Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 23 05 2016

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AT LAST! No. 104560

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

–Radio has come to Lethem

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Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo chats with NCN broadcaster Michela Abraham-Ali and Dr Rovin Deodat in Radio Lethem’s studio, while Minister of Tourism with responsibility for Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, looks on. Region Nine’s Guy Marco, who spoke on air in the Macushi language, is at right

Shallow grave found Page

––skeletal remains believed to be that of Babita Sarjou

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In composite photos: Police escort Sarjou’s husband Anand Narine into a vehicle after carrying him to the spot where he allegedly buried her body. Narine’s alleged accomplice hides his face as he is escorted to the police vehicle after showing the police where the body was buried in a shallow grave (Delano Williams photos)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 23, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 23, 2016

Shallow grave found ––skeletal remains believed to be that of Babita Sarjou

By Rabindra Rooplall

A MISSING person case quickly turned to homicide as the skeletal remains of a person, believed to be Babita Sarjou who disappeared six years ago, was discovered in the backyard of her reputed husband’s Lot 51 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown property on Sunday.

Police had had the property under surveillance for days, after arresting Sarjou’s husband, Anand Narine, and his alleged accomplice. On Sunday morning, detectives unearthed a skull, bones, and pieces of clothing from a three-foot-deep grave, having smashed through concrete to access it.

Narine’s alleged accomplice had led police to the spot, and he was brought to the scene while the remains were being extracted. The evidence having been found, sleuths placed the handcuffed duo into a police vehicle and whisked them away. Babita’s now ten-year-old son was peering out the window as police excavated her remains.

On November 4, 2010, Sarjou, 28, left home after telling her mother, Champa Seonarine, that she would be meeting her estranged husband and four-year-old son at the Kitty Seawall to view the annual Diwali motorcade. She was expected to return to her mother’s Timehri, EBD home later that night, but was never seen again.

In an interview with the media, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum commended the investigators who, after painstaking inquiries, were able to solicit crucial information which led to a breakthrough in the Sarjou case.

“No longer are we treating this as a missing person (case), it is now a homicide that we are investigating. The remains were found at the back of the house in a shallow grave which was about three feet in depth. So far, we believe that it is the body of Babita Sarjoo,” he disclosed.

DNA TEST He explained that a DNA test will be done to enable the police to determine with certainty the identity of the skeletal remains.

“We have already obtained samples from the remains, and it will be sent to Trinidad soon, so we can have the case dealt with in an expeditious manner,” he noted.

Underscoring that the police have incriminating evidence against both suspects in custody, the Crime Chief said the police legal advisor has been looking at the case from the initial stage of the investigation, and very soon the police will be able to receive a legal opinion relative to instituting charges against both men.

Questioned about relatives making allegations about the way the police were executing their duties, Blanhum said that if the relatives have an allegation to make against the investigators or the police, such can be channelled through the Police Complaints Authority.

In an interview with the Guyana Chron-

icle, Champa Seonarine said all her suspicions were on spot, as she had a gut feeling that her daughter was buried inside the yard.

“Since Babita go missing I keep talking this thing. This is not the way Babita should have been gone. Anand got buildings in there which he was renting, and he had my daughter washing loads of bed sheets, and he asked her not to even break a voice to the girls that were in the apartments,” a tearful Seonarine said.

She explained that when Babita got

disclosed to his father that he had seen his grandmother.

“Anand meet Babita and tell her he don’t want nobody going to the school to see (the boy) again because bad things will happen.

We had to just give it up. Imagine I tried talking to him February last, but he wouldn’t talk,” she said sadly.

“The family is not one that anybody can trust. These are people you should not keep on earth anymore. I wish they could bring back hanging in Guyana, because is

In composite photos: Police escort Sarjou’s husband Anand Narine into a vehicle after carrying him to the spot where he allegedly buried her body. Narine’s alleged accomplice hides his face as he is escorted to the police vehicle after showing the police where the body was buried in a shallow grave (Delano Williams photos) married in 2004, she visited her two weeks later; and upon her arrival at the home, the gate was padlocked. Mrs Seonarine said her daughter had to contact Anand to get the gate opened. And she suspected something was wrong when he used derogatory remarks in her presence. After that experience, her daughter always complained of having a turbulent relationship.

“When I call his mother to talk about Babita and Anand (with intention) to fix their relationship, the mother said to me on the phone that ‘y’al should see with he, because he get into an accident and he get brain damage, and how he head ain’t good,” the mother lamented.

She said that Anand’s mother knows a lot pertaining to her son’s evil and wicked actions. “Imagine one of his aunties from Brazil told Babita that there will be many things he will do to her. She didn’t deserve this; if he know they couldn’t have lived (together), he should have left her,” the woman declared.

Reflecting on her grandson, who is now ten years old, Mrs Seonarine said she was never allowed to see him. Reflecting on an occasion when she had visited the child’s school just to see him and express her joy, she said the headmistress had allowed the visit, but the child returned home and

just waste time for the Government to mind dem in prison, and when they come out they doing the same things over and over,” the woman vented.

She stressed that once Anand is found guilty, he should be hanged.

Although criticising Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, who was the Crime Chief when her daughter disappeared, Mrs Seonarine nevertheless praised the detectives and the Police Force, especially Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, whom she noted was the real force behind the investigations.

“Now we have a new Government in place, a new Crime Chief, but I don’t have any confidence in the present Commissioner of Police. I want to thank the police and all who put out their work to have justice prevail. They did a good job, especially the Crime Chief Blanhum,” she noted.

On the fateful night that she disappeared, family members had attempted to contact Babita Sarjoo on her two mobile phones, but they appeared to have been turned off.

Mrs Seonarine said she first informed ranks at the Timehri Police Station about her daughter’s disappearance, then made a similar report at the Kitty Police Station.

That led to police detaining and questioning a man and searching his home and septic tank. They had also searched two oth-

er homes, but found no trace of the missing woman. Checks with Immigration officials showed no record of her leaving Guyana.

In 2014, police requested DNA samples from Sarjou’s mother after finding the skeletal remains of an unidentified woman on a Berbice foreshore.

Before her disappearance, Sarjou had filed harassment case against her husband, but the matter was subsequently dismissed.

Her husband was accused of plastering copies of a nude picture of Sarjou, who had been missing since the night before Diwali, on the fence of her workplace at BK International.

The couple was not together at the time, and according to her mother, it was the fourth time that Sarjou had left her husband, and she had vowed not to return even though he was keeping her son away from her.

The couple was being counselled at the Ministry of Human Services, and Sarjou was told that if she wanted to file for custody of her son, she had to empower herself by being gainfully employed. It was this that drove her to find a job, and for months she had worked at the company, where she was described as a hard worker.

Instead of being embarrassed and cowed into silence, Babita had reported the matter of the nude pictures’ display to the police, leading to them instituting the charge against Narine.

The day Babita disappeared had marked three months since the nude printouts were plastered outside her workplace.

Earlier this month, top cop Seelall Persaud and Crime Chief Blanhum met with Champa Seonarine and formally notified her that police had reopened investigations into her daughter’s disappearance.

The Caribbean American Domestic Awareness Organisation (CADVA), a human rights organisation, has been pressing the police to have the Sarjou case reopened.

Chief Operations Officer Dianne Madray had criticised the police for the investigation they had conducted into Sarjou’s fate.

“Every little clue they get, the organisation would forward the information to the police,” she said. “When she disappeared, we gave her phone to the police, where she was threatened. We showed them Facebook messages, but none of those things can be found now,” the woman said.

Madray said that CADVA had appealed to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali- Hack, for assistance. Madray also said she had sent a letter to Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, and on March 29 last, she received a response.

On Sunday, Madray and a tearful Mrs Seonarine stood on the roadway looking into the yard where the remains believed to be that of Babita were found. In tears, she loudly declared in the direction of Narine’s house, sending a message to his present wife that nothing good would come of their relationship, since only an ill fate lies ahead for him.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 23, 2016

AT LAST!

-Radio has come to Lethem -Prime Minister makes first broadcast

By Alva Solomon AT exactly 10:45hrs yesterday, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo flicked the switch to turn on Radio Lethem 95.1FM. He also made the first broadcast, his action bringing to fruition a project designed to connect the Rupununi and other hin-

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo waves a cloth which he removed after unveiling the plaque to officially commission Radio Lethem. At right and left respectively are Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock, and the Prime Minister’s daughter

terland communities to the Coastland.

The project is one of two that were announced earlier this year during the 2016 National Budget, with Radio Mabaruma in the North West District set to be on the airwaves before the end of June.

Radio Lethem is supported with content by the National Communications Network (NCN), and provides radio coverage to communities in Central Lethem, 20-30 miles from the radio station. The station is being voluntarily manned by 20 youths from the area, and they would be presenting home-grown programmes in the months to come.

Addressing the packed-to-capacity audience yesterday, which included Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock; Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan; and Minister of Tourism, with responsibility for Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes; the Prime Minister spoke about the historic nature of the event. Most of all, he spoke about the pivotal role people like veteran broadcaster Dr Rovin Deodat played in the development of community radio and radio in general in Guyana.

Not only was Dr Deodat

pivotal in commissioning of the country’s first FM (frequency modulation) radio station, 98.1 Hot FM, but he also played a key role in crafting of a broadcasting policy for the country back in the early 90s.

According to the Prime Minister, who was then Minister of Information under the previous administration, it was recognised at the time that broadcasting was the principal vehicle for uniting the Guyanese populace.

