Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 15 03 2016

TUESDAY MARCH 15, 2016

Price: $80

Granger warns against complacency No. 104492

(Vat Inclusive)

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- urges Lindeners to vote in full numbers

A jubilant President David Granger and his APNU-AFC entourage take to their feet at the end of last night’s meeting in Linden (Photo by Adrian Narine)

Witness: 12 Hill Foot inmates wanted farmer found media attention murdered 7 Camp St Prison CoI

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Who’s on Page 2 today HIS name is Vurlon Mills; he’s 28, and a football coach, having been smitten by the game since he was 12.

He’s also a youth development officer by profession, but still finds the time to ‘play ball’ with the Golden Jaguars.

But life is not just about football for young Vurlon, as he also likes to go fishing and swimming, or play a game or two of pools with his friends.

His favourite quote is: “This is my game; I play it with passion and pride.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 15, 2016

PM clarifies issues regarding Linden TV licence

By Vanessa Braithwaite PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Monday met with stakeholders of Linden to iron out issues relating to the management of a community television station.

The PM met with regional leaders and prospective members of the television station’s trust -- a special purpose company set up to manage the station. Director of Public Information, Imran Khan, told the media following the closed-door meeting that the discussion was fruitful and that much-needed clarity was brought to the issue.

“Prime Minister realised that there was a level of misinformation and a level of confusion that would have appeared, and some dissatisfaction; and given that he did not want to move forward in that sort of environment, he thought it best to have this stakeholders’ consultation,” Khan disclosed to the media.

Khan explained that the station cannot be manned by a RDC, hence Mr. Sharma Solomon, during his tenure as Regional Chairman, being cognizant of this reality, formed a company which was later changed to a trust.

This was further explained

by Chairman of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority, Leonard Craig, who related that the law does not allow for a television station to be controlled by an RDC or an individual, but only by

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo a trust or a company.

In so doing, Solomon and prominent members of the community had joined together to form a trust.

Dubbed the Region 10 Broadcasting Inc., the trust is officially recognised as the agency of the station, and not the RDC or any particular individual. The policy states, however, that any member of the community who desires to be part owner of the station should be residing in Linden.

Controversy erupted last week after a correspondence was sent to the office of the RDC, notifying Regional Chairman Renis Morian that the licence for the station had been granted. Being in receipt of information that the station would be operated by private individuals, Morian told the media that, as the elected representative of the people, information should be channelled through his office and that of the regional

councillors. At the consultation, however, NBA Head Lenoard Craig revealed that the letter was sent in error by a staff of the GNBA, but it should have been sent to Solomon.

Khan said that in initiating this procedure, a letter from the RDC was sent to the GNBA in 2012, empowering the Authority to proceed with discussions relative to the licence.

“It was on that basis that the GNBA would have moved forward with the process, and it was on that basis, from the political side, with regard to that agreement, that we spoke of the 2012 agreement that the Prime Minister would have moved forward with, and there would have been discussions with the GNBA and with the Prime minister himself, and Mr. Sharma Solomon who at that time representative of the RDC and the trust,” he articulated.

LICENSE NOT YET GRANTED Meanwhile, Khan said the licence has not yet been granted. However, the Prime Minister has made it very clear that the issue of doing so is not up for debate, but will be materialized.

“That issue is a clear issue, it must happen. Government is committed to doing that, and will do so as soon as these matters are clarified.

We will proceed,” Khan said.

He also said the National

Communications Network Linden operation will not continue alongside Linden’s television station, but will be operating under the new station, thus the staff will not be adversely affected.

Morian said he would continue to rally for councillors of the RDC to be a part of the trust. “Based on the new truths that have emerged, the RDC, who is the legal representative of the people, will champion the cause of going forward. We want the people of Region 10 to have this television station, hence the elected persons should be part of this entity,” he told the media.

Currently, the trust is made up of six persons, none of whom is a member of the RDC. “The encouragement we got is to expand and to include council, business etc.,” he revealed.

Solomon has posited that he is in agreement with the trust being expanded, and any resident of Linden wanting to buy shares will be allowed to come on board.

In addition to Prime Minister Nagamootoo, other officials at the consultation included Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valarie Patterson.

There was a commitment to have further meetings involving everyone, to clarify specific issues involving legal matters involving the trust. A report will be sent to the Prime Minister which will allow for the process to move forward.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 15, 2016

Granger warns against complacency - urges Lindeners to vote in full numbers

By Ariana Gordon RESIDENTS of the mining town of Linden were last night warned against complacency as it relates to voting in Friday’s Local Government Elections (LGE).

President David Granger cautioned residents against feeling that the APNU-AFC coalition government has the elections covered because of the results of the May 11 General Elections.

President Granger was at the time speaking to Lindeners at a public rally held at the Mackenzie Bus Park tarmac.

He called on those persons contesting for positions on the municipality to use the next 48 hours to communicate with residents and encourage them to vote.

“You have to commu-

President David Granger addressing the gathering at the public meeting in Linden last night

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo makes a point at the public meeting

nicate with your constituents; they want to see your eyes… Go door-to-door; valley-to-valley… If they don’t see your face, they don’t see

is equally important to be organised.

“You cannot win these elections if you are disorgan-

you; they don’t trust you, and they won’t vote for you,” the President said.

He noted, too, that outside of communication, it

Representatives of the APNU-AFC Coalition who are contesting Friday’s LGE in Linden, with President David Granger (centre, second row); Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (fourth left, second row); Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally (extreme right, second row); Attorney General Basil Williams (barely visible, immediately behind the President); and Minister with responsibility for Housing, Valerie Patterson last night

ised,” he said.

Those contesting the elections on behalf the Coalition were also urged to mobilise and educate their constituents. “You have to make sure they know what they are voting for,” President Granger said.

Highlighting the importance of LGE to the people of Linden, the President said the people of Linden have all of the requisite resources available to them, but stressed that there is a great need for empowerment.

“On Friday morning, you are going to be electing your own councils democratically… these elections could be

very peculiar. Many of you never voted before in Local Government Elections, and could be confused,” he said as he called on Lindeners to be alert.

“Don’t be misled that what happened on May 11th will automatically happen,” he emphasised. Local governance, he said will return power to the people of Linden and give the town the boost it needs to develop to its true potential.

President Granger noted that jobs must be created for the unemployed and made a pitch for young people to become active in agro-processing and other enterprises.

The President said it is his vision that the people of Linden will no longer have to depend on the city for anything. He hopes to see all of the facilities available in Georgetown available in the mining town.

Region 10, he said has been starved for resources but with LGE, the people of Linden can look forward to a brighter future.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 15, 2016

Max Hanoman new Chair of GPHC

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Monday swore in its new board members including its chairman, Dr Max Hanoman.

The ceremony which was held at the facility’s Resource Centre saw the installation of the new members, along with the election of the board’s chairman.

The members of the board are Col. Patrick West, Cleopatra Barkoye, Collette Adams (Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health), Mandy Sukhdeo, Sonya Roopnauth, Kempton Alexander along

with Dr. Sheik Amir and Allan Johnson as Ex-Officio Members.

The board voted Dr. Hanoman in as the new chairman. Dr. Hanoman stated that there will definitely be a lot of changes at the facility. This will begin with the computerisation of the hospital along with patients’ records, which he said should be deemed a priority. This was strongly supported by both the Minister and the board members.

Further, the new Chairman said that individuals can expect improved care

and services along with better attitude from staff. He also expressed hope for cooperation among members.

Addressing the Board members, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings said that she is expecting a lot of changes at the facility and that the public should, “expect great things.”

The Minister also urged the board to continue to monitor the progress of all undertakings and to ensure that while the standards are being improved, they are also maintained.

(GINA)

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, (centre) is flanked by members of the new GPHC Board, including the Chairman, Dr Max Hanoman ( seated at extreme left)

Granger warns against...

From Page 3 TO THE RESCUE “APNU-AFC has come to the rescue!” declared President Granger, much to the pleasure of the hyped crowd.

