Guyana chronicle e paper 23 02 2016

No. 104471

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2016

Price: $80

(Vat Inclusive)

Passage of Budget by daybreak Page 2

McCoy, others charged with throwing 3 faeces on Freddie Kissoon Page

Kwame McCoy is escorted by police to the Georgetown Magistrates Courts, Monday.

(Samuel Maughn photo)

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Gold miner shoots fianceé to death, kills self in Mazaruni

Page 24 Dead: Glenda McCurdy

Speaker US church 7 upholds wants to set up mental 20 Chang’s ruling on Scott, Felix health hospital Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

Passage of Budget by daybreak

THE 2016 National Budget of $230B was expected to have been cleared by the National Assembly early this morning after the final gruelling set of questions from the Opposition.

Up to press time, the

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan

National Assembly was still examining the estimates item by item. The final two sectors were education and finance.

Except Friday last, the House has met for an average of ten hours since the examination of the estimates began.

When 10 p.m. struck Monday evening, the estimates of two ministries still remained unfinished as opposition members grilled government on the various policies and allocations.

The Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, as leader of government business in the House, proposed continuation of the sitting until all matters were completed.

It is believed that this is the first time that the House sat on a national holiday, today, being Republic Day. The Appropriations Bill, which details the estimates for all ministries, amounting to $212 billion, was expected to be tabled and passed in the House early this morning. The additional sums to take the budget to $230 billion represent funding for constitutional agencies and do not require approval of the House.

The totals approved in the House are: Ministry of the Presidency - $4.8 billion Office of the Prime Minister - $6.5 billion Ministry of Finance -$23.6 billion Ministry of Foreign Affairs- $3.8 billion Parliament Office - $1.3 billion Office of the Auditor General - $714.3 million Public and Police Service Commission - $87.9 million Teaching Service Commission - $109.2 million Guyana Elections Commission - $3.5 billion Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs - $2.1 billion Ministry of Agriculture -$18 billion Ministry of Tourism - $$35 million Ministry of Business - $1.2 billion Ministry of Natural Resources - $814 million Ministry of Public Infrastructure - $30.6 billion Ministry of Public Telecommunications - $821 million Ministry of Education - $19.7 billion Ministry of Communities - $6.7 billion Ministry of Public Health - $19 billion Ministry of Social Protection - $13.9 billion Ministry of Public Security - $14.4 billion Ministry of Legal Affairs - $1.6 billion Guyana Defence Force - $10.1 billion Supreme Court - $1.5 billion Public Prosecutions - $160 million Office of the Ombudsman - $44.7 million Public Service Appellate Tribunal - $12.4 million Ethnic Relations Commission - $81 million Judicial Service Commission - $10 million Rights Commission of Guyana - $121.4 million Public Procurement Commission - $1,000 Regional Development Sector - $223 billion

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

McCoy, others charged with throwing faeces on Kissoon

By Leroy Smith MR KWAME McCoy, who once served as Press and Publicity Officer to former Presidents Donald Ramotar and Bharrat Jagdeo, and three other high profile associates of the now opposition PPP party have been charged with throwing feces on newspaper columnist Freddie Kissoon on May 24, 2010.

Kissoon, a fierce critic of PPP governments under Jagdeo and Ramotar, had just come out of a Robb Street supermarket when a man walked up to him and off-loaded a bucket of faeces in his face.

The case had gone cold in the years that followed, but over recent days, the case took a dramatic turn when police picked up McCoy and the two other co-accused, who were placed before the courts on Monday.

McCoy, 40, of 336 Section ‘A’ Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara; former Office of the President staffer Jason Abdulla, 24, of 56 James and Barr Streets, Albouystown Georgetown; and self-confessed death squad member Sean Hinds, 51, of 2548 North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, were charged with common assault. They were each granted $100,000 bail, and are to reappear in court on March 11, 2016.

The court heard that the three men unlawfully assaulted Kissoon at the corner of Robb and Light Street in Georgetown on the day in question.

McCoy stood as the No.1 accused, and Abdulla and Hinds followed as the respective No.2 and No.3 accused.

The court heard that McCoy is a communications specialist, Abdulla is a clerk, and Hinds is a businessman.

Hinds’s lawyer did not show up in court, but McCoy and Abdulla were respec-

tively represented by Attorneys-at-Law Latchmi Rahamat and Glenn Hanoman.

In her bail application on behalf of McCoy, Rahamat told the court that her client

tion of the murder of activist Courtney Crum-Ewing last year, when he had gone to meet the police, was questioned, and was sent away on the same day, the attorney

Jason Abdullah, Kwame McCoy and Sean Hinds arrive at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Monday does communications by profession, does not have any children, has no other matter before the court (although an assault matter is presently being appealed), is therefore not a flight risk and would have no issue with turning up for his court hearings.

The lawyer also indicated to the court that her client went willingly to the police after neighbours had informed him that a vanload of police ranks had visited his Diamond home in search of him. The lawyer expressed surprise that, over a matter of assault, her client had been kept in police custody since Wednesday of last week until his court appearance on Monday, and was even brought to the court shackled hands and feet.

She made reference to this being the second time he had cooperated with the police by making himself available to them after learning that he was of interest to them in connection with an investigation. The first matter had to do with the investiga-

recalled.

The court was told it was very suspicious that the man was now being treated this way for a simple assault matter while the investigation in relation to the murder probe last year did not have these hallmarks. The lawyer said McCoy had been detained since 17:30hrs on Wednesday.

And in his bail application on behalf of Abdulla, Attorney Glenn Hanoman pointed to the court that, judging from the support being shown for the virtual complainant at the court on Monday morning, he, along with attorney Rahamat, would prefer that the matter be tried by a judge and jury.

Given the many writings

by Kissoon and other considerations, Mr Hanoman wanted to know if the magistrate felt she would be able to judicate the matter in a fair manner.

In her response, Magistrate Judy Latchman explained that she is a very fair

magistrate, and that her court is also a fair court. She, however, reminded the lawyer that it was everyone’s right to think that they can adjudicate, but at the end of the day, it remains her job to do so.

The lawyers called for a preliminary inquiry to be held into the matter.

The prosecution did not object to bail being granted the trio, but requested that conditions be attached. Those conditions were that the accused stay away from the virtual complainant, lodge whatever travel documents they have with the police, and report to the police at the Criminal Investigation Department every Monday until conclusion of the trial.

However, McCoy’s lawyer informed the court that her client has since reported to her that he had misplaced his passport while moving from one place to another, and did not have the time to file it as being

missing.

The Magistrate then instructed the lawyer that unless her client presents the passport or an affidavit saying it was lost, he would not be released, since the lodging of the document was part of the conditions for bail.

When asked if he had anything to say, Kissoon, who was in court, responded in the negative at first, stating that he feels the prosecution would have covered his grounds. However, shortly afterwards, Kissoon indicated that, on second thought, he wanted to say something in his defence.

He said he is someone who feels very strongly about the freedom of persons, and does not believe in denying persons their freedom. He, however, went on to state that ever since the incident of 2010, he has been fearful for his life, and has been living in fear under the Bharrat Jagdeo government. He described

McCoy, Abdulla and Hinds as agents of the state, and reported that he is today still fearful for his life.

On March 11, 2016, the trio would be informed if the matter would continue before the lower court, or if it would be sent to the High Court to be tried by a judge and jury, as requested by the lawyers.

As the accused arrived in the back of a police pickup, there was tremendous anxiety among the dozens of persons who showed up at the Georgetown Magistrates Court to get a glimpse of them.

McCoy and the other two accused were shackled at the feet and hands, and while the two others walked very calmly into the prisoners’ holding area, McCoy repeatedly chanted: “We have degenerated as a society.”

Meanwhile, over the road from the court, a single protester held a placard which read “Jail the three stooges.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

Syrian rebels see flaws in U.S.-Russian truce plan (Reuters) The United States and Russia announced plans for a "cessation of hostilities" in Syria that would take effect on Saturday but exclude groups such as Islamic State and al Qaeda's Nusra Front, a loophole Syrian rebels immediately highlighted as a problem.

Monday's agreement, described by a U.N. spokesman as "a first step towards a more durable ceasefire," is the fruit of intensive diplomacy between Washington and Moscow, which back opposing sides in the 5-year-old civil war that has killed more than 250,000 people.

Presidents Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin discussed the accord by phone, and the Kremlin leader said it could "radically transform the cri-

sis situation in Syria." The White House said it could help advance talks on bringing about political change in Syria.

To succeed, the deal will require both countries to persuade their allies on the ground to comply. Fighting and air strikes continued on Monday, according to a British-based monitoring group.

The plan allows the Syrian army and allied forces, as well as Syrian opposition fighters, to respond with "proportionate use of force" in self-defense. It leaves a significant loophole by allowing further attacks, including air strikes, against Islamic State, Nusra and other militant groups.

Bashar al-Zoubi, head of the political office of the Yarmouk Army, part of the rebel Free Syrian Army, said that would provide cover for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian allies to keep attacking opposition-held territory where rebel and militant factions are tightly packed.

"Russia and the regime will target the areas of the revolutionaries on the pretext of the Nusra Front's presence, and you know how mixed those areas are, and if this happens, the truce will collapse," he said.

helped pave the way for significant advances by government forces in a conflict that has drawn in a host of world and regional powers.

The Syrian army is backed by Moscow, Iran and fighters from Lebanon's Hezbollah. Ranged against them are rebels supported by the United States, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

A U.S.-Russian statement

'CRITICAL ISSUE' Since intervening with air strikes in support of Assad in September, Russia has

Blood covers the hands of an injured boy lying in a field hospital after what activists said were air strikes by forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in the Douma neighborhood of Damascus February 6, 2015

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said the two countries and others would work together to delineate the territory held

by Islamic State, Nusra Front and the other militant groups excluded from the truce.

But rebel officials said it was impossible to pinpoint positions held by Nusra.

"For us, al-Nusra is a problematic point, because al-Nusra is not only present in Idlib, but also in Aleppo, in Damascus and in the south.

The critical issue here is that civilians or the Free Syrian Army could be targeted under the pretext of targeting al-Nusra," said a senior opposition figure, Khaled Khoja.

He said the cessation would be for an initial two weeks and "could be extended indefinitely if the parties commit to it."

Assad said on Saturday he was ready for a ceasefire, on condition that opposition forces he describes as terrorists did not use a lull in fighting to their advantage, and that countries backing insurgents halted support for them.

In a sign of confidence, reflecting his growing momentum on the battlefield, Assad on Monday called a parliamentary election for April 13. The timing was not a surprise as elections are held every four years and the

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last one was in 2012.

A U.N. Security Council resolution in December called for elections within 18 months under a new constitution, and administered by the United Nations.

The U.S.-Russian plan got a cautious and hedged response from Riad Hijab, chief coordinator of the main Western-backed Syrian opposition, who said he did not expect the governments of Syria, Iran or Russia to comply with it.

Hijab said the Saudi-backed High Negotiations Committee, of which he is president, would accept a truce if Syria and its backers halted all sieges, permitted aid deliveries, released all detainees and ended bombardments and attacks on civilians.

"The HNC is committed to the success of the international efforts dedicated to ending Syrian bloodshed ... but we are also capable of addressing the regime in a language it understands," he said, saying a formal HNC response would come later.

U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon welcomed the U.S.-Russian announcement, which followed a failed attempt by his Syria envoy, Staffan de Mistura, last month to restart peace talks in Geneva.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

Brazil to fight Zika by sterilizing mosquitoes with gamma rays

(Reuters) Brazil is planning to fight the Zika virus by zapping millions of male mosquitoes with gamma rays to sterilize them and stop the spread of the virus linked to thousands of birth defects.

Called an irradiator, the device has been used to control fruit flies on the Portuguese island of Madeira. The International Atomic Energy Agency said on Monday it will pay to ship the device to Juazeiro, in the northeastern state of Bahia, as soon as the Brazilian government issues an import permit.

“It’s a birth control method, the equivalent of family planning for humans,” said Kostas Bourtzis, a molecular biologist with the IAEA’s insect pest control laboratory.

Brazil is scrambling to eradicate the Aedes mosquito that has caused an epidemic of dengue and more recently an outbreak of Zika, a virus associated with an alarming surge in cases of babies born with abnormally small heads.

The new epidemic threatens to scare visitors away from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in August.

A Brazilian non-profit called Moscamed will breed up to 12 million male mosquitoes a week and then sterilize them with the cobalt-60 irradiator, produced by Canadian company MDS Nordion, Bourtzis said.

The sterile males will be released into target areas to mate with wild females who will lay eggs that produce no offspring, he said during an IAEA meeting of mosquito control experts.

After an initial program in a dozen towns near Juazeiro, the Brazilian government would

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Patricia Araujo (L), 23, who is seven-months pregnant, stands next to children as they pose in front of their stilt house, a lake dwelling also known as palafitte or ‘Palafito’, in Recife, Brazil, February 8, 2016.

have to decide on scaling up the sterile mosquito production with more funding for use in cities, where they would be released from the air, possibly from drones, Bourtzis said.

With no cure or vaccine available for Zika, which has spread to more than 30 countries, mostly in the Americas, the only way to contain the virus is to reduce the mosquito population.

Brazilian researchers are also experimenting with radiation. The Fiocruz biomedical research institute based in Recife has released 30,000 sterile mosquitoes on Fernando de Noronha, a island 350 km (217 miles) off the coast of northeast Brazil.

The pilot project seeks to replicate lab results in which 70 percent of the eggs laid by the females were sterile, Fiocruz researcher Alice Varjal said.

Initial results are expected

in May, she said Varjal said the sterile insect technique using small doses of radiation was the safest way to fight the mosquito because nothing toxic gets released into the environment. She said it was more cost-effective than using transgenic mosquitoes.

Another experiment underway in Brazil involves a mosquito genetically modified so their offspring will die before reaching adulthood and being able to reproduce, developed by Oxitec, the British subsidiary of Intrexon.

Much remains unknown about Zika, including whether the virus actually causes microcephaly. Brazil said it has confirmed more than 500 cases of microcephaly, and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil is investigating more than 3,900 additional suspected cases of microcephaly.

