-examination by Attorney for the Joint Services Selwyn Pieters was asked to relate to the Commission his qualifications to make such an assertion against Pilgrim.

“Have you ever worked in law enforcement? Have you ever been a police officer, a prison officer, a soldier? Have you ever been to a college that trains officers to work in a prison? Have you ever been to a university?” the attorney asked all to

which he received the same answer, “no”.

REQUISITE COMPETENCE Based on Narine’s evidence before the panel, Pieters put it to him that he lacked the requisite competence to state that Pilgrim was not best suited for the job.

“I am going to suggest to you, you have no competence to make that assertion… ” said the attorney who was rebutted by Narine.

“If you are an offi cer-in-charge of a jail and you are going to tell the general population that if you can’t get along we are going to push you in one cell so you can kill each other.

You are going to do the necessary paperwork after, then you are not capable of doing your work because you are not setting no example.”

But Pieters insisted that what Pilgrim said “is a Guyanese saying”. “Your mother would have told you that if you and your brother were fighting and not listening to her instructions, she would have told you that, y’all kill y’all selves if y’all gonna continue fighting”, said Pieters.

“TAKING IT TOO FAR” But the former prisoner

begged to differ and told the Joint Services attorney that it is facts that are of importance and not opinions.

“That is your opinion, that’s not a fact…please don’t insult my intelligence or try to put words in my mouth like you did to other prisoners …” said Narine who was upbraided by Justice Patterson who told him he is “taking it too far.”

The attorney during his cross-examination of Narine stressed that the former prisoner was labelling the officer-in-charge of the Camp Street jail inept because of a “beef” he had with him.

According to Pieters, Narine was upset because Superintendent Pilgrim transferred him from the Berbice Correctional facility to the Lusignan Prison because he “misconducted” himself.

“No I didn’t …I was transferred because I was a shoe maker in jail…the officer-in-charge at the Lusignan Prison was the second officer in charge at the Berbice correctional facility …she knows me very well as a shoe maker. She had some shoes to do for the officers and she apparently remembered that I did that in Berbice jail…she contacted the Berbice jail to get permission, which she did,” he stated.

He maintained that he had no issues with the officer-in-charge of the George-

town Prison.

Narine testified that on March 3, he observed Pilgrim with a gun in his hand which he “cranked”. Unlike the prisoners who testified before him, Narine said Deputy Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels carried a gun in his waist.

He too testified that he heard Samuels instruct his juniors to lock the access door to Capital Block ‘A’.

“You would have seen Senior Superintendent Samuels and Superintendent Pilgrim shouting to the top of their lungs for the prisoners to come out voluntary. You

heard that!” declared Pieters.

“No,” said Narine who then made it clear that the duo (Samuels and Pilgrim) were not shouting to the prisoners of Capital ‘A’ Division but to those in Capital ‘B’ Division.

“I am going to put it to you that it was ‘A’ Division because ‘B’ Division evacuated itself voluntarily,” said the attorney.

But the former prisoner maintained that the suggestion by the Joint Services lawyer was flawed.

“Mr Pilgrim went up with his gun and cranked his

community.

“We need better roads, better lights, and solid-waste management and there is nothing political about that.

I don’t see the intrusion of

ties to go to war with central government. We need to work together and that is why when I spoke to the Mayors I opened the door for cooperation and collaboration,” the

sues associated with the community becoming a town, but assured that it will be done before the end of the year.

“Before a town could be declared or demarcated, you have to agree on the boundaries, so it is a legal boundary matter. You cannot just call Mahdia [a town], because no one knows where it actually ends and of course you have to be in compliance. It will be done this year, but it is a very complicated region. It is a legal and technical issue, not a political one,” he said.

This week, the President swore in new Mayors and Deputy Mayors, after the first Local Government Elections in two decades and emphasised the importance of their role in regional development. On The Public Interest, he re-iterated his call for non-partisan functioning within the councils to ensure that local issues are

Former prisoner Patrick Narine testifies before the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the Camp Street prison riots and deadly fire of March 3

gun and gave inmates an order that this is the last order I am giving you … when he went up to the Capital ‘B’,” stated Narine, who was the first to state that Samuels was not the gun-brandishing prison officer.

Narine served time in the Camp Street penitentiary from November 2015 and was released on March 17.

He was due to be released on April 6. He was sentenced to 32 months in jail and he began serving his time on July 18, 2013.

The former inmate told the Commission that the blame for the death of the 17 inmates ought not to fall squarely at the feet of the prison officers.

“I want to say that prison officials are not the ones to be blamed for this…because I read articles in the paper… for 23 years the previous administration run this country there was nothing … in place for this new administration to pick up…it is kinda disturbing because I see there is going to be some real friction with this investigation…the previous administration had enough time to fix all these issues,” said Narine.

Asked what he would recommend officials put in place at the prison, Narine said he wants to see a corresponding programme and an inmate’s grievance programme.

Three more towns ‒ All gov’t services to be decentralised; all regions to have own flags THREE more towns are expected be named in the coming months as President Granger continues to champion the development of capital towns, which are intended to be strong economic centres in all 10 administrative regions of Guyana.

Speaking on the Ministry of the Presidency’s “The Public Interest’ programme,” which was recorded Thursday morning, the President said that it is his belief that capital towns will lead to economically stable communities and regions; and it is his intention therefore to ensure that all of the 10 administrative regions have one.

“It is a matter I have raised with the Minister of Communities. There are three coastal regions, which do not have capital towns - Region Three, Region Four and Region Five; but I am looking

to create three towns in these regions, so that every region can have a capital town so that it can have its own banks, public services, NIS [National Insurance Scheme] offices, GRA [Guyana Revenue Authority] offices [and so on]. Anybody must be able to go to these capital towns and transact their business.

“All of the government functions which are centralised should be decentralised,” he said.

In the meantime, the President said that his administration believes in the power of the people and their ability to determine what is right and wrong for their communities and as such, will not interfere in the administration of the municipalities and districts.

“We believe that all politics is local and we look at the grassroots. We want to see people in the community saying what is best for their

'I see a region in Guyana as being a state in America. And I see local pride and I believe that the local government elections should encourage that. I don’t smother that pride.'

– President Granger party politics.

“What I see is people who can gather around a table and decide what is best for that community. At the same time, I don’t want any of those regions or municipali-

President said.

Questioned on why Mahdia has not yet gained township status like Bartica, Lethem and Mabaruma, the President explained that there were legal and technical is-

addressed.

The President called on those who have been elected to put aside all political differences and vendettas and work for the development of their communities and the residents, so that a better Guyana can be built.

“I am aware that people come from different political parties; some are independent, some belong to established political parties, but they swore an oath to act without fear or favour, affection or ill will and I think Guyana has a powerful opportunity now to move forward economically… So it is really an appeal to the Mayors… to put aside their political differences. The central, the regional and local governments have to work together if we are to move forward. People would always have political preferences,

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Nothing’s wrong

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 8, 2016

-- Attorney General defends Bulkan’s appointments of Mabaruma Mayor, NDC chairs

By Alva Solomon THE Government has maintained that it acted in accordance with the law when Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan appointed Mabaruma’s Mayor and chairs of five Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).

According to the government, an offer was made to the Opposition PPP/C in which the latter would have had the right to elect the senior posts in local authority areas based on the plurality of votes, but this was rejected by them.

Thursday at a joint press conference at the Attorney General’s Chambers in Carmichael Street, Georgetown, Bulkan and Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Basil Williams noted, that the court action filed by the PPP/C on Wednesday, quashing the decision by Bulkan to appoint Mabaruma’s Mayor and the five NDC chairs at Woodlands/Farm, Woodlands/Bel Air, Malgre Tout/ Meer-Zorgen, Gibraltar-Fyrish and In-

dustry-Plaisance was a case of misinterpretation of the law.

While the Government will abide by the judge’s ruling, it plans to challenge the order made on Wednesday.

The PPP/C filed for the orders on Wednesday in the High Court on the basis that the minister acted contrary to and in violation of Municipal and District Councils Act, Cap. 28:01. Justice Diana Insanally granted an interim order quashing the controversial appointments. Justice Insanally ordered the holding of fresh elections. The orders were filed by PPP/C Member of Parliament (MP) Attorney-at-law Anil Nandlall on behalf of fellow MP Zulfikar Mustapha.

Williams said that Chapter 28:01 explicitly states that the minister has the right to appoint the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and NDC Chairpersons for Local Authority Areas if the councillors cannot arrive at a consensus.

He added that the law was misconstrued and the applicants did not consider it in

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interpretation of the law in selecting a Mayor in the case of Mabaruma and Chairpersons of the five NDC areas,” the minister noted.

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan

Attorney General Basil Williams

complete context, given that voters as prescribed by 16:06 of the local government laws would refer to the elected councillors.

He said the legislation explicitly states that the Mayor and Deputy Mayor cannot be elected by the electorate and according to him, it would unlawful to return to the polls for fresh elections to elect those persons.

Williams said Section 17 of the Municipal and District Councils Act, Cap 28:01 says that if the Mayor for any reason is unable to perform the functions of that office, then the Town Clerk must call a meeting of the councillors and if there is a tie, again, that tie has to be resolved by the minister.

“So it is clear contemplation that if there is a tie after voting by councillors, the minister should resolve the impasse by selecting one of

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the persons.”

He said if a by-election is called, the situation which occurred in Mabaruma “will have to happen again, since the order has rendered the duly elected Mayor from being unable to perform.”

Williams said the situation will return to the minister having the final say.

“The Town Clerk’s tasks will have to be activated again, for similarly produced results, if there is no clear winner at that election, then the tie has to be resolved by the minister,” he said.

Minister Bulkan told reporters that he did not receive any court papers relevant to the order made on Wednesday.

“To date, I have not been served any order from the court purporting to restrain me to quash the actions that I took and the decisions that I made in accordance with our

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DULY INFORMED Speaking on the councillors and their participation in a second meeting, Bulkan said that the PPP councillors “were duly informed and notified by the overseers as well as by the Town Clerk as in the case of Mabaruma of that second meeting and provided with an agenda.”

He said the agenda outlined and established that the only purpose of the second meeting was for the election of either a Mayor or a Chairman in the case of the NDCs. “So for example in the case of Woodlands/Farm, when the meeting terminated on the 31st March , all of the councillors would have been given a notice in writing by the overseer, Shawn Delbristol, inviting them to attend a second meeting for elections of Chairman and Deputy Chair for the Woodlands/Farm,” he said.

He said that by attending and participating in this second meeting, the PPP councillors accepted the legitimacy and validity of the process and the procedure which was adopted.

“So we find it strange that subsequent to that, that the PPP can file a court action purporting to say that the election of a Mayor should be done by a popular vote, when a complete reading of all of the sections of the act does not contemplate that,” Bulkan noted.

Questioned on similar instances in 1994, when by-elections were called in three in-

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stances raised by the PPP, Bulkan questioned why did the party participate in the second meeting if its members were aware of a different course of action.

Bulkan said the timeframe for the holding of the by-election is specified in the legislation and is given as a period of 15 days. He said it is the raft of measures that are required for the holding of elections which makes it impossible for by-elections to be held within that timeframe.

On the subject of inclusivity, he said that the Government would have preferred an accommodation and a political solution.

“That on the basis of plurality or in cases of ties, the party obtaining popular votes would be given the right to elect the chairpersons or the deputy chairman. That offer was not accepted by the PPP,” Bulkan noted.

Under the offer, the PPP would have been entitled to appoint the chairman and deputy of the NDCs at Malgre Tout/ Meer-Zorgen, Woodlands/Bel Air and Fyrish/Gibraltar. On the other hand, the Government would have had the final say at Mabaruma, Industry/Plaisance and at Woodlands/Farm.

Bulkan said that it was following the non-acceptance of the offer of compromise in accordance with democratic principles and in the interest of not allowing the PPP to dictate and determine the pace of reform and rehabilitation within “this damaged and system of local government, that we decided that the business of councils must proceed expeditiously.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 8, 2016

Chile’s Transparency International Argentina’s Macri branch President implicated faces Panama probe THE FALLOUT from the so-called “Panama Papers” leak continues with the latest casualty with a connection to The Bahamas being the President of the Chilean branch of Transparency International, who resigned on Monday.

Documents showed he was linked to at least five offshore companies domiciled in The Bahamas.

Gonzalo Delaveau was among tens of thousands of people named in a leak of four decades’ worth of documents from Mossack Fonseca -- a Panamanian law firm specialising in offshore financial services, with a branch in The Bahamas -- and while Delaveau is not accused of illegal activity, the leaks called into question his post at Transparency International, a German-based organisation that seeks to monitor and root out corporate and political corruption worldwide.

Delaveau, a lawyer, acts as a representative for Turnbrook Corporation, DK Corporation, Heatlhey International Inc, Turnbrook Mining Limited and Vizcachitas Limited, all of which are domiciled in The Bahamas.

He also reportedly serves as a Director for Turnbrook Mining, which owns 51.6 per cent of Los Andes Copper, a Canadian exploration and development company currently focused on a mine project north of Chile’s capi-

tal, Santiago.

Delaveau could not be reached for comment.