“I want you people to be educated, to be entrepreneur…

I want you to become a manufacturing economy,” he said, noting that when he returns to Linden, his ears must be buzzing with noise from factories and not music from parties.

Enterprise, he noted is very important and stressed the need for greater equality.

“There is too much poverty in the region… it is hereditary poverty… Lindeners must aim at equality. Linden is not bush, backward,” President Granger said while pointing out that people who are not equal do not enjoy the same opportunities as others.

“I want the new Town Council to think hard about equality,” the President said.

He told the gathering that nobody in Linden should be poor.

“Linden is the capital (of all regions)…. We have to make Linden strong,” he added, while stressing the importance of education in the process.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, in encouraging the residents of Linden to vote in their numbers on Friday for the Coalition, said

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the elections is not only representative of democracy but a demonstration of confidence in the people.

He said there are persons who have been telling the international community that Guyana is ill prepared for LGE. He said Guyana’s history has always been one where the people of the country have been told they are not ready.

ABOUT CONFIDENCE “We’ve always been told we were never ready… tell them this important elections on Friday is about confidence.

This is not only about those candidates… it is about the decision you made last year.”

The Prime Minister noted that the non-holding of LGE is no fault of the people and said that for 46 years “we didn’t trust our people with grassroots politics… this election is much more than local power, it is about empowering ourselves.”

He called on Lindeners to reaffirm their show of confidence in the APNU-AFC coalition party, contending that they “are loyal, faithful, committed fighters”.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo said that like General Elections, the hosting of LGE every three years, as is constitutionally mandated, provides the people with the right to remove office holders if they do not serve in the interest of the people.

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The Prime Minister noted that overseas-based Guyanese will want to return to Guyana and it is the responsibility of those elected via LGE to “welcome them with open arms”.

Nagamootoo stressed that it is critical that conditions are created in communities that will encourage people to stay. “…Make our towns a haven,” the Prime Minister charged Lindeners.

Meanwhile, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams told the residents that by voting for APNU-AFC, it would concretise the endless possibilities that exist in the region.

“Local Government Elections will enable you to make decisions for yourself… it is important for us to give you this good life we promised… these elections are to give you a better life… better housing, roads, drainage, water supply,” he said.

Williams also called on residents to empower themselves, noting that Government will lend a hand by providing subventions.

“This Government is serious about you,” Williams added.

Also present at the public event were Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally, Minister with responsibility for Housing Valarie Patterson and the wife of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Mrs Sita Nagamootoo.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 15, 2016

Bandits terrorise Chesney, Ankerville families

THREE masked men armed with guns and knives pounced on a family at Chesney Village, Corentyne, Berbice last Sunday at about midnight, carting off more than $500,000 in cash and jewellery.

Ironically, the robbery occurred just opposite the Albion Police Station.

Owner of the home, Carmen Kissoon, founder of the Camal Children’s Home, told the Guyana Chronicle that she was awakened by one of the bandits, who stood over her with a flashlight and a gun pointed at her.

“He say give me the f#%*ing money and jewellery. I put my hands together and pleaded with him not to hurt me. Look the money in the bag,” she said.

The traumatised woman related that the bandit emptied the bag and only collected the money. The bandit then when over to her dresser and pocketed her jewellery, all the while, the two other robbers stood guard.

Not satisfied, the bandits continued to demand more money, and asked who else was at home, to which Kissoon responded her daughter-in-law Suzanne Jawaheer and her granddaughter.

She, however, noted that there were two other persons in the home: a guest from Suriname and an 18-year-old

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Carmen Kissoon

who resides with her. The woman was fearful that the bandits would hurt them.

After the bandits continued demanding more cash, she went to her daughterin-law’s room and handed over more money to them.

The money was the day’s earnings from her car wash and grocery store, which she operates at the bottom flat of the house.

In all, the bandits took over $300,000 in cash, of which $282,000 was money to start some construction at the orphanage.

Her wedding band, she said was worth over $200,000, while the earnings from the car wash were about $100,000. The jewellery taken from her dresser was valued about

$100,000.

According to Kissoon, the ordeal lasted for about 15 minutes, and at one point the bandits asked for something to drink, and her granddaughter responded to their request.

She also noted that, while upstairs, her granddaughter-in-law attempted to make a call, but one of the bandits placed a knife to her throat and threatened to cut it open if she did.

After she put down the phone, Kissoon related, the robbers hurriedly escaped from her home, and darted through the backyard fence.

At this point, she related, she opened her door and screamed for help, and the police responded almost

The house at Chesney Village, Corentyne, Berbice where the robbery occurred

immediately. And though they combed the area, they were unable to locate the bandits.

Meanwhile, in another incident, a family who operates a grocery shop at Ankerville, Port Mourant was on Friday beaten and robbed at gunpoint by two masked men.

The bandits attacked

the family as they were about to close the shop for the day.

A daughter of the family, Kavita Diaram, said she was going to lock the gate when two men, one armed with a gun and the other with a cutlass, approached her. The one with the cutlass dealt her several lashes about her

body.

They them made their way to her parents, and demanded cash and jewellery while inflicting several blows on them.

T h e ro b b e r s t o o k away an undisclosed sum of cash and phone cards.

It was the third time the family was robbed in recent times.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 15, 2016

Jealous husband jailed for 15 years

By George Barclay

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Vital opportunity for change

IN THE next three days, locals throughout Guyana will, for the first time in 22 years, head to the polls to elect leaders to manage the affairs of their communities.

It is indeed a momentous occasion since, for too long, Local Government Elections (LGE) have not been held in Guyana. The last time Local Government Elections were held in Guyana was in 1994, and many elected officials have since either died, migrated, or moved on with their lives. As a result, many communities throughout Guyana have suffered from lack of leadership, deterioration of public infrastructure, and a rise of social problems.

Many of the problems Guyana experiences today -- such as suicide, alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence, crime, teenage pregnancy and unemployment -- would not have occurred on their current scale had there been strong leadership at the community level. And though there have not, in recent years, been any empirical studies into these social ills, many are convinced that they are occurring at unacceptable levels because there is no strong system in place to deal with them.

From all indications, these persons may be right.

Although Guyana has experienced marked development in the past two decades, much of it has not been channelled to the poorest of the poor and the most vulnerable. This, coupled with the fact that the former administration, to a large extent, had seen development through the lenses of economic progress, had created a posture in which little attention was paid to development of the arts, building strong values systems, genuinely celebrating our diverse cultures, and imbuing ourselves with national pride.

Accordingly, the results have been inevitable.

While many are economically better off than they

GANGA Persaud of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo who, on July 30, 2009, savagely beat his wife into a state of unconsciousness when he saw her speaking with a man, was jailed for 15 years at the Demerara Assizes on Monday.

Justice Navindra Singh imposed the penalty on the 54-year-old defendant after an assizes jury found the

accused guilty of attempted murder on a majority verdict of 10 to two.

The state’s case was that upon seeing his wife talking to a male at Blankenburg, WCD on the day in question, Persaud had walked up to her and said, “I catch you! I catch you!” He then began punching her to the face until she fell to the ground in an unconscious state.

Witnesses said Per-

saud then sat on top of his wife and continued punching her for about five minutes, until blood was seen on the ground.

After the blows, the accused reportedly stripped his wife of her clothing, then armed himself with a paling stave 4½ feet long and 1½ inches in width, with which he struck the woman on her neck before joining a bus.

He was later arrested

by the police, and gave them a confession statement in which he said he had heard that his wife had had a relationship with a man.

The accused took the sentence calmly, but one female spectator burst into tears and had to be controlled.

Prosecuting for the State were State Counsel Miss Narissa Leander and Mr. Siand Dhurjon.

Disappointed at the misinformation Dear Editor, ALLOW me to express my total disappointment at the manner in which the Natural Resources Minister, Mr. Raphael Trotman, and the Kaieteur News publishers seek to display one aspect of the Guyana Forestry Commission’s operations (published on Thursday, February 25, 2016) while at the same time distorting and concealing some integral facts in relation to ‘the granting of log timber concessions’.