“Because if you cannot spread the word of unity, you cannot achieve the objective of unity,” he said, adding: “And the only way you can spread the word is to be able to communicate with all the communities of Guyana -- from the coast, to the hinterland, to border areas, to the riverine areas, to the hills…”

He mentioned, in passing, Radio Paiwomak, another radio station which broadcasts in the Rupununi from the Bina Hill Institute at Kwatamang.

“We must allow our Indigenous people to communicate. There are nine tribes, and they need to communicate with themselves initially in their own languages, and that was the rationale for Radio Paiwomak,” he said.

The Prime Minister revealed that there are plans for establishment of a radio station at the University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus.

Recalling that not only was See page 5

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 23, 2016

Guyana Action Committee honours First Lady

FIRST Lady Mrs Sandra Granger was on Saturday awarded for the contributions she has made in improving the lives of the most vulnerable sections of the Guyanese population.

The Guyana Action Committee (GAC) presented her with an award at the GAC’s fundraising gala held at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston. The proceeds from that fundraising event will go towards the Burnham Educational Scholarship Trust (BEST).

The First Lady, in brief remarks, said the GAC and her office are working towards common goals, particularly in relation to helping the vulnerable, especially women and children.

She said, “The GAC and I believe in education as a means of advancement….

Because of this, we focus on ensuring that our young children and adolescents in particular are given the means to become educated and therefore (become) able contributors to the growth

the Government of the day able to access funding for a transmitter, but a studio was even set-up at the Turkeyen Campus, he said the project unfortunately simply died.

As he recalled: “It was never born; maybe stillborn…. The studio was built, and after I left office, no one followed up.”

But all is not lost, he

In studio during an on-air discussion after the commissioning ceremony, Minister Allicock noted that communication has been lacking in the country. “We promised that we will bring the country together,” he added.

Minister Hughes noted that communities should be able to fashion their own

stories. Accordingly, she expressed appreciation to those persons who volunteered to work at the station, as she noted their pivotal roles in the development of the region.

Hughes also pledged to donate some 15 laptops to the team of trainees who will broadcast the pro-

First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger receiving from the Guyana Action Committee the award for the outstanding work she has been doing for vulnerable groups in Guyana (Ministry of the Presidency photo) and development of our beautiful Guyana.”

President of the GAC, Errol Lewis, in his remarks,

called for greater unity among Guyanese, both locally and in the diaspora.

“If we are to advance

AT LAST...

From page 4

stand that we cannot continue to ostracise anyone, moreso our youths…. We must never again allow bigotry

and hatred to define us as a people…,” he said.

Apart from the First Lady, five other individuals were honoured. They are educator and activist Mr Stanton Lambert; Deputy Principal of President’s College, Ms Yvonette Chichester; educator Mr Wilfred Success; computer specialist Ms Marva Wiltshire-Gordon; and businessman and social activist Mr James Bovell Jr. The GAC also awarded several youths for outstanding performances in the field of sport. They are cricketers Kemo Paul, Shemaine Campbelle, Shimron Hetmyer, Tevin Imlach, and Tremayne Smartt.

The GAC is a non-profit organisation established in New York in 2011. Its mission is to engage in projects and discussions aimed at providing means for cultural, economic and social change for Guyanese here in Guyana and in the diaspora. (Ministry of the Presidency)

said. “As the country prepares to become a gas and oil state, we’ve come to realise that we would have to produce a new set of intelligence of a new generation.”

He added that environmental engineers and safety and mechanical technicians are among the skilled personnel who would have knowledge to share with the country, using radio as the preferred means of communication.

“So we need the university to communicate with the rest of Guyana what it is doing there,” he said.

During the course of the commissioning, Dr Deodat was recognized for holding the first training course for persons of Amerindian descent through a loan from UNESCO. That course led to the “discovery” of broadcaster Michella Abraham-Ali. Dr Deodat told the au-

our purpose and our cause utilising the rich potential we possess, our nation must be educated enough to underdience that the ceremony yesterday was a testament to the durability of those who worked on the lead-up to Radio Lethem’s launch, including technical staff of NCN. He said that, months ago, he and the Prime Minister discussed the programmes and ideas for radio, those being 50% from the regions and other content from NCN. He said that, for the moment, NCN will be relaying to Radio Lethem; but as time progresses, local programmes will be added to the airwaves.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo stands with young trainee broadcasters who will be trained to man programmes on Radio Lethem. Project Coordinator Dr Rovin Deodat is at right

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

The Forensic Audits

AMONG the first things the APNU+AFC government did on assuming office was to commission a series of forensic audits into state-owned institutions. This was making true on the campaign promise to restore accountability in Government, and suggested the coalition partners were serious about their stance for good governance when they were in the Opposition.

If not all, at least some of the audits are in; and they have presented a picture of laxity in compliance with procedures and the management of the state’s resources. They have also revealed discrepancies, fraudulent practices, and political interference. Accompanying these revelations, recommendations have been made to improve systems, including procedural strengthening and criminal actions.

From the audits, insights were gleaned into the amount of money the Government and people lost through irregular practices. For instance, the audit on the Guyana Gold Board said that, due to poor management of the gold in the board’s possession between 2012 and 2014, the country lost over $10 billion. This sum could have gone towards improving existing services and infrastructure, or be invested in some other needed developmental project.

In December 2015, Finance Minister Winston Jordan presented to the National Assembly figures tallying around $133 million, being spent on the audits. This sum is immaterial where actions will be taken pursuant to recommendations prescribed in the audits.

Where, from all evidence thus far available, management of the affairs of state was not in conformity with established best practices and rules governing its organization, corrective measures, including deterrence, have to be put in place. And while it may be easy political talk that to act in accordance with recommendations amounts to recrimination or witch hunting, the question that should be asked is: Can the country afford not to act?

Where the society has called for, and seen, the wisdom in spending significant sums of money to bring about improvement in government practices, such was investment in the undertaking that there will be commitment to act based on findings and recommendations. And in a society where skepticism is high when it comes to politicians and Government acting in the interest of the state and people, what is not needed is the fuelling or nurturing of this skepticism.

Guyanese at home and abroad desire better governance and improvement in the standard of living for themselves and families. In the pursuit of good governance, the standard of conducting the state’s business has to improve.

And this also includes holding to account those who have

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 23, 2016

Gouveia responds to Nascimento Dear Mr Editor.

I READ Kit’s letter and wanted to establish just for the public record, I do not have any conflict with Kit Nascimento, neither at a personal nor at a professional level.

I therefore find his words quite sharp and riveting for a man who is supposedly just doing his professional work as a PR consultant for the Correia family.

I however, do agree with Kit, Mike Correia is one of the “Finest CEOs,” that is why I had personally agreed to support his appointment as the chairman of the private company’s OAI board.

It is important to note that the EFC Airport Board of directors was never established.

What is unfortunate is that I also thought I could have trusted him to run the affairs of our company OAI while I was busy over the years struggling to build and transform Roraima Airways, which was a new, start-up company.

I in fact was too trusting of him which I now know was a massive mistake When I finally discovered and understood what Mike was doing it was too late. He had already outsmarted us by cleverly manoeuvring his family and friends into the shareholding of our company, OAI , with the clear objective of taking over our company and cleverly dominating the day-to-day operations of the airport , thereby creating the most unhealthy and acrimoniously anti-competitive environment I have ever witnessed in my 40 years as a professional aviator.

I wish to acknowledge that I was not as smart as Mike Correia, nor was I as alert as I should have been. He is probably a better businessman than I am, since I lack the basic killer instinct to be shrewd and ruthless.

Kit went on to cast assertions that my own achievements were accomplished by political patronage, while the development of Ogle was clear of such political favours. Well, I would not even dignify Kit Nascimento’s slanderous assertions with a reply, but only to say the following: 1. Once again it leaves me to question his professional conduct.

2. I wish to make it very clear that Kit Nascimento was not around the five original investors at the time we were conceptualizing the development strategy for OAI. He therefore is in no position to comment on the lack of “political Patronage” as a contribution to the development of Ogle Airport.

3. I do not expect him to know the details and the behindthe-scenes work that was done.

4. I do not expect him to know that the five of us were given the exclusive privilege of leasing the Ogle Airport, not because of the Correia family wealth, but because of the diversity of who each of us was individually and what engaged in actions inimical to the state or organisation they manage. Doing this also helps to create the needed level playing field which would communicate to the ordinary man and woman that the politically connected and holders of higher office are not above reproach.

Conversely, it is understandable that in a society where racial identity informs association, acceptance, and rejection of issues; and self-serving politicians capitalise on such, Government may harbour reservations about acting. Where this reservation exists, it is to the Government’s, Opposition’s and everyone’s benefit that actions be executed in a transparent manner, one consistent with recommendations and a possible look at the feasibility of having a special prosecutor handle the cases where criminal prosecutions have been recommended.

While the sums of money diverted to the audits should not be seen as wasted outside of paying the auditors, it would

we represented as competitors, giving the Government the comfort and assurance that the airport would be operated in a fair and equitable manner, where all of us would have equal say maintaining the balance, since we were also fierce competitors.

5. Unfortunately, what has evolved and what in fact is obtained today is far removed from what the expectation was when the airport was leased to us.

As I close this letter, which I hope is the final letter I would need to write on this subject, let me simply establish the following facts.