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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

MASHRAMANI

THE word Mashramani, (Mash) which means ‘celebration after hard work’, is derived from our Amerindian community. This celebration marks centuries of struggle to break the yoke of domination. This struggle began with the first rebellion of the enslaved people, including the Berbice Slave Rebellion led by our national hero Cuffy, which began on February 23rd, 1763 and had its high point when, as a people, we achieved Republican status in 1970 on the date that marked the 207th anniversary of that rebellion.

The actual street revelry was first held by the Jaycees in Linden. Then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, in his vision, and facing the challenge of building and moulding a nation, borrowed from the Linden celebration and created a national event that has since become a significant part of our national and cultural fabric. This is evident in making out of six peoples and diverse cultures a tolerant, multiracial society in which all will see themselves as One People, living in One Nation, and with One Destiny to mould.

Like has come to be seen as part of our ‘culture’, this national event has not been spared negative pedalling, in which political forces and successive regimes have sadly made efforts to downplay this aspect of our culture on misinformation that it is intended to celebrate one group or individual, as against it being national in nature. Thankfully, those efforts have been unsuccessful.

Mash has truly become a national event that drives our economy, and Guyanese at home and abroad look forward to participating in its celebration. Mash is about all groups which have played a part in this nation’s evolution and development. While, in the annals of history, one group had enslaved, indentured and colonised others, members of every ethnic group have been represented in the struggles for Independence and Republican status. This new government must therefore ensure that Mashramani and all national events are put in their rightful perspective of pride, honour and dignity for all, and eliminate the remnants of partisan thinking about things that are at the centre of nation building or social cohesion.

Nation building is not only about roads and infrastructure, but about building a culture; and especially in our diverse society, one in which every group can feel part of and will be allowed expression and protection to celebrate their unique heritage in a national way. Clearly, on the multicultural foundation on which this nation stands, President Burnham’s struggle was not only to use Mashramani to build a culture, but also to foster social cohesion, wherein diverse groups can have expression and be appreciated.

Mashramani exemplifies a period of much cultural expression: calypso and chutney competition, steel pan, children’s costume parade, and so forth. This is a period

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 23, 2016

Conditions at the so-called slave camp Dear Editor, PLEASE allow space in your letter column for the undersigned to express our disappointment and disapproval of Mr. Lincoln Lewis’s disrespectful verbal racial attack on BCGI HRManager, Mr. Igor Tolpykin, during the commencement of the grievance meeting that the BCGI Manager and his team attended at the Ministry of Social Protection’s Lot 82 Brickdam Office on 4th February 2016 because of an invitation by the Chief Labour Officer, Mr. Charles Ogle.

We understand that his verbal attack came about when the agenda of the meeting was being discussed for confirmation and BCGI team leader Mr. Tolpykin asked

about the absence of the complainants, who should have been present during the hearing. Mr. Ogle, the Chairman of the meeting, in response explained that the aggrieved employees had asked two of their friends (Mr. Lincoln Lewis and Mr. Charles Sampson, whom he introduced) to speak on their behalf, and it was during BCGI’S HR- Manager response, we were told that Mr. Lincoln Lewis bellowed out racial remarks in an angry tone, saying you white man three times, you white slave master along with other disparaging and humiliating slogans as he pointed from where he was sitting across to Mr. Tolpykin.

The behaviour of the trade union leader was intolerable, and must be made known to

Slow Internet access in New Amsterdam Dear Editor,

IT IS with regret that I write to you today regarding the high-speed Internet service provided by GT&T in the Berbice-New Amsterdam area. While the service has not had any major long running problems before, users have recently experienced severe interruptions to their Internet as well as very slow speeds.

The problem began in December last, when the Internet went down due to a reported fiber cable cut. It was observed that poor Internet services are being provided since then to now; and this happens particularly on weekends and evenings (prime time). On the technical side, the service loss is estimated between 25-50% of data when measured. Basic usage like streaming (Youtube,

Netflix etc), web browsing, downloads and using emails are extremely poor.

Contact was made by several persons from various areas affected, and to this day no permanent fix to the issues is being executed.

Hence, we are paying for poor to almost dead services, and wish to implore the service provider to rectify the issues a.s.a.p. At this time we have no alternative for efficient Internet access, and it was made clear that persons paying business rates for the same service in the same areas we live are not experiencing the poor performance we are getting.

Sincerely, CONCERNED CITIZENS (Berbice-New Amsterdam)

used for deepening our national pride and seeing the blossoming of Guyanese abilities and talents. Here is where we see our costume designers, musicians, children and teachers at their most creative.

It would not be unreasonable to ask the responsible ministry to examine the need to encourage such talent. It may be possible to offer separate incentives for those using local materials, bands playing local artistes, and increasing the artistes’ frequency on air time. These persons are bringing us their creativity through intellectual work, and at times at great sacrifice, and thus should be rewarded. This, too, is another approach to improving our arts and entertainment industry.

Mash has become an integral part of what it means to be Guyanese, and is here to stay. Outside of its economic benefit through employment and economic opportunities for those within, it places Guyana on the map as a tourist destination.

And it needs to be said that while Guyana is competing with other bigger global festivities, we do not necessarily need to take it down the road of nudity; we can maintain our cultural

the Guyanese public, since all sorts of evil rhetoric and untrue stories were being printed in the newspapers about BCGI Operations.

We do not, by ourselves, want to paint a glowing picture about our company, but one can come on a fact-finding mission and see for oneself. One must not come with a mindset and look negatively around, but objectively, and one will comprehend the good employment working arrangements of BCGI. Be educated about the progress made and the set plans for improvement. Any sensible Guyanese will not accept the baseless stories being printed in the news, and we have evidence to show the many applications for jobs that are being received here at the company. Many Guya-

nese want to work here. Some left us for greener pastures, and are now seeking to return to work here at BCGI, among those are some of the 59 workers that were dismissed in 2009.

Come and see for yourself. It is amazing that persons are actually returning to the “slave camp”, as it is referred to occasionally.

While in every company there are issues, and admitting B.C.G.I. may not be as perfect as is expected, there are several news about the camp facility, among other things that are peddled, most of which are untrue.

Let us try to be clouded in our judgments, but let even-handedness prevail.

CONCERNED EMPLOYEES

Tighter security needed at Bourda Market Dear Editor, Last Sunday morning, in broad daylight and in the wide open, two armed individuals carried out a daring robbery at the Bourda Market in plain sight of everyone who was shopping nearby, relieving the vendor of all of her cash and even her apron, and then calmly walking away in the direction of the Merriman Mall.

All the while, the hapless vendors and shoppers were left speechless and motionless, as there was not a single constable in sight. Even when some of the vendors ran to the outpost and made an urgent report and appeal for help, their efforts were futile, as the two unarmed female constables on duty refused to budge, much less go after the perpetrators.

Is this the new dawn that Royston King is boasting that has come to our capital? Are these the fruits of his wonderful works?

Each and every market is vulnerable because the constables quite laughably are now traffic policemen and women, they are now riding around aimlessly on bicycles, they are guarding the Independence Arch, they are performing bodyguard duty to Royston King and Hamilton Green, and guarding their residences etc.

Why are there no CCTV cameras at the markets? Of course we will hear that these are in the pipeline. But to add insult to injury, the Council has hired a private guard service for millions of dollars per month to protect places like the Merriman Mall and other inconsequential locations in the city, whilst the high-value targets are left unprotected.

Only in Guyana could such nonsense occur whilst the Council keeps patting itself on the back and saying ‘Well done, look how clean we are making the City’.

Sincerely, MARK ROOPAN

identity/uniqueness by being conservative in dress.

We can also encourage more talent of diverse music, expanding the range of calypso and chutney to include music with an Amerindian flavor, etc. Though the event is named in honour of our Amerindian brothers and sisters, there is not much outside the name that points uniquely to the Amerindian community. As with human beings, there is still need for growth.

Where Mash was once celebrated in all regions before there was a lull, there is need for a resurgence, to return the celebration to all the regions.

Although this year there will be no float parade, Mashramani is still Guyana’s greatest national party and street picnic. It is not only an event for revelry and an opportunity to showcase our talents, but one in which friends and friendships are formed. Let us keep it this way for generations to come, growing from strength to strength each year.

Happy Mashramani!

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

Speaker upholds Chang’s ruling- Gov’t on Scott, Felix vows to fight decision

By Ariana Gordon

MINISTER of Citizenship, Winston Felix, and Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott, were absent from the National Assembly on Monday as the Speaker of the National Assembly sought to abide by Friday’s High Court ruling by the outgoing Chief Justice Ian Chang.

Chang has ruled that the two ministers cannot sit in the National Assembly as

start of Monday’s sitting, but Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, made it pellucid that while he has not been served an order from the High Court, the reports of Chang’s decision were sufficient for him to act.

“The Hon. Anil Nandlall did send me, this morning, a copy of the decision which was written on the matter. It proved useful, though I must tell this Honourable House that I had determined as of (Sunday) that the information which is available in the

“I can find no other way by which one must respond to a decision of the court other than by respect and submission.”

- Dr Barton Scotland unelected members or technocrats because they were on the list of elected candidates for the coalition.

Parliamentarians are usually selected from the list they present to the Elections Commission.

Minister Scott was seen in Parliament just before the

newspapers was sufficiently reliable for me to act on, and that today (Monday) I would have requested the Honourable Members not to occupy their seats,” the Speaker disclosed.

He informed Members of Parliament (MPs) as a matter of priority, on Monday

Dr Barton Scotland

Winston Felix

Keith Scott

afternoon before the start of the final day of the consideration of the Budget estimates, that the two Ministers would not sit in the House.

“I can find no other way by which one must respond to a decision of the court other than by respect and submission,” said Dr Scotland. He emphasised that there can be “no equivocation” while noting that “a decision of the court must be unequivocal at all times.

“So the honourable members are not here, but I believe that I owe it to members of this House to understand their absence,” he said, noting that it is the National Assembly’s first obligation to obey the decisions of the Court.

Attorney General and

Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, immediately after the announcement of the Speaker, said Government will obey the court orders, but vowed that Felix and Scott will return to the House.

“We will uphold the rule of law in Guyana, Mr Speaker,” Williams said amidst loud cheers from his colleagues. He also affirmatively stated: “We can assure that we will leave no stone unturned to restore our brothers here to their rightful place.”

The Attorney General reminded the House that it was under the APNU-AFC Coalition Government that it was decided that Constitutional Commissions will be independent, as they were

designed.

“We wish to say on the part of the Government…that court orders are obeyed until discharged or set aside.”

The Chief Justice’s ruling followed a Constitutional Motion filed by People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) member Desmond Morian last July, questioning the legality of the appointment of the two APNU-AFC ministers of government. The party was vocal about its concerns over the selection of Felix and Scott as technocrats to serve in the 11th Parliament, and claimed that the posts have been allocated in an unconstitutional manner.

In his ruling, Chang declared that Felix and Scott are elected members of the

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National Assembly, and that despite their status of elected members of the National Assembly, they cannot sit in the National Assembly, since their names were not among those extracted from the APNU+ AFC list of candidates to hold seats on behalf of the persons named in that successful list.

The PPP had contended that Articles 103 (3) and 105 of the Constitution and Laws pronouncing on the eligibility of appointment of technocratic ministers do not confer technocratic status on these persons, already sworn in by President David Granger as ministers. Additionally, the Chief Justice, in his ruling, said that despite President Granger appointing the duo to become executive members of the government, the appointments do not entitle Felix and Scott to hold seats in the National Assembly.

In a statement to the media on Monday, the PPP welcomed the outgoing Chief Justice’s ruling, noting that it “as consistent with the laws of Guyana and a vindication of the Party’s view that the seating of the two ministers of the APNU+AFC is an electoral travesty and in violation of the Constitution and Representation of the People’s Act.”

Gov’t defends $14.5B security sector budget

By Ariana Gordon THE Government side of the Parliamentary Committee of Supply faced a gruelling set of questions from the Opposition before the eventual approval of the $14.534 billion budget for the security sector was eventually passed.

The most questions came from Opposition spokesperson on security, Clement Rohee. In considering the estimates line by line, Rohee asked subject Minister Khemraj Ramjattan to indicate to the House the number of persons who would be housed in the Brick Prison at the Camp Street Prison.

The Public Security Minister, in response, said the facility will be completed by July this year, and is expected to house approximately 325 high profile prisoners.

Rohee called on Ramjattan to account for an increase of approximately $33M for maintenance of buildings.

The minister responded by saying the increase is as a result of renovation works to 13 buildings; the rehabil-

itation of electrical systems at all prisons; and painting, renovation of the ground floor, Medex quarters, renovation of the DDoP residence, male bachelors’ quarters, spinsters’ quarters, the officers’ sports club, and living quarters as well as renovations to the Mazaruni Prisons.

ANOTHER $50,000 BONUS? Opposition Member of Parliament Joseph Hamilton questioned Minister Ramjattan on the $4.1B allocated by the Ministry for the payment of remuneration. Ramjattan, in response, said the allocations do not cater for an additional $50,000 bonus, as was granted to all public servants earning less than $500,000 monthly in December; nor did it cater to a 20 per cent increase in salary for ranks of the Guyana Police Force.

The Public Security Minister was quick to point out that he was not in a position to state whether workers attached to his ministry will benefit from another one-off $50,000 bo-

arms and ammunition; but not without questions. The Public Security Minister told the House that $48.8M of the $235M will be used to purchase arms and ammunition only.

Minister Khemraj Ramjattan nus. “At this stage, I can’t say.

It doesn’t appear so,” he told the House.

PRISONERS’ FOOD A total of $350M was approved by the House to feed prisoners. Asked by Rohee to tell the House the amount of money spent by the administration to feed prisoners, Minister Ramjattan said $485,000 are spent on food supplied to one prisoner annually. He noted, however, that the amount may soon reduce, as Government is working to ensure that

Clement Rohee the Guyana Prison Service is self-sufficient.

“We have to ensure that the prisoners are taken care of,” he said, noting that an agricultural programme will be embarked upon to ensure the self-sufficiency of the Prison Service.

Additionally, the minister said a uniform for an inmate of the Guyana Prison Service costs $2500.

EQUIPMENT, ARMS AND AMMUNITION $235M were approved for the purchase of equipment,

RELOCATION OF CANU Opposition Member Rohee questioned Minister Ramjattan on the apparent increase of approximately $20M for contracted employees under the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU). “How is it that $39M can be spent in 8 months”, and whether they can spend $39M in four months?