Firstly, according to table (1) “Allocation of State Forest to Concession Holders”, there are 20 recorded concessions granted. Of the 20, four, namely: AMCAR, TSA 01/90 for 44,449 hectares; Barama Company Ltd, TSA 04/91 for 1,601,653 hectares; Demerara Timbers Ltd, TSA 02/91 for 218,910

hectares; and Demerara Timbers Ltd, TSA 03/91 for 292,343 hectares, were granted prior to 1992, and they amount to 47 per cent of the ‘Allocated Forests’ which were granted. Another 8 concessions were allocated to locals; namely: A. Mazaharally & Sons, TSA 06/85 for 56,463 hectares; A Mazaharally & Sons, TSA 09/85 for 91,209 hectares; Ganesh Singh and Brs Logging Co., TSA 01/09 for 33,244 hectares; Interior Forest Industries Inc, TSA 11/85 for 70,442 hectares; Toolsie Persaud Ltd (Manaka and Takatw) TSA 04/85 for 1 2 3 , 8 5 7 hectares; Wanatobo Forest Resource Inc, TSA 05/07 for 28,467 hectares (Area originally issued 1988 as small concessions); Wellen Timber and Trading Co, TSA 05/91 for 56,610 hectares; Willen Timber and Trading Co,

were two decades ago, many are not happy with their lives, and this is partly because there were few operable public facilities for clean recreation. Many of the community centres in Guyana are taken over by vegetation, and this robs residents of opportunities to engage in sport, games, joggling, and leisurely evening walks.

That aside, a number of health centres are falling apart because of the absence of maintenance plans to ensure their proper upkeep. The problem is the same for other public infrastructure.

And while there are centres to address social ills, those are seldom staffed with specialists to expertly address the problems of residents.

With a paucity of clean recreational spaces, a breakdown in moral values, and the virtual absence of a spirit of entrepreneurship at the community level, many young people have shifted their energies to less-than-acceptable activities, the consequences of which include a high level of teenage pregnancy in Guyana as well as a high level of youth unemployment. These ills have, in turn, fuelled the increase in suicide and created an environ-

TSA 10/85 for 5 5 , 9 9 8 hectares; and Nagasar Sawh (Inactive), TSA 02/85 for 29,176 hectares.

These concessions amount to 12.3 percent of the combined Allocation of Four million, five hundred and forty-eight thousand six hundred and thirteen hectares (1,568,613).

My point is: if you look at allocation to foreigners, 47 percent, plus 12.3 per cent to locals, these add up to 59.3 percent of ‘Allocated Forest’.

All these allocations were made prior to 1992.

By this I mean that, under the PNC Government/Administration, 82 percent of concessions were granted (according to GFC figures).

59.3 percent were granted prior to 1992, and 23 percent were granted under the PPP. In concluding, as a

longstanding member of the logging fraternity, who has been around for quite some time and who has paid his dues in both taxes and losses, I would request that the authors and those responsible for publishing the article, as well as members of the National Resource Administration, should restructure this article to illustrate to the public the truth, which is that, of the 82 percent of Forest Allocated, 59.3 percent were granted before 1992 under the PNC, and only 23 percent were issued under PPP/C after 1992.

So I suggest you properly state the facts and re-address this issue before you cast a bad image on the present GFC Administration, who in my view are doing a very fine job.

A. NOEL

ment for more young law breakers.

The situation obtaining today is undoubtedly influenced by an accumulation of years of neglect to forcefully address these issues at the community level.

Therefore, Friday’s elections are very important for every citizen of Guyana, as these elections will allow citizens, through their representatives, the opportunity to fix the broken and decaying systems in their communities.

Guyana can be a strong country only if it has strong communities. Strong communities are vital for the continued growth and development of Guyana. But for this to be fully realised, it would require that residents do more than just merely casting their votes for the candidates of their choice. Equally important is that they hold their elected leaders to the promises those have made, and ensure transparency, accountability and fairness in the execution of their duties.

This is a sine-qua-non for a better Guyana for all Guyanese, and Friday is undoubtedly the historic restart of this important process.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 15, 2016

Key CARIFORUM meeting for Marriott on Thursday THE 23rd Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (CARIFORUM) will take place on Thursday, March 17, at the Marriott Hotel in the Georgetown ward of Kingston.

Proceedings will be under the chairmanship of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Haiti, the Honourable Lener Renauld.

During this high-profile meeting, the Council of Ministers will consider matters which are high on its policy agenda with a view to advancing coordinated action on a range of policy

objectives and priorities.

In this regard, the meeting will focus on implementation and programming of the 10th and 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Caribbean Regional Indicative Programme (CRIP); the implementation of the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA); the Future of the ACP, including the Eighth Summit of ACP Heads of State and Government, scheduled for May 31-June 1, 2016 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; and future ACP-EU relations in the post-Cotonou period.

The meeting will also

focus on recent EU developments on financial services, and receive reports from the two CARIFORUM institutions -- the Caribbean Export Development Agency and the Caribbean Regional Information and Translation Institute.

Guyana will be represented by Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge. CARIFORUM Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque will also be present.

The term CARIFORUM refers to the Caribbean Forum of ACP Group of States which are signatories of the Georgetown Agreement. This Agreement, signed in 1975,

created the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP), which is made up of 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific states.

All participating states in CARIFORUM, with the exception of Cuba, are signatories to the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement, or “Cotonou Agreement”, and the EPA respectively. The CARIFORUM Members are: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Gov’t mourns with Jagdeo THE Government of Guyana has expressed its “deep condolences” to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, his relatives, and the People’s Progressive Party on the passing of his beloved sister Oma ‘Shanta’ Jagdeo.

According to a statement from the Office of the Director of Public Information, “the government salutes Ms. Jagdeo for her unflagging love for her brother, to whom she was not only an older sibling, but…also like a second mother. The loss of a sibling, particularly Opposition Leader a sibling to whom one is Bharrat Jagdeo particularly close, as Mr. Jagdeo was to Ms. Jagdeo, leaves a void which can hardly be filled.

“The nation stands in solidarity with, and holds, Mr. Jagdeo up in prayer in this his time of grief.”

Ms Jagdeo was reportedly found dead on Sunday morning at her brother’s Pradoville Two home at Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara (ECD), where she resided.

The discovery was made by her children.

The former president was reportedly leading the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)’s Local Government Elections (LGE) campaign in Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) when he received the sad news.

Guyanese nabbed in nightclub raid in Barbados AUTHORITIES in Barbados conducted a raid -- a joint operation between the Barbados Police and the Immigration Department -- on an adult nightclub early last Saturday morning. According to the Barbados Nation, this raid was the first bust of its kind for the year, and approximately 44 non-nationals were carted off from Club Master Entertainment in Spring Garden, Black Rock, St Michael during the operation.

The Nation quoted sources as saying that a number of the detainees were being held with a view to being deported. Police Public Relations Officer, Acting Assistant Superintendent David Welch, has confirmed that the raid occurred, and that about 29 foreign nationals, among them Guyanese, Jamaicans and Vincentians, were held. He, however, declined to say why the operation was carried out, or what the position was with the non-nationals, since the matter was still being investigated by the immigration authorities.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 15, 2016

Good decision not to revoke radio licences - Pollard

AMIDST a fierce debate over the allocation of radio licences, Senior Counsel Brynmor Pollard has said he favours the government’s approach of granting more radio licences rather than revoking those that were handed out contentiously by former President Bharrat Jagdeo back in 2011.

Several persons have been pressing the administration, since its coming to office, to revoke the granting

by Jagdeo of radio licences mainly to his friends and to cronies of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

But last week, during the commissioning of a satellite uplink at the National Communications Network, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo stated that government was not keen on revoking the radio licences that Jagdeo had granted ahead of the establishment of a Broadcasting Authority.

“We could correct that, not by shutting down those who had been wrongly given licences, but by opening the airwaves and allowing the fresh air to touch our broadcasting in Guyana,” he had said.