1. EFC Airport is a Government of Guyana facility which is leased to a private company called OAI with strict expectations on the part of Government.

2. OAI was meant to operate the airport in a fair and equitable manner by appointing a management team that was professionally competent and very importantly, totally impartial.

3. The fact that 9 of the 10 local aircraft operators at the airport have expressed unequivocally their lack of confidence in the management of the airport to be fair and impartial speaks for itself.

4. Airports by their very nature are regulatory, therefore, it is a totally unacceptable situation to have one competitor regulating his competitors The business of a country’s international airport is not like any regular company; airports must be managed by impartial managers. The quantum of shareholding should never give one operator more rights over the other operators who are their competitors.

Aviation-related investors must be assured of the security of their investment,but they cannot be allowed to run the dayto-day operations of the airport, because of the clear conflict of interest and disadvantage to the other airport aviation operators.

OAI as a private company that no longer has the moral standing of impartiality to continue with the privilege of managing a public asset (EFC International Airport) in the public interest in an equitable and fair manner.

ECF Airport belongs to the people of Guyana and we must never forget that fact.

Our Government needs to establish a national airport authority under which the management of our country’s international airports must operate.

Yours sincerely, Captain Gerry Gouveia, CEO. Roraima Airways be a waste of money if recommendations are not acted on.

Further, where those who have engaged in inappropriate conduct are allowed to walk without being held to account, the floodgate is open for worse to follow. In short, the Government has to be mindful that the audits are not seen as a waste of time for improving the public accounting system, holding persons to account, and making Government responsive to the people’s needs.

At the political level, failure to act provides bragging rights to those who initially said there was no corruption and had challenged the Government to prove there was. At the societal level, persons’ confidence in the political system -- regardless of which side of the political fence they sit -– would be eroded, and they would become disengaged in the processes of governance, which is not good for our system of inclusionary democracy and creating a Government that works for all the people.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 23, 2016

Fashion Week ‘sneak-peek’...

Designers give just enough

By Tamica Garnett

IT was only a “sneak peek” of what’s to come, but a number of the designs at Friday evening’s 2016 Guyana Fashion Week launch were just enough to leave patrons anticipating what’s to come when the actual fashion show goes down in November.

Held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre at Liliendaal, spectators were treated to the designs of over 20 of a total of 40 Guyanese designers who will be contributing to the Guyana Fashion Week.

The event, which was organised by fashion icon Sonia Noel, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, featured the designs of a number of newcomers to the Guyana Fashion Week runway.

With over 20 designers and limited time, most were allotted no more than six pieces so as to give the audience an idea of what more was in store for them come this November.

RICH, ECLECTIC CULTURE In keeping with the theme of the ‘Jubilee’ festivities, a number of the de-

signers took the opportunity to showcase pieces which embraced Guyana’s rich, eclectic culture in their designs.

Neilson Nurse’s “Flag Fantasy”, “Born Free” by Audrey Calendar, and the Tandika Favourite’s ensemble were just some of the designs that were all about adding that Golden Arrowhead flair to modern style, while Sherice Daniels’s “Indigenous”, Stacy Angoy’s “Afro Curry”, and pieces by Trinidad-based Guyanese Subhan Badal also gave a modern-day twist to ethnic pieces.

Sonia Noel’s “Golden Jubilee” was self-explanatory. The collection included pieces such as T-shirts featuring the 50th Independence Anniversary logo, catering for those shopping around for clothing for the ongoing independence celebrations.

By far the two most original and enticing collections of the night were Mwanza Glen’s “Lady Madam”, and Melissa Payne’s “On the Edge.” Also a makeup artist and model, Payne herself donned one of her pieces and had a whale of a time showing it off.

Said to be one of the next “It designers,” Glen show-

Reigning Ms. Guyana Universe Shauna Ramdyhan in a piece from Neilson Nurse’s “Flag Fantasy” collection

cased pieces he described as “sophisticated, sensuous, sultry and stunning.”

Glen was also not to be left out of incorporating national pride into his collection. His final number, which made quite an impression on the crowd, was a stunning two-piece which included a feathered headpiece that also paid tribute to the National Standard.

LASTING IMPRESSION Speaking of things that impressed the crowd, the cute and sassy children models who donned pieces from the “Horizon” collection by Sandbox designs, enthused the crowd as they vibrantly displayed their pieces.

Nonetheless, not all of the designs were impressive, and some of the designers would do well to use the next few months to work on their art and come out booming with more original pieces later this year, when they are expected to display some 18 pieces.

All in all, it was a good show, which also did well to integrate other artistic forms such as singing, dancing, and poetry reading. Speaking after the show, Noel shared that she was pleased with what was put on for the launch,

--to whet patrons’ appetite

and looks forward to seeing what more the designers have to offer come November.

She noted that Fashion Week, which is in its seventh year, is all about giving the designers a platform to display their art; their talent.

“When I sat there and looked at so many young designers who are super talented... “And to think that we have so much talent here in Guyana... and it’s just the platform, and the resources to get them to the next level,” she said, adding: “There is so much brain power that goes into those outfits that you see... some with more details than others. This is why we provide this platform, to give them that boost.

“They have so many months more to prepare; this was just a taste of what they have. So they have months now to build on that on their story, every collection tells a story.”

According to Noel, patrons can expect another preview of the designs in the weeks leading up to Fashion Week.

Melissa Payne in a Tracy Douglas piece

A model in a Sonia Noel creation

Shauna Ramdyhan in a Tandika Favourite piece

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 23, 2016

Gafoor feeds thousands –– to mark 76th birth anniversary

THOUSANDS, including children and the elderly, were fed Sunday at Gafoor’s Houston Complex even as the company rebuilds from the fire which consumed 40 per cent of its business at the complex.

The occasion was in observance of the birth anniversary of corporate mogul Sattaur Gafoor, Executive Chairman of Gafsons Industries, who celebrated his 76th birth anniversary on Sunday.

“Traditionally on my birthday, I usually get together with the less fortunate and poor people from the homes and provide something for them, some people would have friends and have a big party. But rather than doing that I try to remember those who are deprived and help as much as I can,” the noted philanthropist said.

Many of the persons were shuttled with Gafsons transportation from orphanages and homes for the elderly as part of the feeding programme. They received meals and beverages at the rear section of the business complex which was not gutted by the May 9, 2016 inferno. Some 530 workers were affected in the aftermath of the fire.

Although at present space is a vital factor for business, Gafoor said air- conditioning units and a generator were placed in an unaffected section of the complex from where employees are now operating, while 25 per cent of staff has been absorbed in the various Gafoor’s branches throughout the country.

He said the section that was gutted will have to be extracted and rebuilt.

Sattaur Gafoor serves one of the many tables along with his sister-in-law and two brothers during his birth anniversary celebrations

One of the sections filled with people hosted by Sattaur Gafoor on Sunday to mark his 76th birth anniversary

DOING REASONABLY WELL “It’s been a very trying time, but with the support of my staff we are doing reasonably well. I would say we have 65 per cent of our business already on stream and up and running, except for 20 employees who have not yet been allocated because of their skill sets and the equipment they operate, they have already been paid 75 per cent of their salaries,” he explained.

Much of Gafoor’s working day is

spent seeking to enhance the professional development of his staff. Many of them are university graduates, but Gafoor knows what he wants out of his employees and he believes he is the fittest person to provide that guidance.

The executive chairman has the sturdy appearance of a man who is used to the peaks and troughs of business.

Gafsons has been in business for over six decades.

St Joseph High celebrates Jubilee Anniversary STUDENTS of St Joseph High School last Friday hosted a cultural extravaganza, reflecting Guyana’s rich history and historical features.

The audience became quickly enraptured by non-stop blasts of cross-cultural presentations, humour, education and a host of other vibrant activities.

Decked in an array of cultural attire, students and distinguished persons gathered to witness a multitude of dances, poems and songs done by the cast of performers.

The cultural dances and national songs did not fail to entice all those gathered in the auditorium, as they swayed, laughed and rocked to the beat of drums and tassas.

Most of the enthusiasm continued through the day with the multi-cultural presentations. However, apart from the colourful aspect of the programme, students were edified by their teachers about the different historical features of Guyana, such as Parliament Buildings, the National Park and a host of other interesting facts and places.

Persons were even given a chance to experience a part of the period when Guyana gained its independence in 1966, when students recited the presentations of former President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and Queen See page 9

St Joseph High School students are intrigued by a cardboard replica of the Demerara Harbour Bridge

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 23, 2016

Over 150,000 gallons of –since 2005, illegal fuel seized says GEA

By Rabindra Rooplall THE Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) has seized a total of 150,242.1 gallons of illegal fuel since 2005; and as at April 2016, approximately 1,545 gallons of diesel and 2,686.7 gallons of gasoline were also seized, while eight charges have been brought against fuel smugglers this year.

GEA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Mahender Sharma said the incidents recorded for the period occurred in various parts of the country, including on the Essequibo Coast, in Pomeroon River communities, in Georgetown, in Mahaica, and in Cuyuni river communities.

He explained that, in 2007, a Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Contraband was convened under the auspices of the then Ministry of Home Affairs, to coordinate the efforts of the different law enforcement agencies in the fight against fuel smuggling and contraband. The resulting cooperation between the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Revenue Authority, Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, and Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) aided in several interdictions of illegal fuel, and assisted in capturing, escorting and securing various transport vessels (both land and water).