Meanwhile, shadow finance minister and Free National Movement deputy leader Peter Turnquest noting the leak and the damage it may do to The Bahamas’ reputation, “points out the very serious and damaging potential consequences” of the reading of private emails in Parliament.

Turnquest told Guardian Business the idea that government ministers were “in possession of private banking details of citizens and international clients of professional firms” -- as claimed in the House of Assembly recently -- is “even more worrisome and potentially damaging”.

So much so, in fact, that Turnquest said it must now be clear to Minister of Financial Services Hope Strachan why she was urged to “to counsel her fellow ministerial colleagues on their loose talk and actions concerning this sensitive industry”.

So far, The Bahamas has featured in the story on the international arena prominently: In addition to Delaveau, there is the revelation that UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s father used companies in The Bahamas years ago allegedly to avoid taxation in the UK. However, it appears that the main exposure of The Bahamas is that nearly 16,000

Mossack Fonseca companies were incorporated there.

When the complete trove of information is made public in May, the extent of the leak will be made clear.

Turnquest also addressed the vulnerability of The Bahamas as an offshore financial centre. Citing the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) blacklisting in 2001 -- which he dubbed “a traumatic experience” -- Turnquest said the then FNM government “responded positively with a suite of legislation designed to counter perceived compliance weaknesses in the jurisdiction”.

“In the face of tremendous criticism from the then Opposition PLP, those bold -- and yes, intrusive -- initiatives effectively saved the industry.

The PLP promised to roll back those acts but of course that never happened,” he said.

Turnquest said continued compliance pressures and shifting goal posts from developed states has resulted in further tightening of internal regulations and scrutiny of financial accounts and transactions, culminating in the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) legislation passed last year. All of these attacks on the country’s second economic pillar, he said, have weakened the industry and made it vulnerable.

A FEDERAL prosecutor in Argentina has opened an investigation into the financial dealings of President Mauricio Macri.

Macri was among the names mentioned in the Panama Papers, files leaked from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca.

According to Argentine newspaper La Nacion, Macri was listed as director of an offshore company in the Bahamas.

But Macri’s office said that he had no shares in the company and that he had never received any income from it.

Argentina’s national tax

authority and anti-corruption office will be asked to provide information to the inquiry.

Prosecutor Federico Delgado said he wanted to determine if Macri had “omitted, with malicious intent” mentioning his reported role in the Bahamas-registered offshore company Fleg Trading.

La Nacion, one of the newspapers examining some of the leaked documents, reported that Macri was listed as a Director of Fleg Trading from 1998 until 2009.

Macri did not list the company in his 2007 financial declaration, when he became Mayor of Buenos Aires or in

his 2015 declaration when he became President.

On Tuesday, Macri’s office confirmed that a business group owned by the President’s family had set up an offshore company through the law firm at the centre of the Panama Papers scandal.

But his office argued that because he had never received any income from it there had been no reason to mention it in the financial declarations.

Macri himself has denied any wrongdoing.

He campaigned on a promise to combat corruption. (BBC)

Mauricio Macri was elected as president last year

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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

The Forensic Audits: What to do?

OF RECENT, the news cycle was partly dominated by reports of the results of forensic audits commissioned by the government soon after it assumed office. The fact that these audits were set in motion so early in the government’s tenure meant that they were convinced that the previous government had overstepped its boundaries as far as its management of the commonly owned resources was concerned. This was not surprising since the parties which now comprise the government had made a big deal about government corruption while in opposition.

Over the last few months some sections of the media have lamented what they saw as the government’s sloth in making the report of the audits public. Some commentators have even speculated that the government may have changed its mind as far as pursuing any glaring instances of wrongdoing by the previous government. This prompted the president on more than one occasion to point out that the government can and presumably would only take action if there is convincing evidence. The big question arising from the president’s position is, what represents convincing evidence?

Judging from the blogs and the comments on social media, it is clear that there is a section of public opinion that wants urgent action by the government on what they perceived to be gross misconduct by officials of the previous government.

This sentiment was highlighted by the recent excitement over statements attributed to the Prime Minister, which suggested that he was not in favour of revoking the broadcast licences granted by former President Jagdeo to individuals and groups identified as having close ties to the then ruling PPP. At least three of the PM’s cabinet colleagues felt the need to make their views on the matter public and the PM himself came out in favour of a review of the licence.

Now we have the reports of the audits in the public domain. Many of them reveal some damning instances of mismanagement, which have been interpreted by the auditors as examples of misconduct that may be unlawful. Indeed, the auditors have in some instances recommended disciplinary action. These findings, have to a large extent, vindicated the current ruling parties. The question now is what to do with these findings. Do they amount to sufficient evidence that could stand up in a court of law, if the government decides to go that route? These are questions that would of course engage the attention of the government’s legal advisors.

But there is also a political aspect that is bound to feature in the deliberations. The government would have to take into consideration the sentiments of its supporters and the criticism it risks subjecting itself to should it be swayed against taking forthright action. In fact, there is already some criticism of the government by well-known columnists who are warning the government about the dangers of appearing to be “soft” on this matter.

We believe that this is a testing moment for the government. It has to balance three colliding factors. First, it has to be mindful of its own strident rhetoric while in opposition

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2016

Jagdeo: No accounts stashed overseas OPPOSITION Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has reiterated his call for all Members of the National Assembly to make public their tax returns over the last 10 years to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Integrity Commission over the last 10 years.

At a press conference on Thursday at Freedom House, the former President made it clear that he does not have any account hidden in any tax havens. Jagdeo was at the time responding to a question in wake of the leaked Panama Papers that show that several politicians and other prominent persons stashed monies overseas.

Jagdeo was adamant that there is no account hidden on any offshore account or any other tax havens.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

“We had proposed a motion in Parliament to release statements to the Integrity Commission. We amended the motion to include the release of the integrity commission statement to the public and also a clause

which we should go aggressively after and prosecute persons. But they voted against it,” the former President said, referring to the government side of the house.

Jagdeo said he is prepared to ask Interpol to inquire about all Members of Parliament who have bank accounts abroad, shares in companies, properties and assets to produce a report on everyone.

“I am prepared now to still cooperate with the Government not surreptitiously through SARU (State Asset Recovery Unit) because those are political hacks.

“Let us do this as a motion in parliament; then we jointly make a request to the international organisations who would not treat it as

partisan.

“They would treat it as a national thing, where we want to find out the status of all Presidents, Ex-Presidents and Members of Parliament about their holdings abroad,” Jagdeo stressed.

He further questioned whether the coalition-led government would be willing to support the PPPC’s proposal to hire a private investigator firm or Interpol to conduct the probe.

The Panama Papers show the myriad ways in which the rich can exploit secretive offshore tax regimes. Twelve national leaders are among 143 politicians, their families and close associates from around the world known to have been using offshore tax havens.

Kudos to the Pele FC Alumni Dear Sir,

REFERENCE is hereby made to the above caption as it relates to the recently concluded Pele FC 45th Anniversary Sports and Education Awards Banquet, held on April 1, 2016 at the Georgetown Club. Editor, while this undertaking truly deserves the highest commendation and national recognition, it’s my sincere desire that the National Sports Commission give serious consideration to the Pele FC Alumni, in its National Awards Ceremony for honourable mention. Since the fusion of academics with sports enables individuals to benefit from scholarships, with the relevant benchmarks being set.

Laudable indeed, and the relevant Ministries of Sports, Education along with the Guyana Football Federation are all taking note.

Meanwhile, to the Pele FC Alumni

Corporation, my heartiest congratulations to your bold initiative, special mention being made to the various winners in the respective categories of the football competitions and the Essay competition. Additionally, not foregoing the five Honorees upon their induction namely: Terrence Archer, David Chan, Dennis Hunte, Mark Joseph and Lyndon Laing, all of whom I would have interacted with during their administrative, coaching and playing careers.

However, from a personal perspective, I would advocate that: more extensive research into the administrative backgrounds, along with playing careers of future honorees. Suffice it to say, David Chan and Terrernce Archer, wherein the involvement of David administratively with GT Cobras, the nation’s first semi-professional team, which participated in the now defunct CFU semi-professional Club Tournament. In relation to Terrence, he was elected as

about charges of corruption and how this has fuelled heightened expectations among its supporters. Second, it has to heed President Granger’s caution about seeking redress without sufficient evidence. Third, it has to take into consideration the PPP’s charges of ethnic and political witch-hunting. Months ago General Secretary Rohee had identified what he saw as an Afrocentric cabal trying to push the government in the direction of punishing the PPP. In the circumstances, the government should make

the General-Secretary, Guyana Football Federation, in 1999, but resigned a few months later. This historical achievement enabled Terrence to become the first former national player and more importantly from Pele. Additionally, both Laing and Joseph had also represented the GFL/GFA in various youth and senior competitions ahead of national selection. This factor should not be overlooked, since it provided the catalyst for national selection, in addition to Georgetown winning numerous titles.

In 1992, Guyana emerged 4th in the CFU Championship and not third, which quite rightly is the best position obtained to date. While not foregoing the national team was coached by a former Pele and national player, Gordon “Ultimate Warrior” Braithwaite.

Respectfully Yours, LESTER SEALEY

decisions that would in the end benefit all of Guyana.

There is no doubt that official corruption needs to be tackled and rooted out. Small, struggling economies such as ours are further stultified by widespread corruption.

Democracy itself is undermined by official corruption as the legitimacy of the government is undermined in the process. And the scourge of poverty which still stalks our country is enhanced by the rape of the national patrimony.

We shall see.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2016

Beat diabetes ‒ Hundreds of youths start 50 days of activism THE Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, in observance of World Health Day 2016, Thursday kicked off its designated “50 Days of Activism” with a colourful and spir-

ited Awareness Walk and Mini Health Fair in the capital Georgetown.

The walk which moved off from outside the Ministry of Education attracted hundreds of youth drawn from about 11 schools across Regions Four, Six and 10.

Participating schools

included Bishops High School, St. Joseph High School, Campbellville Secondary, Charlestown Secondary, Lodge Secondary, Dolphin Secondary, North Ruimveldt Secondary, East Ruimveldt Secondary, Adolescent Health Unit (Region 10), and Adolescent Youth

Students make good use of the services and facilities at the Mini Health Fair on the National Cultural Centre tarmac

Friendly Space, Region Six. Moving with pomp and splendour, the students moved through the city and eventually culminated at the Cultural Centre compound for the Mini Health Fair on the tarmac.

The health fair received solid support from the Ministry of Public Health which set up and manned several booths. Participating agencies included the Chronic Diseases Unit; Vaccination Unit; Adolescent Health Care Unit; Food Policy Unit; Dental Care; Eye Care; Vector Control; Maternal and Child Care Unit and the Emergency Unit.

World Health Day, this year was observed under the theme “Beat Diabetes” and the Health Fair, placed much emphasis on Diabetes, with tips on the foods that trigger diabetes, recommended diet and other issues.

Director of Youth (Ag), Ms. Gillian Frank delivered brief remarks to the students assembled, addressing among other things, the background to World Health Day, this Year’s theme - How diet can trigger Non-Communicable Diseases, obesity and the role of exercise.

She said the objective of

Three new towns...

but those preferences must never be antagonistic,” the President noted.

REGIONAL FLAGS The President, when questioned on whether he believes national pride will serve to reduce political and racial incitement among Guyanese, noted that he believes it starts at a community level.

“I would go a step further and say we need to develop regional pride and that is what I have started to see coming out. We have already proposed to the regions, regional flags.

“I see a region in Guyana as being a state in America.

And I see local pride and I believe that the local government elections should encourage that. I don’t smother that pride,” he said.

The President said that the Minister of Communities has already introduced the flags to the Regional Chairpersons, but it is not a “done deal,” since it is [a] proposal and not a directive. “I expect that there will be discussions.

It is a consultative process.

We are not laying down anything. There is no deadline or timeline, but I would like to see every region showing pride,” President Granger noted.

The Head of State noted

that the flags must represent the regions, especially the flora and fauna for which Guyana is quite known for.

“I see these flags representing local pride. People in Bartica are proud being “Barticans” and are upset when people call them Barticians.

People are proud of coming from Mabaruma.

“People are proud of being Berbicians. I would like to see the flags showing the

characteristics and the resources of those regions and it is okay for them to propose to us, symbols.

“As you know, Guyana has some of the richest fauna and some of the most luxuriant flora in the world and I expect that you will be seeing flags in due course with the Harpy Eagle or the Canje Pheasant,” the President said.

The Public Interest will be aired on Friday, April

From page 3 ►

8, 2016 at 7:00 pm on the National Communications Network.

the programme was to create increased awareness about the rise in Non-Communicable diseases and mental illness and its staggering burden and consequences, particularly in Guyana.

World Health Day is observed on April 7 every year, when the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and World Health Organization (WHO) draw people’s attention to the importance of global health.

Each year a new theme is chosen to run the celebrations and that theme runs

throughout the year.

World Health Day targets all the health issues on a global basis for which several programmes are organized yearly by the WHO and other related health organizations at various places such as schools, colleges and other crowded places.

It is celebrated to remember the establishment of the World Health Organization, as well as draw the attention of people towards the major health issues in the world.