“Is it a question of increased salaries, or is it a question of increased staff?” asked the Opposition MP. Ramjattan in response, said the increase in allocation is as a result of increased salaries that were “approved structural increases” that became effective in January 2015.

Asked to specify the maintenance work to be conducted at CANU headquarters, the Minister said, “It caters for the capping of the entire bottom

flat of the present building, repairs to the roof and reinforcing the gate at CANU headquarters, Home Stretch Avenue.”

Rohee then asked the minister whether it is envisaged that CANU would be housed in a new building to be constructed, or will they be relocated.

“There is some concern about its relocation to accommodate a certain ministry; the decision is still to be made. If that is made by Cabinet, we will definitely have to make a new building; but this $29M for the construction of the building was for the compound there…another section,” Ramjattan said in response to the Opposition MP. Rohee expressed his concern on the matter, and asked whether CANU would be merged with the Police Narcotics Unit, but the minister assured the former minister of Home Affairs that “CANU will retain its full autonomy, and will be separate from the Guyana Police Narcotics Unit.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

President thanks Chinese community - for the success Guyana is today

By Svetlana Marshall UNDERSCORING their significant contributions since their arrival here 163 years ago, President David Granger on Sunday urged those Chinese who’ve made Guyana their second home to keep on investing in the country’s development.

He also had nothing but praise for the 40-odd years of diplomatic relations Guyana enjoys with China.

“Chinese enterprise in Guyana today has been fostered by 44 years of friendly diplomatic relations and resourceful commercial connections,” President Granger said in his address to mark the occasion, as he and First Lady Sandra Granger joined Chinese from all across Guyana to usher in the Year of the Monkey at the New Thriving Restaurant in down-town Georgetown.

Noting that his government is committed to fortifying that friendship forged between our two nations many moons ago, President Granger said Guyanese welcome with open arms those Chinese nationals who want to contribute to transforming the economic landscape once again, as they did more than a

century-and-a-half ago.

Noting further that there is much more to economic growth than merely buying and selling goods, the president couldn’t help but emphasise the need for a thriving manufacturing sector.

“We must first produce the goods we want to sell; we must balance what we import with what we export,” President Granger said, adding: “Guyana, therefore, welcomes investors not only in trading, but also in agro-processing, energy-generation,

engineering, fishing, housing, information technology, manufacturing, mining, telecommunications and tourism.

“Everyone wins with an enlarged, export-driven economy. Guyana looks to foreign investors including the Chinese."

Noting that he had the backing of the entire Cabinet, President Granger said: “Investors can be assured of the encouragement of our Ministries: Agriculture, Business, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Natural Resources,

Public Infrastructure, Public Telecommunications and the Presidency itself, as they seek to explore, expand and enlarge new markets for products made in Guyana.”

Of the invaluable contribution of the Chinese government to Guyana in the areas of culture and education, President Granger said: “We would like to congratulate the Confucius Institute, which was co-founded by the University of Guyana and the Dalian University of Foreign Languages two years

President David Granger and First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger are greeted upon their arrival at the New Thriving Restaurant

President David Granger addressing guests at Sunday night’s dinner to usher in the Chinese New Year ago, and inaugurated by His bassador Zhang said: "CiviExcellency Zhang Limin, the lizations have become richer Ambassador of the People’s and more colourful with exRepublic of Guyana.” changes and mutual learnAmbassador Zhang, in ing.” turn, pointed out that ChiIt is the government’s na has an ancient history hope that the Confucius Inand splendid culture. “The stitute will be a platform Confucius Institute at our for mutual learning between national university,” he said, Guyanese and Chinese peo“provides a bridge for cultur- ples. al exchanges and mutual unThe traditional dinner derstanding between Guyana on the occasion of the ‘Year and China.” of the Red Monkey’ was And, quoting Chinese organised by the Chinese President Xi Jinping, Am- Association of Guyana.

President David Granger and First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger (second left) having dinner with Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Zhang Limin (on President Granger’s right) and other members of the Chinese community in Guyana. Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan and his wife and Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland were also in attendance

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

Deeper unity and stronger communities President David Granger’s Republic Anniversary Message THE Independent nation of Guyana declared itself a Republic on this day 46 years ago. It assumed the name ‘The Cooperative Republic of Guyana.’

The establishment of the republic was by no means a perfunctory post-colonial affirmation of statehood, or the adoption of an ornamental title. It marked a transition from Guyana’s status as a ‘monarchy’ to a constitutional ‘democracy’.

Our first Prime Minister, Forbes Burnham, advised: “…in the context of Guyana, there is an indescribable incongruity about having the Queen of Great Britain [as] the Queen of Guyana. Moving to the status of a Republic represents, to my mind, a further step in the direction of self-reliance and self-confidence”.

The declaration of republican status was an audacious and ambitious political decision. It consummated the covenant of Independence that had been earned four years earlier, in 1966.

It severed the residual vestiges of Guyana’s dependency on our former colonial rulers.

Guyana joined the majority of states of the world which today are also republics. Guyana, by becoming a Republic: * Effaced the incongruous image of the Queen of Britain being the Head of State of our nation. It allowed us to appoint a Guyanese of humble origins, the descendant of indentured labourers, as our first President; * Emancipated our new nation from the ignominy of having our final court of appeal located in the country which, for one hundred and fifty years, had exercised colonial dominion over our citizens; and, * Elevated the status of our people and enhanced their self-esteem; expedited the ‘Guyanisation’ of society, and

Mashramani: A time for reflection and assessment - Message from PNC

THE People’s National Congress Reform is pleased to extend greetings and good wishes to all Guyanese as we celebrate the 46th Anniversary of our Republican status.

This year, 2016, our nation celebrates its Golden Jubilee -- 50 years as an independent nation. The national celebration of Mashramani, therefore, is an occasion for reflection and assessment of the state of our nation 46 years after Guyana was declared a Republic, and 50 years since we achieved our Independence.

In this regard, it must be evident to all that we, as Guyanese, need to redouble our efforts to banish crime, disease, ignorance and poverty. We must strengthen national unity, expand national infrastructure, fortify national institutions, ensure national security, and extend public services.

Our Party has joined our partners in APNU+AFC to declare and dedicate our energies to making 2016 the Year of Renaissance. This year, we must all stand as one. This is the year for national unity. In the words of our Party Leader and President, “It is a year for recalling and recommitting towards the dream of a free, united and prosperous Guyana; one in which the good life is attainable by all.”

Accordingly, the PNCR wishes all of the Guyanese people a Happy Republic holiday and a joyous celebration of Mashramani, as we pray that the spirit of peace, love and unity will dwell among us on the 46th anniversary of our Republic.

promoted the mobility of Guyanese in public institutions and international organisations.

Guyanese must seize the opportunity of this anniversary to work for greater national unity. We can be one nation only if all sections of our population feel that they are an integral part of and share in our country’s development.

National Unity must be pursued at all levels. We must, in 2016, narrow the differences and divisions between our political parties through the promotion of dialogue and the intensification of political cooperation and consensus-based decision-making.

Guyanese must, at the national level, eradicate the suspicions that promote tensions and strife. We must dispel prejudice and hatred amongst individuals and groups. We must move forward as a united nation, constantly reaffirming our national motto: one people, one nation, one destiny.

Democracy is about placing power in the hands of the people. The changes wrought by becoming a republic were part of a process of democratic renewal. They were intended to place power into the hands of the people by making “the small man the real man.” They enabled the common folk, through their communities, collectives and cooperatives, to promote their economic self-improvement.

We will fulfil our promise to conduct local government elections in order to empower our citizens in their village communities and municipalities after two nightmarish decades of municipal despotism. Local government elections will empower residents and enrich communities.

Guyanese must use this opportunity of the holding of local government elections on 18th March to continue the process of democratic renewal which has been denied to our people for twenty-two years.

Local government elections will re-emphasise the importance of our communities. Local government elections will empower elected local representatives, thereby allowing citizens to administer their own affairs more competently and to contribute more fully to the development of their communities.

We have emphasised the importance of communities by naming the Ministry of Communities; by enhancing the role of Community Policing; by strengthening our Community Development Councils; by refurbishing our Community Cen-

President David Granger tres; and by revisiting the idea of Community High Schools.

Guyanese must seize the opportunity of this anniversary to improve the communities in which they live, in order to avert decline. The social problems – alcoholism and drug abuse; crime; homelessness; interpersonal violence; poverty and suicide – and the threat they present to the common good demand urgent attention and action, especially at the level of the community.

Communities give primacy to the needs of individuals, families and households. They recognise that residents are social beings and they seek, therefore, to harmonise the interests of the individuals with those of society as a whole.

These problems cannot be addressed by any single group -– be it government or non-governmental organisations.

These problems are national in scale. They require national responses.

Let us cooperate for Guyana! God bless the Cooperative Republic of Guyana!

Republic imbues a sense of pride - PPP Mashramani message

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend greetings to all Guyanese as the nation observes its 46th anniversary as a Republic.

Becoming a Republic in 1970 was not only a historic moment in our history, when officially governance by our colonial master was severed; but it was an occasion that imbued a profound sense of pride to begin charting our own course.

The PPP believes that while it is an occasion to demonstrate pride and patriotism for self-governance and achievements, it is also a time for reflection. Our nation’s observances as a Republic generally crescendo with the much-anticipated Mashramani Float Parade.

However, in this, our 50th year as an Independent nation, the government has shifted this mega-event to May for the jubilee celebration.

No doubt, there would be some level of disappointment, since all Guyanese look forward to Mash Day. However, expectancy is for May. Since the change of government in May last year, Guyanese have become despondent, the party claims. This it said has caused many to ask: What is there to celebrate, even if the annual Mash Parade were held?

According to the PPP over the last forty-six years under self-rule, Guyanese would have experienced the extremities of being impoverished and hopeless to being prosperous and hopeful. Those with authentic recollection would have seen demar-

cation of austerity, oppression and endemic poverty under the People’s National Congress government, and unprecedented development, prosperity and freedoms under the PPP leadership.

Unfortunately, given what has transpired under this new administration, our democracy is under threat, and it appears that our country could be pushed once again into economic turmoil. The party said “we observe the nation’s 46th anniversary as a Republic, and prepare to celebrate its jubilee year of Independence, all must guard against any attempt to suppress freedom and derail progress.” The PPP said the pride demonstrated on these occasions is driven not only by a sense of freedom from our colonial masters, but with the security of knowing that our hard-fought democracy would be protected. “As we demonstrate our patriotism on these national occasions, we must make our voices heard against all efforts to reintroduce any semblance of oppression.

As the Golden Arrowhead flutters proudly for this anniversary, so must all of us in our hearts, knowing that our freedoms, which are once again under threat, must remain paramount. It is our Party’s fervent hope that, as our nation observes yet another milestone, the despondency that prevails would be dispelled.”

Happy Republic anniversary to all!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

Civil Society group vows to preserve peace - make lawlessness a thing of the past

By Shirley Thomas It’s principal focus is to foster a culture of peace, lawfulness and happiness within these 83,000 square miles of ours.

That’s according to a group calling itself “A Guyana Nation Building Corps (AGNBC),” which last week unveiled its list of candidates as the nation gets ready for the March 18 Local Government Elections.

“Our principal focus is to promote a culture of peace, lawfulness, and a culture of happiness within this nation and communities within the Guyana sphere,” said leader of the 28-strong group, Joshua Griffith, as he made known their programme for the development of communities within Guyana.

The forum was held under the theme: “Safe, Smart, Sustainable Georgetown: The Heritage City.”

Other plans for the development of the municipality include: * Providing an efficient and transparent Administration * Consulting with all stakeholders before making decisions * Reform, the Municipal Laws and Regulations * Hire 300-plus persons to be trained as environmentalists for maintaining the Municipality of Georgetown * Construct nation building development centres in the communities * Build technologically advanced drainage and irrigation systems * Implement Municipality households and commercial solid waste recycling system * Provide user-friendly smart technology for Municipality internal and external business services.

* More efficient and effective use of the City Constabulary throughout the Municipality of Georgetown * Provide income-producing and wealth creation opportunities for citizens.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mozart Thomas, Leader of the Guyana National Civic Promotion Programme (GNCPP), also presented his candidates while unveiling plans for their electoral programme for the way forward for the Georgetown Municipality.

Said he: “We are here today to primarily share with you what are our plans for the development of the Municipality of Georgetown... What we have here is a group of volunteers from different spheres of life who are willing to get involved in community development.”

He made it clear that for AGBNC, it is important to look, not just at what is happening in the Georgetown municipalities, but also to look at what is going on nationwide.

In effect, he described the forum as one of recruiting the first set of nation and community builders into the whole programme.

Noting that there are many individual groups and individuals nationwide that are participating in the electoral process, Dr Thomas said the AGNBC supports them all.

“There are systems in place, through which councillors, after the elections, can get together with communities through the Congress of Local Democratic Organs and sit and strategise what is good for all the communities countrywide,” he said.

In relation to voter education in preparation for the LGE, he is of the opinion that a lot more could have been done to prepare the masses for this crucial undertaking.

“It is our position,” he said, “that as the country prepares for LGE, it should have been more prepared; we find that we

are involved, because the only way we are able to have a say and to uphold our constitutional duty under Article 13 is to be involved in Electoral Process.”

Meanwhile, Griffith said that in light of the fact that we have not had LGE for several years now, it is important that this fresh group of councillors elected now set a firm foundation forward, and even more importantly, that we have young people involved in this process. Hence the combination of the group.

Griffith said it is a good opportunity for people who have the interest of other people and the community at large at hears, to come onboard. “This is the mechanism that provides that opportunity to get them involved… if you are community member-friendly, then sign on, Griffith urged.

And Frank Gaul of the Lodge/D’Urban Backlands Group, attempted to clear the air on misconceptions about who elects the Mayor and Chairman of the Neighbourhood Democrtic Council (NDC).

“I want to reiterate,” he said, “that the public cannot vote for a Mayor; they will be voting for councillors for their respective constituencies within the Georgetown Municipality.

Likewise, in the NDCs, they will be voting for Councillors; they cannot vote for Chairman of an NDC or for a Mayor of the town or city.