JOINT OPERATIONS Co-operation from the

Guyana Police Force in the detention of suspects, and from the GDF Coast Guard and the Guyana Revenue

Dr Mahender Sharma Authority (GRA) in joint operations have proven invaluable in combating the illegal fuel trade, he explained.

The GEA head said the agency is also a part of the ‘Hinterland Intelligence Committee’ organised by the GPF and chaired by the Commissioner of Police.

Members of this committee include the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Guyana Police Force (GPF), Association of Aircraft Owners (AAO), Ministry of Health

(MoH), Ministry of Local Government (MLG), the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Guyana Women Miners Organization (GWMO), among others.

Many issues are discussed at these meetings, including fuel smuggling.

CAPACITY-BUILDING Dr Sharma said all necessary and possible steps to plug existing loopholes are being addressed, not only by the GEA, but by its sister agencies. Several capacity-building programmes, including continuous training and the acquisition of equipment and machinery, are planned for 2016 to strengthen the agency’s ability to competently and effectively discharge its statutory mandate.

The success of the programme and strategies adopted by the agency can be seen in the “Test Results” (Quantitative Analyses) -- the percentage of marker concentrate detected when the sample is analysed. A “correctly marked” sample should be at 100 per cent.

The results of sample analyses over the years are categorized in the following four ranges: 0 to 50 per cent: Significant dilution; 51 to 70 per cent: Some dilution; 1 to 90 per cent: Suspected dilution; 91 per cent and more: Legal.

During the assessment phase (2003), Sharma noted, 12 per cent of the samples analysed were found to be

Some items seized from the GEA East Coast Demerara raids significantly diluted. “This decreased to six per cent in the post-assessment phase and throughout 2004. From 2005 to 2007, the testing strategy was focused on areas with a high incidence of illegal activity. For this three-year period, the percentage of significantly diluted samples fluctuated from nine per cent to 15 per cent, and then to eight per cent. It is believed that this fluctuation was a direct result of the strategy used for sampling, and would have a direct relationship with the number of samples analysed and the focus on areas with a high incidence of smuggling,” the GEA boss explained.

However, the year 2008 can be characterized as a mixture of focused, planned

and random sampling. The percentage of samples found with significant dilution was maintained at three per cent in 2009.

The year 2010, he added, set another record, with significant dilution reported as two per cent, indicative of sustained reduction in the percentage of significantly diluted samples analysed.

In 2011, and again in 2012, significant levels of contamination (defined as more than 50 per cent) were detected in only one per cent of the samples analysed.

With the analysis of 64 per cent more samples in 2013, one per cent of the samples analysed was found to be significantly diluted.

While an increased number of samples were analysed in 2014, levels of adulteration

remained below two per cent.

Significant levels of contamination were detected in two per cent of the 32,893 samples analysed in 2015. Sites found with significant dilution in at least one tank remained relatively unchanged since 2010. Further, he said, samples with readings of up to 70 per cent account for less than one percent of total analyses.

“The GEA maintains a permanent presence in Essequibo, Bartica and Linden.

Officers are routinely dispatched to these areas, from which operations to further outlying areas are launched.

Routine and intelligence-based operations are conducted as needed in various areas throughout the country,” Dr Sharma disclosed.

St Joseph High celebrates Jubilee ...

From page 8 Elizabeth 11.

In addition, a kaleidoscope of colourful creations was on display, depicting progress over the years and also taking a step back in time, including a replica of the Berbice and Demerara bridges, farms and pictures of the past presidents.

This event has been the eighth of its kind, and every year the members of the school try to bring something quite innovative, not just to capture the eyes of the students, but also to showcase the capability of striking a balance between creativity and academics. (Navendra Seoraj)

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A cultural dance by a group of St Joseph High School students

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 23, 2016

All hail Pope Emanuel!

HAILED as an “auspicious and historic event”, Philbert London of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara was on Sunday inaugurated as what the Beacon Ministries called “the first Black Pope in the Caribbean”.

The investiture ceremony, held at the Ocean View Conference Centre, was attended by followers and well-wishers of the Beacon Ministries, who sang praises and even danced to celebrate the achievement of His Highness, Pope Emanuel.

Pope Emanuel was described as a multi-talented, prosperous, dynamic and erudite preacher; a miracle worker; a church-planter, teacher and motivational speaker.

In his younger days, the Pope reportedly did a one-year stint in the Guyana Police Force; played scrabble, monopoly, table tennis, and lifted weights to enhance his physique.

Formerly referred to as the Right Reverend Archbishop Philbert London, “the Messenger of God in Guyana”, he received his instruments of office at about 15:55 hrs on Sunday, to much cheers from a happy gathering.

Proceedings were slated to start at 14:00 hrs, but started an hour later.

Minutes after the Guyana Chronicle arrived at the location, the band and trumpet blared “Pom! Popa! Pom!” then two men dressed in regal purple ropes emerged from a room at the northern side of the building and, instead of going to take up their seats at the head table, they took up seats next to the receptionist, who sat close to the entrance of the centre.

The two, whom this newspaper later learned were Bishops, crossed their feet, folded their arms, chatted and chillaxed for about 20 minutes before exiting the centre to await the arrival of London.

And at 14:57 hrs, the quietude was interrupted by a loud shout of “All rise!”

LOOKING DAPPER Looking dapper dressed in a white rope, and smiling broadly,

Pope Emanuel (fourth left) with his Bishops at the investiture ceremony at the Ocean View Conference Centre on Sunday

Dancers performing at the investiture ceremony of Pope Emanuel

A section of the gathering at the investiture ceremony London descended on the conference centre.

The trumpets blared again, and the bands began to play to mark his arrival. He followed his Bishops, who led the way to the stage, and when he reached there, he reclined in his wooden chair, painted in gold and flanked by the Golden Arrowhead on the left and the Stars

and Stripes, the flag of the Unites States, on the right.

The speakers who took to the podium hailed London as a “great man”.

“Daniel has come!” shouted one. “Thanks to God, He made it happen!” another screamed.

“God reigns over Guyana, and awesome things will happen!” yet another declared.

When this was done, it was time for a song to praise the Lord. The song was ‘Dare to be Daniel’, but the item had to be pushed back, as the lead singer was still getting dressed even though the programme had started an hour late.

But though the actual singing of the song was shifted down the programme, a recording of

the song was played, and it bit the congregation.

The young moved energetically to the music while the old violently shook their fragile bodies.

T h e y o u n g f e m al e master of ceremonies heaped praise on the rendition, but also strangely remarked that she likes to “wine” on the song.

With the song out of its original slot, the pro-

gramme moved to tithing, and one of the Bishops declared that “… giving into your bosom, brings a release”, “people who give always receive”, and “givers never lose”.

The message struck a chord with some members of the gathering, who rushed to the stage to deposit their contributions in one of several brown baskets that were available.

The little sermon by the Bishop enlivened the congregation, and the entertainment continued with a passionate and energetic rendition of the song “Let Jehovah reign!” which had the audience dancing and waving. The song was composed by His Holiness himself.

When the excitement had subsided, it was time for the witnesses to the Papal Call to take the podium; and the first to do so was Bishop Joseph De Cunha. He told the audience that during a conversation with a pastor of the Beacon Ministries in 2011, there was a brief pause, and the Lord told him that he was “going to promote Archbishop London to Pope”.

According to Bishop De Cunha, he never found himself in a position like that before, and so, as it was said, it was done on Sunday.

Bishop Jippy Doyle of Barbados, who next took to the podium, declared in a baritone voice: “Histoooooory” is being witnessed on a wonderful day, contending that London is both a “gentleman” and “a genius”.

A GREAT PREDICATOR But it was Bishop Guy Griffith who drew the most “wows” from the gathering. Hailing Pope London as an outstanding son of God, he said the man had predicted many things before they happened.

He related that in 2011, London had predicted that Guyana would get a young President, and soon after, “Bharrat Jagan” emerged as leader of the land.

Bishop Griffith insisted before the audience See page 11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 23, 2016

All hail Pope ...

From page 10 that he was telling them the “truth, only the truth, and nothing but the truth!”

Mr Bharrat Jagdeo became President of Guyana on August 11, 1999.

Bishop Griffith also claimed that London had predicted that then Opposition Leader David Granger would become President, and the prediction came to pass.

Whether this account is factual or fictional, it probably did not matter to the audience, some of whom whispered to one another “Wow! What a man!”

ALLEGED MIRACLES London’s alleged miracles read like the stuff told at a storytelling event. According to his followers, his miracles include predicting the 2005 floods; the bombing of the twin towers; giving Guyana rains when droughts were predicted between 1994 and 2004; causing Hurricane Erika to turn into cool breeze over St Lucia in 1997; giving Guyana a righteous Government in 2013, restoring the Garden City in 2013, significantly reducing domestic violence in 2015, and causing a dent in suicide cases in 2015; causing persons to get visas to the US; blessing barren women, causing them to get pregnant; and dismissing court cases.

One member in the gathering told this newspaper that “London can be of great help to former President Leader Bharrat Jagdeo!” It has been reported that the now Opposition Leader is interested in another term in office, and is hoping that any challenge against it will be thrown out by the court.

