Guyana Chronicle E-paper 22 03 2016

Night court returns …move to cut huge backlog of cases No. 104499

TUESDAY MARCH 22, 2016

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History in Havana - despite differences 4

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President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro gesture after a news conference as part of Obama's three-day visit to Cuba, in Havana March 21, 2016. Obama is the first U.S. president to visit Cuba in 88 years. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Top diplomats say LGE met 14 int’l standards P.

PRISONERS MOVED

…some Camp St P.2 inmates transferred to other locations

Court 3 blocks crossdresser P.

PRISONERS MOVED 2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2016

…some Camp St inmates transferred to other locations SCORES of prisoners have, in recent days, been transferred from the Camp Street Prison in Georgetown to other locations across the country in a bid to ease congestion at the Georgetown penitentiary.

The 132-year-old Camp Street Prison, occupying an entire city block, was built to house 600 inmates but, for years now, has been dogged by overcrowding. At the time of the recent riot,

which claimed the lives of 17 inmates, the prison population there stood at 984.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan confirmed the transfer of the prisoners, but declined to divulge the types of offenders transferred, citing security reasons.

“Yes, I am confirming the transfer…it will reduce overcrowding at the Camp Street facility…it is part of

our reconfiguration of the prison system,” he said.

Earlier this month, President David Granger made a fact-finding tour of the Mazaruni Prison in Region Seven, and spoke about prison reform. The President said the Mazaruni Prison forms part of a long-term strategic plan to ensure that the Guyana Prison Service fulfills its mandate.

“It is a plan to ensure there is a long-term strategy. We are ensuring that the Guyana Prison Service fulfills its mandate. We have to build a system in which persons who enter this service as inmates would have the best opportunities for rehabilitation, and those who are incorrigible…would be

prevented from bringing harm to society.”

The transfer of the Camp Street prisoners has been seen as a positive move by the prison authorities; and from reports, the inmates have been transferred to the Mazaruni, New Amsterdam, Lusignan and Timehri prisons.

While not attaching a specific number to the prisoners transferred, Minister Ramjattan said it is “about 80 to 90 of them”.

While the transfer has been effected, a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) has been launched into the Camp Street Prison riot, to determine its cause and to prevent a recurrence. The CoI is in progress, but the

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan

issue of how prisoners still managed to have cellphones in their possession after the authorities had conducted a raid and seized these items remains a mystery.

OVERCROWDING The overcrowding at the Camp St Prison, coupled with a number of incidents that made national headlines, has, in recent years, been a cause of concern.

Among the notable events are the following: In July 2010, inmates set alight a mattress in the Brick Cell block at the facility; in December 2010, the police

and army had to rush to the Georgetown Prisons following reports of a break-out by inmates; in April, 2013, officials at the Georgetown Prison had to take swift action after remanded prisoner Colin Jones had set his mattress on fire; in March 2015, inmates started a fire in a cell on the new capital wing, but the Guyana Fire Service responded quickly and was able to prevent it from spreading to other sections of the prison; and in September 2015, pandemonium broke out at the Camp Street Prison after a fight between cellmates ended with one prisoner being chopped several times about his body.

These ugly happenings took a turn for the worst about two weeks ago when the prisoners lit mattresses and staged a three-day riot after prison officials reportedly took away cellphones and marijuana from their possession. Over the years, there have been calls for some Camp Street inmates to be transferred to reduce overcrowding, mainly to avoid a crisis situation.

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Night court returns GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2016

…move to cut huge backlog of cases DETERMINED to ease overcrowding at the country’s prisons, government will soon introduce night courts and also appoint around five temporary magistrates to help dispose of the huge backlog of cases that have kept inmates on remand at detention centres for years.

A top government official told the Guyana Chronicle on Monday that funds are currently being sought to operationalise the night courts, as well as appoint temporary magistrates. It is envisaged that the courts will open from 15:00h to 19:00h, Monday to Friday.

This initiative is part of a package of reforms and actions taken by the administration following the prison riot recently that claimed the lives of 17 inmates. At present magistrates open their courts around 9:00am and close by 2:00pm. Observers have said that the addition of night court hours could provide an opportunity for many individuals to make

Justice Carl Singh

a court appearance and pay fines and costs without having to take time off from work. Additionally, a night court option could reduce the cost to some individuals by making it possible to appear in courts without missing work.

Contacted on the issue, President of the Guyana Bar Association, Christopher Ram said the association supports any initiative that will accelerate the judicial process, particularly in clearing up of the backlog of

cases. He said however, that the initiative of night courts would require additional judges and magistrates and these should be appointed.

“We have to ensure that there are enough judges and magistrates to do the night job because we cannot have the same people working during the day working in the nights.”

It is unclear whether government will initially focus on night courts at the magistracy level, but according to Ram “ideally they should do both the Magistrate and High courts because there is backlog at both levels.” Ram noted that a lot of the prisoners who complain about the delay in their trials are at both levels of the judicial process.”

Only last week a high-level Government team led by Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo met with the Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh the Director of Public Prosecution, Shalimar Ali-Hack and senior members of the

judicial system to identify measures that could address the problem of over-crowding at the Guyana Prison.

Nagamootoo, after the talks, said he was asked by President David Granger to lead the Executive’s team to the talks. “We are to have follow-up meetings after an exchange of information and

President of the Guyana Bar Association, Christopher Ram

completion of an inventory as to how many prisoners are affected,” he disclosed.

The Prime Minister described the talks as “very successful” in addressing

the prison and justice system. “We are assured that the Chancellor, the DPP, the judiciary and the Magistracy are fully on board,” he said.

Chancellor Singh had assured the delegation that all necessary initiatives will be considered to expedite trials and to review bail to reduce the number of prisoners on remand. Vice President and Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan; undertook to compile an inventory of prisoners on remand who would be placed in categories in accordance with the offenses for which they have been charged. It is expected that Magistrates would expedite trial or grant bail to remove prisoners which could ease the overcrowding of the jails. The Chancellor will be giving consideration to hiring temporary magistrates, once financing could be guaranteed.

The teams were further assured that the DPP would continue the process of nolle prosequi in High Court matters, where victims and complainants could not be located, after careful judicial review of the circum-

stances in each case. Both the Government and judicial sides expressed a strong view that, as far as possible, the police ought to take relevant statements and fully prepare cases for the prosecution before charges are laid. If that were done, it would prevent the remand of alleged offenders to prison pending collection of further evidence or advice from the DPP, as the case may be.

A statement by the Prime Minister’s Office had also said that during the frank and cordial exchange of views, both sides recognised the need for a review of sentencing guidelines, the reform of laws to allow the exercise by magistrates of greater discretion in imposing sentences, including for drug-related offenses.

Besides, the need for the police to coordinate with the magistrate in the supervision of community service, instead of a term of imprisonment, was also stressed since community service would keep a number of petty offenders out of our jails.

Court blocks crossdresser MEMBERS of the transgender community and human rights activists Monday staged a protest action in front of the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court after one of their own was put out of the court room for crossdressing.

David Bissoon, who identifies as a woman and is known as “Twinkle” was charged with the offense of larceny and re-appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess but was instructed to leave the courtroom because she was wearing a dress.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that Twinkle was warned by the Magistrate during the first court visit to dress like a man, because as far as he was aware the laws of Guyana against crossdressing had not changed. On that occasion, Twinkle wore a long dress and jacket.

On the second occasion, Twinkle wore a jeans and a blouse. On that occasion, Joel Simpson of the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) had brought to the Magistrate’s attention the decision of Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang in September, 2013, when he ruled that men could dress in women’s clothes - but not for any “improper purpose.”

Chang did not say what constituted an “improper purpose,” leading to an appeal that is currently on the books.

On Monday, Twinkle turned up in court with a long dress and jacket, and was not allowed in the courtroom.

This prompted the protest against the Magistrate’s decision. During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Bissoon said, “This is the third occasion I came to the Georgetown Magistrate’s

Court before Magistrate Dylon Bess dressed as a transgender because that’s the way I express myself and he refused to listen to my case because every time I come to court he puts me out…I feel this is total discrimination.”

Bissoon is asking that the matter to be heard before another Magistrate.

Representative of the rights organisation Red Thread, De Souza suggested that Magistrate Bess is “misguided” in his interpretation of the law.

She also made reference to Chang’s decision on the issue. “…the Magistrates feel that they have the freedom to use the law for their own phobia and biases to define improper purpose and he is using his transphobia to bar the defendant from court.”

David Bissoon (right) on the protest line Monday (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 22, 2016

History in Havana - despite differences

(Reuters) U.S. President Barack Obama pushed Cuba to improve human rights during his historic visit to the Communist-led island on Monday, publicly sparring with President Raul Castro who showed flashes of anger and hit back at U.S. “double standards”.

In a joint news conference that was tense at times, Obama praised Castro for openly discussing their differences but he said a “full flowering” of the relationship can happen only with progress on the issue of rights.

“In the absence of that, I think it will continue to be a very powerful irritant ... America believes in democracy. We believe that freedom of speech and freedom of assembly and freedom of religion are not just American values but are universal values,” Obama said after talks with Castro, in remarks broadcast live on Cuban state television.

The Cuban leader countered that no country meets

U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuba’s President Raul Castro walk past honor guards during their first meeting in Havana March 21, 2016 (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

all international rights but appeared uncomfortable as he made the rare step of taking questions from journalists in a country where the media is state controlled.

Obama, the first U.S. president to visit Cuba in 88 years, agreed in 2014 to improve relations with the

For Tuesday March 22, 2016: 14:30hrs For Wednesday March 23, 2016: 05:30hrs For Thursday March 24, 2016: 05:30hrs

former Cold War foe but he is under pressure at home to push Castro’s government to allow political dissent and to further open its Soviet-style economy.

Opponents say he has given away too much as he improves ties, with too little from Castro in return.

Castro, an army general who became president when his ailing older brother Fidel retired in 2008, had never before taken questions from foreign reporters on live Cuban television and was clearly irritated when asked about political prisoners in Cuba, demanding the reporter produce a list of those in jail.

“Tell me now. What political prisoners? Give me a name, or the names,” Castro said. “And if there are these political prisoners they will be free before nightfall.”

Cuba says it has no political prisoners and that the dozens listed by dissident groups are instead common criminals.

Castro said Cuba has a strong record on rights such as health, access to education and women’s equality. His government criticizes the United States on racism, police violence and the use of torture at the Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba.

In another awkward moment at the news conference, Castro lifted Obama’s arm in the air as if to form a victory salute. Obama resisted, letting his hand hang limp rather than form a fist.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 22, 2016

84-year-old leader scolded reporters when he was asked again about rights, saying he agreed to only take one question.

Obama playfully encouraged him to address a second but Castro seemed reluctant as he obliged.

“How many countries comply with all 61 human rights? Do you know? I do. None. None,” Castro said.

As part of the diplomatic breakthrough in 2014, Cuba released 53 prisoners that the U.S. government considered political prisoners. But the dissident Cuban Commission of Human Rights and National Reconciliation says 79 are still behind bars, among them more than 40 held for peaceful political protest.

“This list is here if they want to see it,” commission leader Elizardo Sanchez said on Monday.

His commission’s list also includes armed anti-government militants, convicted hijackers, army deserters and spies, but Sanchez said they are considered political because they were denied due process.

Obama’s ease with reporters’ questions contrasted with Castro’s manner. With American flags hanging in Revolution Palace, the tension was palpable as Castro declined to call on a slew of Cuban journalists who yearned for the rare chance to ask him questions.

Castro offered Cuba’s recipe for better relations, saying the United States needs to lift its 54-year-old trade embargo on the island and hand back the Guantanamo Bay base to Cuba.

Obama did not respond to the demand on Guantanamo Bay but said he was optimistic about the elimination of economic sanctions against Cuba.

“The embargo’s going to end. When, I can’t be entirely sure,” Obama said.

Obama has urged Congress to rescind the economic embargo but has been rejected by the Republican leadership. Thwarted so far, Obama has instead used his executive authority to take a series of steps loosening restrictions on trade and travel.

For decades, Obama’s trip would have been unthinkable. It became possible after secret talks led to the 2014 agreement to normalize relations.

A series of business deals timed to coincide with the visit appeared to show the strategy was bearing some commercial fruit.

Ahead of the meeting with Castro, Obama announced a deal that Google would provide more Wi-Fi and broadband access on the island.

Western Union announced it was set to expand in Cuba and online hotel bookings company Priceline Group made Cuban rooms available to U.S. customers.

Starwood Hotels on Saturday became the first U.S. company to sign a hotel deal in Cuba since 1959 revolution.

Google said later its efforts were in the “early stages.”

Obama hopes that commercial deals between U.S. companies and Cuba will help protect his policy shift on Cuba even if a Republican wins the U.S. presidential election in November.

A member of security personnel guards the limousine of President Barack Obama as he tours Old Havana with his family.

(REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

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Tourists and local residents take pictures as President Barack Obama (not pictured) tours Old Havana with his family March 20, 2016 (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

President Barack Obama’s daughters Malia (C) and Sasha (R) arrive with their parents at the Jose Marti international airport in Havana March 20, 2016 (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

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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

Obama’s visit to Cuba

GLOBALLY, human relations are changing for the better, and this augurs well for humankind. The three-day visit to Cuba by U.S President Barack Obama (20th-22nd March) is the first for a sitting U.S President in 88 years.

The Obama administration continues to dismantle policies toward Cuba that are rooted in the Fidel Castro-led 1959 revolution that overthrew the U.S-backed Fulgencio Batista government. U.S responses to the Castro government saw the breaking off of diplomatic relations and the imposition of a trade embargo. Thus the forging of new relations between the two countries will inevitably impact not only their relations, but also international relations and cooperation.

It is worthy to note that as Obama pushes forward with this foreign policy agenda, what comes across distinctively is a desire to effect change through engagement.

This policy makes sense in that the refusal to talk even with one’s enemy -- perceived or real -- can never bring about resolution to matters affecting the parties. Further, it makes absolutely no sense to be wedded to a position when times have changed and the majority presently affected by the fallout of the war was not part of the war.

Typical of Obama’s character of finding common ground in breaking the ice and forging relations, during his visit, he emphasised the commonality of the people of Cuba and USA, pointing out areas such as religion and culture, and visited the statute of Cuban hero Jose Marti, who helped push for independence from Spain.

To pretend that the change in U.S/Cuba relations has not been without its distractors is to ignore audible reservations by opponents, both from the political and Cuban-American influences. The efforts to forge new relations between the two countries and the meeting in Havana were not without hard work. It was a process that began in 2012 in secret talks this were buttressed by the will and commitment of the two leaders, who recognised that they have a responsibility to the people of their countries.

Where the U.S is concerned, it is recognition that there cannot be talks about peace and tranquility in the Middle East while at the same time having an estranged and hostile relationship with one of its close neighbours. For Cuba, recognition is that the world has changed and their closed society can no longer suffice and meet the needs of an anxious populace.

Change is critical to survival. It is this recognition by both sides that, working together, will be in their mutual interest. What is instructive is that both Obama and Cuba President Raul Castro called for an end to the U.S. embargo, though a timeline was not given by U.S. Both men agreed on the closing of Guantanamo, which Obama made a part of his 2008 presidential run.

While some may attribute weakness to the promise that the embargo will be lifted and those deemed by Cuba as political prisoners will be freed, the net benefits to the U.S economy with the lifting of the embargo and the empowerment of Cubans from speaking directly to them

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 22, 2016

GECOM’s public awareness campaign for LGE & Business Expo.

Dear Editor,

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has been focused and resolute in preparing for the just concluded Local Government Elections.

The Local Authorities (Elections) Law stipulates clearly what GECOM is responsible for: the conduct of elections.

GECOM’s duties encompass voter registration; compilation of the Official Voters’List; procurement, production and management of ballot sheets and other sensitive and non-sensitive material for Elections; management of polling and E- day staff; and the declaration of results.

Notwithstanding the above and its legally based mandate, GECOM has actively and proactively engaged itself in civic voter education undertakings since the last quarter, shortly after the May 2015 General and Regional Elections.

Yet we are daily confronted by the accusations of those who would not recognize our efforts, but even unabashedly posture that they are doing GECOM’s work. The fact is that we are doing their work, since many of the candidates seem to have abrogated their responsibilities. After all, those who are making the negative and deleterious comments about GECOM are the ones who want to be elected.

If the turnout was lower than expected, it is not because GECOM did not offer education to the voting public, but it may be because the candidates did not do enough work on their own behalf. Or it could be

that the voters are sick and tired of the posturing and the blame throwing, not lastly at one another.

There are surely several other elements and considerations which can be factored into the debate about the level of turnout. Below, you will find a synopsis of GECOM’s activities pertaining to civic and voter education:

Elections, with a call-in feature, were aired on NCN. Copies of this programme were shown on television stations in regions where NCN broadcasts do not reach.

1. Public announcement messages on various aspects of the electoral process were conceptualized, produced and disseminated. Nine skittypes and nine narratives with the sign language component for the benefit of the hearing impaired were produced and aired on radio and television stations.

7. Full-page, half-page and quarter-page advertisements were offered to the public in the four daily newspapers on a weekly basis, with information being featured on the Local Government Elections process.

These advertisements included information on proxy applications, illustrations of the voting process, voting requirements, etc.

2. One hundred thousand flyers and brochures on Local Government Elections were produced and distributed at grass roots’ levels via all registration offices, political parties and stakeholders.

3. Interactive public engagements were held within all of the 71 Local Authority Areas. The schedules for these meetings were publicised in the print media and via public address systems, and flyers were distributed within the respective communities.

4. Public engagements were held with potential contestants in the run-up to the deadline for the submission of application for approval of symbols and requirements for list submission on Nomination Day, etc.

5. Weekly panel discussions on Local Government

is greater. This is shrewd international politics by the Obama administration.

As an aside, in 1973, during U.S President Richard Nixon’s second inauguration, then President Fidel Castro was asked by British journalist Brian Davis: “When do you believe relations between Cuba and the United States, countries that are quite distant despite their geographical proximity, could be re-established?” Castro responded: “The United States will sit down and talk with us when it has a black president and the world has a Latin American Pope.”

Looking at this statement now that the U.S has a black president and Pope Francis is from Latin American, there may be inclination to think that Castro was being prophetic. In fact, Castro, who is still alive, was at the time making a statement consistent with a reality that the U.S socio-political climate was skewed against minorities, and the Catholic Church, a

6. 100,000 copies of flyers about “No Contest Areas” and the three different types of ballots were produced and distributed.

8. Invitations to discussions on LGE facilitated by GECOM were dispatched to 96 civil society organizations across the coastland.

These organizations were required to invite their respective constituencies to these forums for interactions.

9. Meetings were arranged in Local Authority Areas & Constituencies where there were to be no elections, in order to advise electors on that particular process.

10. Hotlines had been established, and were adequately publicized.

11. Pertinent information was published continuously on the GECOM website.

12. GECOM participated meaningfully at public events eg. Essequibo Night

13. Ballot officers’ meetings were conducted with ranks at strategic Disciplined Forces’ locations, including the Mazaruni Prison.

14. “ASK GECOM STREET MARKETING CAMPAIGN”, which included pop-up booths were featured around the country, and a mini caravan sharing information on LGE was also featured.

15. Numerous appearances on TV talk shows were made.

16. LAA and constituency billboards were installed.

17. “Below the Line Text Messaging” on LGE via GTT and Digicel was done.

18. Scroll advertisements and messages were made on television stations.

GECOM also acknowledges the organisations that were actively involved in the awareness and dissemination of information on the Local Government Elections. These include Merundoi Inc. Guyana, The Guyana National Youth Council, and Youth Challenge Guyana. Never, in the history of civic and voter education in Guyana, has so much positive result-yielding effort been made.

We therefore demand to know what the complainers would have done more and better instead of nattering negativities. GECOM carried the voters to the proverbial water; it was up to the candidates to encourage them to drink.

Regards, TAMARA RODNEY, Public Relations Officer

world-renowned institution, was not strident in addressing U.S/Cuba relations in an objective manner.

The desire for the thawing of U.S/Cuba post 1959 relations has had the influence of Guyana. The struggle to end apartheid, which was part of Guyana’s foreign policy agenda, saw us allowing Cuban planes en route to Southern Africa to be refuelled here. Guyana also played a leading role in CARICOM in having the community normalise relationship with Cuba. In both instances, these actions did not sit comfortably with the U.S. President Obama, during his tenure, has demonstrated recognition that even when bombs are being thrown and countries and persons are at odds with each other, it requires engagement, formal and informal, behind the scene and across the table, with a view to bringing about resolutions and forging harmonious relations for mutual respect and benefit.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 22, 2016

No one was forced to do anything Dear Editor,

PLEASE allow me space to comment on a statement made by Sir Richard Cheltenham on Forbes Burnham when he commented on his flawed Commission of Inquiry.

He said that Mr. Burnham had people forced to clean trenches, etc. That alone shows that he came with his own conviction. Burnham taught us the true meaning of patriotism; no one was forced to do anything. He made a plea to the citizens to co-operate and build Guyana, and many of us obliged

(thousands).

Some people alive today can remember how we cleared the Mahdia jungle for the road and township by self-help. Planeload after planeload of self-helpers from all races and places in Guyana did their bit. There were never any fighting or racist taunts thrown by anyone to anybody.

I was there. It was a joy to behold Guyanese awaking at 3 am to shower each morning, take breakfast, and, without any complaints, board the trucks to complete another day’s work. When transportation was slow we walked.

There were never any slackers or lazy persons to deal with. Every man was his brothers’ keeper. Some persons made more than one trip. Such was the inspiration of Forbes Burnham.

Perhaps it would have been very challenging for Sir Richard Cheltenham to experience the advanced Guyana campaign, where thousands of persons were given implements by the campaign to do self-help cleaning throughout the country. A great success for reference: the business community donated money, implements and materials;

and at the end of the day’s exercise, everything was accounted for.

I would advise as a taxpayer that Sir Richard Cheltenham and his team not be given any payment for their blatant disregard of Guyanese intelligence.

For far too long, our country has been raped by crooked individuals, and our birthright has been given away. We take it as a personal insult that these people have not been brought to justice.

It is an insult to the memory of Forbes Burnham. That commission was so afraid of defence counsel that it was

loath to call the witnesses of substance. Exposing them to Basil Williams would have been detrimental to the Commission’s preconceived findings. Only those who were controlled by the State were called as witnesses.

Isn’t it funny that Rabbi Washington’s thug was highly elevated in the previous government, and Rabbi himself was freed?

Mr. Williams destroyed the credibility of the witnesses set up against the defence, and put probable cause on the shoulders of the architects of the commission.

My honest opinion is that

they could not compile a report, and had so many extensions because of the brilliant mesmeric defence of our young Attorney General, who was a joy to listen to.

Those old fogeys were taken to a place way beyond their intellect, and were in a state of confusion. The hunted became hunter.

Hats off to Basil! You have made me proud to be a Guyanese. When they come on our turf they must be prepared to do battle, and not dribble.

Regards, M. BACCHUS

Int’l Day for elimination of racial discrimination Dear Editor, I AM pleased to join you to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Let us recall that the date of this annual observance is the anniversary of the Sharpeville massacre of peaceful demonstrators in South Africa in 1960.

I draw encouragement by how far we have come since that tragedy. But we have much distance still to travel in our work for equality for all.

For this year’s observance, we are commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

Adopted by consensus at the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, these texts remain the most comprehensive framework for international, regional and national actions against racism.

The international community acknowledged in Durban that no country could claim to be free of racism. This remains the case today. We have undoubtedly come a long way in ensuring equal rights and non-discrimination. Member States have adopted or amended legislation to guard against racial discrimination.

An International Decade for People of African Descent was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, and will continue through the year 2024.

Civil society organisations worldwide working on racism are increasingly active and vocal, yet persistence of racism indicates that we have not yet done enough.

I am deeply alarmed by a surge of intolerance, racist views, and hate-driven violence around the world. Racial profiling and violence against certain communities is on the rise.

Economic hardship and political opportunism are triggering increased hostility towards minorities.

This is being manifested most directly in anti-refugee, anti-migrant and, in particular, anti-Muslim bigotry, attacks and violence.

Extreme right-wing political parties are fomenting divisiveness and dangerous myths. Even once-centrist parties have hardened their views, once-moderate countries are seeing xenophobia rise sharply, and once-sober voices have exploited fears in a dangerous echo of the darkest chapters of the last century.

All of this increases the risk of societal fracture, instability and conflict. In

these tumultuous times, we must stand up for rights and dignity for all, and for diversity and pluralism.

We must speak out against anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim bigotry, and other forms of hate. An assault on one minority community is an attack on all.

I am also concerned that the political will that existed fifteen years ago is under threat. The collective determination that enabled such a far-reaching agreement is being undermined by political expediency. The shared commitment to the uni-

versal values of the United Nations Charter is being tested. We must keep foremost in our minds the countless victims of racial discrimination. By implementing the Durban agreements, we can uplift not only those who suffer most profoundly, but hu-

manity as a whole.

Non-discrimination and equality are the very foundation of our universal human rights’ system.

Let us unite to ensure dignity, justice and development for all.

UNITED NATIONS

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Prison Riot Inquiry…

Portion of prison riot video to be made public

By Shauna Jemmott

Video footage of the Georgetown prison riot taken from surveillance cameras within the walls of the Camp Street penitentiary is expected to be released to the media, while some of the audiovisual material will be kept back for national security reasons.

A reliable source close to the Commission of Inquiry disclosed to the Guyana Chronicle that for reasons of national security the Commission ruled yesterday that certain portions of the video recorded at the prison by surveillance camera will neither be released to the lawyers nor the media, but others will be made available.

The Guyana Bar Association (GBA) has requested a list of prison documents and statements.

The application was made by the GBA through Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram last Wednesday and an adjournment for decision was requested to allow the Chairman and Commissioners, as well as lawyers representing the Commission, the joint services, and the interest of prisoners, to consider the request.