“When the Council is formed, they will, in turn, vote for the NDC Chairman.”

Gaul stressed that the AGNBC is here to stand in line with the precedent already set by the President of Guyana , Brigadier David Granger, about nation building and AGNBC intends to emulate and strongly support those principles as set by the President.

The candidates reached presented their plan and vision for the ideal Municipality.

Police sergeant to face murder charge in death of former lover

By Leroy Smith

FORMER police sergeant Colin Bailey will be appearing in court on Wednesday for the murder of his one-time former lover, businesswoman Sirmattie Ramnaress, who was found murdered in her home at Diamond, East Bank Demerara on August 31, 2013.

Police Crime Chief, Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum, confirmed to the Guyana Chronicle that the woman’s husband, a former policeman who was interdicted for corrupt practices, would face the charge of murder.

The charge comes after persons who were already picked up by the police last year, and who provided statements to the police, indicated that they were paid by the man to murder the woman.

On the day the woman was found murdered, the policeman was performing presidential duties.

He used that as an alibi, which at the time threw police off course, even though they had taken samples from him to be tested overseas, after uplifting same from the murder scene.

After the police picked up a young man and charged him for the murder last year,

Bailey told one section of the media, “I had a feeling all the time, because I knew that I was not part of it. I knew some time it would all come to light.”

Last year, two years after the murder, the police managed to crack the case, which was slowly heading to the cold case file. That development was among several other high-profile murders and other crimes which the police were investigating.

On the day the woman’s body was found, persons said they had seen her earlier in the yard tending to her plants. They admitted that

the woman might have been murdered by persons whom she had known as there were no signs of forced entry into her premises.

The policeman was placed under close arrest in connection with the matter, but due to several circumstances, the police were forced to release him.

He had even engaged this publication at one point to plead his innocence of the crime, and had said that he had nothing to do with it.

Police could not locate the footage for the cameras which are situated all around the woman’s house, as the person(s) who had invaded

Former police sergeant Colin Bailey the premises and killed the woman had removed them.

The policeman was on record as encouraging his colleagues to try and obtain a backup to the surveillance footage, but the ranks failed in that regard.

Added to that, there were attempts to burn the

Murdered businesswoman Sirmattie Ramnaress house down with the woman’s body inside, and it was as a result of that act that persons who lived close to where the woman lived knew that something was wrong, and they jumped the fence, entered the home, and found the woman dead.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

Obama congratulates Guyana on turning 46 - pleased with return of LGE

PRESIDENT of the United States, Barack Obama, has congratulated Guyana on its 46th Republic Anniversary, and expressed his satisfaction with the return of long-overdue Local Government Elections (LGE).

In a letter sent to President David Granger, President Obama said, “The bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries have never been stronger, grounded in our shared commitments to citizen security, improved governance, and inclusive democracy.”

He further noted, “These commitments are exemplified in Guyana by the announcement that local govern-

ment elections will resume, and be held in March for the first time since 1994.”

According to President Obama, local elections are essential to bolstering good governance, development, and respect for the rule of law.

He told the Guyanese Head of State, “Your efforts to ensure broad participation, and an informed electorate will contribute to successful elections, and a bright future for Guyana.”

In closing, he said, “Let me offer sincere wishes to you, your family, and the Guyanese people for a most gratifying Mashramani and Republic Day.”

US President Barack Obama

President David Granger

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Banks DIH fetes pensioners

Chairman and Managing Director of Banks DIH Limited, Clifford Reis, on Sunday expressed gratitude to the company’s pensioners at an annual senior citizens luncheon.

Reis said Banks DIH was indebted to retirees, as they have made a sterling contribution to the company. “We are thankful for your contribution, and the Board of Directors has made a decision to raise your pension,” he declared to loud cheers from the attendees.

In a statement to the media, the company’s chairman said Banks DIH Limited donated over $145M to charity last year, while noting that the company is one that cares. The luncheon, themed “We care”, saw some 600 attendees that comprised retirees, members of the Guyana Red Cross Society, Salvation Army, Institute of the Blind, David Rose Centre, Guyana Association for the Visually Impaired and residents of several senior citizens homes, including Uncle Eddies, St, Thomas Moore, St, Vincent the Paul’s and Archer’s Home.

The beverage giant celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

Attendees of Banks DIH’s annual senior citizens luncheon

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

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Millions owed in taxes

A STAGGERING 76 per cent of businesses in Anna Regina do not pay rates and taxes, depriving the municipality of vital funds, and putting it under great strain in managing the affairs of the Region Two township.

This township on the Essequibo Coast begins at Three Friends village and ends at Walton Hall. For the longest while its municipality has been finding itself in great worry when it comes to paying staff and meeting other critical expenses. Aside from businesses, many residents are also not paying their rates and taxes.

In a recent interview with this publication, Town Clerk Dianne Critchlow revealed that the current situation is difficult to navigate. She pointed out that there has been no evalua-

consideration, it would have been prudent if an adjustment was made to the evaluators’ proposal, rather than throw it out altogether.

This situation, the Town Clerk related, has triggered multiple problems for the municipality.

“Currently, we use the old system, and some people have found loopholes to get away from paying rates and taxes.

Some residents pay rates, but are not paying taxes. What has happened is that, in some cases, residents have demolished their small homes and (have) put up super structures; and because of the absence of an updated evaluation, they do not pay a cent on the building, as the small building no longer exists.”

Rates are charged for lands, and taxes are charged for prop-

IMC Chair, Mark McLean tion of lands and properties in the region for the past 15 years.

The last evaluation was done by the Ministry of Finance under the former administration, but the proposal of the evaluators was thrown out following strong objections from residents.

Critchlow, who has been Town Clerk for three years and an employee with the Council for some 28 years, believes that the work of the evaluators was poorly handled.

She told this publication that while it was important to take the residents’ views into

erties. In residential areas, 20 per cent of the total value of the land is charged, and another 20 per cent on the property; while for commercial properties, the charge is 25 per cent.

RIDICULOUSLY LOW All the residents and businesses in the township are paying based on the old system, which is generally low, and ridiculously low, in some cases, the Town Clerk has said.

“There are a number of cases where persons are paying $80 per year when the price for a receipt book is some $2000,”

The Office of the Mayor and Town Council of Anna Regina she stressed. ied areas.

Lean, said that since the com- ity to pay and are not paying, According to Critchlow, “This is as much of a sur- mittee was established last he said, will be taken to court the Town Council has made prise to me as it is to others. August, it has been making a in due time. numerous calls to the previous One would have thought that concerted effort to get delinAccording to the IMC Government to correct the an area like Corriverton, sit- quent taxpayers to pay.

Chair, the municipality needs situation, but to no avail. uated in Region 6, with its The IMC has been go- about $100M every year to The Council, soon after the multi-sectorial economy and ing to the homes of those in do maintenance of roads and last elections, had also appealed border trade, would be making default, and through this ap- drains, pay councillors and to the Ministry of Communities a larger contribution to tax proach, it has managed to get staffers, and meet other day-toto fix the situation, and was revenues than the $1.3B; and some residents and businesses day expenses. promised that a team of evalua- substantially more than an to honour their obligations to Currently, revenues extors would be dispatched to the area like Linden, which brings the Council. pected to be collected in rates region in January; but they have and taxes by the Council annot yet arrived. nually is less than quarter From estimations, Critchof this sum, and the amount low said, the Council is exactually collected is just over pected to collect $24M in rates 50 per cent of the total sum the and taxes every year; but on region should collect annually. average, it collects just about McLean told this publica60 per cent of this sum. tion that if a new evaluation Last year, she said, the is done, and is approved by Council collected just over 40 the Government, the Council per cent of estimated revenues, will be collecting hundreds of making it unable to carry out millions of dollars in rates and basic maintenance of drains taxes, and would be better able and roads. to carry out its functions.

And atop of this, staffers The small sums collected and councillors were paid affrom residents and businesses, ter Christmas. In fact, they coupled with the poor collecwere paid on the last day in tion culture, have prevented December, and without any of the Council from hiring new the increases announced by the staff to function at full caGovernment. pacity.

Early this year, Guyana Subventions from GovernRevenue Authority (GRA) ment have helped the Council Board Chairman Rawl Luto carry out some maintenance cas said the eight economic Anna Regina Town Clerk, Dianne Critchlow work in the township, while the centres outside of GeorgeNational Drainage and Irrigation town — Anna Regina, Bartica, in an amount of $1.1B in tax The problems are many, Authority (NDIA) has, time Corriverton, Lethem, Linden, revenues on a much narrower Mr McLean said. and again, pitched in, offering a New Amsterdam, Ogle and economic base.

According to him, some helpful hand.

Parika — have been studied “One is surprised, too, that residents have abandoned by the GRA Board, and it was areas like Anna Regina and their homes, while others have ILLEGAL VENDING discovered that they are only Bartica combined cannot do migrated. However, some Aside from these matters, contributing two per cent to as well or even better than the who have migrated have been the Council also is having the country’s revenue. relatively depressed economic paying through a representa- problems with vendors who area of New Amsterdam,” tive, but there are others who occupy the shoulders of the MISMATCH Lucas had said. choose not to pay.

Anna Regina Market road.

Mr Lucas stressed that Chairman of the InterThey are operating illegally revenue collection does not im Management Committee COURT even though there is space match the observed levels of (IMC) of the Anna Regina The residents on the coasts see page 16 economic activity in the stud- Town Council, Mr Mark Mc- who can pay, or have the abil-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 23, 2016

Perspective from Mohamed Khan

THE El Nino weather phenomenon has taken a toll on the Essequibo rice industry; large acreages of land prepared for the first crop of 2016 could not be sown. Of the 20,500 acres which have been sown, between 2,000 and 5,000 acres would be lost because of the lack of irrigation water, exacerbated by the continued dry weather.

The areas most affected are those downstream: Dartmouth, Better Hope, Lima, Coffee Grove, Anna Regina, Bush Lot, Reliance, and all the highlands. In order to save these rice crops sown, the Government and the Administration of Region Two have made several interven-

tions by pumping fresh water from the Pomeroon River into the main conservancy canal, using the Dawa Pump Station.

This will help to maintain the level in the main conservancy canal, from which fresh water will be distributed in each panel on a rotational basis. Those farmers who cannot, by gravity feed, get fresh water into their rice lands, will then have to use their mechanical pumps to pump water from the irrigation canals into their fields.

At the moment, the Spring crop is at the flowering stage, and is out of danger as only one more cycle of watering is needed for the crop to mature.

Recognising the many

challenges facing the rice farmers, where human intervention may not always be enough to save crops -- especially in instances of unpredictable weather patterns, resulting in either unseasonable rainfall or prolonged drought, which often decimates large acreages of cultivated fields -- the Government has intervened by offering much guidance where necessary.

The Government and the Ministry of Agriculture continue their unstinting efforts to address areas where proper crop husbandry, strategic intervention and efficient water management can prevail over the various anomalies within the rice industry of Essequibo.

The El Nino has taken a toll on rice farmers, but the administration has been offering vital support to farmers

Millions owed ...

From Page 15

for most, if not all, of them in the market.

The Council cannot charge the vendors a vending fee, as they are operating illegally. But the vendors do pay a fee, an environmental fee, which goes towards cleaning up the area where they sell.

The Council, through its six constabulary offi-

cers, has been trying to remove the vendors, but to no avail. According to reports, some of the constables have been threatened and they are afraid of the vendors.

The vendors’ removal has also been met with some resistance from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC). The IMC has, on several occasions, reported the matter to the police, and according to McLean, the police keep saying that the

vendors have not committed any crime and their removal has to be done by the constabulary officers of the town.

The town, the IMC Chairman said, needs 12 constabulary officers to do its work. He is optimistic that the March 18 Local Government Elections will provide an opportunity to fix most, if not all, the problems affecting the township.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

Fuel-smuggling hurting legitimate businesses

S

EVERAL Charity businessmen are up in arms over the illegal smuggling of fuel from neighbouring Venezuela into Guyana via the Pomeroon River.

The businessmen, who declined to be named out of fear of coming under attack from the oil smuggling ring on the Essequibo Coast, told this publication that the unnamed and unregistered boats carrying the illegal goods from Venezuela frequently visit the Charity Wharf. This publication was told that, on average, some 100 barrels of fuel and 400 cases of lube oil are smuggled from Venezuela into Guyana through the Pomeroon River every week. The illegal trade has been putting a dent on the profit margins of legitimate businessmen who are in the fuel supply business.

The price for a legitimate barrel of fuel at Charity is approximately $37,000, but a barrel of smuggled fuel can be had for $25,000. It used to cost $30,000, but the price was

dropped due to a further slump in fuel prices. And for lube oil, it is the same; the price for the smuggled item is below the market price. The price of a case of lube oil on the market at Charity is approximately $8,000., but the illegal fuel is sold for only $5,000 per case.

WHO BUYS The Guyana Chronicle understands that the smuggled fuel is sold to fishermen, speed boat operators, and to some operatives in the mining industry.

This publication inquired from the complainants if they had ever reported the matter to the police, and they all answered in the negative.

“The Essequibo Coast is a small place, and information flies around at lightning speed, you know. You might be surprised at how fast information gets back to people,” one prominent businessman said.

The Guyana Chronicle inquired from them how the authorities would know

what is happening if they do not make a formal complaint, but the businessmen contended that if their story is published, it would alert the authorities.

STRONGER VIGILANCE NEEDED They are calling on the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guards on the Essequibo Coast, and the police to have a more vigilant presence at the Charity Wharf and on the Pomeroon River.

The fuel smuggling trade, they related, has been taking a toll on the viability of their businesses, as they have to make a profit to stay in existence, pay their employees, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and meet other operational expenses.

“The situation is very unfair, and it is bad for legitimate business in Charity,” another of the businessmen said.

Yet another related that

Personality profile

MEET the lovely Shazeda Basir, 28, of Charity, on the Essequibo Coast. Shazeda, a doctor by profession, works at the Oscar Joseph Hospital at Charity. The beaming young lady told the Guyana Chronicle that she was trained in Cuba through the Guyana-Cuba Scholarship Programme, and began practising medicine at age 26.