But those are not all of Pope London’s alleged miracles. He also helped a man, Brother Ivan, whose confidence had been deflated by his swollen testicles. According to a booklet prepared by the Pope’s followers, Brother Ivan reportedly said, “I had to make a strap to keep around my waist and support my testicles in order to prevent the swelling from becoming visible to others; but three to four months ago, the strap became too small…. During July 2009, I heard Dr London on his television programme, ‘Revelation and Power’, advertise a free anointed cloth that could be used for whatever miracle you desire. I promptly phoned in for one. I received my cloth on 22nd of July. After applying the cloth, I experienced a fantastic thing! A hole appeared at the bottom of the swollen testicle and I began to bleed!

“Thick bloody stuff began to pour out of the hole, enough I estimate to half-fill a five-gallon bucket! The swelling went down completely, and I am convinced that it was the anointing that created the hole and started my healing.”

This alleged miracle was certified by Bishop Cockfield and several others.

The “historic” and “auspicious” event, according to the programme, was supposed to be addressed by President David Granger, but the President reportedly had other pressing engagements to attend to.

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Two more reasons to frequent Giftland’s THE Giftland Mall on Friday gave patrons two more reasons to frequent its Plantation Pattensen mega complex: A new boutique chockful of affordable clothing, and a gourmet restaurant.

Patrons can now enjoy selecting a wider variety of fashionable clothing from “Chelsea”, located on the ground floor of the mall, where this year’s Ms. Guyana World delegates

were on hand at the launch to help show off some of the pieces that will be available there.

Clothing items available at the moment are mostly dresses that could be worn at almost any occasion, and they are being retailed at very affordable prices.

The highlight of the evening was the opening of the Fine Dining Restaurant, which is the latest addi-

tion to the ‘Entertaining Strip’. According to Giftland’s Roy Beepat, the restaurant is a place where persons can go and relax in a comfortable atmosphere, and dine with their friends and families for an affordable price.

The first restaurant of its kind to be opened at the Mall, it offers a variety of five-star quality cuisine to match its equally exquisite ambience.

Patrons and the Ms. Guyana delegates enjoy the warm atmosphere and dinner at the Fine Dining Restaurant at Giftland’s

Retired headteacher found dead in home THE decomposed body of 74-year-old Henry Ramlakhan Gobin was found in a crouched position in the lower flat of his two-storey house at Brehaspat Street, Number Two Village, East Canje, Berbice on Friday.

His nephew, Paul Gobin, related that he had last seen his father’s brother two weeks ago, when he had visited his uncle’s home and was told that the elderly man was going out and was consequently unable to entertain him.

The younger Gobin and other relatives responded on Friday afternoon to a telephone call which resulted in them visiting the home of the now deceased former headmaster. They forcefully entered the upper flat of the wooden house after calls went unanswered; and when a relative descended an inner stairway to the lower flat, Henry Gobin’s badly decomposed body was discovered on the floor in a slouched position.

was emanating from nearby pig pens.

When this newspaper visited the scene on Saturday morning, relatives were taking away the dead man’s personal belongings, which included his television set, pension books, clothing and curtains, among other articles; they having decided to divide the articles among themselves. The relatives,

all males, described the now deceased as a “non-mixer”, “non- drinker”, and “non-smoker”, who was “always by himself”.

“He always minding his own business; nothing or nobody interested him.

He lived alone and he died alone. He has no children.

An older sister lived and died the same way,” one relative related.

Found dead: Henry Ramlakhan Gobin “He probably fell off the bed. His skull was exposed, so were his teeth, while body fluids flowed from the body.

The stench was high,” the relative said.

Neighbours acknowledged that they had not seen the retired school teacher for about two weeks. They acknowledged that they had since been receiving an obnoxious odour in the environment, but had presumed it

The house in which the body of Henry Ramlakhan Gobin was found

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 23, 2016

Night of Legends concert enthralls mature at heart

Minister of Tourism and Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, during her remarks at the Night of Legends event

SATURDAY night’s Night of Legends concert proved to be just what the mature Guyanese crowd had been missing for some time.

The Jubilee Festival event, held at the National Stadium, showcased a number of legendary local artistes, who invoked a sense of nostalgia with the revival of their own pieces as well as renditions of other popular oldies.

Like most events, the concert got off to a slow start, with a sparse crowd sitting sheltered beneath a tent being wary of the rain.

But as each performance got underway, and with a little coaxing from host Bobby Vieira, the growing crowd eventually trickled out from beneath the tent to enjoy the increasingly entertaining performances in the open air of the tarmac. The atmosphere was so contagious that many couples could be seen waltzing from time to time.

Headlining the event with renditions of its well-known hits was the one and only Dave Martins and the Tradewinds group.

Opening with ‘Honeymoon in June’, Dave Martins evoked peals of laughter from the crowd, and this was sustained during renditions of songs like ‘Cricket in the Jungle’ and ‘Boyhood days’. Of course the legendary ‘Not ah blade of grass’ was featured -- a song which in this time of increased national pride has become immensely popular, even

among the younger generation. In fact, the theme of Guyanese ownership of our land and our resources was reiterated by several other performers.

Minister of Tourism and Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, in brief remarks informed the public of several activities to come for the 50th Anniversary celebrations, and encouraged Guyanese to participate in as many of those activities as possible.

‘MUSIC AND MAGIC’ “Tonight we are celebrating the music

and the magic that is this beautiful country of ours, so we are celebrating our birthday and we have a lot to be proud of, a lot that we have achieved,” Minister Hughes said.

Other local acts included the Yoruba Singers and Terri Gajraj, who were both warmly welcomed by the crowd. Artistes whose names have been heard in the arena of Guyanese entertainment for quite some time -- like Sammy Baksh and the Mighty Rebel – also performed. Several of the performers included overseas-based Guyanese who are well known for their work abroad.

The Yoruba Singers during their Saturday night performance at the National Stadium, Providence

Dave Martins and The Tradewinds during their 30-minute performance at the Night of Legends concert

A section of the crowd during the performances at the Night of Legends concert on Saturday night

Celia Samaraoo, Manager of the Shakti Strings, during her performance at the Night of Legends concert at the National Stadium, Providence

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 23, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 23, 2016

Day Care children have a whale of a time ––celebrating Guyana’s ‘Golden Jubilee’

By Sherah Alleyne TEACHERS, children and parents of the Municipal Day Care Services and four private day care services took to the streets of

Georgetown in high spirits on Friday, in celebration of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee.

Dressed in brightly hued tee-shirts and headdresses of the colours of the national flag, the entou-

rage moved off from the Middle Street entrance of the Promenade Gardens and headed west into Main Street. And in spite of the occasional showers, the revelry would continue as the children, jumping and waving excitedly as they followed the lead of their teachers, headed east along Church Street and turned north into Carmichael Street, on their way See page 16

Teachers leading the little ones on the streets of Georgetown

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 23, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, may 23, 2016

Day Care children have a whale ...

From page 14

back to the Promenade Gardens.

Paulette Bollers, Director of the Municipal Day Care Services, said the children’s participation in this event is significant in that it helps sensitise them on the importance of Guyana’s independence.

“This is history, and we want our children to be aware (of) and (be) a part of this important celebration,” she said.

The Georgetown Municipality has five day care centres under its charge.

Those centres are located at Industrial Site, South Road, Festival City, Charlestown and East Ruimveldt.

Some of the little revellers who were out on Friday (Photos by Delano Williams)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 23, 2016

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CDC trains Region 5 public health officials, volunteers in mosquito control

SEVERAL persons in Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) were recently trained on how to control the Aedes aegypti mosquito that causes yellow fever, chikungunya, dengue and zika diseases.

Held last Wednesday and Thursday at the Lachmansingh Primary School at Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice, the training was organised by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and the Environmental Health Services of Region 5. The theme was community-focused integrated vector control, which aims at discovering mosquito breeding places in and around habitations in communities, and destroying them.

Ms Allana Walters, Planning and Training Officer at the CDC, said the training was one element of the programme of the National Zika Response Coordinating Committee that was specifically aimed at equipping members of communities with the skills for finding and destroying the breeding places of the mosquito, and by so doing, enhancing the health and safety of the public.

Those who participated in the two-day programme included staffers of the health services in Region 5, volunteers, and staffers of the Neighbuorhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) within the region.

The resource persons were: Ms Walters; Mr Keith Moore of the Vector Control Services (VCS); Mr David

Some of the participants at the CDC-organised training on integrated vector control Williams, Chief Inspector of the VCS; Ms Kim Morgan, CDC volunteer; and Mr Ignatius Merai, Senior Environmental Health Officer of the Environmental Health Services in Region 5.

The topics included information on the breeding sites preferred by the Aedes aegypti; data collection; prevention and protection; and integrated vector control management, theory and practice.

Participants were also briefed on the symptoms of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, zika, chikungunya and filariasis.

Walters said the CDC had completed similar programmes in Regions Four (Demerara/Mahaica), Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) and Nine (Upper Takutu/ Upper Essequibo). She said participants are expected to increase public awareness of the importance of vector control measures, as well as assist in implementing such measures in their various communities through the use of time tested methods, in addition to fogging, which only kills mosquitoes in flight.

Ignatius Merai, Senior Environmental Health Officer in Region 5, addressing participants at the opening of the CDC-organised training on vector control

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 23, 2016

12 homeless after Mocha fire

A FAMILY of 12 is now homeless after a five-year-old playing with matches caused a wooden structure on concrete posts to go up in flames Friday afternoon.

Before firefighters reached the Lot 43, Nelson Street, Mocha, East Bank Demerara home it had been already gutted after the fire started at 14:10hrs.