Attorneys for both the prisons and prisoners said they were pleased with the decisions by the Chairman and Commissioners of the Commission of Inquiry to allow the production by prison officials of certain documentation and to deny others.

Those who participated in the closed hearing in-

cluded GBA representative Brenden Glasford, CoI lawyer Excellence Dazzell, Attorneys-at-law Dexter Todd and Darren Wade who are representing the interests of several prisoners and Joint Services Attorneys Selwyn Pieters and Eusi Anderson and the Commissioners retired Justice James Patterson (Chairman), former Director of Prisons Dale Erskine and Human Rights Activist, Merle Mendonca.

Attorney Pieters told the Guyana Chronicle in an invited comment that the Chairman and Commissioners rejected requests by the Guyana Bar Association in the application for “reports register, log, etc. of complaints by officers in connection with his duty under Rule 172 (and) reports register, log, etc. of complaints by prison officers to Officer-in-Charge under Rule 192 (and)… service record of the senior officers.”

Pieters, in a document presented to the CoI, submitted that in respect to requests by the GBA for reports register, log, and other documentation of “complaints by officers in connection with his duty (according to Rule 172), and reports register (and other documentation) of complaints by prison officers to Officer-in-Charge under Rule 192,” the material requested “should be limited to two years preceding the Commission, if the Tribunal finds the requested items to be arguably relevant to the CoI Terms of reference.

“Documents, materials

and things of more than two years old creates a significant temporal gap in the course of the alleged series of events of March 02, 03 and 04, 2016 and that gap in time of more than 24 months in our submissions interrupt the putative series of incidents even if they appear to be thematically connected so that there is no useful purpose to be served in seeking production of twelve documents more than two years old.”

The attorney said those documents are “not arguably relevant.”

An application for the availability to lawyers of “the organization Chart of the Camp Street Prison, including the names and service record of the senior officers,” was denied after Pieters submitted too that “the Guyana Prison Service would respectfully refuse to disclose item 4, namely the service records of Senior officers at the Georgetown Prison on the grounds that the service records have private information related to third parties who are entitled to absolute privacy and confidentiality of their service records.

“The service records contain the highly sensitive personal information of third parties i.e. prison employees including home addresses, next of kin, medical information, and the like.

“It is already the case that Prison Officers homes are being cased or watched by unsavory elements, Prison Officers are receiving death threats and some are off sick due to Post Traumatic

Stress Disorder as a result of the critical incident that occurred on March 02, 03 and 04, 2016.

“It is submitted that any probative value that the records may have is outweighed by their prejudicial effect”.

He also submitted that it was only in 2014 that government had appointed a special medical officer Dr. Radesh Chandrika, to the prison. The prison was also asked to make available reports by its Sentence Management Committee for the past two years.

The lawyer said some of the items that the GBA requested were rejected either on the basis that no such report existed, and that others were either vague or irrelevant.

He said he was satisfied with the Commission’s decision to ensure a fair process and that the personal integrity of his clients, the prison officers, as well as information which can be a threat to national security, were protected.

Meanwhile Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd, who is representing the interests of Marcellus Verbeke and relatives of Sherwin Trotman and Delroy Williams, said he too is satisfied with the decisions by the Commission to ensure the truth is revealed during the inquiry.

“I am pleased with the approach that the Commission is at least entertaining the application, and that shows a level of maturity,

that shows a level of fairness on behalf of the commission to enquire into really what occurred on that day.”

He added: “The Commission has work to do and I believe the task is to ensure that the truth is revealed and I believe that is an assigned task which was given by His Excellency the President.

“When Counsels made the objection, not of the proceedings of the Commission, but rather so that if the Commission is to proceed, and in light of fairness, that certain documents and records must be made available to the attorneys so that we all must be able to have an appreciation of those records, so that when we are cross-examining the witness in an effort to get the truth, that we are also knowledgeable; that was basically the deliberation.”

The lawyer said he had raised concerns about the procedure taken to call witnesses to the inquiry, since he had observed that witnesses were from the Capital A block and were not able to give a testimony regarding the entire unfolding of the events since at some point they were not able to see what was taking place.

“I have made mention to the Commission that what I have been seeing for the last couple of days would be inmates coming to testify who had very little visible evidence to bring in terms of what actually occurred.

“If there was any need for someone or inmates who would have witnessed from starting to end, then we must

Attorney-at-law Darren Wade

look to those who were outside.”

Attorney-at-law Darren Wade, who today was accepted to participate as a lawyer for several prisoners who were housed at Capital C during the riots, made an application to the Commission for nine new witnesses to appear. He was given permission eventually to have two of those nine witnesses testify before the commission.

Todd stated: “As you go day by day, there are new issues that are arising and I believe Chairman, as well as the other two Commissioners are trying their best to see how they can deal with those issues.

“What is evident is that all the issues may not have been considered at the beginning of the Commission so that they can be put into writing and as you go along as evidence is brought before the commission, you are seeing the need for reviews and I think that we are going to continue to see reviews up until the end.”

Woman who said ‘without licks life is not sweet’ freed of attempted murder

By George Barclay A MIXED jury at the Demerara Assizes on Monday found 25-year- old Stacey James not guilty of attempted murder and wounding committed on Eunita Mendonca.

The evidence for the prosecution was that James, who bore tattooed arms, was told by the victim, Eunita Mendonca, that the latter’s boyfriend had chastised her, to which James replied: “With-

out licks life is not sweet”.

The jury was told about a cuss-story between two young women which ended with one of them facing a two-count indictment for attempted murder. The incident took place on 21st January, 2007 at Anira Street, Queenstown.

Stacey James was charged with wounding Eunita Mendonca with intent to cause her grievous bodily harm or to maim, disfigure or disable her.

Police Sergeant Lilian

Scotland, now attached to the Mackenzie Police Station, testified that she was on duty at the Alberttown Police Station in 2007 when she assisted in the investigations.

She recalled receiving a report about wounding involving the accused and the victim, Mendonca.

Scotland said the two young women were subjected to a confrontation at the Station.

In the presence of the accused, Mendonca repeat-

ed her complaint, accusing James of cursing her and stabbing her in the chest.

According to Scotland, James said that during a row between them, Mendonca had struck her on the head and she felt that she was going to fall. Therefore, she retaliated by picking up something to defend herself.

Mendonca was stabbed in the chest and spent some days in hospital.

And later in a caution statement to the police, the

accused admitted that she was sorry for what happened on that day.

Following the summing up of the evidence by the judge on Monday, the jury, after deliberating for over two hours, returned with unanimous verdicts of not guilty on both counts.

Before discharging the accused, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow noted the unfortunate sentence in the evidence that referred to “licks as sweet” and advised her to let the

jury’s verdict be a guide to her in the future; for, she said, had the victim died, James might have been charged with murder.

The judge thanked the jury for its verdict, since its members had to decide which of the parties’ allegations to believe.

State counsel Miss Tuanna Hardy conducted the case on behalf of the prosecution. Mr. James Bond, Attorney-at-law represented the defence.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2016

GECOM releases full stats on LGE vote

‒ Cane Grove had highest turnout; Linden saw worst turnout

A woman shows her finger indicating that she voted Friday

Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Monday confirmed that less than 40% eligible voters exercised their franchise during Friday’s Local Government Elections (LGE).

Some 507,584 persons were registered to vote in 542 constituencies across the country, but in the end, only 239,070 persons voted, representing a 47.10% voter turnout.

Of the votes cast, 236,323 were valid with 2,747 of the ballots rejected. The statistics reveal that though the voter turnout was low, the majority of the voters or 98.85% understood how to vote in the Proportional Representa-

tion and First-Past-The-Post components of the elections.

Only 1.15% of the ballots were rejected.

Cane Grove in Region Four, which has six constituencies, recorded the highest percentage of voter turnout.

In that Local Authority Area, 1,556 of the 2,448 voters cast their ballots, representing a 63.56% voter turnout.

According to the statistics provided by GECOM, the Municipality of Linden recorded the lowest voter turnout, with only 35.15% of the 23,880 persons voting.

This means that only 8,395 persons voted in that municipality.

Meanwhile, in Region

One (Barima-Waini), 5,923 persons were expected to vote in the Local Government Elections but only 2,973 residents cast their ballots between the two Local Authority Areas of Port Kaituma/Matthews Ridge/Arakaka, and the Municipality of Mabaruma.

Port Kaituma/Matthews Ridge/Arakaka recorded a 43.92% turnout with 50 of the 1,478 votes cast rejected.

Over in the Municipality of Mabaruma, 2,558 persons were expected to vote but only 1,495 did, representing a 58.44% turnout.

In Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), in the Local Authority Areas of Charity/ Urasara, Evergreen/Paradise, Municipality of Anna Regina, Aberdeen/ Zorgen-Vlygt, Annadale/ Riverstown and Good Hope/ Pomona 28,646 persons were registered to vote however only 15,532 ballots were cast.

In the municipality of Anna Regina, which had eight constituencies and a voting population of 10,011, only 5,361 persons voted or 53.55%. But of that amount 54 of the ballots were rejected.

In Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Wakenaam and Leguan recorded a voter turnout of more than 60% each while the Local Authority Area of Malgre Tout/Meer Zorgren had the lowest turnout in that district.

Some 5,411 persons were expected to vote however only 2,569 persons voted with 43 of the ballots rejected. This represents 47.48% voter turnout.

In Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), there are 15 Local Authority Areas stretching from Soesdyke to Cane Grove. Close to 244,000 persons were expected to vote, however only

106,773 persons voted.

In the Municipality of Georgetown, the voter turnout was 37.66% with 42,313 of the 112,364 voting. However, 392 of the ballots were rejected.

Over in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), the 10 Local Authority Areas recorded a voter turnout between 48% and 62.56%.

In Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), the Municipality of New Amsterdam recorded a voter turnout of 40%. Approximately 13, 000 voters were listed but only 5,241 exercised their political franchise; however 74 of the ballots were rejected.

In the Municipality of Rose Hall, 3,956 persons were expected to vote but only 1,946 votes were cast of which 27 were rejected. As such, that municipality recorded a 49.19% voter turnout while at the Municipality of Corriverton only 4,486 of the 9,025 of the registered voters voted.

Meanwhile, the Munic-

ipality of Bartica in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) recorded 49.15% voter turnout, with only 3,397 of the 6,912 voters casting their ballots.

In the Municipality of Lethem, 2,268 persons were registered to vote; however, only 1,142 voted representing a 50.35% voter turnout.

Meanwhile in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), 23,880 persons were expected to vote in the Municipality of Linden, but only 8,395 ballots were cast with 116 rejected. Similarly in Kwakwani, 1,894 voters were listed but only 827 ballots were cast 21 of which were rejected.

Though GECOM has release stats on the voter turnout, it is still to announce the official results of the just concluded Local Government Elections (LGE).

However, the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is claiming victory in 48 of the 71 Local Authority Areas (LAAs).

Speaking at Freedom House on Monday, PPP/C

Member of Parliament Ganga Persaud said “the PPP/C received 75 per cent of the total support,” and that “as such, the results are: 48 LAAs were won by the PPP/C, 16 were won by the APNU+AFC, and in seven areas, there were ties.”

He is of the opinion that the results of the LGE ought to be seen as a referendum on the nine-month-old coalition government.

And this, he says, is despite the fact that, like the PPP/C, the coalition has managed to hold on to all of its bases.

The party General Secretary Clement Rohee added: “We mustered up our support base, and could, therefore, boast of winning the most local authority areas.”

However, reports indicate that the coalition won several municipalities including Bartica and Georgetown, along with other Local Authority Areas across the country as well.

PAHO-WHO engages media on Zika, suicide THE Pan American Health Organisation / World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), in a bid to engage the media, yesterday held a ‘Brown Bag Meeting’ at its Brickdam office.

The idea was to bring media operatives up to speed on what is happening here and elsewhere in regard to the Zika virus and suicide.

Country Representative Dr. William Adu-Krow, through a Power-point presentation, gave a progress report on the outbreak of the zika virus here. Besides noting that Guyana has so far recorded five confirmed cases of the virus, Dr. Adu-Krow said that between February

2014 and March 2016, a total of 33 countries and territories in the Americas have reported having confirmed circulation of the zika virus.

Dr. Adu-Krow spoke about the origin of the virus and its signs and symptoms, particularly the fact that through bodily fluids it can be transmitted from mother to child, blood transfusion, and through sexual intercourse. He, however, noted that, most importantly, it is caused by mosquitoes.

He also talked about the care and treatment of persons infected with the zika virus, and what measures can be taken to prevent its transmission.

His colleague, Dr. Jorge

Balseiro Estevez, spoke on the subject of suicide in Guyana, and what has been done in terms of research at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) from 2012 to date.

While he did not go into statistics or the root cause, Dr Estevez said that a study conducted last year at Baramita in Region 1 (Barima-Waini) revealed that the area has had it fair share of suicide cases.

The doctor added that psychological autopsy was also done by a team as a tool to profile suicidal behaviour in Guyana.