She was initially stationed at the Suddie Public Hospital, but was, a few months ago, transferred to work in the area where she grew up. Dr Basir related that some of the common cases she treats on a daily basis include malaria, respiratory tract infection, and urinary tract infection.

A vast majority of the cases are from the Pomeroon.

Of late, she said, there has been a jump in the number of suicide cases reaching the Charity Hospital.

When Dr Basir is not busy at work, she is busy reading or catching up on lost sleep. Still single, she told us that she also enjoys spend-

Dr Shazeda Basir ing time with her family, and swimming -- something she hasn’t done in a while.

The young medical practitioner is advising

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youths: “Don’t waste time and idle. Always do constructive things and focus on building a career while in (your) youth.”

A section of the Pomeroon River

a more vigilant presence by the authorities would not only stop fuel smuggling, but would also put a stop to the smuggling of other goods on the Pomeroon River.

“Only about two weeks ago, an unnamed and unregistered boat, most likely

from Venezuela, came to the Charity Wharf and unloaded some 10,000 pounds of hassar. The consignment was picked up by a businessman on the Essequibo Coast.

Since the boat (was) unregistered and (had) no name, the Captain can claim that it is from Region One.

“Now, you tell me: where in Guyana can you find a supplier, or even several of them, now supplying that amount of hassar? It got to be fishy! Something fishy is happening, and those in authority should move to stop it,” he declared.

Ordinary people making a difference THE Women of Substance Making a Difference Group has been creating ripples since its formation about five months ago.

The group is current operating at West Bury, out of a pump station which has years ago been abandoned by the Guyana Water Authority, now the Guyana Water Incorporated.

Members Cora Coates and Corrine Davidson both greeted the Guyana Chronicle with a warm smile, and informed that they have, at their modest office, been counselling women who are single parents, victims of domestic violence, or have suffered other forms of abuse.

They say that the response thus far from the community has been encouraging.

According to the women, the group intends to convert the land housing the pump station into a park, and would soon be hosting a number of fund-raising activities to acquire money to re-fence the pump station compound, among other developmental works.

The re-fencing would include a piece of land on the northern side of the now refurbished station. The area behind the women’s headquarters will be made into a children’s play park that is outfitted with chairs, see-saw, trampoline and other fun features.

Ms Coates told this pub-

Cora Coates, left, with Corrine Davidson lication that the idea behind establishment of the play park is to get families to spend quality time relaxing away from home, both on weekdays and at weekends. She explained that these simple developments will create temporary jobs for residents in the community of West Bury, and at the same time provide them with a place where they can escape the daily stresses in life.

The group will be celebrating Guyana’s Republican Anniversary today with vil-

lagers in their own little way.

According to Ms Davidson, the Women of Substance Making a Difference Group is proud of women, but they are not selfish people. She said the group will be moving to establish two other groups: Men of Substance Making a Difference, and Youth of Substance Making a Difference.

The women, with a hearty laugh, told this publication that all have a role to play in making a difference in their community and country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 23, 2016

Modern fish processing plant coming

FISH lovers throughout Guyana will soon have t h e p ro d u c t a v a i l a b l e in one location filleted, de-gutted, packaged, and ready to be cooked.

Big Bird and Sons Trading, at Charity on the Essequibo Coast, will this year be investing in a modern $10M fish processing plant.

The plant will brighten the Big Bird Complex at Charity, which currently houses a restaurant, gas station, fishing business, supermarket, and a Western Union outlet.

Big Bird proprietor, Kumar Lallbachan, told the Guyana Chronicle that business at his complex has been fairly good, and it is now time to invest in value-added activities. He said the location of the plant at Charity is strategic, as it is next to the wharf. Charity is a busy shopping zone on the Essequibo Coast. The sprawling market is nearby, and vendors daily hawk their wares, which range from fruits and vegetable to clothing and colognes.

There are also several huge businesses selling at cheaper prices all the goods one can think about, which can also be found in Georgetown.

Lallbachan’s business is in the heart of the busy commercial zone, a location he deeply appreciates. Originally from Hampton Court, he has been in the fishery business for more than two decades, but his business was formally established in 1997.

It is a bit strange for an entity that deals primarily with fish to be named ‘Big Bird’, but the businessman clarified how the name came about. According to him, it happened by pure coincidence. His nickname happens to be “Birdie”, and a friend suggested the name ‘Big Bird’, and it stuck.

At one time Big Bird used to be exporting fish to the USA and Venezuela, but this activity stopped a few years ago. Lallbachan told the Guyana Chronicle that he had to discontinue exporting to the US, as the buyer there was not paying enough and payment was not timely. He said he wanted to continue supplying the Venezuelan market, but had to pack up because the agent there was only paying in Bolivar, the Venezuelan currency. The US dollar in Venezuela at the time, he said, was very scarce, and there was

a great hassle to convert the Bolivar into US currency.

LOCAL EXPANSION When he ceased supplying those markets, Lallbachan said, he focused on expanding his business locally. He added a restaurant, Western Union outlet, supermarket, and fuel supply business to his enterprise.

Currently, the businessman buys fish from fishers on the Essequibo Coast and sells them to traders in Georgetown.

Lallbachan appears to be at the stage of consolidating the growth and establishment of his business, and has been extending a helping hand to fisherfolk in Region Two. He sells ice, seines, ropes and fuel to fishers at zero interest, and they pay him in installments when they get money.

The businessman told the Guyana Chronicle that he has a little proposal he wants to advance to the Government.

He reasoned that since he has been providing all these services to fisherfolk, it might be worthy if the Government can consider allowing him to charge a small fee from those who utilise his wharf and other

Businessman Kumar Lallbachan services. He contends that when things are damaged, he has to get them fixed at his own expense. According to the businessman, such a system is not new; it obtains

at the Number 66 Fisheries Co-op on the Corentyne in East Berbice. He contends that the fishery business has been making money, and fishers have the ability to pay.

On a different note, the businessman said the price of electricity has been a great deterrent to business, and he called on the Government to look at ways and means to provide electricity at a cheaper cost to the business community and citizens as a whole.

Aside from that, he said, things are relatively good in the fishery industry. “For the longest while, we haven’t heard about a piracy attack. When last was there a piracy attack? The Coast Guard has been doing a good job, but everyone on the Essequibo Coast knows everyone. When things happen, within days, the people know who carried out the attack. For them not to know (who are the persons behind the attack), it has to be done by someone from somewhere else in Guyana, or by someone in Venezuela,” he said.

Fruit vendors at the Charity Market on a bright sunny day

The Big Bird and Sons Trading Complex at Charity on the Essequibo Coast

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

US church wants to set up mental health hospital The Church of God International Headquarters located in Cleveland, Tennessee, United States, is interested in building a hospital in Guyana, with the main purpose of treating mental health issues.

Pastor of the Church, Ol-

iver Subryan, met with First Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger yesterday, and the idea was discussed in details. A release from the Ministry of the Presidency noted that Pastor Subryan travelled to Guyana to do some groundwork for the Florida-based group - Am-

bassadors for Christ -which has volunteered to set-up the hospital.

It was noted that the hospital will cater specifically to mental health issues, particularly among people identified to be at risk for suicide, and survi-

vors of suicide.

“The team is expected to be in Guyana by the end of March, and the project will begin sometime later this year. “I am just here to make some preliminary arrangements,” he was quoted in the release as saying.

According to the Ministry of the Presidency, suicide has been a significant issue in Guyana for many years and a number of Guyanese in the diaspora have volunteered their skills and services to help curb this social problem.

Last month, the Health

Ministry convened a high-level meeting with a wide range of stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations and United Nations (UN) agencies, to discuss ways to reduce the high incidence of suicide.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger pays keen attention as Pastor Oliver Subryan unveils plans to build a hospital here to treat mental health issues

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

Reopen all PPP cold cases – Freddie Kissoon

SPEAKING on Monday prior to the appearance of Kwame McCoy, Jason Abdulla and Sean Hinds in the Georgetown Magistrates Court to answer a charge of unlawful assault committed on him back in 2010, newspaper columnist, activist, and fierce critic of the former PPP government, Freddie Kissoon, told journalists that politically sanctioned violence and murders threaten the civilization of a society.

Kissoon called on the Guyana Police Force to reopen investigations into cases in which activists and other persons were either assaulted or murdered under the previous government.

He said the appearance of the trio in court on Monday for throwing faeces on him could not be compared to injustices against persons like Mark Benschop (who was charged for

Case of the missing gold bar A LAB TECHNICIAN attached to the Guyana Gold Board was placed on $200,000 bail after he made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday, charged with stealing gold from the company.

Thirty year old Ronald Singh who resides at Hibiscus Avenue, Eccles, East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge that was read to him by City Magistrate Judy Latchman, which stated that on February 19, 2016 at Brickdam he stole eight ounces and nine grams of gold valued $2,153,034, property of Guyana Gold Board.

Singh was represented by attorney-at-Law, George Thomas who, in his submission to the court, stated that his client had not left the confines of his work place with the gold and it was his daily duty to test the substance. A no-bail submission made by Police Prosecutor, Kerry Bostwick stated that the manager called in the police after realizing that the bar was missing. Singh was questioned and he later handed over the gold to the police.

Singh received bail on the condition that he has to lodge his passport and report periodically to the Criminal Investigations Department, Eve Leary.

He is expected to return to court on March 10 for statement.

Not guilty of carnal knowledge AN excited and relieved Thron Cameron exited the High Court yesterday afternoon, a free man after a jury found him not guilty of carnal knowledge of a 14-year-old girl in an incident which reportedly took place nine years ago at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara.

According to the indictment, Thron Cameron allegedly had carnal knowledge of a 14-year-old girl in the county of Demerara on August 2, 2007.

After the verdict was announced, Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry told Cameron that he was free to go, since the jury had found him not guilty. He clasped his hands and smiled as he walked out the courtroom, then he began to run.

The 12-member jury took more than three hours to deliberate, and even returned to the courtroom for further directions from the presiding Judge yesterday.

The defence called four witnesses, while the state called five witnesses during the trial.

The state was represented by Prosecutors Stacy Goodings and Tuanna Hardy, while the defence counsel was Maxwell McKay in association with Folio Richards.

treason and later freed), Ronald Waddell, Courtney Crum-Ewing (both political activists who were killed) and the Munroes (the Army major and his wife, who were charged with treason).

Kissoon said that the relatives and children of those persons suffered tremendously as a result of the assaults and injustices meted out to them; and he considers himself fortunate, since he is around today to see justice being served in his favour.

He said that the charges of the three go beyond him, but should be seen as a step towards justice for Crum-Ewing and the other persons he identified.

“Political violence threatens civilization, and political violence and murders ordered by politicians and violence perpetrated by ruling political parties are the biggest prob-

Westford, manager back in court FORMER Public Service Minister Dr. Jennifer Westford and her Personnel Manager Margaret Cummings made another appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on charges of fraud. They are on $4.8 million bail each.

The two were before Magistrate Judy Latchman on multiple charges of fraud, which state that between August 2011 and April 2015 they stole $639 million, belonging to the Government of Guyana.

The money is alleged to have been stolen in amounts ranging from $3.4M to $75M. The Administration of Justice Act was applied and the charges were read once more to the defendants, where a not guilty plea was entered for the 24 charges.

The matter was adjourned until the March 22 for the commencement of trial.

lems facing society and (have) always been facing society,” Kissoon said.

He said he is of the view that in the countries where those things occur, historic justice needs to be served not only to the immediate victims, but also to their children and families.

Freddie Kissoon also called for the police to reopen the probe into the assault that he suffered back in 2012, when the person who attacked him ran away and boarded a black SUV which was later found to be registered to a serving Assistant Commissioner of Police back then.

McCoy was once Information Officer for Presidents Donald Ramotar and Bharrat Jagdeo; Abdulla was once McCoy’s personal Assistant at the then Office of the President; while Hinds, a self-confessed death squad member, is perceived to be a PPP supporter.

Three charges of armed robbery A YOUNG MAN from Drysdale Street, Georgetown was on Monday remanded to prison by Magistrate Judy Latchman when he appeared before her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with three counts of armed robbery.

Odinga Haywood, 20, denied the allegation which stated that on February 21, at Waterloo Street, Georgetown, being armed with a knife, he robbed Trevor Singh of a Samsung Galaxy cellular phone valued $55,000, a wallet worth $3,500 and $2,440 cash .

He also denied another charge which alleged that on that same day at Lamaha Street, Georgetown, while being armed with a knife he robbed Ibrahim Kankar of a Samsung Galaxy cellular phone valued $70,000.

He entered a not guilty plea to yet another charge which stated that on the same occasion, armed with a knife, he robbed Mohamed Kankar of a phone valued $120,000 and headset valued $7,000.

Attorney George Thomas, appearing for the accused stated that his client would be willing to lodge his travel documents and comply with any bail conditions.

However, the Prosecutor objected to bail stating that a weapon was used and the defendant had admitted to the offences after he was arrested.

Bail was denied and the case was adjourned n until March 10.

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Dead: Glenda McCurdy

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

Gold Miner shoots fianceé to death, kills self in Mazaruni THE community of Kartabo in the Mazaruni River was thrown into a state of shock and sadness when a 22-year-old gold miner shot his fiancé to death yesterday and

then turned the gun on himself.

Dead are 19–year–old Glenda McCurdy and 22– year-old Terry Alexander, whose bodies were found approximately 20ft apart,

according to Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford. Police confirmed that the incident occurred at approximately 15:00 hrs.

During a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle last even in g , Bra d f ord co nfirmed that a .22 pistol and spent shells were recovered at the crime scene. He said the incident occurred through a road in the community, not far from the home of the victims.

Reports reaching this newspaper revealed that Alexander shot the woman twice to her chest and then shot himself in the head.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that Alexander found out that his fianceé was seeing someone else, following which an argument erupted and subsequently the murder/ suicide.

Their bodies are at the Bartica Hospital mortuary, and police investigations are ongoing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

Woman charged for conning businessman -alleged mastermind wanted for questioning ROOKMIN Johnson, who allegedly pretended to be an official of the Ministry of Agriculture in order to con a Corentyne businessman of $500,000 by promising to deliver documents that would grant him tax exemption for his fishing trade, was yesterday arrested and placed before the court.