Friday, April 8, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Saturday, April 9, 2016 - 05:30 hrs Sunday, April 10, 2016 - 05:30 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2016

IVLP exchange a valuable experience ‒ Christine Gooding

CHRISTINE Gooding, one of Guyana’s young entrepreneurs is the latest person to participate in the United States Embassy-sponsored International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) exchange which was held in the U.S. recently.

Gooding, who is the founder and co-owner of Market Square (M2), joined 23 other female entrepreneurs from various industries across the globe in the IVLP exchange, which focused on “Women and Entrepreneurship.”

The exchange was held from February 27- March 19, 2016.

According to the U.S. Embassy, the exchange brings together emerging leaders in their respective professions to learn how U.S. experts in their professions operate.

It also serves to share

Christine Gooding meets U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway upon her return to Guyana from the IVLP exchange

best practices with other programme fellows from across the globe.

The project aims to illustrate the essential role of non-governmental and

grassroots organisations in supporting and empowering the development of women-owned businesses; and exploring the progress of women in participating

more fully in the global economy.

The untapped potential of women which was seen as a lost opportunity for economic growth and de-

velopment, has aided in the development of this project.

As such, the exchange featured in-depth discussions, workshops, and site visits, while participants were introduced to various business models, support mechanisms and innovations such as micro-lending, multi-level marketing and use of the Internet.

“Discussions were also centred on societal barriers facing entrepreneurs, especially women and other disadvantaged groups. Participants with first-hand experience overcoming those barriers had the opportunity to share best practices with their counterparts,” the U.S. Embassy said in a statement.

Gooding was also privileged to have visited Silicon Valley, the heart of entrepreneurship, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector and innovation. It was noted that she was particularly impressed with the emphasis

placed on technological advancement for women and girls.

Meanwhile, the U.S. through its embassy sought to reiterate that full participation of women and girls in the political, economic, and social realms of their countries remains a key goal of U.S. foreign policy.

U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, also reaffirmed the U.S. Government’s commitment to work with and strengthen the role of organisations and contribute to the improved well-being of Guyana’s most valuable resources – its people, through capacity-building and strengthening institutions.

He noted that the IVLP programme offers one of the best means to do so, as it fosters an exchange of new ideas with leading Americans and U.S. organisations, while leading to lasting connections among IVLP participants.

Holder briefed on Cunha Canal Project AGRICULTURE Minister Noel Holder on Wednesday met with a team from the World Bank to discuss progress of the Cunha Canal Rehabilitation Project.

The project agreement was officially signed on February 2016 by Finance Minister Winston Jordan and World Bank representatives.

It will see rehabilitation of the drainage canal, construction and rehabilitation of sluices and the construction of a bridge on the East Bank of Demerara Public Road.

The World Bank is injecting US$3 million into the

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder during a meeting with the World Bank specialists. He was also accompanied by officials from ASDU and the NDIA

14,500 candidates to sit NGSA THE Education Ministry has announced that the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) specimen papers have been prepared and distributed prior to the commencement of the new term to all regions, so as to familiarise pupils with the new layout of the assessment.

According to a release,

the ministry is advising that changes made to the assessment relate only to the layout of question papers and answer sheets and not the structure or format of the questions on the question papers.

The Guyana Learning Channel is expected to air a special programme to further familiarise pupils with the

layout.

Approximately 14,500 candidates are expected to sit the NGSA on Wednesday, April 27 and Thursday, April 28, 2016.

Parents of candidates preparing to take the assessments are asked to note the following timetable and that same has been already sent to all schools:

project, which will ultimately improve the relief capacity of the East Demerara Water Conservancy system by lowering the risk of water levels exceeding safe operating levels.

In addition to flood relief the project will also satisfy a development objective, which is to improve drainage in agricultural areas on the East Bank of Demerara that drain to the Bandarima Creek and Sarah Johanna Canal.

These areas will now be able to have an increase in agricultural production, since areas that previously lodged water will be drained and will be available for cultivation.

Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist Armando Guzman stated that

the Cunha Canal Rehabilitation Project also included a compensation component that includes a one-off payment to Barama Company Limited.

Under the Flood Risk Management Project, US$11.9 million was injected by the World Bank and implemented by the Agriculture Sector Development Unit (ASDU) under the Ministry of Agriculture.

The project will see the reconstruction of four km of the north-eastern dam of the East Demerara Water Conservancy as well as the construction of three pump stations at Hope/Enmore, Lusignan and Buxton Friendship.

Tenders were recently submitted for the reconstruc-

tion of the dam, while tenders for the pump stations are expected to be advertised by the end of April, 2016.

Minister Holder also enquired about the engineering aspect of the project pertaining to the construction of the dam and was assured that all the relevant studies have been completed in relation to the structure’s capacity to stand up to the challenges that the rainy season will bring.

The team of specialists will be collectively working with the Agriculture Sector Development Unit (ASDU) and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to ensure that the project is successfully completed over the next three years.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2016

50th anniversary stamps launched “Today the post office has evolved into fulfilling a more patriotic role as we often produce stamps that capture and promote Guyana as an independent nation.” ‒ Karen Brown, Post Master General Heritage Reflections

By Shirley Thomas BEARING the country’s heritage, flowers and the commemorative 50th anniversary logo, 15 new and locally-themed postage stamps were Thursday released in observance of this year’s independence celebrations.

The unveiling of the stamps was held at Castellani House (home of the National Art Gallery) in Georgetown by the Guyana Post Office

Inspiration – Colours Celebration - Flowers

Reflection – Heritage and the Golden Jubilee Logo

Corporation (GPOC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education’s 50th National Commemorative Commission.

The stamps, which are available at post offices countrywide, come in denominations of $80, $130, $150, $160 and $200. The stamps are inspired by reflection; celebration and inspiration and are grouped into three collections: heritage, flowers and the Independence Logo.

Among those gathered to celebrate the occasion were Nicolette Henry, Minister within the Ministry of Education (Department of Culture, Youth and Sport); Dereck Cummings, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Telecommunication with responsibility for Tourism; Karen Brown, Post Master General; Raphael Massiah, chairman of GPOC; Com-

missioners of the National Commemorative Commission and diplomats.

The Post Master General noted that 50 years of independence is a significant attainment for Guyana.

“As we reflect on our journey towards nationhood, the post office should be remembered as one of the longest-serving institutions predating 1966,” she said.

Brown said since its establishment in 1782, “this noble entity” (the post office) has been fundamental in Guyana’s development through its mission to help organisations and communities grow by keeping them connected through the transfer of mail, money and information.”

She recalled that 160 years ago, on April 4, 1856, the most valuable stamp in the history of the world the British Guiana one cent magenta - was printed in

Georgetown.

In this regard, Ms. Brown recalled that by June 2014, the stamp was sold for approximately US$9.5 M. This stamp is currently on display at the American Postal Museum in Washington D.C. Noting that commemorative stamps are perfect memorabilia to celebrate an anniversary or significant event, Ms. Brown said they also attract the interest of philatelists who purchase, sell and store them as valued collectibles.

“Today the post office has evolved into fulfilling a more patriotic role as we often produce stamps that capture and promote Guyana as an independent nation.”

Meanwhile, Mr Cummings concurred with the Post Master General that to celebrate 50 years as an independent nation is an auspicious time in a country’s

history.

He said the launch of the stamps was one of great significance, primarily because it served as another way to promote and advertise the attributes of our country, our peoples, our flora and fauna, our mineral resources and landscapes, and our history and our heritage.

“The designs were carefully created, with images blended with beautiful collages of what Guyana is and was over the past 50 years.

“The designs depict our Jaguar, our Victoria Regia, our Heritage Buildings, and

those colours make us proud – our shades of red, green, black and gold,” Cummings said.

Minister Henry described the occasion as “historic.”

She said that the stamps could be considered national business cards and a condensed encyclopaedia, for they reflect the true picture of countries from all perspectives, namely its history, civilization, custom, nature, and so on.

Stamps have always been the unsung heroes of a culture, she said, as the images they present on small surfaces are pictorial representations of a country.

The minister admitted that whilst going through the process of familiarising herself with the stamps, she learnt a lot of Guyana’s contribution to the international stamp market.

Guyanese stamps are rare and produced in small quantities, compared to other countries, she said. Therefore, they are thought of as commodities international collectors easily await to be issued. She is hopeful that this collection of stamps is no exception.

The stamps are in limited supply and the minister is urging persons to make their purchases early.

British Columbia, Guyana parliaments strengthening relations THE Government of British Columbia is seeking to establish a fortified relationship through a partnership agreement between the Parliament of Guyana and the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.

“Guyana and British Columbia have a historical relationship dating back to the primeval era of its first Governor, Sir James Douglas, Guyanese-born, British Columbia, Canada,” the legislative assemblies said in a joint press statement on Thursday.

Over the years, however, that relationship has dwindled, but the partnership agreement is intended to enhance both legislatures

through relevant deliberation of ideas and discussion of parliamentary practices and norms which will be conducted through visits to both parliaments and media share.

It was explained that all social and cultural dynamics would be encapsulated in this agreement to establish a firm accord with both parliaments.

The commencement of this process began with a meeting, which was held at the Parliament Office of Guyana on April 4, 2016.

It was attended by the following members Carig James, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada; Elizabeth Kingston, Commonwealth

Parliamentary Association (CPA) Canada Branch Secretary; Pierre Giroux, Canadian High Commissioner, Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament (MP) and Yasmin Ratansi, MP, both of the House of Commons, Canada; Dr Barton Scotland, CCH, MP, Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Guyana; Mr Sherlock E Isaacs, Clerk of the National Assembly; Khemraj Ramjattan, Vice-President and Minister of Public Security; and Gail Teixeira, MP, Opposition Chief Whip .

James has pledged to donate books to the Parliamentary Library, in addition to 55 soccer balls which would be received

by MP Jermaine Figueria.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2016

GWI battling dry weather in Region Nine THE Guyana Water Inc (GWI) has collaborated with 17 local contractors on a programme to combat the dry-weather phenomenon in communities in Region Nine.

According to a release, the contractors involved in well-drilling were invited to meet with Chief Executive Officer (CEO), GWI, Dr Richard Van-West Charles in early March.

The GWI chief executive provided details on the urgency of the situation in Region Nine, including the fact that many communities are in need of new potable water wells since the existing sources of water have been depleted due to the prolonged dry season.

Since March 2016, the response from local contractors and members of the private sector has been overwhelming with donations amounting to in excess of G$8M. As a gesture of gratitude, the contractors involved were invited to a meeting with Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams and Chief Executive, Dr Van-West Charles on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at the GWI Corporate Complex.

Minister Hastings-Wil-

liams personally thanked the delegation of contractors and stated that she was pleased with the response of the local contractors as well as the private sector.

“Indeed, the situation in Region Nine warrants our urgent attention and I am heartened by the response of our local contractors and the business community,” stated Minister Hastings-Williams.

She added: “I urge all Guyanese to emulate this level of cooperation and partnership as we work together to build the nation.”

Dr Van-West Charles explained that with financial support from the local contractors, eight potable water wells will be drilled in Wowetta, Rupertee, Aranaputa, Kwaimatta, Marcanata, Shulinab, Potarinau and Kumu – Region Nine.

Work commenced this week on the potable water wells.

The chief executive expressed gratitude to all the contractors who contributed to the programme, including Andre Webb Drilling Company, S Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Construction Services, CB General Contracting Services Inc, Alvin Chowramootoo Construction Services, R Kissoon Con-

GWI Chief Executive Officer, Dr Richard Van-West Charles

tracting Service, Faldhari Singh & Son Contracting Services, BK International, HJ Contracting Service, AAV Ragoobeer General Construction, Oniel Jordon Construction, Fyffe Building and Contracting Services, Satar Mohamed and Son Construction, Manohar Services, Dresden Geotechnical Services, M Ahmad Construction, John and John’s Construction and Nabi Construction Inc. Dr Van-West Charles also thanked the business community and private donors for their contributions, including Ganesh Parts and General Store, Renie Mitchell, Larry Bynoe, Olani Husbands and Bibi Osman.

Residents want Non Pareil roads, bridges fixed WITH roads in their community in a deplorable state because of years of neglect, residents of Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara, are once again calling on the authorities to address their plight.

Over time, villagers have used builders’ waste, bricks and other materials to fill potholes along the roads.

But this would eventually be washed away whenever it rains. The main road was once repaired but the cross streets have never been re-surfaced.

Only one cross street, Fifth Street, was repaved earlier this year.

The wooden bridges in the village are in a similar state of disrepair. The bridge that connects the community to Coldingen Road is caving in on one side and it is only a matter of time before it collapses.

The other wooden bridge at the rear of the village could soon collapse also, villagers lamented.

But villagers have other concerns too.

For example, the community centre remains locked and is hardly utilised, leaving youths no choice but to enjoy games of cricket and football on the streets.

Over the years, there has been none or very little developmental or infrastructural works in this village and although there are street lights, some are not functioning.

Villagers are pleading with the current administration to have the roads and bridges fixed as a matter of priority.

This was the condition of one of the streets in Non Pareil after recent rainfall

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2016

Helicopter prevented from breaching eastern borderline AIR Traffic Control at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, were forced to recall a Bristow helicopter from near Suriname after the aircraft almost breached the complex borderline with Guyana’s Dutch-speaking neighbour.