Saying that any closure must be done by the Broad-

Senior Counsel Brynmor Pollard

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo

cast Authority, the Prime Minister had pointed out that he favoured granting more licences for community or national radio stations, and had noted that he had asked the GNBA to approve licences to eligible applicants.

The Prime Minister had gone on to say that some of the persons granted licences under Jagdeo were inexperienced. However, that comment had not find favour with everyone, as Dr David Hinds has urged that if the licences were given out illegally, they should be revoked. Pollard, however, differs, supporting the PM by saying: “This is a wise decision by the Prime Minister, and is a deft step to avoid the pitfalls inherent in

cancellation.”

Pollard pointed out that the former President created great controversy when he issued a number of licences to persons perceived as friends and family, or at least were sympathetic to the then ruling party, the PPP/C. he also alluded to the fact that several commentators have urged the summary cancellation of those licences on the grounds of, inter alia, illegality and improper issuance.

“These persons had expressed the view that apparently former President Jagdeo had agreed with former President HD Hoyte not to issue new licences until the advent of a new Broadcast Act and Author-

Five fined for illegal departure FIVE defendants pleaded guilty to charges of illegally departing Guyana for a foreign land when they appeared yesterday before Springlands, Corentyne Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh. They were each fined $20,000 with an alternative of two weeks’ imprisonment, but they each opted to pay their fines.

Trihan Jaikarran, his brother Gowin, along with Alexander Kissoon and Ansa Sulora, confessed to leaving the country for a foreign land between February 29 and March 12.

Police Inspector Godfrey Player, prosecuting, said the five persons were arrested at the Number 78 Village foreshore. The defendants, for whom no addresses were given, had departed for Suriname by means other than a port of entry under the Immigration Act. They have expressed regret over the incident.

ity. However, Mr Jagdeo is stated to have breached this undertaking by issuing the licences shortly before the coming into operation of the present Broadcasting Act. This, in the view of these persons, invalidated the licences and rendered them void.

“Persons have also questioned the bona fides of President Jagdeo’s motives in issuing licences almost exclusively to persons well disposed towards him and his party,” the Senior Counsel said.

He said that while these may well be good reasons, in principle, for taking action to terminate these licences, the Prime Minister has correctly resisted the temptation to do so.

“This is the counsel of prudence for two very good reasons. Firstly, former President Jagdeo, at the time he issued the licences, did so in his capacity as the minister responsible for broadcasting and the President of Guyana.

Indeed, it was the State of Guyana that issued these licences. Accordingly, from the time of the issue of the licences, the licensees acquired a legitimate expectation that they would be permitted to develop broadcast businesses

and to carry on these businesses under the licences.

“Where they have expended moneys in furtherance of this expectation -and a number have apparently expended substantial sums in establishing broadcasting stations –- should the State of Guyana subsequently reconsider its position and decide to withdraw the licences, it would be liable to compensate the former licensees for loss and damage suffered by them due to breach of their legitimate expectation. These sums could be very substantial and may place a great strain on the finances of the Treasury of Guyana,” he said.

Secondly, Pollard noted that even if the motives of the former President were not bona fide, events may have overtaken us, and cancellation on these grounds may no longer be available.

He referred to Section 20 (1) of the Broadcasting Act, 2011, which requires all licensees carrying on broadcasting immediately prior to the coming into operation of the Act to reapply for the issue of new licences. “Apparently, all of the former licensees (including those created by former President Jagdeo) applied for and were issued new licences under the

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Act. If that is the case, then the initial motives behind their creation and issue are no longer of any legal or other significance. The Authority would therefore have to possess some other good reason to cancel licences which it had itself issued previously.

Again, any attempt to do so may well be deemed unlawful by the courts and struck down accordingly,” Pollard said.

He added that, no doubt, all of these considerations had engaged the mind of the Prime Minister at the time he arrived at his decision. “It appears to be a sound decision and the best one he could have made in the present circumstances. If the motivations behind the previous licences were improper, resulting in their holders not being fit and proper persons to be awarded licences, the solution is not to cancel the licences, thereby exposing the state to the possibility of substantial awards of damages; but, instead, to avoid this possibility by simply enlarging the number of licensees. There is no disadvantage to redound to the (Prime) Minister or the state from taking that position,” he said.

MPI- reassures allays them Parika-Goshen residents’ fears their homes will not be demolished THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) wishes to address concerns raised by residents of the East Bank Essequibo squatting community of Parika Façade regarding the Parika-Goshen Road Project.

Recent reports indicate that statements have been circulating to the effect that homes will be demolished to facilitate the project. These statements have understandably caused panic among residents of the community. The MPI therefore wishes to firmly assure these residents that no demolition of their homes will occur. Rather, the most extreme form of action will be relocation of homes found to be in the direct path of the proposed site.

The project is currently in its design and consultancy phase. When that process has been completed, it would be determined whether any relocation -- not demolition - is necessary.

The MPI has said it must be noted that relocation of homes to facilitate completion of projects is not unusual.

For example, the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) runway project saw the relocation of 19 homes in Timehri North. These homes were relocated some 200 metres away. Additionally, this process featured several consultations with the residents over an extended period of time.

If, following the design process, residents of Parika Façade must be relocated, they will be duly consulted on the way forward, the MPI has promised. Furthermore, the MPI has said that while it supports community interactions on projects, all interested persons are encouraged to be duly informed and educated before publicly communicating on projects.

Moreover, the MPI says, those who have reportedly been deliberately sharing misinformation are urged to cease this practice. Residents and other persons who are interested in the Parika-Goshen Road Project are free to contact the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on 226-4368 for any information they may need.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 15, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 15, 2016

Miners push the envelope of safety

WITH the ever-growing interest in health and safety within the mining sector, more emphasis has to be placed on the way miners execute their operations.

This was according to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC)’s Commissioner, Newell Dennison, during his address to the gathering at the body’s closing ceremony of its one-week first stage training programme.

Mr. Dennison makes his remarks “Miners push the envelope of safety,” said

Dennison. “Hence, GGMC by training its officers and bridging the gap between the technicalities and occupational health and safety, hopes to combat the malpractices within the sector.”

He admitted that the GGMC had a horrible year, last year, when it came to health and safety as well as mining deaths.

As such, immense work needed to be done in order to fix the perpetual problems that hinder the

GGMC staffers paying keen attention to the Commissioner’s presentation

success of the industry.

If the need arose, he said that they would move towards providing an incentive to miners who uphold the health and safety

laws of the sector.

“Thus, with plans in the pipeline and the vested interest in making installments in the bank of knowledge, we hope

to bridge the gap with employees and further provide for a safer and successful mining sector,” said the GGMC’s Commissioner.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 15, 2016

Camp St Prison CoI

Witness: Inmates wanted media attention

By Ariana Gordon BASIL Morgan, the third prisoner to testify at the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the recent Georgetown Prison riots that resulted in the deaths of 17 of his fellow inmates, said all the inmates were doing was trying to gain the attention of the media and authorities.

Morgan yesterday told the three-man Commission and its Counsel, Excellence Dazzell, that, over the years, prisoners have been complaining about what they consider to be a delay in the legal system. He said the lack of speedy trials proved frustrating, and, as such, inmates of the Capital ‘A’ Division protested on the night of March 2. That protest took the form of two fires and chants.

The murder accused who has been on remand at the Camp Street penitentiary for approximately five years said efforts were made all around to see how best the inmates’ pleas could be heard and addressed. Morgan said he even took it upon himself to write the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Ministry of Legal Affairs, and the Ministry of the Presidency.

He told the Commission that though he’d written several letters, he’d only walked with three. Those letters were written on and between January 22, 2014 and October 6, 2015. The letters were submitted to the Commission to be considered as exhibits.

He, however, admitted that though he has written to various persons in authority, he has never once received a response. The 37-year-old also noted that when complaints were made to the prison wardens, the response was that their only responsibility was to house and keep inmates safe. “They are only mandated to keep you safe, nothing more.”

It was this disinterest on the part of the wardens, he said, that caused the prisoners to become frustrated.