Representatives from both the print and broadcast media participated in yesterday’s exercise.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Youths protest against eviction from LEN YOUTHS being trained under the Linden Community Empowerment Programme (LINCEP) on Monday picketed the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) from where they claimed to have been abruptly evicted.

The room was rented to execute the theoretical aspect of their various programmes.

The youths expressed disappointment and anxiety over the decision to remove their belongings without their knowledge while they were on a practical session. Upon their return, the youths were greeted with a locked door and their belongings placed in front of the room, according to Dexter Copeland, founder of LINCEP which is a programme under the NGO, Linden Youth Vision.

Linden Youth Vision was launched in 2002, but Copeland, who saw the high level of early school leavers in the community, was prompted to have this initiative on board where young people are trained in electrical instillation and air conditioning. In addition to that, the programme also caters for youths who have completed

school but have not yet secured employment or tertiary education.

Speaking to the media, he said “we consider it as a waiting hub to come there and wait to go to a job or to go to UG or whatever, so the space that they come there to is a youth friendly space for the youths.”

Copeland said that the programme is three-yearsold and the rent of $40, 000 was paid by the previous government. Since the APNU+AFC Government took office, the rent has not been paid and the NGO has been issued several letters by LEN to vacate the room. In responding to the notices, he requested patience and for LEN to partner with them in consulting various organizations and the government for sponsorship.

He also engaged various organizations to stand the monthly expense since the non-profitable organization cannot afford to do so.

“I tried to engage other administrators, through the Regional Chairman, the Members of Parliament to continue the programme

Some trainees picketing in front of LEN, requesting that their space be given back to them

because they are aware of the programme, they came to graduations of the programme.

“We don’t have rent, we are a NGO, we don’t have money so we are asking the new administration to pay the rent as we are looking after the youths,” he said.

In addition to the training, youths of limited means can utilize the internet and printing facilities free of

cost for the completion of assignments.

“This is the only youth friendly space that I am aware of that is doing something like this in Region 10 and Linden,” he posited.

Sherene James, currently being trained in electrical

instillation, said that the programme has benefited her tremendously since she learnt many things in the field and is aspiring to be an electrician. She was inspired to join the programme by a graduate who is now at the University.

“This affected me be-

cause we won’t get to do our theory and now we are being locked out we won’t get to do our writing part of our course,” she posited.

The deputy CEO of LEN said that the organization does not wish to comment on the issue.

Elderly cook on $50,000 bail for ganja possession PATRICIA Thomas appeared yesterday Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and pleaded not guilty to a narcotics charge alleging that on March 18, at Amatuk Landing, Potaro River, Essequibo, she had 19 grams of cannabis in her possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Attorney-at-law Jerome Khan, representing the 56-year-old Thomas, requested that she be put on reasonable bail. He explained that his client works as a cook for tour companies such as Guyana Adventure and Rainforest Tours.

Patricia Thomas

Khan said police conducted a search at his cli-

ent’s home, where multiple persons reside, and found the illegal substance.

“The police arrested only my client because she is from the Rastafarian faith…. Also, my client was shown two spiffs by ranks, which they tried to pin on her,” the lawyer contended as he addressed the court.

Police prosecutor Inspector Neville Jeffers did not object to bail being granted Thomas, and same was granted in the sum of $50,000. Thomas will appear before the Mahdia magistrate on April 20.

Farmer gets five-year sentence for cultivating ganja CITY Magistrate Dylan Bess on Monday imposed a five-year prison sentence on Terry Van Sertima for cultivating cannabis (marijuana).

Van Sertima was also charged with having a 12-gauge shotgun, a 9mm pistol, and a Smith & Wesson pistol in his possession, besides several rounds of matching ammunition for the weapons, without being the holder of a firearm licence.

Van Sertima was apprehended at his Yarrowkabra,

Soesdyke/Linden Highway farm on March 18, after a party of policemen acting on a ‘tip-off’ caught him as he was tending more than 4,000 of the prohibited plants on approximately four acres of cultivated land.

The farmer then took the ranks to his nearby campsite, where the cache of arms and ammunition was discovered.

The accused was handed a sentence of three years’ imprisonment and fined $15,000 for cultivating the plants; and another

Terry Van Sertima

sentence of two years’ imprisonment and a fine of $50,000 for each gun and ammo charge he faced.

These sentences will run consecutively.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2016

GPSU wants early start to wage talks

THE Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) is seeking an early start to negotiations with the government on salary increases, the Union said Monday.

GPSU said that because of the protracted delay in the commencement of negotiations and the recent utterances of the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, it has dispatched a letter to President David Granger expressing the desire to commence negotiations soonest.

The Union said its letter to Granger also indicated its displeasure with the recent public statements by Minister Jordan on the matter of public servants salaries and allowances. According to the GPSU, it is the intention of the union to adjourn its

Statutory Executive Council Meeting today to convene a media briefing on these matters.

Last week, at a news conference, Jordan said that Guyana is currently not in a financial position to dole out significant salary increases to public servants. He was at the time hosting a press conference in the boardroom of his Ministry, after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had commended Guyana for its progress thus far, but warned the government against allocating large amounts of money towards salary increases.

“I agree with the IMF on this particular point,” he told reporters after being questioned on the issue. “As an economist and Minister

of Finance I could only say that from the time I came in (office) I have been advising caution as it relates to wage increases and meeting exaggerative demands for wage increases. Even in good times, paying exaggerated salaries have serious short and long-term impacts.”

He said while he agrees with the IMF, it should be known that public servants will receive an increase in salaries before year-end but warned against them expecting “exaggerated salaries.”

“We have to be careful when it comes to wages and expectations on wages because our economy is now coming out of the throes of a slowdown,” stated Jordan who explained that much more work needs to be done to

Psychiatric patient on car-jacking charges again A 26-YEAR-OLD psychiatric patient of National Psychiatric Hospital at Fort Canje, who is currently before the court on three charges of carjacking, was yesterday slapped with another charge when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It is alleged that Raymond Samaroo of Owen Street, Kitty, who is a Route 40 minibus driver, on March 17, 2016 at Kitty, stole a Primo motor car, valued $1.7 million along with $15,000 cash, property of Farida Hamid.

Samaroo was not required to plead to the indictable offence. However Magistrate McLennan allowed him to plead after the Administration of Justice Act was applied. The charge was re-read and the prosecution made an application for the matter to be tried at the Georgetown Magistrates’Court.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Neville Jeffers pointed out that Samaroo was re-

Raymond Samaroo

ferred to the psychiatric hospital because he was deemed unfit to stand trial, but he was now back on the streets.

Jeffers noted that the accused has similar matters before Magistrate Fabayo Azore and was released from the mental institute on March 16 and he allegedly committed the theft the next day.

The Chief Magistrate after hearing the Inspector’s motion noted that since Samaroo was back on the streets, it meant that he was

mentally fit to be out of the institute.

She ordered that Magistrate Fabayo’s court be informed that the accused was deemed fit to stand trial. As such, Magistrate McLennan released Samaroo on $75,000 bail and transferred the matter to Magistrate Alex Moore for April 25.

Last July, Samaroo was remanded but was subsequently released on bail when he appeared before the court charged with stealing motor car PHH 5935, valued $5 million, from Rishi Lall on June 27, while on Sheriff Street, Georgetown.

He also allegedly stole the same car on June 28 in the vicinity of the Kitty Police Station on Alexander Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

Also in August that year, he was charged for the theft of a Honda motorcar valued $5M, one Samsung cell phone valued $25,000 and $30,000 cash, property of Rhonda Joaquin at Garnett Street Kitty.

beef up revenue collection.

The Finance Minister said that currently Trinidad and Tobago is “feeling the effects” of paying salaries that may have appeared sustainable, but

with the dramatic fall in prices on the world market, “you are left hanging.”

As a result, Jordan said countries would be left with only two options, to cut salaries or cut employ-

ment. “So to avoid that kind of scenario down the road one always has to be extremely careful when matters to do with wages and increases are being considered.”

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2016

CARICOM to focus on ‘low-hanging fruits’ ‒ in quest to bolster regional agri-business sector IMMEDIATE measures to create a vibrant, high-value, high-quality agri-business sector within the CARICOM region formed the focus of a high-level meeting last week in Castries, St Lucia.

The three-day meet, which ran from March 9 to 11, saw specialist members of the recently established Business Development Thematic Group (BDTG) come together for a second time since its formation to brain-

storm the issue. Established by the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) of the CARICOM Secretariat, the group draws its core members from the Caribbean Agri-business Association (CABA), The Caribbean Farmers Network (CaFAN), The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), The Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA), The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), and the CARICOM Secretariat.

Its mandate, according to a release from the CARICOM Secretariat, “is to coordinate, guide and support the work of development agencies and regional public and private sector organisations that are engaged in initiatives aimed at progressively alleviating or removing constraints to agricultural development in the CARICOM region, specifically those related to private sector organisation, finance, transportation, and marketing.”

The St Lucia meeting, which was chaired by Mr Wilmot Garnett of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA), reportedly paid special attention to the issues of facilitating greater investment in the sector, and improving the uptake of regional raw materials in agro-processing operations.

Presenters included Mr Owen Verwey of GO-INVEST Guyana, Mr Jethro Greene of CaFAN, Mr Vassel Stewart of CABA, Ms Suzette Hudson of CEDA, Dr Andre Gordon of the Jamaican firm Technical Solutions Limited (TSL), Mr Lindsay Gay of the Trinidad and Tobago Goat and Sheep Society, and Dr. Pauline Yearwood

and Mr Nigel Durrant of the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat.

Mr John King, the IICA St Lucia Representative, who delivered the opening remarks, stressed the importance of regional implementation of best practices to reduce the import bill.

His colleague, Mr Garnett, said that in serving as the region’s oversight body on private sector organisation, financing, transportation, and marketing, the BDTG will seek to establish better coordination and collaboration among stakeholders, so as to increase business opportunities and scale-up priority commodities.

He said the initial focus will be on ‘low-hanging fruits’. That is: Actions which can be done with relative ease.

The BDTG is one of four thematic groups of specialists approved by the 51st Special Meeting of COTED with the aim of finding the means of removing or alleviating the key binding constraints to agriculture production and trade within the region. The three other COTED thematic groups are: The Climate Change Natural Resources Management Thematic Group; the Research and Human Resources Development Thematic Group; and the Agriculture, Health and Food Safety Systems Thematic Group.

The work of the BDTG is being coordinated by IICA, with funding from the European Union (EU)’s 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Agricultural Policy Programme (APP).

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2016

More effort needed to keep contraband ‒ Attorney representing prisoners items out of prisons at ongoing riot inquiry

By Shauna Jemmott

A LAWYER representing prisoners in the ongoing inquiry into the March 3, prison riot says there needs to be a review of the prison security system to prevent contraband items from getting into the prisons.

It was the discovery and seizure of mobile phones and marijuana – items prisoners are not allowed to have – that led to the riot, which left 17 prisoners dead at the camp Street prison. The prisoners had lit fires, using their mattresses, to protest the seizure of the items.

Even with the inquiry on and heightened security measures, a prisoner Collis Collison has proudly used the Facebook to display cash, including $5000 and $1000 notes, raising concerns about the “big business” happening inside prison walls.

But who are the businessmen who would supply prisoners with illegal substances and phone credit to sell in jail, and where and why does a prisoner get money?

“This is not a phenomena that has been going on today or yesterday; this is something that has been going on in the prison for a long time,” said attorney Dexter Todd.

“They have to review

their own security system and their own arrangement in checking prisoners as they go in and go out, and prisoners who have families who are coming to bring items for them.”

Todd is representing prisoners Marcellus Verbeke, who was injured during the riot, and and the relatives of deceased prisoners Sherwin Trotman and Delroy Williams.

Prison authorities have not discounted the involvemnent of some prisoner officers.

“I will not sit here and deny that we don’t have some officers who are corrupt; that is a fact,” Kevin Pilgrim, the Superintendent of Prisons said at a March 3 press conference.

The law provides for two phone calls per week.

“Persons will clearly state that that is inadequate and they will do what they have to do to get (more),” Pilgrim stated.

He said that the prisoners get the phones by various means.

“Once there is a will there is a way,” he said, acknowledging the involvement of prison officers in smuggling items into the prisons.

It was last week that the media reported that some

Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd speaking to the media after the CoI into the prison riot yesterday (Adrian Narine photo)

prisoners still had access to mobile phones and have been communicating with the public via social media, even commenting on, and posting pictures of, the food served to them in the jail.

The attorney said that he finds the allegation of prisoners transporting mobile phones and certain other contraband items in certain parts of their bodies to be “atrocious.”

“As we are aware, all these things are checked before the prisoner receives them and so (this) begs the question of who else is involved,” Todd told Guyana

Stage all set for inaugural ‘Region 5 Expo’ THE RESUSCITATED West Berbice Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WBCIC) will this weekend stage its first annual business exposition and fair.

The event, being held under the theme ‘Transforming Region 5 for a Better Guyana’, is billed for the Bath Settlement Community Ground on the West Coast of Berbice, and according to officials, preparations are coming along nicely.