One of the occupants of the house, Winston Braithwaite, said seven children and five adults shared the house and at the time of the fire only an 81-year-old visually-impaired woman was at home with the five-year-old at the time. The child found a box of matches and the rest is history.

Joseph Magaram, who also resided in

the house, said he learnt that the cause of the fire was the result of a nursery school child playing with matches.

He explained that his 81-year-old mother who was home at the time is near- sighted and made the discovery after noticing the smoke. “When I come home I was told by neighbours that my kids were not at home and the house burn down. People tried to help with the fire already burnt up the place; someone had to bring out my mom because she was panicking,� he said.

He said all valuables and documents went up in flames. The occupants would welcome any assistance from anyone or agency that can assist with them getting back on their feet.

The remains of the house after the fire was extinguished

Monday May 23th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Tuesday May 24th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Wednesday May 25th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 23, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 23, 2016

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Mickens, Mckenzie ...

From back page the first quarter finished in favour of Jammers 18-16.

Going into the second quarter, Inge again continued his dribble drive and worked in tandem with Guyana-born Winston Robinson who punched the lane splitting the defence to throw down a left-handed jam. Ravens continued their solid work in the paint, but found themselves down by five points going into the half at 36-31.

The second half saw an offensive explosion from Ravens, while Jammers went cold from the field missing most of their attempts. Ryan Stephney hit big shots to give the Ravens the lead and was backed up by Dominic Vincente and Nikkoloi Smith.

The spark came at the end of the third quarter for Jammers, with Keron Mckenzie hitting his first three from the left wing and then

his second from the same spot with mere seconds on the clock ending the quarter at 55-50 in favour of Ravens.

The fourth quarter saw Jammers tighten their defence and swing the ball more and the injection of combo guard Rodney Mickens brought energy to the team. Ravens continued their battle to counter the energy of Jammers with physical play and the increased physicality went unchecked by the referees.

This contributed to the frustration of fans as well as Jammers players. Coming down to three minutes left, Mickens hit one shot from way behind the three-point line to cut the Ravens lead to 2 and then a three to take the lead at 68-67. Free throws were then crucial down the stretch as the Jammers took it home.

Semaj Inge scored 21 points, Keron Mckenzie had 12 with Mickens adding 10.

For Ravens, Jermaine Slater and Nikkoloi Smith had 13 points each while Ryan Stephney had 12.

According to Jammers captain Glen Stokes, “We just had to play through, they been playing together for a while so we had to counter that.”

And according to Inge, “I know I could beat them off the drive so I’ll just keep doing that.”

Mickens and Mckenzie expressed the same sentiments, stating that they just took the shot given to them and their confidence was high.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 23, 2016

Meldonium found in 47 of 49 failed Russian dope tests-WADA chief

(REUTERS)-World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) president Craig Reedie has disclosed that most of the Russian sportsmen and women who have failed drug tests in the last six months did so because meldonium was detected in their system.

Reedie said the drug, which Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova told a news conference she had used for health reasons after she failed a drugs test earlier this year, was responsible for 47 of the 49 adverse analytical findings in Russia between November 2015 and May 2016.

Meldonium, a Latvian drug which helps to adjust the body’s use of energy

President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Craig Reedie. and can boost stamina and aid endurance, was added to WADA’s list of banned substances at the start of this year.

Since then, Russians from several sports, in-

cluding rugby sevens, biathlon, speed skating, volleyball and athletics, have returned positive tests for the drug.

“This drug is not licensed for Europe, not licensed for the United States. It doesn’t fit within our systems. Clearly it is an issue,” Reedie said in a wide-ranging interview with insidethegames website.

WADA said last month that doubts over how long meldonium stayed in the body meant athletes who had tested positive for it before March 1 could have their bans overturned.

Reedie said the WADA task force investigating Russian drug use was arranging

to meet the former Sochi Olympic laboratory director Grigory Rodchenkov, who alleged in a recent interview that Russian authorities were involved in a cover-up in which samples were switched to avoid dozens of their athletes being exposed as drug cheats at the 2014 Winter Games. “ We a re a r r a n g i n g to meet Mr. Rodchenkov because we need all his information,” the WADA president said. “Part of that investigation will have to be a forensic examination of the containers that have been used.

“We will want to speak to the manufacturers and we will inevitably at some future and probably fairly

early date want to look at the samples he claims he has altered which are held in the Lausanne laboratory. The IOC (International Olympic Committee) have agreed to assist us in that task.”

Reedie said the seven percent failure rate of athletes at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 was disappointing, adding that he would be very interested to see the figures for London 2012 which will be announced shortly.

He said the Brazilian government had invested heavily in the anti-doping services for August’s Rio Games and a WADA-IOC task force had found the laboratory was performing

satisfactorily.

“The athletes should be satisfied that the sample they give at the Games will be properly analysed by accredited experts ... much effort is going into delivering exactly that.”

Reedie said he planned to ask the IOC soon to match the money he had raised from governments to fund anti-doping work.

“My guess is that by roughly the end of June I will have raised about $600,000 from governments and I will then formally write to the IOC and ask them to match it.

“If that comes about, I then have obviously up to $1.2 million as an investigations fund.”

Raptors hand Cavaliers first postseason loss with Game 3 win TO R O N TO – D e M a r DeRozan scored 32 points, Bismack Biyombo set a Toronto playoff record with 26 rebounds and the Raptors beat Cleveland 99-84 on Saturday night, handing the Cavaliers their first loss this postseason.

Kyle Lowry scored 20 points, Cory Joseph added 14, and Patrick Patterson and DeMarre Carroll each had 10 for the Raptors. They rebounded in Game 3 after losing the first two games in Cleveland by a combined 50 points.

In Toronto, where “We The North” is a rallying cry, a sell-out crowd dressed in red and white T-shirts helped their team improve to 7-2 at home in these playoffs. Game 4 is

Toronto Raptors centre-forward Bismack Biyombo (8) celebrates his dunk with teammates Cory Joseph (6) and Kyle Lowry during fourth quarter. games and were trying to Monday night at Air Canmatch the Los Angeles Lakada Centre. ers’ record of 11 straight vicLeBron James scored 24 tories to begin a postseason. points, and J.R. Smith had The Lakers did it in 1989 and 22 for the Cavaliers. They again in 2001. won their first 10 playoff Kyrie Irving scored 13

Wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Perera has replaced injured seamer Dhammika Prasad in Sri Lanka’s Test squad and will travel to England as soon as “visa formalities are taken care of”, SLC announced.

Perera had been the Test side’s wicketkeeper and No. 7 batsman before he was provisionally suspended for failing a doping Test, in December. The charges against him have since been withdrawn

by the ICC, and he has been eligible to play international cricket since May 11.

Chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya said his committee had chosen Perera to replace a bowler because Sri Lanka “have enough bowlers in the squad”. In addition to the four frontline bowlers and two allrounders who played in the Headingley Test, seamer Suranga Lakmal and offspinner

points, and Channing Frye had 11 for Cleveland. The Cavaliers were held below 100 points for the first time in these playoffs.

It was a rough night for Cavaliers forward Kevin Love, who scored three points and made just one of nine field goal attempts.

James had five assists, moving past Jason Kidd and into third place on the NBA’s career playoff list.

With his team ahead by eight, Biyombo scored six straight points in the final quarter to put the Raptors up 91-77 at 3:38.

DeRozan scored 12 points in the first but saw a buzzer-beating 3 waved off after video review.

Lowry scored eight points

Perera called up to Sri Lanka Test squad Dilruwan Perera sit in reserve.

“Kusal will join the team as soon as possible and acclimatise so he can do some serious work with the bat,” Jayasuriya added.

It is unlikely - though not impossible - that Perera will be available for the Test at Chester-le-Street which begins on Friday. He will almost certainly be in contention for the third Test at Lord’s, which does not

begin until June 9.

Perera has been training at SLC’s national academy at Khettarama since May 13.

Having begun his career as a limited-overs specialist, Perera had made a bright start to his Test career, hitting two rapid fifties in five innings so far.

If he is selected, Sri Lanka also have the option of relieving Dinesh Chandimal of the gloves.(ESPN Cricinfo)

despite picking up his second four at 5:40 as Toronto led 30-24 after one. It was the first time in nine quarters this series that the Raptors had outscored the Cavaliers.

Carroll, Joseph and Patterson each made 3-pointers during a 16-2 Toronto run midway through the second as the Raptors overcame Lowry’s third foul to take a 54-37 lead.

James went down clutch-

ing his face after being accidentally elbowed by Thompson during a scuffle at center court late in the second.

Thompson and Joseph were given technicals on the play.

James recovered to make a 3 in the final seconds, but Cleveland trailed 60-47 at halftime.

DeRozan scored 10 in the third and Joseph hit a buzzer-beating 3 to give the Raptors an 80-70 lead heading to the fourth.

Rain disrupts first day at French Open (REUTERS)-Rain wrought havoc with the first day of the French Open as play was abandoned at 1730 GMT yesterday after a frustrating start to the year’s second grand slam tournament.

Only 10 matches were completed of the 32 scheduled across eight courts.

Play had begun on time after torrential early-morning rain relented, allowing some competitors including Nick Kyrgios and Petra Kvitova to move through to the second round.

Matches continued in heavy drizzle before the players were sent scurrying for cover in the middle of the afternoon.