GROWING FRUSTRATION “Persons’ frustration grew,” he said, “and they tried to gain the attention of the media so their stories can be heard; by lighting a fire on the external part of the building, the eastern side,” he said.

Asked to state who had lit the two fires at the Camp Street jail, Morgan said he did not know, but he readily admitted to being part of the group of 69 prisoners who protested within the Capital ‘A’ Division of the penitentiary.

“Persons chant to their satisfaction, and then the ‘fire-reel’ came and out the fire. And they light back the fire… The media arrived, and persons was at the window shouting, ‘We need speedy trials! We are being victimised’,” Morgan recounted.

Asked whether prison officers were on the scene at the time of the fires, Morgan replied in the affirmative. He said the fires were eventually put out by members of the Guyana

Basil Morgan

Prison Service. He also testified that on the morning of March 3, prison officers visited the Division and instructed that the prisoners collect their belongings and exit the Division.

“Five by five”, they were instructed to exit the division, so that another search could be conducted.

As previous witnesses had testified, a search had already been done during the course of March 2, and had yielded, among other things, several mobile phones, sharp objects, and marijuana.

Morgan said the prison officers never asked questions about the previous night’s occurrences, but the prisoners had made it clear: “We have no problem with the police; we have no problem with the firemen; we have no problem with the prison wardens. We just want our voices to be heard.”

He said that, thankfully, he was one of the first set of prisoners to be escorted out of the Capital ‘A’ Division following instructions by the prison officers.

NOT RESISTING According to Morgan, the prisoners were not resisting the instructions by the prison officials.

“There wasn’t no resistance of the inmates when they were told to come out,” he said, adding that those who were escorted before the deadly fires on March 3 were taken to the

prison’s tarmac, searched, and then escorted to the prison’s cafeteria.

He, however, recalls hearing someone pass an order to “Close the door!”

“While I was getting searched, the order was given to the police officer at the door. I don’t know who shout out the order,” he testified.

He considers himself lucky to be one of the first set of prisoners to be able to exit the Division. “Thank God I didn’t get to go back; I would have been dead right now,” Morgan, a Bagotstown resident, remarked.

Asked if he knew how the 17 prisoners died, Morgan said many of them would have suffocated, as the Capital ‘A’ Division has poor ventilation. He said tear gas was thrown into the facility, and many of his colleagues were “panting for breath”.

Those who survived, he said, were those who were situated more to the back of the Division.

The man told the Commission that the survivors would tell stories of how they made it out of Capital ‘A’ Division alive.

Those very survivors, he said, had told him that tear gas was thrown into the facility.

President of the Guyana Bar Association, Christopher Ram, cross-examined Morgan as per the GBA’s request, which was granted for full participatory rights during the life of the Commission.

“Mr Morgan, who wrote this statement? Was it written by you?” Ram asked the prisoner. Morgan replied in the negative, noting that it was a fellow prisoner who had written the statement. He could not provide the name of the inmate who had written the statement, but explained that he did not ask an inmate to write the statement.

“That person was presented to us with the relevant documentation to take the statement, and was going around…so I don’t know who ordered it,” Morgan said.

He said all inmates who reside in Capital ‘A’ and who also played a part in saving lives on March 3 were asked to make a statement. Morgan said he read the statement that was taken by the inmate before signing it. The prisoner said he’d heard of the CoI through prison officers, and decided that he wanted to give evidence before the Commission.

Asked to provide the Commission with a description of Capital ‘A’ Division, Morgan said it was “approximately 60 to 70 feet by 30 to 40 width.”

The prisoner reiterated, during cross-examination by Ram, that the main objective of the prisoners’ protests was to obtain the media’s attention and ultimately receive speedy trials. “This goes to show that is not the night of the 2nd issue, because I have letters here… We did spoke to persons seeking help,” he stressed, but nothing came out of it.

Murder accused Basil Morgan answering questions fielded by the Commission’s Counsel, Excellence Dazzell, yesterday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 15, 2016

6,000 hinterland homes to ‘go green’ - thanks to ambitious gov’t electrification drive

SIX thousand homes in 25 hinterland communities across Guyana will receive solar home systems following the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s launch of the Sustainable Business Models for Rural Electrification and Energy Access in Guyana project.

Spearheaded by that Ministry’s Hinterland Electrification Unit (HEU), the project was launched yesterday at the Cara Lodge in Quamina Street, Georgetown, in collaboration with the not-for-profit company CARIBSAVE and the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), a member of the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Group.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI), Annette Ferguson, deemed the event a significant one, given that over 80 per cent of the hinterland communities have no access to electricity. This, she said, is in stark contrast with the coastland, which boasts a nearly 100 per cent electrification rate.

Noting that this glaring disparity needs to be rectified, Minister Ferguson said that government has accordingly allocated $110M to the MPI in this year’s budget for this undertaking.

“The imbalance is glaring; it is no secret that the hinterland remains the reserve of Guyana’s wealth.

Therefore, if we can create the infrastructure that will improve energy availability for rural communities, the result will be a win-win for everyone,” Minister Ferguson said. She added: “Rural electrification improves social, environmental and economic parameters of rural livelihood.”

She said the surge in renewable energy sources will lead to an overall positive impact on the environment. “Energy is so critical for our survivability (that) its inaccessibility should be treated as a human rights’ issue,” she said.

Minister Ferguson said the project will bring drastic improvement to people’s lives and communities through the improvements of public infrastructure, living conditions, and health and education facilities; through the provision of income-generating opportunities; and through the building of capacity for improved energy services.

Project launch: Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, (centre) with, from left: Arran De Moubray, Technical Project Coordinator of CARIBSAVE; Judi Clarke, Caribbean Regional Director of CARIBSAVE; Sophie Makonnen, IDB Representative; and Horace Williams, CEO of the Hinterland Electrification Company Inc According to CARIBSAVE’s Caribbean Regional Director Judi Clarke, Guyana is the newest home of CARIBSAVE, thanks to its new Georgetown location. The company has, over the years, focused on a number of areas, including climate change; risk and resilience; biodiversity; ecosystems and marine conservation; and low carbon development and renewable energy.

“Energy demands are growing worldwide, yet approximately 1.5 billion (people) have no access to electricity….

We are therefore very excited to embark upon this project,” she said.

The key objective of the project is to increase sustainable, affordable, and reliable access to renewable energy technologies to rural communities in Regions 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9, while

ultimately improving the quality of lives of those living in the hinterland regions. The project is also an integral part of Guyana’s broader Sustainable Energy Programme.

The project will focus on the development of business models for solar photovoltaic systems which will be installed in community buildings in the 25 communities.

Additionally, community members and other energy sector agencies will be trained in technical, operational, social and environmental aspects of the project.

The MIF has contributed US$1.3M to the project, the total amount of which is US$1.7M, and its financing period will cover from 2016 to 2019. Currently, the 25 villages are being finalized, and will be chosen shortly. (Ministry of Public Infrastructure)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 15, 2016

Dataram trial continues Two D.R. women overstayed time

SELF-CONFESSED drug dealer Barry Dataram, his common-law wife, Anjanie Boodnarine, Kevin Charran and Trevor Gouveia who were charged with possession of narcotics, made yet another appearance Monday before City Magistrate Judy Latchman as the trial into the allegation continued.

It is alleged that on April 16, at Silver Dam, Fourth Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, the defendants had 129.230 kilogrammes of cocaine (equivalent to 284 pounds) for the purpose of

trafficking. The drugs were found by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) when members conducted a raid on the said property.

All those accused had pleaded not guilty to the offence when they were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court in April, 2015.

In the trial on Monday, Officer Anthony Yard, who is attached to CANU and who led the raid, told the court that on the day in question he and other ranks

conducted a search on the property in Diamond.

When the ranks entered the property in Diamond they identified themselves and he (Yard) asked who the owner of the property was.

Dataram identified himself as the owner.

In his evidence the officer positively identified the four accused as the persons he saw at the house on the day in question.

The matter was adjourned until Wednesday (March 16, 2016) for continuation of trial.