The 32-year-old resident of Chapel Street, New Amsterdam was charged with intent to commit fraud, and appearing before Sparendaam Magistrate Zamilla Seepaul, pleaded not guilty to the offence, which alleged that on February 5, 2016, with intent to defraud, she obtained $500,000 from Hemchandra Amerally by falsely pretending that she was an employee of the Ministry of Agriculture. She was placed on $600,000 bail, and is expected to return to court on March 21.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Amerally, also known as ‘Roy', said he has been in the fishery business for over 22 years, and sells his produce on the Guyanese market, but has been experiencing constant harassment from customs officers at the port of entry.

“Sometimes I feel like giving up and shut this whole thing down, how it gets frustrating sometimes. Every time, I gotta pay money,” the man said.

He said that a few weeks ago he was told by a friend (name provided) that he can obtain a document that would make it not necessary for him to declare his produce to the customs officers.

He immediately pursued the venture because he allegedly was fed up of being harassed. He was given the number of a woman, whom he called, and later met on February 06.

The meeting allegedly took place at Industry, East Coast Demerara, where he allegedly gave Johnson $500,000 with a promise to hand over an additional $500,000 when the document was produced.

“I was told I was going to meet a woman from the Ministry of Agriculture, who will set up the paperwork. She said she want a million…. I was told I will get the document back in two weeks; but after calling several times

after the money was handed over, and not getting a positive response, I realized something was amiss,” Amerally told this newspaper.

According to the businessman, he realized he was conned after he and his friend met with the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister,

Gobin Harbajan, on February 09 and was told that only the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) can issue such a document.

They agreed to hatch a plan to catch Johnson by enticing her with more money to speed up the paperwork.

The plan was to meet at a

Conned businessman: Hemchandra Amerally

Tuesday February 23th, 2016 - 05:30 hrs Wednesday February 24th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Thursday February 25th, 2016 - 05:30 hrs

hotel in Georgetown and hand over the money, but the woman never answered her phone.

A report was then made to the police in ‘B’ Division, and Johnson was arrested on February 19 in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

However, in a twist of events, Johnson told detectives that the businessman’s best friend (named) was the mastermind behind the act.

According to sources, Johnson said she collected $100,000 and gave the other $400,000 to that friend.

The police are now seeking this named friend for questioning.

Man stabbed to death following fight at wake-house Forty–two–year old Joseph Jaundoo was pronounced dead at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre yesterday after he was stabbed to death during an altercation with another man.

A police report noted that at about 01:00 hrs on Monday February 22, Jaundoo of Santa Mission, Upper Demerara River, was involved in an altercation with another man at a wake-house at Santa Mission during which they were separated and Jaundoo went home.

This newspaper understands that a little while later, Jaundoo was attacked by the man while he was on the stairs of his home and stabbed about his body.

The suspect has been arrested and is in police custody assisting with the investigations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

Task Force meets to craft national suicide action plan

By Svetlana Marshall THE Strategic Lines of Action, which form part of the National Suicide Prevention Plan 2015-2020, were put in focus here yesterday (Monday) when the Public Health Ministry spearheaded another meeting with the Suicide Task Force.

The lines of action: Risk-factor reduction, health promo-

tion and prevention; reduced access to the means of suicide; health systems response to suicidal behaviour; and suicide surveillance and research were analysed by representatives from a wide range of agencies at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) Resource Centre.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings; Pan-American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Country Representative,

Dr. William Adu-Krow; and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Assistant Resident Representative, Patrice LaFleur were among the officials present. US-based Guyanese Psychologist, Dr. Nathilee Caldeira participated by way of SKYPE. Dr. Adu-krow, in delivering brief remarks just before the lines of action were discussed, said he was pleased that the Government of Guyana, through the Health Ministry, has seen it fit to move the process forward.

“We are really not doing too well,” he said, in obvious reference to Guyana’s alarming suicide rate. “We are the worst in the world,” he said.

WORLD’S HIGHEST Guyana has the highest estimated suicide rate in the world. Data from the Americas show that suicide rates first peak among young people, remain at the same level for other age groups, and rise again among older men.

Data gathered over the last five years indicate that most of the cases are concentrated in coastal areas of the country, particularly in the East Corentyne-Berbice Region Six area, which has the highest rating at 30.9%; Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), which comes a distant second at at 22%; followed by Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Five (Mahaica-Berbice) at 19.7%, 13.4% and 8.8% respectively.

Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) have together accounted for just over 4% of the cases, but recent evidence suggests that the figure may be higher.

Dr. Adu-Krow said that PAHO has internalised the issue, and is willing to share a framework that can be used as a template. “We need to have an effective mapping, so we can know who is doing what, when and how they are doing it,” he posited, adding that focus also needs to be placed on content.

Turning his attention to the media’s coverage of suicide-related matters, Dr Adu-Krow cited the need for more responsible reportage.

“Whether we like it or not,” he said, “here in Guyana, when someone commits suicide, we tell everything; but we don’t talk about why the person may have committed suicide…”

But, all this will soon be addressed, as, according to Dr ADU-Krow, the PAHO/WHO has asked an ex-CNN correspondent to run some training courses here with local reporters.

And Dr. Calderia, who has held previous discussions with Minister Cummings, said she is ready to join forces with the Public Health Ministry and other agencies to address the root causes of suicide here.

Her team comprises public and mental health professionals, among them three physicians, two of whom hold master’s degrees in public health; two clinical psychologists; two social workers; and counsellors.

MULTI-SECTORAL APPROACH During a stakeholders meeting, which was held in January at the Marriott Hotel, Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton emphasised the need for a multi-sectoral approach to address suicide in Guyana.

The National Suicide Prevention Plan is integrated with the National Mental Health Action Plan, and will provide guidance for all sectors in an effort to effect the required change.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

26 suicide attempts in Region 6 so far - Stakeholders meet to draft prevention plan

A TOTAL of 26 persons have attempted suicide in Region Six for the year so far, with six deaths recorded; and the Region Six Health Service, on Friday last, held a multi-stakeholder forum with the aim of eradicating the scourge.

Key decision makers from a range of services, including educators, the Guyana Police Force, Fire Service, non-governmental organisations, medical doctors, nurses, religious bodies, the media and social workers, all gathered to discuss an integrated and coordinated response to tackling suicide in the region.

The forum was facilitated

by Alex Foster, President of Saint Francis Community Developers. Director of the Region Six Health Services, Jevaughn Stephens, in his opening remarks, implored the need for collaboration to brainstorm and charge the way forward in making suicide a thing of the past.

“I believe suicide is preventable. So, as residents of Region Six, let’s put our thoughts together to ensure that, as of 2016, suicide is a thing of the past,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the New Amsterdam Hospital, Colin Bynoe, noted that something needs to be done quickly to curb the issue before it escalates.

“In a recent report published online, ISIS leaders in the Caribbean were said to be Guyanese. I want to start with this shocking statement because ISIS has got two Guyanese; and if we reflect on the role of ISIS, (it) is to get people to be part of their scheme; to get people to commit international suicide.

Is it that they have tapped into the problem we have here, knowing that we are on a big scourge, or that we are moving ahead where this problem is concerned? …I say these few words to all of us to say we have to come to understand we have a serious problem on our hands,” Bynoe told the gathering.

Regional Chairman David Armogan noted that suicide cannot be completely eradicated, but urged that stakeholders come up with a plan to tackle the issue.

“For the past two years, Guyana was ranked number one in the world for per capita suicide rate. The average per capita of suicide in the world is 16 to 100,000, but

A section of the gathering at the stakeholders’ meeting on suicide prevention Guyana is 44 per 100,000.

That statistic alone should attract the attention of all stakeholders in Guyana,” he declared.

Additionally, President of Saint Francis Community Developers, Alex Foster, charged the stakeholders to identify factors affecting the fight against suicide, and come up with possible solutions.

As a result of the discussions, general conclusions and recommendations were agreed upon, where breakdown in family values, lack of trained counsellors, lack

of coping skills, lack of financial and human resources at various NGOs, along with easy access to toxic chemicals, were among the major issues cited as factors that contribute towards suicide.

A need for a steering committee in the region; a ban on the sale of gramoxone, or less access to the pesticide; the need for trained counsellors in schools, and increased public awareness were among the possible solutions given.

F o s t e r a s s u re d t h e stakeholders that the data will be presented to the

national level and an action plan will be drafted for implementation, so that results can be seen from the efforts of the discussion.

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Bolt says triple-triple would be greatest achievement WINNING three gold medals at three straight Olympic Games would be his greatest achievement, says 100 and 200m world record holder Usain Bolt.

The 29-year-old star athlete won three gold medals in each of the last Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012.

On each occasion he won the 100m, 200m and was a member of Jamaica’s gold medal-winning 4x100 metres relay team.

In London, he became the first man to defend all three titles and adding a third triple would be another significant achievement for the charismatic Jamaican.

“I have had a great career so far but I want to keep winning medals,” Bolt said.

“As I always say, I never focus on any one individual. I respect all my opponents but I know if I am fit and healthy that I will be very hard to beat.”

(Sportsmax.com)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

Pattinson grabs three wickets to brighten Aussie prospects

By Greg Stutchbury CHRISTCHURCH, (Reuters) - James Pattinson grabbed three wickets to brighten Australia’s prospects of a comprehensive victory in the second Test against New Zealand with the hosts reeling at 121 for four by the end of the third day yesterday.

Kane Williamson, 45 not out at the close of play at Hagley Oval, appears the last hope for the hosts with Corey Anderson on nine and New Zealand still needing another 14 runs to make the visitors bat again.

“It’s always a big wicket for us. He’s played nicely,” Australian batsman Adam Voges told reporters. “We bowled well to him at the start and it took him a while to get going.

“The plan is to try and keep him as dry as possible and limit his scoring options ... (but) we are certainly in a good position.”

Australia, who were dismissed for 505 earlier yesterday for a 135-run lead, comprehensively won the first game of the two-match series

in Wellington and only need to draw the second to seal the number one ranking in Test cricket.

Pattinson, who had Martin Guptill out for a duck before tea, also dismissed Tom Latham (39) and Henry Nicholls (two) after clouds, strong winds and cooling temperatures gave the Australians the perfect conditions to swing the ball.

The 25-year-old had figures of 3-29 from 12 overs.

Josh Hazlewood grabbed the other wicket when the retiring Brendon McCullum was brilliantly caught by David Warner at short mid-wicket for 25, a ball after he had belted his 107th Test six over square leg.

The 34-year-old McCullum, who scored the world’s fastest Test century from 54 balls in the first innings, was given a standing ovation back to the pavilion.

He ends his career having scored 6 453 runs at an average of 38.64 with 12 centuries, 31 half-centuries and a top score of 302, the only Test triple-cenNew Zealand pacer Neil Wagner is pumped tury by a New Zealander.

Latham and Williamson up after dismissing Mitchell Marsh for 18.

Bayliss urges England batsmen to play proper T20 shots CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) - England coach Trevor Bayliss has urged his batsmen to rein in their gung-ho approach ahead of the World Twenty20 in India starting next month.

England lost both Twenty20 matches at the end of their tour of South Africa, including the loss of seven wickets for 14 runs in the second match in Johannesburg on Sunday.

A feature of both games was the way the batsmen looked to attack the bowling from ball one, but Bayliss believes they need to think more about playing more conventional strokes.

“Instead of trying to whack the ball for fours and sixes all the time we’ve got to play more cricket shots,” Bayliss told reporters yesterday.

“In India the wickets and grounds are fairly

Trevor Bayliss quick so you have only got to play proper cricket shots and the ball will go for four and six.

“The last couple of games we have got into the habit of trying to hit the ball into the top of the stand and ended up hitting balls straight to fielders.

It comes down to better execution.”

Bayliss was also scathing of his bowlers, who were carted for 172 from only 88 deliveries in Johannesburg.

“We have to come up with

better plans and bowl to our field,” he said. “If we have got more fielders on the offside then there is no point bowling half-trackers down the leg-side. It is very simple stuff to be honest. Set a field and bowl to it.”

England will return home before their World Twenty20 campaign that starts on March 16 against the West Indies.

Bayliss is hopeful the break will do his players good, some of whom have been in South Africa since mid-December.

“We have played some good cricket and will go home and probably recover mentally as much as physically and hopefully that will freshen the boys up.”

A l s o i n E n g l a n d ’s group are South Africa, Sri Lanka and a yet unknown team from the qualifiers that will be Scotland, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan or Hong Kong.

had steered New Zealand to 43 for one in their second innings at tea after the hosts had finally dismissed Australia about an hour after lunch when they took five wickets.

The visitors had gone to lunch at 455 for five before Neil Wagner added the wickets

of Voges (60) and Mitchell Marsh (18) to the two he took on Sunday.

Wagner then completed his second five-wicket haul when he had Peter Nevill caught by wicketkeeper BJ Watling for 13 and Hazlewood caught at first slip by McCullum for the same score.

SCOREBOARD NEW ZEALAND 1st innings 370 (B. McCullum 145, C. Anderson 72, B. Watling 58) AUSTRALIA 1st innings (o/n: 363-4) D. Warner c Guptill b Boult 12 J. Burns c Guptill b Wagner 170 U. Khawaja c B. McCullum b Boult

24 S. Smith c Guptill b Wagner 138 A. Voges c Latham b Wagner

60 N. Lyon c B. McCullum b Williamson 33 M. Marsh c Nicholls b Wagner

18 P. Nevill c Watling b Wagner 13 J. Pattinson c Boult b Anderson

1 J. Hazlewood c B. McCullum b Wagner 13 J. Bird not out

4 Extras: (b-9, lb-10) 19 Total: (all out, 153.1 overs) 505 Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-67, 3-356,

4-357, 5-438, 6-464, 7-483, 8-484, 9-496.

Bowling: T. Southee 25-4-85-0, T. Boult 31-5-108-2, M. Henry 32-8101-0, C. Anderson 22-2-66-1, N. Wagner 32.1-6-106-6, K. Williamson 7-0-17-1, B. McCullum 4-2-3-0.

NEW ZEALAND 2nd innings T. Latham c Nevill b Pattinson 39 M. Guptill c Nevill b Pattinson 0 K. Williamson not out 45 H. Nicholls c Smith b Pattinson

2 B. McCullum c Warner b Hazlewood

25 C. Anderson not out 9 Extras: (nb-1) 1 Total: (for 4 wickets, 44 overs) 121 Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-66, 3-72, 4-105.