A short respite allowed play to restart only for further heavy downpours to move in across western Paris.

Women’s fourth seed Garbine Muguruza’s match against Anna Karolina-Schmiedlova was one of several called off, with others interrupted mid-match.

Men’s fifth seed Kei Nishikori was leading Simone Bolelli 6-1 7-5 2-1 on the main Philippe Chatrier court when play was halted.

Rain is also forecast for today, with the weather predicted to dry up as the week progresses.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 23, 2016

New BCCI chief targets top rankings, transparency

By Amlan Chakraborty

NEW DELHI, (Reuters)-Making India the top team in all formats of the game will be the priority for Indian board (BCCI) president Anurag Thakur, the 41-year-old said after taking charge of the world’s richest cricket board yesterday.

The top BCCI job, often called the most powerful position in cricket because of India’s financial muscle in the sport, has been vacant since Shashank Manohar resigned this month to take over as chairman of the International Cricket Council.

Anurag Thakur

The BCCI elected one of its youngest ever presidents in a meeting in Mumbai where the parliamentarian representing India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party was the lone candidate for the post.

“Currently our team is number two in Tests and T20 and number four in ODIs and in women’s cricket,” Thakur told reporters.

“We will take every step whatever is possible to make India number one in all four.”

Since this year’s World Twenty20 on home soil, the Indian team has been without a coach. Thakur said the board would advertise

the post and shortlist the applicants after June 10.

Often led by seasoned administrators, the BCCI is perceived as an efficient but opaque body run by industrialists and politicians.

Thakur said he was lucky to have learnt from three BCCI chiefs - Jagmohan Dalmiya, Narayanswami Srinivasan and Manohar -- who also headed the International Cricket Council.

He takes charge at a time when the board is under pressure from India’s top court to bring about change.

“We have introduced many reforms in the last

15 months...We will further strengthen it,” Thakur said.

“Transparency, accountability and professionalism will be part of BCCI’s working.

“Nobody is perfect.

Wherever there are issues, we’d try and rectify that.

As the custodian of the country’s most popular sport, we’re aware of our responsibilities and we’ll fulfil out duties.”

The board has earmarked one billion Indian rupees ($14.84 million) for a “green initiative” for new and existing stadiums, Thakur said.

Kohli in the runs again as RCB book play-off place

VIRAT Kohli’s incredible Indian Premier League form continued as Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Delhi Daredevils by six wickets in a decisive match yesterday to seal a play-off spot and eliminate their opponents.

Kohli has taken the IPL by storm this season and the RCB captain made an unbeaten 54 from 45 balls to seal his side’s fourth win in a row and ensure they will face Gujarat Lions in the first qualifier in Bangalore on Tuesday.

Quinton de Kock (60 from 52) top scored as Delhi made 138-8, with Yuzvendra Chahal (3-32) and Chris Gayle (2-11) keeping

Virat Kohli stayed unbeaten on 54 off 45 balls.

the Daredevils in check in Raipur.

Both sides needed a win to stay in the tournament and Kohli, comfortably the leading run-scorer in the tournament after passing 50 as many as 10 times in 14 innings, once again inspired RCB with support from Lokesh Rahul (38 off 23).

Delhi looked capable of posting a challenging total when they were 71-2 in the 10th over, with De Kock going well after Chahal had struck twice.

The South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman came down the track to launch Sreenath Aravind over the ropes and struck a further five boundaries but wickets

fell too frequently before Chris Morris (27no from 18) added much needed runs.

Gayle (1) and AB de Villiers (6) fell cheaply to Morris (1-31) and Zaheer Khan (1-30) respectively, but the tournament’s star performer Kohli stood firm with a responsible knock and an entertaining innings from Rahul also frustrated Delhi.

The magnificent Kohli hit the winning runs with 11 balls to spare to seal second spot and book a home qualifier against the Lions, with Sunrisers Hyderabad facing Kolkata Knight Riders in an eliminator at Feroz Shah Kotla Ground on Wednesday. (Omnisport. com)

Pathan seals play-off place for Knight Riders

YUSUF Pathan made an unbeaten 52 as Kolkata Knight Riders booked their place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) play-offs with a 22-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad yesterday.

The two-time champions knew victory would guarantee their top-four place and after Pathan and Manish Pandey (48) had starred with the bat, Sunil Narine (3-26) led the bowling attack with aplomb.

Pathan and Pandey added a much-needed injection of runs in the middle order after a steady start at Eden Gardens, the duo sharing an 87-run stand as Kolkata reached 171-6 in their 20 overs.

Shikhar Dhawan (51) threatened to spoil their day as he returned to form with a half century, but he had little in the way of support as David Warner (18) and Yuvraj Singh (19) failed to reach 20 to leave the Sunrisers short.

Kolkata skipper Gautam Gambhir (16) and Robin Uthappa (25) had provided a solid base from which the hosts could build from but the loss of three wickets in four overs saw them slip from 33-0 to 57-3.

Any momentum Hy derabad thought they had was quickly ruined by the fourth-wicket stand between Pathan and Pandey, the pair both favouring the leg side as

Yusuf Pathan’s unbeaten half century earned him the player of the match.

Karn Sharma and Mustafizur Rahman found themselves on the receiving end of their attacking approach.

Dhawan’s fourth 50 of this season’s competition offered reasons to be positive for Sunrisers, but their other star players failed to fire.

Warner was one of Narine’s three victims before Shakib Al Hasan (1-34) had Yuvraj caught in the deep with five overs remaining.

Sunrisers - who are also confirmed in the play-offs still needed 61 at that stage but a disciplined bowling display saw the runs dry up, handing Kolkata the win they needed to keep their season going.(OMNI SPORT)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 23, 2016

Sir Wes Hall dreams of Cozier Oval FOR the first time in five d e c a d e s , To n y C o z i e r didn’t commentate a single ball or pen a story at a gathering where dozens of West Indies’ cricketers, including the greatest of them, Sir Garfield Sobers, and the legendary Sir Everton Weekes were assembled.

The Voice of West Indies cricket remained silent in his mahogany casket as hundreds of mourners, including politicians, cricketers, media practitioners, former schoolmates and friends paid their last respects at his funeral service at the Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens yesterday.

In his sermon on the “Power of God’s Love”, Reverend, Sir Wes Hall said Cozier was “sensitive

Jillian Cozier greeting Sir Wes Hall, who delivered the sermon.

(Barbados Nation photo) to his God-given gifts and seized the opportunities that came his way.”

“Tony was the personification of Barbadian and West Indian excellence and as such it is only fitting to memorialise his outstanding

Barca complete double with King’s Cup win

(REUTERS)-Ten-man Barcelona retained the King’s Cup with a 2-0 victory over Sevilla to complete a domestic double thanks to extra-time goals by Jordi Alba and Neymar at the Vicente Calderon stadium yesterday.

Luis Enrique’s La Liga champions had Javier Mascherano sent off in the 36th minute but kept the score at 0-0 before Sevilla had Ever Banega dismissed in added time at the end of 90 minutes.

With both teams down to 10 men, Barcelona began to take control in the extra period and left back Alba burst down the wing to score in the 97th after a superb defence-splitting chip from Lionel Messi.

Sevilla were then reduced to nine players when defender Daniel Carrico was sent off for dissent late on and Neymar doubled Barcelona’s lead after also being set up by Messi.

It was the 28th time Barca had won the trophy.

They had struggled after Mascherano’s red card as Unai Emery’s side, who won the Europa League for the third time in a row last week, piled on the pressure.

But Barca, who lost top scorer Luis Suarez to injury just before the hour mark, stubbornly refused to cave in and eventually came out on top in a tense, spiky encounter.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday May 23, 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) 2011 (2) KKR Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the first person to win an IPL “Player of the Tournament” award?

(2) Who is the first player to make a duck in an IPL game?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

contribution to our glorious game of cricket,” Sir Wes said to a congregation that included former West Indies’ captain Clive Lloyd, his deputy, Deryck Murray, current coach Phil Simmons and long-time friend and commentator Joseph “Reds” Perreira.

Sir Wes noted that the

Prophet Joel said “that in the latter years young men will see visions and old men will dream dreams.”

“Yesterday, I dreamt that I was going down the road in Dayrells Road and when I looked around, I saw a big sign and it read ‘Tony Cozier Oval’ and that was at Wanderers,” he said.

“But I somehow feel that one day when we go by the University of the West Indies in one of those complexes up there, we shall see Tony’s name affixed to that.

“And not to leave out the Government, one day, we will see some Promenade, some boulevard, some big roundabout, again Tony’s name will be there,” added Sir Wes. Sir Wes said Cozier, whom he called a “golden icon of West Indies cricket” was “his friend, confidante and hero and his passing

devastated” him. “But the redeeming factor is that just as he conducted his life and career with infinite grace, so was he in death,” Sir Wes said.

Sir Wes said “it has not gone unnoticed that the outpouring of love, respect and deep emotion across the social strata that is testimony to the legacy of service, goodwill and global standing as Tony is perfectly fitting into that pantheon of great West Indian icons,” he said.

He said “there was no oasis of prosperity” in the time that Cozier started his career as a cricket writer, noting he had to work very hard for his living as the job of a freelancer wasn’t easy.

His son, Craig Cozier, delivered the eulogy, tracing his father’s career in cricket writing from 1955 when he did his first match while still a student at The

Lodge School, to his maiden radio commentary in 1965 and debut as a television analyst when the Kerry Packer Series bowled off in 1977.