The helicopter , which is one of three leased for operating off-shore with the U.S. oil giant Exxon Mobil, was heading to the location where the oil company has on-going operations.

Attempts to reach Exxon officials and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Thursday for a comment were futile.

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning. Domestic airline, Trans Guyana Airways (TGA) handles the operations of the AgustaWestland AW139 –model helicopters.

Sources reported that Guyana and Suriname‘s airspace boundary does not correspond with the landmass below on official maps

printed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).This was pointed out as the contentious issue which needed to be resolved at the international level, since Suriname air traffic control follows ICAO’s mapping of the boundary.

The Flight Information Regions (FIR) or airspace of the two countries meet at Benab on the Corentyne.

However, geographically ,the corresponding boundary landmass below converge at a point farther north-east of Benab . This point was determined on September 20, 2007, when the Guyana-Suriname Arbitral Tribunal established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea ruled on the maritime dispute that had erupted between the two countries.

Suriname had argued for a boundary line that is more northerly, which would have effectively changed that country’s maritime area.

Paramaribo contended

that the boundary between the two countries’ territorial waters was fixed in 1936 along a 10-degree North line for a distance of only three miles, because of considerations of the channel in the mouth of the Corentyne River should be extended along the same 10- degree axis beyond the three-mile limit previously agreed all the way to the 200-mile limit of the Exclusive Economic Zones claimed by both Guyana and Suriname.

The argument by Suriname was rejected by the tribunal and using the principle of equidistance which was established in the laws of Guyana in 1977, under the Maritime Boundaries Act, in the area beyond three miles from the shore, the tribunal drew the boundary in a more north-easterly direction for the remaining 197 miles, as Guyana had requested.

It is there where Exxon Mobil was operating on Wednesday when the support helicopter ventured out

to make a stop at the company’s off-shore operations In June 2000, Canadian oil and gas exploration company CGX Energy was drilling for oil in the Eagle-1 Well where it was licensed to operate, when Suriname gunboats evicted the company from the area overlapping territorial border claims. Guyana decided on pursuing a legal settlement.

In 2007, former President Bharrat Jagdeo announced to the nation the findings of the tribunal which was established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. At the time, the tribunal found that the expulsion of the CGX oil rig by Suriname “constituted a threat of the use of force in breach of the Convention (on the Law of

the Sea), the UN Charter and general international law.”

Its award confirmed the rule of law in CARICOM’s maritime areas and effectively settled the territorial dispute.

However, fresh claims

by Suriname have been made public since 2007, including renewed claims to the New River Triangle, near the Corentyne river border. (Alva Solomon)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2016

Guyana, Cuba advance talks on project for differently-abled youths PRESIDENT David Granger and Cuba’s Ambassador to Guyana, Julio César González Marchante met on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency, where they discussed the way forward on a tripartite agreement for a project designed to enhance the quality of life for children and youths with disabilities.

According to a release

from the Ministry of the Presidency, the ambassador explained that through this regional project, Cuba will provide technical assistance, Guyana will be the host country/home of the centre and CARICOM will be the link, through which other regional jurisdictions will benefit.

The Guyanese and Cuban Governments are currently ironing out the details of the

project.

“The ambassador said that once these matters are concluded, plans will be moving swiftly to set up the facility within the precincts of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) at Turkeyen,” the release stated.

It was noted that the Ministries of Education, Public Health and Foreign Affairs and the National Commission

President David Granger and Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Julio César González Marchante, during the meeting

on Disabilities will be critical stakeholders in this project.

According to the release, Ambassador Marchante said oftentimes children with special medical and educational needs are hastily bracketed as disabled without any proper diagnosis.

He explained that there are instances where a child whose hearing is impaired could lead a normal life with just

the help of a simple hearing device, rather than having that child placed under the ‘special needs’ category.

“This, he said, is the reason why effective diagnosis is important and it is one of the areas in which the centre will specialise,” the release further noted.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that the centre will also provide further training

for medical and education professionals in Guyana and the Caribbean, who already specialise in working with children with disabilities.

“This project will greatly assist families with special needs children and provide the necessary elements for these children to grow up into happy, productive adults,” Ambassador Marchante said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2016

Hindus begin observance of Nav Raatri

Hindu devotess at a Navraatri programme Thursday evening at the Rama Krishna Mandir in Georgetown

THE unending visibility of attraction to the supreme feet of the all-compassionate Goddess will be demonstrated as Hindus on Thursday throughout Guyana begin observance of the holy festival, Nav Raatri.

Nav Raatri is a period of nine days set aside by the revered saints and sages of Hinduism for the complete dedication and worship of the supreme Goddess.

This annual feature also introduces the Hindu New Year (Naya Varsha) 2073.

Nav Raatri like other religious festival creates the opportunity for the aspirant to be established in oneness with God and his creations.

Viraat Sabhaa Guyana President Pandit Ravi, said a spiritually-charged atmosphere would be experienced during this period -- pujas, meditation and other forms of worship -- would be visible in homes, mandirs and other places of worship.

“What is noticeable on this occasion is the full commitment of the individual to explore his true potential. The ability to endure self-restraint, abstinence, and to act in the spirit of self-dedication is exemplified in every section of the Hindu community. Nav Raatri reminds the devotee

that God is inseparable from his creation. The created universe is a full projection of the absolute (Brahman) God and that projection is called Prakriti or Mother Nature. All beings sentient and insentient exist, grow and disintegrate through the power of the supreme Lord.”

According to the priest, the Hindus’ conclusions are profoundly based on the principle of truth.

He explained that Prakriti, which represents Mother Nature and which constitutes the body, is a projection of God and the soul a divine spark of that very God. “In simple [sic], the Father can only be identified through the Mother, i.e, whilst the body is subordinate to the soul, it is only through this body, the soul becomes identifiable.”

During the period of Nav Raatri (Vasant or spring), the devotees would surrender their minds, bodies, senses and intellect to the feet of the Goddess, seeking her benedictions.

In this period, the aspirant will be motivated to transcend the mode of ignorance and passion and rise to the state of purity which is the state of bliss and joy.

In the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna reminded Arjuna of the prowess and powers

of his enemies and advised him that victory could only be achieved by submitting to the feet of Durga Maata.

Arjuna unhesitantly followed the instruction of his Lord, which resulted in his victory over the Kauravas.

“Hindus must never ignore history. It was Seeta Maata’s sacrifice that brought an end to the Demon King Rawan; Drupadi’s perseverance and strength that influenced the dethronement of the tyrant Prince Duryodhan. It was Yoge Maya’s blessings compounded with Devaki’s and Mother Yasoda’s effort that brought about the destruction of King Kamsa. It was also the wisdom of Savitri that brought back Life to Satyawan,” Pandit Ravi noted.

He said during the period of Nav Raatri, it is important for all devotees to pay tribute and to reflect on the lives of all good women, mothers and sisters, while adoring the feet of Durga, Latchmi and Saraswati Devi Maa. “The Viraat Sabhaa Guyana extends Shubh Nav Raatri greetings to all Guyanese and encourages all devotees to attend their mandirs, observe fasting and perform Pujas during this auspicious period,” the President of the Viraat Sabhaa Guyana said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2016

Three charged in Charlestown vendetta killings Dellon Small after he was charged with the murder of Coast Guard officer Keon Payne

By Clestine Juan DAYS after apparent vendetta killings in Charlestown, Georgetown, three men were Thursday charged and arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Dellon Thorne and Trefon Parris called “Slims,” were charged for the April 1 killing of Gladstone “Tuffy” Taylor. It was alleged that Thorne and Parris rode up on a CG motorcycle and Thorne opened fire on Taylor while he was sitting at Adelaide and Sussex Streets.

Thorne and Parris, both of Sussex Street, Charlestown, were not required to plead to the capital offence of murder

and were remanded to prison until April 29.

Police believe that Taylor was gunned down by Thorne to avenge the murder of his brother – Coast Guard officer Keon Payne. Thorne had reportedly accused Taylor of having a hand in the execution of his brother.

Taylor was shot at least four times around 21.00 hrs on the day in question. He was pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. However, a quick response from the police led to the arrest of Thorne and Parris after an eyewitness identified the soldier’s brother as the one who walked up to Taylor and shot him. Parris is believed to be the rider who

took the shooter to the scene.

Dellon Small, another Charlestown resident, was charged for the murder of the GDF Coast Guard officer, which occurred on Russell and Sussex Streets.

Small, 23, was not required to plead to the charge of murder, which read that he, on March 29, shot and killed Kevon Payne. He was remanded to prison until April 20.

Small’s lawyer, Glen Hanoman, had motioned to the court that the police needed to conduct a more proper investigation, since investigators had failed to take statements from three persons who could give alibis pertaining to his client’s whereabouts

Dellon Thorne and Trefon “Slims” Parris as they were being led away after they were charged with the murder of Gladstone “Tuffy” Taylor

during the time that Payne was gunned down.

Hanoman further told the court that a female eyewitness had claimed that it was a van load of policemen who were passing at the time in the area and opened fire, killing Payne.

It was reported that on

Tuesday, March 29 about 22:20hrs, Payne and another man, Shakel Williams, 22, of James Street, Albouystown, were among a group of men standing on the roadway at Sussex Street, Charlestown, when two men armed with firearms rode up on a motorcycle and discharged rounds

in their direction.

Payne was hit about his body and Williams was hit to his right foot. As a result, Payne was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival, while Williams was admitted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2016

Fish exports total $15B annually ‒ Holder says Guyana committed to sustainable practices

By Navendra Seoraj FISH exports bring in $15 billion in revenues annually, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder said Thursday, and while he said Guyana wants the sector to grow, this will not be at the expense of sustainable practices.

“We in Guyana are committed to the sustainable management and advancement of the sector, and we are committed to working with our partners to ensure that we fish responsibly and practise sustainable fishing practices,” Holder said at the opening of the Caribbean Fisheries Forum.

The Forum, being held at the Ramada Hotel, East Bank Demerara, is the primary deliberative body of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and is mainly involved in stock-taking and planning for the joint fisheries and aquaculture sector.

The Forum, which ends

today, brings together more than 50 participants, including directors of fisheries, chief fisheries officers, and other development partners, such as NGOs and international organisations such as the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, which work with the CRFM in promoting the development, management and conservation of the Caribbean’s fisheries resources.

In battling the effects of climate change and other challenges, this year’s gathering is centred on ideas to ensure the sustainability of the sector.

Holder said that in Guyana, the fisheries sub- sector contributes to about 9.4 per cent of agricultural GDP, collecting $30.7M in licence fees alone.

Furthermore, the fishing industry employs approximately 15,000 people with 4,000 to 5,600 persons being directly employed in fishing, with many more benefiting indirectly through fishing-re-

Minister Holder addresses the 14th Meeting of the Caribbean Fisheries Forum

lated industries, Holder said.

In the Caribbean, the fisheries and aquaculture sector is a major economic contributor to domestic markets, with earnings of almost

US$420 million in 2014.

Holder said that the fisheries sector plays an important role in national food security, given that fish has a highly desirable nutrient profile and provides an excellent source of quality animal protein.

Hence, he said with increasing health awareness globally of fish and fisheries products, the demand is increasing and global marine production is being pressured to supply this demand.

As such, Holder emphasised the need for sustainable and safe practices and shared some of Guyana’s aquaculture and fisheries initiatives.

He noted that there has been the introduction of a harvest- control rule, where-

by trawlers are allowed to fish for only a certain amount of days annually; the installation of by-catch reduction devices and turtle exclusion devices on all trawlers; use of vessel monitoring systems on the trawling fleet, so that they can be monitored on a 24hour basis; and the formation of a seabob working group, which comprises members of the fisheries department and stakeholders from the trawler association.

Minister Holder also told the forum that the country will be increasing the monitoring control and surveillance of artisanal vessels to ensure that they are in compliance with the rules and regulations as indicated in the Fisheries Act of 2002, so as to reduce accidents and robbery at sea.

He said that illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing activity, together with non-tariff barriers, if not addressed, will pose a serious threat to the industry.

Thus, he said with the implementation of the Caribbean Common Fisheries Policy (CCFP), the countries can better foster harmonisation across the Caribbean, when it comes to sustainable management and development of the Region’s fisheries and aquaculture resources, with special emphasis on promoting the most efficient use of shared resources, while aiming to improve food security and reducing poverty in the Region.

“Guyana is strongly com-

mitted to working with the CRFM, the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and other international and regional organisations to tackle the issues at stake.

“We need to build on lessons learnt from past experiences; to enhance our knowledge on what works under what conditions and what is required to achieve our objectives,” Holder stated.

The Forum will review the rRegion’s progress in implementing the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP), as well as initiatives to strengthen research, and institutional and human capacity through the CRFM’s collaboration with a number of development partners such as the University of the West Indies (UWI), the University of Florida in USA, the International Ocean Institute, Dalhousie University, Canada; the University of Wollongong in Australia, and the United Nations University in Iceland.

Meanwhile, outgoing Chairman of the Caribbean Fisheries Forum, Justin Rennie, outlined the challenges faced in the past and indicated that this is the forum which will be used to address these challenges, review policies and work towards a sustainable and better industry.