Bowling: J. Hazlewood 15-5-401, J. Pattinson 12-5-29-3, J. Bird 7-1-26-0, N. Lyon 2-0-8-0, M. Marsh 8-2-18-0 (nb-1).

Chan...

From back page

brand of attacking game to the opposition Richardson and Mills shared the target man role in the side from time to time, landing bombs all over the opposition camp, both men getting into the box but were the subject of some crisp defending.

Finally, the Jags found truth in the old saying, ‘constant banging breaks down any door’ as their relentless runs yielded tangible result in the 17th minute.

Richardson, in form and on the prowl, was on the receiving end of a pass down the left side from pacey midfielder Eon Alleyne and successfully converted for his first of the evening, sending the fans into jubilation.

This goal was by no means the end of the ‘Jackie’ parade as he continued to pressure the opposition A Selektie’s back line along with fellow forward Mills.

The attacking 4-4-2 formation of the Jags allowed them to also retain the bulk of the possession during the first half as two more

attempts were skewed just slightly off target.

Returning from the break and after a minute of silence for fallen player Julian Moe, the Jags were the first to use their substitutions as Konata Manning replaced Travis Grant.

Meanwhile, the Surinamese came back with a vengeance as they were determined not to go down 1-0 and while they featured some classy runs of their own; they ended up fizzling out. The Jags, with about 16 minutes into the half, again exercised their rights to field fresh players, as Alleyne and Mills were replaced by Devon Millington and Daniel Wilson respectively.

Wilson wasted little time in unleashing a thunderous strike on the game, which had Surinamese keeper belly up. The only thing separating him from glory was the crossbar which rocked as the shot ricocheted onto the ground and back out to the keeper; leaving many fans on their feet and vocal for the referee to award a goal.

The Jags pushed on and Trayon Bobb replaced Colin

Nelson in the 69th minute while Suriname made their first change.

However, it would take another touch of class from the skipper as he showed his attention to detail, finishing Joshua Browne’s 73rd minute pass which dried the ink on the paper of the victory for the Jags.

The skipper was eventually replaced by Dwayne Lindie, while Dwight Peters came on for Dellon Lanferman.

Other starters in Shabazz’s line-up were Alex Murray (goalkeeper), Solomon Austin, Kester Jacobs, and Quincey Adams.

In the earlier game, the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) All-Stars defeated the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) All-Stars 2-1.

Shabazz and the Jags will now turn their focus to the CFU Championships after being drawn in Group-5. The event is set to kick off during the period of March 21-29, with the Golden Jaguars being paired with Puerto Rico and Anguilla.

36

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 23, 2016

Hamilton says new Mercedes feels like the old one

By Alan Baldwin

B ARCELONA, S p ai n (Reuters) - Triple Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton completed a race distance before lunchtime on the first day of pre-season testing yesterday and, ominously for rivals, said his new Mercedes felt like a winner.

“First impression? It feels good, it feels like last year’s,” the Briton told a scrum of reporters at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya when the morning session ended.

Mercedes won 16 of 19 races last year, taking both titles, and have triumphed in 32 of the last 38 grands prix.

“It’s very encouraging,” added Hamilton af-

ter doing more mileage than anyone else. “It’s a great job by the team.

Usually in the first day you don’t get that many laps so I’m really happy.”

Hamilton managed 66 laps - exactly the number as the Spanish Grand Prix held at the same circuit - without any obvious problems.

The 31-year-old Briton was not the fastest - Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel led the timesheets - but lap times matter less than reliability as teams look initially for consistency over outright pace.

Quadruple champion Vettel, in his second season at Ferrari, did 36 laps.

Hamilton was 0.470 seconds slower than Vettel with Finland’s Valtteri Bottas third quickest in a

Mercedes-powered Williams and completing 43 laps.

Despite the strong showing, Hamilton - who has won the past two championships and is aiming to become the first Briton to win four world titles - said the season starting in Australia on March 20 would be tough.

“Every year you have to expect it to be harder. In terms of my preparation, I’m preparing for the hardest season I’ve had so far,” he declared.

Ye s t e r d a y w a s t h e Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton was impressed with first day the new cars had his new Mercedes on day one of pre-season testing in Barcelona. been seen in public with Red Bull-owned Toro only Sauber yet to show new one ready until the of the season when Romain second four-day test next Rosso, who have yet to Grosjean’s car shed its front theirs. The Swiss team week. finalise their look, took wing and marshals were are testing with a 2015 The U.S.-based Haas F1 to the track with a plain called in to sweep up the car and will not have the team made their debut, and debris. Renault returned b l u e c a r l a c k i n g a n y triggered the first red flag with their own team. branding.

Man Utd march into FA Cup last eight

S H R E W S B U RY, ( R e u ters)-Manchester United provided some blessed relief to under-fire manager Louis van Gaal by powering into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 3-0 romp at League One (third-tier) Shrewsbury Town yesterday.

Van Gaal, the subject of fierce criticism following Thursday’s shock 2-1 Europa League first-leg defeat at little-known Danes Midtjylland, was given few worries four days later as United strolled to their first victory in four matches.

The visitors went 2-0 up through Chris Smalling and Juan Mata after a one-sided first half and a 61st-minute goal by Jesse Lingard made the fifth round tie safe.

United, who need to lift the trophy one more time to equal

Arsenal’s record haul of 12 FA Cup triumphs, next host inform West Ham United in the second week of March.

Van Gaal’s side dominated from start to finish. They enjoyed 75 percent of possession against an outclassed Shrewsbury team that had only three goal attempts all game.

United went in front after 37 minutes when Morgan Schneiderlin won an aerial challenge outside the box and centre half Smalling, surprising the home defence by suddenly popping up in attack, drove the ball beyond keeper Jayson Leutwiler.

Mata left Leutwiler motionless on his line in firsthalf stoppage time when he dinked a direct free kick into the bottom corner of the net from 20 metres, prompting a

wide grin from Van Gaal in the dugout.

There was an element of controversy about Mata’s strike as three United players were positioned 10 metres beyond Shrewsbury’s defensive wall, obscuring Leutwiler’s view.

“We have learned from the Midtjylland game,” Van Gaal told BT Sport, referring to a similar incident that cost his team a goal in the Europa League.

“We think that is always offside so we have asked the referees and they are saying, ‘No, you can do it’.

United, without longterm injury victim Wayne Rooney and goalkeeper David De Gea, made it 3-0 in the second half when Lingard slid in to score after Ander Herrera clipped a clever cross to the far post.

Infantino confident of taking more than half of Africa’s votes

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) - FIFA presidential candidate Gianni Infantino is confident of taking more than half the votes from Africa in Friday’s election, despite the continent’s governing body endorsing his major rival Sheik Salman of Bahrain.

Infantino made a fleeting visit to South Africa on Monday to visit Robben Island at the invitation of rival Tokyo Sexwale who spent 13 years incarcerated on the

Gianni Infantino

island as an anti-Apartheid prisoner, and told reporters afterwards he was confident of widespread support from the continent.

“I think I’ll make an impact in Africa. I think I will get more than half the African votes,” Infantino said.

The Confederation of African Football earlier this month endorsed Salman after hearing presentations from four of the five candidates at a meeting in Rwanda.

Barca continue title defence against old foes Arsenal

By Rex Gowar

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Barcelona take a 32-match unbeaten run to Arsenal for the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie today, as the Catalans continue their bid to become the first team to retain the trophy in 26 years.

No team has won backto-back titles in the Champions League era, with Arrigo Sacchi’s all-conquering AC Milan side the last to claim consecutive European Cups in 1989 and 1990.

Unbeaten since a 2-1 defeat to Sevilla in October, Luis Enrique’s side look wellplaced to repeat the feat.

They come into the match at the Emirates buoyed by a 2-1 win at Las Palmas on Saturday that has kept their closest challengers in La Liga at bay, while they boast arguably Europe’s premier marksman in the 41-goal Luis Suarez.

Arsenal’s copybook was blotted on Saturday as they ended a 14-match winning streak in the FA Cup with a disappointing 0-0 draw at home to second tier Hull City.

Luis Enrique said Barcelona must iron out some defensive issues that were posed by a creative Las Palmas side,

Arsenal must keep Louis Suarez quiet. who might have snatched a late equaliser.

The coach will be boosted, however, by the return of defender Gerard Pique, who was rested at the weekend, and defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets from suspension.

“At some moment, due to attacking, we suffered more counter-attacks than usual and the last 10 minutes were more down to our rivals’ need to equalise,” Luis Enrique said.

The onus will be on Arsenal to get a good home leg result against opponents they have only beaten once in seven Champions League meetings.

To do so, they will have to shackle Uruguay striker Suarez, who opened the scoring against Las Palmas to take his

La Liga tally to 25 and 41 in all competitions, while rediscovering their cutting edge.

“On Tuesday night (tonight), we’ll need great solidarity because we’ll need to defend well, and make the maximum of our possession,” Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger told the club’s website.

Arsenal rotated their squad for the clash with Hull, leaving out Mesut Ozil who was suffering with an illness and restricting former Barca forward Alexis Sanchez to a late cameo.

Arsenal must keep Suarez quiet, says wary Wenger German playmaker Ozil will return today, as will Aaron Ramsey, and Arsenal will need their big guns in form, as their only victory against Barcelona came in 2011 when goals from Robin van Persie and Andrei Arshavin gave them a 2-1 victory in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

That victory ultimately proved futile, however, as Lionel Messi, who had scored four times to knock out Arsenal in the 2010 quarter-finals, struck twice in the second leg to secure a 4-3 aggregate win.

The two sides also met in the 2006 Champions League final, with Barcelona scoring twice late in the second half to win 2-1.

37

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

Gizmos & Gadgets renews Champagne protests RHTY&SC sponsorship to FIFA over

ONE OF Guyana’s leading electronic stores, Gizmos and Gadgets, renewed its cricket sponsorship of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC) for the seventh year.

The sponsorship covers the Club’s Under-23 and first-division teams and the packages are worth $375 000 and $160 000 respectively.

Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster at the presentation ceremony hailed the partnership between the Club and Gizmos and Gadgets as highly successful.

Foster said under the Gizmos & Gadgets sponsorship, the Club has won twelve major cricket tournaments and has produced numerous players for Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies.

Among the titles won are the Peter Lewis Under-23 – 2010, Rancharitar 40 overs – 2011, Universal

Niketa Jackson, Web express representative and Bonnita Bisessar, Company Secretary of Gizmos and Gadgets hands over sponsorship cheque to Shawn Perreira.

DVD 20/20 – 2011, Tenelec 2012, 2013 and 2015, Berbice River Bridge 2015, Busta Champion of Champions 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015 along with NALICO/Bakewell 20/20 – 2014.

Over the years, the Club has produced the calibre of Assad Fudadin, Esaun and Royston Crandon, Shemaine Campbelle, Delbert Hicks,

Jason Sinclair, Khemraj Mahadeo, Dominic Rikhi, Collis Butts, Rajiv Ivan, Erva Giddings, Keon Sinclair, Eon Hooper, Clinton Pestano and Troy Mathieson.

The teams since 2010 have also successfully completed over 600 communityrelated programmes under the name of their sponsors with the main objectives of

making a positive difference in the lives of youths, the elderly and less fortunate.

Marketing Manager of Gizmos and Gadgets Earl Gomes stated that his company was pleased to be associated with the RHTY&SC, an organisation which has a proven track of achievement.

He also disclosed that the company’s management was satisfied with the performance of the team on and off the field.

The Club, Gomes stated, was a role-model organisation which others should try to emulate. He committed the sponsor to fully support the teams in 2016 and urged them to uphold their high standards of discipline, hard work and commitment.

The RHTGG in 2016 would be led by captain Shawn Perreira, vice-captain Clinton Pestano, while Hilbert Foster would serve as manager. Collis Butts would be the coach.

New Amsterdam/Canje/East Bank take Inter-Zone U-15 title

NEW Amsterdam/Canje/ East Bank defeated West Berbice by 49 runs last Saturday and put their hands on the first edition of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)-sponsored JZ Mohamed Inter-Zone Under-15 cricket tournament.

At the Albion Sports Complex, West Berbice won

the toss and inserted the New Amsterdam/Canje/East Bank team to bat first.

However, they were reduced to 33-3, losing Ricardo Ramdeholl (6), Carl Gilgeous (5) and Jarron France (16). But Aaron Beharry and Leon Swamy joined forces and put together a good partnership

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday February 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) WI vs AUST, Jamaica, 1973 (2) 8 Today’s Quiz: (1) Which two played all their Tests in a single series?

Grayson Shillingford, Desmond Lewis, Jack Noriega, Len Baichan, Uton Dowe (2) What is the highest score made by a WI player in an ODI game?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

The winning team enjoy the moment with representatives of the sponsors of 48 for the fourth wicket before Beharry went for 10.

Swamy stayed the course and rallied with the tail until he went for 32. He got support from Nicolas Haywood, who made an unbeaten 18.

New Amsterdam/Canje/ East Bank eventually made 147-7 off their allotted 50 overs. Shahid Baksh, Nigel Deodat and Marvan Prasad all took two wickets apiece.

In reply, West Berbice lost wickets on a regular basis, and were skittled out for 98 in 33 overs.

Only Seon Glasgow, who top-scored with 35 and Deodat 16, reached double fig-

ures.

Man-of-the-Match Nikeem Noble, the best bowler for the winning team, ended with 4-16, while Beharry had 3-25 and Schultz 2-18.

At the presentation ceremony, BCB representative Dhiriendranuth Somwaru thanked the Blairmont Cricket Club, Upper Corentyne Cricket Association, Young Warriors Cricket Club and the sponsor (Jameel Mohamed) for their support.

Mohamed said that he was pleased with the way the tournament was run and assured that next year will be bigger and better.

election observers

By Brian Homewood

ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuetrs) - FIFA presidential candidate Jerome Champagne has protested to soccer’s world governing body about the number of observers allowed into the hall for Friday’s election, saying he believed they were working for his rivals.