TWO nationals of the Dominican Republic were on Monday fined $15,000 each for overstaying their time in Guyana.

Appearing before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, 31-year-old Anna Matero and her 20-year-old cousin Juanna Matero both pleaded guilty to the offence.

The court heard that between October 5, 2015 and March 11, 2016, the Materos failed to comply with the conditions of the Central Immigration and Passport Office.

Permission had been granted

Anna Matero for them to stay in Guyana from October 5 to November 14, 2015, but they overstayed their time.

Prosecutor Corporal Bharrat Mangru told the court that the duo was apprehended in Bartica on March 11, 2016.

He said the police learnt that the women had arrived in Guyana through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and were granted only one month’s stay.

The Spanish-speaking duo, speaking to the court via an interpreter, declared that they were only visiting the country on vacation.

The Chief Magistrate imposed the fine on the women, and added a default sentence of 4 weeks’ imprisonment if they fail to pay the fine. She also ordered that the women be kept in police custody until they reached the nearest port of exit, from where they would be deported from Guyana.

For Tuesday March 15, 2016: 09:30hrs For Wednesday March 16, 2016: 11:00hrs For Thursday March 17, 2016: 12:30hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 15, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Colts, Raiders set up Linden ... board read 43-44 in favour of Raiders at the end of the penultimate period but down the stretch, the Linden team was too good and scored 21 points, most of which came from their front court, while restricting the former champions to 12 points in the quarter.

Jason Alonso, the towering Retrieve Raiders centre had 10 points to go with his 15 rebounds. Point guard Keon Cameron had eight points in a collective win for the Lindeners.

Pacesetters’ usual sharp-

shooter Stephon Gillis had an off-night and managed only nine points.

Meanwhile, Colts’ back counted for 65 points of the team’s total as Rose, backed

by Shelroy Thomas, Dave Causeway and Kurt English, wreaked havoc on the Ravens defence.

Colts led 17-11 at the end of the first quarter and then outscored the Ravens 22-15 in the second to lead by 13 at the close of the first half.

Thomas, who finished the night 17 points, four rebounds and three steals,

was his usual self with the ball, but the night belonged to Rose who, in the National Club Championship, is making his debut for the Colts.

At the resumption of the second half, Ravens, behind shooting guard Ryan Stephney, outscored the Colts 2016 in the third quarter, but despite their good showing in the period, the eventual winners still had complete control of the game at both ends of the floor.

Stephney finished the night with 21 points, four rebounds and four assists,

and while entering the fourth quarter trailing by only nine points (55-46), the Ravens could not have capitalised on their well-played third quarter.

Causeway (11 points, five rebounds, six assist) and English (10 points) and the night’s hero Stanton, piled on the points, much to the displeasure to the Ravens supporters.

Ravens certainly did not look like the team that had defeated the Plaisance Guardians the night before to earn their semi-final spot

From back page

with the Colts, as some suggested fatigue might have overtaken Darcel Harris and his troops.

Nonetheless, Colts, who lost to the Trinity Grid Holding (TGH) Pacesetters (7586) in the final last year, continued their demolition of the Ravens, outscoring them 26-13 in the fourth quarter to guarantee walking away from the tournament with at least $250 000.

The winning club this year will pocket $500 000, third-placers $150 000 and fourth-placers $100 000.

Thomas loses close encounter at ...

From back page

a crowd-pleasing affair.

The seasoned coach argued that it is now apparent that knockout is the only way for some countries to come away victorious.

According to Blake, Thomas was even announced winner but that was later overturned. A win would have placed the experienced policeman in the quarter-final. Blake’s comments were echoed and supported by president of the St Lucian Boxing Association, David `Shakes’ Christopher.

“It seems that the Caribbean has to fight the referee, the judges, the spectators and

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the opponents at this Qualifier. We are hopeless here when it comes to decisions,” Christopher said. The St Lucian president also lamented the absence of Caribbean officials at the tournament.

Both of the St Lucian boxers competing in the Qualifier have lost. In addition Bahamas, Barbados Jamaica have seen their boxers booted from the competition.

On Saturday, Thomas’ countryman light heavyweight Desmond Amsterdam, the other Guyanese in the Qualifier, fell in the first round to Colombian Juan Carlos Carrillo.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Kiwis await spin trial in World Costa charged by T20 opener against India today FA for improper NAGPUR, (Reuters) - New Zealand are bracing for a trial by spin when they open their World Twenty20 campaign against hosts India today, skipper Kane Williamson said on the eve of their Super10 fixture.

The Indian team have been widely touted as firm favourites to win the biennial event due to their knowledge about the conditions at home and a strong run of form in the buildup to the tournament.

New Zealand, though, have defeated India in all their previous four meetings in the shortest format of the game but their progress was somewhat thwarted against England's spinners on Saturday in their warm-up match.

"We certainly are expecting spin to pay a big part in this tournament," Williamson told reporters yesterday, adding their past record against India would have no bearing on the match.

"I suppose judging

Kane Williamson

Mahendra Singh Dhoni

by the warm-up games in Mumbai, they had a bit for the seamers and it swung a little bit.

"They were very good surfaces but from what cricket we have seen here in Nagpur, spin looks likely to play a big part. It's important that we adjust our gameplan accordingly."

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will lead India's slow bowling attack along with Ravindra Jadeja while part-timer Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina are also expected to chip in.

New Zealand arrived at the tournament after a preparatory camp in Dubai, having played a two-Test home series against Australia, during which former captain Brendon McCullum retired from international cricket.

Williamson was confident there would not be any problems making the switch to the 20-over format.

"We go into the match tomorrow (today) with a clean slate. India are a strong side and Twenty20 cricket is fickle in nature,"

Williamson said.

India, who won the 50over World Cup at home in 2011, defeated Australia and Sri Lanka in bilateral series before winning the Asia Cup in Bangladesh, a run that saw them win 10 of their last 11 T20 matches.

Batting stalwart Virat Kohli was confident the team can handle the burden of expectations.

"At home we expect that, we're prepared for that," Kohli said. "The skill required is how you manage yourself off the field, because on the field is probably the safest and quietest for you, especially in your home country.

"The field is where you face the least pressure in big tournaments like this.

"We're taking some good momentum into the World Cup. The Asia Cup was a good preparation for us, getting a feel of playing against big teams.

This is far more challenging, with teams from all over the world."

conduct

Diego Costa

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Chelsea forward Diego Costa has been charged for improper conduct following his red card in their 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat by Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Costa, already booked for a first-half collision with Gareth Barry, squared up to

the midfielder, shoving his face into the Everton player after being fouled in the 84th minute.

Referee Michael Oliver showed the Brazil-born Spanish international a second yellow card, meaning he was sent off for Chelsea for the first time.

"It is alleged his behaviour, after being shown a second yellow card in the game, amounted to improper conduct," the FA said in a statement yesterday.

Costa has until 1800 GMT on Thursday to respond to the charge.

He also has until tomorrow to provide his observations to the FA in relation to an alleged gesture he made towards Everton supporters while leaving the pitch at halftime.

WADA wants more funding to root out cheats (REUTERS) - Global sport's anti-doping agency WADA says it needs more funding to help root out cheats and wants sponsors and broadcasters to help foot the bill.

WADA president Craig Reedie said the agency's basic annual budget was around 27 million dollars (£19 million), less than some individual sportsmen earn in a year.

"I think at the end of the day most of the world thinks that clean sport would be a good idea and perhaps now we could encourage them (sponsors) to help bring it about," he told Reuters on the sidelines of a WADA conference.

"I think we have to say to very successful commercial companies, for example the pharmaceutical companies with whom we work

very closely: ‘there is a real interest here for you and for us’."

Athletics, the showpiece sport of the Olympic Games, was rocked last year when Russia was suspended from the sport after a WADA investigation revealed a state-sponsored doping programme.

Tennis was also hit last week when five-time grand slam champion Maria Sharapova revealed that she had tested positive for the banned substance meldonium.

"The difficulty comes from the never-ending list of things we have to do," Reedie said.