Executive Director of the CRFM secretariat also echoed the sentiments of Rennie and noted that several issues will be addressed and key decisions will be made to ensure a well-regulated and progressive industry.

Digicel launches $2.7m electronic vendor promotion DIGICEL Guyana is giving its electronic vendors a chance to win big during the month of April and retail vendors who purchase credit from their distributors/wholesalers of $10,000 or more will be given an entry in the draw.

For every $10,000 or more that a retailer buys in electronic recharge, the retailer will receive a SMS notifying them that they have gained entry/entries into the draw.

There will be four weekly drawings with five winners each week. The prizes will be electronic recharge and for 1st place - $120,000, 2nd - $80,000, 3rd - $50,000, 4th - $30,000 and 5th - $20,000.

The promotion which began on April 1 will conclude on April 30.

There is no expiration to entries but once a vendor has won a weekly prize they will not be eligible for the remaining weekly prize drawings, although they will be automatically entered into the final drawing for the grand prize of $1.5 million along with all other retailers who have a qualifying entry.

“This promotion is our way of giving back to our vendors as they are an integral part of our business and we would like to show our appreciation to them. This is the first of many upcoming promotions, so our vendors should be on the lookout for

great things from Digicel.

Therefore we are encouraging potential vendors to come on board,” commented Distribution Manager Aisha Viapree.

Meanwhile, Digicel noted that this promotion is only applicable to retail vendors who sell ‘TopUp’. Vendors will qualify for entry into the weekly draw with every purchase of $10,000 or more. Each $10,000 purchased gives one entry into the draw, therefore if a vendor purchases $30,000 retail credit, they will receive three entries and will receive their qualifying message informing them of their entry into the draw.

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2016

Belle Vue sports club gets gear from ‘D’ Division Commander THE Belle Vue, West Bank Demerara Sports Club benefited from sports gear yesterday, compliments of ‘D’ Division Commander Stephen Mansell and team.

The handing over took place at the Belle Vue Community Centre Ground, where members showed up to accept the donation of a pair of cricket bats, a pair of circle tennis rackets and cricket pads to enhance

sports in that community.

Mansell told this newspaper that about a month ago the secretary of the club, Chanmattie Muniram, approached him and requested the sports gear and he was able to fulfil that request yesterday.

He said the sports gear was purchased by the police and he was pleased to hand it over yesterday to the members, who expressed heartfelt

thanks.

Mansell also accepted the position as president of the Belle Vue Sports Club and promised to do his best to make the club better.

The club has 25 males for cricket and 15 females for circle tennis and has been in existence for more than 40 years, but was inactive between the years.

The gesture by the ‘D’ Division police yesterday

Commander Stephen Mansell yesterday presented a circle tennis racket to a female member of the Belle Vue Sports Club

is intended to foster closer relations with residents, especially youths, and the police as part of their social crime-prevention programme.

The community has about 100 youths, some of whom are early school-leavers and they will soon be able to enrol at the Leonora Technical and Vocational Skills Training Centre for a four-week course in various

disciplines.

The course is geared towards equipping youths between the ages of 15-25 years old with a lifeskill so they can be gainfully employed.

Club members said they recently organised a BBQ in an effort to raise funds for the purchase of sports uniforms.

They noted that the shed at the community centre

ground is in dire need of repairs and Mansell has pledged his support in this regard and will donate a computer as well.

Club members observed that in the past they have played friendly matches with other teams, but they have not been able to utilise the ground, since there are four other teams practising there. (Michel Outridge)

Commander Stephen Mansell hands over a cricket bat to a member of the Belle Vue Sports Club while other members look on

Meten-Meer-Zorg business Digicel sees ‘overwhelming to relocate after burglary support’ for ‘Fit in 50’ event

By Michel Outridge

By Michel Outridge

FOLLOWING the burglary at the People’s Choice Self-Service Store at Public Road, Meten-Meer-Zorg (MMZ), West Coast Demerara on March 31, the owners have decided to relocate the business after suffering millions of dollars in losses.

One of the co-owners, Harry Singh, explained that in a month’s time he will shift the operation, as sourcing a genuine security guard is not an easy task and it is unsafe for him to leave his home to check on the business at nights.

In the interim, he has installed additional light bulbs around the building and has resumed the business at its current location.

The police said that although they have questioned several persons, they have not made any arrest as yet.

Detectives disclosed that no

DIGICEL Guyana yesterday launched its ‘Fit in 50’ fitness event in which participants have 50 days to get fit for the 50th anniversary Jubilee Float Parade.

The cell phone giant has been a major participant in the parade for the past five years.

The fitness event was launched at Georgetown Cricket Club Ground, Bourda, drawing a large turnout of both men and women yesterday afternoon.

Digicel Guyana Public Relations Manager Vidya Sanichara told reporters yesterday that this year they named the event ‘Fit in 50’ to coincide with the 50th anniversary celebrations and they are very pleased with the overwhelming support so far.

She stated that initially they catered for 300 participants but yesterday alone saw more than that number

The store at Public Road, Meten-Meer-Zorg, which was burglarised

fingerprints were lifted from the crime scene.

It is believed that a group of men who are from the area, ripped out a steel window on the ground floor of the two-storey building, which houses a store and a private school, and carted off millions worth in brand name items, including car accessories, colognes and groceries.

It appeared that the robbers spent a lot of time in forcing open the window to gain access to the store where they had ample time to select

what they wanted.

It is believed that the same group of robbers may be responsible for the breakin at the MMZ Post Office that same evening. They broke into the office via the back door and managed to access a safe which stored cash from general transactions.

A large gathering of pensioners who showed up for their payouts had to wait for some time before being informed of the incident.

A section of the large gathering that showed up at GCC Ground, Bourda for Digicel’s ‘Fit in 50’ event

and registration will still continue.

Sanichara added that it is their biggest turnout in five years and they will ensure that participants workout fully in 50 days from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday, at GCC Ground, Bourda. The fitness trainers are Vanilla Roberts and Victor Logan.

CRICKET CHAMPION SONG The session started off with a bang yesterday afternoon when the cricket champion song was played and

the large gathering moved to the rhythm in relative ease, according to the trainer’s instructions.

Digicel Guyana Marketing Manager Jacqueline James, who was also present, told the large group that she was pleased to be a part of the event and thanked the participants for showing up to support Digicel Guyana.

Meanwhile, gifts were distributed, as well as t-shirts with Digicel ‘Fit in 50’ logo in white and red, which were handed out to the large group of participants.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 8, 2016

Latin America, Caribbean support biodiversity mainstreaming efforts IN ANTICIPATION of the discussions to take place at the 13 meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP 13) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) later this year, Latin American and Caribbean Ministers of Environment have adopted a decision to enhance implementation of the Convention and its

Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020.

The conference will take place in Cancun, Mexico, in December 2016. A press release from CBD noted that the decision supports actions to mainstream biodiversity into productive sectors, and to implement regional and sub-regional plans to support implementation efforts.

“This is a very positive decision and shows that the region is prepared to move forward on key mainstreaming issues for biodiversity,” the CBD quoted Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity as saying.

It was further noted that “momentum towards a suc-

cessful COP 13 has now been clearly established.”

In the decision, taken at the 20th Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean in Cartagena, Colombia, ministers agreed to promote, at COP 13, the adoption of decisions in support of holistic and integrated approaches towards mainstreaming

biodiversity, including the strengthening of legal and institutional frameworks, and to link this with communication strategies targeted at relevant sectors.

According to the release, ministers recognized the importance of the restoration agenda in agreeing to build support for a decision at COP 13 that would provide financing for ecological restoration of degraded ecosystems and their ecosystem functions, taking into account issues of connectivity with protected areas.

“Ministers also agreed to develop a Regional Cooperation Programme on Biodiversity to help build national capacities for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in addition to the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity,” the release

stated.

It was noted that the programme will focus on a number of strategic sectors, including agriculture and cattle raising, forestry, mining, exploitation of hydrocarbons, energy, fisheries and tourism sectors, and would include measures to encourage active participation of other actors, including local governments, the private sector, indigenous peoples and local communities, civil society and social movements.

The release stated that there was agreement to support ongoing work on the elaboration of a Caribbean Biodiversity Strategy for Small Island Developing States, as an important means of enhancing the implementation of the Convention in the Caribbean Basin.

Region Three RDC launches Jubilee celebration calendar

By Svetlana Marshall FROM May 1, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Three will roll out a menu of activities to mark Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

These ambitious plans were unfolded yesterday by Regional Executive Officer (REO) Dennis Jaikarran and a team of regional officials during a simple ceremony at the RDC building to launch the calendar of activities.

Jaikarran said the RDC will be engaging the religious community to have May 1 designated a day of prayers by the Christians, Hindus and Muslims. Additionally, the region’s workers will participate in the annual May Day Rally in the capital city.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY He said too that activities are also being coordinated to commemorate Arrival Day on May 5.

“We believe that in Region Three, that we should speak to the issue of cultural diversity,” the REO said, noting that after weeks of deliberation it was agreed that the region should have a day set aside for cultural diversity.

A Cultural Diversity Day will be held on May 14 at the Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground. “On May 21, a number of activities will be held in this region. In Leguan we are going to have

three fun days at different venues, one will be at Richmond Hill, one at Success, and one at Clairmont and at all of these activities will be the launch of programmes, grounds and other events in Region Three, more particularly the island of Leguan,” the REO explained.

Also on May 21, there will be a Jubilee Health Fair at the Vreed-en-Hoop Bus Park. “For this activity I would want to believe that we will have some major sponsorship and…we are going to be moving in the direction of spreading it across the region, having examined and evaluated what is going to happen on the 21st,” he said.

The celebrations will continue on May 22 when the spotlight will be placed on the island of Wakenaam with two major activities unfolding there: the opening of a park and the commissioning of a unity square.

The REO disclosed that the region will have two flag-raising ceremonies - the first in Leguan on May 24 and the second on May 25 at the Leonora Synthetic Track.

And according to him, all arrangements are in place.

It is anticipated that some 5,000 persons would be in attendance at the regional flag-raising ceremony at Leonora.

Meanwhile, all roads will lead to Georgetown on May 26 for the National Float Parade, the REO added.

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 8, 2016

Giving Guyanese a voice --via 6Vibes Radio

WHEN 23-year-old NewYork-based Guyanese Jermine Hodge decided to enter the world of entertainment, it was with the goal of not only giving up-and-coming DJs and musicians the opportunity to be heard in the already competitive music industry, but to also add to the busy airwaves a Caribbean sound, with a focus on Guyanese talent as well.

Together with his longtime business partner, Kareem King Thomas, the two young entrepreneurs launched ‘6Vibes Radio’, an Online radio station, music streaming website and entertainment group.

Speaking with the Buzz, Jermine, who is also a fulltime college student majoring in Computer Information Systems, said that the name ‘6Vibes’ represents the six races of his native Guyana, and stands as a platform through which Guyanese and other Caribbean artistes can get exposure.

Since its launch last month, Jermine said that the station has received much attention via social media. “The various live programmes have been able to captivate an audience of people from all age groups around the Caribbean.

RULING THE AIRWAVES “So far, young business owners, DJs and entertainers in Guyana and the United States have been dominating the airwaves after becoming broadcasters with ‘6Vibes Radio’,” Jermine said.

Apart from promoting music, hosts cover a variety of topics surrounding

Kareem King Thomas, co-founder of 6Vibes Radio

the environment, relationship issues, fashion, music, celebrity gossip and other areas of public interest.

“6Vibes has a lot in store for its audience,” Jermine said.

“We will be working with various local and foreign artistes, in terms of promotion and management, covering outdoor events and streaming it live to our website. 6Vibes will also host events at popular nightclubs.”

So far, while there are shows being hosted by Guyanese, Jermine admitted that there is not yet

much Guyanese music being played. “I reached out to a number of Guyanese artistes before the radio station and website were launched, since my plan was to debut the website with strictly Guyanese music,” Jermine said. “However, only a few were responsive with providing their music. Some of them said they couldn’t find their music, and that I should look on different platforms to have it downloaded.

organised with their music, and be prepared for when opportunities like these come by.”

His words come at a time when local artistes continue to complain that they are not receiving much exposure for their music, and are not being taken seriously in the music industry.

But Jermine said that he is interested in assisting in whatever way he can, using his resources and other influences.

MORE ORGANISED Jermine is aware that as “I believe Guyanese a young entrepreneur with artistes should be more high aspirations, he stands

in a place of influence for other young people. “It gives me the opportunity, at an early stage in my life, to focus exactly on what I love doing; I can develop my skills and knowledge in the area and create job opportunities for peers around me with similar interests, and I can also provide strength to small businesses.

“The message I would like to give to young people aspiring to have their own creative businesses is to go for it; follow your dreams and never give up,” Jermine said.

He added that in a world where social media and all other attractions seek to entertain today’s youth, radio broadcast still plays a significant role, as it helps to prepare them for public speaking, develop creative minds

and encourages networking.

“SOCA FUH SO” Currently, shows being hosted on 6Vibes Radio by Guyanese include “Soca Fuh So”, which features Soca music within the Caribbean, and is hosted

by Dason Anthony of 592 Dresses; “Slam Dunk Music Hour” which is hosted by Mix Master Tony; and “Vibes Wednesday”, hosted by Kareem King Thomas.