Craig also mentioned his father’s love for music, fancying himself and would imitate the legendary Elvis Presley and Mighty Sparrow while he was also fond of Bajan superstar Rihanna.

He said among his father’s proudest moments was meeting the late South African president, Nelson Mandela, and being bestowed with a Silver Crown of Merit in 1989. Cozier passed away last week Wednesday at the Bayview Hospital.

He leaves to mourn his wife, Jillian, son Craig, daughter, Natalie and grandchildren. (First Published In The Barbados Nation.)

Former C/Wealth boxing champs join forces with GBA for May 28 amateur card FORMER Commonwealth boxing champions Lennox Blackmoore and Kenny Bristol have joined forces with the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) to stage a 15-bout amateur card in commemoration of Guyana’s 50 th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

The card will be held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on May 28th from 19:00hrs and admission is $500.00.

Addressing members of the media on Saturday at the office of Odinga Lumumba, former amateur boxer and head of the Briso Promo-

Lennox Blackmoore tions group, Seon Bristol, said when he learnt that boxing was not a part of the `Golden Jubilee’ celebrations, he immediately made

contact with former Commonwealth champions Lennox Blackmoore and Kenny Bristol for the two of them to make a collaborative effort along with (Seon) and the GBA to have a card staged to celebrate Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary.

Bristol thanked the media for the support they have been giving to the sport and said it is unfair for boxing not to be a part of the Independence celebration.

Seon informed the media that both Kenny Bristol and Blackmoore agreed to make the May 28 card a memorable one and plans

to make it an annual event.

Blackmoore said initially, they had wanted to stage a professional card, but in the end they thought otherwise.

GBA’s Technical Director and head of the organising committee, Terrence Poole, thanked the two former Commonwealth champions as well as Seon Bristol for lending their support to the card.

Poole promised that all 15 bouts listed for the May 28 card will be action-packed and stated that it would have been unfitting if boxing had not been included as part of the `Golden Jubilee’ celebrations.

Linden Guinness Greatest of De Streets semi-finals on today CLASSIC Six, Team 25, Wisroc Good Fellas and High Rollers are through to the semi-finals of this year’s Linden Guinness Greatest of de Streets football competition following their wins against quarter-final opponents at the Mackenzie Car Park on Friday night.

Playing in the first game, Classic Six brushed aside hard knocks knocking them out 3-0 as Colwyn Drakes got

the double, which came in the 4th and 20th minutes with the other scored by Shane Lucky in the 19th minute.

The Team 25 side then hammered Magic stars using their superior brand of play and No Tricks 5-0 as veteran Collie Hercules opened the winners’ scoring in the 4th minute and this was followed

by Quacy Johnson in the 5th, Ryan noel in the 16th and Romain Adams getting the

brace with goals in the 19th and 20th minutes.

In the third quarter-final game, Good Fellas earned a close win against Jermaine and Sons Silver Bullets, after DeShawn Joseph began the scoring for Good Fellas in the 1st minute and Omeion Wills got the other in the 3rd minute; but the Bullets fired back through goals from Dameion Williams in the 5th minute and

Nigel Nurnnett in the 13th.

Game four ended with victory for High Rollers, who rolled past Russians 3-0, with Jamal Almons netting in the 1st and 13th minutes and Kendolph Lewis the other in the 11th minute.

The semi-finals will be played today when Wisrock Good Fellas take on Classic Six in the first game and the other is between Team 25 and High Rollers.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 23, 2016

CMRC Round 1 Jamwest

Vieiras dominate super stock class -Elliot retains track record

GUYANA’S superbike clan, led by Stephen Vieira dominated the two-wheel end of things of the first leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships 2016 at the Jamwest Raceway in Jamaica, yesterday.

Stephen rode to two first-place finishes and one second on his way to securing a good day for super-stock bikes at the Jamwest Raceway.

Elliot Vieira with one win ione second and one third coupled with Matthew Vieira with one fourth, one second ensured that the bikes represented well Elliot’s winning time wa 1 minute, 11 seconds.

On the GP4 end of things, Kristian Jeffrey suffered a torrid start to his title defence after mechanical troubles forced him out of the day.

Full details in tomorrow’s edition

Stephen Vieira leads Elliot and Matthew Vieira.

(Stephan Sookram photo).

Windies suffer from lack of explosive bowlers - Walsh

West Indies bowling legend Courtney Walsh believes a lack of capable, explosive fast bowlers has negatively impacted the team’s fortunes in Test cricket.

Despite being a dominant force in the game’s shortest version, T20 cricket, often thought to require less concentration, the West Indies are ranked eighth among

Patrick Patterson

Test playing nations. Walsh believes a major part of the issue has been the region’s ability to produce top quality fast bowlers.

Wa l s h w h o s e c a reer spanned from 1984 to 2001, ended his career with 519 wickets at 24.44 in 132 Tests. In the ODIs the bowler claimed 227 in 205 matches at an economy rate

of 3.87.

Walsh formed part of a dynamic duo with Antiguan Curtly Ambrose which terrorized opposition batsmen. With dominant bowlers having faded from the regional game the former record holder believes things are harder for modern players.

“I learnt so much from

the likes of Michael Holding, Andy Roberts Malcolm Marshall and Joel Garner. It is not the same now. I think the last explosive fast bowler we produced was Patrick Patterson way back in the 90s,” Walsh claimed.

The first player to reach 500 wickets in Test cricket he believe a part of the issue also stems from the unwill-

ingness of modern players to be patient.

“I don’t think it is a technical issue. I believe there is enough talent in the West Indies. I feel it is a mindset issue. Cricketers are not showing the patience for five days of cricket. Your attention span has to be good,” Walsh said.

(Sportsmax.com)

Vieiras dominate super stock class See story on page 27

Ali and Looknauth spin Demerara to Under-19 50-over title LED by superb spin bowling from leg-spinner Ershad Ali and off-spinner Richie Looknauth, Demerara easily disposed of Berbice to claim the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) sponsored Hand-in-Hand Inter-county Under-19 50-over title yesterday at the National Stadium, Providence.

The spin twins captured seven wickets between them for just 32 runs, as they restricted the Berbicians to 86 in 36 overs to ensure Demerara complete a comfortable 68run victory.

Set a winning total of 155, Ali and Looknauth spun webs around the Berbice batsmen to claim 4-10 from five overs and 3-22 from nine overs respectively.

Joel Seitaram (30) and Matthew Hardial (12) were

The victorious Demerara Under-19 team pose with their respective trophies. GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie and Hand-In-Hand Marketing Representative Savita Singh are at far right.

Mickens, Mckenzie clutch shooting see DC Jammers Home -Ravens put up a fight in a tough game one

By Daniel Haynes THE first game of the DC Jammers goodwill tour against the Dynas Ravens provided an exciting contest, being decided in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter.

The game finished 74-69 in favour of the Jammers.

However, the final score did not reflect the game.

It was played at an up-tempo pace with Jammers pushing the ball up the court whenever possible and Ravens scoring most of their points in the paint, with Jermaine Slater being a rebounding beast.

Contributing to the up-tempo style of play was the inability of Ravens to stop the dribble-drive penetration of the visitors’ guards.

Top-scorer for the game, Semaj Inge, was the main threat off the dribble scoring most of his 21 points

Inge against Stephney with drives to the ring. Captain Glen Stokes and combo guard Rodney Mickens also punched the lane-creating offence.

The first quarter saw Ravens coming out strong and beating the Jammers in the paint with quick touch passes from guards to bigs for

easy layups. The driving and transition game of Jammers proved to be an equaliser and

see page 23

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the only two batsmen to reach double figures.

Earlier, Demerara won the toss and elected to bat, but they slipped to 61-4, losing Raymond Perez (9), Shurfane Rutherford (13) Ronaldo Renee (14) and Malcolm Hubbard (0).

Captain Travis Persaud and talented all-rounder Ronaldo Ali-Mohammed then took the score to 93 in the 30th over, before Persaud fell for 29.

Ali-Mohammed offered slight resistance before he departed for 27. Ali (19) and Looknauth not out on 10 offered some lower-order resistance.

Deon Sinclair was the most successful bowler for Berbice with 3-30, while Asif Ally (2-14) and Seitaram (2-22) were also among the wickets.

Demerara also claimed the three-day title last month.

CONCACAF targets Jack Warner with massive lawsuit

THE Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) is seeking damages of US$50 million from its former president Austin Jack Warner.

Warner, has been a man in the wars since FIFA was hit with numerous counts of corruption against some of its senior official and former officials.

T h e f o r m e r F I FA Vice-president is fighting extradition from Trinidad and Tobago to the United States, where he is wanted for counts of racketeering and other corruption charges.

According to CONCACAF, Warner, used his influence to acquire funding for a lavish football facility in Trinidad and Tobago but after he resigned from CONCACAF in 2011, it was discovered that he owned the land the facility was on.

Jeffrey Webb, who succeeded Warner and who was also indicted on corruption charges for which he has pleaded guilty, had

Jack Warner said the act had left him “shell-shocked, dismayed and upset”.

The site, which Warner alleges was a gift from Sepp Blatter, former FIFA president, is said to include a hotel and banquet facilities.

Initially though, Warner had said he did not own the property.

Warner is joined as defendant in the case by his wife, his accountant and two companies he is linked (Sportsmax.com)to.

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2016