President of the WBCIC, Mr Imran Saccoor, said that apart from allowing local and commercial businesses to showcase their products and services, the event is intended to mark the 50th Independence Anniversary. He said the Chamber is working closely with the Region 5 National 50th Independence Anniversary Committee to

ensure this aspect is adequately highlighted.

The Expo and Trade Fair, which begins on Saturday and ends on Sunday, will be an annual feature thereafter. The much-anticipated fun-filled Exposition and Trade Fair is expected to attract participation from public and private sector businesses, as well as non-governmental (NGOs) and other interest organisations.

Vending, children’s games and entertainment, including live bands and possibly fireworks, will be main attractions on both evenings. Saccoor said the WCBCC is delighted to be initiating this trade fair and show, since it believes that the investment represents development for the region, and will go a long way in improving and exposing

businesses within the region to additional markets near and far.

He said the show is intended to promote commerce and business in Region 5, create and develop a network amongst business associates, upsell the businesses in the Region, and provide an avenue for recreation and tourism.

He stressed: “The Chamber will continue to support the development of communities within which it serves.”

The Expo will be open daily from 16:00 hours to 23:00 hrs. Saccoor said booth spots under the main exposition auditorium, having sizes 10’ & 8’, are available for $15,000 for the two nights. In addition, spots are available around the venue for larger companies which are desirous of establishing their own external booths.

Chronicle.

President David Granger said earlier this month that there is need for a maximum security prison facility.

“What we’re contemplating is ensuring there is a correctional facility which can guarantee the security of high-risk prisoners without allowing the outbreak of the type of violence we’ve seen,” the Head of State said during his weekly programme, ‘The Public Interest’.

Throwing of items over the prison wall is one known way of getting prohibited items into the prison, but government had beefed up security outside the Georgetown Prison by employing the services of the Guyana Police Force and Guyana Defense Force, having their officers stationed at strategic points around the prison.

And the Georgetown Prison is equipped with a scanner.

Prisoners on outdoor duties also have an opportunity to interact with the public, which increases the opportu-

nities for prohibited items to be smuggled into the facility.

Guyana Chronicle also understands that illegal items are sometimes smuggled through prisoners who are hospitalized, with marijuana sometimes being strapped to their bodies on return to the penitentiary.

Contraband items or prohibited items are things that should not be in the prison, including drugs and cell phones.

“Contraband can be anything that is unauthorized. “…our business, if you give an inmate a stick of gum and it is not authorized it’s the beginning of something,” Todd said.

“Although it’s small and may have no significance in what we do, once you give him that one illegal piece, it could move from there to a candy, then to drugs, and then a cell phone,” the attorney stated.

With mobile phones and marijuana discovered in the prison, the possibility of

illegal weapons entering the prison also exist.

Prison wardens have previously been charged and convicted for trafficking narcotics into the prison.

The latest of such case was almost a year ago, on March 26 when a prison officer Ceon Paul was sentenced to four years imprisonment for trafficking narcotics in the Georgetown Prison.

Paul of Lot 1 Bent Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown was found guilty of the charge which said that on January 12, 2015 at Camp Street, Georgetown, he was caught with 30 grammes of cannabis-sativa (marijuana) in the prison.

Paul was also sentenced to six months in jail in January of that year after admitting that he smuggled packets of cigarettes and a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, both prohibited articles, into the Camp Street facility for inmates. He was caught “red-handed”.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Top diplomats say LGE met int’l standards

By Telesha Ramnarine THE diplomatic community Monday joined together in lauding the recently concluded Local Government Elections, saying it was one that met international standards and served to bolster the country’s democratic credentials.

The British High Commission, the United States Embassy, and the Canadian High Commission hosted

a news conference at the latter’s office at Young and High Streets in the City, and agreed that the elections were free and fair, credible and transparent.

Greg Quinn, British High Commissioner to Guyana and Non-Resident Ambassador to Suriname, observed: “We are seeing a series of elections here which are meeting international standards, and I think that is reinforcing the perception Canadian High Commissioner Pierre Giroux and British High Commissioner Greg Quinn listen in as U.S. Ambassador Perry Holloway makes a point at Monday’s press conference at which they hailed the conduct of Friday’s Local Government elections as being of international standard

of a country…reinforcing its democratic credentials.”

The other officials at the head table were United States Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway and Canadian High Commissioner Pierre Giroux.

Commissioner Holloway observed that the elections were as peaceful as the national elections, and thus holds well for the future of Guyanese.

Although the diplomatic community is on hand to provide assistance and even point out problems to central government, Holloway said their intention is never to impose solutions on the government unless they are asked for help. “We’ve always worked on democracy and government projects. If they ask for technical assistance or training, we will try to provide it if it makes sense to us.”

The US Embassy had observer teams, consisting of some 70 members, spread throughout nine regions on Elections Day. We also had observers in the field on disciplined forces voting day.

“Our observers monitored the entirety of the elections process that has occurred to date. As of this moment, we have witnessed an orderly process, in conformity with Guyanese law. “ O u r o b s e r v e r s w i tnessed nothing that would call into question the integrity or accuracy of these local government elections, and our considered opinion is that the process to date has met the international standards for free, fair, and credible elections,ˮ the US Ambassador said.

“We are seeing a series of elections here which are meeting international standards, and I think that is reinforcing the perception of a country…reinforcing its democratic credentials.”

– Gregg Quinn, British High Commissioner Holloway said congratulations were also in order for the Guyana Elections Commission, particularly its Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally, its Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, and all those who worked the polls on Election Day. “We also extend our congratulations to all those who contested or participated in these polls, and we look forward to working closely with the men and women who will comprise Guyana’s new local governments.”

However, he noted that they would have liked to see a higher turnout. “It is completely understandable that in the absence of local elections for more than 22 years, there would be some anxiety, apprehension and uncertainty among some voters on what these elections were all about. For nearly a generation, all that people looked for were familiar party symbols, and now citizens were asked to look beyond that and learn what individual candidates and new groups stood for. This is a process that will take time.

“As Guyana is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary of Independence in May, Friday’s election serves as a starting point for the next 50 years, which I am confident will be marked with local government elections every

three years, as required by Guyanese law.

“Friday, when the polls closed, it signified the end of one election cycle and the beginning of another.

“In 2019, voters, candidates and the general population will build on this experience and increase voter turnout. In the interim, citizens will now hold local government officials accountable for their performance in their respective offices. If they do not perform, the people will speak again and new representatives will be elected,” said Holloway.

He stressed that the political parties, GECOM, the media, the private sector, civil society, and others must continue to educate voters on the process of local government elections.

“We, as international observers, are not interested in who wins or loses. Our focus is, and always has been, on the process by which people are elected; a process that we hope will continue to be enhanced both through new legislation that addresses long-standing concerns on campaign finance, equal access to media and use of state resources, and through the introduction of electronic registration, voting and tabulation,” Holloway said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 22, 2016

Fire at Camp Street jail quickly put out

By Svetlana Marshall

L

ESS than a month after 17 prisoners died in a fire set within the walls of the Georgetown Prison, another fire was lit Monday, this time in the Capital C Block.

When Guyana Chronicle arrived on the scene at approximately 15:00h, a fire truck was seen leaving the area even as Members of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) were frequenting the prison.

Attorneys-at-Law Selwyn Pieters and Eusi Anderson, who are currently representing the Guyana Police Force and the Prison Service at the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the March 3 Camp Street Riot, were also seen entering the prison from the western side.

Approximately one hour later, Pieters told reporters that the fire which started in the Capital Block C was extinguished, and everything was under control.

“It wasn’t an electrical fire, it was a fire deliberately lit by someone who threatened to burn the prison down,” he further told reporters. However, he declined to disclose the

reason behind the fire.

He would only say that the incident is being investigated by the Criminal Investigation Department and charges will be laid once the investigation is completed.

On March 2, prisoners within the Capital A Block of the penitentiary had started to protest the seizure of marijuana and mobile phones. The situation deteriorated the next day while a group of prisoners were being transferred to another section of the prison.

It was reported that during the movement, one prisoner became rowdy and protested against the officer who was supervising the transfer. The others then began to cheer him on and as they were about to enter the holding area where they are usually searched for contraband, the prisoners rushed into a room where they locked an eightfoot high steel door and barricaded themselves inside with metal beds.

One of the prisoners then lit a mattress as part of the protest and the Fire Service was summoned but the fire quickly got out of control and the prisoners then attempted to free themselves from the

Riot Police entering the Georgetown Prison (Adrian Narine photo) room they had commandeered.

The Standard Operating Procedures were reportedly employed and attempts were made to blow torch the door open, but by the time authorities had completed that exercise, they found multiple lifeless and charred remains of the prisoners.

The Government has since launched a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the riot with former Justice James Patterson chairing the proceedings with Merle Mendonca of the Guyana Human Rights Association

and former Director of Prisons Dale Erskine as sitting Commissioners.

Since the commencement of the COI, it has been discovered that prisoners not only have cell phones but active Facebook accounts.

Pieters, who had alluded to this fact during the inquiry, told reporters on Monday that a strategic plan must be put in place due to the fact that the prison is over crowded with close to a thousand prisoners. “…you have to have the manpower to dominate that

Guyana Fire Tender leaving the Camp Street area (Adrian Narine photo)

prison, so it has to be something that is certainly strategic; it has to be something that is well planned.

“Notwithstanding the fact that prisoners have cell phones, you want to ensure that lives aren’t lost and people aren’t injured but that the illegal contraband that they have that pose a risk to their safety and others are removed.”

Human Rights Activist Father Malcolm Rodrigues had also visited the area upon hearing of the fire on Monday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 22, 2016

You can keep Jaguars away - EPA urges communities, residents to take measures other than trapping

GIVEN recent reports of jaguars entering communities and pouncing on livestock for food, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said there are many preventative measures that can be taken to keep them at bay.

The EPA received news last February 19 and March 11 that two jaguars, a male and a female, were caught in traps, and the agency subsequently coordinated with the Wildlife Management Authority, Protected Areas Commission, the Transport and Harbours Department, Anna Regina Police Station and Guyana Livestock Development Authority for the

safe transport and relocation of the Jaguars from the community of Mainstay, Essequibo.

The Jaguars were relocated to the Guyana Zoological Park where they were allowed to adjust to their new surroundings for a few days before patrons were able to view them.

The EPA said it promptly responded to reports of the attacks by conducting investigative visits to the three affected communities namely, Lima Sands, Tapakuma and Whyaka/Mainstay, and engaging in detailed discussions with those who were affected.

“As such, the EPA started to conduct awareness sessions

Father of 19 celebrates 100th birthday - has wish of meeting President Granger fulfilled

A HERSTELLING, East Bank Demerara man Monday celebrated his 100th birthday and had his wish of meeting President David Granger come through.

The President visited the home of Mr. Charles Allicock, taking with him two hampers as a birthday gift.

Mr. Allicock, who was born on March 21, 1916, had often expressed a desire to meet the President, who was invited to the birthday party.

The celebration was organised by Mr. Allicock’s caretaker, Mrs. Bibi Fagu, and his neighbours, a release from the Ministry of the Presidency noted.

“I want to wish you a happy birthday.

“I am happy that you are in good spirits and we all want to wish you happiness and long life,” the Preisdent told Allicock.

“We want to share in prayers for you to be comfortable and in good health. May God bless you,” the President said.

Mr. Allicock, who is a United States citizen, re-migrated to Guyana 16 years ago. He is the father of 19, grandfather of 40 and has numerous great grandchildren.

According to relatives, despite his age, Mr. Allicock is as sharp as a pin and can still see, hear and even read, the Minister of the Presidency stated.

President Granger congratulates Mr Charles Allicock on his 100th birthday Also in photo is Mr Allicock’s caretaker Bibi Fagu. (Sandra Prince/Ministry of the Presidency photo)

with the communities encouraging them to keep livestock and cattle in enclosures to deter the Jaguar (s) and thus preventing their animals from becoming easy prey.

“As a last recourse, traps were built, by both community members and the EPA Team, and set at strategic locations in the communities where the Jaguar(s) were known to frequent,” the EPA reported in a press statement.

The agency has noted that Jaguars are endangered and environmentally important.

“The Jaguar is the largest cat of the Americas weighing up to 100kg (220 pounds). Their big bodies need a lot of food and they prey on forest dwellers such as peccaries (bush hogs), deer, tapir (bush cow), turtles, armadillos to maintain their body mass.

“Being a predator at the top of the food chain, Jaguars play

an important role in maintaining a healthy environment, for example, simply by controlling the population of animals lower down the food chain.

“But why are Jaguars coming into villages? The simple answer is food. Jaguars are shy by nature. Fortunately, there are still a few thousand Jaguars left in Guyana, but even people that walk the forests frequently do not see them because these predators tend to be elusive,

hiding from sight and avoiding interaction.

“While the quest for food may be a reason for Jaguars trespassing into human space, old age or injuries have been also known to cause these cats to encroach into villages.