Other shows include “Spill the Tea”, hosted by Freedom Boss and DJ Ron from the Freedom Family Entertainment in Brooklyn.

Those interested in listening to 6Vibes Radio, can do so Online at www.6vibes.com, or by downloading the 6Vibes Radio app from the app store.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 8, 2016

Where are they now?

PRIOR to leaving Guyana, local gospel singer Eddie Neblett was well known by Guyanese of all religious callings.

In fact, his song, ‘Love and Unity’ was among the most popular local tracks on the airwaves at the time, and could be heard blazing at both religious and secular events.

It has been seven years since the Guyanese public has heard much about Eddie Neblett, spare his updates on social media, but while absent from the Guyanese scene, he is certainly not inactive.

The Buzz caught up with Eddie, who assured that he is very much still pursuing his singing dreams, and that his migration has actually allowed him to make major moves.

Referring to his band and other major players as ‘Team Neblett’, Eddie says that through lots of hard work and determination, they are now beginning to see the benefits.

“We have made some great strides; we’ve connected with quite a few major artistes who have pulled us along to give us the connections we need,” he said.

A FRESH START He admitted, though, that the first three years were dedicated to strictly networking and gaining exposure, adding that he had to convince supporters and investors

that he was the real deal.

“No one knew anything about me when I came up here, so I had to start fresh,” he said. “I got a lot of negative feedback about other Guyanese artistes who were recognised back home, and who came up (to the US) and nothing became of them, so people didn’t have much faith.”

Eddie said that he emphatised with the situation, because he himself got a taste of the culture shock of the US and realised that it was not easy trying to launch a singing career while having to stay afloat economically.

“America is a lot different than a lot of people know.

You come here, and you have to toe the line; you have to work from scratch, and some people can’t balance both.

So they get into the work environment and throw music at the back, so I was scared of that,” he said.

But even with this fear in mind, he plunged all his efforts into networking. He even opted to perform at ‘block parties’, a popular US custom, which would have as little as 15 to 20 people.

“We would even drive around and approach people to sing, and when we got the opportunity to do a few songs, people really liked it and eventually started giving us cards and booking us,” he said.

Eddie’s networking was so vigorous that within the first two to three years, he had visited over 300 churches in New York alone.

“Before you knew it, we were on every flyer. And we took the opportunity to minister at night clubs, gospel concerts, cultural events, churches, and eventually the name got around,” he said.

He has also made major connections, and has even been invited to perform at the church of renowned gospel singer, Donnie McClurkin, an invitation which he has happily accepted at least five times.

COMING HOME Today, Team Neblett can be found on constant road trips, spreading the gospel. Eddie has also made an appearance on the show, “Lets Praise the Lord” on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), which was viewed by over 50 million people.

Rihanna: ‘All girls rock’ --Black girls just on another level

RIHANNA was presented with the Rock Star Award at BET’s Black Girls Rock! event last Friday, celebrating her career along with many other talented black women in the entertainment industry.

The show aired last Tuesday on BET, during which Rihanna gave an inspiring speech.

In it, she thanked her mother and grandmother, calling them the “two strongest black women I know,” as well as the ceremony organisers for celebrating black women “in a world that doesn’t celebrate us enough.”

From there, she preached a message of being oneself, and allowing that to be a guiding force.

“I believe God put us all here for a reason. We all have our purpose; and we are here to fulfill our purpose individually,” Rihanna said, adding: “I think the thing that’s kept me sane; the thing that’s kept me humble; the thing that’s kept me successful is being myself. I only know how to do that.

“This world is so big, and it can be so confusing at times that you tend to forget; and you tend to be so indented or tainted by society.

“And the only thing that’s kept me going is being myself. And the minute you learn to love yourself, you would not want to be anybody else.”

The “Bad Girl” continued, cracking a joke that “role model” is not a title she gets often, but this award came with some real significance.

“Tonight is so important to me, because I think I can inspire a lot of young women to be themselves; and that is half the battle,” she said. “That is it! Just be yourself! It’s the easiest thing to be.

“All girls rock! Black girls, we just on another level.” (billboard.com)

Eddie Neblett

Gospel singer, EDDIE NEBLETT

He is also continuing to extend his parameters by making links with other major players in the gospel music business.

But Eddie undoubtedly misses Guyana, because he hasn’t been home since he left seven years ago.

However, all that is about to change, as he is preparing to return home for Guyana’s 50th Anniversary celebrations.

Eddie will also return to Guyana later, in August, for a country tour, during which time he intends to also launch his sixth studio album.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 8, 2016

‘Passion’ returns

EVEN as the debate about Guyanese music on the airwaves remains fresh on the minds of the stakeholders involved, one local artiste has emerged from the shadows and is throwing his voice and other newfound talents back into the ring to be heard.

The last time Clinton “Passion” Adolphus produced new music, or even performed, was in 2014 at the Carib Soca Monarch Competition.

Now, with the country in full gear and high spirits for the 50th Anniversary, he’s decided to make his own contribution to the Jubilee in the form of two original songs, “Independence” and “Arrowhead”.

Both songs are chockfull of patriotic tribute to the country, her people and her rich culture and history, and Passion says that he is sure that Guyanese will love them.

In fact, he has started the familiar one-man show of promoting his music via Facebook and other social

--for the 50th Anniversary

Clinton “Passion” Adolphus media platforms, and will soon begin to approach radio stations in the hope that his song will get some distribution.

So far, he admits having received feedback on his tracks from followers and other supporters on social

media, and attests that most of the comments have been positive thus far. He has also been paying attention to constructive criticism for future works.

CUTTING COSTS But Passion admits

Jay Z sues TIDAL’s former owners JAY Z’s legal troubles with TIDAL is far from over.

The hip-hop mogul is taking the former owners of the music streaming service to court.

According to legal ‘docs’ filed by lawyers representing the current owners of the company, ‘Hov’ argued that the previous owners gave them a grossly inflated subscription data which triggered an over- valuation of R the company.

Jay Z and his partners are suing to recover $15M from the ex-owners of TIDAL, who are Aspiro, Schibsted Media Group, and Verdane Capital.

“It became clear after taking control of TIDAL, and conducting our own audit that the total number of subscribers was actually well below the 540,000 reported to us by the prior owners,” TIDAL said in a statement to USA Today.

“As a result, we have now served legal notice to parties involved in the sale. While we cannot share further comment during active legal pro-

Jay Z

i

h

a

n

n

ceedings, we’re proud of our success, and remain focused on delivering the best experience for artists and fans.”

Schibsted shot back saying that the company was publicly traded, and as a result, all of the financial information was made public.

“We want to point out that it was a publicly traded company that was acquired, with what it means by the transparency of financial reporting,” representatives for the company said.

Jay Z and a bunch of other artists purchased TIDAL last year for a reported $56M.

a But things have not been easy since then, because the company already went through three CEO changes, and a couple of other top level staff.

Thanks to Kanye West’s exclusve TIDAL album, The Life of Pablo, the subscription base has grown by 100% since February of this year.

TIDAL also regularly sees exclusive releases from some of their artists owners, including Beyonce, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne and more. (urbanislandz.com)

that his hiatus was not down time at all. In fact, while out of the spotlight, the artiste said that he has been constructing his own studio in which to build and engineer tracks for his music, in the hope of cutting down on the cost of producing new tracks.

“These things cost money, and to get a song done in the studio, you have to build a track; you have to record; and you have to get it mixed and mastered. So, it’s like $60,000 for every song,” he said.

“Then, there is the quality. Good producing and engineering makes the song sound good; and local artistes are having a big problem with that.”

Passion’s sentiments mirror those of popular DJ, Malachi “Shizzle” Alstrom who recently said that one of the things Guyanese artistes

need to do to get the attention they desire is work on the quality of music they put out.

Passion himself was not taking sides, but did admit that quality tracks have, for a long time, been a problem for artistes.

“What’s killing us is engineering. We could have a good song, but it’s not put together properly.

QUALITY CONTROL “There’s a problem with quality; Guyanese have been saying that a long time.

Normally, they’re supposed to have an engineering or mastering studio, but we don’t have that here,” he said.

In the absence of such resources, then, Passion believes that if he cut the cost to make music and learned the trade himself, he could not only make more music on his own, but also offer

local artistes the same building and engineering services at an affordable cost. This would then cut down on some of the expenses that local artistes face in an already low-yielding industry, and perhaps lead them to produce more music, as the promoters and DJs have been calling for.

“I have been training with experts to do my own stuff. All of the work for my ‘Independence’ track I did on my own, besides recording the voice, because I don’t have voice recording equipment,” he said.

He has also sourced advice and guidance from other track makers and producers like Ian Johnson.

With his newly honed skills, Passion says he will definitely be more active in the future. He also hopes to work with more artistes in the near future.

Minaj puts rumour to rest

NICKI Minaj doesn’t want to be seen as single or in a relationship; she is saying that Meek Mill is just a boy that likes her.

The rapper/actress appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres show on Thursday to promote her new film, ‘Barbershop: The Next Cut’, where she opened up about her relationship with Meek Mill.

“I used to say I wasn’t in a relationship, even though I was in a 12-year relationship.

And now, I feel like going back to that and saying I’m single,” Minaj said.

“For instance, Valentine’s Day passed, and I didn’t put up my Valentine’s Day gift on Instagram. People said, ‘They’re

Nicki

not together.’

“We were getting anonymous messages saying, ‘She wasn’t with him; she was crying all day.’

“They put up all these things. Meanwhile, we were really in bed all day on Valentine’s Day. You just have to do you, and make yourself happy, and forget about trying to get everyone’s approval. It’s better to just keep those things sacred.

“So now, I don’t really care to say I’m in a relationship or I’m engaged or whatever.

There’s a boy that likes me.

That’s all.”

Nicki Minaj also left us with a very cryptic message about what the future holds for herself and Meek Mill.

“He and I are just two souls right now, passing through the universe. I don’t know what’s gonna happen,” she said, adding: “I just have learned over the years to just let things be, and come and go as they’re gonna come and go.”

The “Anaconda” rapper also opened up about the two rings that Meek Mill gave her, and, coincidentally, she was not wearing any of them.

Last year Meek gave her two giant diamond rings that she said are not engagement rings. But she did reveal that he told her that if she gets a third ring, then that would be it.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 8, 2016

Local designer headed to Paris buyers.

The event was founded by Adama Ndiaye, designer of the brand, Adama Paris and is not only a platform for African designers, but also for African and black models.

Ryan’s line, Lune curieux, which means ‘moongazer’, will be launched here in May, and he is currently recruiting models for the occasion.

Among the 10 models he requires, Ryan says that one lucky model will accompany him to Paris to walk in the show.

IN JUST a few months, 28-year-old local designer Ryan Berkley will make his mark on the international scene while showing his soon-to-be-launched fashion line, Lune Curieux on the renowned stage of Paris’ Black Fashion Week.

Black Fashion Week 2016 is scheduled to be held in September 2016, and is a platform that gives opportunities to African and black designers to showcase their designs and share their creativity with the world on an international stage. It also exposes designers to a wide range of international media and

Buzzing this Weekend

IT SEEMS like after all the Easter and Cricket festivities, this weekend is on a bit of a cool-down. But there are still a few activities for you to whet your socialising appetite.

TOMORROW The Gravity Lounge presents a Yesteryear Old School Party, and this one looks like it will be a good one, as it promises to host the music of “all the best DJs in town”.

So, whether you’re a fan of ‘old school’ dancehall, hip hop or even disco music, these folks plan on taking you way back! Everyone is free before 23:00hrs.

Over at the Palm Court, join the Jam Jar Bartending for “592 Climax”.

This event is expected to be “the ultimate Female Bartending experience to blow your mind”, as it will feature dance moves and entertaining drink mixing tricks by some of Jam Jar’s best bartenders.

Free 592 Climax Shots upon entry. Admission $2,000, but come before 22:00hrs, and its free!

SUNDAY If you’re in the mood for some theatre, join the Guyana National School of Theatre Arts and Drama for Performance 5 “Rituals” at the National Cultural Centre.

Immerse yourself with some of Guyana’s finest young actors.

The event begins at 20:00hrs, and is free.

BEGINNINGS Ryan’s interest wasn’t always in the arts. In fact, growing up, he admits that he was always interested in medicine, but later realised that it didn’t quite fit his personality.

He then turned to dance, and through dancing with the Let’s Dance Studio, he admits that he became attached to the arts and all it had to offer.

“Then I went up for a competition as a model. But when I saw the designers there, I wasn’t impressed; I felt like I could do better,” he admitted.

Through encouragement from his mother, who he credits with being his biggest motivator, he joined the Burrowes School of Art, and later graduated in 2013 at the top of his class.

Ryan also hopes to attend the renowned Pratt Institute of Art in New York to perfect his skills as a designer, as he is aware that there is much more to be learnt in the trade.

The young designer says that he believes that the local fashion show can be improved, but is also grateful to it, nonetheless, since it is through showing his pieces at Guyana Fashion Week that he made valuable connections.

“I don’t believe that there is a ‘competition’ in designing; it’s a Caribbean mindset that people feel they should beat one another in designing.