"It's become quite apparent that as greater pressures appear, we need to find other sources of revenue.

"It's possible to get evidence that one athlete can

President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Craig Reedie

earn more in one year than the WADA annual budget which I think is a reasonably interesting comparison," he said, adding that WADA was understaffed and had an IT system that was 10 years out of date.

WADA director general David Howman said a bigger budget would help the organisation become more proactive.

"You might look at broadcasting and say can we get 0.2 percent of the annual broadcast fees they're giving out to sport," he told Reuters.

"Most of my life has involved waking up in the morning and reacting to what happened overnight and I would prefer to get out in front; we could do that with more information

we might get, inquiry and gathering information."

The world athletics governing body (IAAF) said on Friday that Russia still had "significant work to do" before it could be reinstated to the sport, which brought an angry reaction from the country's sports minister Vitaly Mutko.

WADA said, however, that it had a working relationship with Mutko who said Russia had already done enough to be allowed back.

"At the end of the day, I don't think anybody in Russia is particularly happy with what has happened," Reedie said.

"I'm actually quite pleased with the reaction we've had from Russia, the minister understands this is a problem ... and it's a question of how quickly it can be resolved."

Earlier, Reedie told the conference that the public's confidence in sport had been "shattered like never before" last year.

"Sport has had its wakeup call. Sport must ensure better governance if public and athletes are to uphold confidence in system."

IAAF president Sebastian Coe, a former Olympic gold medallist who headed the organising committee for the London Olympics, described his current job as "the chunkiest challenge I have faced."

He repeated his view that even first-time offenders should get life bans.

"My natural instinct is to get the cheat out of sport for life," he said. "My job is not to be particularly concerned about the civil rights of the cheats; it's to protect the clean athletes."

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Golden Blue Echo GCC, GDF play wins feature event to a tame draw at KMTC horse race IN front of a packed Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC), newcomer Golden Blue Echo of the Karibee Rice Stables whipped a field of top animals to claim the D1 and Lower feature race on Sunday at the club’s Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice, race track.

Dubbed the club’s annual Phagwah horse race meet, horse racing fans were greeted to six top-notch races after the G Class race was cancelled because of limited entries.

However, the feature onemile event has lived up to its expectations, and was definitely the best event of the day.

Jockey Ajai Sansaran, decided to let the animal go from the start, giving it full rein as it set a searing pace throughout.

Coming into the homestretch, it was all Golden Blue Echo; and with jockey

HOSTS Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) and GDF played to a tame draw in the latest round of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)-sponsored GISE/Star Rentals/Trophy Stall first division game ended on Sunday.

Resuming the final day on 120-2, in pursuit of GCC’s first innings total of 246, GDF, led by half-centuries from Dexter Solomon, Leon Andrews and Jeremiah Harris, took GDF to 348, a first-innings lead of 102 runs.

Solomon stroked an en-

Connections of Golden Blue Echo pose after the newcomer won the D1 and Lower feature race.

Sansaran showing his brilliance in the stirrups, the animal was able to romp home by about one length.

RESULTS IN THE OTHER RACES READ: L2 and Lower – Secret Thinker, Blue Lightening, Confusion and Key for the Killer.

H1 and Lower – Weekend Surprise, Bird Man and Princess Maya.

L1 and Lower – Smarty Light, Confusion, Royal Stallion and Quincy.

J and Lower – Massapaquea Dr., Liquid Lion, Party Time and Little.

K and Lower – Plain Land, Red Region, Sunny Silence and Confusion.

Jokey Randolph Richmond was adjudged champion jockey, while Amarnauth Racing Stable was the best racing stable.

terprising 92 which consisted of 11 fours and a solitary six while Andrews and Harris contributed 57 and 52 respectively.

They were also meaningful contributions from Damien Whitney (29), Kevin Ramdeen (28) and Andre O’Neil (27).

Spinners Anthony Adams and Devon Lord were the most successful bowlers for GCC with three wickets apiece.

Batting a second time, GCC reached 92-4 when play ended.

Dexter Solomon

Banks DIH on board for Roy Fredericks T20 tourney

NOTABLE DATES GUYANESE-born Dennis Andries’ second attempt at winning the British light heavyweight title ended in defeat. Andries lost by a unanimous decision to Tom Collins on March 15, 1982.

The defeat was the sixth for Andries in 21 fights.

His first attempt at the British crown came in February 1980. `The Hackney Rock’ lost then by a unanimous decision to Bunny Johnson.

Andries turned pro in 1978 and won the WBC title eight years later, following

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday November 03, 2015) 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) Chris Gayle-117 (WI vs SA, Johannesburg, 2007) (2) Mahela Jayawardene-100 (SL vs ZIM, 2010) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI has captured most ICC T20 World Cup wickets to date? How many?

(2) Which WI has the best bowling figures in an ICC T20 World Cup match to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

a split-decision victory over J. B. Williamson on April 30, 1986. He made one successful defence before clashing with Thomas `Hitman’ Hearns in March 1987.

Hearns snatched the crown when referee Isaac Herrera stopped the contest at one minute and 26 seconds of the 10th round to prevent further punishment to the Guyanese. However, Andries bounced back and was again named WBC champion when he TKOed Tony Willis on February 21, 1989 to take the vacant title Andries had his last fight on December 14, 1996 and left with a record of 49 victories (30 Kos), 14 defeats and two draws.

Banks DIH Limited’s Clive Pellew hands over the cheque to Shabeer Baksh in the presence of Gavin Jodhan and Zameer Inshan.

THE Blairmont Cricket Club (BCC) received vital support last Friday when local beverage company Banks DIH Limited threw its support towards the Roy Fredericks T20 tournament.

The two-day tournament is set for March 19 and 20 at the Blairmont Estate ground.

At the simple presentation ceremony, Beverages Brand Manager Clive Pellew said the business entity is pleased to be a part of the two-day event.

In accepting the cheque, president of BCC, Shabeer

Baksh thanked the beverage giant for its support.

The two-day event will see ten top teams tussle for supremacy namely Cotton Tree Die Hard, Young Warriors, Rose Hall Youth and Sports Club, Bath Underdogs, Blairmont Blazers, Skeldon Gladiators, West Berbice Super Kings, Black Bush Rangers, Bush Lot Strikers and Lusignan Emperors.

Other attractions for the tournament will be dominoes and volleyball competitions, Cartoon characters, ice cream and air horns will

be given away, Tassa drumming, trampoline, bouncy castle, live commentary and one-man band will complete other entertainment activities.

The fundraiser will look to address the main concern of the club - that is covers for the pitch. The club also aims to promote a Spelling Bee and a Math Quiz for Grade 6 students in Region 5, to prepare them for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), with the blessing of the Ministry of Education, in the latter part of the year.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 15, 2016

West Indies Women UK-based Golden Jaguar Samuel Cox gets UEFA ‘B’ go down to Australia licence coaching honours

Meg Lanning

CHENNAI, India (CMC) – West Indies Women will begin their Twenty20 World Cup campaign later this week with question marks over their batting, after another brittle performance left them with a 43-run defeat to Australia Women in their official warm-up game here yesterday.

Chasing 140 for victory at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, the Caribbean collapsed to 96 all out off 19 overs without a single player passing 20.

The total was their third

lowest score in four T20 contests in recent weeks, following on from their 2-1 defeat in their three-match series against South Africa Women.

Stacy-Ann King topscored with 19 not out to lead five players in double figures but the next best was captain Stafanie Taylor with 14.

West Indies Women lost teenage opener Hayley Matthews for four to the third ball of the innings to be four for one before crawling to 38 for two in the 10th over.

However, Taylor’s dismissal triggered the final slide as the

Windies Women lost their last eight wickets for 58 runs.

Leg-spinner Kristen Beams picked up three for nine while seamer Rene Farrell finished with three for 18.

Earlier, Australia Women eased to 139 for three off their 20 overs after they were sent in.

Opener Elyse Villani stroked 51 from 42 deliveries while captain Meg Lanning hit an unbeaten 49 from 39 deliveries.