Also, when the animal can no longer hunt agile, alert wild prey, they will try to survive on the more sluggish and less vigilant domestic animals,” the EPA stated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2016

More Arapaimas killed as dry season persists SOME 13 Arapaimas have died as the North Rupununi continues to grapple with a prolonged dry spell. It is suspected that they were dragged from a shallow pond by animals in the area.

Regarded as the world’s largest scaled freshwater fish,

the Arapaima is a protected species in Guyana.

Chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes, in a post on his Facebook Page, described the scene as a “natural massacre in the dry season.” He revealed that on Sunday, while in the North Rupununi, he re-

ceived information that some Arapaimas had been stranded in a very low pond close to the community of Rewa. This pond had not previously been known to host Arapaimas, so he and some residents left the lodge with the intention of rescuing the Arapaimas and transferring them from the

Sydney Allicock, Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, and a Rupununi resident removing an Arapaima from a shallow pond at Rewa. The fish was later transferred to the Rupununi River

pond to the Rupununi River.

Upon arriving at the location, the team was greeted by the horrific scene of the dead Arapaimas. They managed to rescue only one.

“When we arrived there, what we observed was simply a massacre. Thirteen Arapaimas had been dragged from the pond, which was virtually mud, and killed about 100 yards away. This massacre had been committed by either a jaguar or a puma,” Hughes said in his Facebook post.

He explained that the trail, which was strewn with Arapaima scales, led from the pond to the place where the Arapaimas were killed.

It was noted that twelve of the thirteen were very young

Arapaimas, and there was a medium-sized one. The sole survivor was extracted from the pond and transferred to the Rupununi River.

The Arapaima is found mainly in Guyana, Brazil and Peru, and is noted under Appendix 2 in the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which controls the trade of this species to ensure that the fish are utilised in a manner that ensures their survival.

Hughes has met with residents of Rewa to discuss Catch and Release regulations for Arapaima sport fishing in the North Rupununi as an income generating venture for the community.

Lab technician remanded on gun, ammo charge A LAB technician attached to the Bartica Hospital was Monday remanded to prison

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for the unlawful

Shemroy Peters

possession of a gun and ammunition.

Shemroy Peters, 32, of Bartica denied the charge, which alleges that on March 20, 2016 at Itabali Police Check Point, Mazaruni River he had in his possession a 9mm Smith and Wesson pistol.

Peters also pleaded not guilty to another charge, which alleges that on the same occasion, he had in his possession seven live rounds of 9mm ammunition. Peters was unrepresented and was remanded to prison until April 18.

The matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2016

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Region helps make life easy for Masakenarians IN AN effort to make life easy for residents of the ‘Deep South Rupununi’ village of Masakenari, the regional administration last Thursday gifted the community with an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

The presentation took place at the RDC compound in Lethem, seat of administration of Region 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) where the keys to the vehicle were handed over to the village Toshao Paul Chekema.

The vehicle, which cost the Region a hefty $2.8M, will, according to Chekema, be used to transport villagers around the community and further afield, particularly in an emergency.

Among those present at the presentation ceremony were Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock; retired hinterland affairs employee Yakoruma Washa; Senior Superintendent of Works, Collis Nicholson; and Regional Executive Officer Carl Parker.

Toshao Chekema said that because Masekenari is located in such a remote area, transportion has always been a bugbear for the community, but with the acquisition of the ATV, residents will now be able to move around more freely.

Before, he said, all they had to depend on by way of transportation were bicycles, the odd motorcycle, or walking, which is largely how most people get around.

At the presentation ceremony last Thursday: Handing over the keys to the ATV to Masakenari Toshao Paul Chekema (right) is Region 9 Chairman Bryan Allicock. Looking on are regional officials (Photo by Michel Outridge)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 22, 2016

Meldonium can take months to Teamwork, consistency main reasons for ... leave body, says drug maker

LONDON, England (Reuters) - The drug that has produced more than 100 positive sports doping tests since being outlawed on January 1 can take “several months” to completely leave the body, the manufacturer

of meldonium told Reuters yesterday.

A number of athletes say they took the cardiac drug before it was banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Latvian manufacturer Grindeks said meldonium has a half-life of between four and six hours but “its terminal elimination from the body may last for several months” depending on factors such as dose, duration of treatment, and sensitivity of testing methods.

Meldonium has been in the spotlight since Russia’s former world number one tennis player Maria Sharapova stunned the sporting world by announcing this month that she had failed a doping test for the drug after a loss to Serena Williams at this year’s Australian Open.

At least 16 Russian sportsmen and women, in-

cluding speed skating Olympic gold-medallist Semion

Maria Sharapova Elistratov, have been caught using meldonium since the ban came into effect, along with dozens of competitors from other countries.

While the comments by Grindeks would appear to offer one reason why there have been so many positive tests for meldonium, WADA said athletes were made aware that the substance would be added

to the banned list last October.

“The date an athlete sample is collected is the date any subsequent anti-doping rule violation is asserted to have taken place,” a WADA spokesman said yesterday.

“At any hearing that follows, the onus is then on the athlete to explain how the substance was in his or her body.

“It is important to note that every year all stakeholders are advised on any changes to the Prohibited List three months before it enters into force which provides sufficient time to be educated on any changes to the list.”

Sharapova, who is provisionally banned while the International Tennis Federation (ITF) investigates, said she had been taking the drug legally for 10 years for health reasons and had not realised it had been added to WADA’s banned list.

World Twenty20

New Zealand Women thrash holders Australia

DEFENDING champions Australia were soundly beaten by six wickets as New Zealand made it three wins out of three at the Women’s World Twenty20.

Having opted to bat, Australia were reduced to 4-4 after four overs, Kiwi left-arm spinner Leigh Kasperek taking 3-2 in her first 12 deliveries.

(Scores: New Zealand

South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:25 hrs Eternal Fire 09:00 hrs Bourbon Rush 09:35 hrs Miracle Rising 10:45 hrs Kangaroo Jack 11:20 hrs Cataluga English Racing Tips Exeter 10:00 hrs Vering 10:30 hrs In The Crowd 11:05 hrs Lamblord 11:40 hrs Henryville 12:10 hrs Three Faces West 12:40 hrs Mor Brook 13:15 hrs Get Involved Wetherby 10:10 hrs Kuda Huraa 10:45 hrs Bertie Lugg 11:20 hrs Solidago 11:50 hrs Lessons I

Women 104 for 4 (Priest 34, Bates 23) beat Australia Women 103 for 8 (Perry 42, Jonassen 23; Kasperek 3-13, Bermingham 2-23) by six wickets) All-rounder Ellyse Perry struck 42 from 48 balls as Australia mustered 103-8.

But Rachel Priest hit 34 from 27 balls and Susie Bates 23 as the Kiwis reached their target with 22 balls to spare.

n Milan 12:20 hrs Hartside 12:55 hrs Pay The King 13:25 hrs Monfass Southwell 10:20 hrs Monsieur Jamie 10:55 hrs Magical Lasso 11:30 hrs Blades Lad 12:00 hrs Ticking Away 12:30 hrs Lackaday 13:05 hrs Footlight American Racing Tips Philadelphia Race 1 Readyheartandsoul Race 2 Battle Tux Race 3 Mr. Masterpiece Race 4 Honest Race 5 To the Flag Race 6 Infinite Fiesta Race 7 Red Bei Bei

“I am sure if we play the way we are, we can win it,” said Bates. “If things go our way, we can win it. But we are not looking too far ahead.”

The Australians, winners of the last three tournaments, were also beaten by the Kiwis in their opening group match of the 2014 World T20, but this was only their fifth defeat in 22 matches in the history of the event.

Edinburgh-born Kasperek, who appeared for Scotland against Ireland in the 2007 European Championship, aged 15, claimed wickets with consecutive deliveries in her first over, both hoicked to the leg-side ring.

Perry had struck the only six of the Australia innings but was given out lbw with the final ball of the 17th over, when replays suggested it was missing the leg-stump.

In reply both New Zealand openers hit sixes, Bates with a glorious drive over long-off, as they raced to 58 in the eighth over before both departed in the space of 10 balls.

New Zealand, runners-up in the first two Women’s World T20s, have now won three of their four WT20 meetings with Australia and maintained their 100% record in this year’s event, having also beaten Sri Lanka and Ireland.

With only the top two in the five-team groups progressing, Australia next play on Thursday in Delhi against Sri Lanka, who have also won one and lost one thus far (.BBC Sport)

From back page

complemented each other well, and captain Leon Johnson, in an exclusive interview, has attributed teamwork and consistency for the team’s success.

“I thought we played consistent throughout the season in all departments, and we managed to put scores and we managed to bowled teams out”.

“I think our preparation as well, not just leading up to the tournament, but during the games as well. We always prepared well for each game,” Johnson said.

Meanwhile, Johnson is the only batsman with 800 runs (807) this season. Vice-captain Vishaul Singh was the third highest run-scorer with 712 while Windward Islands Volcanoes Devon Smith (715) and Barbados Pride Roston Chase (710) are the other two batsmen reaching 700 runs.

Regarding his personal achievement, the 28-year-old said he is happy that he has made a huge contribution to the team’s success.

“It’s good to be the leading run-scorer in this year’s tournament, obviously I set out my goals, not necessarily to be the leading run-scorer, but to score over 800 runs. I achieved that goal in lesser innings than I set out myself, so on a personal note it’s been a good season for me, and I am happy I have contributed to the team’s success,” Johnson pointed out.

Guyanese left-arm spinners Veerasammy Permaul and Gudakesh are joint-fourth on the list of wicket-takers with 40 wickets each. Nikita Miller (65), Rakeem Cornwall (48) and Imran Khan (43) are the three leading wicket-takers.

They extended their unbeaten streak in PCL cricket to 17 with a record eighth win of the season.

At the start of the final round, the Guyana Jaguars and Barbados Pride were in contention for the title, but after both teams recorded huge victories, the Jaguars were able to clinch the title by virtue of more points.

Golden Jaguars ready to roar against ...

From back page

20 persons, 6 car passes and food and drinks being brought to the ground.

The competition, which is scheduled to take place during officially-sanctioned FIFA international match periods, giving Member Associations the opportunity to select their best possible teams, will kick off in March (21-29) with all of the countries except Haiti, Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago, who are all still participating

in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Round two of the Championship is scheduled for May and Round three in October. The 5th Place playoff will take place in November and the finals in May 2017.

The top four teams will qualify to the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Guyana, after tonight’s engagement, will travel to Puerto Rico for their second Group 5 match on March 29.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 22, 2016

Guyana Cup Fever horse race registration closes tomorrow

By Rajiv Bisnauth REGISTRATION for the Guyana Cup Fever horse race meet closes tomorrow and, according to one of the coordinators Chandu Ramkissoon, no late entries will be accepted.

The meet is scheduled for Sunday at the Rising Sun Turf Club.

In excess of 60 horses have already been registered, Ramkissoon confirmed yesterday.

Seven races are on the cards with over $8M in cash, trophies and other incentives up for grabs.

According to the provisional programme, the feature event is for horses classified A1 and Lower for

a winning take of $1.2M and a combined purse of $2.2M over 1400 metres.

The F1 and Lower event has a winning total prize of $1.1M with the winner set to receive $600 000 and a trophy.

There is an event for West Indies-bred threeyear-old animals, for a total prize of $750 000 and a top prize of $400 000 and a trophy.

The G2 and Lower event has a combined purse of $750 000 with the top stable receiving $400 000 and a trophy.

The Guyana-bred threeyear-olds will have their chance at competing for a total prize package of $575 000 and a trophy.

The event for H3 and Lower

The Guyana Cup Fever always attracts the best race horses. to cancel/reframe any race mentioned above. animals will be racing for In the event that less a winning package of $250 than five (5) horses are 000 and a trophy.

The final race for animals classified J1 and Lower will be for a total purse of $200 000.

Further, the organising committee reserves the right

entered for any event the committee reserves the right to cancel or reframe the said event or reduce the prize money after notifying the horse owners.

Seven horses must start or no fourth prize will be paid.

The races will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA).

Interested persons can contact Chandu Ramkissoon on 624-9063 or 2320633, Irshad Mohamed on

664-1650, Fazal Habibulla on 657-7010, Chattergoon Ramnauth on 337- 5311 or 697-1979 Campton Sancho on 690-0569 and Rajendra ‘Jim-Jo’ Jagdeo on 6187278.

Nazrudeen ‘Jumbo Jet’ Mohammed Jr is the coordinator, and race time is 12:30hrs.

The Guyana Cup Fever is the brainchild of Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, and has become the largest horse-racing event since its inaugural staging eight years ago.

Hinds cops Diamond Mineral Water feature 35-lap event

TEAM Evolution’s Orville Hinds continued his team’s winning streak by winning the feature 35lap race for schoolboys, novices and invitational riders when national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed staged the Diamond Mineral Water 11 th Annual 11-race cycle programme in the National Park last Saturday.

Hinds, who returned a time of one hour 19 minutes 58 seconds, also rode off with four of the eight prime prizes that were up for grabs.