“I don’t think like that; and I know a lot of designers, we are all in the same group and we should help each other.

“I’d proudly give advice, because we all do things differently, and approach things differently,” he said.

--for Black Fashion Week

Ryan has also been invited to show his designs at the French Guiana Fashion Week and Suriname Fashion Week later this year.

Fun and games for the Easter Holidays

THE Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts (SNFCA) last Sunday hosted a Fun Day and Talent Show for the orphans and under-privileged children from the Drop-in Centre in Sophia and Joshua House on Thomas Street.

The children, who were between the ages of six and 17, were treated to various games and face painting. A mini talent show was also held, allowing the children to showcase their talents through poetry, song and dance.

“I was not surprised by the talent exhibited, because we have talent in abundance in Guyana.

“I feel blessed that the Foundation was able to host these precious kids. We spoke about love, and what it means to us,” Sonia Noel said.

She added that the event was held just before the reopening of school to help send the children back out on a good note. “We wanted to hold something specifically for these children, so that when they returned to school, they would have great stories

to tell their peers about their Easter Holiday,” she said.

But Noel noted that the event was also held so as to help add an enriching experience to the children’s lives.

“These children have been exposed to some things that children should not be exposed to, so we are trying to give them great, happy experiences to counteract the negative things they have been through,” she said.

Sonia Noel interacting with some of the children at the event

Some of the children participating in one of the fun-filled activities at the event

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 8, 2016

WICB, WIPA need to put an end to public embarrassment (Letter to the Sports Editor)

NOW that Windies are champions of the World in three arenas, U-19, Women’s T20 and Men’s T20, it is a good time to take a look at where we are with cricket and the governance of the game in the Caribbean.

Immediately after the men’s victory, our Manof-the-Match Marlon Samuels gatecrashed an ICC presser, unaccompanied by anyone, no manager, no press officer or any other Windies representative, wearing pads he could not fit behind the desk; so he put his feet up on the desk and proceeded to launch a tirade at Shane Warne.

After six minutes of this, his performance was cut short and he was ejected unceremoniously from the room by an ICC official.

His captain was upset at his treatment, not having witnessed his performance but only the humiliation of his ejection. Sammy reacted and let loose his demons also, the board this and the board that.

West Indians will never react well to perceived mistreatment of one of our own by anyone white, regardless of what our transgression. We have that historical

knee-jerk reaction, Samuels’ actions are typical of our mentality today, the qualities displayed by Sir Frank Worrell , Clive Lloyd et al. have gone by the wayside.

Samuels’ is not the first West Indian cricketer to lose his cool, Vivian Richards and Gordon Greenidge both famously entered Australian dressing rooms to deliver pointed messages. This was however an ICC presser and Samuels’ behaviour was a public display that was not tolerated once it became clear he had nothing of value to say.

The sight of one of our own being ejected is one I never hope to see and can only imagine captain Sammy’s emotions upon witnessing this humiliation.

The breakdown in management that allowed this cannot be allowed to pass unnoticed also, a complete disregard was shown to them by Samuels by attending this presser on his own, refusing to remove his pads and cocking his foot up on the desk. It might be worth mentioning that in Caribbean courtrooms, showing the soles of your feet is regarded as a con-

temptible offence, most cultures view this similarly.

Sammy raised a few issues that have plagued relations between players and the board for decades now.

He stated that the team only had kit printed and delivered upon arrival in India, that his manager was inexperienced and inferred that the board did not support the team, unless the team paid for their own kit. He needs to take some time to understand operations.

Manager Lewis has been working in WICB operations for four years now; he is in no way inexperienced as suggested.

Uniforms are always printed in India. Would Sammy have rather they be printed in India, shipped to Antigua, then to Barbados for distribution before departure?

Considering the players negotiated to receive all prize money won at the tournament and that various selectees made themselves unavailable due to injuries etc. early printing would have been a costly exercise, shipping is not free!

Duty-free documents would have had to be pre-

Morality police should not judge Sharapova - Olympian

By Martyn Herman

( R E U T E R S ) - Te n n i s player Maria Sharapova should not be judged by sport’s ‘morality police’ for taking meldonium for 10 years before it was banned, according to British Olympian Susan Egelstaff.

Egelstaff, a badminton player, says the former world number one has been unfairly accused of acting against the spirit of sport.

Sharapova, the biggest name to test positive for meldonium since it was officially banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in January, admitted using the drug, which boosts aerobic performance, for health reasons.

The Russian, who is provisionally banned pending an International Tennis Federation (ITF) investigation, said she had not read an

email saying meldonium had been added to WADA’s list of banned substances.

“When Maria Sharapova tested positive for meldonium the backlash was immediate and fierce,” Egelstaff told The Mixed Zone website.

“The outcry focused more on the fact she had been taking meldonium, reportedly prescribed by a doctor for a decade without an apparent medical need for the drug, rather than the fact she failed a doping test.

“The morality police were out in force, decrying Sharapova for taking a drug for its performance-enhancing qualities,” added Egelstaff, a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist in 2006.

“This condemnation amazed and frankly stupefied me. There were a remarkable number of people who believed themselves qualified to judge what is

morally acceptable in sport.”

There have been more than 100 positive tests since then but in some countries meldonium was routinely used as a supplement before it was added to the WADA list.

Egelstaff argues there is no difference between athletes who took meldonium to boost aerobic performance and the use of other legal treatments.

“During qualifying for London 2012 (Olympics) I had severe pain in my foot...I got a cortisone injection and within 24 hours I was completely pain-free,” continuing “This injection was, indisputably, performance-enhancing. Without it I’m not sure I could have continued playing, with it I qualified for Team GB. “I didn’t feel the tiniest pang of guilt about having the injection and neither should I, it was legal after all,” added Egelstaff.

pared and approved; Customs (department) is not always as cooperative as one would hope! That said manager Lewis obviously was a poor choice as his relationship with the players led to disrespect publicly on two fronts.

Quo Vadis? The WICB must engage with its member boards and players as a matter of urgency, WIPA needs to be re-energised and engaged. I have been a vocal critic of Dinanath Ramnarine, I will admit to being wrong, a strong militant WIPA is needed to keep the WICB honest and in check.

There are good things happening in Windies cricket.

The professional league and its contracted players have made playing cricket a viable profession and we can only

hope it survives and continues to expand.

The sale of the 20/20 format franchise system was a terrible mistake that reeks of ignorance or corruption.

This colossal mistake will not be righted without the assistance of the Caribbean territories, which would have to stop subsidising this private venture to the tune of millions of USD while local sporting entities are denied funding.

Given the desire of CARICOM to dissolve the WICB, such assistance may not be forthcoming. The foolish desire of politicians to control cricket first raised its ugly head in Guyana under the PPP administration. It was completely wrong then, as it is for any other government to attempt. I would suggest

the politicians work on removing the barriers that exist to free movement of peoples in the region, improving trade by removal of hidden tariffs etc. and of course on being re-elected, the PPP were not so lucky - taking your eye off the ball can cost you your wicket!

The ball is firmly with the WICB. President Dave Cameron has become divisive and Wavell Hinds of WIPA should consider where his loyalties lie. These two bodies need to sort this relationship out and put an end to the public embarrassment and displays of discontent. Let the people of the West Indies be allowed to celebrate without reservation.

ROBIN SINGH

F1 ditches 2016 format; reverts to 2015

By Alan Baldwin

(REUTERS) - Formula One will revert to its 2015 qualifying format at next week’s Chinese Grand Prix and for the remainder of the season, the governing FIA said in a statement yesterday.

The change will come into force in time for this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix after it is rubber-stamped by the F1 Commission and World Motor Sport Council bringing an end to the failed experiment to shake up starting grids.

The teams had outlined their united position in a letter to F1 commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone and International Automobile Federation (FIA) head Jean Todt.

This year’s elimination format, which saw drivers knocked out at timed intervals during the three sessions, was approved hurriedly before the start of the season to add excitement.

However, drivers were eliminated while sitting in the garages in the final stage rather than battling for pole on track

as in the past.

The sport had looked set to retain the elimination format in China after teams rejected a compromise backed by the FIA. Todt and Ecclestone had ruled out going back to the old system at a meeting with the teams in Bahrain last weekend.

Williams deputy-principal Claire Williams said on Sunday that Todt and Ecclestone believed “going back to 2015 would create more confusion than is necessary”.

Teams agreed at the Bahrain Grand Prix to vote by

Thursday on a compromise solution, which would have seen each driver do at least two laps in each of the three phases of qualifying with the times aggregated.

The argument was about more than finding the best way to line up 22 cars on the starting grid, however.

Any change to the 2016 regulations requires the unanimous approval of the F1 commission, which groups the teams, commercial rights holder and governing body as well as other stakeholders.

Technicians watch the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix. (Reuters/Andrej Isakovic/Pool)

Cricket does not belong ...

From back page for a very long time, we have had a very huge problem with the management of our cricket.”

In the exclusive interview with this newspaper, Jagdeo cited numerous other former heads of state, including Jamaica’s PJ Patterson, who had cited the problems plaguing the

regional sport.

Regarding calls for the dissolution of the WICB, Jagdeo kept bat and pads together in saying, “I don’t have a position at this time,” but recommended that both the heads of CARICOM and the WICB sit with players to flesh the issues out and determine the way forward

for the game.

Others who have commented on the controversy include former ODI captain Ramnaresh Sarwan and Test captain Sir Vivan Richards as well as historian and current Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies Sir Hillary Beckles.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 8, 2016

NOTABLE DATES

GUYANESE boxing legend Patrick Ford defeated Alejandro Garcia on April 8, 1985. Ford won by technical knockout (TKO) in round four to secure his first victory in almost five years.

The slimly built featherweight had last tasted victory in August of 1980 when he stopped Nigerian Eddie Ndukwu to snatch the Commonwealth featherweight crown.

That win was followed by four consecutive defeats. Ford, undefeated in 16 fights then lost a majority decision to World Boxing Council champion Mexican Salvador Sanchez the following month. He was at the time attempting to become the first Guyanese to win a world title.

On Valentine Day in 1981 Ford continued the losing streak, only this time he was stopped in the 13th round by World Boxing Association champion Eusebio Pedroza.

The Guyanese then lost to David Brown and Mexican Isidro Perez in April and May of 1982 respectively.

Ford then took a three-year hiatus from the sport and upon his return defeated Garcia. Victories over Dennis Dalrymple and Albert Browne followed before the talented former Commonwealth champion quit the sport. Ford then turned to coaching and held regular sessions at the Gleason Gym in New York.

He had joined the professional ranks in 1976 and after 11 years recorded 19 victories (12 by KO) and four defeats.

When the history of Guyana’s boxing is chronicled Ford’s name would be a headline as he was a fearless warrior equipped with power in both hands.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday April 08, 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) Lendl Simmons (WI) (2) Brittney Cooper (WI) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which team played in the first two finals of the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup? (2) Which team played in the first two finals of the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:30 hrs FOLK Law 09:05 hrs Simply Black 09:40 hrs Crescendo 10:15 hrs Purely Atomic 10:55 hrs Temple Rock English Racing Tips Aintree 08:40 hrs Starchitect 09:15 hrs Limini 09:50 hrs Un Temps Pour Tout 10:25 hrs Vautour 11:05 hrs Mr Moonshine 11:40 hrs Mystical Knight 12:15 hrs Ballyandy Leicester 08:55 hrs Sweet Dragon Fly 11:15 hrs Lucata 11:50 hrs Gannicus 12:25 hrs Dilgura Newcastle 09:40 hrs Asuncion 10:15 hrs Molly Milan

10:50 hrs Man Of God 11:25 hrs Silver Tassie 12:00 hrs Nuts Well 12:35 hrs Abbey Storm 13:05 hrs Smuggler’s Stash Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 13:00 hrs King Electric 13:30 hrs Go Kart 14:00 hrs Manuka 14:30 hrs Aared 15:00 hrs Twistandturns 15:30 hrs Ancient Sands 16:00 hrs Bridle Path American Racing Tips Gulfstream Race 1 Protection Race 2 Constraint Race 3 Sweet Arl Race 4 Twinkling Race 5 Drama Club Race 6 Sing One Song Race 7 Fan Base Race 8 Manhattan Dan Race 9 Rafidain

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 8, 2016

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016

Sarwan looking forward to another stint

By Rajiv Bisnauth

FORMER West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan last played competitive regional cricket in 2014 but the talented batsman will be in action during this year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Sarwan was snapped up by the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) for US$4000 during the player draft that was held on February 11 in Barbados.

The 35-year-old, who

Ramnaresh Sarwan captained the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the 2013

edition of the tournament said during a media briefing on Wednesday, said he is overjoyed to be back.

“I am feeling like I am making by debut again,” a visibly delighted Sarwan pointed out.

Asked about his feelings about returning to competitive cricket, Sarwan said, “I was actually thinking about that, how would it feel to be playing in front of 10 000 or 12 000 people. I haven’t had that feelings in months or years, but I am sure it

would be exciting, and I am looking forward to it.”

“Of course I am fortunate enough to gain a lot of experience over the period I have played. I have played in front of crowds and without crowds, so hopefully I would be able to make that adjustments,” Sarwan reckoned.