The right-handed Villani struck eight fours as she helped add 70 for the first wicket with wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy who made 18 off 24 balls before she was caught and bowled by off-spinner Taylor in the 11th over.

Villani fell soon afterward in the 14th over but Lanning, who counted two fours and three sixes in her knock, combined with Alex Blackwell (14) to put on 47 and ensure Australia Women finished strongly.

West Indies bowl off their group campaign tomorrow against Pakistan at the same venue here.

They have been installed in Group B also alongside India Women, Bangladesh Women and England Women.

Guyana Jaguars and Leeward Hurricanes play to a draw ...Wins for Barbados Pride, Jamaica Scorpions SKIPPER Leon Johnson fell 21 runs short of his fourth first-class hundred, but rain for most parts of the day saw the ninth round match of the WICB/Professional Cricket League (PCL) four-day tournament between Guyana Jaguars and Leeward Islands Hurricanes end in a draw at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Antigua.

The defending champions closed on 222-8 with Shivnarine Chanderpaul unbeaten on 25 and Devendra Bishoo on 16.

Johnson made 79 and Vishaul Singh contributed 32, but after suffering a middle order collapse at the closing stage of the day’s

Leon Johnson

play, Chanderpaul and Bishoo stood firm ensuring no further trouble.

Johnson and Singh resumed the day on 108-2, 24 runs behind the Hurricanes first-innings lead of 132 runs.

However, the pair wiped out the remaining deficit and

slowly built the Jaguars second-innings reply between several rain-breaks before the middle order collapse.

Guyana will now play Jamaica Scorpions from Friday at the Guyana National Stadium.

In the other two matches: Barbados Pride whipped Trinidad and Tobago Red Force by seven wickets.

Scores in the game: Barbados 396 and 74-3; T&T Red Force 226 and 240.

In the other match, Jamaica Scorpions beat Windward Islands Volcanoes by nine wickets.

Scores in the game: Jamaica Scorpions 445 and 143-1; Windward Islands Volcanoes 233 and 350.

GOLDEN Jaguar and Boreham Wood FC defender Samuel Cox said that he’s happy to have completed his UEFA B Licence Coaching course, but his journey has only now begun.

“I've been coaching quite a while now down at the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and Academy (where I started my football education) and it's something I've always taken a keen interest in,” Cox told Chronicle Sport yesterday.

The 25-year-old, who made his international debut for Guyana during the

FIFA World Cup Qualifier against St Vincent and the Grenadines, is the second national team player to pick up a coaching certification, following captain Christopher Nurse, who recently copped his United States Soccer Federation (USSF) ‘B’ Licence.

Cox, who competes in England’s National League, said, “By completing my UEFA B Licence course it will allow me to safeguard my future and allow me to progress, develop and evolve as a coach. It has also had a positive effect on my playing career as my understanding of the game is much better.”

“Sometimes it's good to see situations not only through a playing perspective, but also through a coach’s perspective,” Cox noted.

Cox will make his journey to Guyana where he will join other members of the National team, as the Golden Jaguars face Anguilla on March 22 at the Guyana National Stadium in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Caribbean Cup. “I'm really looking forward to my future in the game and I'm already looking at booking onto my A-Licence course,” Cox highlighted.

Okazaki stunner restores Leicester's big lead LEICESTER, England (Reuters) - Shinji Okazaki scored with a spectacular overhead kick as Leicester City overcame Rafa Benitez's Newcastle United 1-0 to restore a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League yesterday.

Leicester struck after 25 minutes when the flying Japanese beat goalkeeper Rob Elliot from close range after striker Jamie Vardy nodded the ball across the danger area.

Claudio Ranieri's men have 63 points with eight matches to go, five ahead of second-placed Tottenham Hotspur, 11 in front of thirdplaced Arsenal and 12 ahead of Manchester City who both have a game in hand.

Leicester have been consistent all season, having now ground out 12 wins by a onegoal margin, more than any other team, and went about the task with the usual aim to put their opponents under pressure at the King Power Stadium.

However, they managed just one shot on target, albeit a special strike, against a battling Newcastle who remain second-bottom on 24 points, one behind Norwich City and north-east rivals Sunderland.

"Shinji works his socks

Shinji Okazaki's strike was his fifth league goal of the season

off week-in, week-out so he deserves something like that. A special goal, a special moment for us," Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater told Sky Sports television.

"We got the goal and kind of sat back I think. It was pretty ugly on our side but it's the three points that matter."

Spaniard Benitez, who joined Newcastle on a threeyear contract on Friday to replace the sacked Steve McClaren, having himself been fired by Real Madrid in January, could not have faced a much tougher opening fixture.

Leicester winger Marc Albrighton kept Newcastle's defence on their toes and it was from his cross that they

scored.

Okazaki had it all to do when he received the ball with his back to goal but the Japanese guided the ball expertly into the corner.

"They (Leicester) are playing a very, very high tempo. It's not easy for any team. I was not happy (with the goal) because too many balls were bouncing around a lot," said Benitez.

Newcastle worked hard to get back into the match but did not create any clear-cut chances and Benitez now has an even bigger task on his hands to keep his side up with a crunch match at home to Sunderland, who are fourth from bottom, on Sunday.

Kiwis await spin trial in World T20 opener against India today 21 P.

GFF launches ‘Youth Ticket Initiative’ … Free access to children for all football matches across Guyana

GFF president Wayne Forde makes a presentation to a teacher from the Sophia Special School yesterday, in presence of representatives of the Ministry of Education and other students. (Delano Williams photo)

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) yesterday, in an effort to boost youth attendance at football matches, launched its ‘Youth Ticket Initiative’.

At the launch held at the Sophia Special School the GFF expressed the hope that ultimately the initiative will lead to greater participation in the game,.

President of the GFF, Wayne Forde, told the gathering

Colts, Raiders set up Linden versus Georgetown Road to Mecca III final

Retrieve Raiders forward Dwayne 'Brown Sugar' Roberts goes hard to the basket in the third quarter against the TGH Pacesetters.

of students and representatives from the Ministry of Education that his Federation took an executive decision, which will see children 12 years and under being admitted free at all football matches, and up to 17 years old will pay no more than $500.

A directive, Forde said, will be sent to its members and affiliates, detailing the Executive Committee’s decision.

By Rawle Toney NEW Champions will be crowned at this year’s GABF National Club Championship, after Pacesetters went down 65-55 to Linden’s Retrieve Raiders, in last Sunday’s semi-finals at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Ironically, last year’s finalists Colts, led by a game-high 27 points from point guard Stanton Rose, stampede d inaugural champions Ravens 81-59, to set up a Linden versus Georgetown showcase on Saturday, March 19.

Playing in the second game of the night’s double-header, the Retrieve Raiders came out being the aggressors, with forward Dwayne ‘Brown Sugar’ Roberts controlling the paint.

The Linden ‘ball club’ led 16-11 at the end of the first quarter and 32-28 at halftime.

Roberts, who finished with a double double (17 points, 12 rebounds) had to match-up against his Pacesetters’ equals, Royston Siland and Shetland Legall (15 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists) but the tenacious Linden ‘big man’ was ready for the challenge.

The scoreTurn to page 20 ►

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With Guyana set to begin their 2016/2017 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Caribbean Cup against Anguilla at the Guyana National Stadium, the GFF has presented a quantity of tickets to the students of the Sophia Special School and the top eight schools from Petra Organisation/Milo Football Tournament to attend the March 22 event.

Thomas loses close encounter at AMBC Qualifier

GUYANA and the English-speaking Caribbean continued to have a tough time at the AMBC Olympic Boxing Qualifier in Argentina with all the region’s boxers appearing on Sunday coming away with defeats.

Heading the list was Guyana’s middleweight king, Dennis Thomas, who lost a close encounter to Puerto Rican Jose Luis Rodriguez.

Manager/coach of the Team Guyana, Sebert Blake, yesterday acknowledged that it was a hard loss for the game Thomas, who he

Dennis Thomas

claimed out-boxed and outpunched his opponent during Turn to page 20 ►

TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016