Veteran rider Junior Niles, who won the five-lap race for veterans under 50 years of age in a time of 11 minutes 46 seconds, placed second in the 35lap race ahead of Team Evolution’s Raul, who won three of the prime prizes. Niles also won one prime prize.

The other top three places were occupied by Winston Primo, Christopher Griffith and Paul De Nobrega respectively.

Hinds’s time for Saturday’s race was far below the time registered by last year’s winner Jevon Crawford, who clocked one hour 17 minutes 10 seconds in the 2015 version of the event.

When the race got under way, Leal broke from the pack and won the first two prime prizes, but Niles, Hinds, Akeem Wilkinson and DeNobrega subsequently connected to him and after riding in tandem, Hinds made a solo ride at the conclusion of the 26th lap and

Orville Hinds was never caught again.

With every lap thereafter, Hinds kept extending his lead and won handsomely with over 800 metres ahead of the second and third-place finishers – Niles and Leal- with the others some distance away with the others battling for the minor spots.

With eight laps remaining, Hinds had joined a chasing pack of five riders who were in pursuit of Niles and Leal and together they closed the gap significantly on the two main chasers, but were never able to connect.

The sprint for second and third places saw Niles and Leal adopting a matchsprint approach as they approached the 200-metre mark and at that point, Leal looked over his shoulders to gauge his lead over the other chasing bunch.

Niles, seeing this, jumped Leal who by

that time could not react, allowing Niles to surge ahead and went on to place second by approximately 10 lengths ahead of him (Leal).

In other results, Raphael Leung won the 10-lap race for juveniles ahead of Deraj Garbarran and Brighton John respectively. Leung’s time for the race was 23 minutes, 28.78 seconds.

Keon Thomas won the five-lap race for mountain bikers in a time of 26 minutes 45.21 seconds. Second was Nicholas Alphonso, while Ozia McAullay placed third.

The BMX boys 6-9 years old two-lap race was won by Shay Sue-Hang.

Second was Ajani Colleny.

Third was Antone Vandenberg.

Niles, who placed second in the feature event, won the five-lap race for veterans under 50 years of age ahead of Warren McKay and Jaikarran Sukhai respectively.

Adelie Hodge won the three-lap race for BMX boys 9-12 years old ahead of Toran Garbarran and Te3semtha Harrison respectively, while Jeremiah Harrison won the BMX boys 9-12 years old three-lap race ahead of Zab James and Shay Sue-Hang respectively.

The presentation of prizes to the respective winners was done by Carlton Wheelers’ executive Khampaul Sharma, in the presence of cycle coach Hassan Mohamed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 22, 2016

Fantasy becoming reality in Premier League shakeup

By Martyn Herman LONDON, England (Reuters) - With two months of a gripping Premier League season left, Leicester City are closing in on the title and it is not fanciful to suggest that Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Southampton could complete the top four.

The idea of Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool, or even just two of them, finishing fifth or lower, would have been laughed off as absurd before a ball was kicked in August.

But fantasy has become the new reality in the world’s richest football league.

Leicester, 5000-1 shots to win the title at the start

Pep Guardiola of the season, need six wins from their last seven matches to guarantee becoming champions of England for the first time.

Tottenham, without a title since 1961, are their nearest challengers and West Ham United, in fifth place level on points with sixth-placed Manches-

ter United, are sniffing a first-ever qualification for the Champions League.

Southampton, who came from two goals down to beat Liverpool on Sunday, are just four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City who are caught in a downward spiral.

Jose Mourinho knows only too well that reputations no longer count for anything in the Premier League.

The man who led Chelsea to the title last season was sacked in December after losing nine of their first 16 games.

“Every club has very good players so I think it’s difficult for the top teams in England because of the competitive nature,” he had predicted in August after watching the likes of

Crystal Palace, Stoke City and West Ham sign world class players.

One statistic sums the shift in power this season.

Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool have a lower combined points total so far than Leicester, West Ham, Southampton, Stoke and West Bromwich Albion (241 to 248).

Many expect normal service to resume next season when Man City will be buoyed by the arrival of Pep Guardiola, Chelsea re-group under a new manager and United could possibly have Mourinho at the Old Trafford helm.

But according to Stoke manager Mark Hughes, the days when the establishment dominated the top five or six places is over.

“This year isn’t a oneoff, it will be more prevalent in years to come and I think maybe there has been a changing of the guard somewhat,” Hughes, whose side are on course for their highest Premier League finish, was quoted as saying in The Telegraph.

“The middle group have got stronger, there are only so many players that top clubs can really bring into their squad to make them better. You can only fill so many places. There is a lot of talent out there that will want to come to the Premier League.”

With a new eye-watering domestic TV contract kicking in next season, a three-year deal with Sky and BT worth 5.13 billion pounds ($7.38 billion), 71 percent higher

than the current one, the quality gap is likely to shrink again next season.

Fans around Europe where title races rarely feature more than two clubs, or in France’s case these days one, can only watch on in envy at the unpredictability of the Premier League.

No wonder Spanish league president Javier Tebas said recently the Premier League will soon be the ‘NBA of football.’

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic, whose 10 million pounds plus-signing Dimitri Payet would be a guaranteed starter for any of the traditional elite, agrees.

“Now, it’s definitely the place to be. Every single club is in a situation to buy good players.”

Argentina coach relieved to have Messi back

By Rex Gowar

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Reuters) - Argentina were relieved to have Lionel Messi back from injury having made a troubled start to their South American 2018 World Cup qualifiers without their best player, striker Sergio Aguero said yesterday.

Messi missed the first four rounds last year and Argentina, 2014 World Cup finalists in Brazil, got only five points after a defeat by Ecuador, draws with Paraguay and Brazil and a win over Colombia, leaving them sixth in the 10-nation group.

“It’s total relief to play with Messi,” Aguero said on his arrival in Buenos Aires from Manchester to prepare for matches away to Chile in Santiago on Thursday and at home to Bolivia five days later.

“Leo is always important for us and it’s obvious we’re happy when he’s here because it’s really nice to play with him,” Aguero told reporters after flying in with Manchester

City team mate Pablo Zabaleta and Manchester United’s Marcos Rojo.

Aguero said he was shocked by pictures showing the state of the pitch at the Mario Kempes stadium in Cor-

Lionel Messi missed the first four rounds of the South American 2018 World Cup qualifiers. doba, where Argentina will host Bolivia, after it was damaged by recent rock concerts, including an Iron Maiden gig.

Groundsmen are working against the clock to get the pitch into shape although the Argentine FA’s (AFA) deci-

sion to take the team around the country rather than play all home matches at River Plate stadium in the capital was made over a month ago.

“When you see that, you are shocked because we’re not accustomed to it. We’ll have to see how it is and think we’re playing in the juniors,” Aguero said.

“It’s nice to play in different places for the fans but when you look at the photo you think, ‘What happened here?’

It leaves an impression on you; it’s a pitch where everyone knows the national team is going to play.”

The top four teams in the South American qualifiers after 18 rounds are completed at the end of 2017 qualify for the finals in Russia while the fifth goes into an intercontinental playoff.

Argentina coach Gerardo Martino, deprived through injury of midfielder Enzo Perez and possibly also Juventus striker Paulo Dybala, has called up Lautaro Acosta of local first division side Lanus, the AFA said yesterday.

PCL Regional 4-Day Points Standings ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Following are the Official Points Standings after the 10th and final round of matches ended yesterday in the 2015-16 WICB Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day Tournament.

Abbreviations: Pts-total points, M-matches, W-won, L-lost, T-tied, I-incomplete match, A-abandoned match, DP-Abandoned match due to dangerous pitch, MR-match referee awarding match, Bat-batting points, Bowl-bowling points

The 28-year-old, who won the Under-20 World Cup in 2007 and an Olympic foot-

ball gold medal at the Beijing Games in 2008, earned his first senior call-up after help-

ing Lanus beat Boca Juniors 2-0 in the Argentine league on Sunday.

New York Business Group U-19 2-innings cricket bowls off today

THE recently launched New York Business Group Under-19 One-Day, Two-Innings cricket competition, sponsored by a group of overseas Guyanese businessmen of New York, USA and jointly organised by Albion Community Centre and the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) gets cracking today with first-round matches.

The group was first approached by Albion, one of the leading cricket clubs in Berbice and Guyana, who convinced them to assist in having young cricketers being involved in two-innings matches to develop their cricket more than just playing limited-over games all the time.

The businessmen accumulated G$1M among themselves and recently presented the cheque to the Albion club, whose members involved the BCB in organising and running the competition since that club has vast experience in running competitions successfully.

The winning team will receive the first prize of $100 000 and a trophy; the runners-up $50 000 and a trophy.

The Man-of-the-Match, Best Batsman and Best

Bowler of the final will be awarded $15 000, $10 000 and $10 000 respectively as well as trophies.

Also receiving trophies will be the cricketers adjudged as Best Bowler, best batsman, best all-rounder and best wicket-keeper in the competition.

The preliminary matches will be of one day’s duration and to ensure that each match has a result, the first innings for both teams in all the matches will be limited to fifty (50 overs) The quarter-finals, semi-finals and final, with no limitation to the first innings, will be two-day matches with a third day set aside for the quarters and semis to ensure that there will at least be first-innings decisions.

Thirty teams have been registered to play this competition and as such Berbice has been divided up into six (6) geographical zones to ease excessive travelling costs.

Tuesday’s first round fixtures: Zone A (West Coast Berbice): Achievers vs Weldaad at Lovely Lass and Bush Lot United Sports Club vs Bush Lot United New Generation at Bush Lot

Zone B (West Coast/West Bank Berbice): Cotton Tree Die Hard vs Monedderlust at Cotton Tree and Blairmont Community Centre B vs Hawaiion Arctic at Blairmont; Blairmont Community Centre A drew a bye.

Zone C (East Bank/New Amsterdam/Canje: Young Warriors vs Tucber Park at Cumberland and Sisters vs East Banat Sisters.

Zone D (Lower Corentyne): Kendall’s Union vs Albion Community Centre at No. 19; Toopoo Rising Star vs Chesney/United Warriors at Toopoo and Rose Hall Town Pepsi A vs Rose Hall Town Pepsi B at Area “H”.

Zone E (Lower/Central Corentyne) Albion Community Centre B vs Rose Hall Town Metro Females at Albion; Port Mourant vs Big Star at Port Mourant and Whim National vs GUYSUCO Training Centre at Whim.

Zone F (Upper Corentyne): Bomb Squad vs Scottsburg United at Crabwood Creek and No.72 Cut and Load vs No.72 All Stars at No.72 Skeldon Community Centre drew a bye.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 22, 2016

BVA junior male team departs for T&T to contest Easter Classic tourney

A JUNIOR male team from the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) yesterday winged out of Guyana for Trinidad to contest the FLOW Volleyball Easter Classic Invitational Players League 5 Tournament, which is being organised by the Trinidad and Tobago Volleyball Federation TTVF).

The Easter Classic tournament will be played at the Mayaro Indoor Facility from Friday to Sunday.

According to a release from the association, although Guyana is affiliated to the CSV (South American Volleyball Confederation)

The BVA-Guyana Junior Squad at CJIA before departure. Levi Nedd is at the right and Nadine Benjamin at left.

Khawaja, Zampa give Australia three-wicket win (REUTERS) - Australia survived another middle-order collapse to beat Bangladesh by three wickets in the World Twenty20 Super10 yesterday to get their campaign up and running.

Both teams were looking to bounce back from losing their opening Group Two games, Australia skipper Steve Smith winning the toss and choosing to field.

Smith’s men picked up wickets at regular intervals to restrict Bangladesh to a modest 156 for five despite a late flurry

by Mahmudullah who hit seven fours in an unbeaten 49.

Leg-spinner Adam Zampa (3-23) and all-rounder Shane Watson (2-31) were the pick of the bowlers.

Openers Usman Khawaja (58) and Watson (21) then got Australia off to a good start, sharing a stand of 62 in 44 deliveries before the latter was run-out.

Khawaja was bowled by Al-Amin Hossain in the 14th over having struck seven fours and a six in a 45-ball knock that gave Australia a solid platform, although they had the same sort of middle-order slump they suffered in the first game against New Zealand.

Smith, out for six against the Kiwis, was bowled by Mustafizur Rahman for 14.

David Warner (17) was next to fall and was soon followed by Mitchell Marsh (six).

Glenn Maxwell then scored a brisk 26 before being stumped by Mushfiqur Rahim off left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan.

Leg-spinner Adam Zampa took 3-23.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday March 22, 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) 48 deliveries (2) 47 deliveries Today’s Quiz: (1) Which current Test nation is missing from both the Super 10 round of the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup and the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup? (2) Which non-Test playing nation is currently a part of the Super 10 round of the ICc T20 Men’s World Cup? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

All-rounder John Hastings, brought in by Australia for left-arm spinner Ashton Agar, was dropped on nought by Hossain and finally went for three when he was caught at mid-wicket by Soumya Sarkar.

By then Australia needed five runs off the last two overs and James Faulkner and Peter Nevill saw them through to a far-from-convincing win that lifted them to third in the group behind New Zealand and Pakistan but ahead of India.