Meanwhile, in order to remain physically fit, Sarwan has commenced intense net session at his local-based GCC club on a daily basis.

“Obviously we are a cou-

ple of months away from the tournament; it’s a tournament I am looking forward to. Of course, I haven’t played in a while, but in terms of getting myself physical fit I have started net sessions at GCC, which I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks before the tournament,” he said.

Sarwan, who at one point of his One Day International (ODI) career was touted as the best ‘finisher’, has played 75 Twenty20 games and has a highest score of 70 with a strike rate of 104.39.

Sarwan joins fast bowler Ronsford Beaton, as the two Guyanese on TKR roster.

The duo will play alongside Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine, Kevon Copper, Sulieman Benn, Nikita Miller Javon Searles, William Perkins, Yannic Cariah, Brendon McCullum (New Zealand), Hashim Amla (South Africa), Umar Akmal (Pakistan), Colin Munro (New Zealand), Anton Devcich (New Zealand) and Hamza Tariq (Canada).

UNOSDP International Birdies propel Speith in Masters defence Day Workshop deemed a success

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

By Daniel Haynes THE Xercise Group alongside the Value Academy on Wednesday held a successful sport workshop in keeping with the United Nations (UN) International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP).

The workshop was held at the Ministry of Education Department of Culture, Youth & Sport on Main Street and saw the attendance of students from various schools around Georgetown.

Speakers included former West Indies player Roger Harper, Executive Director of Value Academy Ryan Hoppie and The Xercise Founding Director Royston Alkins.

“When you look at the Messis of the world and other top international players, they are ambassadors and that’s what sportsmen should ultimately be,” said Alkins.

He further added, “We are trying to get students and athletes to become ambassadors.”

Meanwhile, Harper also spoke to the students about cricket and the resurgence in West Indies Cricket saying, “In my time we played cricket all the time, I represented my school, county and country.”

According to Harper, having Guyanese represent their country and being ambassadors in different disciplines is the key to success.

Finishing off the workshop was Ryan Hoppie who conducted an exercise with the students, which required them to fold a page in half and tear pieces to demonstrate the difference in which each person thinks and acts.

“The Xercise is a non-profit initiative that seeks to enhance the involvement of Guyanese athletes in multi-tiered activism within society,” The UNOSDP campaign, “Let’s play for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)” encourages organisations and individuals who carry out SDP (Sport, Development and Peace) initiatives to take a picture or a short video of their team or beneficiaries with a SDG card that best describes their activity.

(REUTERS) - WORLD number two Jordan Spieth made an impressive start to his Masters title defence as he birdied three of the first nine holes to take an early one-shot lead in Thursday’s opening round.

On a relatively calm morning in dazzling sunshine at Augusta National, the 22-year-old American sank a six-footer at the third, a 13-footer at the sixth and a four-footer at the eighth to reach the turn in three-under 33.

That put Masters and

U.S. Open champion Spieth a stroke in front of Englishmen Paul Casey and Matthew Fitzpatrick, American Daniel Berger and Welshman Jamie Donaldson.

Casey had completed nine holes, Donaldson and Berger five and Fitzpatrick two.

American Zach Johnson, the 2007 Masters champion, was among a large group of players at one-under after mixing three birdies with two bogeys in the first nine holes.

An overnight thunderstorm had made the slick greens at Augusta a little more receptive, though strong gusts of up to 35 mph

(56 kph) have been forecast for the afternoon, posing problems for late starters such as Jason Day and Rory McIlroy.

The year’s opening major could end up as one of the best in recent memory with world number one Day heading a list of high-profile players in superb form over the past three months.

Day is widely regarded as the pre-tournament favourite, having won six times in his last 13 starts, and the long-hitting Australian will be difficult to beat at Augusta National where he tied for second in 2011 and placed third in 2013.

Jordan Spieth lines up a putt on the 2nd green during the first round of the 2016 Masters golf tournament.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 8, 2016

Guyana up 23 places in FIFA rankings … to host Canada in Int’l friendly

GUYANA have moved 23 places up the Federation International Football Association’s (FIFA) men’s world rankings to 133, following the Golden Jaguars’ recent victories in the Caribbean Football Union 2016 Scotiabank Men’s Caribbean Cup games.

The Jags beat Anguilla at the National Stadium Prov-

idence, on March 22 before beating Puerto Rico at home on March 29 to top Group five in first round action.

According to a Guyana Football Federation (GFF) release, this ranking was released yesterday by FIFA and demonstrates that the Guyana National Men’s Team are no longer a force to be taken

lightly within Caribbean Football Union (CFU), CONCACAF and the world of football.

In an invited comment, president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde,has expressed his satisfaction with this movement and extended congratulations to the management and players. “I’m indeed very happy and exceptionally proud of the players, the coaching staff and the management team for the

DCC are the champions!

DEMERARA Cricket Club (DCC) Under-17 team used the comfort of their home territory to register a 185-run victory over St Stanislaus College in the final of the Ministry of Public Health (MPH)/ Guyana Diabetic Association (GDA)/Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Under-17 T20 competition yesterday.

Chasing an impossible score of 218, St Stanislaus College, the only school team in the competition, were blown away for 32 in 10.3 overs; Ezekiel Caines was the only batsman to reach double figures, with 11.

Medium pacer Bojnarine Singh was the chief destroyer, claiming 6-2 off four overs.

He received support from left-arm medium pacer Dequan Bamfield (2-6) and

Juspice Jones, who chipped in with a wicket each.

Earlier, sent in to bat, the DCC lads piled up a huge total of 217-6, with Ashmead Nedd blasting an even 100 from 40 balls, highlighted with eleven fours and six sixes.

Nedd shared a second-wicket partnership of 145 off 80 balls, with Garrick Persaud, after the hosts lost Robin Williams in the innings’ second over to medium pacer Ruben Sukraj (1-40).

Nedd was dropped off the first ball he faced, but the right-handed pair made a quick recovery, with Nedd displaying astonishing batting prowess.

The 15-year-old struck the ball out of the middle for almost his entire innings reached his 50 just off 21 balls before taking 18 more to complete his hundred.

However, the hosts then lost Nedd off the bowling of medium pacer Caines, Persaud via run-out for 24 and Sagar Hatheramani also to Caines (2-55) for five in quick succession.

Alphius Bookie and Bojnarine Singh came together, with the latter stroking a quick-fire 30 off just 12 balls, inclusive of two fours and three sixes.

Medium pacer Daniel Persaud (1-37) returned for his second spell and claimed the wicket of Singh, while Bookie was run-out for five.

Jones and Osapho Green were the not-out batsmen. Eight teams participated in the tournament, which was held in observance of World Health Day, celebrated on April 7 under the theme: “Step up, beat Diabetes”.

The winning DCC Under-17 team

tremendous work they’ve been doing with that team.”

He added, “The senior male team represents a brand and it’s a brand that the Executive Committee of the Guyana Football Federation will manage very carefully.

“We believe that is the brand that will position Guyana on the international stage to our rightful place so I want to encourage the nation to join me in extending a heartfelt thank

you to the guys for putting in the hard work they have, over the past three international engagements and to encourage them to strive to do better as we go forward,” concluded Forde.

Guyana’s next engagement in the Caribbean Football Union 2016 Scotiabank Men’s Caribbean Cup is in June against Curacao, followed by the United States Virgin Islands.

In a related matter, Guyana

will host the Canadian national team in an International friendly on May 15 2016, at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

This game is scheduled to begin at 19:00hrs and is part of the Government of Guyana’s 50th Jubilee celebrations. It is being facilitated by GFF’s International Ambassador and former International Football Player/Canadian Hall-of-Famer Alex Bunbury.

Narine cleared!

(ESPNCRICINFO) - West Indies spinner Sunil Narine has had his bowling action cleared by the ICC, just two days before the start of the IPL. Narine has not bowled since November, having been reported while on international duty, but all his deliveries, with a remodelled action, have been found to be legal.

Narine has been a key player for his IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, and their new coach, Jacques Kallis had earlier admitted he did not know if the West Indian would be available. Narine has taken 74 wickets in four IPL seasons and helped Knight Riders to the title in 2012 and 2014.

He was suspended in November, after being reported

… Action legal ahead of IPL

during an ODI in Sri Lanka, and his last appearance came at the Bangladesh Premier League. The ICC said that Narine’s retest took place on March 28 in Chennai. He is now free once again to play in international and domestic competitions.

Narine had previously spent a year out of the West Indies side working on his action but, three games into his comeback, he was pulled up again. The WICB initially named him in the squad for the 2016 World T20, but he withdrew citing “insufficient progress in the rehabilitative work on his bowling action”.

He was also called for a suspect action during the 2014 Champions League and the 2015 IPL, although he escaped second time around with a “final warning” from the BCCI. Narine may still be in doubt for Knight Riders’ first match against Delhi Daredevils on April 10, having returned to the West Indies following the death of his father.

“Unfortunately, he lost a family member. His dad passed away so he’s gone back,” Kallis said, before news of Narine being cleared.

“We are certainly not putting any pressure on him to get back yet.”

NSC admits blunder; announces ceremony for W.I. ladies

By Daniel Haynes DIRECTOR of Sport Christopher Jones has issued a formal apology on behalf of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Government of Guyana for Wednesday’s non-attendance to welcome home the female West Indian cricketers.

Tremayne Smartt and Shemaine Campbelle were part of the successful West Indies Women T20 championship squad but were not treated to the lush ceremonies like their regional counterparts upon their return home.

The duo arrived at the Ogle International Airport on Wednesday to a welcome party of only two Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) officials, prompting harsh comments on social media.

And Jones at a press conference on Thursday apologised for the lacklustre way in which the women were welcomed home by both the NSC and the Government but placed the blame solely at the feet of the GCB. He said, “The GCB who is the authority as it relates to

Director of Sport Christopher Jones addresses members of the media during the press conference. (Daniel Haynes photo) cricket whether Women, Men, Under-19, Under-17 would have been recipients of the itinerary of the two players just as they would have been for the others, to which they invited government representatives of the office of the Director of Sport and others before.”

He continued, “For reasons best known to the GCB, they withheld the information re the arrival of the two female cricketers from the government and the people of Guyana.”

He made reference to online news site, Sannsports. com, which confirmed in an interview with a GCB official that the Board did not invite the Guyana Government to welcome home the women.

“Personnel from the GCB confirmed that the relevant sports dignitaries were not informed of the players’ arrival,” the Sport Director told the news conference.

Nonetheless, all blames aside, the NSC plans to honour the two female champions alongside the U-19 players at a luncheon today and Jones let slip that the two women will be specially honoured.

The luncheon, initially set Wednesday, was postponed due to logistical constraints and according to Jones, this setback has allowed them to correct the glaring errors of the GCB. “We, the National Sports Commission, will continue to work along-side the GCB regardless of what happens. It is my hope that in future a better partnership will be fostered between the GCB and NSC,” Jones said.

Meanwhile a call to the GCB’s Assistant Administrator, Melinda Bishundyal-Chaitram for a comment on the NSC’s claims was met with a ‘no comment’ response.

NSC admits blunder; announces ceremony for W.I ladies See story on page 31

Cricket does not belong to a single group - Jagdeo long to a single group of people. Forget the legal and corporate structures; cricket belongs to the region and all of us,” added Jagdeo, who like Shivnarine Chanderpaul, was born at Unity, Mahaica. Chanderpaul has had his own share of troubles with the WICB. Jagdeo is the latest in a string of persons who have waded into the state of West Indies cricket after T20 skipper Darren Sammy claimed that the WICB “disrespected” him and the team ahead of and during the tournament in India.

In a speech after Sunday’s historical win, Sam-

Former President and current opposition leader Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

By Stephan Sookram LEADERS of the Caribbean should step up their game and do more to fix West Indies cricket, former President Dr Bharrat Jag-

deo said on Thursday, as he waded into the ongoing controversy between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the team who won Sunday’s World T20.

“Something needs to be

done; something has to be done and the heads need to play a more important role,” Jagdeo told Chronicle Sport at his party’s Freedom House headquarters in Georgetown.

“Cricket does not be-

my thanked CARICOM heads for their support during the tournament but lamented the fact that the team had not heard from the WICB. “That is very disappointing,” Sammy said.

He added: “I don’t know when I’m going to be playing with these guys again because we don’t get selected for one-day cricket.

We don’t know when we’re going to be playing T20.”

Jagdeo, now opposition leader, had strong views about West Indies cricket during his presidency. He contended that there must

be something wrong for West Indies captain Darren Sammy to vent his concerns on the winners’ podium at the end of the T20 World Cup. “Obviously for Sammy to say what he did there, I think it reflects a lot of hurt on the part of the players.

“I could see the conflict in his heart and the agony in his face when he spoke of the matter,” said Dr Jagdeo.

The one-time CARICOM chairman added: “I think it reflected that the situation between the board and our players is not optimal. In fact See page 28

Guyana up 23 places in FIFA rankings (See story on page 31)

Narine cleared!

Sunil Narine

(See story on page 31)

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

Flashback! The Golden Jaguars celebrate beating Puerto Rico and topping Group 5 in the first round of the Caribbean Football Union 2016 Scotiabank Men’s Caribbean Cup. FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016