Champagne said 20 observers’ credentials had been given to European ruling body UEFA, whose general secretary Gianni Infantino is running for the FIFA job, and seven to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), whose chief Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa is also a FIFA presidential candidate.

In a letter to FIFA’s electoral commission, seen by Reuters, Champagne said the presence of observers from the confederations could unfairly influence Friday’s poll because they would have access to the voting delegates.

He told Reuters by telephone that the accreditations he was complaining about were in addition to the eight granted to each candidate and their teams.

A spokesman for the electoral committee said accreditation was in the hands of FIFA, who could not immediately be reached for comment.

GRAFT SCANDAL Each of FIFA’s 209-member national soccer associations (FAs) hold one vote at the poll in which five candidates are vying to be elected to lead the global soccer body out of the worst graft scandal in its history.

Several dozen leading soccer officials have been indicted in the United States and a criminal investigation is also underway in Switzerland, while FIFA president Sepp Blatter has been banned for eight years for ethics violations.

The Frenchman said there was a clear intention “to swamp the Congress hall with confederation employees able to access the voting FAs and their delegates.

“The list of names of the persons benefiting from these accreditations reveals the presence of most of the members of these two candidates’ (Infantino and Sheikh Salman) campaign teams,” Champagne said in his letter.

“Considering the gravity of the facts, I hereby lodge an official complaint to the FIFA Electoral Committee and request the cancellation of these unfair and undue privileges given to two of the five candidates.”

The other candidates for the FIFA post are Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan and South African politician Tokyo Sexwale.

UNDUE INFLUENCE Champagne has long complained that the six continental confederations, who do not vote, hold undue influence over the national FAs. As long as voting is secret, however, member FAs can ignore their continental body’s recommendations without being found out.

Champagne and Prince Ali have expressed concern that voters could photograph their ballot papers to prove who they voted for but FIFA’s electoral committee has said voters will be banned from taking mobile phones and cameras into voting booths.

Acting FIFA president Issa Hayatou said in a letter to the member associations on Monday that he was confident this week’s Extraordinary FIFA Congress in Zurich would start the process of restoring the global soccer body’s credibility.

“Our responsibility to FIFA and the game is to demonstrate that we - individually and collectively - are committed to: embracing reform, restoring trust, strengthening governance and fostering greater diversity,” Hayatou wrote.

“We must ensure that this Extraordinary Congress signals a new dawn for FIFA. This Congress will mark the beginning of the difficult work ahead as we begin implementing reform - bringing the changes to life. I look forward to ... seizing the opportunity that has been placed before us.”

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 23, 2016

Under-15 Inter-county cricket

Singh ton seals Demerara win

By Rajiv Bisnauth DEMERARA captain Sachin Singh led his team to a three-wicket win over defending champions Berbice in round two of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)-sponsored Dave West Indian Exports Guy-NY Inter-county Under-15 tournament yesterday.

Demerara reached their target of 263 with six overs left after Man-of-the-Match Singh hit a brutal 120 from 108 balls that included 12 fours and six sixes.

Earlier Fawaz Gafoor and Jevan Schultz struck fluent half-centuries to lift Berbice to 262-8 after the visitors won the toss and chose to bat first in good batting conditions at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground.

Berbice lost Jerron France (3) early but Gafoor and Marvan Prasad laid the platform for a late flourish from Schultz with a 108-run stand for the second wicket.

However, left-arm spinner Daniel Mootoo gave Demerara a timely wicket,

that of Prasad who went for a 62-ball 40 (2x4, 1x6).

Soon after, the Demerara players broke into wild celebrations again when Gafoor was run-out for 73, an innings that took 96 balls with 14 fours.

From a position of 1423, Berbice slipped to 220-7, losing the wickets of Seon Glasgow (26), Hemchand Sukhai (5), Leon Swamy (1) and Carl Gilgeous (5), with Gafoor claiming two of those four wickets, to finish with figures of 3-29, while Michael Puran and Shaquelle Weeks picked up the other two wickets during that mini middle-order collapse.

At that stage Berbice seemed to lose their plot as they approached the end of their innings, but the righthander Schultz had other ideas and didn’t allow the Demerara bowlers to check the run-rate.

The Berbice skipper reached his fifty off only 38 balls.

He dispatched the loose deliveries and was busy taking the ones and twos to keep

… Essequibo beat GCB President’s X1 by 65 runs the scoreboard moving. His assault included a four and three consecutive sixes off Singh in the penultimate over.

Pacer Daniel Paul then deceived Schultz in the final over as the batsman went for a heave, completely missed the ball in the process and had his off-stump pegged back. Schultz made 66 in just 45 balls, reaching the boundary four times and beyond on five occasions.

Aaron Beharry and Nigel Deodat were the not-out batsmen on two and one respectively.

In the run chase Demerara openers Singh and Shoaib Shaw added 65 in 12 overs before Shaw was dismissed for 17.

The left-handed Singh then dominated a second-wicket stand of 58 in which Yudister Persaud only contributed seven.

Batting like a man possessed, Singh registered his hundred off just 85 balls.

GCB Chairman of Junior National Selectors Nazimul Drepaul hands over the Man-ofthe-Match trophy to Sachin Singh.

Andrew Samaroo (33) and Dwain Dick (32) were then dismissed in quick succession.

Singh single-handedly took Demerara within victory, and when he was dismissed Demerara were 21 runs short of victory.

Garrick Persaud and Daniel Paul were the other batsmen to be dismissed, but Hemnauth Dindyal and Weeks saw their team home safely.

Antonio Kempadoo and Marvan Prasad took two wickets apiece bowling for Berbice.

Meanwhile, in the other game played at Wales, Essequibo defeated GCB President’s X1 by 65 runs.

Scores: Essequibo 182-6, GCB President’s X1 in reply were bowled out for 117.

The third round is set for Thursday.

RAWL Lewis has been named as Interim Team Operations Manager for West Indies Men’s Team at the ICC World T20 Championship. The tournament will be played in India from March 8 to April 3.

He brings to the job a wealth of administrative experience, having worked in the WICB Operations Department for six years, since retiring from regional cricket.

Lewis was part of the WICB team which implemented the programme for the Under-19s which recently won the World Cup. He is also the coordinator for training and development of first class umpires in the region.

Lewis is a former Grenada and Windward Islands captain as well as West Indies all-rounder.

The 41-year-old played five Test matches, 28 One-Day Internationals and a single T20 International between 1997 and 2008.

The West Indies are due to arrive in Kolkata on March 7 ahead of the tournament. They will have official warm-up matches against India on Thursday, March

tain), Samuel Badree, Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Dwayne Bravo, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Ashley Nurse, Denesh Ramdin, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, and Jerome Taylor. (Sportsmax. com)

Lewis named interim operations manager for Decision today on Pacquiao, Bradley fight Windies T20 World Cup

MANILA, Philippines (Reuters) - The Philippine election commission will decide today whether a boxing match between Manny Pacquiao, who is standing in May’s vote, and American welterweight champion Timothy Bradley violates polling rules.

On May 9, more than 54 million people in the Philippines will vote for a president, vice-president, 300 lawmakers and thousands of local government posts.

Pacquiao, who has courted controversy with comments against gays and same-sex marriage, is running for one of 12 vacant seats in the Senate, the upper house of parliament.

Pacquiao, a former eight-division world champion, said he will make his final ring appearance on April 9 in Las Vegas against Bradley, the reigning WBO welterweight champion.

Walden Bello, a former congressman, has asked the election commission to investigate whether the bout gives Pacquiao undue advantage at the polls because of high-pro-

Timothy Bradley file advertising and publicity surrounding the boxing match.

Chairman Andres Bautista told reporters his commission would discuss Pacquiao’s case today.

A left-wing politician and a rival of Pacquiao for one of the Senate seats, Bello said he did not want the commission to disqualify the boxer and urged Pacquiao to postpone the fight.

“Postponement is an option for Manny if he wants to continue running for Senator,” Bello said.

There was no imme-

diate comment from Pacquiao. Boxing experts said it will be difficult to postpone the match because the two sides had signed a contract.

Last week, the world’s largest sportswear-maker, Nike Inc, ended its sponsorship deal with Pacquiao after the Filipino boxer described gays as “worse than animals”.

Pacquiao remains popular in the Philippines, where opinion polls rank him 8th among four dozen candidates running for Senate seats.

Rawl Lewis 10, and against Australia on Sunday, March 13.

West Indies have been drawn in Group 1 of the Super10 stage where they will play alongside England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and one of the qualifiers from the first round.

Full squad: Darren Sammy (cap-

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 23, 2016

Reifer frustrates Lewis hundred Barbados Pride’s victory bid powers Red

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul and captain Leon Johnson gathered half-centuries but it was Barbadian import Raymon Reifer who frustrated Barbados Pride’s victory bid and earned a draw for Guyana Jaguars here yesterday.

Resuming the final day at Kensington Oval on 52 without loss in pursuit of an improbable target of 405, Jaguars batted the entire day to finish on 252 for seven, with Chanderpaul top-scoring with 69 and Johnson getting an even 50.

Test opener Rajindra Chandrika chipped in with 49 to ensure Jaguars cruised at 163 for two at one stage.

However, part-time off-spinner Roston Chase, who claimed five for 77 to end with a ten-wicket match-haul, triggered a slide to leave Jaguars battling to save the game at 217 for six.

Reifer, in his second season with the Georgetown-based franchise then became the hero as he batted just under 2-1/2 hours and faced 116 balls for an unbeaten 19, to nullify Pride’s attack.

At the end, he was partnered by Devendra Bishoo who was unbeaten on seven.

A turning point late in the day came when Bishoo, then on six, was put down

by Chase at 245 for seven.

Unfazed by the let-off, both batsmen batted out the remaining nine overs without giving another chance to keep Jaguars unbeaten record intact.

They picked up six points from the contest while Pride walked away with eight.

Left-handers Chanderpaul and Chandrika ensured there were no hiccups for Jaguars at the start of the day as they extended their opening stand to 92 before being separated.

While Chanderpaul faced 205 deliveries in just

Chanderpaul and Johnson put on 67 for the third wicket to put Jaguars in a strong position after lunch.

The left-handed Johnson was aggressive, striking three fours and three sixes off 92 balls, and snatched the mo-

mentum for Jaguars.

However, the drama began when Johnson found Shai Hope at mid-wicket with a full toss from leg-spinner Walsh. His dismissal triggered a slide that saw the next five wickets tumble for 75 runs, as Pride scented victory.

Reifer, though, yet to score at tea with Jaguars on 197 for five, put on 27 for the sixth wicket with Anthony Bramble (19) and another 21 for the seventh wicket with Veerasammy Permaul (16), to hold up Pride’s advance.

SCOREBOARD

PRIDE 1st innings 274 JAGUARS 1st innings 190 PRIDE 2nd innings 320-4 decl.

JAGUARS 2nd innings (target: 405 runs) (o/n 52 without loss) T. Chanderpaul c Stoute b Chase 69 R. Chandrika c Walsh b Chase 49 A. Fudadin c Carter b Chase 2 L. Johnson c Hope b Walsh 50 V. Singh c Carter b Chase 15 A. Bramble c Carter b Chase 19 R. Reifer not out 19 V. Permaul c Walsh b Stoute 16 D. Bishoo not out 7 Extras: (b-2, lb-1, w-2, nb-1) 6 Total: (7 wkts, 117 overs) 252 Bowling: Cummins 20-8-46-0 (w-2, nb-1), Stoute 20-12-30-1, Greaves 3-1-12-0, Chase 41-1577-5, Brathwaite 9-6-14-0, Carter 6-2-20-0, Walsh 18-2-50-1.

Points: Pride 8, Jaguars 6.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul hits a top score of 69 for the Jaguars. over 4-3/4 hours with eight fours and a six, Chandrika hit five fours and a six off 110 balls.

Chandrika fell in the second hour of the morning, well taken at short mid-wicket by Hayden Walsh off Chase and two overs later, Assad Fudadin was caught low down at slip by Jonathan Carter for two off the same bowler, as the visitors went to lunch at 130 for two.

Off-spinner Roston Chase ends with a ten-wicket match-haul.

Force win

K I N G S TO N , J a m a i c a (CMC) – Evin Lewis’s maiden first-class hundred headlined a convincing Trinidad and Tobago Red Force win as they predictably trounced Jamaica Scorpions by eight wickets early here yesterday.

The visitors needed just 55 minutes on the final day of the seventh round encounter at Sabina Park to complete a successful run chase, overhauling the 175 required for victory to finish on 178 for two.

Left-hander Lewis, unbeaten on 66 overnight, made 104 while Barbadian right-hander Kyle Hope steered his side home with an unbeaten 27.

The 24-year-old Lewis faced 167 balls and struck nine fours and a six in an innings spanning three hours while Hope batted 102 balls in nearly two hours and struck a single six.

Resuming the day on 113 for one, Red Force benefited from the enterprise of Lewis and Hope as they extended their second-wicket partnership to 102 before being separated.

Lewis brought up his

Evin Lewis hundred off 160 deliveries but lasted just seven more before he was bowled by part-time off-spinner Andre McCarthy, with Red Force on the verge of victory at 168 for two.

Hope, who top-scored with 87 in the first innings, was voted Man-of-theMatch.

The defeat was the second for Scorpions following a similar disappointing result against Leeward Islands Hurricanes last week in Antigua while for Red Force, the win marked only their second in seven games this season.

Bolt says triple-triple would be greatest achievement

See Story on Page 34

Chan-tastic!

Usain Bolt

Richardson sparkles on international return

By Stephan Sookram

IT WAS a ‘Chan-tastic’ night of football action at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, when returning national forward and Golden Jaguars skipper Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson led his team to a 2-0 dismantling of Suriname.

Chan, who was handed the captaincy armband by coach Jamaal Shabazz, blossomed in his new role, leading the charge and rewarded Shabazz with two successive strikes.

From the outset, the skipper partnered with Vurlon Mills upfront to take on the Surinamese defence, with several flashy runs and spectacular one-touch football; taking an invigorated

Captain Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson celebrates after scoring his first goal on international return.

(Photos by Samuel Maughn)

See page 35

Suriname goalkeeper dives too late as this Jackie Chan’s shot has already pierced him.

Vurlon Mills was played as the target man during a few of the Jaguars ‘prowling’ moves.

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016