Bangladesh, who are bottom, have a mountain to climb to reach the semi-finals.

Florida Cup Masters Champions Floodlights to play at Crabwood Creek THE Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) will field three teams at Crabwood Creek on Easter Sunday.

Floodlights Legends, Floodlights and Trophy Stall Angels will do battle with Crabwood Creek/Corriverton Masters, Crabwood Creek Open and Karibee Girls.

Last week-end Floodlights played undefeated at the 2016 Florida Cup Masters tournament in Fort Lauderdale, USA. They defeated New York Better Hope, Tri-State Masters, local team Regal in the preliminary round, Orlando Florida in the semi-finals and South Florida in the final to take the title. The final was played at USA’s only cricket stadium in Lauderhill.

These three will feature 15/15 overs softball matches to be played this Sunday at the Crabwood Creek cricket ground. The matches are being held as a fundraiser for the renovation of the washroom of the Crabwood Creek Primary School.

Matches start at 09:30hrs and conclude at 18:00hrs.

Admission is $200 and there will be over 50 gate prizes to be won by spectators.

and is not part of the CAZOVA (Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association), Guyana’s Junior team were invited by the TTVF based on their remarkable performance in winning a Goodwill Tournament in Trinidad last year.

The local lads will clash with teams from St Kitts, Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad over the Easter Weekend.

According to Chef de Mission and manager/coach Levi Nedd, the team’s participation will serve as part of their preparation for the Inter-Guianas Games (IGG) and the CSV Inter-Continental Tournament billed for later this year.

The team includes seven players with international experience in the form of Yoganand Dhoray (captain), Devendra Latchman, (vice-captain), Ravi Rampertab, Klondyke Rodney, Samuel Fraser, Lezon Khan and Rolwyn Heywood – all members of Guyana’s IGG 2014 champion team.

The other players are; Vickram Nandram, Kellon Leitch, Reaad Razak, Marcellous Hector, Joel Cort, Jermaine Munroe and Joel Hughes.

The assistant coach is Devendra Budhu, while female

players Malika Jervis and Nadine Benjamin are other officials accompanying the team.

Klondyke Rodney who is a middle blocker and the team’s tallest player and one from whom much is expected during the tournament, in invited comments, said the team is well prepared for the tournament, confidence is high and players will do their best to bring home honours for Guyana.

Nedd, who is also the president of the BVA and the vice-president of the Guyana Volleyball Federation, expressed gratitude to several organisations and individuals for making the team’s participation possible in the Twin Island Republic, Among them are: the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, the National Sports Commission, the Guyana Volleyball Federation, GUYSUCO, the Management and Apprentices of the Port Mourant Training Centre (PMTC), Mr Poonai Bhigroog of Poonai’s Pharmacy, members of the Business Community and the wider community of Volleyball friends and supporters.

The team will return to Guyana on March 28.

Warner reacts to FIFA lawsuit with claims of his own

FORMER FIFA vice-president Austin Jack Warner has reacted to news that football’s world governing body is planning to sue him with counter-claims that the organisation owes him.

“I don’t owe FIFA one nickel and I know that FIFA owes me, but we will deal with that in the fullness of time,” said Warner.

According to Warner, FIFA should have been paying him a pension of US$100 000 per year but claims he has received nothing since his resignation.

FIFA had, last Wednesday, made claims for some US$190 million in restitution to U.S. authorities, saying the individuals and companies are accused of embezzling money from the organisation.

According to new FIFA president Gianni Infantino, the embezzling did not just rob FIFA, but it robbed the programmes of countries the organisation has a hand in attempting to develop.

“The defendants diverted

Former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner

this money not just from FIFA but from players, coaches and fans worldwide who benefit from the programmes that FIFA runs to develop and promote football,” said Infantino.

Warner, meantime, is dealing with procedural matters in relation to his challenge of the legality of an extradition treaty between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.

The former CONCACAF boss is set to go back to court on those matters on June 3. (Sportsmax.com)

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 22, 2016

GPF win North Georgetown 50th Anniversary Track Meet AMID screams and cheers, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) athletics club were declared the inaugural winners of the North Georgetown 50th Anniversary Track Meet which went down on Sunday at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

With home-ground advantage the GPF amassed 313 points to take the first place trophy. Following behind were Mercury Fast Laners (MFL) Athletics Club with 264 points. Super Upcoming Runners (SUR) came in for third with 196 points, Buxton were fourth with 168 points.

The Bartica team and Ruralites tied for fifth with 67 points, while Team Uzzi walked away with 63 points.

Police’s Jevina Sampson shared the prize for Best Under-20 female with SUR’s Tiranna Mitchell, while Linton Mentis copped the top spot in the Boys’ Under-20 category. Ruralites’ D. Morrison and Buxton’s Maurice Barnes shared the Boys’ Under-18 category

win, and Police’s Kezra Murray won the title on the distaff end.

MFL’s Tiffauna Garnett won the Girls’ Under-16 and SUR’s Ronal-

do Gobin won the Boys’ Under-16.

Police athletes also dominated in the Under-14 category where Kerron Clarke picked up the prize for the

Boys and Odessa France shared the Girls’ title with PFL’s Princess Brown.

The day saw Police and MFL athletes go head-tohead. CARIFTA Games

THE Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) National Club Championship final between Colts and Retrieve Raiders ended in the most controversial and chaotic fashion with the two teams abandoning the match with 9:18 remaining in the fourth quarter.

At the time, Colts had a three-point lead (54-51) over their Linden counterparts, who had complained bitterly throughout the night about what they perceived as ‘bias officiating’.

President of the GABF, Nigel Hinds, in a release yesterday said that his Federation “deeply regrets the fact that the 2016 National Club Championship Final - Colts versus Raiders – was halted in the 4th quarter of the game. For this we apologise to our fans and sponsors”.

The Championship was played with a high degree of competitiveness and was presented to the Guyanese public with the intent of keeping high standards, maintaining discipline and providing a great

Girls’ Under-20 sprint double with a 12.50s finish in the 100m while clocking 25.60s in the 200m.

Linton Mentis with a time of 10.90s won the Boys’ Under-20 100m. .He followed up with a win of the 200m in a time of 22.10s.

Morrison triumphed in the 100m and 200m of the Boys’ Under-17, while Barnes took the 400m (54.30s) and 800m (2:10.30s) of the category.

Rio Olympics will definitely be my last - Bolt

GPF athletes show off their new hardware after winning the North GT 50th Anniversary Track Meet.

GABF National Club Championship final to be replayed, says president Nigel Hinds

By Rawle Toney

athlete Jevina Sampson, ahead of her participation in the Games next weekend, clocked 1:00.50s in the 400m and 2:23.40s in the 800m.

Meanwhile, in the Under-18, Murray won the 400m in a time of 1:01.10s, and took the 800m in a time of 2;29.40s. Garnett dominated for MFL in the Under-16, where she picked up the win in the 100m (12.80s), 200m (23.00s) and 400m (1:03.08s).

Mitchell copped the

experience to the supporters of basketball. Fans filled the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Saturday, March 19, to watch the high powered and high quality game,” Hinds said.

The GABF, according to its president, “was on the verge of attaining these

Nigel Hinds goals when, during the fourth quarter of the finals, an unwarranted (as per the video replay) foul call made by one of the referees, followed by three technical fouls from the same referee against Retrieve Raiders, resulted in an exciting and

competitive game coming to a premature end.”

“Having the good fortune of E-Networks filming the finals allowed for a review of the video of the initial call by the referee. It was clear to all who viewed the initial foul call that it was unwarranted and absolutely not a foul.

All who viewed the replay, including M. Dexter Douglas (president, Guyana Basketball Official Council) and one of the final game referees: Mr. Rawle Toney, another experienced referee, and countless others including myself, were of the view that no call should have been made by the referee,” Hinds lamented.

Hinds, a former National player himself, believes that just as a motorist should not be penalised by the police for not stopping at a green light, a foul call should not be made against a player for catching an uncontested rebound.

The ensuing technical fouls after the initial call, Hind stated, were seen to be highly questionable, except for the last technical foul, as the foul call created a dis-

rupted state of affairs that was virtually impossible to contain - with teams leaving their bench before the game was over, among other infractions.

“As much as we cannot condone indiscipline, errant calls by referees should not be given a pass merely because the person making the call is a referee. Games between Linden and Georgetown or between top-ranked clubs from Linden and Georgetown are competitive as has been the case over the last eight months, resulting in the most thrilling and competitive basketball Guyana has to offer.

Thus, referees have to be “thick-skinned” and recognise that basketball is a players’ game,” said Hinds.

The GABF will meet shortly to resolve this matter in the best interest of our affiliates, sponsors, clubs, fans and the image of basketball in Guyana.

“My expectation is that the 2016 National Club Championship Final will be replayed using the best referees locally and from the Caribbean region,” Hinds stated.

DESPITE talk of potentially carrying on until the 2020 Games in Tokyo, Usain Bolt is adamant the 2016 Olympics will be his last.

Bolt has insisted this year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro will definitely be his last.

The sprint legend will head to Brazil in August seeking an unprecedented ‘triple triple’ having claimed gold in the 100 metres, 200m and 4x100m relay in 2008 and 2012.

The Jamaican had previously hinted he could continue to the 2020 Games in Tokyo, revealing that coach Glen Mills had indicated his fitness would be good enough for him to compete in a fourth Olympics.

But the 100m and 200m world record holder told SID: “It’ll definitely be my last Olympics. It’s going to be hard to go four more years for me, to keep the motivation that I want, especially if I accomplish what I want to in Rio. “It’s going to be hard to keep the motivation to go on for four more years, so it’ll definitely be my last one.”

Aside from adding another three gold to his tally, the 29-year-old - who has been adamant he will retire following the 2017 World Championships in London - is determined to break the 19-second barrier in the 200m.

“My biggest dream at the Olympics is to win three gold medals again. That’s my focus, that’s what I want.

And that’s what I’m aiming for because that’s my goal and that’s my dream,” he said.

“I’ve said the only big thing I want to run is the 200 metres.

“I’d love to try to go sub-19. That’s the only thing I would really, really want because that’s one of my goals.

“I’ve always talked about and always wanted it, so for me, that’s something I look forward to.” (Sportsmax.com)

Usain Bolt - the 100m and 200m world record holder

Rio Olympics will definitely be my last - Bolt See story on page 31

Teamwork, consistency main reasons for Jaguars’ success - Johnson

By Rajiv Bisnauth

The Guyana Jaguars celebrate after their innings-and54-run victory against the Jamaica Scorpions on Sunday.

AFTER winning consecutive titles of the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional four-day tournament, it seems obvious that Guyana Jaguars are a team not dependent on individual milestones of players.

Instead, the players are focused on cooperating well as a team and gelling together.. The premier reasons behind their profound success during the 2015/2016 season have been that they have played extremely well as a unit.

The players have

See page 27

Golden Jaguars ready to roar against Anguilla tonight

Players and other officials from both teams pose for this Delano Williams photo after yesterday’s Press Conference at the 704 Sports Bar.

THE Golden Jaguars, Guyana’s senior National Football team, are set to play their first match in the 2016/2017 Scotiabank CFU Caribbean Cup tonight against

Anguilla, at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Guyana, according to head coach Jamaal Shabazz, will not be taking Anguilla for granted, though

ranked the worst in the world (204) according to FIFA. Shabazz called eight overseas-based players – Akel Clarke (Trinidad and Tobago), Neil Danns

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

(England), Samuel Cox (England), Walter Moore (Finland), Brandon Beresford (USA), Christopher Nurse (Puerto Rico), Marcel Barrington (England) and Anthony

Whyte (Canada).

Alex Murray (Alpha United FC), King Austin (Alpha United FC), Joshua Browne (Alpha United FC), Kester Jacobs (Slingerz FC), Eon Alleyne (Fruta Conquerors FC), Vurlon Mills (Slingerz FC), Gregory Richardson (Pele FC), Devon Millington (Slingerz FC), Daniel Wilson (Alpha United FC), Dwight Peters (Alpha United FC), Quincy Adams (Slingerz FC), Clive Nobrega (Slingerz FC), Les Charles Critchlow (Slingerz FC), Tichard Joseph (Slingerz FC) Trayon Bobb (Slingerz FC), Kanata Manning (Pele FC), and Delon Lanferman (Alpha United FC) are the other players, all based locally.

According to Shabazz, the final 18 for tonight’s game will be difficult to select, but highlighted that 70% of the players on the roster will come

from those who compete locally in the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) STAG Elite League.

The last time the two teams played (1998), Guyana won 14-0. To date, it’s Anguilla’s largest margin of defeat but something captain Christopher Nurse said that his troops will not pay attention to.

Nurse said that both countries went through significant changes since then and that tonight’s game will be a test for Guyana; an important one as well, since the country is fighting for a place among the top flight of Caribbean Football.

Tickets are being sold at $1 500, VIP tickets at $5 000 and booths are being sold at $80 000. Cost of ticket includes the ability to have a maximum of See page 27 TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016